Top 25 NPH High School Power Rankings – Week 4
We had some top tens take a hit in double headers in week 4, only to bounce back with a win of their own the very next game against the same teams.
Cathedral out of Hamilton had another strong showing this week, this time at the Heinbuch Classic in the Silver division, going 3-1 overall. Nathan Bilemu had 27 in the championship game against Oakwood out of Toronto.
North Park out of Brantford managed to make a splash to kick off their season, with a gold medal performance at the Heinbuch classic in Kitchener. Judah Stewart had 15 in the finals against St. Benedict out of Cambridge. Trent Johnson had 13 for St. Benedict
Biggest Jump:
1. Orangeville Prep (Orangeville, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 1 Ranking Change: None League Record: 7-1 Overall Record: 14-3 Week 4 Wins: King’s Christian (107-80), Thornlea (88-82) Week 4 Losses: Thornlea (94-76)
Despite finally being beaten by another Canadian high school for the first time this season, Orangeville Prep remains number one in the country. Not only did they avenge their one road loss to Thornlea by defending home court just a few nights later, they also managed to take down a top 15 team earlier in the week. Joe Jones had 27 in the win last night that allowed O’ville to continue to hold their division lead by half a game. Time has proven this Bears team is beatable, but they are still the toughest matchup on anyone’s schedule here in the north.
2. RISE Prep (Brantford, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 2 Ranking Change: None League Record: 7-3 Overall Record: 14-6 Week 4 Wins: AI Black (104-56), Bill Crothers (95-69) Week 4 Losses: None
After taking care of two winnable games, RISE has done what they needed to do to hold their spot, still sitting second in the country. Nothing much can be taken from these two wins other than the fact that Dawson John and Luke Degannes managed to find their scoring touch during this week. Meanwhile, Thomas Chilton continues to make a case for one of the most improved players in the Canadian prep basketball circuit from last season, throwing himself into almost every play, while managing to add some ball handling and three point shooting to his game.
3. Thornlea (Thornhill, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 9 Ranking Change:Up 6 League Record: 6-4 Overall Record: 10-5 Week 4 Wins: Orangeville Prep (94-76) Week 4 Losses: Orangeville Prep (88-82)
We warned last week what could happen if Thornlea slayed the giant that is Orangeville, and they did just that. Despite dropping their second game to Orangeville last night, the Thunder managed to stay with the current top program in the country right until the final minute. Keeshawn Barthelemy two huge games against his former team, dropping 28 earlier in the week for the win, while scoring 29 last night in the loss. Cashius McNeilly wasn’t too far behind with 25 in the win and 29 in the loss. Thow Biel also had two very impressive games from a defensive and rebounding standpoint. After this week, Thornlea has proven that when healthy, they can be one of the best teams in North America.
4. Top Flight Academy (Ottawa, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 3 Ranking Change: Down 1 League Record: 0-0 Overall Record: 5-2 Week 4 Wins: None Week 4 Losses: None
Not much to say here other than we can’t wait to see this roster finally get back into game action later today at the NPA Central Session that they will be hosting. By next week, it will be very interesting to see where Moun Reath and company will stack up next to the rest of the country.
5. Ridley College (St. Catherines, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 4 Ranking Change: Down 1 League Record: 5-2 Overall Record: 10-5 Week 4 Wins: Southwest (98-92) Week 4 Losses: Southwest Academy (113-108)
Who would’ve thought the biggest battle on the court this past week would of been Ridley vs Southwest? Don’t get us wrong, Orangeville and Thornlea was good, but it didn’t have two straight overtime games, one of which was only possible because of a last second three by Southwest. Ridley managed to bounce back with a road win after Southwest managed to shock them on their home floor, but they will still have to settle for a spot lower in the rankings this week after going .500. At least their starting PG Noah Wharton is back to help turn the tide this coming week.
6. Father Henry Carr (Rexdale, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 8 Ranking Change:Up 2 League Record: 5-1 Overall Record: 10-2 Week 4 Wins: Bill Crothers (117-77) Week 4 Losses: None
Father Henry Carr is another benefactor of a light overall schedule in the prep circuit this week, and handling business to stay in the hunt for top spot in their division. This team has now won four in a row in league play, while still having only lost two games all year, both of which were to top programs. Jalen Menzies and Caleb Johnson each had 22 in the win over Bill Crothers, while Kobey Lam filled in 15. Next up is another shot at moving up the rankings with a game against Orangeville later today.
7. Crestwood Prep (Toronto, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 5 Ranking Change: Down 2 League Record: 4-1 Overall Record: 11-3 Week 4 Wins: None Week 4 Losses: None
No games this past week for Crestwood means a drop in the rankings. They could however see themselves right back in the top 3 conversation depending on the NPA Central Session happening from today until Sunday. Until then they slip a spot.
8. Southwest Academy (London, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 14 Ranking Change: Up 6 League Record: 5-2 Overall Record: 10-4 Week 4 Wins: Ridley College (113-108) Week 4 Losses: Ridley College (98-92)
Kobe Elvis is something else. 32 points and a road win against a top 5 program has Southwest joining Thornlea as the two teams to make the biggest jumps in the power rankings this past week. Unlike Thornlea however, Southwest would force yet a second overtime in their second game, and decided to ride or die with the three. Despite dying by it last night, they have proven that when they’re shooting well and playing aggressive defense, they can literally beat anyone in Canada.
9. Edge School (Calgary, Alberta)
Last Week Ranking: 6 Ranking Change: Down 3 League Record: 4-0 Overall Record: 4-0 Week 4 Wins: None Week 4 Losses: None
The prefect record will be on the line for The Edge School starting today. But no games this past week means a slip in the rankings. This is another team that could be in the top 3 by next week however, it all depends on the next five days.
10. Halifax Prep (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
Last Week Ranking: 7 Ranking Change: Down 3 League Record: 4-1 Overall Record: 6-2 Week 4 Wins: None Week 4 Losses: None
No games equals another slip in the rankings. Halifax is back in action today at the NPA Central Session, hoping for an entry into the top 5 of the power rankings by next week.
11.King’s Christian (Oakville, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 13 Ranking Change: Up 2 League Record: 5-3 Overall Record: 6-4 Week 4 Wins: Vaughan (96-84) Week 4 Losses: Orangeville (107-80)
King’s Christian continue to dwindle in the middle of the pack conversation. King’s started the week of with a loss to Orangeville prep, before defeating Vaughan. #16 ranked 2020 and Harvard commit Luka Sakota finished with 30 while his running mate and #7 ranked 2020 Coleman Stucke put in 29.
12. TRC Academy (Brantford, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 11 Ranking Change: Down 1 League Record: 6-0 Overall Record: 6-4 Week 4 Wins: None Week 4 Losses: None
No games this past week coupled with a few teams below them getting big wins has TRC Academy falling a few spots this week. The Wolfpack have managed to stay undefeated in league play, but will require a few more quality wins to keep pace with some of the other elite schools to stay in the top ten, something this team has proven time and again no matter who is playing for them.
13. Vaughan (Vaughan, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 16 Ranking Change: Up 3 League Record: 3-5 Overall Record: 6-10 Week 4 Wins: AI Red (85-66) Week 4 Losses: King’s Christian (96-84)
Vaughan started off the week with a trouncing of AI Red to the tune of 20 points. They then lost a tough match-up to King’s in an away game. #49 ranked 2019 Ryan Brooks scored 34 points while #55 ranked Wazir Latiff potted in 28.
14. Lincoln Prep (Hamilton, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 17 Ranking Change: Up 3 League Record: 4-4 Overall Record: 4-8 Week 4 Wins:A.I. Red (124-68) Week 4 Losses: None
Getting back to .500 in league play has Lincoln Prep back in the hunt for a top ten nod. Tyler Sagl had some help from the supporting cast in their win over AI Red this week, with players such as Sheymar Ryan, Scott Jenkins, Derrell McLaughlin-Perreira, and Bennett Grumbach all scoring in double figures for the Huskies.
15. Rothesay Netherwood (Rothesay, New Brunswick)
Last Week Ranking: 19 Ranking Change: Up 4 League Record: 2-3 Overall Record: 8-5 Week 4 Wins: Fredericton HS (98-91), Kennebecasis Valley, Charles P. Allen, Bernie MacNaughton Week 4 Losses: None
RNS took home the 2018 Top of the Hill Championship this past weekend. #10 ranked 2020 Kellen Tynes was able to dominate throughout the entire tournament claiming MVP. RNS will now face off in the NPA national session in Ottawa.
16. Toronto Basketball Academy (Toronto, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 10 Ranking Change: Down 5 League Record: 3-1 Overall Record: 4-2 Week 4 Wins: None Week 4 Losses: None
Toronto Basketball Academy will be in action starting this week at the National NPA session in Ottawa. TBA will look to add to their key wins with Crestwood already underneath their belt. Should they have a good run, a new spot in the top 10 next week may not be out of the question.
17. Pine Ridge (Pickering, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 13 Ranking Change: Down 4 League Record: 0-0 Overall Record: 10-2 Week 4 Wins: None Week 4 Losses: None
Pine Ridge SS will be playing in the Mark Wharton Invitational this weekend in Hamilton. Pine Ridge has proven that they can hang with top prep schools. With another championship in a high school tournament, Pine Ridge continues to be the favourite to take home OFSSAA Gold.
18. London Basketball Academy (London, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 15 Ranking Change: Down 3 League Record: 1-0 Overall Record: 5-2 Week 4 Wins: None Week 4 Losses: None
LBA did not play any games for the second straight week, thus going down a few spots. They will resume play this week in Ottawa at the NPA national session.
19. St. Francis Xavier (Mississauga, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 20 Ranking Change: Up 1 League Record: 1-0 Overall Record: 9-2 Week 4 Wins:Holy Trinity (68-45), St. Augustine (87-64) Week 4 Losses: None
St. Francis Xavier kicked off their ROPSSAA schedule this year with a win over St. Augustine out of Brampton by a final of 87-64. The Tigers sport an impressive overall record, but will need to take on some more top level programs before being awarded a spot in the top 15.
20. Central Tech (Toronto, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 18 Ranking Change: Down 2 League Record: 3-7 Overall Record: 10-11 Week 4 Wins: None Week 4 Losses: None
A quiet week for Central Tech leads to another drop in the rankings for them. After running the gauntlet for the first two months of the season , they will continue their extended break from league play until December 4th when they get a chance to bounce right back into the top 15 and snap their 4 game league skid against number two ranked RISE.
21. Saskatoon Basketball Academy (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)
Last Week Ranking: 18 Ranking Change: Down 3 League Record: 2-2 Overall Record: 2-2 Week 4 Wins: None Week 4 Losses: None
SBA will be looking to make noise at the NPA national session in Ottawa. Dont be surprised if the team from Saskatchewan come away with some key victories.
22. Oakville Prep (Oakville, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 19 Ranking Change: Down 3 League Record: 0-1 Overall Record: 1-3 Week 4 Wins: None Week 4 Losses: None
Oakville Prep continue to get stronger week by week. This will be the second week in a row without games. They will be active at the national session in Ottawa.
23. GTA Prep (Mississauga, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: 21 Ranking Change: Down 2 League Record: 2-4 Overall Record: 2-9 Week 4 Wins: None Week 4 Losses: None
GTA Prep’s youth is really starting to come around. The group is gaining more experience, and is also getting healthy with some key players returning from injury.
24. North Park HS (Brantford, Ontario)
Last Week Ranking: NA Ranking Change: None League Record: 0-0 Overall Record: 4-0 Week 4 Wins: St. Benedicts 47-40, 57-53 Cardinal Newman Week 4 Losses: None
North Park make the list after winning the Heinbuch Classic. This is a squad that has a very talented back court which includes CCAA prospect Judah Stewart. We look forwatd to seeing more from this Brantford team.
25. Jean de Brebeuf High School
Last Week Ranking: None Ranking Change: N/A League Record: 2-0 Overall Record: 2-0
Jean de Brebeuf look to remain unbeaten as they will take on Jeanne Mance and College Jean de Brebeuf this week. This roster is loaded with tons of talent and should be a team on the rise.
Have Your Say…Who Should be in the Top 25?
On the bubble:
- Northstar Prep (Winnipeg, MB)
- Luthor Lions (Regina, Saskatchewan)
- B.C. Christian (Port Coquitlam)
- Saint-Laurent (Saint-Laurent, QC)
- Jeanne Mance (Montreal, QC)
- Henri-Bourassa (Montreal, QC)
- Middlefield Collegiate (Markham, Ontario)
- Burnaby South Rebels (Burnaby, British Columbia)
- Holy Cross Crusaders (Surrey, British Columbia)
- Kennedy HS (Windsor, ON)
- Herman SS (Windsor, ON)
- St. Joseph’s (Saskatoon, SK)
- St. Marguerite d’Youville (Brampton, ON)
- St. John Paul II (Scarborough, ON)
- Oakwood CI (Toronto, ON)
- Holy Trinity (Oakville, ON)
- St. Martin’s S.S. (Mississauga)
- St. Edmund Campion (Brampton, ON)
- Eastwood (Waterloo, ON)
