Neumann-Goretti's Stewart favoring Houston

Daniel Stewart isn't ready to commit to a college program just yet. But if the Neumann-Goretti basketball standout was, one program in Texas would be very happy.

"I really don't have schools in order, but I'm liking the University of Houston," said Stewart, a 6-foot-6 junior forward. Assistant coach Melvin Haralson "shows me a lot of love."

Though leaning toward the Cougars, Stewart said he wouldn't make a decision until the summer.

A high-flying dunker, Stewart averaged 11.1 points per game through Sunday for the Saints, The Inquirer's fifth-ranked team in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

One of his most-productive performances was a 14-point, 10-rebound effort against Archbishop Carroll on Friday.

Rustin making noise.

Bayard Rustin proved Friday that it is the team to beat in the Ches-Mont League American Division by defeating defending Ches-Mont champion Great Valley, 41-34.

The Golden Knights improved to 5-0 in the division, and the Patriots dropped to 3-1. Rahmier White led the Rustin with 12 points in a win that was more decisive the score indicated.

Keep an eye on Tanksley.

Prep Charter sophomore Ameen Tanksley is becoming a force in the Public League C Division. At 6-5, the guard provides matchup problems.

"It's not a surprise," Huskies coach Dan Brinkley said of Tanksley's rise. "It's just his turn. He's our best defender, and he's playing the one, two and three positions."

Averaging 16 points, Tanksley joins senior forward Ferg Myrick (21 points, 10 rebounds) in one of the area's best tandems.

Little time to celebrate.

Glen Mills coach Craig Mellinger won his 300th game with a 57-40 victory over Cheltenham on Saturday night.

That was the good news. The bad news is that Mellinger has to follow that up with tough Del-Val League games against ranked teams Penn Wood and Chester.

The Bulls (9-2 overall, 2-0 league) face the sixth-ranked Patriots (10-1, 1-1) at 7:30 p.m. today at Penn Wood Middle School.

On Thursday, Glen Mills will travel to Chester for a showdown with the top-ranked Clippers (8-1).

Game of week.

Tenth-ranked Bartram will travel to Penn Wood for Saturday's much-anticipated nonleague showdown.

The Maroon Wave (12-0) are one of the area's two undefeated teams. Bartram is led by junior guard Tyrone "Ty" Garland, who averages an impressive 29 points.

Junior point guard Tyree Johnson is the Patriots' best player.

He averages 13.7 points, 6.7 assists and 3.5 steals per game.

Team Record

Last week's rankings are in parentheses. Records through Sunday.

1. Chester (4) 8-1

Talk about mind-blowing. The Clippers were supposed to be rebuilding. Instead, they're defeating teams by an average of 17 points.

2. Roman Catholic (2) 6-5

Don't let the record fool you. Four of the losses came to teams ranked nationally in the ESPN Rise Fab 50.

3. Pennsbury (3) 7-2

Opponents are learning that it's just not the Dalton Pepper show. Jesse Krasna and Eddie DiRugeris are capable role players.

4. Friends' Central (5) 13-1

Coach Jason Polykoff has one of the area's deepest and most-talented teams.

5. Neumann-Goretti (6) 9-1

The Catholic League might as well give the Saints their Blue Division title now. They're by far the class of the division.

6. Penn Wood (1) 10-1

Chester ruined the Patriots' bid for an undefeated season. They must regroup tonight against a solid Glen Mills squad.

7. Conestoga (7) 13-0

Someone should feel sorry for tonight's opponent, Harriton. The Pioneers won their last two games by a combined 50 points.

8. Imhotep Charter (8) 11-1

The Panthers are on cruise control. They may not receive a serious challenge until Jan. 27 against Del-Val Charter.

9. Norristown (NR) 11-1

If Khalif Wyatt's supporting cast keeps improving, the Eagles will make a another run deep into the postseason.

10. Bartram (NR) 12-0

Averaging 29 points, Tyrone "Ty" Garland is one of the most exciting players.

Under consideration (listed alphabetically):

Archbishop Carroll (11-1), Chestnut Hill Academy (9-3), Glen Mills (9-2), Plymouth Whitemarsh (9-3), Prep Charter (9-3).

- Keith Pompey