SCOTTSDALE, AZ: Week 2 Power Rankings | XOVER on the Come Up

The season is in full swing and like the Arizona summers, the league is starting to heat up as the top two teams handle theirs while the rest of the league looks to make some noise. Did I undervalue XOVER last week? All signs point to yes. Did KOBRA KAI come out in Karate-gi’s? Unfortunately no.

Week 2 Power Rankings

1. PINK CANOES (2-0, LW 1) In typical Canoe fashion, this team looked to punish their opponents once they got their opportunity. Along with their normal scoring efforts, Adam Grimes recorded 23 rebounds; Seth Robinson swatted 6 shots; while Danny Dziezic contributed 9 rebounds and 7 assists. This is the kind of output you will get with this team night-in and night-out. You need to bring your A-game when you play them because this team is scary good.

2. SPLASH BROTHERS (2- 0, LW 2) No surprise here. They just continue to rack up the points and it looks like Richard Azevedo (41 pts, 24 rbs) has found that bounce to his step we were all looking for. Let’s not look too far ahead but it’s safe to say that their Week 4 matchup against the PINK CANOES will be can’t miss slug-fest.

3. TIMELIFERS (2-0, LW 5) One word - EFFIECIENT. They took a five point halftime lead and just took it into overdrive after halftime. They outscored the SUPERSONICS 41 -17 in the second half to win by 29 points. Patrick Denicola (23 pts, 6 assts) ignited that run and their all-around play as team will prove to be their best attribute. This team is right where they need to be and will be a tough out for anyone.

4. PHX BALLERS (1-1, LW 4) Nice bounce back win for this team as they came in Guns A’ blazing. They get scoring from everyone so they will be hard to defend. Look for Anthony Hesano (19 pts, 11 rbs) to continue the hustle work and lead this team deep into the playoffs. Experience and toughness sets this team apart from the others

5. XOVER (1-1, LW 6) This team proved why they were preseason top-3. Brandon Walker (21 pts, 7 assts) was as good as advertised - displaying his scoring touch and play-making abilities. Don’t make the same mistake I made and sleep on this team. They will jam it down your throats and keep coming at you every chance they get.

6. SUPERSONICS (1-1, LW 3) This team will have its ups and downs. The just couldn’t find a rhythm going into the game against TIMELIFERS. This team is going to have to rely on Kyle Hansen (21 pts, 8 rbs) to pick up the slack when the calls aren’t going their way. They’ll have their moments throughout the season, but unfortunately they’ll have stinkers like this as well.

7. PILLSBURY B BOYS (0-2, LW 7) They hung in there with the SPLASH BROTHERS going shot for shot in the 1st half, but fell short. Team namesake Eli Pillsbury (20 pts, 4 rbs) showed what he can do on the offensive end. This team has got some well-rounded scorers; it’s just a matter of IF they can bring it like this every week.

8. KOBRA KAI (0-1, LW 8) First game of the season and TJ Clark (23 pts, 8 rbs) looks like their go-to scorer. They played a tough team in Week 1, so we’ll have to wait and see what else they got when they go against teams that matchup better.

9. TEAM TO BEAT (0-1, LW 10) Welcome to Scottsdale gentlemen…things won’t be handed to you here. First game of the season and they had to play XOVER, a team that was determined not to start the season 0-2. It wasn’t like Brandon Davis (19 pts) wasn’t ballin’, it’s just that they couldn’t find stops when they needed. Having Josh Hunter go out in the first minute of the game due to an elbow injury was a big blow but I expect this team to bounce back next week and start that climb up the rankings.

10. SCOTTSDALE FA (0-2, LW 9) Tough matchup as they went against arguably the best team in the league. Zach Shea (21 pts) was making it rain from downtown hitting 7-12 form 3 point land, but it still wasn’t enough as no one else was able to get going. They’ve added some promising new free agents to the team, but until they find their rhythm, it will be groundhogs day all over again.

Another week down, seven more to go, but don’t think for a minute that anything has been decided. The next few weeks will be interesting as teams start to figure out who’s got it and who doesn’t.

Follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/ultimatehoopsAZ