We promised changes and boy did we deliver.
Our top four of James Monroe, George Washington, Norman Thomas and James Madison holds firm, but we have three new additions – red-hot John F. Kennedy, surprising Fort Hamilton and undefeated Grand Street Campus. Morris is out after being swept by Monroe, Francis Lewis is gone, too, following a pair of losses, as is Lehman.
It was, indeed, a wacky week. To get caught up on all of it check below:
1. James Monroe (9-0) (Last week: 1)
From Jesus Vasquez, Ricardo Parra and Jesus Brito on the mound to the middle-of-the-order trio of Wander Almonte, Frailyn Paez and Cruz Resto at the plate to Melvin Garcia in center field, Almonte at shortstop and Joamy Dominguez behind the plate, there may not be a more balanced – and lethal – team in the city. The Eagles dominated Morris and Lehman this past week, winning three games by a combined 32-3.
Next: John F. Kennedy (May 4, 4 p.m.)
2. George Washington (9-0) (2)
Sophomore catcher Nelson Rodriguez has picked the right time to heat up, going 5-for-5 with five RBIs and four runs scored in wins over Beacon and Graphic Communication Arts last week. The Trojans, thanks to Rodriguez, are undefeated atop Manhattan A East with defending city champion Norman Thomas.
Next: FDA (May 3, 4 p.m.)
3, Norman Thomas (9-0) (3)
The Tigers have begun to establish themselves as one of the city’s premier programs. They have won 27 consecutive league games, dating back to a 3-0 loss to George Washington May 13, 2008. There have been plenty of close calls, the last of which a 10-4, eight-inning victory over Environmental Studies on Friday in which Norman Thomas trailed 4-1 in the fifth.
Next: Brandeis (May 3, 4 p.m.)
4. James Madison (8-0) (4)
Some may disagree, but Eddie Lenahan is one of the city’s best. We’ll take the right-handed control specialist in a big spot. After leading Madison to the PSAL Class A semifinals last year, he has gotten off to a 3-0 start this year with a 0.26 ERA. Fort Hamilton knows all too well – southpaw Franciel Campusano threw a no-hitter against the Knights on Wednesday, but nonetheless lost to Lenahan, who fanned eight and yielded just a single in seven brilliant frames.
Next: Banneker (May 4, 4 p.m.)
5. McKee/Staten Island Tech (10-1) (10)
Last Thursday’s 7-4 victory over Tottenville displayed what the rest of Staten Island already knew: the Sea Gulls are for real. They are more than a few impressive arms, those belonging to senior Matt Abramowitz and junior Ryan Mannello. MSIT has a capable lineup, from one through nine, full of patient contact hitters. Mike Grippo’s club is in control of its own destiny – in fact, if MSIT splits the final two with the Pirates and tops everyone else, it would win its first division title in several years.
Next: @ Susan Wagner (May 3, 4 p.m.)
6. Grand Street Campus (9-0) (NR)
New York City is loaded with shortstops, from Poly Prep’s J.J. Franco to George Washington’s Mike Antonio. Jose Cuas, the Wolves’ 6-foot-3 sophomore, is the next great one at the position. He is smooth in the field and a terror at the plate, as his .548 average, 3 home runs, 13 stolen bases, 13 RBIs, and 17 runs scored suggests.
Next: Long Island City (May 4, 4 p.m.)
7. Tottenville (9-1) (5)
Maybe it’s an extra year of experience or a few added pieces, but the Pirates are much improved offensively. Even in their first league loss, a 7-4 setback to McKee/Staten Island Tech, Tottenville hit plenty of balls hard. Remember the name Thomas Kain; the junior, left-handed hitting first baseman has plenty of pop and a keen eye. Junior catcher Kevin Krause and Seton Hall-bound senior outfielder Zach Granite have likewise gained consistency and become legit threats.
Next: @ Curtis (May 3, 4 p.m.)
8. DeWitt Clinton (8-1) (6)
The Governors were going to be burned eventually for letting lesser foes hang around. Friday, South Bronx hung an ‘L’ on Clinton, dropping The Bronx power a game behind Monroe in Bronx A East. The Governors have been playing with fire for the most part, winning three separate contests by a run apiece.
Next: Gompers (May 4, 4 p.m.)
9. John F. Kennedy (8-1) (NR)
If there is a better run-producing combo in the PSAL than catcher Sammy Dominguez and center fielder Pedro Taveras, we haven’t seen them. The two have combined for 45 RBIs, 7 home runs and are both hitting above .556. After a season-opening loss to Morris, the two have ignited Kennedy to eight straight wins and its customary spot atop Bronx A East.
Next: @ James Monroe (May 4, 4 p.m.)
10. Fort Hamilton (8-1) (NR)
The Tigers responded to Wednesday’s heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Madison in impressive fashion, first taking apart Canarsie, 13-4, and then rallying for a 7-3 win over Midwood. Fort Hamilton has gradually improved with a good crop of juniors led by ace Franciel Campusano and infielder Johnny Faison Jr.
Next: FDR (May 4, 4 p.m.)
New: Grand Street Campus (9-0), John F. Kennedy (8-1) and Fort Hamilton (8-1)
Dropped out: Francis Lewis (7-2), Lehman (6-2) and Morris (6-2)
On the bubble: Beacon (8-1), Cardozo (7-1), Francis Lewis (7-2), John Adams (8-1), Lehman (6-2), Long Island City (9-0), Morris (6-2), and New Utrecht (7-1)