Category Archives: Section XI News

Section XI News

NYSPHSAA Announces 2022-2023 Schools of Distinction and Excellence

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Inc. (NYSPHSAA) announces its 2022-2023 Schools of Distinction and Excellence. Several from Section XI earned the recognition this year, as always.

Schools can apply for School of Distinction status by having 100% of their varsity teams qualify for and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award during their respective sports seasons. To earn the School of Excellence Award, 75% of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete Team award.

The School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards aim to unite athletic departments in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide academic honor. This year, 84 schools earned the School of Distinction Award, and 219 schools earned the School of Excellence Award.

Winning schools will receive their commemorative awards at their local athletic director workshop this fall.

To be eligible to receive these prestigious awards, schools must submit an application following the Spring Scholar-Athlete submission each school year.

The full list of School of Distinction and School of Excellence Award winners can be viewed using the links below.

School of Distinction

School of Excellence

Section XI News

Section XI Natives Shine in PLL All-Star Game

Five former Section XI student-athletes played in the 2023 Premier Lacrosse League All-Star game this summer:

  • Connor Farrell, Sachem
  • Chris Gray, Shoreham-Wading River
  • Rob Pannell, Smithtown
  • Troy Reh, Rocky Point
  • Sean Sconone, East Islip

Farrell, Pannell, Reh and Sconone were all featured on the Veterans team, while Gray was on the rising stars roster.

Farrell won 13 of 33 faceoffs and scored a two-point goal.

Sconone made 13 saves, good enough for a game-leading 56.5% save percentage.

Pannell recorded six points, including four goals.

Reh had a two-point goal as well.

The Veterans beat the Rising Stars, 26-19, thanks to a big helping hand from Section XI native talent.

Section XI News

Paul Gibson Inducted to NYSPHSAA Hall of Fame

Section XI native and former big leaguer Paul Gibson was inducted to the NYSPHSAA Hall of Fame on July 26.

Gibson, who played at Center Moriches High School, pitched for the Tigers, Mets and Yankees from 1988 through 1996.

For the last 13 years he has worked in the Royals’ organization and was named Senior Director of Pitching Performance in 2021.

Congratulations, Paul!

Section XI News

Section XI Natives to Play in All-America Lax Game

Inside Lacrosse announced the North and South rosters for the boys’ and girls’ teams that will play in the 18th-annual Senior All-America Lacrosse Game on July 29 at Johns Hopkins University’s iconic Homewood Field.

The girls’ game will get underway at 5:30 p.m., immediately followed by the boys’ game at 8:00 p.m. Both games will air live on ESPNU.

Section XI representatives include (Name / Town / College):

  • Jake Spallina, Mount Sinai, Syracuse
  • Keira Rooney, Bayport-Blue Point, Florida
  • Kate Timarky, Centereach, Notre Dame
  • Lacey Downey, West Babylon, Boston College
  • Ava Arceri, Smithtown, Stanford
  • Felicia Giglio, Bayport-Blue Point, Navy
Section XI News

Fundraiser for Mattituck High School Alumnus, Former Student-Athlete

On Saturday, July 29, “Billy’s Will-Power Volleyball Tournament” is scheduled as a fundraiser to support Billy Wilcox, a former Mattituck soccer player who was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, an inflammation of part of the spinal cord.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Breakwater Beach in Mattituck and is being organized to support his family as they make renovations on the family home in anticipation of his return home.

Read more about Wilcox.

Section XI News

Pat-Med’s Josh Knoth Drafted by Brewers, Signs Deal

It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks for Pat-Med ace Josh Knoth.

After being selected by the Brewers in the second round, 33rd overall, he signed his pro contract and is ready to report to the Milwaukee training facility in Arizona.

Knoth won the Yastrzemski Award as the top play in Suffolk County as a junior and senior.

Pat-Med has also produced pitchers Marcus Stroman and Matt Vogel.

Section XI News

Three Section XI Alums Named to U20 USA Lax Training Team

Three former Section XI lacrosse players have been named to the Team USA U20 women’s training team by head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller.

The Suffolk County natives include:

  • Catherine Erb – Shoreham-Wading River – Dartmouth
  • GraceAnn Leonard – Shoreham-Wading River – North Carolina
  • Allison Reilly – Sayville – Army

The training team roster is now at 42 women. They train again in August before competing in the USA Lacrosse Fall Classic in October. The U20 World Championship is in China next summer.

Section XI News

West Islip Football Players Attend NFL Leadership Symposium

West Islip High School football players and coaches Steve Mileti and Steve Fasciani had the opportunity to travel to the National Football League headquarters in New York City and attend a leadership symposium.

Panelists included Robert Boland, a nationally known sports law professor; Ted Gregory, investment banker and current Columbia University director of diversity initiatives and talent retention; Dr. James Paci, orthopedic surgeon and associate professor at the Hofstra University Zucker School of Medicine; Mathew Whalen, president and CEO of Cord Meyer Real Estate Development Company; Kevin Boothe, NFL director and management council; Dawn Aponte, NFL chief football administrative officer; and David Gardi, NFL senior vice president of operations and policy compliance (and moderator).

West Islip alum and National Football Foundation board member Gabe Gallante from Rockline Wealth Management provided two coach buses to transport Suffolk County football players and families into NYC.