As the league races get going this week, this is where we stand.
No. 1 Cardinal Newman (11-0)(Last ranking No. 1)…Dominating start to the season.  Eight of the eleven wins are by double figures.  The three they didn’t get double figure wins in were against teams with a combined record of 25-13. According to the power rankings in the North Coast Section they are No. 1 in Division 4.
No. 2 Montgomery (5-7) (2)…Barely hangs on to this spot and the reason is they have had the most challenging schedule of any team in the area.  The schedule, the travel and an injury to starting guard Michael Septino has hurt the record as they have lost five of six.
No. 3 Piner (6-4) (4)…At the moment there is a big difference between No. 1 and No. 3. Last week Piner lost to Cardinal Newman 48-27. Piner is one of the favorites in SCL race.

No. 4 Elsie Allen (10-4)(5)…Another favorite in what looks like a tight SCL race.  To either rank Elsie Allen this high or even considered them a favorite in any race seemed impossible two years ago.  This is a program on the rise and is a senior laden team that should do some damage
No.5 Cloverdale (7-3) (7)…A split in the Eureka area over this past weekend was their first loss since the opening tournament of the season.  The loss might hurt come playoff time, but the Eagles are the favorite in NCL I race.
No. 6 Casa Grande (6-6) (8)…Lost first two games by a combined six points.  Since then they have been consistent. This is a team not to take lightly in NBL race.
No. 7 Windsor (6-5) (3)…They had a disaster hosting their own tournament, going 0-3.  Looks like a team that could be very good some nights, not so good others.
No. 8 Ukiah (7-5)(9)…Most impressive win was its last victory over Arcata.  A trip to Ukiah is rarely considered easy.  It won’t be easy this season either.
No. 9 Willits (10-2) (6)…Won ten of eleven since opening game loss.  Young team with enough senior leadership that looks very capable of defending its NCL I championship.
No. 10 Middletown (7-1) (10)…Schedule won’t scare anyone, but looks like a treat in what should be a good NCL I race.
 
POWER RANKINGS
This is a crap shot (as is our top ten) because not all the results are in for the power rankings.
No. 1 Cardinal Newman…First two wins of Sonoma County Classic isn’t included in power rankings and they are still No. 1
No. 2 Montgomery
No. 3 Windsor…Yes they are still this high.  The three losses in their tournament aren’t included in power rankings.
No. 4 Cloverdale
No. 5 Casa Grande
No. 6 Piner
No. 7 Elsie Allen
No. 8 Middletown
No. 9 Roseland University Prep
No. 10 Ukiah

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jalen Busby, Elsie Allen…Has picked up the slack after the injury to Joe Hoeup.  Averaging over 19 points a game he has scored at least 20 in seven of the Lobos fourteen games, including four of the last six.
 
 
 
My email address is jacpasquini@comcast.net