MANSFIELD, TX: Week 7 Power Rankings | Who's Got The Juice?

In Week 6 Paul Smith and the Heavy Hitters were finally taken down last week in another intense and emotional game against The Vets as they squared off for the second time this season last week, and we saw the other 2 games go down to the wire, literally decided at the very last seconds in what has been nothing short of a very exciting season thus far. Every team is hungry for the title, but who's really got the juice to contend for it? I suppose only time will tell, but there are some teams that are looking mighty powerful.

#1. Heavy Hitters
Even though they were cut down last week against The Vets, Heavy Hitters still remains at the top of the power rankings for many reasons. Not only does their record speak for itself, standing at 5-1, they are still the most consistent team in the league, and their defensive awareness (allowing 65.7 points a game) is the most powerful, allowing them to shave points off of their contender's top scorers. Talented guard Jacob Van is consistently putting up numbers, and continues to show up and show out, leading his team in 3 categories (including points). They have a match up for every position when it comes to every team they face, and dominate the boards on both ends of the court. 1 loss doesn't bring their rank down 1 bit. They're not just hungry, they're starving.

#2. The Vets Your text to link...
They got off to a rocky start, losing the first couple of games by 1 point each, only to win 4 straight and 3 of those wins have been decided by 10 points or more. Ok, now they are starting to look like the old veteran powerhouse from the past. Milan Sanders went back to his old ways knocking down 10-13 from downtown, finishing up against Heavy Hitters with 38 points last week, and big man Donnie McDade seems simply too big to handle in the paint. Chemistry looks well mixed on both end of the floor for this team, and I don't see them slowing down any time soon. Watch out.

#3. Lunch Ballers
These guys are usually a run and gun type of team, but they are now beginning to utilize their big man Laurence Daggett in the paint. They go to him a lot more than in previous weeks, and run their offense a lot more around him, and this has given them a lot of stability on the movement of their offense. Adam Rowe still continues to slash through opponent's defense, and is backed up by sharp shooters and teammates who can score the ball and step up if needed. They may be 5th in points allowed, but the offense surely has picked up to compensate for that.

#4. We Get Buckets
They are starting to live up their team name, becoming more consistent on the offensive end with a couple of pickups, and have managed to bring their record even with a couple of close wins. Guard Christian Aquino has been really effective, putting up 21 points in the last contest and shooting an accurate 59% from the field so far this season. He also adds ball handling and movement to the team, which we have seen them struggle with majorly in past games. Now that they can get the ball up the court they get way more opportunities to get buckets.

#5. The Agents
They've improved their defense (68 points allowed, which is 2nd in rank), now they just need to put some numbers up on the offensive end. If they can get their offensive flow in rhythm then they definitely can contend with any other team in the league. Desmond Brown is averaging almost 31 points a game, but when this is almost half of your team's total points that can't be a good sign.

#6. Hoop Squad
The current champs of the league continue to struggle, losing their last 4 games. Their problem has seemed to always be defense, and this season it's really biting them in the butt as they rank last in points allowed (84.2). This team can really score, and if they tighten up on the defense they easily be contenders for the title, but will it happen? Whether it's lack of effort or lack of stamina and player rotation something needs to be done about it, and quick.

Leonard Frank
League Coordinator - Mansfield
lfrank@lifetimefitness.com