Wildcats Wreak Havoc
METROWEST REC: Week 2 Power Rankings
By Taylor Pettiford | Metrowest League Coordinator
With the first rec league week in the books, we’ve got a glimpse at which teams are gelling and which have an uphill battle. In Week 1, the Wildcats were the most impressive team hands down; but we saw some impressive performances league wide. Below is how our field ranks heading into Week 2.
1. Wildcats | 1-0
With a backcourt of Stephen Dion (21 points, 16 rebounds) and Jonathan Waters (21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals), we knew the Wildcats would be a championship competitor. But did we think they’d annihilate Hustle to the tune of a 23-point victory? Certainly not. What puts this team over the top is their front court of Mark Albright (15 points, 5 rebounds) and Lou Hinckley (6 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks). We didn’t get a chance to see the rest of their roster whereas Felipe Billa has since been shipped to Hustle and all others were absent. But regardless of who fills the gaps, the Wildcats will be dangerous and have their sights set on hanging a championship banner.
2. Ankle Bullies | 1-0
The Ankle Bullies don’t have much size despite 6’5 post anchor Michael Biddlecom (8 points, 9 rebounds). But what they lack in size they make up for in tenacity. Jorge Fernandez (17 points, 8 rebounds) headlined a feisty backcourt that also includes CJ Clinkscale and Roberto Bonilla (14 points). Their x-factor this season may be Irving Azor who grabbed 11 boards and plays with the quiet grit you love as a teammate. With scrappy captain Keith Rovinelli and sharpshooter Mike McGustus expected to make their debuts in Week 2, this team should only get better.
3. Old Game Changers | 1-0
Riley. Traveller. The man is a stone-cold killer from beyond the arc and made his UH debut to the tune of 29 points including six three-pointers. Outside of Traveller, the offense was a bit out of sorts as the rest of the team shot a combined 8-32. But seeing as Adam Rosario, Brendan Connolly and Andrew Christopherson will all improve as chemistry develops, this team is a true contender. Any contributions they get from big man Tommy Rogers are an added bonus.
4. Tapped Out | 0-1
Their UH debut didn’t start or end the way they would’ve liked, but it’s a long season and Tapped Out has the type of veteran poise that will make them a tough out each and every week. It’s tough to win any game when you turn the ball over 17 times. So, that will be first on captain Scott Lubarsky’s points of emphasis heading into Week 2. Close behind should be the need to steadily feed John Finnerty and Steven Gum, the teams two best offensive weapons. If they can do so and reduce the turnovers, we may see Tapped Out sitting at .500 come next week. Also, be on the lookout for Pat Cusanelli to make his season debut. The crafty lefty has a knack for scoring around the basket and should help make them one of the better rebounding teams in the league.
5. Uncle Drew All Stars | 0-1
Week 1 was ugly for UDAS. As a team, they shot 28 percent from the field and struggled to find any semblance of offensive fluidity. Despite the poor opening week, they only lost by single digits and have the pieces that can quickly surge them up the rankings. Captain Ben Lee is an all-league defender, Warren Lane may be the best athlete in the league, Michael Morris is a bucket and Grant Hornung is a seasoned marksman. By adding Tedi George to the mix in Week 2, they should have a point guard capable of efficiently running the offense and giving them an added scoring threat.
6. Hustle | 0-1
A 23-point loss is NEVER how you want to start off a season, but let’s not hit the panic button just yet. For a team whose chemistry was the worst in the league, the only way to go is up. With one of the stronger cores in the league – Brendan Andersen, Elzey James and Jeff Raymond (20 points, 15 rebounds) – don’t expect this team to roll over and play dead. Especially now that Felipe Billa and his shooting expertise have joined the squad. But until they work out their chemistry issues, more losses will follow.