By: David Beliveau

I have been in the Westboro Rec Ball League for three years, and this year is something special. With only a few games left, I wouldn’t say there has been a single, completely dominant team. I believe any of the first 12 teams could beat one another and go on to win in the playoffs and possibly even take the championship. Several buzzer beaters, close games, and upsets have flashed through the league thus far. Any team could walk away with a “W” on Sunday morning or Monday night. Some records do not reflect the strength and potential of certain teams, therefore I have some questionable placements in my power rankings.

Here are my power rankings through week 6:

1. Team French/Beliveau (5-1): Not really much to say about this team, with the best record in the league they stay at #1 in my power rankings. Adam French has led this team all year long, and the only loss they have was when he couldn’t make it to the game. With a full roster, this team is strong.
2. Team Kelly/Clancy (5-3): This team is without a doubt the best team in the league. They have the best ball movement and basketball IQ. Coach Kelly has led his team to at least 2 rec ball championships. It is very doable for them to be there again this year.
3. Team Morin/Lis (6-2): Sam Lis is the most underrated player in the league. This team is athletic, smart, and well coached. Dan Lis and Jeff Arnold continue to work together and produce wins. This team and Kelly/Clancy have the best all around teams.
4. Team Kashmanian (4-3): Creating a team full of best friends has worked out well so far for this team. The chemistry between the players lands this team in 4th for my rankings. Shooting from Ryan Alexander and big post game from Jake Lubsen work as a deadly combo. No other team has the major diversity of gameplay like them.
5. Team Lavine (4-3): This team was underrated all year long. They are the best team with a 4-3 record. Avery Andrews and Neil Sullivan seem to finally be getting their groove. I expect a run from them in the playoffs.
6. Team Smith/Correnti (4-3): Correnti is a monster. Standing tall at 6’5 he is the tallest player in the league. His attendance, not so great. Ryan Liu’s handles and quick jumper help to propel this team to spot #6. Team leader Luke McGrath is always there to support the boys and help get the “W.”
7. Team Macelhaney (5-2): I don’t think this team is very good. They may have a decent record, but Arya and Bosch can be stopped. Once they are shut down, its game over.
8. Team Jane/Latimer (4-3): One of the best shooting teams in the league. Latimer and Jane need more kids to step up. Two players can’t control the outcome of a game, no matter how much they score.
9. Team Meyer (4-3): This team can shoot the lights out, but when they are cold, they don’t have a chance at winning. The lack of size is a true problem for this team.
10. Team Hillier/Sciba (2-5): A decent team. A lot of decent players, not much room for success. Someone needs to step their game up and give this team the spark they need.
11. Team Priest/Kelley (4-3): This team has had some very close games, Collin Priest on the other hand, has been blowing the competition away. Priest is one of the best scorers in the league. Few can stop him, but many can stop the team. If others step up, this team could be jumping high up in the rankings.
12. Team Duckett/Barry (2-5): This team is the definition of a two man show. Griffin Barry and Cailean Duckett combine for about 95% of their team’s points each game. They need to find some chemistry if they want to get some wins before playoffs start.
13. Team Leong/O’toole (1-7): The only reason this team is above Moran is because they beat them by 1 point. Max Weidhass is the sole contributor to this team. This team can’t compete with the twelve teams ahead of them in the rankings.
14. Team Moran/Fitzgerald (0-8): Chaos. This team is all over the place. A few good players can’t carry the rest of the team. With a winless season ahead of them, they stay at the bottom of the rankings.

When the entire team shows up, games can be completely different, for better or for worse. As winter sports wrap up, it should be interesting to see some players step up and make a name for their team. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some upsets in these next couple of weeks.