Pre-Season Power Rankings

With the first games this Sunday, it's time for our first power rankings of the season.

1. Hastings/Gavel
This team seemed to have lucked out at the draft. With a healthy combination of versatile big men, athletic guards, and all-around talent, this team may have all the pieces to make a championship run. This team likely has the best backcourt duo in the league with Max Phanord and Chris Smith, and when considering the importance of strong guards in rec ball, this team takes the no. 1 spot.

2. Manzi/Boudreau
Another team that dominated the draft, Manzi/Boudreau was able to nab a handful of sleeper picks. Led by lead MVP candidate Sam Boudreau, this team has a supporting cast that is unmatched. With the experience of players like Kyle Luchford and Bradley teDuits, along with the promising young talent of Matt Heinser and Declan Lowney, expect this team to be at the top of the standings when it's all said and done.

3. Sellers
This senior-laden team will bully their way into a deep championship run. With a terrorizing group of close-knit seniors, this team will have the best chemistry in the league. Behind their vocal leader Alex Sellers, this team will win many games, and have many blowouts.

4. McNamara
The size of Team McNamara will prove to be their greatest asset, as hardly anyone will be able to match up with their bigs. Kasey Griffiths, Dan DeBinder, and Jackson Graham might just be the deadliest trio in rec ball, as they will likely turn their squad into the best rebounding team in the league. The only thing that can bring this team down is the lack of commitment from Jackson Graham, and the unpredictable temperament of Kasey Griffiths.

5. Strauss
Team Strauss' youth will be both their biggest advantage and disadvantage this season. While a lack of experience may hurt them down the stretch, their young energy and drive can lead them to do some serious damage this year. Emerging stars Dougie Tompkins and Jack Blount will need to develop a partnership that can enable them to take over at the end of games.

6. Booth/Dorr
Team Booth/Dorr looks like a well-rounded group this year. With a top MVP candidate and absolute BALLER in Matthew Cota, this team will go as far as he takes it. And with a supporting cast full of rebounders, Cota should have the pieces he needs to be Team Booth's messiah.

7. Southwick
Despite Mr. Southwick's (better known as Mainerd) questionable draft strategies, it looks like he came away with a respectable team this year for his son Harrison to work with. Although Harrison is totally unqualified to be a coach and has minimal basketball knowledge, the basketball IQ of his star players Jack Barry and Riley Curran should help him tremendously.

8. Willson/Dzwonek
This may be the team that is slept on throughout the season. With multiple players that are capable of taking over a game, this team could exceed expectations. However, it is a stretch to believe this team can perform at a high level consistently week after week. Much like with Team Booth, this team will go as far as their best player takes it, and it's up to Matt Lamarre to bring out the best of his teammates.

9. Jarboe
Simply put, this is a team full of GOOFIES. While the raw talent of this team may be among the best in the league, the commitment and motivation of the players on the team is seriously in question. Who knows what to expect from Jarbonzo bean, and as far as we've seen, Simon Chandler is all talk. We'll see what type of player freak athlete Zach Elmasri develops into, but either way, sophomore stud Andrew Watkins will have his hands full carrying this group.

10. Townsend
This team is ranked so low mostly due to the uncertainty surrounding head coach Nate Townsend. Will he return at some point this season? Maybe if he comes back this can be a team worth watching, but with wildcards Nick Perry and Will Zinkann assuming important roles with this group, there are no real fears on this team outside of Kyle Plausse.

11. Keast/Kimetto
The clear losers of the draft, Team KK has a group that is wildly unpredictable. Alex Castellano is a detriment to every team he's on, and will need to be kept on a tight leash throughout the season. Following lackluster performances at this week's open gyms, David Kimetto's obsession with missing layups and Jeremy Keast looking washed up as ever, who knows what to expect from this squad this year.