Three years ago, when the bulk of his current Cresskill team were sophomores, coach Charlie Giordano devised a three-year plan.

“Learn to play the game in the first year,” Giordano said. “Learn how to win in the second year.

“This year, the third year, we’d be more competitive, competing for a league title and hopefully doing well in the [Bergen] County and state tournaments.”

So far, so good for the surging Cougars.

Cresskill has won six straight to improve to 9-2. The Cougars are challenging Waldwick for the NJIC Patriot Division title and, this week, debut in The Record baseball Top 25 at No. 24.