By Jadon Frank

Briercrest men's basketball is ranked in the top ten nationally.

The first CCAA national rankings of the 2012-13 season were released Tuesday afternoon, and Briercrest men’s basketball was ranked in the top 15 nationally for the first time since 1998.

After two weeks of ACAC competition Briercrest men’s basketball is ranked ninth nationally in CCAA national rankings. This is an important milestone for the program as it is the first time since 1998 that the team has been ranked in the national standings. They hope to continue building momentum and recognition nationally as the season progresses. They will be attempting to keep their perfect record of 4-0 intact as they travel to Keyano and Concordia this weekend.

“Veteran leadership, a desire to win and the effort to improve each day has brought us to this point,” head coach Rod Adrian said. “We are confident as a team, yet remain humble knowing that we have much to improve. The knowledge of knowing what we can improve is what's driving us each practice and game. Also, this could not be done without great chemistry. The quality young men that make up our team has brought us together, allowed us to be teachable, and encouraging to one another. We have a great time together on and off the court.”

Full CCAA men’s basketball rankings as of Nov. 6, 2012

Rank	TEAM	CONF	Record	Previous Rank
1	Algoma Thunderbirds	OCAA	4-0
2	Mohawk Mountaineers	OCAA	2-0
3	Red Deer Kings	ACAC	4-0
4	Langara Falcons	PACWEST	1-0
5	Champlain St Lambert Cavaliers	RSEQ	4-0
6	Holland Hurricanes	ACAA	1-0
7	Vanier Cheetahs	RSEQ	4-0
8	VIU Mariners	PACWEST	1-0
9	Briercrest Clippers	ACAC	4-0
10	Fanshawe Falcons	OCAA	2-0
11	Augustana Vikings	ACAC	3-1
12	Centennial Colts	OCAA	2-0
13	Algonquin Thunder	OCAA	2-0
14	Dynamiques de Sainte Foy	RSEQ	3-2
15	MSVU Mystics + Camocun Chargers	ACAA + PACWEST	2-0/0-1