re: 7th Annual CSAL 8th Grade Preseason Basketball Rankings

I have seen a few people asking for an update. We are getting close to March Madness, so it is time for an Elite 8 Bubble Watch:

Locks:

St. George (Preseason #1) - The dragons are an athletic bunch that have embraced full court pressure. They won the St. George tournament which is traditionally the most competitive regular season tournament.

St. Jude (Preseason #2) - Fighting for the #2 seed with OLOM currently. I wouldn't be surprised if any of the top 3 teams take home the championship. A St. George vs. St. Jude championship game would be must see CSAL.

OLOM (Preseason #6) - Probably have the most balanced attack. This team is patient, well coached, and plays the inside out game on offense better than anyone.

St. Thomas More (Preseason #5) - Not part of the big 3, but definitely deserves a spot in the end of the year tourney. The flex offense continues to create nightmares for opposing coaches.

Work Left to Do

St. Aloysius (Preseason #4) - This St. Aloysius team looks like most in the past. They aren't in the top 4, but if the tourney were held today they would most likely be in.

Holy Family (Unranked in the preseason) - Holy Family came out of nowhere this season and has been impressive. They have wins over bubble teams in MBS and CHS. They are led by 2 big men that can get out and shoot the 3 as well. As long as they avoid a bad loss to a non-tournament team they should be in.

Bubble Teams

If all holds serve, there are 5 teams competing for 2 spots. Those teams are (in random order):

Sacred Heart - (Preseason #3) - Sacred Heart hasn't met preseason expectations so far. The injury bug has played them, and they have failed to perform against upper competition including a blowout loss to St. George.

St. Theresa - (Preseason #7) - St. Theresa has a pretty tough strength of schedule which could play in their favor. They are a large team with quality depth. Have a pivotal game against fellow bubble squad Sacred Heart coming up.

MBS - (Unranked in Preseason) - MBS is led by a shoot first pg, one is one of the best scorers in the league. Lately other players have stepped up to add to the scoring as well. Most likely they are on the outside looking in though.

CHS - (Preseason #8) - The baby bears had a slow start to the season, but have definitely improved throughout. Their margin for error is gone now though, and they probably need wins against Sacred Heart (home) and Holy Family (road) to sneak into the Elite 8.

St. Alphonsus - (unranked in preseason) - Alphonsus creates a hectic basketball game with consistent pressure and a fast paced tempo. They have beaten up on some non-tournament teams including a blowout victory against St. Elizabeth. They split the regular season games with CHS. They are hanging onto the bubble at this point.