The MIAA state tournament bracket release is inching closer, now less than two weeks away on Feb. 22. In the meantime, the schedule-makers have done a good job in giving us some fun appetizers.
Friday’s slate was one of the best of the winter, with several conference rivals facing off in loud gyms and league titles at stake across the state. Franklin-Attleboro, Newton North-Brookline and St. Mary’s-Bishop Feehan were among the matchups that delivered. This week has some more juicy matchups – including a Valentine’s Day clash between Lowell and Andover – before some exciting games during February break tournaments.
Last week’s games continued to help shape the Division 1 title race, which is still wide open. But there’s a new No. 1 atop the rankings.
Let’s dive into the latest MIAA Boys Top 10.
1. Franklin (18-0)
Previous ranking: 2
Next game: at Milford, Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.
I saw enough on Friday night to feel comfortable in placing Franklin at No. 1 after the Panthers pulled out an impressive road victory over full-strength Attleboro in a difficult environment. Admittedly, I was hesitant to give them the top spot because last month’s home win over Attleboro came against a shorthanded Blue Bombardiers squad. But Friday’s win showed me a lot about them. Franklin has passed every test this season, Caden Sullivan has continued to be a stud and he and his supporting cast just keep finding ways to win. The Panthers should wrap up the Hockomock League with games against Milford and Sharon this week.
MORE: Standouts/takeaways from Franklin's win over Attleboro
2. Newton North (16-1)
Previous ranking: 1
Next game: at Weymouth, Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.
The Tigers’ drop to No. 2 is less about them and more about Franklin’s big win over Attleboro. But the margin is razor-thin between them. Head coach Paul Connolly’s group wrapped up the Bay State Conference title by beating Brookline on Friday to improve its league record to 13-0. They have some fun tests this weekend at the Board 27 Tournament, where they face North Andover and Winchester.
3. Central Catholic (13-3)
Previous ranking: 3
Next game: vs. Methuen, Feb. 11, 7 p.m.
The Raiders once again played just once this week as they cruised to a win over Chelmsford behind junior star Javi Lopez, who broke 1,000 career points. They play four times over the next seven days, including a tough league game against a surging Methuen team led by star Nethaniel Clemente, who’s been dominant lately.
4. Lowell (15-1)
Previous ranking: 4
Next game: vs. North Andover, Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.
The Red Raiders haven’t played since last Monday’s win over Dracut, but return with two tough league games this week against North Andover and Andover to finish their Merrimack Valley Conference schedule.
5. Malden Catholic (15-1)
Previous ranking: 5
Next game: at Worcester South, Feb. 11, 6 p.m.
The Lancers are surging after clinching the Catholic Conference title last Wednesday before avenging their only loss of the season with an 85-51 blowout of Catholic Memorial. The challenge now is staying sharp in their final regular season games before the state tournament, and they’re hoping to get star forward Ben Howard back soon.
FULL CIRCLE: How Matt Gaffney, Malden Catholic won Catholic Conference title
6. St. Mary’s (19-0)
Previous ranking: 6
Next game: vs. East Boston, Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m.
The Spartans passed their toughest tough of the season on Friday, holding off Bishop Feehan for a tough 73-69 road victory. before Monday's 69-55 win over East Boston. They remain the strong favorite in Division 3.
7. Attleboro (15-3)
Previous ranking: 7
Next game: at Sharon, Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.
The Blue Bombardiers don’t get penalized for losing to Franklin. They were impressive even in defeat, and I still think they should make a deep run in the Division 1 tournament. There aren’t many teams better than them.
8. Somerset Berkley (16-1)
Previous ranking: 10
Next game: TBD, Feb. 14
The Raiders still have not lost since Dec. 28, their sole loss of the season against Durfee. They are a legit challenger to Malden Catholic in Division 2.
9. Winchester (14-2)
Previous ranking: 8
Next game: at Belmont, Feb. 13, 7:15 p.m.
The Red & Black saw their winning streak get snapped at 13 games on Friday with a surprising home loss to Lexington. Another example of why the Middlesex League is underrated.
10. Brookline (14-5)
Previous ranking: NR
Next game: at Framingham, Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.
The Warriors crack the rankings even after a loss to Newton North, where they were leading at halftime before letting the game slip. But with a fun backcourt that includes senior Aaron Viola and sophomore Caleb Haynes in addition to the dominant inside presence of Alan Shi, Brookline is a dangerous team as the state tournament looms.
DROPPED OUT: Catholic Memorial
ON THE RADAR: Holland (Burke), Marshfield, Bridgewater-Raynham, Catholic Memorial, Andover, Bishop Feehan, Arlington
