As one team makes a big jump, others slide

As the boys volleyball season rolls on, teams are beginning to find their identity at the midway point.

The top three teams in the rankings remain the same. Old Bridge is unbeaten to this point while Scotch Plains-Fanwood and Southern are right on its heels. Pinelands makes its debut at No. 20 after an impressive victory on Thursday to continue a win streak.

Check out the NJ.com Top 20 boys volleyball ranking below for April 28.

1 – Old Bridge (13-0)

Last week: No. 1

Old Bridge cements its spot at No. 1 after another impressive week that included two wins over ranked opponents in Summit and St. Joseph (Met.). Blake Krapf has continued to shine for the Knights, as he totaled a combined 25 kills in those two games. The Knights haven’t lost a set dating back to April 15.

2 – Scotch Plains-Fanwood (15-1)

Last week: No. 2

Scotch Plains-Fanwood remains in the second spot in the rankings after yet another unbeaten week. The Raiders continue to earn signature victories over the likes of Bridgewater-Raritan and Harrison. Scotch Plains has now won seven games in a row and has not lost a set since April 15.

3 – Southern (11-1)

Last week: No. 3

Southern continued to roll this week with two two-set victories in which it outscored its opponents 100-43. The Rams’ only loss this season came against Scotch Plains-Fanwood, and it’s a perfect 6-0 in Shore conference play. A matchup with St. John Vianney next Saturday awaits the Rams.

4 – Fair Lawn (12-1)

Last week: No. 5

After front-loading the schedule early on, Fair Lawn has been dominant since play started in the Big North. It is currently 7-0 in conference play and has won 11 in a row. Fair Lawn has moved up one spot this week and has proved that it is a contender for a state title this season.

5 – St. Joseph (Met.) (5-1)

Last week: No. 4

On Tuesday, St. Joseph (Met.) suffered its first loss of the season, albeit to top-ranked Old Bridge, and then bounced back with a three-set win over J.P. Stevens. The Falcons will have another shot at taking down the Knights on Tuesday as those two battle it out for the top spot in the GMC.

6 – Harrison (14-2)

Last week: No. 8

Harrison was on the cusp of taking Scotch Plains-Fanwood to a third set but fell just short. The Blue Tide won three of four this past week with the lone loss coming against the Raiders. Harrison currently sits at the top of the NJIC with a record of 11-0. As the season goes on, the Blue Tide have continued to climb up the rankings.

7 – Livingston (8-1)

Last week: No. 6

Livingston fell from the ranks of the undefeated after suffering its first loss in three sets to a Hunterdon Central team that is better than its record shows. Regardless, the Lancers remain the class of the SEC and its win on Monday against Millburn proves that. As the Essex County tournament moves into the first round on Friday, Livingston will be out to defend its No. 1 seed.

8 – Summit (11-1)

Last week: No. 7

Union County is extremely top-heavy, and Summit is one of the major contenders….