it's that time for new power rankings, and being that everyone has played everyone, we have a very clear picture of the hierarchy of the league. without any further adieu, here it is:
1. West Side Tigers - 14-1
the tigers have been strutting their stuff pretty much all season. pg wilbanks has done an excellent job complimenting the core of lévêque, gybels and bois, while still getting adequate contributions from both adair and bourne at the other guard spot. wilbanks' importance to the team was apparent last night, in whose absence was felt in an upset victory for the wizards. you have to think they're the clear favorites for promotion.
2. Baker Street Irregulars - 13-2
with losses coming from powerhouses west side and orlando, baker street comes in at #2, having dominated his own division. cody meredith has spearheaded the irregulars' offense, putting up 5.0 apg, many of which are being put away by emanuel pędzik. new arrival teodovico navarro has provided a rounding of their starting 5 at center, making baker street the favorites to advance out of the blue conference. while west side look the favorites, they certainly aren't without their rivals for promotion, and you can count baker street amongst them.
3. Orlando Tragic - 13-2
getting just edged on the road by west side, and upset by homeboyz on the road, you'd think that homecourt may play a large factor in determining the potential playoff success of the tragic. that said, they've done exceptionally well in their first season in the league. superstar pg tao rongting, currently down with an injury, has been the team's backbone, so they'll be on upset alert for a bit in his absence. they're still very, very good without him. no doubt, come playoff time, they'll likely give the tigers all they can handle, and are definite contenders for promotion.
4. DC Wizards - 12-3
the wizards have played great all season, and are the only team to beat the otherwise undefeated tigers. if there was any doubt these guys could hang with the big boys, it was erased last night with that win. this is an exceptionally deep team, boasting the 2nd most expensive 2nd 5 in the league, behind only perennial cup powerhouse diamantes. their quality at forward has been the key factor in their success this season, presenting matchup issues against all who try to defend both willis and especially krievans. they're still badly outspent by the top few teams, which makes one question their ability to truly challenge high salary squads in the playoffs, but they're definitely not going to make it easy on baker street in the playoffs.
5. homeboyz - 10-5
a fairly sharp drop from 4 to 5, but homeboyz have beaten some excellent competition this season. that said, none of their wins have come against the top 4, which makes one question their efficacy against top calibur competition. all but a lock for a playoff seed, the boyz will be fighting for seeding. it's not impossible to catch the wizards at #2, but it's unlikely given the pd. heavy on the interior, but rounded out well enough, it's a squad that can cause anyone problems, and they always give baker street issues. could be a sneaky contender as a finalist.
6. Diamantes - 10-5
all their players can ball. it makes them a tough out on any given night. they haven't shown they can bang with the big boys yet, but i'd guess some moves are in the works for that purpose. they have beaten some quality competition, though, besting homeboyz on the road, and svj at home, as well as throttling yours truly. true to form, they don't have a single standout performer, but boast 6 players averaging double digit points. while it's a solid team, it's similar to mine in that they don't really have much of a chance in the playoffs due to their team structure.