iS8/Nike Pool Play Updates

There is no action in South Jamaica, NY on Thursday and Friday but a lot going on after that.

As the iS8/Nike Spring HS Classic enters its fourth week, here is an update with regard to each division. In addition NYCHoops.net has updated teams, schedules and standings as of 4/20/11.

Mideast

Top dog in the Midwest so far are the NY Panthers (1) with the NJ Trailblazers on the heels. Returning from the Pittsburgh Jamfest, the Panthers with Mike Taylor and Jeffrey Short don't play in the iS8/Nike until May 7th when they have a double header.

Midwest

The Mideast has completed their pool play and New Heights (Kimani Young) with Jermaine Sanders has already clinched the top spot. The battle is for the runner up slot between Manhattan Academy, Rising Stars and Future All-star who all have the same record. Point spreads will determine the number two spot.

East

The East is a crap shoot with Team Philli and the Playaz Club-Sophs in the best position to win the pool followed by Positive Direction and B.C. Eagles. Lots of action in the East on Saturday with playoff implications.

West

As always, the West is wild. New Heights (Jrs.) ability to clinch is in their own hands. Standing in their way is the Playaz Club (Srs.) who has yet to play. Bunky Reid needs to beat the Playaz Club on Saturday in their final game to remain relevant and New Heights needs Playaz Club to lose also to become irrelevant.

Southeast

Something's gotta give in the SE. It's basically a three team race to the finish line with the Ben Gordon All-Stars (Mt. Vernon) with West Virginia-bound Jabarie Hinds and Team Buckets from Long Island both undefeated and the Playaz Club Jrs. From New Jersey yet to play. All that ends on Saturday when the Playaz Club plays the Malik Sealy All-stars and Team Buckets.

Southwest

Undefeated East Coast Elite is in position to clinch the SW but will have to wait until May 1st to try to seal the deal. New Heights (Artie Cox), who's finished their pool play, needs for ECE to lose at least one game. TGT Warriors, who play ECE on 5/1, desperately need to beat them to remain advance out of the Southwest.

North

Long Island Lightning, who haven't played yet, could possibly clinch the North with 4 wins or vie for second place with 3 wins. One of those wins would have to be over the undefeated Acheivers. The Hunting Park Warriors (1) and New Heights-Sophs cannot afford to lose another game. The cream will begin to rise to the top on Saturday.

South

The world awaits the debut of Coach Raheem "Rah" Wiggans and his Sean Bell All-stars on Saturday April 30th but they will need to be undefeated in order to clinch the dirty South. Standing in their way are the supremely motivated Sportsfest.org, Exodus and Starret City. All three teams cannot afford to lose even one game.

Red

Quite simply, it's a two horse race in the Red division between the Brooklyn Ballers and Dwayne "Tiny Morton's Juice All-Stars and a toss-up for who comes in second.

Black

Rudy King's NIA Prep Int'l will win the Black division if they beat the Brooklyn Badgers on Friday 4/29 but if they lose, it will be a four team race to the finish line between.

Brown

NY Elite has yet to play and the MetroHawks have yet to lose. All that changes on Saturday April 23rd. Interested onlookers are the Panthers (2) and Raising Champions.

Green

Similar to the Brown division, Sports University has not played yet and Nate Blue's Real Scout is undefeated as St. John's bound Maurice Harkless and Jakarr Sampson lead the way. Saturday April 30th is D-day for one of those teams. Determined Student Athletes and Gotham Hoops needs for both undefeated teams to lose to somebody soon.