Softball: Opening week brings big changes to North Jersey Top 25 rankings
What a first week in North Jersey softball. We had storms, a snow flurry Friday at Ramapo and, of course, a minor earthquake.
You never know what you’re going to see. Monday, we won’t see much because of the solar eclipse in the afternoon.
There are a bunch of changes to the North Jersey Top 25, with six new teams joining the rankings. Basically, every team ranked between 11-15 in the preseason rankings went winless. But this is what happens.
There are always tiers in North Jersey softball. There’s a top tier, and those teams can beat everyone. There’s a B tier from about Nos. 4-20, and any of those teams can beat any of the other teams in Tier B. Then there’s Tier C and any of those teams can beat any of the teams in Tier B, but usually can’t beat anyone in Tier A.
Early in the season, head-to-head results matter more. But that changes over time as we get to the 50th annual Bergen County softball tournament and the state playoffs.
Best team I saw this week: IHA, of course. But the Blue Eagles did make a couple of mental mistakes against Ramapo (just nitpicking). Still, top to bottom, they’re North Jersey’s most complete team.
Best moment: St. Mary hosting Weehawken at the old Immaculate Conception field, a great way for those schools to remain connected.
Biggest question: Indian Hills and Rutherford ended in a 3-3 tie at the Blue and Gold Tournament in Pequannock on Saturday. The game started late, that's what happens in tournaments.
Best player: That’s up to you to decide in our weekly Player of the Week poll.
Top 25 rankings
1. Immaculate Heart Academy (3-1)
2. Ramsey (3-0)
3. Weehawken (2-0)
4. Ramapo (2-1)
5. Passaic Valley (3-0)
6. Ridgefield Park (4-1)
7. Indian Hills (3-0-1)
8. St. Mary (1-1)
9. Old Tappan (2-2)
10. Bergenfield (2-1)
11. Rutherford (2-1-1)
12. Ridgewood (1-0)
13. DePaul (3-1)
14. Wallington (3-0)
15. Park Ridge (3-0)
16. Bergen Tech (2-1)
17. Hawthorne (2-0)
18. Waldwick (2-1)
19. Passaic Tech (3-1)
20. Pompton Lakes (3-1)
21. Ridgefield (1-1)
22. Lakeland (3-0)
23. Emerson (2-0)
24. West Milford (2-1)
25. Hasbrouck Heights (3-0)
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ softball: Opening week brings big changes to Top 25 rankings
