Shore Sports Network Lacrosse Top 10, 4/21/15
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The rankings held for the most part through last week’s games as no teams dropped out, but there was some shuffling within the latest Shore Sports Network Top 10.
The biggest win of the week came from Howell, which beat Christian Brothers Academy for the first time in program history. The Rebels are undefeated within the Shore Conference and jump up two spots to No. 3.
Freehold Township and Red Bank Catholic swapped spots at No. 6 and No. 7, respectively, after the Patriots’ 10-4 win.
Top-ranked Southern continued to roll over its opponents and will almost certainly remain the top team in the Shore heading into the Shore Conference Tournament.
1. Southern (10-0). Last week: No. 1
The Rams continued to dominate with a 2-0 week that included an 11-4 victory over No. 6 Freehold Township and a 15-1 triumph over Brick Memorial. Senior attackman Dylan Jinks now leads the state in goals (43) and points (69). The Rams have just one game in the next seven days as they host Lacey today.
2. Rumson-Fair Haven (4-5). Last week: No. 2
The Bulldogs defeated Shore Regional 13-3 and No. 8 Ocean 13-6 to get back to .500, but then fell 12-1 to St. Augustine Prep, which is ranked No. 3 in the state. Sophomore attackman Colin Pavluk has provided a spark with three goals in three games since making his debut against Shore. The Bulldogs should move back over .500 this week with games against Ranney and Long Branch.
3. Howell (8-1). Last week: No. 5
The Rebels posted the biggest victory in program history when they took down CBA 13-8 for their first ever win over the Colts. They also downed Toms River South 17-1. Howell is now in the driver’s seat for the Class A North division title and has to take care of business this week with games against Neptune and Middletown South. Doing so would set them up to clinch the title next week if they can top Freehold Township and Middletown North. Another solid test was scheduled for Monday against No. 10 Toms River North, but was rained out. A make-up date is yet to be determined.
4. Christian Brothers Academy (6-4). Last week: No. 3
The Colts rebounded from a 13-8 loss to Howell - their first divisional defeat since 2010 - by exploding for 17 goals in a 17-2 win over St. John Vianney. They also went on the road and defeated Peddie 18-8. Freshman attackman Michael Carroll and sophomore attackman Nick Casner have been the offensive leaders so far, so the future is certainly bright there. CBA has four games in the next seven days, playing at Colts Neck, Middletown North and Don Bosco Prep before hosting Marlboro.
5. Manasquan (7-2). Last week: No. 4
The Warriors drop one spot through no fault of their own, but with Howell ascending to No. 3 and CBA owning a win over the Warriors they had to remain behind the Colts. Manasquan beat Toms River South 16-1 and Jackson Liberty 7-3 for its second three-game winning streak of the season. The Warriors were scheduled to take on Shore on Monday but that game was rained out. Two big Class B South games are on the horizon this week as the Warriors travel to No. 9 Barnegat on Wednesday and host rival Wall (7-1) on Saturday.
6. Freehold Township (6-4). Last week: No. 7
The Patriots put forth their most complete effort of the season in a 10-4 victory over Red Bank Catholic to leapfrog the Caseys into the No. 6 slot this week. They stayed close with No. 1 Southern in the first half before the Rams pulled away for an 11-4 win. A key Class A North game against Colts Neck on Monday was rained out and rescheduled for May 12. This week is the calm before the storm for Freehold Township as it plays at Marlboro and Neptune before hosting Red Bank. Next week brings a huge Class A North game with Howell that will likely decided the division championship.
7. Red Bank Catholic (5-2). Last week: No. 6
After falling to Freehold Township 10-4, the Caseys rebounded with a thrilling 10-9 victory over rival Red Bank in overtime. Senior attackman Tim Barile scored the game-winner in the second overtime to help RBC avoid its first losing streak of the season. The Caseys are back in action with games against Holmdel, Shore and Brick before next week’s showdown with No. 2 Rumson.
8. Ocean (5-1). Last week: No. 8
The Spartans won 19-0 over Long Branch before suffering their first loss of the season in a 13-6 defeat to No. 2 Rumson. They have a pair of divisional games this week at home against Red Bank and St. John Vianney where they will try to stay near the top of the Class B North standings. Ocean’s next five games are on its home turf before a showdown with RBC on May 9.
9. Barnegat (3-1). Last week: No. 9
The Bengals have played the fewest games of any team in the Shore Conference and played their first game in over a week this past Saturday, an 11-8 win over St. Rose. The schedule begins to ramp up this week, starting with a big home tilt against No. 5 Manasquan on Wednesday. Barnegat also takes on Point Boro on Saturday.
10. Toms River North (5-1). Last week: No. 10
The Mariners continue to win games by the skin of their teeth in defeating St. Rose 5-4 and Lacey 9-7. All five of their victories have come by two goals or less, and their lone loss was also by one goal. A big test against No. 3 Howell was scheduled for Monday but postponed because of rain. North takes on Brick Memorial on Wednesday and Brick on Saturday as it looks to remain undefeated in A South and keep pace with top-ranked Southern.
Dropped out: none
Teams to watch:
Wall (7-1): Defeated Neptune, Point Boro and Brick by a combined score of 46-4. Will take on St. Rose and No. 5 Manasquan this week.
Lacey (6-3): The Lions beat Donovan Catholic 22-9 and fell 9-7 to No. 10 Toms River North. Two of their three losses this season are against ranked teams. They are back in action today at No. 1 Southern and play at Toms River East on Friday and home against Toms River South on Monday.
Colts Neck (3-3): The Cougars edged Jackson Memorial 5-4 in overtime for their third straight win to even their record at 3-3. All losses have come to ranked opponents. They host No. 4 CBA on Wednesday and play at Marlboro on Friday and Old Bridge on Monday.
Middletown North (7-3): Beat Toms River East 11-4 last week. Owns a 9-8 win over Wall. Plays at Red Bank today, at Middletown South on Wednesday, home versus No. 4 CBA on Friday and home against Shore Regional on Monday.
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