Colonial League boys basketball rankings, predictions, playoff picture

FROM KEITH GROLLER

Big game tonight at Green Pond.

That's where I will be for Salisbury at Notre Dame.

The Falcons want to stay unbeaten, and the Crusaders are trying to get into the Colonial League tournament.

By the way, the CL semis will be on Wednesday, Feb. 15, most likely at Catasauqua with the championship doubleheader set for Freedom on Friday, the 17th.

While we wait for that one, here's how the teams stack up in the league:

1. Salisbury (18-0, 13-0) ... last week No. 1 ... play at Notre Dame tonight, play Mahanoy Area at 4:15 Saturday at Southern Lehigh ... If the Falcons get through this weekend, they're definitely headed for 22-0.

2. Bangor (14-4, 12-1) ... last week No. 2 ... play at Catasauqua tonight ... The Slaters probably still feel like they were the best team in the league last year and have a title coming to them. Maybe they'll get it a year late.

3. Northern Lehigh (15-3, 10-3) ... last week No. 3 ... play at Pen Argyl tonight, host Blue Mountain on Saturday ... The Bulldogs will probably get Bangor for the third time in the CL semis.

4. Notre Dame (14-6, 10-4) ... last week No. 5 ... host Salisbury and then have a week off before playing Wilson next Friday in the season finale.

5. Southern Lehigh (11-7, 9-4) ... last week No. 4 ... host Palisades tonight ... Spartans need help to make league tournament and will be rooting for Salisbury tonight.

6. Wilson (11-8, 6-7) ... last week No. 7 .... host Saucon Valley tonight ... Despite lackluster record, the Warriors will be dangerous in districts.

7. Saucon Valley (7-12, 6-7) ... last week No. 6 ... visit Wilson tonight ... Panthers need to win of three to qualify for districts. It's doable.

8. Catasauqua (7-11, 6-7) ... last week No. 8 ... host Bangor tonight ... Roughies need to upset either Bangor or Northern Lehigh to qualify for districts. Not likely.

9. Palisades (4-16, 2-12) ... last week No. 9 ... at Southern Lehigh tonight ... Pirates spoiled John Donmoyer's bid for No. 600 on Thursday night.

10. Pen Argyl (5-14, 4-9) ... last week No. 10 ... host Northern Lehigh tonight ... Coy Stampone said that despite the poor record, his team made progress this year. He just wishes he had Muller coming back next year.

11. Northwestern (2-15, 1-12) ... last week No. 11 ... host Palmerton tonight ... Tigers going for a sweep over the Blue Bombers.

12. Palmerton (2-16, 0-13) ... last week No. 12 ... visit Northwestern tonight, host Panther Valley on Saturday ... Wouldn't shock me if the Bombers win as many games this weekend as as they won all season.

Predictions

Bangor 55, Catasauqua 50 ... another close loss for Roughies.

Palmerton 47, Northwestern 38 .... Tigers just don't score.

Northern Lehigh 71, Pen Argyl 51 ...Bulldogs clinch playoff spot with a win and Notre Dame loss.

Salisbury 68, Notre Dame 63 ... Should be a great game, but can't go against the Falcons even in a tough place like Notre Dame.

Wilson 58, Saucon Valley 53 ... Rematch of a thrilling CL semifinal last yeare.

Southern Lehigh 50, Palisades 46 ... Pirates remain pesky.

Also, Salisbury over Mahanoy Area, Northern Lehigh over Blue Mountain and Palmerton over Panther Valley on Saturday.

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/