Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Huntington High School varsity girls’ basketball team knew it was important to recognize six young women who have meant so much to the Blue Devil program over the years. Senior Day festivities honored Alexa Amorison, Jordan Forte, Charlotte Maggio, Kemberlin Hernandez-Veliz, Lisa Martin and Ainsley Lumpe.
Since spectators aren’t permitted to attend games this winter, the event was livestreamed so parents and other family members could watch head coach Michael Kaplan and underclassmen wax poetic about the six special teenagers.
“Huntington basketball has meant so much over the years,” Forte said. “All of my teammates and coaches have become a family to me. I would not trade the past five years for anything. This program has made me both a better athlete and a better person. Huntington basketball will forever have a special place in my heart. I will definitely be back to visit during the coming years.”
The seniors entered the gym through blue and white streamers hung from the top of a doorway off the main court. The teenagers walked through parallel lines of cheering underclassmen. Blue and white balloons dotted the gym area.
“I’ve played Huntington basketball since the eighth grade and it has done so much for me over the years,” Maggio said. “I got to hang out with some of my best friends, meet amazing new people, make great relationships with the coaches and, of course, just being able to play the game of basketball. Basketball is a sport that, even though I didn’t know all the technicalities and fundamentals at first, I just loved playing. The coaches have taught me so much and I’m so grateful for the five years I’ve had with them. With all the up and downs that came with basketball season I’m so sad to see it coming to an end, but so thankful for everything and all the memories that came with it. My high school experience wouldn’t have been the same without it!”
Huntington’s underclassmen created gorgeous posters commemorating the careers of the seniors and hung them on the north gym wall along the main court. The posters were filled with humorous and touching photos. Larger than life size cutouts of each player in uniform were on display in the gym.
“Playing basketball at Huntington has been enjoyable and so much fun,” Martin said. “It has taught me so much about the game and pushed me to be a better athlete. It’s a family community and I’m going to miss being on the court with such great people.”
Kaplan and assistant coach Marissa Bergmann presented each of the seniors with various gifts. Sophomore Gianna Forte and junior Katie Browne both spoke during the ceremony, giving heartfelt testimony about how much each of the teenagers means to their teammates and the program.
“Basketball has always been a sport that I enjoyed playing ever since I was little,” Hernandez-Veliz said. “Being able to play basketball in Huntington ever since seventh grade has been a really fun experience; making new friends and enjoying the little moments we had together. The coaches were there to guide me along the way. Since this will be my last year playing basketball, I consider this season the most memorable one yet. I am glad that I was able to participate in Huntington girls’ basketball.”
Kaplan said each of the seniors has contributed to the program in their own special way. Soon they will all head off in different directions for college and with different academic and career goals.
“Playing basketball for Huntington has been an unforgettable experience,” Amorison said. “The way the team so close makes the season so much for fun and something to look forward to each year. Not only did I create close bonds with my teammates, but I got to play for amazing coaches who really changed my game and the way I think as an athlete.”
The non-league game against Islip that followed the ceremony was an exciting affair. The Blue Devils jumped out to an early 8-2 lead on the Buccaneers, who came into the game having won six-of-seven previous contests this winter. Huntington extended its advantage to 22-10 by halftime and went on to win, 40-29.
Junie Nosile had a career day with 10 points and 10 rebounds and Emily Plachta added 13 points, 10 rebounds and four steals to lead the Huntington. Jordan Forte dropped six points and Makaylah Frazier scored five points. Alexa Amorison, Katie Browne and Charlotte Maggio had two points each. Plachta and Frazier both connected on a three-pointer from beyond the arc.
