Pfloyd's Elite 8 of Southern/SouthEast Ohio - Week #5

[pfloyd]

Pfloyd's Elite 8 of Southern/SouthEast Ohio - Week #5

1. Miami Trace (6-0)
2. Chillicothe (6-1)
3. Jackson (6-1)
4. Unioto (6-1)
5. Ironton (6-0)
6. Chesapeake (5-1)
7. Circleville (6-2)
8. Waverly (5-2)

... TreeHugger Wannabees ...

Eastern Brown (6-0)
Fairfield Union (4-1)
Zane Trace (6-3)
Portsmouth West (4-1)
Lucasville Valley (5-0)
Marietta (6-2)
Peebles (6-0)
15
South Webster (5-1)
Meigs (6-2)
Fairland (4-2)
Gallia Academy (3-4)
Wheelersburg (2-0)
20
Washington CH (6-3)
Huntington (7-2)
Warren (3-5)
Logan Elm (5-3)
Portsmouth (3-2)
25
Adena (4-4)
Southern (4-2)
Wellston (6-1)
Eastern Pike (2-4)
Northwest (5-3)
30
North Adams (5-2)
South Point (3-2)
Rock Hill (3-3)
Athens (3-4)
Fairfield Leesburg (3-3)
35
Vinton County (3-4)
Nelsonville York (3-3)
Sheridan (4-4)
McClain (3-4)
Lynchburg Clay (3-4)
40
Westfall (2-4)
Symmes Valley (2-4)
Portsmouth Notre Dame (5-2)
Piketon (5-4)
Logan (2-6)
45
Western Pike (2-1)
Rdsville Eastern (4-6)
River Valley (3-5)
Minford (2-7)
Federal Hocking (4-5)
50
Alexander (3-5)
Waterford (2-6)
Hillsboro (0-7)
Belpre (5-4)
Whiteoak (2-4)
55
Southeastern (2-6)
South Gallia (3-4)
Trimble (2-7)
Manchester (4-5)
Oak Hill (2-5)
60
Coal Grove (3-3)
Green (2-4)

... Teams on the End Table ...

Ironton St Joseph (1-4)
New Lexington (0-6)
Paint Valley (0-10)
65
Portsmouth Clay (1-5)
Miller (1-6)
West Union (1-6)
New Boston (1-6)
Ripley (1-7)
Portsmouth East (1-2)

[Hookshot]

Basic Question: When ranking teams, should we assume that you believe at this point in time that a team ranked below another is not as good as the higher-ranked team, and therefore the underdog (perhaps slightly) in a head-to-head matchup? Just curious as there are differing views as to criteria for ranking a team.

[peake71]

The Peake is 5-1.

[danicalifornia]

I'd probably bump Marietta a little higher based off of my very scientific asking of our cameraman Kenneth Hay's thoughts on them after he watched them on Friday.

Not the most scientific way to do it, but he was super impressed and what I've gathered out of him so far is that he isn't the easiest to impress.

[pfloyd]

I'd probably bump Marietta a little higher based off of my very scientific asking of our cameraman Kenneth Hay's thoughts on them after he watched them on Friday.

Not the most scientific way to do it, but he was super impressed and what I've gathered out of him so far is that he isn't the easiest to impress.

... the Marietta Team would have gone a few spots higher BUT Portsmouth West nor Valley played this past week - I try NOT to drop teams down or move them up IF they didn't play ...

[pfloyd]

Basic Question: When ranking teams, should we assume that you believe at this point in time that a team ranked below another is not as good as the higher-ranked team, and therefore the underdog (perhaps slightly) in a head-to-head matchup? Just curious as there are differing views as to criteria for ranking a team.

... short answer is "yes" ... but - and there is always a "but" - I have stars beside teams who I feel as the season progresses will continue to move up the rankings - Eastern Brown for example, Marietta for another, Peebles has a star beside them on the "big board" ... Wheelersburg's sample size is not big enough, but they will have games vs West, Waverly, Ironton, Valley etc. that will allow them to play into a higher ranking ... other teams are playing shorthanded - Gallia Academy is missing 15-16ppg with Macen Meadows having not played since the Waverly game on Dec 5th missing 5 games so far ... Symmes Valley has played shorthanded all season ... Zane Trace - has missed Brice Johnson the last 2 games ... I truly have to see teams to make good comparisons between the teams above and below any particular team you choose to look at ... Ironton's sample size of 6 games - I had eyes on 2 of them - I felt comfortable in moving them into the top 8 based on how they play , their personnel etc. they are a team that can play the transition game, get out and run the floor or the half court game, TEAM defense - outstanding, strength of role players - outstanding ... perimeter scorerS /multiple perimeter scorers ... TEAM rebounding ... a "dude" in the paint in Ashton Layne who is averaging a double double - scoring over 20 points per game and 10+ rebs per game ... they imo fit right in with the other top 8-10 teams in my rankings ... some of the teams were perimeter oriented teams to start the season - Peebles - but Coach Arey has found a 6-4 freshman who can be a difference maker in the post in Keegan Puckett - he scores the ball inside and rebounds at both ends - the Indians are becoming a complete team in now being able to go inside to a post game when the perimeter scoring isn't there - they're moving up ... by the time the season winds down - teams will have PLAYED their way into the rankings that they have earned by their play on the court - over the course of the season ... when I record scores every night I ALWAYS look at where the teams stand in the rankings - ie. did the outcome match where I had the two teams that played in the rankings - which goes with your question - do I feel the teams above other teams are better teams - more times than not the higher ranked team on my rankings do get the W vs teams I have ranked lower ... there are always outliers - McClain beating Zane Trace ... always brings up questions like - McClain is in the FAC - playing a more challenging schedule - adds more to think about when ranking the teams imo ... not perfect but I do the best I can with the criteria I use ... I expect people to disagree - no problem on my end ... I will agree to disagree - I feel as I said by the end of the season that I have been fair to all 71 teams in the district ...

[Hookshot]

My question was not so much a complaint or inquisition, it was just an interesting question. For example, there are two undefeated teams that perhaps need to be in the top 15 (because they haven't lost) that would likely have 2 or 3 losses if they played the schedule to date of many other teams. Of course, we can't know that for sure. Also, illness and injury can be a factor, and you've correctly pointed out some of those. All good.

[OverUnder]

*correction

Waterford 2-6

[pfloyd]

ttt

[SouthEast Hoops Fan]

OK, I've got to ask. Why Circleville in the Elite 8? Why Waverly? Have they had injury issues that make them stronger than they have appeared to date. Several teams ranked below them I'd bet good money head-to-head. Just interested in more perspective.

[Crab's Brother]

Two that stand out to me (as they played head to head and I had probably the best seat in the house for)....

Eastern Meigs behind Symmes Valley. That game was only competitive for a half and almost ended up a running clock.

And then LC being 9 spots behind North Adams. Another game that wasn't all that close. And that was on NA's home court.

I would also take a few teams behind South Webster over the Jeeps at this point in the season. That is subject to change, but that is how I see it now.

That said, great job PFloyd. Always a great read.

[ZTPMM88]

OK, I've got to ask. Why Circleville in the Elite 8? Why Waverly? Have they had injury issues that make them stronger than they have appeared to date. Several teams ranked below them I'd bet good money head-to-head. Just interested in more perspective.

Still somewhat early in the season. Usually once teams begin the second round of league play things become more clear regarding the top tier schools and the wannabes

[mac1984]

Great read as usual!!

[mac1984]

Basic Question: When ranking teams, should we assume that you believe at this point in time that a team ranked below another is not as good as the higher-ranked team, and therefore the underdog (perhaps slightly) in a head-to-head matchup? Just curious as there are differing views as to criteria for ranking a team.

... short answer is "yes" ... but - and there is always a "but" - I have stars beside teams who I feel as the season progresses will continue to move up the rankings - Eastern Brown for example, Marietta for another, Peebles has a star beside them on the "big board" ... Wheelersburg's sample size is not big enough, but they will have games vs West, Waverly, Ironton, Valley etc. that will allow them to play into a higher ranking ... other teams are playing shorthanded - Gallia Academy is missing 15-16ppg with Macen Meadows having not played since the Waverly game on Dec 5th missing 5 games so far ... Symmes Valley has played shorthanded all season ... Zane Trace - has missed Brice Johnson the last 2 games ... I truly have to see teams to make good comparisons between the teams above and below any particular team you choose to look at ... Ironton's sample size of 6 games - I had eyes on 2 of them - I felt comfortable in moving them into the top 8 based on how they play , their personnel etc. they are a team that can play the transition game, get out and run the floor or the half court game, TEAM defense - outstanding, strength of role players - outstanding ... perimeter scorerS /multiple perimeter scorers ... TEAM rebounding ... a "dude" in the paint in Ashton Layne who is averaging a double double - scoring over 20 points per game and 10+ rebs per game ... they imo fit right in with the other top 8-10 teams in my rankings ... some of the teams were perimeter oriented teams to start the season - Peebles - but Coach Arey has found a 6-4 freshman who can be a difference maker in the post in Keegan Puckett - he scores the ball inside and rebounds at both ends - the Indians are becoming a complete team in now being able to go inside to a post game when the perimeter scoring isn't there - they're moving up ... by the time the season winds down - teams will have PLAYED their way into the rankings that they have earned by their play on the court - over the course of the season ... when I record scores every night I ALWAYS look at where the teams stand in the rankings - ie. did the outcome match where I had the two teams that played in the rankings - which goes with your question - do I feel the teams above other teams are better teams - more times than not the higher ranked team on my rankings do get the W vs teams I have ranked lower ... there are always outliers - McClain beating Zane Trace ... always brings up questions like - McClain is in the FAC - playing a more challenging schedule - adds more to think about when ranking the teams imo ... not perfect but I do the best I can with the criteria I use ... I expect people to disagree - no problem on my end ... I will agree to disagree - I feel as I said by the end of the season that I have been fair to all 71 teams in the district ...

Great info, great job!!

[noreply66]

Basic Question: When ranking teams, should we assume that you believe at this point in time that a team ranked below another is not as good as the higher-ranked team, and therefore the underdog (perhaps slightly) in a head-to-head matchup? Just curious as there are differing views as to criteria for ranking a team.

... short answer is "yes" ... but - and there is always a "but" - I have stars beside teams who I feel as the season progresses will continue to move up the rankings - Eastern Brown for example, Marietta for another, Peebles has a star beside them on the "big board" ... Wheelersburg's sample size is not big enough, but they will have games vs West, Waverly, Ironton, Valley etc. that will allow them to play into a higher ranking ... other teams are playing shorthanded - Gallia Academy is missing 15-16ppg with Macen Meadows having not played since the Waverly game on Dec 5th missing 5 games so far ... Symmes Valley has played shorthanded all season ... Zane Trace - has missed Brice Johnson the last 2 games ... I truly have to see teams to make good comparisons between the teams above and below any particular team you choose to look at ... Ironton's sample size of 6 games - I had eyes on 2 of them - I felt comfortable in moving them into the top 8 based on how they play , their personnel etc. they are a team that can play the transition game, get out and run the floor or the half court game, TEAM defense - outstanding, strength of role players - outstanding ... perimeter scorerS /multiple perimeter scorers ... TEAM rebounding ... a "dude" in the paint in Ashton Layne who is averaging a double double - scoring over 20 points per game and 10+ rebs per game ... they imo fit right in with the other top 8-10 teams in my rankings ... some of the teams were perimeter oriented teams to start the season - Peebles - but Coach Arey has found a 6-4 freshman who can be a difference maker in the post in Keegan Puckett - he scores the ball inside and rebounds at both ends - the Indians are becoming a complete team in now being able to go inside to a post game when the perimeter scoring isn't there - they're moving up ... by the time the season winds down - teams will have PLAYED their way into the rankings that they have earned by their play on the court - over the course of the season ... when I record scores every night I ALWAYS look at where the teams stand in the rankings - ie. did the outcome match where I had the two teams that played in the rankings - which goes with your question - do I feel the teams above other teams are better teams - more times than not the higher ranked team on my rankings do get the W vs teams I have ranked lower ... there are always outliers - McClain beating Zane Trace ... always brings up questions like - McClain is in the FAC - playing a more challenging schedule - adds more to think about when ranking the teams imo ... not perfect but I do the best I can with the criteria I use ... I expect people to disagree - no problem on my end ... I will agree to disagree - I feel as I said by the end of the season that I have been fair to all 71 teams in the district ...

I hope you keep that written down because it would fry my brain to put that altogether each Sunday report. You are as always doing a great job with this. I don't see many basketball game these days and this always brings me up to date.

[smurray]

OK, I've got to ask. Why Circleville in the Elite 8? Why Waverly? Have they had injury issues that make them stronger than they have appeared to date. Several teams ranked below them I'd bet good money head-to-head. Just interested in more perspective.

Waverly had been without starting forward Landyn Russell who just recently came back - and will take time to get acclimated. Another starter (Kai Keesee) went down midway through the 4th against Wheeling CC and is not back yet.
Tigers just took a major hit as starter Teagan Hurt is now out for the season, suffering an injury in practice.

[SouthEast Hoops Fan]

OK, I've got to ask. Why Circleville in the Elite 8? Why Waverly? Have they had injury issues that make them stronger than they have appeared to date. Several teams ranked below them I'd bet good money head-to-head. Just interested in more perspective.

Waverly had been without starting forward Landyn Russell who just recently came back - and will take time to get acclimated. Another starter (Kai Keesee) went down midway through the 4th against Wheeling CC and is not back yet.
Tigers just took a major hit as starter Teagan Hurt is now out for the season, suffering an injury in practice.

Thanks for this info. Really helps in evaluating how a team is doing and where it may be going. Regardless, I think Waverly will be competitive.

[The Ghost of Swanker]

The last time the jeeps suffered a loss to a highly ranked Ironton team in the Conley Center…

Jeeps to state confirmed.

[scott1297]

Burg just beat your #5 team Ironton. I know Burg has only played 3 games but Burg should be a little closer to the top 8

[Burg96]

Burg below SW in these early rankings is puzzling

Pirates have a nucleus of 3-4 year contributors and SW lost a significant amount of roster talent by way of graduation and unfortunate injury.

Things will sort themselves out as conference play gets ready to begin.

Great win over Ironton tonight!