A common theme this year in Class A has been upsets. However, last week the top teams prevailed as they established themselves as legitimate contenders. The race for first place in virtually every conference besides conference A4 is heating up, as Plainedge, Wantagh, Division and Valley Stream North will all be battling for the top spot in their respective conferences. Heading into perhaps the most exciting week of the year, let’s look at the teams that stood out this past week.
TRENDING UP:
Valley Stream North (8-1)
Heading into the year, the Spartans virtually went unnoticed in conference A3 as a legitimate threat. Standing at week five in the season, Valley Stream North will have the opportunity of taking first place in the conference. Their lineup consisting of Joe Gisonda, Sean Rogers, and Anthony Franco can possibly be the most underrated lineup in the county. Facing Division this week will be nothing short of a challenge, so expect the Spartans to bring their “A” game on Monday.
Plainedge (9-2-1)
Although Plainedge hasn’t had the toughest schedule so far, they built off their rough start and now have themselves in a position where they can win the conference championship. However, they’re going to have some work to do. The back-to-back Long Island champion Wantagh Warriors (8-1) stand in their way this week as the only team they need to get past. They’ll look to lean on Albany-commit Jason Bottari and Molloy-commit Nick DeMicco to lead the way offensively. Both of these seniors have experience beating Wantagh in the past.
MacArthur (8-3-1)
The Generals continue to impress more and more by the week. So far, every week has brought a dominant performance on the mound between Joe Keller and Brandon Buchan. The two aces of this pitching staff both have a chance to win the Diamond Award. In any given situation, if you have two potential Diamond Award candidates on the same team, you’re on your way to a great season. The Generals face New Hyde Park (5-4) this upcoming week with a chance to extend their lead in first place of the conference.
Division (8-1)
The always dangerous Division Blue Dragons have gotten off to a blazing hot start, as they’ve now won seven games in a row. Not only is their lineup deep, but their pitching staff has pitched near flawless when needed the most. Junior Robert Bradley has continued to stay hot on the mound as he went the distance in game two of the series, allowing no earned runs and striking out ten. At the plate, Colin Diez led the way going 6-for-10 with 3 BB’s and 3 RBI. If Division continues to play the way they’re capable of, they’ll continue their winning streak against Valley Stream North.
POWER RANKINGS:
10. Clarke (7-5)
Last week’s ranking: Unranked
2nd Place in Conference A4
Next week’s opponent: Division (8-1)
9. North Shore (6-3)
Last week’s ranking: #9
3rd Place in Conference A3
Next week’s opponent: Lynbrook (6-6)
8. Garden City (7-5)
Last week’s ranking: #10
2nd Place in Conference A1
Next week’s opponent: South Side (3-6)
7. Plainedge (9-2-1)
Last week’s ranking: #7
2nd Place in Conference A2
Next week’s opponent: Wantagh (8-1)
6. Bellmore JFK (9-3)
Last week’s ranking: #6
3rd Place in Conference A2
Next week’s opponent: Glen Cove (3-6)
5. Mineola (11-1)
Last week’s ranking: #3
1st Place in Conference A4
Next week’s opponent: Island Trees (3-6)
4. Valley Stream North (8-1)
Last week’s ranking: #5
T-1st Place in Conference A3
Next week’s opponent: Division (8-1)
3. MacArthur (8-3-1)
Last week’s ranking: #6
1st Place in Conference A1
Next week’s opponent: New Hyde Park (5-4)
2. Division (8-1)
Last week’s ranking: #2
T-1st Place in Conference A3
Next week’s opponent: Valley Stream North (8-1)
1. Wantagh (8-1)
Last week’s ranking: #1
1st Place in Conference A2
Next week’s opponent: Plainedge (9-2-1)
