Iowa State Tops Big 12 Women’s Basketball Power Rankings
The Iowa State Cyclones are No. 1 in the Heartland College Sports Big 12 women’s basketball power rankings entering the third week of action. Our Power Rankings will appear every Monday during non-conference action.
1. IOWA STATE (4-0: Last Week — 2)
Ashley Joens looks like a player on a mission and it’s not even December. Northern Iowa pushed the Cyclones in a road game. This week’s trip to Oregon for the Phil Knight gives the Cyclones a big opportunity to show the nation they’re worthy of a Top 5 ranking.
2. KANSAS STATE (5-0: Last Week — 5)
The first team to five wins in the Big 12 this season, the Wildcats upset No. 4 Iowa at home. Gabby Gregory continues to impress in her first season with K-State. Serena Sundell, Jaelyn Glenn and Gregory will be the core of this team.
3. KANSAS (3-0: Last Week — 6)
Center Taiyanna Jackson reached 100 career blocks in 33 games and Wyvette Mayberry is starting to flex her scoring muscles. This is starting to round into a dangerous team.
4. BAYLOR (3-1: Last Week — 3)
The Bears only drop a spot this week, with the loss to ranked Maryland the determining factor. The biggest question is when Aijha Blackwell will be back. Coach Nicki Collen didn’t sound a hopeful tone after the SMU game.
5. OKLAHOMA (4-1: Last Week — 4)
The Sooners lost 124-78 to Utah on the road in a 2-1 week. I have concerns about OU’s defense and that’s well-documented. But the offense is revving in midseason form.
6. TEXAS (1-3: Last Week — 1)
Texas lost all three games this week and one thing is clear — the Longhorns need guard Rori Harmon back ASAP.
7. OKLAHOMA STATE (4-1: Last Week — 7)
Oklahoma State nearly had a 5-0 start under coach Jacie Hoyt but fell to Kent State in its last home game before the trip to Cancun. The Cowgirls have a road win to their credit and Claire Chastain is off to a hot start.
8. WEST VIRGINIA (3-0: Last Week — 9)
The Mountaineers have won their first three games, all at home and all with relative ease. Now, the Mountaineers had to their Thanksgiving tournament and we get to find out a lot more about where they are.
9. TEXAS TECH (3-1: Last Week — 8)
Bailey Maupin has been a pivotal part of the Lady Raiders’ last two weeks. The return of Bre’Amber Scott gives them the veteran experience they need. And Rhyle McKinney is off on a tear to start this season.
10. TCU (2-2: Last Week — 10)
TCU let a chance to beat a near-Top 25 team slip through their fingers on Sunday against South Florida. The Horned Frogs are still figuring things out.
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard
