This house ball season was wild to say the least. With crazy upsets and dark horses throughout the year, I'll try to close out this regular season as best I can. People said I should make predictions for this years playoffs, I'll try, but I don't think anyone can predict how this season will finish up. Anyway, here are this years final power rankings...
() indicates previous ranking; [] indicates record
1. (2) [7-2] Washington
The Huskies were a surprise to everyone in the house ball world. On paper, they looked like a middle of the road team, but they were nowhere near that this season. With strong all around talent, they were a force to be reckoned with all year. Finishing their season strong, they won their last four games with ease, except for a close call against Georgetown. Sophomore Kevin Grune led this team all year, but other players like Hank Rech, Max Gasvoda, and Henry Adiletta were consistently solid all season. This squad also possessed Sherlock "The GOAT" Aristizabal. I honestly never saw this kid miss a jump shot. In fact, he showed up with six minutes left in their matchup against Syracuse and managed to hit two threes and a mid range jump shot, coming in clutch for the Huskies. These guys are a huge contender to win it all this year. They will face the winner of Syracuse and Maryland next week.
2. (3) [7-2] Georgetown
Georgetown has utilized its size very well all season. Sophomore Will Rooney was a strong force in the paint and grabbed plenty of boards. While the talented Craig Triano ran the point for the Hoyas. With a play style similar to Russell Westbrook, Triano has the ability to drive and hit 3's. Though he may play like him, I can assure you that Triano does not have the same outlandish personality and wardrobe that Westbrook has. Another Sophomore that has been strong is Dillon O'Shea. O'Shea grabbed plenty of steals that led to fast breaks for the Hoyas in their game against Kentucky and played a big role in their win. Georgetown is one of the four teams with a first round bye and will play either UNC or Kentucky next week.
3. (4) [6-3] UConn
Sophomore Jack Joyce is without a doubt the main reason this squad is contending for a championship. The kid can do anything, although I do know of one weakness that may affect Joyce. He is one of the best athletes at the high school, but struggles mightily when it comes to opening bottles of chocolate milk. Anyway, the Huskies have strong shooting in freshman Ryan Eppley and TJ Cornacchia, as well as sophomore John Ginnatassio (I'm assuming I did not spell that right). I would say something about Connor Percarpio, but I think we already all know what he can do on and off the court. UConn will play the winner of Michigan and Providence in the playoffs.
4. (1) [6-2-1] Duke
Last Friday, the Blue Devils tied Kentucky in a 3 OT thriller. I don't know the last time this happened in house, but let me tell you, it was as bizarre as it sounds. Since their matchup against Kentucky, this team seems to be a little bit off their game, but remain a contender to win it all this season. Sophomore Mike Neary has been a beast in the paint for the Blue Devils of late, but will see if his knees can carry him all the way through a grueling house ball playoff schedule. The dynamic duo of Sean Collins and Justin Van De Graff has continued to impress and have carried this team all year. One thing to keep in mind though is the injury that Jackson Mcnear suffered that has put him on crutches, as he will likely miss at least one playoff game. This means that sophomore Ryan Griffin will have to fill in for him for the time being. Not even going to comment on that. Unless what I just said counts as a comment. Anyway, Duke will play the winner of Stanford and MSU in their first playoff game.
5. (6) [5-4] Michigan
Similarly to UConn, the Wolverines have one player who has carried them all season in Nick Green. Green has done everything for the Wolverines and as I mentioned in the last rankings, has even given Justin Canelli a piggy back ride for an entire half. Canelli came to me a couple days ago and claimed it was not true, but trust me guys, it happened. I was informed that freshman Cooper Hancock dropped 18 in the Wolverines last game. I'm not sure if this is true or not because I wasn't at the game, but the source of this information was Hancock himself, so I'm assuming it's true. Michigan will take on Providence in the first round.
6. (8) [5-4] Stanford
So this kid Harry Constantine has managed to anger and annoy every player who has covered him this season. I don't really know what he says, but him and Nick Green had some pretty intense beef after Stanford beat Michigan. Other than his trash talking and basketball abilities, I know nothing about this kid because he doesn't attend DHS, so that's pretty much all I have on him. Max Grant has also been solid for the Cardinal this season and will play alongside Constantine in their back court. Connor "Sully" Sullivan has been bugging me about getting a mention, so yeah, he has been committing unecessary fouls all season. We'll see how this team handles MSU in the first round.
7. (5) [4-4-1] Kentucky
You already read about the Wildcats 3 OT thriller against Duke. But 48 hours after that game they took on Georgetown and lost in a defensive battle. Although they ended the regular season on a disappointing note, the Wildcats could be a sleeper in the playoffs and could be the "Cinderella Story" this season. Sophomore Fin Batson has hit timely threes for these guys all season and is a solid point guard. Another sophomore, Tyler Russo has been a defensive force and is never afraid to get tangled up with someone for a loose ball. Other solid players on this team include Brian "Beast" Wright, Tommy Reilley, Sam "Baño" Scribano, Christian Haranzo, Ryan Baird, and Alex Murray. Kentucky will face UNC in the first round of the playoffs.
8. (7) [4-5] Syracuse
The Orangeman have been a mediocre team all season. Other than Sophomore big men Alex Phillips and Harry Rayhill, they don't have too much talent. Freshman Jack Bogdan has been pretty solid at the point, but lacks experience in one of the most competitive recreational basketball leagues in Fairfield County. My advice to them would be get Alex Phillips and Harry Rayhill the ball and see if they can use their talents and mezmorizing locks to get points. Syracuse will play Maryland in the first round.
9. (9) [4-5] Maryland
The Terps have been one of the most unpredictable teams this season. When they're on, they can beat anybody, but when they're off, well, they suck. Cousins Teddy Brannigan and Willie Keating have been rebound machines in many games and have been a huge part of all of their four wins. At the top of the key, ex-freshman team star Will Rehm has run the point and has done a solid job. Alongside him has been sophomore Matt Gould. If all of these talents jell together well then they could make a run in the playoffs, otherwise they could be one and done. The Terps will face Syracuse this Sunday in what should be a good matchup.
10. (11) [2-7] Providence
Congrats to the Friars on their highest ever regular season ranking! Although these guys have been a disappointment to say the least, they are a different team when Brian Minicus is in attendance, as he is one of the most versatile guards in the league. Defensively, the Friars have Connor Tienken shutting down anyone who comes his way. Freshman Glen Fay has also had a solid year as he has been one of the strongest 3 point shooters. The Friars will have a tough task in Michigan this Sunday.
11. (10) [2-7] North Carolina
The Tar Heels didn't have super high expectations this season, but they lived up to them, so I congratulate them on that. Sophomore David Volz had to carry this team but wasn't able to bring them too much success, although he had a pretty solid year. Other Sophomores who had big roles were Thomas Foresta and Henry Nolte. Alright guys, I know it's been a running joke all season, but the Tommy Murphy sweat situation just took a serious turn. I was informed late last night that Tommy's body literally has no more sweat to produce. Therefore, he can no longer participate in any physical activity for the time being, and will not be able to play in this year's playoffs. I want to end this teams write up by commending Tommy's effort, heart, and of course his uncanny ability to sweat like none other. Thank you.
12. (12) [1-8] Michigan State
Well, at least the Spartans found a way to get one win this season. I don't think they are going to move past round one in the playoffs, but hey, you never know. We'll see if Patrick Burke and Charlie Olsen can lead this team to an upset over Stanford.
Regular Season Awards:
MVP: Jack Joyce
Big Men of the Year: Teddy Brannigan and Will Rooney
Defensive Player of the Year: Connor Tienken
Freshman of the Year: Really had no idea who to give this to, not sure if any of you guys played that well but... Jack Bogdan
The Guy Who Played A Little Too Hard: Tommy Murphy
Unsung Hero: Sherlock "The GOAT" Aristizabal
Worst Fashion Choice of the Year: Connor Sullivan and his oversized white t-shirt under the jersey... come on man
Playoff Predictions:
(Washington, Duke, UConn, and Georgetown have byes)
#8 Syracuse vs #9 Maryland (winner plays # 1 Washington)
Teddy Brannigan and Alex Phillips go tick for tat all game, Maryland pulls it out in OT
# 6 Stanford vs # 12 Michigan State (winner plays # 4 Duke)
Constantine and Olsen nearly come to blows, but Stanford wins easily in regulation
# 5 Michigan vs # 10 Providence (winner plays # 3 UConn)
Nick Green puts up big numbers, but the game comes down to the wire and Glen Fay hits a buzzer beater three to pull off the upset for the Friars
# 7 Kentucky vs # 11 North Carolina (winner plays # 2 Georgetown)
Kentucky wins in a gritty defesive battle, Tyler Russo most likely fouls out
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