Suffolk Slant: Top 10 teams

This is the first of our weekly Suffolk boys lacrosse rankings. Chris Mascaro will post a blog with the Nassau rankings. I’d suggest reading this list quickly because it could change rapidly this week.

There are two huge games on Tuesday that could scramble our poll. No. 1 Ward Melville, which defeated highly ranked Garden City, is at No. 5 Smithtown West and No. 2 West Islip is at No. 4 Sachem North. The Flaming Arrows beat the Lions last year on opening day, but West Islip hasn’t lost since. That’s a streak of 24 consecutive victories plus a second straight state title.

Then on Saturday, West Islip plays at Chaminade, which is No. 1 in our Nassau rankings and No. 3 nationally according to Inside Lacrosse. The Flyers were impressive in a 10-5 victory over St. Anthony’s on April 5, but expect next month’s rematch to be much closer with perhaps a different winner.

After some early games, Division I looks stacked with a definite Big 4 of Ward Melville, West Islip, Sachem North and Smithtown West. Connetquot, which took the Lions into overtime, and East Islip, are not far behind. In Division II, Comsewogue is loaded but Shoreham-Wading River is always a worthy challenger.

Zog’s Top 10

1. Ward Melville (4-0)
2. West Islip (3-0)
3. St. Anthony’s (3-1)
4. Sachem North (5-0)
5. Smithtown West (3-1)
6. Comsewogue (5-0)
7. Shoreham-Wading River (3-0)
8. East Islip (4-1)
9. Connetquot (3-1)
10. Sayville (3-1)