We promised changes and boy did we deliver. Well, Grand Street Campus did, winning the pregistious Monroe Tournament and skyrocketing to the top spot from No. 9 after wins over previous No. 1 Tottenville (now ninth) and fifth-ranked James Monroe.
In the CHSAA, Monsignor Farrell remains undefeated in league play and is the lone Catholic squad in the upper echelon of our rankings, moving up three spots to No. 4 after impressive wins against St. Peter’s and Xavier last week. Archbishop Molloy jumps up four places to No. 6 after beating Xaverian, while the Clippers drop three spots to No. 7 and All Hallows debuts at No. 10.
1. Grand Street Campus (7-0) (Last week: 9)
From the speedy and potent lineup, to the surprisingly stingy four-deep starting rotation, to air-tight defense, Grand Street Campus put on a show in the week-long Monroe Tournament. It routed Queens A West co-leaders John Adams and Bryant, blanked defending city champion Tottenville and commandingly took care of Monroe. If there is a more talented team in the PSAL – of New York City for that matter – we haven’t seen one yet.
Next: @ Telecommunications (April 28, 4 p.m.)
2. George Washington (6-0) (2)
Odds are we won’t know much about the Trojans until the playoffs. They were hardly tested by an underwhelming bunch in the George Washington Holiday Tournament – the Washington Heights school blasted Walton, 21-0, in the finals – and rival Norman Thomas is suffering through a rebuilding year. With all that said, Wednesday is a day we may learn something as undefeated Manhattan A West foe Beacon visits GW.
Next: Beacon (April 27, 4 p.m.)
3. Poly Prep (9-1) (3)
The Blue Devils lone game this week, against Catholic power Xavier, was a washout. They return to action Wednesday against Hackley, though that is merely a tune-up to Friday’s showdown against undefeated Riverdale and Virginia-bound catcher Nat Irving. The winner takes the lead in the Ivy Prep League and gets an early jump on the top seed in the NYSAISAA playoffs. Bay Ridge is the place to be Friday afternoon.
Next: @ Hackley (April 27, 4:30 p.m.)
4. Monsignor Farrell (6-0) (7)
There’s just one undefeated team left in the CHSAA and it’s the Lions from Monsignor Farrell. Bob Mulligan wasn’t sure what he had during the preseason, but the coach has been pleasantly surprised by all aspects of his team – the hitting, the fielding and the pitching. Farrell has opened eyes, but can it keep up this pace?
Next: St. Raymond (April 27, 4 p.m.)
5. James Monroe (6-1) (4)
One day the lineup looks like world beaters, a group that can put up double digits against anyone, the next the ensemble over-swings at every off-speed delivery. That was the case in this week’s Monroe Tournament, the Eagles scoring 10 runs against Manhattan Center, 16 against Lehman, but managing just two versus Grand Street third starter Luis Hiraldo. It doesn’t mean Monroe won’t be around in June, but coach Mike Turo would like to see more consistency out of his batting order.
Next: @ No. 8 Lehman (April 28, 4 p.m.)
6. Archbishop Molloy (7-1) (10)
Lefty Mike Auriemmo went the distance again for the Stanners, allowing no earned runs on five hits in a 5-4 win against No. 7 Xaverian, knocking the Clippers from their perch atop the CHSAA ‘AA’ Brooklyn/Queens standings. Molloy would last just two days on top, though, losing to rival St. Francis Prep, 7-2.
Next: Bishop Ford (April 27, 2 p.m.)
7. Xaverian (7-1) (4)
Is an early-season loss a good thing? It depends on how a team responds. In Xaverian’s case, it was with venom. The Clippers flexed their muscles in a pair of blowout wins against Monsignor McClancy and Holy Cross. The offense exploded in those victories with Tommy Midolo and Elvin Soto coming up with big hits.
Next: @ Christ the King (April 27, 4 p.m.)
8. Lehman (6-1) (8)
A lack of experienced arms cost the Lions much of a chance against Monroe in the third-place game of the Monroe Tournament on Friday. Still it was a solid 5-1 week for Lehman, which continued to display the kind of mettle, toughness and determination it had in reaching last year’s PSAL Class A title game. Pitching is the question for Adam Droz’s club, who gets a rematch with Monroe Thursday. Look for ace Dymin Morillo to get the nod in that showdown.
Next: No. 5 James Monroe (April 28, 4 p.m.)
9. Tottenville (6-0) (1)
Two losses in as many days – to Grand Street and Lehman – after 18 straight wins was surprising but not alarming. The Pirates made too many mistakes and failed to hit in the clutch. It was a lesson that the defending city champions are not unbeatable. Still, Tottenville didn’t win the Monroe Tournament last year, either, and still was the last team standing in June, always the ultimate goal in Huguenot.
Next: McKee/Staten Island Tech (April 25, 11 a.m.)
10. All Hallows (4-1) (NR)
Because of inclement weather, the Gaels were idle this week and yet they move into the top 10 as a result of other games. All Hallows gets back into the swing bright and early Monday with St. Louis-bound ace James Norwood on the mound. It’s the start of a busy week for Ed Gutierrez’s squad, which also takes on defending CHSAA champions St. Joseph by the Sea on Tuesday.
Next: Xavier (April 25, 9 a.m.)
New: All Hallows (4-1)
Dropped out: Xavier (3-2)
On the bubble: Beacon (6-0), Fieldston (4-2), John Adams (6-0), Moore Catholic (3-2), Riverdale (8-0), South Bronx (4-2), St. Joseph by the Sea (4-2), William Bryant (5-0) and Xavier (3-2)