By Ashley Pavlakis
It feels like yesterday we were just starting a new school year and fall sports were back in session. But now, the leaves are changing color, and most fall sports are winding down or have ended already. Long Island High School Sports are a member of Section XI, which is part of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA).
Section XI was formed in 1938 to provide a formal organization for high school athletics in Suffolk County. At least 60 high schools and 77 middle schools are part of Section XI. The not-for-profit organization is led by Executive Director Thomas Combs, who is accompanied by a 15-member board team.
Let’s look back at the 2024 season amongst fall sports happening around the eastern parts of Long Island. The Messenger spoke with various high school coaches this season, and we’re happy to report a majority of those teams went on to take home a title in their respective sports.
On the girls’ side, we’re kicking it off with soccer. The girls at Shoreham-Wading River capped off their 10-2-2 season with a 1-0 win over Sayville in the Class A Suffolk County championship. In the Class AAA championship, the title was taken home by Ward Melville who defeated Commack with a score of 3-1. Class AA was won by West Islip, who claimed the title with a 1-0 victory over Eastport-South Manor.
Volleyball served up some quality matches this season. Of note, Port Jefferson took the title home in the Class C championship and Ava Rielly notched her 1,000th career assist. Ward Melville had a season for the record books, going undefeated on their way to the Class AAA title with a win over Commack. And finally, Sayville took home the prize in the Class A championship after beating West Hampton.
On the turf, Sachem East secured the Long Island championship in field hockey with a win over Ward Melville in Class A. Sachem finished the season undefeated en route to the title win. The Arrows will move on to the New York State tournament where they’ll face Harborfields.
Swimming was a no-brainer as Hauppauge-Smithtown’s swim and dive are simply unmatched. The girls took home their fourth-straight Suffolk County title in an undefeated season. They also earned their fifth straight League I championship.
Beam, bars, vault, or floor, the Smithtown varsity gymnastics team conquered them all on their way to a Suffolk County Championship title. In addition, they’ll be sending Bayla Goldberg, Amanda Burns, Brooke Dunn, and Mary Saul to States in March.
On the tennis courts, Bayport-Blue Point girls tennis took home a County Championship after defeating Ross, and a Long Island Championship with a win against Cold Spring Harbor.
There was plenty to cheer for this season, and cheerleading does it best. Ward Melville scored the Class A title and Shoreham Wading River took home the Class B title.
The boy’s fall sports are still wrapping up with football games still left to be played. Let’s take a look at the championships that have been won at those eastern Long Island high schools.
In boys’ cross country, Port Jefferson took home the county championship for the eighth straight season. The boys will advance to the Class C championships that take place on Saturday at Queensbury High School.
In volleyball, Ward Melville took home the Division I title with a victory over Sachem North. Kyle Fagan notched his 1000th career kill this season for the Patriots. Eastport-South Manor followed up with a win of their own over East Islip in the Division II championship.
Finally, boys’ soccer saw Comsewogue win the Class AA championship after beating West Islip.
All in all, the 2024 season of fall high school sports was competitive and entertaining, to say the least. Teams put together quality seasons and were rewarded for their hard work with a championship win.
