COLUMBUS, Ohio -- We are three days into 2023, which means it's time for new Division III rankings. Let's take a look at our latest power rankings in the area.

1. Africentric (7-2)
Last week ranking: No. 1 | 52 strength of record points | vs. West (5), vs. #15 (D1) Hilliard Bradley (11)

Africentric took last week off and returns to the floor with two games in two days to end the week. The Nubians will host upstart West on Friday, before turning their attention to Hilliard Bradley on Saturday. The game against Bradley will be a clash of styles, and will be an opportunity for the Nubians to pick up a big win against a top Division I opponent. 

2. Columbus Academy (9-0)
Last week ranking: No. 2 | 56 strength of record points | @ Elgin (7), vs. #3 Worthington Christian (8)

The story of the D3 season so far, Columbus Academy just keeps on winning. The Vikings will be tested greatly to begin 2023 with two intriguing matchups. First they'll make the hour drive north to play at Elgin, who is right on the edge of the top 10, before hosting No. 3 Worthington Christian in a rivalry game. Two wins would give Academy the chance to become the first area team with 70 strength of record points this season.

3. Worthington Christian (7-2)
Last week ranking: No. 4 | 40 strength of record points | @ #2 Columbus Academy (9)

New coach, no problem. Worthington Christian is rolling under James Storey this year and will have the chance to pick up a massive win at Columbus Academy this weekend. The Warriors have two elite juniors in Jonah Lewis and Sam Johnson, while the emergence of sophomore Michael Redd II has helped this program.

4. Northridge (6-1)
Last week ranking: No. 6 | 28 strength of record points | vs. Licking Heights (7), @ #8 (D2) Johnstown (8)

Much like Columbus Academy, Northridge has been a pleasant surprise this year. With only one loss to No. 2 (D2) Bishop Watterson, the Vikings are putting together a nice resume this season. They'll be greatly tested this week with two stout opponents in the LCL. We'll see if Northridge is for real or not this week.

5. Grandview Heights (6-3)
Last week ranking: No. 8 | 32 strength of record points | vs. Mount Gilead (5), vs. Buckeye Valley (6)

Grandview Heights picked up two good wins in rolling to its holiday tournament title last week. The Bobcats have been consistent all season long and have a great win on its resume against Worthington Christian. We'll see if they can stay hot with two home games against northern competition this week.

6. Harvest Prep (6-5)
Last week ranking: No. 3 | 21 strength of record points | L vs. Cincinnati Woodward, @ Miller (0)

Harvest Prep has faced a gauntlet of a non-league schedule this year, and unfortunately, the Warriors have not been successful in those big time matchups. After falling at home to Cincinnati Woodward on Monday, the Warriors will get a bounce back win against a Miller team that does not stand a chance.

7. Utica (5-2)
Last week ranking: No. 7 | 26 strength of record points | @ #8 Centerburg (8), vs. Licking Valley (4), @ Lakewood (2)

Utica is in year two of a turnaround that has this program playing at a competitive level in not only the LCL but Division III. Senior Trenton Collins is one of the elite players in this division and will be relied upon heavily as the Redskins have a big week ahead. Tuesday's matchup at Centerburg is a big one for both teams in the path to the district tournament. 

8. Centerburg (7-3)
Last week ranking: NR | 30 strength of record points | vs. #7 Utica (7), vs. Fredericktown (4)

Centerburg picked up its signature win of the season last week, taking down Kipp Columbus at Grandview Heights, before falling to the Bobcats in the tournament final. Centerburg is consistently solid and this year is no exception. A 2-0 week this week, with a win over Utica would be huge for the Trojans going forward.

9. Kipp Columbus (7-2)
Last week ranking: No. 5 | 30 strength of record points | vs. #3 (D2) Bishop Hartley (8), @ New Lexington (4)

As mentioned, Kipp fell to Centerburg last week, before bouncing back against Parkway. The Jaguars can pick up a massive signature win this week against No. 3 (D2) Bishop Hartley, a team that has just one loss on the season. If Kipp wants to solidify itself as a top contender, they need to find a way to pull out a victory in that matchup.

10. Heath (5-2)
Last week ranking: No. 9 | 24 strength of record points | vs. Watkins Memorial (7), @ Newark Catholic (4)

The defending Division II district champs have managed to stay in the top 10 this week after going 2-0 at their holiday tournament, knocking off Finneytown and Lancaster. The win over Division I Lancaster provided a big boost for the Bulldogs' strength of record. They'll have a chance to pick up another D1 win at home against Watkins Memorial this week.

On the horizon: Fairbanks, Tree of Life, Elgin