While Rob Moore’s Philadelphia-based Constitution Generals continued to hold down the No. 1 spot in PennLive’s Class AA boys’ basketball rankings, several other shifts occurred following a number of surprising results.
With previous No. 3 Greensburg Central Catholic sliding two spots after a loss to McKeesport, Loyalsock and Lewisburg each moved up one spot. Although Lewisburg also fell, the Green Dragons lost to then-No. 4 Loyalsock at the buzzer on the road.
Al Callejas’ Holy Cross Crusaders — seventh last week — also tumbled several spots after watching a late lead slip away in a loss to neighboring Dunmore. Meanwhile, No. 9 Neshannock dropped out of the top 10 following a loss to Riverside.
Back in following a week’s respite — and three victories — is Beaver Falls. Doug Biega’s Tigers, who swept Aliquippa, Shenango and Hopewell reappear at No. 8.
Could be even more movement next week, too, since a number of intriguing matchups — Loyalsock-Central Columbia, Mid Valley-Elk Lake, Greensburg Central Catholic-South Allegheny, Holy Cross-Riverside — will unfold throughout the week.
Short synopses of our top 10 appear below — PIAA district, overall record and record for the week are displayed in parentheses — as does a list of teams that merit watching as the 2013-14 campaign continues to play out.
1. Constitution (12, 14-2, 3-0) — previous ranking: 1 — Rob Moore’s Generals continued their string of sparkling performances last week, as they stretched their winning streak to 10 games by defeating Philly Electrical (80-69) and Frankford twice (86-52/62-49). Junior forward Ahmad Gilbert jolted Philly Electrical with a 28-point effort, then tacked on double-figure numbers (13/17) against Frankford. Kimar Williams also had three solid offensive outings (14/12/16). Will go for consecutive win No. 11 today against Delaware power Salesianum.
2. Seton-La Salle (7, 14-0, 3-0) — previous ranking: 2 — Flashing plenty of balance throughout, the Rebels cranked out decisive victories over Bishop Canevin (83-45), South Fayette (61-45) and Chartiers-Houston (85-54). Sparkling lead guard Dale Clancy posted three double-digit efforts (13/17/20), while Malik White (21/16), Ryan Norkus (16/18) and Christian DelGreco (11/17) each checked in with a pair. Up next is another WPIAL road date Tuesday night at Brentwood.
3. Loyalsock (4, 11-1, 3-0) — previous ranking: 4 — While Ron Insinger’s Lancers opened last week by squeezing past Heartland 2 adversary Lewisburg (53-52) on Omar Little’s running leaner at the buzzer — Mike Pastore added 15 and Ben Sosa 12 for ‘Sock — victories over Hughesville (79-43) and Sankofa Freedom (75-61) arrived with less difficulty. Pastore (15/23) and Little (13/21) were just as productive in the latter victories, while Sosa’s 17 helped push the Lancers past Sankofa. Tough road date lurks Tuesday night at Central Columbia.
4. Lewisburg (4, 13-1, 2-1) — previous ranking: 5 — John Vaji’s Green Dragons opened the week by absorbing yet another disappointing loss to Loyalsock (53-52), but rebounded nicely by taking down Southern Columbia (61-34) and Milton (71-61). Soph Sam Allen sparkled throughout, posting three double-digit performances (12/20/29) and a 10-board night against Milton. Will Sigl pocketed three consistent efforts (16/12/15) as well. Will entertain Hughesville Tuesday night.
5. Greensburg Central Catholic (7, 13-2, 2-1) — previous ranking: 3 — While victories over Jeannette (53-40) and Shady Side Academy (73-57) enabled GCC to stretch its winning streak to seven games, Dr. Greg Bisignani’s club was upended at week’s end by McKeesport (66-63). Billy Hipp cranked out three double-figure efforts for the Centurions (14/12/12), while Brian Graytok (19/21) and Christian Hyland (20/11) checked in with two. Idle until Friday’s scrap at South Allegheny.
6. Quaker Valley (7, 14-1, 2-0) — previous ranking: 6 — Quaker Valley’s winning streak grew to five games last week, as Mike Mastroianni’s Quakers pocketed easy victories over Freedom (82-30) and Carlynton (78-29). Chris Conlan’s 12 points paced QV in the win over Freedom, while Trewon Marshall banked a team-high 14 against Carlynton. Will entertain Sto-Rox on Tuesday night.
7. Mid Valley (2, 12-1, 2-0) — previous ranking: 8 — Side-stepped a stubborn Riverside outfit 48-45 behind 16 from Jason Kenny and 13 from A.J. Gangemi to open last week, then eased past Old Forge 58-37 on Friday as Kenny collected 17 points and Alex Prislupsky checked in with 14. Have an intriguing matchup Tuesday night at unbeaten Elk Lake.
8. Beaver Falls (7, 12-3, 3-0) — previous ranking: HM — Back in the state-wide mix after a week away from the top 10 — and three victories — Doug Biega’s Tigers rode double-digit performances from Javon Turner (16/15/15) and Dan Stratton (14/12/11) to comfortable wins over Aliquippa (75-54), Shenango (69-43) and Hopewell (72-48). Donovan Jeter and Branden Thomas also pitched in, collecting 10 points or more twice for a Beaver Falls club that will entertain Laurel on Tuesday night.
9. Holy Cross (2, 10-3, 2-1) — previous ranking: 7 — While Al Callejas’ Crusaders watched a late six-point lead disappear in a loss to crosstown rival Dunmore (47-41) — Connor Callejas racked up 22 points in that setback — Holy Cross rebounded with victories over Old Forge (67-48) and Carbondale (56-40). Connor Jones netted 19 against Old Forge, then closed out the week with 13 in the win over Carbondale. Another difficult scrap awaits Tuesday night at Riverside.
10. West Middlesex (10, 8-4, 2-0) — previous ranking: 10 — Chad Mild’s refurbished Big Reds appear to be rounding into form as West Middlesex spent last week posting victories over Reynolds (63-28) and Wilmington (51-44). Another could come Tuesday night when Mild’s outfit hosts Sharpsville.
OTHERS TO WATCH: Aliquippa (7) 8-5, Avonworth (7) 11-3, Bald Eagle Area (6) 11-1, Blairsville (6) 9-1, Calvary Christian (1) 12-2, Central Columbia (4) 9-3, Columbia (3) 11-4, Conemaugh Twp (5) 11-3, Conwell-Egan (12) 12-3, Elk Lake (2) 13-0, Fairview (10) 12-2, Hanover (3) 12-4, Jeannette (7) 8-6, Mercyhurst Prep (10) 11-3, Neshannock (7) 12-3, Penns Valley (6) 10-1, Richland (6) 10-2, Riverside (2) 11-3, South Allegheny (7) 12-4, Towanda (4) 12-2, Tyrone (6) 10-3, Washington (7) 12-4, Windber (5) 10-3.
BULLOCK ON TWITTER: @thebullp_n