FLINT - The heart of league play has begun, and Flint-area teams are starting to settle in as we've hit the midway point of the regular season.
Power rankings are based on which teams are in a groove or potentially trending downward due to a tough stretch. This doesn't necessarily reflect which team is objectively better -- it shows which teams are playing their best basketball right now.
We will provide an updated power rankings every Thursday.
Below is the top 10 and four teams on the outside looking in.
The Dragons had its four-game win streak snapped on Tuesday in a 64-35 loss to Corunna (6-3).
It's a tough loss on paper, but it doesn't discredit Swartz Creek's win streak that included a 45-32 win over Linden (5-2).
Swartz Creek takes a couple steps back in our rankings for the loss but can make up some solid ground with Holly (0-8) and a Flint Metro League crossover against Owosso (6-4) on Jan. 19.
Previous rank: 5th
The Tigers have been in a slump since picking up its big win over Flint Kearsley (6-2) on Jan. 6, dropping back-to-back games to Linden and Goodrich.
There's no need to panic as Fenton still remains tied with Kearsley and Linden for the top spot in the Flint Metro League Stripes Division, but it will have a chance to improve on its league record with Flushing (3-6) and Swartz Creek (5-4) up next.
Previous rank: NR
Winners of four of its last five, Durand has quietly put together a strong season as it fights for the top spot in the Mid-Michigan Activities Conference.
The Railroaders have picked up three straight wins in the league to improve to a 5-1 league record and compete with New Lothrop (7-0, 5-1 MMAC) for first place.
Montana Spaulding has been on fire in the scoring department, scoring 21 points in a 53-40 win over Chesaning on Jan. 12. Spaulding has scored in double figures in Durand's last three games.
Currently, Imlay City is as far away from the Michigan weather as possible with its recent wins.
Imlay City has won three of its last four with its only loss coming to Corunna (6-3) in that span, losing 54-50 at home.
Alexis Bruyere and Makayla Bruman continue to be a dynamic duo on the court with Bruyere dropping 29 points and Bruman posting a double-double in Imlay City's most recent win over Croswell-Lexington on Jan. 13.
Previous rank: 10th
With the exception of a blowout loss to a talented New Baltimore Anchor Bay (6-1) squad on Dec. 30, Hamady has been playing great basketball as of late.
The Hawks have taken down Genesee Area Conference rivals Flint Elite (4-1) and Genesee (6-2) in back-to-back games to remain unbeaten in the league.
Taleah Lassiter tallied 31 points and 30 rebounds in a 67-51 win over Genesee on Jan. 13.
Previous rank: 7th
The Cavaliers keep on winning, extending its win streak to five games with wins over Ortonville Brandon (2-6) and Swartz Creek (5-4).
Corunna's strength continues to be its frontcourt size, causing mismatches against its opponents. Gracie TerMeer continues to shoot the ball well this season, scoring 21 points in a win over Swartz Creek.
The Cavaliers will have Owosso (6-4) and Flint Carman-Ainsworth (5-5) in its next two matchups.
Previous rank: 6th
Part of the logjam in the Flint Metro League Stripes Division, Kearsley continued its step-forward season with back-to-back wins over Holly and Clio.
The Hornets had an opportunity to take sole possession of first in the league but fell to Fenton in a 52-43 game on Jan. 6.
Molly Gaudard and Amiya Johnson continue to anchor Kearsley in the scoring department, while Ki'Shyia Gooch and Bella Talaski have also stepped up.
Kearsley will have a key league matchup on Friday when it faces Linden (5-2).
Previous rank: 3rd
Still unbeaten on the season, New Lothrop holds the top spot in the Mid-Michigan Activities Conference with a 5-0 record.
The Hornets picked up a pair of key league wins over Otisville LakeVille Memorial (5-3) and Montrose (1-7), while also defeating Flushing.
Katelyn Wendling and Kelsey Kohlmann continue to lead the Hornets in scoring, accounting for 33 of the team's 41 points in a win over Flushing on Wednesday.
Previous rank: 2nd
Winners of four straight, the Chargers earned some high-profile wins recently by defeating Pewamo-Westphalia (7-1), Davison (5-4) and Clarkston (7-4).
Powers Catholic is currently unbeaten in the Saginaw Valley League South with a 4-0 record and holds the top spot.
Kendyl Smith continues to lead the Chargers, scoring 19 points in a win over Clarkston. Evah Smith, Paige Ringwelski and Bella Harley have also contributed to the scoring.
Previous rank: 1st
Goodrich is the clear-cut powerhouse in the Flint Metro League.
The Martians have outscored FML teams 404-84 in six games this season, defeating Fenton (5-4), Corunna (6-3), Lake Fenton (5-6) and Owosso (6-4).
Any player can lead the stat sheet for Goodrich with Baylor Lauinger, Kayla Hairston, Tanner Schramm, Sydney Place and Kat Federick all contributing.