Show Me the Money
PALM VALLEY: Week 3 Power Rankings
By Vinnie Thepsourinthone | Palm Valley Media Associate
Since no one here won the Mega Millions Jackpot (that we know of), I know it has been a disappointing week for all of us here, but I’m here to turn that frown upside down with your weekly dose of power rankings and my money pick for MVP candidate for each team. Week 2 was also a recalibration in the rankings for most teams…anyways, let’s get to it.
1. Free Smoke (3-0, Streak W3, Last Week: 1)
The team is leading the league in assists (31.7), steals (10.7), and blocks (4.7) per game. Still a two-headed monster show with Tyler Gibbs (28.0 PPG, 8.3 APG) and Sean Boston (23.3 PPG, 19.0 RPG), don’t sleep on Deshawn Williams who is having a break out inaugural season.
Versus YLie, Deshawn went 7-11 from the field and finished with 23 points and a cool 14 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks to help get his team over the hump to remain undefeated. Even though every game has been a close battle, they are still undefeated with the most wins. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ . Vinnie’s Money Pick for MVP: Tyler Gibbs
2. Hard Work (2-0, Streak W2, Last Week: 3)
Looking like a solid group with great chemistry on the court. Jason Jefferson and his team are all business this season. Hard Work defeated Buckets & Stops 91-80, with Shawn Scott finishing with 32 points, 5 assists, and Kasey Ruiz pouring in 33 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals.
Two convincing victories over the winless league teams so far, but not enough to take the top spot…yet. They get their shot this week against top team Free Smoke on Sunday at 8 p.m., don’t forget your popcorn. Vinnie’s Money Pick for MVP: Kasey Ruiz
3. Always Reppin (1-1, Streak W1, Last Week: 5)
Got their first W last week versus YLie 124-119, with James Pupillo leading the way with 46 points on 76 percent shooting, 12 rebounds, 12 assists, 4 steals, and earning PV player of the week honors. Looked strong against a tough YLie squad.
This game went to double-overtime and everyone on the court that night scored double digits, shout out to Chad Troester, Tristan Patrick, Isaac Moore, and James Pupillo for all setting their season highs in points. Always Reppin still without their early-round pick Julio Beswick, this Alan Mitchell led team looks just fine going into week 3. Vinnie’s Money Pick for MVP: James Pupillo
4. YLie (1-2, Streak L2, Last Week: 2)
Lost both games in their double-header last week to drop in the rankings. On a brighter note, the former Division II talent Isaiah Lopez is putting up MVP numbers this season averaging 33.7 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 9.0 APG, and shout out to Dionne Hubbard having a career-high game in the second match up.
I fully expect this team to come out the gate strong next week to get back to .500. Even though they lost both games, I gotta give these guys credit, they only lost to the top team by two. Vinnie’s Money Pick for MVP: Isaiah Lopez
5. HitMen (1-1, Streak W1, Last Week: 4)
Came away with a close victory last week 73-68 against Laces & Braces to get out of the winless column. Poor shooting night for the Men who Hit (last in the league), but who needs buckets when you have defense? These guys lead the league in points allowed with only 69.5 per game. They need a convincing win to prove to me they belong in the top half. Vinnie’s Money Pick for MVP: KJ Davis
6. Buckets & Stops (0-2, Streak L2, Last Week: 6)
In this week’s episode of #WashedChronicles, Lavione West goes for 34 points, and 9 rebounds in their 80-91 loss to undefeated Hard Work. DJ Hamilton and Eric Green are quietly putting together solid seasons. DJ finished the night with a double-double 20 points and 12 rebounds, and Eric finished with 17 points and 7 assists.
The team needs high flyer Daisjion Draper to get back to his 2017 self, as they seem to just be missing one more key piece in their lineup. B&S have a fun one this Sunday against Always Reppin at 7 p.m. Vinnie’s Money Pick for MVP: Lavione West
7. Laces & Braces (0-2, Streak L2, Last Week: 7)
Laces still look untied, and this team still has not found a victory, as they fell to the HitMen last week 68-73. Even after a costly turnover by this little guard who’s name rhymes with Finnie Jepsourinphone at the end versus the Hitmen, Darrylon Lane and the team remains positive about the rest of their season.
Jacque Collins and captain Frank Contreras are continuing to bruise down low, and are as hungry as ever for their first win. Yours truly will be out this week, so this team may find its first victory! 😊 Vinnie’s Money Pick for MVP: Jacque Collins
Good luck to all teams Sunday!