Everything went as expected this past week in Class AA, causing only slight alterations in the rankings–basically the top teams stayed hot . With a week of little to no surprises at all, let’s take a look to see if there was any mix up in this week’s power rankings.
5. Calhoun (10-5) (Last week: 4)
Non-league games often are a chance for coaches to get inexperienced players playing time and have some fun. However, when you lose a non-league game against a team that’s 2-13 on the season, there’s no excuse for losing. Calhoun lost to Bellmore JFK 5-3 during their bye week, which could result in negative momentum riding into their last week of the season. Sophmore Jake Edwards will look to continue to dominate at the plate this week against Valley Stream Central. Calhoun will need to win 2 games out of 3 if they want a bye in the first round of the playoffs.
4. East Meadow (11-6-1) (Last week: 5)
After sweeping Long Beach as expected, East Meadow is looking more and more like they have a shot of going deep into the playoffs. A repeat as county champions is not likely, but it’s definitely a possibility. Due to their lack of experience, the Jets got off to an extremely slow start. However, things are starting to click at the right time. Justin Reyes and Charlie Cucchiara continue to shine for this young East Meadow team. They will have a bye week in the final week of the season which will give their starting rotation a chance to rest.
3. Massapequa (12-3) (Last week: 3)
An impressive sweep over Farmingdale keeps Massapequa right where they are in the power rankings. Not only did the Chiefs sweep the 9-4 Farmingdale Dalers, but they did it outscoring them 30-4 in 3 games, displaying the offensive power that they have. Nick Fossari once again had an impressive week, collecting 4 hits and 4 RBI’s in the first 2 games of the series. Massapequa has already clinched a bye in the first round of the playoffs and will face Freeport in their final series of the year. Expect their starters to get some rest this week.
2. Oceanside (13-1-1) (Last week: 2)
“A win is a win,” a wise man once said. This past week, Oceanside completed the 3 game sweep over Syosset with a slim margin of victory in every game. Although the sweep over Syosset wasn’t very impressive, you have to remember that the Sailors are a defensive team. With studs on the mound such as Matt Carey and Brendan McFall, it’s clear that this team is built around pitching. Not to mention, they also have arguably the best catcher in the county in Dylan Judd calling games behind the dish. Oceanside will open up a 3 game series this week against Hicksville. If they can win 2 out of 3 games, they will be your conference AA1 champions.
1. Plainview JFK (14-1) (Last week: 1)
Nobody should be surprised by this one. The Hawks are back on top for the second week in a row, following the easy sweep over Valley Stream Central. Mark Faello continued to build on his case for the diamond award, as he threw a 4-hit complete game shutout with 11 strikeouts and no walks. Mark Faello, you are ridiculous. With a conference championship already in the bag, Plainview will play Baldwin in a 3 game series to wrap up their regular season. Do they have what it takes to win a county championship? Only the playoffs will tell.
