Final #lohudbaseball rankings for 2017

1. Iona Prep (22-9) — For the second consecutive year, the Gaels finish the season at No. 1 overall. They came up one win short of repeating as CHSAA champs, but they won four consecutive elimination games to get there. No pitching staff in the area was as deep, led by Westchester/Putnam player of the year Anthony Piccolino. Previous ranking: 1

2. Arlington (16-9) — The Admirals weren’t considered a favorite entering the Class AA tourney, but by the time it ended, they were the team everyone was talking about. They went from No. 10 seed to champs to capture their third title in the last six years. Their depth gave them an advantage in a grueling postseason. PR: 9

3. John Jay-East Fishkill (17-5) — This was supposed to be the year for the Patriots, who distinguished themselves as the best team in Section 1 during the regular season. They had a 4-1 lead on eventual champion Arlington in the quarterfinals, but found themselves on the wrong end of a 6-5 result. In a best-of-three series, though, it would be difficult to bet against JJ-EF. PR: 2

4. White Plains (16-8) — The Tigers fell painfully short of winning the Class AA title in an epic battle with Arlington, but their run to the final sent a message to the rest of the section that the program has arrived. With many juniors playing key roles, White Plains is looking like the team to beat heading into 2018. PR: Not ranked

5. Kennedy (15-7) — The young Gaels started slow before rattling off 14 straight wins in a remarkable mid-season stretch. They earned the No. 2 seed in the CHSAA playoffs, but the inexperience eventually set in. With a loaded sophomore class, the best is yet to come for Kennedy. PR: 3

BASEBALL ALL-STARS: Iona Prep’s Anthony Piccolino is the W/P POY

BASEBALL ALL-STARS: Pearl River duo Sabino, Sassano are Rockland POYs

BASEBALL ALL-STARS: Westchester/Putnam all-county picks

BASEBALL ALL-STARS: Rockland all-county picks

6. Suffern (15-7) — The Mounties ran into a red-hot White Plains team in the Class AA quarterfinals, but this was still a resurgent season for the proud program. Their senior-laden lineup was as powerful and versatile as you’ll find in the area. PR: 5

7. Pearl River (20-5) — In a wild and unpredictable Class A field, the Pirates proved to be the best of bunch. They entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed and got it done, squeaking by rival Nyack in an extra-inning championship game. Having three reliable pitchers was their biggest strength. PR: 7

8. Scarsdale (13-9) — It was a rough start to the season for the Raiders in their first year under coach Jeff Weigel. They began at 0-5, but showed their true talent and went 13-4 the rest of the way. An upset of Fox Lane in the Class AA quarterfinals was the most notable win for the program in years. PR: NR

9. Fox Lane (16-5-1) — Another strong regular season team that got tripped up earlier than expected in the playoffs, the Foxes remain a model of consistency. The middle of their order was highly productive and the pitching got better as the year wore on. PR: 4

10. Mahopac (15-8) — Quick trivia: Who was the only team to go 2-0 against Class AA champion Arlington this season? The answer is the Indians, who belong in the same conversation with league rivals Arlington, Ketcham and JJ-EF. They proved that by reaching the AA semis. PR: 8

On the fringe: New Rochelle (14-6), North Rockland (13-7), North Salem (18-6), Salesian (12-9), Stepinac (15-9)

Class-by-class rankings

Class AA — 1. Arlington (16-9); 2. John Jay-EF (17-5); 3. White Plains (16-8); 4. Suffern (15-7); 5. Scarsdale (13-9); 6. Fox Lane (16-5-1); 7. Mahopac (15-8); 8. North Rockland (13-7); 9. New Rochelle (14-6); 10. Ketcham (12-9)

Class A — 1. Pearl River (20-5); 2. Nyack (13-11-1); 3. Rye (14-7); 4. Lakeland (16-7); 5. Harrison (13-9-1); 6. Beacon (13-8-1); 7. Hen Hud (17-5); 8. Byram Hills (13-9); 9. Panas (14-9); 10. Lourdes (15-5)

Class B — 1. Albertus Magnus (15-9); 2. Briarcliff (18-3); 3. Edgemont (16-7); 4. Croton-Harmon (11-12); 5. Putnam Valley (15-7); 6. Keio (12-10); 7. Blind Brook (11-10); 8. Westlake (12-10); 9. Dobbs Ferry (9-11); 10. Rye Neck (9-12)

Class C — 1. North Salem (18-6); 2. Tuckahoe (17-5); 3. Pawling (11-11); 4. Solomon Schechter (9-5); 5. Haldane (11-10)

Catholics/privates — 1. Iona Prep (22-9); 2. Kennedy (15-7); 3. Salesian (12-9); 4. Stepinac (15-9); 5. Rye Country Day (15-4)

Twitter: @vzmercogliano