The playoffs don't begin until the weekend, but this is a big week nonetheless. Division titles will be determined in the PSAL and CHSAA while the NYSAISAA tournament gets underway on Saturday.
With so many top teams facing one another, we may finally get some real movement in our top 10. The only big change is Poly Prep's fall, from third to seventh, after an 8-1 loss to sixth-ranked Tottenville. Red-hot St. Raymond does break in at No. 9.
For the entire breakdown, read below:
1. Grand Street Campus (13-1) (Last week: 1)
Grand Street got ready for its big week on Friday, by hammering Brooklyn A West leader Fort Hamilton and No. 1 starter Jonathan Maldonado. It only gets tougher from here, as the Wolves face pitching-rich James Madison twice to decide the Brooklyn A East crown, and meet Poly Prep and Andrew Zapata Tuesday in Bay Ridge. Good thing for coach Melvin Martinez he may have the best lineup in all of New York City.
Denis Gostev
Tottenville and Iona College-bound outfielder Joe Sessa have moved up to sixth in The Post's NYC basebal rankings.
Next: @ No. 6 James Madison (May 14, 4 p.m.)
2. St. Joseph by the Sea (10-1) (2)
Chris Falcone was strong against Fordham Prep on Saturday in a bounce-back win after Farrell ended Sea’s unbeaten season Friday night. Brian Russell was strong through eight in that game, but the Lions got the best of the Vikings in nine innings.
Next: No. 8 Moore Catholic (May 14, 4 p.m.)
3. Xaverian (14-1) (3)
John Pena pitched great Friday, but Dylan Lawrence was just a little better as St. Francis Prep ended Xaverian’s undefeated season. The Clippers came back Saturday and clocked McClancy behind a no-hitter by Brian Rosa and Anthony Amatuzzi.
Next: @ Monsignor McClancy (May 14, 4 p.m.)
4. George Washington (14-1) (2)
We have bad news for the PSAL: GW has hit its stride. The Trojans unloaded on Norman Thomas and Franklin Pierce-bound ace Jeffrey Ledesma in Friday’s 10-3 win. Since they dropped their first league contest in three years, to Manhattan Center, the defending PSAL Class A city champion has won seven straight league contests by a scary 91-12.
Next: No. 9 Norman Thomas (May 17, 4 p.m.)
5. Cardozo (14-0) (3)
Good thing Ron Gorecki created such a tough non-league schedule – because Cardozo hasn’t had many tests in Queens A East. In fact, it was only really challenged by Queens A West leader John Adams in crossover action. The Judges are well on their way to another perfect league season, yet unlike last year, they should make it to June.
Next: @ Bayside (May 15, 4 p.m.)
6. Tottenville (13-3) (4)
Mike Sullivan has been a one-man wrecking crew this spring, as dominant on the mound as he is at the plate. The uncommitted senior is 5-0 with 49 strikeouts in 30 innings pitched and has yet to give up an earned run while also hitting .500 with three home runs and 16 RBIs.
Next: Susan Wagner (May 14, 4 p.m.)
7. Poly Prep (16-4) (3)
It was all about the Zapatas this week. Andrew pitched Poly Prep to a 11-1 rout of rival Fieldston on Thursday and younger brother Matt went the distance in a 4-2 win over Trinity the next day to clinch the Blue Devils’ sixth straight Ivy Prep League crown. Poly Prep needed a third Zapata on Saturday, though, as it fell to Tottenville, 8-1, in non-league play.
Next: Dalton (May 15, 4:30 p.m. @ Randall’s Island)
8. Moore Catholic (10-1) (8)
Shea Spitzbarth, John Baggs, Matt Diorio and company have their shot this week to take the Staten Island crown with games against St. Joseph by the Sea – twice – and Monsignor Farrell. Winning the division was the Mavs’ goal in the preseason.
Next: @ No. 2 St. Joseph by the Sea (May 14, 4 p.m.)
9. St. Raymond (11-3) (NR)
The Ravens are one of the surprises of the city and it’s mostly because of their pitching. Brian Paulino was brilliant against Cardinal Spellman on Tuesday and Anthony Colon, Adam De La Cruz and Julian Monserrate have been as good.
Next: @ Cardinal Hayes (May 15, 4 p.m.)
10. Fordham Prep (11-4) (10)
The Rams can hit with anyone in the city, led by Virginia Tech-bound Andrew Velazquez, Furman-bound Steven Fondu and Holy Cross-bound Jack Sexton. The pitching will have to prove itself when the playoffs begin next week.
Next: @ Salesian (May 14, 4 p.m.)
New: St. Raymond (11-3)
Dropped out: James Monroe (12-2)
On the bubble: All Hallows (8-6) and St. Francis Prep (9-4), John Adams (11-1), James Madison (12-1), Manhattan Center (10-3) and Norman Thomas (11-2)
zbraziller@nypost.com
mraimondi@nypost.com
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