1A Boys Hoops Top Ten Countdown
- Thread starter matthew328826
- Start date
- Only thing I think could improve this list is getting Essex on it somewhere. Why no love for the purple and gold?
- I also think Sussex could have a sneaky good team this year if they get their young guys to play well.
- Sleeper in Conference 41 is Northampton
- Radford is the best team in the state
- George Wythe is the second best team in the state
- Galax will be around at the end because those kids hit the weight room better than any team in the state
- Honaker takes a huge step back this year
Thanks for looking out for the ole Purple and Gold haha. But yes I agree that Essex is VERY underrated this year. Look for them to make some noise in Conference 43
Essex was a hard snub; being in same conference with Northumberland and Lancaster means no guarantee they get to regionals. But they did win the conference tourney as a #6 seed and have Calhoun back. Calhoun may be the best forward in 1A-East. Won't be surprised to see Essex move their way into the Top 10 as we go along though. Let's remember as good as the Trojans were last season late, they did only finish 11-11 overall. I do like their team... just feel like Northumberland and Lancaster may have a couple more pieces.
Not sure on Sussex and Northampton - though I'll say I liked some of what I saw when I checked out Sussex in person last year against Surry... think McClendon is going to have them competitive.
Radford as best team in state and George Wythe as 2nd best team in state is not really going out on a limb since we had Radford #2 and George Wythe #3. Wythe has pretty much everyone back and putting them ahead of Honaker to me was a tough sell with Honaker's best player back from a team that beat them handily 75-49 in regionals.
I don't know that Honaker takes a huge step back with Robinette returning from a team that won 27 in a row before losing in the State Final to an all-time great Altavista squad. Yes, they'll miss the 4 starters that graduated, three of which were double-figures scorers, but the system in which they play should allow them to push the pace and also feed the big man. Remember, they did score 100+ three times last season, plus the Tigers' reserves contributed a fair amount in that 26-point regional win over Wythe.
On Galax - wouldn't surprise me since Verl Brown is one of the best around. However, a lot of coaches I spoke to before the season said they looked noticeably down during the off-season. Losing Conley and Bartlett is a pretty big deal. That's a lot of 3's there. But not a team one of those favorites would want to draw in the first round of the playoffs because they can control tempo and shorten the game better than most.
To me I think it's a 4-team race in 1A-West to win the region, maybe the state, with Honaker, Radford, George Wythe and I'll even throw in an Eastside team that is trying to take that next step similar to Honaker at this point a season ago. A lot could hinge on what the big kid Radford got does, particularly if they face off against Robinette and the Tigers.
Not sure on Sussex and Northampton - though I'll say I liked some of what I saw when I checked out Sussex in person last year against Surry... think McClendon is going to have them competitive.
Radford as best team in state and George Wythe as 2nd best team in state is not really going out on a limb since we had Radford #2 and George Wythe #3. Wythe has pretty much everyone back and putting them ahead of Honaker to me was a tough sell with Honaker's best player back from a team that beat them handily 75-49 in regionals.
I don't know that Honaker takes a huge step back with Robinette returning from a team that won 27 in a row before losing in the State Final to an all-time great Altavista squad. Yes, they'll miss the 4 starters that graduated, three of which were double-figures scorers, but the system in which they play should allow them to push the pace and also feed the big man. Remember, they did score 100+ three times last season, plus the Tigers' reserves contributed a fair amount in that 26-point regional win over Wythe.
On Galax - wouldn't surprise me since Verl Brown is one of the best around. However, a lot of coaches I spoke to before the season said they looked noticeably down during the off-season. Losing Conley and Bartlett is a pretty big deal. That's a lot of 3's there. But not a team one of those favorites would want to draw in the first round of the playoffs because they can control tempo and shorten the game better than most.
To me I think it's a 4-team race in 1A-West to win the region, maybe the state, with Honaker, Radford, George Wythe and I'll even throw in an Eastside team that is trying to take that next step similar to Honaker at this point a season ago. A lot could hinge on what the big kid Radford got does, particularly if they face off against Robinette and the Tigers.
Thanks for the great work on the top tens!
I will just say that I would place both Northumberland and Essex as teams that have the definite potential to be the two best teams from the East Region.. Wow, both are stacked with great returners and some newcomers. Both NHS and EHS' probable starting 5s plus a couple off the bench look quite talented.
Essex also is in a little better position than usual as some of their top players do not play football this year. Team should not take as long to gel as usual because of a month's loss of practice. Will still take some time.
If both teams stay healthy and focused with no major problems, look for one or both teams to go far...
I will just say that I would place both Northumberland and Essex as teams that have the definite potential to be the two best teams from the East Region.. Wow, both are stacked with great returners and some newcomers. Both NHS and EHS' probable starting 5s plus a couple off the bench look quite talented.
Essex also is in a little better position than usual as some of their top players do not play football this year. Team should not take as long to gel as usual because of a month's loss of practice. Will still take some time.
If both teams stay healthy and focused with no major problems, look for one or both teams to go far...
Appreciate your remarks and input. Am interested to see how both do, and judging from Northumberland already putting up a 100 spot on the board, Mike Stevenson has that offense humming.
Planning to get up that way for a game because I know the action in the NND is quite competitive. Was disappointed last year to make the 3 hour trip to Lancaster only to find out their game with W&L got postponed last minute, literally 15 minutes after I called the school in the afternoon to make sure it was still on...
Fortunately, tools such as HUDL, Krossover and things of that nature to watch video make the job easier to see more teams when it's humanly impossible to see everyone in the state.
Oh really? I didn't know that and yes I am... that's great to hear. I've done some broadcasting the last couple years for NFHS during the State Tournament. Think it's tremendous having games up there to watch. Thanks for the heads up on that and I'll definitely check it out.
Didn't make the Preseason Top 10 - but could be in the Top 10 sooner than later. They were one of those teams just outside. Five new starters and a coaching change with Troy Harris taking over for Mike Cartolaro.
Got a couple holdovers that were subs from the three-peat teams in 6'2" junior forward Josh McClure and 5'11" senior guard Nelson Dews. Also keep an eye on a couple of underclassmen that may determine what kind of season they have in 5'10" junior guard Mateo Maulbeck and 6'3" sophomore forward Lawrence Gaillard, who could have a real breakout year.
So much lost experience, it might take some time for them jell. Clearly not the same team from the last three years.
Got a couple holdovers that were subs from the three-peat teams in 6'2" junior forward Josh McClure and 5'11" senior guard Nelson Dews. Also keep an eye on a couple of underclassmen that may determine what kind of season they have in 5'10" junior guard Mateo Maulbeck and 6'3" sophomore forward Lawrence Gaillard, who could have a real breakout year.
So much lost experience, it might take some time for them jell. Clearly not the same team from the last three years.
