Heath, Huth lead Hewlett boys golf
Frank Amicizia helped Kings Park go undefeated last year, and it could again. Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
CONFERENCE 1
Defending champion Hewlett returns its entire lineup and is set for another title run. Senior Taylor Heath and junior Austin Huth, who both averaged under 40 strokes per nine holes, give the Bulldogs a dynamic duo.
Lynbrook is led by reigning state qualifier Matt Hirsh and fellow junior Luke Reilly. Sophomore Dean Sisun is expected to step up, and senior Alec Stern should provide veteran leadership.
Bellmore JFK is also worth keeping an eye on.
CONFERENCE 2
Jericho might not be the most talented team, but in terms of experience and depth, they are stocked. The Jayhawks return eight players with experience, most notably Sahil Iyer. The junior took ninth in counties and will be joined by seniors Harris Tils and Jacob Entel.
Syosset graduated four of its top six but has talented freshman Matt Csillag. Willis Huynh and senior Spencer Levine gives the Braves a solid nucleus.
Friends Academy and North Shore should fight for third.
CONFERENCE 3
Wheatley and Port Washington are the teams to beat. Plainview JFK, led by John Farber and Dan Park, is the dark horse.
SUFFOLK LEAGUE I
Defending co-champion Deer Park might take the league outright. Junior Kyle Morris and senior Sean Bauer are consistent low-scorers, although a plethora of new faces must step up if they want to wrestle the title from fellow co-champion Northport.
Despite losing All-County Matt Gorman and All-League Dan Choe, Matt Pollock, Ryan Reed and Nick Rodriguez return with All-League credentials.
Babylon is intriguing with Cody Gross and Sam Zamet headlining an excellent top of the lineup.
LEAGUE II
Kings Park, after an undefeated league campaign in 2010, should not skip a beat. Defending Suffolk champion Frank Amicizia is the top golfer for a team that lost only one senior. Senior Joe Orlando and Steve Wibben are both capable of shooting par.
Sachem North is headed by junior William Ruth. On varsity since freshman year, Ruth has bulked up and should be ready for a standout season, according to coach Jim Pappas. Junior William Rosati returns after missing the season with an injury.
Sachem East returns its entire starting lineup and could challenge district rival North for second place.
Hauppauge, after a third-place finish last year, cannot be ignored.
CHSAA
Defending state CHSAA champion Griffin McQuilling is among six All-League golfers to return for three-time defending champ Chaminade. Two-time NSCHSAA champ Jack Williams and John Reali should help make it four straight. St. Anthony's and Holy Trinity might contend, and St. John the Baptist returns sophomore and reigning co-league MVP Mark Reilly.
