After dropping two game to open the season, the J. Taylor Finley Middle School eighth grade boys’ basketball team has been unbeatable.
Finley fell to Candlewood (56-45) and West Hollow (63-34) but since then the Falcons have won four consecutive games. Finley toppled Babylon (59-36), Candlewood (52-43) and Lindenhurst (46-33) on the road and cruised past Deer Park (61-34) at home.
“Our defense is allowing 36.5 points per game over the past four games,” said Tim Madden, Finley’s head coach. “I am very proud of our team defense, rebounding, focus, execution and intensity.”
The Falcons’ roster includes Quincy Chery, John Chirico, Finn Cocoman, Kevin Drake, Elias Frazier, Charles Girimonti, Harrison Krywak, Amari Lowe, Christopher Maichin, John Marziliano, Max McCarthy, Aidan McNulty, Ryan Porzio, Joseph Sclafani, Teddy Tiliakos, Walter Vohs IV and Shane Walsh.
Blue Devils Fall to Smithtown West
The Huntington boys’ basketball team took an 8-2 lead early in the game, but was later overwhelmed by visiting Smithtown West, 59-39.
The Bulls led 9-8 after the first quarter and then blew the game open with a 17-5 second quarter run. Huntington closed to within four at 37-33, but couldn’t get any closer before Smithtown West again pulled away, outscoring the Blue Devils in the second half, 33-26.
Junior Ian Ardell led Huntington with 12 points, including a pair of three pointers. Mekhi Harvey had nine points and Gerard Federici added eight points. Mike Abbondandelo and Nick Inman scored four points each. Matt Girimonti and Ryan Gorecki both had one point.
Heuwetter Drops 17 in H-ton BB Loss
Alexandra Heuwetter scored 17 points, but the Huntington girls’ basketball team couldn’t keep up with Smithtown West, falling 60-43.
The Bulls took a commanding 34-18 first half lead and coasted the rest of the way, outscoring the Blue Devils in the second half, 26-25.
Abby Maichin had 12 points for Huntington and Nicole Leslie added five points. Charlotte Maggio scored three points and Riva Bergman, Jordan Forte and Paige Lennon all had two points.
Heuwetter and Maichin both had a pair of three-pointers.
Blue Devil Swimmers are 2-1
The combined Huntington/Harborfields boys’ swimming and diving team has won two of its opening three meets. The squad topped West Islip (63-36) and North Babylon (97-71) and fell to Connetquot (92-85).
The Huntington contingent includes juniors Henry Cartwright, Nathaniel Gamboa and Thomas Peer; sophomores Javier Vias and Christopher Weber; freshman Logan Deegan; eighth graders Jonathan Larice, William Spada and William Weber and seventh graders Pierre Leroy and Martin Newman.
Alum Dan Mollitor Excels at Binghamton
Huntington High School Class of 2016 member Dan Mollitor is excelling at Binghamton University. The former Blue Devil volleyball, basketball and tennis great is earning stellar grades and also reaching new heights outside of the classroom.
Mollitor is co-president of the Binghamton men’s competitive club basketball team. He administered skills evaluations and helped select a 15-player strong travel roster. He’s collaborated with student leaders across the Northeast to schedule scrimmages, games and tournament.
Teacher/Coach Snapshot Profile
Maria Canino has been a Huntington physical education teacher since September 2014. A member of Huntington High School’s Class of 2007, she obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees from Adelphi University and Stony Brook University, respectively. She is also certified in health education.
Named league JV Coach of the Year in girls’ volleyball, Ms. Canino currently coaches JV girls’ soccer and softball. She is also an active member of the high school’s Natural Helpers club. She regularly attends and has been a guest speaker at the NYS AHPHERD conference.
Nicole Leslie Scores 7 for H-ton
Half Hollow Hills East turned back the Huntington girls’ basketball team, 50-26 in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium on Thursday afternoon. The Thunderbirds led 14-5 after the first quarter and 28-13 at halftime.
Nicole Leslie led the Blue Devils with seven points. Abby Maichin and Paige Lennon scored six points each. Riva Bergman had three points and Alexandra Heuwetter and Charlotte Maggio scored two points apiece. Maichin connected for a three-point basket.
Hills East Overpowers H-ton Boys’ Basketball
The Half Hollow Hills East boys’ basketball team showed it’s for real, storming past Huntington in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium on Thursday night, 81-55 in a Suffolk League III match-up.
The Thunderbirds jumped out to a 24-12 first quarter lead. Huntington battled back and outscored Hills East over the next eight minutes, 16-14, but still trailed at halftime, 38-28.
The Thunderbirds took complete control of the game with a 28-15 third quarter run.
Gerard Federici and Mekhi Harvey led Huntington with 11 points each. Ian Ardell and Freddie Amato both dropped in nine points. Nick Inman had five points and Mike Abbondandelo and Matt Girimonti added four points each. Brendan Simpson scored two points.
Federici and Harvey both had three three-point baskets. Amato hit on two from beyond the arc and Ardell also dropped in one from downtown.
