Woodlands Villager - Sports
Cavaliers begin defense of district title vs. The Woodlands
Last week I debuted the 2008-2009 girls basketball power rankings, so it’s only fair that this week we take a look at the District 14-5A boys teams, which begin league play with a great slate of games Friday.
The boys power rankings are below. For an update on the girls list, which saw a few major changes after the first two district games, check out the Villager’s website.
1. Oak Ridge (15-6)
The War Eagles get the top spot largely based on Monday’s 57-55 road win over Cinco Ranch (19-5). Oak Ridge has been struggling lately without floor leader Logan Griffin and I was tempted to put College Park on top, but that’ll have to wait at least another week.
The War Eagles have shown promise in the early going after missing the playoffs last year and Friday’s district opener at Conroe will be a good early test. The War Eagles also host The Woodlands Tuesday, so we should know a lot about this team in one week.
2. College Park (16-10)
After a 1-5 start, the Cavaliers had put together five straight wins at press time, a streak that began at the Max Preps Holiday Classic in San Diego.
I had questions about College Park’s ability to defend last year’s district title, but it seems the Cavs are finally getting their chemistry down at the right time. A brutal non-district schedule contributed to their not-so-sexy record, but I’m installing them as the early favorite to capture the 14-5A crown.
Friday’s district opener against The Woodlands awaits.
3. The Woodlands (12-8)
The Highlanders have looked a lot better in the non-district season than they did a year ago, when they didn’t clinch a playoff spot until the last district game of the year.
Talented newcomer Emmanuel Rivera has been a revelation and the return of dead-eye shooter Wes Cole will only help The Woodlands in its quest to better last year’s No. 4 seed.
4. Conroe (9-11)
The Tigers were the biggest surprise in last year’s district race. They finished third under first-year coach Jason Van Robays, who has turned Conroe into a legitimate contender.
Expect the Tigers, who have plenty of close-game experience against tough teams, to play a major part in the playoff race.
5. Lufkin (5-14)
What I’ve heard is that the Panthers look great one night and horrible the next. They finished second in the district last year and therefore shouldn’t be underestimated, but it looks like Lufkin will be battling to get in the playoffs rather than playing for one of the top two seeds.
6. New Caney (5-15)
The Eagles are going to struggle in their first season at the 5A level, so don’t count on anything better than an upset or two and sixth place.
This week’s game to watch is actually a pair of contests: The Cavs host The Woodlands at 7 p.m. Friday, while the Lady Cavs play at The Woodlands at 7 p.m. Friday. (It’s too bad the coaches didn’t work together to schedule these games at, say, 5:30 and 7:30 so fans could watch both.)
For the most part, both boys teams played well during the non-district portion of their schedules. College Park had a tougher road to travel and it shows in the team’s already 10-loss record, but that doesn’t matter one bit come tipoff Friday night. On the other side are the much-improved Highlanders, who need to get off to a good start with their first two district contests on the road.
The Lady Highlanders are the stiffest test the No. 4 state-ranked Lady Cavaliers will face in district play. I wouldn’t count on a College Park loss, but if they’re going to lose one in league play — again, doubtful — this rivalry game will be it.
The boys power rankings are below. For an update on the girls list, which saw a few major changes after the first two district games, check out the Villager’s website.
1. Oak Ridge (15-6)
The War Eagles get the top spot largely based on Monday’s 57-55 road win over Cinco Ranch (19-5). Oak Ridge has been struggling lately without floor leader Logan Griffin and I was tempted to put College Park on top, but that’ll have to wait at least another week.
The War Eagles have shown promise in the early going after missing the playoffs last year and Friday’s district opener at Conroe will be a good early test. The War Eagles also host The Woodlands Tuesday, so we should know a lot about this team in one week.
2. College Park (16-10)
After a 1-5 start, the Cavaliers had put together five straight wins at press time, a streak that began at the Max Preps Holiday Classic in San Diego.
I had questions about College Park’s ability to defend last year’s district title, but it seems the Cavs are finally getting their chemistry down at the right time. A brutal non-district schedule contributed to their not-so-sexy record, but I’m installing them as the early favorite to capture the 14-5A crown.
Friday’s district opener against The Woodlands awaits.
3. The Woodlands (12-8)
The Highlanders have looked a lot better in the non-district season than they did a year ago, when they didn’t clinch a playoff spot until the last district game of the year.
Talented newcomer Emmanuel Rivera has been a revelation and the return of dead-eye shooter Wes Cole will only help The Woodlands in its quest to better last year’s No. 4 seed.
4. Conroe (9-11)
The Tigers were the biggest surprise in last year’s district race. They finished third under first-year coach Jason Van Robays, who has turned Conroe into a legitimate contender.
Expect the Tigers, who have plenty of close-game experience against tough teams, to play a major part in the playoff race.
5. Lufkin (5-14)
What I’ve heard is that the Panthers look great one night and horrible the next. They finished second in the district last year and therefore shouldn’t be underestimated, but it looks like Lufkin will be battling to get in the playoffs rather than playing for one of the top two seeds.
6. New Caney (5-15)
The Eagles are going to struggle in their first season at the 5A level, so don’t count on anything better than an upset or two and sixth place.
This week’s game to watch is actually a pair of contests: The Cavs host The Woodlands at 7 p.m. Friday, while the Lady Cavs play at The Woodlands at 7 p.m. Friday. (It’s too bad the coaches didn’t work together to schedule these games at, say, 5:30 and 7:30 so fans could watch both.)
For the most part, both boys teams played well during the non-district portion of their schedules. College Park had a tougher road to travel and it shows in the team’s already 10-loss record, but that doesn’t matter one bit come tipoff Friday night. On the other side are the much-improved Highlanders, who need to get off to a good start with their first two district contests on the road.
The Lady Highlanders are the stiffest test the No. 4 state-ranked Lady Cavaliers will face in district play. I wouldn’t count on a College Park loss, but if they’re going to lose one in league play — again, doubtful — this rivalry game will be it.
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