(JaQuoine Fogan & Tapestry are state-ranked and #8 on my small school ballot / Photo by Mark Mulville)
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 Saturday of each week. Here's a look at how I see them and some of the rationale used to get there.
Large
1. Park (MMA) - Once again in a double overtime victory over Bishop Kearney, the Pioneers were able to flip a switch in the game's crucial minutes and take over. Park will look to extend its winning streak to 14 games by week's end, hosting St. Joe's on Tuesday and visiting St. Mary's Friday night.
2. Canisius (MMA) - Reached the championship game of an eight-team National Jesuit Tournament in NYC over break, where their state-leading 16-game winning streak game to an end at the hands of Maryland's Georgetown Prep. This week, its personal for the Crusaders - they visit Timon and former assistant coach Des Randall on Tuesday, before hosting their rivals (SJCI) on Friday night.
3. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers also went to NYC over the break, and won the Anthony Parlato Memorial Tournament, defeating both East Islip and Center Moriches by double figures, with TC Brown named Tournament MVP.
4. McKinley (A1) - In its second year of existence, the Macks won a second McKinley Tournament handily, running past Nichols and Cheektowaga as Kesean Fisher earned MVP honors.
5. Williamsville South (A1) - Another area team that went to NYC over break, the Billies scored an exciting win over Westbury on a game-winning 3-pointer from Graham Dolan, before falling to Chaminade in the final.
6. Lockport (AA) - Someone forgot to wish the Lions Happy Holidays, because the break was not kind to previously unbeaten Lockport. After a 40-point loss to Aquinas, the Lions fell to East the following night in the consolation game. Based on their double figure wins over St. Joe's and Starpoint, I left them here for another week, until we see how they fare in the 'Game of the Week' at Niagara Falls on Tuesday.
7. St. Joe's (MMA) - Knocked off Starpoint on Wednesday to earn its second top 10 win of the season, heading into a huge week...at Park on Tuesday and at Canisius on Friday. Jeesh!
8. Niagara Falls (AA) - After 17 days off, the Wolverines will take the court against Lockport on Tuesday night in the 'Game of the Week'. The winner will take sole possession of first place in the NFL.
9. Starpoint (A2) - Despite losing at St. Joe's on Wednesday night, the Spartans looked like they'd shaken off whatever was ailing them during the "Lockport incident". With only league games remaining, Starpoint will focus on going after the ECIC II title - something they'll need to take from Williamsville South.
10. Timon (MMA) - Brought the Tigers back onto my ballot after seeing them cruise past North Tonawanda on Tuesday night, and carefully analyzing the results we have to date. Timon owns a win at Bishop Kearney, a season-opening win over East, and defeated Williamsville North. Those wins top the best wins from the next two schools in consideration - Lancaster (Jamestown, South Park, Tapestry, Nichols) or Kenmore West (Nichols, O'Hara, Niagara Wheatfield).
Small Schools
1. Olean (B1) - Had no problem winning the IAABO Tournament last week, mowing through Bradford and Warren in the process. Two of its biggest games left before sectionals are this week, as the Huskies host Fredonia on Thursday and visit Jamestown on Saturday.
2. Health Sciences (B2) - Have been idle since knocking off Middle College to take the #2 spot on my ballot, but return to action tonight against BASCS. On Wednesday night, the Falcons fly into St. Mary's for a showdown.
3. Walsh (MMA) - The Eagles finally lost their first game to Coudersport in a Holiday Tournament. They will look to get back on track during a pair of road trips this week - at Nichols in a toip 10 small school battle on Tuesday, and at North Tonawanda on Saturday.
4. Middle College (C1) - Back in action for the first time this week since losing to Health Sciences. The Kats host Riverside on Tuesday and are at Burgard on Thursday.
5. East (C1) - Last week I was defending having the Panthers at #6 with a 1-5 record. This week, I moved them up a spot after beating Lockport - the #6 large school that entered the week as the only team from WNY ranked by the state in Class AA.
6. St. Mary's (MMA) - After winning the Depew Tournament prior to break, the Lancers added another tournament trophy to the case, hoisting the hardware at the Five Guys Tournament after defeating Global Concepts & Williamsville North on consecutive nights. Host Cardinal O'Hara on Tuesday, before Health Sciences arrives on Wednesday for a small school showdown.
7. East Aurora (B1) - The Blue Devils start the New Year off with a pair of tough league games in ECIC III against large schools, that should be very competitive. On Wednesday they'll visit Cheektowaga, then host Maryvale on Friday.
8. Tapestry (C1) - Survived a scare from visiting Roy-Hart on Wednesday, escaping with a 56-53 win. Host WNY Maritime tonight, before a trip to Jamestown on Saturday for a rematch with Randolph, who the Thunderhawks beat by five early in December.
9. Nichols (MMA) - Got to experience McKinley's pressure first hand last week, before bouncing back with a win over MST Seneca the following day. A win over visiting Walsh on Tuesday night would be major.
10. Fredonia (B2) - The Hillbillies debut in this spot after winning the Clarence Tournament last week, and Franklinville falling to Chautauqua Lake - a team Fredonia has beaten already. However, I didn't catch something until after it was too late, that may have changed who occupied this spot. One of Fredonia's losses was to Harborcreek by 14 points, a team Niagara Catholic just beat. Fredonia faces Dunkirk, Olean, & Silver Creek this week, while Niagara Catholic visits St. Francis. I will monitor results closely and re-assess over the weekend.
-centercourt
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