This is arguably the biggest week of the season in boys volleyball.
Nine of our top 10 teams will be competing in a major tournament Saturday at either Cardozo or Tottenville. The other one, Academy of American Studies, hosts Bronx Science in a clash of PSAL powers Wednesday in Long Island City.
The rankings have been rather steady all season. But they have a chance to go into upheaval this week. Here’s how they look before the storm hits:
1. Academy of American Studies (6-0) (Last week: 1)
Play time is over for American Studies. The Eagles can prove they are the team to beat in the PSAL on Wednesday in a non-league against Bronx Science, a contest that has a ton of seeding implications.
Next: Robert F. Wagner (April 17, 4:30 p.m. @ Long Island City)
2. Bronx Science (5-0) (2)
Give credit to coach Jeremy BasSie. He’s going out and playing the best in Academy of American Studies at the Eagles’ place Wednesday in a non-league match before the Tottenville tournament Saturday,
Next: Columbus (April 17, 4:30 p.m. @ Lehman)
3. New Utrecht (6-0) (3)
The Utes will be one of 12 teams competing Saturday in a massive Robert Kronisch Memorial Tournament at Tottenville. New Utrecht has a chance to cement itself as a top PSAL squad.
Next: Grady (April 18, 4:30 p.m.)
4. Bryant (6-0) (4)
The Owls, who have not lost a set in PSAL Queens IV, will also be active this weekend. Bryant competes in the Cardozo Coaches va. Cancer tournament, sharing a pool with the host team and Richmond Hill.
Next: @ Jamaica (April 17, 4:30 p.m.)
5. Cardozo (6-0) (5)
On Saturday, Cardozo will be hosting its first annual Coaches vs. Cancer day with a volleyball tournament, boys and girls lacrosse games and a baseball game. The Judges will face top competition in their tourney.
Next: Van Buren (April 17, 5:30 p.m.)
6. McKee/Staten Island Tech (6-0) (9)
The Seagulls will play Tottenville on Thursday and then compete in the Pirates’ tournament Saturday. MSIT is in a loaded pool with New Utrecht, Hunter College HS and upstart DeWitt Clinton.
Next: Tottenville (April 19, 4:30 p.m. @ Curtis)
7. Regis (4-0) (7)
Regis has gained citywide notoriety and also won two of the last three CHSAA city titles. On Saturday, the Raiders compete in a stacked Cardozo tournament with a chance to further establish themselves.
Next: @ Salesian (April 18, 4:30 p.m.)
8. Susan Wagner (5-1) (6)
The Falcons already have won tournament victory, two weeks at Seward Park. On Saturday, it’ll be a little tougher – they’re in a loaded Tottenville tournament with five other Post ranked teams.
Next: Port Richmond (April 17, 4:30 p.m. @ Tottenville)
9. Brooklyn Tech (6-0) (8)
The test will be tough Saturday at the Robert Kronisch Memorial Tournament at Tottenville. In Brooklyn Tech’s pool will be Bronx Science and Seward Park – the Engineers can make a big statement.
Next: ENY Family Academy (April 17, 4:30 p.m. @ Boys Girls)
10. Hunter College HS (6-0) (10)
Hunter will get its first true league challenge Tuesday when it hosts fellow undefeated team A.P. Randolph. Then the Headhunters will compete in the stacked Tottenville tournament Saturday.
Next: A.P. Randolph (April 17, 5:30 p.m.)
New: None
Dropped out: None
On the bubble: Seward Park (6-0), Midwood (5-0), Long Island City (4-1), Francis Lewis (6-1), Clinton (5-0), Richmond Hill (6-0), Stuyvesant (6-0), Cardinal Spellman (2-1) and Cleveland (5-1)