If the first month of the PSAL basketball season has taught us anything, it’s to assume nothing. Anything is possible. Top-ranked Lincoln nearly lost to Grady, Cardozo fell to Campus Magnet, and Boys & Girls, coming off a road win at two-time CHSAA Class AA city champion Christ the King, fell to South Shore.
The week’s rankings reflect that, with Campus Magnet and Wadleigh moving into our rankings in place of John F. Kennedy and Transit Tech.
1. Lincoln (6-0) (Last week: 1)
Isaiah Whitehead is back in the lineup, Travis Charles has found himself in his new setting and Ethan Telfair has developed into a legitimate Division I prospect. Yes, Lincoln is pretty good this year, as its 6-0 start and victories over South Shore, Thomas Jefferson and Patterson (Md.) and junior star Aquille Carr illustrate.
Next: George Westinghouse (Dec. 22, 5 p.m.)
2. Boys & Girls (6-1) (2)
The Kangaroos lacked scoring depth in Thursday’s 61-58 loss to South Shore. Sure, Leroy (Truck) Fludd poured in 31 points and Tyliek Kimbrough added 13, but the two didn’t get nearly enough help. That problem will likely be solved with the addition of St. Anthony (N.J.) transfer Rashad Andrews, and once Bishop Loughlin transfer Joel Angus gets more comfortable.
Next: No. 4 Curtis (Dec. 31, 4 p.m.)
3. Thomas Jefferson (8-2) (3)
The return from academic ineligibility of star shooter Thaddeus Hall bolsters an already tough-minded, cohesive and talented Jefferson team which is better than many predicted. Even its two losses – to Christ the King and Lincoln – could’ve gone either way, and now Jefferson has won its first two games in the Sunshine State in the Kreul Classic Sweet Sixteen Championship.
Next: Coral Springs Christian (Fla.), Kreul Classic (Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.)
4. South Shore (6-3) (6)
The Vikings proved they are among the city’s elite with Thursday’s win over Boys & Girls. The junior duo of Terrence Samuel and Shamiek Sheppard shined in the victory, combining for 35 points. South Shore, however, came back to earth on Saturday by falling to St. Patrick, 54-53, in heartbreaking fashion in the Kreul Classic Elite Challenge on Saturday. Consistency, not ability, is the question for South Shore.
Next: Northeast (Fla.), Kreul Classic (Dec. 19, 9 p.m.)
5. Curtis (6-0) (5)
Coach Rich Buckheit is hesitant to crown his undefeated squad because it hasn’t been tested much. That will change before 2012, starting this week with home contests against rival McKee/Staten Island Tech and undefeated CSI/McCown and in the coming weeks against Bronx power Eagle Academy and two-time PSAL Class A city champion Boys & Girls. If the Warriors are still perfect when the new year comes, Buckheit will certainly be handing out praise likes Santa Claus gives out presents.
Next: McKee/Staten Island Tech (Dec. 20, 6 p.m.)
6. Wings Academy (8-0) (7)
It was another perfect week for Wings, which has plenty of tests looming. First up is undefeated Eagle Academy Tuesday in a showdown for first place in Bronx AA followed by a loaded field in the STOP-DWI Holiday Classic after Christmas.
Next: No. 8 Eagle Academy @ Mott Hall (Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m.)
7. Cardozo (4-1) (4)
Jermaine Lawrence made sure the Judges bounced back from Tuesday’s loss to Campus Magnet with a triple-double of 15 points, 15 rebounds and 10 blocks in their 62-59 victory over Bayside. Another great sign from that victory was Edwin Sainvil, an important piece out of the backcourt, going off for 16 points and eight assists.
Next: @ Forest Hills (Dec. 20, 5:30 p.m.)
8. Eagle Academy (10-0) (9)
The Eagles went down to Florida and took care of business, winning a pair of non-league contests over Cypress Lake and North Fort Myers. Their biggest challenge, though, comes Tuesday against perennial Bronx power Wings Academy, which won the two matchups last by an average of 25 points.
Next: No. 6 Wings Academy @ Mott Hall (Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m.)
9. Campus Magnet (9-2) (NR)
What a week it was in Cambria Heights for Tarik Raynor, Sam Durodola and Co. First, they shocked Cardozo, ending the Judges’ 28-game streak against Queens PSAL competition, and then legendary coach Charles Granby picks up his 700th career victory.
Next: Thomas Edison (Dec. 20, 5 p.m.)
10. Wadleigh (7-3) (NR)
After a slow start, Louis Costen has hit his stride and in turn, so has Wadleigh. The senior swingman had 20 points and 11 rebounds in Saturday’s 62-60 victory over Transit Tech – the Tigers’ best win of the year – and was a monster in a blowout of West 50th Street, posting 30 points and 17 rebounds.
Next: Thurgood Marshall Academy (Dec. 20, 5 p.m.)
New: Campus Magnet (9-2) and Wadleigh (7-3)
Dropped out: John F. Kennedy (4-2) and Transit Tech (3-6)
On the bubble: Transit Tech (3-6), John F. Kennedy (4-2), Bayside (6-4), McKee/Staten Island Tech (7-3), Robeson (6-5) and Brooklyn Collegiate (10-0)