Pre-Christmas Power Rankings

High School & College Sports Enthusiast Jim Hammett breaks it down for you!
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Crimson's Ghost
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Pre-Christmas Power Rankings

Post by Crimson's Ghost »

District 6 A

1. Bishop Carroll  4-2
Here's what we know about the Huskies through six games, they are a typical Bishop Carroll basketball team.  They have a nice blend of seniors with Ben Eckenrode leading the way, along with some talented sophomores in Tristan McDannell and Nolan Burk.  They don't have a ton of size, but they press, and they press, and they press some more. 

2. Blacklick Valley 6-1
The Vikings are playing about as well as anyone to this point. Jude Gdula and Jordan McEvoy provides a nice 1-2 punch for Gary Wurm's squad. They are off until the New Year.

3. Ferndale 3-3
The Yellow Jackets dealt with some serious losses heading into this year, but with a new coach, they seem to be getting on track slowly. Jared Ohler hit a big 3 to knock off Berlin on the road just a few days ago. Ohler, along with Jaivon Johnson and Devon Hill give Ferndale a solid top three that can keep them competitive with anyone. 

4. Juniata Valley 2-4
The record doesn't concern me yet.  The Hornets have lost two games by one point, and have played a tough schedule at that going up against the likes of Shade and Bishop Guilfoyle. 
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Re: Pre-Christmas Power Rankings

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District 6 AA

1. Bishop McCort 5-0
The Crushers lost four starters off the District 6 title team from last season, and they seemingly haven't missed a beat. Matt Petrosky and Ben Seidel have this team playing at a high level. They are off until the new year. 

2.  Bishop Guilfoyle 3-2
The Marauders are so dangerous because they all can hit three-pointers. Luke Ruggery and AJ Labriola are two of the best players around, and will have this team thinking District title all year long.  BG gets a rematch with Hollidaysburg on the 27th, a team they lost to by four just a few weeks ago. 

3. United 4-1
The Lions brought back a lot off of last year's state playoff team, and they are showing it so far.  United is off to a nice start, and appear to be one of the favorites in the Heritage. 

4. Homer Center 4-1
Per usual, the Wildcats are off to a fast start, even with the extended football season.  They have a tough game at Richland coming up this week in the Rams Holiday Classic. 

5. Purcahse Line 4-2
Expectations were high going into this season, and so far so good. The Red Dragons have a Holiday tournament on the docket coming up on the 27th, and will be hosting Morgantown Christian of West Virginia. Purchase Line has four guys averaging double figures, led by senior guard Melvin Sanchez, who is posting 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists a contest. 
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Re: Pre-Christmas Power Rankings

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District 6 AAA

1. Richland 6-1
Even coming off a loss, Richland is the team this year in AAA.  But it shows they can be beaten.  The Rams are just tough to defend, because they are a complete starting five with anyone able to go off on a particular night.  There won't be many losses after last night. They'll refocus and get back to winning rather quickly. 

2. Bellwood-Antis 4-1
New coach?  No problem.  Bellwood has a new look from last year, but as always they are towards the top of District 6. Trent Walker is averaging 27 a night, as he is making the case as the best 3-point shooter in the area as he is shooting a smooth 45% from behind the arc to this poinr.
 
3. Central Cambria 4-2
The Red Devils should be in the mix all season. With Matt Holsinger leading the charge, they'll be in every game most nights. Central Cambria heads up the road to Bishop Carroll for the County Seat tournament this week.

4. Ligonier Valley 4-3
Aside from a poor showing in the Mountain Cat Tournament, Ligonier has been pretty good to this point. The high scoring Rams boast a deadly duo with junior forward Marrek Paola and sophomore guard Michael Marinchak. With the football players getting back into the mix, I suspect Ligonier will get better after the New Year. 

5. Penn Cambria 3-3
Penn Cambria started slow, but seem to be getting it together. The Panthers scored one of the biggest surprises of the season with an overtime win over Johnstown.  The veteran team should continue to get better as the season progresses. 
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Re: Pre-Christmas Power Rankings

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District 5/6 AAAA

1. Huntingdon 4-0
The Bearcats have yet to lose this season, and hold a win over challenger, Tyrone.  A lot of season left, but you have to like what Huntingdon has done to this point. Junior Nick Rigby is averaging 19 and 10 a game. 

2. Johnstown 3-1
The favorites heading into the season will be ready to take the top spot at any time. Despite being upset by Penn Cambria, the Trojans appear poised for a big year.  Adding Imil Britt to an already very talented team is scary for opponents. 

3. Forest Hills 4-2
Have to give credit for Forest Hills for knocking off a very good Richland team.  The Rangers are definitely improved from last season. Ryan Richardson has been a beast inside, averaging a double-double to this poinr. 
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Re: Pre-Christmas Power Rankings

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District 5A
1. Shade 6-0
Shade is ranked among the top single-A teams in the state - for good reason.  The Panthers can score.  Brady Fyfe just notched his 1,000th point the other night, and he's only a junior. Shade will be put to the test this week with a showdown against Johnstown in the Windber Rotary Tournament.  Might be must-see basketball Wednesday night. 

2. Shanksville-Stonycreek 6-2
Thought you could get rid of them?  Nope.  Four starters down from last year, and Shanksville just remains consistent. Dawson Snyder is playing about as well as anyone in the area.  Big showdown at Shade on January 4th. 

3. Southern Fulton 3-1
One of the most consistent programs District 5 has to offer year in and year out. Kent Hendershot's team is playing well with tough defense and balanced scoring.  6'1" senior Matt Potter is leading the way with 11 points and 7 rebounds a game. 

4. Turkeyfoot Valley 5-1
OK, we just can't ignore Turkeyfoot Valley's 5-1 start as they are averaging 86 points per game. Are they for real?  We should find out soon, but for now the stats are impressive either way. 
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Re: Pre-Christmas Power Rankings

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District 5 AA
1. Berlin Brothersvalley 5-2
Berlin has been tested thus far, and they have responded pretty well for the most part. The Mountaineers are a high-scoring team, and from an individual standpoint Nick Gooden scored 48 points in a single game last evening. They should be in this top spot all season long. 

2. Rockwood 5-2
Rockwood has been a bit of a surprise this year. Troy Emert and Josh Knepper is a nice duo at the top for the Rockets.  

3. Northern Bedford 3-3
The Panthers have been inconsistent to this point, but they have some talent.  Senior guard Andrew Foor is a good one. A lot of teams struggling in this classification to this point, Northern Bedford is here because they have a non-losing record.  Time should help sort things out below the top two teams. 
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Re: Pre-Christmas Power Rankings

Post by Crimson's Ghost »

Probably won't be a weekly thing like last year, maybe once every few weeks.
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Re: Pre-Christmas Power Rankings

Post by Manfred »

Thanks, for whenever you post 'em. Always good analytical reads.
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Re: Pre-Christmas Power Rankings

Post by Hvl32 »

Nice thank you   That takes some time to do 
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