Kobe's Rebounders Grab Top Spot After Double-Digit Victory
MOUNT LAUREL: Week 2 Power Rankings
By Kevin Kolodziej | Mount Laurel Media Associate
1. Kobe’s Rebounders (1-0)
Captain Mike Kouser had a huge game during his season opener with 24 points and 26 rebounds, while his first pick Eric Moats nearly had a triple-double with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Kobe’s Rebounders 10-point win was the largest margin of victory during Week 1, as well, making them an easy pick for the top spot in this week’s power rankings.
2. South Jersey Dynasty (1-0)
South Jersey Dynasty squeaked out a one-point win during their season opener behind the strong play of captain Jabree Jackson, who finished with 30 points. Mix in a nice core of Ruben Edouard, Mike Martin, Jessiah Styles and Justin DeJoseph, and this team is as balanced as anyone could hope for. They’ll be a tough matchup all season.
3. Jay-Hawks (1-0)
Jay Phillips is back again this season, and it wouldn’t be a season with Mr. Phillips without some controversy. Following the draft, Phillips decided that he wanted to play and said he could put together a team of some stringers to bring the league up to six teams.
What he did next, no one saw coming, but everyone should have. He constructed a team of first-rounders, including Phil Jackson, Jeff Kliewer and Karon Waller. Even with his loaded-roster, they still only won by one point against the Jackrabbits, who were missing their top overall pick Mustafa El-Amin. The Jay-Hawks are good, but are definitely public enemy No. 1 this season.
4. Jackrabbits (0-1)
The Jackrabbits proved to be a solid team even without first pick Mustafa El-Amin, who missed the first game of the season. Jake Gurkin led the way with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks, while Brenton Anderson contributed 13 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 5 steals during their one-point loss to the Jay-Hawks. Joe Petrone, Rich Bandoy and Tyler Marlin will all contribute this season, as well, making the Jackrabbits a serious title contender.
5. Jesus Disciples (0-1)
Jesus Disciples had a tough 1-point loss during Week 1, but still received a nice stat-line from Tory Whiting (28 points), Mike Nelson (8 points, 11 rebounds), Tim Robinson (15 points) and Mu Kilic (10 points, 9 rebounds). It will be tough for them to compete with some of the teams with height, but what they lack in that department, they make up with speed, athleticism and shooting. Don’t count these guys out just yet.
6. All Buckets (0-1)
Talk about a fall from grace for the reigning champs. Just a couple weeks after beating Kobe’s Rebounders in the championship, All Buckets had a league-low 57 points and lost by a league-high 10 points. They’ll still be able to compete with a strong roster consisting of Dame Gross, Matt Emerson and Drew Harris, but it appears there is a serious championship hangover in the midst for All Buckets.