Baltimore Power Rankings (2/3/20)

<p>The Baltimore Power Rankings had went away for a couple of weeks (apologies for that). But just like that, we're back trying to make sense of a very confusing season here in the Charm City. Just when you think a team has established themselves in a certain rank, something happens to cause question. Everyone loves a little parity, but the second tier teams in the area are making it extremely difficult to feel confident in any ranking of teams.</p> <p>Without further ado...</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>1. Mount St. Joseph (21-3)</strong></span></p> <p>Next three games: vs Loyola, vs Spalding, vs Annapolis Area Christian</p> <p>The Gaels have been surging ever since the calendar change. Currently riding a 10-game winning streak, they have established themselves as the top dog in Baltimore. Their win over St. Frances on Jan. 17 helped solidify that argument and since then they've been playing with confidence. 2020 <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jason-edokpayi/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jason-edokpayi/">Jason Edokpayi</a></a></strong>, 2020 <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tyler-brelsford/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tyler-brelsford/">Tyler Brelsford</a></a></strong> and 2021 <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ausar-crawley/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ausar-crawley/">Ausar Crawley</a></a></strong> are getting into a groove at the perfect time of the season.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>2. St. Frances (27-3)</strong></span></p> <p>Next three games: vs Calvert Hall, @ Mt. Carmel, vs Gerstell</p> <p>Since the Panthers experienced a hiccup against Mt. St. Joe, they've taken care of business. Picking up a win against Poly in what was one of the most anticipated games of the season helped gain traction. They're looking more comfortable by the day since losing two starters as 2020<strong> <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jamal-west/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jamal-west/">Jamal West</a></a></strong> and 2021 <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/khyrie-staten/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/khyrie-staten/">Khyrie Staten</a></a></strong> have been the consistent contributors not just for the past couple weeks, but for the entire season.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>3. Poly (15-2)</strong></span></p> <p>Next three games: @ City, vs Forest Park, @ Douglass</p> <p>The Engineers got back to their winning ways since suffering their loss to St. Frances with wins over Reginald F. Lewis and Dunbar. They'll face off with a City team tonight who has proven to be a tough opponent. From here on out, they look to polish weaknesses as they prep for the city championship game against Lake Clifton Feb. 25. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>4. Lake Clifton (11-3)</strong></span></p> <p>Next three games: vs Dunbar, @ Digital Harbor, vs Ben Franklin</p> <p>No matter the score, you can never count out this Lake Clifton team. Time and time again they've clawed their way back into games after digging early holes for themselves. It's speaks to their overall toughness. The Lakers proved their worth with their last three wins over Mervo, City and Edmondson. Similar to Poly, they'll look to fix some flaws as they get ready to take on the juggernaut of the city in the title game.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>5. City (16-1)</strong></span></p> <p>Next three games: vs Poly, @ Southwestern, vs Digital Harbor</p> <p>The Knights suffered their first loss of the season to the Lakers last week, but bounced back nicely in a 81-43 win over Douglass. This game against Poly will be a measuring stick to see just how good this City team is. They have a good mix of skilled guards and some size. 2021 <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ahmad-harrison/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ahmad-harrison/">Ahmad Harrison</a></a></strong> and 2020 <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dominick-carrington/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dominick-carrington/">Dominick Carrington</a></a></strong> have been crucial to City's winning this season.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>6. New Town (16-1)</strong></span></p> <p>Next three games: @ Owings Mills, vs Dundalk vs Landsdowne</p> <p>The Titans have taken over the top spot in Baltimore County by a wide margin. 2020 <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/martaz-robinson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/martaz-robinson/">Martaz Robinson</a></a> has been orchestrating this team throughout their high level of play and with a win over Parkville on Feb. 14, should lock up their spot in the Baltimore County championship game to defend their title.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>7. John Carroll (17-7)</strong></span></p> <p>Next three games: vs Archbishop Spalding, vs Boys' Latin, vs Glenelg Country</p> <p>Over this week we'll learn all that we need to know about this John Carroll team. Their game tonight against Spalding holds massive playoff implications and both Boys' Latin and Glenelg Country are trying to end their seasons strong. St. Frances went into John Carroll and came out with a commanding 17-point victory. This Patriots team is talented without a doubt, but how you respond to adversity is the true test of a team. </p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>8. Archbishop Spalding (13-8)</strong></span></p> <p>Next three games: @ John Carroll, @ Mt. St. Joseph, vs Boys' Latin</p> <p>Spalding's next week will decide their postseason fate. The massive game will be tonight against John Carroll. If they can get wins against both John Carroll and Mt. St. Joe, it would cement their slot for the playoff picture in the MIAA.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>9. Edmondson (13-4)</strong></span></p> <p>Next three games: vs NAF, @ Reginald F. Lewis, vs Southwestern</p> <p>The Red Storm earned a big win over Mervo before coming up short against a tough Lake Clifton team. Their next three games should result in victories, which will give them good momentum heading into state playoff bracket play.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>10. Mervo (10-5)</strong></span></p> <p>Next three games: vs Reginald F. Lewis, @ Dunbar, @ Patterson</p> <p>The Mustangs have the talent to be a very good team but for some reason, they haven't been able to piece it all together. With three winnable games ahead to end their regular season schedule, they should have a boost of confidence before their hopeful journey to the Xfinity Center begins.</p> <p><em>Others considered: Dulaney, Parkville, Gilman, Loyola</em></p>