SPRING 2011

Case Matheis Darien Hayley Spragg Lauralton Hall

Mike Odenwaelder Wamogo Taylor Bargmann Fairfield Warde

SPRING 2011

Barbara Sullivan Garden City

Myles Jones Walt Whitman

Isabella Corrao Farmingdale

Jake Thomas Calhoun

SPRING 2011

Chris Carroll Westwood

Ashley DeYoung Indian Hills

Ralph DAgostino Immaculata

Emily Damstrom Pingry

SPRING 2011

Lindsay Scott Yorktown

Jack Near Bronxville

Matt Dulgarian Tuxedo

Kayla Hill James Madison

WATCHLOCALHIGHSCHOOLSTUDENTS BECOMESTARS!
Winners will be selected in four categories:
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Editor-in-Chief Brett Topel Art Director John Tomaselli Senior Writers Kevin Devaney Jr., Brian Fitzsimmons, Gregg Sarra Contributing Writers Lauren Brill, Lou Brogno, Isaac Cass, Cody Derespina, Stephen Haynes, Bob Herzog, Mike Gavin, Jared Greenberg, Jason Kahn, John Malone, Pat OKeefe, Tara Petrolino, Tony Pinciaro, Mike Quick, Jesse Quinlan, Shawna Ryan, Ellie Seifert Photographers Frank LoCascio, Mike Stobe Copy Editor Ian Bross Contributors Larry Goldman, Bill McGlone, Stephen OKeefe, Jefferson Wilson Ad Design James Grasso, Gregory Heim Printer Printing Spectrum Cover Photo by Mike Stobe Welcome to the final edition of MSG Varsity The Magazine for the 2010-11 high school year! After a long, cold winter, spring is finally in the air! Throughout this issue you'll find previews and rankings for many of the spring sports, including baseball, softball, boys and girls lacrosse and more. You can also read about MSG Varsitys new live web streaming, Mascot Dash to the Desk, and some of our most heartfelt stories from the past several months. In addition, this issue features stories written by students who are participating in our new Project J journalism initiative. These young writersand many of their classmateshave worked very hard over the past weeks and deserve to be congratulated. So please enjoy this edition of MSG Varsity The Magazine, and let us know what you think! You can always email us any comments you have at magazine@msgvarsity.com.

Photo: Brian Stanton

General Manager Theresa Chillianis Senior Vice President & Executive Producer Michael Lardner Vice President-Marketing Philip Summers Vice President-Public Relations Jennifer McIntosh Vice President-High School Partnerships Jennifer Ostrager Vice President-Digital Platforms Jonathan McCarthy Vice President-Finance Dara Romano Vice President-Programming Operations Sean Kennedy To contact MSG Varsity, email us at: magazine@msgvarsity.com

Sincerely,

Theresa Chillianis General Manager, MSG Varsity

Turn on your Optimum WiFi.

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Contents Contents
7 8 28 30 32 44 46 48 50 54 66
Watch Live Games Online
MSG Varsity has launched Afternoon Livecast, which will stream live games on MSGVarsity.com.

Tri-State Baseball and Softball

Check out MSG Varsitys region-by-region breakdown of the baseball and softball scenes throughout the region.

A New Era For Tri-State Lacrosse

Jared Greenberg takes a look at how last years talented players have been replaced by a new group.

Success For Ridgewood Starts at Top

Tara Petrolino takes a look at Ridgewoods girls lacrosse program in New Jersey.

Tri-State Boys and Girls Lacrosse

Check out MSG Varsitys region-by-region breakdown of the lacrosse scene.

Fan Favorites
We asked you to tell us your favorite spring/summer snack, as well as what youll miss about high school.

The Outback Empire Challenge

This season, Boomer Esiasons charity football game, which pits Long Island all-stars against NYC all-stars, will be broadcast live on MSG Varsity.

A Look Back
Shawna Ryan takes a look at some of the most memorable stories from High School SportsDesk.

Project J
Student journalists who participate in MSG Varsitys journalism program have their work displayed.

Photo Central
Check out photos from your region!

A Quick Column
MSG Varsitys Mike Quick looks at how the Brien McMahon boys lacrosse coach has done more than win games.

Hawthorne High School in New Jersey won the 2010 Mascot Dash.
Photo: Jon Smith

MSG Varsity Springs Ahead

Mascot Dash Returns; Live Web Streaming Launches
By Lauren Brill As we move into spring with our sights set directly on summer, MSG Varsity continues to deliver the most comprehensive coverage of high school sports and activities throughout the tri-state.

MASCOT DASH
Does your school have what it takes to make the Dash? Once again, MSG Varsity will bring you Mascot Dash, an online contest in which schools submit photos of their mascots and then race other schools, winning heats by amassing the most votes. The five-week race will conclude with an exciting final dash! The school that has the speed and endurance to dash all the way to the desk will be awarded with the grand prize of a custom-made mascot costume.

THE CHALLENGE
As the school year winds down, so too does The Challenge, MSG Varsitys popular academic quiz show. What began with 184 high schools from throughout the tri-state, has been narrowed down to the best of the best. As we get into later matches the scores get close,said Gabe Block of Staples (CT). Teams will have comebacks and that will be pretty exciting. With prize money and school pride on the line, be sure to tune in Sunday through Friday at 5:30 p.m. on Channel 14 to see who will be crowned this years champion.

AFTERNOON LIVECAST
Being at work just got a little more interesting. Starting this spring, MSG Varsity will bring to you Afternoon Livecaststreaming games LIVE on MSGVarsity.com Tuesdays through Fridays. Optimum subscribers can go to www.msgvarsity.com/livecast to see a list of the scheduled games. All of these afternoon contests will include play-by-play announcers, providing an enhanced viewing experience.

PHOTOS, PHOTOS, PHOTOS!

Dont forget to say cheese! Whether its student-submitted photos or pictures taken by MSG Varsity photographers, this spring expect to see thousands of new photos on MSGVarsity.com. The cameras will be flashing around the tri-state area, covering a variety of sports and activities at your school. Be sure to log on to MSGVarsity.com today to view photos of you and your friends!

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Long Island Baseball

Calhoun, Lindy Are Teams to Beat

The baseball programs at Calhoun and Lindenhurst made a big splash in 2010. Calhoun slugged its way to the Nassau Class AA championship with a juniorladen team and a host of clutch hitters. Lindenhurst did the same in Suffolk to capture the Class AA title and set up an unlikely Long Island championship game. It could be more of the same in 2011. Calhoun has already cashed in on last years success as three Colts signed letters of intent to play Division I college baseball. I would say wed be the favorite this season, said Calhoun coach Joe Correa. Well still have our work cut out for us. We certainly have a lot of talent and the boys are really excited about the opportunity to defend the crown. Right-handed pitcher Joe Christopher will head to St. Johns University, but not before he tries to lead the Colts to the Long Island championship. Christopher, one of Long Islands top pitchers, has been gunned at 88 mph and thats grabbed the attention of Major League scouts. Catcher Jake Thomas, signed with Binghamton, swings the bat as well as anyone. Thomas slammed seven home runs and drove in 35 runs last year. He leads an offense that includes Sienabound outfielder Dan Sullivan. With eight starters returning, Calhoun should be a heavy favorite to defend the crown. Calhouns Jake Thomas

By Gregg Sarra

Photo: Mike Stobe

Breaking it down:
Lindenhurst, the defending state Class AA champion, returns a bevy of talent, including lefty Rich Vrana, who is headed to Marist. Vrana was 9-0 and almost unhittable in 2010, when he finished with an ERA of 0.89. The Bulldogs were 27-1 and were nearly the first Suffolk team in 30 years to finish undefeated. Bulldogs Head Coach Mike Canobbio will also have the luxury of a senior-laden squad this year led by shortstop Steve Skon (George Washington University, for football) and outfielder Mike Roehrig. They will try and duplicate last years Suffolk title run, their first since 1963. In the Class A, Shoreham-Wading River is loaded with talent. The Wildcats have Hartford-bound pitcher Dan Sperruzzi, an all-state selection with a 7-1 record and a 1.41 ERA. He leads a senior triumvirate of impressive college signings. Outfielder Matt Kneisel, who batted .411 with 28 RBIs, is going to LeMoyne; And third baseman Ryan McAlary, who had five home runs and 35 RBIs is headed to Cortland State. Holy Trinity won the NSCHSAA championship for the first time since 2003 by sweeping St. John the Baptist in the best-of-three finals. The Titans will try to defend the title in a league that will see parity in 2011. Kellenberg, St. Dominic and Chaminade and St. John the Baptist, will all be in the mix this season. For complete Long Island baseball coverage, including updated team rankings, log on to MSGVarsity.com! 8

Careys John Daddino

Photo: James A. Escher/ Newsday

(alphabetical) Jim Bulva

Mineola Sr. Pitcher

The all-Nassau selection batted .418 and had 11 extra base hits. He had 44 strikeouts in 33 innings. He will attend New York Tech.

Joe Christopher

Calhoun

Sr.

Pitcher

The hard-throwing righthander was 5-1 with an ERA of 2.91, and 45 strikeouts in as many innings. His fastball has been clocked at 88 mph. He will attend St. Johns University.

John Daddino

Carey

Sr.

Pitcher

The MSG Varsity Tri-State football selection makes his mark on the diamond. Returning after labrum surgery, LIs hardest thrower clocked between 88-91 mphwill attract Major League scouts.

Alex Falconi

St. Marys

Sr.

Catcher

The Seton Hall-bound senior is an all-CHSAA selection. Falconi is a sweet swinger with .315 average in the wood bat league.

Anthony Gatto

Smithtown West

Sr.

Outfield

A two-time all-Suffolk selection, Gatto earned the Suffolk League IV MVP in 2009 as a sophomore. He will attend UMBC.

Michael Hewson

Sayville

Sr.

Outfield

Hewson won the Blue Chip Prospects Silver Slugger Award given to Suffolks best hitter after he set school records with 13 home runs, 52 RBIs, 40 hits, and a .591 regular season average. He had four multiple-homer games and hit safely in 19 of 23 games.

Alex Indelicato

Smithtown East

Sr.

Outfield

An all-Suffolk selection, Indelicato hit .380 and had an ERA of 2.14 for Suffolk League III champions. He hit two home runs in the Dominican Republic tournament.

Dan Sperruzzi

Shoreham-Wading River

Sr.

Pitcher

Speruzzi is an all-state selection with a 7-1 record with a 1.41 ERA with 55 strikeouts. He will attend Hartford.

Jake Thomas

Calhoun

Sr.

Catcher

The Binghamton-bound, lefty swinging catcher, batted .493 with seven homers and 35 RBIs as the Colts earned the Nassau Class AA title. He earned the Cody Award as playoff MVP in Nassau.

Rich Vrana

Lindenhurst

Sr.

Pitcher

Vrana, an all-Long Island selection, led Lindy to a state Class AA title. The lefty finished with a 9-0 record and a 0.89 ERA. He will attend Marist. For complete coverage of Long Island baseball action, log on to MSGVarsity.com!
Compiled by Gregg Sarra

Long Island Softball

Farmingdales Isabella Corrao
Photo: Mike Stobe

Breaking it down:
Suffolk: Class A is a virtual yearlong pitchers duel between standouts Catherine Havens (Eastport-South Manor), Lindsay Taylor (Kings Park) and Nicole Ehlinger (Hauppauge). ESM took the Suffolk title last year, but bragging rights are only as good as that days hottest starting pitcher. Sparkplug shortstop Sandy Hawthorne (.387 average, 24 runs) is key for Hauppauge. Cali Lavey had a .458 OBP for Shoreham-Wading River in 2010. Tiana Giuliano is back after her clutch hits helped power Babylon to the Suffolk Class B title. Michiko McGivney returns with a potent stick for Class Cs Port Jefferson. Nassau: Coming off its first Class AA Nassau county championship since 1994, East Meadow returns centerfielder Samantha Miller, first baseman Jamie Laird and up-and-coming sophomore Danielle Cutuli. Runner-up MacArthur is led by All-Long Island second-teamers pitcher Kristen Brown and shortstop Jena Cozza. Farmingdale could be the favorite behind All-Long Island pitcher Isabella Corrao and shortstop Kat Zabielski. In Class A, Floral Park seeks its third straight Long Island Championship and has the ace in place with Samantha Giovanniello. Plainedge has an ace of its own in Michelle Daubman, who struck out 20 in the Class A finals. Seaford is a perennial contender led by All-Long Island sophomore Lindsay Montemarano, who tied for a county-high eight home runs last season, and shortstop Victoria Wink. Defending Long Island Class B champion Oyster Bay is a young team anchored by shortstop Joshlyn Grant. Carle Place has experienced battery-mates in pitcher Ashley Cole and catcher Leanne Iannucci. Moving up a class is East Rockaway, the Class C county champion, which is led by shortstop Kerrianne Vulpis and first baseman Lindsey Dinowitz. Class C runner-up Friends Academy features a high-powered offense led by catcher Correy Denihan and Paige Elgarten, the teams ace. CHSAA: Pitcher Erin Caputo and second baseman Allie Cain return to CHSAA champ St. John the Baptist. Standout rightfielder Ryan Quick moves behind the plate this year. Runner up St. Anthonys boasts a strong youth core fronted by pitcher Michelle Carbone and returns all but one starter. Senior captain Marilyn Freeman hit .411 and was all-league in CHSAA.

Bay Shore Ready to Make Another Run

By Cody Derespina and Mike Gavin Suffolk Class AA State Champion Bay Shore once again finds itself poised to make a deep postseason run. Hurler Taylor McGowan returns after a 10-0 year in 2010, as does Courtney Syrett (.398, 10 stolen bases) and Nicole Marzillo (.361, four homers). In addition, Arianna LaPuma (.479 average, 21 RBIs) provides thump for Centereach while Marisa Motisi hit .425 for West Islip last year. All-division pitcher Courtney Blake (9-0, 2.25 ERA) leads East Islip, along with all-division utility player Lindsay Zenk, who hit .394. Commack and Riverhead are perennial contenders, and Whitman made it to Game 3 of the Suffolk finals last year. For complete Long Island softball coverage, including full games and highlights, log on to MSGVarsity.com or tune to Channel 614.

10

(alphabetical) Michelle Carbone

St. Anthonys So. Pitcher

Carbone went 16-3 with an ERA of 0.96 on the way to being named Pitcher of the Year in the CHSAA. She had 116 strikeouts and 21 walks in 135 innings, hit .469 and led the team in RBIs with 29.

Isabella Corrao

Farmingdale

Sr.

Pitcher

A three-time all-Long Island selection, Corrao had an ERA of 0.86, 251 strikeouts, pitched two no-hitters and four one-hitters while leading Farmingdale to the Class AA semifinals. She also batted .415 with two homers, a .652 OBP and walked five times in the semifinal. ,

Michelle Daubman

Plainedge

Sr.

Pitcher/Shortstop

Daubman hit .506 with three homers, 18 stolen bases and a .740 slugging percentage. She was 15-6 with an ERA of 0.74 and 211 strikeouts.

Nicole Ehlinger

Hauppauge

Sr.

Pitcher
Hauppauges Nicole Ehlinger
Photo: J. Conrad Williams Jr./ Newsday

Ehlinger was 12-3 with an ERA of 0.78 and 0.82 WHIP striking out 170 , batters in 107 innings. She had eight shutouts on her way to an allstate selection.

Samantha Giovanniello

Floral Park

Jr.

Pitcher

She went 20-5, including 18 shutouts, with an ERA of 0.54 and 328 strikeouts (106 in the playoffs), while leading her team to the state Class A semifinals in 2010. She also hit .561 with five homers, 28 RBIs, 23 runs and 10 stolen bases.

Catherine Havens

Eastport-South Manor

Sr.

Pitcher

Havens pitched 120 innings, striking out 160 and walking 25, on her way to a 13-5 record and 0.68 ERA while leading ESM to the Suffolk Class A title. She also hit .458 with 23 runs scored as the leadoff hitter.

Michiko McGivney

Port Jefferson

Jr.

First Base/Pitcher

After going 7-2 with a no-hitter, three shutouts and 58 strikeouts in the first half of the season, McGivney hurt her shoulder and moved to first base. Her offense never declined, however, as she had 44 hits in 58 at-bats (.758), scored 39 runs, had 22 RBIs and walked 20 times.

Taylor McGowan

Bay Shore

Sr.

Pitcher/Second Base

McGowan went 10-0 in the circle with an ERA of 0.12, striking out 104 and walking just four. She hit .409 with 37 RBIs as part of a potent Bay Shore offense that ended up taking the state Class AA title.

Lindsay Montemarano

Seaford

So.

Third Base

Montemarano hit .600 with a .651 OBP 22 RBIs, 26 runs and tied for the county lead with eight homers. She helped lead , the Vikings to the Class A semifinals and is regarded by several coaches as a defensive whiz.

Lindsay Taylor

Kings Park

Sr.

Pitcher

Taylor had no-hit stuff nearly every time she took the circle, and often thats how it played out. She tossed three perfect games, five other no-hitters and 15 shutouts on her way to a 22-3 record.
Compiled by Cody Derespina and Mike Gavin

For complete coverage of Long Island softball action, log on to MSGVarsity.com! 11

New Jersey Baseball

The Year of the Pitcher in NJ

By Brian Fitzsimmons Welcome to the Year of the Pitcher in the Garden State. While several teams used the longball and a relentless offense to carve their way to a sectional championship in 2010, the blueprint to achieve glory on the baseball diamond will be a bit different this season. If you look up and down the list of teams destined to make a deep playoff run, they all have one thing in common: an ace on the mound. Westwoods Chris Carroll
Photo: Mike Stobe

Breaking it down:
Manalapan will likely be the team to beat in the Shore Conference thanks to Notre Damebound righthander Kyle Rubbinaccio. Meanwhile, West Essex will ride big-game hurler Dan Gautieri en route to its quest toward a second straight Group 2 title, and Westwood hopes southpaw Chris Carroll dazzles enough opposing hitters to make the Cardinals a legitimate force in talent-laden Bergen County. With long-time coach Frank Salvano at the helm, the St. Joseph Regional Green Knights are always in the mix. Don Bosco has a lot of punch up north, too. Poised to improve upon its 25-6 campaign a year ago, Delbarton will be a tough team once again, as ace Nick Donatiello looks to further impress scouts all across the nation. Dont hand the Non-Public A ring to the Green Wave just yet, though, because Seton Hall Prep and stalwart pitcher Jon Norwood will be just as armed. Potential sleepers such as Middlesex, St. Joseph (Metuchen), South Plainfield, Wall and Steinert all enjoyed successful campaigns in 2010 and return a bevy of pitchers gifted enough to match any opposing ace any day. Randolph, fresh off its Group 4 championship run, finished as the top team in MSG Varsitys final baseball poll of the 2010 season. The Rams will be the first to admit pitching wins games. Especially this year. Perhaps lock-down pitching is the only way any team will stop South Plainfield and its slugger Brandon Downes. The team has plenty of potential to come out on top of Group 3. The Virginia-bound outfielder proved his worth by recording a .484 average, 15 home runs and 49 RBIs. His stock will soar as he takes over as the states top offensive player, following the graduation of Jacksons Bryan Soloman. For complete New Jersey baseball coverage, including updated team rankings, log on to MSGVarsity.com! 12

(alphabetical)

Chris Carroll

Westwood

Sr.

Pitcher

The lefthander had his coming-out party in the Bergen County tournament last season, and is likely to improve on his stellar 7-1 record.

Alex DeBellis

Pope John

Sr.

Catcher

DeBellis batted .507 and recorded six home runs and 32 RBIs. The UConn-bound catcher also stole 24 bases in 2010.

Nick Donatiello

Delbarton

Sr.

Pitcher

Donatiello is arguably the most dominant pitcher in the state and has caught the eye of scouts around the country.

Brandon Downes

South Plainfield

Sr. Outfield
West Essexs Dan Gautieri
Photo: David Kline

The Virginia-bound outfielder smacked 15 homers, drove in and scored 49 runs, while batting .484 last season. What can he do for an encore?

Dan Gautieri

West Essex

Jr.

Pitcher

Gautieri is a big-game pitcher, as he proved by tossing a gem in the Group 2 title game. Expect big things in 2011.

Zach Gray

Morristown-Beard

Jr.

Infield

Gray was the main reason for Morristown-Beards dream run to the Non-Public B final last season.

Ryan Kirman

Red Bank Catholic

Sr.

Shortstop

UConn signed a very slick shortstop in Kirman, who is a game-changer in the Shore Conference.

Patrick Kivlon

Butler

Sr.

Pitcher/First Base

The 6-foot-3 lefthander anchored a strong campaign by the Bulldogs last season, a feat he is sure to repeat.

John Norwood

Seton Hall Prep

Sr.

Outfield/Pitcher

Every season, the powerhouse Pirates possess a standout player. Norwood, a force at the plate and on the mound, certainly is it.

Kyle Rubbinaccio

Manalapan

Sr.

Pitcher

Rubbinaccio, a Notre Dame commit, is easily the most dominant hurler in South Jersey, recording a 9-0 record and 1.29 ERA last year. For complete coverage of New Jersey baseball action, log on to MSGVarsity.com!
Compiled by Brian Fitzsimmons

13

New Jersey Softball

NJ Softball Has Three-of-a-Kind

By Brian Fitzsimmons Indian Hills Ashley DeYoung
Photo: Mike Stobe

The queens of last seasons softball diamond are poised for repeat runs. Indian Hills, St. John Vianney and Middletown Souththe three finalists in MSG Varsitys last softball poll in 2010all possess enough tools to replicate their astounding success from just a year ago. Despite the graduation of star pitcher Katie Enright, catcher Ashley DeYoung returns to lead Indian Hills. The Braves set a new state record with 33 overall wins. Immaculate Heart Academy, Paramus Catholic, Pascack Valley, Pequannock and Ridgewood all return a bevy of starters and should go deep in North Jersey playoffs.

Breaking it down:
Look out for Hunterdon Central, South Plainfield, Bishop Ahr, and J.P. Stevens in the Central Jersey area. If those potential playoff warriors are to execute, though, they will have to go through Edison. The Greater Middlesex powerhouse is armed and dangerous, confident that its ace pitcher, Valerie Cassell, has enough juice in her arm to pitch through the late days of spring. As a sophomore, the hurler recorded a 14-8 record, 200 strikeouts in 148 innings and eight shutouts. South Jersey possesses two starstudded squads with the formidable lineups and a history of success. St. John Vianney returns ace pitcher and star offensive player Jen Retzer, who recorded 270 strikeouts in the circle and added a .393 average at the plate. With their star back for a senior campaign, improving on last seasons 29-3 mark is attainable even in the wake of stalwart infielder Kasey Bulmans graduation. The real team to watch down South is the one boasting the best dynamic duo in the Garden State. Middletown South, fresh off capturing its second straight Group 3 championship, returns Julia Kuhna 14-1 pitcher and a shortstop boasting a .593 averageand centerfielder Jackie Bates, a tremendous athlete who batted .422 and drove in 42 runs last season. In addition, Red Bank Catholic, Jackson Liberty, Toms River East, Wall and Manasquan should make some noise down South, much like in 2010. For complete New Jersey softball coverage, including updated team rankings, log on to MSGVarsity.com! 14

Jen Retzer
Photo: Anthony Payne

(alphabetical)

Jackie Bates

Middletown South

Sr.

Center Fielder

Bates batted .422 with 12 doubles, 42 runs and 33 RBIs last season, setting the stage for an even bigger 2011.

Valerie Cassell

Edison

Jr.

Pitcher

Cassel does it all for Edison. She had 200 strikeouts and an ERA of 0.71 as a pitcher to complement her .523 batting average and 29 RBIs.

Ashley DeYoung

Indian Hills

Jr.

Catcher

DeYoung batted .403 and drove in 31 during the 2010 campaign. Her true value came defensively, however, as she threw out seven of 13 runners.

Brittany Ksiezopolski

Hillsborough

Sr.

Pitcher

Ksiezopolski notched a 1.08 ERA and 140 strikeouts last season.

Julia Kuhn

Middletown South

Sr.

Shortstop/Pitcher

Kuhn went 14-1 as a pitcher, and recorded a .583 average, 44 runs and 38 RBIs.

Kristen Mattia

Nutley

Sr.

Left Fielder

Mattia, who batted .495, showed off her speed with nine doubles, four triples and 20 stolen bases last year.

Caitlin O'Connor

Morris Knolls

Sr.

Pitcher

With 339 strikeouts last campaign, OConnor established herself as a true force in the pitchers circle. She also tallied 50 hits and a .476 average at the plate.

Jen Retzer

St. John Vianney

Sr.

Pitcher

Retzer was a strikeout machine last season, whiffing 270 batters. She was a force at the dish, too, producing a batting average of .393.

Erin Trippi

Paramus Catholic

Sr.

Catcher

Trippi serves as the heart of the Paladins. She is coming off a stellar campaign in which she hit .550 with 29 RBIs.

Courtney Yard

Hunterdon Central

Sr.

Pitcher

Yard recorded 207 strikeouts, 21 shutouts and posted an ERA of 0.61. The righthander also batted .433 with 13 doubles and four home runs last season. For complete coverage of New Jersey softball action, log on to MSGVarsity.com!
Compiled by Brian Fitzsimmons

15

Westchester/Hudson Valley Baseball

Lakeland Looking For More

By Kevin Devaney Jr. Lakelands Joe Arena
Photo: Isaac Cass

For the Lakeland baseball program, there exists only one goal, and its the same each season. Ive been here for 40 years, Hornets coach Dennis Robinson said. Our goal is always to be the last team playing. Lakeland played as long as any team in school history last season, capturing the Section 1 Class A championship and reaching the state final four. The Hornets expect to play a little bit longer this spring, the way Valhalla and Kennedy did a year ago. Valhalla captured the Class C state title. Kennedy was beaten in the B championship. With an elite core of seniorsled by pitchers Jonathan de Marte and Joe Arena, and first baseman Dave JudiskyLakeland shouldnt suffer from losing eight position players from a 23-5 squad. Our comment to our guys is always Its your turn, Robinson said. We had some juniors last year that could have started on many of the teams we played. But there was a senior in front of them. Now its their turn to take the torch. The transition will be eased by de Marte, a University of Richmond-bound senior and the regions top player. As a junior, de Marte hit .466 with 32 RBIs and went 11-2 with a 0.93 ERA and 105 strikeouts in 83 innings.

Breaking it down:
Class AA: The surprise team of last season came out of AA in Section 1 with North Rockland winning the title as a No. 12 seed. Wardy Polanco leads a group aiming to repeat. Mamaroneck, with Scott Hagan and Dean Chiapparelli, and Ketcham enter the season as the favorites. In Section 9, Valley Central is a heavy favorite to repeat and return to the state final four. Class A state semifinals last season. Pearl River and Harrison lead a deep pool of contenders. Cornwall also brings back a deep lineup and is in search of a fourth straight Section 9 crown. to vie for the title. The title is up for grabs in Section 9 with Spackenkill and Highland will be in the mix.

Class C: With Valhalla and Keio moving up in class, the title is wide open in SecClass B: Valhalla returns the core of last tion 1. Tuckahoe and Haldane now step years Class C state title squad, led by into the mix as the top two teams. Pine pitcher Tom Longo and Jordan Holtz. Mov- Plains, the defending champs, and S.S. ing up in conference means getting past Seward are top contenders in Section 9. Class A: In Section 1, Lakeland enters the Kennedy, the defending champs and state year a heavy favorite after reaching the finalists. Hastings and Dobbs Ferry figure For complete Westchester/Hudson Valley baseball coverage, including updated team rankings, log on to MSGVarsity.com!

16

Matt Dulgarian
Photo: Mike Stobe

(alphabetical) Jonathan de Marte

Lakeland Sr. Pitcher/Outfield

De Marte, who has signed with University of Richmond, hit .466 with 32 RBIs for the Section 1 Class A champions. The MSG Varsity Regional Player of the Year went 11-2 as a pitcher with an ERA of 0.93.

Mark DeMilio

Valhalla

Sr.

Shortstop

DeMilio was the catalyst for the Class C state champions. He hit .464 with 16 RBIs and 26 stolen bases. His postseason included the game-winning hit in the Section 1 final, and key late-game hits in the state playoffs.

Matt Dulgarian

Tuxedo

Sr.

Outfield

Dulgarian made quite a splash in his first season in the starting lineup. Dulgarian hit .464 with 33 RBIs as Tuxedo captured an OCIAA Division championship.

Scott Glowaczewski

S.S. Seward

Sr.

Pitcher

The righthander was among Section 9s top pitchers last season, throwing a no-hitter two days before a torn ACL ended his season. Glowaczewski looks to improve on last years numbers of a 1.53 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 18.1 innings.

Scott Hagan

Mamaroneck

Sr.

1B/OF/Pitcher

The versatile Hagan looks to build on the eye-popping numbers he posted last season. A preseason All-American, Hagan hit .441, drove in 26 runs and scored 33 for the Tigers (18-5).

David Judisky

Lakeland

Sr.

First Base

Judisky is coming off a stellar junior season where he hit .500 with eight homers and 33 RBIs. Judisky hit four of his home runs in the postseason, including two in a 4-1 semifinal win over Brewster.

Seth Lamando

Ketcham

Jr.

Pitcher/Third Base

Lamando had a breakout sophomore season, emerging as an all-state selection and earning Dutchess County Pitcher of the Year honors. He went 3-0 as a pitcher, striking out 24 in 21 innings.

Andres Larramendi Greeley

Jr.

Catcher

The power-hitting Larramendi is the areas top backstop and one of the regions most promising talents. Last season he broke out, delivering six homers, 25 RBIs, 22 runs and a posting a .379 average.

Wardy Polanco

North Rockland

Jr.

Shortstop

The silky-smooth Polanco is a magician with the glove and hit .348 at the plate with 21 runs, 29 RBIs and 16 steals. Polanco was a catalyst at the top of the lineup for North Rockland, which won the Section 1 Class AA title last season.

Chris Rave

Minisink Valley

Sr.

Catcher

Rave is Section 9s biggest power threat. Last season he hit six home runs, drove in 27, and finished with a .456 average and earned all-state honors in Class AA for the second year in a row. For complete coverage of Westchester and Hudson Valley baseball, log on to MSGVarsity.com!
Compiled by Kevin Devaney Jr.

17

Westchester/Hudson Valley Softball

Pearl Rivers Katie OFlynn and Gemma Mahoney
Photo: Nick Camia

Pearl River Keeping Its Promise

By Tony Pinciaro During a bus ride home from a post-season game in 2008, the freshman quartet of Katie OFlynn, Jamie DeGennaro, Gemma Mahoney, and Katie Goldrick made a promise to Pearl River softball coach Mike Carlacci. We told him we were going to win sectionals every year for him, OFlynn recalled. The foursome has been instrumental in making good on this promise the last two years, punctuating it by winning the 2010 New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class A softball title. Pearl River became the first Rockland County school to win a state softball championship. In addition, it has been to three consecutive state final fours, taking it one step further each year. In 2008, when OFlynn, DeGennaro, Mahoney and Goldrick were freshmen, Pearl River lost in the state semifinals. In 2009, Floral Park defeated Pearl River in the state Class A final. Last year, Pearl River exacted revenge on Floral Park, dethroning the 2009 state champions on a DeGennaro two-run double in the sixth inning of a 2-0 win. It followed with a 7-0 domination of Pittsford in the final, finishing with a 24-3 record. OFlynn, who will attend Oneonta and play softball next year, and her classmates are looking to win a fourth consecutive sectional title and repeat as state champions. Considering the team has six seniors returningand the experience they have from playing in three final foursit is possible Pearl River can become a two-time state champ.

Breaking it down:
Section 1: Last years champions included North Rockland (Class AA), Dobbs Ferry (Class B) and Valhalla (Class C). North Rockland and Dobbs Ferry advanced to the state final four, but lost in the semis. All of those teams figure to be in the mix in 2011.

Section 9: Rhinebeck (Class C) and Livingston Manor (Class D) were the state champions, and should be ready for another run. Highland (Class B), Cornwall (Class A) and Valley Central (Class AA) also won sectional titles.

For complete Westchester/Hudson Valley softball coverage, including updated team rankings, log on to MSGVarsity.com! 18

(alphabetical) Samantha Alonzo

R.C. Ketcham Sr. Infield/Outfield

Alonzo is Ketchams initiator on offense when gets on base. Her terrific speed and running ability can create problems for the opposition.

Diane Caruso

Minisink Valley

Jr.

Shortstop

Caruso is her teams best all-around player. The shortstop is a lefthanded hitting power source who bats in the three hole. When runners are in scoring position, Caruso brings them home.

Taylor Corretjer

North Rockland

Sr.

Shortstop/Pitcher

Corretjer is an outstanding all-around player. She is a slick fielder, and offensively is the Red Raiders creator from the lead-off spot. Corretjer will hit for power to the gaps. She can also dial up the velocity when pitching.

Danielle DeStaso

Clarkstown North

Sr.

Pitcher

DeStaso does it all for the Rams. Not only is she one of Section 1s finest pitchers (176 strikeouts last year), but she was selected to the Class AA all-state fifth team. In addition, the senior swings the bat with authority (.544 batting average, 28 RBIs). She will attend Seton Hall next year.

Brianna Rivera
Photo: Nick Camia

Janine Lalli

Eastchester

Sr.

Pitcher/Shortstop

The Marist-bound senior can bring the heat in the circle and is an excellent shortstop.

Gemma Mahoney

Pearl River

Sr.

Shortstop

Mahoney is Pearl Rivers offensive catalyst, who has outstanding speed and is an excellent slap-hitter. Defensively, the sure-handed Mahoney possesses vast range and has a strong arm.

Katie OFlynn

Pearl River

Sr.

Pitcher

OFlynn returns for her third year as the Pirates No. 1 wind-miller. O Flynn, who went 18-3 with a 0.67 earned run average last year, was a Class A second-team all-state pick.

Taylor Pirone

Ursuline

Sr.

Pitcher

The Fordham-bound senior is the Koalas No. 1 pitcher (14-4, 157 strikeouts) and top offensive weapon. Pirone puts the aluminum on the ball and when she does, it travels (five home runs, 38 RBIs, .440 average).

Brianna Rivera

North Rockland

Sr.

Catcher

The senior is the best all-around catcher in Section 1. Rivera calls an excellent game and is terrific defensively, able to consistently thwart opposing base runners who attempt to steal. Rivera is also an intimidating hitter who will take the ball to all fields.

Lauren Sputo

White Plains

Sr.

Pitcher

The senior pitcher has been the Tigers No. 1 since joining varsity her freshman year. A Class AA second-team all-state selection, Sputo possesses an excellent fastball. For complete coverage of Westchester and Hudson Valley softball, log on to MSGVarsity.com!
Compiled by Kevin Devaney Jr.

19

Connecticut Baseball

FCIAC Up For Grabs

By Jesse Quinlan Wamogos Mike Odenwaelder
Photo: Mike Stobe

In his first stint as Norwalk High School baseball coach, Pete Tucci guided the Bears to two FCIAC titles and a pair of trips to the state finals. More than a decade later, Tucci is back to lead the Bears, who, as usual, have a lineup loaded with talent. Norwalk is one of several contenders taking aim at the FCIAC crown now belonging to Fairfield-Ludlowe, which put the finishing touches on its first league championship with a victory over Greenwich in last seasons finals. The expectations are always high here but all I ask is that our guys play hard and smart every game, said Tucci, who takes over for Angelo Bruno, who resigned last June after 154 wins and two FCIAC titles. I think one of my jobs will be to keep our players grounded.

Breaking it down:
St. Joseph, Westhill and Staples, which won consecutive league crowns in 2008 and 2009, are three other teams to watch in the FCIAC, which featured 10 Division I-bound pitchers a year ago. Its always competitive in this league but its rare that you have a year like we did last season, said Greenwich coach Mike Mora. I think 2004 was the last time. It was such a senior-dominated, pitchingoriented league. You had to scratch and claw your way through it. In the SCC, Amity Regional is coming off a 20-0 regular season and features senior third baseman Mark Esposito, who is ranked as the No. 3 third baseman in the nation by one baseball scouting service. Foran and Law also reached the state quarterfinals, and Fairfield Prep is another team out of the SCC that won at least 12 regular season games a year ago. In the SWC, Weston won 14 games and the Patriot Division, and will have high hopes in 2011. So will Torrington, which won 13 games out of the NVL before reaching the second round of the Class L tournament. For complete Connecticut baseball coverage, including updated team rankings, log on to MSGVarsity.com! 20

Staples Rob Gau

Photo: Pamela Moss

(alphabetical) James Cooksey

Norwalk Sr. Pitcher/DH

Named first-team all-FCIAC as a utility player, Cooksey went 6-1 on the mound last year and also delivered at the plate with a .318 batting average. He will play at Sacred Heart University.

Kevin Daniele

Norwalk

Sr.

Catcher

The all-FCIAC Central Division selection led the Bears with a .471 batting average, a slugging percentage of .794, and 25 RBIs.

Mark Esposito

Amity

Sr.

Third Base/Pitcher

A three-year starter who batted .390 as a junior, Esposito has signed to play at Marshall University, where he will pitch and play third base. Older brother Jason was a seventh-round draft pick by the Kansas City Royals in 2008.

Rob Gau

Staples

Sr.

Pitcher

The lefthander went 4-1 for the Wreckers on his way to all-FCIAC West honors. He will play football and baseball at Trinity College.

Ted Gravel

Wamogo

Sr.

Catcher

Gravel was among the state leaders in slugging percentage (.727), on-base percentage (.557), batting average (.470) and runs scored (27). He was also named first-team all-Berkshire League.

Spencer Jacoby

Norwalk

Sr.

Centerfield

The talented outfielder was chosen first-team all-FCIAC after batting .413 with three home runs and eight doubles. He could be headed to UConn to continue his playing career.

Tyler Matakevich

St. Joseph

Sr.

First Base

Picked to both the all-state and all-FCIAC teams, Matakevich totaled 32 RBIs and 29 hits, including five home runs, to go along with a .718 slugging percentage.

Ed Michaud

Foran

Sr.

Third Base

Michaud was among the best in the state last year with a .541 batting average and .865 slugging percentage.

Mike Odenwaelder

Wamogo

Sr.

Pitcher/Shortstop/Outfield

Odenwaelder won six of his teams seven games and pitched to a 2.57 ERA with 72 strikeouts. The senior, an all-state soccer and basketball player, also batted .406, scored 27 runs and drove in 21 last season.

Dan Warren

Fairfield Warde

Jr.

Third Base

Named first-team all-FCIAC as a sophomore, Warren is coming off a year in which he batted .361, and had 18 RBIs and nine doubles. For complete coverage of Connecticut baseball, log on to MSGVarsity.com! 21

Connecticut Softball

Rivalries Bloom on Diamond

By John Malone Lauralton Hall and St. Joseph have combined to win three of the last four Class M state championships, having met one another in the state playoffs three times in that time span. Certainly, a bit of a rivalry is budding. Expect the two powerhouses to meet somewhere again, as both teams return an eye-popping amount of talent including their pitchers, Micki Keltos (St. Joseph) and Hayley Spragg (Lauralton Hall). Lauralton Halls Hayley Spragg
Photo: Mike Stobe

Breaking it down:
In Class L, Fairfield Warde advanced to its first semifinal ever last year, and returns some key talent, including Stacey DiLeo and Katlyn McCarthy. The Mustangs season ended against Waterford, the defending state champions. Westhill won the Class LL state championship with only two seniors, and barely missed winning its third consecutive FCIAC championship. Without star pitcher, Jen Joseph, Westhill will try and regain its championship form behind a now veteran team. Trumbull, also a program of note, knocked Westhill off in the FCIAC title game, but the Eagles will need to replace their star pitcher as well. Platt Tech has won three consecutive Constitution State Conference titles and will be led by one of the states best catchers in Alyssa Donovan. She is absolutely a player to watch. The FCIAC was strong in the pitching circle last year, but with the graduation of many senior starters, offense will be at the forefront. While a new class of pitchers hone their skills. New Canaan will be a team to watch for, with a lineup boasting a number of seniors who are ready for next season. Darien, always solid, will try to build on its 14-4 FCIAC record from a season ago. In the SWC, there is some excellent individual talent led by Notre Dame-Fairfields Nicole Negron, a multi-sport athlete and star shortstop. Also, be on the lookout for supersophomore Katherine Fischer. She put up eyepopping stats at Weston in her freshman season, hitting .515 with eight doubles, seven triples, and four homeruns.

For complete Connecticut softball coverage, including updated team rankings, log on to MSGVarsity.com!

22

Westhills Brittany Horn

Photo: Nick Camia

(alphabetical) Rachel Booth

Foran Sr. Catcher

Booth, who was named all-state, hit .524 as a junior, but may have been even more impressive defensively. She picked off 19 base-runners during the season, including seven in one game.

Abby Casey

Lauralton Hall

Sr.

Outfield

A strong defensive player, Casey was the leader in the outfield for Lauralton Hall. She was one of eight underclassman starters for the Class M runners-up, and all-state in 2010.

Stacey DiLeo

Fairfield Warde

Sr.

Shortstop

An all-state selection for Warde last season, DiLeo helped her team reach the Class L semifinals for the first time. She will look to sustain that level for the Mustangs as a senior.

Alyssa Donovan

Platt Tech

Jr.

Catcher

Another young, all-state catcher, Donovan has a cannon for an arm. She has unusual speed for a catcher, legging out a few triples in 2010. A captain as a sophomore, she has the potential to be great.

Brittany Horn

Westhill

Sr.

Second Base

The middle infielder was a first team all-FCIAC player for state champion Westhill. She will lead as a senior in 2011.

Micki Keltos

St. Joseph

Sr.

Pitcher

Keltos went 16-4 as the starter for St. Joseph and won the Class M state title despite suffering an illness during the playoff run. Shes 51-14 in her career, and hit .490 as a junior last season.

Nicole Negron

Notre Dame-Fairfield

Sr.

Shortstop

The multi-sport athlete was all-state as a junior. Though the team had its struggles, Negron sparkled for the Lancers. With her leading the way, ND will be looking for greater success this season.

Ashley Peel

St. Joseph

Jr.

Catcher

Peel was named to the Class M all-state team for a talented Cadets squad. As a sophomore, she hit .405 with five homeruns, and 21 runs batted in.

Hayley Spragg

Lauralton Hall

Jr.

Pitcher

Spragg pitched her team into the Class M state championship game with 194 strikeouts and an ERA of 0.86. She was 21-5 on the season during her sophomore year.

Sarah Wesley

Trumbull

Sr.

Catcher

Another excellent catcher, Wesley was a key reason for Trumbulls run to the FCIAC championship.

For complete coverage of Connecticut softball, log on to MSGVarsity.com! 23

New York City Baseball

NYC Boasts Talented Roster

By Jason Kahn This may be the most talented collection of teams throughout New York City in years. The defending PSAL champs, Tottenville, returns practically its entire roster. Meanwhile, James Monroe, Xaverian, Fordham Prep, George Washington and Grand Street are all reloaded. Not everyone is so fortunate, though. Lehman, the runners-up in the PSAL, will have some holes to fill after losing its ace pitcher and top hitter. It does, however, have Andy Ramos, one of the top players in New York City. Poly Prep, who fell short in last year's Ivy League final, graduated three seniors from its starting infield and one of the top pitchers in the city. While some teams lack the experience that other teams have this year, its hard to overlook the large number of future draft prospects and college players in the area. In fact, the City boasts one of the top players in the state in Elvin Soto from Xaverian.

Breaking it down:
The CHSAA AA looks to be the citys toughest league this year. No team has a lock on making the championship game. Xavier returns a strong nucleus. Fordham Prep could have the best Senior class around. St. Raymonds legendary baseball coach Ron Patnosh retired, but the man taking over, Marc DeLuca, was the assistant for the past six seasons. Therefore, the Ravens team shouldnt be run much differently. St. Josephs by the Seas championship 2010 season was no fluke, and theyll be just as dangerous this year. Xaverian, Mount St. Michael and Archbishop Molloy, among others, should be in the mix, as well. In the CHSAA B Division, Monsignor Scanlan appears to be the favorite, but St. Johns Prep will once again contend for the city crown. The PSAL A will be a little more crowded than usual this season. Riverdale-Kingsbridge Academy and Gregorio Luperon, both teams in last seasons B title game, move up. James Monroe, typically one of the countrys best teams, was upset in the 2010 playoffs. Coach Mike Turo should have the Eagles returning to form. Other teams to watch out for are: Tottenville, Grand Street, George Washington and Morris. Brooklyn Studio seems to have a solid grasp on the PSAL B. The school should capture the division title and find itself in the finals. Taft appears to be Brooklyn Studios biggest threat. Can Collegiate make it back-to-back Ivy League titles? Poly Prep, Fieldston and Riverdale Country are the teams most likely to stop them.

Lehmans Andy Ramos

Photo: Frank LoCascio

For complete New York City baseball coverage, including updated team rankings, log on to MSGVarsity.com! 24

Xaverians Elvin Soto

Photo: Dominick Ricciardi

(alphabetical) Sal Annunziata

Fordham Prep Sr. First Base

The Bronx native hit .409 with four home runs and 25 RBIs last year. Annunziata is bound for Seton Hall.

Franciel Campusano

Fort Hamilton

Sr.

Pitcher

The flame-throwing lefty threw two consecutive no-hitters (three total), one of which came in a losing effort. Campusano had a sub-1.00 ERA with 66 strikeouts in 44 innings.

Jose Cuas

Grand Street Campus

Jr.

Shortstop

College coaches and scouts alike were enamored by Cuas last year, when he hit .531 with three home runs and 20 RBIs. The clean-up hitter showed off his speed, too, stealing 18 bases.

Marcus Hernandez

Poly Prep

Sr.

Catcher

Hernandez was one of the most reliable catchers in the Ivy League, helping the Blue Devils reach the championship game. The Bucknellbound senior hit .373.

Williams Jerez

Grand Street Campus

So.

Centerfield

If Jerez continues to improve after an impressive freshman season, he'll be one of the top prospects in the city. The lefty hit .492 with five home runs, 21 RBIs, and stole 24 bases.

Nick Morton

Packer Collegiate

Jr.

Shortstop

Selected as a Pre-Season Under Armour All American, the switch-hitting Morton has played on the Varsity since eighth grade. The junior hit .404 last season, earning a spot on Rawlings Top Prospects Team.

James Norwood

All Hallows

Sr.

Pitcher

Headed to St. Louis University next year, Norwood has big league scouts showing some serious interest. He should be the scariest pitcher that any batter has to face in the city.

Andy Ramos

Herbert H. Lehman

Sr.

Catcher

There arent many more reliable players than Ramos. He's a major reason why Lehman made it to the PSAL championship game last year, as he batted .643 with three home runs and 31 RBIs.

Elvin Soto

Xaverian

Sr.

Catcher

The switch-hitting, cannon-armed catcher played with Team USA's 18-and-under squad last summer. The Pittsburgh signee hit .338 with five home runs as a junior.

Pedro Taveras

John F. Kennedy

Sr.

Centerfield

Taveras should lead JFK this seasonjust as he did last yearin batting average, hits, doubles, RBIs and home runs (tops in the PSAL with five). For complete coverage of NYC baseball action, log on to MSGVarsity.com!
Compiled by Jason Kahn

25

New York City Softball

Plenty of NYC Teams in the Hunt

By Jason Kahn Every league in New York City had some sort of historical feat occur last season. James Madison became the first team to beat Tottenville for the PSAL championship in seven years; St. Josephs by the Sea completed an undefeated season culminating in a CHSAA state title; Poly Prep won its fifth straight Ivy League crown. This season could be just as exciting. Madisons triumph in the PSAL A sent shockwaves throughout the league. It may have, in fact, raised the bar. Staten Island is once again loaded with talent. Susan Wagner, Port Richmond and New Dorp could strip Tottenville from its seemingly never-ending grasp on the division. Although Madison returns New York Citys top player in Kayla Hill, they lose a ton of power in that lineup from last year. Caitlyn Ganley, Brittany OBrien, and Nikki Panaro who hit the game-tying home run in the ninth inning of last years championship gameare all gone. It shouldnt prevent them from winning the division, but it could hurt come playoff time. Benjamin Cardozo, Riverdale-Kingsbridge Academy and Bayside should contend once again, but dont be surprised if Cinderella teams start joining the title hunt. James Madisons Kayla Hill
Photo: Mike Stobe

Breaking it down:
With LaGuardias move to the PSAL A, theres not one team that has a stranglehold on the B. Lab Museums impressive run to the finals as the No. 7 seed may give it a slight edge coming in, but theres a bevy of teams that could make a similar run. Keep an eye on the Queens High School of Teaching, Telecommunication and Brooklyn Studio, all three of which are highly experienced squads. One of the best teams in the state comes from the CHSAA A Division. It looks like St. Josephs by the Sea is primed for another trip to states. The Lady Vikings were hit hard by graduation, but are still a very deep team. Archbishop Molloy and St. Francis Prep appear to be their toughest competition. In the B, Bishop Ford is the favorite to win it again. But St. Saviour will definitely give the Lady Falcons a challenge. If theres one thing anyone has learned in the past five years in the Ivy League, never pick against Poly Prep when it comes to softball. The Lady Blue Devils will try for six league titles in a row this season, but teams like Horace Mann and Fieldston unleashed some extremely talented players in 2010.

For complete New York City softball coverage, including updated team rankings, log on to MSGVarsity.com! 26

Zanovia Pierce
Photo: Frank LoCascio

(alphabetical) Becky Ganley

James Madison Sr. Left Field

Ganley's sliding catch clinched the PSAL title for James Madison. The school's Valedictorian hit .500 with 23 RBIs during the regular season.

Gina Gerone

James Madison

Jr.

Shortstop

Gerone led the PSAL 'A' in RBIs with 38 in 2010 as a sophomore. With several seniors gone from that historic championship team, expect Gerone's production to rise.

Chyanne Gilliam

New Dorp

Jr.

Outfield

As a sophomore, in her first year playing varsity, there was no better leadoff hitter in New York City. The speedster led the PSAL 'A' with 37 steals and hit .625.

Kayla Hill

James Madison

Sr.

Pitcher

Hill's heroics and stellar pitching performance in the PSAL city title game lifted James Madison to victory. The ace didn't give up a single run during the regular season, finishing with 71 strikeouts. At the plate, she drove in 18 runs while batting .543.

Jackie Kelly

St. Joseph's by the Sea

Sr.

Third Base

Kelly hit .581 last year and .500 in the playoffsfor a team that went undefeated and captured the CHSAA state title. She's also got a great glove at the corner, registering only two errors her career.

Danielle Locke

Susan E. Wagner

Sr.

Centerfield

The four-year varsity player has one of the best gloves in the outfield. She also is one of the most patient hitters at the plate with a .450 average.

Victoria McFarland

Tottenville

Sr.

Centerfield

McFarland is the biggest bat returning in the PSAL. She hit .686 during the regular season and drove in 29 runs.

Nicole Palase

Tottenville

Sr.

Pitcher

The ace on last year's Tottenville team that finished as the runner-up in the PSAL city final, Palase had a 15-0 record with a sub-1.00 ERA and 102 strikeouts. Her offense is just as good, as she hit .532 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs.

Maria Palmeri

Archbishop Molloy

Jr.

Pitcher

Hands down the most versatile player in the CHSAA, Palmieri played multiple positions, including pitcher, where she struck out 78 batters. She was also one of the team's top hitters with a .478 average.

Zanovia Pierce

Riverdale-Kingsbridge Academy

Jr.

Pitcher

Pierce whiffed 91 batters last year. She started in nearly every single game for the Lady Tigers, leading them to the PSAL quarterfinals.
Compiled by Jason Kahn

For complete coverage of NYC softball action, log on to MSGVarsity.com! 27

Tri-State Lacrosse

The stakes will now be higher when Garden City takes on Manhasset in the Woodstick Classic, LIVE on MSG Varsity on Saturday, April 30th.

A New Era of Tri-State LAX Begins

Gone are the names that were synonymous with tri-state lacrosse for the past four years. The likes of Nick Galasso (West Islip, LI), Tom Schreiber (St. Anthonys, LI), Kevin Interlicchio (Yorktown, WC), Brendan Rotanz (Fairfield Prep, CT) and John Muti (Mountain Lakes, NJ) have all graduated. Enter a new crop of senior stars, such as Mike Daniello (John Jay Cross River, WC), Myles Jones (Walt Whitman, LI), Kyle Turri (West Islip, LI), John Barney (Delbarton, NJ) and Joe Costigan (New Canaan, CT). These are just some of the names that headline the Class of 2011. And new names could result in new champions, potentially jumpstarting new dynasties. In addition to the graduation of so many blue-chip recruits, a changing of the guard may occur this spring because of realignment. In New York, Class B deserves your undivided attention. Traditional power playerssuch as Rye and Manhassetmoved up from Class C, while Yorktown went from A to B. In Westchester/Hudson Valley, Section 1s Class B is loaded. Yorktown, Rye, Somers, and, of course, the defending champs, John Jay-Cross River all have a legitimate chance to win a section and state title. On Long Island, the oldest running rivalry in the country just got a whole lot more intense. The 120th edition of the Woodstick Classic between Manhassett and Garden City will now be a league game, serving as a potential preview of the Nassau County final. Last year, both teams qualified for the state championship game (Mahassett won Class C), but this year only one can reach the Long Island final. The re-organization of classes also affects programs such as Cold Spring Harbor, which hasnt moved. Manhasset has defeated Cold Spring Harbor in the Nassau Class C playoffs, each of the last two seasons. Since 1997, West Islip and Ward Melville have accounted for seven New

By Jared Greenberg

York State, Class A championships. Northport (2001) was the only other Long Island school to win a large school state title during that time. West Islip and Ward Melville have set the bar for schools not only on Long Island, but the entire tri-state. Its league in Suffolk Countythe toughest and deepest in the tri-stateis as wide open as its been since the mid 1990s, as a result of the graduation of top-notch talent. What does all this mean? This campaign has the potential to be the year future student-athletes look back upon when schools such as Smithtown West and Sachem North kicked off a major championship run.

Impact of College Expansion

A current explosion in the popularity of college lacrosse has made more scholarship dollars available to tri-state student-athletes than ever before. In 2005, St. Johns University revived its program, while Jacksonville University and the University of Denver have also added the sport. In the spring of 2013, Marquette University will play its first game and it will be coached by Sachem North alum, Joe Amplo. The trickle-down effect is already taking place here at home. With more college roster spots available, studentathletes in our hotbed of lacrosse are reaping the benefits. Someone who may have been a Division II player 10 years ago may now find themselves competing for a starting job at a Division I school. Moreover, some formerly considered non-scholarship Division III student-athletes, may now have the opportunity to have some of their tuition paid by a Divison II program. As the sport grows, so too do the opportunities for student-athletes.

Jared Greenberg is co-anchor of MSG Varsitys High School SportsDesk, which airs live each weeknight.

28

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Tri-State Lacrosse

Ridgewoods Success Starts at the Top

By Tara Petrolino Last June, the Ridgewood girls lacrosse team won the Tournament of Champions and was crowned the No. 1 team in New Jersey. It was the first state title for the school and its coach, Karla Mixon. But Mixons road to prominence didnt start in the Garden State. The Downingtown, Pennsylvania, native played lacrosse at Temple University, where she was coached by Kim Sloan Green, the first African-American head coach in the history of womens intercollegiate lacrosse. Sloan Green, now a Professor Emeritus at Temple, didnt just want her players to produce on the field, she also wanted them to contribute in meaningful ways off of the turf, and suggested Mixon join the National Youth Sports Program. With the NYSP and the National Science Foundation, Mixon was able to help kids from inner-city Philadelphia through her two loves teaching and coaching. Sixteen years later, Mixon has followed her dream from Philly to Paterson to Ridgewood, teaching middle schoolers by day, and coaching future Division I stars by night. Since taking over Ridgewoods varsity lacrosse program in 2001, Mixons teams have been named six-time BCWCA champions; six-time NNJILL Stars Division Champions; three-time NJSIAA Sectional Champions; and earned 2010 BCWCA Team of the Year honors, to go with the schools first state crown. Mixon feels very blessed for the players

The Five Seniors: (from left) Sally Jentis, Taylor Pedersen, Jess Miller, Lindsay Wiener and Samantha Giordano. Photos by Kate Brindisi. shes had the privilege of coaching: players who understand respect; players who give 110-percent every day; players who have personified passion, grit and perseverance every time they have stepped on the field. The 2010 season was the pinnacle of that. But its 2011, and last years seven seniors, six of whom are playing in college now, are gone. A new team with a new identity is in the making. But Mixon is confident this years squad will pick up the reins. After all, Ridgewood returns goalie Isabel Sippela threeyear starter who had seven saves in last Junes final boutand five seniors, all of whom signed with Division I programs on National Signing Day. Jess Miller (Richmond), Lindsay Wiener (Boston University), Samantha Giordano (Georgetown), Taylor Pedersen (Vermont), and Sally Jentis (Miami) will be looked upon to lead way and fill some very big shoes. They have tasted victory at its purest form, and will seek to do it again. Mixon has raised the bar high. This years schedule features some of the best teams in the region including Garden City (LI), Bridgewater-Raritan (NJ), Mountain Lakes (NJ), Shawnee (NJ), St. Anthonys (LI), and yes, Moorestown (NJ)the perennial
Tara Petrolino is the host of MSG Varsitys High School Journal and co-host of Don McPhersons Training for Life.

power who had won 10-straight TOCs before the Maroon turned the tide last year. The Ridgewood head coach looks back on last years run and calls it magical, recalling the parents, teachers, friends, and yes, even her own grandmother (wheelchair and all) who sat under the hot June sun to watch history be made. So, can they do it again? One thing is for sure, Ridgewood supporters are a strong force and can only help the Maroons quest to repeat.

Sally Jentis

Jess Miller

30

Long Island Boys Lacrosse

(alphabetical)

1 Bobby Duvnjak Manhasset Jr.

Defense

Powerhouses to be Put to the Test

By Bob Herzog For boys lacrosse powerhouses West Islip and Manhasset, three-peats might be too much to expect in 2011. The Lions, who have won the last two state Class A titles and four of the last five, must replace the nations No. 1 recruit, attack Nicky Galasso, who finished his scholastic career with an even 500 points and now starts for the University of North Carolina. The Indians won the last two state Class C titles and feature superb defenseman Bobby Duvnjak, the nations top-rated junior recruit. But Manhasset moves up to Class B, which means it will have to contend with talent-rich Garden City. The Trojans are led by the Harvard-bound senior defense tandem of Stephen Jahelka and Brian Fischer, junior attack Devin Dwyer and senior middie Tom Gordon. Comsewogue and Shoreham-Wading River are the best of the Suffolk Bs.

The first-team all-Long Island selection and All-American anchored a state championship-winning defense that allowed only 4.4 goals per game.

2 Brian Fischer Sr. Garden City

Defense

Partners-in-crime on the football field in the Trojans' backfield, Fischer and Garden City teammate Stephen Jahelka team up again to stop opposing offenses. They will also team up next year at Harvard.

Jahelka 3 Stephen City Sr. Garden

Defense

The hard-hitting returning All-American, a first-time allLong Island selection, and captain of defense that allowed 4.7 goals per game.

4 Myles JonesSr. Whitman

Midfield

The stick looks small in the hands of this 6-foot-5, 225pound second-team all-Long Island selection and member of Empire State Games team. He is headed to Duke next year.

5 Matt Kavanagh Chaminade Sr.

Attack

The shifty attack scored 41 goals with 26 assists for the CHSAA finalists last season and scooped up 47 ground balls. Will attend Notre Dame in the fall.

6 Kyle Keenan Smithtown West

Whitmans Myles Jones
Photo: Mike Stobe

Sr.

Attack

This Duke-bound senior is a second-team all-Long Island choice. He can both finish and distribute. He scored five points in ESG gold-medal victory.

Locascio 7 JoeAnthonys St.

Sr.

Midfield

Breaking it down
West Islip wont concede its crown easily and is still the No. 1 seed in Suffolk Class A, led by Duke-bound goalie Kyle Turri, defenseman Kyle Carrick, attack Drew Federico and middie Mike Sagl. Experienced Sachem North already had Massachusetts-bound midfielder Mike Andreassi and added a big-time scorer in Hicksville transfer Brandon Gamblin, the leading scorer in the Empire State Games for the gold-medal winning Long Island scholastic boys. Smithtown West has an elite attack with Duke-bound senior Kyle Keenan and junior James Pannell, likely going to Virginia. Senior attack Will Mazzone leads perennial contender Ward Melville. Farmingdale, led by defenseman J.J. Ostrander, heads Nassaus A list. In Class C, Manhassets exit opens the express lane for Cold Spring Harbor. And dont forget CHSAA powers St. Anthonys and Chaminade. The Friars are ranked No. 4 nationally, even without Tom Schreiber, now excelling at Princeton, and the Flyers are ranked No. 6 after graduating D-I defensemen Michael Ehrhardt (Maryland) John Urbank (Georgetown). Middie Joe Locascio (Maryland) and defenseman Greg Danseglio (Virginia) are big-time college prospects. So is Chaminade attack Matt Kavanagh (Notre Dame).

A hard shooter with smarts, he is headed to Maryland this fall. He scored a game-tying goal with 24 seconds left in the Catholic final, before Chaminade won in OT.

8 James Panell Smithtown West 9 Mike Pellegrino Connetquot Sr.

Jr.

Attack/Midfield

He took a terrific first step last season with 69 points for the Bulls and excelled in ESG.

Defense

The returning all-Long Island first-teamer can score in transition, and can lock down on defense, drawing the toughest one-on-one assignments. He will attend Johns Hopkins.

10 J.J. Ostrander Farmingdale

Sr.

Defense

The returning second-team all-Long Island selection is the top defender for the defending Nassau Class A champs and bound for Towson State.
Compiled by Bob Herzog and Chris Mascaro

For complete coverage of Long Island boys lacrosse, log on to MSGVarsity.com or tune to Channel 614! 32

Long Island Girls Lacrosse

(alphabetical)

1 Courtney Fortunato Northport So. Midfield

An excellent defender who handles the ball well, she sticks to her opponent and knows when to double-team.

2 Shannon Gilroy Northport Sr.

Midfield

An All-American and Long Island Player of the Year, she scored 97 goals and added 33 assists.

3 Danielle Jaycox St. John the Baptist

Sr.

Midfield

She has 182 career goals and 54 assists as an allCHSAA player. She had a breakout year as a junior with 96 goals. She is committed to Adelphi.

Halle Majorana 4 Manhasset Sr.

Attack

She had 52 goals and 32 assists for the Nassau Class C champions.

Kelly McPartland 5 Farmingdale Sr.

Midfield

She helped lead the Dalers to a second consecutive state Class A championship.

Kerrin Maurer 6 St. Anthony's Sr.

Garden Citys Barbara Sullivan

Midfield
Photo: Mike Stobe

The CHSAA Player of the Year scored 59 goals and led St. Anthony's to a third straight Nassau-Suffolk title despite recovering from a broken ankle and pelvis suffered in a car accident during basketball season.

Garden City Leading the Way

By Gregg Sarra There are some things that you can count on every year in high school sports. And one of them is the Garden City girls lacrosse team. The Trojans are always in the mix for the Nassau crown and the feeder system continues to reload a program that consistently wins and has become the benchmark for all girls lacrosse teams. Garden City coach Diane Chapman will once again have some of Long Islands top guns at her disposal as the Trojans make another run at the Nassau Class B title. The Trojans have won five straight state Class B titles and 11 in their illustrious history. They were 21-0 last year and return a host of talent, including senior attack Caroline Tarzian, who had 84 goals and 124 points. Senior midfielders Mikaela Rix and Barbara Sullivan are the backbone to another deep Garden City powerhouse.

Mikaila Rix 7 Garden City

Sr.

Midfield

She had 15 goals and three assists in the Trojans' final three playoff games and totaled 62 goals and 21 assists for the year.

Paula Schmidt 8 Wantagh Sr.

Attack

A dual threat on offense, she racked up 55 goals and 46 assists last season, including 11 goals and 10 assists in three playoff games.

Barbara Sullivan 9 Garden City Jr.

Midfield

Breaking it down
Bay Shore won the Suffolk Class AA title with upset wins over West Islip and Northport in 2010. The Marauders will have their hands full with a Northport team that returns senior midfielder Shannon Gilroy, who is known as the Franchise and led the region with 97 goals and 33 assists. The two-time All-American and sophomore attack Courtney Fortunato looks to get Northport back on top. Farmingdale returns senior attack Jamie Leone and senior midfielder Kelly McPartland to a Dalers team looking for state recognition. The CHSAA will be all about St. Anthonys, which is looking for its fourth-straight title behind high-scoring senior midfielder Kerrin Maurer.

She was named state tournament MVP after a fourgoal, three-assist performance in the final, helping earn the Trojans another state Class B title. Sullivan will play lacrosse for Notre Dame.

Tarzian 10 CarolineCity Sr. Garden

Attack

Last season, she had 124 points, including 84 goals, leading Garden City to its fifth straight state Class B title.
Compiled by Gregg Sarra and Stephen Haynes

For complete coverage of Long Island girls lacrosse, log on to MSGVarsity.com or tune to Channel 614! 33

New Jersey Boys Lacrosse

Immaculatas Ralph DAgostino
Photo: Mike Stobe (alphabetical)

Kevin Albert Immaculata Sr.

Defense

New Jerseys best lock-down defender anchored the Spartans successful run last season, and the Rutgersbound Albert will prove his worth once again.

2 Ralph DAgostino Immaculata Sr.

Midfield

DAgostino, an All-American selection bound for Syracuse, will spark another run at the NJSIAA NonPublic B title.

Vinny Fuschetto New Providence

Sr.

Midfield

Fuschetto led the state with 70 goals as a junior and will likely propel his team to become a playoff contender this season.

4 Mark Glicini Mahwah Sr.

Attack

Glicini, who notched 65 goals and 101 points last year, is the cornerstone of his rising squad.

Lubowicki 5 Ed Joseph (Metuchen) St.

Jr.

Attack

Lubowicki is one of the fiercest offensive players in the Garden State. He tallied 62 goals and 75 assists last season.

The New Kids on the Block

By Lou Brogno For years, programs such as Delbarton, Mountain Lakes and Ridgewood dominated the high school lacrosse landscape. However, in the case of the Green Wave, we saw their record run of eight-straight state titles snapped. Rising programs like St. Joseph (Metuchen) and Summit now are perennial championship threats. Both squads share the starter record for victories in a season at 23, and Summitwhich has now won two straight Tournament of Champions crowns has set the record for consecutive victories at 45, breaking the previous mark held by Ridgewood in the early 1990s. Summit captured its 45th straight win by knocking off St. Joseph in the Tournament of Champions final and will carry the record setting stream into the 2011 campaign.

6 Colin McLindenMidfield Madison Sr.

The Dodgers finished fifth in the state in 2010, thanks in part to McLindens 25-goal, 55-assist output.

7 Nicholas Pontrello St. Augustine Prep

Sr.

Attack

Pontrello is considered one of the Garden States most prolific facilitators, having recorded 61 assists in 2010.

8 Alex Rohrbach West Windsor South

Sr.

Midfield

Rohrbach does it all for his team, scoring 54 goals and assisting on 57 others last season.

Breaking it down
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Morris County again appears to be the hotbed of New Jersey lacrosse with legendary programs like Delbarton, Mountain Lakes, and Kinnelon trying to fend off surging competitors, namely Madison (17-5), Morristown (15-3) and Chatham (11-7). Closing the talent gap at a rapid pace is Somerset County, where three top 10 teamsBridgewater-Raritan, Immaculata and Ridgecombined for nearly 50 wins in 2010. Finally, there is a new kid on the block in Bergen County. Annual powers Ridgewood, Bergen Catholic, Don Bosco Prep and Ramapo have had to make room for the high-flying Thunderbirds at Mahwah, which finished 17-1 and claimed its first county title in program history.

9 Joe SandfordJr. Princeton

Attack

An explosive attacker, Sandford scored 58 goals and tallied 30 assists for a Princeton team destined to become a top 25 threat in 2011.

10 John Sherlock
River Dell

Sr.

Attack

Sherlock registered 68 goals and 36 assists in 2010. The senior is poised to help the Golden Hawks reach new heights in Group 1.
Compiled by Brian Fitzsimmons

For complete coverage of New Jersey boys lacrosse, log on to MSGVarsity.com or tune to Channel 614! 34

New Jersey Girls Lacrosse

(alphabetical)

Pingrys Emily Damstrom

Photo: Mike Stobe

Tatum Coffey Toms River North

Sr.

Attack

The Shore Conferences best player registered a whopping 102 goals and 79 assists as a junior last season.

2 Emily Damstrom Pingry Jr. Attack

The Big Blues leading scorer is a sure bet to crack the first team all-state list.

3 Emily DoyleHeart Academy Jr. Midfield Immaculate

Doyle notched 62 goals and 32 assists in 2010 for the perennially contending Blue Eagles.

4 Kelly Fenton Bridgewater-Raritan

Sr.

Attack

New Jerseys most dynamic offensive player scored 100 goals and added 23 assists last season. With 214 career tallies, 300 is well within reach.

5 Lucy Ferguson Montclair Sr.

Goalie

The William and Mary-bound senior is widely recognized as one of the top goaltenders in the entire country.

6 Nicole Graziano Mendham Sr.

Midfield

Graziano is a ferocious competitor who netted 90 goals and assisted on 27 others last season.

Ridgewood Looks to Repeat

By Lou Brogno A changing of the guard is rapidly taking place in the New Jersey girls lacrosse universe. In 2010 Ridgewood finally captured its first-ever Tournament of Champions title. Now entering her 11th season at the helm, veteran head coach Karla Mixon has an excellent chance to make it two in a row. The Maroons will enter the 2011 campaign with a 21-game winning streak and feel, now that New Jersey power Moorestown's 10-year state title reign has ended, a new era is about to begin. Moorestown's legendary 228-game winning streak was snapped in the South Jersey championship game.

7 Sally Jentis Ridgewood

Sr.

Midfield

Jentis was a stalwart for the Maroons last campaign, recording 42 goals on 65 shots, as well as a team-high 63 draws.

8 Chrissy Lushefski Rumson Sr. Midfield

One the states best all-around players is signed to attend Dartmouth next year.

9 Kate Martino Summit Jr.

Breaking it down
Midfield

As a sophomore, Martino produced 48 goals and 21 assists. Expect the Summit standout to take the next step toward stardom.

10 Jess Miller Ridgewood

Sr.

Attack

Miller can score in bunches. That was evident when she netted four goals in the first half of the Tournament of Champions final.
Compiled by Brian Fitzsimmons

There is little question that Moorestown will once again make a run at the state title, but Ridgewood's returning talent level puts the Maroons in the elite category as well. Senior Jess Miller, who scored four first half goals in the Tournament of Champions final, and Sally Jentis will lead a potent Ridgewood attack. Other teams to watch out for in 2011 include reigning Somerset County champion Bridgewater-Raritan and Morris County powers, Chatham and Mendham. Down the Shore, teams like Rumson and Manasquan will have to contend with Toms River North's Tatum Coffey. After finishing third in the state scoring race a year ago, Coffey, a 102-goal scorer in 2010, returns for her senior season.

For complete coverage of New Jersey girls lacrosse, log on to MSGVarsity.com or tune to Channel 614! 35

Westchester/Hudson Valley Boys Lacrosse

Bronxvilles Jack Near
Photo: Mike Stobe (alphabetical)

1 Robert Caffrey Lakeland/Panas

Sr.

Attack

The Providence-bound scoring sensation buried a team-high 63 goals and was named all-section.

2 Kevin Christopher Putnam Valley Sr.

Midfield

The all-section senior is one of the best at dodging from up top and can burn teams in transition. He compiled 56 points (38G, 18A) in 2009-10 to carry Put Valley to its second straight Class C sectional title.

Daniello 3 MikeJay-Cross River John

Sr.

Attack/Mid

The four-year varsity player will look to become John Jay-CR's first two-time All-American since Chris Bocklet. Daniello, who notched a team-high 72 points (42G, 30A) last year, is committed to join Johns Hopkins.

4 Justin Mabus Yorktown Sr.

Midfield

Thte Towson-bound senior totaled 26 points last season on an even 13 goals and 13 assists to earn allsection honors. Look for a breakout year from Mabus.

5 Jack Near Bronxville

Sr.

Midfield

The wildly athletic two-sport star helped the Broncos to the NYS Class C football title this past fall. Near, who will play lacrosse at Notre Dame, racked up 59 points (41G, 18A) last year as a junior.

Lakeland/Panas Leads the Pack

By Isaac Cass

6 Conor Prunty Lakeland/Panas

Sr.

Midfield

Named All-American as a junior last season after totaling 82 points (45G, 37A), Prunty will play his college ball at Siena.

Section 1
Yorktown's move down to Class B is good news for Lakeland/Panas, Mahopac, Suffern and the rest of the Class A landscape. Lakeland/Panaswhich upset Yorktown in last year's sectional title gamereturns three key pieces in Rob Caffrey, Conor Prunty and Chris Monteferante. Look for the Rebels to stave off upset-minded Mahopac in the finals. Class B: Both Rye and Yorktown have joined Class B, making it the most competitive division in Section 1. Defending champ John Jay-CR, which returns a herd of experienced players, has a ton of pressure to not only repeat, but also win the program's first-ever state title. Of course, Yorktown, Rye and Somers might have something to say about it. Realistically, the Huskers have the best shot at dethroning the Indians. Class C: For the first time in years, Putnam Valley and Rye won't meet in the sectional finals. With the Garnets now in Class B, Put Valley will have an easier path to its third straight crown. Look for the Tigers to be challenged by Bronxville, Byram Hills and Pleasantville.

7 Ty Schuldt Sr. Yorktown

Midfield

The Hartford-bound senior became a faceoff specialist down the stretch last season. He also led all Husker middies with 34 points (23G, 11A) and was named all-section.

8 Eddie Schurr Somers Sr.

Defense

Section 1's best defenseman is a technical master who added muscle in the offseason. He earned allsection in 2009-10 and is inked to play at Johns Hopkins.

9 Cameron Stephens Fox Lane Sr. Goalie

Section 1's best netminder is bound for Ohio State University. The 6-foot-5 Stephens was named all-section in 2009-10.

Section 9
In Class A, Warwick lost standouts Mike Grace and Byron Quinn, leaving the sectional title up for grabs. Warwick, Pine Bush and Minisink Valley will all be in the hunt. Class B: As the only two Class B teams in Section 9, there isn't much drama along the way. Saugerties has won four straight championship games over Wallkill, including last year's 12-11 thriller. Class C: Red Hook knocked off James I. O'Neill in last year's Class C title game and is looking for its fourth straight sectional title.

10 Forrest Walter River John Jay-Cross

Sr.

Midfield

The Colgate-bound middie had a breakout 2010 season with 47 points (33 goals, 14 assists) and was named all-section.

For complete coverage of Westchester and Hudson Valley lacrosse, log on to MSGVarsity.com or tune to Channel 614! 36

Westchester/Hudson Valley Girls Lacrosse

(alphabetical)

Yorktowns Lindsay Scott

Photo: Mike Stobe

1 Casey Bocklet River John Jay-Cross

Sr.

Attack

The Northwestern-bound standout amassed a schoolrecord 105 goals last season as a junior and earned All-American honors.

2 Anna Jeszeck Lakeland/Panas

Sr.

Midfield

The all-section talent totaled 69 points (36G, 33A) last year as a junior and netted a hat-trick in the Rebels' shocking upset win over perennial power West Genesee in the state semifinals.

3 Sammy Jo TracyMidfield Fox Lane Jr.

The All-American midfielder totaled 106 points (75G, 31A) in 2009-10 to form a deadly duo with teammate Lindsay Toppe.

4 Eric McCabe Midfield Nyack Sr.

Named all-section last year as a junior, McCabe returns to lead the three-time defending Class C champions.

5 Meg McNally Midfield/Defense/Attack Suffern Sr.

The versatile all-section player returns for her final season with the Mounties.

Moore 6 TaylorRockland North

Sr.

Attack/Midfield

The Towson-bound All-American set a school record with 81 goals last year as a junior.

7 Jenn Peters Minisink Valley

So.

Attack

The rising star racked up 117 points (94A, 23A) last year as a freshman.

Dominant Teams Continue to Lead the Way

By Isaac Cass

Section 1
Once again, Lakeland/Panas and Suffern are expected to duke it out in Class A come May. The two teams have met in the sectional finals 10 of the last 11 years, with L/P winning seven of them, including the last four straight. Class B: Fox Lane is coming off a landmark season for the program, dethroning Yorktown and making a tremendous run through the state tournament that ended with a loss to Garden City (Section 8) in the finals. With All-Americans Lindsay Toppe and Sammy Jo Tracy both returning, the Foxes will be heavy favorites to repeat as sectional champs, and should also seriously contend for the state title. Class C: Nyackwhich is in search of its third straight sectional titlewill be challenged at the top by Rye and Edgemont.

Lindsay Scott Yorktown Sr.

Midfield

The University of North Carolina-bound midfielder totaled a team-high 89 points (72G, 17A) last year to earn All-American honors.

9 Sarah Scott Sr. Yorktown

Midfield

The versatile Scott seamlessly transitioned to midfield from defense last season and totaled 41 points (32goals, nine assists). Scott will play at North Carolina with her twin sister Lindsay.

Section 9
Kingston has ruled Class A in Section 9 with an iron fist, winning eight of the past nine sectional titles. Minisink Valley, which fell to Kingston in last year's sectional finals, will look to reverse the trend. Class B: Saugerties stands as the only Class B team in Section 9. Class C: James I. O'Neill has won nine straight titles, however, it also lost four-year standouts Rebecca Meese and Caroline Cannon. Burke Catholic, which fell in last year's sectional title game, is the best bet to end ONeills reign of dominance.

10

Lindsay Toppe Fox Lane Sr. Attack

The All-American scoring machine set a New York State record with an eye-popping 132 goals last year as a junior. Toppe will play at Cornell University next year.

For complete coverage of Westchester and Hudson Valley lacrosse, log on to MSGVarsity.com or tune to Channel 614! 37

Connecticut Boys Lacrosse

Dariens Case Matheis
Photo: Mike Stobe (alphabetical)

Corcoran 1 PatJoseph Sr. St.

Midfield

An incredible scorer, especially for a midfielder, Corcoran put home 56 goals last year, and recorded 30 assists to top it off.

2 Joe Costigan New Canaan

Sr.

Midfield

Costigan, another football and lacrosse star, will play lacrosse at the next level for North Carolina. He tallied 58 points from the midfield last year and was named an All-American.

3 Mike Francia Attack Wilton Sr.

An All-American last season, Francia already has 225 career points. With nearly as many assists as goals, Francia is one of the best passers youll see around the net. Hes heading to Villanova.

4 Case MatheisAttack Darien Jr.

It Begins and Ends With Darien

By John Malone Any talk about lacrosse in the state of Connecticut must start with Darien. The Blue Wave have won six-straight state championships, and return possibly their best team ever. Theres even talk about Darien being the best team in Connecticut history. The Blue Wave have 14 Division I-committed players including Case Matheis, a junior heading to Duke University. Despite winning the state title last year, however, Darien failed to secure the FCIAC championship. That title went to Greenwich, and the Cardinals return talented players in Adam Sands, David Dickson, and others like sophomore Alex Moeser.

One of the best players in the country in his class, Matheis, a junior, is already committed to Duke University. Matheis scored nine goals in the state championship game last spring to go along with five assists.

5 Kip McMahonDefense Weston Sr.

A star on the football field, McMahon is a four-year starter on the lacrosse field as well.

6 Conrad OberbeckAttack Brunswick Sr.

When Oberbeck scored 50 goals as a sophomore, he set a school record. Then, he scored 56 goals last season, and broke his own record. Oberbeck excels at getting into scoring position without the ball and finishes in a flash. He is committed to Yale.

Breaking it down
Challengers for the FCIAC championship will be the slew of usual suspects including Wilton, Ridgefield and New Canaan. The middle of the FCIAC is quickly improving, though, with teams like Staples, St. Joseph, Brien McMahon and Fairfield Ludlowe. Arriving a year early, Norwalk may be a team to watch. St. Joseph will contend for the Class S championship, but is looking to move into the top of the FCIAC as well. Led by high-scoring midfielder Pat Corcoran and twosport star L.J. Hunt, the Cadets will be solid. Staples had one of its best seasons in 2010, and will look to build on that this year. New Canaan will try and take down its top rival in Darien behind Joe Costigan, a very athletic middie, and J.J. Granito, a top-tier goalie. Ridgefield has a strong group of seniors led by Matt Shannon (North Carolina) on defense and Aidan Scott with the attack. Wilton has the top senior attacker in the FCIAC in Mike Francia, and one of the top goalies in Sam Somers. Outside the FCIAC, St. Joseph, will be challenged in Class S by Weston. Weston has a star in Kip McMahon and a good one between the pipes in Alex Peryigne. Fairfield Prep loses some leadership from last season, but this years new core is young and talented. They will contend in the SWC and Class L. Brunswick, off the radar sometimes due to their non-affiliation with the FCIAC and CIAC, is a great program. Behind Conrad Oberbeck, a phenomenal scorer, Brunswick competes with some of the best prep schools in the northeast.

7 Kip Orban Staples Sr. 8 Eric Parnon Darien Sr.

Midfield

As a strong, well-rounded midfielder who can score, Orban led Staples to one of its best seasons.

Defense

Parnon is the main cog in the Blue Waves defense this season. With a cast full of college commits, the Darien defense expects to be something special.

9 Adam Sands Sr. Greenwich

Defense

Sands was an integral part in Greenwichs Cinderella run to the FCIAC title last spring. He is blessed with the size to smother most attackmen and speed to keep up with them.

10 J.P. WalshSr. Darien

Midfield

Walsh is a physical presence wherever he is in the midfield. More of a defensive middie in 2010, Walsh is expected to move into the offensive end of the field a lot more in 2011.

For complete coverage of Connecticut lacrosse, log on to MSGVarsity.com or tune to Channel 614! 38

Connecticut Girls Lacrosse

(alphabetical)

1 Taylor BargmannSr. Fairfield Warde

Midfield

The high-scoring middie was named all-FCIAC last season.

2 Claire FeeneyJr. Greenwich

Attack

Greenwich Academy Keeps on Rolling

By Jesse Quinlan When it comes to FAA girls lacrosse championships, Greenwich Academy has the market cornered. The Gators have captured the regular season title every year since the league was formed in 1985, and have also won the FAA tournament 26 out of 27 timesthe exception coming in 2003 when cross-town rival Convent of the Sacred Heart reigned supreme. A perennial New England Prep School powerhouse, GA has also finished No. 1 in the regional rankings several times over the years. Despite saying goodbye to another talented senior class, the Gators arent about to let graduation get in the way of doing what they do best: rearranging their everexpanding trophy case. The kids strive to be good, said coach Angela Tammaro, who has amassed more than 600 wins at GA in both field hockey and lacrosse. Our success is due to their hard work. The goal is to play as well as we can, and win as many games as we can.

Feeney scored a game-high five goals in last years Division I state final en route to all-FCIAC honors. Totaled 71 goals and 13 assists as a sophomore.

Lauren Freeland New Canaan Sr.

Midfield

A strong defender, Freeland will continue her career at UMass.

4 Hannah Hutchins Weston Sr. Midfield

Hutchins averaged over three points per game last season with team-highs of 34 goals and 21 assists.

5 Maddie KratzGoalie Wilton Sr.

Made 10 saves in Wiltons FCIAC championship victory over New Canaan. Has signed to play at Vanderbilt University.

6 Deven Machette Midfield McMahon Sr.

Machette racked up the goals on her way to a firstteam All-FCIAC selection.

7 Sarah Mannelly New Canaan Jr.

Midfield

Fairfield Wardes Taylor Bargmann

Photo: Mike Stobe

Another first-team all-FCIAC choice, Mannelly scored 43 goals and also led the Division I state champs in caused turnovers and draw controls.

Breaking it down

Amy McNeil Amity Sr. Midfield

McNeil was among the state leaders with 100 points last season.

9 Clare McLaughlin Barlow Sr. Attack/Midfield

McLaughlin totaled 58 points and 53 groundballs as a junior.

10 Kathryn Stack Greenwich Academy

Sr.

Defense

An excellent defender who handles the ball well, Stack sticks to her opponent and knows when to double-team.

In the CIACs premier league, the FCIAC, four teams have done plenty of winning as well. Not only have Darien, Wilton, New Canaan and Greenwich combined to win every FCIAC title since 1993, theyve also met in the finals of the states Division I tournament every year since 2000. Graduation takes its toll on everyone so it will be interesting to see how each team develops, said New Canaan coach Kristin Wood, who guided her team to its first Division I championship last year courtesy of a thrilling 10-9 victory over Greenwich. While New Canaan and Greenwich are seen as the favorites this season, of course dont count out defending FCIAC champ Wilton or Darien, which had its three-year run as state champs come to an end. Weve lost 19 starters the past two years so theres an opportunity for kids with no experience to step in and play, Blue Wave coach Lisa Lindley said. Weve added more New York teams to the schedule and its an extremely difficult one, but hopefully in the end, were in the mix.

For complete coverage of Connecticut lacrosse, log on to MSGVarsity.com or tune to Channel 614! 39

New York City Boys Lacrosse

Horace Manns Matthew Fox
Photo: Frank LoCascio (alphabetical)

1 Jason Chen Cardozo Benjamin N.

Sr.

Midfield

Chen scored 32 goals and 16 assists for a middle-ofthe-pack Cardozo team during the regular season, but the All-Americans six playoff goals carried the Judges into the semifinals.

Lewis Escano Herbert H. Lehman

Sr.

Midfield

Escanos unselfish play may have taken away from his scoring last yearhe had 19 goalsbut he should take on more of a leadership role now that hes a senior.

Fiore 3 Christopher Jr. Goalie New Dorp

The All-American netminder faced more shots than any goalie in the PSAL, but still had a save percentage of .830.

4 Matthew Fox Horace Mann

Sr.

Attack

An All-American selection last year, he scored 60 goals and dished out 23 assists.

Kalogerakis 5 TheoPrep Sr. Defense Poly

Opponents had a tough time trying to get around Kalogerakis when he was a junior and it shouldnt get any easier for them this time around.

Boys LAX is on the Rise

By Jason Kahn The PSAL, CHSAA and Ivy lacrosse leagues all continue to grow. Four AllAmericans were selected from New York City last year, and that number should rise as all four players return. One of those players, Artur Zych, could be on the citys best team in Midwood. The Hornets have a huge senior class and didnt graduate anybody from last years roster.

6 Blake Koch Sr. Midwood

Midfield

Look for Koch24 goals, 16 assists in 2010to form New York Citys fiercest one-two punch with teammate Artur Zych.

7 Christopher Smith Fordham Prep Sr.

Midfield

The two-time captain led Fordham Prep in goals with 41 and promises to add to that number this season.

Breaking it down
Christopher Columbus, the reigning PSAL champ, loses just about every key player from that team. Tottenville and New Dorp are the most likely PSAL squads to knock Midwood off the map. It seems the PSAL B will be a three-way race in 2011. Curtis should be a force, however Long Island City beat the Warriors when it counted to take the B Division title. Lehman, meanwhile, handed Curtis its only loss of the regular season. Fordham Preps transition into a new AA league, featuring Long Island schools, may have turned out for the best. The Rams proved they could hang with some of the toughest competition in the state. Mount St. Michael, St. Francis Prep, Xaverian and St. Josephs by the Sea should see improvement against A schools from Long Island, as well. Fieldston and Riverdale Countrys losses in the first ever Independent Schools tournament should make both teams stronger going into this season. Poly Prep may have lost stud midfielder Brady Williams, but they have several players who could replace him. The road to the title begins.

8 Christopher Sullivan,Attack Fordham Prep Sr.

After receiving backup minutes as a sophomore, Sullivan broke out as a junior scoring 28 goals and racking up 22 assists.

9 Christopher Summo Sr. Hebert H. Lehman

Attack

The runaway PSAL leader in assists with 49, while netting 23 goals.

10 Artur Zych Sr. Midwood

Attack

Zych was also selected to the All-American team after scoring 31 goals with 21 assists.

For complete coverage of NYC boys lacrosse, log on to MSGVarsity.com or tune to Channel 614! 40

New York City Girls Lacrosse

From left: Madeline Hopper, Zoe Loveman and Mia Hopper
(alphabetical) Photo: Frank LoCascio

1 Sydney Bryant Fieldston So.

Goalie

Coach Sara Gorman says Bryant gets better by the day, and yet, shes only a sophomore.

2 Mallory Cardillo Defense Tottenville Sr.

No one in the PSAL can lock down an entire offensive front like Cardillo.

3 Jessica Dahldorf Midfield Poly Prep Sr.

Dahldorfs speed and decision-making is second-tonone and shell be the main reason why Poly contends for an Ivy League crown.

4 Seung Gee Kim Stuyvesant Sr.

Attack

Kims maturation on the field showed in 2010 as she added to her 10 goals from her sophomore year with 29.

5 Madeline Hopper Riverdale Country

Fr.

Attack

She came in as a reserve as an eighth grader, but her 38 goals earned her a starting spot, working in tandem with her sister, Mia.

6 Mia Hopper Riverdale Country

Sr.

Midfield

The teams leading scorer the past two seasons, its hard to find anyone in the city who can top her 71 goals last year.

Riverdale Country Day Back For More

By Jason Kahn Riverdale Country Day School made history last year, winning its first ever playoff game in the NYSAISAA tournament, as coach Carol Pouliot led a young Lady Falcons team to a share of the Ivy League title and a 16-3 record. They have the players to take it at least one step further this season. Mia Hopper has led the team in scoring the past two years and shell be teamed with her standout freshman sister, Madeline, who will probably take over the teams scoring crown after Mia graduates this year. In all, Riverdale has only three seniors from last years team returning in 2011. The Lady Falcons will have to cautious, however, of other skilled teams.

7 Megan Kane Sr. Tottenville

Attack

There isnt a more balanced player than Kane as she found the back of the net 36 times while dishing out 39 assists.

8 Zoe Loveman Riverdale Country

Sr.

Midfield

The three-sport athlete was key to Riverdales success last season, adding 20 goals and nine assists.

Breaking it down
Poly Prep lost by a goal to Riverdale in the first round of the state tournament and the Lady Blue Devils will provide the toughest obstacle for Riverdale this season. The PSAL A will have three teams fighting for a banner in 2011: Beach Channel, Tottenville and Midwood. Beach Channel is the two-time defending champ, but loses key players from that team. If it can shore up its defense, the title could be Tottenvilles. Midwood will have a ton of upperclassmen on this years team, which could be a factor when the playoffs roll around. However, if Beach Channels youth proves it can step up in big moments this season, the Lady Dolphins have a good shot at a three-peat.

9 Taylor OGara Curtis Jr. Midfield

OGaras team-leading 26 goals as a sophomore could only mean PSAL teams are going to have their hands full the next two years.

10 Katie Zambelli Fieldston Sr.

Attack

One of the top goal scorers from last years squad, Zambelli should lead the attack and take over the bulk of the scoring for Fieldston.

For complete coverage of NYC girls lacrosse, log on to MSGVarsity.com or tune to Channel 614! 41

TRACK & Field

Tri-State Track Scene Heats Up

By Lauren Brill Throughout this past winter season, track and field athletes have demonstrated their speed and power. Now that the temperatures are warming up, you can expect the outdoor track competition to heat up, as well.

WESTCHESTER/ HUDSON VALLEY

BOYS: Yorktowns Carter Humphrey was the Section 1 repeat winner in the 600m this past indoor season and Yorktown coach Keith Smith believes he will have continued success this spring. One of his biggest competitors will be New Rochelle junior Temi Bajulaiye. Distance runner Victor Palumbo of Eastchester and runner Zaid Al-Doori of Harrison are also among the best. GIRLS: Sufferns Sarah Bowens is ranked one of the best in New York state in the long jump. Bowens is expected to be dominant in both long jump and triple jump this spring. In Westchester, Mamaroneck junior Anima Banks and up-and-coming track star of Bronxville, Mary Cain, had impressive winter seasons and are expected to continue to set the bar in various running events this spring.

CONNECTICUT
BOYS: Kevin Keller of Darien is coming off a solid indoor season. He runs the 200m and 400m in the spring and also does the long jump and the triple jump. His biggest competitor will be runner Raphael Ray of Staples. GIRLS: Crowned state champion in the 1000m in the indoor season and last years CIAC C L Champion in the 800m, Danbury senior Megan Keane is expected to continue to excel this spring. For field events, pole vaulter Lexie Schachne of Staples owns the school record, and is the current FCIAC champion.

NEW JERSEY
BOYS: New Jersey claims one of the best male track and field athletes in the nation. After shot putter Nick Vena of Morristown won his fourth straight Meet of Champions, many now consider him the greatest shot putter the state has ever seen. GIRLS: In the Garden State, all eyes are on sprinter and junior Olympic silver medalist Myasia Jacobs. She is a once in a lifetime talent, Paramus Catholic sprint coach Dustin Thomas explained. I look at her as the future face of track and field in America. She is on that pace.

LONG ISLAND
BOYS: Both Nassau and Suffolk counties are seeing an upswing, said veteran Garden City Boys Track Coach Bob Busch, whose squad will be led by hurdlers Mike Trabold and Alfred Russo. Other big names on the island include Westburys record-setting distance runner Owen Skeete and Elmont sprinter Jaquan Smith. GIRLS: North Shore claimed the Class A county title last spring and this past indoor season. They are led by an exceptional group of distance runners that include: Samanatha Nadel, Jessica Donohue, Elizabeth Caldwell and Briana Nerud. In the Catholic league, St. Anthonys Olicia Williams broke a 23-year-old CHSAA state record in the 1000m and will run the 800m, 4x4 and 4x8 this spring. Her talent level is just unbelievable, St. Anthonys coach Oliver said.

Paramus Catholics Myasia Jacobs

Photo: Mike Stobe

NEW YORK CITY

Medgar Evers roster of athletes includes not only some of the best runners in the state, but in the country. This winter Andre Jordan gained the national lead in the 300 and the schools relay team is also one of the fastest in the nation. On the girls side, this spring, Medgar Evers Kadecia Baird and Sandrae Fargiharson are expected to build on their successful indoor seasons.

42

ARE YOU READY FOR...

Watch your classmates compete in this fast-paced game of Q & A.

WEEKNIGHTS AT 5:30PM
iO TV Channels 14 and 614

FAN FAVORITES

Spring is here!
What snack do you reach for to cool off?
Nicolette C. Immaculate Heart Academy (NJ) My favorite spring/summer snack is definitely watermelon because it keeps me refreshed and it's in season. Julianne T. Bethpage (LI) Watermelon! Melieluck G. White Plains (WEST)

Taro-flavored bubble tea is the way to go during the spring and summer! Its a thirst quencher, plus its delicious. I get it at Asian Temptation in White Plains. Agron B. Yorktown (WEST) I love cherry italian ices from the grocery store.

Taylor W. Harborfields (LI) Wolfie's Frozen Custard in Northport is AMAZING! They have so many flavors that you can mix and match. Geramy R. Mount St. Michael (NYC) PB & J sandwiches from the from Mount St. Michael Cafeteria. Mia O. Freehold Township (NJ) Carly S. Somers (WEST) My favorite spring/summer snack is an ice-cold pear! The brown kind though, I dont like the green. Soft vanilla ice cream from Jersey Freeze in Freehold, N.J. Its just a stone's throw from Bruce Springsteen's old stomping grounds! Jesse P. Half Hollow Hills East (LI) Chocolate shakes from Baskin Robbins.

SENIOR SENDOFF: What will you miss most about high school?
Rich L. Deer Park (LI) My friends and wrestling. Danny R. Bridge Academy (CT) I will miss my friends, especially at Bridge Academy because we have all been together since eighth grade. Andrew G. Union City (NJ) Hanging out with friends, teachers, being in the school band and going to lunch. Erin C. Villa Walsh Academy (NJ) I will miss the opportunity to study, play soccer, run track, sing, debate against, volunteer and just support the many young women I call my friends. Cherelle M. Kolbe Cathedral (CT) I'll miss playing basketball and all the good times I had with my teammates and the memories that we had. Joe W. Spring Valley (HV) I will miss all the high school sports and activities that I participated in. Jennifer L. Stissing Mountain (HV) The Friday night football games and the basketball games Joe P. Westhampton Beach (LI) I will miss seeing the people that I've shared most of my life with so far.

44

Rock Star Guests. Rock Star Host.

CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS

For more information, visit fuse.tv/hoppus

#hoppus
2011 Fuse Networks LLC. Fuse is a registered trademark of Fuse Networks LLC. All rights reserved.

Empire Challenge to Air Live on MSG Varsity

Michael Pellegrino burst onto the high school football scene as a sophomore at Connetquot High School on Long Island in 2008. He dazzled opponents, coaches, and his teammates with an ability to score from anywhere on the field. His three-year varsity career included a Long Island Class I championship, two All-Suffolk awards and the ultimate distinction: he earned the Hansen Award presented to Suffolk Countys top player in the fall. Pellegrino, a gifted open field runner with great vision, accepted a full scholarship to attend Johns Hopkins to play mens lacrosse. But before heading down to Baltimore, hell play his final high school football in the 16th-annual Outback Steakhouse Empire Challenge. Pellegrino is one of the top 50 seniors from Long Island who line up across from New York City all-stars on June 21 at Hofstra Universitys Shuart Stadium. This season, for the first time, the game will be broadcast LIVE at 7:30 p.m. on MSG Varsity, iO-Channel 14. Everyone wants to play in the Empire Challenge, Pellegrino said. Its the last time some of us get to put on the helmet and pads. And the Empire Challenge is the biggest stage. We also get the opportunity to play with some of our close friends and opponents for a great cause. The Empire Challenge, an all-star extravaganza that pits the top seniors from

By Gregg Sarra

From Empire Challenge to the NFL

2001
Willie Colon
Cardinal Hayes/Pittsburgh Steelers

Leon Williams
Canarsie/Dallas Cowboys

James Wyche
Roosevelt/St. Louis Rams

Steve Gregory
Curtis/San Diego Chargers

2002
Stephen Bowen
HHH West/Dallas Cowboys

2004
Rich Ohrnberge
East Meadow/New England Patriots

the five boroughs of New York City against the best seniors from Long Island, benefits the Boomer Esiason Foundation in its efforts to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. The game began as the Heroes Bowl in 1996, when Nassau County took on Suffolk County. Boomer had the vision to introduce the game to the city and it exploded from there, said Sachem Athletic Director Peter Blieberg, who serves as the game coordinator for the Empire Challenge. Its an end-of-the-school-year-event that continues to capture the imagination of the high school sports fan. And the games, for the most part, have been excellent. The gamewhich also serves as a fundraiser to the Gunnar H. Esiason Endowment Scholarship Fund at Hofstra University, as well as local youth football programshas grown in popularity. In 2010, New York City came back to win, 15-10, in the games final moments. That win drew the City, which has won three of the last four games, to within 65 in the all-time series. Long Island won 31-14 in 2009. The games are usually very competitive and there have been four one-point gameswith each team winning two. Perhaps the greatest game came in 2007 when the City outscored Long Island, 35-27. Boomer loves the scoring, Blieberg said. Theres nothing like a wide open, air-it-out contest. It gets the crowd going and raises the level of excitement. For more information on the Empire Challenge, including updated rosters, log on to www.empirechallenge.com Gunnar Esiason played in the 2009 game.

2005
Jovan Belcher
West Babylon/Kansas City Chiefs

P Hill .J.
Poly Prep/New Orleans Saints

Darrel Young
Amityville/Washington Redskins

Connetquots Michael Pellegrino

Photo: Joseph D. Sullivan/ Newsday Photo: Patrick E. McCarthy/Newsday

46

iO TV Channel 14

YOUR SCHOOL, YOUR STORIES

Reflecting on Some Special Moments

Impactful stories from the winter
One of the great things about working on a show like High School SportsDesk, is the opportunity we have to report on so many different types of stories. And this past winter was a great example of how much variety we actually have on the Desk. Each week that I sit down to write my companion piece to the sideline story we air on the Desk, I am constantly taken aback by all of the amazing young male and female student-athletes we have here in the tri-state. Here are three stories that really stood out for me. Be sure to log on to MSGVarsity.com for more on these, and other stories. By Shawna Ryan

MACARI GETS THE CALL

Kevin Macari caught our attention long ago. His jaw-dropping performances for New Canaan brought the Rams to their fifth-straight state final. In our Connecticut Football Season Wrap-Up Special, Mike Quick and our analysts called Macari a clear-cut Division I wide receiver. His numbers this past season speak for themselves: 60 receptions, 1,259 receiving yards, 20 touchdowns. In my 30 years at New Canaan, Ive had great athletes and receivers but Ive never had one that dominates a game the way he does, says head coach Lou Marinelli. But when I recently asked Macari to describe his recruiting experience thus far, his answer wasnt as glaringly positive as the reviews of his performance on the gridiron. Its definitely been a little wearing... and also kind of bittersweet, said Macari. To the surprise of many, Macari says he has not received any D-I offers from the schools he originally hoped to hear from, including Rutgers, UConn, Minnesota and Syracuse. Sometimes you have to make sure youre not drinking the Kool-Aid. Yes, getting an offer from a D-1 program is impressive. You know what else is impressive? A good education, along with the opportunity to continue your athletic career. Here at MSG Varsity we are all about highlighting our student athletes, but sometimes we have to make sure to not get caught up in the black and white way of seeing the recruiting process. Everyone has their own path, and there are many routes to the same goal. So heres to Macari and his journey, which will continue next season at Georgetown University. After playing the chess game of recruiting, Macari ended up where he says he fits best.

SOBHY TAKES SQUASH TO THE NEXT LEVEL

She is only 17-years-old, but Amanda Sobhy has been around the world and backBrazil, Guatemala Germany, India, New Zealand, just to name a few recent international visits. It seems like a lot of traveling for a high school senior to do, but if you want to be a world champion, the frequent-flyer miles come with the territory. Sobhy may be a regular teen at North Shore High School on Long Island during class time, but unknown to many of her peers, she's also a world champion squash player. 'You play with a vegetable,' is what I usually hear, Sobhy said, laughing. In 2010, she was not only the youngest person ever to reach the finals of the U.S. Squash Open, but she was also the first American ever to win a World Open title, taking home the juniors crown. Sobhy is helping to educate those in our tri-state area with her accomplishments: five national titles since 2006, ranked No. 1 in the U.S. as of November, and the youngest person to win four WISPA (Womens International Squash Professional Association) titles. While keeping up with schoolwork is a challenge, Sobhy seems to have mastered it as much as she's mastered the squash court. Next year, Sobhy will attend Harvard University and play on its squash team.

MEDGAR EVERS DASHES TO SUCCESS

We live in Brooklyn! says coach Nicole Martial. Crown Heights Brooklyn! No doubt, the track and field athletes at Medgar Evers are proud of where they come from. And they have good reason. Medgar Evers has been one of the top track schools in the PSAL. But what's interesting is that when you ask the students and faculty what they're most proud of, they don't talk about wins, they talk about facing hardships head-on. It shows you can overcome adversity, says coach Martial. If you work hard and you're consistent, you'll always be successful. So what's all the adversity? Medgar Eversbuilt in 2001doesnt have a gym. We have a facility shaped like an L, and one side of the L we use as a track, said athletic director Kiesha Lewis. It's in the basement, so it's actually cement and doesn't even have tile. The kids practice there, and we also use the stairs to work out and do conditioning. Doesn't seem like the prime space to create a winning team, but that's exactly what Medgar Evers track and field program has done. We don't use it as an excuse, says coach Saun Dietz. We work so hard and that's why we have a winning team.

Shawna Ryan is co-anchor of MSG Varsitys High School SportsDesk, which airs live each weeknight.

For more on these feature stories, log on to MSGVarsity.com

48

Santos Not Short on Talent, or Heart

Mepham senior is one of the best sled hockey players in the nation
By Lauren Brill Dont let your eyes fool youMepham High School senior Daniel Santos stands tall at 4-foot-2. But it is when he is just inches off the ice that he is at his best. Born with Femoral Hypoplasia, Santos has short femurs and uses crutches to get around. Surprising even himself, however, Santos is one the countrys most talented hockey players. Nine years ago, he discovered sled hockey, which is the sport of hockey played on sleds as opposed to skates, specifically designed for handicapped athletes. I didnt think I could really play hockey, Santos said. I love it because it gives me the chance to play hockey like everybody else. Daniel plays on three different teams, including a local club team called the Long Island Rough Riders, a team associated with the New York Rangers and the U.S. Junior National Team, consisting of the best youth players in the country. That has been such an honor to play on an international level where I represent my country, Santos said. Its my biggest accomplishment so far. Santos athletic prowess is evident once he hits the ice. I have a pretty good level of speed and a good hockey sense of where to be on the ice, he said. While already considered one of the nations best sled hockey players, Santos strives to improve. The determined forward has his sights set on making the Mens U.S. National Team and ultimately winning a gold medal in the Paralympics. Many believe he has what it takes realize his dream. He has no fear, my son, Daniels father Richard Santos said. He is the shortest player on the teams he plays on, but he has the biggest heart out there. Daniel Santos

For the Crowleys, It Was Jingle All the Way

By Lauren Brill Around the holidays, New York radio station Z100s Jingle Ball concert is the hottest ticket in town. Croton-Harmon junior Jeffrey Crowley and his brothersCroton-Harmon alums Brian and Traviscalled the station incessantly in an attempt to win tickets to the event. Musicians themselves, the brothers also entered a contest through Z100 called Hometown Heroes, which awarded the winner the opportunity to play at Jingle Balls preshow at the Hammerstein Ballroom. We thought Oh, that would be cool but that would never happen, Jeffrey said about entering the contest. Growing up in a musical family, the three brothers started their own group about Hometown Hero contest than the population of their hometown of Croton, N.Y. When they were announced as the winner, Jeffrey and his brothers were in disbelief. Its still unreal to me, Jeffrey said. I am still waiting for someone to pinch me to wake me up. The Crowleys played in front of a boisterous crowd, along with other well-known acts including Sean Kingston, Travi McCoy and Flo Rida. I wouldnt say I was nervous, I was more anxious, Jeffrey said. When we got on the stage all that went away. It was just about performing and giving it your all. So whats next for the trio? Anywhere upwards from where we are would be amazing, Jeffrey said. We can go as far as our music takes us.

From left: Jeffrey, Travis and Brian two years ago. They began posting videos of cover songs and originals on YouTube and developed a steady following. With the help of their fans, the Crowley brothers amassed more votes for the

For more on these feature stories, log on to MSGVarsity.com or tune to MSG Varsity InteractiveChannel 614.
49

YOUR SCHOOL, YOUR STORIES

MSG VARSITYS NEW STUDENT JOURNALISM PROGRAM

In January, MSG Varsity launched Project J, a pilot journalism program, which includes schools from throughout the tri-state. After receving more than 100 articles in the first two months, we have selected some of the students to be featured right here in MSG Varsity The Magazine. Congratulations to all of the students on these pages and to everyone taking part in Project J! For more information on Project J, email us at: journalism@msgvarsity.com

Rose is Clarkstown Norths Iron Man

By Adam Marks, Brendan Cahill & Aaron Kwong

BTM Opens The Munchies Snack Stop

By Dayshawna Lawrence

Have you ever had the munchies in school and dont want to wait until after school to get some snacks? Thanks to Ms. Maureen Del Soles Entrepreneurship known as the BTM Munchies, students at JFK-Paterson (NJ) may purchase all the snacks available at the corner store, such as water, juice, and sugar-free, healthy food. Formally named the Entrepreneurship, because its a class project, the store teaches students how to run a business. Not only does the store help students learn how to stock inventory, record sales, and consider what merchandise to buy, but it also provides an opportunity for the students to raise money to offset the cost of field trips, graduation, awards and make a donation to the Future Business Leaders of America. The Munchies debuted the first week of November on the third floor in the BTM wing, Room 331 across from 339. Students can purchase snacks Monday through Friday, during non-lunch periods. The store is staffed only by the BTM Entrepreneurship class because it is the students project and they are receiving credit for their work. To read this complete story, log on to msgvarsity.com/jfkpaterson Special thanks to Project J advisor Carlos Rios

One thing is clear about Zack Rosehe is fast. Rose has the Clarkstown Norths (HV) steeplechase record and next years cross-country captain is willing to endure extraordinary amounts of pain just to shed a few seconds. He worked amazingly hard during the captains practices in the summer, and his hard work paid off, setting personal records during the cross-country season. Roses weakness? He only has one lung. Before becoming a track star, Rose competed as a football player freshman year. During that season, however, one of his lungs collapsed. Now, Rose has stopped playing football and is competing in track. After going through my injury, I have come to realize that no obstacle can stand in the way of hard work and dedication, Rose said. To read this complete story, log on to msgvarsity.com/clarkstownnorth Special thanks to Project J advisor David Kaminski

Immaculata Blends Fashion and Fundraising

By Kerry Hannan

Immaculatas Matt Styczynski shows off one of the new Smart Boards.

What does fashion couture have to do with cutting edge technology? At Immaculata (NJ), the two go hand-in-hand. Over the past year, Immaculata High School has made several technology upgrades through the funds raised through the Spartan Clubs Annual Fashion Show. The high school has purchased a portable laptop computer lab, which allows students to have interactive experiences in the classroom. Immaculata has also purchased several Smart Boards and Computers on Wheels (COWS) with from fashion show funding. One of the schools three computer labs received new hardware. Technology that was previously in the lab, is now being used by teachers in their classrooms. The Annual Fashion Show is the schools only source of funding for technology upgrades. Last year, the Fashion Show raised more than $67,000. With an army of Immaculata volunteers behind it, the student-powered fashion show helps raise thousands of dollars for the school each year. The senior models are the stars of the Fashion Show. Students wear fashionable sportswear, casual wear and evening wear from local vendors. While sporting such fashionable clothing, students are also helping Immaculata in a major fundraising effort. To read this complete story, log on to msgvarsity.com/immaculata Special thanks to Project J advisor Terry Kuboski

50

Thompston Reaches Milestone

By Michael Wallace

The Spackenkill Spartans girls basketball team suffered a hard-fought defeat at the hands of the Rhinebeck Hawks. The loss, however, was not the real story. Spartans star forward Cat Thompson scored her 1,000th-career point, making her only the second girland seventh playerto do so in Spackenkill (HV) history. It was appropriate that she reached the milestone on Senior Night. Coming into the game with 999 points, Thompson was fouled with 5:58 left in the first quarter. After missing the first foul show, Thompson drained the second, prompting a stoppage in the game while she was honored on the court. At first I was really nervous [at the foul line], Thompson said after the game. Obviously I missed my first free-throw, but once it was over I was just ready to play [the game]. Thompson followed up her historic foul shot with a threepointer en route to 12 first-half points that kept the Spartans in the game against the hot-shooting Hawks. Thompson finished with a game-high 27 points. To read this complete story, log on to msgvarsity.com/spackenkill Special thanks to Project J advisor Jenn Fahy

West Essexs Brittany Berman with Project Moorie Director Holly Stein.

Making a Difference
By Ryan Towey

Brothers Sign on to Attend Molloy

By Patrick McCormack

Holy Trinity seniors Lance and Lanier Mason have announced that they have both signed on to attend Molloy College and compete for the track and field program. Both are excited about knowing where theyll be spending the next four seasons. I chose Molloy because it not only presents me with a chance to compete in the sport I love, but the faculty and coaching staff really stood out to me, Lance said. Holy Trinity jumping coach Justin Renna feels Lance and Lanier will thrive at the next level. Lance and Lanier are two are the finest young men I have ever coached, Renna said. They are hard workers and dedicated students. I am excited that they found a program like Molloy where they will be able excel at the NCAA level. To read this complete story, log on to msgvarsity.com/holytrinity Special thanks to Project J advisor Ann-Marie Hoher

Brittany Berman, a senior at West Essex (NJ), remembers her eight summers at camp. Each year, she and other campers were encouraged to swim laps to raise money for an organization called Project Morry, a non-profit youth development program that incorporates four weeks of summer camp and year round counseling for underprivileged children. I wanted to do more than just swim laps, said Berman. I wanted to do something that would change someones life for the better. Berman valued her own camping experience so highly that she wanted nothing more than to provide the same experience to other children. So she began by contacting the director of Project Morry, and her first encounter was with a girl named Maddie, who lived in an inner city. They have now been pen pals for the past three years. This truly gave Berman a clear picture of what she needed to do; she was going to give Maddie, as well as other students, as much as she could to make camp even more spectacular. To help her realize hopes and dreams that would last all year. The next step was to raise awareness in the community, said Berman. My goal was to create something that would keep Project Morrys name circulating throughout my school. To read this complete story, log on to msgvarsity.com/westessex Special thanks to Project J advisor Linda Grancagnolo

Lenape Valleys World of Science

By Michelle Griffin

Recently, Lenape Valley (NJ) anatomy classes have been learning about the human body. After studying in depth the school has allowed them to perform dissections on provided subject animals. This was a great way to allow students to take a step deeper into really understanding the anatomy of the body. Many students believe this will change their opinion on certain sciences and overall influence their interests in a very positive direction. The dissections will be done over a period of time to allow the students to study each system of the body, and understand their actions and points of origin. Lenape is giving great opportunities to students interested in the science department. This is absolutely vital to any students who wish to pursue a career in the medical field. To read this complete story, log on to msgvarsity.com/lenape Special thanks to Project J advisor Doug Reynolds

To read more stories, log on to your school page at MSGVarsity.com. For more information on Project J, email us at: journalism@msgvarsity.com 51

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A Quick Column
St Marys (LI) graduate and Johns Hopkins University lacrosse coach Dave Pietramala said this about a University of Albany freshman defenseman making his college debut: Hes big, hes strong, hes athletic and he runs well. But just three years earlier, Michael Banks speed, size and running ability could do nothing for him. Banks was entering his sophomore year at Brien McMahon High Schoola time when kids were just finding a way from one class to the nexthe was finding a way into lockup twice in one week. His third strike in seven days would begin to change his life forever. Not even old enough to apply for a drivers license, he was sent to begin a two-year sentence at the Manson Youth Institute, a high security facility for male offenders in Cheshire, Connecticut. When the rod-iron gate popped closed, this was now real23-hour lockdown in the first week. If he was going to change, it had to start now. And it did. Michael Banksa model prisonerhad his sentence reduced to four and a half months. By the next fall he was back at Brien McMahon and would meet someone in the hallways that would turn this boy into a man. Someone who would help change his life. Mike Epstein might just be the best lacrosse player ever from the city of Norwalk. The man who once starred for McMahons cross-town rival Norwalk High School in the 1980sis now in charge of the Senators program. Day in and day out, his student athletes bang heads with some of the nations top lacrosse programs, such as Darien, New Canaan and Wilton. But to survive in the

By Mike Quick
Mike Quick is the host of A Quick :60, which airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m.

The lacrosse coach who saved Michael Banks

FCIAC, coaches need athletes. That fall, Epstein reached out to Banks and convinced the troubled young man to put a stick in his hand. The chiseled 6-foot-3, 200-pounder never played the ever gives his players in return. Epstein is a no-nonsense guy, but would this work? Michael Banks had four and a half months of in-your-face at Cheshire. But Banks bought in to Epsteins philosphy, and would even start a couple of games at the end of his sophomore year as a long-pole defender for the Senators. By the end of his junior year, Banks was one of the top players in a league that produces some of the best lacrosse players in the nation. The discipline Epstein preaches is not limited to the field of play, but in the classroom as well. In the beginning, he would watch Banks every move. By the time he was finishing his senior year, Epstein would entrust Banks to watch his young children. The first time I met Michael Banks was his senior season on the eve of the FCIAC quarterfinals. As he walked off Jack Casagrande Field, he was carrying a bag with cleats, sticks and sweatsa lot different than the baggage he carried just a few years earlier. This was a bag full of memories of a beautiful three-year run with a coach who took a chance on this kid. As Banks stopped to say goodbye to me, there were tears in his eyes. A championship dream had just been squashed against Wilton in the first round of the playoffs. And it was the same story for Epstein: once again no championship to put on his brilliant resume. But is it fair to judge this coach on victories? When Michael Banks received his diploma, he did so as an honor student and an All-American lacrosse player. You tell me if coach Epstein did his job or not. So too did Michael Banksfrom lockup, to one of the countrys best lock-down defenders for the past four years.

sport of lacrosse, but Epstein saw something. Before he had gotten into trouble, Banks had starred on the freshman football team, so coaches knew he had athletic promise. You have to have thick skin to play for Epstein. Nothing but your best is acceptable to the coach, because thats all he

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