Sullivan proved she can be a hoops star, too

Barbara Sullivan is known primarily for her lacrosse prowess but her legacy at Garden City will encompass far more than her three state lacrosse titles to date. Having won a state championship in soccer and a Long Island championship in basketball this year she is one of the most prolific winners in Long Island high school sports history.

And now, she is Newsday's Nassau girls basketball Player of the Year and the winner of the Charles Clark award as Nassau's top player.

While high school athletes are increasingly devoting their time to specializing in one sport, Sullivan decided years ago she wanted to play different sports throughout her high school career.

"She didn't want to give up her whole life to basketball," Garden City girls basketball coach Anthony Sparacia said. "She's an example that we're trying to push in Garden City because ninth graders are trying to get ready to play varsity lacrosse and Barbara played three sports and she's making those kids interested [in basketball]. What she's done for my program is tremendous."

As the lone senior for the Trojans this season, Sullivan was already on a bit of a pedestal to her younger teammates but her success on the soccer and lacrosse fields as well as the basketball court have made her into an iconic figure for all of Garden City's athletes.

"I love playing sports and to compete on a high level," said Sullivan, who averaged 18.6 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals for the Trojans. "The stereotype is if you play winter sports you won't play lacrosse [at Garden City]. People overlook the winter season. They think you can't be good at lacrosse if you play basketball - like it interferes. I played it and [girls lacrosse coach Diane Chapman] 'Chappy' is very supportive of basketball. I hope people see me do it they'll be more likely to do it."

After falling short in previous years, Sullivan made it a mission to win the county championship this year.

The Trojans avenged a mid-season loss to defending county champion Division, in which Sullivan scored just seven points, by winning the county championship, 46-40.

"It was a culmination of my five years to get that county championship," she said.

The Trojans faced off with defending state champion Averill Park in the state semifinals. Sullivan scored 19 points, including the game-tying basket with 12.6 seconds left.

Averill Park capitalized on a Garden City turnover, hitting a buzzer-beater to knock off the Trojans 43-41.

"Obviously I'm still a little hurt, how it ended, I wish we got to stay for that state final game," Sullivan said. "I still haven't gotten over it but what we accomplished is awesome."