CHSAA teams take note, perhaps next year you guys can skip the trip to Trenton on Valentine’s Day weekend. Four Class AA squads make the trek to the Primetime Shootout and only one, our new No. 1 Bishop Loughlin, came back across the Hudson with a victory, while Christ the King, Rice and St. Raymond’s all lost.
How does that affect our CHSAA boys basketball rankings? Find out below.
1. Bishop Loughlin (19-4) (Last week: 3)
It was a pretty good week, even by Bishop Loughlin standards. The Lions went 3-0, beating St. Francis Prep, Xaverian and Cherokee (N.J.), jumped two spots to No. 1 in our rankings and Villanova-bound forward Jayvaughn Pinkston was named a McDonald’s All-American, the first in the storied program’s history.
Next: No. 4 Holy Cross (Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m.)
2. Christ the King (18-5) (1)
Joe Arbitello said he purposely stacked his non-league schedule because he wanted his team battle-tested in late February and March. So while a loss to undefeated Half Hollow Hills West (L.I.) dropped the Royals from No. 1 in our rankings, we have a feeling Arbitello wasn’t all that upset when he left Trenton Sunday.
Next: @ No. 6 St. Raymond’s (Feb. 16, 7 p.m.)
3. Rice (17-5) (2)
What is going on with Rice? The Raiders have lost two of their last four and have come out slow and fallen behind big in several games since a 75-66 loss to Holy Cross on Jan. 26. To write off a team with three Division I players in the starting lineup would be a massive mistake, but Rice needs to start playing for the name on the front of its uniforms quickly.
Next: Archbishop Molloy (Feb. 16, 4:15 p.m.)
4. Holy Cross (16-7) (5)
A year ago, Xaverian upset both Christ the King and Rice and All Hallows made a stunning run to the Class AA intersectional semifinals. It’s still early, but Holy Cross, led by Jahleel Felix, Bryant Fidele, Evan Conti and sophomore Will Davis, seems like it is staking its claim as this year’s Cinderella squad.
Next: @ No. 1 Bishop Loughlin (Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m.)
5. Xaverian (11-9) (4)
Xaverian coach Jack Alesi said he’d rather shovel snow than have to endure a dreadful performance at Holy Cross Tuesday night, but that performance quickly melted away. The Clippers played better in a loss at Bishop Loughlin Friday night and “were as mentally sharp and crisp” as they played all year, according to Alesi, in a Senior Day win against All Hallows Sunday afternoon.
Next: @ St. Francis Prep (Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m.)
6. St. Raymond’s (9-12) (7)
It’s almost impossible to figure out the Ravens this year. St. Raymond’s opened the week with a shocking home loss to Archbishop Molloy, which snapped a six-game losing streak. Then the Ravens turn around and crush Bronx rival All Hallows Friday night and lose to Shabazz (N.J.) Sunday at the Primetime Shootout.
Next: No. 2 Christ the King (Feb. 16, 7 p.m.)
7. All Hallows (11-10) (6)
Just when it looked like All Hallows was ready to make another late-season run, a home loss to Holy Cross on Feb. 2 started a tailspin for the Gaels. All Hallows has lost four of its last five heading into the regular-season finale at defending Class A intersectional champion Iona Prep Tuesday afternoon. With star guard Michael Alvarado outside and Omar Kellman inside, All Hallows is too good to be counted out.
Next: @ Iona Prep (Feb. 18, 4:30 p.m.)
8. Mount St. Michael (18-4) (8)
The Mountaineers appear to be on a collision course with division rival Iona Prep for the Class A title. After back-to-back losses to Xavier and Iona Prep, the Mount has won three straight heading into Tuesday’s showdown with archrival Cardinal Hayes.
Next: No. 9 Cardinal Hayes (Feb. 16, 4 p.m.)
9. Cardinal Hayes (14-6) (9)
The Cardinals have had success against much of the Class A competition, and even some against ‘AA’ teams. But Joe Lods squad has yet to beat the big A-North three of Iona Prep, Mount St. Michael and Archbishop Stepinac. Their next chance comes Tuesday at Mount.
Next: @ No. 8 Mount St. Michael (Feb. 16, 4 p.m.)
10. Bishop Ford (18-5) (NR)
Chaz Williams is at Hofstra, Kamari Murphy is at Lincoln and yet, Bishop Ford has won nine in a row and claimed a third straight A-South crown. The Falcons have been led by Matt Hall, Justyn McMichael and a strong supporting cast. No longer a favorite to advance to a third straight Class A intersectional title game, Bishop Ford is also not a long shot.
Next: @ No. 8 Mount St. Michael (Feb. 19, Noon)
New: Bishop Ford (18-5)
Dropped out: St. Peter’s (17-6)
On the bubble: St. Peter’s (17-6), Archbishop Molloy (10-13) and St. Joseph by the Sea (14-9)
