The poll gets its biggest shakeup of the season, with the exception of the top three spots.
Top-ranked Newburgh Free Academy faces its biggest local threat of the season Tuesday at Middletown.
(RECORDS THROUGH FEBRUARY 3)
1. Newburgh (10-2): Dropped to fifth in the Class AA state rankings after loss to Bishop Maginn. Still unbeaten locally.
2. Red Hook (14-0): Ranked fourth in the state in Class A. Clinched its 10th straight MHAL division championship.
3. Middletown (13-0): A loss Friday at Monroe-Woodbury takes all the luster off home Tuesday against Newburgh.
4. Cornwall (13-2): Knocked off previous No. 4 Burke Catholic, then lost at No. 3 Middletown. Should handle Goshen home on Tuesday.
5. Kingston (9-6): Beat Monroe-Woodbury by 29 on Wednesday, avenging an earlier loss. Plays at Newburgh on Friday.
6. Burke Catholic (10-3): A busy week ahead, with three games over the next five days.
7. Minisink Valley (11-4): Can lock up the OCIAA Division II title with victories over Washingtonville and Warwick.
8. Coleman Catholic (12-1): Ranked seventh in the state in Class D, it clinched the MHAL Division IV title.
9. S.S. Seward (13-1): Jumps a spot as the state’s 15th ranked Class C team. Plays at Chester on Friday.
10. James I. O’Neill (10-4): Hops into the rankings, and plays Tuesday at Burke Catholic.
11. Warwick (8-7)
12. Monroe-Woodbury (8-6)
13. Onteora (10-4)
14. Marlboro (10-4)
15. Spackenkill (8-6)
16. New Paltz (7-5)
17. Saugerties (8-6)
18. Port Jervis (7-7)
19. Eldred (7-4)
20. Pine Plains (8-6)

Middletown hosts Newburgh on Tuesday
A few key notes to start…..Middletown is only letting the first 750 people in. The next 1,000 will be sent to the new gym, where they will see a live broadcast of the Time Warner Cable feed. Tip off is 7 p.m. Since both communities get Time Warner, it probably makes the most sense to stay home – unless you plan on heading out early.
I think this will be a great night for local basketball. I think Middletown-area (and surrounding communities) folks already might have had this one circled, because it was a chance to see Newburgh. Middletown being 14-0 is an added bonus.
Having said that, I think Middletown is going to have its hands full. Newburgh has a tremendous advantage with the caliber of its ballhandlers – and this will be an up-tempo game. I think Newburgh’s depth plays a role. Jarrod Scurlock and Devon McMillan probably would be the starting backcourt for any team in the section – and those guys come off Newburgh’s bench. Middletown should be able to hang on the boards, which is a huge plus since Newburgh lives off of its put-backs. As far as big-game atmosphere experience goes, huge edge to Newburgh.
It will be interesting to see how much of a home court advantage this turns out to be for Middletown. I haven’t seen a whole lot of kids at Middletown games – meaning there have been a lot of adults. Newburgh traditionally doesn’t travel – and those who come, won’t be kids.
Should be fun.