SCOTTSDALE, AZ: Week 7 Power Rankings | Making That Last Push to Impress

Week 7 Power Rankings

1. SPLASH BROTHERS (7-0, LW 1) – Another tales of two halves last week, but Fred and Co. do what they do best and just win. They go into the final week to what amounts to a bye week before the playoffs start. Regardless of what happens this week, they should be a lock as the #1 seed in the tournament and odds on favorite to win the championship. Let’s see if they can live up to the pressure (back-to-back champs??) as teams will be gunning to take them down.

2. XOVER (5-2, LW 2) – The hottest team in the league continues to win and do so impressively. They go into the final week making their own claim to be a top 8 seed in the 16-team cross league tournament. They have momentum on their side and I don’t see them losing anytime soon. The first couple of rounds should be a breeze for this team, but we’ll see how far they can ride the “Delonn Train” before anyone can derail them.

3. JAMAICAN HOPSCOTCH MAFIA (5-2, LW 4) – After the bad loss a couple of weeks ago, this team has regrouped and found its winning ways. As long as they continue to use their athleticism to their advantage, no other team will be able to match that length. It will be interesting to see how well they can continue to play - they should be a top 8 team. How far they go will be up to them. They need to keep their focus and make shots to keep teams honest and not just clog the paint.

4. WE DEM BOYZ (4-3, LW 3) – Back to back losses has left the shine on this team a bit faded. Their defense is still a bit rocky and their shots lately haven’t fallen like they have in the past. This is a bad recipe come playoff time. With the loss, they may be looking at a bottom 8 ranking. If the can find the intensity and hit the shots they are accustomed to making, they may prove to still be the sleeper pick coming out of the Scottsdale region that I had predicted early in the season. If they fall flat, it may be an ugly one-and-done scenario for this group.

5. TIMELIFERS (4-3, LW 5) – A win last week would have probably put them in the top 8 in this year’s playoffs and most likely ensured them of making it far in the tournament. However, the loss puts them right dab in the middle of the pack and it will be tough call for the committee to rank them appropriately. Their games have played out as expected - hard, gritty play along with efficient shooting has made this team winners. However, they just aren’t as athletic as the others, but here’s the thing – they have the talent and smarts to beat anyone. I think teams look past them but that’s going to be their greatest asset going into the tournament. They will outplay their opponents, and given the right circumstances, can make it deep into the tournament.

6. TWISTED STEEL WITH SEX APPEAL (2-5, LW 6) – They come out knowing that their playoff lives were at stake and they played like they knew it. They had some ups-and-downs in that game, but the talent for them was just too much. I’m intrigued as how well they would do in the playoffs with a full squad because I enjoy watching TJ and Eli do their thing, but they have to handle their business this week. It’s not a given yet and it won’t be an easy rematch so we’ll see which team shows up for them.

7. SUPERSONICS (1-6, LW 7) – They held their own playoff destiny in their own hands and it may have slipped through their fingers last week. However, the committee has given them a second chance to try to extend their season as they have a rematch against TWISTED STEEL. IF they win, it will come down to a tie-breaker (Total Points Against). Lose and it’s another long off-season for GM Aaron Braude where he’s going to have to go back to the lab and once again try to find the right mix to make a run at a championship.

8. SCOTTSDALE FA (0-6, LW 8) – Unfortunately they go into to the record books winless for the season. Hold your head up high fellas, the good news is that they have played hard all year long and teams recognize this. The other teams have poached their good players away all season; which means some of you are doing things right. As long as they have fun playing and others can see the talent, their UHoops career will continue on and hopefully they can get picked up and play on a contender in the near future.

This is the final Power Rankings of the season, however fret not. Be on the lookout the next couple of weeks for our All-Star Game and MVP articles where you have a chance to have your voice heard.

The complete Playoff Bracket schedule is posted under the TEMPE Schedule

All Star Game (and potentially a 3-Point Competition) will be held on Thursday March 12th @ 8PM following the Championship Game in Tempe.


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