COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Despite being the only two-loss team in the top 15 in Central Ohio, Pickerington North heads the Division I Power Rankings this week. You can check out the complete set of power rankings here.

Let's take a look at the top three and what lies ahead. 

Last Week: Defeated No. 1 Pickerington Central, 59-41. Lost at South Bend Riley (IN), 81-75 in overtime.

This Week: Friday vs. #9 Gahanna

Strength of Record Points: 5

Pickerington North is coming off the strongest resume boosting win of any team this season, taking down former No. 1 Pickerington Central on the road, 59-41. In that game, senior forward duo Eli McNamara and Jerome Hunter dominated, combining for 39 points. Pickerington North would get jobbed the next day in Indiana, by all accounts, by an unfair officiating crew that ejected Hunter after he fouled out in overtime. With the best win vs. a local team of anyone in the area, we are overlooking North's two losses to out-of-town powers at the top spot.

Last Week: Defeated Teays Valley, 66-47. Defeated Thomas Worthington, 44-16.

This Week: Saturday vs. Cincinnati LaSalle

Strength of Record Points: 3

While undefeated, Hilliard Bradley suffered a major loss in senior point guard Braden Norris, who suffered a broken foot in the win over Teays Valley. Norris is expected to be out until at least early February, and there is no clear indication if he will be able to return before season's end, as this particular injury could take some time to recover from. Norris has been as responsible as anyone for the turnaround of the Bradley program, which makes this injury even more unfortunate and frankly unfair. However, the Jaguars did not miss a beat defensively in a dominating win at Thomas Worthington, holding the Cardinals to nine points heading into the fourth quarter in a 44-16 victory. Bradley is off this week until Saturday when it hosts Cincinnati LaSalle. It is hard for us to imagine another OCC-Cardinal team giving Bradley a legitimate challenge, even without its stud senior Norris.

Last Week: Defeated No. 1 (D3) Wellington, 51-32. Defeated Central Crossing, 58-47.

This Week: Friday vs. Hilliard Davidson, Saturday vs. Chillicothe

Strength of Record Points: 2

Upper Arlington opened its first week of the season on the road, taking down previously No. 1 (D3) Wellington on Tuesday, before defeating Central Crossing three days later. One thing has remained the same with the Golden Bears - this team can defend. Giving up a total of 79 points in the first two games, Upper Arlington has made it difficult for opposing teams to find good looks, while the duo of senior Dane Goodwin and junior Max Martz have been big-time thus far. Upper Arlington hosts Hilliard Davidson and Chillicothe this weekend in games that the Golden Bears will be heavily favored in.

Olentangy Orange: NR --> #12

The Pioneers (4-0, 1-0) are up five spots, coming from non-ranked to No. 12. Out to its best start in the last few years, Orange has won its first four games by a combined 52 points. Senior forward Jalen Bethel has been outstanding thus far, including a monster performance in a Friday win over No. 14 Olentangy Liberty. 

Westerville South: #12 --> #8

The Wildcats (3-0, 1-0) lead the area in Strength of Record points thus far, as two of its three wins have come against top 10 teams. Taking down No. 10 Olentangy at home on Friday, Westerville South is proving that it is not to be slept on, even after graduating all five starters from last season. Running with a cast of guards, the Wildcats have not lost a step defensively and are shooting the ball from three at a high level through three games.

Gahanna: #13 --> #9

Opening up OCC-Ohio play with a home win over No. 6 Reynoldsburg, Gahanna (2-1, 1-0) moves up four spots in the rankings. The Lions had a great weekend, knocking off previously unbeaten Reynoldsburg and Mifflin, who was on the verge of being ranked before the loss to Gahanna. Junior guards Josh Corbin and Elijah Thomas were impressive this weekend, each posting 24-point performances. Gahanna will get the biggest test of the early season on Friday at No. 1 Pickerington North.

Dublin Jerome: #9 --> NR

Dublin Jerome (0-1, 0-1) falls completely out of the rankings after a disappointing performance in a 66-49 loss at Worthington Kilbourne on Friday. While senior guard Lucas House was out during that game, the Celtics still did not perform to the level that they are capable of. With three winnable matchups at home this week, Jerome should be able to get back on track as it hosts Bellefontaine on Tuesday, Thomas Worthington on Friday and Whetstone on Saturday. House also returns for the Celtics which will really help on both ends of the floor.

Reynoldsburg: #6 --> #11

Reynoldsburg (2-1, 0-1) drops five spots after the loss to Gahanna, in which the Raiders by far had its ugliest performance of the young season. After having to come from behind to take down Walnut Ridge on Tuesday, who has started the year at 0-3, Reynoldsburg is looking to get back on track this week. The Raiders can get back into the top 10 this week, as three home games await. Reynoldsburg hosts No. 10 Newark on Tuesday, Grove City on Friday and No. 6 Dublin Coffman on Saturday. Going up against three of the best coached teams in the area in a span of five days will be a challenge, but this bunch should be up to the task.

Olentangy: #10 --> #13

The Braves (2-1, 0-1) took a step back in a 69-60 loss on the road at Westerville South. Olentangy can make up lost ground this week with a home matchup vs. unbeaten and No. 5 Westerville North on Friday. A potential trap game on Saturday awaits at home vs. Groveport, as the Braves could come out flat depending on the outcome of Friday's contest. 

Pickerington Central: #1 --> #4

Without its top two guards in Jeremiah Francis and Javohn Garcia in the matchup vs. Pickerington North, the Tigers (2-1, 0-1) looked lost at times and without much flow to its offense. Central looked to find some rhythm late behind senior Juan Elmore, who was able to create some easy offense in the fourth quarter. Dropping to No. 4, Pickerington Central will look to get back on track with just one game this week, as the Tigers will head to Lancaster on Friday.