Will the Huntington High School team get its revenge against Woodhull Intermediate School at this Friday night’s Eli’s March Madness basketball team? Tickets will be available at the door for $3. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. in the high school gym.
Woodhull jump out to an early lead last March and headed into halftime with a 19-15 advantage. The gap steadily grew as Woodhull went on to record a 44-34 victory before a crowd of 1,000 in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium.
The game is held in memory of Eli Mollineaux, who lost a brave battle with Pearson Syndrome, a rare mitochondrial disease during his sophomore year in October 2016. His long association with the annual basketball game led to it being named in his honor. Proceeds from the game are dedicated to the Eli Mollineaux Scholarship Fund.
There will be raffles, refreshments and snacks in the gym lobby to aid fundraising efforts. PTA members are working tirelessly to help make the evening an overall success.
“Eli’s March Madness is always a spectacular event with an outstanding crowd,” said Brenden Cusack, Huntington High School’s principal. “Each year we compete for a great cause as the proceeds go toward the Eli Mollineaux Scholarship Fund. It is a great time for everyone and it is a wonderful way to honor the legacy of Eli.
Mr. Cusack will lead a Huntington High School team consisting of Danielle Raguzin, Jenna Rinaldi, Maria Gonzalez, Stacey Byrnes, Brian Landers, Deborah Balducci, Michael Marinello, Gamal Smith, Michael Corcoran, Tim Witt, Lahmel Beard, Walter Wilson, Matt Liguori, Joe Cohen, Paige Furman, Beth Vogelsang and Nicole Cooper. Mr. Smith will serve as player-coach.
The mark’s the ninth year the game has been held. The rivalry is just as fierce as it has ever been. Superintendent James W. Polansky is expected to be among the crowd backing the gym.
Woodhull will rely on Keith Meyers, Jason Suarez, Ryan Brenner, Junette Gunter, Brandon Davis, Dan Sinkin, Krista McDonald, Carrie Postel, Elaine Leon, Todd Hiscox and Jordan Ioviero. Principal Lara Gonzalez and teacher Scott Armyn will be coaching the squad.
Woodhull Dean of Students Julian Watts is the master of ceremonies for the game. A pep rally is planned at Woodhull in the run-up to the game.
