Huntington High School’s mock trial team has been engaged in non-stop practice sessions since closing out the regular season schedule last week with a perfect 4-0 mark. The Blue Devils have reached the Suffolk Sweet 16 round where they will face Bay Shore on Wednesday afternoon at the Suffolk criminal court complex in Central Islip.
Huntington topped Bay Shore during a regular season trial, but the lawyers, witnesses and legal advisors of both teams know that anything can happen during the post-season.
“Everyone is working extremely hard to prepare for the first round of the Sweet 16,” said Emily Geller, one of Huntington’s key contributors. “We are currently ranked No. 5, which would not have been possible without everyone’s dedication and hard work. Although we have already defeated our first round opponent Bay Shore, we are not going to let that stop us from doing everything we can to make sure we are prepared and ready to go come Wednesday. Our team continues to surpass my expectations and I cannot wait to see what we can achieve in the counties.”
The Blue Devils are seeded No. 5 in the 16 team bracket with East Islip, Stony Brook, Ward Melville and Kings Park holding the top four seeds. In addition to No. 5 Huntington, the bracket also includes Northport (No. 6), Commack (No. 7), John H. Glenn (No. 8), Harborfields (No. 9), East Hampton (No. 10), West Babylon (No. 11), Bay Shore (No. 12), Smithtown West (No. 13), Half Hollow Hills East (No. 14), Babylon (No. 15) and St. John the Baptist (No. 16).
“We feel very confident heading into the Sweet 16,” Jillian LoTurco said. “We have spent these past few weeks preparing for an intense round on Wednesday. Based on how we have performed during these last four competitions, coupled with how hard we’ve been working, I have immense confidence that we will continue to succeed and advance into the top eight after this week.”
Suzi Biagi and Greg Dieterich serve as the team’s faculty advisors. Xavier Palacios and John LoTurco are the Blue Devils’ tireless volunteer legal advisors.
“I think the team looks very strong and good for the Sweet 16,” Ashley Genao said. “I know I am very excited we get to be in the courthouse and compete to give a great performance as always. Alongside my co-counsels, I know that we can beat Bay Shore this Wednesday. We have been working hard this whole season and it’s paying off as we are currently are undefeated. I truly believe that this hardworking team will advance very far to win that championship.”
The Blue Devils have high hopes despite the formidable challenge posed by Bay Shore.
“The team looks great going into the Sweet 16,” senior Christopher Maichin said. “After a big win over No. 8 Babylon, we are more prepared and confident than ever to be going into the first round of playoffs this week. We’ll be facing Bay Shore, the 13-time county champions who we beat earlier in the regular season. They are a very talented team and will give us a fight, but I am confident that we can pull out this win and make it to the county and state championship this year.”
Messrs. Palacios and LoTurco have once again volunteered untold hours working with the team to sharpen their courtroom skills and put a shine on their overall presentation.
“Xavier and I are especially proud of this team’s undefeated regular season as they had to navigate the challenges of two virtual competitions with two live competitions by adjusting their performances to vastly different formats,” Mr. LoTurco said. “The team has tirelessly practiced for months to once again be a county championship contender.”
Huntington’s pre-trial preparation is the stuff legends are made of as the Blue Devils strive to leave as little to chance as possible.
“We have tremendous confidence in our team as we have the ideal balance of senior leadership and freshman exuberance,” Mr. LoTurco said. “Our team is filled with highly talented, intelligent and motivated students who all share in our creed that preparation and poise will guide us through the stressful moments to perform under pressure. Each team member has exceeded our expectations this season, and we are hopeful for another deep run in the Suffolk County playoffs and to continue to make Huntington proud of our program.”