We’re still catching up on winter sports milestones (thanks to everyone who sent them in!).
Rocky Point senior Malachi Reid earned his 100th career varsity victory and cemented his place among Rocky Point’s standout competitors.
A milestone defined by hard work, discipline, and overcoming obstacles, achieved while proudly representing Rocky Point with toughness and Eagle pride.
Get ready for an exciting couple of days of high school basketball as some of the best teams in Suffolk County take the court at Stony Brook University and Suffolk County Community College (Selden).
📍 Stony Brook University
3:00 p.m. — SWR vs. Mt. Sinai
5:30 p.m. — Harborfields vs. Westhampton
8:00 p.m. — William Floyd vs. Walt Whitman
📍 Stony Brook University
12:00 p.m. — Kings Park vs. Mt. Sinai
2:30 p.m. — Half Hollow Hills West vs. Smithtown West
5:00 p.m. — Bay Shore vs. William Floyd
📍 Suffolk County Community College (Selden)
12:00 p.m. — Eldred vs. Smithtown Christian
2:30 p.m. — Cold Spring Harbor vs. Babylon
🔥 Come out and watch the best of Suffolk County basketball compete for a chance to advance!
The Brentwood High School Girls Junior Varsity Cheerleading Team made a meaningful impact by volunteering at the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Walk hosted by the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC).
Throughout the event, the team brought enthusiasm and positivity, greeting participants with warm smiles, spirited chants, and encouraging words. Their presence helped energize the walk and provided support for survivors, families, and community members who gathered to raise awareness for ovarian cancer.
In addition to volunteering during the walk, the team also organized a fundraiser to support ovarian cancer awareness, education, and research efforts. Their initiative demonstrated a strong commitment to service and highlighted the importance of giving back to the community.
The cheerleaders’ compassion and dedication exemplified Brentwood Pride and the district’s focus on “What’s Important Now,” showing how student-athletes can use their platform to support meaningful causes.
School leaders expressed gratitude to both the team and their coach for representing Brentwood with heart, spirit, and a commitment to making a difference.
A dominant showing from Suffolk County wrestlers powered Section XI to the team title at the New York State Division I Wrestling Championships, held at Albany’s MVP Arena.
Section XI finished with 248.5 team points, edging out the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA), which placed second with 240.5 points. The strong performance across multiple weight classes secured the overall sectional championship and highlighted the depth of talent coming from Suffolk County programs.
The final team standings showed a clear separation at the top:
Section XI – 248.5
CHSAA – 240.5
Section VIII – 191.5
Section I – 190.5
Section IX – 180.5
Section V – 166.5
Section III – 159.5
Section II – 116.5
Section IV – 46
PSAL – 39
Section VI – 38
Section XI’s championship reflects the continued strength of Suffolk County wrestling, where powerhouse programs consistently produce state contenders and champions. Throughout the tournament, Section XI wrestlers advanced deep into brackets, earned placement points, and contributed critical victories that helped secure the team crown.
The margin over CHSAA showed how competitive the championship race was, but Section XI’s consistency across the tournament ultimately made the difference.
For Long Island wrestling, the title adds another chapter to an already strong tradition and reinforces Section XI’s place among the premier wrestling regions in New York State.
Section XI is proudly recognizing National Athletic Training Month, celebrating the dedicated athletic trainers who serve as the backbone of high school sports programs across Suffolk County.
Observed each March, National Athletic Training Month shines a spotlight on the skilled healthcare professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep student-athletes safe, healthy and performing at their best. From injury prevention and emergency care to rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols, athletic trainers play a critical role in every athletic season.
Across Section XI schools, athletic trainers are often the first responders when injuries occur, providing immediate assessment and treatment on the sidelines and in training rooms. Their expertise extends beyond physical care, as they build trust with student-athletes, collaborate with coaches and physicians, and help foster a culture centered on safety and wellness.
As interscholastic athletics continue to grow in competitiveness and visibility, the importance of having certified athletic trainers embedded within school communities remains essential.
Section XI encourages schools, athletes and families to take time this month to thank the athletic trainers who make a lasting difference in the lives of young athletes throughout Suffolk County.
There would be no settling this time.
After finishing with silver a year ago, Aaliyah Morrow closed out her high school career in dominant fashion, capturing the 152-pound state title at the 2026 NYSPHSAA Girls Wrestling Championships.
The Bellport senior, the tournament’s top seed, delivered a clinical performance in the championship bout, defeating sixth-seeded Ja’Niyah Simmons of Canandaigua Academy by an 8-0 major decision.
Morrow relied on precision and patience, scoring four go-behinds — three of them coming in a decisive second period — to steadily build separation. Each sequence showcased her mat awareness and technical edge, as she controlled position, dictated pace, and prevented any offensive rhythm from Simmons, who had been the tournament’s surprise finalist.
The 8-0 shutout capped a businesslike run through the bracket for Morrow, who lived up to her No. 1 seed and left no doubt in the “money match.”
The Clipper standout’s ability to convert clean entries into points proved to be the difference, particularly in the middle frame when she turned a tight contest into a commanding lead.
Going out in style, the Bellport senior now adds a state championship to her resume, cementing her place among the program’s all-time greats and setting a gold standard for future Clippers to chase.
A major milestone for Mount Sinai basketball this season as Brian Vales eclipsed the 1,000-point mark for his varsity career.
Vales’ achievement places him among an elite group of scorers in program history, a testament to his consistency, leadership, and ability to deliver in big moments. Reaching 1,000 career points at the high school level reflects not only scoring ability but durability, work ethic, and impact over multiple seasons.
Vales has committed to continuing his academic and athletic career at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he will suit up for the Engineers’ men’s basketball program.
The Wyandanch Wrestling Room is officially open, marking a historic moment for the Town of Babylon and the Wyandanch community.
With its opening comes the launch of the first completely free K–12 youth wrestling program in New York State history, a groundbreaking initiative centered on access, equity, and opportunity.
This milestone represents far more than the unveiling of a training space. It is an investment in youth development, a commitment to removing financial barriers, and a powerful example of what can happen when a community rallies together around its young people.
The program ensures that every child in the Wyandanch community, from kindergarten through 12th grade, has the opportunity to participate in wrestling at no cost. By eliminating participation fees, the initiative levels the playing field and opens doors for student-athletes who may not otherwise have access to organized athletics.
Community leaders emphasized that the wrestling room is not just about competition, but about character. Wrestling teaches discipline, resilience, accountability, and mental toughness — life skills that extend well beyond the mat.
The project came to life through collaboration among town officials, school leaders, community stakeholders, and dedicated partners who believed in the vision. Special recognition was given to Mr. Schaffer and his team for their leadership and commitment in bringing the program to fruition.
