All three PSAL girls basketball champions have now been crowned. Joining Murry Bergtraum this weekend in Glens Falls will be Medgar Evers representing Class A and Goldstein going up in Class B.
The Lady Blazers open up against Christ the King in the New York State Federation Class AA semifinals Saturday, making Sunday’s final a bit anticlimactic. But there’s no doubting that will be the game of the year and one of the most anticipated matchups in a few seasons.
Here’s how the rankings shake down:
1. Murry Bergtraum (25-0) (Last week: 1)
Does it get any better than this? Murry Bergtraum and Christ the King – two of the best programs historically in the nation – reprising their rivalry where they have played so many wars before: Glens Falls. The Lady Blazers will be looking for their third state Federation in four years and sixth overall.
Next: Christ the King, New York State Federation Class AA semifinals (March 27, 2 p.m. @ Glens Falls Civic Center)
2. John F. Kennedy (20-9) (2)
Another reason that things are looking up at Kennedy: the Knights JV team won their third straight city title last week. Coach O’Neil Glenn’s girls are going to be a force for awhile. The program is one of the few that utilizes its JV team almost like the Catholic schools. A good amount of Kennedy’s players on the team that went to the Garden this year played JV.
Next: Season over
3. South Shore (18-9) (3)
The season is over, but apparently the free agent period has started. South Shore nabbed transfer Tatiana Wilson from Francis Lewis this week and the junior guard could be eligible next year due to a hardship transfer.
Next: Season over
4. Manhattan Center (16-11) (4)
Expect more success next year in East Harlem. Brea Castro Gambrell and Janicha Diaz Carrion return and keep an eye on the supporting cast. Some of those Lady Rams are going to be ready for breakout seasons.
Next: Season over
5. Francis Lewis (19-5) (5)
As if a heartbreaking defeat in the quarterfinals wasn’t enough, Lewis took another loss Monday. Junior guard Tatiana Wilson, arguably the team’s best scorer, is transferring to South Shore. That’s going to hurt.
Next: Season over
6. McKee/S.I. Tech (24-3) (6)
Kaitlyn Astel is one of the more underrated players in the city. She’s effective slashing to the hoop and shooting from the perimeter. The best part? She’s only a sophomore.
Next: Season over
7. Midwood (15-12) (7)
A few of Midwood’s players will be in the PSAL’s unsigned seniors game Tuesday night at Grand Street Campus. Coaches from good Division II programs would be crazy not to take a long look at Gisell Peguero and Beranda Felder.
Next: Season over
8. Thomas Jefferson (13-8) (8)
It’s a shame the team with arguably the best backcourt in the city couldn’t make it past the PSAL Class AA quarterfinals. Look for Alicia Cropper and Danielle Pearson at Providence next year though.
Next: Season over
9. Medgar Evers (23-2) (9)
Oh that wily Barney Davis. The longtime coach made his team think Wings was the favorite in Saturday’s PSAL Class A title game and the Cougars came in with serious chips on their shoulders. Davis won his first PSAL title since his Robeson squad beat John Jay, then-coached by PSAL co-commissioner John LoSasso, in the 1991 city championship game at the Garden.
Next: Averill Park, New York State Federation Class A semifinals (March 26, 1:30 p.m. @ Glens Falls Civic Center)
10. Wings Academy (25-2) (10)
The Lady Wings finished their best season ever in the PSAL Class A title game Saturday. Coach Juan Gonzalez and his girls should be commended. Wings should be a force again next year, perhaps in the ‘AA’ league.
Next: Season over
New: None
Dropped out: None
On the bubble: West 50th Street (23-4), Banneker (11-8), Truman (12-11), Lincoln (12-11), School of the Future (12-4) and Leon Goldstein (21-2)