Friday, December 13, 2013

9/10 House Basketball Preseason Power Rankings

by PK Brannigan

The Darien YMCA House Basketball League comes at a time of the year when fall sports are winding down, Christmas is on the way, and midterms are in sight. Most high-schoolers are looking for an athletic break from all the chaos in their lives. House ball is the perfect way for these youths to get out their swirling emotions in a safe environment and still have a blast.

This year the 9th and 10th grade boys league is looking formidable with many guys coming from the high school basketball team and joining the “House Ball Lifestyle”. The following rankings are just a projection so take them as you may; they’re not meant to offend anyone, and I’m just giving my point of view.

1) Missouri
Star Player: Burke Blatney
Mizzou looks to be a key title contender, as they have some of the most height of any team in the league. Sophomores Burke Blatney, Timmy Graham, and Spencer Stovall, all well over six feet tall know how to put the moves on a defender and put the ball in the bucket. The team also has an MVP hopeful in sophomore Tyler Grant, an elusive guard who will be dishing out dimes to his three big comrades all year. Look for this team to very possibly take home the title this year.
Projected Record: 11-0

2) Georgetown
Star Player: Mark Evanchick
Although this is my team no one can deny the fact that we have some skill and potential. The Hoyas feature some of the most athletically-equipped and basketball-savvy players in the league. Led by sophomores Michael Parsley, Mark Evanchick, Andrew Clarke, and I, PK Brannigan, we create a tetrahedron of terror that seeks to wreak havoc on the rest of the league by dominating the boards and paint. Look for us to make a valiant playoff run but likely come up a little short.
Projected Record: 9-2

3) Washington
Star Player: Jamie Schofield
One of the top teams in the league is center around sophomore Jamie “The Magic Man” Schofield. The former travel basketball beast knows how to drive the lane and put in through the rim. Alongside the “Magic Man” you also have Teddy and Charlie Burke, two kids that are not new to the house ball style of play. They do have a very empty backcourt so a team with a skillful point guard may be able to take down this formidable opponent. This combination of style, finesse, skill, and overall shot-making ability will without a doubt help Washington make a deep push into the playoffs.
Projected Record: 8-3

4) Stanford
Star Player: Colin Minicus
With sophomores Colin Minicus at the point and Sean Edgar at the 2, Stanford may be a force to be reckoned with. Not only does this team possess two incredibly dynamic players, they also have one of the most versatile players in the league in sophomore Jack Wells. He is a guy that can get it done in the post but can also make it rain from the three point line. This team may sneak up these power rankings and give the rest of the league a run for their money.
Projected Record: 7-4

5) Duke
Star Player: Jack Murray
This team may lack depth, a key component in the quintessential house team. That being said, Duke also has a solid front five, including former travel basketball ace and sophomore Jack Murray and one of the league's best big men, Fairfield Prep sophomore Aidan Coyle. The only way for this team to come out on top is if they figure out a way for the rookies of the team to step up and get work done on both sides of the ball. Look for this team to find its stride mid-year and make some waves in the playoffs.
Projected Record: 6-5

6) UConn
Star Player: Charlie Sealy
The Huskies are looking very rough around the edges, but with athletic anomalies like freshman Charlie Sealy on their team, no one can truly know the potential this crew might have. Sophomore Jack McCann may be a good athlete, but his tendency to keep the ball in his hands too long could bring down this team. This team may not stand out compared to the other teams in the league but look for UConn to upset the top teams and go deep into the playoffs.
Projected Record: 6-5

7) Miami
Star Player: Connor Mulliken
To be honest, the “U” is a team without much talent as the top teams, but they do have one player who knows how to get it done. Sophomore Connor Mulliken has been compared to Kobe Bryant in his shot-making ability and Shaquille O’Neal in his ability to get big rebounds. This team is looking to make waves throughout the season with the combination of Mulliken and the two Corcoran brothers. The Hurricanes could make a true push in the playoffs.
Projected Record: 5-6

8) Kansas
Star Player: Dylan Griffin
This is another team with numerous freshman but they are lucky enough to have the Kyrie Irving equivalent of the league in sophomore Dylan Griffin. The Jayhawks also have a great supporting cast for one of the league’s best, with Jake Bieler on the boards and Charlie Wright behind the 3-pt line. This team is a definite sleeper that may bring a few upsets but probably fall short in the playoffs.
Projected Record: 5-6

9) North Carolina
Star Player: Jack Kniffin
The incredible athleticism of this team is unmatched by any other in the league. That being said the basketball skill from sophomore Jack Kniffin and the Klingman brothers is not enough for a regular-season finish at the top of the standings. This team may have a tough year unless they find salvation from sophomore Brendan Seiler, who has had trouble in past years with consistency but may hit his stride this year and bring the Tarheels to the top. Look for this team to have a rough season but persevere and pull out some success.
Projected Record: 4-7

10) Kentucky
Star Players: Trifone brothers
Even though the Wildcats have two candidates for House Ball MVP, sophomores Bobby and Christian Trifone, this team just doesn’t match up to the skill level of most other teams in the league. If a team can neutralize these two tremendous threats then Kentucky will have a hard time putting together wins, unless some rookies step up to the plate. Look for this team to have a short trip in the playoffs.
Projected Record: 3-8

11) Georgia Tech
Star Player: Brian Keating
This team is composed of all essentially all freshmen; I repeat: only two sophomores are on this team. That is a huge disadvantage for this squad. Although the future of this team may look bleak, freshman Brian Keating is one superstar that may bring salvation to this morbid situation. Another way this team can find victory is if the two sophomores, Nick Murphy and Mark Schmidt, step up and lead this team.
Projected Record: 1-10

12) Syracuse
Star Players: Drake brothers
The only true upside to this team is the consistency of the Drake brother’s. Although Dolan Gregorich is on this team as well, he tends to show up to games sporadically. When the huge 6’5” beast comes to games, they could be a team that may find some success. However, even if attendance is not an issue this year the depth of the team is; without many strong backups, the team falls short once again.
Projected Record: 1-10


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