Annunziata & Carrello Pace Blue Devil Boys’ Lacrosse

Seniors Anthony Annunziata and Aidan Carrello paced the Huntington varsity boys’ lacrosse team to an 11-5 record this past spring. The duo led a parade of Blue Devil post-season honorees.

Annunziata won All-County, All-American and Suffolk Faceoff Specialist of the Year recognition. The Yale University-bound teenager tallied 33 goals and 14 assists and won 210 of 253 faceoffs.

“Anthony Annunziata achieved one of the highest honors in high school lacrosse being voted All-American,” said head coach Julian Watts, who was assisted by Andrew Gutierrez and George Powers. “He led by example on and off the field. Anthony was a captain and held his teammates to the highest expectations. He set the standard through his work ethic and dedication to the program. Anthony’s commitment carried us throughout the year.”

Carrello starred on defense, claiming All-County, All-Long Island, Honorable Mention All-American and Suffolk Defensive Player of the Year honors. Destined for Georgetown University, he scooped up 92 ground balls and added seven goals and eight assists.

“Aidan brings the most passion on the field,” Watts said. “He always covers the other team’s best offensive player. No easy task in our league. He was a vacuum on ground balls. He has a high lacrosse IQ and kept our goals against average at 5.5.”

Goalie SammyMac Arner was also named All-County and was voted the John Fernandez Courage Award. The senior recorded 169 saves, stopping 65 percent of the shots against Huntington. Senior Michael Kline also garnered All-County honors after notching 18 goals and 29 assists.

Thomas Girimonti, Peter Breingan, Patrick Knieriem and Colin Lennon were all named All-Division.

Annunziata, Carrello, Arner and Kline captained the team, which topped No. 1 seeded Northport during the regular season, 7-6. The Blue Devils advanced to the Suffolk quarterfinal playoff round.

“This team really bought into the preparation and details needed to be successful,” Watts said. “They were a very disciplined, hardworking and professional group.”

Watts and his assistants are fully invested in the program. “Our staff collaborates and meets with the JV and Finley coaches,” he said. “We discuss strategies, drills and expectations. The goal is to have continuity and consistency at each level. Our goal is to continue improving and learning the system as well as playing with a competitive edge that will lead to success on the field. Committing to the weight room is a major focus. We keep track of bench, squats, dead-lifts and pull-ups. This data ensures the players are lifting with a purpose and holds them accountable. We have to get bigger, faster and stronger every year.”

The key returnees look to be Thomas Girimonti, Colin Lennon, Timothy McDonald, Thomas Kline and Thomas Smith. “We have many talented players that gained varsity experience this year,” Watts said. “Our theme for next year will be ‘Finish the Drill.’”

Huntington’s ultimate goal? “Our goal is to win the Suffolk, Long Island and state championships,” Watts said.