West Islip Rebounds, Beats Chaminade

A crowd of more than 1,500 lacrosse fans at West Islip was buzzing about the end-to-end dash goalie Kyle Turri made late in the fourth quarter after a save. His attempt at a rare goalie goal hit the pipe, but Chaminade had already felt his sting.

Turri, a junior starting his second varsity game, made 12 saves, several in crucial situations, as both he and his defending state-champion teammates rebounded from an overtime loss to Sachem North on Wednesday with a 10-7 victory over Chaminade Saturday.

"It was his first varsity game and he had some jitters," Lions coach Scott Craig said of Turri. "But he did a great job today, especially at crunch time. We feel he'll be a Division I kid."

There were plenty of D-I players on the field, part of the reason the game attracted such a large crowd. Everyone, it seemed, was curious about this non-league matchup between the Lions (1-1), ranked No. 1 nationally in Inside Lacrosse's preseason poll, and the Flyers (2-1), ranked No. 11.

North Carolina-bound Nicky Galasso (three goals, four assists) led West Islip. Teammates Mike Sagl (Quinnipiac) and Drew Federico (Penn State) each scored twice. Will Himler (Princeton) had two goals and two assists for Chaminade.

"Every year, this game is on MSG and every year, it's one of the biggest games we play," Galasso said. "Kyle was great. He stepped up when we needed him."

That included much of the third quarter, when Chaminade rallied from a two-goal deficit to tie it at 6 with 6:46 left and controlled the ball so much that West Islip managed only one shot on goal for the rest of the period. At that point, entering the fourth quarter tied was like a win.

"Without a doubt, that was huge," Craig said. "We couldn't get a shot, but our goalie and our 6-on-6 defense, especially Eddie Ryan, was outstanding."

After Galasso squeezed the ball onto the stick of a cutting Mike Sagl for a goal that broke a tie at 7 and Rob Moore scored unassisted, Turri had his biggest test. With about four minutes left, the Lions were down a man when Turri turned away a point-blank shot. Twenty-five seconds later, he made his solo clear and attempt on goal. "I saw open space and I was taught at a young age to go all the way," Turri said. "I definitely felt more comfortable today. I knew I had to bounce back and I did."

By BOB HERZOG

Photo credit: Photo by Joe Rogate

Newsday

West Islip Rebounds, Beats Chaminade

A crowd of more than 1,500 lacrosse fans at West Islip was buzzing about the end-to-end dash goalie Kyle Turri made late in the fourth quarter after a save. His attempt at a rare goalie goal hit the pipe, but Chaminade had already felt his sting.

Turri, a junior starting his second varsity game, made 12 saves, several in crucial situations, as both he and his defending state-champion teammates rebounded from an overtime loss to Sachem North on Wednesday with a 10-7 victory over Chaminade Saturday.

"It was his first varsity game and he had some jitters," Lions coach Scott Craig said of Turri. "But he did a great job today, especially at crunch time. We feel he'll be a Division I kid."

There were plenty of D-I players on the field, part of the reason the game attracted such a large crowd. Everyone, it seemed, was curious about this non-league matchup between the Lions (1-1), ranked No. 1 nationally in Inside Lacrosse's preseason poll, and the Flyers (2-1), ranked No. 11.

North Carolina-bound Nicky Galasso (three goals, four assists) led West Islip. Teammates Mike Sagl (Quinnipiac) and Drew Federico (Penn State) each scored twice. Will Himler (Princeton) had two goals and two assists for Chaminade.

"Every year, this game is on MSG and every year, it's one of the biggest games we play," Galasso said. "Kyle was great. He stepped up when we needed him."

That included much of the third quarter, when Chaminade rallied from a two-goal deficit to tie it at 6 with 6:46 left and controlled the ball so much that West Islip managed only one shot on goal for the rest of the period. At that point, entering the fourth quarter tied was like a win.

"Without a doubt, that was huge," Craig said. "We couldn't get a shot, but our goalie and our 6-on-6 defense, especially Eddie Ryan, was outstanding."

After Galasso squeezed the ball onto the stick of a cutting Mike Sagl for a goal that broke a tie at 7 and Rob Moore scored unassisted, Turri had his biggest test. With about four minutes left, the Lions were down a man when Turri turned away a point-blank shot. Twenty-five seconds later, he made his solo clear and attempt on goal. "I saw open space and I was taught at a young age to go all the way," Turri said. "I definitely felt more comfortable today. I knew I had to bounce back and I did."

By BOB HERZOG

Photo credit: Photo by Joe Rogate

Newsday

Lacrosse Updates

Joe DellaFera scored the go-ahead goal with five minutes left to lift Locust Valley over Mepham, 8-6, Wednesday in non-league boys lacrosse. Phil Merenda (two goals) added an insurance goal with 2:30 remaining. Mike Martucchi scored three goals and DellaFera had two goals and three assists.

MacArthur 11, Mineola 9: Jamie McAndrew had four goals and three assists for MacArthur (2-1) in non-league. Pat Buckley and Tim Daly each added three goals and an assist. Billy Gerstner led Mineola (1-2) with two goals and three assists.

Port Washington 13, North Shore 4: Brandon Henne scored four goals and had two assists for Port Washington (2-0) in non-league. Owen Caruso added three goals and three assists. Cody White had five saves for Port Washington and Alec Volpe had eight saves for North Shore.

Rocky Point 11, Middle Country 8: Pete Vivonetto scored five goals to lead Rocky Point (3-0) in non-league. Chris Palasek added two goals and three assists and Dan Staker and Nick Schneider each had a goal and two assists. Tom Telesca scored three goals for Middle Country.

Smithtown West 15, Farmingdale 8: Brett Madarasz scored six goals and James Pannell added three goals and three assists for Smithtown West (2-0) in non-league.

Longwood 11, Bellport 7: John Morgan had three goals and two assists for Longwood (1-2) in non-league. Marty Schnellenbach added three goals and an assist, and Christian Law made 12 saves. Jack Langenbach and Spencer Roden each scored two goals for Bellport (0-2).

West Babylon 13, Babylon 5: Dominick Mantovani had three goals and three assists and Andrew Smith added two goals and three assists for West Babylon (1-2) in non-league.

Newsday

Lacrosse Updates

Joe DellaFera scored the go-ahead goal with five minutes left to lift Locust Valley over Mepham, 8-6, Wednesday in non-league boys lacrosse. Phil Merenda (two goals) added an insurance goal with 2:30 remaining. Mike Martucchi scored three goals and DellaFera had two goals and three assists.

MacArthur 11, Mineola 9: Jamie McAndrew had four goals and three assists for MacArthur (2-1) in non-league. Pat Buckley and Tim Daly each added three goals and an assist. Billy Gerstner led Mineola (1-2) with two goals and three assists.

Port Washington 13, North Shore 4: Brandon Henne scored four goals and had two assists for Port Washington (2-0) in non-league. Owen Caruso added three goals and three assists. Cody White had five saves for Port Washington and Alec Volpe had eight saves for North Shore.

Rocky Point 11, Middle Country 8: Pete Vivonetto scored five goals to lead Rocky Point (3-0) in non-league. Chris Palasek added two goals and three assists and Dan Staker and Nick Schneider each had a goal and two assists. Tom Telesca scored three goals for Middle Country.

Smithtown West 15, Farmingdale 8: Brett Madarasz scored six goals and James Pannell added three goals and three assists for Smithtown West (2-0) in non-league.

Longwood 11, Bellport 7: John Morgan had three goals and two assists for Longwood (1-2) in non-league. Marty Schnellenbach added three goals and an assist, and Christian Law made 12 saves. Jack Langenbach and Spencer Roden each scored two goals for Bellport (0-2).

West Babylon 13, Babylon 5: Dominick Mantovani had three goals and three assists and Andrew Smith added two goals and three assists for West Babylon (1-2) in non-league.

Newsday

Bergen County Athletes Shining Bright

The stars were out at the All Bergen County Awards Ceremony.  The best of the best in basketball, track and field, wrestling and bowling were honored for their spectacular accomplishments throughout the year.  Stand out athletes included:

130 lb wrestler- senior, Frank Cagnina, Queen of Peace, Coach Scott Weaver

There are many words that can describe this Queen of Peace senior athlete.  Relentless, skilled, physical may be some of the words to use.

The Queen of Peace senior is all of these; and also perfect.  Frank finished undefeated for the second year in a row to claim his 3^rd New Jersey State Championship.  39-0 was the final record of his decorated senior season.  This season's highlights included his 4^th Bergen County Championship, his 2^nd Maryland Mat Madness Championship, his 4^th District Championship, his 4^th Region Championship, and finally, his 3^rd New Jersey State Championship.

Frank capped of his final season as perfect.  His strong work ethic and strong commitment to excellence have rewarded him with the following accolades:

1. Invitation to the Cliff Keen DREAM TEAM


2. Ranked # 1 in the Country at 130


3. A Full 5-year athletic scholarship to Lehigh University.

Frank has had a tremendous high school career.  It's eminent that he's not done winning championships too. Ladys and gentlemen lets give a big round of applauds for 3 time NJ state Champion Frank Cagnina

Fort Lee Senior basketball player Sandy Burgos-

I hope you are ready: Sandy Burgos is 9^th on the all-time Bergen County scorer with 2121pts- Fort Lee's all time leading scorer- 2x time 1st team all county selection, 3 time all BCSL selection- Record Athlete of the week 2 times, led the North Jersey area in scoring in his sophomore and senior years- and will Join his brother Pedro as the only Fort Lee players to play in the North South all-star game!

Sandy averaged 28ppg- while facing a variety of defenses designed to stop him- triangle and 2 and box and 1.  "It was a joy to see him develop and handle the extreme pressure to perform!"- Coach Ziemba.

Check out the pictures from this fantastic night!!

[nggallery id=5]

Bergen County Athletes Shining Bright

The stars were out at the All Bergen County Awards Ceremony.  The best of the best in basketball, track and field, wrestling and bowling were honored for their spectacular accomplishments throughout the year.  Stand out athletes included:

130 lb wrestler- senior, Frank Cagnina, Queen of Peace, Coach Scott Weaver

There are many words that can describe this Queen of Peace senior athlete.  Relentless, skilled, physical may be some of the words to use.

The Queen of Peace senior is all of these; and also perfect.  Frank finished undefeated for the second year in a row to claim his 3^rd New Jersey State Championship.  39-0 was the final record of his decorated senior season.  This season's highlights included his 4^th Bergen County Championship, his 2^nd Maryland Mat Madness Championship, his 4^th District Championship, his 4^th Region Championship, and finally, his 3^rd New Jersey State Championship.

Frank capped of his final season as perfect.  His strong work ethic and strong commitment to excellence have rewarded him with the following accolades:

1. Invitation to the Cliff Keen DREAM TEAM


2. Ranked # 1 in the Country at 130


3. A Full 5-year athletic scholarship to Lehigh University.

Frank has had a tremendous high school career.  It's eminent that he's not done winning championships too. Ladys and gentlemen lets give a big round of applauds for 3 time NJ state Champion Frank Cagnina

Fort Lee Senior basketball player Sandy Burgos-

I hope you are ready: Sandy Burgos is 9^th on the all-time Bergen County scorer with 2121pts- Fort Lee's all time leading scorer- 2x time 1st team all county selection, 3 time all BCSL selection- Record Athlete of the week 2 times, led the North Jersey area in scoring in his sophomore and senior years- and will Join his brother Pedro as the only Fort Lee players to play in the North South all-star game!

Sandy averaged 28ppg- while facing a variety of defenses designed to stop him- triangle and 2 and box and 1.  "It was a joy to see him develop and handle the extreme pressure to perform!"- Coach Ziemba.

Check out the pictures from this fantastic night!!

[nggallery id=5]

Francis Lewis Baseball looking to have an Incredible Season

By: Jaehyung Park




Be prepared: Francis Lewis High School’s baseball team, the Patriots, is expected to have an incredible season. They are a team that can comeback from a 9:0 deficit, to end up winning 10:21, miraculously. Just ask Thomas Edison High School (the team they’ve defeated), if it’s too hard to believe. The Patriots are a force when it comes to offense, as they can make a baseball game look like a football game, in terms of when looking at the final score. There is reason for optimism, to expect the Patriots to have a breakout magical year.

The Patriots have four impacting players on their team: Jonathon Boboa (SP), David Torres (SS), Ozzie Roblus (3B), and Cassandra Jabie (CF). Boboa can dial up his fastball up to 91-miles per hour and throws a changeup and curveball to go along with it. His favorite player is unsurprisingly, Josh Beckett, who is known for his blazing fastball and top-notch curveball. Boboa is currently being scouted by Arizona State College, whereas Roblus is being scouted by ASU. Torres and Boboa started their baseball careers when they were a freshman. Jabie first started in his sophomore year. Jabie’s favorite players are Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran in MLB. All four players’ favorite team is the New York Mets. If for whatever reason their pro-ball careers are corrupted/interfered, they remarked they will pursue being a federal agent or play softball for their career.

Baseball season is almost here and the Patriots are ready to compete with hopefully many contributing players on the team. Their first baseball game will be held on April 8. They will have to stay competitive throughout the season if they want to prove to Cardozo that they are the better team. Cardozo High School is competitive almost every year and is always on top, the players say. But the four players believe they have a great team, and it’s hard to not believe them.