The Post’s high school staff looks ahead to the most intriguing matchups in boys basketball and girls basketball for the week of April 16 through April 22.
BASEBALL
St. Francis Prep @ Archbishop Molloy (Monday, 4 p.m.)
One of the best rivalries in New York City baseball will be reprised Monday afternoon in what should be 80-degree hit. Molloy is still adjusting to life without its premier player, Evansville-bound Jonathan Ramon, who is out indefinitely with a pinched nerve in his back. Taso Stathopoulos, St. Francis Prep’s ace, is likely to go in this one.
Fordham Prep @ Iona Prep (Tuesday, 4 p.m.)
Fordham Prep comes back north from Myrtle Beach and its first league is against CHSAA Class AA intersectional title contender Iona Prep. The Gaels are likely to toss Temple-bound righthander Tim McCarthy, while the Rams could counter with Sean McNamara or Steve Fondu. The two shortstops – Fordham’s Andrew Velazquez and Iona’s Vinny DeMaria – are excellent, Division I-bound standouts.
Moore Catholic vs. St. Joseph by the Sea (Thursday, 4 p.m. @ Richmond County Youth League)
Both Staten Island teams are off to incredible starts. This matchup will determine which one stays hot and who’ll have an inside track on that very valuable division title. Moore Catholic is 3-0 with wins over St. Raymond, All Hallows and Regis while Sea boasts victories over Iona Prep and Poly Prep, two teams expected to be among the best in New York City.
Cardozo vs. Bryant (Friday, 4 p.m. @ Elmjack Little League)
Barring something unforeseen, the two Queens powers from separate divisions should enter Friday’s showdown both undefeated in league play. The winner will own bragging rights and a huge win for seeding purposes. Though Bryant went further last spring, reaching the PSAL Class A quarterfinals, Cardozo is the team many have forecast as a title contender.
Poly Prep @ George Washington (Saturday, 12 p.m.)
The matchup has lost some cache because of Poly Prep’s recent struggles, but once Saturday afternoon rolls around in Washington Heights, Poly’s Andrew Zapata is on the mound and George Washington’s Nelson Rodriguez is at the plate, there will be a palpable buzz. GW will be looking for revenge as Zapata shut the Trojans out last year, while the Blue Devils will be looking for a marquee victory on the young season.
SOFTBALL
James Madison @ Tottenville (Monday, 4 p.m.)
These teams know each other well having met in the last three PSAL Class A title games, with the Pirates winning twice. This time Kayla Hill won’t be on the mound for the Knights, but Gina Gerone and a potent lineup will try their best to outdo Tottenville and ace Cheryl Lopez.
Poly Prep @ Horace Mann (Monday, 4:30 p.m.)
Poly Prep gutted out a 10-9 win over Fieldston on Friday, but Horace Mann couldn’t do the same against Riverdale in a 10-8 loss. The Blue Devils are trying to win a seventh straight NYSAISAA title, but they didn’t win the Ivy League last year – Mann did. The Lions will look to get a win over their rivals and continue their quest for back-to-back Ivy championships.
Archbishop Molloy vs. St. Francis Prep (Tuesday, 3:45 p.m. @ Cunningham Park)
The Stanners will likely have to play this game without star Maria Palmeri, but co-ace Victoria Goldbach has been spinning gems of late. The Terriers nearly knocked off Molloy in the first meeting and control of CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens is on the line again.
Tottenville vs. Construction (Friday, 4 p.m. @ Smokey Oval Park)
The traditional power against the young upstart, this game has all the makings of a memorable showdown. Construction seems to be one of the few teams that can truly challenge Tottenville’s dominance this year, led by sophomore ace Britney Rodriguez. Of course, Tottenville still has the best pitcher in New York City: Cheryl Lopez, who threw a one-hitter in last year’s final.
St. Joseph by the Sea @ Moore Catholic (Sunday, 1 p.m.)
Same time, same place as last weekend, but Moore is hoping for a different result. A four-run second inning gave Sea a 4-1 win in the first meeting. The Mavericks feel a few good swings of the bat can turn the next game’s fortunes in their favor and give them a chance at an Island crown.
LACROSSE
Cardozo @ New Dorp (boys) (Monday, 5 p.m.)
Two of the PSAL’s top team meet for the first time with sole possession of second place in the Championship Division on the line. New Dorp goalie Chris Fiore could be the difference in a battle of two pretty even team. A Dozo win would make a big statement.
Riverdale @ Fieldston (boys) (Wednesday, 4:15 pm.)
The two teams have distinguished themselves as members of the Ivy League’s upper tier and the schools are just a few blocks from each other. If Fieldston can beat Hackley on Monday the game will put them in the driver’s seat for a division crown. Riverdale could be looking for a third straight win.
Hackley @ Poly Prep (girls) (Thursday 4:30 p.m.)
The Blue Devils have already beat the defending NYSAISAA champs in Riverdale and now get their first crack at the Ivy League’s other power. A win puts them in first place all alone in the early season. Are the unbeaten Blue Devils up to the task?