To the surprise of few, the Brotherhood remained perfect against last season’s runner up, Sportslook. Russ Payton and Michael Davis continue to wreak havoc for the league’s top team and they appear virtually unstoppable having now beaten Sportslook and No Limit. Look for Goon Squad, who is only the third team to score in the triple digits this season, to test the Brotherhood in week 8.
2
(5-2)
Despite an 11-point loss to the Brotherhood, a strong performance against the league’s top team does not go unnoticed. With No Limit’s upset loss to Run TMC, Sportslook jumps up a spot in the rankings. Bryan Acevedo has been a shell of his former self, but the addition of Scott Corchard has restored balance for this high-energy team. A matchup against the Temptations next week will be a true test of this team’s makeup headed into postseason play.
3
(5-2)
The league’s top 3-point shooting team faltered big time getting upset by Run TMC. In a night where John Rullan was 0-for-11 from 3-point land, No Limit seemed flustered offensively when looking to find ways to score from inside the arc. No Limit should easily rebound next week against the Air Ballers. Ronte Byrd was impressive turning in a double-double. If his play continues look for the “core four” to make a strong playoff push.
4
(5-2)
The Temptations stay put at the four spot in our rankings after knocking off a BS&B team that continues to slide. Carmine Santorelli and Erik Silva have both made strong cases for all-star consideration. The emergence of Fred Milfort and addition of Chris Dias has added depth to a bench that was previously thin. Their week 8 game against Sportslook looks to be one of the more intriguing matchups.
5
(6-1)
Goon Squad erupted for 102 points last week in a rout of One Time. With so much gridlock at the top of the league and a weaker strength of schedule, Goon Squad has been unable to jump up on any of the first four teams. They will be tested in week 8 against the Brotherhood. If they can carry over their momentum to next week a possible upset of the league’s top team could shake up the power rankings going forward.
6
(3-4)
Despite a gargantuan upset over No Limit, Run TMC sees themselves staying put at the six spot. The injection of Reggie Stewart to this team has been monumental, as they are on a 3-game win streak since his addition. While Run TMC has gotten hot at the right time, we have to see a bit more before we can justify a bump in the rankings. Run TMC cannot afford to lose to the Cereal Killers in week 8 if they want to climb up the ladder.
7
(3-4)
The Cereal Killers were able to snap their 4-game losing streak with a win over the Kekambas. After heading into the half behind, the Cereal Killers closed out a close game and got themselves back on track. This is a team that has a great deal of size and talent, but has yet to really gel as a unit and put it all together. The Cereal Killers will have to capitalize in the closing weeks to enter the playoffs with a favorable matchup.
8
(4-3)
Despite a push to the semi-finals in the summer 16 season, BS&B has struggled to climb back to the level of play they were capable of last season. On a current 3-game losing streak, BS&B has struggled to steady the ship. Poor shot selection has been the achilles heel for the team as of late, but they have a favorable matchup against One Time in week 8. With the Brotherhood in week 9, BS&B has to go into next week with a must-win mentality.
9
(2-5)
Although it took six weeks to get there, the Titans collected their first win of the season in week six. They would double their win total in week seven, knocking off the Air Ballers. The Titans have gotten hot at the right time and look like an incredibly different team than they were to start the season. The Titans have have leapfrogging the Kekambas, who they will play in week 8. A win against the Kekambas, who share the same record, would validate this jump in the rankings.
10
(2-5)
While the Kekambas are number one in the social media game, they are less exciting on the court. Now in the midst of a 3-game losing streak, the Kekambas see themselves drop down to the ten-spot for the first time since week two. Chris Aaron and Davin Sirpenski have played well, but the Kekambas have been unable to close out close games after losing to the Cereal Killers, despite a lead at the half. The Kekambas have a winnable matchup in week 8 against the Titans, but will need to really dial it in as the Titans have been surging.
11
(0-7)
Time is running out for One Time to get into the win column. Michael Cody’s individual excellence can only carry this team so far. With two weeks remaining One Time will avoid playing the league’s top teams with games against BS&B and the Cereal Killers. They will need to channel their best basketball if they hope to avoid a wire-to-wire losing season.
12
(0-7)
The league’s other winless team, the Air Ballers, has continued to sputter along losing for the seventh-straight time last week. Getting a win seems bleak as the Air Ballers are set to face No Limit and Sportslook to close out the season. While Jaylon Smalls and Pablo Rosa have proven they can play in this league, unfortunately, this team just does not have enough to get over the hump.
