After a crazy week of baseball, 3 new teams have earned a spot in the top 5. With only 2 weeks left of play, virtually every conference title is up for grabs. Let’s take a look at the new top 5.
5) Garden City (6-2-1) (Last week: Unranked)
Being on the outside looking in for the entire season, the Trojans have finally cracked the top 5. Rich Marooney and TJ McEvoy continue to carry this experienced team offensively, along with help from Andrew Nagal on the mound. After beating MacArthur this past week, it’s safe to say Garden City is now the favorite to win conference A1. With an easy series coming up against Great Neck South, Garden City will look to solidify its spot as the top team in the conference.
4) Plainedge (7-2) (Last week: 5)
Plainedge continues to impress more and more each week. With impressive starts from Matt Schock and Billy Wildeman on the mound, they completed the three game sweep over Division. Wildeman continues to dominate on the mound in which he hasn’t allowed an earned run all season. Diamond award worthy? I think so. Plainedge will get a break from the tough competition as they take on 0-9 Glen Cove this week in a 3 game series.
3) Seaford (7-2) (Last week: Unranked)
Entering the season with high hopes, it seemed that Seaford didn’t live up to their expectations in opening week. Fast forward two weeks and they’re back on track. Experience is definitely a strong hold for these Vikings, as they are built around one of the best players in the county, AJ Cain. Seaford will look to build on their 1st place lead in conference A5 as they take on Locust Valley this week.
2) Lynbrook (8-1) (Last week: Unranked)
Standing with the best record in Class A, Lynbrook has earned a top 2 spot midway through the season. After an impressive 3 game sweep over Floral Park and Chris Stefl, it’s easy to see that this Lynbrook team is for real. Not to mention they have arguably the best player in the conference, Nick Tuzzio. Lynbrook will look to build on their 3 game lead in Conference A4 as they take on North Shore this week.
1) Wantagh (7-2) (Last week: 1)
No, Wantagh is not playing their best baseball right now, but they are still the most talented team in the county. With recent struggles offensively, they still have Jimmy Joyce and Anthony Fontana who are both batting over .500. Another loss last week raised some red flags. Are they the same team as last year? These next few weeks will definitely answer that question. Wantagh should keep their #1 spot in the rankings with an easy series against 1-8 South Side coming up.
John Schwally
Didn’t last year’s State Champs have 4 regular season losses with a stronger pitching staff?