Category Archives: Section XI News
Bellport’s Aaliyah Morrow Wins NYS Wrestling Championship
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.
Milestone: Mount Sinai’s Brian Vales Nails 1,000 Points
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.
Wyandanch Wrestling Room Opens, Launching First Free K–12 Youth Wrestling Program in New York State
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.
East Islip’s Christian Horeis Reaches 100 Career Wins
Congratulations to Christian Horeis of East Islip, who earned his 100th varsity wrestling victory competing at 190 pounds!
Islip’s Spencer Nassire Reaches 100 Career Wins
Congratulations to Spencer Nassire, a senior at Islip High School, on earning his 100th varsity wrestling victory this past weekend at the Section XI Division I County Championships!
Spencer placed 2nd at 165 lbs, punching his ticket to the New York State Championships in Albany on February 27.
A milestone moment and a championship mindset — the journey continues at states!
Weslek Joins 1,000-Point Club, Becomes Eighth in Shelter Island History
Congratulations to Evan Weslek, a junior at Shelter Island High School, on reaching the incredible milestone of 1,000 career points last Tuesday against St. Pius V!
Evan becomes just the 8th athlete in school history to join the 1,000-point club — a testament to his hard work, dedication, and impact on the court.
Huntington’s Walter Kusterbeck Reaches 100 Career Wins
🎉 A tremendous shout-out to Walter Kusterbeck of Huntington wrestling for reaching 100 career varsity wins, a milestone only a handful of athletes in Huntington history have accomplished!
Walter’s grit, dedication, and hard work on the mat have paid off, and his performance is a testament to his passion for the sport. From grinding through practices to dominating in competition, he’s shown what it means to be a true Blue Devil.
WM Cross Country Takes on Oregon
By Keira Kenny, a member of the Section XI Student Media team.
Last month, Ward Melville’s cross country team traveled to Oregon to compete on the national stage — a goal the team had worked toward all season. For senior Luke Jantzen, the experience represented far more than just a race. It was the culmination of months — and years — of dedication, sacrifice, and belief.
Although the team did not return home with a national title, the opportunity itself was a victory. The runners invested countless hours preparing for the moment, and their hard work paid off with qualification to one of the most prestigious meets in high school cross country.
Team-first mentality defines this group. Jantzen emphasized the selflessness that fuels Ward Melville’s success, noting that each runner prioritizes the team’s accomplishments over individual accolades. When asked about his proudest moment of the season, his answer reflected that mindset.
“The actual moment the team found out we made Nike Cross Nationals,” Jantzen said. “Not a moment in a race or when I crossed the line to just beat someone, but the time that we realized we achieved our goal.”
For Jantzen, qualifying for nationals was not just an achievement — it was the realization of something he once considered unattainable.
“When I first heard about what Nationals even was, I put it off as a pipe dream, something that could never happen,” he said. “Years later, when we qualified, it felt as if I was living in that pipe dream.”
He described the opportunity to compete at one of the world’s most prestigious high school cross country meets as “nothing short of a blessing,” expressing deep gratitude for his teammates and the chemistry that propelled them forward. That bond, he said, was just as important as the training miles logged along the way.
Looking ahead, Jantzen hopes the season sets a new standard for the program.
“I believe that through hard work with my team this year, we were able to set a new precedent for what this team can do and leave it better than we found it,” he said. “I hope to look back and see more growth from this team and for this year to be the first of a dynasty.”
For Jantzen and Ward Melville, Oregon was more than a destination. It was proof that belief, unity, and relentless effort can turn even the boldest dreams into reality.
Orlin & Cohen Sports Medicine Tips: Heart Health Warning Signs
