GameTime Still on Top
FOLSOM: Week 3 Power Rankings
By James Doran | Folsom League Coordinator
1. Game Time (2-0)
Last Week: Won 65-53 vs Locker Room Talk
In a highly-anticipated matchup against Locker Room Talk, Game Time prevailed thanks to some stout defense. They were able to hold LRT to just 53 points on 31 percent. Teams just aren’t used to seeing that kind of D in a mens league, but Game Time already has a chemistry about them that has other teams constantly playing catch up.
A sneaky unknown on this team is Scott Haskins. A high IQ player with a solid jumper, you leave him open and Haskins will make you pay. I expect his role to increase as the season progresses. Game Time will try to remain undefeated in their Week 3 game against the Expansions.
2. Locker Room Talk (1-1)
Last Week: Lost 53-65 vs Game Time
As mentioned, a woeful shooting night from LRT was the main headline for the loss against Game Time. Guards Joe Visman and Tanner Phelps combined to shoot just 11 of 41 on field goals for the game. This team knows it can hang with anyone though. One positive is that despite the poor shooting they still led the game at halftime, they just couldn’t sustain their defense throughout the entire game. Monte Burtz stressed a lack of ball movement was the cause to the poor shooting night. We’ll see if they can bounce back against the Ballbarians this week.
3. Ballbarians (2-0)
Last Week: Won 84-60 vs Chuck Taylors
Another team playing some good ball is the Ballbarians. They came out sizzling hot in their win against the Chuck Taylors. In fact, 9 of their 13 threes came in the first half. The ball movement was infectious in this contest as the Ballbarians had five players in double figures and 22 total assists. Carson McMurtrey will be a major piece if the Ballbarians are to compete for a title. Carson can score inside/out and is a huge plus on the defensive end. The Ballbarians have a tough schedule ahead now, and it starts with a matchup with Locker Room Talk on Tuesday night.
4. Expansions (1-1)
Last Week: Won 85 – 63 vs Scrappy Hour
A 56-point second half explosion highlighted a Week 2 win for the Expansions. Rookie Alex DiManno took down player of the week honors with his 31 point (6/10 3PFG), 7 rebound, 5 assist performance. They are looking like a dangerous team when they have a full roster. I’m going to need to see more consistent basketball like they played in that second half against Scrappy Hour to be a true believer in this squad though. Tomorrow’s contest against Game Time will be a good indicator of where this team should be in the power rankings next week.
5. Chuck Taylors (0-2)
Last Week: 60-84 vs Ballbarians
Still searching for their first win is the Chuck Taylors. Part of the problem has been getting a full roster to the game. They have had to roll with five players in both games now which makes hit hard to give 100 percent effort for an entire game. They have battled in both contests, making comebacks that have fallen a little short. Mark Payne continues to shine, he just needs a little more contribution from the supporting cast and then I believe they will start racking up some wins. They will go for win No. 1 against Scrappy Hour this week.
6. Scrappy Hour (0-2)
Last Week: Lost 63 – 85 vs Expansions
The injury bug has hit Scrappy Hour hard to open up the year. In Week 1 they lost team captain Vuk Mitic to a knee injury. In Week 2, dominant big man Ron Jacobs then went down to a torn calf muscle. Scrappy Hour will truly have to play scrappy to grind out some victories this season. Let’s also hope they can get Vuk or Ron back on the court soon. In the meantime, Dillon Gugin and Roger Larson look to fill the void. They will need to put up 20-plus ppg to compete in games. Scrappy Hour plays the Chuck Taylors in Week 3 to see who can get their first victory.