For the first time this season, there’s a new No. 1 in our MIAA Boys Top 10.
It nearly took until February, but after a 9-0 start, Malden Catholic suffered its first loss of the season last Tuesday to Catholic Conference rival Catholic Memorial. The Lancers – the three-time defending champion in Division 2 – occupied the No. 1 spot in our rankings for the first six weeks of the season, but they’re heading down for now.
CM entered the rankings this week with that huge victory, but where? How far did Malden Catholic fall? And who takes over as the new No. 1?
Let’s check out this week’s Top 10.
1. Newton North (12-1)
Previous ranking: 2
Next game: vs. Framingham, Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m.
The Tigers move up thanks to Malden Catholic’s loss, but they had to earn it with a tough road victory at Central Catholic last Tuesday. They trailed by nine late before finishing on a 16-4 run, and Teagan Swint’s block on Javi Lopez on the game’s final play sealed the win.
2. Franklin (14-0)
Previous ranking: 3
Next game: at Mansfield, Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m.
The Panthers have pulverized their opponents, and each of their 13 wins against teams from Massachusetts have been by double digits. Wednesday’s visit to a ranked Mansfield team will be a huge test.
3. Central Catholic (11-3)
Previous ranking: 4
Next game: vs. Haverhill, Jan. 28, 7 p.m.
The Raiders should feel no shame in falling to Newton North, even after letting a late lead slip. Head coach Mark Dunham’s group came out of a brutal four-game stretch – at North Andover, vs. Lowell, vs. Newton North, at Andover – with a 3-1 record that should serve them well for the stretch run, when their schedule lightens up.
4. Lowell (12-1)
Previous ranking: 5
Next game: at Chelmsford, Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m.
The Red Raiders’ lone slip-up is still their road loss to Central Catholic, and they’ve responded with three consecutive wins over strong teams – at Bridgewater-Raynham, at Tewksbury, at Lawrence – all by double digits.
5. Malden Catholic (10-1)
Previous ranking: 1
Next game: vs. St. John’s Shrewsbury, Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m.
The Lancers responded to their first loss with a convincing 70-53 home victory over Xaverian. They should still be considered the favorite to win the Catholic Conference, with a home rematch against Catholic Memorial – who they’re tied with at 5-1 in the league – looming on Feb. 7.
6. St. Mary’s (13-0)
Previous ranking: 6
Next game: at Archbishop Williams, Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m.
The Spartans played just once last week, a 68-46 win over Bishop Fenwick. Led by J.J. Martinez, they’ve been unfazed by any opponent this season and remain atop the MIAA’s Division 3 power rankings by a significant margin.
7. Catholic Memorial (9-3)
Previous ranking: NR
Next game: at BC High, Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m.
Behind four consecutive wins over Xaverian, Attleboro, Malden Catholic and St. John’s Prep, the Knights crack the rankings. Led by sophomore leading scorer Aiden Pires and freshman sensation Jacari Jenkins, head coach Denis Tobin’s group has exceeded early expectations after losing several key pieces from last season’s Division 1 Final Four team.
8. Attleboro (12-2)
Previous ranking: 8
Next game: at Stoughton, Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m.
After Monday night’s 25-point win over Durfee, the Bombardiers have won their last three games by an average margin of 18 points. Things are trending in the right direction as their home rematch against Franklin looms on Feb. 7.
9. Mansfield (10-2)
Previous ranking: 10
Next game: vs. Franklin, Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m.
Nate Creedon and Riley Sigman have been terrific for the Hornets, who have now won four straight. Wednesday’s home date with Franklin is a statement opportunity.
10. Somerset Berkley (12-1)
Previous ranking: NR
Next game: vs. Greater New Bedford, Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m.
Finn Bjork had 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Raiders to a 74-55 victory over Dartmouth on Monday night to extend their winning streak to nine games. They look like they could be a legit threat to Malden Catholic in Division 2.
DROPPED OUT: Arlington, Andover
ON THE RADAR: Brookline, Holland (Burke), Arlington, Andover, Bishop Feehan, Bridgewater-Raynham
