MVC

Keith Groller

Because I can't get up there very often to check out the teams, I could use some help in rating the Mountain Valley Conference boys basketball scene. Lots of good basketball being played up that way again this winter.

Greg Garcia, a former Pcoono East player and a current journalism student at Penn State University where he writes for the Daily Collegian and hosts his own radio sports talk show called "Weekend Warriros" said he'd help me out while he's home on Christmas break.

He's a very knowledgeable and talented young man. Here's his first MVC rankings with records through Tuesday night:

1. Pocono Mountain East (4-1) ... The Cardinals are led by possibly the best player in the area in senior Kyheim Hall. Another reason the Cardinals have gotten off to a strong start is their depth.

2. Stroudsburg (1-5) ... Despite losing five games this season, the Mounties defeated Pocono Mountain West by one point earlier in the season. Senior Matt Poorman has stepped up nicely for coach Thornton.

3. Pocono Mountain West (3-2) ... The Panthers are led by Tynell Fortune and Keon Scott. Coach Pensyl likes to get Scott involved inside which then opens up the court for Fortune.

4. East Stroudsburg North (4-0) ... North has gotten off to a hot start and defeated Lehighton by 26 points. Rafiq Williams scored a game high 16 points.

5. Pleasant Valley (2-3) ... Sophomore Nick Stanovic has had an impressive season thus far. The Bears will host the Cavaliers on Jan. 5. That game should tell us a lot more about each team.

6. East Stroudsburg South (0-3) ... South has not played well to open up the season. They can change their slow start by defeating Pleasant Valley.

7. Lehighton (0-4) ... After being blown out by North, the Indians will have a chance at redemption when they host the Mounties on Jan. 5.

Keith Groller