Blue Devils Face Brentwood in County Semifinals

The Huntington girls’ basketball team expects to have its hands full on Wednesday night when it squares off against mighty Brentwood in the Suffolk Class AAA semifinals at Comsewogue at 7 p.m. But the Blue Devils are confident.

Tickets are available online only. No tickets can be purchased in cash at the game. Log onto https://gofan.co/app/school/NYSPHSAAXI to buy tickets for the game.

Huntington comes into the game with a 16-5 record after besting Commack in last week’s county quarterfinal game. Brentwood is 19-2 after topping Ward Melville in the playoffs last week.

The Blue Devils had productive practice sessions on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. (Teams are allowed to practice seven days a week during the post-season.) “We are looking promising,” sophomore Ava McDonald said.

Head coach Perry Marinelli, assistant coach Alyssa Adomaites, volunteer assistant Megan Marinelli and JV head coach Leah Morawski have been breaking down the Brentwood offense and defense and devising strategies to overcome the Suffolk League I champs.

Huntington’s playoff roster includes McDonald, Elliot Manu, Ruby Baliber, Lauren Donaghy, Sophie Carlson, Jenna Italiano, Jolie Weinschreider, Grace Gordon, Leighton Evans, Kaylee Smalling, Sabrina Boyle, Justina Hlenski, Ruby Hoffman, Leila O’Toole, Madyn Kalb, Ava Bencivenga, Julia Hotine, Claire Dello Iacono, Mo’Naya Dennis and Cassidy Harris.

Huntington is still on a proverbial high after holding off Commack in the quarterfinals, 42-38. The key to the game? “Keeping our composure and playing together,” Boyle said. “Especially keeping our energy over 100 percent the moment we walked into the gym.”