By Kyle Auger, Tim Delouchrey, John Devereaux, Andy Dunn, & Ethan Walshe
The Rec Ball Committee
This week’s power rankings:
1) Knicks (6-0) – It’s been the same old story for the Knicks, who are the only undefeated team remaining in the league. A hard fought victory agains the 8th ranked Nets solidified them as the number one team in the league thanks to senior leadership as well as a 21 point performance from junior Sam Brewer.
2) Jazz (6-1) – Despite the loss of Glynn Johnson and two teeth from the mouth of sophomore Sam McMillan, the “Green Machine” has pulled off three straight victories, thanks to some last minute heroics from senior Andy Dunn and junior Sean Coppinger. On Sunday they cruised to an 11 point victory over the Supersonics, who were without senior Nick Mizzoni, and then narrowly beat the Nets in an overtime thriller late Monday night.
3) Supersonics (6-1) – The Supersonics suffered their only loss this week highly due to the absence of Nick Mizzoni. The loss came at the hand of the number two ranked Jazz. Expect them to still be a formidable contender moving late into the season.
4) Rockets (4-3) – They’re back. Their talent is undeniable. Led by junior Josh Sawyer, the high-powered offense found their way to a 36 point victory this past Sunday. However, they suffer from a lack of attendance and a bottom five defense.
5) Trailblazers (4-3) – The addition of senior Jack Underhill has been a huge boost for the Blazers offensively. He is averaging 23.5 ppg in his first two appearances, both of which were wins. Paired with senior guards Oliver Heitkamp and Sam Libby, look for this team to continue rising.
6) Heat (4-3) – A shallow bench and sparse attendance have made it difficult for the Heat to maintain dominance. They dropped their last three games after winning their first four. Yet again, attendance has been an issue for the team. If everyone is there, look for them to be a force in the post season.
7) Mavericks (4-3) – The Mavericks went 2-0 this week, beating the Suns and the Thunder by an average margin of nine points. With one of the best pairs of big men in the league in seniors Matt Cardeiro and Ryan Semeter, they are a solid contender moving into the second half of the season.
8) Nets (3-4) – Faced with a tough schedule, their losing record forces them down to eighth in the league. Juniors Kyle Ryan, Anthony Cusano, and Peter Hurley make a dynamic trio on both sides of the course. Their suffocating full court press shows intensity, condition, and dedication.
From January 26
Jazz 59 — 48 Supersonics
Top three scorers
Sean Coppinger (Jazz)- 27
Eashan Jani (Sonics) – 20
Zach Reid (Sonics) – 12
Knicks 62 — 52 Nets
Top three scorers
Sam Brewer (Knicks) – 21
Dillon McGee (Knicks) – 17
Kyle Ryan (Nets) – 17
Thunder 35 — 40 Mavs
Top three scorers
John Deveraux (Thunder ) – 15
Dan Bodi (Mavs) – 14
John Barnes (Thunder) – 11
Magic 54 — 55 Celtics
Top three scorers
Andrew Clark (Magic) – 22
Pat Caviston (Celtics) – 15
Aman Khimani (Celtics) – 12
Rockets 61 — 25 Heat
Top three scorers
Josh Sawyer (Rockets) – 18
Matt McGorty (Rockets) – 16
Mike Previte (Heat) – 13
Trailblazers 46 — 40 Warriors
Top three scorers
Ryan Pocock (Warriors) – 22
Jack Underhill (Blazers) – 19
Sam Libby (Blazers) -13
Suns 49 — 47 Bucks
Top three scorers
Scott McCord (Suns) – 15
Kevin Shen (Suns) – 15
Conor Hanly (Bucks) – 15
Timberwolves 46 — 45 Clippers
Top three scorers
Kyle Auger (Timberwolves) – 21
Connor Burke (Clippers) – 16
Joey Sullivan (Clippers) – 16
From January 27
Jazz 66 – 65 Nets (Overtime)
Top three scorers
Sean Coppinger (Jazz) – 21
Peter Hurley (Nets) – 18
Andy Dunn (Jazz) – 15
Blazers-54 — 43 Celtics
Top three scorers
Jack Underhill (Blazers) – 28
Dino Ferrini (Celtics) – 18
Aman Khimani (Celtics) – 12
Mavericks-49 — 36 Suns
Top three scorers
Ryan Semeter (Mavs) – 18
Derek Lehan (Suns) -12
Matt Cardeiro (Mavs) – 8
