Nassau County Class AA Power Rankings (6th Edition)

The regular season is winding down, but the competition is only heating up. This past week we saw Plainview defeat Calhoun in arguably the most exciting series of the year, concluding with a walk-off 3-run home run courtesy of Mark Faello. We also saw a dominant performance from Oceanside, continuing to pad their resume and solidify their claim as the team to beat in Class AA. With just two weeks left in the regular season, here are the top five teams in Class AA.

5. Farmingdale (9-6) (Last week: No. 3)

Going into the week, Farmingdale knew they had a tough test in front of them as they played the undefeated Oceanside Sailors. After losing on a walk off in game one of the series, it seemed as if the Dalers took their foot off the gas in the final two games of the series, as they were outscored by 17 runs. If they wish to make some noise in the postseason, they must play better than that. Heading into their bye week, Farmingdale will have the opportunity to rest their arms before playing the final series of the regular season against Freeport (5-7). If they can win the series, they will lock a top four seed in the playoffs, giving them a first round bye.

4. Herricks (8-6-1) (Last week: No. 5)

Reflecting their impressive performance as of late, Herricks finds themselves at number four in this week’s power rankings. Matt Yip continues to turn heads, as he extended his Long Island lead in home runs to seven. Last week, he went 4-for-9 at the plate with 2 home runs, 9 RBI and a walk-off. If Yip and this Herricks offense can continue to produce these numbers, it will be tough to slow them down in the postseason. Andrew Imperatore and the rest of the Herricks pitching staff will have a week of rest as they head into their bye week. Expect them to close out the season strong, as they take on Baldwin (5-7) when they return.

3. Calhoun (9-3) (Last week: No. 2)

The Colts lost a heartbreaking series last week, as they gave up a walk-off home run in game three of the series. The series of the year between Calhoun and Plainview was everything as advertised, as all games were decided by one run. If these two teams play again in the playoffs, expect Calhoun to return fired up with a chance at revenge. Calhoun will take on Baldwin (5-7) this upcoming week. If they can sweep Baldwin, they will lock up a top four seed and a first round bye.

2. Plainview (9-3) (Last week: No. 4)

The leaders of conference AA2 have earned the number two spot in this week’s power rankings. Heading into the seventh inning of game three of the series against Calhoun, it seemed as if Plainview was going to lose the series. However, Mark Faello changed the outcome with one swing of the bat, providing the Hawks with a walk-off victory. Faello finished the series going 7-for-9 at the plate with 5 RBI. Michael Rothstein also stood out this week, going 6-for-10 at the plate with a home run and 9 RBI. Expect Plainview to man handle Valley Stream Central (2-13) this upcoming week. Building off Faello’s walk-off, the Hawks have all of the momentum in the world going forward.

1. Oceanside (12-0) (Last week: No. 1)

Well, this one came as a surprise to nobody. Oceanside enters the week at number one for the sixth straight week as one of only two undefeated teams (Great Neck South) on Long Island. After an extremely impressive sweep against Farmingdale, Oceanside has put themselves in position to finish the regular season undefeated. The only obstacles standing in their way are Syosset (5-6-1) and Port Washington (6-5-1) to conclude their schedule. St. John’s-commit Jake Lazzaro, Austin Vlahakis, Dylan Judd and Noah Eisel all have a chance to go All-Long Island offensively, summarizing how dangerous this Sailors lineup really is. Heading into the final two weeks of the season, the question everyone’s wondering continues to linger: can Oceanside go undefeated?