SYRACUSE - With the playoffs under way, the New York State Sportswriters Association opted to make very few changes in their latest boys basketball poll.
Jamestown, on a quest to capture its second Section 6 Class AA title in the past three years, held steady at No. 29 in Class AA behind its 16-2 record.
The Red Raiders open their "second season" on Friday at 7 p.m., when they host the winner of Wednesday's battle between eighth-seeded Frontier and ninth-seeded West Seneca West.
Looming large in the Class AA playoff bracket - and the rankings - is Niagara Falls at No. 18. The Wolverines are 15-3 this season and, as a two-seed, will also host its first playoff game on Friday evening.
Clarence, at 14-4, and Williamsville North, at 15-3, are honorable mentions.
Unbeaten Silver Creek (18-0), and once-beaten Maple Grove (17-1) remained No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, in Class C, while in Class B Olean (17-1) maintained its hold atop the rankings.
The Black Knights enter the playoffs tied with five other teams for the longest winning streak in the state (18 games). Maple Grove's mark isn't too shabby, either. The Red Dragons have won 16 straight, a mark that is tied for third-longest amongst New York squads.
Making the biggest rise of area teams was the Brocton Bulldogs. After earning a No. 15 ranking in last week's poll, the Bulldogs (15-1) have since captured a Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association Division 4 title and a top seed in the Class D bracket.
While Brocton rose, however, Sherman fell three places to No. 12 behind its 13-5 mark.
Clymer, also 13-5, is an honorable mention.