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Sachem Alum Named Sportswriter of the Year
Sachem alum Rich Cimini has been named New York State Sportswriter of the Year for the third time by the National Sports Media Association, further cementing his status as one of the most respected voices in sports journalism. This year, Cimini shares the prestigious honor with Steve Serby of the New York Post.
The Rotunda Legacy: A Family Standard of Excellence
Center Moriches sports has a long and storied history, but few families have left a mark quite like the Rotundas. Mike and Jennifer Rotunda have four children, and all of them have excelled in Center Moriches athletics, particularly on the soccer field.
Vales Explodes for 42 Points
Brian Vales continues to pour on the offense this season, and he delivered another incredible performance for Mount Sinai this past week. Vales led the Mustangs to a convincing 70–51 victory over Wyandanch, showcasing his scoring touch and all-around dominance.
Gianna Paul is Going Pro
Former Walt Whitman standout Giana Paul has signed a three-year contract with the Kansas City Current, marking the next chapter of an outstanding soccer career. The forward, a University of Alabama product, will be with Kansas City through the 2028 season, with a team option for 2029, and is set to join the club ahead of its upcoming preseason training.
Ward Melville Wins Smithtown Tournament
Last week, the Ward Melville wrestling team captured the Smithtown Invitational, further establishing an excellent start to the season. The Patriots delivered a strong overall performance and crowned multiple individual champions across several weight classes, showcasing both depth and high-end talent throughout the lineup.
McGuire Wins Offensive Player of the Year
At a recent awards dinner, senior captain of the Eastport South Manor varsity field hockey team, Molly McGuire, was selected as the Suffolk County Division II Offensive Player of the Year. McGuire also earned All-State honors, further cementing her status as one of the county’s elite players. Throughout the season, she proved to be one of Suffolk County’s most dangerous offensive threats, consistently creating scoring chances and producing at a high level.
Eagles Swimmer Headed to Division 1
This past season was a banner year for Rocky Point swimmer Andraya Giagios, as she established herself as one of the top competitors in New York State. Giagios swims for the Sachem Swim Club and has recently made a verbal commitment to Stonehill College, where she will continue both her athletic and academic career at the Division I level.
Seawolves Lax Debut at #16
The Stony Brook women’s lacrosse program earned its first national ranking of the year, checking in at No. 16 in the USA Lacrosse Division I Women’s Preseason Top 20, as released by USA Lacrosse Magazine. The ranking reflects the program’s continued rise and sustained success on the national stage.
Hills West Wins Alexander Aurrichio Memorial Tournament
This past week, the Hills West Basketball Booster Club sponsored the 2025 Alexander Aurrichio Memorial Holiday Tournament at Half Hollow Hills High School West.
Ducks Hit Home Runs for Hunger
The Long Island Ducks have done it again as their long balls have given back to the community. The Ducks joined representatives from Fairfield Properties and three local food banks and nonprofit organizations over the holiday to celebrate a successful “Home Runs for Hunger” program during the Ducks’ 2025 season. The initiative once again highlighted the strong commitment both organizations have to supporting the Long Island community.
New Blood for College Football
And then there were four. The College Football Playoff has seen major shakeups, and now only four teams remain, creating a field that has surprised nearly everyone. Indiana came out of nowhere and earned the top seed after humiliating Alabama. Ole Miss is pulling off magic despite not having its head coach and also knocked off an SEC stalwart.
Ducks Give Back for the Holidays
Just before Christmas, members of the Long Island Ducks visited children in pediatric units at multiple area hospitals to deliver donated toys and spread holiday cheer throughout the community.
Half Hollow Hills Freshman Heads to the Olympics
This past season, Hills West freshman and varsity fencing team member Bhairavi “Bhavi” Khanna achieved a major milestone by qualifying for the 2026 Junior Olympics. The prestigious event will take place this January in Kansas City, Missouri, and is considered one of the premier fencing competitions on the national calendar.
Run, Ronald, Run
While most people are counting their fantasy football winnings this week, true fantasy baseball enthusiasts are already scouring the sports pages for any nugget of information that could provide an edge heading into next year’s draft.
Soccer Refs Needed Across L.I.
Have you ever thought about becoming a referee? Youth sports on Long Island are in need of officials, and opportunities are available for new referees to get involved. The continued growth of programs within the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) has created a constant demand for certified soccer referees.
Miller Place Duo on the Scoring Leaderboard
Miller Place basketball features two of Suffolk County’s top 25 scorers this season in Dylan Riegel and Ryan Khezri, an impressive distinction that places the Panthers among an elite group.
Wildcats Defense Has Them Unbeaten
There are just five undefeated teams remaining in Suffolk County girls basketball this season, and standing at the top of the mountain are the Shoreham-Wading River Wildcats.
New York Jets Helping Woman's Flag Football
Earlier this month, the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation announced a groundbreaking $1 million grant to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) that will transform the landscape of women’s flag football.
Smithtown Bowling is "Turney" Heads
Abby Turney has not only helped lead the Smithtown bowling team to an unbeaten record this season, but she and her teammates have been absolutely rolling over their opponents. Smithtown sits at an impressive 4–0 on the young campaign, and it is not just the wins that stand out, but the dominant fashion in which they have come.
The Wildcats Win the Mountain Duals Title
The Shoreham-Wading River Wrestling Team captured the 2025 Mountain Duals title, continuing what has already been a remarkable season for the Wildcats. Shoreham-Wading River was in peak form throughout the tournament, finishing a perfect 6-0 against elite competition
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Stony Brook Students Rally for SUNY Funding
Students, faculty and staff rallied on the Chemistry Building Patio at Stony Brook University, calling for increased state investment in SUNY campuses as New York’s budget process again stretches past its legal deadline.