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Madrid-Waddington Holds Top Spot, Faces Rising Threat

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, January 26th 2026 at 16:22 GMT by fingerlakes1
      Locale: UNITED STATES

The Top of the Heap: Madrid-Waddington's Reign and the Rising Threat of Brasier Academy

Madrid-Waddington continues to hold the number one spot in our power rankings, and it's clear why. Led by the exceptional Ethan Blake, whose scoring average sits at an impressive 18.5 points per game, their defensive prowess remains a significant factor in their success. However, Coach Miller, in this week's podcast, acknowledged the constant pressure of maintaining that top ranking. He stressed the importance of avoiding complacency and continually analyzing their opponents' strengths and weaknesses. The team's reliance on Blake, as identified in our team breakdown, represents a potential vulnerability that opposing teams are likely to exploit.

Just behind them, Brasier Academy has been steadily climbing the ranks. Their early-season tournament performance solidified their position as a genuine threat. Known for their exhilarating, fast-paced offense, they've clearly found a rhythm that's proving difficult for opponents to contain. While their offensive dynamism is a significant advantage, rebounding has been an area of concern. Addressing this weakness will be crucial if they hope to challenge Madrid-Waddington for the top spot.

The Middle Ground: Potential and Consistency

Carthage's position at number three highlights their considerable potential. This young team possesses a palpable promise, but as Coach Miller often points out, consistency is the bedrock of any successful campaign. They need to see their younger players step up and provide reliable scoring, alleviating the pressure on any single player to carry the team's offensive burden. The development of these young talents will be critical in determining whether Carthage can translate their promise into playoff success.

Section V Champion holds steady at number four. Their strength lies in their all-around play and a deep bench, allowing them to maintain a consistent level of performance throughout games. Their coach emphasizes teamwork and defensive intensity - a formula that has proven effective so far. They represent a well-rounded team that poses a challenge to any opponent.

The Surprise Package: Hammond's Rebounding Dominance

Hammond's inclusion in the top five is a testament to their surprising emergence as a contender. Their rebounding dominance, as explained by Coach Johnson in our podcast, is the key to their success. Winning the battle of the boards provides crucial second-chance opportunities and limits opponents' possessions, giving them a significant edge in close games. However, relying solely on rebounding may not be enough to carry them through the remainder of the season; they will need to develop other aspects of their game to truly contend for the championship.

Key Matchups and Future Outlook

The second half of the season promises a series of crucial matchups that will heavily influence the final playoff seeding. The games between Madrid-Waddington and Brasier Academy will undoubtedly be pivotal, as will any encounters with Carthage and Hammond. The teams need to adapt and evolve their strategies throughout the rest of the season to stay ahead of their competition. Next week's coverage will provide a deeper analysis of these key matchups and delve into the emerging trends in Upstate Class C basketball. Be sure to listen to the podcast and check back for continued updates - the excitement is just beginning!