Junior Will Donaghy Leads Blue Devil Boys’ Basketball

Huntington’s varsity boys’ basketball team fell short of accomplishing its group goal of qualifying for the playoffs, but individual Blue Devils were still able to reach new personal heights this winter.

Peter Lipka led the team in his fourth season as head coach. Patrick Reilly served as the assistant. Huntington compiled a 5-11 league mark and went 7-13 overall.

Captained by Nick Normoyle and James Ruthkowski, the team counted road wins over West Islip, Babylon, Lindenhurst and Newfield as highlights this season. “We were down late in those games, but showed grit and toughness,” Lipka said.

Junior Will Donaghy excelled from his forward position, averaging 15 points, four rebounds and three assists. “He’s an extremely cerebral and versatile player who can score inside and out,” Lipka said. “He makes good reads and really understands where to be and when.”

Normoyle, a senior guard, averaged 11 points, four rebounds and three assists in his final year with the team. “Nick is extremely tough and competitive and was our second leading scorer,” Lipka said.

Ruthkowski is another talented junior and he will return to his guard position. “He’s a great shooter and leader and has a great work ethic,” Lipka said.

Current underclassmen on the roster who are also eligible to return include juniors Jack Corcoran, Brenden McNulty, Shates Miller, Jesse Perez, Shamell Spratley, Marcus Stricklin and Michael Tucker.

“This team was resilient and really competed in practice,” Lipka said. “The season brought many ups and downs, however the players stayed constant and gave maximum effort.”

Huntington has several players under consideration for post-season honors. The Blue Devils are waiting to learn who will receive awards.