Is “Blame Mike James” a Thing?
WESTWOOD: Week 3 Power Rankings
By David Jordan | Westwood Media Associate
What a week in Westwood it was! The week began with Ballaz Club trading a UH rookie for big man Mike James. Ballaz Club, already recognized as a tough team, was thought to be over the top with the addition of Mike James. The move hasn’t paid off just yet though, as Ballaz Club took another unprecedented loss. The loss sent shockwaves through UH Boston, and got some folks murmuring and asking tough questions.
Question 1: Has Ballaz Club VIP status come to an end? We’ll take a look at the answer in their ranking.
Question 2: Is “Blame Mike James” a thing? Mike James, in his ninth UH season, has yet to win a Championship. Moreover, it seems that the teams he’s been on as of late haven’t lived up to their expectations. The latest example being last Thursday, as the big time trade was followed up by a big time loss. Mike has the ability to be a game changer. Will we see it soon? We sure hope so, or #BlameMikeJames might become a reality.
1. Legacy (2-0) Last Week’s Ranking - 1
So, who didn’t eat for Legacy last week? Legacy had guys play last week, and all of them scored in double digits. Ty McCray (19 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists) amd Wissam Ajjouri (15 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists) both had double-doubles.
Ace Gouch (18 points, 9 rebounds) nearly double-doubled, and none of the above were the leading scorer, that title goes to Shaquan Jones who finished with 22 points, with his wife and kids watching. If Legacy keeps this up, we're changing their name to #DoubleUp, you know, like Harlem? Ma$e? Nevermind…
2. Ea$y Money (2-0) Last Week’s Ranking - 2
Legacy isn’t the only team who knows how to double up. Ea$y Money cashed in for the second-straight week behind a stellar team performance. Steph and Stephen were a problem, as Stephen Prescod (19 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Steph Eusebe (22 points, 11 rebounds, shooting 100 percent from the field) led the way. This team is full of guys who know how to win, can play their roles, and whose game complements each other. They take the No. 2 spot.
3. Ruff Ryders (2-0) Last Week’s Ranking - 4
No Carlos, no problem. Octavio not back to his regular self yet? No problem. It took an overtime to do it, but Ruff Ryders proved they mean business by sending the new look Ballaz Club to their second-straight loss. Jason Murray (25 points) did virtually whatever he wanted, finishing shooting 65 percent from the field.
Khris Padilla (18 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists) also helped carry the team. Ruff Ryders had no intent on backing down from Chris and crew, and came away with the W. "Had em’ like Oh! Now they like No! Welp, that’s how Ruff Ryders Roll!"
4. AllStyle (1-1) Last Week’s Ranking - 3
All Style took the L, but it was against the better team, as AllStyle was once again without Isaiah Duke. Royce Veal (28 points, 6 rebounds) was the stand out for the team, along with Rennie Cato (24 points, 5 rebounds). When this big man returns, they should and will be better. Where you at, Duke?
5. Beastmode (1-1) Last Week’s Ranking - 8
Last week I said Beastmode had one of those games where you bury the tape and move on to the next week. That’s exactly what they did. And they did it after trading disgruntled big man Mike James away. (side note; They trade away Mike James and get back on track, is #BlameMikeJames a thing?). Even more impressive is that they did it against a tough posterized team. Beast Mode responded well, and earned themselves a move up in the rankings. Jean Romulus lead the way with 32 points and 9 rebounds.
6. Ballaz Club (0-2) Last Week’s Ranking - 5
When it rains, it pours. Ballaz Club has found themselves sinking after taking losses in the first two weeks. Teams feel like they found the answer to slowing down the once dominant team. Ballaz Club is clearly frustrated, and looking for answers. Newly acquired big man Mike James did finish with 17 points and 7 rebounds, but that may have been the lone bright spot for Ballaz Club in Week 2.
Ballaz Club is No. 6 based off of their on-paper talent, but even they will continue to slip if they can’t figure it out. First things first, who’s running point? But rumor has it, there is someone in the club who's ready to unsubscribe, with one week left before the trade deadline, we will see how this plays out.
7. Posterized (0-2) Last Week’s Ranking - 6
What’s going on with Posterized? They shot fairly well from the field, finishing shooting 45 percent from the field. Rodney hasn’t gotten back to his old ways just yet, but this team can’t use that as an excuse. They have to find a spark and start to jell soon. Jimmie Melton (17 points , 8 rebounds) can talk a good game. It’s time he puts his team on his back and backs it up.
8. Spartans (0-2) Last Week’s Ranking - 7
The Spartans had no answer for Legacy. It’s not like they were all around terrible, but they weren’t great either. Going into the season, we said the Spartan’s may not have enough firepower to hang with the tougher teams in Westwood. Starting out 0-2 doesn't help to change that narrative.