Suffolk Top 10 (as of April 16)

How much a week can change. Big losses by big teams reshuffled the Top 10 and, frankly, it’s a free-for-all up in here. Any team can take a crack at Suffolk elite and, it’s in that spirit that we welcome East Islip and Kings Park to the proceedings.

As for the spots up top, Hauppauge seems to be the only powerhouse immune to shuffle, while Ward Melville solidifies its hold on No. 2. Meanwhile, Bay Shore remains a solid No, 3, but is all, “yeah, just wait till our really, really tough games. We’ll prove what we got.”

All records are overall.

1. Hauppauge (6-0) – Hauppauge is sure making this lacrosse thing look easy, defeating opponents by no fewer than five goals. The Eagles’ 14-7 win over Class B rival Sayville was a definitive statement that they are the absolute team to beat for teams with an eye to the postseason. Taylor Ranftle continues to do her thing, scoring three goals and five assists in that game, along with Jenna Vinci, who had four and one.

2. Ward Melville (6-0) – I’m gonna take a moment here – I done told everyone Ward Melville was scary. I know I’m cheating by using a Monday game and this is last week’s Top 10, but, (spoiler alert), they beat Northport 11-9, and it’s too big a win to ignore. That famed defense kicked in again, keeping Northport to nine points, while Yuna Hur proved clutch, scoring the go-ahead goal with a little more than six minutes left to give Ward Melville the win and a stronghold on No. 2.

3. Bay Shore (7-0) – Speaking of teams that make things look easy: Bay Shore’s big test was Half Hollow Hills. They beat them 19-7. The Marauders are showing no sign of slowing and young talent Kyra Harney is lighting it up, scoring seven times against the Thundercolts. They’ve got a heinous schedule ahead though – Sachem East, Ward Melville and Northport, back-to-back-to-back.

4. Shoreham-Wading River (5-0) – It’s a big jump for SWR after their win over former Class B rival ESM this week. They showed dominance in their division in the 11-5 win and can cement their status as a Class C powerhouse with a win over Mount Sinai Tuesday.

5. Northport (5-2) – After trailing 7-5 at the half, Northport was able to eventually tie the game at 9 before Ward Melville’s defense did what Ward Melville’s defense does. They’re No. 5 based on the fact that they’re an excellent team, a state champion and will no doubt be in the playoffs, but keep an eye on their April 27 test against Bay Shore. That’ll be a fun one.

6. Sachem East (9-1) – I like my leaps of faith and, even though Sachem East has only had a few test games, I think that their record and their gritty 20-18 OT win over Smithtown East not only puts them back in the Top 10, but earns them a high-ish spot. Bay Shore seems to be the litmus test in Division I, and the Flaming Arrows play them later this week. If they keep it close, it should be a good indicator of where they stand.

7. Sayville (5-2) – The 14-7 loss against Hauppauge had to hurt if only because that’s exactly the hurdle Sayville will have to cross in the postseason. Still, they’re having a strong season thanks to a formidable defense. Big games on the horizon include Eastport-South Manor (April 19) and Shoreham-Wading River (April 25)

8. East Islip (6-2) – Nice 14-9 win over West Islip, and solid (if quiet) season so far. Here, have a Top 10 spot. Victoria Gregson has scored five goals in the last two games and the Redmen’s only two losses are to Massapequa and Northport.

9. Eastport-South Manor (5-1) – They have a good record, but their showing against SWR (an 11-5 loss) could’ve been better. Speedy Dakota Mason has an excellent field presence and is someone teams should be on the lookout for.
 

10. Kings Park (6-2) – Look who’s on a six-game win streak. After dropping the first two games of the season, the Kingsmen are putting together a very respectable season, recently with wins against Smithtown West and East Hampton. Remember the name Eggy Plastaris. One, because it is genuinely a really cool name, and two, because she’s one of their leading scorers, along with Natalie Silvers and Emily Santoli.