UA_LI_SPRING_I_2014 by UA MEDIA

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Ultimate athlete magazine PUBLISHER/CEO EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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PAUL CORACE N.J COMANZO

LOUIS H QUACH PONNUTHURAI JEYATHAS

nicole manzo

WIN-KYE CHEONG

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

RICHARD BROOKS KEVIN FREHEIT JACKLYNKELLI KRONEMBERG BRIAN COLEMAN JUSTIN MACKIN DR. TOM FERRARO SANDY SARACONA MIKE MEJIA CSCS

mike repertorio

IN-HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

KEVIN SPERANDEO KEVIN FREIHEIT

MORGAN HARRISON BILL KELLY

KEVIN SPERANDEO

Ultimate Athlete Magazine (ISSN 1931-5295) is published 12 times a year by Ultimate Athlete, Inc., 24 Woodbine Ave, Northport, New York 11768. All contents copyright 2012 by Ultimate Athlete Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in whole or part of the content without the prior written consent of Ultimate Athlete, Inc. is strictly prohibited. All logos and trademarks are properties of thier respective owners. Although the writers and the publishers have exhaustively researched all sources to ensure the accuracy and the completeness of the information contained in this publication we aassume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any inconsistency herein. The opinions expressed in all materials are those of authors and do not neccesarily represent those of Ultimate Athlete, Inc or Long Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ultimate Athlete Magazine.

CONTENT

LONG ISLAND

SPRING_VOL. I_ 2014 6

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TS FEATURES

PG 10

COMMACK

PG 14

COLD SPRING HABOR

PG 20

DEER PARK

PG 26

GLEN COVE

PG 36

ELWOOD JOHN GLENN

PG 44

SACHEM EAST

PG 50

SYOSSET

PG 54

GARDEN CITY

PG 58

KINGS PARK

PG 62

SPORT PSYCHOLOGY

Boys’ Lacrosse Girls’ Lacrosse Baseball

Boys’ Lacrosse Boys’ Lacrosse Softball Softball

Boys’ Lacrosse Girls’ Lacrosse Ira Silverman

PG 64

SPORT NUTRITION

Fitting Fat Into Fitness Diet

PG 66

SPORT TRAINING

Multi-tasking Your Muscles

DILIGENT PREPARATION AT COMMACK Story & Photo By Kevin Sperandeo

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immy Montana has been coaching the boys lacrosse team at Commack High School since 2013. After a disappointing (4-11) season last year, the Cougars dug in and began preparation for a new season. “Our goal is to win. Ultimate goal is to learn what it takes to win consistently as a team and have our entire roster help create the culture that will allow that”, said Coach Montana. As a teen, Montana played lacrosse at Hicksville High School and then went on to play at Quinnipiac University. In the fall of 2006, Montana began coaching at Stony Brook University where he stayed for six seasons until the summer of 2012. Then, after coaching one summer with the Long Island Lizards, Coach Montana came to Commack. Having experience both playing and coaching here, Montana has been acclimated to the high level competition here on Long Island. Montana believes in teaching and helping players to create positive physical, mental and emotional habits to prepare them to be ready for anything. Montana stated that it is most important to him that his players, “create positive habits that will help them in whatever it is they choose to peruse in life.” Montana always expects correct and diligent preparation from his players.

With a new season about to be under way, the Cougars faced challenges. One of the biggest challenges early this year was the weather, as winter slowly turned to spring. Any new team, with a different mix of players and personalities will always face the challenge of developing a level of personal chemistry within the team. But, with everyone working towards a collective goal and everyone keeping focused, things started to come together for the cougars. Montana admits there were some questionable factors this season, having an overall young team using a new philosophy that’s only been installed into the program for one year. But, Montana was happy to have a good amount of returning starters from last season. Montana mentioned players, Jon Birke, John Elarde, Jordan Harnage, Lou Palumbo, CJ Trenkle, Kevin Snyder and Matt Mclain, for showing great leadership and ability. “The team had a great attitude and work ethic throughout the off season”, said Montana. The Cougars have been relentless with their pursuit of positive habits. Montana believes in a, “team first attitude and a culture of preparation.” “Physical fitness is very important for my style of coaching”, Montana states. Practice plans are

always changing for the Cougars. Montana prefers to adapt practice to what the team needs at the time. He explained, “We try to find our needs for improvement before our opponents can take advantage.” After spending most of the preseason indoors, due to the weather, the Cougars were excited to play their first games. The first two were non-league games against Holy Trinity and John Glenn High School. Montana recalls a tremendous start this season, “Kevin Snyder proved to be a huge asset at the faceoff X. John Birke definitely took a huge step forward. We have some weapons on offense Lou Palumbo, Tom Mangeri and Augie Contressa. Team defense was strong.” The first league game against North Babylon resulted in a 16-5 win. Montana recollections the team moral and energy being unbelievable, “The boys competed at an incredible level, Mike Paccione, Mike Ambrosino and the team defense and goalie Sean McNierney stepped up.” Looking forward to the rest of the season, Montana stated, “It’s a constant pursuit of positive habits. As long as I can keep the focus on the process and eliminate distraction as much as possible the boys bring their capacity to work.”

TEAM COACH

COLD SPRIN

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NG HARBOR LACROSSE

: r o b r a H g n i r p o Win t Cold S d e n i m Deter

Story By Lisa Holahan Photos By Bill Kelly

he Cold Spring Harbor Girls Lacrosse team has had a rocky start this season but that has not discouraged the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; motivation to continue to do better. The girls have begun to flip their fate into a complete 180 and they are not backing down anymore. Recently, they have been crushing their competition and letting the other teams know just how badly they want to win. Head Coach Danielle Skakandi and Co-coach Lauren Lopez have been supporting their team and guiding them to a path of success. It seems the girls have changed some of their techniques over the season other than just their drive to win. Whether they are having more practices, intense training or even simply reviewing their previous games, no one can deny that the Cold Spring Harbor Girls are only getting better from here. The

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girls

started

their season on March 20th against Happauge High School which resulted in their first loss of the season, the final score being 8-7. Cold Spring suffered another nail biting loss to North Shore High School that ended with a score of 1312. Just like it seemed that it couldn’t get any worse by falling short previously to both teams, the girls then encountered their third loss. Their third loss was to Garden City, who is currently the top ranking team in Nassau Conference One division. They lost to the undefeated Garden City team with a final score of 126. March wasn’t such a promising month for the Cold Spring Harbor Girls but that all changed during the month of April when their winning streak began to take flight. April 1st marked the Cold Spring Harbor Girls Lacrosse teams’ first win of the season. They played against Sacred Heart Academy and doubled the opposing teams’ score with a final score of 16-8, proving that these girls are determined and won’t be discouraged. As they began to build some momentum, the team’s next game was against Plainedge High School where they continued to crush the score boards. They won against Plainedge High School and beat them by a whopping ten points and ended the game 16-6. However, the girls were not finished proving the point that they have the ability to really turn their fate around. They are not about to fall short any longer and wanted their opposing teams to really get that message. This is why the girls’ lacrosse team was set to win when they played Long Beach High School. That is exactly what they did

when they took home another win which resulted in a final score of 13-5. These girls have been so impressive with their last couple of games that they might even be a wildcard in the near future. Now it is exactly mid-season and the girls still have a lot more work to do if they want to make it to the top of their leader board. They still have a good chance if they continue the same drive that they have currently. In previous seasons the Cold Spring Harbor team has had between 12 and 14 wins in total and between 5 and 3 losses. With those statistics they have validated just how good of a team they really are. The Cold Spring Harbor team has currently a standing of 3 wins and 3 losses so the girls really have to make sure that they keep working as hard as they’ve been doing for the past three games. They especially have to get ready to verse Manhasset High School who will be there next challenge. Manhasset High School is currently an undefeated team with a winning streak of 5-0 and is ranked top three of Nassau Conference One. After Manhasset, they will have to play another very challenging team which is Wantagh High School. Wantagh High School’s current standing is 6-2 and they are ranked second, just below Garden City, in the top three of Nassau Conference One. Even with the challenges up ahead, the Cold Spring Harbor Girls Lacrosse team is a very hard working team that has tremendous amounts of potential. They are a team of very determined ladies and are not about to lay down without giving it everything they’ve got.

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EER PARK

BASEBALL

DEER PARK READY TO REPEAT AS SUFFOLK LEAGUE V CHAMPIONS STORY BY BRIAN COLEMAN

PHOTOS BY ADIL BORLUCA

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ollowing a season in which the Deer Park baseball team took major steps forward and reached the Suffolk County playoffs, the Falcons look to parlay that improvement and advance farther than the first round of the postseason under head coach Ryan Argenziano. If Deer Park is going to build on last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success it will have to try and avoid the trend that has taken place in recent years, which has been to follow up a winning season with a losing one. In 2011 the Falcons went 1410 overall and 10-8 in Suffolk League 5 play, good enough for a spot in the Suffolk County playoff tournament. Unfortunately, that playoff appearance concluded with a nailbiting 5-4 defeat to Eastport-South Manor. That team was made up of a

solid core of seniors, resulting in a lot of change over in 2012. With that, Deer Park took a step backwards in 2012, winning just eight of its 20 games to finish with an 8-12 record and short of the playoffs. Despite the tough season, the Falcons ended it on a high note by winning its final two games, both in blowout fashion, against Comsewogue. Building off the two victories and complying with the trend, Deer Park bounced back from the disappointing 2012 campaign to have a very nice 2013 season. From the start, in the opening three-game series against Huntington, it was evident that the Falcons were headed to a spring filled with winning baseball. The opening two games of the series were never close as the

Deer Park offense exploded for 15 runs in each contest, while the pitching staff did its part in only allowing 6 runs in the entire series. In the opener at home, sophomore Mike Isola passed the offense in his ever varsity start by going 2-for-4 at the plate with two runs batted in. The star of the game, however, was starting pitcher Matt Porcaro who hurled a five-hit complete game victory, striking out nine hitters while not allowing a walk. After dismantling Huntington in the opening series, Deer Park continued its hot start as it took on Bellport. The Falcons captured the first two games of the series in relatively easy fashion, setting up what would turn out to be a fantastic third game in which the Falcon offense would be stifled.

Bellport’s starting pitcher Evan Honce brought his A-game and completely shut down Deer Park for 6 2/3 innings. Honce was untouched, carrying a perfect game into an at-bat against Tyler Theiss with two outs in the bottom half of the seventh inning. Theiss worked out a walk to spoil the perfect game, and got himself into scoring position for John Downs.

three-hit shutout as Deer Park won its sixth consecutive game to start the season.

With Honce’s no-hitter and shutout still intact, Downs spoiled both of those with an RBI single that scored Theiss and gave Deer Park the walkoff victory. While Downs ended the game and Theiss ended the perfect game, the real hero of the game for the Falcons was starting pitcher Nick Ognibene. He matched Honce pitch for pitch, hurling a complete game

Deer Park would win six of its final nine regular season games following the defeat to Hauppauge, and earned itself the fifth seed in the Suffolk playoffs where it faced off with twelfthseeded Smithtown West.

They would extend that streak two more games by beating Hauppauge twice in early April, but the eight-game winning streak to open the season would come to an end on the road in the final game of the series as Hauppauge defeated the streaking Falcons 5-2.

Matt Porcaro stole the show once again, nearly going the distance as he tossed 6 2/3 innings allowing three earned runs and striking out five hitters.

The offense was paced by Nick Sorge and Mike Isola, who each had a similar stat line of two hits and three runs batted in each in the 8-5 victory. The victory was the first in the playoffs for Deer Park in a number of years and set up a second round matchup with fourth-seeded Commack. Deer Park’s offense failed them in that game and it fell 4-2 to be eliminated from the winner’s bracket of the Suffolk Class AA playoffs. The Falcons would go on to win one game, a 13-3 rout of Smithtown East, in the losers bracket, but the season would come to an end against top-seeded East Islip in the following round. While Deer Park’s season came to an end earlier than it would have liked, the year was not a failure by any means. The

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Falcons won nine more games than it did the year prior, and would be returning a number of key players for the 2014 season. As the Falcons seek to break the year-by-year trend that has plagued it in recent seasons, it brings back Mike Isola, Tyler Theiss, Ryan Korwan and Ryan Mallon. The squad entered the season with high expecations as many pegged them as the favorites to repeat as League V champions. They were ranked #1 in the preseason by MSG Varsity, and the talent is returning making a repeat league championship possible. However, the Falcons have sputtered in the early going of 2014, dropping its first five games as of April 8. In those losses the offense has been a non-factor, scoring just seven runs in those five contests. The starting pitching is the straw that stirs the drink for this team, and it has been consistent thus far. Led by senior catcher Tyler Theiss and loaded arms such as Ryan Korwan and Ryan Mallon, the pitching and defense will be the key to turning the season around. As we continue to get deeper into spring and the high-school baseball season, Deer Park will enter league play and have the opportunity to prove itself as the top club in Suffolk League V.

LEN COV E 1 80 0 68 0 32 13

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LAC ROS SE

Glen Cove eager to bounce back in 2014 Story By Brian Coleman Photos By Bill Kelly

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s soon as the curtains closed on the 2013 season, the Glen Cove Boys Lacrosse team wanted to look forward to the future. Last year was not a great one for the Big Red, as it finished with a record of just 4-11 and missed the playoffs. Despite the struggles last year, the season wasn’t a complete failure as it allowed many of the younger players to get playing time and become more comfortable at the varsity level. As a result, Glen Cove will look for a turnaround type season in 2014. There is no better person to be at the helm of a team looking to make a quick turnaround than the Big Red head coach Steven Tripp. Tripp is in his 27th year as the coach at Glen Cove and has coached through generations of Glen Cove lacrosse players. The knowledge and experience with people that Tripp brings to the table each season is one reason why the Big Red are excited about what is to come in the 2014 season. He recognized the flaws in his team but also highlighted what his team did well in preparation for the upcoming year. “We need to be more fundamentally sound on offense,” said Tripp. “We let our defense down last year, by not being able to have positive possessions on the offensive side. We feel our defense can hold us in games, but the offense needs to do their job and put points on the board.” The offense was the main

culprit for the poor play last year. The Big Red failed to score five goals in 11 of its 13 games, putting a tremendous amount of pressure on its defense and goaltending to keep them in games. Unfortunately, the poor offensive possessions by Glen Cove led to turnovers and easy scoring opportunities on the other end for its opponents. Early in the season, the Big Red had a record of 3-4 and seemed to be showing signs of making a playoff push. However, following a 16-12 victory at Wheatley where Chris Klimaszewski scored six goals, Glen Cove hit a midseason wall and really began to struggle. The Big Red lost seven of its final eight games, a disappointing end to the season that at one point did show some promise. The lone victory in the eight game run was at home against Lawrence. Glen Cove’s Blake Woods scored four goals and Ryan Perkins broke a 12-12 tie in the final minutes to secure the victory. After that victory, Glen Cove would be blown out in each of its final three games. It visited Great Neck North and hosted Bethpage and Plainedge to wrap up the season, and in those three contests, Glen Cove was outscored by a total of 45-11. Despite the struggles last year, Glen Cove is eager to get the 2014 season underway and improve on what it did in 2013. When asked what his team needs to do to not repeat its struggles from a year ago, head coach Tripp said:

“We certainly know what we do not want to do.” While it seems like a simple answer, coach Tripp knows that his team just needs to put the losing mindset aside and learn from the mistakes it made last year. The team is comprised of primarily sophomores and juniors this season, and the hope is that the playing time and experience those players gained last season will translate to improved performance in this season. With only six seniors on the roster, it is imperative that the underclassmen mature very quickly and have breakout seasons this year. Tripp is confident that his players are capable of doing just that. “We do not have a large senior class with only 6 on the roster,” said Tripp. Because of that, we have many juniors and sophomores that saw action last year. We are confident that our returning players can get the job done.” One of those seniors, Ryan Perkins, who scored the game-winning goal against Lawrence last season, is the returning leading scorer for the Big Red. With the offense in need of some spark, Perkins provides a big, strong runner who can go from coast to coast with the best of them.

to have a major impact in Nassau Conference B2. With one of the top defenses in Nassau County, it gives them an opportunity to compete each and every game. As the season approaches, Glen Cove is becoming more and more ready to make amends for the type of season it is following. However, for head coach Steven Tripp, who is in his 27th year at Glen Cove, he hopes his impact will go a little farther than just on the lacrosse field. Tripp is a Glen Cove resident and graduate of Glen Cove High School, making the ability to work there even more special. He understands that playing high school sports is about more than just victories and scoreboards. “Many of these kids I have seen in town since they were born. I went to school with a lot of the parents, and now I have sons of former players,” said Tripp. “We have never gauged the season on wins and losses on the field; we gauge it by the wins and losses in real life. That’s what I feel my job is as a teacher and coach. We want the kids to have a meaningful lacrosse career, but we want them also to realize that you only get 4 years to make a lifetime of memories.”

On the defensive side of the ball, Glen Cove will be returning its whole unit. Anchored by senior Eshen Wilson and junior Sean Peet, the Big Red defense will look

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BOY’S LACROSSE

Glen Cove

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ELWOOD JOHN GL

LENN

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JOHN GLENN looks to make their mark on the competition Story By Robert DeVita Photos By Morgan Harison

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he 2014 lacrosse season is well under way and there is a particular team from Long Island that has taken the competition by storm. The John Glenn Knights who play in Suffolk Division II have really demonstrated some fantastic play to kick off the season.

wins, knocking off Babylon and Kings Park in a pair of tough matches. “Babylon is our rival we battle them in football every year so whenever that game comes it’s always a battle. They beat us in overtime last year, so it was nice to get a little revenge on them. We were down 6-1 at halftime, we came back to Coming into the year the win and beat them 9-8, so it Knights were ranked 11th was nice” said Coach Lavey. in the pre-season polls, but Wins like these can do a lot now are currently sitting in for a team it lifts their entire third place in the conference morale and gives them the with a (6-2, 4-1 League Play) confidence to go out there record. The reason they were and play their hearts out. ranked only 11th coming into Confidence can change the the season had a lot to do with entire dynamic of a team, the fact that they had a total being good has a lot to do with of 10 seniors graduate from talent but a team needs to have their roster. Which was half a high level of confidence in their team, so this season was order to be great. looked as one to rebuild. With the team being This team is made up of a tight niche of kids who have one common goal, winning games. They are a very young but extremely talented team. They aren’t the biggest group of guys but they sure do have heart. “This group is a hard working group, were not big physically but were pretty quick and athletic” said Coach Kevin Lavey when commenting on the play of his team.

very young there needs to be some sort of leadership from and upperclassmen and the Knights get that from senior attacker Joe DiRaimo. DiRaimo has been a highly touted player for a number of years now, but unfortunately missed the last two seasons due to injury.

fact that he is back playing at such a high level right now is an amazing story. DiRaimo is a prolific scorer; he has racked up some big numbers so far this season. On the year he has tallied 30 goals which is the third most in all of Suffolk County. To go along with his 30 goals, he has been able to dish out 9 assists. DiRaimo has committed to Division II Bentley. “He’s a quality kid he comes from a great family, he deserves everything, accolades whatever he’s going to get because he’s a great player, great kid”, said Coach Lavey when asked about the play of Joe DiRaimo. Another player who has made an impact from day one this season is junior midfielder TJ Tiernan. Tiernan does everything for this team on the field he can score, play solid defense, you name it, he does it. He is a player who leads by example and puts it all out there on the field every game. “He’s a work horse that kid is the heart and soul of our team. He’s only a Junior but he’s getting better and better every day, he’s taken the team on his shoulders” said Coach Lavey.

DiRaimo missed last season due to a gruesome injury during an indoor game against Huntington where he Every coach’s dream is to Early on the Knights have fractured his right fibula and have a player like Tiernan and picked up a couple of huge dislocated his right ankle. The Coach Lavey has the pleasure

of having this outstanding talent back for one more year. Tiernan has verbally committed to Binghamton. The Knights are a team that plays extremely well together and have a nicely balanced scoring attack. Other guys such as Steven Orkiszewski, Matt Choinski and Matt Tufano have played pivotal roles in the Knights success thus far. Orkiszewski recently put together a huge game where he tallied six assists against Center Moriches in a 15-7 win for the Knights. Choinski has scored multiple goals in four of the team’s eight games this season and Tufano had a career day of his own against Center Moriches where he registered four goals and an assist. There is a plethora of talent on this team they aren’t just a one man show, their roster is very deep as they have a number of players who can get the job done. “Different guys are stepping up and taking, big roles which is nice. I don’t have one main weapon; I have a whole bunch of little weapons” said Coach Lavey. The Knights face a tough road ahead in the coming weeks as they square off with top teams such as Comsewogue, Miller Place, and Huntington. In order to be the best you got to beat the best and that’s what the Knights have to do in the coming weeks, they must knock off the top teams in their conference and keep the ball rolling. This season has been a surprise for the Knights one that was once looked upon as a year to rebuild has turned into a legitimate chance to make a run into the postseason. “I’m telling you we can shock some people. If we play our A game we are very hard to beat” said Coach Lavey. If they can continue to play at such a high level it’ll be a fun spring for the boys from John Glenn High School.

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JOHN GLENN

FRAMED POSTERS Our stories and cover photos are available to purchase. Choose from any cover and/or article from any Ultimate Athlete Magazine issue to have made into a poster. Covers are available in a 8.5x11 or 12x18 print. Articles are available in a 12x18 print. Any prints can be ordered with or without a black frame. To order, call 1.800.680.3213 or email Paul at publisher@ultimateathletemagazine.com

8.5x11 Framed Cover CONNETQUOT HIGH SCHOOL THUNDERBIRDS

CONNETQUOT HIGH SCHOOL THUNDERBIRDS

CONNETQUOT â&#x20AC;&#x153;

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Every year our goal is to win the Long Island Championship.

THUNDERBIRDS

*655,;8<6;

ThunderbirdS aspire for the

long island championship

Story By Jaclynkelli Kronemberg / Photos By Morgan Harrison

he Connetquot varsity football team enters the season ranked number three in Division one in Suffolk &RXQW\ /HDGLQJ WKH &RQQHWTXRW Thunderbirds is head coach Mike Hansen. Hansen is entering his WK VHDVRQ DV WKH KHDG FRDFK /DVW season, Connetquot ended the season with eight wins, two losses, and lost LQ WKH 6XIIRON &RXQW\ VHPLÂżQDOV â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year our goal is to try and win every game,â&#x20AC;? said Hansen, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every \HDU RXU JRDO LV WR ZLQ WKH /RQJ Island Championship.â&#x20AC;?

A few of the players from last season have since graduated, and the Thunderbirds have only three offensive returning starters, and three defensive returning starters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a solid team this season,â&#x20AC;? Hansen said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have skilled players and a good defense.â&#x20AC;? There are a couple of players looking to make an impact this year, and help get the team to the championship game. Senior wide receiver Tyler Nason (5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;10â&#x20AC;? 185 lbs.) was one of the top receivers RQ /RQJ ,VODQG ODVW \HDU ZLWK

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are a lot of kids that have the potential to be real impact players this season for us,â&#x20AC;? said Hansen, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a great team and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pleasure to coach them.â&#x20AC;?

Senior running back/ linebacker Marcus Gutierrez (5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;9â&#x20AC;? 180 lbs.) is another key player to watch for this season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marcus is a tough hard runner,â&#x20AC;? Hansen said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He will carry a lot of the load this year.â&#x20AC;? The offensive line features three seniors DJ Gallino (6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;2â&#x20AC;? 270 lbs.), Rob Dawson (6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;1â&#x20AC;? 270 lbs.) and Jimmy Oliver (5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11â&#x20AC;? 250 lbs.). â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a solid offensive line,â&#x20AC;? Hansen said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;DJ, Rob and Jimmy are the anchors of the offensive line.â&#x20AC;? The defensive line features junior Sean Moore (6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;0â&#x20AC;? 250 lbs.), Gallino and Oliver. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our defensive line is physical and work hard.â&#x20AC;? Hansen said. Connetquot takes their ÂżUVW VWHS WRZDUG WKH /RQJ Island Championship on September 11, 2013, when they open the season against Patchogue Medford.

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ACHEM EAST

PITCHER PERFECT IN A TOUGH LEAGUE Story By Jaclynkelli Kronemberg Photos By Morgan Harrison

he young Sachem East softball team finished last season in third place in League 1 and in the top four of Suffolk County. This season they are still a young team with only losing two players from last season and only having a few seniors this season. This season the Sachem East softball team is looking to do better than last season.

“We want to do better than last season,” said Sachem East head softball coach Ralph Forman. “We have no pressure on us because we are a young team so no one expects us to do well. We have the ability to surprise some people.” Forman has been with the Sachem East softball program for eighteen years and has been the head coach for the last five years. The Sachem East softball team has made it to the semifinals

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SACHEM EAST SOFTBALL of Suffolk County two times in program history. They are in League 1 of Suffolk County, one of the toughest leagues on Long Island. The league has 11 teams this year which means Sachem East will play 20 league games this season. “Getting through League 1 was a huge accomplishment last year with a young team,” said Forman. “Our league is tough. It is very difficult to go undefeated and hard to win because there is a lot of parity. You have to be lucky and your pitching has to be right on.”

season. “Marissa did a great job in the playoffs for us last year,” said Forman. “She is very deceptive and has good breaking pitches. She is an outstanding pitcher.”

player junior, Marisa Genussa. Sophomore, Amanda Fitzgerald could move to third base or shortstop. Sophomore, Allie Laird played right field last year but could Another Senior is move to short stop and captain centerfielder senior Kaitlyn Tibbets is Samantha Maroney. trying to be the third base Maroney is the leadoff player. batter. Maroney was allSachem has yet to play county last year and plans on their field because it to play softball at C.W. isn’t playable yet due to the Post next year. “Samantha winter weather and cold. is an excellent outfielder,” They have only been able said Forman. “She runs to play on the grass so far. down fly ball and can bunt They are looking forward and slap. We are looking to the weather getting for her to be even better better and being able to get Sachem East will be this year. She is the catalyst on their softball field. thrown right into the fire to get us going.” The Sachem East with their first game on Junior first baseman, team has a long season March 24, 2014 against Marissa Wilson, is another ahead of them but they Commack, the defending impact player. Wilson are determined to show League 1 champions. “We started last year as a everyone their skill and start with Commack,” said sophomore and was named wish to go further than they Forman, “Commack is all-league. did last season. outstanding. We are faced “We played “Marissa is an with a lot of competition exceptionally well in the outstanding player that this season in our league. Longwood is also very has a lot of power,” said County tournament last good. Our pitching has to Forman. “She is the hardest season and I think we be right on and we have to hitter I have seen and she will do well again this plays great defense. We season,” said Forman. “I stay healthy.” expect her to hit more long love this team they are a Sachem East is made balls this year.” great group. This team is up of a few seniors and The infield isn’t set yet, fun to coach. We just want underclassmen. They are to finish better than we did a young talented team and there are a few players last year.” leading them is Senior trying out for some captain pitcher Marissa positions but, “We have a Smith. Smith is going to solid infield this season,” Ithaca to play softball next said Forman. At second base is three year varsity

SACHEM EAST SOFTBALL

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THUNDERBIRDS

CONNETQUOT “

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Every year our goal is to win the Long Island Championship.

THUNDERBIRDS CONNETQUOT

ThunderbirdS aspire for the

long island championship

Story By Jaclynkelli Kronemberg / Photos By Morgan Harrison

he Connetquot varsity football team enters the season ranked number three in Division one in Suffolk County. Leading the Connetquot Thunderbirds is head coach Mike Hansen. Hansen is entering his 11th season as the head coach. Last season, Connetquot ended the season with eight wins, two losses, and lost in the Suffolk County semifinals. “This year our goal is to try and win every game,” said Hansen, “Every year our goal is to win the Long Island Championship.”

A few of the players from last season have since graduated, and the Thunderbirds have only three offensive returning starters, and three defensive returning starters. “We have a solid team this season,” Hansen said, “We have skilled players and a good defense.” There are a couple of players looking to make an impact this year, and help get the team to the championship game. Senior wide receiver Tyler Nason (5’10” 185 lbs.) was one of the top receivers on Long Island last year with 38

receptions. “Tyler is athletic, has nice hands and runs great routes,” Hansen said, “I’m looking forward to him being a big impact player this season.”

“There are a lot of kids that have the potential to be real impact players this season for us,” said Hansen, “This is a great team and it’s a pleasure to coach them.”

Senior running back/ linebacker Marcus Gutierrez (5’9” 180 lbs.) is another key player to watch for this season. “Marcus is a tough hard runner,” Hansen said, “He will carry a lot of the load this year.” The offensive line features three seniors DJ Gallino (6’2” 270 lbs.), Rob Dawson (6’1” 270 lbs.) and Jimmy Oliver (5’11” 250 lbs.). “We have a solid offensive line,” Hansen said, “DJ, Rob and Jimmy are the anchors of the offensive line.” The defensive line features junior Sean Moore (6’0” 250 lbs.), Gallino and Oliver. “Our defensive line is physical and work hard.” Hansen said. Connetquot takes their first step toward the Long Island Championship on September 11, 2013, when they open the season against Patchogue Medford.

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SYOSSET SOFTBALL

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A YOUNG AND DETERMINED

SYOSSET Story By Jaclynkelli Kronemberg Photos by Adil Borluca

fter graduating only two seniors last year, the Syosset Softball team is moving to get back to the playoffs and hopefully have a successful season after falling short. Last year, Syosset lost in the quarterfinals in the Nassau County Conference1 B playoffs.

“I think we are going to be strong this season,” said Syosset softball head coach Richard Powell, “We are still a young team with only two seniors this year but we have a lot more experience because we only graduated two seniors last season. Our goal is to make it to the semifinals and take it from there.” Powell is entering his 18th year as the head coach. While under the helm Powell has taken Syosset to the semifinals of the playoffs four times. Entering this season Syosset is the top seed in Conference 1B and ranked number seven in Nassau County. “This team has good knowledge of every aspect of the game,” said

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SYOSSES SOFTBALL

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Powell. “The players know all the positions and they love the game.” This is Syosset’s second year in Conference 1 B. Despite being ranked number one in the conference, Syosset will be faced with tough competition in Long Beach and Hicksville. Leading the way for Syosset are two seniors. Senior captain pitcher, Danielle Zurek, was moved up to varsity when she was in seventh grade and has played a significant role in the program ever since. Zurek will play softball for Baruch College next year. Last year she had an era of .308, 38 strikeouts and allowed 20 runs. Zurek was named all-conference last year. “Danielle has come a long way,” said Powell. “She is very competitive and her strength is her confidence.” Senior captain center fielder, Valerie Moran was named all-league last year. Moran plans to play softball at Rodger Williams University. Last season Moran scored seven runs, had 11 RBIs and a .340 hitting percentage. “We are expecting big things out of Valerie this season,” said Powell. “She is an excellent hitter, has a strong arm and a lot of speed.” Backing the seniors are a handful of talented underclassmen. Sophomore first or third baseman, Sam Molloy, is a three year varsity player that was named all-conference last year. Molloy had a .340 hitting percentage and led the team in RBIs last season. “Sam is very talented and is our silent leader,” said Powell. Freshman shortstop, Jessica Hom, is a second year varsity player. Hom is our leadoff batter. “I believe Jessica should be the freshman of the

SYOSSES SOFTBALL

SYOSSES SOFTBALL 51

year this year,” said Powell. “She has a strong arm, a lot of speed and is a power hitter.” Sophomore left fielder, Kylie Marlow, is in her second year on varsity. Marlow is batting in the second spot. “Kylie is a consistent hitter,” said Powell. “She is our best bunter and has a good short game. She has excellent range in the outfield and we are looking for big things from her this season.” Sophomore catcher Racheal Sisaind led the team in walks last season. “Racheal has a very quick release and is a good defensive catcher,” said Powell. Second baseman Julianna Ventracelli and first or third baseman Danielle Mascia are moving up from junior varsity looking to make an impact on the team right away. “Both girls will contribute to our success,” said Powell. Syosset is looking to another exciting year and want to come out on top. They are working hard to get further than they did last season and they have the talent to be successful in Nassau County Conference 1B. “It has been a pleasure getting to coach here,” said Powell. “Every year is different but the quality of good players is always consistent. The girls this season are great and extremely enthusiastic. They want to work hard and want to win. Their determination makes it easy to go out every day and work with them.”

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SYOSSES SOFTBALL

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GARD CI

PROVES WINS CHAMPI

Stor P

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DEN ITY

DEFENSE IONSHIPS

ry By Robert DeVita Photos By Bill Kelly

The Garden City High School boys’ lacrosse team has been a powerhouse for a number of years now. This season has been no different as they have proved that they are a force to be reckoned with once again. This Trojans team had some high expectations coming into the season as they are coming off backto-back championship seasons. Despite the pressure, the Trojans have just played their game and done what they do best, win lacrosse games. So far this season the Trojans have picked up several key victories over Syosset, Massapequa, Bronxville and St. Paul. The team has been successful this year but like any team they have hit a few bumps in the road against Smithtown West and Ridgefield, which have accounted for the team’s only losses on the year. “So far so good, as a staff we do not put a schedule together to go

undefeated necessarily but rather to challenge the team throughout the season”, said Coach Stephen Finnell when commenting on the team’s success so far. The Trojans are currently sitting at first place in their conference and have gotten to where they are due to their tremendous effort on defense. There’s a saying that goes for all sports and that is defense wins championships. If a team can make the effort to shut down the opposing offense on a regular basis thats a big advantage.

to shut down the opposition on a game to game basis. Guys like Tim McDonagh, Cullen Minion, Thomas Wright, and Matt Borges have been able to lock down their side of the field. These four guys command the defensive side of the field and make it a hassle for the opposition to get anything going on offense what so ever.

“We feel good about the defensive end; they really have been bailing us out. The defense has kept us in every game and has given us a chance”, said Coach Finnell That is the case for when discussing the this team, the Trojans play of his defense. play with a defense These four first mentality. “I lockdown defenders really think we are a have been causing defensive team first. havoc for offenses for Our defense has an a couple of years now. outstanding goals They are all savvy against average and veterans, big time we feel like with our players for Garden defensive group we City. McDonagh is can compete against a three-year varsity any team”, said Coach player, a three-year Finnell. They have a starter and has started number of outstanding at the two state defenders who have championships. “Very, made it their jobs very tough kid he’s

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GARDEN CITY

the heart and soul of our team. Three-year starter. Doing a super job, really it starts with those guys on the defensive end”, said Coach Finnell. Continuing on with the defensive trend, the Trojans have an answer for offenses that break through their line of defense. His name is Danny Dolan, the goaltender who has done an outstanding job for the team in his two years as a starter. Dolan gets the job done; he’s one of the best in the net. A goaltender that can bail the rest of the defense out is essential to have. Transitioning to the offensive side of the ball, the Trojans have struggled a bit on offense but no matter what always seem to find the back of the net when they need it most. They are led by senior attacker Cody George, who leads the team with 14 goals this season. “Cody is a 3 year starter and has played midfield and attack. He is the lone key guy coming back on offense that has really played a lot,

doing a very nice job, he’s very quick and been a good leader down on that end for us”, said Coach Finnell when discussing the play of one of his top scorers Cody George.

who have the defense first mentality.

Every great team needs to have a high level of chemistry in order to gel together. A team is like a welloiled machine if all the Some other guys parts are working to who have been able their full potential that to contribute for the is when you will get Trojans offense are the most out of it. Kieran Byrnes, Luke “I think each McDaid, JP Basile season is its own and James Sullivan. separate entity. The Byrnes has scored 12 seniors from 2012 goals on the season and and 2013 have moved registered 10 assists; on so it is up to our McDaid is not far 2014 class of seniors behind scoring 8 goals, to lead us. To that end I with 11 assists. As for think the chemistry has Basile he has scored 10 gotten better and better goals and has notched as the season has gone 4 assists. Sullivan along”, said Coach has done it all for the Finnell. Trojans this year he With that being said has scored 5 goals, but there is still plenty is best known for his of lacrosse left to be face-off expertise. played and a lot can These guys make change from now to the up a well balanced end of the season. One scoring attack, but thing that can remain their scoring attack constant is the success would not be possible of this team, as long as if it wasn’t for their they are the same page defense. The Trojans a possible three-peat defense has translated could be in the cards into offense and has for the Garden City created some great Trojans. scoring opportunities. You really have to tip your cap to a group of unselfish young men

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Working Hard Everyday

Kings Park

We want to do the best we can do in our division. Head Coach Sally Ayres

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lot of energy to the team and works hard. “Jenna comes up with key saves when we need her to,” said Ayres. “We are expecting big things from her this season.”

Senior defender Joelle Goldstein is in her fourth season on the team. “Joelle is a great leader and a great defender,” said Ayres. “She has a lot of height from volleyball and is fast “Our goal is to make it on the field.” to the playoffs,” said Kings Senior midfielder Park varsity girls lacrosse Shannon Mazza is in her head coach Sally Ayres. fourth year on varsity. “We want to do the best “Shannon has a very hard we can do in our division.” shot,” said Ayres. “She has Kings Park is in Division a good sense of the game Two of Suffolk County. and is a natural leader.” Division Two is a tough Senior Emily Santoli league with Mount Sinai, Eastport South Manor, is a versatile player that Sayville and Miller Place plays a variety of positions all fighting for the top spot. including attack, midfield Kings Park does not have and defense. Santoli is in an easy road ahead of them her fourth year on varsity but they can compete in and is one of the top scorers their division. “We have on the team. “Emily is the a talented, challenging full package,” said Ayres. division,” said Ayres. “We “She has a great move should be able to have a to the goal. Emily is a winning record and have a great leader and a good solid chance of making the defender.” Senior attack Casey playoffs.” Ayres is entering her 14 Rote is in her fourth year season as the head coach. on varsity. “Casey has Ayres also went to school a very good shot,” said at Kings Park. Last season Ayres. “She has a great Kings Park graduated six finishing move and is very seniors and this season strong.” they have a veteran team with six senior captains running the show. Senior goalie Jenna McGuire is in her second year on the team. McGuire brings a

“Tori is very good at feeding her teammates the ball,” said Ayres. Three sophomores that are looking to make an impact this season are Rachael Flagle, Kristin Frizol and Kayla Buell. All three were on the team last season. “They all have a year of experience and we are expecting great things on offense and defense from them,” said Ayres.

They all have a year of experience and we are e x p e c t i n g great things on offense and defense from them,

he Kings Park girls’ varsity lacrosse team is looking forward to having a great season and making a run for the playoffs after narrowly missing the playoffs last season. They have already played three games and have an overall record of one win and two losses and a division record of one win and one loss.

Head Coach Sally Ayres

Freshman Jill Winwood is an up and coming star, also looking to help Kings Park succeed. The rest of the team is made up of four freshman, one sophomore and three juniors. “We have a lot of unique personalities melding together and I’m looking forward to watching the team grow and become a cohesive unit,” said Ayres.

Next up on the schedule is John Glenn on April 1, 2014. Kings Park is working toward making the playoffs and having a winning season. They have a tough road ahead of them but are determined to not get left out of the playoffs. The six seniors are ready to lead their team to a winning season. “The girls work hard every day and want to be successful,” said Ayres. “It is great coaching them. They have Rounding out the a great chemistry and work seniors is attack Tori well together. I’m looking Silvers. Silvers is versatile forward to a great season.” and can transition to midfielder and defense when they need her to.

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LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY POST PIONEERS DOWLING COLLEGE golden lions

return, LIU can really start expecting more victories. Even with that, the Pioneers have some areas to improve upon, and Collins has already been making adjustments. “Going into the year, we felt solid in certain areas, but we had certain question marks in other areas,” Collins said, “We have to stop giving up the big play.”

Story by Kevin Freiheit Photos by Morgan Harrison

The defense has had a rough time, especially over the past two games, giving up 86 combined points. It was a major difference as the defense allowed just 28 in the first pair of games. Collins is confident that the Pioneers can recover from the losses and put together a winning season.

DOWLING Men’s Soccer A Stands Tall

“This team is sticking more together,” Collins said, “Adversity causes some to break, and others to break records. We’re always working hard, and we have excellent recruiting class that is showing.” A big piece of the Pioneers’ puzzle is how the younger players perform. “It’s a huge role from younger players,” Collins said, “We’re very happy with the freshmen class. We want to

he Dowling College men’s soccer team was unsatisfied with their

“

We have a tremendous roster and This season, the Pioneers got off to a start again, winning the opening pair we have already won hot more games of games and scoring 71 points. However, this year than all ofLIUlast year. took a step backwards as they dropped the next two games, falling back to .500

maintain a winning attitude, and make sure the freshmen are seeing it.” The confidence level for LIU is still high, and the Pioneers believe that they are a talented enough team to put together a successful season. The coaches believe in the players, and they are willing to work to make them even better. “I really do believe this is a special group of players,” Collins said, “They’re preparing very hard to play these games. Everything is in place for them to succeed, and we’re hoping for big things from the Pioneers this season.”

declining, and they have lost that winning touch they held onto for so long.

results from a year ago. After DiRico noted that the team lost eight posting a 2-15-1 record, the Golden Lions games by only one-goal last year, but knew that change was necessary. With regardless, it was still a disappointing Dowling has season. The Golden Eagles have played fter a disappointing finish to only last 13 onreturning the year. players, The Pioneers are facing alreadyancollected moresituation wins than all of season, the Long Island University eerily similar to the one in four one-goal games this year, but have bythey winning the firstbut fiveare been on the winning side more frequently. Post Pioneers are looking to last get year that were three in lastofseason, games looking this season. back where they belong. Following two for a completely opposite With an experienced coach like successful winning football seasons, theHead outcome. Despite the two coach John DiRico is game in hislosing DiRico, Dowling already has a starting Pioneers finished with a 3-7 record 22nd last year streak, head Coach Bryan Collins is of coaching and understands point to get back on track. “We have a year, falling short of their ultimate goal. team can getLions back on the what itconfident takes to that win.hisThe Golden completely different team than last year,” right track. were National champions in 2006 and DiRico said, “We have a tremendous Despite winning the first two games would consistently post season 10 roster and we have already won more of the year by a combined 91-36 score, “I fully expect us to of compete,” or more wins.said, However, overis the last9-2, games this year than all of last year.” LIU was unable to keep the momentum Collins “Our goal to go two years, their up performance has been one week and one week down. going. Bloomsburg University halted the energy and the Pioneers started an Attack the next opponent.” The unfortunate string of defeats. Throughout Pioneers have been battling injuries the rest of the season LIU would only during both this season, and the winKevin one other game, a 20-15 victory over last one. While many coaches will Story by Freiheit Millersville University on homecoming never use injuries as an excuse, Photos by Morgan Harrison weekend. A losing season can be looked they certainly hurt the overall at in more ways than one. While it wasn’t quality of the team. the anticipated or wanted outcome, the “Our starting running back Pioneers used the year to learn, rebuild has battled an ankle injury, but and improve. he’s playing through it,” Collins

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said, “We’ve been struggling with injuries. If we can get back healthy, we’ll continue to get better each week.” Once a few of the injured players begin to

Freshman infielder Alex Hailes is one of the new players on the team and is looking to get his collegiate career off to a good start. “This team has gelled together really quickly and I have high expectations,” Hailes said. Hailes, who is from England, didn’t hesitate to say that he is more concerned than how the team is doing than personal statistics. At the same time, he knows that he is going to have to step and contribute when called upon. “Hopefully I can make a big impact, stay off the bench and make a difference,” Hailes said.

team become that successful once again, but he’ll have to do it with a completely new set of players, a lot of whom are new. “This team has the makeup, the talent and the chemistry to get back to where we are used to being,” DiRico said. “I have a good sense of where this team can go.”

Returning striker Kariym Balthazer knows what it’s like to play for Dowling, as he did last year, but wants to see the team be successful. “The sky is the limit”, Balthazer said. “We have a lot of work to do, but we’re responding well. I’m happy with how we already beat our record from last year.”

DiRico’s determination to win translates to his players and he aims to recruit players that have the same mentality that he does. “I recruit players from winning programs and my players hate to lose more than they love to win,” DiRico said.

Improving a record from a season ago, but that’s just the first step for Dowling soccer. The Golden Lions made a name for themselves and were a strong force, and an intimidating team to play against.

Head coach John DiRico

DiRico has plans of seeing his

DiRico has set high standards for the Golden Lions and he has every season, regardless of past records or performances. “The coach has high expectations of you and doesn’t settle for mediocracy,” Balthazer said, “I respect him as a coach.”

The Golden Lions are off to a good start, but the season has just begun. Dowling will try to make a deep run for the first time in three years.

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SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE sharks NAS SAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE

LIONS

“I believe that hard work beats talent, every time talent does not work hard,” says Kim Simpson, head coach of the Suffolk County Community College Girls Volleyball team. In Coach Simpsons past five seasons with the �harks, the team has made it to the regional semifinals four times. Last season, the Sharks had a record of 22-1 and went to nationals after winning their region. The team included an all-American nomination, as well as multiple all-regional players.

about the game, I must also exhibit it. I work my girls hard and expect a lot out of them.” She says, “No matter how talented, I expect my teams to work, work, work until we hit our final goal of winning the region.”

volleyball, you always know when she is on the court.” Brittney led the team in kills last season. “She works extremely hard and is passionate about the game. She loves to have fun at practice with her teammates and loves to push them. She is a true leader ”, according to Simpson. With a bright future ahead, on and off the court, Brittney is pursuing a future career in nursing. Simpson says, “She is going to do amazing things on the next level when she leaves Suffolk.”

NASSAU LIONS OFF TO A STRONG SEASON Kim Simpson’s volleyball career began at NYIT, where she was a scholarship player for four years. Since then, she has worked with multiple volleyball programs such as the Longwood PAL and the Long Island United travel 18 year old volleyball team. Coach Simpson’s enthusiastic coaching and hard work by the players has lead to indisputable success for the Suffolk Volleyball program. Simpson believes in leading by example, “I think if I want them to have desire and passion

SUFFOLK SHARKS

Team captains for the 2013 season include returning sophomores Amanda Dill and Brittney Olazagasti.

Amanda Dill, from Patchogue, was nominated to the all tournament team at the regional playoffs in 2012, where the team took first place. �impson says, “I am very lucky to have someone like Amanda on the team who pushes others to be the best they can be.” This dedicated student athlete is described as a , “consistent, strong, and a mentally tough player.” Amanda hopes to continue playing at a four year school after graduating from SCCC. Fellow team captain and extremely talented player, Brittney Olazagasti, from Selden, NY is a first team all regional player. Coach Simpson says, “Brittney loves

Sophomore Katie Shannon from Selden, controls the court for the Sharks, and is the team’s setter. “The team depends on her and she has done such an amazing job setting up all of our hitters so far this season. She loves the game and wants to continue playing at the next level. Katie is willing to work on anything or try anything you ask her to. Sometimes as a coach you know you push people, and sometimes you must stop before you break them, but there is no breaking Katie. She wants to be the best player she can be!” says Coach Simpson. Simpson describes her as, “a caring, dedicated and hardworking

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look forward to successful year Story and Photos By Kevin Sperandeo

Suffolk Girls Volleyball

NASSAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL

In their six wins this season, Nassau has put up 240 points, an average of 40 points per game. Those numbers increased after the Lions defeated Hudson Valley Community College 68-20 in a game that got out of hand quickly.

young lady.” Fighting her way to a starting spot with very talented group, freshman, Carly Lombardo from Stony Brook has been able to find her role on the team. Coach Simpson says, “She is volleyballminded. She has been around the game for so many years and is driven to be successful.” Carly came to the team from High School coming off not only a Division 1 Suffolk Championship, but also a Long Island Championship. Described as a player that always brings one hundred percent, Simpson says, “She is a versatile player, I can ask her to play any position on the court, and she will gladly do so.”

Another key player for the team is Kiersten Kissinger from Islip. This is �iersten’s first year with the �harks. According to Coach Simpson, “She is a humble player; she works hard at practice, and truly loves the game.” Kiersten is a sophomore transfer student from SUNY Oneonta. Coach Simpson says, “We are lucky to have Kiersten transfer back home to join the Suffolk volleyball team.” Having a presence on the court, Simpson describes Kiersten as a, “strong, loud and aggressive player. She is great to watch when she gets more excited for a teammates accomplishments then her own.” With great teamwork, dedication,

respect and passion, Coach Simpson believes the team will go far. The goal is always to win the region and make it to nationals, “That is always what the girls are working to”, says Simpson. This year’s team looks promising, and they are set for another successful year. Simpson says, “They have many talents on the court, strong hitters, big blockers, tough defense, but I love that these girls know the true meaning of being a team and what a teammate really is.” The �harks played their first match on September 3rd. They beat Hostos Community College with a score of three games to none.

The Lions defense has allowed more than seven points in a game just twice this season and have yielded 60 points overall, through the first six games. By scoring four times more than the opponent, Nassau isn’t going to have a problem winning games. They haven’t been relying on star senior players, either. Nassau has been able to spread the wealth and possesses numerous ways to score.

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�ophomore quarterback Troy �ones has led the Lions to victory at every chance he has had this season. �ones has completed 56 of 97 attempts this season, along with 10 touchdowns. His longest play of the year went for 82 yards and he is averaging just over 1�0 per game. �ones has plenty of talented wide outs to throw the ball to, but if there’s a favorite target he has, that very well may be sophomore Antwane Grant. Grant has found the end zone six times this season, including three in the win against Hudson Valley. Grant has three 100-yard receiving games and has made at least a reception during every game, except one. When they’re not throwing the ball, the Lions have a great option in sophomore running back Travis Lock, who has been a big part of the offense this year and has made some big runs all season long. Lock has gained �23 yards and three touchdowns on 93 carries. His longest run of the season was 56 yards.

“I believe that hard work beats talent, every time talent does not work hard” Kim Simpson, head coach

Suffolk Girls Volleyball

With these offensive options, the Lions can be an unpredictable group, and can win games in different ways. Grant and �ones have created problems for their opponents so far because they are both so dynamic.

f there’s one word to describe the Nassau Community College football team, it’s “dominant”. The Lions are plain and simple destroying their opponents this season and have shown no signs of slowing down. The Girls Lions are off to a 6-1 start and have Suffolk Volleyball proven, time after time, that they will be a team to beat going forward. Nassau has been on a roll and is building more momentum and confidence with every win, making it that much more difficult for another team to stop them.

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The Lions will look to both of these players to keep doing what they have been as they continue. The Lions had their toughest game of the season recently, and the results were different this time. Nassau suffered its lone loss of the season, which snapped a six game winning streak. The Lions fell to Georgia Military College, the �1 ranked school, by a �5-22 score. Playing the top seeded school is always tough, but Nassau has the talent and mentality to bounce back. The Lions have a few games remaining on their schedule. They will take on Louisburg College, Globe Tech and ASA College to close out the regular season.

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SPOrT PSYCHOlOGY Ira Silverman: The Jerry Maguire of Long Island

Ira SIlverman LIFE OF A SPORT AGENT

early every elite high school athlete harbors a fantasy of continuing on and becoming a pro. After all, who wouldn’t want a life of glamour, fame, travel and wealth? All the while, doing the thing you love the most. Not a bad gig but as every young athlete knows, the chances of making it to the pros is fairly remote. One must be better than the best in the nation and also avoid injury. What typically occurs, after a stellar high school or college career one must unfortunately and reluctantly say good-bye the glorious Friday Night Lights in the arena and move on. But wait a minute, not so fast. Maybe there is a way to stay connected to the wonderful world of sports.

psychologist. It would be a great job and I’d stay in sports. Although, sport psychology is not the only field that connects with sports. Remember the Oscar winning film with Tom Cruise called Jerry Maguire. That film was inspired by and based upon the life of sports agent and attorney Leigh Steinberg. He represented Troy Aikman, John Starks, Dusty Baker and more.

To find out more about the life of a sports agent I called upon Ira Silverman who is one Long Island’s best. Ira has worked with and represented athlete’s like Freeman McNeil and Doug Flutie (football), Nancy Kerrigan and Nicole Bobek (figure skating), Brandi Chastain (soccer) and Hakeem ‘The Dream’ Olajuwon I was a pretty good college golfer but I (basketball), and my good friend, Ann Ligouri realized early on that I would never make it to (media personality). He is currently working the tour. I decided to peruse a career as a sport with the former Yankee star Fritz Peterson.

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Soccer star Brandi Chastain or “Hollywood” is one of the super stars Ira has helped.

During our wide ranging interview I discovered that like the real Jerry Maguire, Ira Silverman is very well educated with a degree in journalism from Syracuse University and a Masters from Washington University. He described his job was to “publicize, promote and market sports figures, corporations, companies and foundations.” As the interview proceeded I asked him what the essential qualities of a great sports agent were. Here is a list of what he told me:

Hakeem ‘The Dream’ Olajuwon of basketball stardom is one of Ira’s clients.

the business opportunities for my clients.” 5) Writing Skills: “My job is all about communication. I need to write well and also to speak well face to face.” 6) Legal Background: “Make sure you take classes in law and contracts because these skills are always used in my business.” 7) Intelligence: “You always need a good fund of information in order to converse with many types of people.”

1) Honesty: “One must always 8) Negotiation skills: “You need build trust and that happens when to be able to look the other guy in the yon are honest.” 2) Perseverance: “I do not use the eye and not blink. I always know the word ‘can’t ‘. One must always be parameters of the deal before I enter the room.” tenacious and positive. “ 3) Contacts: “Contacts are the backbone of my business. I have met many people over the years including athletes, lawyers, promoters and media professionals. And I try to maintain contact with them all.”

9) Love of the Game: “I love sport, I love my job and I love people.”

I have worked with Ira for many years now. When I need help with negotiations and to make a contact he is the guy I call. Over the years 4) Creativity: “My job is to he has introduced me to athletes think outside the box and to expand like John McEnroe, Joe Namath and Freeman McNeil. I appreciate what

The great running back Freeman McNeil has also been helped by Ira.

he does for others, including me! As we left the interview I asked him if he had had anything to add to the interview. He reminded me to say that if the high school athlete is really interested in sports management he ought to major in sports management in college and that they could reach out to him for guidance at smmgsports@aol.com. He then said that a career in sports management is more fun than you could ever imagine. So if your dreams of becoming a pro do not come to fruition, think of sports management and do not be afraid to contact Ira. n example of Ira’s current work is SigTape. He works with someone on the West Coast who realized that every football player on earth uses tape every game and that in fact 65% of all athletes use athletic tape during play. So why not personalize it with the team or school logo. Good idea. The photo you see is from Penn State and shows how they personalized their tape.

Story by Sandy Sarcona

oo tired to grab something to eat before your morning practice? Too rushed to eat before your afternoon game? Not fueling your body before workouts can result in a sluggish performance! In the mor ning your body is in a fasting state. Your liver glycogen (storage of carbohydrate that regulates your blood sugar) is in very low supply. Low blood sugar can make you feel dizzy and faintnot a great recipe for peak performance. By afternoon our liver glycogen is usually filled up with our morning meals, so now you need to worry about your supply of glycogen stored i n you r muscles. Muscle glycogen supplies energy throughout exercise and can become depleted after exercising continuously for more than 90 minutes. Most high school and college athletes have at least 2-hour

practices. Working out on a quarter tank of glycogen or lower may lead to an empty tank of energy, just when the practice drills start getting intense! Your muscles will not have the energy it needs to perform and you will feel weak and slow- not something you want to feel or what your coach expects from you. Fueling up for practice or competition requires eating some form of carbohydrate about a half an hour before starting time.

Pre-performance snacks include: •

•

Pretzels, crackers, or dry cereal with raisins; pre-pack in

a snack bag.

•

Plain bagel (can add a small

•

Sports drink (Gatorade®, Powerade®, or Vitamin Water®).

amount of butter, cream cheese or peanut butter, but not too much as this slows digestion) or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (again go light on the p.b.).

Pack these snacks ahead or keep a supply

Cereal bar – choose one with in your backpack so you will always be mostly carbohydrate, lower in fiber, with just a small amount of protein; save the high protein bar for after practice. Too much protein and fat before exercise can be harder to digest.

energized to perform your best in practice and competition.

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TRAINING

MULTI-TASKING YOUR M

Do more work in less time with hy Story by Mike Mejia CSCS

t is tougher than ever to be a student athlete these days. As if trying to maintain good grades, keep up with your teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s practice schedule and have at least some form of a social life were not enough, you are also expected to stay in decent shape. Trouble is, who has got time to put in long, arduous workouts in the gym when you are being pulled in so many different directions? If only there was a way to work more muscle, in less time and address all of the areas you need to strengthen to become a better athlete. Luckily, there is! Enter hybrid exercises â&#x20AC;&#x201C; lifts that incorporate multiple movement patterns to provide the ultimate athletic training stimulus! Unlike more traditional exercises that focus on specific body segments, often through a single plane of motion, hybrid lifts pose a much greater challenge to bio-motor skills such as balance, coordination and spatial awareness, meaning that they require you to develop a greater sense of the way your body moves through space. This is a key skill to improve regardless of what sport you play. They are also incredibly time efficient and offer a terrific way to increase workout intensity. About the only downside when training with hybrids is that you will be limited to using only as much weight as you can handle for the weakest part of the lift. For example, if you are doing a combination squat and overhead press, you can only use as much as you can safely push up overhead with good form. Needless to say, this may not be enough load to completely fatigue your legs. However, despite not being an effective tool for increasing maximal strength, hybrids still have plenty to offer the busy student athlete who is looking to improve their game. Try the following exercises as either paired super-sets (where you perform one exercise after the other with no rest until both are completed, then rest for 60-90 seconds), or as a grueling circuit, by doing all six in a row and then resting for 90-120 seconds before going around for a second time. Either way, you are bound to get a great workout that will give you a whole new understanding for the way your body was designed to move.

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MUSCLES

ybrid training

SQUAT TO ROW Areas trained: Lower body, with an emphasis on the posterior chain (glutes, hamstrings and spinal erectors working together), upper back and arms. Execution: Stand facing a low cable pulley with your feet spread about shoulderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s width apart, holding on to a rope handle with your arms extended towards the pulley. Begin by sitting your hips back as you descend into a squat, keeping your arms extended out in front of you. Once your thighs are parallel to the ground, push back up with your legs as you simultaneously use your upper back and arms to pull the weight towards your torso. In the top position your legs should be completely extended, with your arms bent about 90 degrees and your elbows just past your torso. Hold for a second then lower back down and repeat until you have done 10-12 repetitions.

SIDE PLANK WITH BAND PRESS

EXERCISES

Areas Trained: Core and lateral hips, along with chest, shoulders and triceps. Execution: Secure a resistance band to a sturdy object and position your body several feet in front of it. Begin by grabbing the band with your right hand and then turning away from the anchoring point. Next, set up in a side plank position, using your left arm as the support. Bridge up off the ground and with the right hand held just in front of your chest, hold the side plank position and press the band out in front of you until your arm is fully extended. Hold that position for a second before returning your arm to the start position and repeating until youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve completed 8-10 reps, making sure to stay up in the plank position the entire time.

UNILATERAL ROMANIAN DEADLIFT & REVERSE FLY Areas Trained: Posterior Chain and upper back. Also helps develop balance and coordination. Execution: Stand balancing on one leg with your knee slightly bent, holding a pair of light dumbbells at your sides. Keeping your torso upright and core engaged, hinge at the hips by driving your glutes back and leaning forward at the waist, without bending your support knee any more. As you are doing so, slowly work the dumbbells up in a wide, arcing motion out to the sides of your body by pinching your shoulder blades together. In the finish position your entire torso, along with the non-working leg, should be parallel to the ground with your arms held out perpendicular to your body with just a slight bend in your elbows. Hold for a second, then lower and repeat the sequence with the opposite leg. Continue until you have done a total of 10-12 repetitions.

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PRINT OUT AN Abraham Lincoln High School

RAILSPITTERS Brooklyn Tech High School engineERS MASSAPEQUA HIGH SCHOOL LINCOLN FOOTBALL

CHIEFS

Becoming a THE ENGINEERS MASSAPEQUA HIGH SCHOOL

Powerhouse SEEK CITY

CHAMPIONSHIP E Story by Kevin Freiheit Photos by Kevin Sperandeo very football team starts the season with an ultimate goal.

been living up to their expectations, and have no intention of letting up. The

Story by Ryan McNamee // Photos by Anthony Hughes Most teams aim to go as far as Railsplitters are off to a perfect 6-0 they can and win the Championship. You can ask coaches before the season starts, and even during the year, and their goal will probably be to win every game.

They will give you the usual coach quotes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to take it one game at a time,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to win every single game,â&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our focus is winning one week at a time.â&#x20AC;? For most teams, they fail to achieve their goal. All it takes is one loss, one bad game, or even one simple mistake, to end a season. But the boys at Lincoln High have

start, and they have been merciless on WKH ÂżHOG DQG RQ WKH VFRUHERDUG

MASSAPEQUA Chiefs Ranked First at Pre-season Conference 1 Story by Jaclynkelli Kronemberg Photos by Kevin Freiheit

SACHEM NORTH MASSAPEQUA FOOTBALL PREVIEW

In its six games this season, Lincoln has allowed a mere 39 points and more than 10 in a game just once. Lincoln has many players that can step up and bring down the opponent. Junior Alejandro Oregon, who has 31 tackles, and leads the Railsplittersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; defense. Senior Leroy Hancle has recorded 30 tackles, as well.

he Massapequa varsity football team enters the season with a number one preseason ranking during Conference 1 in Nassau County. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our expectations are the same every year,â&#x20AC;? said Massapequa varsity football coach Kevin Shippos, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to win the Nassau County Championship and the Long Island Championship.â&#x20AC;?

On the pass rush, senior Thomas +ROOH\ OHDGV WKH WHDP ZLWK ÂżYH VDFNV When the Railsplitters donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get to the quarterback, they have found ways to

Shippos is entering his third year as the head coach of the Massapequa varsity football team, The Chiefs. Last year, Massapequa lost to Farmingdale in the Nassau County semifinals, but they are looking to come back this year and go even farther. Nassau Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Conference one is always tough, and there are a number of teams that can claim the title. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are a lot of good teams in our conference,â&#x20AC;? Shippos said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t one stand out team and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what makes our Conference exciting to watch and coach in.â&#x20AC;?

BROOKLYN TECH HIGH SCHOOL

he Brooklyn Tech High School football team is FRPLQJ RII RI D FLW\ TXDUWHUÂżQDOV ÂżQLVK DQG WKH Engineers are looking to improve upon that win with a city championship. As always, they have to go through a JDXQWOHW RI D VFKHGXOH DV WKH\ QHHG WR IDFH RII DJDLQVW ELJ ULYDOV LQ )RUW +DPLOWRQ 7KRPDV -HIIHUVRQ &DPSXV DQG %R\V DQG *LUOV +LJK 6FKRRO 7KH (QJLQHHUV DUH JRLQJ WR KDYH WR EH VKDUS WKURXJKRXW WKH VHDVRQ WR FRPSHWH DQG DUH JRLQJ WR EH UHO\LQJ RQ D VOHZ RI QHZ VWDUWHUV RQ ERWK VLGHV RI WKH EDOO 7KLV KDVQÂśW GHWRXUHG &RDFK 0F.HQQDÂśV FRQÂżGHQFH LQ KLV WHDP DV KH VWDWHV Âł:H PDGH TXDUWHUÂżQDOV ODVW \HDU DQG (I) hope the experience will help us in close games. We expect to be competitive.â&#x20AC;?

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Farmingdale, Oceanside, Freeport, East Meadow and Baldwin are all looking to make it hard for Massapequa to claim the title. Massapequa has a few three year starters returning this season that will look to make an impact and get them back to the semifinals.

$V D WHDP /LQFROQ KDV IRUFHG ÂżYH interceptions and seven fumbles. While their defense has been rock solid, their offense PD\ EH HYHQ EHWWHU )RUFLQJ WXUQRYHUV KDV allowed more opportunities to get points on the board, and they have done just that, thanks to the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stellar offense. 7KH 5DLOVSOLWWHUV KDYH VFRUHG SRLQWV RQ WKH VHDVRQ WR WKHLU RSSRQHQWVÂś Lincolnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lowest point total in one game this season was 26, which they did twice. Other than that, they have put up at least 36 points a game. Senior quarterback Javon Moore has FRPSOHWHG RI SDVV DWWHPSWV WKLV season, piling up over 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns. Moore has thrown as least two touchdowns in every game this season, with the exception of the one, against Tottenville. Senior runningback Antoine Holloman Jr. has played a big part in the offense as well. Holloman Jr. has rushed for 654 yards RQ DWWHPSWV DQG DQ DYHUDJH RI RYHU VHYHQ yards per carry. He has also found the end ]RQH WLPHV LQFOXGLQJ RQFH RQ D \DUG run.

MASSAPEQUA HIGH SCHOOL

The Engineers are going to be relying on key players WKLV VHDVRQ VXFK DV MXQLRU TXDUWHUEDFN (OLMDK 5XHGD VHQLRU :5 '( 'HRQ 0DVK DQG VHQLRU /% 2/ &KDZLW %XQGLWZRQJ 7KHLU SOD\ ZLOO EH FUXFLDO WRZDUGV WKH VXFFHVV RI %URRNO\Q Tech this season. The Engineers will have inexperience at some positions with the entrance of 17 new starters, %URRNO\Q 7HFK UHWXUQV ÂżYH VWDUWHUV DOO WRJHWKHU WKUHH FRPELQHG ZLWK ERWK VLGHV RI WKH EDOO 7KH WHDP ZLOO QHHG RQ GHIHQVH DQG WZR RQ RIIHQVH 7KLV ORVV RI SOD\HUV WR WKH VHQLRU OHDGHUVKLS RI FDSWDLQV &KDZLW %XQGLWZRQJ 3- JUDGXDWLRQ LV XQIRUWXQDWHO\ WKH QDWXUH RI KLJK VFKRRO IRRWEDOO /DQGHUV 2/ '/ DQG 7ULVWDQ %URZQ 5% 66 $FFRUGLQJ WR EXW QRQHWKHOHVV OHDYHV WKH (QJLQHHUV ZLWK D ORW RI KROHV WR ÂżOO &RDFK 0F.HQQD WKHVH SOD\HUV ZHUH FKRVHQ DV FDSWDLQV ÂłGXH

Senior Khendell Puryear has two interceptions and senior Jahsi Meade has an interception and two fumble recoveries.

Holloman Jr. does more than just run with the ball, he is part of a deeply talented receiving core, and has chipped in 10 catches for 165 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Senior receiver Malik Andrews has been the biggest target for Moore, though. Andrews has gained over 500 yards on 25 catches, and has scored ÂżYH WRXFKGRZQV LQFOXGLQJ D \DUG UHFHSWLRQ These are just a few of the biggest players on the Railsplittersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; roster that have been putting up big numbers, but Lincoln has many others that have stepped up as well. This is an experienced team that is loaded with talent throughout the lineup, and they clearly have what it takes to win. In recent years, the Railsplitters have posted UHFRUGV RI DQG /LQFROQ KDV UHFRUGHG ZLQV RYHU WKH SDVW IRXU VHDVRQV FRPELQHG )URP WKURXJK WKH\ ZRQ MXVW WLPHV VR WKH\ are doing something right. Their program has made adjustments, and is now heading in the right direction and in full swing. The Railsplitters are a team to keep an eye on, as they possess depth, experience, determination and intimidation. Lincoln is aiming to go far this year, and they have what they need to accomplish that.

FLAMING

Football in At 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;0â&#x20AC;? and 185 lbs., senior wide receiver/linebacker Nick Balzone is a three year starter for Massapequa. Balzone is a captain for the Chiefs, and was awarded all county last year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nick is humble and a hard worker,â&#x20AC;? Shippos said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is an irreplaceable great player for us.â&#x20AC;?

Brianrunning Coleman Another three year returning Story starter,bysenior by Kevin back/safety Jack Korber is 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;6â&#x20AC;? 165Photos lbs. In addition, he Sperandeo also returns punts and kickoffs. Despite getting hurt last season, Sachem North Korber still made second team, All-Longhe Island. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jack is anFlaming Arrows football team enters theand 2013 campaign with high exciting player,â&#x20AC;? Shippos said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is a highbred player a tough loss in the can play either wide receiver orexpectations. running back.The He team makessuffered a 6XIIRON &RXQW\ &ODVV , VHPLÂżQDOV LQ IDOOLQJ lot of big plays for us.â&#x20AC;?

eventually to Long Island champion Floyd. The Flaming Arrows actually held a 7-0 lead in WKDW JDPH EHIRUH )OR\G UDWWOHG RII VWUDLJKW SRLQWV on its way to another Long Island title. With many players from last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team still in the ORFNHU URRP IRU 6DFKHP KHDG FRDFK 'DYLG )DOFR KDV high goals and expectations for 2013. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our expectations are always to win a county and /RQJ ,VODQG &KDPSLRQVKLS Â´ VDLG )DOFR ZKR LV HQWHULQJ KLV WK \HDU DV WKH )ODPLQJ $UURZV KHDG FRDFK â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leadership is always important and we have created many leaders on our team over the past year and look forward to ZDWFKLQJ WKHP OHDG RXU WHDP Â´

to leadership by example.â&#x20AC;?

able to make the correct calls to help guide the younger players The offense consists of many talented players. Junior on the defense. Meanwhile, PJ Landers will give Bunditwong quarterback, Elijah Rueda, at 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;1â&#x20AC;? 200 lbs, has the size and the ability to rush free up the middle while taking double teams DWKOHWLFLVP WR VOLQJ WKH EDOO HIIHFWLYHO\ DURXQG WKH ÂżHOG 7KH DQG SHUVRQDOO\ FDXVLQJ KDYRF LQ WKH EDFNÂżHOG question will be how well he will be able to go through his reads The bottom line is that the Brooklyn Tech Engineers will be as a junior at the helm of the offense. If his pre-snap reads are replacing a lot of players, and will need some of their successful correct, the sky is the limit for this kid on the high school level. younger players to step up. They can rely on the leadership Tristan Brown will be carrying a good portion of the load at of their seniors, and the guidance of Coach McKenna to get running back. At 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;10 180 lbs. of defensive back speed, Brown WKURXJK WKH VHDVRQ +RZHYHU WKHUH LV QR VKRUWDJH RI FRQÂżGHQFH has the ability to run both inside and outside of the tackles. or belief in the Engineer locker room. McKenna emphasizes has all the weapons to end up as Massapequa Senior receiver/defensive back Craig is as their team philosophy. During the At wide receiver, Deon Mash will give the wide Engineers size and skill, will, andBerge teamwork champions. They have veteran players that know andand weighs in over at 175 Berge is the kicker,had his team climb a mountain together physicality to run the ball to the6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;1â&#x20AC;?, outside to pass thelbs. off-season, McKenna how to win games. The Chiefs will start their punter blanket and a for three yearwho starter.to challenge â&#x20AC;&#x153;Craig ishis a teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great overall determination middle. He will also work as a security Rueda, and bring them season ongoal September 12 against Freeport. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This athlete,â&#x20AC;? is an will be able to throw jump balls to Mash. Shippos said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has reliable togetherhands as a and team. He suggests, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe that no or outstanding receiver. On the defensive side, he hasif ayou have great will.â&#x20AC;? yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team task is impossible Brooklyn Techisisexperienced,â&#x20AC;? Shippos said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The The defense, like the offense will of cover corner.â&#x20AC;? nose forbe thereplacing ball and isa alotgood FRQÂżGHQW seniors cameDQG up with me from junior varsity as roster spots, but will have size and speed on the edge with \RXQJ DW VRPH SRVLWLRQV EXW LV DOVR DWKOHWLF well-coached. from their level At 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;10â&#x20AC;? andhave 175 steady lbs., three year starterDonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Nickexpect them to step back sophomores. If we can stay healthy and continue Deon Mash at the defensive end. They will also of playback, fromdefensive last year. They will be in the running for a PSAL Capuana seniorBunditwong that plays running leadership, and central control on defenseis from to work hard I expect big things from this team.â&#x20AC;? City Championship. back, andBunditwong returns punts Last year, at linebacker. Because of his experience, will and be kickoffs. Capuana had two interceptions that he returned for touchdowns. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nick has a low center of gravity making LW GLIÂżFXOW IRU GHIHQGHUV WR WDFNOH KLP Â´ 6KLSSRV VDLG Âł+H LV JUHDW LQ WKH RSHQ ÂżHOG DQG KDV WKH DELOLW\ WR change direction in a split second.â&#x20AC;? Captain Jake Fitzsimmons is a 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11â&#x20AC;? and 220 lbs. three year returning starter. Fitzsimmons plays offensive tackle and linebacker. He was asked to ÂżOO LQ DV D PLGGOH OLQHEDFNHU WRZDUGV WKH HQG RI WKH season last year, and will be continuing to play that position this season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jake is a leader by example,â&#x20AC;? said Shippos, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is smart and always knows where he has to be.â&#x20AC;? $QG ÂżQDOO\ WKHUH LV VHQLRU FDSWDLQ 5LFN /D5RFFR at 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;3â&#x20AC;? and 235 lbs. He is an offensive tackle and GHIHQVLYH HQG 7KLV LV /D5RFFRÂśV VHFRQG \HDU DV D VWDUWHU Âł5LFN KDV EHFRPH RQH RI WKH EHVW GHIHQVLYH players on the team and is a great offensive lineman,â&#x20AC;? Shippos said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He put on 25 lbs. of muscle in the offseason, and we are expecting big things from him this year.â&#x20AC;?

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NY ARTICLE! MASSAPEQUA HIGH SCHOOL

MAS SAPEQUA HIGH SCHOOL FARMINGDALE HIGH SCHOOL CHIEFS MASSAPEQUA Chiefs Ranked First at CONNETQUOT HIGH dalers SCHOOL Pre-season Conference 1 THUNDERBIRDS THE FARMINGDALE DALERS Story by Jaclynkelli Kronemberg Photos by Kevin Freiheit

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE

CONNETQUOT

H HIGH SCHOOL ARROWS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Floyd is at the top of the mountain and we are trying to get there,â&#x20AC;? said Falco, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will not give up in our pursuit of a championship. That pursuit is taking all of our thoughts and energy.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;As he goes, we go,â&#x20AC;? said Falco, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He looks good right now and we will have to keep an eye on his progress.â&#x20AC;? Sachem North is one of the favorites to

*655,;8<6;

ThunderbirdS aspire for the

long island championship

Story By Jaclynkelli Kronemberg / Photos By Morgan Harrison

receptions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tyler is athletic, has nice hands and runs great routes,â&#x20AC;? Hansen said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to him being a big impact player this season.â&#x20AC;? Senior running back/ linebacker Marcus Gutierrez (5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;9â&#x20AC;? 180 lbs.) is another key player to watch for this season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marcus is a tough hard runner,â&#x20AC;? Hansen said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He will carry a lot of the load this year.â&#x20AC;? The offensive line features three seniors DJ Gallino (6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;2â&#x20AC;? 270 lbs.), Rob Dawson (6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;1â&#x20AC;? 270 lbs.) and Jimmy Oliver (5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11â&#x20AC;? 250 lbs.). â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a solid offensive line,â&#x20AC;? Hansen said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;DJ, Rob and Jimmy are the anchors of the offensive line.â&#x20AC;? The defensive line features junior Sean Moore (6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;0â&#x20AC;? 250 lbs.), Gallino and Oliver. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our defensive line is physical and work hard.â&#x20AC;? Hansen said.

MASSAPEQUA HIGH SCHOOL

THUNDERBIRDS

Crossan rushed 10 times for 162 yards with three touchdowns in the season opening 35-6 victory over Sachem East, displaying the kind of talent that will be the catalyst for Sachem North in 2013.

Story and Photos by Kevin Sperandeo

â&#x20AC;&#x153; capture the Suffolk County Class I crown this season, with the other favorite being longtime foe Floyd. If Sachem North hopes to capture a county title, Falco knows that his team will most likely have to go through Floyd.

Every year our goal is to win the Long Island Championship.

Sachem North will be very reliant on its strong rushing attack led by Quarterback Trent Crossan. Crossan, who missed much of 2012 with a leg injury, is part RI ZKDW LV D WKUHH KHDGHG EDFNÂżHOG DORQJ with Malik Pierre and Kevin Bragglia.

MASSAPEQUA FOOTBALL PREVIEW

he Farmingdale High School Football team continues their tradition of excellence, UHPDLQLQJ XQGHIHDWHG LQ WKH ÂżUVW KDOI RI WKH 2013 season. The Dalers tradition for excellence UHĂ&#x20AC;HFWV WKHLU SDVW VXFFHVV )DUPLQJGDOH IRRWEDOO ZULWHV XS %LJ )RXU &KDPSLRQ \HDUV IRU WKH SDVW VHDVRQV DQG FRQIHUHQFH FKDPSLRQVKLSV VLQFH 7KH WHDP ZRQ D /RQJ ,VODQG &KDPSLRQVKLS

At 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;0â&#x20AC;? and 185 lbs., senior wide receiver/linebacker Nick Balzone is a three year starter for Massapequa. Balzone is a captain for the Chiefs, and was awarded all county last year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nick is humble and a hard worker,â&#x20AC;? Shippos said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is an irreplaceable great player for us.â&#x20AC;? Another three year returning starter, senior running back/safety Jack Korber is 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;6â&#x20AC;? 165 lbs. In addition, he also returns punts and kickoffs. Despite getting hurt last season, Korber still made second team, All-Long Island. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jack is an exciting player,â&#x20AC;? Shippos said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is a highbred player and can play either wide receiver or running back. He makes a lot of big plays for us.â&#x20AC;?

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+HDG &RDFK %XGG\ .UXPHQDFNHU KDV EHHQ OHDGLQJ WKH 'DOHUV WR YLFWRU\ VLQFH +H KDV EHHQ FRDFKLQJ IRU RYHU \HDUV KROGV RYHU ZLQV DQG LV RQH RI WKH PRVW UHFRJQL]HG KLJK VFKRRO IRRWEDOO FRDFKHV â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are a lot of RQ kids /RQJ ,VODQG .UXPHQDFNHU LV NQRZQ that have the potential to D FRDFK ZKR WHDFKHV IXQGDPHQWDO IRU EHLQJ be real impact players this IRRWEDOO DQG SXVKHV KLV SOD\HUV WR DFKLHYH WKH season for us,â&#x20AC;? said Hansen, PRVW WKDW WKH\ FDQ :LWK D JRRG VWDUW IRU WKH â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a great team and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s VHDVRQV WKH 'DOHUV DUH ZRUNLQJ WRZDUGV a pleasure to coach them.â&#x20AC;? DQRWKHU VXFFHVVIXO VHDVRQ $ VWURQJ UXQQLQJ DQG SDVVLQJ RIIHQVH KDV DFFRXQWHG IRU WRXFKGRZQV LQ WKUHH JDPHV 6HQLRU UXQQLQJ EDFN &XUWLV -HQNLQV DYHUDJHV \DUGV SHU FDUU\ VR IDU WKLV VHDVRQ +H UXVKHG IRU \DUGV DQG WRXFKGRZQV LQ

6HQLRU OLQHEDFNHU -RH /HH OHDGV WKH 'DOHUVÂś GHIHQVH LQ WDFNOHV ZLWK VROR WDFNOHV DQG DVVLVWHG 2Q WKH GHIHQVLYH OLQH 7KRPDV $PPLUDWL 6HQLRU GHIHQVLYH HQG KDV PDGH VROR WDFNOHV DQG DVVLVWHG ;DYLHU 6DQDEULD D VHQLRU FRUQHUEDFN PDGH VROR WDFNOHV DQG DVVLVWHG -XQLRU VDIHW\ 1LFN %XWOHU KDV UHFRUGHG LQWHUFHSWLRQV DQG WDFNOHV 7KH 'DOHUVÂś GHIHQVH KDV RQO\ OHW XS SRLQWV WR WKHLU RSSRQHQWV WKXV IDU LQ WKH VHDVRQ Senior wide receiver/defensive back Craig Berge is $IWHU D FRQIHUHQFH FKDPSLRQVKLS \HDU WKH SUHVVXUH 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;1â&#x20AC;?, and weighs in at 175 lbs. Berge is the kicker, LV RQ IRU WKH 'DOHUV )DUPLQJGDOH ZLOO EH SXW WR WKH punter and a three year starter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Craig is a great WHVW GXULQJ WKHLU QH[W JDPH SOD\LQJ FRQIHUHQFH ULYDOU\ athlete,â&#x20AC;? Shippos said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has reliable hands and is an 0DVVDSHTXD RQ 2FWREHU UG %RWK WHDPV DUH FXUUHQWO\ outstanding receiver. On the defensive side, he has a XQGHIHDWHG DW nose for the ball and is a good cover corner.â&#x20AC;?

At 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;10â&#x20AC;? and 175 lbs., three year starter Nick Capuana is senior that plays running back, defensive back, and returns punts and kickoffs. Last year, Capuana had two interceptions that he returned for touchdowns. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nick has a low center of gravity making LW GLIÂżFXOW IRU GHIHQGHUV WR WDFNOH KLP Â´ 6KLSSRV VDLG Âł+H LV JUHDW LQ WKH RSHQ ÂżHOG DQG KDV WKH DELOLW\ WR change direction in a split second.â&#x20AC;?

Massapequa has all the weapons to end up as champions. They have veteran players that know how to win games. The Chiefs will start their season on September 12 against Freeport. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team is experienced,â&#x20AC;? Shippos said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The seniors came up with me from junior varsity as sophomores. If we can stay healthy and continue to work hard I expect big things from this team.â&#x20AC;?

Captain Jake Fitzsimmons is a 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;11â&#x20AC;? and 220 lbs. three year returning starter. Fitzsimmons plays offensive tackle and linebacker. He was asked to ÂżOO LQ DV D PLGGOH OLQHEDFNHU WRZDUGV WKH HQG RI WKH season last year, and will be continuing to play that position this season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jake is a leader by example,â&#x20AC;? said Shippos, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is smart and always knows where he has to be.â&#x20AC;? $QG ÂżQDOO\ WKHUH LV VHQLRU FDSWDLQ 5LFN /D5RFFR at 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;3â&#x20AC;? and 235 lbs. He is an offensive tackle and GHIHQVLYH HQG 7KLV LV /D5RFFRÂśV VHFRQG \HDU DV D VWDUWHU Âł5LFN KDV EHFRPH RQH RI WKH EHVW GHIHQVLYH players on the team and is a great offensive lineman,â&#x20AC;? Shippos said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;He put on 25 lbs. of muscle in the offseason, and we are expecting big things from him this year.â&#x20AC;?

Connetquot takes their ÂżUVW VWHS WRZDUG WKH /RQJ Island Championship on September 11, 2013, when they open the season against Patchogue Medford.

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BRENTWOOD

INDIA

BRENTWOOD EAGER TO MAKE DEEP PLAYOFF RUN STORY BY BRIAN COLEMAN

PHOTOS BY KEVIN FREIHEIT

atasha Almonacy is a different player than Douglas, and the combination of contrasting skill sets is what makes the Lady Indians backcourt so potent. Almonacy is a senior who coach Christopher Harrison says brings a passion and energy to the court which fuels the rest of her team. “I believe Natasha is really coming in to her own at the right time for us,” said Harrison. “She has worked hard to improve the consistence of her outside shot. Natasha has always been an aggressive player, but this season she has learned control and is developing into a very good offensive weapon and all around player for us.” Not only has Almonacy improved her offensive game and patched up holes in her game, but she is the defensive anchor on the perimeter, usually being assigned to the opponent’s top offensive weapon. “She is our top defender and usually draws the toughest defensive assignment,” said Harrison. “Natasha is the type of player that

has a great motor and can run for ever without getting tired.” Her aggressive style has been one of the key factors in the improved Brentwood defense, but the development of Douglas and Almonacy have created a lethal backcourt that has the Brentwood faithful excited for the playoffs. The Lady Indians are not just a two-player show, and have received contributions from a number of different players this year. KallieRae Jones has provided them with a very formidable third-scorer who can take some the heat away from Douglas and Almonacy. Brentwood is going to need its other players to step up in the remaining regular season games and especially when the playoffs roll around. The top teams will try and eliminate your first and second options, making the depth of a basketball team very important. A season removed from being eliminated by Sachem East in the second round of the Class AA playoffs, Brentwood finds itself atop its own standings and eager to make a deep playoff push. Coach Harrison knows the challenges that still lay ahead, and wants to make sure his team takes the remainder of the season one game at a time.

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“I think our team should be very p have put themselves in position to League 1 with 3 games left,” said Har our willingness to except the challenge and attempting to get through the last 3 Sachem East, Commack and William maturity. I think every team wants to year on a winning streak against the bes league, and go into the playoffs on a hig

While the prospect of competing County and even possibly a Long enticing, Coach Harrison wants his pla the moment and embrace the opportunit

“As far as County and Long Island too much respect for all the great team as well as our County to make any said Harrison. “I believe we have a so am very proud of how far we come, a possible. We just want to take things one have fun, and compete. It’s important th in the moment and appreciate the opport have.”

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HIGH SCHOOL

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team knew that it had the potential to be a special season. The Lady Indians came in with a group of girls that had played together for years and were ready to finally have a breakout season. “They have grown together, they have lost together, and they have experienced some good times together,” said third year head coach Christopher Harrison. “Unfortunately we live in a time where even in high school some players change schools and transfer at the drop of a hat. Luckily we have a core of players who believe in loyalty and working out their issues rather than running from them.” Harrison praised the loyalty and dedication of his players who went through the hardships of losing seasons to get to the point where they are at now. Brentwood currently leads the Suffolk League I conference, just barely ahead of Sachem East and Commack. Commack is the only team in conference to defeat Brentwood so far this season and presents a challenge to the Lady Indians. While the Lady Indians are atop the standings right now, they know there is still some work to be done in the remaining regular season games.

“Our first concern is finishing the season strong,” stressed Harrison. “We have games against Sachem East, who has dominated our league for a decade, and Commack, who has been the only team to defeat Sachem East in our league the last couple of years. No matter what the outcomes of these games are, both games will be playoff environments, and will definitely prepare us for the post season.” Brentwood has positioned themselves very nicely thus far, cruising to an overall record of 13-2 and 8-1 inside its conference, is led primarily by its backcourt which is made up of junior Alexia Douglas and senior Natasha Almonacy. Douglas and Almonacy have been the team’s two leading scorers in each of the last six games, and both bring qualities that orchestrate the offense to near perfection. In the team’s most recent victory on the road against Longwood, Douglas poured in 21 points and Almonacy was not far behind with her 20 points. The two combined to outscore the entire Longwood team as Brentwood cruised to a 62-40 victory. “Alexia Douglas and Natasha Almonacy are the driving force behind our basketball team this year,” said Harrison. “I really feel like Natasha and Alexia

are developing into one of the top back courts around. Their play has even created more opportunities for some of our other players and is helping us develop into a very well rounded offensive attack.” That trait is what makes Douglas and Almonacy such dynamic players. Their ability to involve everybody in the offense and allow other players to find their own offensive game has taken the Brentwood offense to the next level. Douglas has had two 12-assist games already this season, and the junior guard has been the floor general for the Lady Indians. Coach Harrison recognizes her ability to not only get points for herself, but create easy scoring opportunities for the rest of her team. “When Alexia is playing well she is the engine that makes our team go,” said Harrison. “She is a very good scorer who is very athletic and gets to the basket, as well as shoots the three. I think what sets Alexia apart from other players is her ability to find open players and create shots for them.” Douglas also possesses the ability to fill the points up as well, scoring 20 or more points in 10 of her team’s contests this season, including a 30-point performance a home against Patchogue-Medford back in mid-December. Designed by Win-Kye Cheong

CHAMINADE H

FLYE

CHAMINADE HOCKEY FALLS SHORT IN TOUGH PLAYOFF Story By Brian Coleman Photos By Kevin Speradeo

fter a 2012-13 season that saw the Chaminade Men’s Hockey team reach the championship series of the Catholic High School Hockey League (CHSHL), expectations were high for the Flyers as it prepared for its 2013-14 season.

The school from Mineola, N.Y. boasted a regular season record of 12-2-2 last season, good enough for second place in the ‘A’ division of the CHSHL. The Flyers reeled off victories in six of its final seven games, with the only loss coming at the hands of St. Anthony’s, an opponent that Chaminade and the rest of the ‘A’ division now know all too well. With the top four teams in the division reaching the playoffs, Chaminade had a date with Iona Prep in a three-game series in the first round of the postseason. The Gaels from Iona opened up the series by shocking the Flyers and capturing Game 1 by a score of 4-3. Chaminade would rebound though, and defeat Iona Prep in the next two meetings, 2-1 and 4-1 respectively. The Flyers proved its dominance the CHSHL and advanced to the ‘A’ division championship. The opponent there would be more familiar and formidable, as St. Anthony’s was there waiting for Chaminade. The Friars from St. Anthony’s were the reigning three-time ‘A’ division champions and had its sights set on a fourth straight title. Chaminade had the league’s Most Valuable Forward (James Henry) and the Most Valuable Goaltender (Brendan DeStasio), but St. Anthony’s had a determination to capture its fourth straight CHSHL title. It took out Chaminade 4-2 in Game 1, scoring four times on the CHSHL ‘A’ Division most outstanding goaltender Brendan DeStasio. The second game of the series was a thriller, as the two teams traded goals during the regulation periods and sent the contest to an overtime session. St. Anthony’s would capitalize early,

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seek revenge for the tough playoff loss from the season prior. All season long, Chaminade looked like the best team in all of Long Island, and coasted to a 140-2 regular season. The only non-victories during the regular season were ties, one to Holy Cross and one to St. Anthony’s. In both instances, Chaminade battled back in those contests and earned themselves a tie. After finishing the season undefeated and coasting relatively easily through the CHSHL ‘A’ division, the Flyers were ready to shake off last year’s disappointing playoff defeat and make a run at a state championship. Chaminade would meet one of its familiar and redundant opponents. The team that had stood in front of them for CHSHL dominance for the past few seasons, St. Anthony’s, was the matchup for the first series of the ‘A’ division playoffs.

and opened up the scoring. In the end, Chaminade would secure the victory 4-2 and take the first game of the three-game set. So with the record still undefeated, Chaminade headed to Syossett to play game 2 on February 14th. This is where the season would take a turn for the worse, and the defense would come up short. The Flyers allowed less than 30 goals during the regular season, with its defense and goaltending being one of the main strengths. However, in the second game of the series, the Friars found the back of the net six times. It had control of the game throughout, and took home the victory 6-3 to force the third and final game of the series. The third contest was potentially the game of the year in the CHSHL, as both teams traded goals throughout regulation. The game would remain tied and needed an overtime session to sort it out. Unfortunately for Chaminade, the Friars would find the net in overtime and win the third game 4-3. St. Anthony’s would take the come-from-behind series and advance to the finals of the ‘A’ division playoffs. For a team who dominated the CHSHL competition throughout the year, scoring the most goals and allowing the least, it was a disappointing way to end the 201314 season. St. Anthony’s seems to be Chaminade’s kryptonite in the past few seasons, and one of the humps it needs to get over. However, with one of the best programs in the state of New York, Chaminade Hockey should bounce back with another successful season next year.

The series opened up on February 9th, and from the beginning looked like Chaminade would take control. After trailing 1-0 early on in the contest, the Flyers showed its wings

CONNETQUOT

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BOYS B

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y Jaclynkelli Kronemberg /// Photos by Kevin Sperandeo

Senior captain point guard Kristian Enriquez led the team in assists this season. “Kristian is an exceptional team leader,” said Drzal. Another player that made an impact on the team was sophomore forward Daniel Lewis. Lewis was named rookie of the year in League two in Suffolk County. Lewis averaged 7.9 rebounds per game this season. “Daniel is very competitive and team oriented,” said Drzal. Despite being in a tough league, the Connetquot varsity boys’ basketball team fought hard to come back this season and make the playoffs. This year Connetquot is graduating seven seniors after graduating four seniors last season. They are looking to rebuild their team and make it back to the playoffs next season. “I was very pleased with this team and our season,” said Drzal. “I had a great group of kids to work with. They were very team oriented. The seven seniors were young men. They were very mature and made great leaders for this team.” DESIGNED BY NICOLE MANZO

he Connetquot varsity boys basketball team finished up the season with a record of 10 wins and eight losses overall. They qualified for the playoffs this season despite just missing the playoffs last season. Connetquot finished the season in a hard fought battle against Kings Park with a 60-58 loss in the first round of the playoffs. “Our season was very intense,” said Connetquot boys’ varsity head coach Bob Drzal. “Most of the games we played this season were decided by six points or less.” Connetquot’s goal is the same every year and that is to be competitive in every single game they play. They accomplished that goal with most games being close and only losing two games by more than 10 points. Connetquot won five games by more than 10 points this season. “We were a better defensive team this year,” said Drzal. “They were competing in every game they played and they never gave up.” Drzal entered his 23rd year as the head coach this season. In his time as the head coach he has made the playoffs 11 times. Connetquot is in League two of Suffolk County and their biggest competition this season was Half Hollow Hills East. “Our league is exceptional, probably the most competitive in Suffolk County,” said Dzal. “All the teams are well prepared and coached. It is a highly competitive league.” Connetquot had a talented squad this year and played hard every game so they wouldn’t end their season in regular season play. The seniors led this team to the playoffs and worked hard to accomplish the goal to always compete. Senior captain small forward/power forward Terence Thomas is a three year starter that was named all-league, allconference and all-county this season. Thomas averaged 17.5 points and 12.2 rebounds a game. There were only four games he didn’t achieve a double double. Next season Thomas will be taking his talents to SUNY Brockport to play basketball. “Terence is an exceptional captain,” said Dzal. “He is a good shooter and rebounder.” Senior guard Mike Ansaldi was named all-league this season and averaged 10 points per game. “Mike is the perfect player,” said Drzal. “He plays exceptional defense and is a very intense player.”

HARBORFIELDS

TORNA

HARBORFIELDS G B tornadoes

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Harborfields’ Harborfields’ dominant dominant form form continues... continues...

he Harborfields girls basketball team (15-0, 100) hasn’t lost a game to another Long Island team since February 2012 in the Suffolk County championship game (to Glenn by two points). Other than that, they lost their final game of 2013 to MaineEndwell in the Class A state semifinals and also their first game that season, to a private school in Queens. This year, of course, they’re undefeated. Only three teams have even gotten within ten points. Some of the scores have had margins between 30 and 40. With that kind of dominance, you’d think head coach Russ Tietjan would be emptying his bench in the fourth quarter. Instead, he does so in the first half, so deep is his roster. Of his 14 girls, 10-12 typically see court time by the midway point, a remarkable stat for high school. After all, quarters are just eight minutes play; it doesn’t take the fittest player to last for most of the game. When you have talent, you’ve got to play it, even if they’re freshman – at least that’s how Tietijan sees it. Plus, five of his athletes are freshmen so it wouldn’t really make sense for all of them to play varsity (over the experience they could be gaining at the junior varsity level) if they didn’t at least sniff some court time. Those freshmen also benefit from practicing with some of the best players on Long Island. (Ten to twelve court-experienced players make for some quality sessions, according to Tietjan.) As deep as the Tornadoes are, their scoring is most divided between four players, junior guards Donasja Scott and Allie Turnick, and senior guards Toni Deren (whose younger sister, Angela, is also on the team) and Kristen Kelly. All four intend to play in college. Kelly’s path is already set. She has a full ride to NYIT next season.

“

When you have talent, you’ve got to play it. even if they’re freshman...

”

Tracing Harborfields’ box scores, it’s almost as if the four girls take turn having big games and the remaining 6 to 8 players take turns as the 5th leading scorer. In their second game of the year against Smithtown West (5-11, 5-8), for example, Kelly was out with an injury, and Scott missed the first quarter with her own physical issues. Down 31-23 at half, the girls rallied behind Scott’s return (20 points) and Turnick’s season high 20 points for a six point win. Two games later, Kelly had 20 points and Deren had 13 to pace the offense (Scott 11, Turnick 2 with 6 assists). No other player had more than three. Most consistent has been Scott (14.8 ppg) with Kelly (12.3 ppg) a close second. Just as Kelly had begun to re-establish herself as the go-to offensive weapon, leading the team in scoring in four straight wins over Islip, Eastport-Southport Manor, Sayville (46-36), and Rocky Point in January, Scott has gone for exactly 20 over the Tornadoes’ last three games, including their most recent win on Jan. 31 at Islip (10-6, 8-2), 66-43. Deren, meanwhile, might account for the most points overall, for she’s their best passer (and almost always leads them in assists) while also contributing 9.3 points per game. Undefeated and with such a lethal quartet of players, Harborfields has a chance to bring coach Tietjan his first state title. Otherwise, he’s won the league 7 times, the county championship four times, and the Long Island Championship twice. If they can’t do it this year, they’ll be contenders again next year with the return of Scott, Turnick, and a ton of hungry, experienced players ready to consume the extra minutes left by Kelly and Deren.

tornadoes

Photos by: Kevin F Story by: Scott Bickard

HUNTINGTON

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Huntington Fal

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“ Everyone worked hard and we

are motivated for next season. ”

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ry By Jaclynkelli Kronemberg /// Photos By Kevin Sperando

he Huntington varsity wrestling team finished 11th in the Suffolk County tournament and sent one wrestler to the State tournament. Last season they finished fourth in Suffolk County and sent two wrestlers to the State Tournament. “We fell short of accomplishing our goal to win the Suffolk County tournament,” said Huntington varsity wrestling assistant coach Kieran Mock. “The guys worked hard all season — We just had a tough tournament and had a few upsets.” Huntington finished with a conference record of five wins and three losses in league five of Suffolk County. League five consists of Kings Park, Islip, Eastport South Manor and Rocky point. “Our league is probably one of the toughest leagues in New York State,” said Mock. “The teams we come up against are among the best teams in New York State and that makes it very competitive.” Huntington participated in six tournaments this season and placed in first or second place in all the tournaments. “We placed in the top two in every tournament we entered this season,” said Mock. “The boys worked hard to be successful.” Coach Mock has been coaching for Huntington for the past 13 years and has taken the role of assistant coach to help Travis Smith, the head coach of the wrestling team. Mock wrestled for Huntington and was a State Champion in 1982. Last season Huntington graduated one senior and this year they only graduate two seniors. “This team is very similar to past teams,” said Mock. “They worked hard in the summer to prepare for the season. We only lost three seniors in two years so we have many returning wrestlers and are looking forward to next year.”

113-pound sophomore John Arceri is a two-time County Champion and is going to compete in the State Tournament this season. Arceri has been on the varsity wrestling team since seventh grade and already has 108 varsity wins. “John is looking to win the State Championship,” said Mock. “He is a good wrestler. He will have the most wins in Huntington history by the time he graduates.” The two seniors that were the leaders of this team were 126-pound Corey Jamison and 220-pound Anthony Puca. Jamison is a five-time varsity wrestler and he finished fifth in Suffolk County this season. Jamison has over 140 wins and he averaged 35 wins a season. Puca moved down from 285 pounds this season and has placed in Suffolk County the past three years. Puca has been on the varsity wrestling team since eighth grade. “Corey is a good performer,” said Mock. “You could always count on Corey to get 15-16 points every match. Anthony always came through for us. He was in the finals of every tournament the past four years. Anthony is a hard worker and should be a successful wrestler in college.” Huntington came up short of accomplishing their team goal of winning the Suffolk County tournament and even though it is disappointing they have shown they will be a team to watch out for in the next few years. The Huntington varsity wrestling team is looking to rebound next year with numerous returning wrestlers. There are four underclassmen that will contribute to Huntington’s success. 99-pound sophomore Kyle Mock, 152-pound sophomore JP Puca, 160-pound junior Brandon Nendez and 99-pound sophomore Ethan Dwyer will be the wrestlers to keep an eye on in the next couple of seasons. “We worked well as a team this season despite not reaching some of the goals we set,” said Mock. “Everyone worked hard and we are motivated for next season.” DESIGNED BY NICOLE MANZO

NORTHPORT H

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NORTHPORT BOYS BASKETBALL LOOKS TO REGAIN MOMENTUM STORY BY SCOTT BICKARD PHOTOS BY KEVIN FREIHEIT

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fter avenging an early season loss to Central Islip (13-2, 10-1) on January 17, Northport (at the time 10-2, 6-2) looked to be finding something of a groove. Three games and three losses later, they’re suddenly third in the league at 10-5, 6-5 – and just a game out of 5th place. Head coach Andrew D’Eloia couldn’t have expected this year’s team to match last year’s Suffolk County Championship qualifying pace. That possibility looked slim following the departure of a host of seniors (only one player on the current roster actually saw minutes last year) and ended altogether following their second loss of the season on Jan. 7, an occurrence that didn’t happen last year until the loss to Amityville in the county championship game. Current senior point guard Austin Marchese was the only underclassmen allowed to participate in 2012-13’s magical amalgamation of elite senior players. Luckily for the 2013-14 edition, he played significant minutes and is the undisputed leader of this year’s squad. The left-handed point guard does what is necessary to win, or at least keep the game close. (And whatever’s necessary to get fouled; he draws calls like a European soccer player, or Manu Ginobili.) Lately, he’s been scoring. He’s contributed season highs of 24, 24, and 23 points (33 of them on free throws) over the last three games -- losses by 2, 1, and 4 points. It’s probably obvious to say the Tigers are at their best when Marchese takes a more distributive role than scoring. Yet, perhaps the last three games wouldn’t have been as close if it weren’t for Marchese’s heroics.

HIGH SCHOOL

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Still, the 10-2 version of Northport had a much more evenly distributed offense. (They also won a ton of close games.) The big win over Central Islip was a prime example. Behind five three pointers, senior Aaron Pulver was the leading scorer with 17 points. Marchese had 14 points and 7 assists (by Newsday’s count). Junior Gerard Brady (6 points) hit some big three pointers; sophomore guard Brennan Whalen (10 points) protected the ball nicely and hit most of the open looks he was given.

basketball system. Though their players aren’t overly athletic (or very big this year), they’re all rather polished. Only Marchese is truly transcendent, but both Whalen and Brady have a steady skill set, and could emerge next year when the fiery senior leaves. Pulver’s three point shot is smooth and high enough to succeed in limited space (a little JJ Reddick in it). Complimenting those four are senior center Evan Tsouralas, sophomore Lukas Jarret (intriguing prospect), and junior Phil Volpe.

After watching them just once, it’s evident Northport has a strong

Three games remain for the Tigers, the toughest of which is their next one on

Jan. 31 against Half Hollow Hills East -one of the best teams in Suffolk County. On Northport’s side will be their home court, which was a noted advantage against a West Islip team that lost out on at least 6-8 points from crowd noise and general discomfort. Following that is a rematch at home against Sachem North (4-11, 3-8; Northport won the first game by 8), notable if you want to watch one of Long Island’s best running backs, Sachem North’s Malik Pierre, play basketball. The finale is at Bay Shore (a 15 point Northport win on Jan. 14). Designed by Win-Kye Cheong

WWW.ULTIMATEATHLETEMAGAZINE.COM Senior, Johnny Li had the spotlight on him this year. The four-year varsity player, has been an all county since his sophomore year. According to Adduci, “Probably the most talented natural scorer I’ve ever seen out of Kings Park.” He also states that Johnny plans to play at the college level.

In the first round of the playoffs, the Kingsmen played Connetqout in a close and hard fought game. Kings Park was down 6 points with 3-minutes left in the game. Not letting up, Senior Johnny Li scored 8 points in the last minutes of the game, taking a 60-58 victory in the final seconds.

Joey Adduci played varsity basketball for four years (2006-2010) at Kings Park High School, winning a Long Island Championship as a freshman. Adduci started as a sophomore through his senior year when he was a team captain and received all-league awards. This year he returned to Kings Park as an assistant coach and team trainer. Adduci was responsible for the strength and conditioning of the team at practice throughout the season and offseason. He states, “My coaching strategy would have to be on the emphasis of toughness and discipline. Since our team got moved up a league this year, there was no question there would be more naturally athletic teams. I wanted to make sure our team would be without a doubt, the strongest and most well conditioned team. The importance of discipline and toughness are often overlooked in today’s basketball world. Thankfully I got to play for, and coach with a man like Dave Shouler where toughness and discipline are a engraved in his legacy.”

he Kingsmen, “left it all on the floor and finished the season as a family” according to assistant coach Joey Adduci. The Kings Park Boys Basketball team were able to clinch the playoffs in the last regular season game against West Babylon, beating them 50-33. The undersized Kingsmen, proved to be worthy contenders with their physical and mental toughness.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY KEVIN SPERANDEO

Assistant Coach

and finished the season as a family.” - Joey Adduci

“...left it all on the floor

toughness and discipline

KINGSMEN

KINGS PARK HIGH SCHOOL

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Kings Park lost a tough game to Brentwood, dominating in size, in the second round of the playoffs. The Kingsmen played hard until the last seconds, and finished in defeat but were still applauded by their teammates, coaches and fans. Kings Park finished the season 7-7 in league with an overall record of 11-9.

Unfortunately, key players such as Johnny Li and Jordan Finzel battled injuries throughout the season. Adduci recalls, “Although this team has had its ups and downs. Coach Shouler always knows how to bring out the fight and will in a team. If one thing is to be said about this team, it’s leadership and toughness never failed in points of adversity.” The first year assistant coach reflects, “It was important for me to try and have a positive impact on the players. To make them understand the importance of hard work and strengthening the body and mind. More importantly, I wanted them to understand the importance of family. This years team will never compete together again. I would constantly preach that over and over in the locker room so they didn’t take it for granted.“

The Kingsmen had a lot of players step up this year. Adduci mentions, “Tom Bonelli and Roy Decker contributed with their senior leadership and love for their team. Coming up big in clutch situations. Freshman, Paul Cooper stepped up huge slicing into the lane constantly and helping open up the floor for our big men and 3-point shooters, Johnny Li and Dan Kelly. We also had big minutes out of seniors Matt Moser and Chris Diangelo.”

Senior, Jordan Finzel was “the heart and soul of this team on game day” says Coach Aducci, “We called him the warrior because he was constantly fighting through injuries, grabbing clutch rebounds and constantly willing this team to victory. He has such a great basketball I.Q. He is the best passing post man that Coach Shouler and I have ever seen.”

STORY BY SCOTT BICKARD PHOTOS BY MORGAN HARRISON

Young, But Seasoned

Team Remains

Boys Wrestling

Rocky Point

EAGLES

Rocky Point High School

ROCKY POINT HIGH SCHOOL

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Only Hauppauge (4-0) has beaten Rocky Point in a dual meet this season. But that one was close, 3729, and Hauppague has dominated every other team they’ve faced (and are ranked among the tops in the county).

The Eagles scored an important win against Islip (4-1 in league) on Jan. 24 towards meeting one “goal”: winning the regular season conference title. A win versus Kings Park (5-1) in their upcoming meeting would complete that task.

What he means relates back to that system and the way wrestlers are groomed in Rocky Point. According to Goldstein, his athletes train all year round. They’ve “bought into preparing to be the best they can be,” and have a rich “family network” to support their efforts. That’s why freshmen like Anthony Cirillo (106 lbs) are capable of winning the county championship – because some of them have been competing at the varsity level since 7th grade. Cirillo already has 50 wins, which is still only around 25 percent of the total of junior Thomas Dutton (145 lbs), the team’s best wrestler and owner of 195 career wins (as of 1/24/14). If Dutton continues his pace, he’ll set the Suffolk County record. Last year, he won the county championship at his weight and finished fourth in New York State. He’s earned All-County honors since 7th grade and is undefeated this year in dual meets.

“Young does not mean inexperienced however, and that is our strength,” he said.

The 2013-14 squad (4-1, 4-0 in dual meets) has continued the program’s winning ways (every year since Goldstein has been head coach). Given their relative youth, however, they could be more of an earlier version of the system’s final product at this point. Of their four best wrestlers, one is a freshman, two are juniors, and the last is a senior. Even as Goldstein admits his team’s youth, he doesn’t discount their prospects.

he Rocky Point boys wrestling team has a rich history, which feeds their year-round system, which feeds their history, which, well, is a positive feedback loop head coach Darren Goldstein continues to maintain after returning nearly ten years ago to the school for which he once competed. That loop reached its zenith in 2010 with a state team title and three individual state champions, all of whom have moved on to division I wrestling.

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- Coach Darren Goldstein

Young does not mean inexperienced however, and that is our strength.

That means one, two, or more of his athletes will have to improve enough to beat wrestlers from teams like Hauppauge and compete for the team county championship. They have all the necessary tools, support, and training; the question is, are they good enough this year? If not, perhaps the young roster will continue to improve and repeat 2010 form next season.

“As it is every year, to be the best version of ourselves individually so that it transfers into a collective focus and improvement,” Goldstein said of the team’s mission this year. “I try to put our student athletes in the best situation to be successful and reach their goals.”

No matter how far Rocky Point goes this year, that won’t necessarily be the bench mark of their season, for Goldstein’s goals are less quantitative than they are qualitative. They’re also specific to each individual, which makes sense in a sport where the parts can be more evident than the whole.

Rocky Point’s other impressive win was a dual meet victory over Minisink Valley, then the number three ranked team in the state.

All of Goldstein’s best four wrestlers won (as they have in nearly every dual meet of the season): Cirillo, Dutton, junior James Matias (138 lbs) and senior Joe Russo (170 lbs). Only Matias has lost this year, and he’s done so just once. All four wish to compete in college.

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