For a number of reasons, I was debating not doing any preseason county hoops rankings this year:
1. I’m not a big fan of subjective preseason polls, even when I’m the one creating them. 2. People tend to take them too seriously instead of in the lighthearted manner that’s intended. 3. Well, sometimes my rankings are way off and end up making me look foolish.
But then I thought, ‘Ah, what the heck’? So here we go…
BOYS
1. Cedar Crest – This one was easy. The Falcons are loaded and led by the league’s best and most important (to his team) player in Evan Horn. They won the L-L title last season and are the favorites to do it again.
2. Lebanon – A lot of leadership and production was lost from last season’s L-L runner-up, but there’s still a good deal of talent on hand. Far from a lock at this spot, but I think the Cedars end up having a successful season. We’ll see.
3. Elco – Maybe a little optimistic here, but I think this could be Elco’s year. Certainly doesn’t hurt that the Raiders have a legit go-to-guy in junior swingman Colton Lawrence. Definitely a team to watch.
4. Palmyra – I’ll be honest, this is kind of a blind pick because I haven’t seen the Cougars much in recent years. But there are some athletes here and Pete Conrad always seems to get the most out of what he has, so the No.4 spot it is. Prove me right, fellas. Or overachieve, if you like.
5. Annville-Cleona – Only two wins last year, but I feel like Chris Bradford has A-C headed in the right direction. Time will tell, though. Gotta prove it on the court.
6. Northern Lebanon – Vikes got cleaned out by graduation, so they’re starting over a little bit. But Isaac Ray and his 3-point shooting give NL a fighting chance to be competitive.
7. Lebanon Catholic – Definitely a rebuilding year for the Beavers, who’ll only suit up 8 varsity players. Gonna take some time for Catholic to return to contending status again. Patience is a virtue, folks.
GIRLS
1. Cedar Crest – I almost flipped a coin for this one because Palmyra is loaded, too. But the Falcons appear to have it all- size, shooters, ball handling and depth. They’re gonna have to play their way out of the top spot.
2. Palmyra – A lot to like here, as usual. Lots of battle-tested, competitive kids for Ron Berman to coach again this season. With the move up to Class AAAA not sure another trip to the state semifinals is in the offing, but the Cougars will be heard from. A lot. Book it.
3. Lebanon – Graduation and the transfer of Madison Rakow to Cedar Crest have weakened the Cedars, but not to the point that they’ll surrender their Section Two title without a fight. Especially with the big-hearted Brittany Ulrich back to run the point.
4. Northern Lebanon – Look out for the Vikings, who figure to be much-improved over last season thanks to the dynamic sophomore backcourt of Zoe Zerman and Megan Brandt. Still have a lot of growing to do, but should be fun to follow their progress.
5. Lebanon Catholic – With a roster of 11 players – up from a dangerously low six a season ago – there is hope again on Assumption Hill. Watch out for freshmen Neesha Pierre and Mariah Sholly.
6. Elco – Graduation also hit the Raiders hard, so it could be a rough go at times in Myerstown. But I have a feeling Elco will play enough defense to stay in games until the young kids develop.
7. Annville-Cleona – Toyed with ranking A-C higher, but a lot of kids are going to be playing big roles for the first time in their careers. Might take some time for things to come together for rookie head coach Roger Hayes’ club.
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Preseason county hoops rankings
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