Not much has changed — for now
Archbishop Molloy is trying to make an ascent back up the rankings following its five-game slide. The Stanners jumped a bit to No. 7 after a win over St. Francis Prep, but could not make a leap as they fell to No. 5 Mary Louis. Christ the King stayed firmly on top. The Royals had an impressive weekend in splitting two contests against top-flight opponents. Moore Catholic moves up one spot to No. 6. These rankings could change dramatically as many division races should be decided in the next two weeks.
Here are this week’s rankings:
1. Christ the King (14-4) (Last week: 1)
Bria Smith called the Royals’ emotional loss to Malcolm X. Shabazz “a total missed opportunity.” The New Jersey power is nationally ranked and the loss should keep the Royals from breaking into that elite group. CK, though, rebounded well with an impressive win over Archbishop Wood (Pa.) Sunday and can likely start wrapping up another Brooklyn/Queens regular-season title with a win over TMLA Wednesday.
Next: @ St. Francis Prep (Feb. 2, 5:30 p.m.)
2. St. Peter’s (15-1) (2)
The Eagles took some time off from game action after thrashing Francis Lewis last Sunday at the John F. Kennedy Challenge. Coach Bob Daggett’s team does have a tough test awaiting them after their siesta when they visit Long Island power Kellenberg Friday. St. Peter’s then welcomes South Shore before returning to CHSAA Staten Island play.
Next: @ Kellenberg (Feb, 5, TBA)
3. Bishop Ford (17-3) (3)
The Falcons exacted their revenge on St. Francis Prep with a 60-45 win on Friday after the Terriers beat them earlier this season. They then easily took care of St. Mary’s (L.I.) on Sunday. Shanice Vaughan appears to be breaking out again, scoring 18 and 24 points, respectively, the last two games. Ford has a big matchup with TMLA waiting on Wednesday.
Next: No. 9 Archbishop Molloy (Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m.)
4. St. Michael Academy (15-4) (4)
Allysia Rohlehr’s hamstring troubles were apparent during the Eagles’ three-game losing streak. The junior guard was a big reason why St. Mike’s brought home it first state Federation Class AA title last year, but just wasn’t able to find her stroke. She broke out with a 17-point performance in a lopsided win over Long Island power St. Anthony’s Saturday. Maybe the tide is turning for the Eagles as well.
Next: TBA
5. Mary Louis (11-5) (5)
Karin Robinson put together the signature game of her high school career during a win over rival Archbishop Molloy on Saturday. The junior guard scored 30 points, grabbed 20 rebounds and had a dominant fourth quarter. She was hoping to get Mary Louis off to a good start in a pivotal three-game stretch that includes contests with Ford and CK this week.
Next: No. 3 Bishop Ford (Feb. 3, 6:45 p.m.)
6. Moore Catholic (13-4) (8)
The Mavericks continue to climb up the rankings as the teams around them falter. They certainly are not in their toughest stretch of the season, but they continue to knock off the opponents in front of them. The latest was Notre Dame (N.J.) behind another big game from Taylor Baggs, who is having a fine season.
Next: @ St. Joseph by the Sea (Feb. 2, 7 p.m.)
7. Molloy (7-11) (9)
There isn’t a doubt that the Stanners are playing better since their five-game losing streak. They pulled out an all-important win over St. Francis Prep last week. Freshman Amani Tatum came up huge down the stretch. Then Kyra Aloizos and Molloy fought valiantly for 3 1/2 quarters, but finally succumbed to Karin Robinson and Mary Louis
Next: @ No. 3 Bishop Ford (Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m.)
8. St. Francis Prep (10-7) (6)
The Terriers missed a chance to put a strangle hold on fourth place in CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens and a No. 1 seed in the CHSAA Class A state tournament as they failed to execute down the stretch against Molloy. Jenna Halaby again proved she can dominate a game in multiple ways when SFP made its run. Coach JoAnn Wagner’s crew also could not repeat its victory over Ford.
Next: No. 1 Christ the King (Feb. 2, 5:30 p.m.)
9. Bishop Kearney (11-8) (9)
The Tigers accomplished quite a feat by heading to Midwood and knocking off the Hornets without two starters (Meaghan McGoorty and Maureen O’Sullivan). Kearney shook off some of its late-game demons and rebounded from a Francess Henry 3-pointer at the end of regulation to prevail in overtime. Sam Retas continues her breakout campaign.
Next: Bishop Loughlin (Feb. 3, 6 p.m.)
10. Cardinal Spellman (11-3) (10)
The Pilots continued to roll last week and have now won six straight. Troi Melton has become the model of consistency and Amber Griffin is having a breakout season. The biggest reason for Spellman’s success has been the steady and unselfish play of point guard Tia Scott. It is rubbing off on her teammates as they had 22 assists in a win over Notre Dame Academy last week.
Next: @ Mt. St. Ursula (Feb. 4, 5:45 p.m.)
New: None
Dropped out: None
On the bubble: St. Joseph Hill (9-6)