After games on Saturday, April 28
Going undefeated is far from an easy task in baseball, so it's no surprise (or no reason to panic) that contenders like St. Joseph (Mont.) and Red Bank Catholic took "Ls" this past week. The key is hitting their right stride in the conference tournaments, which begin this week, before the real postseason starts.
One big matchup to look forward to this week comes Sunday, when No. 1 Gloucester Catholic, ranked 27th in the POWERADE FAB 50, takes on No. 4 Don Bosco Prep in what could very well be a preview of the Non-Public A championship.
Here are this week's rankings (last week's ranking in parentheses):
1. Gloucester Catholic 13-2 (1)
After an idle week, the Rams have a date with No. 4 Don Bosco Prep in a potential preview of the Non-Public A title game.
2. Jackson 13-1 (7)
Went undefeated in four games last week to emerge as the top Group 4 team as conference tournament play begins.
3. Seton Hall Prep 14-1 (8)
Pirates are rolling behind the consistent pitching of Mike Sheppard III (36 strikeouts) and Bobby Morgenroth (4-0, 1.84 ERA). Mike's dad and the Pirates coach, Mike Sheppard Jr., celebrated his 600th career victory Monday after the Pirates beat Bloomfield 12-2.
Click here for the full POWERADE weekly New Jersey baseball rankings.