MSG Varsity: The Magazine 2011 Spring Edition
MSG Varsity: The Magazine 2011 Spring Edition
SPRING 2011
SPRING 2011
SPRING 2011
WATCHLOCALHIGHSCHOOLSTUDENTS BECOMESTARS!
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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 [email protected].
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: [email protected]
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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.
Fan Favorites
We asked you to tell us your favorite spring/summer snack, as well as what youll miss about high school.
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
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.
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By Gregg Sarra
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
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
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.
10
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
For complete New York City baseball coverage, including updated team rankings, log on to MSGVarsity.com! 24
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
Jared Greenberg is co-anchor of MSG Varsitys High School SportsDesk, which airs live each weeknight.
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MSG.com
Tri-State Lacrosse
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
Defense
The first-team all-Long Island selection and All-American anchored a state championship-winning defense that allowed only 4.4 goals per game.
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.
Defense
The hard-hitting returning All-American, a first-time allLong Island selection, and captain of defense that allowed 4.7 goals per game.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Midfield
An All-American and Long Island Player of the Year, she scored 97 goals and added 33 assists.
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.
Attack
She had 52 goals and 32 assists for the Nassau Class C champions.
Midfield
She helped lead the Dalers to a second consecutive state Class A championship.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Defense
New Jerseys best lock-down defender anchored the Spartans successful run last season, and the Rutgersbound Albert will prove his worth once again.
Midfield
DAgostino, an All-American selection bound for Syracuse, will spark another run at the NJSIAA NonPublic B title.
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.
Attack
Glicini, who notched 65 goals and 101 points last year, is the cornerstone of his rising squad.
Jr.
Attack
Lubowicki is one of the fiercest offensive players in the Garden State. He tallied 62 goals and 75 assists last season.
Sr.
Attack
Pontrello is considered one of the Garden States most prolific facilitators, having recorded 61 assists in 2010.
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.
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
Sr.
Attack
The Shore Conferences best player registered a whopping 102 goals and 79 assists as a junior last season.
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.
Goalie
The William and Mary-bound senior is widely recognized as one of the top goaltenders in the entire country.
Midfield
Graziano is a ferocious competitor who netted 90 goals and assisted on 27 others last season.
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.
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.
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
Sr.
Attack
The Providence-bound scoring sensation buried a team-high 63 goals and was named all-section.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Sr.
Attack
The Northwestern-bound standout amassed a schoolrecord 105 goals last season as a junior and earned All-American honors.
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.
Sr.
Attack/Midfield
The Towson-bound All-American set a school record with 81 goals last year as a junior.
So.
Attack
The rising star racked up 117 points (94A, 23A) last year as a freshman.
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.
Midfield
The University of North Carolina-bound midfielder totaled a team-high 89 points (72G, 17A) last year to earn All-American honors.
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.
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Midfield
An incredible scorer, especially for a midfielder, Corcoran put home 56 goals last year, and recorded 30 assists to top it off.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Midfield
Attack
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.
Midfield
Midfield
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
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.
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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.
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.
Sr.
Attack
An All-American selection last year, he scored 60 goals and dished out 23 assists.
Midfield
Look for Koch24 goals, 16 assists in 2010to form New York Citys fiercest one-two punch with teammate Artur Zych.
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.
Attack
The runaway PSAL leader in assists with 49, while netting 23 goals.
Attack
Zych was also selected to the All-American team after scoring 31 goals with 21 assists.
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Goalie
Coach Sara Gorman says Bryant gets better by the day, and yet, shes only a sophomore.
Attack
Kims maturation on the field showed in 2010 as she added to her 10 goals from her sophomore year with 29.
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.
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.
Attack
There isnt a more balanced player than Kane as she found the back of the net 36 times while dishing out 39 assists.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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#hoppus
2011 Fuse Networks LLC. Fuse is a registered trademark of Fuse Networks LLC. All rights reserved.
By Gregg Sarra
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
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Shawna Ryan is co-anchor of MSG Varsitys High School SportsDesk, which airs live each weeknight.
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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.
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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
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
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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
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
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: [email protected] 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.
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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