As a pollster for the Buffalo News, I'm asked to send in my weekly ballots ranking the top ten large and small schools. The polls are based on games played through Sunday of each week. Here's a look at how I see them and some of the rationale used to get there.
Large Schools
1. Canisius (MMA) - Went 2-1 over the break in a Jesuit Tournament, suffering their first and only loss to St. Peter's Prep of NJ. The week ahead for the Crusaders includes a trip to Lancaster tonight to face St. Mary's, a visit from Aquinas on Wednesday, and a rivalry game at the Koessler Center against St. Joe's on Saturday.
2. Clarence (AA) - Winners of their own tournament over the break included a 38-point trouncing of Iroquois. The Red Devils, who have just one loss this season (St. Mary's), will have their composure put to the test tonight when they host McKinley.
3. St. Joe's (MMA) - After suffering a big home loss to Aquinas and falling at Bishop Kearney & Park, the Marauders are back on track and looking like a completely different team. Since, they scored wins against McKinley and Timon, both ranked number two at the time, along with beating Cheektowaga & Middle College to win their tournament.
4. Timon/St. Jude (MMA) - The Tigers stay at number two lasted two weeks, thanks to taking a week off of polls due to the break. They did hang 104 points on UPrep of Rochester, who apparently thought running with Donte Williams & Timon was a good idea. It was a good idea for Donte, who dropped a career-high 43 points that night. The Tigers host Bishop Kearney tonight and visit Nichols on Friday.
5. Williamsville North (AA) - The Spartans are winners of five straight, including a Five Guys Tournament title after knocking off St. Mary's & Pittsford Sutherland. They'll try for the sweep Wednesday at Jamestown, before stepping into the dog's pen on Friday for a tilt with the McKinley Macks.
6. Jamestown (AA) - Will look to move up on this ballot and in the poll when Williamsville North comes a knocking Wednesday night. They'll be plenty motivated to beat them after dropping a home game against the Spartans last season by 14 points and letting a 15-point lead evaporate in the final three minutes earlier this season.
7. McKinley (A1) - Mack High has an opportunity to jump right back up to the second spot on this ballot with wins during a competitive week ahead. They face Clarence, Hutch-Tech, & Will North over the next five nights.
8. Amherst (A2) - Winners of the Jolly Boys Tournament after beating St. Francis & Williamsville South. Only setback remains buzzer-beating loss to Clarence.
9. Sweet Home (A1) - The Panthers bust onto my ballot after chasing a win over Williamsville East in mid December, with a Ken-Ton Tournament title that saw them knock off both Kenmore West & East.
10. Kenmore West (AA) - The Blue Devils are a solid squad, but to be considered legitimate Class AA contenders, they'll need start winning more consistently and convincingly.
Small Schools
1. East (B2) - After watching them whip Aquinas in the second half while battling foul trouble and without Tyree Tyson in the lineup, the choice for number one was quite clear to me. Then...
2. Olean (B1) - the Huskies dismantle Greece Athena on Friday - the same Greece Athena that won at Jamestown by 20 points. So I had to consider a close call against Nichols and go with my gut. I'll get to see Olean play at Aquinas this Saturday. Maybe they'll change my mind again. Stay tuned.
3. St. Mary's (MMA) - The Lancers recent victory against Park, coupled with an earlier victory over Clarence kept them here, ahead of...
4. Nichols (MMA) - the Vikings, who nearly upset Olean at St. Bonaventure. Tonight they visit Lackawanna, which is no gimme, before hosting the Lancers on Wednesday to settle this poll thing. I'm hoping the game is a major letdown, snooze-fest - I can't attend that night.
5. Park (MMA) - The Pioneers win against St. Joe's keeps them a spot ahead of...
6. Middle College (C1) - the Kats, who lost to St. Joe's. Big game coming up on Wednesday as they host East.
7. Silver Creek (C1) - Only losses came against Olean & Park. Big week ahead includes visiting Fredonia on Thursday and hosting Randolph on Saturday.
8. Sherman (D) - Haven't played since pulling off the win against Randolph in overtime. The Wildcats remain unbeaten and ranked number two in the state in Class D.
9. Fredonia (B1) - Was surprised to arrive at the Clarence Tournament and find them in the consolation game, rather thatn the championship round after dropping one to Iroquois the night before. Then the Hillbillies nearly fell to Bennett the day after. We'll get some answers about where they're at Thursday when Silver Creek comes to town.
10. Cleveland Hill (B2) - Consecutive wins against Lackawanna, Hamburg, and Salamanca earn the Eagles the last spot on this ballot, ahead of Barker.
-centercourt
6th Ben Drake doesn't coach a 6th place team. Bet they take it out on poor Lancaster and OP this weekend.
Posted by: The Bottom Line | Friday, January 10, 2014 at 02:41 PM
Hey Bottom line nice to see you back, how was chrsitmas with your brother Drake? lol
Posted by: Guest | Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 02:28 PM
Christmas was great, Red Raider outfits for everyone. Two blowout wins this weekend over inept programs. Freshmen pounded St Marys and the JVS beat two undefeated jv teams. This week the boys and girls will go a combined 12-0 and move a step closer to adding sectional titles for both the boys and girls again.
Posted by: The Bottom Line | Monday, January 13, 2014 at 08:28 AM
Great job again Centercourt keep up the great work
Posted by: Dr. J | Monday, January 13, 2014 at 11:03 AM