GIRLS FAB 5: Spruce Creek solidifies No. 1 spot with win at Father Lopez

Spruce Creek stated its case not only as the No. 1 girls basketball team in the Volusia/Flagler area on Friday, but as one of the best in all of Florida.

The Hawks edged Father Lopez, 52-46, in the highly anticipated showdown and sit atop the Class 7A state rankings according to MaxPreps. Kaci Helmick and Peryonna Sylvester sunk clutch baskets in the late stages of the fourth quarter to help Spruce Creek emerge with the win.

Elsewhere, Atlantic vaults into the No. 4 spot as head coach George Butts closes in on history.

1. Spruce Creek (13-3)

The Hawks have won 11 in a row, including a 60-41 follow-up against St. Petersburg Lakewood on Saturday.

They went 11 of 27 from 3-point range against Father Lopez. Emma Perna made a couple of key 3s in the third quarter, and Kacie Oelkers fought through first-half foul trouble to make an impact after the break.

Spruce Creek returns to action on Friday and Saturday with games scheduled against Orlando Timber Creek and Sarasota Booker.

Last Week: 1

2. Father Lopez (16-2)

The Green Wave pushed Spruce Creek all night long and were within a possession inside the final 20 seconds. Texas Tech signee Khadija Faye produced a game-high 24 points and 13 rebounds, while senior guard Gabby Watson added 15 points, three assists and two steals.

Watson believes the loss will refocus Father Lopez in its quest for a Class 3A title. There will be three immediate chances to bounce back at home, with games scheduled this week against Trinity Christian, Miami Central and Timber Creek.

Last Week: 2

3. Flagler Palm Coast (12-4)

The Bulldogs’ three-game winning streak ended Thursday with a 50-36 home loss to Jacksonville Bishop Kenny. Still, FPC is ranked inside the top-40 statewide across all classifications.

Earlier in the week, FPC took down both Ponte Vedra Nease — last year’s Class 7A runner-up — and Jacksonville Sandalwood. Senior guard Brianna Ellis notched 35 points across the two contests.

The Bulldogs are back in action Tuesday with a trip to St. Johns Bartram Trail.

Last Week: 3

4. Atlantic (11-6)

By virtue of Friday’s 60-56 overtime victory over Mainland, Sharks coach George Butts needs just one more win to reach 500 for his career.

Senior Dee Small paced Atlantic with 25 points, the fifth time this year she has scored at least 20. Lindsey St. Jean chipped in 16, making all four of the Sharks’ 3-point field goals.

Butts’ first shot at 500 is Wednesday night against New Smyrna Beach, a resurgent team which has won six of its last eight games.

Last Week: 5

5. Mainland (6-4)

The Bucs took back-to-back losses this week at the hands of Atlantic and Wekiva.

Senior guard Delayna Gillard, a Texas A&M-Corpus Christi signee, will miss extended time due to a lower leg injury. Touted junior Isys Grady and seniors Jasmyn Dorsey and Keyona Rivera will be among those expected to pick up the slack.

Starting Tuesday, Mainland will play 10 games in 16 days. The Bucs will first have to fend off a revenge-hungry DeLand team they defeated 55-37 on Dec. 20.

Last Week: 5