District Six Boys A January 1 Rankings

The High School Basketball season is under way, and Decemder gets everyone's feet wet. The serious stuff begins in January, so who are the top teams heading into the new year? The D6SN is here to give you an idea who are the top teams in District Six A right now.

1. Blacklick Valley (7-0) Key Win-  Northern Cambria 48-46. 
The Proof-Blacklick Valley has made a big statement early on this season. The Vikings are a convincing 7-0, and appear to be one of the title contenders in the WestPac, and the odds on favorite in District Six. They are led by one of the best scorers in the entire state in Dalton Cesarz. Cesarz has scored 30+ points in four of their seven games. Johnny Sheesley is another prolific scorer for the Vikings, making it tough for defenses to lock down both players. Blacklick Valley is really good, and a win over Shade or Conemaugh Township before the playoffs would erase any doubts out there.

2. Bishop Carroll (4-2) Key Win- Blairsville 71-43
The Proof- Bishop Carroll is always a consistent player in the Class A title race. Cosie Aliquo always has his teams in the hunt, and it should be no different this season. The Huskies have an experienced, yet young group. Many players were thrust into prominent roles as freshmen and sophomores. Brandon Martinazzi is coming on as one of the better guards around as a sophomore, and Marcus Lee is a steady big man. This team will be a factor in the playoffs, there is no doubt about it.

3. Homer Center (7-1) Key Win- Ligonier 62-60
The Proof- The Hard Core fans will have plenty to cheer about this season. The Wildcats are 7-1 early on, and appear to be one of the best teams in the Heritage. After an 8-14 campaign last year, the Wildcats will pass that win total very soon. Homer is a deep team, and will challenge Blacklick and Carroll for a title berth.

4. Bishop Guilfoyle (4-1) Key Win- Fairview 66-60
The Proof- Bishop Guilfoyle has an experienced team, and they could be one of the better teams around, they just need to prove it. The Marauders do not have a signature win just yet, and they play in a difficult section of the LHAC. Two games apiece with Bishop Carroll, Penn Cambria, and Cambria Heights are still out there, as well as games with Altoona, Bishop McCort, and Central. Guilfoyle may not have an impressive record come playoff time, but they will be battle tested.

5. Ferndale (3-3) Key Win- Windber 69-61
The Proof- Most people would be skeptical with putting Ferndale here, but a clear improvement is happening. Ferndale has some athletes this season, and a coach in Ryan Durham that gets the most from his players. Chad Eisenhuth and Carlos Mason been playing very well, and Rakwon Hinton has been very impressive for a freshman. The Yellow Jackets have a long way to go, but they already have tied last season's win total.

6. Juniata Valley (4-4) Key Win- Southern Huntingdon 75-44
The Proof-Juniata Valley is a deep team this season, and their depth will be helpful come playoff time. They have eight guys that average at least three points per game, and go nine deep usually. Caleb Taylor is the main man leading the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists. The Hornets have a manageable schedule ahead, so they should be there come playoff time.

7. Williamsburg (4-3) Key Win- Penns Valley 44-34
The Proof- The Blue Pirates are one of the smallest schools in the district, but they have a nice basketball team this season. Cody Palmer is an undersized Center, but is playing very well early on. Williamsburg is coming off of a win against Conemaugh Valley in their own tournament, and could take some of that energy into 2013.

8. Glendale (3-3) Key Win- United 58-41
The Proof- Glendale features a nice combination of youth and experience. Damon Braniff is a solid senior point guard. Anthony Barnhart is a sophomore and plays alongside the senior, and compliments him nicely. The big man in the middle is Shea O'Donnell, who is also just a sophomore. This team may take time to grow together, but could be dangerous once that happens.


The Rest.......


9. Saltsburg
10. Conemaugh Valley
11. Harmony
12. Portage
13. Claysburg Kimmel
14. Penns Manor
15. Moshannon Valley
16. Belleville Mennonite