After five months, the PSAL season is down to one day — Saturday the PSAL Class A and Class B champions will be decided. In our final top 10, Boys & Girls finished at No. 1, with Cardozo second, Wigns Academy third and Transit Tech fourth.
1. Boys & Girls (26-5) (Last week: 1)
A memorable season only gets better for the Kangaroos. They will receive keys to the city from Mayor Bloomberg on March 25. Then, it’s a trip to Glens Falls for the state tournament.
Next: TBA, New York State Federation Class AA final (March 28, 3 p.m.)
2. Cardozo (22-7) (2)
Everybody always talks about getting to the Garden. Making it to MSG and losing, however, isn’t much fun. Just ask Ron Naclerio, who has led in his last two trips – 2004 and 2010 – after three quarters, only to fall short.
Next: Season over
3. Wings Academy (24-6) (3)
Last week in this space, we hoped Krystian Foriest would find a worthy home. On Saturday, he did, picking Queens College, a smart choice. Foriest will receive a solid – and free – education and be given an opportunity to contribute immediately.
Next: Season over
4. Transit Tech (18-10) (4)
It was an up-and-down season for Anthony Prescott, a junior guard learning how to play the point. He finally seemed to grasp the position late in the year, leading the Express to the PSAL Class AA semifinals. Transit Tech will be in his capable hands next winter.
Next: Season over
5. Thomas Jefferson (20-10) (4)
Look out for the Orange Wave’s frontcourt of Shamel Williams, Eric Turpin Jr., and Edson Avila next year. The three are skilled, physically imposing and experienced.
Next: Season over
6. John F. Kennedy (22-5) (5)
Johnny Mathis is revered as a coach for his consistency. He will be put to the test next year as senior stars Naquan Pierce and Jeffrey Short graduate. Knowing Mathis, he will find a way to get the most out of the Knights.
Next: Season over
7. Lincoln (17-10) (6)
The Railsplitters enjoyed a solid year, despite their championship pedigree. After losing three Division I players – Lance Stephenson, James Padgett and Darwin (Buddha) Ellis – they still finished third in Brooklyn AA, the best division in the city, and made the quarterfinals.
Next: Season over
8. Wadleigh (21-7) (7)
The Tigers have made a tradition of dominating Manhattan, but being unable to handle the city’s elite once the postseason begins. Under Mike Crump, they have won the borough four out of five years, but have failed to get past the quarterfinals.
Next: Season over
9. Curtis (26-5) (8)
The Warriors became Staten Island’s first boys basketball team to win a city championship last year, but winning the Island this season and getting to the PSAL Class AA quarterfinals was possibly more significant.
Next: Season over
10. Robeson (18-10) (9)
Darrel Lucky finally emerged this winter as a leader. His natural talent was always there, but he matured to match that ability, understanding how to get the most out of the teammates and knowing when to take over. The rest of the city will know all about No. 11, a mid-major prospect, next year.
Next: Season over
New: None
Dropped out: None
On the bubble: Banneker (14-4), Bedford Academy (23-5), Brooklyn Collegiate (21-6), FDR (22-6), Forest Hills (16-11), McKee/Staten Island Tech (23-7), and South Bronx (27-3)