1. Bishop McCort (3-2) Key Win- Bishop Carroll 67-64.
The Proof-Yes, Bishop McCort has two losses, but they have been at the hands of two AAAA teams in Hollidaysburg and Erie McDowell. The Crushers are out to a hot start in the LHAC with a 3-0 record. They are the defending champions, and still have perhaps the best player around in Nemo Trexler, who is averaging 22 points and 8 rebound a game. The Crushers still have a tough road ahead, but should be battle tested by playoff time.
2. Bellwood-Antis (6-0) Key Win- Penn Cambria 54-53.
The Proof-After a great season last year, some thought Bellwood would take a step back. The Blue Devils were losing just about everyone, but star player Noah Davis. Well that was a good start. The younger brother of Davis, Nathan, has played very well for a freshman. The duo has led Bellwood to a 6-0 start, highlighted by two impressive wins over Tyrone and Penn Cambria.
3. Penn Cambria (6-1) Key Win-Somerset 59-45.
The Proof-Penn Cambria has a solid core that has been starting for a number of seasons now. AJ Leahey could very well be the most dynamic player in the district. He is a 6-7 Forward, with guard qualities. That alone makes the Panthers tough to beat. PC made a statement by knocking off a good Somerset team by 15 in the second week of the season. The Panthers have yet to have playoff success, but this could be the year they break through to the championship round.
4. Bald Eagle (8-0) Key Win- Central 45-35.
The Proof-Bald Eagle is well on their way to overcoming a poor 11-12 campaign last season. The Bald Eagles are the only undefeated team in AA and they seem to be legit. They are led by a big man in the middle in Dennis Fisher. He is averaging 18 points per game. There is also a triplet of small, but solid guards. Bryce and Bryan Greene both average ten points per contest, and sophomore Brandon Getting averages nine. The schedule will get a bit more difficult as the season progresses, but it is looking like Bald Eagle will be back in the postseason, and they can make some noise.
5. Tyrone (5-1) Key Win- Central 60-42.
The Proof-Tyrone has lost plenty of talent from last year's 22-4 squad. Still, the Golden Eagles have the athletes to make a run this season. Brandon Gripp has stepped up his scoring, and he is now the focal point for the Tyrone attack. Gripp is one of the best shooters in the AA field, and he has been showing it lately. Tyrone played Bellwood extremely tough, and lost a classic by three points. The Golden Eagles should have an up and down campaign, but could be dangerous with Gripp's shooting abilities in the playoffs.
6. Penns Valley (6-1) Key Win-Huntingdon 49-35
The Proof-The Rams are typically one of the more stable programs in district six, and this year appears to be no different. Penns Valley has raced out to a 6-1 start, and they are holding a six game winning streak. Penns Valley is a young group, and they may be a year away. There is not a senior listed on the roster. Terrence Glunt is a good coach, and he will have his team improving all year long.
7. Cambria Heights (5-3) Key Win- Northern Cambria 69-67
The Proof-Cambria Heights has an experienced team that is hoping to get better as the season goes along. Isaac Vescovi and Nathan Bearer form a formidable 1-2 punch for coach Eric Nagel. They are coming off of an emotional win against rival, Northern Cambria, and look to take the momentum into the new year. The LHAC section I is pretty tough this season with Penn Cambria and Bishop Carroll, and Heights hopes to find itself in that mix.
8. Ligonier Valley (3-3) Key Win-Northern Cambria 52-49
The Proof-Ligonier is not playing like a top team right now, but they should be down the stretch. Alec Bloom is another athletic big man in the mold of an AJ Leahey and Isaac Vescovi, and he is just a junior. He is a dynamic player that will help Ligonier compete for a Heritage conference championship. The Rams may not have the guard play to be a top level team, but Bloom can win them a lot of games, and possibly spring some upsets.
9. Northern Cambria (5-3) Key Win- Blairsville 73-68
The Proof-Northern Cambria is not all that far away from being undefeated. They have three losses by a total of seven points. The Colts are the defending A champions, but find themselves AA for this cycle. Northern Cambira has size and athleiticism, and they are defending champions. They will not be intimidated by playing up this season. This ranking could be considerably higher towards the end of the season.
10. Central (6-3) Key Win- Conemaugh Valley 60-41
The Proof- There has been much fanfare about Reggie Nevins taking the Central job. He has the Dragons playing well so far. Central is 6-3, and they are going to get better. This is a young team, with only two seniors on the roster. This is the type of team that will grind out victories, so don't expect them scoring in the 60's and 70's too often.
The Rest......
11. Mt. Union
12. Richland
13. Blairsville
14. Central Cambria
15. Westmont
16. Marion Center
17. West Branch
18. Southern Huntingdon
19. Philipsburg-Osceola
20. Purchase Line
21. Juniata
22. United
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