It's that time of year folks. Can we get a sticky? Jamborees start next week, so let's get to it.

Much like the NCAA Tournament has increased from 64 to 68 teams, the Elite 8 has increased to the Big 10 Tournament. This will allow for some coaches to get their post season bonuses along with some extra job security for making the tournament.

Last year saw the first year of the increase in participants, and it created a great tournament with some upsets. Our Lady of Mercy held off Catholic High in a low scoring affair for the third place game victory. St. George got their Threepeat in a comeback win against St. Aloysius despite a technical foul and subsequent foul out of one of the Dragon's best players.

This year shouldn’t be any different. Without further ado, here are the much anticipated 2014-2015 Preseason CSAL Rankings.( Last year’s 8th grade finish is in parenthesis):

1. Our Lady of Mercy (3)– No other CSAL program can boast a coach which has a high school state championship to his name, much less two. The Blue Jays have finished the last two seasons 2nd and 3rd respectively. This season they hope to cut down the nets for the first time in a while. What this team may lack in size, they make up for in athleticism and speed. They will run a well balanced motion offense with great shot selection. It seems that those bright blue trademark uniforms are due for another banner to hang in their storied gym.

2. St. George (1)– Pat Riley may have trademarked the term “Three-Peat” after his stint with the Lakers, but he should let the Dragons use it currently. Their Hall of Fame head coach has probably lost count of his CSAL Elite 8 Trophies (we estimate it is around 8 though.) St. George basketball is currently like Alabama Football – Top Notch Facilities, a hard-nosed Hall of Fame coach which has built his legacy on tough defense, and the trophy case to show for it. This year’s team will be similar to last - some undersized guards with high basketball IQ to match with some football bulk in the front court which will cause some serious match-up problems.

3. St. Jude (5)– St. Jude had a down season for their standards in 2013-2014, which still included some victories over eventual higher seeded teams and a strong appearance in the Elite 8. They have been the first team to really copy the NBA and trend towards a pick and roll offense. In fact, rumor is that Monty Williams attended some of their practices during the offseason to see how they were running it and adopt some techniques. The Cougars hope to end the Dragon's dynasty this season. When St. George and St. Jude matchup, it is must see tv on the same level as Duke – UNC.

4. Catholic High School (4)– A loss in the consolation game was the Baby Bears best Elite 8/Top 10 finish in at least 15 seasons. This once doormat of CSAL has turned into a perennial Elite 8 (now Big Ten) qualifier over recent seasons under the Son-Father coaching tandem. Last year’s team featured a front line of 3 borderline 6 footers. This year’s team doesn’t have the size, but will have one of the most athletic teams in CSAL. Running sound motion offense has been a staple of the Bears for years and with multiple ballhandlers coming in this team could look like Villanova circa 2006.

5. St. Aloysius (2)– The Lions lost in the Elite 8 Championship which was their best finish in at least 10 seasons. They had incredible size all around last season which created some serious matchup problems with their extended 2-1-2 zone and ¾ court press. This season they will most likely take a step back. The size is not quite there in the front court and back court, and the team which is traditionally built on long distance track runners may not have the athleticism to compete with some of the upper echelon teams. You can count on some solid offensive and defensive strategy from the Lion's coaching trio.

6. St Thomas More (8)– The Indiana of CSAL basketball is looking to make it back to the Big 10 Championship after a 3 year absence. STM will boast some frontcourt length and size as is typical for the Eagles. They are never shy about taking some chances from beyond the arc and will continue to be a feisty hard-nosed team. They did lose their starting point guard to the CHS 8th grade team, so that is a major hole to fill.

7. Sacred Heart (9)– Last year’s Sacred Heart team was decimated by transfers. This year’s team didn’t have the same issues, but didn’t start with as much talent. They will look to spread out teams as much as they can on their small but intimidating home court and create driving lanes. The Sacred Heart tournament early in the season always gives a good indication of which teams have a chance to win it all.

8. Holy Family (6) – Once considered a lower level team in CSAL, things have turned around in recent years under a new coaching regime. He has installed a version of the flex offense that causes fits for defenses and has been copied by Bruce Pearl at Auburn. Their ball movement is continuously some of the best in CSAL. They are also very patient on defense with their 2-3 zone, and have a knack for knowing when to go for the steal. They are undersized this year and will have to rely on outside shooting in lieu of major points in the paint.

9. St. Theresa (7) – St. Theresa would be a bubble team in the old 8 team format, but with the 10 team format is sitting just inside the bubble. They challenge with an up tempo attack which is based on hustle and determination. The trip down to Gonzales is never an easy one for visiting teams.

10. St. Francis Xavier (Did not make tournament) – SFX took their lumps last season having to play some younger guys who probably were not ready for the grind of 8th grade CSAL basketball. That should pay off this year. They are led by their center who has a game similar to Nerlens Noel. This is a team you don’t want to get in an up and down game with.