Chase Phillips is officially the 2026 Section XI All-County Champion, and the title came with even more significance as he also secured a berth in the New York State Championships. Competing in the 118-pound weight class, Chase Phillips delivered a clutch overtime victory against Alex Hernandez to claim the crown. Phillips sealed the win in dramatic fashion, scoring the deciding point in the closing seconds by escaping a hold while on defense, a sequence that showcased both composure and technique under pressure.
The championship added another highlight to an already decorated career. Just one year ago, Phillips reached the milestone of 100 career victories, and since then he has continued to add to his win total while cementing his reputation as one of Suffolk County’s elite wrestlers. His performance helped cap a strong overall showing for Ward Melville High School at the County Championships.
Three Village wrestlers produced several impressive finishes throughout the tournament. Jaden Baron earned a second-place finish, while Hunter Phillips placed third, with both qualifying for the state tournament. Logan Schaefer finished fifth in his weight class, and Adam Culloton took sixth. With three wrestlers advancing to the state meet, Ward Melville set a new school record, marking the first time the program has achieved that accomplishment.
While Ward Melville had a standout day, wrestlers from across Suffolk County also made their mark. Sachem North High School captured its first Suffolk County Team Championship since 1992 after winning the League II title. The Arrows were led by Tommy Vecchio, who won the 175-pound title and remains undefeated at 44 wins, and Valdey Pierre, who claimed gold at 285 pounds. Senior Jack Cusumano also etched his name into the record books by becoming the winningest wrestler in school history.
Elsewhere, Camryn Howard impressed at 138 pounds by capturing the county title, while Jon Schroff won the 165-pound championship. Rocco Destefano earned his Suffolk County title, and Matthew McDermott claimed the 144-pound crown, rounding out a championship meet filled with high-level performances from across the county.