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There are a couple of major changes to this week’s boys and girls basketball polls:
* Munster drops in the boys poll after losing to Valpo from fourth to seventh, though the Vikings don’t budge from third.
* Gavit makes an appearance in the girls poll in a tie for ninth at Class 3A.

Polls
Boys basketball
AP Top 10
The Associated Press Top 10 Indiana high school boys basketball teams, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through games of Sat. Jan. 30, rating points and previous rankings:
Class 4A W-L Pts Prv
1. Bloomington South (15) 15-0 300 1
2. Indpls N. Central 14-2 258 2
3. Valparaiso 14-1 240 3
4. New Albany 12-2 174 6
5. E.C. Central 11-1 167 5
6. Carmel 11-3 144 7
7. Munster 13-2 130 4
8. Center Grove 12-2 111 8
9. Noblesville 11-2 88 9
10. Homestead 13-1 79 10
Others receiving votes: Hamilton Southeastern 33. Warsaw 20. E. Central 12. Carroll (Allen) 12. Franklin 7. New Castle 7. Logansport 6. Merrillville 6. Bloomington North 6.
Class 3A W-L Pts Prv
1. Danville (14) 14-0 298 1
2. Peru 13-1 254 2
3. Greensburg (1) 15-0 229 3
4. Washington 14-1 199 4
5. Mt.Vernon (Hancock) 14-2 182 5
6. Lew Wallace 11-3 148 7
7. Mississinewa 15-1 111 6
8. Ft. Wayne Elmhurst 11-3 92
9. Southridge 11-3 68 8
10. Boonville 10-4 59 9
Others receiving votes: Sullivan 55. Indpls Howe 23. Princeton 19. Ev. Memorial 13. Ft. Wayne Harding 12. Corydon 12. Indpls Brebeuf 7. Vincennes 7. Plymouth 6. Batesville 6.
Class 2A W-L Pts Prv
1. Brownstown (9) 13-0 286 1
2. Bluffton (5) 14-0 276 2
3. N. Posey (1) 13-0 238 3
4. Wheeler 15-1 202 5
5. Ft. Wayne Luers 10-6 145 4
6. Tipton 9-3 142 6
7. Winchester 14-2 138 7
8. Bishop Noll 12-2 93 10
9. Forest Park 9-4 73 9
10. Hanover Central 12-2 63 8
Others receiving votes: Austin 30. Switzerland Co. 27. Boone Grove 21. N. Miami 20. Taylor 17. Alexandria 16. Westview 13.
Class A W-L Pts Prv
1. Bowman Academy (15) 15-0 300 1
2. Triton 15-0 268 2
3. Monroe Central 12-3 210 6
4. Orleans 11-2 186 4
5. Barr-Reeve 12-3 179 3
6. Morgan Twp. 10-3 121 9
7. Loogootee 11-4 112 5
8. Shakamak 12-5 100 10
9. Lafayette Catholic 8-5 92 8
10. Attica 11-3 70 7
Others receiving votes: White River Valley 67. Frontier 27. N. Daviess 23. Indpls Irvington 17. Tindley 12. Argos 9. Madison Shawe 7.

Girls basketball
ICGSA Top 10
The Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association Top 10 basketball teams, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Saturday, Jan. 30, and previous rankings:
Class 4A W-L Pts Prv
1. Indpls Ben Davis (11) 20-0 110 1
2. Floyd Central 19-0 98 2
3. Jeffersonville 19-1 87 3
4. Mooresville 20-1 78 4
5. Kokomo 16-1 60 5
6. Merrillville 18-1 35 6
(tie) Bloomington North 19-2 35 8
8. Penn 16-2 28 9
9. Elkhart Memorial 19-2 24 10
10.Decatur Central 16-4 20 6
Others receiving votes: Logansport 15, Westfield 7, Carmel 5, Warren Central 3, South Bend Clay 3, Bloomington South 2, Mishawaka 1.

Class 3A W-L Pts Prv
1. Rushville (5) 19-2 138 2
2. Norwell (10) 18-0 137 1
3. Hamilton Heights 17-1 106 3
4. Mount Vernon (Fortville) 17-2 94 5
5. Ev. Memorial 16-3 84 6
6. Gibson Southern 19-1 67 4
7. Ft. Wayne Elmhurst 15-4 56 6
8. Fort Wayne Concordia 15-3 55 8
9. Northwood 16-3 21 9
(tie) Gavit 19-0 21 NR
Others receiving votes: Benton Central 20, Crawfordsville 18, Roncalli 5, Griffith 1, Greensburg 1, Columbia City 1.

Class 2A W-L Pts Prv
1. Winchester (12) 19-0 145 1
2. Jimtown (2) 17-1 125 3
3. Austin (1) 18-2 121 2
4. Boone Grove 19-1 86 5
5. Oak Hill 15-3 80 4
6. Wabash 18-1 72 6
7. Indian Creek 18-1 67 7
8. Taylor 17-3 34 8
9. Heritage Christian 10-9 28 10
10.Brownstown Central 16-3 16 NR
(tie) North Posey 17-2 16 NR
Others receiving votes: Fort Wayne Luers 15, Paoli 9, Tri-West 7, Hagerstown 4.

Class A W-L Pts Prv
1. Vincennes Rivet (14) 18-0 149 1
2. Fort Wayne Canterbury (1) 16-2 130 3
3. Barr-Reeve 17-1 115 4
4. Turkey Run 15-5 83 3
5. Waldron 16-3 75 6
(tie) Oregon-Davis 17-4 75 7
7. Kouts 14-3 74 5
8. Jac-Cen-Del 15-3 38 8
9. Tri-Central 14-6 34 10
9. North Vermillion 16-3 26 9
Others receiving votes: South Central (Elizabeth) 10, Tri-County 8, Randolph Southern 4, West Central 2, Monroe Central 1, Wood Memorial 1.

Swimming fans from across the Region have had Jan. 28 circled on their calendar for a single top-ranked reason: Chesterton at Munster.

In the state rankings, the boys are Nos. 1 (Munster) and 3 (Chesterton) based on their top times submitted to the state and the girls are Nos. 3 (Chesterton) and 10 (Munster).

The girls have already seen the potential in a head-to-head opportunity. At the Highland Invitational, Chesterton took six first-place finishes to Munster’s three, but it was in the depth where the Trojans really racked up their points. Chesterton finished with 16 second through sixth scores, including five thirds and five sixths. Munster had just 13 finishes lower than first, including eight seconds and nothing lower than fourth.

To open the season. Both Chesterton teams won their respective Hall of Fame Classic meets in December, before the defending state champion Trojans boys team was upset in the Homestead Invitational by Northridge.

On paper, the two teams match up so closely, in both genders. The times below are taken from the top times submitted to the state for predictor rankings. Keep in mind that times vary based on pool and race conditions and that each swimmer is allowed in only four events each; also remember that swimmers compete in various events over the season, so Kyle Whitaker could have the top times in more than four events, but on Thursday he’ll be in the four that give Chesterton the best chance to win the meet.

Chesterton vs. Munster predictor (Boys)
Medley Relay
Munster, 1:35.51
Chesterton, 1:37.25
This race is won in the lower places. A first here is a help, but how well the depth is distributed will be important. If Munster wins, but Chesterton takes second and third, those first-place points will be eliminated. Advantage: Chesterton

200 Free
Kyle Whitaker, Chesterton, 1:37.63
Dillon Thompson, Muster, 1:44.12
Tyler Fozkos, Chesterton, 1:45.22
Chesterton has the depth in this race, with Whitaker the state leader as the holder of the only sub-1:40 time in the state. But, Whitaker didn’t compete in this event at the state meet last season, when teammate Bill Bass took home the top honors. If Chesterton decides it needs Whitaker in other events, this will be a Fozkos/Thompson race. Advantage: Chesterton

200 IM
Kyle Whitaker, Chesterton, 1:47.83
Dillon Thompson, Munster, 1:56.72
Joe Wulf, Munster, 1:56.93
Patrick Raycroft, Munster, 2:00.40
This event is a Munster strength, where the ‘Stangs hold enough depth to conquer even a first or second place. If Chesterton opts to hold Whitaker back from this event, Munster could find itself with three finishers in the top four positions. Advantage: Munster

50 Free
Tyler Fozkos, Chesterton, 21.31
Joe Wulf, Munster, 21.91
Max Kilibarda, Munster, 22.36
Fozkos is the holder of the top time in the state, but his 20.62 came last season in the state meet prelims, before winning the event as just a sophomore. But, his season pr of 21.31 lists him only as good as fourth best in the state right now. So, this is a drag race between Fozkos and Wulf, a battle to the pad of no-breathers and out-muscling. Here’s another spot where depth is going to be huge. Advantage: Munster

Diving
Alex Olson, Chesterton, 271.40
Jake Brehmer, Chesterton, 262.10
T. Matt Poulos, Munster, 254.10
Olson and Brehmer are currently ranked Nos. 6 and 11 in the state respectively, giving Chesterton the clear advantage with a chance at 10 quick points. Advantage: Chesterton

100 Fly
Kyle Whitaker, Chesterton, 48.84
Kevin Behrens, Munster, 50.27
Tyler Fozkos, Chesterton, 53.35
Dillon Thompson, Munster, 53.92
This is the race fans came to see. With Whitaker and Behrens first and second in the state in this event last season, a difference of .18 of a second, this will be the fun one to watch. The money-maker in this one though, will go to the third-place finisher.Advantage: Chesterton

100 Free
Kyle Whitaker, Chesterton, 45.42
Kevin Behrens, Munster, 46.68
Tyler Fozkos, Chesterton, 47.82
Like Whitaker, you’ll see Behrens’ name appear more than four times on this list (he’s a staple in relays, too). This means that some of these races are fun to predict, but ultimately might not pan out if the coaches prefer to use their top athletes in other areas. Ultimately, this could be Fozkos’ race to lose. Advantage: Chesterton

500 Free
Kyle Whitaker, Chesterton, 4:28.23
Dillon Thompson, Munster, 4:44.07
Frank Rapin, Munster, 4:51.83
Tyler Fozkos, Chesterton, 4:53.33
Seeing sprinter Whitaker’s name at the top of this list is just proof that the Olympic trialist can do just about anything. The depth and advantage here really goes to Munster, because Thompson finished 10th in the state last year in this event behind eight seniors. Advantage: Munster

200 Free Relay
Munster, 1:28.84
Chesterton, 1:29.17
Munster’s time is fifth-best in the state while Chesterton’s is sixth. The makeup of these two relays — and who lands on the B relay — could make all the difference. Advantage: Chesterton

100 Back
Kyle Whitaker, Chesterton, 50.59
Kevin Behrens, Munster, 50.96
Murray Crabtree, Munster, 55.13
This could give fans a second chance to see Whitaker and Behrens dual for supremacy, with Behrens the defending second-place finisher in the event at the state meet last season. Advantage: Munster

100 Breast
Kyle Whitaker, Chesterton, 55.61
Joe Wulf, Munster, 58.01
Matthew Rosiecki, Chesterton, 1:02.66
Kevin Behrens, Munster, 1:00.48
Frank Rapin, Munster, 1:01.40
Patrick Raycroft, Munster, 1:02.60
The two obvious notes here is that Whitaker can win about any race and that Munster’s depth is clearly in the breaststroke. Advantage: Munster

400 Free Relay
Munster, 3:13.67
Chesterton, 3:16.47
The Mustangs are second in the state with their speedy time while Chesterton, nearly three seconds back, sits seventh-best. With two now-graduated seniors on the team, Chesterton out-paced Munster for second — to the ‘Stangs third — at the state meet last season. But Munster’s two graduated seniors swam in the first two legs, while Chesterton graduated its anchor. The difference in time at the state meet: 3 seconds. Advantage: Munster

Prediction for the final score: Chesterton 93, Munster 91

Come back on Tuesday to read a prediction of the girls meet.

Talk about tonight’s games with the writers that were there and find updated scores from tonight’s games exclusively here at The Times. We’ll answer questions, give highlights and talk Region high school basketball from 10-11 p.m.

Check out the transcript of Wednesday’s prep hoops chat with Times basketball beat writers:

The AP has released this week’s polls, with E.C. Central making an appearance in the boys 4A poll for the first time. Working their way in at No. 8, the Cardinals have won three in a row but haven’t played since Dec. 30.

In the girls poll, voters are finally starting to notice Gavit, giving the Gladiator girls a few votes and Merrillville moved up from seventh to sixth in the girls 4A poll.

The usual suspects are among the remaining polls with little movement. The official rankings follow:

Indiana High School Boys Basketball Top 10 Teams
The Associated Press Top 10 Indiana high school boys basketball teams, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through games of Sat. Jan. 16, rating points and previous rankings:
Class 4A W-L Pts Prv
1. Bloomington South (14) 12-0 280 1
2. Indpls N. Central 11-2 225 2
3. Valparaiso 11-1 193 3
4. Munster 10-1 178 5
5. Center Grove 10-1 163 8
6. New Albany 7-2 112 7
7. Indpls Pike 8-2 107 4
8. E.C. Central 6-1 104
9. Carmel 8-3 88 9
10. Noblesville 8-2 65 6
Others receiving votes: Lawrence North 49. Merrillville 39. Homestead 38. Hamilton Southeastern 16. Logansport 10. Ev. Reitz 7. Bloomington North 6.
Class 3A W-L Pts Prv
1. Washington (12) 12-0 274 1
2. Danville (2) 12-0 256 2
3. Peru 11-1 194 3
4. Greensburg 12-0 188 4
5. Mt.Vernon (Hancock) 11-2 167 5
6. Lew Wallace 9-3 105 7
7. Ft. Wayne Harding 8-2 95 9
8. Mississinewa 12-0 89
9. Batesville 7-2 66 6
10. Boonville 9-2 61
Others receiving votes: Southridge 45. Vincennes 44. Sullivan 34. Princeton 27. Indpls Howe 17. S. Bend St. Joseph’s 12. Ft. Wayne Elmhurst 6.
Class 2A W-L Pts Prv
1. Brownstown (7) 10-0 264 1
2. Bluffton (5) 12-0 250 2
3. Tipton 8-1 200 3
4. N. Posey 10-0 190 5
5. Ft. Wayne Luers (2) 9-3 187 4
6. Wheeler 11-1 153 6
7. Winchester 11-2 92 9
8. Hammond Noll 9-1 90 8
9. Indpls Washington 9-3 69 10
10. Forest Park 7-3 67 7
Others receiving votes: Hanover Central 66. Taylor 18. N. Miami 8. Switzerland Co. 7. Eastern Hancock 7. Boone Grove 6. Austin 6.
Class A W-L Pts Prv
1. Bowman Academy (13) 12-0 278 1
2. Triton 11-0 244 2
3. Barr-Reeve (1) 10-2 224 3
4. Orleans 9-1 196 4
5. Monroe Central 8-3 136 5
6. Loogootee 8-3 119 7
7. Morgan Twp. 8-2 113 9
8. White River Valley 9-2 109 6
9. Attica 10-2 73 10
10. N. Daviess 8-4 36
Others receiving votes: Shakamak 30. Lafayette Catholic 27. Tri-County 21. Argos 16. Ft. Wayne Canterbury 13. S. Central 10. Ft. Wayne Blackhawk 9. Frontier 8. Bethany Christian 6. Vincennes Rivet 6. Tindley 6.

Indiana High School Girls Basketball Top 10 Teams
By The Associated Press
The Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association Top 10 basketball teams, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Saturday, Jan. 16, and previous rankings:
Class 4A W-L Pts Prv
1. Indpls Ben Davis (10) 16-0 100 1
2. Floyd Central 14-0 90 2
3. Kokomo 14-0 65 5
4. Mooresville 15-1 63 3
5. Jeffersonville 14-1 62 4
6. Merrillville 15-0 41 7
7. Elkhart Memorial 17-1 36 8
8. Westfield 16-1 28 7
9. Bloomington North 16-1 25 NR
10.Decatur Central 14-3 18 8
Others receiving votes: Penn 10, Bloomington South 9, Center Grove 2.
Class 3A W-L Pts Prv
1. Norwell (10) 15-0 138 1
2. Rushville (4) 16-2 135 1
3. Hamilton Heights 13-1 97 6
4. Gibson Southern (1) 16-0 96 3
5. Ev. Memorial 11-3 70 7
6. Mount Vernon (Fortville) 13-2 62 8
7. Ft. Wayne Elmhurst 11-4 56 4
8. Benton Central 12-3 45 5
9. Fort Wayne Concordia 12-3 43 NR
10. Northwood 12-2 31 9
Others receiving votes: Crawfordsville 26, Gavit 11, Jasper 6, Western Boone 3, Greensburg 2, Roncalli 2, Griffith 1, Franklin County 1.
Class 2A W-L Pts Prv
1. Winchester (10) 15-0 143 1
2. Austin (4) 15-1 138 2
3. Jimtown (1) 14-1 113 3
4. Oak Hill 12-2 97 4
5. Wabash 14-1 75 5
6. Boone Grove 14-1 63 6
7. Indian Creek 14-1 58 7
8. Taylor 15-2 48 8
9. Ft. Wayne Luers 11-4 37 9
10.Heritage Christian 9-7 18 NR
Others receiving votes: Brownstown Central 9, Tri-West 7, Hagerstown 6, North Posey 6, Fremont 2, Paoli 1, Tipton 1.
Class A W-L Pts Prv
1. Vincennes Rivet (14) 14-0 149 1
2. Barr-Reeve (1) 14-0 127 2
3. Fort Wayne Canterbury 10-2 119 3
4. Kouts 12-2 94 4
5. Turkey Run 12-4 82 7
6. Waldron 13-3 68 6
7. Oregon-Davis 13-4 65 5
8. North Vermillion 13-1 36 8
9. Jac-Cen-Del 11-3 32 9
(tie)Tri-Central 10-5 32 10
Others receiving votes: Randolph Southern 14, West Central 3, Tri-County 2, South Central (Elizabeth) 1, Monroe Central 1.

Forget for a second that this is a Junior Varsity game and remember that it’s basketball. This is an awesome half-court shot that give Lake Central the 35-34 win over Crown Point, courtesy of Marcus Rosselli:

In case you missed it, read a recap of the Jan. 13 prep swimming chat:

Come chat about high school swimming from 7-8 tonight with Times insiders Jim Hunsley and Matt Frost.

If you’re looking for photos from the Jan. 1, 2010 Region Roundball Rumble and 3-point shootout, take a look here, at the Times mycapture site with exclusive pictures through the lenses of the Times award-winning photographers.

The Crown Point and Valparaiso girls basketball teams joined to announce they’ll be auctioning off game-worn jerseys after the Jan. 29 game at C.P.

The game, part of the Coaches vs. Cancer campaign, will be a fundraiser with the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. Players from Crown Point will be wearing special white and pink jerseys while the Valpo players will wear green and pink uniforms.

The jerseys can be bid on through each coach (Mike Cronkhite, Crown Point, or Jeanette Gray, Valparaiso) or through each team’s website, by clicking on the icon below. The minimum bid for each uniform will start at $50 and will be updated throughout the month.