Sayville girls basketball beats Rocky Point, advances to Class A semifinals
Aniela Marino of Sayville dribbles out from the Rocky Point end of the court during a Suffolk Class A girls basketball quarterfinal against Rocky Point in Sayville on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
Even in a win-or-go-home matchup, the Sayville girls basketball team handled the pressure with ease.
The host No. 4 Golden Flashes topped No. 5 Rocky Point, 48-29, in the Suffolk Class A quarterfinals on Thursday. Aniela Marino and eighth-grader Julia Madsen led Sayville with nine points each.
Sayville (13-8) advanced to play No. 1 Mount Sinai in the semifinals at 4:30 p.m. next Wednesday.
Sayville defeated Rocky Point twice during the regular season, but second-year coach Casey Travers said she knew the Eagles were not to be taken lightly.
“We know their tendencies, but that doesn’t mean anything in the postseason,” Travers said. “They’re a county championship-level team and we had to show up. We have a ton of respect for them and just let our hard work show.”
The Golden Flashes showcased their depth, boasting 10 different scorers from the team’s 15-player roster. Marino, a junior, said at this point in the season, all hands need to be on deck.
“From the beginning of the bench to the end of it, everyone contributes and makes us better,” Marino said. “That really helps, especially during playoffs. Everyone needs to buy in and, when we work together, we play our best.”
Olivia DeSimone, Sayville’s only senior, recorded seven points and two assists. For her, the senior mentality is just added motivation to make a memorable playoff run.
“It’s a different role to do this by myself,” DeSimone said. “I feel that responsibility to make sure the girls are always focused, locked in and ready to go. I trust my team and, knowing it’s my last year, they trust me to give my full effort every time we step on the court.”
On the opposite end of the spectrum, eighth-grader Madsen is in her second year with the program and already making a statement.
“Even though I’m young, I feel the support from everyone,” Madsen said. “I feel comfortable to just play my game.”
Makayla Caraballo scored eight points to lead Rocky Point, which finished 11-8.
Madsen said when her team focuses on its chemistry Sayville has what it takes to continue its playoff run.
“I think we could win if we work as a team,” Madsen said. “When we all work together, we can be one of the best teams in the league. From the beginning of the season to now, we’ve improved so much so we just need to have the mentality that we’re capable.”
Tess Ferguson is a reporter on Newsday's high school sports staff. She joined the team after graduating with a journalism degree from Ithaca College in 2025.
