Ward Melville's Jake Kepes, left, congratulates Christian Mazzone after he...

Ward Melville's Jake Kepes, left, congratulates Christian Mazzone after he scored a goal during the first period of a Suffolk boys lacrosse game against Smithtown West. (April 15, 2013) Credit: James Escher

Ward Melville’s offense has been the story in 2013, but when they defeated Garden City, 7-3, on Saturday, the defense excelled led by goalie Daniel Nemirov’s eight saves. Ward Melville also dominated tough Smithtown West, 13-4, earlier in the week and is well deserving of our top spot in Suffolk. The Patriots moved up to No. 3 in the Inside Lacrosse national rankings, behind No. 1 Boys Latin and No. 2 Chaminade. And that was before they defeated Garden City on Saturday.

Among the big games this week:

Tuesday: Smithtown West at West Islip, 5 p.m.; Ward Melville at Northport, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Shoreham-Wading River at Sayville, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday: Smithtown East at Connetquot, 4 p.m.
Friday: Sayville at Bayport-Blue Point, 4 p.m.

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ZOG’S TOP 10

1. Ward Melville (9-0)
2. St. Anthony’s (7-2)
3. West Islip (7-2)
4. Northport (8-1)
5. Shoreham-Wading River (8-0)
6. Comsewogue (8-1)
7. Smithtown East (8-1)
8. Smithtown West (8-2)
9. Bayport-Blue Point (8-1)
10. Eastport-South Manor (7-3)

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Matt Ragimiersky, Eastport-South Manor. He scored three goals, including the game-winner in overtime, in a 10-9 victory over Babylon, and scored five goals plus the game-winning assist in a 12-11 victory over Sayville.

Brian Willets, Smithtown East. He scored 13 goals in three games -- all victories for the Bulls, who have only one loss in very competitive Suffolk League I. 

From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp, Kendall Rodriguez, Drew Singh; Anthony Florio, Randee Daddona, Morgan Campbell, Debbie Egan-Chin

Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.

From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp, Kendall Rodriguez, Drew Singh; Anthony Florio, Randee Daddona, Morgan Campbell, Debbie Egan-Chin

Get ready for sun and fun with NewsdayTV's summer FunBook special! From celebrating America's 250th birthday to a new ride at Adventureland, NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your inside look at Newsday's summer FunBook.

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