Daily News Clip File

I

---

J 1

Senior Jai Yoon and freshman Jon Raude led Cardozo to the PSAL boys 'A' league team championship on May 14, but team allegiances meant little in singles competition last Tuesday at the National Tennis Center, where Yoon beat Raude in straight sets (6-2, 6-4) to capture his second. straight individual championship. Here the teammates recall the title match and the pressure of staring down a familiar face: '

,

ON RAUDE: "Iwas a little nervous. But when I got to the facility, a couple of people tried 0 calm me down. They said, It's just a match. You've already

"" "

PSALSOFTBALLPLAYOFFRESULTS :.

'..~--iJ.Nm~ Bergtraum 7, Cardozo5 Baysjd1i~3,.Ffancis~~..."isO

7.~+1!n.i,.y"f I

Clinton 4, Bayside1 'B' ROUNl)t~... 1UESDAY

..

"The fact that we are on the

exceeded everyone'sexpectations.

. .

You're the first freshman to be in the finals.' It just wasn't my day. Jai played really good. I ave to give him credit It was a great season. I hope I have three more seasons likethis. Everyone around Cardozo athletics knows I'm the leader now. A lot of people have put some big stuff on me. I'll be practicing and coaches will come up to me and say, 'You could be the best player to ever come out of Cardozo.' I know what I could be. I just have to keep practicing hard." PSAL BASEBALLPLAYOFFRESULTS

JAI YOON:

~::

. Francis Lewis 12. Bergtraum

S

same team, and I ~ad to go up against him, was a very tough thing to overcome. But it was a good atmosphere. We were rooted on by ourteam- . mates - they supported both of us. In the first game, I broke the serve. I think that gave me the mental edge .n and in the second set, I did the same thing. That was pretty much the turning point. People say my speed can be intimidating because I get to every ball. I don't know if that's true, but that's what (Coach) Howie (Arons) tells me. I pretty much always had it and have just fine-tuned it and made it better. My number one goal was to bring ~heteam to the championship. My secondary goal was the individual(award)." BrianBohl

-

~\:;;)L.~<~SALBOYS RESULTS' :~;r)}h TRACKAND FIELDCHAMPIONSHIPS;' TEAMRESULTS Points Team Team South Shore gr-- I Boys & Girls ...

u
-

It

"r-'~

NEW YORK'S HOMETOWN NEWSPA~1!1i "-"-"'~

co

,W

.". CD

'--_..-..-

"'.'

,-,--

NYDllliyNews.com

.',--,..,'

, ..""

.,

-..

,."...

~

'' '" ' ' '',I'BI''

''::i2:}lf)1!,~I'~

'1~

'

"

D 't'e "1 I, '..'J7'O". " "'",!" , -, }."snAT;:-'\.""'" ,-

"

I '

,,

,

.

'

, ':: ':' " "

, "",

""

, ,

,

,

,

"

,

,

,

,

,,

,, ,

'"

.

",," "

,

St.",0 S 0 r, 8 ,d.J t0 roe:k RiDe k;"er '

'

"'

:

'

"

'

'

'

,,",;'

,

"

,,

,

0.".'\

'

,

,

,

,; ,,) ,

,

,,

"'"

"" "

BY BRIAN BOHL

,

,

'

"

'

"

\::~'

'

'

"

,

'"

,

, "

.,IU

\

,

,

",

,::",

,

::,..

""

"'

,

',.

"

'

"

"

"'

""

'After averaging '17.6' points: over three seas(iJ¥;,StillSon left' college a year e~ly !\f!er Iowa; State changed head coaches. No' NBA team called his name on', draft night, but Rosa said' an op- , portunity to crack the top ranks should:beforijtc(;>riilrig. ' 'j

SPECIAL TO THE NEWS'

NICKNAMES ARE WOVEN into the lore of the Entertainers Baskethall Classic as much as Rucker Park's famous red.and. green court." Some monikers highlight a player's physical appearance. Others champion an in. dividual's game. ~urtis Stinson's alias falls into neither cat~gory. "

,

,

\

.

;

:

:"

,,

"

'

;

Aftet" pla}'\i\g ,tor the Nets over~ the,!,e..xt,tWo,.w~ks in Orlando, i St1ris",ri pl!q1S t9 re~ to the" ,

..,

,'"

-"'..

'--m

.,,'n

1

DubIJedXl{ardestWor~er'" by' , an ESC puBlicaddress annoifuq., er, the Bronx pr(iduct s"'<:IJi~,.. earned the title by laborin~' ",ii' the playground and tollirigin ,,'" '

the,gym,

"

,','"

StInSon,who'splaying.,bis fifth year at Rucker Park, said the league has giv~11 him an opportunity Ii> upgrade his oUtside game, part' of' his repertoire, he's sought, tojm. prove ,sillce he decliu-ed

E 0

"
~ 'iij

~

~ z ~ :i Q

,.. 8 '" 0 ... ~ .=: 1;; 1i .. F! "_"__-'M~""""""'"'."""""'.'--'-'~-"""'-:---".'.~-'--"--"

..

1 -

~

'" 0

-- ~ -

~

.-

.~---

.."___0

-

~-_.....-

G) tII). ,~.__o_~ u.

-

.-

~

-

u-

.~~

~-

o.u

.

'I ~. ~

ODSarrest ..

att Duck~

LIi,'.

ffermapcharge.d 'OrBluefishattack BY MATT GAGNE DAILY NEWS

SPORTS

WRITER

ri)<

It°RMER MET Jose Offerman charged .tIf~mound with bat in hand, and now he ~has been charged with two counts of sec~ . "[t1d-d~ee assault for using it to strike ~eopposing pitcher and catcher in an inlependent league game Tuesday night in . ndgeport, Conn. . Offerman, an infielder for the Long Is~and Ducks of the Atlantic League, was ejected following a second-inning brawl with the Bridgeport Bluefish and arrested in the clubhouse as the game resumed. He posted $10,000 bond and was due in Bridgeport Superior Court on Aug. 23, ac- . cording to court officials. Offerman, 38, batted .273 during his 15 seasons in the majors, last playing in 2005 with Philadelphia (33 games) and the Mets (53). An All-Star in 1995 with the Dodgers and in 1999 with Boston, he was again a topic of conversation in major lef.!,gueclubhouses last night. . "I was surprised. Jose always seemed like he was a pretty calm, mild-mannered kind of guy. Me didn't say a whole lot. He

.

~

Who

snapped, n:".n,..g~4.

I guess,»Willie Offe.-.p.~

in

Randolph, 2005. s"'""!.

~

Ii

p

WQUia u..1n.k ~~~.silly like that, but ;.;-.;-.;vOUldn'1: think

he

was one of those guys. He was always very quiet, very under control and very even-tempered. " Former Met Carl Everett is a Ducks teammate of Offerman's. . Offerman was suspended indefinitely by the league,. pending an investigation by I executive director Joe Klein, who is ex, pected to file his report by the end of the week. Bridgeport pitcher Matt Beech and . Tommy John, the Bluefish manager and " former Yankees pitCher, were also ejected from the game. "In no way does the Long Island Ducks organization condone Offerman's actions, and we will abide by any decisions that the league's executive office' hands down," Frank Boulton, the Ducks owner and league's chief executive, said yesterday at Citibank Park in Central Islip, L.I. "We're also saddened by (the) incident. I apologize to all the Atlantic League fans for what took place," continued Boulton, who acknowledged his conflict of interest and said he is never involved in disciplinary hearings. "But I also think it's important to understand that Jose Offerman's actions did not happen unprovoked, and that's what Joe Klein is looking into." Offerman led off Tuesday's game with a home run. He was plunked in the leg in the second inning in his next at-bat. He charged the mound, swinging the bat and striking Beech in the hands, and hitting catcher John Nathans in the head on the back swing. Beech, a lefthander, broke the middle finder on his right hand, and Nathan, who attempted to continue playing but left with nausea and collapsed in the dugout, suffered a concussion, according to team spokesman Nick Razzette. Both were treated and released from a local hospital. The game was delayed about 20 minut .J! Long Island went on to win, J! ." - With Brian Bohl , '" , and The Associated Press

Ro

I

i

-

!!!.

.I>"

" 0 3

-

z

....

After getting hit'by pitch, former, Met infielder Jose offerman (clockwise from above) goes after Bridgeport pitcher Matt Beech with bat. Catcher John Nathans intervenes but takes blow to head in process. Nathans finally gets grip on Offerman as rest of Bluefish and Ducks arrive. Offerman isatrested and charged with seconddt!f.l~.~~Utf~b9~9a~;~!y;!s~!(ln..A.~~~(lmsfc()nnecticutPost ~

"\

'. "

.Ii

-.......... --~ -

.-.

~"-'--.

---"

.

~

- I 11'1

,

.

.

CD ('If

z fI)" Z &IJ &IJ ;:) 0

BYBRIAN BOHL

.

ARONMcNEILLcansensewhena deep route is coming. Instead of watching an opponent'seyes,hescansdown to the cleats, waiting to see if a receiver is heavyon his feet and waiting to explodeoff the line of scrimmage. McNeill'sintuitioncomesfrom experience. He was a productive wideout at Christ the King,recording800receivingyards in his seniorseasonin 2005-06.Butasa redshirtfreshmanat Hofstra,the 19-year-oldfrom BedfordStuyvesant, Brooklyn, is now beginning his Neill,who playedcomer andsafetyduring his collegiatecareeras a defensiveback. sophomoreandjunior seasons,said he knew Onceentrusted with making big playsas his stature dictated that his daysas quartera quarterback, receiver and running back, backwouldendonce hebegancollege. McNeillis nowtrying to learn howto stop an offense for a DivisionI-AAteam that will be Adjusting to a new role is not easy, but McNeillcreditedhisteammatesanddefensive lookingto reboundfrom a 2-9season. backscoachLyleHemphillwith buildinguphis Second-yearheadcoachDaveCohenistryconfidenceand helpinghim to study film. ingMcNeillout at safety,wherehewill attempt "In the beginning,theysawI reallywasn'ta to securea backupspot behind DavidDerby defensiveplayer,"hesaid."It was frustrating. and EmanuelAnderson.The responsibilities I was havingtrouble overall, but (Hemphill) of the position include serving as an extra defende~in obvious long-distance passing just spoketo me oneon oneand let me know situations. (4 that hewasn't goingto playmeasa freshman The Pride started summer practice Aug. f;: lastyearandlet metakemytimegradually. . 13.!iljvingunderclassmenlessthafl a month ~j!; No~. Igot it."

I I

---~

,

--"-

-

1

",

%1]

The Pridestarted summer practice Aug. 13,givingunderclassmenless than a month

to display improvement before the Sept. 8 , season opener against Furman University at ,,%

Hempstead.Tocrackthe rotationaftersitting out 2006-07,McNeillwillneed to accelerate his I,earningcurve. Allsix of the defensive backs listed in the Hofstra media guide are juniors or seniors.

.

"He's competin~ right now to be our fourth safety, which would be inthe two-deep (coverage)," Cohensaid of McNeill."Ithink if he wins the job, it'll put him in a good position going into spring practice to compete for a starting job the followingyear. "When you playinthe secondary before it's your time ...it's not like a defensive lineman, where you miss a tackle and it's a five-yard gain," the coach added. "Youmiss a coverage in the secondary, it'~ a touchdown." McNeill earned offensive Player of the Year honors at Christ the King. Playing for coach Kevin Kelly, he accumulated 17 total

~;

E

0 <>
:::

Q) c: ~ '(5 "C

.ill1! tR%

~

-- ~.~

- ~~..m~~

Now, I got it."

,Cohen, who became a first-time head coach last year after four seasons as defensive coordinator at the Universityof Delaware, said that adding McNeillas part of his first recruiting class was the first part of a strategy to make Hofstra more attractive to NewYork City standouts. Should CIAinflux of players from the boroughs arrive in years to come, Cohen can look back to his first week on the job in December 2005 as a turning point. Cohe.ntargeted McNeill within the first 10 days of his tenure, making him one of 29 players from New York on a roster that currently counts 78 players. New Jersey is the next closest state, with 14 participants, followed by Florida with 13. "We've made a major emphasis on recruiting Long Island and New York City football players," Cohen said. "Jaron was one of the dominating players coming out of the Catho-

~ z ~

g

. 11 i\'!!'

~en .rm ~ 61JJ :-;

.{g

~ :J .c I-

lic league two years ago." The Pride ranked sixth out of 12teams in pass defense in the Atlantic 10 last season. (Hofstra has been a member of the Colonial AthleticAssociation since 2001,but the conference was under the operational control of the Atlantic 10 until this year.) The defense lost only two starters from last fall, though a senior-laden secondary could set up McNeillfor substantial playing time in the future. McNeill may envision the sound of fans cheering from the stands of a packed Shuart Stadium, but it is across the street on the practice field, which is filled with the ambient sound of coaches blowing whistles and barking commands, where he willdetermine how much action he sees starting next month. "As soon as you go on the field, you go through drills: backpedaling and special teams," he said. "Once we get the pads on, it gets intense." '" Hofstra doesn't compete for the bowl appearances that DivisionIschools covet, but the program does claim alumni who builtsuccessful NFLcareers. Wayne Chrebet became one of the best-loved Jets receivers of all time. Marques Colston went from seventh-round draft pick to impact player for the playoffbound NewOrleans Saints last season. Shaine Smith followed his senior season by signing with the Rams in the offseason. Smith, Colston and Madison HS graduate Devale Ellis, who is with the Detroit Lions, made regular appearances in Nassau County this winter, providing encouragement and guidance to the younger members of the

touchdownsas a junior,whilelogging1,028 passing yards and an additional660 yards

It was Kelly who first t?

need to make a

i 'I

"

~1

changeto play 'i~ at the next ~ level.Mc-

t! 4i

,t,

,

it k' l\H h, if'

r1 i,.

@

N ~H suggested that his 5-9, pupilmight etJ, . 172-pound

~

.8;1

¥~ on the ground. Instead of exciting a.crowd by leading drives downfield, McNeillwilinow look to make his mark by stopping them. "I like playing safety; it actually suits me better than corner, because I'm more d physical," McNeillsaid. "On offense, eel they make the highlights. They get 1% all the 'oohs' and 'ahhs.' On defense, you have to hit someone. It's hard to notice unless' yoiJ ", look at the film."

>. c:

b0

-

last year and let me take my time gradually.

!P

.,.

&,% "

@ g

~

0/

,,'" !Ii

I 1% .~ t'{ ,"

Pride.

II, Id

"They're always on the campus chilling in the locker room with us," McNeillsaid. "It's cool. They're just regularguys."

.01

'% ~¥

.. ~ '"

I~

IW

m?""~' ~"

!it c~

-

--~

---

- -_.

---

L~-

~-

II

I~

'4" I'

-,

~

Ster.'sBlue ~Sky ~"""'-

o.c

!!L

o.c..o.c-_!II

-

-

Aug.29 Aug.31

MDT

Aug.31

VIRGINIAtECH

Sept 1

FAIRFIB.D

tiont~f!E!tstronger'!r1dimprove

herblocking

East title," said Hui. who was named Big

-c'Q,Y\Q;~~~.YAinan_edge.""'»""'-~easonco-Piayer

of m~'~ar'"aftE!f'"

"$h~S always been a strong hitter:" pe~po~ing a t~am-Ieading 3.81 kills per game si(:Q.~th said of Blunt, a teamcap~n thiS J.asUeas.QO,_~WeIDto tbiOkQftbepresenL~. $eaSQff; "Ithintmowthat11t!rrtlfmta1tuugtr: and not to worry about the future." nesshas matc,~ep N!rph~:al pl~Y, she'll ~e Red Stormatso tryS to reflect on the

~. I')

'~'

I

7 p.m.

Sept 4

Stony Brook

7 p.m.

Sept 7

VirginiaCommonwealth at Penn. State.

3p.m:

Penn State University

8 p.m.

Colgate at Penn. State

11:30a.m.

Hofstra

Sp.m.

i.

North Carolina at IMiana Univ.

Sp.m.

~,

East Tennessee at Indi- I ana Univ.

noon

j

Sept 21

~~commitme~~y bebestepitomized fend its regular-se~sonconference ri~h~"sideJilifel?'atoya8IunUNl1l:t.setl!J}. tltHFaChallenge'ffiiifbegins when shopii"tthe weight room this summer. lookthe ;ohnnies open league play at Seton Hall ,yeonlastseason'ssec9l1d-team ons.ept 21 . ~... .. ~.. ... mi"{feteffftil'i'§:c~ "Our common goal is to defend our Big

II

LONG BEAcit STATE

n.' Sept 18

t'IUi,~..wiItjt)in.

noon

Sept 1

Sept 15

BIUOtasthe RedStorm looks to de-

I~D IS I: ~,

.,~

Indiana

8 p.m.

Fordham

7 p.m.

Seton Hall*

7 p.m.

Sept 23

Villanova*

2 p.m.

Sept 29

PITTSBURGH*

2 p.m.

Sept 30

WEST VIRGINIA*

2 p.m.

Oct.6

Louisville*

2 p.m.

Oct.7

Cincinnati*

2 p.m.

Oct 12

Rutgers*

7 p.m.

Oct 19

Connecticut*

7:30p.m.

Oct.26

DePAUL.

.1

~'. ". . ..

".f .

7 p.m.

Oct 28

NOIRE DAME*

2 p.m.

Nov.3

SYRACUSE*

2 p.m.

Nov.4

MARQUETTE*

2 p.m.

Nnv"Q

Geomwn*

7D.m.

r

I,

, f ,.

.

'.'.

:;:;I'IJ>~""'...~.." '""","""",'~-' ~os~n9'"'1'=..<1",",,"..""n""""~""-"7"'-~ "'" 'saidOfalt.1nt,C\.~am~tainthiS . . 'J~~o,t;;.J '~atl'Ie~'tO' .' andnott()Wol1)'$out~fubJ~.n letjherphysicaII?Iay,she'I'iileRoo5tOrtT)alSotrystohfflecton

"SYRACUSE'"

zp;m.

Nov.4

MARQUETIE*

2 p.m.

Nov.9

GeorQetown*

7 p.m.

NOV.3

the

-

USP Nov.11 bi,~~~~,:--::,,:;';;;:'~"'vast"f>erSiCO"'Smittr5~'yeaT'!;"brmr" :-So,too.willsl:!nioroutsidehitterHuiPing NCAAtournameA'I:ruh, which ended ,with Nov.IS-lS BIG EAST Championlang, senior setter Wioleta Leszczyn!;ka a 3-2 loss to ninth-"~e.4e.!tMif.ll'le.~Qtc!ii:!..!h!Lships at Milwaukee Id'iuniof'Hbero-tena'Vee;Att.three"were'~~CQnd round:;a:s the bestway to prepare

,otid.contributors on last season's 'Squad, for success. LOdall were nalT.'~!2!!!i:;l'~~.!?r.~~l1mm"fhisteamhashad~ntu Ali~BjgEasfteam.

'.

~

t r If

said persico-Smith.

tests played at eamesecca Arena. * Indicates BIG EAST contest All urnes Eastem; for

I

., more information visit www.redstormsports.com.

. 'u'mu.-'U~~~U~U"

...m ~uwin--over.Mi6higafl"State,'HUtf-eeordedua:""

CoaCh Joanne

, match-high 20 kills. while Leszczynska had . a match-high 53 assists .i!:~~.'!:~~J.~!!!!~~i1.. ~~~team~highTidigs:m m..

t

2 p.m. TBA

8OLO CAPS indicate home match; all hOme con-

.

of positive experience,"

Their skills were on displaY in Sunday's

,

u..~~.~~-'-~""

Ping

u.m

PerSic:o-smith (front row.

\ ~ ~ ~ ,

b;iJl)willrelYon_iOiS1IiifPii9~U

Huang (r.) and Latoya Blunt to get St. John's __~m~~..~..~.,"W.g~.~.u.u

~ 1: -< :J ~(/) 00 3 I

I

c .)10 .~ z ~ f/I

,

-I :J' f'e en a. S1! »c 00. c ~ VJ 0 1:!' aa -.J

,. ,

t I

>

" !;'

'

,

.'

"1.

v."

;; ,

.

~ ,,~..

" . r\. \: ,;1:)(*;' ,

" ~ ~

~ ..

- -:ill T,.. -r"'-~~

~ ~~~"

"'>l.iJ"""""

,~~

"'

~

8'

Hammer it home

Royals determined to carve out improvement BY MATT GAGNE Tuesday, September 4th 2007, 12:33 PM 

Who will dominate New York City gridirons this fall? Join the discussion

CHSFL PREVIEW - QUEENS Don't mistake the work in progress for a work of art, even with all the talk of "hammer and chisel" coming from Christ the King's preseason camp. There is no sculpture being built, only an increased effort by the Royals to carve a path to the top of the 'AA' standings. "The hammer is your hard work, and the chisel is your focus. You can't just keep hitting the hammer. You have to put your chisel in the right place to break through the wall," said coach Kevin Kelley. "The harder you work, and the more you are focused mentally, the more accomplished you're going to be - the quicker you'll get through adversity." There is practice behind the preaching. As a sophomore at Siena College in 1995, Kelley was part of a team that finished 0-10. The Saints finished 7-3 two years later, and Kelley attributes the improvement to hard work and attention to detail. It's an example he points to as he works to turn things around in Middle Village; last year the Royals went 1-8 and finished in last place. "We were in a lot of close games, but the scores got uglier than they should have," Kelley said. "When things go bad, they tend to get worse. It kind of snowballed on us." They are hoping the snowball melted in the August heat of two-a-days, where execution was stressed just as much as buying into the new motto. There's also a new offense, which is based on simplified blocking schemes that should make the Royals' play-calling more purposeful. Senior running back Dave Lopez, a two-year captain who averaged four yards per carry last season, will be the Royals' the first option, the chisel looking to break through holes created by the offensive line. "He's an extremely hard-working kid, really loyal, on the point with what we need to do," Kelley said. "He's the total package; he's not afraid to let people know how it needs to be done, whether it's a friend or someone who's not so close to him." And there's the possible turning point. The new motto isn't just Kelley blowing hot air as often as he blows his whistle; it's a philosophy embraced by upperclassmen who are working to fix what Kelly called "young mistakes" - improper reads, inaccurate techniques, missed assignments - that showed up in nearly every game last season. "We're not looking back to last year; we're just trying to look forward," Lopez said. "Right now, we've improved in everything. It's been hard, but we just have to keep pushing and keep our heads up."

CHRIST THE KING ROYALS (AA) Head coach Kevin Kelley (fifth season) Last year 1-8; did not qualify for postseason. Top returners Dave Lopez, senior RB/DB (5-11, 185); Joe Nuss, senior QB (6-3, 205); Khalid Brown, senior OL/DL (5-10, 280); Danny Manetta, senior DB/WR (5-9, 170); Mauricius Vogel, junior OL (6-3, 285); Luis Pinelli, junior OL/DL (5-10, 215); Tyrel Moseley, senior LB (5-10, 210). Up-and-comers William Hunter, sophomore RB/DB (5-11, 175); Dennis Ibric, senior LB/TE (5-10, 200).

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hschool/2007/09/04/2007-09-04_hammer_it_home.html?print=1&page=all

Schedule 9/8 at Masconomet (Beverly, Mass., noon); 9/15 Fordham Prep (7 p.m.); 9/22 at Bishop Ford (Aviator Field, 1:30 p.m.); 9/28 St. Francis Prep (7 p.m.); 10/6 Kellenberg (7 p.m.); 10/12 Xavier (7 p.m.); 10/20 at Spellman (1:30 p.m.); 10/27 at St. John the Baptist (2:30 p.m.) * - home games at St. John's University

ST. FRANCIS PREP TERRIERS (AA) Head coach Vincent O'Connor (55th season) Last year 6-4; lost to Xaverian in first round of 'AA' playoffs. Top returners Jim Marsanico, senior QB (6-1 190); Tristin Akong, junior RB (5-11, 178); John Cunningham, senior TE (6-3, 220); Josh Kim, senior OL (5-10, 220); Curtis Stembridge, senior LB (6-1, 215); James Kikel, senior DB (5-10, 170;. Chris Sammarco, senior WR (6-0, 175). Up-and-comers Matt Gebert, senior FB (5-10, 180); Fred Duguard, junior DE (5-11, 210); Bobby Dougherty, junior RB (5-10, 185); Peter Muhlhausen, senior FB (6-1, 230). Outlook Few programs are as stable as St. Francis Prep. In over a half-century of leading the football team, O'Connor has recorded 17 Catholic League championships and over 300 wins. To add to those totals, he will rely on Jim Marsanico, who is entering his first season as starting quarterback. Marsanico's maturation will determine whether the Terriers make the playoffs. James Kikel, who registered a team-best six interceptions last season, leads a defense that will feature a new-look pass rush. Coach says "In our league, you have to keep your first-team guys in there pretty much all the time because the games are so close. So, it's hard to get kids more experience because you're running for your life out there. As we gain experience and start to play together, we'll have more confidence in each other. If that comes together, we'll be better." Schedule 9/8 at St. John the Baptist (1:30 p.m.); 9/14 at Holy Cross (at St. John's Univ., 7 p.m.); 9/22 Spellman (7 p.m.); 9/28 at Christ the King (7 p.m.); 10/5 at Fordham Prep (at Fordham Univ., 7 p.m.); 10/14 Kellenberg (1 p.m.); 10/21 Hayes (7 p.m.); 10/27 at St. Peter's (1:30 p.m.) * - home games at St. John's University

HOLY CROSS KNIGHTS (AA) Head coach Tom Pugh (35th season) Last year 3-8; lost to Mount St. Michael in first round of 'AAA' playoffs. Top returners Darrell Whiting, senior RB (6-4, 215); Tariq Tongue, junior WR (5-9, 170); Reggie Francklin, junior LB (5-11, 230); Dan Forde, senior DE (6-1 200); John Meyer, senior TE (5-9 175); Andre Miguel, senior (5-9, 165); Antonio Carter, senior LB (6-2, 270); Dylan Gryzenski, senior OL/DL (5-10, 225). Up-and-comers

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hschool/2007/09/04/2007-09-04_hammer_it_home.html?print=1&page=all

Barrington Wallace, sophomore RB (5-11, 205); Terrance Coon, junior RB (6-1, 165). Outlook Senior Brian Pugh and sophomore John Rose will split time at quarterback, and possibly the hits as the offensive line remains the biggest concern following the graduation of two tackles who were 6-6, 285 and 6-3, 275. On top of facing pressure from pass rushers, the quarterbacks face high expectations: The Knights' offense has produced no fewer than 2,000 yards passing in each of the last five seasons, and last year was the first time during that span that Holy Cross completed less than 50% of its attempted passes. Coach says "The question is how fast the offensive line develops. If they develop fast, we'll be competitive. If they're slow, well, you need the boys up front." Schedule 9/8 at Mansfield (at Beverly, Mass., 3 p.m.); 9/14 St. Francis Prep (at St. John's Univ., 7 p.m.); 9/22 at Stepinac (1:30 p.m.); 9/28 at Hayes (at Maritime, 7 p.m.); 10/7 St. Peter's (at Bayside HS, 1:30 p.m.); 10/13 at Ford (at Midwood, 1:30 p.m.); 10/20 at Kellenberg (1:30 p.m.); 10/28 Fordham (at Bayside HS, 1:30 p.m.)

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hschool/2007/09/04/2007-09-04_hammer_it_home.html?print=1&page=all

Islanders beat Buffalo Sabres, 3-2 BY BRIAN BOHL SPECIAL TO THE NEWS Sunday, October 7th 2007, 4:00 AM

Two game into a new campaign, the Islanders are enjoying top production from an all free-agent top line. One night after combining for 10 points in the season-opening win, the front-line unit of Mike Comrie, Bill Guerin and Ruslan Fedotenko came through again. The trio accounted for two goals in the third period, leading to a sweep of the home-and-home series with the Buffalo Sabres with a 3-2 victory at Nassau Coliseum. Chants of "Comrie, Comrie" rained down for the centerman, who scored just 20 goals while splitting time between Ottawa and Phoenix last season. With four goals in his first two games with the Isles, Comrie already is a fifth of the way toward matching his entire 2006-07 output. The top line has accounted for 16 points. "They are three different types of players who add to each other games," said Islanders coach Ted Nolan. Comrie scored his first of the night after taking Guerin's feed and deking around Paul Gaustad. He slid his backhand attempt slid past goalie Ryan Miller's glove, sending the sold-out crowd of 16,234 into a roar 1:39 into the third period. He added his second and decisive goal nearly seven minutes later, taking Fedotenko's centering feed and finding the open net. "We know we're a skilled line," Comrie said. "We're not satisfied after two games. There's a lot more we can all do out there." Rick DiPietro made 30 saves but allowed Jochen Hecht to make it 3-2 with with 5:49 left. The netminder then thwarted a power play with a little luck after Tim Connolly's shot ringed off the right post at the three-minute mark. "Both teams tightened up," DiPietro said. "It's tough starting a season back-to-back, but I thought we did a good job coming off with a lot of energy." Chris Campoli erased a 1-0 deficit with his second-period tally, helping the Isles exact some revenge against a Buffalo team that knocked them out of last season's playoffs. Campoli, who signed a three-year extension in July, scored just one goal in 51 games during a disappointing second NHL season. But the 23-year-old doubled his goal total from last season, by scoring for the second straight night when his point shot beat Miller to tie the score at 1 just 4:29 into the second period. "It feels great, but it can turn around just as easily," Campoli said. "I'm just staying even-keeled and hopefully we can keep winning." Undisciplined play led to three Islanders penalties in the first period, and Buffalo's Jaroslav Spacek capitalized on one power-play chance. The defenseman took Brian Campbell's feed and ripped a slap shot from the point, blasting the puck high past DiPietro's glove side to open the scoring. SIM-PLE PLAN: Islanders left wing Jon Sim, who suffered a sprained knee last night, is day-to-day and will be reevaluated before tomorrow afternoon's home game against the Capitals.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/islanders/2007/10/07/2007-10-07_islanders_beat_buffalo_sabres_32.html

-

.

8!!l

-.

.:.

Sen~torsvetoDevils behmdRedden'sgoal circuinst:ances. Parise's shot slid along the goal line and

tHE ASSOCIA1m PRESS

OTfAWA- Daniel AJfredsson .,

I

after. Ottawa defenseman Andrej Meszaros cleared the puck. Anon Asham scored his first New Jersey goal 18:17 into the second to draw the Devils within 2-1. .

cluding three straight at h~me.' Redden put the Senators up 3-1,

Martin Brodeur stopped 33 shots, including 15 in'thefirstwhenthe

though only after a

SENATORS

ly showed that the

DEVIlS

video review clear-

4 2

Senators

17-9

held

a

margin.

"There were a lot of

puck had crossed the goal line before it was swipedawayby NewJersey defenseman VItaly VJShnevski. Jason Spezza got his third assist of the game on AIfredsson's fifth goal of the season into an empty net with 48.7 seeonds remaining Dany Heat1~ got his fourth . goal of the season and Chris Kellyalso scored for Ottawa. .~ch Parise got the.DeviIs WIthin 3-2 shortly after Red-

shots and a lot of chances, you knmv, they were all over us, and after that, like the other games, we were OK," Brodeur said. "We ,played a decent game." . Ottawa held New Jersey to just one power-play opportunity.Th~ Senato~ have killed 21 penaJties to begin the season. N-:w Je~y fell to 1-2 ~ it continues its season-opemng nme-game road trip Th Devilsare scheduledto host Ot~ tawa Oct. 27 for their first game at the 17 625-seat Pru-

den's goal. and under similar

dential Center

~ Newark.

.,..".,.

L '~l

.,

i

.

'-,'

~.

H.

r .

ii ...

IslesCap-sized

~ ..'"

Comrie turnover contributes to1stloss

got Irissecondassiston Wade play continuedfor 10seconds. Redden's power-play goal 5:33 into the third period before he scored into an empty net to lead Ottawa to a 4-2 win over the Devils yesterday. The Senators have opened the season with four wins in-

~ t'"

BY BRIAN BOHL SPECIAl'TO

The Isles' top line entered with a combined 16 points, ~ough they failed to solVe Capitals goalie 01afKolzig and went O-for-4on the power play. The netminder made 30 saves, helping the Capitals improve to 3-0: ~ just have to take better shOts," captain Bill Guerin said. "I think we're shooting to shoot Especiallywith bad ice, you have to keep things simple:. get to the net." washington had allowed just one goal in its first two games before the Isles' fourth line produced the opening salvo. Richard

lHE NEWS

MIKE COMRIE'S aggressivenesS propelled the Islanders to their best start in six years. But his over-anxiousness led to a key turnover yesterday. setting up the game-wimUng goal for the Washington Capitals in a 2-1 JDatinee loss at a sold-out Nassau Coliseum. Comrie registered fuur goals and six points on the top line during the season-openjng home-andhome sweep over Buffalo. But the center failed to clear the puck in his own 2 Park, who signed a two-year. Contract zone midWay through the third period C4P1DU.S --'--""--"" m_""' n extension a day earlier, took Darryl yesterday, leading to Brooks Laich's Bootland's centering pass along. the rebound goal for the Isles' first defeat ISlANDERS sideboards and blasted a shot that of the season. skipped past Kolzig's glove side 6:30 "Offensive guys like to make great ofinto the first period. fensiveplays," coach. Ted Nolan said. "Mike knows BERARD BACK? Defenseman Freddy Meyer with it.lf maybe he should have went up the ~ he has one turnover a game and creates six on the was claimed off waivers by Phoenix. That could facilitate the return of former Islander Bryan other end, we'll take that any day." Berard, who made a strong showing in preseason Former Ranger Michael Nylander intercepted with the club and could sign as a free agent as early Comrie's cross-ice attempt and fed Brian Pothier as today.. . . JaSon Blake. who scored 40 goals for for a point shot that Rick rnPietro knocked down with his pad. Laich was at'the goalmouth and -slid the Islanders last season before signing as a freeagent with Toronto, has been ctiagnosed with chronthe second attempt past the out:.of-position netic myelogenous leukemia A team doctor said Blake minder for the eventual game-wmner 7:58 into the is not in any "immediate danger" and will be treatfinal period. . ' ed with oral medication. The 100year Veteran prac"It's not always the shots, sometimes it's the ticed with the Maple Leafs yesterday and is not exchances that they get," said rnPietro, whose team pected to miss any games. held a 31-12 edge in shots.

0..'

1

..<

@TOYOTA ~.~~~.

~.,..

,.'

.. "

,,:

'.

~

t

--

--

.- -

~

t

co ....

8NHL Y

tl fl

~I It

.

Berardburieswinner. inreturnto Islanders BRIAN BOHL

ies that limited hit:Q.to 11 games with Columbus last season. But his preseason performances gar~ THE ISIANDERS OBTAINEDBryan Be:. nered coach Ted Nolan's attention, especialrard for a specific purpose: to quarterback ly his three:.point night against the Rangers the power play. It took him less than two periods to pay in an exhibition last month. Berard, the No.1 pick in the 1995 entry draft, received dividends in that department. The veteran deal worth about $750,000. The Isles defenseman scored the go"ahead goal on a adressed seven defensemen and 11 forwards two-man advantage in a 2-1 victory over .to help ease Berard in. the Rangers in front of 15,295 at Nassau "I came in to prove I'm healthy," said Coliseum. Berard, who also suffered a career-threatenBerard, who signed a one-year contract a ing eye injury in 2000. "We came into the day earlier after impressing the Isles in a season with high expectations. I'm feeling training-camp tryout, worked the'left point good. I'm only going to get better." on the 5-on-3. He played a little catch with Nolan teamed Berard with lJergeron defense partner Marc-Andre Bergeron and . who scored the Isles' other goal, another winger Bill Guerin before stepping onto a power-play score with 3.5 seconds left in Guerin feed and ripping a faser from the the first on the primary power-play unit. ~ top of the left circle, beating goalie Henrik The pair helped the Isles improve to 3-1 on Lundqvist with a high shot at 13:56 of the the season, making Berard's goal stand up second for his first goal since 2005-06 with with a crucial 5-00-3 penalty kill highlightColumbus. ed by goalie Rick DiPietro's pad save on "I was a little rusty. I didn't play too many Scott Gomez in the third period. DiPietro minutes tonight," said Berard after logging finished with 36 saves. 8:21 of ice time - 5:43 of that time with the "I can't imagine losing sight in one eye Isles on the power play. and continue to play at this level, and he's Despite owning a resume that included able to do that," DiPietro said about his new teammate. "We're excited to have him." 565 NHL games with six teams - including the Islanders from 1996-99 and the Rangers Added Bergeron: "He's got a good shot. in 2001-02 - Berard basieally had to prove We'll see how teams are adjusting. If I can't he could play coming off two back surgershoot, I'll just move it down. It's good." SPECIAL

~ ~

TO THE NEWS

-

r

f ~ "

~

-

t DESIGNER SUITS'WAREHOUSE SALE :1HAVE.AT 141H STREET.BROOKLYN ,.

-

I

-

Bryan Berard (4) is already a big hit on the Island again as vtrteran defenseman begins second stint with Islanders by scoring power-play goal that beats the Rangers. Photo by AP

ADJ.' 'V ERTISEMENT . "MY__Boyfriend's

Try MAXODERM Connection@FREETODAY! ".neFor~Limited Time.receiveanadditional $200inFreeGifts! .'

.

.see details below-

SECRET

-~ ---

I

Islanders edge Devils, 4-3 BY BRIAN BOHL SPECIAL TO THE NEWS Sunday, October 21st 2007, 4:00 AM

Give a former Devil his due. Bill Guerin's power-play goal with 3.7 seconds left in overtime gave the Islanders a 4-3 victory over the Devils last night at Nassau Coliseum. Guerin's hat trick Thursday night at Washington had helped the Isles snap a two-game losing streak. "You don't want that sour taste in your mouth for a week," said Guerin, whose Isles don't play again until Saturday, when they host Carolina. "You better use the opportunity to rest, because the games are going to come fast and often." Rick DiPietro made 25 saves against a Devils team playing the penultimate contest of a season-opening nine-game road trip that wraps up Thursday at the Garden against the Rangers. He was beaten by Zach Parise 55 seconds into the game, then yielded Jay Pandolfo's goal and Brian Gionta's deflection of Paul Martin's shot from the point for the equalizer just over 12 minutes into the third. "They came out hard in the third period and capitalized on a couple of weird bounces," DiPietro said. "Our penalty kill did a great job bailing us out." With the Devils resting Martin Brodeur, the Isles tagged backup goalie Kevin Weekes for three goals - by Josef Vasicek, Miroslav Satan and Mike Comrie - in the second period before wasting a two-goal lead in the third. OUCH! Isles defenseman Bryan Berard suffered a groin injury and will be reevaluated tomorrow.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/islanders/2007/10/21/2007-10-21_islanders_edge_devils_43.html?print=1&pag...

-'-

~--,

, ~A

.. ~- ----

"';' :--~ =

'

=.~ ~~,~:

~--,

~~"

---~~P'~ '---', -

-

--

'U!jlll--

Ni[ .<

..

DiPietro&

Islanders getblitzed BYBRIANBOHL

I

SPECIALTO THENEWS

I

THE ISlANDERS can blame defensive breakdowns for a shoddy per- I formance last night, but they 'clffi~ pin the outcome on fatigue .,A ': day layoff between gam{5~, I , \ them, well-rested, though 18 '

'

,

I

I

respite was no help in an 8"31~;g the Carolina Hurricanes. CI I Now the Isles don't play'agirin until Thursday against Tampa'3B1iYI and they'll hope that layoff ~ erase the memory of goaIiE!::Rio~ ! DiPietro's performance last nightl I The Canes tagged DiPietroJof~ goals on 14 shots, snappmg:,11Jft J Istes' two-game winmn . g stre

~

01

The Nassau Coliseum ~~'l ,

,

,

cheered

when backup

Wa4,e )t'~~

HURRICANES

""~xt

I

3 '

ISLANDERS

I

I

I

iIs' first game in Newarkafter 25 years at Meadowlands, but 5enators spoil party with 3 goals in 3rd. Photo by Reuters

ielewicz replaced DiPietro with 12:12 remaining in the second, a move Nolan made after Eric Staal scored the Hurricanes' sixth goal before the game's midway point. "You try to forget about it and hope to bounce back," DiPietro said. 'Whatever it was, hopefully it's out of our systems and we can get back to how we've been playing." Rod Brind'Amour scored twice in the opening period on his way to a hat trick, and Staal and Ray Whitney ~ach scored twice to 'SU p" ' '

I

I

"

" "

"

so OCK-SOli

"

,

"

~

Humcanes backup goalie Jo,. .,

Grahame (28 saves). Former' ' er Matt Cullen had three assists fo Carolina. , The Islanders (5-4) trailed'~ ter one period, drawing bciq~1 the announced crowd Of They fell behind just 2:~8 I ~rind'Amour took Whiti1~st. tering feed between the cit&s~ ripped a. slapshot past ~t.4~ glove side. A giveaway byDiPiE!!!:c behind the net gave CaI;Oli~~:j sec~nd goal, ~ Cullen set .uP~. ,

."

I

,.

" ".

,.

.,

lopsoursDevildebutat PrudentialCenter last fit is ~ew

rang tthe lewthe ""

Thursday with a concert after the middle of a parking lot. "This gives the fans of the Devyears of wrangling and threats to ils and the Devils a real home." move the Devils out of the area. Now, the Devils have to make it The building is seen by civic leaders as a catalyst to the revitaliza- comfortable. tion downtown Newark, which is During an NHL record-tying plagued by poverty . nine-game road trip to start the seaand high crime rates. NHL commis- SENATORS son, the Devils struggled offensivesioner Gary Bettman, who took DEVILS ly, scoring just. 21 Dart in the ceremogoals and bemg

4 1 '

the arena, deflecting a shot past Brodeur at 5:01. Brian Gionta tied it-up at the 14-minute mark with a powerplay goal off a deflection. That was the high point for the home team. 'We mentally broke in the third," Sutter said. "Again, we have opportunities to score and we don't capitalize on them." The Senators, however, did cap-

ney m front WIth the net WJ:4p f>i

DiPietro entered with,a .~ goals-against average but c()Ul<W!~ find a rhythm. He even h~~}M I sive cheers when he made a simple save early in the second. Whitney, Justin WIlliams and Staal each beat DiPietro in the second, bringing on Dubielewicz for his second appearance this season.

1.HE rSLANImRS can blame 'de£eii'. < slve breakdowns for a sh~Ht~W)J formance last night, but th.~ 81 . 'pin the outcome on fatigq~>A .

day layoff between gariif!,

--,

them well-rested, thou'gWt~1ik, respite was no help in an 8-%'las~. the Carolina Hurricanes. [19; Now the Isles don't play';~gam ' until Thursday against Tamp
DiPietro's performance last night'! 1 The Canes tagged DiPietro for:Ii~ j goals on 14 shots, snapping,th§ \ IsI~s' two-game winning stre~}'1 The Nassau Coliseum crg~4 cheered when backup Wade 'Olib-

-,II .1

"

HURRICANES """""""""""""""".""""."""""""""""""""'"

ISlANDERS

in Newarkafter 25 years at Meadowlands,but Senators spoil party with 3 goals in 3rd. Photo by Reut.ers

OCI-soli

3

ielewicz replaced DiPietro with 12:12 remaining in the second, a move Nolan made after Eric Staal scored the Hurricanes' sixth goal before the game's midway point. "You try to forget about it and hope to bounce back," DiPietro said. "Whatever it was, hopefully it's out of our systems and we can get back to how we've been playing." Rod Brind'Amour scored twice in the opening period on his way to a hat trick, and Staal and Ray Whitney each scored twice to suppt Hurricanes backup goalie' J~ Grahame (28 saves). Former er Matt Cullen had three assists fOj

~

Carolina.

.

'.

soursDevildebutat Prudential Centerripped a slapshotpast rsday with a concert after the middle of a parking lot. :s of wrangling and threats to "This gives the fans of the Devwe the Devils out of the area. ils and the Devils a real home." building is seen by civic lead-. Now, the Devils have to make it as a catalyst to the revitalizacomfortable. downtown Newark, wJ:richis During an NHL record-tying 'gued by poverty nine-game road i high crime trip to start the season, the Devils :es.NHLcommis- SENATORS iner Gary Bett" struggled offensively, scoring just 21 n, who took DEVILS in the ceremogoals and being

4 1

first

faceoff,

shut

out

three

!sit as a perfect homejor hock- times. The opening night in NewHe praised the building for its ark was seen as a new beginning od sight-lines, modern amenifor the team, as first-year coach s and obvious Devils decor, Brent Sutter said the Devils had to .m murals on the concourse to immediately establish the Rock as ~oson the toilet tops. a tough spot for visitors in the "The Meadowlands was a build- NHL. ~without a soul," Bettman said The Devils came out firing in the cavernous Continental Air- the first, outshooting Ottawa 18-5. .es Arena, where the Devils But the game was scoreless after layed their first 25 seasons in 20 minutes, and the Senators put ew ~rsey, "Even, when it w!iS the D~vils back on t~eir heels in

.!nq e:

,

. J~tqy~,,~(ji~ulittdillR~'F . ~f§1l.t,. ~;, ',l(;~=},J!;=~b

re"

. rmn" '31:

the arena, deflecting a shot past Brodeur at 5:01. Brian Gionta tied it-up at the 14-minute mark with a powerplay goal off a deflection. That was the high point for the home team. "We mentally broke in the third," Sutter said. "Again, we have opportunities to score and we don't capitalize on them." The Senators, however, did capitalize

-

three times. Shean Dono-

van scored the go-ahead goal at 6:40, and Mike Fisher put the visitQrs up by two with a power-play goal at 13:34. Daniel Alfredsson scored a shorthanded empty-netter with less than two seconds to play. "It's like a mental block or something. We come out and play strong in the first, battle to 1-1, and then they score and it's like, 'Here we go aga,in,'" Brodeur

!i '

. '..

glove side. A giveaway by D behind the net gave CaJ;O~ second goal, as Cullen set up ney in front with the net wi~ b DiPietro entered witb~ a . goals-against average b~t~~. find a rhythm. He even h~ sive cheers when he made a:simple save early in the seCond. Whitney, Justin Williams and Staal each beat DiPietro in the second, bringing on Dubielewicz for his second appearance this season. .

"It's just

one

of those

things

where the puck .had eyes tonight and squeezed through," coach Ted Nolan said. "Ricky's not at fault. We don't lose games with one guy," Ruslan Fedotenko scored the Isles' first goal at 2:51 of the second, making the score 4-1, and Marc-Andre Bergeron and Mike Sillinger also scored. "We were physically ready to play this game tonight;" c~ Bill Guerin said. "We t(l~

=

~ObvJGi(Tl1~n\(J~:J\tId~e sa.ilJ'.,""We~~~IDI~~~I~1fiSJ '1J:I\Ickover; and made sim.fll+~: ~~'~k6al"1n "'.~qmp,~I,,~,,~mncori\9~B.~n6~2ImrfliW,"'tak~sai).4\ten4edupcostip .' r;'it"(,1)'O't;.
V.,«-;;T.~iit.i9bnI~~l~.it..-t.~'1f

J

The Islanders (5-4) trailed'3'-"'#" ter one period, drawing bQ the announced crowd of. They fell behind just 2:~8 in Brind'Amour took Whitn~s_, ' 't tering feed between the cii;

~~~,'}" :.:9.)1".~.'fJl'Y. «( ,

".,.,

--

--

--

-

--

""

Rick,

I

re.bouna vs.Bolts It marked the ninth time in 12 starts this season that Lundqvist had allowed two goals or fewer. And it lowered his .goals against average to 1.73~e hiking his save percentage to .936. "TIns is the way we have to win games," Lundqvist said. "I like low-scoring games. Ifs putting more pressure on me to stay sharp and minimize my mistakes. And the way the-guys are playing in front of me, it's great." It wasn't quite great during RANGERS the first 20 minutes, when the

2

-

caps won most of the races and

CAPliii"""""""""""""""'O ~:(~~~~g ~;:s)~

:ers of Jagr and onlytwo active ive juggernaut. ,mez and Chris mbined $14mils second-lowest ~Columbus goat Anaheim late

to March 5 - he has started 66,of the Rangers' last 68 games since Dec. 23, 2006 - Lundqvist waS sharp from the outset. He made important early stops on Alexander Ovechkin and Vlktor Kozlov to prop up a Rangers team that was seeking its first two-game winning Streak of the season. Said Shanahan: "He did what a great goaltender does: He gave us 20 minutes to wake up, because they were the more energetic and better

teamin t;hefirstperiod."

-

.

Sparked by some physicality from forwards Ryan Hollweg and Petr Prucha, the Rangers warmed to their task in the second period. And when Drury darted out from behind the Washington net to leap and redirect a Marc Staal slapper past Olaf Kolzig 6:45 into the second, the Rangers had the game's first goal. Tnthe third period, the Rangers pretty much shut down Ovechkin and Co. until Michal Rozsival's dunk off a Gomez feed cashed in a five-on-three power play with 10:26left.

HenrikLundqvistis on his backside but won't let puck get behind him, or even out of his sight, in

Blueshirtwin.Photoby Linda Cataffo/Daily

News

The Rangersthen benefitedfrom a wrinklein the rules. When 1Yutin was whistled for two minor penalties on the same sequence, washington was given four minutes of five-on-four power play rather than the two-minute five-on-three the Rangers had when two different Caps committed penalties. The Rangers survived it and now have killed 26 of 27 penalties over the la$t six games. "I think that we really do take pride now in this defensive look of our team," Renney said. "And the fact that (Lundqvistis) there to slam the door shut when we do get in trouble.is pretty special."

MAUKHURT: After slamming skates-first into the backboards 1:10 into the third, D Marek Malik played just one m.ore shift before leaving the gamewithback spasms.

.

.

The Islanders needed a pick-me-up on home ice last night, and it had to feel good just looking at the visitor's bench and seeing the Tampa Bay lightning, which has done nothing but give home teams reasons to smile since 'the season began. RickDiPietro- burned fOf. six goals in 28 minu~J;ieforg being pulled against "'c..- ,. Saturday - responde saves for his first sl the season in the Is1:" Coliseum victory lightning, which) winless (0-6-0) on th, including three disn: in four days to' the Devils and Islanders, "Those superstars great way of coming having a super perfa coach Ted Nolan Sail etro. "Last game WI of those things. Ricky was going to Bill Guerin, JoSi Ruslan Fedotenko ~ Hunter each scored as the Isles II beat Tampa for tfie first time in nine meetings. Mike Sillinger had an assist in his 1,00Oth ,

NHLgame.

- BrianBohl

Christ the King rides another playoff upset into title game BY BRIAN BOHL Tuesday, November 13th 2007, 1:35 PM

Peter Nwajei didn't record a single reception in regulation; on the game's final play, the junior receiver didn't even run the correct route. But Nwajei ignited a wild celebration after Joe Nuss lofted a touch pass that found him open in the back-left corner of the end zone. A busted play turned into the game-winner, as Christ the King converted a two-point conversion to seal a 22-21 overtime victory over Kellenberg in the CHSFL 'AA' semifinals at Uniondale on Friday night. The Royals (4-6), the biggest surprise of the CHSFL playoffs, scored their second straight one-point victory and booked a trip to Sunday's championship game against No. 4 Stepinac (8-2), a 19-14 winner at No. 1 Fordham Prep on Saturday. "I was supposed to run a hitch, and then I saw them running at me and I went into the end zone," Nwajei said. "I didn't have a catch the whole game, and I was kind of mad at that. That catch made me happy." Nuss helped erase three separate Kellenberg leads, sending the Royals to the school's first championship appearance since 2003. After the Firebirds marched in for a touchdown and kicked the extra point in overtime, Nuss responded by scoring the game-tying touchdown, barely crossing the goal line on a quarterback keeper. Coach Kevin Kelly was aggressive all night, going for - and engineering - three successful fourth-down attempts. With the players and assistant coaches imploring him to go for the two-point conversion and the win, Kelly decided in favor of the do-or-die play. "Everyone on the team wanted to go for two," Nuss said. "We didn't want to play anymore. We wanted to either take it all or lose it all." The extra session embodied the Royals' season: a slow start followed by a late surge. Christ the King opened the season 0-6 before embarking on its current four-game winning streak. That two of those victories have come in the postseason is all that matters to a team that was missing the services of injured running back William Hunter. "The hardest (win) was the first one," Kelly said. "Just focus on what you're doing; it took a little while for us to start doing that. We're doing it now." Christ the King entered the playoffs seeded seventh among eight teams, but stunned No. 2 St. Francis Prep in the quarterfinals to set up the meeting with sixth-seeded Kellenberg, which upset No. 3 Holy Cross on Nov. 3. Kellenberg (3-7) opened up a 14-7 lead before David Lopez's 17-yard touchdown run off a stutter-step move and Vinny Lahara's PAT tied it in the final minute of the third quarter. The Royals nearly pulled away in regulation thanks to a costly penalty by the Firebirds. Ricardo Derival was flagged for a personal foul after ramming Lahara with a late hit following a punt. The infraction led to an automatic first down, followed by two runs by Lopez for 18 total yards. Nuss hit Danny Manetta with two straight passes, but Lahara hooked a 27-yard field goal attempt wide left with five seconds remaining. Nuss and some gutsy play-calling bailed out Lahara. Manetta, who teamed with Michael Hennessy to lead the passing attack, said the Royals are just trying to extend a well-timed hot streak and felt galvanized by their coach's aggressive approach. "We're a small team, but we're family and we stick together," Manetta said. "It shows our coach believes in us and that he's behind us. We know he is there for us, and we're there for him." ST. PETER'S 14, HOLY CROSS 11 By ELIO VELEZ St. Peter's scored two first-half touchdowns and held off a late Holy Cross rally to preserve a 14-11 victory in the CHSFL 'AA' consolation bracket semifinal at Bayside HS on Saturday. Holy Cross scored a touchdown and made a two-point conversion in the fourth quarter to pull to within three. PSAL ROUNDUP BY EBENEZER SAMUEL AND ELIO VELEZ

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hschool/2007/11/13/2007-11-13_christ_the_king_rides_another_playoff_up.html?...

Cup Division Week 10 BRYANT 27, ADAMS 0 In a preview of next week's Cup Division playoff semifinal, Adams and Bryant squared off in Ozone Park on Saturday. The Owls (9-1) beat the Spartans, 27-0, behind 112 rushing yards and two TDs from Justin Polizzi. Adams (8-2) dropped two of its last three regular season contests after winning its first seven games. Bryant's defense pitched a second straight shutout and sacked Spartans QB Luis Cerna six times. Bryant drew the second seed in the four-team Cup playoff bracket, and Adams was seeded third. Top seed Wadleigh will face Lane in the tournament's other semifinal. Championship Playoffs CANARSIE 24, CAMPUS MAGNET 12 Campus Magnet traveled to Brooklyn Saturday to open the playoffs at Canarsie, the third-strongest football team in the PSAL, and the Bull-Dogs showed no fear. Running back James Johnson scored a four-yard touchdown and quarterback Datalia Holness snuck in for a score as 14th-seeded Magnet led 12-0 after three quarters and stood on the verge of scoring a major playoff upset. "We were beating them offensively and defensively," Barnett said. "We just had a couple of breakdowns. It's frustrating because we had our chance." PORT RICHMOND 50, AUGUST MARTIN 21 Port Richmond broke the game open at home with three touchdowns in the second quarter as they routed the visiting Falcons. August Martin, seeded 15th out of 16 teams, briefly led the No. 2 Red Raiders 7-6 after Murphy White's four-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Bryson Burel scored three touchdowns for Port Richmond. "All we can do is try out best; we tried our best," said August Martin coach Michael Scaduto, whose team finished the regular season 63. "We came a long way this season, and we went down fighting." Bowl Playoffs TRUMAN 22, LONG ISLAND CITY 18 Despite outgaining Truman's offense, the Long Island City Bulldogs fell to the Mustangs in first round of the Bowl Tournament playoffs. LIC trailed, 14-6 at halftime, but first-year signal-caller Chris Delvento rallied the squad in the third quarter, tossing two touchdowns. In the end, though, Truman's deep running game and attacking defense were too much for the Bulldogs. Three Mustangs - Malik Williams, Ernesto Lafalaise and Hector Sanabria - topped 60 rushing yards, and Truman sacked Delvento five times. BROOKLYN TECH 36, JAMAICA 26 A Jamaica defense that surrendered 75 points in its last three games came back to haunt the Beavers in the first round of the Bowl Tournament playoffs. The Beaver defense struggled yet again against Brooklyn Tech, surrendering 268 rushing yards. Engineers quarterback George Rowen barely threw the ball, attempting just two passes. Jamaica trailed, 30-12, entering the fourth quarter; a pair of late touchdowns kept the score close.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hschool/2007/11/13/2007-11-13_christ_the_king_rides_another_playoff_up.html?...

Mount earns 16-8 win over Chaminade in 'AAA' semis BY BRIAN BOHL Tuesday, November 13th 2007, 11:34 AM

It was a familiar sight: A slew of Mount St. Michael defenders bolting past the line of scrimmage, pressuring Chaminade quarterback Doug Vella. On the final drive, the Mountaineers' pass rush forced an intentional grounding penalty on third-and-long, capping a strong defensive effort in a 16-8 win over the sixth-seeded Flyers in the CHSFL 'AAA' semifinals at Ott Field in Mineola. Isiah Moody accounted for both touchdowns for No. 7 Mount, but the senior running back wasn't about to celebrate too boisterously; St. Anthony's - the league's six-time defending champion - awaits in the title game on Sunday. Moody, a senior, already has experienced both sides of the emotional spectrum while playing the Friars. His first-quarter touchdown sparked a 22-12 victory in the Bronx on Sept. 22, ending St. Anthony's 64-game regular-season winning streak. As a first-year varsity player last season, Moody was a member of the squad that lost the CHSFL championship game to St. Anthony's in a one-point heartbreaker at Fordham University. "Last year, we thought we could beat them," Moody said. "This year, we know we can beat them." Mount St. Michael will try to stop the Friars from notching title No. 7 and extract a modicum of revenge from last season's finale, which was decided by a missed Mountaineers extra point. St. Anthony's (9-1) is coming off a semifinal win in which quarterback James Brady threw for 111 yards and rushed for another 117 yards and a touchdown to beat Iona Prep, 24-20. The Mountaineers (5-5) know that if they want to score their third upset of these playoffs, they need to put the same pressure on Brady as they generated against Chaminade's Vella. The pass rush generated sacks and also led to Pliney Nivens' interception, which quelled a potential game-tying touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter. Even while standing on the field on Long Island, Nivens' thoughts turned back to last year's disappointment in the Bronx, when a championship was there for the taking. "I just remember the last play of the game," Nivens said. "It was fourth-and-1 and we didn't make it. It didn't take me long to get over it. I was looking forward to next year. "We have a lot to prove," he added. "We have to come out and be more fired up than they are." A return trip to the finals seemed distant when Mount lost its season opener to lower-tier Fordham Prep. After victories over Farrell and St. Anthony's, coach Mario Valentini's team sandwiched losses to St. Joseph by-the-Sea and Iona Prep, Chaminade and Holy Trinity around a lone win against last-place Xaverian. "Everybody was gunning for us after we beat St. Anthony's," Moody said. "That's why we lost. Everything went to our heads. We thought we were on top." The Mountaineers appear to have put it together at the right time, knocking off second-seeded St. Joseph by-the-Sea in the first round. "We know no one can really play with us if we work hard," Moody said. "If our defense plays together, we don't think we can be stopped." STEPINAC 19, FORDHAM PREP 14 Fordham Prep's late drive stalled inside the Stepinac 20, but coach Peter Gorynski said his squad may have lost the CHSAA "AA" semifinal game a few quarters earlier than that. Gorynski was forced to shuffle his lineup in the first quarter after senior fullback/ linebacker Brian Seminario was sidelined with a stinger in his shoulder. Seminaro and fellow senior linebacker Chris Moffa were assigned to shadow speedy Stepinac running backs Rashaad Slowley and Maurice Easterling, but the coach was forced to change plans with Seminario on the sideline.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hschool/2007/11/13/2007-11-13_mount_earns_168_win_over_chaminade_in_aa-...

"That was a huge part of our game plan," Gorysnki said. "Ostensibly that was our whole defensive game plan." Fordham Prep (8-2) missed out on a chance to play in the "AA" final for the second straight season (the Rams lost to Xaverian last season). Stepinac (8-2) won its seventh straight game since Slowley (26 carries, 171 yards) returned from an ankle injury and can win its first title since 1995 when it plays Christ the King at Hofstra on Saturday. Seminario was replaced by a rotation of underclassmen, but the Rams defense wasn't the same without the senior, who picked off Stepinac quarterback Joe Collins' pass in the first quarter to set up Peter Lamacchia's nine-yard sweep, which gave Fordham Prep a 7-0 lead. Rams quarterback Lawrence DeSimone ran for a one-yard sneak to make it 14-0 in the first quarter, but No. 6 seed Stepinac climbed back when Easterling rumbled for a 10-yard score to close the gap. DeSimone (5-for-14, 65 yards) threw an interception late in the second quarter to set up Collins' 13-yard touchdown pass to Slowley with 14 seconds to left in the half. No. 2 seed Fordham Prep maintained its slim lead throughout the second half, but Rams back Calvin McCoy (20 carries, 107 rushing yards) fumbled for the second time all season with three minutes left in the fourth quarter, and Stepinac took over at the Rams' 41. Two minutes later, Easterling ran it in from 14 yards out to give the Crusaders a five-point lead. The Rams drove to the Stepinac 10-yard line and faced a third-and-10, but DeSimone was sacked and McCoy was stopped at the 9-yard line on a fourth-down screen pass, securing the win for Stepinac. "I had to call timeouts for substitutions and I had to call one when we had 12 men in the huddle one play in the second half," Gorynski said. "If I had one more timeout on that last drive, things might have been different." XAVIER 39, SPELLMAN 10 The Falcons showed Xavier early on that things were going to be different in their CHSAA "A" semifinal last Saturday. The Falcons lost to the Knights, 65-12, in the last week of the regular season, but Joe DeSimone's team hung with the No. 1 seed Xavier through the first half, trailing 14-10. But quarterback Trumaine Rose botched snap early in the third quarter and the No. 4 seed Falcons (3-6) seemed to lose their grasp on the game. Spellman couldn't hold off the Knights after the fumble and allowed Xavier to score 25 unanswered points and advance to Saturday's "A" title game at Hofstra against St. John the Baptist. "We came out and played well, but after the fumble it seemed like it was downhill for them, and uphill for us," said Spellman running back Robert McIntosh, who scored on a 70-yard run in the first quarter to give the Falcons a 10-7 lead. "We knew they came in expecting to blow us out, but I'm proud of the way we played," added McIntosh, a senior three-sport star at Spellman. "If I have to go out, this isn't a bad way to end it." PSAL PLAYOFFS BY IAN BEGLEY KENNEDY 20, MIDWOOD 6 Kennedy coach Alex Vega spent all day watching football last Sunday, but he wasn't watching the NFL. Vega and the rest of the Kennedy staff were studying film of the Canarsie Chiefs, their next opponent in the Championship Division playoffs. After a few hours of watching film, Vega came away with one way to describe Chiefs quarterback Sha-Tim Pratt: impressive. No. 6 Kennedy will take on Pratt and No. 3 Canarsie in Brooklyn on Saturday after it dispatched Midwood, 20-8, last weekend. Ozzie Garcia threw a 63-yard touchdown pass to halfback Maurice Mitchelson in the third quarter to seal the win for the Knights (8-2). Fullback Mike Washington ran for two scores and the Knights cornerback Chris Quinnonez picked off Hornets quarterback Jabari Arnaud Wilson twice to snuff any Midwood rally in the second half. The Knights' secondary will have to be at its best to limit the Chiefs' Pratt, who passed for 952 yards and 10 touchdowns in the regular season. Pratt's favorite target is receiver Andre Hall. Hall finished the regular season with eight touchdowns, and added one more in the second half of the Chiefs' 24-12 win last Saturday over Campus Magnet. "It's a question of whether we can put pressure on the quarterback," Vega said. "I don't care what kind of secondary you have, if you

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hschool/2007/11/13/2007-11-13_mount_earns_168_win_over_chaminade_in_aa-...

give a quarterback like that time to scramble, he will find an open receiver." NEW DORP 24, LEHMAN 20 No. 10 Lehman outgained New Dorp by 150 yards on Saturday and didn't turn the ball over, but couldn't pull the upset against the No. 7 Central Cougars. To line coach Mike Varinos, the Lions' shortcoming was simple. "It was just the little things, a couple of miscues," Varinos said. "They just all added up." Lions back Patrick Farrar opened the scoring with a touchdown run in the first-quarter and the Lions took a 20-16 half time lead when Jamari Young hit Marquis Palmer Garcia with a touchdown pass in the second quarter. But the Lions couldn't keep the lead in the second half, as Sherland Basnight ran for a four-yard TD and Erik Heedles caught his third two-point conversion of the game from brother Thomas, giving New Dorp a 24-20 lead. Lehman drove to the New Dorp 32 on the ensuing possession, but the drive and the season ended when Lions QB Jamari Young threw four straight incomplete passes. Varinos credited the Lions' undersized offensive line for creating holes against the Cougars, but had a tough time talking about the ultimate outcome. "I thought we should have pulled the upset, I really did," Varinos said. TRUMAN 22, LIC 18 Truman's Hector Sanabria came into Sunday's first-round home playoff game against LIC nursing a sore ankle. The junior running back/cornerback needed only the eight plays he was on the field to make his presence felt, running for the game-winning touchdown and breaking up LIC's best attempt to steal the game in the Mustangs' (7-3) win. Sanabria ran for a 40-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter and broke up Chris Delvento's pass at the last instant to preserve the victory. Truman survived despite three turnovers, which led to three Delvento touchdown passes. LIC recovered an onside kick to open the game and scored on its first drive, but Truman senior back Malik Williams responded with a 60-yard sweep to tie the score, 6-6 and followed with an 87-yard punt return before half time to put No. 4 Truman up, 14-12. Truman coach John Shepherd said Reyes Alvarez sprung Williams with a furious block at the 20-yard line, allowing the senior speedster to coast to the end zone. He also credited linebacker Antonio Tsiomos (seven tackles) and lineman Bilal Greene (three tackles for loss, sack) with keeping LIC's Delvento uncomfortable all afternoon. Truman, in its first season in the Championship/Bowl Division, faces top seed Boys & Girls on Sunday in Brooklyn, and Shepherd said he will play Sanabria as much as possible against the Kangaroos. "He played eight plays, took away six points and scored a touchdown," Shepherd said. "I'll have him on the field as much as his ankle allows."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hschool/2007/11/13/2007-11-13_mount_earns_168_win_over_chaminade_in_aa-...

Friars win 7th straight title BY IAN BEGLEY DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER Monday, November 19th 2007, 4:00 AM

St. Anthony's won its seventh straight CHSFL "AAA" crown Sunday night, taking advantage of a key second-half turnover to top Mount Saint Michael, 26-20, at Hofstra's Shuart Stadium. It was the Friars' 10th title in 15 seasons and the second straight year they beat Mount in the championship game. "We just find a way to win, no matter what," said Friars quarterback James Brady, who finished 8-for-18 for 72 yards and added 42 rushing yards. The Friars trailed, 20-18, with four minutes to go. Jayson Holt had run Mount's option attack well all afternoon, but he seemed to run out of options when he dropped back on third-and-9 on his own 39. He tried to run through the line on the broken play, but he was stripped and St. Anthony's Rutgers-bound defensive end Scott Vallone came up with the ball. On the next play, Nick Mercurio made a cut to his right and sprinted down the right sideline to give the Friars a 24-20 lead. Atiq Lucas ran in the two-point conversion to put the Friars up, 26-20, with 4:37 to go. Led by Vallone (eight tackles, sack), the Friars stifled Mount's last two chances and celebrated at midfield as the clock ran out. St. Anthony's beat Mount, 21-20, in last year's championship game. "This doesn't get old," said Reichert, in his 21st year at St. Anthony's. "This is what I coach for." William Ruggerio (seven rushes, 41 yards) ran it in from 25 yards out to give the Friars a 6-0 lead in the first quarter. Mount tied it when Holt (192 rushing yards, two TDs) faked a pitch and burst through the Friars line for a four-yard score with 51 seconds left in the first. Holt added a 16-yard touchdown run in the second quarter to give Mount the lead, 12-6. But St. Anthony's tied it two minutes later when Ruggerio scored on a nine-yard run to tie it at 12. Mount's Isiah Moody ran back the second-half kickoff 98 yards to break the tie. "I thought the game was over right there," Holt said. Not with two quarters left. Not against St. Anthony's. SLOWLEY'S FAST START: Rashaad Slowley ran for three touchdowns - all in the first quarter - to lead Stepinac to a 47-12 victory over Christ the King in the CHSFL AA championship game. The Crusaders captured the school's first title since 1995 after jumping out to a 34-6 halftime lead at Hofstra's Shuart Stadium. The Royals, who started the season 0-6 before reeling off four straight wins, made their first finals appearance since 2003. With Brian Bohl

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/high_school/2007/11/19/2007-11-19_friars_win_7th_straight_title.html?print=1&page...

Christ the King misses chance to grab crown BY BRIAN BOHL  Tuesday, November 20th 2007, 10:47 AM 

It was clear from the opening drive that Christ the King's unexpected playoff run was going to end in inglorious fashion.  With fourth-seeded Stepinac marching toward the goal line, running back Rashaad Slowley took a jarring hit and fumbled the ball out of the  end zone for an apparent touchback.But officials ruled Slowley was down by contact before losing the ball, and one play later the senior  scored the first of his three first-quarter touchdowns  as the Crusaders trounced the Royals, 47-12, in Sunday's CHSFL 'AA' championship at Hofstra's Shuart Stadium. "We came out flat," CK coach Kevin Kelly said. "Against a good team like Stepinac, it comes back to bite you. We felt confident. It just didn't  work out." Seventh-seeded Christ the King won its final two regular-season games after starting 0-6 and kept the winning streak nearly to the end,  posting back-to-back one-point victories over No. 2 St. Francis Prep and No. 6 Kellenberg to advance to the finals for the first time since 2003.  Senior quarterback Joe Nuss led the Royals (4-7) to those upset wins, but he struggled against the Crusaders' secondary, throwing two  interceptions. "They scored (on) their first four possessions and we couldn't put up points," Nuss said. "They read everything well. They knew what was  coming before we snapped the ball. They made the plays, unlike us." A lost fumble and an interception returned for a touchdown led to 14 points for Stepinac (9-2) in the opening minutes of the third quarter, all  but ensuring the White Plains-based school its first title since 1995. Christ the King entered the title game with the division's second-ranked passing attack, but the Royals failed to get on the scoreboard until  they were already trailing by 21 points. They also failed to generate any defensive stops until the final drive of the first half, as Slowley and  Maurice Easterling combined for four rushing touchdowns before halftime. Slowley entered the game with an AA-leading 1,189 rushing yards, highlighting an offense led by quarterback Joseph Collins, who added a  scoring strike - a fade pass to Brian Boulhosa over Ollie Robinson in single coverage - to make it 34-6 after two quarters.  "We didn't stop the bleeding after the first hit," Manetta said. "We did come out flat and I really don't know why. Maybe people were scared or  intimidated." Nuss enjoyed solid protection the previous week against Kellenberg, utilizing the extra time to find favorite targets Danny Manetta and Michael  Hennessey. But Stepinac didn't afford Nuss the same luxury; he was constantly pressured by linemen and  linebackers Anton Rukaj and  Anthony Scarnati.  "It was rough," Nuss said. "I felt like as soon as I had the ball, I had guys hitting me. I don't want to remember this. This is the worst feeling." Christ the King lost its first six games by a total of 100 points, including a 43-14 loss to Fordham on Sept. 15. Just over a month later, the  Royals started a remarkable turnaround, defeating Spellman and St. John the Baptist to close the regular season. A 14-13 road win over St. Francis Prep on Nov. 3 propelled Christ the King to the semifinals, where a risky play-call in overtime resulted in a successful two-point conversion to give the Royals a 22-21 victory over Kellenberg. The trip to the finals marked Christ the King's best finish  since the program won consecutive championships in 2002 and 2003. "I'm proud of the way our guys played," Kelly said. "To comeback from the way they started (this year) ... it would have been great to get a win  at the end, but I'm still proud of them. The seniors did a great job with leadership. It'll be tough to watch those guys leave."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/high_school/2007/11/20/2007-11-20_christ_the_king_misses_chance_to_grab_cr.html...

,.

T II,

, g

" , >"

.

,"

~

r~ ~

." , , <, . . ' ' . ', ' "" , "' '

" ,",., ,, .,

.

",

"

'

, ' t", < . .,. "", ~ "' ',ii'" ~J ' '

'

'

, ,,

,,

'

. "'. ,

"

,

,,

"

",.",

. ' - "' , "' " "

'

,

,

' ., f '

'

'

'

,

"

,

".

",

,,

,

.N nL

,,"

'+

hi'

f

*~f ,

, ,

'' '

'

' '' '

'

, "

' i " " '

,

,, , ,

", ,

",

' "

,

'

'

, ,

'

'

"

,

,

1"~.1>'~.":~.f~$,tH¥'i.it..,>.",, .1 '~.I .i ,:\it); iI

,'w;:'l!~: f£"',;(0;\"~VJ

U)

J ,f

,

,

, ,

>,' .,,:,t "

f'f

'

D;iIW

,

t~~ ,

,,

~11'~

if", \\ 'if,/'

:;,

;!;;.

Little'0' butIslesgeta point

I I I

BY BRIAN BOHL

t

SPECIAL

SNIPPETS OF FAMOUS songs from the The Who blared from the Nassau Coliseum speakers during play stoppages, The music was fitting, since the Islanders are living by the theme "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere" to gain points, They got one by taking the Stars to overtime last mght, but lost, 3-2, when Mike Modano

I

~ ~

r

TO THE NEWS

~~~ ISLES

~ ~~~~d35~~C~~:n~t~fth~se:~

2

session.ofModano in ashot rebound Stephaneknocked Robidas' for the game-winner. "This was one of those games where maybe we shouldn't have gotten a point," Isles coach Ted Nolan said. . "We (still) found a way to do it. They're a premier team in . the league." The Stars, who beat the Rangers at the Garden on Sunday, won their sixth straight and lead the Pacific Division with a 13-7-4 record. The Isles' power play awakened from a nearly month-

'I

\ ", '"

.

..

long slumber at the right time. Miroslav Satan beat Stars goalie Marty Turco on the stick side off a rebound with 2:48 remaining in regulation. Rick DiPietro finished with 28 saves for the Isles. He started his 16th straight game and is expected to play in both games of a back-to-back set against the first-place Senators and the Rangers starting tomorrow. "It took us a little while to get back in the game," Satan said. "It was tight in the neutral zone. We had some difficulties." The Islanders have scored just 15 gQals in the past nine games but are 4-4-1 in that span thanks mostly to DiPietro. He stymied Dallas' second-ranked power play unit, which went scoreless in five attempts. "It's really important we scored on the power play and held their power play to zero," Nolan said. "That's a big difference and one of the reasons why we got the point. " Stars goalie MartyTurco makes save against RuslanFedotenkoas Islanders Nolan, who recently revamped his line continuehavingtroubleputtingthe puckinnet. Photoby Getty combinations, stuck with the same lineup, keeping Chris Simon with captain Bill all the way out to the top of the right circle on an Islanders' Guerin and Mike Comrie on the top line despite limited suc- clearing attempt, but Park beat him to the puck and skated cess thus far. right to the open net for his second goal in two games. "We're not getting a lot of goals, but it's not because of Modano got the Stars even when he blasted a shot that lack of effort or chance!)," Comrie said. "Teams go through beat DiPietro glove-side just 2:30 after Park's goal. Jeff this throughout the year. You need to keep your focus and Halpern slammed home the go-ahead goal for Dallas 6:07 do everything you can to get pucks to the net." into the final period. Sergei Zubov's point attempt went off Richard Park netted a shorthanded goal midway Mike Sillinger's stick and caromed to Halpern, who blasted a shot into the vacant net. through the contest for the game's first goal. Turco came

f

't" ., 0 (W)

I ~ !

a >< .'" If

f !

Jenkinswaits

turnat Hofstra,

I !

/

nowemerging as "'"~'

a keyplayer BY BRIAN BOHL OSODY WAS AROUND to cheer. The

scoreboard and shot clock both were turned ott. The only sounds that filled the gym in the late hours were basketballs bouncing and two pairs of sneakers squeaking.

Ii 't

Inthose midnight moments last season, the present and future of the Hofstra men's basketball program were forged in a series of one-on-one pickup contests and knockout competitions. Loren Stokes was the seasoned veteran; the senior point guard who went on to capture the CAA Player of the Year award before earning a spot on the Orlando Magic's summer league team. His opponent was a raw-but-promising prospect in Charles Jenkins, who redshirted last year and is currently one of the key members of a rebuilding Pride team. Stokes is now playing overseas, creating an avkins to headline a youth movement for

I I J I ,

Gardensstandout has scored in double figures mree times and is the second-leading toine Agudio, notching

,-,-

~-

scorer behind An-

12.8 points. per game to go / ("

along with five rebounds and two steals a night. "I would always challenge him because I wanted

,.,

to be equally as good:' Jenkins said about matching Stokes, the second-leading

scorer in program

his-

tory. "I actually never beat him. He was a guy who I always liked to play against because he was quick and got to the basket He'd do anything to help the team win. He also roomed with me, so I was able to talk to him a lot" Jenkins earned the Daily News' All-Queens award during a high school career that featured two team MVP awards and helping Springfield Gardens post a 43-8 record during his last two seasons.

Gaudy numbers didn't prevent the 6-3, 220pound guard from struggling when he arrived in

E

'" ~.". '. 0u

en 3=
Z. 'ii'j

~c:

)

~ z ~

'If

g

(

Hempstead, though sitting behind guards Stokes, Agudio and Carios Rivera for one season helped his acclimation to a higher level. "It was a big adjustment,"

Jenkins said. "In high

school, I was always orte of the top players on my team. Now,I'm getting use to telling other people

where to go as far as being a point guard. The more gamesituationsl'mil1\ Ithink it will come natural. Being in my first year,l'ma little hesitant at saying certain things

alwaysremind

a leader on the court

~ ~ ~

to playerS.

"My coaches

~

me that I have to be

They want

me to be a more

~ u. ~

vocal leader."

After redshirting li1$t season, his first at Hofstra, fonner Springfield Gardens star Charles Jenkins emerges as team's second-leading scorer and key piece of Pride's new youth movement.

Despite a 1-3 start, the Pride is relying heavily on

Agudio and Jenkins to carry the scoring load. Even ......

I ~

i

.,

{~ ~ )1.

0

~.

~ ~. Q; .c E
U
F

Jenkins is one of three players averaging over 30 minutes a game. with limited experience,

His assist-to-turnover (0.636 assists/turnovers).

said consistency a developing

ratio Is still unimpressive Hofstra coach Tom Pecora

is one of the last things to come for

player, adding that pairing Jenkins with

Stokes in his first year was a calculated

move that

Junior Mike Davis-Sabb- another city-bred player who starred at AllHallowsin the Bronx

to worry about what's next'"

-

Liberty University. At Springfield Gardens, he aver-

played with Stokes for two seasons, helping Hofstra qualify for the NITeach time. After a recent practice at the Mack Sports Complex, Davis-Sabb said Jenkins will be even better once he develops more confidence in his abilities and establishes a

.

Jenkins

was also recruited by St'. John's and

aged 21.1 points per game in his senior season under coach Angelo Buono. He captured the PSAL Player of the Year award, highlighted by a win over Campus Magnet that featured a29-point, eight-rebound,

has already yielded positive results. "He's a bull. He needs to playa lot of minutes for

short memoryfollowingmistakes.

us," Pecora said. "The thing

lot," Davis-Sabb said. "He thinks about the last play he made; the last pass. Itry to fell him, 'Just let it go.

role his first year with the Pride might have been considered an insult by some true freshmen, but

You can't worry about that last play. You just have

Jenkins said he understood the physical and mental

steady.

The term

is going out and being

we use all the time is being solid

as a player and as a person."

"Charles is great (but) gets down on himself a

seven-assist performance. Going from an offensive linchpin to a non-playing

adjustmentsneededto competeinthe NCAA: "In highschool, I was a lot bigger than most of the guards Iplayed against," he said. "Getting to the basket was a lot easier. Here,the guards are equally as physical as Iam, and the big men are taller." Sitting out a year also put Jenkins in good company. "Antoine redshirted his first year, too," he said. "The first couple of games were frustrating because I'm use to being on the floor. My coaches let me know in the long-run, it's going to benefit me a lot"

(~ (~ f

/f

/fll

-

/"'/.

"-

..r1"K""~~'."' I ,.r.;f . / r i .1"'f~'t 'l'",,~. (i."'1.'""r

Former All Hallows standout adjusts to coming off bench at Hofstra BY BRIAN BOHL Tuesday, December 4th 2007, 3:15 PM

Mike Davis-Sabb doesn't have to participate in a drill to ensure that his input resonates with teammates on the basketball team at Hofstra. During a five-on-five scrimmage in a nearly empty Mack Sports Complex last Friday, the Bronx product beseeched younger teammates to take charge and get in position for rebounds. His deep baritone could be easily mistaken for the encouraging words of an assistant coach rather than a 21-year-old junior. Davis-Sabb has gone from being a starter on a Hofstra basketball team that earned a berth in last spring's NIT postseason tournament to being a reserve on a decidedly younger unit. Instead of sulking, the former All Hallows standout says he is relishing the role of savvy veteran on a squad whose roster counts six underclassmen. "I like to bring energy coming off the bench," Davis-Sabb said. "It's a little different, but I like it better because you get a feel for the team. "I can definitely get back in the starting lineup, but I prefer coming off the bench to give the new guys a lot of playing time so down the stretch, they'll be prepared to play big minutes." With graduated guards Loren Stokes and Carlos Rivera now playing professionally overseas, the Pride has gotten decidedly younger than last year's group, which finished 22-10 overall and 14-4 in the Colonial Athletic Association. Antoine Agudio was the only returning member of Hofstra's "big three-guard" set, making him one of the most tenured players outside of Zygis Sestokas and Davis-Sabb, who started 29 games last season. Davis-Sabb's statistics through the first four regular-season games (six points and four rebounds in 28 minutes) haven't reflected his actual value, said Hofstra coach Tom Pecora. A couple of good performances, Pecora said, could allow Davis-Sabb to reclaim a starting spot; ideally, the 6-7, 240-pound forward would give the Pride a legitimate inside presence and complement Agudio and freshman guard Charles Jenkins on the perimeter. "Everyone looks at the basketball end of it," Pecora said, "but when you have experienced veterans who are good guys, they can teach the (younger) guys about how to manage time, how to handle themselves in the weight room, how to handle themselves on the road. That's when you have a good basketball program, not just a good team." Added Davis-Sabb: "You have to give instructions because they are new to the program. A lot of players coming from high school don't know the effort it takes to play at this level. They can't always hear the coach's voice. They need to hear their peer's voice." Jenkins, a redshirt freshman from Springfield Gardens, Queens, doesn't play in the frontcourt, but he said he has learned a lot from veteran teammates, including Davis-Sabb. "Mike helped me a lot out when I first came here in the summer of 2006," Jenkins said. "He was giving me tips on how to take care of my body. He was telling me how practice goes, and spending time letting me know that my body might shut down." During his high school years in the Bronx, Davis-Sabb was a focal point on an All Hallows team that advanced to the semifinals of the CHSAA city tournament. He posted a double-figure scoring average his senior year and drew All-CHSAA honors. Pecora, a product of Queens Village, recruited Davis-Sabb as part of an effort to stockpile talent from the boroughs. The forward said he was initially hesitant about making the eastbound trek to Hempstead and playing in a relatively small venue, but the Mack Sports Complex has provided more than enough atmosphere to satisfy him. "It's definitely exceeded (expectations)," Davis-Sabb said. "I never thought that playing in front of 4,000 people could feel like the Garden. The student section's going crazy; it's a great atmosphere. I love it."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/2007/12/04/2007-12-04_former_all_hallows_standout_adjusts_to_c.html?print...

'~

.

,

:'

'

'

"~

~','

;,

""'

""

.

'\ 'II ~!:.

> :t, ~ I

.

'0@:~:'.,

'

""

Bene' hi arkvieto - ' .

.

ry"'."""j;'f"'

"

,

,

,

'

','"

",., p

,

, ""',

~

Starterssit,thenRutgersfinishesoffArmy BY BRIANBOHL ranked Duke' on Thursday, marked the first time the SPECIAL TOTHENEWS Scarlet Knights have played in New York since ONE BY ONE, the announced starters for the radio host Dol}.Imus made racist comments about Rutgers women's basketball team ran from the the team during his show in April. bench to midcourt during pregame introductions. Stringer said her personnel moves were not :gut as the music pulsated and the crowd cheered, it designed to send a message, adding that she intendbeCC1!tleclear the applause was for some new faces. ed to keep the reserves in for at least the first five Scarlet Knights coach C. Vivian Stringer benched minutes. "I'm not pleased about Duke," Stringer her starters for the first nine minutes and 30 said, "but it was more to see if we could establish seconds against Army yesterday at the Garden. The the tempo." reserves opened up an early lead, but The move enab1ed players such as No.4 Rutgers fell behind later with its Prince and Matee Ajavon to utilize fresh legs to make a late push, sending Rutgers lest players on the floor. The Scarlet RUTGERS ~~fS used a big run ,late in the first into halftime with a 28-21 edge thanks to

59

on: the way to a

ARMY

9-42 victory over the Black Knights in :he ~qond game of the Maggie Dixon :::laSsic,the first women's basketball doubleheader it the Garden since 1981. "I t1}qught we'd just try something a little differmt," s'aid Stringer, who was without one starter, Heather Zurich, due to illness. "Our backups under~tood"the significance of their roles and they got a Fhan~to get their feet wet." Rashidat. Junaid made her first career start and ~ad 15 points and 10 rebounds as Rutgers dominat~d .At1nyin the paint. Brittany Ray also started for ~e Qist time this season, adding 13 points iJ;l36 minf1tes"to help Rutgers improve to 6-3. Leading scorer trod r:onner Bergtraum High star Epiphanny Prince contributed eight points off the bench. "Before the game, Coach told me to go out and play hard; do the team things and put up (shots) strong," said Junaid, a sophomore who said she nev~r had play~d ~t MSG before. "I had confidence. We Just played It like any other arena.", Rutgers' victory, coming after a 49-44 loss to 17th-

~j

,,' '\

11

... I ~ ,."",'Y'

r4 ~,~

','~

,,

themselves

1

"' ".'

",

lalf:1toright

I'.'}!J

,

,

,

"

~ ,

\: ,,'

"

,"

'1'1 'j

42

a 13-2 run to cap the half. Rutgers broke

it open with a 16-2 surge midway through the second half for a 47-27 cushion. Army (5-4) took a big hit just 2:32 into the game when top scorer Cara Enright hurt her ankle com,ing down with a rebound. The senior guard fell to the floor and needed to be helped into the dressing room by the medical staff. She did not rettml. "Our, game plan didn't really change," Stringer said about the Black Knights losing a playmaker who was averaging 14 points, 'We need to go out and focus on being the best we can offensively and defensively." In the opener, Duke (7-3) defeilted Pittsburgh (6-3) with a dramatic final shot. With the game tied, the Blue Devils' Joy Creek rebounded Chante Black's miss and scored on a put-back with 1.2 seconds left for a 51-49 victory. The Maggie Dixon Classic, in its second year, was established in honor of the fonner Army women's basketball coach who died April 6, 2006, of arrhythmia, weeks after her first season coaching tJ1eBlack Knights. ,

arquefttqtJ~~ 0 I"'" r=

~

Badgers'homerun MADISON, Wis.

-

Dominic

Pin

75, WASHINGTON 74:

Justin Dentmon's runner in the James scored 20 points and No. 11 Marquette ended Wiscon-' lane as the buzzer sounded was sin's 28-home game winning disallowed after a lengthy review, and the No. 12 Panthers (9-0) streak with an 81-76 victory held in Seattle. yesterday. Marquette {6-1)ended DAYTON70, LOUISVILLE65: the 6-2 Badgers' home streak Brian Roberts scored 28 points that was the third-longest ih DivisionI. as the visiting Flyers (7-1) KANSAS84, DEPAUL66: spoiled Rick Pitino's bid to become the 17th active Division Sasha Kaun scored the first six I coach with 500 points in a 24-1 first-half run that sent the No.3 &0 LLEn E It I)0 P S ~:r~f~~~;~he Jayhawks (9-0) to R ranked No. 14, a home rout. fell to 5-2. TEXAS80, PENN ST. 89, SETONHALL 86: The Pirates RICE54: In Houston, A.J. Abrams, D.J. Augustin and (7-2) led by 15 late in the first Damion James scored 18 points half but struggled after halftime each to help the NO.4 longand fell in overtime in Sta,te horns improveto 9-0 for the first College, Pa. time since 1981-82. FORDHAM 88, N.J. TECH 44: DUKE95, MICHIGAN67: Eirenton Butler scored 21 points . TaylorKingscored 18 points as and the host Rams (5-4) kept the No.6 Blue Devils(9-0) the Highlanders winless (0-11). romped at home. WAGNER 64, ST. FRANCIS UCLA75, DAVIDSON 63: luc (N.Y.) 59: Durrell Vinson had 24 Richard Mbah a Moute scored points and 14 rebounds to lead 21 points and the host Bruins the host Seahawks (6-3, 1-0 (8-1) made up an 18-point defiNEC)over the Terriers (3-6, 0-2). cit. RHODE ISLAND 91, SYRAMICHIGANST. 68, BYU61: CUSE 89; Jimmy Baron scored DrewNeitzel scored 13 of his 15 21 points to lead a 12-of-18 points in the second half as the assault from beyond the arc as NO.9 Spartans rallied over the the visiting Rams (10-1) outNo. 20 Cougars - in Salt lake City. scored the Orange (6-3). -AP

~ ~ ~

0 UNO UP

I

,j.

Shaine Smith aims for greener pastures BY BRIAN BOHL  Tuesday, December 18th 2007, 1:25 PM 

Hofstra has a tradition of producing NFL wide receivers, and Shaine Smith hopes to add his name to that list. The 6-3, 180-pounder aims to retrace the tracks of Wayne Chrebet, who made his pro name without leaving the area. Chrebet signed  with the Jets as an undrafted free agent 12 years ago and wound up asone of the most prolific receivers in team history.  Smith emerged Hofstra's top receiver last season, replacing Marques Colston, who's now with the New Orleans Saints. The August  Martin HS product caught 60 balls for 951 yards and nine scores. He then attended spring camp with the St. Louis Rams, but couldn't  earn a roster spot. Now, Smith hopes to stick with the Jets; he joined the team's practice squad last week. Here, Smith, who turns 24 on Christmas day,  describes the experience: "After I was let go by the Rams, I was training down in Orlando for two-and-a-half months, waiting to be called again.   "I came back up to New York because I found out I had an opportunity with the (Arena Football) Dragons. That didn't work out, but the  Jets called me. Right before I came out in the draft (last year), they worked me out. I think they've always had their eye on me, but they  weren't sure where to put me because they had a couple of draft picks. "I mostly practice with Chad (Pennington). Chad's been phenomenal, directing us where to go; he's been a big help. "Laveranues Coles, Jerricho Cotchery and Justin McCareins are all helping me out. I wouldn't learn from anyone else. "You never know when your time is going to come, so you want to be ready. It's great being back on campus. It seems like I can never  leave New York. It's easy access for me, but I think I can turn some heads."

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/high_school/2007/12/18/2007-12-18_shaine_smith_aims_for_greener_pastures.ht...

Section-Low: XQ-11

22

Soccer players take to water to bolster Tiger swim team BY BRIAN BOHL IGH SCHOOL teams often find themselves hoping that the incoming class can provide the fresh faces to spark a turnaround after a disappointing season. But when the Cleveland Tigers endured a winless 2005-06, then-firstyear swimming coach Christopher Sullivan chose a unique way to bolster his depth. “They had five swimmers, and you can’t swim with that,” Sullivan said. “I coach the soccer team, so I threw all my soccer players that were athletes into the pool.” The results speak for themselves: Just two seasons later, the Tigers are 8-2 and in playoff contention.

H

Bayside and Francis Lewis have finished 1-2 in the Queens division in each of the past three seasons, but the Tigers are battling to supplant one of those heavyweights in the final standings. They nearly defeated Bayside on Dec. 7, but ultimately fell 48-42. The Tigers are in second place in the division with just one meet left. They remain on the cusp of the city’s playoff picture, which is determined by timed finishes rather than wins and losses. Even if they do miss the postseason, Sullivan has overseen a marked improvement. Cleveland won just a single meet from 2004-06, prompting the Ridgewood school to ask Sullivan to rejuvenate the program. The certified lifeguard and water-safety instructor instituted sweeping changes; he made swimming classes mandatory as part of the physi-

cal education program. “After we did that, I picked up about seven kids to join the swim team,” Sullivan said. “I knew from when I was a swimmer that it’s grueling. It’s hard, especially if you’ve never swam before. All these kids were willing to put the effort in.” A vital part of the Tigers’ resurgence has been the contribution of what Sullivan terms his “nucleus”: juniors Jason Lugo (freestyle), Mateusz Kaczynski (individual medley), Robert Ciesielski (200and 50-yard freestyle) and sophomore Patryk Obiedzinski (butterfly). Lugo is the only member of that quartet who did not star on the soccer field. “I get really enthused when I talk

about my kids,” Sullivan said. “None of them are club swimmers. Some of the teams we faced had club swimmers. Sullivan reserves his highest praise for senior captain Lobsang Tenzin, a Tibetan immigrant who has become a consistent competitor in the butterfly and a mainstay on the Tigers relay squads. “He could not swim a lick,” Sullivan said of Tenzin. “Now, a year later, he’s doing every stroke for me efficiently. He’s swimming all four strokes and doing an unbelievable job.” Like Tenzin, the Tigers have taken a few years to progress. Cleveland opened last season by losing its first three meets but went on to win three of its final five. The Tigers rode a twogame win streak into this season. Chalk that up to a determined squad, says Sullivan, a onetime swimming

BLACK ONLY

Cleveland’s kicking it ...from pitch to pool

XQ

XQ

11

SWIMMING

standout at Long Beach HS. “I’ve coached lacrosse and soccer, and I’ve never seen kids so determined to accomplish the tasks that I ask them to do,” he added. Can that determination survive the graduation this June of Tenzin and eight other seniors? Sullivan hopes so, but he knows he can continue to lure soccer players into the pool with his finely honed recruiting pitch. “I stressed that if you are willing to work that hard, there is light at the end of the tunnel with lifeguarding,” Sullivan said. “The kids lit up when I told them that when you become a lifeguard, it’s good for networking. You can make up to $4,000-5,000 in a summer. “They caught on to what I was saying.”

Photos by Richard Slattery

Princess holds court in county of Queens

Slam leads to forfeit, and Bryant coach cries foul BY MITCH ABRAMSON

A

after conferring with her coach, Chris Alena, she decided to call it a day. Curtis (5-1) was awarded six points for the match and went on to win eight of the next nine contests to finish with an overall score of 48-21 over the host Owls (3-4). Fifth-year Bryant coach Peter Maliarakis cried foul over the way that Alena handled the situation, alleging that the Curtis coach used “butcherly” tactics to manipulate the situation to gain the points in the 125-pound match. “The girl said she was OK to wrestle and the coach conviced her that she was injured,” Maliarakis said afterward. “So that’s a little strategy that scumbag coaches use, and that’s what happened in that case.”

Watts, a sophomore, chucked his headgear in frustration after being disqualified, and Maliarakis had to “threaten” his wrestler with being thrown off the team to get him to calm down. It was just the second loss of the season for Watts, and Bryant was leading in points, 18-3, before Watts (5-2) was disqualified. Alena, in his 11th year, didn’t refute the account given by Maliarakis, but he downplayed Rodriguez’s initial impulse to continue. “She was trying to prove her toughness and say ‘I’m fine, I can handle it,’ but she was a little banged up,” he said. “She was suffering from a rib problem from a couple of weeks ago and the injury got aggravated and her shoulder was hurting after the

PSAL

CURTIS BRYANT

48 21

slam, so I figured it was in her best interest not to continue and because of the illegal slam, we were able to get the win. “The Bryant coach was upset about what happened and the wrestler was upset, but he went beyond the rules and slammed her illegally. We kind of stole that from them thanks to the penalty.” Bryant, the top-ranked wrestling team from Queens, has 26 power points, tied with Truman for 10th-best in the league. The Owls are scheduled to close out the regular season against FDR, Sheepshead Bay and Francis Lewis, all of which trail in the standings. “Basically, if we win our next three — and our schedule does get a little easier towards the end — I think we’ll still sneak into the playoffs,” Maliarakis said. “That’s our goal for right now.” — With reporting by Kellie Clark

BEAUTY QUEENS have been getting a bad rap lately for their clueless antics, but New York’s contender for the Miss USA pageant isn’t just a pretty face. In fact, she has some pointed — and surprising — opinions about everything from 2006’s misbehav-

ing Miss USA to this year’s heated presidential race. “I’m voting for [Barack] Obama,” Danielle Roundtree, Miss New York 2008, revealed recently at an energetic junior high school assembly in Queens. Sporting a leopard-print blouse and form-fitting jeans, the eye-pleasing 20-year-old from the upper West Side told the Daily News she doesn’t think Hillary Clinton could beat a Republican opponent in November. “People may not be as supportive of a woman as President,” offered Roundtree, who was born in Miami but moved to New York a few years ago. “[Obama’s] more likely to win it. Who knows? Hillary could surprise us all.” The slender knockout dropped other bombs during her stop at Bell Academy in Bayside on Jan. 11, an effort to get to know the people she’ll represent at the Miss USA pageant on April 11 in Las Vegas. An auditorium packed with 185 sixth- and seventh-graders peppered Roundtree with questions, twice asking if she has a boyfriend

— she doesn’t — and feverishly requesting autographs. “I kinda felt special. I was standing next to a princess,” gushed sixth-grader Stephanie Matsumura, 11. “She has a lot of talent and she looks really nice.” Roundtree vowed to never become like Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner, who was nearly stripped of her tiara after she was caught using drugs, drinking too much and kissing other girls. “Life is too short, and she kinda forgot that,” Roundtree said. “This is only one year. Your job is to be a role model, not be the person everyone doesn’t want you to be.” Roundtree also called up students to belt out some tunes with her — and apparently made a good impression. Sixth-grader Julian Ruiz, 13, blushed when asked why he wanted the beauty queen’s MySpace info. “She’s pretty,” he said, predicting Roundtree would end up in the final five. “But there’s other contestants. Maybe there’s someone who’s prettier.”

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

FOUL-FILLED wrestling meet dissolved into an ugly war of words between coaches after a wrestler who was illegally slammed chose not to continue on Thursday at Bryant. About 20 seconds into the 125-pound match, Bryant’s Trevor Watts shot in and attempted a doubleleg takedown on Curtis’ Alana Rodriguez, a sophomore backup who was pushed into action when starter Frank Priolo sat out with a finger injury. Instead of retaining control when he picked her up, Watts slammed Rodriguez down and was whistled for an illegal move. Moments later, he was disqualified after Rodriguez withdrew because of injury. According to both coaches, Rodriguez initially told the referee she would continue the match, but

BY NICHOLAS HIRSHON

Plate Label: XQ,1STAR,51,11,22 - Mon Jan 21 17.04.58 EST 2008 PLATE-SIGZONE:XQ,1STAR,51,B,XQ,11,22:

DAILY NEWS

WRESTLING

Miss New York Danielle Roundtree, 20, answers questions from student admirers at Bell Academy in Bayside. “I kinda felt special,” said sixth-grader Stephanie Matsumura of the visit. “I was standing next to a princess.”

DAILY NEWS

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Christopher Sullivan (from l.) rebuilds Cleveland pool program around Mateusz Kaczynski, Jason Lugo, Lobsang Tenzin, Patryk Obiedzinski and Robert Ciesielski. Photo by Bryan Pace

nydailynews.com

nydailynews.com

Loyal subjects swoon during school visit

BY NICHOLAS HIRSHON WITH COUNCILMAN Joseph Addabbo poised to try for higher office, the race for his seat is shaping up as a generational showdown between a grad student and a grandpa. Fresh-faced Republican Eric Ulrich, 22, and elder Democrat Frank Gulluscio, 60, won’t face each other until February 2009 if the Democrat Addabbo dethrones state Sen. Serphin Maltese (R-Glendale) — or until November 2009 if Addabbo loses. But the civic-minded men are already exchanging potshots over who should represent Howard Beach, the Rockaways and other parts of southern Queens in the Council. “A 60-year-old man like Frank against a guy like me who can knock on more doors [to get votes]? That’s

a no-brainer,” fired Ulrich, who studies at St. John’s University and became a Republican district leader in September. Gulluscio shot back with his résumé: an English teacher in the 1970s, franchisee of two Brooklyn roller-skating rinks in the 1980s, nearly a decade as Democratic district leader and two years as Community Board 6 district manager. “I’ve been 22. I know how 22-yearolds act and walk and talk,” Gulluscio said of his rival. “We need somebody in that job who’s competent. . . . We need someone from Day One who’s not going to ask where the bathroom is.” Ulrich has raised $18,565 for his run over the past two years, with donations from several civic leaders and the wife of former Councilman

B.A., St. Francis College (2007); M.A., St. John’s University (Expected 2009) Engaged for four months

Family

Married for 35 years, grandfather of two

B.A., SUNY (1968)

Experience

District leader for nearly a decade

George W. Bush (2004)

First presidential candidate voted for Favorite movie

Eugene McCarthy (1968)

Favorite pop song

John Lennon’s “Imagine” (1971)

Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” (1979)

Thomas Ognibene, according to city Campaign Finance Board records. Gulluscio has garnered a comparatively slim $4,575, records show, but he stressed he hasn’t truly started fund-raising. “Look at me in July, which is the next filing [for campaign contributions],” he said.

Safe harbor for Stanners Molloy dominates ‘B’ league while weathering its losses

60

District leader for five months

“Shawshank Redemption” (1994)

JOEL CAIRO

Frank Gulluscio (D)

BY BRIAN BOHL

FRANK KOESTER

14 XQ

Council seat will be up for grabs

22

Name Age Education

“Patch Adams” (1998)

But the candidates agree on some things: Both are proposing ferry service and cleaner, safer beaches in the Rockaways. Losing 2006 Assembly candidate Stuart Mirsky, now vice president of the Rockaways Republican Club, figured Ulrich’s dynamism would help him put up a formidable fight

against Gulluscio. “You don’t have an incumbent in place,” Mirsky said. “It makes things a lot easier for a challenger.” And Democratic district leader Lew Simon, who lost to Addabbo in the 2001 primary, said he hasn’t ruled out entering the race.

Church women’s ministry focuses on the future from the Habitable Planet Series, “Looking Forward: Our Global Experiment.” Ages: adults. No fee. Preregister by calling (718) 229-4000.

Chorus performs in King tribute The Immaculate Conception Honor Chorus of Jamaica Estates performed at “A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” at the Central Library in Jamaica.

What's up in the neighborhood

DAILY NEWS Tuesday, January 29, 2008

State Sen. Frank Padavan (l.) installs new officers of Whitestone Community Volunteer Ambulance Service. Taking office were (2nd l. to r.) Louise Weiss, Mary Alice Cadolini, Ralph Cefalo, Marilyn Connors, Kevin Smyth, Norman Applebaum and Herb Klein. celebrate Groundhog Day on Feb. 2 and 3. For admission and general information, call (718) 271-1500.

man from a trench in All Faiths Cemetery in Middle Village last October.

Center focuses on global warming Borough prez honors firefighters Queens Borough President Helen Marshall honored several firefighters from Ladder 140 at her State of the Borough address at Queens College on Jan. 15. Firefighters Patrick Grisafi, Albert Barroca and Captain Thomas Haughney rescued a

Focus the Nation is a national teach-in connecting millions of students and citizens with political leaders and decision makers about solutions to global warming. On Jan. 31, at 7 p.m., Alley Pond Environmental Center, at 228-06 Northern Blvd. in Douglaston, will kick off the evening with the premiere showing of a new half-hour video

State Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose) installed the new officers of the Whitestone Community Volunteer Ambulance Service at their headquarters on Jan. 21: Louise Weiss, treasurer; Mary Alice Cadolini, secretary; Ralph Cefalo, first-aid officer; Marilyn Connors, funding director; Kevin Smyth, building director; Norman Applebaum, purchasing director; and Herb Klein, vice president. Whitestone has served the community for nearly 60 years.

Student raises thousands for QCC Lindsey Dubb, a junior at Jericho High School, L.I., raised close to $11,000 for the Harriet and Kenneth Kupferberg Holocaust Resource Center and Archives at Queensborough Community College. The check was presented to QCC’s president, Eduardo Marti, on Jan. 11. Have an item or photo for Queens Faces and Places? Send it to Queens News, P.O. Box 3315, New York, N.Y., 10116 or e-mail [email protected]

Double-OT thriller takes toll on CK, Holy Cross BY EBENEZER SAMUEL HRIST THE KING and Holy Cross both struggled over the weekend. On Sunday, CK lost to Loughlin, 65-62. Holy Cross dropped a game, too, falling to Lincoln, 81-60, in the Tom Crotty Classic. Both teams had reason for their struggles. On Friday night, the Royals and Knights wore each other out in Middle Village as CK defeated Holy Cross, 97-92, in double overtime. “One of the greatest games in school history,” CK coach Bob Oliva said. Royals senior Ryan Pearson made the first overtime possible. With CK trailing by three and just seconds left, Pearson caught a length-of-the-court inbounds pass from Ishaan Davis, turned and lofted a desperation three over three defenders. The shot banked in, crushing the Knights. Holy Cross played from behind for the rest of the game. Virginia-bound

C

Knights standout Sylven Landesberg tied the game at 84, forcing double overtime, but the Knights were deflated. “We definitely thought we were going to win the game (in regulation),” said Holy Cross guard Blaise Ffrench. “Ryan’s shot was a heartbreaker.” The Knights dominated regulation, taking a 38-29 halftime lead that increased to 49-36 in the third quarter. CK battled back behind Florida-bound guard Erving Walker, who scored 19 second-half points and finished with 33, helping offset Landesberg’s 34. But Pearson was the game’s hero, scoring 35. The George Mason-bound forward has been a revelation this season, leading the team in scoring and rebounding. “Ryan’s having a great year,” Oliva said, recalling Duke star Christian Laettner’s classic shot against Kentucky in the 1992 NCAA Tournament. “This shot was just like Laettner.” Pearson’s shot left both teams worn down on Sunday. Landesberg didn’t start against Lincoln because of flu-like symptoms and fatigue from Friday’s game, and no Knight

looked sharp against the Railsplitters. “It’s not an excuse, but if we were healthy, it would have been different,” Ffrench said on Sunday. Against Loughlin, Walker said, CK struggled to rebound. Pearson managed just 14 points; Walker scored 19. “I was disappointed,” Walker said of the effort. The Royals can rest now; they don’t play again until facing struggling Molloy on Friday. Holy Cross isn’t as lucky; the Knights face Rice at home today (Tuesday), then meet for rival St. Francis Prep on Friday. “This is the toughest part of the season,” Ffrench said. “With guys sick, too. It’ll help us in the long run come playoff time.”

Ryan Pearson

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

The Discover Room at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Queens Zoo is open on Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 4 p.m., and will feature a different animal theme each weekend through February. The Zoo, at 53-51 111th St. in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, will

Pat Brown (r.) has helped fuel Molloy offense that totaled division-leading 78 goals this season and all Stanners (top) have embraced offense-first philosophy. Photos by Christie Farriella

DAILY NEWS

Discover what many different animals can tell us about the approaching weather, and also how these animals are used in folklore to predict weather patterns.

our drive and our stamina. That’s been the focus of our practices: to reignite the fire in our play.” Molloy will face a good test on Thursday, another matchup against

BRYAN PACE

BLACK ONLY

Section-Low: XQ-14

Zoo links weather, animals

Dec. 26. In nine other contests, their slimmest margin of victory was four. The Stanners seemed to be rolling in cruise control, but then a quirl in the schedule dictated a long pit stop. They haven’t played a game since Dec. 29. The month-long layoff could stymie that momentum, though Sheldon said he’s been increasing the intensity of the practices to get the team prepared for its six remaining regular-season games. With a playoff spot virtually assured in the eightteam division, the Stanners will use the rest of the season to prepare for the playoffs, which consist of two best-of-three series. “We’ve been on vacation while other teams have been catching up to us,” Sheldon said. “We had a lot of games in the beginning, and now everyone’s caught us in games played. We are concerned about the layoff affecting

New ambulance leadership

THE WOMEN’S Ministry of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Jamaica held its annual Women’s Fellowship Breakfast on Jan. 12 to discuss upcoming plans and events. “The goal of the Women’s Ministry is to reach women of all ages — to encourage and equip them through programs, events and resources,” said Deaconess Naomi Mills, the chair of Morning Star Women’s Ministry. Morning Star Baptist Church is under the leadership of the Rev. Walter Silva Thompson Jr.

E

Xavier in its first game back (8:15 p.m., Bayonne, N.J.). Even with a cushion atop the standings, the players said they considered it important to finish the season undefeated. “It’ll be a good test because Xavier matches up well against us,” Sheldon said. “They have a few dynamite players. If we win, we’re right back on track. If we lose, it’ll be a road block we don’t want to face.” The goal-scoring trio of Charlie Gotard, Ryan Cheng and Pat Brown will try to generate the same high-octane offense that has already helped produce three 10-goal games. “A good offense is the best defense,” said Gotard, a senior from Maspeth who also plays with the Coney Island-based Metro Fighting Moose travel team. “Pat Brown and I have played for nearly 10 years on travel or school teams. We connect out there, and I know where he’s going to be without even looking. “We’re used to each other,” he added. “That helps us build a lot of offense. Plus, once we get a lead, other teams get hesitant and the goalie gets shaken.” Despite having outscored opponents by nearly six goals per game, the Stanners still could find room to improve before the playoffs. Steven Romano, a senior from Howard Beach, is still playing at less than full strength after working his way back from a broken leg. And defenseman Gavin Grogan, a junior from Lynbrook, is still sidelined by a broken arm but could return for the playoffs. Even without reinforcements to shore up the rotation, Gotard said the Stanners can target other weaknesses to help guarantee a deep playoff run. “One of our problems is that not all of our players backcheck,” he said. “We can be more defensiveminded, but we’re stacked up front.”

nydailynews.com

nydailynews.com

BY MAXINE SIMPSON

MPTY SEATS on the Archbishop Molloy hockey bench can lull opponents into a trap. Most nights, the Stanners send out only two complete lines. Instead of the standard three defensive parings, they trot out just four blueliners. But the Stanners have shown that quality counts, surging to a 10-0 start in their first season in the CHSHL ‘B’ division. Despite a manpower drain after last year’s team lost five defensemen to graduation, Molloy resisted the temptation to employ a play-it-safe trapping style. Instead, the Stanners have utilized a simple game plan for good coverage: forge an early lead and keep shooting the puck. It’s hard for the other team to score if they’re busy fishing the puck out of the net. “There are some nights where we play with nine or 10 skaters,” second-year coach Jim Sheldon said. “The reason we’re doing so well is that our better players are head and shoulders above some of the other teams we’ve played.” The Stanners’ better players however, have been hampered by travel team commitments, forcing the team to drop out of the ‘A’ division. Molloy finished 8-8 and barely missed the playoffs last year, but this year the team has thrived in the less-competitive ‘B’, scoring 78 goals while surrendering only 20. (They lead the division in both categories.) Junior Matthew Zay embodies the offense-first philosophy, leading the team in scoring despite playing defense. Zay, a forward on his travel team, moved to the blue line to help replenish its depth. Sheldon said Zay’s experience as a winger allows him to quarterback the power play while serving as a puck-moving defenseman who can initiate rushes from anywhere on the ice. “The game just looks so much slower when you’re back there on defense,” Zay said. “On my other team, I like to put the puck in the net and set people up. On Molloy, I know what (opposing) forwards are thinking. It definitely helps when you’re on the point.” The only time that the Stanners failed to blow a team out was a 4-3 victory over Xavier on

XQ

2009

Eric Ulrich (R)

19

Plate Label: XQ,1STAR,54,14,19 - Mon Jan 28 18.38.05 EST 2008 PLATE-SIGZONE:XQ,1STAR,54,B,XQ,14,19:

Newcomer & old pro eying Addabbo’s job

POLITICAL FORECAST

HOCKEY

Tale of the tape

SPECIAL REPORT

'"

L

-:

(, r

.n

. CO'L(EIE

BISKETBALL

."

~,

Agudiopointsway BY'BRIAN SPECW..

FROM TIlE ~.

. >-r ~ {{

......

10 THE NEWS

MovesupHofstrascoringlist

DISAPPOINI1NG

reconJ:>to ft1ebJue.and-wbite uniforms to ft1e youIbful rosters. Hofstra and Georgia State share many simiIariIies. But in a c:onference game featuring two teams near ft1e ColoDial Athletic Association basement. Antoine Agudio was ft1e difference maker.

ing list with his give-andgo back.

With 2,1l8 points, Agudio is on pace to break: Steve N"ISeoson's record of 2,222. Only six more reguIar-season games remain for HofsII'a (8-15, 5-9 CAA), which can still qualify for the NCAA ToumaThe. Pride's IeadiDg HOfSIIA scorer notdIed anmeIJ1.The winner of other personal mile- ~~. C!'I' 45 next month's CAA stone during a aunlQIft ~.. Tournament 25-point effort, help- . receives an aulomating his team to a 57-45 victoJy ic bid, though that would require over ft1e Panthers yesterday at fOur straigbtwim; from a Hofstra. ft1e Mack Sports Complex in team that bas yet to win more H~d.L.L than two straigbt. '"In all Of our Wins. we've held Hofstra led 25-22 at the break: ft1e opponent under 40% m field before Agudio, the Pride's lone goal shooting.. Hofstra c:oach senior starteI; helped break the Tom Pecora said "'It's no secret. If you defend like tbat. you're g0- game open midway through the Agudio pai(ed . ing to have a good chance to second half.. ""..1-. two inters and a ~wcay tbree-po win. . during a 12-0 run. that Agudio. who already claims ~ a 45-29 lead with the most career three-pointers in gave H~. school history. bypassed fonDer 12:11 ~ Cbarles Jenkins and Darren NBAguard Rich Laurel for thinI plare on Hofstra's aIltime scor- Thwnes added 10 points each as

-

57

'C

.

the Pride sent Georgia Sbd:e to

door layup late in ft1efirst half.. 6-17 overall and 3-10 m the conferenc:e. '"Vk got defensive stops. and transition baskets: Agudio said about his team's second-half surge. during which ft1e Pride held the Panthers without a field goal for 14 tnim~. '"Vk executed our half-aJUrt game plan and made some big shots down the stretch.'

Greg Johnson and the Pride limited Leonard' Mendez to 12 points - five below his average

-

on 5-for- 16 shooting.

Johnson

logged five points and eight assisIs on the offensive end. "'Greg Johnson did a real good job of making every catch a tough one.. Pecora .said "'He (Mendez) ctidn't get the ball

~

~

the ~ spots where he it. Everything . was coatested. Goo rgm State. committed 20 turnovers as ft1e Pride set a new season low for points allowed and kept an opponent under 50 points for the first time since 20M..

'

Hallfallsat 'Nova; CineytopsRutgers

VlUANOIfA,Pa. - junior Dwayne Anderson, making his first career start. hit a three-point shot from the left comer to gNe Villanova a mucIH1eeded 72-70 victory ~ Setoo Hall yesterday. '

Dante CUmi~ tied his career highwith 21 points,and Anderson and Scottie Reynoldshad 13 each .forVillanova(14-8, 46 Big East), which snapped a five.game losing streak, its longest since the . 2003-04 season. . .Jamar Nutter had 18 points and BrianLainghad 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Pirates (15-9, ~), who lost at Villanovafor the 10th straight time. In a second half that. saw 10 lead changes and.neither team gaining more than a four-pointlead, Eugene Hanley"slayupgave the Pi~ a 7().69 edge with 37 seconds 1Dgo. But alter a loose ball was tooched by several players, Reynoldspassed 1DAnderson for the game.winning shot. . CINCINNIO1 72, RUT6EIis 68 (01): John Williamsonscored a season-high 22 points to lead the Bearcats ~ the Scarlet Knightsin Piscataway. Deonta Vaughn added 19 points

-

including 13 in overtime

-

and

.JarnuaIWarrenhad nine rebounds for Ciucimati (11-12, 65 BigEast). CoreyChandler finished with 16 points for Rutgers (10-15, 2-10), which Iostits fourth Straight. HamadyNcf.ayehad 14 points, 10 rebounds and sewn blocked shots for the Knights. Vaughnscored the first seven points in the exba session 1DgNe the Bearcats a 63-56 lead with3:10 remaining. COUJMBIAsa. PRINCETON S3: Mack Montgomeryscored all eight of his points in the game's final 6:091D help the host Uons (10-11, . 3-3 IvyLeague) rally~the T.gers (5-14,2-2). NikoScoIt led Columbia with 12 points. . . CBIIRAL CONN.76, Sf. FRANCIS61: Marcus Pabner recorded his third consecutive doubIe-doubIewith 12 points and 13 rebounds as the host Blue DevilsimpRM!d1D12-12 overall and 8-5 jn NECplay. The Terriers(5-19,2-11) were Ied,byJamaaI Womack's'15 points. -AI'

J.

-~

."..

--

E

II

I

t Ii:

~

Molloy's ArielDiPasquale impres~esinfirstseasonofboyshockey those are big boys twice

BYBRIAN BOHL '

her size," said Ruth,DiPasquale,Ariel's mother. "But honestly,she get

crowned its fii"stwomen's ice hockeychampionin 2001.Thenumber of leagues and teams that cater to

the ?tands are deserted at Iceland in New Hyde Park. Nearly a third of the Molloy

hurt more playing with the girls. With the boys,sh doesn't get hurt"

school-aged girls, however, remains limited.' "In high school, it's frustrating," DiPasquale said

the Molloy game at night Even (when) I say, 'Come

varsity hockey team is missing from practice, but the remaining players press on,

The 16-year-oldfrom Whitestone also plays cente forthe MountVemon-based Sound ShoreWarriors,

about the lack of opportunity. "It's just not as popular as the other sports:'

want to miss a game.'"

,

I ~. ~

~ ~~

c:

~

1&1 Z

~

~ ~

only girl in the CHSHl, circles near the goal line dur-'

befQre," she said. "Bu): I think they soon warme~ u

;

inga poWer-play exercise.Sheworksthe puckaround

to meandacceptedme."

'

~

.

gs'li'P,

Opponents in the GAL might not be as brawny

DiPasquale also lugs her bags to C,hel~a Piers in Manhattan, where she receives advanced instructiof;! from professionals' including Alana Blahoski, wh'P.

member for USA Hockey who is also the organi-

played on the United States team that won the 'firs(

zation'sNewYork Statedjstrict representativefor

ever women's hockey gold medal in Nagano,ancfwh~ also was an assistant coach with the U.S.women1~

women's hockey.

"Hockeyis a time-intensive sport anda financiallyintensive sport" Eppolitiosaid."It's raised

playinginthe boy~'league.. "It's not as bad as I thouDghtit would be," DiPasqualesaid. "I think I had'it in my head that it wouldbemorephysical." In four monthson the varsity team, DiPasquale has becomeoneof coachJim.5heldon'smostvaluable wingers. Shehas posted four goals and five assists for a 13-2team that's clinchedthe CHSHL 'B'divisiontitle. After failing to makethe varsity as a freshman, shespenttwo yearsrunningonthetrack teamto get

women's hockey,the girls gamestill featuresa highde. greeof physicality. "There is body contact, so it is physical,but there are fewer checks," DiPasquale said of her experiencein the GAL."It helps that my team (Molloy)playsat a high level.It's goodthat we play. physical." IndevelopingherquicknessJ;o compensatefor ; r

concerns at the national level that the number of girls and boys playingthe sport is startingto leveloff." A highschoolleaguewas establishedaboutsixyearsagofor girlsfrom LakePlacidto Ithaca. Eppolitiosaid.The league,now upto lQteams,isn't registeredwith the statE!Public HighSchoolAthleticAssociationor USAHockey. Manygirlsas dedicatedto hockeyas DiPasquale

stronger and faster. Now, DiPasqualetakes a regular

size, DiPasquale has become an important player' n

go to prep school to,play at a higher level, but she

shift for a Stanners squad that has thrashed oppo-

the Stanners.

elected to stay put in Queens.

i

squad that won bronze in the 2006 Turin OlympiCs.. DiPasquale has been invited to play in Italytl$ summer on a team Blahoski coaches, 'an opportlf nity that would allow her to face competition frQJ:ft throughout Europe. "She will be playing at tl:le next level," said M~t1< De Simone, who has coached DiPasquale the paSt !;ix years orrthe Sound Shore Warriors and inthe Empire State Games. "She has incredible instincts and is a playmaker as well. as being very responsible defensively." When it comes to college, DiPasqualesays she has her eye on a handful of small liberal arts schools in New England and upstate New York, including Amherst, Hamilton, MIddlebury and Colby - all of which

.

.

have intercollegiate hockey progr:ams. But her destination will hinge on the school's in-

"Positionally,sheskatesverywell,"Sheldons'd. . "Sh~skateswith her headup. Shegets into all he correct position? She'snot asfast as someof he

"I wantedto stayat homebecauseIdidn'twant to leavemy schoolandmy friends,"DiPasqualesaid. Sincethere aren't any local leaguesfor girls, Di-

hands a little too high on a hit, her father says, they

other players, but you know exactly where she's' 0-

Pasquale and her Sound Shore teammates travel up

havebeentherefa supporther. Evenafter battles in the comersor scrumsnear

ingto be." i At a time whengirls continueto flourishon \9h

anddownthe EastCoastin searchof competition. RichardDiPasquale, Ariel'sfuther,saidthedemands

t!1e crease, DiPasquale saiq she never hears taunts

school fields, courts and tracks, hockey lags cons' ic-

of her travel and high school squads have her con-

grams," she said. "I'm not sure. I might.like to be a

uouslybehind.Thewomen'sgamemadeits Oly bic

stantlyshuttlingto andfrom rinks-'- makingit ayear-

trainer, since I play hockey and that's what interests

~

~ ~

on, you just played this morning,' she'll say,'No, I don't

As a result, many girls ,seek.better competition by playing against boys, said Joe Eppolitio, a board

backcheckwhenthe defendersgainpossession. . thosesheencountersplaying Thetempo is intensebut not undulyrough - an for Molloy, but while body apt descriptionof herexperiencein her first seaSon checking is prohibited in the

~-," nentsbyan averageof five goalsper game. Her style has impressed her teammates, too s::- - and the few times an opponent has gotten his

~

I

travel squad in the Girls American League. "Some of my teammates knew I was good fro

.

a game at 4 in the afternoon and drive to get her to

,

skating through intense special teams drills. Ariel DiPasquale, a 5-2, 125-pound junior and the,

the boaros to ail open teammate; she makes sure to

§

"She's very dedicated," Richard said. "We'll have

T'S A FRIGiDWednesdayaftern oon, and

ortrashtalk.

~

.

.

struction iri the sciences as much as its hockey pedigree; DiPasquale said she is interested in following the footsteps of her father, a physician, or pursuing a related field. ' "Right now I'm looking at physical therapy pro-

me."

"Inthe beginningIwasverynerv~us,because' debutatth~Nagano Gamesin 1998,andtheN. '"

roundcommitmentbothfor,Arielandherparents. ...

~

,~n

,

II; !'1'/d,.t'h':~;.~1,t'A L~"'f"",~""nf'..r'f"i"Huj.,!';";; 'f'" on T~ .,' T"""':tl'!I"~d;.,,"""-41t,,"4'1!r.1iIIC!""'!',",0!I"':' '" 11"" -"1"*IIft""""".III"""""""'" -'" E

.~

I

~

J

0

,0

1111

.

~

l1li

~

f

,

.

'

.,',

,0' ~.'11'"

-

.~...

--"--

,

-- ",.

~ ,I", ; ...-f'~

-

~ ~, I ,,""

lM;

Molloy's loss sets up winner-take-all skate vs. Xavier BY BRIAN BOHL Tuesday, March 11th 2008, 9:46 AM

Charles Gotard slammed his stick into the sideboards, causing a loud thud to reverberate throughout the Abe Stark Rink. The Molloy forward's frustration echoed that of all the Stanners, who suffered a 5-2 loss after losing a few players to travel team commitments and running into a hot Xavier goalie Alex Topoleski, who logged 43 saves. With the win, the Knights salvaged their season following Molloy's 7-3 drubbing in Friday night's CHSHL 'B' division championship series opener. After dropping Game 1, Xavier had lost its three previous meetings against the Stanners. Goalie Alex Tolpoleski reversed the trend on Saturday, logging 43 saves including 15 of the 16 shots he faced in the first period before his teammates rattled off five straight goals. The win sets up a winner-take-all scenario when the teams meet Tuesday night at the Ice Hutch in Mount Vernon (6:50 p.m.) for Game 3. Vincent Lopes scored three goals on Saturday and Joseph Gilhooly and Thomas Ferro also added, torching Stanners goalie Kevin Koziol for five goals on 22 shots. Lopes tied the contest with a shot that beat Koziol stickside late in the first period, and put the Knights up with another tally 3:10 into the second for what proved to be the game-winner. "It's a huge confidence builder," said Xavier coach Al Di Mauro. "After losing the first game, everyone was counting (us) out. Molloy's a strong team that's bigger than us. We're a young team. We only field five seniors. "I'm proud of my kids' performances," he added. "To take it to a rubber match … I'll go that route and take my chances." Molloy played without defenseman Matthew Zay and wingers Ryan Cheng and Gavin Grogan, all of whom had travel hockey commitments. In their absence, the Stanners struggled to slow Lopes. Their lack of depth also hindered a power play that finished 0-5, thanks in part to Topoleski's sure-handed work in the crease. The senior netminder stymied a Molloy offense that outscored opponents by 55 goals during a 14-2 regular season. "We came out strong; we wanted it more than them," Topoleski said. "I got lucky a couple of times. This is the first time we beat them so, up to now, we weren't as confident going against them. This helps us out big, especially winning by the score that we did." Gotard put the Stanners ahead after pushing in a goal off a rebound 9:21 into the opening period. Xavier's offense exploded after Lopes netted his goal nearly three minutes later, and the Knights never looked back. Gilhooly's point shot skipped past Koziol nine seconds after Lopes' second goal as the pro-Knights crowd cheered in the Coney Island arena. Lopes added the insurance marker 50 seconds into the final period, converting a backhand on a breakaway attempt. Ferro added a power play goal for a 5-1 lead before Todd Laible put the Stanners on the scoreboard for the final time. "He (Lopes) got open more," Stanners coach Jim Sheldon said. "With our guys being a step slower, that extra step was important for him. We need to get back to our game plan of the first game. We have to get back to getting the puck deep and cycling it low. "The confidence is still pretty high," Sheldon added. "We'll have some of our guys back, and will be back in our positions.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/high_school/2008/03/11/2008-03-11_molloys_loss_sets_up_winnertakeall_skate....

Mel and Anne Siegel are fighting to landmark Broadway-Flushing homes. Photo by Frank Koester

and the results are being evaluated, said agency spokeswoman Lisi de Bourbon. However, de Bourbon added: “There are no plans for Broadway-Flushing right now.” The realization that the coveted landmarks designation is not forthcoming has caused rising tensions in the community, where about a dozen old homes have been bulldozed in recent months. “For Landmarks to be dragging its feet — it’s really a crying shame,” said longtime resident

Sandi Viviani. Siegel and his neighbors have a name for the super-sized brick manses that clash with the neighborhood’s time-honored architectural feel. “Home Depot Moderne, we call it,” Siegel said. “They’re all the same; they’re tasteless.” Paul Graziano, president of the Historic Districts Council, said getting Broadway-Flushing landmarked is a top priority. He faulted the Landmarks Commission for overlooking subur-

Coupon-Ad FREE-GIFT

COURTESY

HOTEL

14 XQ

+ TAX

Complimentary Continental Breakfast

Overnight Starting from $5991 + TAX 80 Plus Channels Cable T.V. Large Screen

130 Hempstead Ave., W. Hempstead We are 10 minutes from Queens

516-485-2000 Specializing in the most UNDETECTABLE Systems! Human or Synthetic Hair. 5,000 in Stock or Custom

Only 1/$299-2/$569 (reg. $899) NON-SURGICAL! 30 day $$$ Back! 42+ Yrs. in Business FREE CONSULTATION NO CONTRACT! SVC & Repairs!

Every Friday

The weekly guide to New York real estate.

Manhattan, NY-212.430.6551 Melville/L.I., NY-631.271.3051 Rutherford, NJ-201.842.7653

Check the Sports Pages for the Latest Scores and News Every Day

Bria Smith

Kelly Guerriero BRYAN PACE

Wildcats survive Van Buren, claw way into ‘A’ finale BY MATT KERSNER HE FIRST TIME Bowne played Van Buren in the regular season, the Lady Wildcats lost at in a close game. The last time, the Wildcats cruised to a victory. In Saturday’s PSAL ‘A’ semifinals, Bowne met No. 7 Van Buren for the third time this season. This time, the sixth-seeded Wildcats emerged with a 55-52 win. But the game wasn’t without drama; for a brief fourth-quarter stretch, seemingly nothing went right for Bowne. With the Wildcats clinging to a 41-32 lead entering the fourth quarter, senior Janisha Mitchell, who had scored a team-high 14 points, fouled out. Standout sophomore Shakema Johnson later left the game with an injured shoulder. “Sometimes when adversity strikes, you need people to step up,” coach Bruce Bitterman said. “We got that in a big way.” Seniors Jennifer Rios (11 points) and Charnelle Wray (10 points) picked up the slack as the Wildcats hung on for the win. Bowne advanced to Saturday’s championship game at St. Francis College (1 p.m.), where they will face No. 1 Curtis. The Wildcats will attempt to win their first city championship in school history. Bitterman is unsure if Johnson will be able to play on Saturday. “They’re going to be a very tough opponent,” Bit-

T

terman said. “It’s David versus Goliath and I hope that David prevails.”

Borough battle in ‘B’ semifinals Usually at this time of the season, Springfield Gardens coach Janet Kleiner is turning her attention towards March Madness. But, with her team set to face topseeded American Studies in the ‘B’ division semifinals at Lehman College on Wednesday, she has her own dance to attend. No. 5 Springfield is 25-2 overall and has reeled off 17 straight wins. For Kleiner, this is the furthest she’s advanced in the playoffs in her 27 years of coaching the team. “It’s been a great run,” Kleiner said. “This team has what it takes.” Now, Springfield faces it’s stiffest challenge. American Studies (29-0) has dominated the competition the entire season. Not that that will deter Kleiner. “We know they haven’t lost in two years,” Kleiner added, “we’re coming in as underdogs, but we believe. This is a group of girls that are very tough mentally. We have to slow the game down, play inside and out and press the ball.” Of course, American Studies coach Juan Faya has his own strategy. “We’re not overconfident,” Faya said, “I’m going to remind them what our goal has been all season; to play as a cohesive unit and focus on defense. The biggest thing is for them to enjoy the moment, because these don’t come around that often.”

PSAL ‘A’ SEMIFINALS

55 52

Senior Janisha Mitchell celebrates after Bowne tops borough rival Van Buren to advance to PSAL ‘A’ final this weekend. Photo by Bryan Pace

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

BestLook4u.com

51 46

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST 42 MOLLOY 28

PSAL GIRLS

BOWNE VAN BUREN

HAIR FOR MEN SWIM-SPORT-SLEEP

nydailynews.com DAILY NEWS

29

49

CHRIST THE KING HOLY TRINITY

STATE ‘AA’ FINAL

DAILY NEWS

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

$

STATE ‘A’ FINAL

close in the first half, trailing 22-17 at the break, but scored just 11 points in the second half. Huber nearly matched that total herself, scoring seven points in the final 16 minutes to send the Cougars to Glens Falls. “That’s probably the best defense we’ve seen all season,” Guerriero said. Molloy ended CK’s 108-game regular-season win streak in February, and beat the Royals again in last week’s championship. “We’ve accomplished so much,” Guerriero said. “We’ll always be known as the team that beat King, and we’ll always be known as a team that made it this far.” Cecala said he wasn’t sure if Molloy will remove his “interim” tag. He said he would love the chance to continue coaching for his alma mater. “I hope I’m the guy,” he said. “These kids make you want to show up every day. They’re loaded with talent.”

nydailynews.com

Section-Low: XQ-14

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Advertising: (212) 210-2241

HEN CHRIST THE KING lost the CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens Diocese championship for the first time in 23 years, coach Bob Mackey tried to suppress the memory. “We took every stat sheet we had for the year, and every newspaper article, and we put them all in a box, taped it up and put it away,” Mackey said. “They put the season behind them, which was tough.” The Lady Royals made a fresh start and punched their ticket to Glens Falls on Saturday, posting a 51-46 victory over Holy Trinity in the ‘A’ division final at the Mack Center. Senior Jael Pena scored 11 of her 13 points in the second half and Geleisa George added a team-high 15 points as CK (15-12) captured the ‘A’ state crown. Bria Smith added seven points as the Royals withstood a 15-point outburst from Julia Finlay. CK, which lost the Diocesan title to Molloy last week, advanced to the state Federation Tournament and will play the PSAL ‘A’ representative on March 28. Holy Trinity cut the second-half deficit to a single point before George made two free throws to extend the lead to 47-44 in the fourth quarter. The junior said losing the Diocesan crown provided motivation for a different title run, even if it was something other than the Royals’ customary role. “We reacted by just putting the loss behind us and starting a new entire season,” George said. “It feels a little different, but we still get to go to Glens Falls, so we’re all still happy.”

JOHN TRACY

We Are Now Accepting Reservations

ban neighborhoods in Queens. “The problem is they are much more interested in brownstones,” he said. “They are much more interested in urban form.” That is a common refrain throughout Queens — home to only seven of the city’s 90 historic districts. “The city really concentrates on protecting Manhattan,” Viviani said. “When they do landmark something in Queens, it’s like throwing crumbs.” [email protected]

OLLOY ENTERED Sunday’s CHSAA ‘AA’ state championship game with the confidence that often follows a big upset victory. But the Stanners ran into Long Island power St. John the Baptist and center Christine Huber, who led the Cougars to a 42-28 victory at the Mack Sports Complex. The Stanners advanced to the title game after ending Christ the King’s 23-year championship run in the Brooklyn/Queens Diocese. But Huber poured in 19 points and hauled down 20 rebounds to end Molloy’s rollercoaster season, which saw coach Dom Cecala take over after former coach John McGlynn resigned in January. “I’m proud of these kids,” Cecala said. “I feel bad because I know where their heads were at earlier in the year. They really turned their season around.” Sophomore Kelly Guerriero was the only Stanner to score in double figures, finishing with 14 points. The Stanners kept the score

M

W

DAY RATE

Don’t miss it on Friday, March 21

BY BRIAN BOHL

BY BRIAN BOHL

AUTO SHOW SPECIAL Get our 64-page guide to the 2008 New York International Auto Show, fully loaded with news and previews by our auto experts — plus pictures and exhibit hall maps.

Stanners stumble Diocesan champ crumbles in state final

CK forgets fast, returns to Glens Falls

BY JOHN LAUINGER FRUSTRATED RESIDENTS of verdant BroadwayFlushing blocks are struggling to safeguard the neighborhood’s stately homes against redevelopment — but are finding that having a history does not a historic district make. The leafy refuge of Tudor, Colonial and Arts and Crafts gems dating from the early 1900s, the area has found a home on both the state and national historic registers. Yet, for all its historical importance in a borough besieged by overdevelopment and cookiecutter modern architecture, the city Landmarks Preservation Commission has thus far balked at making Broadway-Flushing a historic district. “We thought we would succeed because we have overwhelming local support,” said Mel Siegel, president of the Broadway-Flushing homeowners association. The proposal to landmark some 1,330 homes in the suburban enclave has the support of local elected officials and was unanimously approved by Community Board 7. “We have all these things in place,” Siegel said, “and we sort of got deluded into thinking it was a fait accompli — but it’s not.” Last year, the commission completed a survey of 2,300 residences in Broadway-Flushing,

CHSAA GIRLS

XQ

Broadway-Flushing residents pushing Landmarks to act

23

Plate Label: XQ,1STAR,56,14,23 - Mon Mar 17 18.50.31 EDT 2008 PLATE-SIGZONE:XQ,1STAR,56,B,XQ,14,23:

Battling to keep nabe’s historic feel

PLAYOFFS

BROOKLYN ‘A’ EAST

BROOKLYN ‘B’ CENTRAL BROOKLYN ‘B’ NORTH BROOKLYN ‘A’ WEST

BROOKLYN ‘B’ SOUTH

TRANSIT TECH EXPRESS

Coach: Onix Duran Last year: 4-11; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Andre Ruiz, junior SS; Kevin Vega, junior CF; Nicholas Diaz, senior OF Top newcomers: German Moya, sophomore P; Sam Soto, freshman IF; William Bisono, senior 1B Coach says: “We’re trying to go .500. Some teams overlook us and don’t put their ace against us. If they sleep on us, we can snatch some games.”

FORT HAMILTON TIGERS

Coach: Al Casciani Last year: 13-3; lost to Bayside in second round of playoffs. Top returners: David Pimentel, senior SS; Mike Sundholm, senior C; Juan Lopez, junior RF Top newcomers: Eric Nilsen, junior P; Louis Sanchez, freshman IF; Victor Vando, senior 1B Coach says: “With the wooden bats, we’ll do OK as long as our defense plays up to their potential and my pitchers stay around the strike zone.”

BANNEKER WARRIORS

Coach: Moreno Fernandez Last year: 13-3; lost to Taft in second round of playoffs. Top returners: Angel Morales, junior P/1B; Jonathan Neira, senior C/OF; Joel Santos, junior IF Top newcomers: Keenan Lambert, junior P/C/ 3B; Chris Crawford, junior OF; Omar Ba, freshman P/OF Coach says: “Our pitching is strong and is going to carry us. If we turn up the defense, we’re going to be winning some close games.”

BOYS & GIRLS KANGAROOS

Coach: Stan Feldman Last year: 10-6; lost to Banneker in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Liam La Guerre, senior P/2B; Jorge Bolden, junior P; Travis Alexander, senior 1B Top newcomers: Albert Edwards, junior P; Manley Cradle, sophomore IF; Maximo Rodriguez, senior SS Coach says: “I think we’ll make the playoffs. The kids are much more hard working and love to practice.”

MADISON KNIGHTS

Coach: Vincent Caiazza Last year: 14-2; lost to Lincoln in second round of playoffs. Top returners: James Wong, senior SS/P; Kevin Laidlaw, senior CF; Victor Cosme, senior P; Jonathan Farina, senior P Top newcomers: Edward Lenahan, sophomore DH/P; Chris Mann, sophomore DH/C; Joey Hecker, freshman OF Coach says: “The expectations are extremely high. We’ve always hit a roadblock in the playoffs but this year we have a lot of pitching and good defense.”

FDR COUGARS

Coach: Avi Ribenbach Last year: 7-9; lost to Monroe in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Eddie Rodriguez, junior SS; Nestor Martinez, senior P; Angel Vidal, junior 2B Top newcomers: Armando Merino, junior C; James Costantino, junior P; Franklin Vizcaino, senior P Coach says: “Our strength is pitching. With the wood bats, pitchers can have an advantage. All my pitchers from last year are returning.”

TELECOMM. YELLOW JACKETS

Coach: Charlie Patamarapipan Last year: 6-10; did not make playoffs. Top returners: James Salinaro, junior P; Joel Pena, senior SS; Melvin Rios, sophomore 3B/CF Top newcomers: Christopher Cheedie, junior 3B; Luis Rios, freshman 2B; Gabriel Vazquez, freshman P Coach says: “We have strong pitching. Now with the wood bats, any team with strong defense and pitching will be competitive.”

Coach: Ed D’Alessio Last year: 11-5; lost to Lehman in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Jonn Pierre Garcia, senior C; Elddy Fernadez, junior SS; Rich Adames, junior 1B Top newcomers: Noel Placencia, sophomore P; Pedro Garcia Jr., senior P; Anthony Lumia, junior P Coach says: “We have a lot of depth; I have 17 kids on the roster. We have four freshmen who will be impact players.”

WESTINGHOUSE WARRIORS

VAN ARSDALE CARDINALS

Coach: Richard Butz Last year: 4-12; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Patrick Mendoza, senior SS; Felix Morales, sophomore P/3B; John Jones, junior 1B Top newcomers: John Guzman, sophomore 2B; Edgerton Hinds, junior LF; Orbin Valerio, sophomore IF/OF Coach says: “I expect us to make the playoffs. Last year was disappointing, but we made too many mental errors.”

EBC/BUSHWICK PANTHERS

Coach: David Jimenez Last year: 15-1 in ‘B’ North; lost to Bayard Rustin in quarterfinals. Top returners: Robert Checo, senior SS; Nicolas Marcano, junior P; Elvis Torres, junior 3B/C Top newcomers: David Velez, junior P; Junior Bencosme, junior 2B; Christian Velez, freshman OF Coach says: “Defensively, we’re strong and our pitching is strong, as well. We’re going to have to see offensively about the adjustments to using wooden bats.”

PROSPECT HEIGHTS CARDINALS TILDEN BLUE DEVILS Coach: Dan Kellner Last year: 7-2 in developmental league. Top returners: Rafael Mercedes, senior P/IF; Odanis Rosario, senior C; Pedro Sanchez, senior 3B Top newcomers: Wander Castillo, sophomore P/SS; Robert Guzman, freshman P/OF; Randy Perez, sophomore P/IF Coach says: “We have a large number of highly skilled ballplayers returning. It depends heavily on academic eligibility, but as long as we have the old crowd back, we are poised to dominate.”

SHEEPSHEAD BAY SHARKS

Coach: Kevin Rice Last year: 10-6; lost to School of the Future in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Roger Fields, senior P/IF; Jeffrey Mercedes, junior P/IF; Osei Carrington, senior P Top newcomers: Ernie Delouis, senior 1B; Carlos Richardson, junior 2B; Aaron Jean, junior C Coach says: “If everything goes well, we’ll make the playoffs. I just hope our pitching holds up. It depends on how far our pitching will take us.”

Coach: Andres Guzman Last year: 9-7; lost to Bayard Rustin in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Luis Angeles, junior C; Jared Barner, sophomore P/IF/OF; Radul Martinez, sophomore 2B/SS Top newcomers: Akeem Oilver, junior P/IF; Alex Manzolillo, senior P/IF; Luis Castillo, sophomore P/OF Coach says: “This is my first year coaching this team. I expect us to impact the division.”

CANARSIE CHIEFS

Coach: Jason Becker Last year: 1-15; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Arion Melo, senior C; Mark Matthews, junior CF; Ariel Arapioannou, junior 2B Top newcomers: Debonair Bolling, freshman P/ IF; Joseph Abadia, freshman SS/P; Henry Diaz, freshman 3B Coach says: “We’re young and we’re going to be very competitive.”

NEW UTRECHT UTES

Coach: Rick DeMarco Last year: 11-5; lost to Clinton in second round of playoffs. Top returners: Xavier Alvarado, senior P/SS; Daniel Green, senior IF/OF; Alexander Warden, senior CF Top newcomers: Joshua Pachtman, senior IF/OF; Triston Trunk, senior P/OF; Brian Cubero, senior P/IF Coach says: “We’re younger than in the past; we lost nine players, but we still should compete in the division.”

COBBLE HILL STALLIONS

Coach: Jonathan Metzler Last year: 10-6; lost to Riverdale in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Freddy Wright, sophomore SS; Dwayne Howington, sophomore CF; Christopher Vazquez, senior OF Top newcomers: Daniel Gonzalez, junior 3B; Imtiaj Perbej, freshman P; Zach Camerzell, freshman LF Coach says: “We lost six seniors off last year’s team ... so it’s about rebuilding.”

JUAN MOREL CAMPOS COUGARS JEFFERSON ORANGE WAVE Coach: Jason McCarthy Last year: 10-2 in developmental league. Top returners: Louis Castillo, senior SS; Navaliz Mota, senior CF; Jose Estrella, junior OF Top newcomers: Mike Spina, junior IF/OF; Jose Martinez, junior 1B; Alex Lopez, junior OF/P Coach says: “We moved up to the ‘B’ division, so it will be a new challenge. I’m hoping our success last year carries over into this year.”

ALL CITY LEADERSHIP EAGLES

Coach: Elvis Estevez Last year: 1-15 in ‘B’ North; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Joey Lopez, junior P/SS; Joshua Diaz, junior 3B; Greg (Twin) Guzman, sophomore C Top newcomers: Justin Gonzalez, sophomore 1B; Vincent Monet, sophomore P/IF; Jacob Gonzalez, freshman P/1B Coach says: “We want to be more competitive. You always want to improve on your game, and if you get a win out of it, that’s great.”

Coach: Tom Daley Last year: 9-7 in ‘B’ South; lost to EBC/Bushwick in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Jeffery Diaz, junior 1B; Joshua Ortiz, junior SS/P; Mayker Lopez, junior C Top newcomers: Mark Thomas, freshman LF; Odani Acevedo, junior CF; Gairy Ramlal, senior P Coach says: “We’re a young team. Our strong point is pitching, and hopefully we’ll start to jell and be in the playoffs again.”

CLARA BARTON PANTHERS

Coach: Michael Goldstein Last year: 0-14; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Ivan Abreu, junior P/IF; Aaron Adams, senior OF/P; Mikhail Atkins, junior P/1B Top newcomers: Joshua Salcedo, freshman P/SS; Davey Ortiz, freshman IF; Julian Cepeda, sophomore OF Coach says: “I don’t know if we’ll win any championships, but we should win some games this year. We are definitely improved.”

BROOKLYN TECH ENGINEERS

Coach: George Zanotto Last year: 5-10; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Jeffrey Burdier, senior C; Matt Gibson, senior P; Henry Loehrke, junior P Top newcomers: John Hatheway, sophomore P; Angel Rivera, senior CF; Robert Wihlborg, senior 1B Coach says: “The focus is going to be on the pitching. I have guys who can throw very well. I’m hoping to keep the runs we allow down and give us a chance to win close games.”

LINCOLN RAILSPLITTERS

Coach: Frank Sommo Last year: 13-3; lost to Monroe in quarterfinals. Top returners: Michael Ortega, senior P/CF; Charlie Lugo, senior SS; Jeremy Ramos, senior LF Top newcomers: Joseph Minardi, senior P/ 3B; Edward Cho, junior P/IF; Christian Orue, senior C Coach says: “We’re hoping to contend for a division title and make the playoffs again. Last year, we made it to the final eight in the city and we had one player make All-City.”

AUTOMOTIVE PISTONS

Coach: Carlos Caraballo Last year: 8-8; lost to Gregorio Luperon in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Edinson Salcedo, senior 3B; Jarol Mueses, senior P/IF; Jeremy Hernandez, junior P/IF Top newcomers: Abraham Downes, senior C; Edward Garcia, junior 1B; Jeremy Zamora, senior IF/OF Coach says: “I expect us to have fun. We always improve … I believe that nobody can beat us as long as we play together.”

MAXWELL BEARS

Coach: Steven Juliano Last year: 8-5 in developmental league. Top returners: Zaaid Majeed, senior SS/P; Issac Vinas, sophomore 1B/P; Manuel Vinas, senior OF Top newcomers: Mike Caba, senior 2B; Jacinto Acevedo, senior C/P; Anthony Duran, senior CF/P Coach says: “We’re an excellent fielding team. Our pitching is deeper than last year.”

GRADY FALCONS

Coach: Jose Santiago Last year: 2-12; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Yoriel Martinez, senior 3B; Daniel Torres, senior P/CF; Lennox Roberts, senior IF Top newcomers: Billy Augustin, freshman P/ SS; Brendan Jones, freshman 2B Coach says: “We want to finish at least in third place and make the playoffs.”

MIDWOOD HORNETS

Coach: Charles Barbieri Last Year: 8-8; lost to Beacon in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Matt Whelehan, senior CF; Flynn Skidmore, senior C; Collin Hannay, junior RF; Phil Georges, junior SS Top newcomers: Jon Gonzalez, freshman 1B/P; Matt Caspi, sophomore CF/P Coach says: “We have been around the .500 level for the last three years, so I’m hoping we can elevate and challenge for the division.”

BROOKLYN STUDIO KNIGHTS

Coach: Craig Cutaneo Last year: 2-14; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Anthony Zappulla, junior P; Michael Zappulla, junior C; Thomas Ingargiola, senior CF Top newcomers: Joe Morales, sophomore 3B; Sean Caufield, senior OF; Peter De Nicola, junior SS Coach says: “We’re a young team with a chance to be competitive.”

GLOBAL STUDIES JAGUARS

Coach: John Templeton Last year: 10-1 in developmental league. Top returners: Jose Garcia, junior P/SS; Raymond Rosario, sophomore LF; Fernando Martinez, sophomore C Top newcomers: Brandon Torres, freshman 3B; Angel Garcia, freshman 1B Coach says: “We want to make the playoffs this year. We’re going to put runners on the bases.”

ROBESON EAGLES

Coach: Todd Myles Last year: 5-11 in ‘B’ South; did not make playoffs. Top three returners: Maximilien Palen, senior P/CF; Jared Ridges, junior P; Lucas Greer, junior SS/3B Top three newcomers: Randy Narmasing, junior OF; Amir Samhan, senior 1B; Jan Alvarez, senior C/IF Coach says: “This year, I think we’re a playoff team. Hopefully, we can finish either first or second in our division.”

SOUTH SHORE VIKINGS

Coach: Stewart Jamieson Last Year: 12-4; lost to Hillcrest in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Aldwin Rickenbacker, senior C; Levon Charles, senior P Outlook: “We’re trying to rebuild and get back on the right track. We had a senior-heavy team last year and our school is changing (into a campus), so we don’t have a lot of freshmen (right now).” — AD John Micillo.

STATEN ISLAND ‘A’ NEW DORP CENTRALS

MCKEE/SI TECH DIRTY BIRDS

PORT RICHMOND RED RAIDERS

CURTIS WARRIORS

Coach: Raymond Smith Last year: 11-7; lost to New Utrecht in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Matthew Anselmi, senior P; Greg Cardazone, senior 1B; Rob Cardazone, senior C Top newcomers: Tom Karasinski, junior RF; Matt Rosario, senior P; Steve Bevacqua, senior SS Coach says: “We need to be more consistent offensively. We have a solid defense and our pitching has yet to be proven. Offense is our strength.”

Coach: John Sce Last year: 7-11; did not make playoffs. Top returners: James De Barbieri, senior P; David Trojaniello, senior RF; Jon Alvarez, senior 1B Top newcomers: David Carreon, sophomore SS; Joseph Cunningham, sophomore C; Jon Aponte, junior P Coach says: “We haven’t been in the playoffs because we’ve played poorly on defense. That’s going to change big time this year.”

PETRIDES PANTHERS

Coach: Thomas Greco Last year: 4-14; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Corey Epstein, senior 2B/OF/P; Joaquin Bobe, senior CF; Mike Cacioppo, junior SS Top newcomers: Keith Dragonetti, junior C; David Martinez, junior IF; Mike DellaCroce, junior OF/P Coach says: “We have a nice group of juniors who have experience at this level. It’ll be interesting. I’m excited to get started.”

Coach: Anthony Formica Last year: 14-4; lost to Tottenville in quarterfinals. Top returners: Drew Walsh, senior SS; Andy Torres, senior P/C; James Gandia, senior P/CF Top newcomers: Paul Lantieri, senior RF; Kevin Duffy, junior 3B/OF; Joseph Cosmai, senior 2B/P Coach says: “The outlook is to make the playoffs and play meaningful games down the stretch.”

SUSAN WAGNER FALCONS

Coach: Robert Nappo Last year: 4-14; did not make playoffs. Top returners: James Hally, senior C; Victor Kvetkoff, senior P/RF; Pat Coriell, senior P/IF Top newcomers: Nick Armenia, junior P; Jared Croce, junior CF; James Israilov, junior DH Coach says: “This year, we hope we can get to the quarterfinals. I think we can with this team.”

CHSAA BISHOP FORD FALCONS

Coach: Mike Hanrahan Last year: 2-15 in ‘A’; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Terrance Stubbs, senior P; Billy Cardona senior SS; Tomas Pimentel, senior CF Top newcomers: Stephen Bove, sophomore P; Kasceim Graham, junior P Coach says: “We’re in the strongest division in all of New York City. It’s going to be tough but we’re hoping to be competitive within the division. With our seniors, we hope to make the playoffs.”

ST. EDMUND PREP EAGLES

Coach: Michael Mancini Last year: 3-14 in ‘A’; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Jimmy Bannon, senior P; Paul Rutuello, senior 3B, Nick Garbey, senior 1B Top newcomers: D.J. Desonzo, junior CF; Anthony Lasauchi, junior P Coach says: “I have a very good pitching staff. Young, but good. We can run and play good defense. I want to get to .500, and that will be our goal, which gets us into the playoffs.”

BISHOP LOUGHLIN LIONS

Coach: Kelly Williams Last year: 2-12 in ‘B’; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Jose Perez, senior SS; Derek Davis, senior 2B; Daniel Cuevas, senior P Top newcomers: Jesse Delvalle, junior C; Joanel Gil, sophomore RF Coach says: “We took a lot of hard losses last year, but by the end, we improved a lot. I expect my guys to play hard and compete.”

ST. PETER’S EAGLES Reported by Brian Bohl, Elio Velez, Mark Lelinwalla and Matt Gagne

Coach: Michael Grippo Last year: 9-9; lost to Kennedy in second round of playoffs. Top returners: Steve Hession, senior P; Jared Coppotelli, senior 3B; Robert Manisero, senior P Top newcomers: Matt Abramowitz, sophomre P; Mike Murphy, junior OF; John Duffy, sophomore SS Coach says: “Year to year, we just focus on the fundamentals and let the winning and losing take care of itself. We should compete in the league.”

Coach: John Eberlein Last year: 7-8 in ‘A’; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Charles DeHart, senior IF; Doug Wells, junior 1B Top newcomers: Robert Bernardo, junior 3B; Steven

Palladino, junior P Coach says: “Last year, we got off to a slow start at 1-5 and finished 7-8. Hopefully we get off to a better start this year. We had a decent fall. If we get off to a better start, we’ll have a better finish.”

FARRELL LIONS

Coach: Bob Mulligan Last year: 8-7 in ‘A’; lost to St. Francis Prep in playin series. Top returners: Steve Rivera, senior P; Chucky Fontana, senior CF; Tyler Sciacca, senior SS; Paul John Gurrieri, senior C Top newcomers: Nick Del Prete, sophomore IF; Charlie Lopez, junior 1B Coach says: “Most of the boys got quality time in the fall. We can compete for the Island championship.”

MOORE MAVERICKS

Coach: Nick Doscher Last year: 12-3 in ‘A’; lost to Regis in third round of playoffs. Top returners: Ed Medina, senior P/SS; Carmine Pellechia, senior CF; Richie Palase, senior 1B; Mike Carletti, senior P Top newcomers: Dylan McNamara, senior P; Frank Marchisello, senior 3B Coach says: “We are senior-laden, and I think our pitching is as good as anybody’s. I think we’ll be there at the end.”

ST. JOSEPH BY-THE-SEA VIKINGS

Coach: Gordon Rugg Last year: 15-6 in ‘A’; lost to Molloy in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Ray Thaiz, senior P; Mark Dragonette, senior P; Brian Mareno, senior C Top newcomers: Nick Pavia, sophomore P; Marco Santomauro, sophomore P; Chris Ramanauskas, sophomore 3B Coach says: “Tough division, so I hope our pitching holds up.”

BROOKLYN ‘A’ EAST

BROOKLYN ‘B’ CENTRAL BROOKLYN ‘B’ NORTH BROOKLYN ‘A’ WEST

BROOKLYN ‘B’ SOUTH

TRANSIT TECH EXPRESS

Coach: Onix Duran Last year: 4-11; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Andre Ruiz, junior SS; Kevin Vega, junior CF; Nicholas Diaz, senior OF Top newcomers: German Moya, sophomore P; Sam Soto, freshman IF; William Bisono, senior 1B Coach says: “We’re trying to go .500. Some teams overlook us and don’t put their ace against us. If they sleep on us, we can snatch some games.”

FORT HAMILTON TIGERS

Coach: Al Casciani Last year: 13-3; lost to Bayside in second round of playoffs. Top returners: David Pimentel, senior SS; Mike Sundholm, senior C; Juan Lopez, junior RF Top newcomers: Eric Nilsen, junior P; Louis Sanchez, freshman IF; Victor Vando, senior 1B Coach says: “With the wooden bats, we’ll do OK as long as our defense plays up to their potential and my pitchers stay around the strike zone.”

BANNEKER WARRIORS

Coach: Moreno Fernandez Last year: 13-3; lost to Taft in second round of playoffs. Top returners: Angel Morales, junior P/1B; Jonathan Neira, senior C/OF; Joel Santos, junior IF Top newcomers: Keenan Lambert, junior P/C/ 3B; Chris Crawford, junior OF; Omar Ba, freshman P/OF Coach says: “Our pitching is strong and is going to carry us. If we turn up the defense, we’re going to be winning some close games.”

BOYS & GIRLS KANGAROOS

Coach: Stan Feldman Last year: 10-6; lost to Banneker in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Liam La Guerre, senior P/2B; Jorge Bolden, junior P; Travis Alexander, senior 1B Top newcomers: Albert Edwards, junior P; Manley Cradle, sophomore IF; Maximo Rodriguez, senior SS Coach says: “I think we’ll make the playoffs. The kids are much more hard working and love to practice.”

MADISON KNIGHTS

Coach: Vincent Caiazza Last year: 14-2; lost to Lincoln in second round of playoffs. Top returners: James Wong, senior SS/P; Kevin Laidlaw, senior CF; Victor Cosme, senior P; Jonathan Farina, senior P Top newcomers: Edward Lenahan, sophomore DH/P; Chris Mann, sophomore DH/C; Joey Hecker, freshman OF Coach says: “The expectations are extremely high. We’ve always hit a roadblock in the playoffs but this year we have a lot of pitching and good defense.”

FDR COUGARS

Coach: Avi Ribenbach Last year: 7-9; lost to Monroe in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Eddie Rodriguez, junior SS; Nestor Martinez, senior P; Angel Vidal, junior 2B Top newcomers: Armando Merino, junior C; James Costantino, junior P; Franklin Vizcaino, senior P Coach says: “Our strength is pitching. With the wood bats, pitchers can have an advantage. All my pitchers from last year are returning.”

TELECOMM. YELLOW JACKETS

Coach: Charlie Patamarapipan Last year: 6-10; did not make playoffs. Top returners: James Salinaro, junior P; Joel Pena, senior SS; Melvin Rios, sophomore 3B/CF Top newcomers: Christopher Cheedie, junior 3B; Luis Rios, freshman 2B; Gabriel Vazquez, freshman P Coach says: “We have strong pitching. Now with the wood bats, any team with strong defense and pitching will be competitive.”

Coach: Ed D’Alessio Last year: 11-5; lost to Lehman in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Jonn Pierre Garcia, senior C; Elddy Fernadez, junior SS; Rich Adames, junior 1B Top newcomers: Noel Placencia, sophomore P; Pedro Garcia Jr., senior P; Anthony Lumia, junior P Coach says: “We have a lot of depth; I have 17 kids on the roster. We have four freshmen who will be impact players.”

WESTINGHOUSE WARRIORS

VAN ARSDALE CARDINALS

Coach: Richard Butz Last year: 4-12; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Patrick Mendoza, senior SS; Felix Morales, sophomore P/3B; John Jones, junior 1B Top newcomers: John Guzman, sophomore 2B; Edgerton Hinds, junior LF; Orbin Valerio, sophomore IF/OF Coach says: “I expect us to make the playoffs. Last year was disappointing, but we made too many mental errors.”

EBC/BUSHWICK PANTHERS

Coach: David Jimenez Last year: 15-1 in ‘B’ North; lost to Bayard Rustin in quarterfinals. Top returners: Robert Checo, senior SS; Nicolas Marcano, junior P; Elvis Torres, junior 3B/C Top newcomers: David Velez, junior P; Junior Bencosme, junior 2B; Christian Velez, freshman OF Coach says: “Defensively, we’re strong and our pitching is strong, as well. We’re going to have to see offensively about the adjustments to using wooden bats.”

PROSPECT HEIGHTS CARDINALS TILDEN BLUE DEVILS Coach: Dan Kellner Last year: 7-2 in developmental league. Top returners: Rafael Mercedes, senior P/IF; Odanis Rosario, senior C; Pedro Sanchez, senior 3B Top newcomers: Wander Castillo, sophomore P/SS; Robert Guzman, freshman P/OF; Randy Perez, sophomore P/IF Coach says: “We have a large number of highly skilled ballplayers returning. It depends heavily on academic eligibility, but as long as we have the old crowd back, we are poised to dominate.”

SHEEPSHEAD BAY SHARKS

Coach: Kevin Rice Last year: 10-6; lost to School of the Future in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Roger Fields, senior P/IF; Jeffrey Mercedes, junior P/IF; Osei Carrington, senior P Top newcomers: Ernie Delouis, senior 1B; Carlos Richardson, junior 2B; Aaron Jean, junior C Coach says: “If everything goes well, we’ll make the playoffs. I just hope our pitching holds up. It depends on how far our pitching will take us.”

Coach: Andres Guzman Last year: 9-7; lost to Bayard Rustin in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Luis Angeles, junior C; Jared Barner, sophomore P/IF/OF; Radul Martinez, sophomore 2B/SS Top newcomers: Akeem Oilver, junior P/IF; Alex Manzolillo, senior P/IF; Luis Castillo, sophomore P/OF Coach says: “This is my first year coaching this team. I expect us to impact the division.”

CANARSIE CHIEFS

Coach: Jason Becker Last year: 1-15; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Arion Melo, senior C; Mark Matthews, junior CF; Ariel Arapioannou, junior 2B Top newcomers: Debonair Bolling, freshman P/ IF; Joseph Abadia, freshman SS/P; Henry Diaz, freshman 3B Coach says: “We’re young and we’re going to be very competitive.”

NEW UTRECHT UTES

Coach: Rick DeMarco Last year: 11-5; lost to Clinton in second round of playoffs. Top returners: Xavier Alvarado, senior P/SS; Daniel Green, senior IF/OF; Alexander Warden, senior CF Top newcomers: Joshua Pachtman, senior IF/OF; Triston Trunk, senior P/OF; Brian Cubero, senior P/IF Coach says: “We’re younger than in the past; we lost nine players, but we still should compete in the division.”

COBBLE HILL STALLIONS

Coach: Jonathan Metzler Last year: 10-6; lost to Riverdale in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Freddy Wright, sophomore SS; Dwayne Howington, sophomore CF; Christopher Vazquez, senior OF Top newcomers: Daniel Gonzalez, junior 3B; Imtiaj Perbej, freshman P; Zach Camerzell, freshman LF Coach says: “We lost six seniors off last year’s team ... so it’s about rebuilding.”

JUAN MOREL CAMPOS COUGARS JEFFERSON ORANGE WAVE Coach: Jason McCarthy Last year: 10-2 in developmental league. Top returners: Louis Castillo, senior SS; Navaliz Mota, senior CF; Jose Estrella, junior OF Top newcomers: Mike Spina, junior IF/OF; Jose Martinez, junior 1B; Alex Lopez, junior OF/P Coach says: “We moved up to the ‘B’ division, so it will be a new challenge. I’m hoping our success last year carries over into this year.”

ALL CITY LEADERSHIP EAGLES

Coach: Elvis Estevez Last year: 1-15 in ‘B’ North; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Joey Lopez, junior P/SS; Joshua Diaz, junior 3B; Greg (Twin) Guzman, sophomore C Top newcomers: Justin Gonzalez, sophomore 1B; Vincent Monet, sophomore P/IF; Jacob Gonzalez, freshman P/1B Coach says: “We want to be more competitive. You always want to improve on your game, and if you get a win out of it, that’s great.”

Coach: Tom Daley Last year: 9-7 in ‘B’ South; lost to EBC/Bushwick in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Jeffery Diaz, junior 1B; Joshua Ortiz, junior SS/P; Mayker Lopez, junior C Top newcomers: Mark Thomas, freshman LF; Odani Acevedo, junior CF; Gairy Ramlal, senior P Coach says: “We’re a young team. Our strong point is pitching, and hopefully we’ll start to jell and be in the playoffs again.”

CLARA BARTON PANTHERS

Coach: Michael Goldstein Last year: 0-14; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Ivan Abreu, junior P/IF; Aaron Adams, senior OF/P; Mikhail Atkins, junior P/1B Top newcomers: Joshua Salcedo, freshman P/SS; Davey Ortiz, freshman IF; Julian Cepeda, sophomore OF Coach says: “I don’t know if we’ll win any championships, but we should win some games this year. We are definitely improved.”

BROOKLYN TECH ENGINEERS

Coach: George Zanotto Last year: 5-10; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Jeffrey Burdier, senior C; Matt Gibson, senior P; Henry Loehrke, junior P Top newcomers: John Hatheway, sophomore P; Angel Rivera, senior CF; Robert Wihlborg, senior 1B Coach says: “The focus is going to be on the pitching. I have guys who can throw very well. I’m hoping to keep the runs we allow down and give us a chance to win close games.”

LINCOLN RAILSPLITTERS

Coach: Frank Sommo Last year: 13-3; lost to Monroe in quarterfinals. Top returners: Michael Ortega, senior P/CF; Charlie Lugo, senior SS; Jeremy Ramos, senior LF Top newcomers: Joseph Minardi, senior P/ 3B; Edward Cho, junior P/IF; Christian Orue, senior C Coach says: “We’re hoping to contend for a division title and make the playoffs again. Last year, we made it to the final eight in the city and we had one player make All-City.”

AUTOMOTIVE PISTONS

Coach: Carlos Caraballo Last year: 8-8; lost to Gregorio Luperon in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Edinson Salcedo, senior 3B; Jarol Mueses, senior P/IF; Jeremy Hernandez, junior P/IF Top newcomers: Abraham Downes, senior C; Edward Garcia, junior 1B; Jeremy Zamora, senior IF/OF Coach says: “I expect us to have fun. We always improve … I believe that nobody can beat us as long as we play together.”

MAXWELL BEARS

Coach: Steven Juliano Last year: 8-5 in developmental league. Top returners: Zaaid Majeed, senior SS/P; Issac Vinas, sophomore 1B/P; Manuel Vinas, senior OF Top newcomers: Mike Caba, senior 2B; Jacinto Acevedo, senior C/P; Anthony Duran, senior CF/P Coach says: “We’re an excellent fielding team. Our pitching is deeper than last year.”

GRADY FALCONS

Coach: Jose Santiago Last year: 2-12; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Yoriel Martinez, senior 3B; Daniel Torres, senior P/CF; Lennox Roberts, senior IF Top newcomers: Billy Augustin, freshman P/ SS; Brendan Jones, freshman 2B Coach says: “We want to finish at least in third place and make the playoffs.”

MIDWOOD HORNETS

Coach: Charles Barbieri Last Year: 8-8; lost to Beacon in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Matt Whelehan, senior CF; Flynn Skidmore, senior C; Collin Hannay, junior RF; Phil Georges, junior SS Top newcomers: Jon Gonzalez, freshman 1B/P; Matt Caspi, sophomore CF/P Coach says: “We have been around the .500 level for the last three years, so I’m hoping we can elevate and challenge for the division.”

BROOKLYN STUDIO KNIGHTS

Coach: Craig Cutaneo Last year: 2-14; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Anthony Zappulla, junior P; Michael Zappulla, junior C; Thomas Ingargiola, senior CF Top newcomers: Joe Morales, sophomore 3B; Sean Caufield, senior OF; Peter De Nicola, junior SS Coach says: “We’re a young team with a chance to be competitive.”

GLOBAL STUDIES JAGUARS

Coach: John Templeton Last year: 10-1 in developmental league. Top returners: Jose Garcia, junior P/SS; Raymond Rosario, sophomore LF; Fernando Martinez, sophomore C Top newcomers: Brandon Torres, freshman 3B; Angel Garcia, freshman 1B Coach says: “We want to make the playoffs this year. We’re going to put runners on the bases.”

ROBESON EAGLES

Coach: Todd Myles Last year: 5-11 in ‘B’ South; did not make playoffs. Top three returners: Maximilien Palen, senior P/CF; Jared Ridges, junior P; Lucas Greer, junior SS/3B Top three newcomers: Randy Narmasing, junior OF; Amir Samhan, senior 1B; Jan Alvarez, senior C/IF Coach says: “This year, I think we’re a playoff team. Hopefully, we can finish either first or second in our division.”

SOUTH SHORE VIKINGS

Coach: Stewart Jamieson Last Year: 12-4; lost to Hillcrest in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Aldwin Rickenbacker, senior C; Levon Charles, senior P Outlook: “We’re trying to rebuild and get back on the right track. We had a senior-heavy team last year and our school is changing (into a campus), so we don’t have a lot of freshmen (right now).” — AD John Micillo.

STATEN ISLAND ‘A’ NEW DORP CENTRALS

MCKEE/SI TECH DIRTY BIRDS

PORT RICHMOND RED RAIDERS

CURTIS WARRIORS

Coach: Raymond Smith Last year: 11-7; lost to New Utrecht in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Matthew Anselmi, senior P; Greg Cardazone, senior 1B; Rob Cardazone, senior C Top newcomers: Tom Karasinski, junior RF; Matt Rosario, senior P; Steve Bevacqua, senior SS Coach says: “We need to be more consistent offensively. We have a solid defense and our pitching has yet to be proven. Offense is our strength.”

Coach: John Sce Last year: 7-11; did not make playoffs. Top returners: James De Barbieri, senior P; David Trojaniello, senior RF; Jon Alvarez, senior 1B Top newcomers: David Carreon, sophomore SS; Joseph Cunningham, sophomore C; Jon Aponte, junior P Coach says: “We haven’t been in the playoffs because we’ve played poorly on defense. That’s going to change big time this year.”

PETRIDES PANTHERS

Coach: Thomas Greco Last year: 4-14; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Corey Epstein, senior 2B/OF/P; Joaquin Bobe, senior CF; Mike Cacioppo, junior SS Top newcomers: Keith Dragonetti, junior C; David Martinez, junior IF; Mike DellaCroce, junior OF/P Coach says: “We have a nice group of juniors who have experience at this level. It’ll be interesting. I’m excited to get started.”

Coach: Anthony Formica Last year: 14-4; lost to Tottenville in quarterfinals. Top returners: Drew Walsh, senior SS; Andy Torres, senior P/C; James Gandia, senior P/CF Top newcomers: Paul Lantieri, senior RF; Kevin Duffy, junior 3B/OF; Joseph Cosmai, senior 2B/P Coach says: “The outlook is to make the playoffs and play meaningful games down the stretch.”

SUSAN WAGNER FALCONS

Coach: Robert Nappo Last year: 4-14; did not make playoffs. Top returners: James Hally, senior C; Victor Kvetkoff, senior P/RF; Pat Coriell, senior P/IF Top newcomers: Nick Armenia, junior P; Jared Croce, junior CF; James Israilov, junior DH Coach says: “This year, we hope we can get to the quarterfinals. I think we can with this team.”

CHSAA BISHOP FORD FALCONS

Coach: Mike Hanrahan Last year: 2-15 in ‘A’; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Terrance Stubbs, senior P; Billy Cardona senior SS; Tomas Pimentel, senior CF Top newcomers: Stephen Bove, sophomore P; Kasceim Graham, junior P Coach says: “We’re in the strongest division in all of New York City. It’s going to be tough but we’re hoping to be competitive within the division. With our seniors, we hope to make the playoffs.”

ST. EDMUND PREP EAGLES

Coach: Michael Mancini Last year: 3-14 in ‘A’; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Jimmy Bannon, senior P; Paul Rutuello, senior 3B, Nick Garbey, senior 1B Top newcomers: D.J. Desonzo, junior CF; Anthony Lasauchi, junior P Coach says: “I have a very good pitching staff. Young, but good. We can run and play good defense. I want to get to .500, and that will be our goal, which gets us into the playoffs.”

BISHOP LOUGHLIN LIONS

Coach: Kelly Williams Last year: 2-12 in ‘B’; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Jose Perez, senior SS; Derek Davis, senior 2B; Daniel Cuevas, senior P Top newcomers: Jesse Delvalle, junior C; Joanel Gil, sophomore RF Coach says: “We took a lot of hard losses last year, but by the end, we improved a lot. I expect my guys to play hard and compete.”

ST. PETER’S EAGLES Reported by Brian Bohl, Elio Velez, Mark Lelinwalla and Matt Gagne

Coach: Michael Grippo Last year: 9-9; lost to Kennedy in second round of playoffs. Top returners: Steve Hession, senior P; Jared Coppotelli, senior 3B; Robert Manisero, senior P Top newcomers: Matt Abramowitz, sophomre P; Mike Murphy, junior OF; John Duffy, sophomore SS Coach says: “Year to year, we just focus on the fundamentals and let the winning and losing take care of itself. We should compete in the league.”

Coach: John Eberlein Last year: 7-8 in ‘A’; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Charles DeHart, senior IF; Doug Wells, junior 1B Top newcomers: Robert Bernardo, junior 3B; Steven

Palladino, junior P Coach says: “Last year, we got off to a slow start at 1-5 and finished 7-8. Hopefully we get off to a better start this year. We had a decent fall. If we get off to a better start, we’ll have a better finish.”

FARRELL LIONS

Coach: Bob Mulligan Last year: 8-7 in ‘A’; lost to St. Francis Prep in playin series. Top returners: Steve Rivera, senior P; Chucky Fontana, senior CF; Tyler Sciacca, senior SS; Paul John Gurrieri, senior C Top newcomers: Nick Del Prete, sophomore IF; Charlie Lopez, junior 1B Coach says: “Most of the boys got quality time in the fall. We can compete for the Island championship.”

MOORE MAVERICKS

Coach: Nick Doscher Last year: 12-3 in ‘A’; lost to Regis in third round of playoffs. Top returners: Ed Medina, senior P/SS; Carmine Pellechia, senior CF; Richie Palase, senior 1B; Mike Carletti, senior P Top newcomers: Dylan McNamara, senior P; Frank Marchisello, senior 3B Coach says: “We are senior-laden, and I think our pitching is as good as anybody’s. I think we’ll be there at the end.”

ST. JOSEPH BY-THE-SEA VIKINGS

Coach: Gordon Rugg Last year: 15-6 in ‘A’; lost to Molloy in first round of playoffs. Top returners: Ray Thaiz, senior P; Mark Dragonette, senior P; Brian Mareno, senior C Top newcomers: Nick Pavia, sophomore P; Marco Santomauro, sophomore P; Chris Ramanauskas, sophomore 3B Coach says: “Tough division, so I hope our pitching holds up.”

Coach: Michael Repole Last year: 12-5 in Brooklyn A; lost to Bryant in playoffs Top returners: Toniann Morro, junior, P/SS; Lisa Morro, senior, P; Nicolette Sinagra, sophomore 3B Up-and-comers: Yvonne Lam, senior, 1B/OF; Krystal Class, senior, CF; Katelyn Lada, freshman, C Coach says: “We’re going to be competitive as long as we play defense every single game. Defense is going to be key for us, because we don’t have an overpowering pitcher.”

MIDWOOD HORNETS Coach: Jenny Ferrarin Last year: 10-7 in Brooklyn A; lost to Clinton in playoffs Top returners: Ashley Riccardi, junior SS; Brittany Hinds, senior CF/C; Ashley Mawad, sophomore 2B Up-and-comers: Traci Mari Kent, sophomore P; Genna Bell, freshman P/OF; Taylor Ann Fazio, sophomore RF Coach says: “I think we’ll be above .500. We’re a young team so it’s going to be a growing experience.”

BY MATT GAGNE

HE MADISON KNIGHTS are hoping to knock Tottenville’s “Drive for Five” out of gear. The Pirates captured an unprecedented fourth straight PSAL softball championship last June, capping an undefeated “rebuilding season” with a 6-2 victory over Madison in the final at St. John’s University. Tottenville finished 20-0 a year after graduating seven seniors, including ace pitcher Brittany Stratton, who made the Pirates nearly untouchable in 2005 by striking out 237 in 112 innings. “People thought we weren’t going to be anything without Brittany, and these kids took it and ran with it as motivation,” Tottenville coach Cathy Morano said last June as the dust settled from the postgame pig-piling. “We’re up there with a lot of great teams; to win four straight says something for this program and these kids.” The Pirates return everyone this year except — as if by design — seven seniors, including their ace. But there’s a twist to the improbable formula: Unlike two years ago, the seven seniors who graduated last June were all starters. “I guess you could consider calling it a rebuilding year,” said Morano, considering the idea out of politeness. “But we’re just put-

Marie Oneto

Coach: Andre Johnson Last year: 3-13 in Brooklyn A; did not make playoffs Top returners: Aleen Abad, senior P/1B; Gina Lopez, junior P/2B; Arielle Lopez, junior CF Up-and-comers: Shani Fernandez, sophomore 3B; Yulixa Cordero sophomore SS Coach says: “This is our second year in the ‘A’ division, so we’re just trying to win more than we lose and hopefully get to the playoffs.”

DAILY NEWS

skate or soc Outdo ey, learn to d more. k n c a o s h ice l art tion martia forma in l a n io it d 00 For ad 18-758-75 call 7

SHEEPSHEAD BAY SHARKS

FDR LADY COUGARS

Coach: Pat Moyse Last year: 2-14 in Brooklyn A; did not make playoffs Top returners: Alina Pacheco, senior P; Judy Figueroa, senior 1B; Andrea Casado, sophomore SS Up-and-comers: Jackie Castillo, senior 3B; Angela Hernandez, sophomore 2B Coach says: “This is my first year coaching this team, but we’re looking pretty good. I see us winning many more games than we did last year.”

Coach: Thomas Vitola Last year: 8-5 in Brooklyn I B; lost to Springfield Gardens in playoffs Top returners: Courtney Toussaint, senior P/CF: Sintora Stewart, junior 1B; Jazmine Mavarro, sophomore 2B/O Up-and-comers: Emily Rodriguez, junior 3B; Emily Davila, junior SS; LaKeisha McKenzie, sophomore P Coach says: “We’re gonna get back to basics. Just giving everything we got each game.”

Coach: Desiree Matone Last year: 8-6; lost to Long Island City in of playoffs Top returners: Kimberly Cruz, junior P/SS/2B, junior; Debbie Eshel, senior, C/3B Up-and-comers: Elainne Martinez, sophomores, 1B; Jackie Bianco, freshman, P/2B; Naomi Fernandez, sophomore, CF Coach says: “I’m trying to get them too incorporate teamwork and dedication onto the field.”

Coach: Robert Greenblatt Last year: 1-17 in Brooklyn A; did not make playoffs Top returners: Ashley Elam, senior P; Suletty Diaz, junior SS; Ashley Williams, sophomore 1B Up-and-comers: Shakeda Wint, junior 2B; Kiara Alvardo, junior C; Shana Clark, sophomore OF Coach says: “I’m hoping to make some improvements and be competitive in the ‘A’ division.”

BROOKLYN I B SOUTH SHORE VIKINGS Coach: Jennifer Baumfeld Last year: 10-3 in Brooklyn I B; lost to Telecomm in first round of the playoffs. Top returners: Jefferen Jackson, senior C; Emily Caceres, sophomore LF Up-and-comers: Crystal Molina, junior SS; Wayneth Junior, junior, 3B; Patrice Johnson, junior 1B/P Coach says: “They’re all hard working and willing to learn. The knowledge of the game is there, and that will be our strongest strength. Most of the players are coming up from the JV last year where I coached a team that went 7-3.”

Then Aviator Sports is the place to be. • The region’s premier mega sports plex. • Food and activity packages to accommodate any of your needs. • Whether you are actively participating or just hanging out with the gang, from a group of 20 to 5,000 people, Aviator has the right party for your organization • Book your party or picnic today. Call 718-758-7500 or visit aviatorsports.com. • Ice, courts, fields, rock climbing, hiking and biking. It’s all good at Aviator.

GRADY FALCONS

OPEN 7 DAYS

Coach: William Mensah Last year: 2-11 in Brooklyn I B; did not make playoffs Top returners: Tracy Ann Thorpe, senior C; Denise Blanding, senior 1B; Liz Dominguez, senior, 2B/3B Up-and-comers: Aleah Martinez, senior P; Esi Bonful, sophomore 2B; Anjeh Bourne, senior SS Coach says: “Expectations are high for this season. I’m a new coach — I took over the team this year, but I’m hoping we can make the playoffs because of all the seniors (9) on the team.”

TELECOMM YELLOWJACKETS Coach: Glenn McCartney Last year: 14-0 in Brooklyn B.; lost to Queens HS of Teaching in playoffs Top returners: Annalyse Padilla, senior C/OF; Alexandra Espinal, senior, 1B; Samantha Castro, junior P/CF Up-and-comers: Jennifer Clavell, sophomore, P; Samantha Perez, SS; Vianca Ramirez, freshman, 3B. Coach says: “We’re a better team than we were last year but our pitching is going to dictate how far we go. We have young pitchers.”

BROOKLYN II B ERASMUS HALL DUTCHWOMEN Coach: Michelle Wyeth Last year: 9-6 in Brooklyn III B; lost to Jamaica in playoffs Top returners: Chantel Lynch, senior, CF; Jheonel Hue, junior, LF; Asatta Defreittas, sophomore, 1B Up-and-comers: Stayce Kay Muirhead, freshman, IF; Juanita Williams, freshman, P/SS Coach says: “It is a rebuilding year. We have a lot of good athletes totally learning the game of softball.”

Mullins Basketball Camp Ages 8-16 2 Weeks: July 28–Aug. 1, Aug. 11–15

Ages 5-17 1 Week: July 14–18, 9am-4pm

Volleyball Camp (Girls) Ages 12-17w 2 Weeks: July 14–18 4pm-9pm, Aug. 4–8 9am-4pm

Ice Hockey Camp Mite To Bantam 8 Weeks: July 7–Aug.29

Gymnastics Camp Ages 5-15 2 Weeks: July 14–25

REGISTER YOUR CHILD TODAY RAVE REVIE WS

ADVENTURERS family entertainment center · Formerly Nelly Bly Amusement Park ·

Wednesday, April 2, 2008 @ 6:30pm The Rotunda, 2nd Floor, MAC Building Meet subject-m matter specialists who can help you plan a career path.

1824 Shore Parkway Brooklyn, NY Exit 5 (Bay Parkway Exit) Off the Belt Parkway– B6 to gate

Kingsborough offers a wide range of classes aimed at helping you enhance your skill-sets and personal development.

718-975-2748 www. AdventurersPark .com

Now Open NEW

Refreshments served •

WE OFFER CLASSES THAT Work FOR YOU

Weekends & Holidays Park opens at 11:00 a.m. Park will be open April 21st—25th Weather permitting

For a FREE Spring catalog call (718) 368-5052

* Enjoy Our 22* Exciting Rides

In addition to ESL and GED classes, we offer several courses in healthcare, computer technology, insurance, test-preparation, languages, sports and fitness and music.

Miniature Golf & Gaming Attractions Ride the NEW FLIPPER from Germany & the TL3 Roller Coaster from Italy!

Call (718) 368-5052 for more information!

4

Visit Our Fo od Court

Brooklyn’s Completely Renovated Amusement Park

Free Open House

EASY TO WAYS ER! ST REGI

BLACK ONLY

Euro Soccer Camp

HANGAR 5, FLOYD BENNETT FIELD / BROOKLYN, NY 11234 / 718.758.7500 Conveniently located - Exit 11S - Belt Pkwy. FREE PARKING OFFICIAL CONCESSIONER OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

KINGSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BROOKLYN STUDIO LADY KNIGHTS Coach: John Mannino Last year: 6-0 in developmental league; did not make playoffs. Top returners: Christina Rivera, senior, P/C; Gina Harrison, junior C/SS; Christina Paulucci, sophomore, LF Up-and-comers: Gabriella Finocchio, freshman, P/3B; Isabel Gomez, freshman, CF Coach says: “Our goal is to make it to the PSAL championship. I try to make our team strive for the highest goals.”

Ages 5-17 8 Weeks: July 7–Aug. 29

AVIATOR SPORTS AND RECREATION

CONTINUING EDUCATION

BUSHWICK CAMPUS LADY TIGERS

CANARSIE LADY CHIEFS

Need a place for your corporate party or picnic?

Figure Skating Camp

Birthday Parties & Special Occasions

1. BY PHONE: (718) 368-5 5050: Mon.- Fri. 9:30 am- 4:30 pm 2. ON-LLINE: At www.kingsborough.edu click on Continuing Education 3. BY FAX: (718) 368-5 5200: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 4. IN-P PERSON: Daytime, Evenings and Weekends. For registratiion schedule or a free catalog: Call (718) 368-5 5052 Note: MasterCard and VISA accepted for registration.

PLENTY OF FREE PARKING

Make your reservations now! Spring/ Summer ...Filling up quickly!

GROUP RATES We cater to groups of all sizes from 20-1000 people Call today for information! COUPON

ONE FREE RIDE ON THE NEW & IMPROVED Kingsborough Community College, 2001 Oriental Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11235

www.kingsborough.edu

$2.50 value

FUN SLIDE COUPON

$2.50 value

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

GRAND STREET CAMPUS LADY WOLVES

y e pla l! u g a ri Le sse, in Aep s ll, lacro ll, t a b r t k a s b a y sta cer, b , volle

Ages 8-18 2 Weeks: Aug. 11–15 Boys, Aug. 18-22 Girls

DAILY NEWS

Coach: Carlos Gonzalez Last year: 9-8 in Brooklyn A; did not make playoffs Top returners: Lucy Lin, senior OF; Sabrina Aponte, senior P/1B; Francesca Gagliardi, senior C/1B/3B Up-and-comers: Katharine Fuentes, junior P/C/2B; Liza Acevedo, freshman IF; Kristina Bermudez, freshman IF/OF Coach says: “We look to be a much more wellrounded team. Last year we relied solely on our pitcher/shortstop Angie Martinez, but this year we have more weapons. We should make the playoffs and make a run for the division.”

Open House is a great opportunity to find out what our camps have to offer, & meet the Camp Director & staff. Sat., April 5 10-4 pm • Sun., April 20 10-4 pm Sat. May 17 10-4 pm

Lacrosse Camp

nydailynews.com

nydailynews.com

LINCOLN LADY RAILSPLITTERS

Ages 5-17 3 Weeks: July 21–Aug.15; 9am-4pm

OPEN HOUSE DATES

JOHN TRACY

FORT HAMILTON LADY TIGERS Coach: Grace Grillo Last year: 9-8 in Brooklyn A; did not make playoffs Top returners: Mariam Award, senior P; Laila Santiago, junior SS; Samantha Mansour, sophomore LF Up-and-comers: Jamie Cherichetti, junior CF; Stella Roumbakos, junior 1B; Justine Delvalle, freshman 3B Coach says: “My outlook is always positive, but the kids need to learn the fundamentals. We work hard and we hang in there with all the teams.”

ting the best people out there … it’s just business as usual, even though we have to fill the seven positions. “They may not have started last year,” she added. “But they got good playing time. They know how much hard work it takes to get to the championship game. … The hardest thing this year is fitting people into the right spot in the batting order. For two years we had the same lineup.” The Pirates, according to Madison coach Bill Dumont, may still be untouchable. “Until somebody knocks them out, they’re the absolute favorite,” Dumont said. “The goal is always to win the crown. To say we’d be satisfied with anything else is untrue. But you have to beat (Tottenville). Until you beat them, you just have to keep looking up.” This year, the Knights may be looking up for different reasons. Madison graduated its entire outfield and two designated hitters, but the Knights return pitcher Marie Oneto, who went 6-1 with a 1.75 ERA as a freshman last year. They added Kayla Hill, a freshman pitcher who has shown such promise this spring that Dumont said it’s “hard to say who’s better” between the two. “I don’t really see myself as a leader, or the ace, or whatever, because we have Kayla coming in and she’s just as good,” Oneto said. “If we work together, we can get through the season. It doesn’t rely on one person.” Dumont hopes that “getting through” means his Knights will get a rematch with Tottenville in the finals and, perhaps, knock the Pirates from their crow’s nest. If that happens, it will be the product of the young pitching tandem and a team that counts just four seniors and one junior. “I just want them this year not to play young, to play up to their talent, and let their talent come out,” Dumont said. “It’s all about confidence. You have to be able to take a deep breath when there’s pressure and let your talent do the work. “I’m hoping they can step in and get it done.”

Aviator Soccer Camp Academy

Kids will have a traditional camp experience and enjoy a variety of activities such as ice skating, rock climbing, court sports, arts and crafts, and gymnastics in non-competitive surroundings. ALL STAR DAY CAMP (ages 5-15) from 9 am-4 pm HALF DAY CAMP (ages 3-5) from 9 am-12 pm

Plate Label: KSI,1STAR,47,9,28 - Mon Mar 31 23.12.46 EDT 2008 PLATE-SIGZONE:KSI,1STAR,47,B,KSI,9,28:

NEW UTRECHT UTES

TOTTENVILLE’S MAGIC Pirates lose seven seniors but return as favorites T

DAY CAMPS July 7 - August 29

Section-Low: KSI-9

Coach: Bill Dumont Last year: 15-2 in Brooklyn A; lost to Tottenville in finals of playoffs Top returners: Maria Mantagas, sophomore 3B; Brittany O’Brien, sophomore SS; Nikki Panaro, sophomore 1B Up-and-comers:Natasha Lezama, senior CF; Kayla Hill, freshman P/LF; Becky Ganley, freshman C Coach says: “We’re just going to practice a lot and just progress one day at a time.”

S P E C I A LT Y C A M P S

28 KSI

MADISON LADY KNIGHTS

KSI

BROOKLYN A

AVIATOR SPORTS & RECREATION SUMMER CAMPS

9

S FTBALL

8 KSI

“Sue is “Gramps. . . .”

pregnant,”

Seamus

said.

Ryan looked at his 32-year-old son and saw a smiling 3-year-old boy wearing a cowboy hat, carrying a lunchbox up a palm tree-shaded laneway in Santa Monica, Calif., on his way to his first day of preschool. The little blond-haired kid with eyes as blue as the Pacific walked from Apt. No. 5, passing Apt. No. 1, where lived a real-life giant, an Austrian weightlifter named Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was also Mr. Universe. And Ryan’s landlord. The first time Ryan came home from meeting his new landlord, his wife at the time asked him what he was like. “Put it this way,” Ryan said. “I don’t want to be late with the rent.” But Arnold was a gentle giant. “Cute kitt,” Schwarzenegger said whenever little Seamus passed his door. “I luff dee blont hairs and the beeg blue eyesss.” Ryan would always kid with Arnold, who told him he was going to become a “moofee star.” “Did you know that we have talkies now, Arnold?” Ryan would ask, deadpan.

by in his red Mercedes convertible and ask if he could baby-sit Seamus for a few hours. He would strap the golden-haired Seamus into his car and zoom off onto the Pacific Coast Highway and use the adorable kid as a prop to pick up California chicks, pretending he was a widower-father in need of motherly advice. Toback would later direct “The Pick-Up Artist.” Arnold would become one of Seamus’ favorite boyhood action heroes. Now, three decades later and a continent away, Ryan looked up from his slice of grandma pizza in Nino’s on Third Ave. and here was Seamus, all grown up, even bigger than the giant from Apt. No. 5, who was now a retired “moofee star” and the governor of California. Here in his native Brooklyn, before he took his first bite of the grandma slice, Ryan learned that he would be a grandpa. “That’s exactly what I said,” Seamus said. Father and son laughed. Ryan stood and embraced his son.

“And think about changing your name to something shorter than a suspension bridge.” Arnold would eventually have the last laugh. After school, a noted screenwriter and film director named James Toback would often zip

“Same to you.” “You will be a great father because you’re still a big kid yourself.” “Can’t wait.”

All his life, Ryan thought that the day he became a grandfather he would consider himself officially old. He imagined himself on a walker at the same time his first grandkid learned what one was. He dreaded the day that he was so old that young people would call him “cute,” the way they also would refer to his grandkids.

“I was born with technology, Dad,” his son Rory said. “You’re from the last century.” hen Ryan tells Rory that when he was a kid there were only seven TV channels, no cable, no cell phones, no microwave, no home computers, no Internet, and no video games, he thinks THAT’S science fiction.

W

“What did anyone do?” he asks. Now, by the middle of the summer, he would have a grandson to teach him even more about

“How’d this happen?”

Immigration

BROOKLYN TECH ENGINEERS

“I’m gonna be a grandfather,” Ryan said.

“Holy blank,” Ryan said.

“Congratulations, big guy,” Ryan said.

“Just you vatch.”

“It’s gonna be a boy,” Seamus said. “We’re gonna name him Derek.”

But in that moment, as his 57th birthday approached, Ryan felt suddenly young. He had an 8-year-old son at home who ran circles around him and who only the week before had taught him how to operate the DVD player.

the science fiction wonders of this toddling century. As a boy, Ryan never had living grandparents. He’d never had an amnesty board of grandparents to appeal to when he was being punished, no one to spoil him unconditionally, no one to tell him tales about his own mother and father when they were kids. Now he’d get to be such a grandfather to Derek. He couldn’t wait to show Derek some Arnold Schwarzenegger action movies and tell him about his father’s first day of preschool. “How do you feel?” Seamus asked Ryan. “Like a new door just opened,” Ryan said. And then Grandpa Ryan ordered a second grandma slice. [email protected]

Allan Wernick is a lawyer and chairman of the City University of New York’s Citizenship and Immigration Project. He is the author of “U.S. Immigration and Citizenship — Your Complete Guide, Revised 4th Edition.” Send questions and comments to Allan Wernick, Daily News, 450 W. 33rd St., New York, N.Y. 10001. Find Prof. Wernick at allanwernick.com

ALLAN WERNICK

Lottery system offers tough odds

DAILY NEWS

What is H-1B status? It is a temporary status for professional workers. While the law calls these workers “specialty” workers, to get H-1B status, you need not be special. Rather, you need only have at least a four-year college degree or the equivalent in education and experience. The job however, must require someone with your particular degree. And, the employer must pay the H-1B worker at least the wage as others working in that position. You can get H-1B status for up to six years in three-year increments. Extensions beyond six years are available to H-1B workers who have had an employment-based permanent resident case pending for at least one year.

The USCIS cautions that if an employer files more than one petition for the same employee, the agency will deny all those petitions. For more information about H-1B status and the filing rules, go to www.uscis.gov. Assuming the USCIS picks your petition (or you are exempt from the cap), H-1B status is an easy way to

get USCIS work permission. Unlike for most employment-based work categories, an H-1B employer need not prove the unavailability of qualified U.S. workers. So, the law doesn’t require the employer to advertise for a U.S. worker. And, you can get the USCIS to approve an H-1B petition quite fast. Normal processing time is two to three months. However, for a $1,000 “premium processing” fee, the USCIS will issue a decision in no more than 15 calendar days. Before filing, your employer must get an approved “labor conditional application,” but your employer can file and get that application approved instantaneously online.

Visa denials rare for H-1B workers Sometimes, a difficulty arises proving that the worker’s degree is needed to perform the job duties.

If someone with an engineering degree gets a job as an engineer, that’s an easy case. Suppose, however, that the engineer gets a job as an analyst at a stock brokerage firm, studying engineering companies. The employer can probably establish that an engineering degree qualifies the worker for the position. Still, the employer should take care to explain the relationship between the degree and job duties. One great thing about H-1B status is that the worker need not prove a residence abroad to qualify for an H-1B visa. That means that visa denials for H-1B workers at U.S. consulates are rare and that travel in and out of the U.S. is easier. After April 1, I will discuss some alternatives to H-1B status. For now, let’s hope that if your employer petitions for you, you’ll be one of the lucky “H-1B” lottery winners.

Coach: Michael Godelman Last year: 8-7 in Brooklyn III B; did not make playoffs Top returners: Brittany Dennis, senior, P; Kayasha Lyons, senior, 1B; Zollyann Howell, senior 3B Up-and-comers: Terryann Ferguson, senior, RF; Melissa Spooner, senior, 2B; Atika Greene, senior, CF Coach says: “The outlook is bright. We have a lot of seniors. This is our year to shine.”

TRANSIT TECH EXPRESS Coach: Richard Van Wickler Last year: 14-1 in Brooklyn III B; lost to Jamaica in second round of playoffs Top returners: Valinie Balgobin, junior, P; Natalie Evertsz, junior 1B; Genesis Alvarado, sophomore, SS Up-and-comers: Natacha Swinson, sophomore, CF; Rhea Phillip, sophomore RF Coach says: “We’re very inexperienced but I’m hoping to be highly competitive within our newly aligned division.”

BOYS & GIRLS LADY KANGAROOS Coach: Felix Melendez Last year: 8-7 in Brooklyn II B; lost to Riverdale/ Kingsbridge in playoffs Top returners: Maria Haynes, senior, 3B; Tiara Weathers, junior SS; Adjua Adan David, sophomore, P Up-and-comers: Zukeia Gettes, freshman INF; Folashade Frazier, freshman 1B; Lisbeth Pichardo, freshman, Utility. Coach says: “Our main goal is to make it back to the playoffs and go a little further. I also want to groom my freshmen.”

BANNEKER WARRIORS Coach: Malcolm Crawford Last year: 6-6 in Brooklyn II B; did not make playoffs Top returners: Denist Oscar, senior, 3b; Shari Preston, senior, 1B; Jessica Baez, sophomore, C Up-and-comers: Alexandria Palacio, senior, P; Kimesha Spruill, junior SS; Emilie Cruz sophomore, INF Assistant coach David Sanford says: “I believe we will make the playoffs. We have some strong returning players who are very enthusiastic. We’re going to be a scrappy team that will be very competitive.”

MAXWELL BEARS (II B) Coach: Charmine Burton Last year: 7-8, did not make playoffs

LAFAYETTE PATRIOTS (I B) Coach: Thomas Civello Last year: 0-13 — reported by Brian Bohl, Lia Eustachewich and Mitch Ambramson

ORGIVE YOURSELF for looking past Alex Villanueva, for wondering if the 6-6, 220pound righthander with a high-80s fastball and multiple off-speed pitches has a future beyond high school ball. You’re probably just focusing on the past. Villanueva has the kind of frame that gives scouts whiplash, but the senior ace from Grand Street Campus remains overshadowed as he follows in the footsteps of Dellin Betances, a highly touted prospect in the Yankees’ farm system who graduated from the Williamsburg school in 2006. Betances, a righthander who stands 6-9 in spikes and throws a devastating knucklecurve, was drafted in the eighth round of the 2006 amateur draft and collected a signing bonus with six zeroes — the only number found in his senior season ERA. It’s easy to draw parallels between Betances and Villanueva: large frames; similar windups; high-velocity fastballs; senior captains for the perennial favorite in Queens ‘A’ West, the division the Wolves play in to make away games more accessible. But there is one notable, career-defining difference. “Dellin was another thing. He came from another planet. He threw hard,” said Grand Street senior catcher Greg Diaz, who caught Betances as a freshman and once had his thumb broken by the big-money fastball. “Alex is doing almost the same, but you can’t compare.” Betances was on every major league team’s radar screen during his senior season, in which he went 4-0, struck out 65 in 27 innings and was consistently clocked in the low 90s. In his two years of pro ball, Betances has continued to impress. He touched 98 mph in the Gulf Coast League his first season, and posted a 3.60 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 25 innings in short-season Single A on Staten Island last summer. He’ll begin this season with the Charleston RiverDogs in full-season Single A, taking the next step toward the Bronx. “He’s very raw, with a huge ceiling, and over the next few years it’s our job to close the gap and maximize the potential on that ceiling,” Yankees GM Brian Cashman said of Betances’ future last summer. “He’s got more potential than most.”

F

Villanueva, projected to be at least a Division I-caliber pitcher, is hoping to register a blip on scouts’ radar guns this spring and make a name for himself despite lingering memories of Betances’ dominance. It’s a tough act to follow. “A lot of scouts have been in shock when I tell them Alex’s physical attributes. They’re like, ‘What? You have another Dellin?’ ” Grand Street coach Mel Martinez said. “No, he doesn’t throw as hard as Dellin, but he is consistently hitting from 88-90 mph, and they’re like, ‘Well, we’ll take that.’ “Dellin is an icon over here. He is like a legend on this campus,” Martinez added. “Nobody is ever going to match those statistics, and I don’t want Alex to

think unrealistically that he’s going to match that, because nobody will.” Villanueva’s numbers are impressive enough: He finished last season 4-1 with two saves and a 0.85 ERA, striking out 44 in 41 innings. He has command of a changeup and curve, but lacks the velocity that attracts million-dollar signing bonuses. That doesn’t mean he won’t emerge as a prospect. If not in this year’s draft, then after polishing his game in college. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about him, and a lot of scouts like him,” said one major league scout who saw Villanueva pitch last year and plans to follow up this spring. “He’s got both talent and potential; he’s got a chance.” Villanueva is on shutdown for two-and-a-half weeks to rest a tired arm, a condition he said dates to January and is the product of cold weather and overuse from pitching in the Youth Service League last summer and fall. He’ll find out this week from the doctor if treatment is needed for what he described as “pain in my bicep when I try to zip the ball harder.” Martinez expects Villanueva to toe the rubber when the Wolves host Grover Cleveland at 4 p.m. on Friday. Villanueva insists he’s not burdened by Betances’ flamethrower reputation, but it seems he may, at times, be hoping to rival it. “There’s no pressure,” he said. “It’s like a fantasy. It feels good to be compared to a person who’s in the minor leagues right now. It motivates me. I want to be like him. I want to throw hard. It makes me work hard.” Difference in velocity aside, their work ethic has been described as equally intense, and it’s what may someday land Villanueva — still just 17 — in a professional uniform, even if he has to take a longer route than Betances. “I don’t think it’s on his mind, that he has to follow in the footsteps of Dellin,” said Rocky Medina, who coached both pitchers on the 16-yearold Youth Service League team. “Dellin worked very, very hard and was one of the chosen ones. If Alex continues to do what he’s doing — and a lot of coaches feel he’s still growing into his body — he’s going to follow in his footsteps.”

Grand Street ace Alex Villanueva hopes to follow in footsteps of Dellin Betances, a top prospect in Yankees’ organization and 2006 graduate of the Williamsburg school. Photo by Bryan Pace

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Work status for pros

CLARA BARTON PANTHERS

BY MATT GAGNE

DAILY NEWS

oday, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began accepting petitions for new H-1B temporary professionals. This year, the USCIS can approve no more than 85,000 petitions, with 20,000 reserved for applicants with a U.S. master’s degree or higher. If, as expected, the USCIS receives more petitions than it can approve, all petitions received between today and April 7 will be entered into a lottery. Some experts believe the agency will receive up to 500,000 petitions this year. Chances that the USCIS will pick your petition may be as low as one in seven. A lottery seems a silly way to decide on which professional workers should get visas. However, until Congress increases the H-1B cap, we are stuck with the current system. Note that exempt from the cap are workers at an institution of higher education or an affiliated nonprofit entity, at a nonprofit research organization or at a governmental research organization.

Coach: Maureen Malone Last year: 12-2 in Brooklyn II B; lost to Transit Tech in first round of playoffs Top returners: Cindee Crosby, senior, LF; Alex Klimoski senior, 3B; Dawn Rivera, junior, SS Up-and-comers: Laura Laham junior, 2B; Cheryl Luft, junior, C; Joanmarie Reid, P/3B, freshman Coach says: “We are looking to be division champs again and we have a lot of returning players as well as some talented rookies.”

Villanueva tracing tracks of biggest man on Campus

nydailynews.com

BLACK ONLY

Section-Low: KSI-8

nydailynews.com

T

WESTINGHOUSE LADY WARRIORS Coach: Maureen Brady Last year: 6-8 in Brooklyn II B; did not make playoffs Top returners: Bianca Celiare, senior, P/SS; Nadia Pusey, senior, 3B; Shaneeke Bascoe, junior, C Up-and-comers: Jennifer Santiago, junior, RF/SS; Fantasia Mills Pierre, sophomore, INF; Maleon Williams, sophomore, INF Coach says: “I’m very positive and I think it’s going to be a great year for us. I see a lot of potential; they’ve been practicing very hard.”

Last spring, Seamus met Sue at a Manhattan club — an Irish-American girl from a big Bronx family who looked like Lindsay Lohan, only prettier, and without the mug shot. They dated and they dined and they fell in love, and when summer turned to fall, the wheel of life cranked a magical notch and by New Year’s the young lovers learned that there would be a new baby come July.

KSI

R

Denis Hamill My Backyard

yan visited his son Seamus in Bay Ridge, went for a slice of grandma pizza, and as he sprinkled on the salt and pepper and oregano, his life forever changed.

29

Plate Label: KSI,1STAR,46,8,29 - Mon Mar 31 23.12.39 EDT 2008 PLATE-SIGZONE:KSI,1STAR,46,C,KSI,8,29:

Grandpa news like fountain of youth

BY MATT GAGNE ADISON REMAINED UNBEATEN and unrivaled on Friday, knocking of f previously undefeated Telecomm, 11-1, in a game shortened to five innings because of the PSAL’s mercy rule. Victor Cosme, who began the year as the Knights’ third starter, improved to 3-0 and a made a case to be staff ace, throwing just 49 pitches and mixing an overpowering fastball with a curve that kept hitters off-balanced and buckling at the knees. The senior righthander struck out four, walked none and surrendered three singles, and he has yet to give up an earned run this season. “Victor has been lights out this year,” Madison coach Vincent Caiazza said. “If you told me going into the season that my No. 1 and No. 2 pitchers would not be pitching a lot up until this point, and I had to rely on Victor, I’d say you’re crazy.” Cosme has stepped up and filled in for James Wong and Jonathan Farina, the one-two combination that led the Knights to a 14-2 record and the Brooklyn ‘A’ East division title last season. Both have seen limited innings this spring with sore arms. “He threw hard, had a good curve, and he threw strikes,” Telecomm coach Ed D’Alessio said. “It was probably the best performance against us this year. He’s probably one of the better pitchers in the PSAL.” Kevin Laidlaw and Chris Dantuono led Madison with two hits and two RBI apiece, and the Knights took advantage of five Telecomm er-

M

Madison’s Cosme continues emergence against Telecomm

rors as they improved to 7-0 at Bay 8th Street Park. The Yellow Jackets, the top team in Brooklyn ‘A’ West, fell to 8-1. “We got a lot of two-out hits, and that’s what was big about this game. With men on base, we executed,” Dantuono said. “Coming in, I thought it was going to be much closer. But I’ll take it.” The Yellow Jackets spotted Madison a tworun lead on a pair of throwing errors in the first and never had momentum, giving up two more runs in the second and seven over the fourth and fifth innings. “We made some bad plays, and that’s basically it,” D’Alessio said. “These guys are one of the best teams in the city, and you can’t play like that.” Telecomm’s lone threat came in the second, and it was mild at best. Chris Taveras and Euris Turbi hit back-to-back singles with one out, but were stranded on base following a strikeout — Cosme had Jason Galeano backing away from a curve that broke over the heart of the plate — and a groundball to second. The Yellow Jackets’ lone run was scored on an infield error in the fifth. “It’s the two powerhouses in Brooklyn going up against each other, so it was a good test for us,” Cosme said. “Our bats are coming along, and my pitching hasn’t been too bad. It’s been pretty good.”

BROOKLYN A EAST

11 1

Sheepshead Bay 4, New Utrecht 3 EDDIE RODRIGUEZ stole second and moments later delivered the game-winning run, but it was more like a free pass. After walking with two out in the top of the

A

To naturalize, most applicants must have been a permanent resident for at least five continuous years. You qualify after only three years if you have been married to, and living with, the same U.S. citizen spouse — while a permanent resident — for those three years. Continuous means that you were never out of the U.S. for more than 365 consecutive days. If you go abroad for more than a year (you’ll want to get a reentry permit — USCIS travel permission — if you plan to do that) you start counting again when you return. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) credits you one full year for the first day of your return. Then, you can naturalize after four more years of continuous residence (two years for the spouse of a U.S. citizen). If you go abroad on business,

T

way we played,” he said. “Tonight, it was a very close game.” Senior Jerry Ashley led Van Arsdale in the teams’ first meeting with 13 kills — three more than Transit Tech’s entire team. On Friday, Ashley managed just three kills, while fellow frontliner Elijah Brunson also struggled to put the ball away. “Jerry and Elijah weren’t set up quite as much,” Van Arsdale coach Marsha Huguet said. “When we were receiving the ball, our footwork was off. If we had gotten the balls in their hands, the results would have been different.” Both teams have two more matches before the postseason begins in early May. Transit Tech will travel to winless Bushwick Campus next Tuesday before wrapping

up the regular season at Jefferson on May 1. Van Arsdale will finish the season at home, hosting Grand Street Campus (4-4) next Tuesday before playing Automotive (1-7) on May 1. Huguet said she’ll use the final games to prep for the playoffs, where she hopes to run into the Express. “We would absolutely like to face them again,” she said.

BROOKLYN XI

TRANSIT TECH VAN ARSDALE

2 0

Grady 2, New Utrecht 0 GRADY DEFEATED New Utrecht on Friday at Lincoln High School, improving to 9-1 and taking control of the Brooklyn X division, but the victory didn’t come easily. Grady coach Yakira Cordero watched her Falcons cruise to a 25-16 win in the first set, but they

The six-month rule states that if you are abroad for more than six continuous months, the USCIS can make you prove that you did not abandon your U.S. residence. Usually, one trip of greater than six months isn’t usually a problem. That’s especially true if that trip was several years prior to your applying for citizenship.

Trip shouldn’t affect person’s status

Q

If I have traveled abroad for more than six months, can I still become a U.S. citizen? You may be abroad for six months and still become a U.S. citizen.

A

Call-in will answer citizenship questions Want to become a U.S. citizen but you’re not sure if you qualify? Are you confused about the rules for getting a green card? Get the answers at the Daily News/City University of New York (CUNY) Citizenship Now! call-in. From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, April 28 to May 2, immigration law experts will answer your questions free of charge. The Daily News will publish the phone numbers on Monday. Now is a great time to apply for U.S. citizenship. A new naturalization exam is coming that some applicants will find more difficult than the current

test. However, if you apply to naturalize before Oct. 1, and the USCIS interviews you before Oct. 1, 2009, you can choose to take the current exam. Apply now, and there is a good chance that the USCIS will interview you before the new exam becomes mandatory. To get readers ready to make the most of their calls to our experts, I’ll devote my next few columns to answering some of the most frequently asked questions I get regarding citizenship and immigration law.

Knowing simple English is key

Q A

How much English must I know?

BLACK ONLY

To become a U.S. citizen, you must read, write, speak and understand simple English. Until the new exam becomes mandatory on Oct. 1, 2009, you can probably pass the English-language test if you can answer the questions on the naturalization application and write a simple sentence, such as “I like my job.” You are exempt from the Englishlanguage requirement if you are at least 50, with 20 or more years permanent residence, or you are at least 55, with 15 or more years permanent residence. Also exempt are applicants with a mental or physical disability that prevents them from learning or reading, writing or speaking English.

Double Hung Windows Senior Victor Cosme pitches Madison to 11-1 victory over previously undefeated Telecomm on Friday, keeping Knights perfect. Photo by Bryan Pace

looked lethargic in the second. She wasted no time straightening her squad out, calling an early timeout to restore the focus. “I told the guys, ‘We can’t play close. If you’re thinking about boosting stats, it’s not going to happen,’ ” she said. The Falcons won the match with a 25-23 second-set victory, avenging their only loss. New Utrecht beat Grady, 2-1, in the season opener on March 17. Following last week’s loss, the Utes fell to 7-2 and slipped into second place. The teams may meet again. With two regular season games remaining, both have already secured postseason berths. Teams with .500 records or better qualify for the playoffs. Grady clinched a playoff berth two weeks ago, and the Utes guaranteed themselves a spot with a straight-sets victory over Lafayette last Monday.

• • • •

Windows • Siding • Doors • Garage Doors • Awnings

Tax Return Blowout Sale Call 718.769.4555 for a FREE in-home estimate Delivering quality & value to our Brooklyn neighbors for

27

years

H.I.C. #834535

Visit our new showroom at:

2056 Utica Ave. Brooklyn NY 11234

Fully Installed Price 7/8” Insulated Glass Garbage Removal Double Locks

259

$

Expires 5/5/08

FULLY WELDED

Triple Glass Welded Windows • Foam Filled Sashes & Frame • Fully Welded • Triple Sealed, Stepped, Slope Sill 3X Higher R Factor Than Energy Star Includes Low E Glass On 2 Surfaces And Krypton Gas

Expires 5/5/08

399

$

FULLY INSTALLED!

• • • •

$

289

Energy Star Approved with Titanium Low E Glass

SIDING

Premium Vinyl Siding Foam Insulation Window, Door & SoFFit Trim Seamless Gutters and Leaders

500

$

Expires 5/5/08

OFF COMPLETE HOUSE

Replacement PATIO DOOR

1,350

$

FULLY INSTALLED! Expires 5/5/08

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

RANSIT TECH grabbed sole possession of first place in Brooklyn XI and exacted a measure of revenge Friday night, traveling to second-place Van Arsdale and defeating the Cardinals in straight sets (25-23, 25-23). Alex Joseph led Transit Tech with eight kills and seven service points as the Express derailed the Cardinals’ four-game winning streak. Seniors Sean Baltazar (four assists and three kills) and Matt Diaz (eight kills) helped balance the attack as Transit Tech improved to 7-1, extending its winning streak to three and moving ahead of Van Arsdale (6-2) and Jefferson (6-2) for the division lead. Transit Tech rebounded after losing to Van Arsdale, 2-0, on April 10. “The first game had nothing to do with the

to do religious work or to work for the U.S. government, the USCIS will sometimes excuse your absence. Individuals serving in the military or reserves beginning Sept. 11, 2001, qualify for naturalization regardless of their time in the U.S. Other military veterans qualify after one year permanent residence.

DAILY NEWS

DAILY NEWS

How long must I be a permanent resident before I can become a U.S. citizen?

Express blazes past Cards in straight sets BY BRIAN BOHL

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

ninth, Rodriguez bolted for second when relief pitcher Giovanni Cucuzza threw a pitch from the windup instead of the stretch. He scored on Armando Merino’s single down the left field line, a disputed hit that gave Sheepshead Bay a 4-3 victory over New Utrecht on Friday. “It’s just a mental mistake,” New Utrecht coach Rick DeMarco said of allowing the runner to move into scoring position. “We were trying to get (Cucuzza) to step off, but I didn’t want him to stop his motion and balk the guy over ... He’s a kid. He made a mistake. You can’t crucify him for it.” Merino stopped running halfway down the line after his shot to left, thinking the ball was foul. But he turned back and saw the umpire signaling otherwise. “I didn’t know it was going to be fair. It looked foul to me,” Merino said. “I was proud to come through for my team. It’s a great feeling.” A few New Utrecht players questioned the call on the field, but DeMarco — whose Utes squandered a three-run lead — refused to use the play as an excuse. “There were so many mistakes before that,” he said. “You can’t blame an umpire’s call.” New Utrecht fell to 7-1 in Brooklyn ‘A’ West with the extra-inning loss; the Sharks improved to 4-4 in Brooklyn ‘A’ East.

Q

nydailynews.com

nydailynews.com

MADISON TELECOMM

Residency criteria depend on case

Plate Label: KSI,1STAR,47,9,28 - Mon Apr 21 17.06.37 EDT 2008 PLATE-SIGZONE:KSI,1STAR,47,B,KSI,9,28:

SHIFT

ALLAN WERNICK Section-Low: KSI-9

THE

KNIGHT

KSI

KSI

28

9

Immigration

Allan Wernick is a lawyer and chairman of the City University of New York’s Citizenship and Immigration Project. He is the author of “U.S. Immigration and Citizenship — Your Complete Guide, Revised 4th Edition.” Send questions and comments to Allan Wernick, Daily News, 450 W. 33rd St., New York, N.Y. 10001. Find Prof. Wernick at allanwernick.com

Surgery KOs goalie Rick DiPietro, Islanders lose to Montreal 5-4

1 of 2

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/islanders/2008/11/01/2008-...

NY Daily News Home Delivery Get the latest News, Sports and Gossip delivered to your home Sign Up | Manage Account

REGISTER

HOME

AUTOS

NEWS MLB

NFL

REAL ESTATE

SPORTS NBA

JOBS

CLASSIFIEDS

GOSSIP

NHL

IN PRINT

BUY TICKETS

ENTERTAINMENT

COLLEGE

HIGH SCHOOL

LOGIN

CONTESTS

NY LOCAL

OTHER SPORTS

OPINIONS COLUMNISTS

Surgery KOs goalie Rick DiPietro, Islanders lose to Montreal 5-4

LIFESTYLE PHOTOS

MONEY

BLOGS

SPORTS PICK'EM

DISCUSS

EMAIL

Related Articles

BY BRIAN BOHL SPECIAL TO THE NEWS

LATINO

PRINT

VIDEO

BLOGS

All Sections

BUY TICKETS

SHARE

Related Topics

Rangers: Devs still tough minus Brodeur Islanders powerless vs. Flyers What's up, Doc? It's Hall call Islanders fade down the stretch Rangers comeback against Oilers falls short in shootout Oilers strike against shorthanded Devils

Saturday, November 1st 2008, 11:07 PM

TAKE OUR POLL

Best of the NHL Who do you think should be the top ranked NHL team? Canadiens Red Wings Sharks Rangers Betz/AP

Flames

Alex Kovalev scores goal past Matt Streit and goalie Yann Danis during first period.

The Islanders debuted a third jersey at the Coliseum Saturday night, though a player who didn't even dress made the biggest news.

VOTE

Before blowing a three-goal, third period lead in a 5-4 loss to Montreal, the Isles announced that All-Star goaltender Rick DiPietro will be out 4-6 weeks after having arthroscopic knee surgery to repair his meniscus. DiPietro, who missed his seventh game of the season, had seasonending hip surgery last March and later offseason knee surgery. The former No. 1 overall draft pick, in the third year of a record 15-year contract, has struggled when actually in net, going 0-2 with a 3.91 goalsagainst average in three games. DiPietro's previous surgeries were on Betz/AP his left knee and left hip. The club did not specify if the new procedure was Mike Comrie reaches for puck next to Ryan O'Byrne. to the same knee. "I haven't even thought about it," was all first-year coach Scott Gordon would say about missing his top netminder. The news soon got worse for the Islanders, who blew a 4-1 lead by surrendering four goals in just 7:29 in the third period. The Isles' winless streak was extended to six (0-5-1). Yann Danis made his first start since Nov. 19, 2005 to rest Joey MacDonald. Danis made 27 saves against his former club, but was victimized by a collapsing defense in front of him. Montreal posted a 16-4 edge in shots in the final period.

ADS BY YAHOO!

Total Knee Replacement Highest Quality, Lowest Cost, Long lasting Best Technology. (www.kneesforme.com) Rick Dipietro Browse a huge selection now. Find exactly what you want today. (www.ebay.com) Hotels in Montreal, QC Book Your Hotel in Montreal Now! Three Easy Steps, Secure Site. (www.1800hotels.com/Montreal)

Betz/AP

Frans Nielsen scores against goalie Carey Price in second period.

"I'm not going to say it was my best game," Danis said. "I would have liked to have

Most Read

Most Discussed

Most Emailed

1. Hal says Yanks ready to spend the big bucks 2. Myers: Top 10 NFL power rankings 3. Bondy: Mangini goes head to head

11/12/2008 2:13 PM

Surgery KOs goalie Rick DiPietro, Islanders lose to Montreal 5-4

2 of 2

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/islanders/2008/11/01/2008-...

made a few more saves in the third to keep the guys in the game. I can definitely improve off tonight." Tomas Plekanec scored two goals 2:07 apart in the third to make it 4-3. Long Island product Christopher Higgins then stunned the crowd, scoring on an easy redirect from the slot to tie it at 4 at the 14:06 mark. Plekanec capped his four-point evening, assisting on Alex Kovalev's second goal of the game to steal a victory for the Canadiens (8-1-1).

4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Out of the Blue, Manning hits a slump T.O. holding out a Super hope Bumbling Knicks' streak ends at 3 Ex-Patriot gets set to lay down Law Myers: These Giants could ace history Rocket's gal pal pitching reality TV series Return of Law ends Miller's time as Jet

"We played well for 40 minutes and stopped," said defenseman Mark Streit, who scored his fourth goal to tie for the team lead. "I don't know what we expected. We gave them hope and life and they took advantage of it." EMAIL

PRINT

Search by Team or Venue

Discuss this Article TOP SPORTS TICKETS New York Knicks New York Rangers Buffalo Bills

1 comments so far. Add your comment below!. [Discussion Guidelines] To post comments, REGISTER or LOG IN

Islander1972 Nov 2, 2008 8:07:58 AM

Report Offensive Post This season has turned out to be so depressing. Unless your goalie's last name is Broduer you dont dign them for 15 years. I wonder how much Dipetro would have gotten had he won at least one playoff round

Click Here to see all comments or to Report Abuse

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Get the latest Updates. SIGN UP NOW

RSS headlines Newsletter Signup Send your story tips Place an ad

Editorial:

Search:

Services:

Multimedia:

Classifieds:

News Sports Gossip Entertainment NY Local Opinions Lifestyle Money Latino Today's Headlines

Search Your Neighborhood Find Showtimes & Movie Tickets Find Gas Prices in your area Search for Tickets Search Restaurant Listings

Your Profile Newspapers in Education Sign up for Home Delivery Manage Home Delivery Account NYDailyNews.com Archives FAQ's RSS Headlines Advertising Media Kit

Video Photo Galleries Blogs Audio Slideshows News Discussions Sports Discussions Entertainment Discussions NY Local Discussions Opinions Discussions

Autos Real Estates Jobs Marketplace Newspapers Ads Print Edition Special Sections Buy Tickets

Contact Us | Sitemap

Latest Feeds

Use of this website signifies your agreement to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy © Copyright 2008 NYDailyNews.com. All rights reserved.

11/12/2008 2:13 PM

Islanders powerless in 3-1 loss to Flyers at Nassau Coliseum

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/islanders/2008/11/11/2008-...

NY Daily News Home Delivery Get the latest News, Sports and Gossip delivered to your home Sign Up | Manage Account

REGISTER

HOME

AUTOS

NEWS MLB

NFL

REAL ESTATE

SPORTS NBA

JOBS

CLASSIFIEDS

GOSSIP

NHL

IN PRINT

BUY TICKETS

ENTERTAINMENT

COLLEGE

HIGH SCHOOL

LOGIN

CONTESTS

NY LOCAL

OTHER SPORTS

OPINIONS COLUMNISTS

Islanders powerless in 3-1 loss to Flyers at Nassau Coliseum

LIFESTYLE PHOTOS

MONEY

BLOGS

DISCUSS

SPORTS PICK'EM

EMAIL

Related Articles

BY BRIAN BOHL SPECIAL TO THE NEWS

LATINO

PRINT

VIDEO

BLOGS

All Sections

BUY TICKETS

SHARE

Related Topics

What's up, Doc? It's Hall call Rangers: Devs still tough minus Brodeur Islanders fade down the stretch Rangers comeback against Oilers falls short in shootout Oilers strike against shorthanded Devils

Tuesday, November 11th 2008, 9:20 PM

ADS BY YAHOO!

Long Island Fitness for Suffolk Nassau We have been serving the Li fitness community for over 25 years. (www.body-awareness.biz) Martin Biron Browse a huge selection now. Find exactly what you want today. (www.ebay.com)

McIsaac/Getty

Kyle Okposo (21) can't get the puck past Flyers goalie Martin Biron (43), a common theme for the Islanders on Tuesday.

Nassau Coliseum Tickets Just Buy Nassau Coliseum Tickets Tickets for Nassau Coliseum NYC. (JustBuyTickets.com/nassaucoliseum)

At least the Islanders didn't blow another third-period lead.

Most Read

That is the only good news for the club thanks to an anemic power play in a 3-1 loss to the Flyers Tuesday. The Isles lost their third straight with a power play that was 0-for-8, including a two-minute 5-on-3 advantage in the third that also yielded a Mike Richards shorthanded goal.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Daniel Briere and Richards scored for the Flyers during the matinee at Nassau Coliseum, keeping the Islanders (4-9-2) stuck with an NHL-low 10 points. Flyers netminder Martin Biron entered with the league's fourth-lowest save percentage but made 35 saves. Joey MacDonald registered 29 saves for the Isles, and Trent Hunter's team-leading sixth goal ended Biron's shutout bid in front of 13,447.

Most Discussed

Most Emailed

Hal says Yanks ready to spend the big bucks Myers: Top 10 NFL power rankings Bondy: Mangini goes head to head Out of the Blue, Manning hits a slump Bumbling Knicks' streak ends at 3 T.O. holding out a Super hope Ex-Patriot gets set to lay down Law Myers: These Giants could ace history Return of Law ends Miller's time as Jet Madden: Indian great Score dies

"We certainly controlled the play and had plenty of chances 5-on-5," Islanders coach Scott Gordon said after his team's failure to score more than two goals for the seventh time this season. "But at the end of the day, the power play was the difference." Briere broke a scoreless tie 13:40 into the second, beating MacDonald with a hard wrist shot from the top of the right circle. Andreas Nodl set up the play by sending an outlet pass up the boards. Islanders defenseman Brett Skinner didn't come up to challenge Briere, allowing the All-Star forward to score his fifth goal. The Islanders entered the game with the league's 27th-ranked power play, and things got worse. Briere and Mike Knuble were whistled for simultaneous penalties 10:26 into the second, giving the Isles the two-minute advantage.

Search by Team or Venue

TOP SPORTS TICKETS New York Knicks New York Rangers Buffalo Bills

"The power play has to outwork the penalty kill, and today, it didn't," MacDonald said. Richards added an insurance tally 10:51 into the third, completing a 2-on-1 rush by banking home Simon Gagne's centering feed. Gordon elected to put forward Doug Weight at the point, which backfired when the Flyers cleared the zone and created the odd-man chance. "The power play took a bad time to play like that," Weight said. "It's disappointing on the power-play side of it. We had really good chances to grab the lead and didn't do anything with it." Josh Bailey, the Islanders' 2008 first-round pick, made his NHL debut after sitting out the first 14 games because of an undisclosed lower-body injury. Bailey was whistled for hooking on just his third NHL shift, getting two minutes for

1 of 2

11/12/2008 2:12 PM

Islanders powerless in 3-1 loss to Flyers at Nassau Coliseum

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/islanders/2008/11/11/2008-...

taking down Nodl in the Isles' offensive zone midway through the opening period. The teenager also took a costly high-sticking penalty with his team down a goal with 2:40 remaining in the third. VETERAN'S DAY: Former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell dropped the ceremonial first puck. Powell also attended an Islanders game last season and sat in owner Charles Wang's luxury box....Mike Comrie sat out with a hip injury, marking the first game he's missed this season. EMAIL

PRINT

Discuss This Article

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Get the latest Updates. SIGN UP NOW

RSS headlines Newsletter Signup Send your story tips Place an ad

Editorial:

Search:

Services:

Multimedia:

Classifieds:

News Sports Gossip Entertainment NY Local Opinions Lifestyle Money Latino Today's Headlines

Search Your Neighborhood Find Showtimes & Movie Tickets Find Gas Prices in your area Search for Tickets Search Restaurant Listings

Your Profile Newspapers in Education Sign up for Home Delivery Manage Home Delivery Account NYDailyNews.com Archives FAQ's RSS Headlines Advertising Media Kit

Video Photo Galleries Blogs Audio Slideshows News Discussions Sports Discussions Entertainment Discussions NY Local Discussions Opinions Discussions

Autos Real Estates Jobs Marketplace Newspapers Ads Print Edition Special Sections Buy Tickets

Contact Us | Sitemap

Latest Feeds

Use of this website signifies your agreement to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy © Copyright 2008 NYDailyNews.com. All rights reserved.

2 of 2

11/12/2008 2:12 PM