Brielle Orthopedics/Shore Sports Network Boys Lacrosse Top 10 for April 20
For the first time all season, we have a change to the top five of the Brielle Orthopedics/Shore Sports Network Boys Lacrosse Top 10.
Red-hot Wall continued its torrid stretch with a huge victory that has the Crimson Knights and Southern switching spots. Further down the rankings, a pair of rivals also flip-flop positions but there is a chance to prove us wrong (or right) as they square off on Wednesday morning.
The gap between the top 10 teams and the rest of the Shore Conference continues to be rather sizeable save for a couple of teams knocking on the door. More ranked matchups are on the horizon this week as we get deeper into the season and one step closer to the Shore Conference Tournament.
Brielle Orthopedics Shore Conference Boys Lacrosse Top 10, April 20
1. Rumson-Fair Haven (7-1). Last week: No. 1
The Bulldogs' dominance didn't slow down one bit this week as they rocked Red Bank, 19-1, and then sent a message with a 12-4 victory over Bridgewater-Raritan in a matchup of top-10 teams in New Jersey. This team is just on a different level right now. Next seven days: 4/20 vs. Neptune; 4/23 vs. New Canann (CT); 4/25 vs. IMG Academy.
2. Manasquan (7-1). Last week: No. 2
Following their lone loss of the season to nationally-ranked Salesianum (Del.), the Warriors returned to the Garden State and put up victories over Lacey (17-3), Montclair (11-5), and St. Rose. Next seven days: 4/23 @ Ocean City.
3. Wall (8-1). Last week: No. 4
The Crimson Knights are rolling now having won six in a row since a 9-6 loss to Manasquan o April 2. Wall bullied St. Rose (20-0) and Jackson Liberty (18-0) before making a statement with a dominant 8-1 victory over Southern in a matchup of top-five teams. Then, in another ranked matchup, Wall overpowered No. 9 Red Bank Catholic, 19-6. Senior middie Matt Dollive has been tremendous and freshman FOGO Michael Hoarle has been a major difference-maker of late. Next seven days: 4/20 vs. Donovan Catholic; 4/22 @ No. 7 Howell; 4/26 vs. Cherokee.
4. Southern Regional (6-1). Last week: No. 3
The Rams drop one spot after their loss to Wall. After a 12-2 victory over Jackson Memorial stretched their Class A South winning streak to 59 games, Southern fell flat in an 8-1 loss to Wall. A ranked matchup with Middletown South was postponed on Tuesday but the Rams have another top-five opponent heading down to Manahawkin this weekend. Next seven days: 4/20 @ Brick; 4/23 vs. No. 5 Shore
5. Shore Regional (4-1). Last week: No. 5
Two games, two wins for the Blue Devils, who took care of business with a 19-3 win over Neptune and then rode Jamie Mazzacco's 10-point game to a 14-8 triumph over Lenape. We'll see what Shore is made of this week as they have two big games coming up. Next seven days: 4/20 @ Holmdel; 4/23 @ No. 4 Southern.
6. Christian Brothers Academy (5-3). Last week: No. 6
Only one game for the Colts since our last set of rankings and it was a 17-1 victory over Colts Neck. CBA's record will likely take a major hit this coming week as they have three road games against nationally-ranked teams, including the No. 1 team in the nation. Those tests will only add to their battle-testedness (sportswriters can make up words!) going forward. Next seven days: 4/20 @ Lawrenceville; 4/23 @ Georgetown Prep (Md.); 4/24 @ St. John's College HS (DC).
7. Howell (6-2). Last week: No. 7
It was a big week for the Rebels as they pulled away from No. 8 Middletown South with a big second half for a 14-5 win, defeated Long Branch, and then won a 9-8 thriller over Holmdel. So far, Howell has played two current top-10 teams and another that started the season ranked. Another big test comes at home this Friday. Next seven days: 4/20 @ Middletown North; 4/22 vs. No. 3 Wall; 4/23 vs. West Windsor-Plainsboro North.
8. Middletown South (5-2). Last week: No. 8
The Eagles lost their only game of the week, 14-5 to Howell. They have now lost two in a row but considering those defeats were to Howell and No. 6 CBA and they own wins over No. 9 Red Bank Catholic and Manalapan, the Eagles stay put at No. 8. Next seven days: 4/21 vs. Bergen Catholic; 4/23 @ St. Joseph (Metuchen); 4/26 vs. No. 10 Red Bank.
9. Red Bank Catholic (6-3). Last week: No. 10
The Caseys move up one spot after a 2-1 week that included a 17-1 win over St. John Vianney and a 14-9 victory over Manalapan. RBC ran into a buzzsaw, however, in a 19-6 loss to No. 3 Wall. A big rivalry game is on top today. Next seven days: 4/20 @ No. 10 Red Bank; 4/23 @ South Brunswick; 4/25 @ Donovan Catholic.
10. Red Bank (3-3). Last week: No. 9
The Bucs remain in the Top 10 but fall by one spot for the second straight week. RBR went 0-2 last week but one was a non-conference loss, 4-3, to Old Bridge, and the other was a 19-1 loss to a top-ranked Rumson team that is destroying everyone right now. A huge game against rival RBC will help clear the picture as a pair of teams to watch await any missteps. Next seven days: 4/20 vs. No. 9 Red Bank Catholic; 4/23 vs. Monroe; 4/26 @ No. 8 Middletown South.
Dropped out: none
Keep an eye on:
Holmdel (5-3): The Hornets rolled to a win over Ocean before nearly upsetting No. 7 Howell in a 9-8 defeat. Holmdel has another major opportunity in front of it when it hosts No. 5 Shore on Wednesday.
Manalapan (5-3): The Braves hung with No. 9 Red Bank Catholic in a 14-9 loss and then responded with a 6-4 victory over Middletown North. This is a solid, well-coached team full of promise that has shown it can play with some of the Shore's best despite the lack of a signature win.
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