The distinct squeaks of basketball shoes running on the hardwood have taken over the Big Bend as basketball season is in full swing.

With the hectic holiday season schedule giving us plenty of games to digest, there has been near non-stop action since the first tip of the regular season. Some teams are making early-season statements, while others are hoping to turn things around and correct the course of the season.

With that said, it's time for the first edition of the Big Bend Preps Basketball Power Rankings.

The Big Bend Preps Basketball Power Rankings will be released every Wednesday, with the top six programs from both boys and girls basketball being ranked

Boys Basketball

1. Rickards (5-0)

The Raiders are on top in the first rankings of the season after a fast 5-0 start. Beating Nease and Raines, Rickards made two big statements to open the season and have followed that up with convincing wins over Maclay and Lincoln. Led by the duo of Romie Cosby and Randall Pompey, the Raiders are in good shape to open the new year as the program looks to get back into the state title conversation.

2. Lincoln (3-1)

It's been a hot start to life in 2023 for the Trojans, winning three straight to open the year before losing to Rickards for the team's first loss. Entering its second season under head coach Andrew Coville, the Trojans are poised to make some noise with players like Jaevien Ervin and Keelen Coley leading the way for Lincoln. With hopes of winning a district title and a deep playoff run, the Trojans are off to the right start.

3. Florida High (2-3)

Despite the three losses, the Seminoles come in ranked third. Facing one of the tougher early-season schedules, facing programs like The Rock, Creekside Christian Academy (CCA) and Marianna. Picking up wins over CCA and Maclay, Florida High is led by the trio of Dakota Morris, Trey Card and Amare Robinson as the Seminoles hope to make another deep run towards the final four this season.

4. Godby (4-2)

The Cougars come in ranked fourth, starting the season with a 4-2 record, starting the season well under first-year head coach Alex Williams. Godby has picked up key wins over Potter's House Christian Blue and Leon, with the losses coming from Jacksonville power Andrew Jackson and Raines. Jaden Staten and Mekhi Butler have been the key players early for the Cougars.

5. Munroe (3-1)

The Bobcats come in ranked fifth, starting the season 3-1 and picking up good wins over Leon and Cypress Creek and Madison County early on. On a road trip to the Episcopal School of Jacksonville, the Bobcats picked up the only loss of the season so far. Karlton Knight has been the key player early for Munroe.

6. Crossroad Academy (2-1)

The Scorpions round out the top six, with a record of 2-1 and wins over Maclay and FAMU DRS. The only loss of the season so far came against Rickards. Under first-year head coach Colin Anderson, Crossroad Academy has hopes for a deep postseason run under Anderson, with seniors like Rayln Dawkins and Jakael Ghant looking for a strong final season.

Girls Basketball

1. Madison County (6-1)

The Cowboys are on a tear and have had arguably the best start to the season, going 6-1 and picking up wins over Godby and Leon, and narrowing losing to powerhouse Providence School. Madison County is led by senior Janiyah McKnight, who is averaging nearly 25 points per game, the Cowboys are rolling, taking the top spot in the rankings.

2. Godby (4-2)

The Cougars come in ranked second in the power rankings, with the only two losses coming against top-ranked Madison County and Jacksonville power P.K. Younge. Picking up wins over Leon, Lincoln and Gadsden County, Godby is looking to take its young roster on a deep run into the postseason, with the Cougars currently sitting at number two.

3. Rickards (2-2)

The Raiders sit third, with a 2-2 record, Rickards is set up for a big season after a couple of big early season tests. Falling to Georgia powerhouses St. Francis and Rockdale County to start the year, Rickards has picked up back-to-back wins over Munroe and Florida High. Led by Genesis Henry, the Raiders are set up for another big post-season run.

4. Lincoln (3-2)

The Trojans come in ranked fourth in the rankings, picking up wins over Chiles, Thomasville and Florida High to start the season with three big victories. Dropping games to Godby and Rutherford, Lincoln is playing good basketball led by Jamiya Brown and Amari Johnson to start off the season, with the duo leading the Trojans in scoring.

5. Maclay (5-1)

The Marauders are making waves, and have started the season with a 5-1 record. Picking up wins over Wakulla, Crossroad Academy and Sneads, Maclay is in red-hot form to start the 2023 season. Led by Lauren Guyer and Journey Kramer, the top scorers through the first six games, the Marauders are looking to turn the page on last season and push for a postseason run.

6. Florida High (3-4)

It hasn't been the start to the 2023 season that Florida High would have wanted, but the Seminoles round out the top six with a 3-4 record. Picking up big wins over Chipley and P.K. Younge, Florida High has had close losses to Lincoln and Niceville early this season. The Seminoles have leaned on Micah Evora and Emilie Robertson early in the season, with the duo leading the team in scoring.

Liam Rooney covers preps sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Which Big Bend Programs make the list for the first basketball power rankings