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Ward Melville Patriot defense locks down Bay Shore Marauders

by Bill Landon - June 14, 2021

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Ward Melville — No. 4 seed — hosted Bay Shore — No. 5 — in Division I boys lacrosse playoff action where the Patriot defense shut the Marauders down in the second half for a 7-3 victory Jun. 11.

Ward Melville junior Tyler Flynn scored twice, and five different teammates each scored once. Protecting a 3-goal lead at the half, the Patriots defense allowed one goal in the final minute of the game.

The win lifts the Patriots to 12-3 on the season and advance to the semi-final round. Ward Melville expected to travel to Huntington to face the No. 1 seed, but Sachem North at No. 9 picked off the Blue Devils gifting the Patriots with another home playoff game Monday Jun. 14. Face-off is at 4 p.m.

Miller Place takes down Half Hollow Hills West

by TBR Staff - June 12, 2021

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By Diana Fehling

It’s been a home-run of a season for Miller Place High School. The boy’s baseball beat Half Hollow Hills West 2-0 at their game on June 10.

Kai Loftin pitched a 4-hit shutout and had the winning RBI.

The win advanced Miller Place into the season’s playoffs.

Photos by Diana Fehling

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Coach Michael Bowler 1st Inaugural Tribute and Remembrance-Day

by Bill Landon - June 10, 2021

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The Bowler family at midfield prior to the first inaugural Coach Michael Bowler Tribute and Remembrance-day June 5. Bill Landon photo

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Rocky Point’s legendary boy’s lacrosse coach Michael Bowler, who passed away in December of 2019, was honored in the Inaugural Michael Bowler Tribute and Remembrance Day, Saturday, June 5, at Rocky Point High School. Bowler, who established the boy’s lacrosse program back in 1978, fielded a winning season in his first year. Bowler served as head coach for the Eagles through 43 seasons with more than 600 wins to his credit, and led his team to the New York State Championship title in 2008.

A Bowler player has attended every major college, Ivy league school and Military academy in the nation. Recently, Rocky Point lacrosse alum Peter LaSalla, a junior at the University of Virginia, won his team’s second National Championship.

Coach Bowler was named New York State Coach of the Year in boys lacrosse by the National Federation of High School sports in 2020. The award is presented to recipients who have made the greatest impact to student athletes in their respective sport.

Coach Bowler’s family and his wife, Helene, took center stage at midfield prior to Saturday’s game where the Eagles honored the late coach’s legacy with a win 13-2 victory over Kings Park.

Rocky Point captain John O’Conner escorted Mrs. Bowler to midfield wearing No. 43 to honor coach Bowler’s 43 years at the helm. O’Connor won 13 of 18 battles at face off with senior attackmen Charles Gerace scoring 5 goals and Anthony Milano netting 4.

— Photos by Bill Landon

Newfield comes from behind for the win

by Bill Landon - June 9, 2021

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Comsewogue’s Brendan Topper makes the play at first in a road game against Newfield June 5. Bill Landon photo

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Trailing Newfield 2-1 to open the 4th inning, Comsewogue loaded the bases when Christopher Valazquez laid off a pitch for the walk to plate Aaron Freidman to tie the score, but it was Dominic Schuch’s bat that spoke next for a base clearing inside the park grand slam homerun to jump out front for a 6-2 lead.

But Newfield chipped away at the deficit loading the bases in the bottom of the 4th inning plating a runner when the batter was hit by a pitch then Mike Madina drove in Stephen Lumme and Dylan Johnson. Newfield’s Joe Hackel scored on a passed ball in the bottom 6th inning to make it a one run game when Medina struck again with a 2 run rbi double to take a 10-9 lead to open the 7th inning.

Newfield’s defense prevailed to close out the one run victory.

With the win Newfield improves to 13-2 for the top spot in league III with 3 games left on their schedule while the loss drops Comsewogue to 7-8.

Post season play begins Tuesday June 15.

Into the frying pan: Bay Shore Marauder hurler muzzles Tiger bats

by TBR Staff - June 9, 2021

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By Steven Zaitz

Sometimes, it is two, and not one, that is the loneliest number.

It was exactly that for the Northport Tigers baseball team this past Monday, as they managed just two hits against Bayshore, losing by a score of 2-0.

Marauders starting pitcher Ty Panariello was nearly flawless, allowing only five base runners in the complete game shutout of Northport. The 5-foot-7-inch sophomore stood tall in the saddle and with the win, he elevated his record to 4-2 on the season and brought Bay Shore to within a half a game of the Tigers.

Huntington leads League II with a glistening 14-3 record with Connetquot, Northport and Bay Shore right behind, and all within a game of each other. The top two teams will enjoy a first-round playoff bye so this victory for Bay Shore kept that hope alive.

“For Ty to come out there and throw the way he did in a tense ballgame and shut those Northport bats down is impressive,” said Bay Shore Head Baseball Coach Mike Herbst. “It was a big win and we needed it.”

Bay Shore got the scoring started early, as they touched Tiger pitcher Liam Fodor for a run in the first inning on a two out RBI double by first baseman Darnell Guerrero. It was all Panariello would need.

Getting ahead in counts and relying on his defense behind him, Panariello did not allow more than one runner on base in any inning and seem to get stronger as the game wore on.

“I was trying to mix up my pitches and keep them off balance,” Panariello said. “All my pitches — fastball, curveball, change-up and slider — were working and I was able to get ahead in counts. I also have to give props to the defense behind me. They were awesome out there.”

While Northport baserunners were at a premium, the Tigers were able to hit a few balls hard against Panariello, but on this day, they never found grass.

“We preach all the time not to give the opposing team extra outs,” Herbst said. “Today we played extremely well on defense, and it allowed our pitcher to get into a rhythm because he knew the guys behind him were going to make the play.”

Two of these guys making plays were centerfielder Jason Ambos, who will be attending the University of Central Florida in the fall and right fielder Coltrane Calloway, who is headed for Seton Hall. They had three putouts apiece and made it look easy out there.

“Jason Ambos is the best defensive outfielder in the county, and he’s been doing it since his freshman year,” Herbst said. “And Coltrane should be in the conversation for Most Valuable Player of the league. The guy is hitting close to .500, has 4 home runs and 4 wins as a pitcher.”

But it was Panariello who was the M.V.P. of this game, as he retired the final 15 batters in a row, overwhelmingly outdueling Fodor who gave up 10 hits and suffered his first loss of the year.

“Liam battled and never gave up the big inning,” said Northport Associate Head Coach Sean Lynch. “Bay Shore has one of the best lineups in Suffolk County and their kid (Panariello) worked ahead and rarely got into deep counts. He pitched to contact and let his defense play for him.”

The last defensive play of the game was made by Panariello himself, as he snared a hard-hit comebacker by Tiger third sacker Owen Johansen. After the momentum of the ball carried him towards first base, the sophomore ran it to the bag and emphatically stomped on it with both feet, putting an exclamation point on his job well done.

“It was a good game to win and there was a lot of emotion at the end,” Panariello said. “Once I got that ball in my glove, I really wanted to end the ballgame myself.”

Bay Shore and Northport have split the season series, with Northport notching a wild, extra inning win earlier in the year at Bay Shore. The possibility looms that these two teams will face off in the playoffs.

“We’ve had two great games with them,” Panariello said. “Let’s decide it with a third.”

Ward Melville Patriots fall to Pat-Med Raiders, 17-5

by Bill Landon - June 9, 2021

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Ward Melville struggled from the mound falling behind early in a road game against Pat-Med, giving up several walks with bases loaded, then hit a batter to find themselves in an 8-0 hole in the opening inning.

The Patriots mounted a rally in the top of the second, first loading the bases when catcher Thomas Ribaudo crushed a monster shot straight away over the centerfield fence for a base-clearing grand slam home run cutting the deficit 8-4. It would be the only bright spot for the Patriots as their bats went silent the rest of the way, save for a run in the top of the fifth, and fell to the Raiders 17-5 in a Division I matchup June 8.

The loss drops the Patriots to 12-5 with one game remaining before post-season games begins Tuesday, June 15.

Eagles soar into post-season

by Bill Landon - June 5, 2021

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Rocky Point senior Emmarose Hansen clears from behind the cage in a home game against Kings Park June 4. Bill Landon photo

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The Eagles of Rocky Point had a six-goal cushion at the halftime break, but Kings Park came out strong early in the second half drawing within three goals two different times when the Eagles slammed the door to win the Division II matchup 19-13 at home, June 4.

Senior Kelly Logue topped the scoring chart for the Eagles with five goals. Lindsey Lucia followed with four, and seniors Kaleigh Wilgeroth and Emmarose Hansen both had hat tricks.

A pair of sophomores led the way for Kings Park with Jaxie Cestone and Anne McGovern scoring three goals each.

Rocky Point senior Jenika Cuocco had 12 saves at net.

The Eagles finish their regular COVID- shortened season at 11-3 to ready themselves for post season play which began Tuesday June 8. Rocky Point was scheduled to play Comsewogue June 9. Results were not available at press time. Kings Park concluded their 2021 contest at 7-6.

Pictured clockwise from above left, Kings Park sophomore Anne McGovern crosses midfield pursued by Rocky Point junior Lindsey Lucia; Rocky Point junior Victoria Curreri takes possession for the Eagles; senior Emmarose Hansen pushes up-field; senior Kelly Logue sets up the play; senior goalie Jenika Cuocco with a save in a home game.

Huntington reliever slams the door on O’Beirne gem to beat Northport

by TBR Staff - June 2, 2021

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By Steven Zaitz

The Houdinis of Huntington pulled off yet another escape — and it was the bullpen that wrote the final act.

The Blue Devils fended off a wild seventh inning comeback attempt by the Northport Tigers and won by a score of 4-3, May 27 in Huntington. Devils starting pitcher Palmer O’Beirne was brilliant again, going 6 1/3 innings and striking out nine. Closer Alex Bellissimo got the last two outs with the bases loaded to end the game.

“That last inning was definitely a lot of pressure, for sure,” the senior Bellissimo said. “But the whole time I was thinking that I’ve got to close it out for Palmer because he pitched a great game. I just stayed relaxed and tried to execute my pitches.”

While Bellissimo was relaxing, everyone else in attendance was on the edge of their seats — in the dugouts and in the stands. As the afternoon settled into early dusk, the other extra-curricular activities around the Huntington High School Athletic Complex had ended. Lacrosse players, cheerleaders and other members of the student body began to buzz around the ballfield to watch these two fiery rivals play this seventh and deciding inning. They were in for a treat.

Three weeks prior to this game, Huntington stunned Northport with four runs in their final turn at bat to turn a 4-2 deficit into a 6-4 victory. Northport was looking for a little payback.

But O’Beirne, a junior, was perfect through three innings in this rematch and had given up only three hits and a run through six. He came out for the seventh inning having thrown 95 pitches and immediately showed signs of fatigue by giving up a single to Richard Kershow to start the inning. He had struck Kershow out twice before.

“I got two strikes on him and tried to finish him off with a curve,” the 6-foot-3-inch fireballer said. “I left it up a little bit and he was able to get it into right field for a hit. I wish I stuck with my fastball there.”

After getting sophomore Owen Johansen to fly out to right, Tiger first baseman Joe Gonzales lined a double to right center, bringing the potential tying run to the plate and knocking O’Beirne, tired or not, out of the game, as he reached his pitch count maximum of 105.

“I would have liked to have been out there to finish the game,” O’Beirne said. “I was counting pitches in my head instead of focusing on getting the batters out.”

So O’Beirne, who was named after Baltimore Oriole pitching great Jim Palmer, moved over to first base and his teammate Bellissimo was called upon to put out a smoldering fire — and things were about to get even hotter.

Northport shortstop Ray Moreno drove in Kershow with a single to right. Speedy leftfielder Tom Tini, who saved two runs the previous inning with a spinning circus catch, legged out an infield hit on a very close play at first base. Gonzales came in to score on Tini’s hit and Huntington’s lead was suddenly just a single run.

Right fielder Rocco Stola drew a walk, loading the bases and more importantly, putting the potential tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position with only one out.

Northport catcher Mike Catrone stepped up to the plate. He had driven in a run with a well-struck liner in the previous inning but was thrown out trying to stretch his hit into a double. But Bellissimo got him to pop out to third and the Devils were one out away from victory — the late spring daylight now fading as the drama came to its crescendo.

Number three hitter and centerfielder Dan Thompson was the last hope for Northport.

“Getting that pop out was huge and took some of the pressure off,” Bellissimo said. “But I still had one more out to get.”

With two strikes, Thomson smoked a humpback liner to straightaway center field. The pinging sound of aluminum on rawhide set off alarm bells over the now-hushed diamond. Centerfielder Kyle Colleluori, who seems to find a way to contribute every time he steps on a baseball field, ranged over a few steps to his left to snag the liner before it could find the grass. Ballgame over. Blue Devils win.

“Off the bat, I thought it was hit pretty good and maybe they just took the lead,” said the relieved reliever Bellissimo. “But I turned around and saw that Kyle was there, as he always is. What a great win!”

With the victory, Huntington and Northport, along with Bay Shore and Connetquot, sit atop the League II standings and are scrambling to best each other for playoff seeding.

“In our league, almost anyone can beat anyone,” O’Beirne said. “There are no guarantees.”

If these two teams meet again, it will be in the League II playoffs, and if recent history is any indication, there is one thing that can be guaranteed — that game will have another seventh inning storybook ending.

Who will author it?

Three Northport Lady Tiger stars share COVID-19 experiences

by TBR Staff - May 31, 2021

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SME_NPT_10987 — The incomparable Sophia Bica of Northport. Photo by Steven Zaitz

Recently, three student-athletes from Northport High School shared their experiences with playing sports during the pandemic.

Emma Blanco, senior

Four weeks and only eight games — that is all the Northport Lady Tigers got this season.

Compared to the four months that we usually get for a basketball season, you can definitely say that this year was something different. The Covid-19 pandemic was something that no one saw coming, and it hit everyone hard. Last year, our season was cut short right before we were about to play the Long Island Girls Championship game. This year we were lucky enough to have the opportunity to get on the court again after so much uncertainty about resuming high school sports. COVID-19 was something that no high school sport had ever experienced, and as the winter season was the first that could play, we were the guinea pigs. The masks, social distancing, weekly testing and contact tracing was new territory for everyone.

In the past, we would have been practicing and playing in both summer and fall leagues. These programs not only help us grow as a team skills wise, but give us more time to bond as teammates.

Luckily, all the girls who returned this year had played on the varsity team last year or had been pulled up from the junior varsity team for playoffs in 2020. I knew from the first practice that all the girls were excited, motivated, and ready to get on the court again, and we were determined to make the best of the short season that we were given.

The uncertainty that surrounded the season was definitely stressful. Hearing about other teams that could not play because they were in quarantine after a teammate tested positive — we knew that the season could be taken away just as fast as it started. The optimistic and positive attitude that our team had from the beginning was so crucial to our team’s success. We all knew how important it was to follow the guidelines so that everyone stayed healthy during the season.

Due to COVID restrictions, fans were not allowed at any of our games. We ran a fundraiser that allowed all of our families and fans to purchase cardboard cutouts that would be placed in the stands during all of our home games. It was nice to look out into the stands and see familiar faces, but it did not come close to comparing to the roaring crowds that were in the stands the previous year. Our team filled the void by keeping a positive attitude on and off the court. Although this was not the season that everyone had hoped for, it was an unforgettable experience that will go down in Northport Lady Tiger history.

I am so grateful that I had the chance to lead the team as co-captain and to play as a Northport Lady Tiger one last time before graduating in both basketball and field hockey. I will always look back on my years as a Lady Tiger with the fondest of memories.

Emma Blanco plays girls basketball and was captain in 2021 and was part of the 2020 Suffolk County Championship team. She was named All League II in 2021 and Suffolk County All-Academic team with an average over 100.

She also plays field hockey and was part of the Suffolk County and Long Island Championship team in 2021.

Sophia Yearwood, junior

Having an opportunity to play in the 2021 season gave us hope and relief. As a team we all began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I was proud to be on the court with teammates who demonstrated such resilience and determination. We had to accept a new reality which was having less time to sharpen our skills, prepare, and bond as a team for this season.

We did face some adversity, as we had injuries, quarantines and losses that could have and should have been wins. However, we relied on one another to keep us strong and focused, while continuing to develop as a team. Our coaches emphasize the importance of teamwork and encouraged us to inspire and motivate each other.

I remember the day of our first game this season. I think we were all so excited that it was in fact happening when there had been so much doubt. I remember proudly putting on my uniform and walking into the gym. It was such a great feeling to see all my teammates dressed in their uniforms as well ready to play! I could feel the energy, anticipation and emotion that filled the room. It actually felt like we were all returning home after being away for way too long.

Sophia Yearwood plays on the girls basketball team and was part of the 2020 Suffolk County Championship team and a three-year starter, All County in 2020 and 2021 and on Newsday’s Top 100 players on Long Island. She is also a starter for the varsity volleyball team.

Sophia Bica, junior

The best word I could use to describe playing sports during the pandemic is ‘differen.t’

Every team had to adjust to the new rules made by the state such as getting tested before games and wearing masks as we played. I think the toughest thing teams had to deal with was the testing because it would take a lot of time out of the day. Also, if the team that you played had somebody with a positive COVID-19 test, your team would get quarantined too.

I can confidently say that everybody involved was more than willing to do all of these things just so we could have a season. Although a couple of teams only played one or two games, my teams were fortunate enough to play full seasons although it was very different from what we are used to. But all of the girls, players and coaches, on every team, came together to make the most of it.

Sophia Bica plays on the girls basketball team. She is a three-year starter, All County in 2020 and 2021 and on Newsday’s Top 100 players on Long Island. She was a Suffolk County Basketball Champion in 2020. She is captain of the field hockey team that won both Suffolk County and Long Island Championships in 2021 and was this year’s Suffolk County Player of the Year for field hockey as well as First Team All Long Island and All New York State.

All photos by Steven Zaitz

Panthers Prevail

by Bill Landon - May 28, 2021

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Miller Place junior Kenny Leen with one of his ten saves in a rain-soaked game against West Babylon. Bill Landon photo

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It was a rain-soaked Div II matchup Friday night as the Miller Place Panthers trailed visiting West Babylon by one goal at the halftime break. The rain intensified to open the second half coming down in sheets at times but that didn’t dampen the Panthers resolve as they clawed their way back to take the must win game 8-7 May 27.

Co-captain Anthony Bartolotto, a junior , topped the scoring charts for the Panthers with five goals, senior co-captain Nicholas Belvedere stretched the net twice with two assists, and senior Patrick Ging’s shot split the pipes. Kenny Leen a junior, had ten stops in net for the Panthers.

The win lifts the Panthers to 5-6 in the division with three games left in the regular season before post season play begins June 9.

Pictured left to right, Miller Place goalie Kenny Leen with one of his ten saves in a rain-soaked home game; Miller Place co-captain Anthony Bartolotto with a diving shot on goal.

Photos by Bill Landon

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