YAIAA boys' basketball power rankings: Central racking up credentials
Unbeaten through its first 12 league games, Central York is firmly planted as the top-ranked team in the latest YAIAA boys' basketball power rankings.
With two games to go for most teams, three for some -- and even four for a squad such as William Penn -- the stretch run continues Friday night. Speaking of the Bearcats, they are currently holding on to the last of four YAIAA tournament spots for Divisions I and II teams. Central, West York and Red Lion are the top three, with Northeastern and Dover still mathematically alive from Division II. Those two play Friday night, but William Penn can clinch the final YAIAA spot with two wins in its last four games.
Click here for a breakdown of the YAIAA tournament picture entering Friday's games.
But here's how we see the league stacking up entering Friday night:
1. Central York (17-2) -- The Panthers are riding high with an 11-game win streak entering Friday. Their last setback was Dec. 27, 2013, against Wilson at Hempfield's holiday tournament. Central recently overtook Wilson for the top spot in the District 3 Class AAAA ratings.
2. West York (20-1) -- Getting Kevin Rice back in the lineup only strengthens the first squad to 20 wins.
3. Bermudian Springs (18-1) -- The Eagles asserted themselves as the top team in Divisions III and IV with their second win against York Suburban. Trojans coach Dustin Boeckel said afterward Bermudian's 18-point road win was just as impressive as their first meeting in York Springs.
4. Red Lion (17-3) -- The Lions came close to handing Central its first YAIAA loss. Their second meeting, which came at Central, was separated by just two points.
5. William Penn (13-5) -- Bearcats coach Troy Sowers said he changed starting lineups after a loss to West York. Since then, William Penn won five straight with a lineup that includes three sophomores. Senior point guard Stephen Dickson now comes off the bench, which means opposing point guards have already worked up a sweat before facing a fresh defensive stalwart.
In contention: 6. York Suburban (14-6), 7. Northeastern (10-9), 8. York Catholic (9-9), 9. Hanover (15-5), 10. Delone Catholic (13-7).