MANSFIELD, TX: Power Rankings, Only The Strong Survive

We've seen it all in the first half of the season, from easy wins and buzzer beater victories, to games being decided by a referee's decision, but it all adds to the excitement of what looks like another strong season full of hungry teams that really want the trophy. It may be a bit early to predict, but we will take a look at who ranks where as far as power goes.

#1: The Vets

The Vets remain intact and powerful despite not having big man Donnie McDade this season to enforce the paint, but Sam Bailey easily picks up the pieces in that department almost averaging a double double in points and rebounding. With their excellent chemistry, skills and experience, The Vets look to once again reign at the top.

#2: Hoop Squad

With recent additions like Nick Shaw putting up big numbers and adding major presence in the paint for this team, Hoop Squad looks like they have their confidence back. They're playing better as a unit on both ends of the floor, and stamina doesn't seem to be much of a factor anymore. Hoop Squad's recent victory over current champs Heavy Hitters 67-57 made a clear statement to the others that they're back in it to win it.

#3: Heavy Hitters

Team captain Paul Smith has had his hands full so far this season with having to readjust after losing pretty much his entire team (except for Jason Wallace), and dealing with player accountability. They sit at 3-1, and Paul is having a very solid season so far with nearly 30 points and 10 rebounds a game, but he needs help in the scoring department. If his entire team can show up each week, their ranking would more than likely be at the top.

#4: We Get Buckets

They break even at the halfway point, and that's a good sign for We Get Buckets. From being a team that could barely get the ball to half court, to being a team that moves the ball quite well (11.3 assists per game, 3rd in the league) is a major improvement. Their star guard Ryan Allen has found help in fellow guard Shey Holman who actually is their main scorer with nearly 22 points a game. They also have strong role players who can, as the name implies, get buckets and cause problems for other teams.

#5: The Agents

They lost by 15 to The Vets in Game 1, but ever since has played in some close games that went down to the wire like the recent loss to 4 Brothers that resulted in a buzzer beater that did not count as time had already ran out. Tough luck. All The Agents have to do now is tweak their defense and close out games. Lot of young talent on this team, and I believe they are the youngest in this league, but they look to get better each game as they gain experience.

#6: 4 Brothers

The newest addition to the league (which has 2 sets of brothers, hence the name) has only played in 2 games thus far, and they seem to struggle most with player accountability, but even with issues they are not to be counted out. I have a good feeling about this team if they are able to get some good additions to round out the team.

What do you think about the rankings? Different opinion? Don't hesitate to leave a comment below!

Leonard Frank III
Ultimate Hoops Coordinator - Mansfield
lfrank@lifetimefitness.com