Section 1 Baseball Playoffs Ready for May 16
The Section 1 baseball tournament will open on May 16, delivering twenty contests spread across four class divisions. The early rounds follow a single‑elimination format, but the semifinals and finals will shift to double‑elimination, adding an extra layer of strategy as teams fight for a championship.
In Class AAA, Ketcham enters as the clear favorite after finishing the regular season with a 17‑3 record. The team’s only blemishes came against Mamaroneck and Arlington, the only opponents to have beaten Ketcham, and both of those victories were achieved twice, underscoring the competitiveness of the division.
John Jay‑East Fishkill, despite being shut out by Ketcham on two occasions, remains the most credible challenger. The quarterfinal clash between Clarkstown South and Arlington could turn into a coin toss, while Scarsdale may cause an upset if they first defeat Port Chester and then topple Jay‑East Fishkill.
Class AA features Rye and Mahopac as the top seeds, each posting a 15‑5 record. Fox Lane, the defending champion, is expected to make noise, and its early matchup against Suffern is highlighted as a potential turning point. Horace Greeley could also pull off an upset over Harrison in the opening round.
Tappan Zee dominates Class A with a 19‑1 record, but Albertus Magnus has the chance to upset Panas in the first round. Kaleb Hetzel is identified as a game‑changer for Tappan Zee, adding depth to their title aspirations.
Putnam Valley leads Class B with a 14‑6 record, while Briarcliff splits its regular‑season meetings with the top seed. Valhalla may upset Briarcliff in the first round, and Nicky Benedetto’s contributions are viewed as pivotal for Putnam Valley’s run.
Class C sees Tuckahoe favored despite a 9‑11 record, with Leffell presenting a modest challenge. Connor Brice is highlighted as a game‑changer for Tuckahoe, and the tournament’s early games will set the tone for a potentially unpredictable championship.