When the calendar hits January, the high school hoops season is in full swing. With conference play taking place all over the state, teams have established identities, and the cream is rising to the top. The #FNFrenzy power rankings will be published every Thursday during the regular season beginning in January. As always, your comments and feedback and welcomed. You can also email the high school sports staff anytime, hss@wcnc.com.

1. Butler (14-2): The hottest team in the area has to be the Butler Bulldogs. Winners of 12 straight games, the Bulldogs have already earned two holiday championships at Rock Hill and Cox Mill. Junior guard Rae’Quan Scott is thriving in Myron Lowery’s system, averaging 21 points per game. Fellow junior Orlando Robinson gives Butler one of, if not the best starting backcourts in the region.
2. Ardrey Kell (13-1): One year removed from reaching the Elite 8 in the NCHSAA playoffs, Ardrey Kell is off to a hot start this season. Michael Craft’s team plays a smart brand of basketball, and three players average double figures per game, led by Elon commit Steven Santa-Ana’s 13.4 points per game. Ardrey Kell faces Berry Academy at home Friday in South Meck 8 action.
3. Weddington (12-2): Winners of 10 straight, Weddington cracks our first power rankings. The Warriors are coming off a 26-point drubbing of a talented Cuthbertson squad. Senior Jordan Barber is Weddington’s best scorer, averaging 16 points per game. Weddington visits rival Marvin Ridge on Friday.
4. Berry Academy (11-3): Winners of seven-straight, Berry Academy is hitting their stride as the season hits the conference stretch. The Cardinals picked up an impressive 12-point victory over Harding Tuesday. A trip to Ardrey Kell on Friday will give Berry the opportunity to seize first place in the ultra competitive South Meck 8.
5. North Mecklenburg (13-1): After claiming the Arby’s Classic in Bristol, Tennessee, the Vikings returned home and lost a tough one to Mecka foe Jay M. Robinson on Tuesday night. North Meck visits Vance before a Friday night clash with Luke Maye and the Hough Huskies on January 16.
6. West Charlotte (10-2): A convincing victory over Hopewell has set the stage for a big-time battle at Hough. The Lions remain one of the favorites to win the Mecka Conference behind Simeon Carter.
7. Olympic (12-2): One of the preseason favorites to win the South Meck 8, Olympic is certainly in the conversation as the most talented team in the Queen City. Malik Constantine carries the banner for Olympic, averagins 15.4 points and 9 rebounds per game. The Trojans visit South Meck on Friday.
8. Hickory (9-1): After a season-opening loss to Newton-Conover, the Red Tornadoes have ripped off nine in a row, including a victory at the Catawba Valley Classic. The Red Tornadoes avenged their loss to Newton-Conover with a 78-65 win over N-C in the tournament final. Hickory hosts archrival St. Stephens on Friday.
9. Jay M. Robinson (10-3): Jay M. Robinson owns one of the biggest wins of the year, defeating previously unbeaten North Meck 61-57 in the first Ambassador Hand-picked Game of the Week on Tuesday. The Bulldogs are led by sensational sophomore Lavar Batts, Jr., who is already establishing himself as the player to watch in the class of 2017. Robinson visits Hopewell Friday.
10. Crest (10-3): After winning nine-straight, the Chargers fell to conference opponent East Rutherford on Tuesday. Crest’s Jerick Haynes has been spectacular this season, averaging 27 points per game, scoring a season-high 42 against Erwin November 25. The Chargers visit Burns Friday before hosting rival crosstown rival Shelby in the Ambassador Hand-picked Game of the Week Tuesday, January 13.
11. Ashbrook (10-1): The Green Wave have won two straight after a loss to Bullis (MD) on December 30. Ashbrook will need some more big performances from Isaiah Whaley (16 PPG) if they’re going to stay on top of the 3A/2A Big South Conference. Ashbrook visits Forestview on Friday.
12. Hickory Ridge (12-2): A week after losing to Butler in the PDQ Holiday Classic finals, Hickory Ridge jumped back into conference play with a 57-44 victory over Carson. The Bulls have a dynamic duo with senior guard Jaylen Stowe and junior Avery Metcalf. Stowe has reached double figures in every game this year, including a season-high 38 against Butler. Hickory Ridge visits West Rowan on Friday before hosting Concord on January 16.
13. East Lincoln (7-0): If you’re a fan of East Lincoln football, you’ll recognize the stars for the Mustangs on the hardwood. The Surratt-to-Surratt connection thrives on the court, with both Sage and Chazz averaging 23 points per game. Younger brother Sage also averages a tick under 10 rebounds per game. The Mustangs visit Maiden on Friday.
14. Providence Day (12-4): The Chargers earned two wins in the Hoodie’s House of Hope Hoops Classic at Ardrey Kell over Dillard (FL) and Morgan County (GA). The junior duo of Grant Williams and Josh Howard are the heart and soul for Providence Day. Providence Day hosts Victory Christian in the first Friday Night Frenzy Game of the Week on January 9.
15. Hough (11-3): Another Mecka Conference team cracks the top 15 in Hough. The Huskies’ game begins with UNC commit Luke Maye, who averages an astonishing 22 and 14 rebounds per game. The Huskies’ next two will show their mettle, with a home game against West Charlotte and a trip down US 21 to North Meck next Friday.

• First five teams out: Charlotte Catholic (11-2), Albemarle (7-0), Cox Mill (9-5), Fred T. Foard (9-2), Lincolnton (10-1).