Poll Ballots 2019 - Week 3

(Zamari Mitchell & the West Seneca East Trojans are 7-1 on the season)

 

Large Schools

1. Park (MMA) - This is where the season gets fun.  A big week ahead for the Pioneers with home games against St. Francis and McQuaid on Tuesday & Thursday, and a trip to Canisius Saturday afternoon. 

 

2. Lew-Port (A2) - The only undefeated large school left in WNY is still a week away from the part of their schedule where the rubber meets the road, but could be tested by North Tonawanda's 2-3 zone on Tuesday. 

 

3. Niagara Falls (AA) -  Winners of four straight games by an average margin of 33 points, the Wolverines look to extend the streak to seven with three more NFL games coming up this week, including a visit from Lockport on Saturday. 

 

4. St. Francis (MMA) - Two years ago, the Red Raiders went into Park and knocked off the number one ranked team in NYS Class A. On Tuesday night they visit the Pioneers, currently ranked #2 in NYS Class A. 

 

5. Canisius (MMA) - The Crusaders found themselves in a battle Thursday night at Timon and came away with a one-point victory that was good for number 300 in Kyle Husband's coaching career.  However, win number 301 evaded him in the team's loss at Aquinas on Saturday.  

 

6. South Park (A2) - The Sparks only loss of the season was at Canisius on December 8th. They'll take a six game winning streak into their game at Middle College on Tuesday. 

 

7. Williamsville North (AA) - Followed an 18-point win over Williamsville East with a 23-point victory against Jamestown.  The Spartans visit Orchard Park on Tuesday.

 

8. West Seneca East (A1) - Coming off a 15-point win over Williamsville East, the Trojans can make it six in a row if they get past Sweet Home and Hamburg this week. 

 

9. Health Sciences (A2) - The Falcons won a battle on Saturday afternoon against Tapestry. They'll be in for another one on Tuesday at Amherst and also take a couple swings at BASCS this week.

 

10. Amherst (A2) - Tied for first place in ECIC  II with West Seneca East, the Tigers scored a convincing win at Williamsville South on Friday night.  A win against Health Sciences on Tuesday would be their first against a ranked team. 

 

 

Small Schools

 

1. Olean (B1) - Knocked off Allegany-Limestone by 16 points to earn a tournament championship over the break and beat Fredonia by 19 on Friday. 

 

2. Cardinal O'Hara (MMA) -  Opened league play with 31 and 47 point victories over teams they'll compete for a title against. Tuesday night they host Timon.

 

3. Nichols (MMA) - The Vikings have wins over Health Sciences and East to earn this spot.  They'll face St. Mary's and St. Joe's this week.

 

4. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks win streak ended at the hands of Health Sciences on Saturday. They'll look to get back on track against Global Concepts this week. 

 

5. East (C1) - Five wins in a row for the defending state champs, including a big one over league rival Middle College on Friday. 

 

6. Middle College (C1) - The Kats could move into a tie for first place in the Yale Cup with a win over South Park on Tuesday. 

 

7. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - The Gators are 6-1, with five of those wins by way of blowout and the other by nine points.  Their lone loss was against Olean. 

 

8. Southwestern (B2) - The Trojans now have two wins over to top 10 small schools. They beat Tapestry in early December and won at Randolph over break. 

 

9. Randolph (C1) - The Cardinals have played consecutive 50-48 home games, losing to Southwestern and beating Silver Creek.  Friday's home game against the Gators is the 'Game of the Week'!

 

10. Medina (B1) - The Mustangs improved to 8-1 with a win at Newfane on Friday.  Their only loss on the season was at Tapestry.  

 

 

-centercourt

Comments

[Snyb]

They play the games for good reasons, namely, surprises happen. NT might play up at home v Lewport but I dont think the 2-3 is likely a problem. Lewport simply plays defense and transition game at highest level. Scotts defense and floor command set tone. If they have to go half-court there are 4 or 5 legit knock-down shooters from three. Duff, Scott and Gayle can all get to the rack and will expose zone seams. When they play anywhere near their potential they are best in WNY. LP scoring 90 to 100 points while sitting starters for 12 or 14 minutes!

[Flava Flave]

Gotta love cc makin LewPort out to be more than they are before they even play anybody and then their fans saying they the best when they play to their potential. Sounds like a excuse already. Why they can't just be the best team without throwing anything else in? Answer cause they not. They probably the most fun team to watch though but they about to find out starting next week what it like to play good teams. Aint beat nobody yet! Nobody! If they win even one of the big games coming up I'll come correct but it aint happenin. YEAH BOY

[Losbrad]

Top five large teams are all very good and Ohara also IMO.on .any given day if shots are falling or not ...this five can prolly beat eachother..CC has been at this for a while..... he knows his stuff. So let's let games play out.Gona be an interesting rest of year.

[Jeff]

He usually sticks to the results with his rankings and I know Lew-Port hasn't lost, but they have no wins to warrant that high. Best win on paper looks like the one at Nichols and I think the top 8 large schools would all do the same. I agree the top 5 all very close.

[Mad Mike]

The rankings are for fun and fuel conversation. Frannies come tourney time will be ready. Rankings or not the cream will rise. Also let Lew Port enjoy it at the top and if they are real they will show. Look forward to the events. Health sciences be on the watch. One of best backcourts I've seen in WNY

[HS Bball fan]

Doesn’t matter where your at now, it’s where you end up. Polls are created to have fun and generate excitement, not build resentment or hatred! Let’s wish everyone well and see where it all ends up When it’s over . I would also throw Olean as well in there with Cardinal O’Hara as one of the better overall teams regardless of size! These polls generate discussion, and the more positive the discussion the more fun it is for the KIDS!!! Nothing better in the winter in WNY than going to a gym and watching a great HS basketball game!! Good luck to all those involved and let see how things play out, until then have fun and cheer these kids on!!

[WNY Bball]

Justin Johnson was robbed of an opportunity. Clearly best in WNY look how awful that team is without him. Amherst should start getting some recognition as well. Those 2 guards and bunch of hard working role players. Stewart was clearly held back by Park and is showing he can compete with anyone

[WNYfan]

St Francis at Park was a great game. It went back and forth all night. Again, Coach Ferris had his team ready to play and gets the most out of his players. I believe player for player (starting five) Park is more talented but they continue to struggle. The game against St Joes and last nights game were perfect examples of their struggles. They pulled out the win but they need to find their way on defense and their bigs need to be more of a factor. Noah Hutchins is all he is built up to be and with good reason the leading contender for WNY player of the year and Justin Pompey for St Francis is the real deal. With every team bringing their A game against Park Coach Jacob needs to find a way to have his team better prepared and get more bench scoring. Not convinced they are the best team in WNY right now.

[MMAFan]

Ok so Frannies proved they are 2nd best team in the area. 1.Park 2. Frannies 3.Falls 4. Canisius 5. Lew
Port .Joe's looked great beating Nichols easy. MMA again proving to be the cream of the crop in WNY.First time seeing Nichols in person and after seeing them Ohara has a cake walk in B if that's their best comp. Ohara is the topnteamn in area.

[Mad Mike]

WNY fan you strike again with the worse takes in all basketball. Park will lose but we all know that. Frannies best competition. Canisius will be good next year. Not yet. Also keep your eyes on Lew Port. Scott is one of best guards.