“Roberts Rankings”-Boys Basketball

We’re one month into the high school basketball season and I’ve been fortunate to cover 14 games. I’ve already seen the top eight teams in my poll in person. My preseason rankings proved to be very accurate. In fact, there’s only one small change in this week’s poll. Wilson and Reading traded places after the Bulldogs won 52-44 at the Geigle Complex.

Berks Catholic is still holding down the top spot. The Saints have double digit wins over Muhlenberg and Wilson. Kingston McKoy has improved his strength and perimeter shooting from a season ago. The Colgate commit is averaging 21.6 ppg. He dropped a career-high 40 points on the Muhls in a 69-55 victory last Friday. Berks Catholic visits Reading on Monday.

Muhlenberg earned a quality road victory by defeating the Red Knights 71-68 two weeks ago. The Muhls rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit. Head coach Matt Flowers has a balanced attack. Eli Hemmings, “Coco” Malave, and LJ Armstrong are each averaging between 12-15 points.

Wilson is riding a five-game winning streak. The Bulldogs are gaining valuable experience and will continue to improve as the season progresses. Head coach Matt Coldren is playing ten guys every night, including four sophomores. Wilson will rely on its defense. The Bulldogs have allowed 44 points or less in six consecutive contests.

Reading snapped a three-game losing streak with an impressive 72-51 rout of Exeter on Monday. Jostin DeCastro, a 6’3 junior, is putting up 21.7 ppg. While the Red Knights may lack depth and 3-point shooting, they’re dangerous as always in transition. Keep in mind, four starters will be returning next year.

The good news for Exeter is that Aidan Dauble is back from injury. The bad news in Reiffton is that Dylan Donate remains out with a calf strain. Donate scored 57 points and hit 10 triples in the Eagles’ first three games. Exeter has won six of its eight matchups despite only having Dauble in the lineup twice.

Gov. Mifflin’s record is deceiving. The Mustangs have played a very challenging early season schedule. They’ve squared off with Berks Catholic, Muhlenberg, Wilson, and unbeaten West York. This is an inexperienced group in Shillington that’s still trying to find its way on the offensive end.

Wyomissing has a nice one-two punch with Dom Arguelles and Danny Fleischood. Arguelles is running the point and contributing nearly 20 points a night. Fleischood uses his strength and athleticism to get buckets on multiple levels. The 6’1, 190-pound senior is averaging 14.3 ppg. The Spartans came away with a hard-fought 56-48 victory at Schuylkill Valley earlier this month.

Without further ado, here are the “Roberts Rankings” for the Berks Conference. Remember that no matter where your favorite team is ranked, the sun will come out tomorrow!

“The Great 8”

1.Berks Catholic (6-1)

2.Muhlenberg (7-2)

3.Wilson (6-2)

4.Reading (4-3)

5.Exeter (6-2)

6.Gov. Mifflin (3-5)

7.Wyomissing (5-2)

8.Schuylkill Valley (5-5)