Sports

High School

ny-hswinter10-sg

When Tavon Sledge parachuted into the Half Hollow Hills West basketball program as a transfer from St. Benedict's of <a href="/topics/Newark">Newark</a> in the summer of 2009, he didn't exactly make a soft, billowy landing. It was more like the 5-8 point guard burst onto the scene with wings on his feet and springs in his legs. There was definitely something special in the air.
"The first time he came to the school, he told us he was a little out of shape," forward <a href="/topics/Chris_Cox">Chris Cox</a> recalled with a laugh. "Then he threw one off the backboard and windmilled it. That's the first time I'd ever seen a kid do that in my life. I was a little bit amazed."
Forward Emile Blackman had a similar, indelible memory of Sledge's introduction to his new teammates.
"We start practice off with a few layups," said Blackman, the nephew of former St. John's and <a href="/topics/New_York_Knicks">Knicks</a> star <a href="/topics/Mark_Jackson">Mark Jackson</a>. "The first two times he laid it up. The next time he jumped off two feet, tucked it behind his head and dunked it. My jaw just dropped and I was in awe. It was ridiculous."
Now it's the norm. "Over the past year, I've seen him dunk every day in practice," Cox said. "I expect it. But it's still unbelievable to see him do those things in games. He's able to take it from one level in practice to a higher level in games."
Sledge wants to take the Colts to a level higher this season. They fell one victory short of winning the school's first state championship last year at Glens Falls, and that's a powerful motivator for the <a href="/topics/Iowa">Iowa</a> State-bound dynamo and team captain. "Going back upstate is a must," Sledge said.
Even with leading scorer Tobias Harris gone on to college at <a href="/topics/Tennessee">Tennessee</a> and his brother Tyler, the Colts' third-leading scorer, having transferred to St. Benedict's, Sledge has - what else? - high hopes for Hills West.
"We can have better luck this year because of the whole team concept that we're following," Sledge said. "Last year, we were a lot about what people said about us on paper and on the Internet. This year, we're all about each other. We're one; we're a family. We won't have any problems, ego wise."
It all radiates from Sledge, who averaged a double-double last season (17.8 points, 10.4 assists) in earning first-team Newsday All-<a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a> honors. His dazzling dunks, scintillating steals and precise passes helped the Colts cruise to a 24-2 record (including a forfeit loss). They also helped him attract interest from major Division I colleges. Before he chose Iowa State, he was offered scholarships to St. John's and <a href="/topics/West_Virginia">West Virginia</a>, with other offers pending. 
Everyone was enamored of Sledge's spectacular stunts. "He's like <a href="/topics/Evel_Knievel">Evel Knievel</a> without the motorcycle," said Tom Konchalski, a renown recruiting guru and publisher of the respected High School Basketball Illustrated. "He's an extraterrestrial athlete."
Sledge knows he'll have an even greater role this season. With the Harris brothers gone, Hills West will feature more of a spread-the-wealth offense, as Blackman is the only other double-digit scorer returning.
"My approach is a lot different because I'm going to be more of a leader," Sledge said. "I didn't have to play that part last year because we had Tobias. He was a senior and the players looked to him for that extra push. This year, it's going to be my role."
It's a role he was born to play. Sledge leads by example. He worked diligently all summer on the perceived weakness in his game - his outside shot. "I shot hundreds of jumpers a day," he said. "My jump shot is a lot better, you'll see. And if the three is there, I'll take it. I definitely had to add that to my game because in college, there will be a lot of bigger, stronger guys."
But for his last season of high school, most opposing guards won't be able to keep Sledge from penetrating to the basket or jump-starting the Colts' fast break with his relentless pressure defense. "Everyone knows he's our go-to guy," West coach Bill Mitaritonna said.
Catch him if you can.

Boys Basketball

SKSLEDGE12

Spectacular Sledge is Hills West's high flier

The scouting report on Matt McLeod sounds like a late-night infomercial for an all-in-one utility tool. He slices (through defenses); he dices (up an offense). But wait, there's more. He whips (passes); he blocks (shots); he locks (down high scorers). 
"Whatever coach wants me to do. If he wants me to play D, if he wants me to rebound, if he wants me to score, I'm going to answer the call," said McLeod, a senior at <a href="/topics/Suffolk_County%2C_NY">Suffolk</a> Class A power Harborfields. "I'll do whatever I can to get us the win."
McLeod, at 6-3, is one of the most versatile players on <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a>. The Newsday first-team All-Long Island selection averaged 20.1 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4.5 steals. He might not match those numbers this season because Harborfields has more talent. "The thing that's a little different this year is that he's got a lot of scorers around him now. He knows his role,'' Tornadoes coach Chris Agostino said. "He's an incredible defender. He always guards the other team's best player. Sometimes he might play the point guard; sometimes he might play the scoring guard. He's really comfortable in any one of those positions."
There was evidence of McLeod's comfort zone this week as he helped Harborfields defeat South Side and host <a href="/topics/Uniondale%2C_NY">Uniondale</a> to win the Uniondale Tip-Off Classic. Against South Side, he registered a double-double, with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Against Uniondale in Wednesday's finale, the Knights took away the perimeter game so McLeod knifed inside for 20 points and made several key steals in the second half.
"We know he'll scrap his way to the basket. He's a good slasher," said center Nick Fessenden, the tournament MVP with 16 points and 11 rebounds in the finale. "We trust him and we know he'll make shots down the stretch."
In the fourth quarter against Uniondale's swarming pressure defense, McLeod scored eight points, including two tough layups in traffic, one that broke the press and gave the Tornadoes a seven-point lead in a game they won, 68-60. "This year, it's more about letting the game come to me instead of having to force stuff," McLeod said. "I have a great point guard in Lucas . We have two great shooters and a big man down low [Fessenden]. Last year I would have to rebound; then with Lucas hurt, I would have to try to get assists and score on top of that."
Shooting is his one tool that needs sharpening. "To get to the next level, I need to get better on my outside shooting," he acknowledged. "Every day in the summer I worked on it. We have a shooting machine and I took 300 or 400 shots every day. Now, if I've got the open shot, I'm not passing it up. Instead of driving, I'm going to knock it down."
McLeod's outside shot remains a work in progress and it's what has kept mid-major Division I colleges from recruiting him. He's already drawn plenty of Division II looks. His scoring and assists are slightly down early this season, but his defense is steadfast and his rebounding is up. "My dad stressed rebounding," McLeod said. "Whenever my game is off, he said you can always get easy points off rebounds. Defense? You've got to play defense to win."
And winning is what McLeod hopes will define his senior season. "That's the best thing about our team. We all know we want to get to states," he said. The Tornadoes fell one game short of a trip to Glens Falls last March when they lost the Class A Long Island championship game to <a href="/topics/Westbury%2C_NY">Westbury</a> on Sheldon Hagigal's buzzer-beating three-pointer.
"That's definitely a motivator," McLeod said. "Coming so close last year hurt so much. We're not going to let that happen again."

SKTBA12

McLeod does more than fill the stat sheet

Guard is the perfect position for the guarded Achraf Yacoubou.
Long Island Lutheran's 6-5 senior isn't a showman like former teammate Tobias Harris. He isn't as accomplished as <a href="/topics/Tyreke_Evans">Tyreke Evans</a>, last year's <a href="/topics/National_Basketball_Association">NBA</a> Rookie of the Year who Yacoubou played with as a freshman at American Christian Academy in <a href="/topics/Pennsylvania">Pennsylvania</a>. He doesn't have the pizzazz of current Hills West star Tavon Sledge, his friend from the AAU circuit. 
The best part of Yacoubou's game is his in-your-face defense, something rare in a standout high school player. 
He likes to guard more than just the ball.
Yacoubou will talk about his game - how he's trying to improve his ballhandling and three-point shooting. But finding your way into his soul is more like breaking a full-court press than taking him off-the-dribble.
Ask him what he likes to do off the court, Yacoubou answers "work out and watch TV.'' But it takes him about two minutes and countless "ums'' and "ahs'' to come up with "The <a href="/topics/Fresh_Prince_of_Bel-Air">Fresh Prince of Bel-Air</a>'' as his favorite show.
Inquire about where his unique name came from, and Yacoubou says his mom. But he doesn't know its meaning or origin, except to say "it's African.'' 
Question him about why he committed to a college (Villanova) before his junior season and here's what Yacoubou answers about the recruiting process: "At first, the feeling is 'Whoa, this is so exciting.' But after a while, it gets tiring. And your phone bill goes up.''
Ask him about choosing Villanova, and Yacoubou will tell you how he likes that it's a Catholic school and the "family-type struc- true'' of the basketball team. 
Finally, a small window into his thoughts.
Yacoubou admits he doesn't go to church every week, but acknowledges religion is important to him and that he enjoys the atmosphere at religious institutions. 
Though he maintains a relationship with his parents, the Bronx native lives with an extended family in Brookville. It's not far from Lutheran's Glen Head campus, but a long way from the circus of the New York City basketball scene. "It's a great place,'' Yacoubou says of his school.
The complexity of the intelligent yet reticent 18-year-old doesn't quite range from A-Z, but certainly from A (Achraf) to Y (Yacoubou).
"He's very businesslike,'' said second-year Lutheran coach <a href="/topics/John_Buck">John Buck</a>. "He's very mature. It's like he's 30 years old, so I talk to him as a peer.''
One problem - <a href="/topics/John_Buck">Buck</a> is only 26. 
The coach is a Lutheran grad who walked on at Wake Forest, where he earned four varsity letters and served as team captain his senior year. He knows firsthand what Yacoubou has to do to thrive in a big-time college environment.
"There's really no substitute for the pace of the college game,'' Buck said. "But [Yacoubou's] already so strong that I feel he'll adjust pretty well. He's the type of player who wants to steal it, dunk it and then steal it again.'' 
In Yacoubou's three seasons at Lutheran, there's been plenty of upheaval, especially the coming and going of the Harris brothers, and the move from Brian Carey to Buck as head coach. With five returning seniors and Buck's system already in place, Yacoubou is free to lead the Crusaders in search of their second Federation title in three seasons.
"I feel like things are a lot more stable,'' Yacoubou said. "We know each other's games and each other's spots. The expectation is to be the best we can be. If we make it far and lose, at least we know we played together.''
Yacoubou, last year's Sandler Award winner (given to the top player in Nassau), has averaged 20.5 points per game, 6.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists in his first two seasons at Lutheran. 
This season, Yacoubou has returned to the gym with not only a diverse set of offensive skills but also with a pair of bulging biceps. He's recorded a double-double in each of the team's first three games, including a 35-point, 16-rebound performance in an overtime win over St. Raymond's - one of the top teams in the state - last weekend.
"This is a young man who is very well prepared to play in the Big East,'' Villanova coach <a href="/topics/Jay_Wright">Jay Wright</a> wrote in an e-mail to Newsday. "We're extremely excited about his future as a Villanova guard.''
He should be - Yacoubou has this guarding thing down pat.

SKYAC12

Reserved Yacoubou is loud presence on defense

SKStateHoops27

In the cozy den of his immaculate ranch home in a woodsy section of <a href="/topics/East_Hampton%2C_NY">East Hampton</a>, with his dog, Jackson, flopped lazily on the floor and his wife, Nancy, in the adjacent kitchen just a shout away, Ed Petrie comfortably reflects on a basketball life and an East End lifestyle. 
"I had never heard of it," Petrie said of answering an ad for a coaching position at Pierson High School in <a href="/topics/Sag_Harbor%2C_NY">Sag Harbor</a> in 1959. "To me, growing up in Westchester, <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a> was Jones Beach. I got out a map and saw it was on the tip of <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a>. I said, 'wow, that's way out there.' " 
Petrie made the long drive for the interview, and was offered the job. He was shown a gym "that was only 55 feet by 40 feet [about 30 feet shorter than a regulation high school court] and looked like a closet it was so small." He said to himself, "I'll stay here for a couple of years and get some experience under my belt." 
Instead, Ed Petrie never left. "I fell in love with the East End," he said. And the small towns on the South Fork fell in love with the masterful coach who produced championship teams from a small talent pool, sent numerous players to college and professional basketball and built a hoops legacy. 
Petrie, 78, announced his retirement in October as the coach at <a href="/topics/East_Hampton%2C_NY">East Hampton</a> High School, capping a wonderful 52-year career that included 41 years and 588 victories as the Bonackers' head coach, 10 years at Pierson and one at <a href="/topics/Bridgehampton%2C_NY">Bridgehampton</a>. He won a total of 754 games, by far the most in Long Island history. 
The number of friends Petrie has won is countless. "He'll really be missed. He set the standard for coaches," said Jack Agostino, the <a href="/topics/Amityville%2C_NY">Amityville</a> coach and Petrie's frequent rival for league and county supremacy through the years. "If we could all just emulate him a little, we'd have a really great game. He was always an educator." 
Victories were a major part of Petrie's lesson plans. He won 20 league titles, three county championships and two state titles. His winning percentage was .745. 
Like his idol, legendary <a href="/topics/University_of_California%2C_Los_Angeles">UCLA</a> coach <a href="/topics/John_Wooden">John Wooden</a>, Petrie's image was one of scholarly coolness on the bench, but his inner furnace sizzled. "People don't realize that because they see his calm demeanor on the sidelines," Agostino said. "The thing I took from him is that you can be a fierce competitor but still be an educator and a gentleman." 
One of his former star players, Kenny Wood, recalled his old coach's attention to discipline and details. "He yelled at me more because he expected more out of me. I took it as a good thing that he cared enough to get on me," said Wood, who scored 2,613 points at East Hampton and led the team to the state title in 1989. "He helped me be a better person and to take what I do seriously." 
Wood, who had an outstanding college career at <a href="/topics/Richmond">Richmond</a> and played professionally in <a href="/topics/Europe">Europe</a>, said of the man he always has called, simply, Coach, "I played for dozens of coaches all over the world and he is by far the most knowledgeable coach I've ever been around. We didn't always have the best talent out there, but look what he did." 
Wood, whose older brother Howard also starred for Petrie before playing at <a href="/topics/Tennessee">Tennessee</a>, recalled visiting Petrie during semester breaks while at <a href="/topics/Richmond">Richmond</a>. "Coach broke down my shot better than anyone I ever worked with," Wood said. "I'd come home from playing in college or playing in <a href="/topics/Europe">Europe</a> and I'd go see Coach. Then every time I'd go back, I'd be shooting better than I had been." 
More than a shot doctor, Petrie loved to operate on defense. He said his coaching philosophy was "to take away the strength of the other team. If I had to do it by mixing things up with a combination of man-to-man and zone, that's what I did. Sometimes, I'd put in a new defense on Wednesday in preparation for Friday's game. I was constantly changing." 
Maybe that's what kept him fresh and in step with a changing game. He was a high school star in Westchester, a college star at Seton Hall and a late cut by the <a href="/topics/New_York_Knicks">Knicks</a> in 1957. After that, he went directly into coaching. "When I was in high school, I had determined that was what I was going to do," Petrie said. 
He cherishes much about his Long Island coaching career, but just like Wooden, will not rank his favorite teams or players. Naturally, he loved coaching his sons at East Hampton, Mike ('76) and Eddie Jr. ('78), both of whom earned Division II scholarships and whose photos occupy prime space on the den wall. "It wasn't hard coaching them," Petrie said. "Fortunately, they were talented enough that there wasn't any question about whether they should or should not be starters." 
He cited his teams from 2000-03 that couldn't get past <a href="/topics/Amityville%2C_NY">Amityville</a> on the road to Glens Falls because the Warriors strung together four straight state titles. "We were close, but they were stronger," Petrie said. 
He's fond of his Pierson team that reached the <a href="/topics/Suffolk_County%2C_NY">Suffolk</a> finals in 1968, when it was an open tournament. "The county tournament had only started a couple of years before that," Petrie recalled, "and there was some question about whether the smaller East End schools could compete with the larger schools in Western <a href="/topics/Suffolk_County%2C_NY">Suffolk</a>. It was answered very quickly." 
The game never passed him by. In 2008 and 2009, Petrie guided East Hampton to the Suffolk overall titles, twice beating the Class AA champion. "That was quite an achievement, particularly to do it back-to-back," he said. 
His bookshelves are lined with tomes befitting a man from his generation, including a biography of <a href="/topics/Frank_Sinatra">Frank Sinatra</a>. One book has long since lost its jacket cover, and Petrie gladly pulled it down to show a visitor one of his prized possessions. It is <a href="/topics/John_Wooden">John Wooden</a>'s seminal book, "Practical Modern Basketball," published in 1966. 
Petrie holds open the inside cover to reveal the handwritten inscription: "Thank you, Ed Petrie, for wanting a copy of my book. May it please you. John Wooden." 
From the Wizard of Westwood to the Wizard of East Hampton, from one old coach to another, a life in basketball is a life well spent. 
Said Agostino in a fitting salute, "He is the John Wooden of Long Island basketball."

SKPETRIE12

EH's Petrie: 'The John Wooden of LI hoops'

It was some time last February when St. Mary's boys basketball stood up, tapped the rest of the CHSAA on the proverbial shoulder, and whispered "honey, I'm home."
It's a little hard to believe that a team like the <a href="/topics/Iona_Gaels">Gaels</a> (20-8 overall) would need that sort of introduction, but with St. John the Baptist tearing up the CHSAA in its undefeated regular season in league, it often seemed like it would be the Cougars or no one. St. Mary's, behind star guard Chavaughn Lewis, chose the unstated third option.
The Gaels won the Catholic title after the Cougars fell to third-seeded Holy Trinity and, this season, there will be no taps, no whispers, nothing but a target on the team that many consider to be the best in the CHSAA.
St. Mary's is led by Lewis, the 6-6 shooting guard who, in addition to a killer perimeter shot, is one of the team's best rebounders and, indeed, one of the best players on Long Island. The Gaels have four returning starters, and, though somewhat undersized, make up for it with speed and athleticism. Coach Bill Harkins suits up four guards and a swingman in Charles McCann and plays to the team's strengths with a knee-buckling man-to-man full court press and an excellent transition game.
They'll need all that to keep pace with Holy Trinity. Only a 5-7 team in league last year, the Titans proved clutch in the postseason and have only gotten stronger. Tyler Seidman, a four-year varsity point guard who led Trinity in scoring for the past two years, will lead a mature and balanced crew that returns six out of its top seven. Guard Nick Ferreiro is also expected to have a big impact.
St. Anthony's, meanwhile, will thrive on depth. The Friars have about a dozen players that can take the court on any day and, though the team is lacking in varsity experience overall, it's impossible to sleep on forwards Marko Peraica and James McKenna, both 6-5, both high scorers.
St. John the Baptist, though young, boasts tremendous talent. The Cougars are led by small forward Dante Thompson-Smallwood, the team's only key returnee. Thompson-Smallwood, 6-7, has only been playing organized ball for 2 1/2 years and is more than making up for lost time. Though a good shooter, he's at his best when driving to the basket. Joined by 6-8 freshman Kyle Williams and Upper Room transfer Keith Williams at point guard, the team is strong, tall, athletic, but raw.
Chaminade is led by 6-8 center Rich Zoller. For a team known for its defensive pressure, fluxing in-game strategies and with Zoller defending the post, the Flyers will be hard to score on. Off guards Kevin Sheehy and Jim McCaffrey are dynamite behind the arc and lead a strong shooting team that could give any number of opponents trouble.
After a shaky season last year, Kellenberg will look to be competitive behind point guard Tom Turner and forward Shakir Moore-Ellis. The Firebirds are well-balanced and unselfish (they recently notched 13 assists in the first half of a non-league game) but the biggest question will be whether this relatively new group can put last year behind it.
Speaking of improvement: St. Dominic. After a 2-22 finish last season, the Bayhawks won two of their first four non-league contests this season. The team is older, more confident, and led by Darren Chew at point guard. Chew, who missed last season after being hit by a car, averages 18 points per game. A three-point shooting team, the offense will be bolstered by the Ryans: Kieran Ryan at two-guard and Ryan Kalan.

SKCBOYS12

CHSAA boys: Lewis, St. Mary's clear favorites

In 2008 Alexis Smith was a skinny freshman who looked like a junior high school player that showed up to the wrong game. The St. John the Baptist guard paled in comparison to opposing players on the nationally ranked St. Michael Academy girls basketball team, which could have been mistaken for a college team with all its size. 
It was the state CHSAA AA semifinal and Smith started. She scored only two points, but was on the court for her defense. St. John the Baptist won that game, but lost in the Federation AA final to Bergtraum. 
Now a senior, Smith is one of her team's top players and hopes to lead the Cougars back to that point. 
"I want to get back to the Federation championship," said the point guard who is bound for the <a href="/topics/University_of_Illinois">University of Illinois</a>. "It's so important. I want to leave high school on a high note." 
There have been many high points for the Cougars over the years. St. John the Baptist has won six of the last seven NSCHSAA championships. While the <a href="/topics/New_York_%28state%29">New York</a> area is known for powerhouse teams such as Christ the King and Bergtraum, the Cougars have represented Long Island well. 
St. John started opening eyes in 2005 when it beat nationally ranked Bergtraum. The Cougars ended Christ the King's 17-year reign as state champion in 2007 and won the championship again in 2008. 
"I think the teams in the city have learned to respect us," Dartmouth-bound Kamala Thompson said. "They look at us as underdogs and think they can beat us, but because we're consistent in beating them, they have learned to respect us." 
Who better to ask than Allysia Rohlehr, who transferred to St. John from St. Michael. The Manhattan school closed this year and most of the players went to Nazareth, but the trip from her Long Beach home to <a href="/topics/Brooklyn%2C_NY">Brooklyn</a> was too time consuming and St. John the Baptist was an easy choice for Rohlehr. 
"When I was in the city my coaches always talked about St. John the Baptist," said Rohlehr, a guard who will attend Albany next year. "They are the team to beat in Long Island. Everyone in the city knows about them, I tell you that. I think we're up there with those teams. We have a lot of talent." 
Rohlehr knows what it takes to win at the most competitive level. She played a key role when St. Michael defeated Bergtraum two seasons ago in the Federation AA final. Without hesitation, she said a Federation championship is the goal for the Cougars. 
"We can play with those teams," she said. "We have a good chance. When we won at St. Michael's, a lot of the things we do here remind me of the same things we did there. There's no reason why we shouldn't win. We have all the tools we need. We have speed, skill, guards that run the floor and defense." 
Smith, Thompson, and Rohlehr all signed with Division I schools and junior forward Anastasia Williams and junior guard Brianna Thomas are also drawing interest from Division I schools. Senior forward Kristen McMahon, senior guard Lindsey Minor and sophomore guard Aliyah Smith provide the Cougars with depth. 
"We have seven seniors, which is unusual for us and they're battle-tested," Cougars coach Ted Oberg said. "This would be the year to make a run at the state title."

News

SKALEXIS12

Cougars aims for Federation championship

Will it be a whole new ballgame in Nassau, as the county converts from ability-based to enrollment-based leagues this season? Not if the returning county champions have anything to say about it. 
<a href="/topics/Baldwin%2C_NY">Baldwin</a>, the defending county champ, returns eight players, including three starters. Junior point guard Alex Hampton and senior guard Courtney Jackson were All-County selections last year. Senior forward Katie Greene is a two-year captain and the inside presence for the Bruins.
<a href="/topics/Massapequa%2C_NY">Massapequa</a> is a predominately young team returning five players, one of whom is a starter. Sophomore point guard Danielle Doherty will run the floor in her third varsity season.
<a href="/topics/Farmingdale%2C_NY">Farmingdale</a> is an experienced and deep squad with 11 players returning, including the entire starting five. Senior shooting guard Kelly McPartland and senior forward Kyra Ochwat were All-County and sophomore guards Alexis Panariello and Nadine Hadnagy were All-Conference selections for the Dalers.
MacArthur returns 10 players but is an unseasoned squad. Sophomore guard Jena Cozza is the lone returning starter for the Generals.
<a href="/topics/Hicksville%2C_NY">Hicksville</a> brings back six players including three starters but an injury has already hurt the Comets as Michelle Filangieri suffered a season-ending ACL injury. Sophomore forward Caitlyn Garger and senior point guard Marissa Mertens, a three-year varsity player, will lead the way.
<a href="/topics/Uniondale%2C_NY">Uniondale</a> is a young team led by its lone senior, guard Myajha Elston, and sophomore guard Aliyah McDonald.
Defending <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a> champion Division is the favorite with seven returning players, including three starters. Senior point guard Taylor Malings, senior shooting guard Julie Ballantyne and senior small forward Christina Rea will lead the Blue Dragons. Division is currently dealing with injuries and is not expected to be fully healthy until after the holiday break, according to coach Steve Kissane.
<a href="/topics/Garden_City%2C_NY">Garden City</a> has nine players back in the fold, including five of its top seven players. Senior Barbara Sullivan, who will attend Notre Dame for lacrosse, averaged a double-double (16-plus ppg, 10-plus rpg) and will lead the Trojans. Junior forward Christina Mangels and junior guard Kim Ryan, who led Long Island in three pointers last season, also return as well.
<a href="/topics/Lynbrook%2C_NY">Lynbrook</a> has two returning starters and some youth which will contribute. Junior point guard Brooke Gerstman and junior forward Danielle Amaya lead the way and freshman Jen Fay will be called upon to produce offensively.
South Side has seven players returning, including four starters. Senior guard Lauren Lopresti, senior center Megan Lonergan, senior forward Christina Merrifield and junior guard Caitlin Wallace are all back for the Cyclones under first-year coach Katelyn Dunn.
<a href="/topics/New_Hyde_Park%2C_NY">New Hyde Park</a> has six players back, including seniors Ciara McCullagh, an All-County guard, and Maria Katsoulis, an All-Conference forward. The Gladiators will look to play an up-tempo game and push the pace offensively, according to coach Hugh Flaherty.
<a href="/topics/Wantagh%2C_NY">Wantagh</a> returns six players. A pair of senior starters, guard April Iannetta and forward Paula Schmidt, will lead a Warriors squad which is without leading scorer, Kaleigh Craig, because of injury.
<a href="/topics/Carle_Place%2C_NY">Carle Place</a> returns four starters and is the favorite thanks to outside shooting threat senior guard Dana McLaughlin. Senior forward Emily Mullin and junior center Jill Flecker, who nearly averaged a double-double last season, will be strong on the inside for the Frogs.
<a href="/topics/Oyster_Bay%2C_NY">Oyster Bay</a> has five returning players with two experienced starters. Senior guard Jen Capozzoli, a four-year varsity player, and senior forward Joshlyn Grant, a five-year varsity player, lead the way.
<a href="/topics/Locust_Valley%2C_NY">Locust Valley</a>, the defending county champion, has a lot of holes to fill without any senior leadership and just one returning starter. Junior forward <a href="/topics/Sasha_Obama">Natasha</a> Jahchan will be called upon to lead a defensive-minded team looking to play a half-court style.
<a href="/topics/East_Rockaway%2C_NY">East Rockaway</a> has four players coming back but no starters. Junior guard Shannon Pujol, a three-year varsity player, will lead a young and inexperienced squad.
Friends Academy, the lone Class C school in Nassau, has 10 players back, including four starters. Senior shooting guard Reoni Mapp, a four-year starter, freshman point guard Kristina Kim and sophomore forward Marissa Reyes will lead the Quakers.

SKNGIRLS12

Nassau girls: Defending champs favored again

With no upper-echelon Division I player for the first time in a few seasons, the Suffolk Class AA girls basketball race is wide open. Northport is always a perennial contender, but hasn't won a championship since 2006 and the Tigers just are one of the favorites.
Northport returns four starters led by senior Stephanie Leon, a 6-4 center who will play at <a href="/topics/Delaware">Delaware</a>. Senior guard Megan Marinelli is the Tigers' best defensive player and guards the opposition's top player. Senior guard Kellie Cortina is an excellent shooter, sophomore forward Allie Clarke is a good complement to Leon inside and senior Chrystal Pope will move to point guard. Northport has depth.
Whitman is a team equipped to win it all with three returning starters, including senior forward Alexandra Leftridge, who can score inside or outside, sophomore guard Kelly Bilodeau and senior forward Erica Scott. Sophomores <a href="/topics/Essence">Essence</a> Casey and Rachel Perea will also play key roles. Whitman is athletic and gets up and down the floor well. It has six players that could play the two, three, or four positions, which shows its versatility.
Sachem East is the defending state Class AA champion, but has a different look. Kelsey Ferguson and Emily Hansen are out for the season because of torn ACLs and junior Meagan Doherty has a sore left knee that is expected to keep her out until the beginning of league play. The Flaming Arrows are young relying on sophomore guard Emily Carmel, a transfer from Stony Brook, freshman forward Kathleen Everson, freshman guard Katie Doherty, and senior Victoria Hassett.
North Babylon lost in the county championship last season and will have a young, but talented squad. Freshman point guard Charise Wilson is playing for the third year on varsity and is extremely quick and a good shooter. Freshman guard Tamara Simpson is an excellent defensive player and eighth-grade guard Brianna Jones is one of the most talented players on the Island. The leadership of seniors Mary Chisholm and Casey Fillipone will be key. <a href="/topics/Gonzaga_Bulldogs">The Bulldogs</a> are a very quick team with excellent shooters.
Lindenhurst made the playoffs for the first time in 18 years last season. Players to watch are juniors Colleen Ames, Stephanie Ingenito, Shannon Crehan, Sammy Martinez, and sophomore Val Oyakilome. Lindenhurst shoots well and plays physical.
Riverhead is very athletic with speed, led by a dynamic backcourt of junior Jalyn Brown and sophomore Shaniece Allen.
Senior Chelsea Williams is one to watch for Copiague as is senior Monique Walker for Floyd.Harborfields will attempt to win its third Suffolk Class A championship in four years. The defending champion returns four starters. Sophomore Bridgit Ryan, a 5-10 sophomore, is an excellent shooter and a tough matchup. Senior point guard Lynn Zhong led the team in scoring last season, junior guard Lexi O'Connor should become a scoring threat, and junior forward Kasey Stolba is a good rebounder.
Glenn returns all starters with linchpin Allison McKenna leading the way. The 6-1 junior forward averaged 18 points and 13 rebounds last season. Senior point guard Danielle Evers, sophomore guard Emma Klis, freshman guard Mackenzie Sivilli and senior forward Monica Eugene round out the starting unit.
Kings Park lost in the finals last season and could return. Senior point guard Meghan Eckel, senior guard Marion Kawecki, sophomore forward Brittany Mueller, and junior forward Danielle Buoncore form the nucleus for a team that will be aggressive and fast-paced.
 
Class B
Center Moriches looks to win its second consecutive Class B championship. Four starters return, including senior forward Amber Davis, junior forward Kelsey Glanzman, sophomore guard Takia Plummer, and senior guard Emma Whittle. 
Senior guards Lineker St. Hilaire, DeJanae Mike, and Jalicia Robinson anchor a Wyandanch team that is in contention every season.
Southampton is a dark horse with a young team that has experience with sophomore guard <a href="/topics/Paris">Paris</a> Hodges, sophomore forward Kesi Goree, and sophomores guards Carley Guida and Cassidy Guida. Babylon will be in the mix behind the tandem of Emerald Vickers and Mackenzie Vickers.
Senior forward Katherine Wilcenski and senior guard Jackie Berkoski lead Mattituck.Class C
Stony Brook has won five consecutive Class C titles and will rely on senior forward Brannon Burke and senior guard Jessica Winston. Pierson/Bridgehampton returns all starters, including senior forward Sami James and senior guard Sarah Barrett.
Class D
Ross and Shelter Island are the only Class D teams.

SKSGIRLS12

Suffolk girls: It's anyone's game in 'AA'

For opponents of St. John the Baptist, it may feel as if they're facing a college squad instead of a high school team. 
CHSAASt. John the Baptist, the defending Long Island champion features three Division I signees - Alexis Smith (<a href="/topics/Illinois">Illinois</a>), Kamala Thompson (Dartmouth) and St. Michael's transfer Alyssia Rohlehr (Albany) - in addition to juniors Anastasia Williams and Brianna Thomas who've drawn D-I interest. The Cougars, who are ranked 49th in the nation by <a href="/topics/ESPN">ESPN</a>, have tremendous depth which allows them to play an up-tempo offense and pressure defense.
St. Anthony's has just two seniors, but its young roster is loaded with talent and depth. The Friars are led by shooting guard Kerrin Maurer, 6-3 Bucknell-bound forward Micki Impellizeri, and Symone Kelly, a 6-2 forward who dominates inside and averaged 10.3 rebounds. That dynamic trio is backed by 6-foot sophomore Johanna Impellizeri and point guard Rebecca Musgrove. The Friars also have athletic freshman transfers in Lauren Williams, an aggressive slasher, and Chastity Taylor, who will be eligible to play in January. St. Anthony's won the state CHSAA Class A championship last year and coach Ken Parham thinks this group can be better. "In terms of talent," he said, "I believe we're ahead of last year. We'll see if that translates into more wins, but I like this team a lot."
Kellenberg, which reached the final last season, has a new coach in John Heitner, and returns 6-foot center Khadijah Donaldson, who owns the low post. The offense is sparked by speedy point guard Nicole Trepata along with Carly O'Boyle and Katie Flynn on the wing.
Holy Trinity has excellent shooters in Katie Poppe and Kelly Carey, but the Titans have worked to become more versatile and are now emphasizing defense. Kristen Korzevinski excels in transition and senior point guard Meghan Orlando is a good orchestrator.
St. Mary's, a state Class A semifinalist, graduated two stars, but sharpshooter Maddie Jankowski, who averaged 14 points, is fully capable of stepping up. As are point guard Neila Collins, Jessica Mattone, 6-1 center Alyssa James and 5-11 freshman forward Jasmine Bryant. Sacred Heart, which could be a surprise contender, is led by senior captains Taylor Higgins, Kaitlin Lacasse and Claire Canty. St. Dominic struggled last year, but has a fast, guard-heavy group that includes Dana Campbell and Katie O'Brien, both of whom could be among the league's best scorers. Our Lady of Mercy is led by versatile forward Olivia Walsh, who does a little of everything.
 
IPPSALPortledge won its first IPPSAL title since 2000 but graduated nine. Still, the Panthers should remain elite with point guard Kristie Kelly, 5-10 power forward Ceci Mulry and Lisa Dourmashkin, who's good at driving the lane.
Lawrence Woodmere Academy, last year's league runner-up, returns only one starter (Nadia Williams), but coach Mike Cohn is impressed with "the new young talent." Our Savior New American, which reached the semifinals, will also contend. Waldorf returns eight from last year's team, led by forwards Annabella Surge, Olivia Paone and Isabella Fraim.
 
INDEPENDENT
Long Island Lutheran won the NYSAIS Class B championship and reached the Federation semifinals a second straight year. The Crusaders are led by Adelphi-bound forward Sam Milhaven, Sade Gibbons and Christina Raiti, who's a lethal shooter. Paige Kriftcher is recovering from a torn left ACL and is expected to improve as the season progresses. She averaged over 13 points per game last season.

SKCGHOOP12

CHSAA girls: St. John the Baptist favored

Long Beach's cupboard is stocked like a fallout shelter's food supply, which means one thing: the defending Nassau champion is set to do it again.
The Marines return seven wrestlers who placed third or higher at last season's county championship. In nearly every weight class, from 96 pounds to 160, they are loaded with big-meet experience.
"It's a huge benefit," coach Ray Adams said of his team's veteran presence. "One of the things we do is put our kids through the proverbial wringer, week in and week out. We also do it in the offseason, having these kids wrestle year-round and bringing them to national tournaments."
Leading the charge for Long Beach is junior Dylan Palacio, who won the 119-pound county title as a freshman and was second at 140 as a sophomore.
"He sets the tone for kids, as far as his work ethic," Adams said. "That rubs off on the rest of the team and the younger kids, to see him train like that."
Palacio will tackle the 145-pound class this season, while reigning 135-pound county runner-up Nick Khoury moves to 140. Both are among the favorites at their respective weights.
Palacio's skill set will enable to him to wrestle at 160 or 171 for certain dual meets, according to Adams. At 145, however, he is the wrestler to beat.
"He put on a lot of muscle since last year," Adams said. "I don't think he'll have trouble making the weight. He is primed and ready to go."
Elsewhere for the Marines, Edisson Tigre-Borja, last year's runner-up at 130, should settle in at 135. Mark Raghunandan (103), Matt Gray (112) and Oral Allen (119) are all expected to be in the mix for individual crowns.
"We've established a high bar," Adams said. "When kids come to the program, they know what to expect from Long Beach wrestling, both on and off the mat."
 
<a href="/topics/Suffolk_County%2C_NY">SUFFOLK</a>
The fates finally appear to be aligned for <a href="/topics/Longwood%2C_NY">Longwood</a>. After third-place <a href="/topics/Suffolk_County%2C_NY">Suffolk</a> finishes the last two years, the Lions - who return seven All-County wrestlers from last year - are poised to make a run at the team title.
"It would mean a lot to me for the kids," coach Mike Picozzi said. "These kids have dedicated themselves and, in my opinion, deserve to win. Now, they just have to get it in their minds that they will do this."
The All-County returnees include Corey Rasheed, who finished fourth at 103 pounds last season and will settle in at either 112 or 119. Casey Brice and Malik Rasheed (runner-up at 112 pounds) should compete for individual titles at 125 and 130 pounds. Nick Hall will move up to 140 or 145 after a fourth-place showing at 135 in 2009.
Picozzi now must find a way to piece together the rest of his lineup. "Trying to get everyone in the lineup is our big thing," he said. "We have so many kids that have really dedicated themselves to wrestling that you want to give them as many matches as you can."

Wrestling

SKMAT12

Nassau wrestling: Long Beach experience key

96 pounds 
Matt Bradice, Floyd 
Justin Cooksey, MacArthur 
Anthony D'Onofrio, <a href="/topics/Longwood%2C_NY">Longwood</a> 
Robert Person, <a href="/topics/Bellmore%2C_NY">Bellmore</a> JFK 
Nick Piccininni, Ward <a href="/topics/Melville%2C_NY">Melville</a> 
Krishna Sewkumar, <a href="/topics/Long_Beach%2C_NY">Long Beach</a> 
103 pounds 
Joe Doria, <a href="/topics/Massapequa%2C_NY">Massapequa</a> 
T.J. Fabian, SWR 
Corey Jamison, <a href="/topics/Huntington%2C_NY">Huntington</a> 
Matt Leshinger, <a href="/topics/Sayville%2C_NY">Sayville</a> 
Mark Raghunandan, <a href="/topics/Long_Beach%2C_NY">Long Beach</a> 
Conner Sullivan, <a href="/topics/Plainedge%2C_NY">Plainedge</a> 
112 pounds 
Thomas Dutton, <a href="/topics/Rocky_Point%2C_NY">Rocky Point</a> 
Mike Fera, <a href="/topics/Manhasset%2C_NY">Manhasset</a> 
Matt Gray, <a href="/topics/Long_Beach%2C_NY">Long Beach</a> 
Conor O'Hara, Sachem East 
Eric Orellana, <a href="/topics/Brentwood%2C_NY">Brentwood</a> 
Corey Rasheed, <a href="/topics/Longwood%2C_NY">Longwood</a> 
Mark West, <a href="/topics/Hauppauge%2C_NY">Hauppauge</a> 
119 pounds 
Oral Allen, <a href="/topics/Long_Beach%2C_NY">Long Beach</a> 
Joe Barbato, <a href="/topics/Wantagh%2C_NY">Wantagh</a> 
Sean McCabe, Connetquot 
Nigel McNeil, <a href="/topics/Huntington%2C_NY">Huntington</a> 
<a href="/topics/Will_Montgomery">Will Montgomery</a>, <a href="/topics/Seaford%2C_NY">Seaford</a> 
Vinny Punzone, <a href="/topics/John_Glenn">John Glenn</a> 
125 pounds 
Christian Dluginski, Sewanhaka East 
Stephen Drew, Connetquot 
Alex Gomez, <a href="/topics/Brentwood%2C_NY">Brentwood</a> 
Mike Lofrese, <a href="/topics/Garden_City%2C_NY">Garden City</a> 
Nick Mauriello, <a href="/topics/Hauppauge%2C_NY">Hauppauge</a> 
John Pelligrino, Division 
Mailk Rasheed, <a href="/topics/Longwood%2C_NY">Longwood</a> 
130 pounds 
Conner Bass, <a href="/topics/Westhampton%2C_NY">Westhampton</a> 
Casey Brice, <a href="/topics/Longwood%2C_NY">Longwood</a> 
David Chaverra, <a href="/topics/Brentwood%2C_NY">Brentwood</a> 
Michael Ehlinger, <a href="/topics/Hauppauge%2C_NY">Hauppauge</a> 
Mike Leonard, Clarke 
<a href="/topics/Chris_Perez">Chris Perez</a>, MacArthur 
135 pounds 
Paul Baumann, <a href="/topics/West_Babylon%2C_NY">West Babylon</a> 
Tom Gerle, Floyd 
Ken Meinsen, <a href="/topics/John_Glenn">Glenn</a> 
Angelo Rella, MacArthur 
Steven Rispoli, <a href="/topics/East_Meadow%2C_NY">East Meadow</a> 
Edison Tigre, Long Beach 
140 pounds 
Mark Jerrick, <a href="/topics/Amityville%2C_NY">Amityville</a> 
Nick Khoury, Long Beach 
Eric Kogel, Mt. Sinai 
<a href="/topics/Sean_O%27Malley">Sean O'Malley</a>, Sachem East 
Michael Richardson, <a href="/topics/West_Babylon%2C_NY">West Babylon</a> 
James Rodriguez, South Side 
145 pounds 
Nick Chiccone, <a href="/topics/Massapequa%2C_NY">Massapequa</a> 
James Dekrone, <a href="/topics/John_Glenn">Glenn</a> 
Nick Hall, Longwood 
Steven Leshinger, <a href="/topics/Sayville%2C_NY">Sayville</a> 
Mike Nigro, <a href="/topics/Plainedge%2C_NY">Plainedge</a> 
Dylan Palacio, Long Beach 
Matt Ross, <a href="/topics/Rocky_Point%2C_NY">Rocky Point</a> 
152 pounds 
Adam D'Auguste, Long Beach 
Rich Lugo, <a href="/topics/Deer_Park%2C_NY">Deer Park</a> 
Kevin Massa, <a href="/topics/John_Glenn">Glenn</a> 
Chris Sarro, <a href="/topics/Massapequa%2C_NY">Massapequa</a> 
Dan Spurgeon, <a href="/topics/Plainedge%2C_NY">Plainedge</a> 
Kyle Wade, <a href="/topics/Islip%2C_NY">Islip</a> 
160 pounds 
Jesse Bader, Calhoun 
<a href="/topics/Pat_Jennings">Pat Jennings</a>, Longwood 
Nick LoBue, Connetquot 
Matthew Mazarakis, <a href="/topics/Westhampton%2C_NY">Westhampton</a> 
Louis Puca, <a href="/topics/Huntington%2C_NY">Huntington</a> 
Jeff Saint Macary Sewanahaka East 
171 pounds 
<a href="/topics/Tom_Anderson">Tom Anderson</a>, <a href="/topics/Syosset%2C_NY">Syosset</a> 
Juan Carlos Diaz, Division 
Tyler Conway, <a href="/topics/East_Islip%2C_NY">East Islip</a> 
Jermaine John, <a href="/topics/Bethpage_State_Park%2C_NY">Bethpage</a> 
Chanse Menendez, <a href="/topics/Hauppauge%2C_NY">Hauppauge</a> 
John Zullo, Connetquot 
189 pounds 
Frank Abbondanza, Mt.Sinai 
Joe Giaramita, <a href="/topics/John_Glenn">Glenn</a> 
Sam Gorinsky, Calhoun 
Joe Kavanagh, <a href="/topics/Wantagh%2C_NY">Wantagh</a> 
Rob McNamara, Division 
Frank Merante, Sachem East 
215 pounds 
Joe Bilello, <a href="/topics/Deer_Park%2C_NY">Deer Park</a> 
Joe Clemente, <a href="/topics/Patchogue%2C_NY">Patchogue</a>-<a href="/topics/Medford%2C_NY">Medford</a> 
Tom Hall, <a href="/topics/Wantagh%2C_NY">Wantagh</a> 
Dave Ng, <a href="/topics/Plainedge%2C_NY">Plainedge</a> 
Reggie Robinson, <a href="/topics/West_Babylon%2C_NY">West Babylon</a> 
Connor Wetzel, <a href="/topics/Massapequa%2C_NY">Massapequa</a> 
Evan Wildberger, <a href="/topics/Lindenhurst%2C_NY">Lindenhurst</a> 
285 pounds 
Evan Kappatos, <a href="/topics/Syosset%2C_NY">Syosset</a> 
Joe Manna, Island Trees 
Greg Martin, <a href="/topics/Kings_Park%2C_NY">Kings Park</a> 
Mike Pinto, Glenn 
Dante Salkey, <a href="/topics/Uniondale%2C_NY">Uniondale</a> 
Brendan Tenny, <a href="/topics/Farmingdale%2C_NY">Farmingdale</a>

SKMATWATCH12

Wrestlers to watch this season

LARGE SCHOOLSBay Shore has the depth to have a special season with sprinter <a href="/topics/Essence">Essence</a> Rogers, jumper Kelsey Palomino, Danielle Rowe (600), distance specialist Lindsay Arcuri and racewalker Jennifer Halloran. Northport has a fabulous distance crew with Brigid Brennan, but will also compete with Sara Ronde (long jump, 300), Elyssa Slawinski (shot) and hurdler Olga Janiak. <a href="/topics/Longwood%2C_NY">Longwood</a> boasts sprinter Olivia Hallstein, Imani White (shot) and Audrey Miller (600). Hurdler Samantha Eng and middle distance runner Laurie Semetsis lead Sachem East.
Watch out for <a href="/topics/Commack%2C_NY">Commack</a> with Sarah Bell (hurdles, sprints). <a href="/topics/Lindenhurst%2C_NY">Lindenhurst</a> has an excellent sprint group with Alyssa Barthelmes, Ashley Gregg, Amber McCabe and Brittany Vinceguerra. Distance runners Kate Anselmini and Caroline O'Hea, Jeana Esernio (1,000) and racewalker Nicolette Pirraglia lead Ward <a href="/topics/Melville%2C_NY">Melville</a>. Samantha Swift (hurdles), Stephanie Richer (sprints), Leira Wood (1,500), and Kayla Cataldo (600) return for Sachem North, and distance runners Ali Foote and Julie Laudenschlager are back at <a href="/topics/West_Islip%2C_NY">West Islip</a>. 
 
SMALL SCHOOLSShoreham-<a href="/topics/Wading_River%2C_NY">Wading River</a> is loaded with Mackenzie Pendergast (hurdles), Audrey Kelly (distance), Rose Andrews (distance), Laura Lee (600), sprinter/long jumper Shannon McDonnell and Shannon Gallagher (shot). <a href="/topics/Kings_Park%2C_NY">Kings Park</a> has a talented duo in Tara Greco (long jump) and Kayla Koelbel (triple jump). All-purpose distance runner Janie Turek is back for Mt. Sinai. <a href="/topics/Eastport%2C_NY">Eastport</a>-South Manor is led by Briana Hayes (1,000) and distance runners Nicole Schafer and Rachel Vanlandingham. <a href="/topics/Miller_Place%2C_NY">Miller Place</a> is led by distance twins Tiana and Talia Guevara. 
Half Hollow Hills West has Carly Rosen (hurdles), Erin Grosskurth (3,000) and sprinter Kerri Graber to keep it in contention. <a href="/topics/Hauppauge%2C_NY">Hauppauge</a> should be a factor with Bryanna Mustapich (hurdles), Krystina Choinski (1,000) and racewalker Donna Macaluso. Harborfields' distance duo of Kelsey Margey and Michelle Gaye, along with Kim Miranda (shot) could take it a long way. <a href="/topics/Bayport%2C_NY">Bayport</a>-<a href="/topics/Blue_Point%2C_NY">Blue Point</a> has an impressive sprint team with Brenna Darby, Cassie Dooley, Katie Saroka and Aubrie Van Welle, while Sarah Schoepflin (high jump) and Katharina Ross (long jump) lead <a href="/topics/Port_Jefferson%2C_NY">Port Jefferson</a>.

SKSGTRACK12

Bay Shore, Northport girls pace Suffolk

LARGE SCHOOLSGarden City could repeat as Class A champions thanks to a tremendous amount of depth in the sprints and middle distance with Michelle Rotondo (300), 600-meter runners Taylor Hennig, Jenna DeAngelo, Alexis Yeboah-Kodie and Katie O'Neill. Emma Gallagher (1500), Jennifer Gerland (3000) and Molly Josephs (racewalk) also return. 
<a href="/topics/Massapequa%2C_NY">Massapequa</a> was second to the Trojans last season and has an excellent chance to challenge for the top spot with distance stars Amanda Schmidt and Caitlyn Krug and jump specialist Heather Sweeney back. Shannon McBrien (1,000) also figures to contribute to the Chiefs. 
<a href="/topics/Uniondale%2C_NY">Uniondale</a> will make some waves with Adrianna Powell, Brittany Webly and Desiree Johnson-Green in the sprint/hurdle events and Monique Mitchell and Allana Richardson in the middle distance and distance events. 
MacArthur has a lot of talent returning, including versatile athletes Kelly Clifford (jumps, hurdles) and Christina Romano (hurdles, pole vault, jumps). The Generals also return Nicole Santaniello (sprints, middle distance) and Maria Montefusco (sprints, middle distance) and distance runners Christina Coiro and Lindsay McLaughlin. 
Other teams to watch include <a href="/topics/Elmont%2C_NY">Elmont</a>, led by sprinter Valencia Hannon, and <a href="/topics/Valley_Stream%2C_NY">Valley Stream</a> Central with high jumper Joanne Imbert 
 
SMALL SCHOOLS
 
Defending indoor Class B champion North Shore will be strong in distance events again with Samantha Nadel, Brianna Nerud, Elizabeth Caldwell and Molly Reilly. The Vikings could also be strong in the jumps with sophomore twins Brittany and Taylor Farkouh. 
Valley Stream North, led by top sprinter Shanice Johnson, Kelly McConville (racewalk) and freshman long and triple jumper Anointing Onauha will be in the mix for the Class B title. Batina Mondelice (shot) and Tara McElroy also return. 
<a href="/topics/Hewlett%2C_NY">Hewlett</a> is led by Vanessa Pierre in the jumps and Natalie Herzberg (middle distance). McKerrah Knopf returns in the pole vault.
Distance runner Kira Garry leads Friends Academy, while <a href="/topics/Manhasset%2C_NY">Manhasset</a> has its own 3,000-meter star in Mary Welsh.

SKNGTRACK12

Garden City, North Shore favorites in Nassau

SKMillroseGames29

The versatile Michelle Anthony (300, triple jump, hurdles) returns for Kellenberg with outstanding middle distance star Kim Mackay, who made a verbal commitment to Princeton. Odrine Belot compete in several events, including the 300 and 55, while talented shotter Natalie Jean also returns for the Firebirds. Experienced distance runner Kylie Pearse and jumpers Colleen Semenick and Saralee Martelly could put Kellenberg over the top. 
St. Anthony's will be young, but talented junior Olicia Williams (1000, 1500) could emerge as one of Long Island's top middle distance runners. The Friars should be strong in the sprints with Emily Taussig, Gabrielle Barbour and Lauren Fontana and equally as talented in the jump events with <a href="/topics/Katie_Gallagher">Katie Gallagher</a> and Liz Fallon. Elizabeth Hollan has shown promise in the hurdles, while Lauren Lavoro anchors the distance events. 
St. John the Baptist has a great deal of experience returning in distance specialists Anne Carey and Alyssa Dorney and sprinter Victoria Lundin. Also back for St. John the Baptist are freshman distance runner Gillian Sokol, Bridget Carey (600) Chelsea Penn (sprints) and pole vaulter Emma Cleary. Jazmind Holland (400) and Krystal McLeod (300) are also in the mix for St. John the Baptist.
Colleen Schmidt leads Holy Trinity, while Ashley Murphy and Suzan Sikorski return for Sacred Heart.

SKNCGTRACK12

Anthony, Mackay will lead Kellenberg in CHSAA

SKCHSAATrack07

LARGE SCHOOLS
 
Defending indoor large school champion Longwood is still loaded with distance runner Donato Geraci, hurdler Shane Cruz, <a href="/topics/Mark_Jackson">Mark Jackson</a> (sprints) and 600-meter specialist Joe Fuller. 
Bay Shore can never be counted out with hurdler Kadesh Roberts, Jamarie <a href="/topics/Lawrence%2C_NY">Lawrence</a> (long jump) and shot specialists Angel Rosario and Dominick LaFerrera.
Distance trio Zach Krause, Tyler Murtha and Dom Costanzo will make Connetquot tough to beat. 
Kashaun Boynton (hurdles), all-purpose athlete Treval Hatcher (600, triple jump) and triple jumper Kevin Williams lead a talented <a href="/topics/Riverhead%2C_NY">Riverhead</a> squad.
Watch out for Sachem East with Phil Rascona (distance), Joe DiRienzo (distance), Greg Markfelder (high jump) and Ryan Scarpelli (middle distance).
<a href="/topics/West_Islip%2C_NY">West Islip</a> has Ryan Tantone (distance), Freddy Matthews (shot), Don Badolato (600) and jump specialist Stephen Hetterich. 
<a href="/topics/Commack%2C_NY">Commack</a>, paced by distance runner Max Ganz, hurdlers Chris Caracciolo and Chris Grisolia, triple jumper James Kuziw and Dan Hussey (600) could also surprise.
Other large schools to watch include Ward <a href="/topics/Melville%2C_NY">Melville</a> with Chas Abad, <a href="/topics/Central_Islip%2C_NY">Central Islip</a>, led by Ryan Satchell and <a href="/topics/North_Babylon%2C_NY">North Babylon</a> with Kris Moran. 
<a href="/topics/Copiague%2C_NY">Copiague</a> is led by Jarrick Ambrose and a quality sprint relay team of John Argueta, Rolando Rowe, Michael Benson and Desmond Guidroz. 
 
SMALL SCHOOLS 
 
Led by an excellent sprint crew of Dan McCord, Justin Connor, Justin Ma, James Nester and Abdias Myrtil, Half Hollow Hills West is the team to beat in the small schools. Distance runner Anthony DeMatteo completes the team. 
<a href="/topics/Shoreham%2C_NY">Shoreham</a>-<a href="/topics/Wading_River%2C_NY">Wading River</a> is led by distance specialist John Lee, middle distance men Kevin Sanders and Tyler Keys and high jumper Eric Anderson.
<a href="/topics/Bayport%2C_NY">Bayport</a>-<a href="/topics/Blue_Point%2C_NY">Blue Point</a> has a strong group of middle distance runners in Connor Crowley, Joe Ray and John Antonacci and Zach Flood (600). 
Sheldon Derenoncourt (600) middle distance star Ryan McGlynn and distance runner Derek Palafox (1600) will pace a strong <a href="/topics/Bellport%2C_NY">Bellport</a> team. 
Distance runners Cameron and Austin Coneys, Matt Wagenhauser (600) and long jumper Everett Hansen could make Harborfields a surprise team.
<a href="/topics/Amityville%2C_NY">Amityville</a> is led by star hurdler Sancho Barrett, sprinter <a href="/topics/Ian_Brown">Ian Brown</a> and jumper Cory Carter. 
<a href="/topics/Kings_Park%2C_NY">Kings Park</a> has several quality athletes, including sprinter Sean Brady and shotter Brandon Reynolds. 
Nick Juliano (distance) and Adam Devito (jumps) lead <a href="/topics/Miller_Place%2C_NY">Miller Place</a>.

SKSBTRACK12

Suffolk: Look out for Longwood, Bay Shore boys

LARGE SCHOOLS
 
Defending Class A champion Calhoun could repeat thanks to the talents of distance runners James Panetta, Tim Campbell, Brendan Abrams and Casey Bader. Calhoun will also benefit from the talents of Will Fugina (300, long jump), triple jumper Zach Kronstat and Kenny Wu (middle distance). 
<a href="/topics/Uniondale%2C_NY">Uniondale</a> is experienced and talented. Glen Forsythe is a leader in the long and triple jump, while Tresean Goodwin (300, 55) should excel in the sprints. Nyder Chardonette (hurdles) and shotter <a href="/topics/Sean_Brown">Sean Brown</a> are also back for the Knights.
<a href="/topics/Farmingdale%2C_NY">Farmingdale</a> could be the last team standing with Jason Pierre (jumps), distance specialist Danny Kovler and pole vaulter Jeziel Roman in the fold. <a href="/topics/Baldwin%2C_NY">Baldwin</a> has several core seniors back in Justin Mahoney (sprints), Karl Desil (hurdles), Ieshawn Johnson (shot) and sprinter Jarrek Babb. 
<a href="/topics/Freeport%2C_NY">Freeport</a> lost some talent from a squad that took second last season, but has several promising youngsters led by sprinter Fitz-Micheal Parkinson, Jonathan Greenwood (middle distance) and Chaz Ramos (1600). 
<a href="/topics/Massapequa%2C_NY">Massapequa</a> has big talent in the distance events with Andrew Valenski and Nick DeLuna. Joe Caraciolo is one of <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a>'s top jumpers, while John Doria will score in the pole vault. Defending Class B champion <a href="/topics/Westbury%2C_NY">Westbury</a> is the newcomer to Class A led by distance star Owen Skeet and sprinter Romain St. Germain. GreatNeck South is paced by distanec runners Dan Siegel, Jose Madrigal, <a href="/topics/Nick_Ross">Nick Ross</a>, jumper Andrew Henry and sprinter Aron Brown .
 
SMALL SCHOOLSValley Stream North has several talented athletes back in fold and could emerge as the last team standing. VSN has Tom Bardabelias (distance), <a href="/topics/Joe_Rossi">Joe Rossi</a> and Zach Bugge in the middle distance and shotters Chris Edouard and Pat Canny leading the way.
<a href="/topics/Hewlett%2C_NY">Hewlett</a> could challenge for the top spot thanks to a talented group led by distance runner Neil Cohen. Lamar Letts will lead the way in the sprints and middle distance with Brian Durdaller and Corey Snider getting points in the pole vault. 
<a href="/topics/Manhasset%2C_NY">Manhasset</a> should challenge with distance specialists Stephen Bourguet and Charlie Morris, while <a href="/topics/Floral_Park%2C_NY">Floral Park</a> has strength distance events with Thomas Garcia.
<a href="/topics/Mineola%2C_NY">Mineola</a> has one of Nassau County's top sprinters in Marco Oliveira and <a href="/topics/Roosevelt%2C_NY">Roosevelt</a> will try and make waves with Erin Parker in the sprints. 
Distance specialist Matt Savino leads <a href="/topics/Seaford%2C_NY">Seaford</a>.

SKNBTRACK12

Calhoun's distance squad could pace Nassau

Defending CHSAA 600-meter champ Payton Hazzard is back for St. Anthony's, but he's not alone. Sprinter Warner Cooley and pole vaulter Michael Brunoforte are just a few of the many talented athletes St. Anthony's has returning. Jump specialist Cameron Black, shotter Chris Hand and distance specialist Thomas Diliberto should make the Friars one of the most complete teams on Long Island.
Sprinter Hunter Burrell and jump specialist Seitu Solomon head up a St. John the Baptist team that can compete with anyone. Brandon Camenzuli, Matt Zampariello and Christian Rojas will head up the Cougars' distance efforts. Dom Safina and <a href="/topics/Pat_Collins">Pat Collins</a> (pole vault), Carey Adams (shot) and Tom DuPlessis (sprints) are also back to lead the Cougars. 
Distance specialists Will Slattery and Thomas Awad could take Chaminade a long way this season. But they won't be the alone as Eric Haslbauer also figures to make an impact in distance races. Eric Grein (hurdles/sprints), Nick Greico (middle distance), John Halloran (shot) and Sam DeLuca (shot) will anchor the remainder of the events for the Flyers. 
Kellenberg will have strength with hurdlers Timothy McKnight and Dylan Rosser, sprinter Luke Wigatow and 600 specialists Joseph Maulo and Adam Santiago.

SKNCBTRACK12

CHSAA: Tough to match St. Anthony's depth

The mainstays are firmly in place for contenders like East <a href="/topics/Islip%2C_NY">Islip</a> and Sachem East, but it's the first-year starters who could ultimately determine the Suffolk champion in boys bowling.
With Ed Tuskan and <a href="/topics/Bobby_Martin">Bobby Martin</a> leading the pack with their 223 averages, it's not easy to crack <a href="/topics/East_Islip%2C_NY">East Islip</a>'s starting lineup as a freshman. But that's just what the talented up-and-coming duo of Jacob Klein and John Cheadle have done, making a team with a county best 1,104.9 average last season even stronger.
Defending county champion Sachem East, which took fourth in the state meet, returns arguably the top bowler in Suffolk in Jeremy Milito, who had the third-best average in the county at 226.7, along with Steve Sabella (199.5). But the Flaming Arrows also get younger with a pair of first-year starters in junior Matt Hecker and seventh-grader Nick Caruana.
Middle County, which has finished third and second in the county the past two seasons, returns its entire starting lineup which includes Matt Skalacki (210.9), Brian Dragotta (203) and Rob Pepe (209.1).
<a href="/topics/Riverhead%2C_NY">Riverhead</a> features Elliot Jones, whose 226.8 average was the second- highest in Suffolk last season. Also contending will be Greg Reed and <a href="/topics/Smithtown%2C_NY">Smithtown</a>, Anthony Recek and Sachem North and Michael Kovarick and Islip.
Coming off a county championship and a sixth-place state finish, Sewanhaka should once again be one of <a href="/topics/Nassau_County%2C_NY">Nassau</a>'s top teams. Joining returnees Tommy Genova (207), Joshua Kramer (191) and Mike DeFalco (190) will be junior Jay Wagan, a call-up from junior varsity expected to make an immediate impact.
Looking to dethrone Sewanhaka will be county runner-up <a href="/topics/East_Meadow%2C_NY">East Meadow</a>, led by freshman Jeffrey Juarez (213). He is joined by junior Joey Sineno and sophomore Matt Newman.
<a href="/topics/Bellmore%2C_NY">Bellmore</a>-<a href="/topics/Merrick%2C_NY">Merrick</a> features the winner of Nassau's individual tournament Ricky Hough, who averaged a 213 as a junior. <a href="/topics/Hicksville%2C_NY">Hicksville</a> and <a href="/topics/Hewlett%2C_NY">Hewlett</a> will also be in contention.
Defending champ Holy Trinity is in a class by itself in CHSAA, led by league and state individual champion Luis Christie as well as Tom Jakubowski. The only team to defeat Holy Trinity last season, St. John the Baptist, could threaten behind Justin Figueroa and Cyle Yambo.

SKBBOWL12

Suffolk bowling: Newcomers the difference?

In news that will surprise few, East <a href="/topics/Islip%2C_NY">Islip</a> is again the favorite among Suffolk girls bowling teams. The Big Red Machine churns out elite bowlers each year without fail. The Lady Redmen return with a loaded roster led by Tara Ernst (203 average) and Nancy Baione (192). Sophomore Lena Sorrentino led <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a> with a 215.2 average and this year could challenge the record of 218.4, held by former teammate Ali Martin.
Middle Country, however, is the reigning county champion after upsetting <a href="/topics/East_Islip%2C_NY">East Islip</a> in the county tournament and coming within 47 pins of a state title. Middle Country returns Melissa Sherwin and Kelly Skalacki, who, along with up-and-comers Sarah Harley and Eva Meyer, should keep the Cougarines in contention.
<a href="/topics/Longwood%2C_NY">Longwood</a>, third in the county meet, has a talented young group led by Brianna Meyer (187) and Kylie Spillett. Islip lost its best two bowlers but will remain competitive with Lori Greenblatt and Angelina Macaluso. <a href="/topics/Patchogue%2C_NY">Patchogue</a>-<a href="/topics/Medford%2C_NY">Medford</a>, the 2008 champion, should contend with Zulfiye Bademci. <a href="/topics/Commack%2C_NY">Commack</a> has talent, led by Alana Norotsky and Jackie Castelli. Sachem North, with all-star Kathryn Rivera (193), <a href="/topics/North_Babylon%2C_NY">North Babylon</a>, with Abigail Casale, and Comsewogue, with Deanna Clark, will all be in the mix.
Division is the team to beat in <a href="/topics/Nassau_County%2C_NY">Nassau</a>, having gone undefeated the last two years. The Blue Dragons are led by Erica Schneider (195), Michelle Fitzpatrick (190) and Colleen O'Neil (185).
But not far behind, if at all, is Sewanhaka District. The Indians placed second in the counties and the best bowlers were eighth-graders. Danielle Roca, Rebecca Gotterbarn and Kristina Genova have improved greatly, coach Jay Hegi said. Juniors Amanda Estevez and Gerilynn Ross will provide "veteran" leadership.
<a href="/topics/Hicksville%2C_NY">Hicksville</a>, behind All-County senior Alyssa Hesse and Kaycie Gamblin, is a contender. As is Clarke, which had the fourth-highest team average. The Rams are led by Brooke Wood, Carlie Mendoza and Jessica Spindell. <a href="/topics/East_Meadow%2C_NY">East Meadow</a>, with Erica Tuthill, and <a href="/topics/Wantagh%2C_NY">Wantagh</a> will compete.
In the CHSAA, Holy Trinity rolled to an undefeated season and returns six seniors, including Jennifer O'Connor and twins Angela and Jen Valveri.
Kellenberg, which reached the final, features stars Monica Weitekamp and Ashley Simpson, and talented sophomore Mary-Catherine Zehnder. St. John the Baptist, a semifinalist, is led by Madison Gervasi and Katelynn Coon. Sacred Heart, in its third year, and St. Anthony's could be sleepers.

SKGBOWL12

Suffolk girls bowling: EI, MC could strike

Boys 
Elliot Jones, <a href="/topics/Riverhead%2C_NY">Riverhead</a>, Sr. 
Jeremy Milito, Sachem East, Sr. 
Ricky Hough, <a href="/topics/Bellmore%2C_NY">Bellmore</a>-<a href="/topics/Merrick%2C_NY">Merrick</a>, Sr. 
Luis Christie, Holy Trinity, Jr. 
Girls 
Lena Sorrentino, <a href="/topics/East_Islip%2C_NY">East Islip</a>, So. 
Erica Schneider, Division, Sr. 
Melissa Sherwin, Middle Country, So. 
Danielle Roca, Sewanhaka District, Fr.

SKBOWLWATCH12

Bowlers to watch this season

Great Neck South is long past the stage of being a surprise, or a contender or even the favorite among Nassau County's top boys swim teams. As one competing coach put it this winter, "nobody can touch them.''
And when your roster is stocked with talent like Sam Mo, statements like that might not just be hyperbole. Mo won the 200-yard individual medley (1 minute, 55.87 seconds) and 100-freestyle (48.08) at the county meet in 2009, and hopes to repeat in this, his junior season. But GNS is more than Sam Mo. Ben Ching was first in the 100-breaststroke (1:01.81) at counties, Patrick Yang finished fourth in the 50-free (22.76) and Dan Mo, Sam's brother, placed third in the county meet in the 200-IM (2:02.86) and second in the 100-back (57.06) as a freshman.
Nicholas Stoski was second in the 100-breaststroke (1:01.96) at counties and figures to lead a <a href="/topics/Long_Beach%2C_NY">Long Beach</a> team that was second in the 2009 Nassau finals, 32.5 points behind GNS.
"He's strong in almost anything I put him in," coach Woody Davis said. "In the breaststroke, he could be one of the best in the county."
Drew Cohen, Shane Alton and Ryan Murray help fill out a program that could get a head-turning infusion of youth at some point this season from the junior-high level.
Joseph Na placed fifth in the 50-free (22.98) for <a href="/topics/Jericho%2C_NY">Jericho</a> at the 2009 Nassau finals. Diver <a href="/topics/Jordan">Jordan</a> Bernstein placed third in the county (388.5 points) and just missed the state cut.
"Great Neck won by a little over 30 points last year, and 30 points in a championship meet is every one of your players moving up a spot," coach Richard Stern said. "It's not a huge margin. Are they unbeatable? It looks like it could be, but it's not impossible."
Austin Kowalsky returns for <a href="/topics/Bellmore%2C_NY">Bellmore</a>-Merrickafter winning the 50-free (21.57) and 100-butterfly (53.42) at counties. Kowalsky also swam the anchor leg on the first place 200-freestyle relay (1:29.77) and the lead leg on the second place 200-medley relay (1:42.32).
Erik Heinemann was second in the 200-IM (2:00.99) and 500-free (4:46.28) at the Nassau finals for <a href="/topics/Cold_Spring_Harbor%2C_NY">Cold Spring Harbor</a>, but he may be a champion this year after his biggest competition in the 500-free graduated. In the IM, the battle between Heinemann and Mo will be one to watch.
The diving title seems to be Peter Magliulo's to lose after the <a href="/topics/Manhasset%2C_NY">Manhasset</a> junior finished first with a 429 at the county finals. His next-closest still active competitor was 41 points behind him. Magliulo spent his off-season working with <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a> diving guru <a href="/topics/George_Taylor">George Taylor</a> on increasing his degree of difficulty and cleaning up some routine dives.
Manhasset boasts a young team, and Alex Huang might be the first seventh- grader to make the varsity squad in a decade, according to coach Matt McGrane.
"We feel that they should be on the middle school squad unless they can make a clear impact at the varsity level," McGrane said. "He had county qualifying times as a sixth-grader in nearly half the individual events. Physically, he seems up to the task."

Swimming

SKNSWIM12

In Nassau, everyone's chasing Great Neck South

Half Hollow Hills' Matt DeBlasio hasn't had to deal with a loss in his high school career. That's because Hills hasn't lost a dual meet, league championship or county championship in the last four years. And with DeBlasio going into his senior season, he's not about to let the trend come to an end.
"He's always been probably the hardest worker I've had in all my years at Hills," coach Jason Weidersum said. "But this year through the summer he's actually increased his level of training . . . from the fall until now he's actually doubled his water hours."
Scary proposition for a guy who won the 200-yard individual medley (1 minute, 53.24 seconds) and was sixth in the 100 backstroke (53.14) at the state Public High School Championships last year. He also swam the lead leg on the seventh-place 200-medley relay (1:38.40). And that was an encore after he won two events - 200-IM (1:55.9) and 100-backstroke (53.99) - and was part of two winning relays - 200 medley (1:39.86) and 400 medley (3:16.3) - at the <a href="/topics/Suffolk_County%2C_NY">Suffolk</a> championships.
DeBlasio's star power in the lanes is almost equaled by Ryan Savit's on the diving board. Savit placed 13th at states (417.6 points), third at the county finals (4:16.15) and had the top diving totals in the 2009 regular season.
Ward <a href="/topics/Melville%2C_NY">Melville</a>'s strength comes from its relays. After finishing second at the Suffolk County meet in 2009, the program returns its relay core largely intact, led by Liuben Chipev and Michael Yavid. The Patriots finished second in both the 200-medley relay (1:41.96) and 200-freestyle relay (1:32.30).
<a href="/topics/Sayville%2C_NY">Sayville</a>/<a href="/topics/Bayport%2C_NY">Bayport</a>-<a href="/topics/Blue_Point%2C_NY">Blue Point</a> has been particularly hurt by graduation and is a program in flux. But it still has bright points. Like Andrew Cremer, brother of Chris, the now-graduated 2009 Suffolk finals most outstanding swimmer. Andrew swam the lead leg on the second-place 400-free relay (3:17.73) at the Suffolk finals and figures to take on a much larger role with the team this year.
<a href="/topics/Lindenhurst%2C_NY">Lindenhurst</a>'s Kevin Konarski qualified for states in the 200-freestyle (1:45.8) as an eighth-grader. 
Along with HHH's Savit, Suffolk diving is deep. <a href="/topics/Deer_Park%2C_NY">Deer Park</a>/ North Babylonsenior Kyle Gannon returns after winning the Suffolk finals (437.25). The words you hear to describe him this year are "more focused." Not bad for somebody who's already a champion. DP/NB also boasts seniors Chase Henry and Matt Mullen in the lanes.
Sachem East sophomore Anthony Stefanelli placed eighth in diving at the public school championships (430.45). It was the highest placing for a <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a> competitor in the event in 2009.
Stefanelli gained 10 pounds of muscle over the off-season from gymnastics work and is jumping higher. His degrees-of-difficulty are already high and he's actually working on refining some of the easier dives.
With one diver who led in the regular season, one who took first at counties and another who placed highest at states, it's going to be a see-saw Suffolk season on the boards.

SKSSWIM12

DeBlasio looks to keep Hills rolling

It's long been a three-horse race in CHSAA swimming, and the majority of times Fordham Prep was the lead pony. But last year St. Anthony's upended that tradition, capturing its first CHSAA title in program history, after also besting the dual-meet season.
Christian Yeager, who competed at nationals in <a href="/topics/Ohio">Ohio</a> prior to the season, leads the team after placing fourth at the 2009 Federation Championship in the 200-yard IM (1:54.33) and sixth in the 100-back (52.71).
"I really expect him to be at the top of his game this year, which he's pretty much just about there," coach Dan McBride said. "Team-wise I can put him at the front of any event I need to."
Sean Sullivan will be swimming distance and Chris Cannon and Aidan McShane could assume bigger roles as the program feels confident it can guard against a "hangover" season.
"I think after last year's championship, they got hungry to consistently swim at that next level," McBride said. "They want it and they're putting in the work."
Chaminade is looking to move out of an unfamiliar place - the backseat. Until the last two seasons, Chaminade hadn't finished lower than second place at the CHSAA finals for a decade.
"I expect improvement from last year," coach Angelo Pellicone said. "The way it usually works is that we try to develop the team so that they contribute as juniors and seniors. This year we're expecting contributions from all four classes."
<a href="/topics/Tommy_Murphy">Tommy Murphy</a> (200-free, 100 butterfly) and Emmett Johnson (50 free, 100 free, 100 fly) lead the lanes.
Miles Ronbeck is one of the better divers in the league.
"Diving is only one event, but it counts just the same as if you had a strong swimmer in any event," Pellicone said. "So it's sometimes overlooked. But it could definitely be a huge advantage for us."

SKCSWIM12

Yeager, Friars back to defend CHSAA title

Andrew Cremer - <a href="/topics/Sayville%2C_NY">Sayville</a>/BBP, Jr. 
Matthew DeBlasio -&nbsp;Half Hollow Hills, Sr. 
Erik Heinemann - <a href="/topics/Cold_Spring_Harbor%2C_NY">Cold Spring Harbor</a>, Sr. 
Austin Kowalsky - <a href="/topics/Bellmore%2C_NY">Bellmore</a>-<a href="/topics/Merrick%2C_NY">Merrick</a>, Jr. 
Sam Mo - <a href="/topics/Great_Neck%2C_NY">Great Neck</a> South, Jr.Ryan Savit Half Hollow Hills, Jr. 
Anthony Stefanelli - Sachem East, Soph. 
Nicholas Stoski -&nbsp;<a href="/topics/Long_Beach%2C_NY">Long Beach</a>, Soph. 
Everett Vasquez -&nbsp;<a href="/topics/Patchogue%2C_NY">Patchogue</a>-<a href="/topics/Medford%2C_NY">Medford</a>, Sr. 
Christian Yeager&nbsp;-&nbsp;St. Anthony's, Jr.

SKSWIMWATCH12

Ten boys swimmers to watch this season

Jenny Kaufman, Sr., <a href="/topics/Long_Beach%2C_NY">Long Beach</a> 
Allison Osmundsen, Sr., <a href="/topics/Hicksville%2C_NY">Hicksville</a> 
Cheyenne Blumberg, Sr., <a href="/topics/Oceanside%2C_NY">Oceanside</a> 
Victoria Vitale, So., <a href="/topics/Plainview%2C_NY">Plainview</a> 
Erin Roach, Jr., <a href="/topics/Bethpage_State_Park%2C_NY">Bethpage</a>

Gymnastics

SKGYMWATCH12

Five gymnasts to watch this season

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