In a wild season, this week might have been the wildest.
Bishop Ford beat St. Michael Academy, which is now on a three-game losing streak. John F. Kennedy defeated Mary Louis. Midwood knocked off South Shore, knocking the Vikings out of the rankings.
In a week – and season – of shocking results, the one constant has been 11-time defending PSAL city champion Murry Bergtraum. The Lady Blazers are the only ‘AA’ team in New York City left without a loss as they return to the top spot.
The rest? Read on to find out.
1. Murry Bergtraum (16-0) (Last week: 2)
Welcome back, Bergtraum. The last time the Lady Blazers were on top, these were called the FiveBoroSports.com NYC girls basketball rankings. That was last February before they lost to Manhattan Center. Coach Ed Grezinsky’s team has earned it, beating national foes like St. John’s College (D.C.), Neptune (N.J.) and University (N.J.) in recent weeks.
Next: Manhattan Center (Feb. 1, 5 p.m.)
2. Christ the King (12-3) (3)
There may not be a hungier team in New York City this season. The Royals have played with chips on their shoulders early in games during a streak of eight straight wins. Bria Smith, Ariel Edwards and Co. get a chance to make a national splash if they can beat New Jersey power Shabazz at the Prudential Center on Saturday.
Next: Shabazz (Jan. 30, 12:45 p.m. @ Prudential Center )
3. St. Peter’s (15-1) (4)
With all the rises and falls that have occurred in these rankings, the Eagles have quietly gone about their business. St. Peter’s showed it could be a serious threat to make its first trip to the Federation ‘AA’ tournament with a dismantling of PSAL power Francis Lewis at the John F. Kennedy Challenge Sunday.
Next: @ Kellenberg (Jan. 30, 2:00 p.m.)
4. Bishop Ford (15-3) (6)
Call Mike Toro the new Rodney Dangerfield of girls baskettball. He gets no respect. At least that is how the first-year coach feels after his victories over Christ the King and St. Michael Academy have been called flukes by many. Toro feels his team needs to prove the doubters wrong going forward.
Next: No. 9 St. Francis Prep (Jan. 30, 6 p.m.)
5. St. Michael Academy (14-4) (1)
A night after being helped out of John F. Kennedy with a sprained ankle Jennifer O’Neill was back on the court. The Kentucky-bound guard’s valiant effort wasn’t enough to avert the Eagles’ third straight defeat, this time to Colts Neck (N.J.). Coach Apache Paschall is in search of the fix for his ailing team.
Next:@ St. Anthony (L.I.) (Jan.30, TBA)
6. Francis Lewis (15-2) (5)
Despite some shoddy play the last week or so, Lewis has just two losses – to St. Peter’s and St. Mike’s. That’s not too shabby. The Patriots will look to get back to their winning ways Sunday when they take on UConn-bound Bria Hartley and North Babylon (L.I.).
Next: North Babylon (L.I.) (Jan. 31, 2 p.m. @ Under Armour Classic)
7. John F. Kennedy (14-5) (NR)
No team in New York City has improved more than Kennedy since the beginning of the season – and it’s not even close. The young Knights are deep, defensive-minded and – unlike last year’s team – actually pack some scoring punch. O’Neil Glenn is one of the top candidates for New York City girls basketball Coach of the Year.
Next: @ St. John the Baptist (L.I.) (Jan. 31, 5 p.m. @ Under Armour Classic)
8. Mary Louis (10-5) (7)
Mary Louis has seemed to find a way to navigate past any obsticle its faced this season, especially injuries. The next person has always seemed to step up. Add another example with Reana Mohamed missing with a dislocated shoulder, but TMLA got a breakout performance from Kelly McNamee in its loss to JFK.
Next: @ Archbishop Molloy (Jan. 30, 4:45 p.m.)
9. St. Francis Prep (10-5) (8)
They Terriers have yet to pick up another signature win since beating Bishop Ford back in December and here come the Falcons again. Ford will be patiently waiting for SFP to arrive in Park Slope on Friday. First up is a date with Molloy in Briarwood that would be a huge win for the league standings.
Next: @ Archbishop Molloy (Jan. 26, 6:00 p.m.)
10. Moore Catholic (11-4) (NR)
The Mavericks’ lack of depth is no secret, but it only got worse with an ankle injury to Alex Salaycik over the holidays. The junior is rounding back into form and star Nicole Arnone appears to be back to where she was last year after early-season stuggles. Moore, making its first appearence of the season in these rankings, might be peaking at the right time.
Next: @ Notre Dame (N.J). (Jan. 30, 2 p.m.)
New: John F. Kennedy (14-5) and Moore Catholic (11-4)
Dropped out: South Shore (11-6) and Archbishop Molloy (6-10)
On the bubble: Bishop Kearney (9-8), McKee/Staten Island Tech (18-1), South Shore (11-6), Archbishop Molloy (6-10), Midwood (10-8), Manhattan Center (13-6), Thomas Jefferson (8-6) and Cardinal Spellman (9-3)