Blue Devil Girls’ Basketball Reflecting on Season

The Huntington varsity girls’ basketball team is reflecting on its recent season. The Blue Devils reached the Suffolk Class AAA semifinals where they lost to eventual county champion Brentwood. The team enjoyed a great run in head coach Perry Marinelli’s first season at the helm, winning 16 games.

Marinelli was named the Suffolk League III Coach of the Year for his efforts. The 15 player team was captained by Lauren Donaghy, Jenna Italiano, Sabrina Boyle and Ava McDonald. Alyssa Adomaites was the varsity assistant coach with Megan Marinelli serving as a volunteer assistant. Leah Morawski coached the JV, which won 14 games.

Huntington compiled a 9-3 mark in league play, with two big wins over county semifinalist Northport. After receiving a first round playoff bye, the Blue Devils topped host Commack in a thrilling county quarterfinal contest, 42-38.

Huntington’s top players included Lauren Donaghy, who was voted to the All-League, All-Conference and All-County teams after averaging 16 points per game. “Lauren was a vocal leader all season long,” Marinelli said. “She was constantly pulling the team together and getting us back on track.”

Boyle averaged 11 points and McDonald averaged nine points while serving as the team’s playmaker. Both players garnered All-League and All-Conference honors and Marinelli felt they were each deserving of All-County, too.

“Sabrina was a catalyst in helped to change and establish our new culture,” Marinelli said. “She is a leader and role model for all of her teammates.”

McDonald came in for praise, too. “Ava is the heart and soul of Huntington basketball,” Marinelli said. “Her teammates feed off her energy. She is whoever we need her to be on any given night.”

Jenna Italiano, Lauren Donaghy, Sabrina Boyle and Kaylee Smalling were also named All-Academic. Madyn Kalb was chosen as Huntington’s Unsung Hero Award recipient.

Donaghy, Boyle, Italiano, Sophie Carlson and Smalling are all graduating in June. Returning next year from the current varsity roster will be sophomores Leighton Evans, Justina Hlenski, Madyn Kalb, Eliott Manu, Ava McDonald and Leila O’Toole and juniors Ruby Baliber, Grace Gordon, Ruby Hoffman and Jolie Weinschreider.

Marinelli ran a free two hour clinic for elementary and middle school players. He plans to get even more involved in the middle school program and in youth basketball in the community.

Goals for next year include winning the league title and reaching the county championship game.