PSAL baseball rankings
Another week, more turnover. It’s that kind of season.
Though our top two of Tottenville and George Washington holds, virtually everything else is different. Undefeated Queens A West powers William Bryant and John Adams replace Cardozo and slumping John F. Kennedy while Monroe, Beacon and Lehman move up and Grand Street Campus and Madison drop.
Got all that? Just read below.
1. Tottenville (6-0) (Last week: 1)
It was a sad week in Huguenot as legendary coach Tom Tierney Sr. passed away on Tuesday at the age of 82. The father of current coach Tom Tierney Jr. won six city titles, including consecutive crowns in 1986 and 1987, and compiled a record of 940-120 in 33 seasons. He made the Tottenville baseball program into what it is today and will be sorely missed by all in the local baseball community.
Next: @ No. 5 Grand Street Campus, Monroe Tournament (Apr. 18, 12:15 p.m.)
2. George Washington (6-0) (2)
A difficult season just got harder for the Trojans as centerfielder Ferrnelys Sanchez sustained a broken jaw in a 7-1 victory over Norman Thomas on Saturday in its host tournament. First GW loses program architect Steve Mandl to alleged illegal recruiting, now the star junior goes down. It says a lot that, under interim coach Nick Carbone, the Manhattan A West power hasn’t missed a beat.
Next: Walton, George Washington Holiday Tournament (Apr. 18, 12:30 p.m.)
3. James Monroe (6-1) (4)
A loss to South Bronx seemed like the right tonic for the Eagles, who rebounded from the one-setback with run-rule routs of Riverdale/Kingsbridge, John F. Kennedy and Gompers in league play, then started its tournament on Saturday with a pair of easy wins over Bryant and Richmond Hill. Big surprise, Monroe rounding into form in mid April, we know.
Next: Cardozo, Monroe Tournament (Apr. 18, 10 a.m.)
4. Lehman (6-1) (7)
Somehow Lehman has flown under the radar the first month of the season despite a comfortable lead in powerful Bronx A West. We saw enough this week to move them up after an impressive come-from-behind victory over South Bronx and wins over Long Island City and Morris on Day 1 of the 42nd annual Monroe Tournament. Coach Adam Droz doesn’t get enough credit for the work he does year in and year out.
Next: Manhattan Center @ Taft, Monroe Tournament (Apr. 18, 12:15 p.m.)
5. Grand Street Campus (6-0) (3)
The Wolves hit a snag on Saturday, falling to FDA, 5-2, in the Monroe Tournament after rallying past Environmental Studies, 5-4. The big test comes Tuesday against defending champion Tottenville, Not only would a win be important for Grand Street’s psyche, Melvin Martinez’s club needs it to advance to the prestigious tournament’s single-elimination round.
Next: No. 1 Tottenville, Monroe Tournament (Apr. 18, 12:15 p.m.)
6. South Bronx (4-2) (6)
Thursday’s 5-2 loss to Lehman was certainly disappointing since South Bronx ace Genesis Milian carried a two-run lead into the seventh. Then again there’s no shame in losing to Lehman, last year’s runner-up and the Bronx A West leader. The Phoenix showed its resolve by blasting DeWitt Clinton, 15-3 on Saturday on Day 1 of the Monroe Tournament, even though the Governors went with several reserves. Anyway, South Bronx is just a game back of Clinton and Monroe in Bronx A East with half the season remaining.
Next: No. 8 John Adams @ DeWitt Clinton, Monroe Tournament (Apr. 18, TBA)
7. Beacon (6-0) (9)
The Blue Demons’ lineup is much improved, with depth and power throughout. Beacon’s greatest strength, though, is still its pitching, with seven runs allowed in six league wins. Remarkably, ace Kai Glick has thrown just three innings as he works his way back from injury. Imagine how much better the rotation will be when he returns to full strength?
Next: @ No. 2 George Washington (Apr. 27, 4 p.m.)
8. John Adams (6-0) (NR)
Shortstop Jeffrey Valera is one of the top juniors in the city, a power hitter with high baseball IQ and a plan for every at bat, yet the emergence of second baseman Jorge Barahoma has transformed John Adams’ lineup. The league-leader in RBIs with an eye-popping 18, Barahoma has added punch and production to a lineup that previously relied too heavily on Valera. As a result, Adams is in a familiar spot: Atop Queens A West.
Next: No. 7 South Bronx @ DeWitt Clinton, Monroe Tournament (Apr. 18, TBA)
9. James Madison (3-1) (5)
Through four leagues games – three wins – it has become clear the Knights aren’t going to give up many runs. They’ve allowed all of seven so far. Scoring, though, isn’t going to be so easy, as Madison’s 4-2 loss to rival Telecommunications illustrated. Junior first baseman Matthew Zalon and sophomore catcher Raymond Draxdorf have been bright spots of late, though, combining for five RBIs in a 12-2 win over Lafayette on Friday.
Next: Midwood (Apr, 26, 12:30 p.m.)
10. William Bryant (5-0) (NR)
There isn’t a more surprising team in the city than the young and exciting Owls. Despite losing a slew of seniors, including staff ace and shortstop Dennis Strawsacker, coach Rocco Rotondi has Bryant undefeated in Queens A West with a 5-0 record and with a good shot to reach the Monroe Tournament’s single-elimination round. That was made possible by an impressive 7-2 win over Queens A East leader Cardozo yesterday.
Next: Richmond Hill @ James Monroe, Monroe Tournament (Apr. 18, 12:15 p.m.)
New: John Adams (6-0) and William Bryant (5-0)
Dropped out: Cardozo (7-0) and John F. Kennedy (3-3)
On the bubble: Cardozo (7-0), DeWitt Clinton (5-1), Forest Hills (6-0), Fort Hamilton (6-1), John F. Kennedy (3-3), McKee/Staten Island Tech (5-2), Morris (4-2) and New Dorp (5-4)
