SCOTTSDALE, AZ: Week 1 Power Rankings | Picking Up Where We Left Off

I don’t want to alarm anybody but if you lost last week, it’s not going to get any easier next week. These games played out as advertised and the talent just keeps getting better and better. It was a good start to the week, but I definitely expect things to only get better as we go along. They weren’t many changes to the rankings this week (actually only dropped one team down a spot) but I do expect a whole lot of shifting as we move throughout the season.

Week 1 Power Rankings

1. SPLASH BROTHERS (1-0, LW 1) – We wanted to test this team early and what better way than to have a rematch of last season’s championship game. Out of the gate, they didn’t disappoint. They lived up to their nickname and showed how explosive they can be offensively. They had a bit of a letdown defensively, but it should improve as the season goes on.

2. TIMELIFERS (1-0, LW 3) – This team epitomizes consistency. They once again come out strong the first week and handle their business. Surprisingly, their defense may be the most underrated aspect of this team. They play at a good pace, rotate well, and play very good help defense. They should handle the bottom tier teams with ease and state their case as one of the top 3 teams all season long.

3. JAMAICAN HOPSCOTCH MAFIA (0-1, LW 2) – I’m pretty sure Bret was chomping at the bit to play the SPLASH BROTHERS again after last season’s heartbreaking loss in the championship game. Based on how well they played without a few of their shiny new pieces, I expect them to give any team a run for their money.

4. SUPERSONICS (1-0, LW 4) – How about them laying the smackdown last week– granted it was against the FA team but the crazy thing is that they have three new starters but looked as though they had played together for years. Their starting 5 is as potent as any other team in the league. They will be a handful any given night and will give every team fits offensively.

5. WE DEM BOYZ (1-0, LW 5) – Good start to the season against a really underrated team. They had some inconsistent moments during the 1st half of the game last week but their experience showed and were able to pull away late in the game. Also note, Calvin was as advertised. He brings the size that very few teams can match. If they can get some more consistency throughout the game, they have as good a chance as any to win the championship.

6. TWISTED STEEL WITH SEX APPEAL (0-1, LW 6) – Eli Davis is easily becoming one of my favorite players to watch. This team came out strong in the first half behind Eli’s strong play last week, but the offense seemed to sputter a bit once teams focused their attention in stopping Eli. They will need to find a consistent 2nd and 3rd if they expect to pull out wins in this league.

7. XOVER (0-1, LW 7) – Tough loss to start the season and they’ll need to figure it out soon or it will be a tough season for them. They still move the ball with ease and play good tough defense, but it looks like it will take time for them to get newcomer Delonn Stevenson in the groove.

8. SCOTTSDALE FA (0-1, LW 8) – In typical FA fashion, this team will have an uphill battle all year long. They will struggle if they fail to work as a team. I’ve said this before but it’s worth saying again - good teams trump good players any day and this team has enough good players to compete come game day. The downside – the league may be as strong as it has ever been. Maybe the element of surprise will be on their side as they head into the season, but that might just be wishful thinking on my part.

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