Huntington Advances to Elite Eight Round of Mock Trial Tournament

The Huntington mock trial team upset undefeated reigning Suffolk County champion East Islip in the Sweet 16 playoff round to advance to the Elite Eight this week against No. 4 Commack.

“For the first round of the 2026 mock trial playoffs, there were numerous first times for our team,” said Bryan Outsen, who serves as the Blue Devils’ faculty advisor along with colleague Suzi Biagi. “It was the first playoff match for our six starters; the first time Huntington held a No. 12 seed in the playoffs, and also the first time Huntington would have to face the undefeated reigning Suffolk County champions, East Islip in the round of 16. While nerves were high on the bus ride to the Cohalan Court Complex, once our team set-up in courtroom 44 D, the potential and promise that Suzi Biagi and I saw from the beginning of this year was unveiled.”

Junior Nallely Linares set the tone for the afternoon, delivering a flawless opening statement that outlined exactly how the people would be meeting their burden beyond a reasonable doubt. “The grace she showed walking throughout the courtroom while maintaining professional volume, phrasing and eye contact throughout her statement was impressive,” Mr. Outsen said.

Junior attorney Alex Boeckmann and freshman witness Kellen Anderson then took over with a direct examination of officer Sal Thomas (a role played by Ms. Anderson).

Ms. Boeckman shined as the lead attorney, defending against numerous objections from an extremely well prepared and experienced opposing attorney, while Ms. Anderson showed maturity far beyond her age as she calmly outlined the details and legitimacy of her investigation during an intense and difficult cross examination.

Next up was senior Carolina Ramos Saravia, who put on her best performance of the year against an amazing attorney who won the “Best Attorney Award” in Suffolk County last year. “She maintained composure and kept up a convincing tone as our eyewitness on both direct and cross examinations,” Mr. Outsen said. “Her attorney, Nallely Linares delivered an impressive direct and cross examination, showcasing a 100 percent objection success rate and controlling the pace of her witness on cross examination.”

The people’s case ended for Huntington with freshman Allison Huth, who played a victim business owner and her attorney, junior Julia Goodwin. “Allison was extremely impressive as a freshman, showing no signs of nerves or fears against the best team we have seen in years,” Ms. Biagi said. “She was positive and inviting on direct and transitioned perfectly into a stern and jaded business owner on cross. Julia completed her direct examination while having to rebuttal against 11 different objections, all while keeping a calm and collected head.  On cross, she really thrived as she was able to successfully limit the testimony of the defendant’s cousin by striking unresponsive testimony and fighting off five well placed objections from the other side.”

Ms. Boeckmann delivered a powerful and moving closing statement that was able to address all of the theories and accusations from the defense and provide articulate and relevant counter arguments. “Her final words may be the edge that we needed, as Judge Mendelson ruled in favor of Huntington 55-48,” Mr. Outsen said. “This was an amazing accomplishment for this team as we went from what most thought would be a rebuilding year for the program after graduating six seniors, to going back to the Elite Eight once again.”

Huntington will once again assume the role of the people against fourth seeded Commack on Wednesday.