Each Tuesday for the rest of the fall season I will rank the Top 5 area volleyball and soccer teams. As always, rankings are open for debate. So please, debate away.
The following teams are in the Courier News coverage area: Bartlett, Burlington Central, Dundee-Crown, Elgin, Elgin Academy, Genoa-Kingston, Hampshire, Huntley, Jacobs, Larkin, St. Charles East, St. Charles North, South Elgin, Streamwood, Westminster Christian.
Note: Rankings are based on performance against like-sized schools.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
1. St. Charles East (15-1): Saints only loss this season to powerful Naperville Central -- by a total of five points in 2 games.
2. Burlington Central (13-3):The countdown to the showdown with Hampshire can begin soon.
3. Hampshire (15-0): Like BC, Whips now have two DI players in their lineup (Wehrs sisters).
4. Huntley (9-5): Red Raiders don' t have big names like above teams, but they do have balance.
5. St. Edward (7-10): I'll take Katie Yohn on my team -- in any sport -- any day.
On the bench: St. Charles North (8-8), Bartlett (10-4), Dundee-Crown (6-3).
BOYS SOCCER
1. Larkin (8-0): Royals have to be the favorites to win the Upstate Eight Conference.
2. Streamwood (8-2-2): Although talent was in place, Sabres undoubtedly area's biggest surprise thus far.
3. St. Charles North (6-5-2): North Stars host Glenbard East in rare Friday night matchup.
4. Huntley (4-1-2): Red Raiders appear to be more balanced offensively this season.
5. Westminster Christian (4-4-1): Class A Warriors have plenty of talented underclassmen.
On the bench: Bartlett (4-3-2), Jacobs (3-2-3).
