Baltimore Power Rankings 2/19

The MIAA and BCL regular season has come to a close. Aside from a few make up games in the county and city, public schools are also preparing for their postseasons that will begin next week. With that being said, this week impacted the top of our ranking quite a bit. Let’s get into it. 1.Mt. St. Joe (24-6)   Last week’s ranking: No. 6   Last week’s games: win @ Mt. Carmel (64-51), win vs St. Frances (66-63)   Next game: MIAA Quarterfinals vs John Carroll (2/19)   For the second time this season, the Gaels took down St. Frances and make a statement around the city. With the win, Mt. St. Joe clinched the No. 1 seed for their division heading into the playoffs. This time, Ausar Crawley had a breakout game, leading the Gaels with 17 points. The sophomore point guard continues to make his mark and prove why he will be one of the premier players in the MIAA/BCL for years to come. 2. Patterson (17-3)   Last week’s ranking: No. 2   Last week’s games: win vs Mervo (87-53)   Next three games:@ Digital Harbor (2/19), vs Edmonson @ Morgan State (Baltimore City Championship)   Marvin Price led the Clippers in their most recent win with 22 points. TJ Thomas had 16 points, seven assists, and six rebounds to follow Price. This Thursday, Patterson will take on a tough, scrappy Edmonson team for the city title at Morgan State. 3. St. Frances (30-5)   Last week’s ranking: No. 3   Last week’s games: win @ Glenelg Country (74-41), loss @ Mt. St. Joe (66-63)   Next game: MIAA Quarterfinals vs Annapolis Area   St. France dropped their final regular season game against Mt. St. Joe in front of a sold out gymnasium. Ace Baldwin led the way with 17 points and put together an inspiring defensive performance against James Bishop. Jordan Toles eclipsed the 1000-point mark with his 13 points in the losing effort. The Panthers will look to right their wrongs beginning with tonight's opening playoff game against Annapolis Area. 4. Poly (15-3)   Last week’s ranking: No. 3   Last week’s games: win vs Douglass (82-55)   Next game: TBA   The Engineers earned a win at home over Douglass this past week. The next week or so will be used to prepare for the 3A state tournament in which they're trying to win for the third consecutive year. This team has the talent and experience, but has had its fair share of ups and downs. If they play to their capabilities, there is little doubt in my mind any other team will be hoisting the 3A title when it's all said and done. 5. Boys’ Latin (29-5)   Last week’s ranking: No. 4   Last week’s games: loss vs Pallotti (50-44), win vs Annapolis Area (72-64), win @ John Carroll (84-62)   Next game: MIAA Quarterfinals vs Glenelg Country (2/19)   The Lakers suffered a loss at home to Pallotti after a rare, rough shooting night. They responded with two wins. Cam Spencer, Jake Nichols, Sam Grace and Kendall Walker all continue to play at a high level and they'll need that to carry over into the postseason as they open up against a challenging Glenelg Country team. Boys' Latin lacks size and Glenelg Country has plenty of it. We've seen time and time again the Lakers prove people wrong when it comes to counterbalancing the height argument. Can they do it once more?   6. New Town (18-1)   Last week's ranking: No. 5   Last week's games: win @ Landsdowne (74-61)   Next games: @ Dundalk (2/25), TBA @ Towson U (Baltimore County Championship)   The Titans blew through the county all season long. They'll face Dundalk next Monday in a make up game. Although Dundalk surprised Dulaney earlier this season, New Town should have no problems with their size, skill and depth. Following that game, they'll head to Towson University to compete for the county title, in which they'll be the heavy favorites for once again.   7. Dulaney (19-3)   Last week's ranking: No. 7   Last week's games: win vs Woodlawn (79-61), win @ Joppatowne (81-61), win @ Perry Hall (74-59)   Next game: TBA   Dulaney earned three wins over the week against some scrappy opponents. For confidence reasons, the Lions needed all three as they set their eyes on the 4A state tournament. They have clinched the No. 1 seed in the 4A North bracket and will enjoy a first-round by before beginning their path to the Xfinity Center.   8. Edmonson (15-3)   Last week's ranking: No. 8   Last week's games: N/A   Next game: vs Patterson @ Morgan State (Baltimore City Championship 2/21)   The Red Storm have had plenty of time to prepare for Patterson. The two teams met early in the season, as The Red Storm fell by 11. With plenty of length and athleticism, they'll try their best to revenge the early season loss by shocking the Clippers and building momentum heading into state playoff play.   9. McDonogh (17-8)   Last week's ranking: No. 10   Last week's games: win vs Spalding (54-39), win @ Mt. Carmel (71-38), win @ Annapolis Area (67-42)   Next game: MIAA Quarterfinals vs Loyola (2/19)   The Eagles took care of business, winning all three of their games last week. They needed to do so in order to clinch the No. 2 seed in their division. They ended their season with a big win over Annapolis Area (the team they were fighting for to earn the No. 2 seed). Sophomore guard Dave Brown continues to leave his mark, as he did in this contest scoring a game-high 21 points. The Eagles will face a very tough Loyola squad tonight in the opening round of the MIAA A Conference Playoffs.   10. Loyola (19-10)   Last week's ranking: Unranked   Last week's games: win vs Pallotti (55-38), win vs Calvert Hall (85-69)   Next game: MIAA Quarterfinals @ McDonogh (2/19)   The Dons had a productive week picking up two wins and gaining momentum heading into the playoffs. They'll face McDonogh in the first round. The two teams differ in styles. Loyola like to play more in the half court while McDonogh wants to push the pace with their youth and high energy players. If Loyola can rule the glass and time of possession, they'll put themselves in great position to come out on top and advance.