Our entire top 10 is still undefeated, but this might be the last week we can say that.
St. Mike’s travels to the Iolani Classic in Hawaii this weekend, No. 3 Christ the King and No. 5 Bishop Ford square off, No. 8 Thomas Jefferson hosts Midwood and No. 9 Archbishop Molloy visits Holy Trinity. There are all kinds of interesting matchups dotted along this week’s schedule.
Here’s how the rankings break down:
1. St. Michael Academy (2-0) (Last week: 1)
Aloha. That’s what the Eagles will be saying this coming weekend when they compete in the prestigious Iolani Classic in Honolulu. The tournament is more known for its boys participants – Rice is a regular, except for this year – but it’s a good one for the ladies, too. And, hey, even if it isn’t, it’s still in Hawaii. St. Mike’s has plenty of time to get down to business in February and March.
Next: Iolani Classic (Dec. 10-12 @ Honolulu, Hawaii)
2. Murry Bergtraum (3-0) (2)
Bergtraum doesn’t usually need motivation to face Manhattan Center, but the Lady Blazers will have added ammo after the Rams snapped their 73-game winning streak last February. Monday’s game will be the first of three between the bitter rivals.
Next: @ Manhattan Center (Dec. 7, 5 p.m.)
3. Christ the King (1-0) (3)
The Royals will likely walk into a hostile environment Monday when they visit No. 5 Bishop Ford. The Falcons have aspirations of being CK’s top competitors in CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens this season. Junior Bria Smith and senior Ariel Edwards would like nothing more than to sufficiently quell the upstart’s enthusiasm as they tune-up for the Nike Tournament of Champions later this month.
Next: @ No. 5 Bishop Ford (Dec. 7, 6 p.m.)
4. St. Peter’s (1-0) (4)
The Eagles made it look easy against St. Dominic (L.I.) in their opener as all 12 players scored. There aren’t many weaknesses in coach Bob Daggett’s club especially if point guard Christine Kline becomes a consistent offensive weapon. The sophomore scored 14 points Sunday. St. Peter’s gets a long layoff before opening its CHSAA Staten Island schedule Dec. 12.
Next: St. Joseph Hill (Dec. 12, 7 p.m.)
5. Bishop Ford (1-0) (5)
It’s the game coach Mike Toro and company has been waiting for. In past years and early matchup with Christ the King was scheduled to get the game out of the way as the Falcons usually non-competitive. This time it is an early barometer as to where both clubs are. We will find out quickly if the talented Falcons can pose a serious threat to the Royals in CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens.
Next: No. 3 Christ the King (Dec. 7, 6 p.m.)
6. Mary Louis (1-0) (6)
The Hilltoppers showed they can beat quality teams without sophomore point guard Karin Robinson, who is getting practice time in after an academic suspension, with a win over Cardinal Spellman. Unlike a year ago, TMLA has multiple options for points including seniors Avis Benjamin and Jackie Kresse. A tough matchup with a quality Kellenberg team is up next.
Next: Kellenberg (Dec. 9, 6:15 p.m.)
7. South Shore (2-0) (7)
Remember the name Aliyah Cooley. The Vikings freshman wing had four 3-pointers in a 70-44 win against Midwood last week. She’s a budding superstar with all kinds of versatility. Cooley is just one of the reasons to be excited about South Shore this year and in the future.
Next: Banneker (Dec. 7, 5 p.m.)
8. Thomas Jefferson (1-0) (8)
Alicia Cropper, Danielle Pearson and company will go for their first quality win of the season when they take host Midwood on Monday. The big question for the Orange Wave all year will be who steps up besides those two.
Next: Midwood (Dec. 7, 5 p.m.)
9. Archbishop Molloy (1-0) (9)
There aren’t many easy games on the Stanners’ schedule as second-year coach Tom Catalanotto believes in playing the best. Molloy struggled to close out Bishop Loughlin last week and things don’t get easier. It will need to rebound quickly as it travels to defending CHSAA Long Island champion Holy Trinity Tuesday.
Next: @ Holy Trinity (Dec. 8, 5:45 p.m.)
10. Francis Lewis (3-0) (10)
On paper, the Patriots are one of the best teams in New York City. They have so many weapons. Kelly Robinson and Sabrina Jeridore were held out early in a win against John F. Kennedy on Sunday and Tatiana Wilson and Ayana Duncanson stepped in to fill the void. Lewis is also much more stable this year with coach Steve Tsai getting his first full preseason.
Next: @ Grand Street Campus (Dec. 10, 5 p.m.)
New: None
Dropped out: None
On the bubble: Moore Catholic (1-0), McKee/Staten Island Tech (4-0) and Manhattan Center (1-0)