As a pollster for the Buffalo News, I'm asked to send in my weekly ballots ranking the top ten large and small schools.  The polls are based on games played through Sunday of each week.  Here's a look at how I see them and some of the rationale used to get there.

Large Schools

1. Niagara Falls (AA) – The Wolverines deserve this spot, this week, for slugging out an overtime victory against Section V Class AA favorite Bishop Kearney.  

2. Canisius (MMA) – A season, with expectations as high as they've ever been, starts for the Crusaders tomorrow against Olean at St. Mary's.  

3. Jamestown (AA) – In the second half against Williamsville South, the Red Raiders looked like I thought they would this season – much improved thanks to the growth of some key underclassmen. 

4. McKinley (A1) – Business as usual in the opener against Timon.  The Macks relentless style wears teams down, while the talented, fresh legs just keep coming. Host St. Joe's this Friday night.

5. St. Joe's (MMA) – Followed up a wild double overtime victory against Kenmore West with a pair of routs in the Lockport Rotary Tournament against Williamsville East and I-Prep.  Next up, a date with Jamestown tomorrow night at St. Mary's – part of an incredible double-header, as Canisius/Olean follows!

6. Williamsville North (AA) – Sterling Taplin was easily the best player on the floor as the Spartans rolled to victory against Batavia, but it was their team execution that was most impressive.  If they continue to play that well together, a Falls/Jamestown AA finale is no sure thing.

7. Kenmore West (AA) – After taking the Marauders to the brink of defeat last week, the Blue Devils can prove they deserve this spot tonight with a win over a talented Timon squad that has begun 0-3.

8. Clarence (AA) – A balanced team with a strong backcourt led by Bryan Jost and Bobby Florio that opened the year with an attention-grabbing Amherst Tournament championship.

9. Amherst (A2) – After falling to the Red Devils in their tournament, the Tigers were lucky to escape with a win over Depew.  But they do deserve credit for responding in overtime with their backs against the wall and this team should only get better as the year wears on.

10. Riverside (A2) – Difficult to gauge where they really are because they haven't played at full strength yet. Justice Feggans is now cleared to play, the biggest difference maker in that lineup.

Small Schools

1. Olean (B1) – They still only start one senior.  Raced out to a 47-8 halftime lead against Bradford (PA) in their season opener.  

2. Middle College (C1) – Seeking a third trip to Glens Falls in four seasons, they won't face a Class C school until sectionals.  

3. Silver Creek (C2) – If you think this is too high for this team, you're wrong and probably haven't seen them play yet.  They are better than last year's team, the one that saw a win against Middle College and a trip to Glens Falls get away when a shot in the lane missed at the buzzer.

4. Depew (B1) – Every year, new players get plugged in and the system continues to work.  The Wildcats saw their stock rise in a loss to Amherst.

5. East Aurora (B1) – They lost Stan Wier, but return enough from the team that finished with wins against Riverside, Amherst, and McKinley, to be a force again this year after dropping down to Class B.

6. Lackawanna (B1) – Season opening victories against St. Francis and Frontier is as impressive a start as any small school had.

7. Nichols (MMA) – Well look who's off to a 4-0 start despite a pair of early injuries. The Vikings are gaining confidence and optimism, something that will continue if they are able to better Sweet Home tonight at St. Mary's.

8. Newfane (B1) – Who's going to win the N-O?  CSAT? Akron?  Too early to say for sure, but while CSAT fell to Niagara Catholic already, the Panthers started off their season by beating the Manhattan Cup finalists.

9. St. Mary's (MMA) – Loss to Newfane puts them here, after garnering a pair of wins over Yale Cup I schools, East & Riverside.  Wednesday night, they host Williamsville South in the ECIC/MMA Challenge finale. 

10. Cleveland Hill (B2) – Giving them this final spot because they led Nichols for over three quarters before falling at the end, despite Jared Watkins not playing, and then defeated Lancaster two nights later.  Alden was closely considered, but the Golden Eagles got the nod for being defending ECIC IV co-champs.

-centercourt