Jakolby Long is a big reason why Mustang is mowing over opponents in Oklahoma.
Photo by Jim Redman
It was a strong weekend for the Fighting Irish as they dominated matchups with Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) and Our Savior New American (Centereach, N.Y.).
22. (NR) Atascocita (Humble, Texas), 23-1On the strength of two tournament victories and a finals appearance in a third, the Eagles own a Top 10 computer ranking. Atascocita has been hammering folks since suffering its first loss Dec. 30, winning by an average margin of 24 points per game.
23. (13) Stevenson (Lincolnshire, Ill.), 15-2The Patriots took a thumping against then-No. 1 Findlay Prep at the Spalding Hoophall Classic. Other than a late-season meeting with Simeon (Chicago), showcase season is over for Stevenson – time to focus on winning the Illinois Class 4A state title.
24. (NR) Plano West (Texas), 18-2Parkview of Arkansas is probably wondering where its spot in the Top 25 is after beating Plano West in late December to win the Whataburger Tournament. Fair question – it was the second game of the day for both teams – but great talent sometimes affords great leniency in the national rankings and there is no question the Wolves have great talent.
25. (NR) Mustang (Okla.), 10-0At No. 5, here's another team with a computer ranking that's hard to ignore. The Broncos (gutsy nickname choice) beat Dallas-area powers DeSoto and Kimball in enemy territory to start the season and are running teams from Oklahoma by an average margin of 27.8 points per game. It helps Mustang's case that fellow Sooner State school Putnam City West (Oklahoma City) fared well in a major national tournament. Another great Melvin Randall team at
Blanche Ely (Pompano Beach, Fla.) was also a strong consideration for this spot.
Dropped out: No. 4
Roselle Catholic (N.J.), No. 16
Southport (Indianapolis), No. 22
Simeon (Chicago), No. 24
Pope John XXIII (Sparta, N.J.)
