Here's our first District 3-AAAA boys' basketball rankings for the 2012-13 season. This has nothing to do with power ratings. It's just our view of the top 5.
1. Harrisburg (6-1) -- Sure, Kirk Smallwood's Cougars lost at home to York, but we still believe the Cougars are the favorites in 3-AAAA. It will take more than a highly competitive December loss to another great program to convince us otherwise.
2. McCaskey (5-2) -- Losses are to Harrisburg and Chester, and this club is looking very powerful as we get into a heavy L-L Section I slate. Can't imagine that will slow this group down.
3. York (5-1) -- The Bearcats trailed by double digits most of the game at Harrisburg, but credit this group for rallying strong for the W. Only loss this season to high-powered Williamsport. Coach Troy Sowers' club will dominate YAIAA Division I. It won't even be close.
4. Cumberland Valley (6-3) -- Toughest pick, because after Harrisburg and State College (District 6), it's a free-for-all right now in the Mid-Penn Commonwealth, the district's strongest division. Eagles get the nod because their start has been slightly more impressive than their peers'.
5. Reading (4-4) -- Pay minimal attention to the .500 record. The Red Knights always test themselves with a killer early non-league schedule. But last week's impressive victory over Wilson (4-1) hints this team will be in the mix come February.
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Notes: Only unbeaten is Exeter (7-0), but it's against a very weak schedule. We'll turn believers when they get through the first half of the Berks I slate unscathed. ... The aforementioned Bulldogs of Wilson (4-1) earned some respect by traveling to and winning at Central Dauphin last week. The Rams (3-5) are in that Commonwealth mix with CD East (4-3) and Chambersburg (4-3). ... Elizabethtown (6-1) is close, and the Bears might give McCaskey its best Section I-II crossover game, but outside-looking-in for now. ... Dallastown (6-1), Manheim Twp. (5-2), Hempfield (4-2) among those needing a marquee win yet. Remember, though, Cumberland Valley easily bounced Manheim Twp. on opening weekened. ... Will be tough to properly judge Lampeter-Strasburg (5-2) because the Pioneers play in the smaller-school half of the L-L.