The Huntington girls’ basketball team celebrated three very special players on the Blue Devils’ Senior Day on Thursday night in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium.
Huntington’s coaches, underclassmen and fans toasted seniors Christie Baade, Paige Lennon and Alyssa Sorensen for their commitment to the program and all-out effort on the court.
“I am lucky to have had the opportunity to play this sport for four years,” Sorensen said. “I am so happy I was able to meet some of my greatest friends from this fun experience.”
Head coach Michael Kaplan spoke about each of the three teenagers during pre-game festivities. The players were joined at half court by members of their family for a series of commemorative photos. The seniors were given gift bags along with flowers, which each of them presented to their mother.
“Christie, Paige and Alyssa gave us everything they have and we will always appreciate the way they played so hard for Huntington,” Kaplan said. “They are exceptional young women in every sense and we wish them all the best of luck in college and beyond.”
Near the end of the ceremony, sophomore Jordan Forte and juniors Abby Maichin and Holly Wright took turns at the microphone speaking about each of the seniors and how much they have meant to the program over the years as players and teammates.
“It’s been amazing and I’m so sad that it has to come to an end,” said Lennon about her experience as a Blue Devil basketball player. “It has taught me so much on and off the court. I am so happy to have been a part of such an amazing and loving team. I would do anything to get one more game with these girls.”
Baade was preceded in the program by her older sister, Brooke and she will be followed by her youngster sister, Abagail, who is currently an eighth grader on the J. Taylor Finley Middle School team.
Following the ceremony the Blue Devils went out and lost a close game to visiting Comsewogue. Huntington trailed through the first three quarters before making a fourth quarter run before ultimately falling just short.
Despite the loss, the Blue Devils are headed to the post-season next week. But on this night, the seniors were the center of attention. The team continued its Senior Day celebration with a dinner party of the school cafeteria for the players and their families.
