Firstly, an interesting note is that several teams have made significant strides from a season ago. Already, three teams have equalled or bettered their win totals from 2009-10. Yes, several teams may have benefitted from an extra win against "Elmira", but again, keep in mind we are only 6 games into the season.
Here's a quick look at those teams who have already accumulated at least 67% of last year's wins:
"At or Better than 2009-10"
Huron Heights (1-11 last year): 2-4 this season
Eastwood (2-10 last year): 2-4 this season
Glenview Park (2-10 last year): 2-4 this season
"Getting Close"
Grand River (5-7 last year): 4-2 this season
Waterloo-Oxford (4-9 last year): 3-3 this season
Galt (3-9 last year): 2-3 this season
Forest Heights (7-5 last year): 5-0 this season
All of the teams that are "at or better than 2009-10" have improved primarily through solid talent coming up from junior. Erist Wame (GPSS) and Sean Samuel (HHHS) are grade 11s that have both cracked the 30+ point mark during league play this season. Eastwood, meanwhile, has Jerelle Vaughan and several others from a "top 5" junior team last season.
Of course, there's a couple clubs that have had some difficulty matching last season's success after graduating some key players. The Preston Panthers, for instance, have already matched last season's loss total with an 0-5 start to their season. That said, the Panthers have been quite competitve (i.e. losing to several teams, including SJAM by single digits). In addition, the youthful WCI Vikings have already picked up 3 losses this season (3-3), whereas in 2009-10 the Vikes were a surprise squad that went 10-2 during the regular season. However, the Vikes did come within a second of handing the FHCI Trojans their first loss right before the break.
The Rest of the Way
At the mid-way point, it looks as though the favourites to take the title would be (in no particular order) Bluevale, SJAM, Cameron Heights and Forest Heights. WCI and Grand River seem to be next in line and, as evidenced by some of their results to this point, have the ability to take out the current "top 4" if they play well.
Eastwood, KCI and Southwood are "darkhorses" that could definitely make some noise if they're peaking at playoff time.
Midway WCSSAA All-Stars
(Based upon WCSSAA games only)
Note: Where applicable, I've added scoring averages for those that were "calculable".
First Team
Stefan Cvrkalj, Bluevale - 20.2 PPG
Javon Masters, Forest Heights*
Ben Reyhani, SJAM - 19.6 PPG
Edem Ame, SJAM
Amjed Osman, Cameron Heights
Second Team
Sean Samuel, Huron Heights* - 22.7 PPG
Osama Qahwash, Grand River
Brodi Verbiski, Grand River
Alex Copp, WCI
Erist Wame, Glenview Park*
Vedran Dmitrovic, Cameron Heights*
Third Team
Brian Doran, Southwood - 19.0 PPG
Alex Galea, KCI - 15.5 PPG
Quinn Turner, SJAM**
Ian Farquharson, Bluevale
Karsten Beney, Bluevale
Gage Paquette, Forest Heights
* = grade 11
** = grade 10
No comments:
Post a Comment