Dana Saramago (left) and Rachel Morina running the 100-meter hurdles. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Sophie Bradford in the 1500-meter. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Sophie Bradford finished in third place in both the 400- and 1550-meter for Huntington against Connetquot on May 2. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Grayson Dunn in the 100-meter dash. Photo by Steven Zaitz
The Huntington girls spring track and field team traveled to powerhouse Connetquot on Tuesday, May 2.
The Lady Thunderbirds, who had a team with twice as many competitors as visiting Huntington, beat the Lady Blue Devils, 105-34. Despite the score, Huntington had some standout performances.
Long Distance runner Sophie Bradford, a senior, finished in third place in both the 1500-meter and 400-meter runs, while freshman sprinter Dana Saramago set a personal best in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 19 seconds flat. She placed third in this race.
The Lady Devils are now 2-2 in dual meets this spring and are tied for third in Suffolk League II.
On May 8, the girls will host Smithtown East in both teams’ final dual meet of the year.This meet is in advance of the multi-school invitational circuit that will kick off later this month and will determine county and state qualifiers.
From left, Huntington’s Amelia Heinz, A’Riana Elmore, Hanna Valenzuela-Ayala, Julia Aldas and Madeline Francis compete at the Section XI crossover invitational track meet at SCCC – Brentwood Dec 19. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington’s Hope Bilkey competes in the Suffolk crossover invitational at SCCC -Brentwood Dec 19. Bill Landon photo
Huntington’s Hanna Valenzuela-Ayala and Cindy Alvarez compete at the Section XI crossover invitational track meet at SCCC – Brentwood Dec 19. Photo by Bill Landon
8008 Huntington’s Veronica Cocoman competes in the Suffolk crossover invitational at SCCC-Brentwood Dec 19. Bill Landon photo
Huntington’s Hope Bilkey and teammate Brianna Halbeisen compete in the Suffolk crossover invitational at SCCC-Brentwood Dec 19. Bill Landon photo
Huntington’s Brianna Halbeisen competes in the Suffolk crossover invitational at SCCC-Brentwood Dec 19. Bill Landon photo
Huntington’s Jannel Maroquin competes in the Suffolk crossover invitational at SCCC-Brentwood Dec 19. Bill Landon photo
After an abbreviated winter track and field season earlier this year, Huntington’s girls track team showed no signs of slowing down in a crossover invitational meet at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood Dec. 19.
Olivia Conte won the 55-meter hurdles at 9.17 seconds. Hope Bilkey finished second in the 55-meter dash at 7.95 seconds with Brianna Halbeisen placing sixth. Jannel Maroquin clocked in at 3:45.94 at 1000-meters good enough for fifth place. It was a Huntington one-two finish at the 300 meter distance with Bilkey and Conte with at 45.87 and 46.12 seconds. respectively.
The Blue Devils are back on track again at SCCC in the Jim Howard invitational Jan. 5. Start time is 5 p.m.
Smithtown East Junior Forward Tristan Davis fights for a loose ball with Huntington's Kevin Drake. Photo by Steve Zaitz
Smithtown East Senior Tom Berdon drives past Huntington guard Chad Rowe for two of his 12 points. Photo by Steve Zaitz
Smithtown East Senior Ethan Cain attempts a layup as Huntington's Max Rentsch tries to stop him. Photo by Steve Zaitz
Smithtown East Junior Forward Tristan Davis slam dunks over Henry Vons during the second quarter of East's 49-43 victory over Huntington. Photo by Steve Zaitz
Smithtown East Junior Forward Tristan Davis grabs one of his 12 rebounds during East's 49-43 victory over Huntington. Photo by Steve Zaitz
By Steven Zaitz
It has been almost a full 12 months since Tristan Davis, and the Smithtown East boys varsity basketball team, have taken to the hardwood in a game that actually counted.
Despite the layoff, Davis showed not one bit of rust.
The 6’5” junior forward led all scorers with 16 points in the Red Bulls 49-43 victory over the Huntington High School Blue Devils on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at home. He also dominated on the glass and around the rim with 12 rebounds and 7 blocked shots.
“It feels great to be out here again,” Davis said. “It was great to start the season with a win.”
Two of his points came on a monster slam dunk in the second quarter.
“That dunk was fun,” Davis said. “I hope it’s the first of many.”
Smithtown East Coach Al Chandler was pleased with Davis’ offensive output. But he was even more impressed with how active he was in disrupting Huntington’s attack.
“Tristan has worked really hard to get where he is,” said Coach Chandler, who has been part of the Smithtown East program for close to three decades. “His timing is great when it comes to blocking shots. He took them (Huntington) out of what they wanted to do on offense, and he stayed out of foul trouble. I was really happy with how he played today.”
Senior Forward Tom Berdon chipped in 12 points, shooting 55% from the field and guards Ethan Cain and Jack Melore each sunk a pair of three pointers, both finishing with 6 points. Melore is a freshman. The Bulls opened up a double-digit lead early in the second half and held that lead until the final two minutes. The Blue Devils made a late run by forcing turnovers to cut the lead to six but got no closer.
“We need to protect the ball better there and finish,” Chandler said. “We have some work to do, but we’ll get there.”
Kevin Drake led Huntington with 14 points and was 3 for 5 from three-point range. Point guard Adrian Brooks had 13.
The Bulls go on the road to take on Copiague Friday, Feb 12, then play host to William Floyd Feb 14 and rival Smithtown West Feb 16. Unfortunately, no fans are allowed to attend games at this time.
As per the Section XI website, “Due to safety concerns outlined by the Suffolk County Department of Health and physicians on our safety committee, having no spectators at contests will give us the best chance for schools to complete their upcoming seasons,” said Tom Combs, executive director of Section XI. “The health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and support staff are paramount in this endeavor of returning to play.”
Smithtown West senior midfielder Taylor Mennella drives towards midfield in a steady rain on the road against Huntington in their league opener March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West senior midfielder Taylor Mennella looks for an open player in a steady rain on the road against Huntington in their league opener March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West celebrates after one of their ten goals against Huntington on the road in their season opener March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Freshman midfielder Samantha Jones passes towards the sideline for Smithtown West on the road against Huntington in their season opener March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Freshman midfielder Samantha Jones looks towards the sideline for Smithtown West on the road against Huntington in their season opener March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West senior Regan Kielmeyer draws against Huntington’s Notre Dame bound Abby Maichin in both teams league opener March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West senior Regan Kielmeyer sets up the play against Huntington in their season opening victory March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West senior Regan Kielmeyer pushes up field in a steady rain on the road against Huntington in their season opener March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Nicholle Marshall a Smithtown West junior clears the ball against Huntington in their season opener on the road March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Cornell commit junior midfielder Marissa Stafford passes in the Blue Devil’s league opener against Smithtown West March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington junior Lena Annunziata clears the ball up field in the Blue Devil’s league opener against Smithtown West March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Senior attack Lauren Coletti crosses midfield in wet conditions on the road against Huntington in their season opening victory March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington sophomore Jordan Forte crosses midfield in the Blue Devil’s league opener against Smithtown West March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Midfielder Holly Wright pushes the ball up field for Huntington in their league opener against Smithtown West March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington junior Holly Wright crosses midfield in the Blue Devil’s league opener against Smithtown West March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington sophomore attack Charlotte Maggio passes up-top in the Blue Devil’s league opener against Smithtown West March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
Smithtown West sophomore attack Olivia Riportella looks for the open cutter in a steady rain on the road against Huntington in their league opener March 21. Photo by Bill Landon
By Bill Landon
Smithtown West’s girls lacrosse had the upper hand in the first half March 21 as Huntington was unable to overcome a deficit in the final 25 minutes of play. The Bulls notched their first league victory of the early season downing the Blue Devils 10-4 on the road.
Senior Regan Kielmeyer led the way in scoring for Smithtown West with a pair of goals and five assists with teammates and fellow seniors Lauren Coletti and Taylor Mennella netting three goals each.
On the Blue Devils’ side, junior Abby Malchin, senior Maire Brown, senior Paige Lennon and sophomore Charlotte Maggio each scored a goal apiece for Huntington.
The Huntington girls lacrosse team is took the ield again at home against Farmingdale March 25, and will soon take be taking the long road to Riverhead March 29. Game time is set for 4 p.m.
Huntington freshman guard Max Rentsch battles his way to the rim between two Comsewogue defenders Feb 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington sophomore Chad Rowe shoots for two Feb 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior Charles Craig scores from the paint Feb. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington junior guard Daniel Danziger shoots from the paint Feb 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington junior Daniel Danziger drives the lane Feb. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue junior Jaden Martinez hits a jumper for two of his team leading 17 points Feb. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington junior Lex Colato charges his way to the rim Feb. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington freshman guard Max Rentsch tries to get a shot off between two Comsewogue defenders Feb 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue junior guard Michael McGuire drains a 3-pointer Feb. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue junior guard Michael McGuire muscles his way to the rim between 2 defenders Feb. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue sophomore Milan Johnson shoots Feb. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue sophomore guard Milan Johnson lays up against Huntington defender Chad Rowe Feb. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington junior Lex Colato scores on an up and under with Comsewogues Jaden Martinez in hot pursuit Feb. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington senior forward Ian Ardell lets a 3-pointer fly Feb 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington freshman guard Max Rentsch lays up for 2 of his 11 points Feb 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Huntington freshman guard Max Rentsch lets a 3-pointer fly Feb 7. Photo by Bill Landon
Comsewogue senior night ended on a high note where the Warriors defeated Huntington 72-44 at home Feb. 7. Photo by Bill Landon
By Bill Landon
Near the close of the regular season, Comsewogue’s boys basketball team was already secure in the post-season berth being 8-7 in league, but they needed a win at home for a higher seed in the playoff brackets. They got that victory handily against Huntington, notching a 72-44 win on senior night Feb. 7.
Comsewogue junior forward Jaden Martinez led the Warriors in scoring with six field goals, a triple and two from the free throw line for a total of 17 points. In addition, Martinez was just as effective under the boards as he ended the game with 17 rebounds. Junior Mike McGuire followed up with four triples and three from the charity stripe for 15 points while senior guard Devin Rooney netted 11 and junior Nick Stiles banked 10.
Juniors Daniel Danziger and Lex Colato topped the scoring chart for Blue Devils with 15 and 12 respectively while freshman Max Rentsch followed up by netting 11. This game conclude their season at 2-15 in league.
With the win Comsewogue improves to 9-7 in league which makes them the 16th seed
in class AA and will face Longwood, the No. one seed, Feb. 13 at Longwood High School in the opening round of the playoffs. Game time is set for 5:00 p.m.
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington High School held its 157th commencement exercises June 22. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Huntington’s Class of 2018 was sent off in a ceremony full of laughter, smiles and full of hope for the future.
Huntington High School held its 157th annual commencement exercises June 22 on the Blue Devil’s athletic fields as a crowd of nearly 2,000 cheered on the 340 graduates as they accepted their diplomas.
“While we have to give credit to the community that nurtured us, we also have to recognize that in some ways it shielded us from the outside world,” Valedictorian Aidan Forbes said, who is headed to Cornell University. “It was our shell and if we are to continue to grow, we must shed it. And that process will be painful. We will leave our old friends behind, although hopefully not permanently, and be forced to find new ones. Whether you are going to college or not, we will all be faced with new, more rigorous challenges.”
The seniors were told that they will always have a home in the Huntington community and be welcome at the high school.
Freshman midfield Jack Krisch. Photo by Bill Landon
By Bill Landon
With a new head coach comes a new goal for the Huntington boys lacrosse team: take two more wins.
Senior attack Colby Martin. Photo by Bill Landon
Last year, the Blue Devils finished with a 6-10 record, with three of those losses coming from one-goal games. The last time Huntington made the postseason was 2013, losing to Miller Place by a single score in the first round. If the team can win just two more games than last season, the Blue Devils will end the five-year playoff drought.
“We need more structure — more discipline by implementing a system that guys buy into and that works, that makes the guys like lacrosse,” head coach Julian Watts said. “We’re changing the culture, not the tradition, but changing the way we prepare them for games, making sure they’re confident, putting them in the right spots, and hopefully, they can execute.”
Leading the charge will be senior goalkeeper Sam Bergman, a three-year starter who began every game between the pipes last year.
“There so much more room for growth,” the coach said. “And we’ll continue to grow — there’s no limit to how good we can get. We’ve got to continue to push each other, maintaining that chemistry on and off the field. It’ll come down to us playing to the very last minute of [every] game.”
According to Watts, who played at St. Anthony’s before competing for Hofstra University, this season is about more than athleticism and stick skills.
Junior midfielder Jordan McCoy. Photo by Bill Landon
“[I want a system that] makes them want to come to practice,” he said. “But along with structure and discipline, there are consequences. We have great coaches instilling a good work ethic along with hard work and paying attention to details. [If they] don’t cut corners that will bring success both on the field and off it — it’s all of the little things that count.”
He said he sees the younger athletes pushing the older ones to show them what they’re made of, and the elders setting the standard for how practice should go. They’re all bringing the energy, according to Watts, including senior defensive midfielder Mike Abbondandelo and sophomore Jack Stewart, who will lead the team with Bergman.
“We lost three games last year by one goal, and in each it came down to miscommunication on the field,” Stewart said. “But this year, we’ve got great team chemistry and a much better vibe. We’re all on the same page.”
Senior midfielder Mikey Abbondandelo. Photo by Bill Landon
Even though there’s more of a mental focus, Watts said the riding and clearing need to become second nature for his team so that it’s poised under pressure and in control, as to not make wild or out-of-bounds throw.
“We just want them to make the high-percentage passes,” said the coach. “If we can do that efficiently and consistently, that’s a recipe for success.”
Senior defender Anthony McDonald said his team’s roster is deeper this year than it has been in the past, and with a high number of returning players he said he’s excited to see where the Blue Devils can take themselves this season.
“I think we have a lot more experience on the field this year,” McDonald said. “Practice has been good, and we’re only getting better. We’re working hard, we’re pushing each other, and I see a lot of camaraderie and chemistry out there.”
Huntington will scrimmage once more before opening the season with a nonleague game at Kings Park March 24. The first faceoff is scheduled for noon.
Smithtown East's Alexandra Nicholson battles between Huntington defenders. Photo by Bill Landon
By Bill Landon
There were threes all over the place Monday night, and just like the three “c’s” in Katie Seccafico’s last name, it seemed the senior was calling for them.
Huntington’s Katie Seccafico shoots. Photo by Bill Landon
Seccafico banked three triples on her way to a game-high 13 points in Huntington’s 45-37 League III win over Smithtown East Jan. 8. She had eight assists and four steals to go along with it.
“We spent a lot of time preparing for the face guard,” Seccafico said. “We had good communication on defense and that really helped us dropping back, letting everyone know where we are on the court.”
The guard scored her first 3-pointer to cap off a 17-0 Blue Devils run to open the first quarter, and added another by the halftime break. Senior Alexandra Heuwetter nailed two of her own to help Huntington to a 26-14 lead.
“At first, it’s not what we expected we thought,” Heuwetter said. “We thought they would face guard us, but they didn’t, and that gave us a lot of open shots.”
Smithtown East senior point guard Ceili Williams (13 points) also made her presence known, drawing fouls while driving to the basket and going 6-for-7 from the free-throw line.
Even with her team making shot after shot to extend the advantage, as Huntington outscored Smithtown East 13-9 in the third, sophomore forward Riva Bergman said she was impressed with her team’s defensive effort.
Huntington’s Alexandra Heuwetter scores on a layup. Photo by Bill Landon
“I think we’re ready for any challenge,” she said. “We slowed the tempo, we ran our plays and we were able to knock down shots.”
Huntington senior Nicole Leslie, who had not seen action early in the season due to injury, was at full strength in the second half and battled in the paint to lead her team with six points in the third. She finished the game with 12 rebounds.
The Bulls had their work cut out for them in the final eight minutes of play, trailing by 16, but refused to go quietly. Freshman Paige Doherty drained a three to make it a 12- point game, and Williams added her own to draw within nine points in regulation, but it was as close as Smithtown East would come.
“They’re big, they’re athletic, they’re strong, but I just told them I’m very proud of how the battled back — they didn’t hang their heads and give up at 17-0,” Smithtown East head coach Tom Vulin said. “We drew within nine points late, and if you get that next basket it’s a six or seven-point game and then you can do something.”
The seniors led the way for the Blue Devils, which move to 2-2 on the season to be even with Smithtown East, with Leslie and Heuwetter following close behind Seccafico with 11 points apiece. Huntington head coach Michael Kaplan has enjoyed seeing his team at full strength.
“Earlier in the year we had some injuries and sicknesses, so it was hard for us to practice at full strength, but we’re finally healthy,” he said. “We’re a young team considering we only have three seniors, and it helped that we shot well early on, but our three seniors really stepped up today — that really helped us.”
Kings Park’s boys basketball tournament won its fifth chamber of commerce tipoff tournament title with a win over Huntington. Photo from Chris Rube
By Jim Ferchland
Gene DeGraw was a fixture in the youth basketball scene in Kings Park, cultivating talented players and poised young men. Now in its fifth year, the Kingsmen hosted an annual tipoff tournament in memory of their former coach. Four schools — Kings Park, Huntington, Plainedge and Commack — played two games each over the two-day event Dec 1. and 2.
Gene DeGraw worked with current Huntington head coach Brian Carey who coached at Kings Park and grew up with DeGraw. Photo by Jim Ferchland
King Park head coach Chris Rube met DeGraw when he was 22 years old in his first year teaching in the district. He volunteered as an assistant coach on the varsity boys basketball team, where got to know the seasoned coach. Rube remembers him as much more than a well-versed instructor.
“He was always the epitome of class,” Rube said of DeGraw. “I admired how he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. I’m a basketball coach after a teacher,and I’m a teacher after father and a husband. His grandson Michael McSloy was on the team. I remember talking to him and really understanding how special that moment was for him. Not only was he a great coach, but a better person.”
Huntington head coach Brian Carey is a Kings Park alumnus who said he practically grew up with the former head coach. Carey said he admired how much DeGraw loved his players.
“Pop was the perfect assistant — he knew the kids,”Carey said. “He knew me; we were both Kings Park guys. No one could have been more perfect for Kings Park basketball.”
The Kingsmen won the Long Island championship title in 2007 when DeGraw was the assistant coach. Carey coached Kings Park for 10 years, from 1997 to 2006, leaving just before the Kingsmen put up their magical season.
The tournament is in memory of former Kings Park coach Gene DeGraw who coached current Kings Park varsity leader Chris Rube. Photo by Jim Ferchland
“When I got here at Kings Park, the team wasn’t doing so good,” said Carey, who has been coaching for 20 years and was inducted into the Kings Park athletics department hall of fame in 2003. “A few years before I was at Kings Park, the team won four or five games, but the players have been through a system by Gene DeGraw. He was a gentleman and he was the best at getting the kids to come together.”
The now Huntington head coach gave DeGraw the unpaid assistant coach position at Kings Park, having known and graduated from high school with DeGraw’s cousin.
The former assistant coach’s life was cut short due to a heart condition. Aside from being a coach, DeGraw was also a detective in the Suffolk County Police Department.
Bill Denniston, a four-year Kings Park athletic director who was the Shoreham-Wading River athletic director back in 2013 said although he didn’t know DeGraw, he’s heard plenty of good stories.
“From what I’ve heard, he was a well-respected coach,” Denniston said. “It’s always nice to have this tournament to kick off the season in his honor.”
Since 2013, Kings Park has an annual chamber of commerce-sponsored tipoff tournament. This year, the Kingsmen, Commack, Huntington and Plainedge competed over the two-day event.
Huntington’s Mekhi Harvey passes the ball. Photo by Jim Ferchland
Game 1
Huntington beat Commack 62-58 Dec. 1. Blue Devils senior Mehki Harvey led with 17 points, while classmate Nat Amato added 16.
Commack’s top players were
senior Nick Guaglione and junior Aidan Keenan, who scored 24 and 21 points, respectively. They were the only players in double figures for the Cougars.
Game 2
Kings Park easily outscored Plainedge 69-35. Senior Jason Hartglass and freshman Jack Garside each tallied 11 points for the Kingsmen. Senior Andrew Bianco added seven and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Game 3
Commack took down Plainedge 60-41 in the consolation match. Game 4
Kings Park’s Andrew Bianco looks to the rim. Photo by Jim Ferchland
Kings Park edged out Huntington 57-53, winning the tournament title for the third time in five years.
Andrew Bianco, who was named tournament MVP, recorded 23 points and 12 rebounds.
“He’s just tough as nails,” Kings Park head coach Chris Rube said of Bianco.
With eight seconds left, Kings Park was up by two, 55-53, when freshman Jack Garside buried both free-throw attempts to seal the victory.
Kings Park senior guard Zach Wolf scored 15 of his 18 points in the second half. He had three three-pointers in the third quarter.
“It was hard fought,” Rube said of the win over Huntington. “Huntington is pretty talented. Beating them was an achievement.”
Up next
Kings Park travels to Islip Dec. 7 for the first game of their regular season. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:45 p.m.
Huntington's Eric Sands pushes through the pack. Photo by Jim Ferchland
By Jim Ferchland
A series of fortunate events led Huntington football to a homecoming victory Oct. 21.
Down the entire game, a 76-yard touchdwon toss from quarterback John Paci to Alex LaBella gave the Blue Devils their first lead of the game, 20-13, with 6:22 remaining in the fourth quarter. Then, with one minute left to play, Riverhead went for a 2-point conversion following a 3-yard touchdown run from Darnell Chandler that made it 20-19, instead of trying to tie the game with an extra-point kick. The ball was dropped by Riverhead’s Albert Daniels in the end zone on the attempt to hand Huntington the game.
Huntington’s John Paci pulls back to launch a pass. Photo by Jim Ferchland
“Winning is always something we look to do,” Huntington head coach Steve Muller said, adding he did not anticipate the game finishing in this fashion it did. “We take it game by game no matter who they are. We respect everybody. We’re trying to get into the playoffs.”
At halftime, Huntington was down 7-0 after a 40-yard touchdown pass from Christian Pace to Chandler in the second quarter. The Blue Devils offense was lifeless in the first half.
“We thought we didn’t play good Huntington football,” Muller said. “I said to my guys in the locker room that there’s really nothing to say, but we can take over this game if we want to. It’s how bad you want to be remembered for this homecoming.”
Eric Sands, a Top 25 rusher in Suffolk County, had two touchdowns in the second half. The senior said he just wants to go to work every time he steps on the gridiron.
“I’m always excited when my name is called,” he said of consistently getting the football. “I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do and stay focused.”
Sands has 611 yards on 87 carries and 11 touchdowns through seven games this season. He scored on runs of 5 yards and 2 yards in the win, and finished the game with 132 yards on 25 carries.
Paci, who completed four of eight passes for 123 yards, seemed to be the hero after heaving the big touchdown pass to LaBella for the advantage, but the junior was quick not to take all the credit.
Huntington’s Alex LaBella races toward the end zone. Photo by Jim Ferchland
“I was scared when the ball was in the air,” Paci said. “It had some arc on it, but I was so excited when LaBella caught it.”
His senior wide receiver was also sweating on the other side of the field.
“There was a lot of nervousness,” LaBella said. “I just had to keep my eye on the ball, run down the field and score.”
Luke Eidle, who had 11 tackles and an interception, also aided Huntington.
Huntington hasn’t lost a game since Sept. 23, a 20-17 loss at home against West Islip. With the win over Riverhead, the Blue Devils have won four straight and improve their record to 5-2.
“I’m always proud of my team,” Muller said. “They’re all great kids and they work real hard everyday. That’s all I could ask for.”
Huntington will go on the road to conclude the season with a game at Bay Shore, which hasn’t lost its last two games, but only scored 10 points in that duration. The game will be Oct. 28 at 2:30 p.m.
Huntington football fans come out to celebrate homecoming. Photo by Jim Ferchland
