1. Southern (23-0). Last week: 1. Week 3: 2. Week 2: 3. Preseason rank: 3. The Rams have now beaten nearly every top team in the state, and will get their chance vs. Bayonne on Saturday at the Super Six. They put up a better block than nearly every team they play, but still have solid ball control skills. They also serve more aggressively than most teams. Another win over East Brunswick on Saturday makes Southern the unchallenged top seed in the NJSIAA South/Central playoff bracket.
2. East Brunswick (16-1). Last week 2, Week 3: 1. Week 2: 1. Preseason rank: 2. Of the top South/Central teams, the Bears play the least aggressive schedule. Often, the best competition they're getting in a given week is at their practices between their first and second string. They'll face some tough teams at the Super Six, where they'll get their second chance against Southern. But even with a victory, the Rams' strength of schedule may be too much to overcome when it comes time for seeding.
3. St Josephs (14-5). The Falcons finished 7th at the tournament in Ohio over the weekend, where one of their losses was to the 4-time defending state champions from the host state. Their loss to South Brunswick doesn't hurt them much because of all their victories over the other top teams.
4. CBA (14-3). St. Peters' wins over Old Bridge and Fair Lawn help the Colts move up because of their victory over the Marauders early in the season. There are many similarities between Bayonne and CBA. Neither team is very big, but both are highly skilled. Teamwork is also a strength for each, and they also play hard on every point. The Colts won't give up against anybody. They play Old Bridge on Saturday.
5. Bayonne (19-0). The Bees have a big match with St. Peters on Thursday, where the top seed in North Jersey will probably be decided. Wins or losses at the Super Six probably won't mean much for seeding, but will show where the Bees stand against the top teams.6. St. Peters Prep (20-5). Every loss for the Marauders has been to teams ranked ahead of them. They face their biggest match of the season on Thursday when they host Bayonne.
7. Old Bridge (9-6). The Knights lost twice - to St. Peters and Southern - at Southern's tournament last Saturday to drop them in the rankings. They still are one of the most feared teams in the state, but haven't really put together a complete match against any top team. The Greater Middlesex Tournament, which starts next week, might be their last chance before the state tournament to show that they can live up to their potential.
8. Fair Lawn (16-4). The Cutters have also failed against every top team they've faced. They have two solid options for setter John Bashan in Artem Makarenko and middle Alex Bylinkin, and right side Matt Agnew has also been able to put the ball down. But they just don't seem to be able to finish against the top teams.
9. Clifton (16-1) The Mustangs played Passaic Valley in the Passaic County Tournament on Wednesday. Their record is nice, but the only top 10 team they've played is Old Bridge, which accounts for their one loss. Matches against St. Joes and Bridgewater were canceled.
10. South Brunswick (13-4). The Vikings have to get some kind of credit for the win over St. Joes. Plus, they've beaten Hillsborough as well.
(I'll add in the extras, like previous rankings and such, when I get a chance!)Fred
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