What's next for these sectional champs
-
- June
- 6
Section 1 teams that win tomorrow advance to Tuesday’s state quarterfinals, which will be played at Yorktown if the games involve Section 1 squads.
CLASS A
If Yorktown beats Valley Central tomorrow in the first round of the state tournament, it would likely face powerful Niskayuna on Tuesday in the state quarterfinals at Yorktown. (Photo by Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News)
• Class A state playoff bracket
• Yorktown’s titles continue to mount
CLASS B
John Jay will play Saugerties in the opening round of the state playoffs for the second straight year. (Photo by Matthew Brown/The Journal News)
• Class B state playoff bracket
• John Jay’s playoff run has been going according to form
CLASS C
Rye will face Red Hook in Saturday’s first round of the state playoffs. (Photo by Matthew Brown/The Journal News)
• Class C state playoff bracket
• Rye shows why it has become such a dominant force
I’ll be back a bit later with some thoughts on the sectional finals. The John Jay-Brewster and Rye-Byram Hills games pretty much wound up exactly as I thought in terms of margin of victory, except for Yorktown-Lakeland/Panas, which was a one-goal game during the regular season — a game that now seems like months — not weeks — ago.
• Sectional finals photo gallery
Here’s the upcoming schedule:
Saturday, June 7
State tournament first round, at Dietz Stadium, Kingston
Class A, Yorktown vs. Valley Central (Section 9), 1 p.m.
Class B, John Jay vs. Saugerties (Section 9), 3:30 p.m.
Class C, Rye vs. Red Hook (Section 9), 6 p.m.
Tuesday, June 10
State quarterfinals, at Yorktown (if Section 1);
at Dietz (if Section 9)
Class A, 3:30 p.m.
Class B, 5:30 p.m.
Class C, 8 p.m.
Thursday, June 12
State semifinals, at Hofstra
Class A, 3:30 p.m.
Class B, 5:30 p.m.
Class C, 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 14
State finals, at Hofstra
Class A, 11 a.m.
Class B, 1:30 p.m.
Class C, 4 p.m.
This entry was posted
on Friday, June 6th, 2008 at 12:25 am by Joe Lombardi.
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Joe,
As per what we have discussed in the past … it's gonna happen. I used to think Rye had the best shot to win it all, but now I'm sort of on the fence. I think all three have as good a shot as anyone.
There are no favorites in any class state-wide, though I would be very worried about a now-healthy West Genny …
Predictions on Sunday night ….
Great job as always …
The season, for Ward Melville and West Islip, came down to one possession.
With West Islip up a goal, Kyle Moeller gained possession for Ward Melville and drew a penalty on the Lions with 31 seconds left.
Ward Melville called time and ran a play it had been saving for just that situation. But Jimmy Ryan's pass from behind the net to a free cutter sailed out of bounds with 11.6 seconds remaining.
West Islip ran out the clock and held on for a thrilling 4-3 win over previously unbeaten Ward Melville Thursday for its fifth straight Suffolk Class A boys lacrosse title at Stony Brook.
joe b – Sounds like a great game. Credit West Islip, which was hit hard by graduation losses, to still be in a position to defend its state title. The Lions do have one of the best players in the country in sophomore Nicky Galasso. But it is not the juggernaut it was last year.
That bodes well for Yorktown. Which brings up Syracuse's point. That is definitely the case in all three classes. There is no invincible Long Island program awaiting Yorktown (if it gets past Niskayuna), John Jay or Rye. But there are some very good teams probably just as good as the three Section 1 teams.
What does this mean? It's possible each downstate semi could be viewed as a toss-up.
So in my view, if you have a three 50-50 semifinal games (again, assuming all three Section 1 teams do make the state semis), then there's a very good chance of an eventual state champion from Section 1. I do think we will have at least one Section 1 team make it to the state finals.
Who does everyone think has the best chance?
I just spoke with a Ward Melville parent who is very much informed on the goings on on Long Island. I trust him. He told me that in his opinion, Rocky Point is significantly better than BOTH Melville and West Islip.
They apparently have an entirely D-I-ready attack unit and several good defensive players. I don't know of any weaknesses at this time, but that really means little. I'm sure Sav is scouting them like mad.
The parent I spoke to said John Jay could be in for "a whipping." Then I told him what Jay did to Comeswogue during the regular season and his mood changed.
"Well, err, ummm, ummm …"
This much I do know. Rocky Point is extremely good and people shouldn't look at the Comeswogue game for both Jay and Rocky and make any extrapolations. Comeswogue was roasted by Jay 16-4 and lost to Rocky 7-2. Maybe the real Comeswogue didn't show up against Jay. I tend to think that considering all the factors, especially that is was Jay's senior night, they were so pumped up that no one was beating them on that particular day. Comeswogue may have give a better accounting of themselves against Rocky.
In any event … I think if all three Section I teams get to Hofstra (Rye and Jay are locks, Yorktown should beat Nisky), and the teams on Long Island I think should win do (West Islip, Rocky Point and Cold Spring Harbor), then the most intriguing matchup by far is John Jay-Rocky Point. It may not have the sex appeal of Yorktown-West Islip (Town better beat Nisky now that I think about it some more), but it may be the most exciting game of the bunch.
I'm not discounting Rye either. But there's a reason CSH has eliminated Manhasset three years running.
Regardless, it will take the best efforts of the season for all three teams to win. I like their chances.
Syracuse…
You keep hedging your bet when you talk about Town "walking through" Nisky to play West Islip in the semi's…are you getting anxious perhaps?
I was at the Section 1 Finals. Lakeland wasn't any competition at all. I was hoping for a good game so I could see how Yorktown reacted to adversity…I was dissappointed that didn't happen. Not to take anything away from the boys, but I saw a lot of kids having fun at the expense of a weak team. Lakeland couldn't even clear the ball couldn't slide, couldn't do much. Not a lot of discipline needed by Yorktown to win. Valley Central will be even worse.
Soooo…I hope the boys don't come into the Quarter Finals too confident thinking all teams play like that(like John Jay did when they came to play us) ;^)
Nisky and Shaker tonight at RPI. We'll see who will be playing Town in the quarters.
LaxBusSection2
laxbussection2- I'm pretty sure that JJ didn't come into the game thinking it was going to be a walk in the park. They new Nisky was a legit team.
If you're telling the truth Syracuse then I'm getting a little worried, but I think JJ should be able to beat RP or GC even though it'll be tough, I've never seen RP play however. It seems like JJ's really stepping it up this playoffs, especially their defense. They aren't as dominant as last year but JJ's five losses this season were also their five closest games of the season and they have the ability to beat every team they lost too. I don't think RP is as good as last year's Huntington, and JJ's not as good as last year but they have a fair shot, maybe the best chance they've ever had considering how good Huntington was last year. Then again, I have no clue how good RP is, based on some scores I don't even think they'll get past GC, but never know until they play each other.
Yorktown goes to the semis and i'm still not sure what happens there. Jay also makes it but loses. Rye goes to the semis and probably lose, but i'm also not sure. Either way, all the section one teams making it to the semis is very impressive.
LaxBus,
Bro, there has GOT to be a Lohud-type Section 2 blog somewhere for you to go play in. If Lakeland/Panas played in your section they'd probably be the second or third-best team so can the mind games. I'm basically a jedi when it comes to that crap.
I was told Rocky Point beat Ward Melville in a scrimmage 10-4 last week. I'm not trying to get anyone nervous. Just want the information out there so no one is surprised by what they see next week.
The worst part of the finals was paying $7 per ticket. I understand charging a couple of dollars but that is too much to watch high school lacrosse. I really expected Lakeland to give yorktown a little bit of trouble. Not surprised by john jay or rye, and I will go out on a limb and say yorktown will win the state title this year.
i hope you were kidding when you said you are going out on a limb…Yorktown is nasty, it wouldnt suprise me if they did win it all
Syracuse,
When this is settled Tuesday night between Section 2 and Section 1, you can be assured I'll be back to contribute to the recap. Hopefully both of us will be gracious in victory and defeat.
May the force be with you ;^)
LaxBusSection2
Win or lose, LaxBus, I'll be here
Niskayuna may have Yorktown-like dominance in Section 2 for the next 20 years. Just look at the records of the teams in the finals of the three Section 2 games:
Nisky (21-0)
Shaker (6-14)
South Glens Falls (7-7)
Burnt Hills (4-17)
Johnstown (5-10)
Schuylerville (4-11)
They are starting to play the game better up there, but it's so top heavy it reminds me of Section 1 circa 1980-84.
Guilderland and Shenendehowa are also pretty good, so it gives Class A some flavor, but Classes B and C are light years from being competitive on the state stage.
JJ beat Saugerties 20-1 last year (11-0 first quarter). Looking at this year though, at 19-1 they seem to be a much improved team, their only loss coming to Valley Central. They have many intimidating blow-out wins but they're all to weak teams and most of the teams they beat they played more than once. John Jay should handle them fairly easily but it will definitely be closer than last year.
I'm from Burnt Hills- Ballston Lake and played in section 2 prior to moving downstate. There is no comparison to the level of talent in section one. It hurst to say that but it true. Nisky is good but far from great. I don't see them within 5 goals of Yorktown. I watched about ten games up in Saratoga county this year and they have a long way to go. Best of luck to all.
WHY—Having seen both Yorktown and Nisky this season, be honest … break it down for me. What do you think would happen?
Nisky has solid D but I'm not sure they can contain that Yorktown O. I did see Nisky dominate a few games but honestly the level of competition is not great out side of Shen and Guilderland. Keep in mind Shen played Nisky tight and Yorktown dominated Shen at a time I would say Yorktown was still "warming" up. If 44 for Yorktown dominates the faceoffs I see it Yorktown 16-9.
I can't imagine Nisky scoring 9 goals against Yorktown. They want to win this game, it better be 5-4 or 4-3
Cuse-I'll stick with my prediction but I could be off like you say. Franze can certainly score for Nisky but we'll see if he plays well against the Town D and Mike B. No doubt Town wins in my opinion but thats why they play them game. I'll be there assuming Town wins Sat. which they should.
Yeah, final was 8-4 Nisky tonight. I'm intrigued by them. They do nothing easily, but yet are undefeated. Are they a product of a crappy section? Or are they just real good? If they are real good, why do they score in single digits and every game seems to be a one- or two-goal affair? How did they beat John Jay? Did John Jay just have the worst night in program history? Or is Nisky just a well-coached system team that can take an opponent out of what they do quickly, frustrate them and then score just enough to win?
Will Big Brown win the triple crown? I hear Ranagan is a late entry to the Belmont.
Many questions to ponder ….
All these scores and rankings don't really mean anything. It's all how the teams come out to play. We can talk about stats and teams all day, if the teams come out to play anything can happen. If both town and nisky play their best, i do still see town winning jsut because of their plain dominance they have had when they HAVE come out to play.
Syracuse –
Jay was very lethargic vs. Nisky (and that is not taking anything away from Nisky)...I think you would agree if you would take the green shades off—that both Jay and Ytown are very similar—- Jekyl and Hyde…You don't know which team will show up. If either of them bring their "A" game – then you are right – the NYS finals are within their grasp. Anything else is the end of the season.. Nothing would suprise me with either team. Jay has the easier run to the State semi's – but as we all know you need to get by the Island.
NET – Don't underestimate Niskayuna. If Yorktown is firing on all cylinders – then start scouting the West's (Isplip and Genny).
Purple and Gold,
I try hard not to wear green shades. I think I'm very fair to John Jay and basically every team in Section I. I never really even talk about players because, as much as we love to tout our own, this is, ultimately, a team game. When I say I want to see Jay and Rye win state titles, I honestly mean it because it's what's best for all of us and the Hudson Valley.
When Town plays Jay, yes, winning is the ultimate goal, but once the dust settles and the sun rises the next day, we're all in this together.
That said, Ranagan is still a beast and good luck to our teams on Saturday.
town crushes tuesday, its ugly early!
LaxBusSection2 – actually, I'm sure you DO hope the boys come into the Quarter-Finals too confident, thinking that all teams play like that etc. etc. However, I don't think there is anyone in 'Town that does not think Nisky is good competition – they all remember last year's game. Nice of you to make the trip down, sorry the boys disappointed you with their AMAZING performance against a good L/P team. But "on any given Tuesday," so they will be well prepared and ready to play! Drive carefully!
Purple and Gold – I have seen 'Cuse repeatedly discuss the ups and downs of 'Town this season. It is okay to be supportive and positive about your own boys, isn't it? He is as candid as they come.
oh, and 'Cuse – I didn't win AA, not even honorable mention :o(
LoveTownLax—
My comments to Syracuse were "tongue in cheek". We all root for the "home" team. Again you missed my point…If "our" Section 1 teams play well we ALL end up at Hofstra on Thursday. That is where the wheat is separated from the chaff. Yorktown has the the toughest next opponent – but right now they are the best that Section 1 has to offer.
P & G – damn, hope I catch your point the next time – sorry, couldn't see your tongue nor your cheek. Didn't sound that way to me (or to 'Cuse I don't think, based on his response) but I won't dare respond to you anymore, your intellect clearly superior to mine. Last week with the whole HH score thing I thought I "got" your points over and over, but maybe I missed all of them too – not unsportsmanlike, took out starters early, didn't put them back in, can't blame 2nd string wanting to do their best, very classy at JJ. I even discussed 'Town being in the same boatmany times. Oh well, perhaps I'll go to the knitting blog. safer there. see you Tuesday! I'll be the one with the needles.
P.S. P & G – I looked back, I still think the things you wrote to HH bloggers in that thread, especially about the team, were less than gracious. Just like LI teams/fans of years past that Jay encountered. & THAT was my original point to my remark. (not the game itself) So…. actually, it was you who missed my point!
It's hard to tell what's "tongue in cheek" on this board. But, that said, I see where Purple and Gold was coming from. I, for one, love a good debate and try to make it my business not to get personal. But I can honestly say I think I'm fair when I talk about every team. Do I have a feeling all three teams are not getting to the state finals? Yes. But where there is some optimism, I'd prefer to ride it out and stay positive.
I just hope the big team from Rt. 202 doesn't pull a Big Brown and finish last in a two-team race. I don't see it, but, of course, the possibility always exists.
nisky,....4get it, good luck