Long Beach wrestling takes top spot in Big 10

1. LONG BEACH WRESTLING

The Marines return 14 Nassau place winners, headlined by three-time state champion Jacori Teemer at 126 pounds and Nassau champions Tyrese Byron (152) and Tyreek Bromley (182). Long Beach is also the defending Nassau team champion.

2. WARD MELVILLE BOYS FENCING

Michael Jaklitsch went 3-0 in epee to lead the Patriots to a 17-10 season-opening win over Commack. Sabre fencers Jack Rohan and Danny Deto and foil fencer Ben Rogak also return for the nine-time reigning Long Island champions, who have won 142 consecutive dual meets.

3. EAST ISLIP GIRLS BOWLING

The defending Suffolk champions and New York State runners-up are 4-0 to start the season. East Islip is led by junior Melissa Mavrich and sophomores Julianna Spina, Julia Bocamazo and Jenny Murphy. All four girls averaged more than 195 last season.

4. LONG ISLAND LUTHERAN GIRLS BASKETBALL

All of the starters for the Crusaders stand at least 5-10, giving them nearly unmatched height. Grace Stone and Celeste Taylor are each receiving looks from some of women’s basketball’s top collegiate programs, according to coach Rich Slater.

5. HUNTINGTON BOYS TRACK

Despite moving up to Suffolk’s large school division, Huntington still figures to be just as strong as they were last season, when they dominated Long Island competition. Kyree Johnson won the 55 meters (6.52 seconds) and the 300 (34.65) last week at the Nassau Coaches Invitational. Clay Jamison was fifth in the shot put. (40-2.5).

6. ST. ANTHONY’S GIRLS TRACK

Halle Hazzard is one of the best sprinters in the state. She finished second in the 55 meters at last year’s state championships. Alyssa Yeboah-Kodie is a top hurdler. She was a top seven finisher at last year’s state championships.

7. MIDDLE COUNTRY GIRLS BOWLING

Middle Country finished second in Suffolk behind East Islip last season. They return a loaded roster headed by eighth-grader Hannah Skalacki, who finished third in Suffolk with a 211.29 average last year. Juniors Allison Burfeindt and Julie Acosta will provide depth.

8. ST. ANTHONY’S BOYS SWIMMING

The defending state champions graduated key seniors, but return Andrew Stange, who will lead the talented group looking for another title. Captains CJ Arena and Conor Rutigliano, along with sophomores Michael Chang and Justin Meyn, will have major roles.

9. BALDWIN GIRLS BASKETBALL

With three of Long Island’s most polished guards in Aziah Hudson, Jenna Annecchiarico and Kaia Harrison, the Bruins could make it four straight Nassau AA titles. Their speed and slashing ability make them a tough defensive assignment.

10. WARD MELVILLE GIRLS FENCING

Lara Obedin went 3-0 in foil and Arianna Ferretti went 3-0 in epee to lead Ward Melville to a 17-10 victory over rival Commack in its season opener.

Sachem North boys track, Sachem East girls track, Massapequa gymnastics.

By Gregg Sarra

gregg.sarra@newsday.com@Gregg_Sarra

Gregg Sarra is Newsday's high school sports editor and has been on the beat since the mid-1980s.