TOP OF THE CROP Boys basketball 1: (1) Richmond Heights (2-1) 2: (2) Mentor (3-1) 3: (3) Cornerstone (2-1) 4: (5) NDCL (4-1) 5: (4) VASJ (3-2) 6: (7) Gilmour (4-1) 7: (8) Hawken (5-1) 8: (6) Brush  (4-2) 9: (NR) University (5-1) 10: (9) Kirtland (2-0) Dropped out: West Geauga (4-1) Related Articles High school boys basketball area statistics for Dec. 19 High school scoreboard for Dec. 17 Lake Catholic vs. Benedictine boys basketball: Cougars emerge with wild 74-71 OT road win Pymatuning Valley vs. Fairport boys basketball: Skippers’ tough shooting, free-throw issues lead to 77-71 loss High school scoreboard for Dec. 16 Watch list: West Geauga, Fairport (3-1), Lake Catholic (3-1), Perry (2-1) Crop comments: Richmond Heights lost to one of the Division II state favorites in Westerville North but responded with a win over D-V Canton Central Catholic. The grind against teams in higher divisions will help sharpen them for March. … Even with one returning starter and two seniors in the starting five, Mentor is averaging 94.8 points per game. However, three of their opponents have posted 80 or more points. … Cornerstone can play inside and out with several new faces. … After a season-opening loss, NDCL has dominated on both ends of the floor. The Lions are averaging 69 points per game and are holding opponents to 45.5 with Harvey and Kenston held to under 40. … VASJ has had a roller coaster start, with a comeback win over Mayfield, losses to St. Ignatius and Warren Harding plus an overtime game with Rhodes. … Gilmour, much like NDCL, has been streaking since an season-opening loss. The Lancers have a pair of comeback wins and with Cleveland Central Catholic and NDCL next, they have a chance to turn heads. … Hawken has recovered from the loss to Gilmour with three straight road wins. The Hawks have held every team under 55 but the Lancers as they try to get the offensive rhythm. … Brush started strong with three wins but turnovers have been the big issue for the Arcs. … University is averaging 74.2 points per game and with different names every game. … Kirtland hangs on to the final spot. While the Hornets need time to get the offense down, the defense already appears to be in mid-season form.