This past week was a busy one with the New York Post CHSAA vs. PSAL Girls Basketball Invitational and a few crucial league games. But the coming week is crazy.
It starts in Brooklyn with South Shore-Midwood on Wednesday and South Shore-Francis Lewis on Friday. Then we head to The Bronx for the fifth annual John F. Kennedy Classic and every single team – with the exception of McKee/Staten Island Tech – will be competing in pivotal games.
The lone change this week was Medgar Evers hopping over West 50th Street Campus to No. 9 after beating the Seahawks at the PSAL ‘A’ Girls Basketball Showcase.
Here’s how things look:
1. Murry Bergtraum (14-0) (Last week: 1)
Sunday marked another huge win for the Lady Blazers – the first against a fellow nationally ranked foe. Bergtraum, ranked ninth itself according to USA Today, defeated No. 16 Neptune at the Hoop Group Boardwalk Showcase in Asbury Park, N.J. CeCe Dixon once again was vital, holding stud guard Shakena Richardson to just eight points. The Lady Blazers get another New Jersey test Saturday when they play University at the Kennedy Challenge.
Next: Frederick Douglass (Jan. 20, 5 p.m.)
2. Francis Lewis (13-1) (2)
The Patriots got their first loss Sunday against St. Michael Academy at the New York Post CHSAA vs. PSAL Girls Basketball Invitational, but they had nothing to be ashamed of against a nationally ranked opponent. Sabrina Jeridore was an absolute monster – she had a triple double – and, once again, Lewis was excellent on the defensive end. Right now, it’s hard to dispute them as the second best team in the PSAL, but Friday when they play No. 3 South Shore that could all change.
Next: @ Beach Channel (Jan. 20, 5 p.m.)
3. South Shore (10-3) (3)
South Shore might have gotten bludgeoned early against Christ the King at the New York Post CHSAA vs. PSAL Girls Basketball Invitational, but the Vikings played with the Royals after a horrendous first quarter. That game will be a big one for South Shore. It’s possible coach Anwar Gladden’s team won’t see a better team all year. Fannisha Price grew up plenty against the Royals. Friday is big: No. 2 Lewis comes to town.
Next: @ No. 8 Midwood (Jan. 20, 5 p.m.)
4. McKee/S.I. Tech (16-1) (4)
Kristen Markoe got her 1,000th career point in a victory against Staten Island Academy on Friday. It was a terrific milestone for one of the most underrated players in the city. MSIT probably won’t play another ranked team until the playoffs – and that could be a major disadvantage heading into the postseason.
Next: @ Port Richmond (Jan. 19, 6 p.m.)
5. Thomas Jefferson (6-6) (5)
Alicia Cropper and Danielle Pearson are still working hard to lift their undermanned squad, but Jefferson just doesn’t have as many horses as it did in previous seasons. The Orange Wave’s formula for success the rest of the way: sweep the rest of the league season, get Kierra Cargill back from academic eligibility and start fresh in the playoffs.
Next: Banneker (Jan. 20, 5 p.m.)
6. Manhattan Center (12-5) (6)
The early game Sunday at the New York Post CHSAA vs. PSAL Girls Basketball Invitational against St. Peter’s did not do wonders for Manhattan Center in the beginning. The Rams woke up a bit in the second half, but were still on the wrong side of a lopsided score. They get a break from league action – no game until Feb. 1 – but compete this weekend in the Kennedy Challenge.
Next: Amsterdam (N.Y.) (Jan. 23, 5:30 p.m. @ Kennedy Challenge)
7. John F. Kennedy (12-5) (7)
The Knights were the victim of Bishop Ford shooting the lights out Sunday at the New York Post CHSAA vs. PSAL Girls Basketball Invitational. Coach O’Neil Glenn was pretty fed up with his team afterward, but Kennedy is still vastly improved. Its host tournament – the biggest and best in the area – is this weekend. JFK plays Mary Louis on Saturday.
Next: @ Truman (Jan. 20, 5 p.m.)
8. Midwood (7-8) (8)
The first time Midwood played South Shore, the Hornets were on the wrong end of a 70-44 season-opening beatdown. That’s not a game they remember fondly. Northeastern-bound center Jewel Tunstull was injured at the time and Midwood was a different team. Are the Hornets greatly improved? We’ll find out Wednesday.
Next: No. 3 South Shore (Jan. 20, 5 p.m.)
9. Medgar Evers (14-1) (10)
Coach Barney Davis said Saturday’s win against then-No. 9 West 50th Street Campus was meaningless. Well, we beg to differ. The Cougars have now moved up to No. 9 in our PSAL rankings and have a strong chance at earning the No. 1 seed in the ‘A’ playoffs. With Jasmin Robinson and Ashley Castle, they’re going to be very hard to beat.
Next: Truman (Jan. 18, 12 p.m. @ Mika/Crown M.L. King Classic)
10. West 50th Street (14-4) (9)
There are more than a few consolations to West 50th Street’s loss to Medgar Evers on Saturday. The Seahawks might not see many quarters worse than the third one all year. Plus, they could have guard Caleitha Berry back (injury and grades) back by the end of this week, perhaps for their game with Frederick Douglass at the Kennedy Challenge.
Next: Banneker (Jan. 18, 1:30 p.m. @ Mika/Crown M.L. King Classic)
New: None
Dropped out: None
On the bubble: Wings (12-1), Truman (9-8), Tottenville (10-2), Boys & Girls (4-5), Banneker (7-5), Lincoln (7-5), Baruch College Campus (10-3), Beach Channel (3-5) and Fort Hamilton (13-5)