Omari Stephen was among a group of seven Huntington boys’ basketball players honored this week during Senior Night festivities in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium.
“Omari had a nagging shoulder injury throughout the year, but that didn’t stop him from competing and becoming our team’s second highest scorer,” head coach Jordan Ioviero told the crowd during a pre-game ceremony. “Omari has led by example, playing center and putting the team first. He was often the most vocal player on our team, energizing us and the crowd by dunking the ball and making several clutch plays in very important moments throughout the year.”
A member of Huntington High School’s National Honor Society chapter, Stephen tallied 161 points this winter. He is interested in attending college at South Carolina, Coast Carolina, Clafin or St. John’s to pursue a degree in sports management.
“We will all miss Omari’s passion and love for the game,” Ioviero said.
Girls’ Basketball Playoff Game Set
The Huntington girls’ basketball team will play at No. 4 Ward Melville (15-4) in the opening round of the Suffolk Class AA playoffs on Wednesday, February 12. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.
Huntington (12-8) is in the No. 13 spot in the bracket. The winner of the game will advance and play the winner between No. 5 East Islip and No. 12 Sachem North.
Tickets are available online for $7 at www.sectionxi.org or at the gate for $10. Tickets for students with an ID card are priced at $5.
Alum Infinite Tucker on Texas A&M’s 4x4 Relay
Blue Devil sports great Infinite Tucker is a senior at Texas A&M University. He is currently starring on the Aggies’ 4x400m relay team during the indoor season.
Tucker is an NCAA Division I All-American in the 400m outdoor hurdles. He created a stir last spring when he won the SEC title in the 400m hurdles in a career best time of 49.38 seconds and dove across the finish line, creating a viral video that was shown on sports programs all across the world.
The video of Tucker’s winning dive garnered a pair of ESPY nominations for Best Viral Video and Best Play.
Tucker is looking forward to the outdoor season this spring and striving to be an All-American again.
Renato Erek Recognized on Senior Night
Renato Erek is an all-around good guy. He’s also a great basketball player. The teenager was one of seven honorees to be recognized at the Blue Devil boys’ basketball team’s Senior Night in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium last week.
“Renato has worked hard to make the Blue Devil basketball team better,” Huntington head coach Jordan Ioviero said. “We could always count on Renato to do the right thing both on and off the court.”
A two sport athlete, Erek has captured varsity athletic letters with the Blue Devil basketball and lacrosse teams. “We are looking forward to watching him continue his athletic career in the spring,” Ioviero said.
Erek is considering Hofstra University, SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Cortland and Drexel University as his college landing spot. He intends to study communications and pursue a career as an announcer for sporting events.
Blue Devils Win Millrose Games Medals
The Huntington boys’ track team’s 4x400m relay won gold at the Millrose Games at the Armory in Manhattan on Saturday.
The Blue Devils were clocked at 3:19.80, which is the fastest time in the state this winter. Huntington’s relay consisted of Tyriek Mays-McKoy, CJ Kiviat, Justin Stevens and Anthony Joseph.
The Huntington girls’ 4x400m relay also ran very well, finishing second in a time of 3:58.10. The mark is the fourth fastest time in the state so far this year.
Jack Monahan among the Senior Honorees
Jack Monahan was honored at the Blue Devil varsity basketball team’s Senior Night last week. He has played in the program for many years.
“Jack has really impressed the coaching staff this year by working his way into the rotation,” Huntington head coach Jordan Ioviero said. “He has shown that with hard work and dedication, good things can happen. He has taken a leadership role in practice. Each week, while preparing for the opposing team, Jack has played the role of the other team’s best player. He has made our team better by buying into this role.”
Monahan is considering the University of Virginia, USC and Emory University for his post-high school education. He plans to study business.
“Because of his efforts, he has earned more minutes and I could not be more proud of him,” Ioviero said. “He has one of the better three point shots on our team, which was on full display for our students participating in Youth Night. Jack visited Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School and made 9-of-10 threes for the kids and then against Copiague hit another three for them on Youth Night.”
Monahan has played on the Blue Devil varsity golf team. He is in the yearbook club, environmental club and he performs with the high school band.
Blue Devil Stadium Field Banners Available
Blue Devil Stadium family and corporate field banners are available for purchase. This spring, dozens of banners will be affixed to the fencing surrounding the track oval that circles the turf playing surface.
The Huntington Booster club coordinates the field banner program. The high quality navy blue vinyl banners measure 9x4 feet and feature white lettering. Depending on when the banner is purchased, it will be displayed for one year (Either September through August or March through February.)
Family banners sell for $250 for one year or $600 for three years. Corporate banners are offered for sale at $500 for one year or $1,250 for three years. Those purchasing a banner are also listed in the Booster Club’s annual dinner gala journal as a supporter of the Blue Devil athletic program. (Families and teams can combine to purchase a banner.)
Those purchasing a banner can list three lines of text. The first two lines can consist of 25 characters per line with a third line maximum of 50 characters. (There is no requirement that all three lines of text be used.)
“Through the years, the Huntington interscholastic athletics program has played an important role in the lives of students and community members,” states the Booster Club’s field banner flyer. “We have a great opportunity for your family or business to show your support and advertise your name or business year-round, reaching thousands of Long Island families, athletes and consumers. To accomplish our goals we ask that you help us support our athletes at J. Taylor Finley Middle School and Huntington High School by purchasing a banner, which will be displayed on the fence around of athletic field at Huntington High School.”
Many alumni have purchased banners. There are banners commemorating Blue Devil sports feats and legendary coaches. Each person has a different reason for purchasing a field banner.
Banner order forms are available on the Huntington School District’s website at www.hufsd.edu. Contact Booster Club President Timothy Pillion at tim.pillion@gmail.com or (631) 275-3264 for more information.
