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Three Teams Make History in Bellmore-Merrick as LI Champs

All Three Sports Teams thumbnail218508
Mepham Softball Team Group Photo thumbnail218509
Girls Flag Football Team Group Photo thumbnail218510
Calhoun High School Colts Baseball Team thumbnail218511

Three teams in the Central High School District made history on June 4 after they each clinched the Long Island championship in their respective spring sport.

“We have never had three teams crowned Long Island Champions. To have it happen on the same day. In three different sports, is unprecedented,” said Eric Caballero, the district’s Director of Physical Education, Athletics, Drivers Education & Health. “In addition, to have two teams still capable of winning a New York State championship is incredible. It is truly a testament to having great kids, dedicated coaches and a tremendously supportive school community. I could not be prouder of what we have accomplished as a district.”

The Mepham High School Pirates won the Long Island Class A softball championship after defeating East Islip 8-3 in the final at Moriches Athletic Complex.

Senior Hailey Gurerrero went 3 for 4 with 3 RBI's, a run scored and a stolen base, Senior Kylie Persampire had a 2 out 2 run single in the top of the 7th inning to put the game out of reach. Senior Alanna Morse drove in a run and has 2 runs scored, Junior Lily Yepez and 8th grader Avery Betancourt each had 2 hits and 2 runs scored. Sophomore Giselle DeLutri pitched 7 solid innings, striking out 9 batters to earn the victory.

The team is coached by Tom Simone and Mike Williams.

“We are extremely excited to coach this special group of young ladies, and to repeat as Long Island Champs is such a difficult thing to do,” Williams said.

“Unlike last year the girl's have an opportunity to play for a state title,” added Simone. “I am confident that they will give it everything they have on Saturday.”

The Lady Pirates will appear in itsfirst ever state final fourSaturday, June 11 at Moriches Sports Complex at 11:15 a.m.

The Calhoun High School Colts celebrated its Long Island baseball Class A championship win at St. Joseph’s College against a Rocky Point.

Brooks Montalbano had a two-run single in the third inning, making the score 1-0. He then hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning to lift Calhoun 8-3 over Rocky Point.

Pitcher Brian Chin allowed three hits, and had four strike outs. Ryan Pucella went three-for-three and had two runs scored and two RBIs.

The Colts finished with a regular season record of 18-1.

Calhoun will play a semifinal round in the states in Binghamton on June 11.

They are coached by Art Canestro who noted their team training began in early January.

“We haven't stopped since,” said Canestro. “Each and every one one of these young men contributed to the team’s success. The hardest part was getting them to believe that they're that good.Win or lose what this team has achieved is truly amazing.”

The Bellmore-Merrick Chargers defeated Walt Whitman 30-20 to win the first ever Long Island championship for girls’ flag football.

Held at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, the girls were named the first Long Island champion in the Jets X Nike High School Girls Flag Football League.

Highlights include Sophia LaSpina’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Gabby Hanellin. LaSpina threw three touchdown passes in total, including one to Jamie Maroof. Madeline Ryan had three sacks.

The team is coached by Anthony Cracco and Matthew Moody. Three student volunteers, Dom Casella, Dean Holtzman and Ryan Their also assist.

Cracco said the girls worked exceptionally hard to achieve their goal of winning the championship.

“It has truly been incredible to be a part of the inaugural season,” he said. “The community support and excitement for our team has been phenomenal. The way these young ladies came together, bonded and supported each other over these last 10 weeks has been nothing short of remarkable and clinching the Long Island championship was the perfect way to top off an already incredible season. It was a true team effort and finish the season unbeaten.

The win is now a part of Long Island high schoolsports history.

“It was truly one of the most exciting and special moments thatI’ve ever experienced,” added Cracco.

The league was started with the help of the New York Jets, Nike and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

“Saturday, June 4will forever be remembered as one of the greatest athletic days in Bellmore-Merrick history,” addedSuperintendent of Schools Michael Harrington. “We are so proud of our student-athletes and coaches who have earned the prestigious title of Long Island Champions and thankful for the incredible fans who came out to support them. We also congratulate Eric Caballero and the entire athletic department as this spring is the culmination of a fantastic year for Bellmore-Merrick athletics.”

Date Added: 6/8/2022

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