CWOSSA Senior Boys Top 10: January 18th

After some extensive tournament action and league games to start the season, here's where I currently see the "CWOSSA Top 10":

1.  SJAM / Waterloo
The 'Landers continue to roll through WCSSAA play, and did capture the tournament title at their home tournament last weekend.  However, the gap between #2 and #1 is certainly shrinking, and I wouldn't argue with those who would choose to put SBCSS in the top spot.

2.  St. Benedict / Cambridge
The Saints actually probably have a more impressive "OFSAA resume" than SJAM, given their recent tournament successes -- wins over Bishop Reding (who have now beaten SJAM 2x), Holy Trinity, West Humber, London's JP II (2x) and Brampton St. Roch to win their home tournament title last weekend among others.

3.  Bishop Macdonell / Guelph
The Celts are undefeated in the D10 league, and have represented the CWOSSA region well in tournaments outside the area --- in late December, they held a lead at halftime over Father Henry Carr, arguably the top team in the province.

4.  Eastwood / Kitchener
A couple of early season stumbles prevented me from ranking the Rebs too high in the early going, but their resume (and current undefeated status in WCSSAA) is certainly worthy of a top-five spot.  This team has the athleticism and talent to be a problem come playoff time.

5.  St. Mary's / Kitchener
For once, the Eagles will actually be underdogs entering the D8 playoffs --- but they have the offensive capabilities to play with anyone in CWOSSA.

6.  Grand River / Kitchener
Speaking of offensive capabilities, the Rens are one of the most offensively efficient teams out there.  If they can crack down on their defensive skills, a run at a WCSSAA title (and CWOSSA berth) aren't out of the question.  Recently, they played SBCSS tough at the Saints' home tourney, and pulled out a win over (then unbeaten) KCI in league play.

7 (Tie).  Waterloo CI / Waterloo & Kitchener CI / Kitchener
Yes, I realize the Raiders have 2 wins over the Vikes, but based upon the "total resume", I'll slot both of these rivals in at the 7-spot.  The Vikes had the lead last week on ECI going into the 4th, before a late Rebel charge kept them undefeated.  KCI, meanwhile, dropped a decision to Grand River -- but have the most favourable schedule on the table (avoiding both ECI & SJAM).

9.  North Park / Brantford
The Trojans certainly appear to be the class of the D5 (Brantford) league, and have one thing that is very important come playoff time --- very strong guard play.  

10.  St. David / Waterloo
With a win over Resurrection last week in league play, and another victory tonight over MDCSS, the Celts may be peaking at the right time.  True tests will conclude their D8 regular schedule, as they will play both SMHS & SBCSS again.