T-D boys' basketball rankings

The hottest team in The Tribune-Democrat coverage area? It's the Bishop Carroll boys.

Consider:

* The Huskies have won eight consecutive games and ascended to the top of the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference Section 1 standings.

* During that span, Bishop Carroll won at Bishop Guilfoyle by 24, at Penn Cambria by 11, at Vincentian Academy by two on a Saturday and at Cambria Heights by 23.

* Even the Huskies' most recent loss was impressive. Bishop Carroll took Bishop McCort to overtime at McCort before losing by three points.

* Sophomore Brandon Martinazzi is emerging as a big-game player and Marcus Lee is a force inside.

After a game tonight against North Star, Bishop Carroll faces two tough tests - home against Greater Johhnstown on Wednesday and at Richland on Friday.

For now, the Huskies have accomplished more than enough to replace Shade atop The Tribune-Democrat boys basketball rankings.

1. Bishop Carroll 11-2
Huskies haven't lost since Dec. 22 or to any Class A team.

2. Northern Cambria 11-3
Colts living up to preseason billing. Big home game versus Ligonier Valley on Thursday.

3. Bishop McCort 8-4
The Crimson Crushers show moxie late against Trojans, but stumbled early in week against Richland.

4. Greater Johnstown 9-4
Roshon Fields and Phil Madison playing well in the big games.

5. Penn Cambria 10-3
A.J. Leahey is as talented as any player around. UPJ has to be happy about that.

6. Shanksville-Stonycreek 11-1
Vikings' Carter Slade hits buzzer-beater at Shade. Three tough games this week.

7. Conemaugh Township 10-2
Indians haven't played a close game in more than a month.

8. Shade 12-1
Panthers lost at buzzer to Shanksville minus leading scorer Ryan Fyock.

9. Somerset 10-5
Jake Close found his scoring touch and Eagles scored big win versus Richland.

10. Richland 7-4
Bishop McCort win proves Rams capable of beating any area team.