C4 are Reloaded and Ready for Another Championship Run
WEST BLOOMFIELD OPEN: Week 2 Power Rankings
By Joe Kassis | West Bloomfield League Coordinator
1. C4 (1-0)
Those familiar with the two time defending champs were probably wondering what happened to their roster this session. You lost the best shooter (Jeff Jayson) in the league? Go get former Oakland University star Brandon Cassise. You lost a young, long, athletic wing that played college ball (Jeff Schmitz)? Go get 6'5" form Kalamazoo college star Roger Hood. You lose stretch four glue man Rich Katona? Replace him with Dakota Ogles, a physically imposing athletic big man who provides a different dynamic to the team. You lose floor leader Justin Nafso as he leads Rochester College to another USCAA National Championship? Go grab his brother Brandon Nafso, who brings quickness, energy, and defense similar to his brother. Bottom line, the two time defending champs have not missed a beat and look like the favorite to three-peat at this point.
2. Hit Squad (1-0)
The core of a 9-1 runner-up squad from last season are back and they got off to a good start in a 93-45 win over FireStorm in Week 1. Devon Keating (23 points, 11 rebounds) and Desmond Dawson (23 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists) led Hit Squad as they try to make another run at the championship. They get a tougher test in Week 2 as they take on No. 4 Monstars.
3. Gamers (0-1)
When things are all said and done at the end of the season, nobody would be surprised if Gamers were standing on top, they are that offensively talented. Former collegiate players Sean Mattia (Rochester) and David Dedvukaj (Detroit Mercy) lead the Gamers and they should get their first W of the season when they take on No. 6 ranked FireStorm in Week 2.
4. Monstars (1-0)
Probably the most intriguing team of Week 1 was the Monstars as they looked solid in a 75-65 victory over 808's and Fastbreaks. Lorenzo Taylor (51 points) and Justin McKinney (17 points) were standouts in their Week 1 win. We will find out a lot about them this week as they take on No. 2 Hit Squad in the nightcap.
5. 808's and Fastbreaks (0-1)
808's were extremely competitive in their loss against Monstars last week, leading at halftime before dwindling down the stretch. Half of their made field goals last week were 3-pointers making them a boom or bust type team on a weekly basis. Defensively, they are a touch limited, and could be exposed in a big way this week against No. 1 C4.
6. FireStorm (0-1)
A 93-45 loss to Hit Squad was a tough way to start Ultimate Hoops play for FireStorm. Khaled Cromer was a bright spot for FireStorm as he scored 25 points in the loss. FIreStorm will look to improve their Week 1 performance after they take on Gamers in Week 2.