Suffolk County Team Of The Week: Huntington Teams Roll Early, West Islip Seniors Earn Top Honors

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Individual excellence and program-building efforts highlighted this week across Suffolk County, with standout senior recognition in West Islip, continued development within Deer Park’s football program, and Huntington’s girls lacrosse and golf teams setting the tone early this spring.

Huntington Girls Lacrosse Opens With Statement Wins

The Huntington High School girls varsity lacrosse team opened its season in commanding fashion, earning lopsided victories over Middle Country (16-1) and Commack (13-2) as it begins its defense of county and Long Island titles.

The Blue Devils wasted no time asserting control. Against Middle Country, Huntington built a 12-0 halftime lead, with Norah Golden recording three goals and three assists, while Valentina Puccio added three goals and an assist and Jolie Weinschreider contributed two goals and two assists.

The scoring effort reflected the team’s depth, as multiple players — including Ava Bencivenga, Bridget Callery, Grace Gordon and Olivia Puccio — contributed across both games. Defensively, Huntington remained just as sharp, with strong goaltending and possession control limiting opponents throughout.

Huntington followed with another dominant showing against Commack. Puccio and Weinschreider each scored five goals, while Olivia Puccio added three assists and Grace Gordon tallied four assists. Weinschreider also added an assist, and goalie Johnson recorded six saves.

At the draw, Weinschreider and Madyn Kalb controlled possession, helping Huntington dictate tempo from start to finish.

Huntington Girls Golf Sweeps Bay Shore To Open Season
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Huntington’s girls varsity golf team also made an early statement, opening its season with a dominant 9-0 victory over Bay Shore.

Led by coaches Michael Marinello, Bob Colvin, and Jenna Merget, the Blue Devils showed both depth and composure, with each golfer contributing steady performances throughout the match.

“These girls are starting to show their experience,” Marinello said. “They’ve been putting in the effort on and off the course, and it’s showing in their results.”

Huntington’s lineup — including Claire Parks, Sofia Vias, Madeline Falk, Ali Learned, Bella Cocoman, Chloe Donovan, and Leah McManus — played a key role in the team’s early success, with additional contributions from a deep roster reinforcing the team’s strong start.

The team’s familiarity with Dix Hills Park has also provided an early advantage, helping build confidence as the season begins.

West Islip Seniors Earn Prestigious Suffolk Zone Honors

West Islip High School seniors Ayden Wefering and Francesca Tofano were recognized as Outstanding Physical Education Students by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Suffolk Zone — a distinction awarded to seniors who demonstrate excellence in performance, scholarship, leadership, character and citizenship.

Wefering has built a strong resume as a multisport athlete and leader. He earned All-League Honorable Mention in volleyball while helping lead his team to the Suffolk County finals, and contributed to multiple league championships as part of the track and field program.

Beyond athletics, he is a member of the National Honor Society and several academic honor societies, while also participating in the Thirst Project and Future Business Leaders of America. He has served as a mentor to younger students through summer camps and plans to attend the University of Delaware, where he will study business administration and sports management.

Tofano’s career reflects sustained excellence across athletics and academics. A three-sport athlete in soccer, basketball and lacrosse, she has maintained a weighted average above 100 while earning membership in multiple honor societies.

On the field, she was a four-year varsity soccer player and three-year starter, helping lead her team to two county and Long Island championships. In lacrosse, she has been a four-year starter, earning All-County honors each season while leading her team to both county and Long Island titles.

She will attend Yale University, where she plans to play lacrosse while pursuing a premedical degree.

The district praised both students for representing “the very best of West Islip High School” through their dedication to academics, athletics and service.

Deer Park Football Strengthens Pipeline With Commitment Day

Deer Park High School continued investing in the future of its football program, hosting its second annual Commitment Day on March 24 for eighth graders from Robert Frost Middle School.

The event introduced incoming players to the varsity and junior varsity coaching staff while outlining expectations and team culture. Students were given the opportunity to wear varsity jerseys for the day and participate in a growing tradition — signing commitment letters to formally pledge their dedication to the Falcons program.

The initiative is designed to create early connections between players and the program while easing the transition into high school athletics.

“Commitment Day is an event the varsity staff looks forward to each year,” head coach Cody Ciolino said. “While much of the focus is often on the varsity team, this is a chance to step back and look ahead to the future of our program.”

Ciolino added that the incoming class has already demonstrated commitment through offseason workouts and team activities.

The Deer Park varsity football team is scheduled to open its season at home on Sept. 10 against Centereach.

Don’t See Your Team Highlighted?

Patch is compiling weekly high school sports highlights from districts across Suffolk County. Coaches, athletic directors, and school communications staff are encouraged to send scores, milestones, and standout performances for inclusion in future roundups.