Friday, September 23, 2022

Keep Calm and Carry On - Poll Axe

The power rankings out next week have some meaning, a mix of winning percentage, margin of victory, and strength of schedule. Last year they worked well, setting up the epic quarterfinal match at Billerica.

The goal of higher ranking isn't ranking for its own sake, but home court advantage and facing weaker early opponents. 

The updated Boston Globe poll is out, flawed by omission and lacking newest results. 


Why? Nowhere among the leaders are two top five teams, Middlesex League Liberty Division heavyweight Winchester and the annual dragon to be slayed in Westborough. 

Also, Ipswich wiped out Lynnfield yesterday. There's serious doubt as to whether Lynnfield belongs above Needham, for example. 

Many top teams will have losses, because they assume a challenging schedule, hardening them for the post-season. 

Botton line is that polls are fun, generate content if not context, and give teams something to shoot for and to shoot at. 







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