The Mt. Vernon Rams and Benton Rangers have the John A. Logan College SI Basketball Poll voters split. Both received three first place votes and both finished this week with 69 votes – resulting in a tie at the top for the Rams and Rangers.
The Rams play in the 81st Centralia Holiday Tournament this weekend, they have a tough test in Chatham Glenwood in their opening round matchup.
The Rangers play in the Duster Thomas Hoops Classic and have Steeleville as their first round opponent – they may very well run in to two other ranked teams before the end of the DTHC – they could run in to #6 Murphysboro in the semifinals and #5 Pinckneyville in the Championship game.
The #6 Red Devils had the biggest tumble of the week, dropping three spots, following a loss at home to Herrin on Friday.
The Tigers had the biggest jump thanks to that win and a win over Freeburg on Saturday to jump up two spots to #7. Marion also had a jump of two spots, having won seven in a row now.
Here’s a look at the Full Rankings:
| Rank | School (First Place Votes) | Points | Rank Last Week |
| 1 | Mt. Vernon (3) | 69 | 1 (-) |
| – | Benton (3) | 69 | 2 (+1) |
| 3 | Marion (2) | 57 | 5 (+2) |
| 4 | Centralia | 52 | 4 (-) |
| 5 | Pinckneyville | 43 | 6 (+1) |
| 6 | Murphysboro | 42 | 3 (-3) |
| 7 | Herrin | 38 | 9 (+2) |
| 8 | Nashville | 29 | 7 (-1) |
| 9 | Waltonville | 17 | 8 (-1) |
| 10 | Goreville | 12 | 10 (-) |
Also receiving votes: Meridian 5, Carbondale 2, Harrisburg 2
*The John A. Logan SI Basketball Poll is voted on by a trusted group of area coaches and media members each week