The Post’s high school staff looks ahead to the most intriguing matchups in boys basketball and girls basketball for the week of April 9 through April 15.
BASEBALL
St. Joseph by the Sea @ Iona Prep (Tuesday, 4 p.m.)
To say Iona Prep is busy this week would be a rather large understatement. The Gaels are playing in the Monroe Tournament, which commences with the final Friday, and they also have league games against St. Joseph by the Sea and Monsignor Farrell. Sea is back in the city after a trip to Myrtle Beach, which featured a scary bus fire on the way down there.
Moore Catholic @ All Hallows (Wednesday, 4 p.m.)
It has been mixed results for All Hallows thus far, starting the league season with a big win over Cardinal Hayes only to follow it up with a tough loss to Iona Prep. Tulane-bound shortstop Stephen Alemais should be back for this game after a suspension by coach Ed Gutierrez. Moore Catholic will likely throw ace Shea Spitzbarth, who is coming off a great 2011 season.
George Washington Tournament final (Thursday, 3 p.m.)
There are six teams in this six-day showcase, but it would be surprising if the title isn’t decided by Cardozo and George Washington. The two title contenders have met twice this year and split the matchups. GW won the first encounter, 15-12, on March 13 after nearly blowing an 11-run lead. Cardozo rallied for a 5-4 victory in the last meeting in the tournament on Saturday. A rubber match would be a lot of fun as the two teams have begun to develop a rivalry.
Monroe Tournament final (Friday, TBA)
The prestigious showcase began Saturday with some interesting results such as Curtis upending defending CHSAA Class AA champion Xaverian and Morris topping Norman Thomas and William Bryant. Look for the cream to rise to the top this week and powers such as Iona Prep, Grand Street, Xaverian and Monroe to decide the prestigious showcase.
Poly Prep @ Fieldston (Friday, 4 p.m.)
Poly Prep ace Andrew Zapata against Fieldston slugger Kevin Fich is worth attending on its own. Throw in Fieldston was the last Ivy Prep League team to beat Poly and both teams are coming off impressive league wins and this showdown could be special.
SOFTBALL
Mary Louis @ Preston (Tuesday, 2 p.m.)
The Hilltoppers are playing a good brand of softball right now after wins over Christ the King and Fontbonne Hall. Runs may not come easy against the Panthers pitching staff of Kristie Davidow, Megan Kelly and Julianna Orrico. There are plenty of rankings implications in this one.
Fontbonne Hall @ Archbishop Molloy (Wednesday, 3:45 p.m.)
The last time these two teams met Fontbonne Hall sent ripples through the softball world with a thrilling upset win. Defending CHSAA state champions Molloy will certainly be looking to avenge the defeat and retake control of the division it’s owned in recent years.
St. Joseph by the Sea @ Moore Catholic (Sunday, 1 p.m.)
The two old rivals meet for the first time. Moore Catholic won the CHSAA Archdiocesan title without having to beat Sea in the playoffs and want to repeat. The Vikings are out to regain that crown and it starts with a possible win over the Mavericks on the road.
LACROSSE
Xaverian @ Tottenville (boys) (Tuesday, 12 p.m.)
Tottenville has established itself as the likely team to beat in the PSAL behind a balanced offense and stingy defense. It can earn the PSAL some bragging rights against a talented Xaverian team that already owns an 8-4 win over Cardozo.
Poly Prep @ Fieldston (boys) (Friday, 4 p.m.)
Fieldston has talked about again becoming the top dog in the Ivy League and a win over the defending NYSAISAA champions would be a big step in the right direction. A Blue Devils victory could mean they righted the ship after a season-opening loss to Riverdale.
Horace Mann @ Riverdale (girls) (Friday, 4:15 p.m.)
Riverdale’s NYSAISAA title defense got off to a rocky start with a loss to Poly Prep in its Ivy League opener. It could really build momentum with a win over a quality Horace Mann team. The Lions can announce their arrival with a win.