#1 - TEAM DY-NASTY - This roster is filled with talent and has multiple players who own multiple championships. This team possesses a tough defense and is also a tremendously great free throw shooting team with star player Nick Shango leading the way, which makes it very hard for teams to play from behind against them. Also, with Zeke Arafat getting over his early season struggles and playing very well as of late, this team will be very tough to beat down the stretch.
#2 - SAMER & THE REVOLUTION - This team has the most balance and depth of any team in the league and with the mid-season acquisitions of Zane Roumayah and Senan Abdaal, they can now contend in a high scoring game as well as play good defense in a tight game. This is another team that has a lot of weapons and will be tough to beat down the stretch.
#3 - KUKUMBAS - So far this team is tied for the best record in C.A.L. at 4-1 and holds a substantial lead in points scored. It is evident that this team can play as well as any team in the league. There are two reasons why this team is not ranked among the top 2 in the league - First, they have played soft on defense at times allowing a couple teams to score well over their average. Second, they are a team that relies heavily on the 3 point shot, which historically does not bode well for teams during playoff time. If anyone can break that trend it is sharp shooter and star player Justin Orow, who has proven he is deadly from three point range.
#4 - FLASH LETHAR - Before the season started, this team was seen by most as a top 2 team in the league and a legitimate contender for a championship. About the only weakness this team was seen to have going into the season was defense, and unfortunately defense has been their down fall in a couple games. So far this team has been somewhat of a disappointment, only mustering two wins through five games. That being said, this team has plenty of talent and star power and with Derek Putrus slowly recovering from an early season injury, they will be a definite threat if they make the playoffs.
#5 - THE PROFESSIONALS - Although The Professionals are 1-4 at the halfway point of the season, they are still a formidable opponent. With an offense centered around star player Keith Hadi and with Vince Alexander becoming a nice third option on the team, The Professionals have shown that they can get it done both offensively and defensively. The trouble all season for this team is that they have not been able to get the offense and the defense clicking at the same time. Although this team is struggling, losing four straight after opening the season with a win, you can never count any team with smart and savvy captain Nick Ammori out of the playoffs. Look for this team to play better in the second half of the season and contend for the final playoff spot.
#6 - THE BOOMAS - With muliple players missing multiple games, it has been hard for this team to get any chemistry or rhythm going all season, which is evident by their 1-4 start. Now, with newly acquired players Joe Kejbou and Nawar Miri, The Boomas hope to establish the team chemistry they've been lacking all season. There is no question that this is a good defensive team, but in order for this team to contend for a playoff spot and a championship John Mansour, Ray Khami and Patrick Yono must contribute more offensively to take pressure off of their big three. If this team can have good offensive balance and good team chemistry, they will be a contender for the final playoff spot down the stretch.
