4A Boys’ Basketball Power Rankings

By Brett Okamoto

Monday, Feb. 2, 2009 | 2:34 p.m.

Just our second week and already a lot of shuffling. Not a huge surprise, considering the No. 1 and 2 teams played each other in three of the four leagues last week.

With playoff hopes on the line and seeds starting to form, playing hard shouldn't be a concern. Desire is a big factor at this point in the season — either you have it or you don't. Don't expect big things out of the teams lacking.

1. Palo Verde (16-3, 8-1 Northwest Division)

The Panthers were anxious to get back on the floor with Cheyenne. Six days after the Desert Shields dominated the first match-up, Palo Verde responded by digging itself out of an early 10-point hole in a 85-77 win. The Panthers play consistent, smart basketball and they play as a team.

2. Cheyenne (17-3, 8-1 Northwest Division)

An opportunity to completely set themselves apart from every other team in the valley didn't seem to interest the Desert Shields as they blew the early lead in the Jan. 30 loss to Palo Verde. Wins earlier in the week against Mojave and Centennial are nothing to overlook, but championship teams win the biggest games, and they don't get bigger than the 85-77 loss.

3. Desert Pines (18-5, 8-0 Northeast Division)

You don't have much of a better week than Desert Pines just had. They took down the other top two teams in their division, Eldorado 71-65 and Canyon Springs 76-75, before unloading a 20-point victory on a Valley team that, despite a weak record, is no pushover. Other teams might look better on paper, but right now the Jaguars can play with anybody.

4. Bishop Gorman (18-4, 10-1 Southwest Division)

Bishop Gorman also had a big week, scoring wins over quality teams in Durango and Spring Valley. Point guard John Loyd averaged 22.3 points in the three wins, including a buzzer-beater three to lift the Gaels over Spring Valley in overtime.

5. Sierra Vista (20-5, 8-2 Southwest Division)

With five players suspended from the Bonanza brawl, we forgive Sierra Vista for the Jan. 26 loss to Western on the road. The Mountain Lions hold their own destiny, with games against Bishop Gorman and Durango ahead. As one Vista fan put it though, "Gorman is frothing at the mouths to play us again," after losing to the Mountain Lions earlier this season. And that just doesn't sound good.

6. Foothill (16-6, 9-0 Southeast Division)

Still perfect. But still in the Southeast. Foothill is definitely taking care of business, outscoring their three opponents 213-157 last week. But those opponents are also a combined 18-32. Foothill's depth gives them a unique advantage over other teams, but they'll be in trouble when the competition eventually gets better.

7. Eldorado (17-7, 6-2 Northeast Division)

Disappointing week for the Sun Devils. After a huge Jan. 26 loss to Desert Pines, Eldorado served up another letdown in a 70-67 loss to Canyon Springs. A 83-75 win over Las Vegas, during which they trailed by as much as 17, wasn't too impressive either. Eldorado missed forward Marcus Moreland in the Desert Pines game, but that's no excuse. Senior Mitrell Clark is playing great basketball but without more offensive consistency from his teammates, the Sun Devils continue to drop close ones.

8. Durango (14-7, 9-2 Southwest Division)

Without a doubt, the Trailblazers missed Marcus Falley. The senior returned to the lineup after missing two weeks and immediately dropped 24 in a loss to Bishop Gorman, 31 in a win over Spring Valley and another 31 in a win over Pahrump Valley. Despite losing both games to Gorman, if Durango continues to win they could still steal the top seed in the Southwest.

9. Silverado (20-4, 8-1 Southeast Division)

A 67-61 loss to Foothill remains the only blemish on an otherwise perfect division record for the Skyhawks. Another three wins last week is cause for celebration, but this team probably won't find redemption until Friday's rematch with the Falcons at home. Although Silverado has posted impressive routs over Southeast opponents, they've lost key matchups against Palo Verde, Cheyenne and Eldorado.

10. Legacy (12-8, 6-3 Northwest Division)

After an unexpected hot start, the Longhorns have cooled off. They were held under 40 points twice last week and barely topped a 4-13 Shadow Ridge team in their own gym. When you're leading scorer for the game is only averaging 12 to 15 points per game, it is usually not a good sign.

Outside Looking In:

Mojave (13-7, 5-4 Northwest Division)

If I'm guarding Anthony Marshall, I'm playing off him by about six feet. The senior is lethal on the drive, but an inconsistent jumper has kept the Rattlers from an extra win or two.

Centennial (13-11, 4-5 Northwest Division)

The Bulldogs blew one in a 52-51 loss to Arbor View. If the playoffs were to start today, they'd be out.