The winter break is over and Western North Carolina boys basketball teams are headed into conference play after their holiday tournaments. Half of the teams in this week's power rankings come from the Mountain Eight Conference, including the top four spots. This week will also feature some marquee top-10 matchups, including No. 1 vs No. 2, No. 2 vs. No. 3 and No. 5 vs. No. 7. Here are the WNC boys basketball power rankings entering 2026.1. Franklin (9-2) Jack Jack Teesateskie has blossomed into a star for the Panthers. He's averaging 24.7 points per game while shooting 48% from beyond the 3-point line and set program records with 52 points and 12 3-pointers in a...
