For the first time all season, there have been no changes in these rankings. Though there were some big games last week, every team falls right in line with where we had them last week.
Next week, the same thing probably will not occur. There are big games, especially in The Bronx, that could wreak havoc on the way things are playing out. Plus, Cardozo got ace Amanda Annicaro back Friday and that could vault the Judges back to the elite.
Here’s how things look:
1. Tottenville (9-0) (Last week: 1)
The Pirates lost their first game in two years Saturday to Bishop Ludden from Syracuse. But it really wasn’t a significant defeat. Ace Nicole Palase was not in the circle and obviously the defeat didn’t come to a city team. If anything, it might motivate Tottenville even more.
Next: No. 3 Susan Wagner (April 26, 4 p.m.)
2. James Madison (7-1) (2)
Madison has been so dominant in PSAL Brooklyn A, it’s almost silly. The Knights have allowed just one total run against borough opponents and average 14.7 runs per game. They don’t figure to get a challenge in league play until a crossover with No. 4 Port Richmond on May 11.
Next: New Utrecht (April 29, 4 p.m.)
3. Susan Wagner (8-1) (3)
Is it just us or does it rain every time Wagner is supposed to play a big game? The Falcons’ first meeting against Tottenville was washed out in the first inning and their game last week against Port Richmond was suspended by rain in the fifth. Well, don’t look now but the forecast for Monday – when Wagner plays Tottenville again – calls for showers. Go figure.
Next: No. 1 Tottenville (April 26, 4 p.m.)
4. Port Richmond (7-1) (4)
The Red Raiders had just cut the Susan Wagner lead to 4-3 in the bottom of the fifth inning last Wednesday when the game was called for rain. There has been no rematch scheduled yet. On Friday, Port Richmond was not as successful, falling to No. 1 Tottenville, 15-0.
Next: McKee/Staten Island Tech (April 26, 4 p.m. @ West Shore LL)
5. Bayside (7-1) (5)
The Commodores dispatched the two biggest contenders in Queens A-I last week: No. 7 Cardozo and No. 8 Francis Lewis. They already beat No. 6 Construction, giving them borough bragging rights for the time being. Bayside should be in store for a high seed come playoff time.
Next: Townsend Harris (April 27, 4 p.m.)
6. Construction (6-0) (6)
There are just two ‘A’ teams left undefeated in league play. One is Tottenville and the other is Construction. That’s a very impressive feat for a team just one year removed from Class B. The Red Hawks will put that distinction on the line Thursday when they meet Queens A-II rival Bryant.
Next: Franklin K. Lane (April 26, 4 p.m. @ Smokey Oval Park)
7. Cardozo (6-2) (7)
Judges ace Amanda Annicaro made her triumphant return Friday against Townsend Harris. The senior right-hander, who is recovered from an illness, gave up three runs on four hits and struck out five in seven innings. That’s excellent news for Cardozo and she has time to get into a groove before the bigger challenges in the division come around again.
Next: John Bowne (April 26, 4:30 p.m.)
8. Francis Lewis (4-4) (8)
The Patriots are in every game against the better teams. They just haven’t figured out a way to beat them yet. Lewis lost to Cardozo and Bayside last week by a combined six runs last week. The good news is coach Bryan Brown’s team is young and has a bright future.
Next: Van Buren (April 26, 4:30 p.m.)
9. Bronx Science (4-2) (9)
This is a massive week for Science. The Wolverines meet No. 10 Riverdale/Kingsbridge on Monday and continue a shortened game Tuesday against fellow division rival DeWitt Clinton, which holds an 8-6 lead in the fifth inning. Two victories will have Science firmly entrenched in these rankings.
Next: @ No. 10 Riverdale/Kingsbridge (April 26, 4 p.m.)
10. RKA (5-1) (10)
The Tigers have a loaded week in front of them. No. 9 Bronx Science comes in Monday, they host Clinton on Wednesday and then travel to Adlai Stevenson on Thursday. RKA will either be made or broken in the next five days.
Next: No. 9 Bronx Science (April 26, 4 p.m.)
New: None
Dropped out: None
On the bubble: Bryant (5-2), DeWitt Clinton (5-1), Environmental Studies (6-2), Stuyvesant (6-4), Murry Bergtraum (7-3) and Curtis (5-4)