Final area boys' basketball power rankings
For much of the season, Central York and West York dominated the boys' basketball scene around York County. By the postseason, William Penn took form. So did New Hope Academy, the charter school within the City of York.
Considering New Hope's run and its school's uncertain future, the Mighty Ants of Class A will be included in this final set of power rankings, which are typically reserved for just YAIAA schools.
Where do you think they would fit? Who's your top five for next season? What did you take from this season?
Let us know in the comments section below.
1. Central York (24-5): This debate is a healthy one. Should the Panthers get the top spot of William Penn, which beat two of the teams that handed Central two of its three straight losses to close the season. The Panthers' first league title in 40 years, combined with two double-digit wins against the District 3 champion Bearcats, is enough to warrant them the top spot for overall achievement this past season.
2. William Penn (23-7): The Bearcats closed this season winning 15 of their last 17 games and the District 3 Class AAAA title. With three sophomores (Trey Shifflett, Kristopher Johnson and Brandon Smallwood) joined by two juniors (Jahaire Wilson and D'Montie Shaw) in the starting lineup, Troy Sowers' team will likely be hyped for next season. This team could also be deeper if New Hope Academy does not win its appeal to remain in existence.
3. West York (24-5): It was a bounce-back season for the Bulldogs, who a year ago hovered around .500. Dynamic play from Kevin Rice and a deep lineup that outworked opponents most nights was the formula for a team that lost only once during the YAIAA regular season. The Bulldogs graduate a talented senior class, led by Rice, 6-foot-3 Parker Weekly and guard Noah Cable. They still have a promising sophomore class that includes rebounding machine Darian McCauley and point guard Josh Bailey.
4. Bermudian Springs (22-5): This Eagles squad went to places no other boys' basketball team reached in the history of the program. They not only played at Giant Center but opened with a promising performance against Boiling Springs, which handed them a rare regular-season loss earlier in the year.
5. Red Lion (19-6): The Lions might be wondering what if point guard Evan Miller had not suffered a hand injury in their regular-season finale vs. William Penn. Red Lion contended for a Division I title but had to enter the postseason without its senior point guard. The Lions will lose him and 6-foot-5 1,000-point career scorer Mike Fox. They will bring back a strong sophomore in Jason Rebuck, guard Austin Huson and sharpshooting Stone McCreary.
Rest of the top 10: 6. York Suburban (16-8), 7. New Hope Academy (16-10), 7. Hanover (19-8), 8. Northeastern (13-11), 9. Delone Catholic (15-11), 10. Eastern York (12-10).
Early top five for next season: 1. William Penn, 2. Central York, 3. Red Lion, 4. Northeastern, 5. York Suburban.
On the rise: Dover, Northeastern, Spring Grove.