JMU on top again; Hampton moves up in our rankings

1. James Madison (7-1)

Precious Hall reached her 1,000th point for these Dukes, who continue to be the undisputed best team in the state.

Last week's rank: 1
Next game: Dec. 15 at Ohio, 7 p.m.

2. Liberty (5-2)

Karly Buer continues to shine for the Lady Flames, whose lone game was a defeat of Radford.

Last week's rank: 2
Next game: Dec. 13 vs. UNC Asheville, 7 p.m.

3. Virginia (6-2)

Cavs got blasted by Illinois in ACC/Big 10 Challenge, trailing by 34 at one point. Hoping it was just a hiccup.

Last week's rank: 3
Next game: Dec. 16 vs. Longwood, 7 p.m.

4. Hampton (2-5)

Yep, we see the record. But we are also aware of the schedule David Six arranged, including last week when Hampton played back-to-back games on the road and won them both (Penn, Richmond). We think the Pirates have rounded into form; top-ranked South Carolina comin' to town on Dec. 17.

Last week's rank: 9
Next game: Dec. 8 vs. Morgan State, 6 p.m.

5. Richmond (3-4)

We love the unselfish play of the Spiders, who we got to see up close against Hampton. It was the rare off night for Gen Okoro and the Pirates defense took away any easy looks inside for the Spiders. And while Richmond didn't beat James Madison earlier in the week, they hung around long enough to be dangerous.

Last week's rank: 4
Next game: Dec. 14 vs. Wake Forest, 2 p.m.

6. Old Dominion (5-2)

Hopefully the Rider loss was just a forgettable nightmare; Lady Monarchs' defense carried them in routine home victories over Howard and VCU.

Last week's rank: 5
Next game: Dec. 15 at Louisville, 7 p.m.

7. George Mason (5-4)

Patriots still looking for consistency, but this cast looks capable behind A-10 scoring machine Taylor Brown.

Last week's rank: 6
Next game: Dec. 19 vs. Winthrop at Wichita State Classic, 5:05 p.m.

8. Virginia Tech (5-4)

Hokies averaged 44.5 points in losses to Florida and Northwestern; gotta find another gear to complement freshman leading scorer Rachel Camp.

Last week's rank: 7
Next game: Dec. 10 vs. North Carolina Central, 7 p.m.

9. William and Mary (5-3)

We wanted to bump the Tribe up, and know they are disappointed with the loss to La Salle, but we're betting they're thrilled with the record as exam break approaches.

Last week's rank: 8
Next game: Dec. 18 at Wofford, 6 p.m.

10. Radford (2-5)

It's no fun to lose a pair, but the Highlanders fell by 11 to Liberty and 10 to W&M -- not too shabby for a rebuilding team. Kudos to Ayana Avery for dropping 20 on the Lady Flames.

Last week's rank: 9
Next game: Dec. 14 vs. Coastal Carolina, 4 p.m.

11. VCU (4-4)

Uninspired effort against ODU for the Rams, who are learning a new system under coach Beth O'Boyle. With Robyn Parks graduated, who's going to score the points? Not sure of that answer for VCU.

Last week's rank: 11
Next game: Dec. 14 vs. UNC Greensboro, 1 p.m.

12. Norfolk State (2-5)

Spartans win their MEAC opener.

Last week's rank: 12
Next game: Dec. 20 at East Carolina, 2 p.m.

13. Longwood (0-7)

We're pulling for the Lancers to find a way to break into the win column without their leading scorer Daeisha Brown, out for the season with a torn ACL.

Last week's rank: 13
Next game: Dec. 14 vs. UNC Asheville, 2 p.m.