District Five Boys A Rankings January 1.

                       The High School Basketball season is under way, and its time to take a look who will be the major players in the Class A District Five race.


1. Shade (9-0) Key Win- Chestnut Ridge 64-44
The Proof-Shade is off to a predictably hot start to the season. The Panthers had a lot coming back from last season, and they are not disappointing early on. Ryan Fyock has been the team's top offensive threat. Wade Walker is playing tough down low, and the supporting cast headed by Brock Medva and Nash Walker are playing very well also. Shade has that potential to win every game left on their schedule, its just a matter of being ready to play each and every night.

2. Shanksville Stonycreek (6-1) Key Win- Tussey Mountain 58-49
The Proof-Shanksville is off to another hot start. Carter Slade is one of the best players in the district, and he is having a big season. Jordan Wilt and Ryan Platt form a great backcourt as well. Shanksville lost some key pieces from last season, but still figure prominently in the district title race. The Vikings had Shade's number last season, and they still have two big meetings with them looming.

3. Fannett Metal (5-1) Ket Win- Tussey Mountain 89-80
The Proof- The Tigers did not have an ideal season last year, but they are well on their way to avenging it this time around. Fannett Metal already has scored some big wins this season. Walker Bannister has been a phenomenal offensive threat early on this season. At 6-3 he creates difficult matchup problems for opposing defenses. The Tigers have four guys averaging double figures at this point, so it is not easy to stop all four at once.

4. H.O.P.E. for Hundman (5-2) Key Win-Berlin 51-46
The Proof-Hyndman has been a nice surprise early on in the season. They are out to a 5-2 start and many believe they can compete for a district championship. Brad Torbet has been solid so far, as he has posted double digit scoring in every game to date. Chad Deneen and Tim Leydig are two seniors that have been consistent as well. Hyndman starts four seniors, so the experience factor is there. The season is still young, but there is plenty of optimism around this squad.


5. Berlin Brothersvalley (4-3) Key Win- Forbes Road 87-57
The Proof-Berlin has not had the best of starts, but the talent is there to contend. Berlin has plenty of athletes, and a deep roster. They may not be one of the best teams in the district, but they can contend with the best. Jacob Snyder is a really good guard for this team, and Drew Glotfelty uses his athletic ability very well. Berlin will have some up and down moments in the WestPac, but they can knock off some quality teams.


The Rest......
6. Meyyersdale
7. Turkeyfoot Valley
8. Rockwood
9. McConnellsburg
10. Forbes Road
11. Salisbury Elk Lick