The first nor’easter of the season brought moderate flooding to coastal areas across the North Fork Saturday.

While local town and police officials said the storm has led to only a few road closures and emergencies, it has interrupted some services and canceled events.

The Cross Sound Ferry canceled departures out of Orient Point due to the storm. The ferry schedule will resume Sunday morning.

PSEG Long Island also reported more than 400 outages in Orient Saturday afternoon.

In both the Greenport and Riverhead downtown areas, high tide brought with it flooding, as it tends to do in these types of storms.

Peter Rowsom inside Preston’s Chandlery Saturday. (Credit: Courtesy Photo)

Peter Rowsom of Preston’s Chandlery in Greenport, reported flooding in his store, which he described as “about what we expected.” With more than 100 years on the waterfront, the family is well versed in what to do when a nor’easter hits, so they got their products off the floor and even kayaked for a bit inside the store.

Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley said police were busy with downed wires and trees, but no injuries had been reported.

The scene from Kimogenor Point in New Suffolk Saturday afternoon. (Credit: Steve Wick)

Late in the afternoon Saturday, Vincent Orlando, Southold Highway Superintendent said, “We have some trees and wires down, but not that dramatic. Overall the issue was not the rain but the wind, full moon and high tide. It is receding now but we still have some closed streets due to flooding. I checked the wind meter in my office in Peconic and at one point last night or today it hit a gust of 34 miles an hour. That’s not horrible. But if it can blow this much water in, I’d hate to think what a category one hurricane could do.”

In Riverhead, businesses on the south side of East Main Street were keeping a close eye at high tide on the Peconic Riverfront. The riverfront parking lot was closed by police, but water reached as high as the doors on a few cars that hadn’t been moved.

Riverhead town officials got an early jump warning residents of the pending storm by Friday afternoon and urging them to take caution.

The National Weather Service is expected to lift its coastal flood warning at 3 p.m. Saturday.

A flooded Peconic Riverfront parking lot just before high tide Saturday. (Credit: Grant Parpan)

Moores Lane and New Suffolk Avenue in Cutchogue. (Credit: Heidi Auer)

Top Caption: Poquatuck Park in Orient experienced flooding Saturday. (Credit: Troy Gustavson)

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Jason Cruz couldn’t believe what had happened.

Only several minutes prior he had just drilled a 20-yard shot into the lower left corner to lift Greenport to its first Suffolk County boys soccer championship in a decade Sunday.

“Is this really happening? We’re county champs,” he said, “and I’m beyond happy.”

His 11th goal of the year propelled the Porters to a 1-0 sudden-victory overtime result against North Fork neighbor and rival Southold in the Suffolk Class C final at Diamond in the Pines in Coram. It’s their fourth county crown, having won a Class D championship in 2008 and two Class C titles as a combined team with Southold in 1987 and 1993.

“It’s just unbelievable,” said co-captain and senior William Chapeton.

Perhaps more so to coach Sean Charters, who grew up in Greenport and was a member of the 2008 team.

“I’m ecstatic for these guys,” he said. “This is something that I won in high school. The reason why I wanted this job was to help bring them back to this. Seeing moments like, seeing them pose with the trophy or a plaque that they worked countless hours for is great. They earned it. They bought into my system and they earned it.”

The Porters (11-6) earned the right to play Solomon Schechter (Section 1), a 2-1 upset winner over Hamilton, in the Southeast Region final in Coram on Tuesday at 2 p.m. The winner will qualify for the state semifinals in Middletown Nov. 8-9.

The Porters don’t have much time to bask in the glory of winning a rare county championship because they will have only one day of rest.

“Right now we’re going to celebrate,” said senior goalkeeper Miguel Torres, who finished with six saves. “When we get home tonight and tomorrow, we should just rest, ice, take care of any injuries we have. If we have a practice, get some touches in as well to get ready for Tuesday.”

Charters, who watched Schechter defeat Hamilton on Saturday night, admitted he expected the top-seeded team to win but Schechter threw a wrinkle at its foes, playing its top goal scorer at sweeper.

“It’s a treat to see how they’ll come to play on Tuesday,” he said. “I don’t know if they will take the same approach. I don’t think they’re really going to come into that game on Tuesday to do that same thing. You don’t win a county title by accident. They’re a tough team. They’ve been notorious. They have won five out of the last seven Class C titles in Section I. You can’t back away, even if they don’t have a bunch of seniors like we do. They have guys who are ready to play.”

As it turns out, so did Greenport against the First Settlers (8-8) on a cold, late October Sunday afternoon.

Cruz settled matters 4 minutes and 56 seconds into the first overtime. A throw-in started the game-winning sequence. The ball was deflected to Cruz, who powered a shot with his left foot past goalkeeper Cole Brigham, who was outstanding in the match.

“Right now I’m speechless with all the hard work we had this season,” Cruz said. “I’m really proud for my team and myself. I’m really glad to be part of this team.”

The first half wasn’t going to make many teams’ highlight reels. It was essentially a midfield duel with more throw-ins than one could count because the ball was kicked or traveled out of bounds so many times. As the game progressed, Greenport started to put its mark on the match with its passing game, controlling possession and taking quality shots.

Southold coach Andrew Sadowski, who completed his 25th year coaching the team, was disappointed.

Sadowski, whose teams have reached county Class C finals in 13 of the past 14 years, said that he was “beyond frustrated.”

“Eight years getting to the final and losing by one goal is very frustrating,” he added. “The boys played the whole season with a lot of heart so I’m very proud of them for that.”

He also was quite proud of Brigham, who finished with 11 saves and kept the Settlers in the game, and center back Devin Quinones.

“Outstanding game by Cole and Devin, without a doubt,” Sadowski said. “They stuck to every ball, whatever came their way. Everybody else on the team has to do it. You can’t watch the game happen and that’s unfortunately what we did too much today. We watched the game. Second year in a row we got punished for watching the game.”

Charters saw a double win for the program that its success could translate into more athletes trying out for the team.

“To be around these guys, it’s incredible, it’s fun to see,” he said. “These kids won it, they earned it. It opens the eyes of other kids in school. Maybe they’ll come out for soccer next year because soccer isn’t the biggest sport in our school. It’s basketball. We’re a basketball school.”

For the time being, Suffolk County and the rest of Long Island soccer sees Greenport as a soccer school.

Photo caption: Jason Cruz (far right) celebrates his golden goal in overtime for Greenport along with teammates in their 1-0 triumph over Southold in the Suffolk County Class C final. (Credit: Garret Meade)

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The final horn at Diamond in the Pines in Coram sounded, signifying the end of the Greenport boys’ emphatic 5-1 win over Solomon Schechter in the Class C boys sub-Southeast Regional. Yet, the postgame celebration Tuesday turned out to be a rather muted one.

Instead of cheering and rushing the goalkeeper, a scene many teams have repeated after posting postseason wins at the Coram field, the players shook hands on the sideline while repeating, “For Jason, for Jason.”

Jason is Jason Cruz, the senior midfielder who was taken to Stony Brook Hospital with a broken leg he suffered in the second half.

“We’re happy with the win, but at the same time we’re not happy about Jason,” said senior striker William Chapeton, who scored twice and set up a third. “He’s like my brother. It doesn’t feel good what happened to him.”

Cruz, who scored the game-winner in the 1-0 sudden-death overtime win over Southold in Sunday’s Suffolk County final, will miss rest of the season. That includes the Southeast Regional against S.S. Seward (Section 9) in upstate Middletown at 4 p.m. Friday.

“It was very sad seeing him being taken away in an ambulance after all what he has done for the team, after all the four years on varsity,” said midfielder Kevin Azama, who added two goals. “It’s just sad.”

Greenport (12-6) dedicated the game to Cruz. “This game is definitely for Jason, all the other games,” Azama said.

Porters head coach Sean Charters had mixed emotions. He was down about losing Cruz and elated to see his team score.

“It’s great to see we can play our game and score goals,” he said. “When we played Southold, we played our game, dominated the game, we only got the one goal. Today, we got five and in a stretch after one of our best players goes out on an ambulance.”

Chapeton, who has scored eight times after a stellar 18-goal campaign in 2017, recorded his first headed goal of the season, a goal that would be worthy of a Suffolk County goal of the year. Standing in the penalty area and with his back to the net 15 yards out, Chapeton nodded the ball past goalkeeper Harry Alsfine with 17 minutes and 36 seconds remaining in the opening half.

“One of my best goals,” he said.

On Tuesday morning, Charters sent his players a text pep talk:

“Let’s get ready to go, it’s our game, it’s our time.”

Chapeton sent back a big Emoji that said, “I’m hangry.”

“I sent back a picture that said, ‘Free Willy,’ and Willy was free today. That was great to see.”

Chapeton’s second goal was more routine, hammering home a shot off the left post for a two-goal advantage with 34:33 remaining in the game.

The game was interrupted for almost 25 minutes with 20:08 remaining when Cruz and Alsfine collided in the penalty area.

“He put his heart out on the field,” Charters said, adding that Cruz told him to give Mateo Arias the captain’s armband “and tell him to not disrespect it as in saying, ‘You play with heart,’ as Greenport plays with heart. It’s tough when you lose a player like Cruz to bounce back and play the way we did. That’s great to see them come out of that break and continue to play the way we dominated today.”

The Porters struck for three goals in slightly over 2:21, as Azama scored off a Chapeton assist with 8:10 to go, David Pineda buried a Josue Gomez rebound with 6:50 left and Azama completed his first career brace with a shot from distance with 5:49 remaining.

“Kevin is one of my favorite guys on this team,” Charters said. “He may be a sophomore, but that kid’s got skill that’s way greater than a sophomore. He’s going to be a great soccer player. He only hides on the team with this many great players.”

Lions midfielder Ethan Sidelsky pulled one back, curling a low 20-yard free kick around the defensive wall into the far-right corner with 1:37 remaining. “Unfortunately, too little, too late,” Schechter coach Bryan Lamana said.

“Definitely a tough game for us,” Sidelsky said. “Just going to give credit to Greenport because they’re really good. They just outplayed us. Props to them for that. I wish them luck going forward.”

The match turned out to be an emotional one for Schechter (7-9) as well. Schehter is a Jewish school located in Hartsdale in Westchester. To remember and honor 11 members of a Pittsburgh synagogue that died in Saturday’s horrific shooting, the players and coaches wore green warm-up shirts that said:

PLAY

FOR

PITT.

“Before our Saturday sectional final, we heard the news early in the morning,” Sidelsky said of the Section 1 final win over Alexander Hamilton. “It’s something that was definitely on our minds and we had them on our minds when we tried to play for them. For this game we wanted to get some T-shirts represent them. We wanted to get a win for them to keep them in our hearts, but unfortunately it didn’t happen. But we gave it all we had.”

Photo caption: Greenport’s Jason Cruz, center, pictured in the Porters’ win against Southold one game earlier. (Credit: Garret Meade)

The post Boys Soccer: Porters win big, but lose teammate along the way appeared first on Suffolk Times.

A game that was as much about two players who weren’t there was a reminder that soccer can be an unfair, cruel sport sometimes.

Had Jason Cruz been at Middletown High School’s Faller Field Thursday instead of Stony Brook University Hospital with a broken left leg, he surely would have been crushed by what he had seen, but at the same time extraordinarily proud of his teammates.

Greenport, playing in its first regional final since 2005, was in control of the Class C match, dominating possession and pressing the stubborn S.S. Seward defense relentlessly. The Porters had some close chances, too. One had to wonder, how much pressure could Seward absorb?

A heck of a lot, as it turned out.

Seward held on to take the game beyond regulation time and triumphed, 1-0, when senior Matt Stam knocked in the goal 2 minutes and 56 seconds into sudden-victory overtime. Then Stam raced around the field in a personal victory lap while his happy teammates chased after him.

The devastated Porters, meanwhile, collapsed on the field in disappointment while Greenport coaches trotted out to console them. Greenport held a 27-6 shots advantage, earned seven of the game’s eight corner kicks and had a season-ending loss to show for it.

Seward (10-7-1) will return to Middletown Nov. 10 for a state semifinal.

“I never expected that,” Greenport senior forward William Chapeton said afterward. “We dominated the whole game. We had the possession. We had the shots.”

They didn’t have Cruz, though. The senior midfielder broke his leg in a grisly collision during Greenport’s 5-1 regional semifinal win over Solomon Schechter. But Cruz had a presence in the regional final in more ways than one.

On their way to Middletown, the Porters’ bus stopped at the hospital to visit their fallen teammate, who gave them a pep talk.

“He was saying we worked so hard and don’t let it end right here,” left back Jaxan Swann said. “He’s such a big [motivating] factor to us, and leaving that hospital brought tears to everybody’s eyes.”

Greenport coach Sean Charters, who spent four hours at the hospital with Cruz Wednesday, said: “I call him Mr. Greenport Soccer. He sets an example for everyone on the field.”

The Porters brought a tackling dummy dressed in a Greenport soccer T-shirt and shorts with Cruz’s No. 6 and propped it up against their bench in his honor.

Kevin Azama, a sophomore, took Cruz’s place in the starting lineup.

Seward was without one of its own, too. The Spartans played for center midfielder John Guerra, who was killed in a car accident July 23. He would have been a senior.

“It’s a hole we haven’t been able to fill,” said coach Bill Steele, whose team reached the regional final for a third straight year.

Charters said: “It was a highly emotional game. We wanted this for Jason, and they get the opportunity to do it for John.”

The Porters (12-7) played their third game in five days, but it didn’t show in their play. They brought plenty of energy and maintained it throughout.

“We always have energy,” said center midfielder Jacob Kahn.

Cheered on by a small but vocal group of Greenport fans who traded chants with the Seward supporters, the Porters came agonizingly close to a goal on several occasions. The closest came in the first half when a ball deflected off the chest of Seward’s Cam Panuska and off the right goalpost before Seward goalkeeper Jake Phillips (eight saves) collected it.

In the second half there were more chances: Chapeton drilled a hard shot right at Phillips. Azama met a cross with a first-time shot from close range that flew over the top; he fell to his knees in anguish. A cross/shot by Chapeton would have scored had not Phillips tipped it over the crossbar. Another shot by Chapeton took a funny deflection and Phillips was able to get to the ball before Greenport’s David Pineda.

The Porters had quite a season, winning their first county championship in 10 years. “All around, I think this is one of the better Greenport teams we’ve ever had,” said Charters.

The coach said: “I’m extremely proud of these guys. Jason would be so proud of these guys, of how we controlled the game, of how we gave ourselves the best opportunity to keep it going, and it’s tough that it has to end this way.”

In Cruz’s pregame remarks to his teammates back at the hospital, he evidently foresaw the possibility of defeat.

Chapeton said, “He told us even if we lost to keep our heads high.”

They sure can do that.

bliepa@timesreview.com

Photo caption: Greenport’s Kevin Azama, starting in place of the injured Jason Cruz, leads a charge upfield while S.S. Seward’s Dawson Schultz (11) and Jason Thom (2) chase him. (Credit: Bob Liepa)

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From China to Greenport, the ancient martial art of tai chi has proven itself a long-term tradition. 

A dozen students at North Fork Bodies in Motion gathered earlier this month at Main Stage Dance Studio in Greenport for an achievement certificate ceremony to reward them for the months they’ve spent learning and practicing tai chi. North Fork Bodies in Motion mainly operates out of the dance studio, but got it its start in local libraries in Southold Town.

“I’m very, very proud that we’re here today with my students,” said Marilyn LoPresti, owner of North Fork Bodies in Motion. “The people here in the class have been working hard to really understand what tai chi is.”

Tai chi is a martial art that developed over many centuries. Today, it is often used as a form of exercise that combines the concepts of yin and yang and promotes the integration of mind, body, energy and spirit. Ms. LoPresti teaches in the Yang Style Form 24 to develop internal and external strength, as well as stability and balance.

Ms. LoPresti is a second-degree black belt and has been practicing martial arts for over 25 years with her sister, Joan Caccioppoli, another instructor at North Fork Bodies in Motion. The sisters both studied with Enzo Aliotta, owner and CEO of United Studios of Progressive Martial Arts in Port Jefferson Station. All three have earned the title “Sifu,” which means “master,” and all were present to observe last week’s presentations.

After the demonstrations, Mr. Aliotta explained how tai chi has been passed down over generations.

“In China, tai chi is a national treasure,” he said. “The Chinese have developed this 5,000 years ago to teach people to live in accordance to the universe, so they’ll find balance and harmony in life.”

He said martial arts is just that: an art. No two people perform tai chi the same way.

“From China to New York City to Greenport, this national treasure is being passed on. That’s powerful,” he added.

All 12 students demonstrated the tai chi they have been practicing for the instructors and invited guests. They then received certificates of achievement.

“It’s a continuous study and they have all come this far,” Ms. Caccioppoli said. “Most people are not longtime martial arts students, and we’re very proud of them and we thought that our teacher would be interested to come and see how far they have come.”

Nancy Willott of Southold has been studying tai chi with this group since April.

“I can actually feel the chi, at certain points, going through my body,” she said. “I just love learning it part by part, and when you do it all together without any words, it’s really such a beautiful experience.”

She was first drawn to the experience years ago and was looking for something on the North Fork, but options were limited until Ms. LoPresti started her business here.

“It is good for your body and I think it’s good for my mental health too,” Ms. Willott said. “It’s like when I’m here, that’s all I think about.”

rsiford@timesreview.com

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A study of Greenport’s transportation hub around the ferry, bus stop and train station has outlined several options for reconfiguring the area to better accommodate traffic and pedestrian access. One of them would flip Wiggins Street to a one-way street going west instead of east.

The two-year study was conducted by a private, nonprofit group called Regional Plan Association, done in conjunction with village officials and a village transportation committee.

RPA has an on-call contract with the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency that enables municipalities to request its help at no charge in planning downtowns or transit-oriented areas, according to Robert Lane, a senior fellow for urban design with RPA.

Mr. Lane presented the study recommendations at the Oct. 25 Greenport Village Board meeting, where he highlighted three possible approaches for Greenport’s ferry area, one of which was developed independently of RPA by the village transportation committee. 

Mr. Lane said the transportation committee has described the problem at the transportation hub follows: 

“Pedestrians must currently navigate a traffic-dominated, unappealing and hazardous situations that hampers attendance at both [the Railroad Museum of Long Island and East End Seaport Museum], leads to under-utilization of the parking lot south of the tracks and fails to support the economic vitality of the village.”

But, Mr. Lane said, “Sometimes when you live here, you don’t realize what a jewel you have here.”

Other communities would be thrilled to have one of the museums or the train station, and Greenport has them all, he said.

Alternative 3

The proposal to flip the direction of Wiggins Street came from RPA. 

Mr. Lane said this alternative, which redirects the flow of traffic on Wiggins Street, was enthusiastically received by RPA and is the plan he thinks is best.

Traffic heading to the North Ferry often backs up in front houses on Wiggins Street.

This option, Mr. Lane called it, would involve the following changes :

• Wiggins Street going one-way westbound. 

• Access to the Railroad Museum from Fourth Street;

• Parking in the ferry landing area would be eliminated;

• Reconfiguration of the so-called Jitney lot, which Mr. Lane said is laid out inefficiently, to create 15 more parking spaces.

• Eliminating the turn-around area in front of the ferry dock.

The proposal also shows southbound non-ferry traffic on Third Street turning right onto Wiggins Street. Cars leaving the ferry would head north on Third Street.

The line to enter the ferry would come off Fourth Street and onto what is now a parking lot between the two museums.

Traffic also could head south on Fourth Street and turn left into the existing jitney parking, just south of the railroad tracks, according to this alternative.

Alternative 2

This plan would have traffic exiting the ferry head north on Third Street, as is currently the case, but it recommends some major changes for the rest of Third Street traffic. 

• Wiggins Street would remain one-way east but it would not be the ferry road. Instead, traffic from Wiggins Street could turn north onto Third Street or it could turn south onto the Railroad Museum parking lot. 

• Cars heading south on Third Street but not going to the ferry could turn right into the parking lot by Sterlington Deli and other shops, and then could also exit onto Front Street from this lot, according to Mr. Lane.

This proposal would require negotiations with the property owners for use of an easement to use the property, Mr. Lane said. 

• As with Alternative 3, cars would enter the line to get on the ferry by turning left from Fourth Street into the parking lot between the museums, and cars entering the parking lot south of the railroad also would do so from Fourth Street. 

• Turn-arounds in the ferry landing area would be eliminated.

Alternative 1

• The transportation committee’s plan would continue to have Wiggins Street be one way east but it would move the line to enter the ferry to the lot between the two museums and create several lanes, instead of just one.

• Access to the Railroad Museum would be from Fourth Street;

• Parking in the ferry landing area would remain;

• The ferry landing turn-around remains.

The area just north of this would have one-way parking with a series of front-end in parallel parking spaces.

The committee “had made most of the big moves themselves,” Mr. Lane said. 

All of the proposed alternatives would include redesigned crosswalks and pedestrian walkways to the museums and the parking area south of the railroad. 

“Who’s paying?” Trustee Doug Roberts asked.

Mr. Lane said there are potential funding sources the village could seek. He said some of the other areas that RPA has worked with, such as Lindenhurst and Amityville, have been able to get funding to carry out a plan by RPA.

RPA’s study for the village is free but the implementation of the plan is not. 

Mr. Roberts pointed out that this proposal would involve two municipalities — the village and the Town of Shelter Island — as well as the private North Ferry Company.

Mayor George Hubbard Jr. said the village still has about $325,000 originally intended for Mitchell Park in the 1990s, and that money is proposed for whatever plan is chosen for the ferry area redesign, he said. That money is still available, he said, and the village plans to leverage it for this purpose, he said. 

Don Fisher, president of the Railroad Museum and a member of the transportation committee, praised Mr. Lane’s work.

He said Mr. Lane took some of the transportation committee’s ideas and “snapped them into focus.”

tgannon@timesreview.com

Photo caption: Robert Lane, a senior fellow for urban design with RPA, spoke at the meeting. (Tim Gannon photo) 

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A basketball team sends five players out onto the court at a time, but needs more than five players to go far in the playoffs, if not even to just reach the postseason.

As far as its first five goes, Greenport may have as good a starting lineup as most high school boys basketball Class C teams in New York State. Junior guard Ahkee Anderson (18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals per game last season), senior guard Jaxan Swann (15 points, 5 steals), 6-foot-4 senior center Jude Swann (16 points, 14 rebounds), 6-2 senior forward Tyrus Smiley and 6-2 senior forward Reese Costello can play. Anderson was named to the All-State first team, the Swann brothers were both All-Conference selections and Smiley made All-League.

The real question is: How will the bench perform?

“We have a lot of inexperience coming off our bench,” coach Ev Corwin said. “There’s not a guy on our bench who has played varsity basketball before. … Other people are going to have to step up, help out and give us solid minutes.”

Corwin enters his sixth season in charge of Greenport with a 53-50 career record. The bulk of his success came over the past two seasons, when the team went 37-12.

Greenport (23-4 last season) wants to return to the state final four at Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton March 15-17. Last March Greenport, appearing in its fourth state final four and first since 2009, was beaten, 73-58, in the semifinals by eventual champion Lake George (28-0).

“It was just a fantastic run we had,” Corwin said. “The guys were on a mission and we just fell a little short, but it was still a wonderful season, just a great experience all around.”

If the Porters are to duplicate that sort of an experience, they will need help from their bench where Corwin can draw from junior guard Joshua Santacroce, senior center Zach Riggins, senior forward Sean McElroy, freshman point guard Ev Corwin Jr. (the coach’s son), senior guard Xavier Kahn, senior forward Meko Ameden-Bell, junior forward Sylas Shelby and junior forward Luka Benidze. All played for the junior varsity team last season except for Kahn and Benidze, who is from the nation of Georgia.

Anderson enters his third varsity season with 993 career points and is expected to break the 1,000-point mark in Greenport’s season-opener, a non-leaguer at home against Mattituck Friday night.

“His will to win to me is always, as a coach, [what] made him special,” Corwin said. “As long as we’re winning games, it’s not about his individual stats. The kid just has a will to win and it’s a true will to win.”

The road to Binghamton is a long, winding minefield. Nothing can be taken for granted, especially the final destination.

“It’s a gauntlet. It’s one and done when you get to those playoffs,” Coach Corwin said. “We’re circled on everyone’s calendar because it would be a good feather in someone’s cap to beat us. We can’t just walk out there and everyone’s going to lay down. It’s a new year. Last year was great, but we got to start all over again.”

Xavier Allen of Mattituck. (Credit: Garret Meade, file)

A shakeup has reduced the number of leagues in Suffolk County boys basketball from seven to six. Mattituck (13-8) now finds itself in League VI. While teams like Bishop McGann-Mercy and Stony Brook are no longer on Mattituck’s schedule, the Tuckers have league opponents like Elwood/John Glenn, Southampton and Hampton Bays to deal with.

“It got tougher, no doubt,” said Mattituck coach Paul Ellwood, whose team lost to Babylon in a Suffolk Class B outbracket game last season.

It’s a good thing for the Tuckers that they return a veteran team, sprinkled with eight seniors and their top seven players from last season. All-League players Xavier Allen and H’Nadahri Joyner lead the way.

Allen, a junior point guard, averaged 15 points and four assists last season. “He looks tremendous right now,” Ellwood said. “He’s our leader on the floor. He can score in transition, shoot, drive. He’s our most valuable player.”

Joyner, a 6-2 senior forward, was good for eight points and 11 rebounds per game. “He’s a good inside player,” Ellwood said. “He has a nice touch. He’s developed an outside game, too. He’s also good defensively. He’s a good shot blocker. He’s a force in the paint, offensively and defensively.”

The 6-3 Ryan Seifert and fellow senior forward Trevor Poole also saw starting time last season, as did senior guard Nick Perino and junior guard Chris Nicholson.

More varsity know-how is provided by point guard Matt Sledjeski, forward Jayden Ford, guard Bryce Grathwohl and guard Tyler Olsen — all seniors.

The new additions are guards Luke Woods, Rashad Lawson, Nate Demchak, Bryan Flores and Adam Kobel.

“A lot of experience,” said Ellwood, who goes into his 15th season at Mattituck with a 116-176 record. “We can kind of hit the ground running. The guys know each other. We’re taking our offense to the next level. We need to be able to get stops and be a good defensive team and I think we’ll be a serious contender.”

In order to prepare for the league season, Ellwood said he put together a tough non-league schedule that he believes will pay dividends down the road.

Max Kruszeski of Southold. (Credit: Bill Landon, file)

Confidence can work wonders for a team.

Southold coach Lucas Grigonis knows that full well, which is why he has to feel good about his team’s mindset approaching the new season.

“It’s exciting to me,” he said. “We’re young with experience. It definitely sets a different tone for us this year. We’re more confident.”

Confidence comes with experience, and Southold (7-14) has experience.

One of Southold’s biggest assets last season was the shooting from beyond the three-point arc by junior small forward Steven Russell (17.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.4 steals) and junior shooting guard Nick Grathwohl (15.4 points, 6 rebounds), who nailed 61 and 42 three-pointers, respectively. Russell earned All-Conference recognition and Grathwohl was All-League.

Senior shooting guard Max Kruszeski (5.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, team-high 2.2 steals) is another key player for the First Settlers. He captains the team along with senior forward Eric Connolly. More veteran experience comes from senior point guard Michael Daddona, senior power forward Van Karsten and junior shooting guard Cole Brigham.

Southold has two sets of junior twins. Small forward Nick Eckhardt and shooting guard Jay Eckhardt are joined by two transfers from Brooklyn, small forwards James Asip and Barry Asip. Also new to the team are junior small forward Jack Cosmadelis and senior small forward Emmett Moloney.

Grigonis said it’s as if his team has matured and grown up since last season. “We’re kind of further along the process now,” he said. “We’re kind of past the immature, inexperienced moments. We still have a lot to learn. Let’s say we have a stronger foundation this year.”

A 62-58 overtime loss to Mercy in a season-ending Suffolk Class C outbracket game did not sit well with Southold. The Settlers made only 12 of 26 free throws in that game.

“Our goal is to win a playoff game,” Grigonis said. “I think last year’s playoff loss in overtime to Mercy, it left kind of a bitter taste. We felt we kind of gave it away. It was a tough one. We played well. We forced overtime. We shot terribly from the free-throw line.”

Perhaps some of the Settlers still have a chip on their shoulder from that loss. Grigonis (13-27 entering his third season as Southold’s coach) likes their will to win.

“They want to win every shooting drill,” he said. “They want to win every scrimmage that we play in practice. They have a competitive driving force.”

Until that first jump ball is tossed up, all the teams are dead even. It’s an exciting time of the year for coaches.

Ellwood said, “Everybody’s undefeated still so all the coaches are still happy.”

bliepa@timesreview.com

Photo caption: Greenport junior guard Ahkee Anderson, an All-State Class C first team player, takes 993 career points into his third varsity season. (Credit: Garret Meade, file)

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Ahkee Anderson caught the ball at the top of the key, took one quick jab to his right and crossed over his defender. On a quick step back, the Greenport junior fired a soft jumper that swished through the net.

The fans packed inside Richard “Dude” Manwaring Gymnasium erupted as the horn sounded to halt the game.

Greenport coach Ev Corwin has watched the talented guard play long enough to know the milestone basket likely wasn’t going to come on something a simple as a layup. With Anderson, it was likely to have a little flare, a little spark.

Sure enough, he didn’t disappoint.

“I knew if I crossed over I was going to be open,” Anderson said. “I crossed over and just pulled up and knew it was good. That’s my move right there.”

The long jumper with 3:20 left in the second quarter against Mattituck Friday night in the non-league season opener for both teams vaulted Anderson past the 1,000-career point mark. He became only the seventh player in program history to reach that milestone. (One Greenport girl, Madison Tabor in 2017, has also surpassed 1,000 career points).

Anderson went on to score a game-high 28 points as the Porters held off a Mattituck rally in the fourth quarter to win 51-47.

The game was briefly stopped to acknowledge Anderson’s milestone and he was presented with a basketball with his name written on it. He hugged his mother, Crystal Anderson, who wore a purple shirt that said “1,000 points” above pictures of her son.

Anderson scored a game-high 28 points in the season opener. (Credit: Garret Meade)

Anderson came into the game seven points away from 1,000. He nearly reached the mark last year as a sophomore when the Porters reached the Class Class C state semifinals. One more victory, and he very likely would have gotten the mark in the ultimate game — the state championship.

Instead, he got to celebrate in a much less stressful atmosphere in the season opener, on his home court against a local rival with many familiar faces. Anderson plays football on the combined team that includes Mattituck players, so there’s a lot of familiarity among the players.

“It was a great moment,” Corwin said. “You could tell all his teammates were happy for him. The Mattituck community, the Greenport community both happy for him.”

The game had originally been scheduled to be played in Mattituck, but the Tuckers were willing to allow Greenport to host.

A banner that hangs inside the gymnasium lists the names of all the 1,000-point scorers, starting with Al Edwards in 1972.

“Those guys can play ball. They’re really good,” Anderson said. “To have my name associated with them is such an honor.”

The banner next to it lists the even more exclusive 2,000-point career club. Only two names make that list: Edwards and Ryan Creighton, the current JV coach, who led the Porters to the state finals during his senior year in 2009.

Anderson shook his head in amazement thinking about the school record Creighton holds with 2,799 career points from 2004-09.

“That’s ridiculous,” Anderson said. “He was a certified bucket. I think he has that [all-time record] solidified.”

The Porters led throughout the game and extended to a double digit lead in the third quarter. They took a 38-21 lead into the fourth quarter, but the Tuckers staged a furious comeback to pull within two late in the fourth and nearly spoiled the party for Greenport.

Greenport senior Jude Swann went to the line for a 1-and-1 with the Porters up by two and 11 seconds remaining. He calmly sank both shots to effectively seal the win. He finished the game with 12 points.

Mattituck junior Xavier Allen had a strong game with 17 points to lead the Tuckers. It was a balanced scoring effort otherwise for Mattituck, who did not have another player in double figures. Senior Ryan Seifer added nine. The Tuckers were without All-League senior H’Nadahri Joyner, who is recovering from a concussion.

Top photo caption: Greenport junior Ahkee Anderson hugs his mother after reaching the milestone Friday night. (Credit: Garret Meade)

joew@timesreview.com

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Greenport junior guard Ahkee Anderson opened the 2018-19 season in style Friday night by joining an elite club of 1,000-point career scorers. He became only the seventh boy in program history to reach the milestone.

He led the Porters to a 51-47 victory over Mattituck at Greenport High School.

The Porters return to action Thursday with a non-league game at St. Anthonys.

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Crowds lined the streets for the second annual Parade of Lights in Greenport Village Saturday.

The parade concluded with a tree lighting ceremony at Mitchell Park where event-goers enjoyed caroling by local school children and hot chocolate.

Santa and Mrs. Claus were also on hand to visit the children.

See more photos by Jeremy Garretson below:

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Greenport High school senior midfielder Mateo Arias has been named to the Suffolk County All-County team.

Arias was among 45 players honored at the Suffolk County Soccer Coaches Association at its annual all-star banquet at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook on Wednesday night.

He was an important cog in the Porters’ Class C county title and was among five players from the school who received awards at the dinner.

Arias, who participated in the Nassau vs. Suffolk Soccer game, also was named to the League VII All-Conference team along with senior forward Jason Cruz, the team’s leading goal-scorer (11), and defender Cristian Lopez.

Porters senior forward Jacob Kahn and midfielder William Chapeton were chosen to the All-League squad.

Senior goalkeeper Miguel Torres also represented the school on the Academic All-County team.

The Porters (12-7), who finished third in their league, reached the regional final for the first time since 2005 before they were eliminated by S.S. Seward in sudden-death overtime, 1-0, despite outplaying their opposition at Middletown High School on Nov. 1.

Greenport’s Tom Taylor also was honored as the League VII junior varsity coach of the year.

Mattituck (10-7), which took third place, placed six players on League VII all-star teams. That included junior midfielder Jack Burkhardt, and seniors James Jacobs, a goalkeeper, and defender Bryce Grathwohl, a defender, on the All-Conference team. Senior midfielder Charles Bordsen, junior forward Dane Reda and defender Chris Nicholson were tabbed for the All-League team.

Burkhardt finished fourth among Suffolk goal-scorers (16).

Bordsen also was named to the Academic All-County team.

Southold (8-8), which finished in fourth place in League VII, had junior forward Joseph Silvestro and sophomore forward Daniel Palencia, the team’s top goal-scorer (14 goals), on the All-Conference squad, while senior midfielder Joseph Hayes and junior goalkeeper Cole Brigham were named to the All-League team.

Senior defender Jonathan Baumann was chosen to the Academic All-County team.

Photo caption: Jason Cruz (far right) celebrates his golden goal in overtime for Greenport along with teammates in their 1-0 triumph over Southold in the Suffolk County Class C final. (Credit: Garret Meade, file)

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A Mastic man was arraigned on charges of criminal possession of a weapon and assault for his role in a shooting early Friday morning that injured a Greenport teenager.

Josue Bedell pleaded not guilty to the two felony charges and unlawful possession of marijuana Friday afternoon at the arraignment in Southold Town Justice Court before Judge Eileen Powers.

Mr. Bedell was one of two people arraigned in connection to the shooting. Jalyn Terell Preston of Center Moriches was charged with fourth-degree criminal facilitation, a misdemeanor. He also pleaded not guilty.

Assistant district attorney Brad McGill said the defendants had traveled from Mastic to Greenport for a marijuana deal “which did not go well.” During the interaction the weapon was discharged and the victim was shot in the abdomen.

An order of protection was issued for Mr. Bedell to stay away from the victim, identified as Tyrus Smiley, 18, of Greenport.

Mr. Smiley is in stable condition at Stony Brook University Medical Center, Mr. McGill said.

The suspects fled westbound in a vehicle after taking the marijuana from the victim, Mr. McGill said. Police recovered marijuana and the weapon. Police detained four suspects, police Chief Martin Flatley said earlier Friday. It’s unclear whether two other suspects would also face charges. Only Mr. Bedell and Mr. Preston were arraigned.

Bail for Mr. Bedell was set at $100,000 cash or $300,000 bond. Bail was set at $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond for Mr. Preston. A Legal Aid attorney representing him said the family could only post $2,000 and the judge accepted that while warning him to appear at all future court dates, starting Jan. 4.

Jalyn Terell Preston led into Southold Town Justice Court Friday. (Credit: Kate Nalepinski)

Peter Smith of Northport, the attorney representing Mr. Bedell, attempted to get the charges against his client dismissed because police had questioned him before an attorney was present. The judge denied that motion.

About 10 members of Mr. Bedell’s family and friends were in court.

If convicted of the top charges, Mr. Bedell could face up to 15 years in prison.

“These are extremely serious allegations,” Judge Powers said.

The shooting occurred just after 1 a.m. Friday at the Lakeside Garden Apartments and the suspects were apprehended within 10 minutes after fleeing the scene in a black sedan.

Greenport Superintendent David Gamberg sent a message to parents Friday afternoon saying police have informed them the shooting was not school related, did not occur on school grounds and in no way jeopardizes school safety.

“We have received news from the family that the student is stable, alert and responsive,” he wrote. “They expressed their gratitude for our support and respect for their privacy.”

Top photo caption: Josue Bedell of Mastic led in Southold Town Justice Court Friday afternoon. (Credit: Kate Nalepinski)

WITH KATE NALEPINSKI AND JOE WERKMEISTER

tsmith@timesreview.com

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The Greenport players huddled together in front of the scorer’s table and pointed up toward the camera where GPO TV broadcast the game live online.

They had just wrapped up a thrilling 81-76 win over Central Islip, a strong League I team, and could finally take a moment to exhale and smile. The game itself Saturday afternoon had taken a backseat to something far more important: the health of their teammate, senior Tyrus Smiley.

From a hospital bed at Stony Brook University Medical Center, Smiley watched as his teammates fought for a hard-earned victory at Greenport High School with the type of play that epitomizes Porter basketball: unselfishness, grit and a little flare.

“He was watching on the live [broadcast] so we made sure to shout him out and let him know we’re thinking about him,” said junior Ahkee Anderson, who led all scorers with 33 points.

It had been a whirlwind 36 hours for the Porters, who were awakened in the overnight hours Friday to learn their teammate had been rushed to a hospital after suffering a gunshot wound. Two men have since been arrested.

Teams often speak about coming together as a family. Suddenly for the Porters, that took on added meaning.

“Every coach worth his soul wants that [family] atmosphere,” said Greenport coach Ev Corwin. “This group, for three years, have been it. They look out for each other. They’re friends on and off the court.”

Senior Jaxann Swann awoke around 1:30 a.m. Friday and saw he had three missed calls from Anderson. He thought maybe Anderson had accidentally dialed. But he couldn’t go back to bed without knowing his teammate and friend was OK.

He sent him a text message asking if he was OK. A few minutes later, they spoke on the phone and Swann learned what had happened to Smiley.

“It felt like I was in a dream,” Swann said.

Josh Santacroce, center, and Jude Swann, left, cheer on teammate Jaxan Swann, right, after he hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to end the third quarter. (Credit: Joe Werkmeister)

Without much time to process what had happened Friday, the Porters had to quickly make a decision on how to proceed as a team. A game was scheduled for early the next afternoon. As a group, there was no hesitation, Corwin said. The players wanted to play. And Smiley wouldn’t have had it any other way.

“They would have had to answer to [Smiley] if they didn’t play the game,” he said. “I’ll tell you that right now.”

Anderson said he didn’t sleep at all Thursday once he heard what had happened and did his best to rest Friday before Saturday’s early tip. Corwin and all the players visited the Smiley at Stony Brook Friday and then FaceTimed with him Saturday morning. Corwin said Smiley assured his teammates he was OK and urged them to go out and play hard.

“Everyone is there for each other and it shows out on the court,” Anderson said.

Before the starting lineups, the PA announcer acknowledged Smiley by saying: “We’d like to let him know we’re all thinking about him and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

Smiley was an All-League player last year and was expected to be a key returner for the Porters this season in their quest for a trip back to the state final four.

Anderson described Smiley as a “spark plug.”

“He’s such good guy,” he said. “He brings so much light and good spirit to the team. He’s a big part of our family.”

Jaxan Swann shoots a jumper. (Credit: Joe Werkmeister)

Corwin described his players’ reaction Friday as in shock. It was a look in their faces he hadn’t seen before. He didn’t know how his team would respond once the players stepped on the court Saturday.

As soon as the game tipped off, the Porters came out flying, scoring 19 first quarter points to go ahead by seven. Crisp ball movement led to nearly every basket in the opening quarter coming with an assist.

The Porters trailed by three at halftime before starting off the second half on 13-2 run. Anderson hit big shot after big shot. Senior Jude Swann controlled the play inside, scoring 20 points. Jaxan Swann added 18. The Porters never relinquished the lead after going ahead in the third.

And the Porters got a big boost from Ev Corwin Jr., the freshman son of the coach. The coach inserted him to guard Central Islip’s Ty-Shon Pannell, who had scored 23 points in the first half, as part of a box-and-one defense.

Ev Crowin Jr. defends Central Islip’s Ty-Shon Pannell. (Credit: Joe Werkmeister)

The coach hoped to ease the defensive burden for Jaxan Swann, and the move worked. Pannell was held scoreless in the third quarter and scored just four in the fourth, to finish with a team-high 27. Ev Corwin Jr. also contributed offensively by hitting a pair of key 3-pointers. It was the type of spark the Porters needed in Smiley’s absence.

Jaxan Swann said the Porters were feeding off the energy that Smiley typically brings to the game.

“He’s still with us,” he said. “It was a fun game knowing he was watching.”

Top photo caption: The Greenport players point up at the camera to acknowledge their injured teammate. (Credit: Joe Werkmeister)

joew@timesreview.com

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Local people need housing in Greenport that they can afford. My kids grew up going to Greenport schools.

They’ve known these kids basically their whole lives. Then we had to move out of Greenport because there is nothing to rent there year round that’s a dwelling that’s not in disrepair. My kids, and I’m sure others who’ve had to move, are suffering because they have to establish new friendships and get acclimated to new everything.

I know kids are adaptable but it just makes me sad knowing my kids are not enjoying their high school experience. I have a senior this year who would love to graduate from Greenport school, where he grew up in. Everyone who has a house has jumped on the bandwagon to rent it to seasonal visitors because of the high amounts of money they can make, not even thinking of the local people who still rent to be able to work in this town.

Then the businesses complain that there are no workers. Well, why would one work somewhere that they can’t live? All I’m asking is that people who have a house to rent to consider the local workforce and schoolchildren and open up their houses to rent to families like us. Thank you for reading my letter.

The author lives in Peconic.

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The temperature hovered a few degrees above freezing Tuesday outside Mattituck High School. Make no mistake, this is winter track and field.

Girls coach Chris Robinson wore shorts as he instructed the athletes like it was early May. He wore no hat, no gloves.

“It gives them no excuses,” said Robinson, who’s now in his seventh year.

The cold weather may not bother Robinson so much. And when his team hits the track, things tend to heat up.

The Tuckers are coming off a strong cross country season, as they won the Class C county title, and many of those runners transition to the track season. The Tuckers have talent in the sprints and field events as well.

“We got a good core group coming back and we have a good young group coming in,” Robinson said. “We’re well rounded.”

The Tuckers have a consistent roster of more than 30 girls, giving them good depth for a small school.

Eighth-grader Ava Vaccarella, who was the Class C champion in November in cross country, will look to continue her success on the track.

“She had a great first year, so I’m hoping to continue that,” Robinson said. “And it’s a little different when you go indoors on the track instead of being out on the street or in the woods.”

She got her first chance at a crossover meet at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood Dec. 2 and she promptly ran 10 minutes, 55.54 seconds in the 3,000 to finish second out of 11 runners. She ran the 1,500 Saturday at the second crossover meet and finished eighth in 5:09.18.

Robinson said Vaccarella loved running the 3,000, which is a great sign, since not everyone enjoys the longest event in high school track.

The Tuckers have a strength in the sprints and will look to build the relay teams that were anchored last year by Meg Dinizio, who since graduated. The Tuckers return sophomore Nikki Searles, Bella Masotti and senior Miranda Annunziata, who were all members of the 4 x 100 relay in spring last year. That group, with Dinizio, finished second at the division championships.

“We’re going through the process of trying to find that fourth girl to fill that gap,” Robinson said.

Payton Maddaloni, left, and Kylie Conroy on the track at practice Tuesday. (Credit: Joe Werkmeister)

Searles will run hurdles as well. She ran 9.43 in the 55-hurdles Saturday for fourth place out of 36 competitors. Masotti will also run sprints, the 55 and 300. She was second in the 300 Saturday in 44.2.

“She’s off to a great start,” Robinson said.

Annunziata was seventh in the 300 in 46.48.

Sophomore Kylie Conroy returns for middle-distance events along with junior Payton Maddaloni. Junior Jordan Osler will compete in field events like the triple jump, where she posted a mark of 31 feet 10 1/4 inches Saturday.

Southold High School is hosting a combined team with Greenport this winter, coached by Bill Hiney, a former throwing coach at Shoreham-Wading River.

He’ll have a good candidate to work with in that department with senior Emily Russell. In the shot put, she took first place Saturday by throwing 30-04 at the crossover meet. A versatile athlete, Russell showed why she’s a middle hitter in volleyball during the fall by clearing 4-10 in the high jump. She topped 5 feet at the Dec. 2 crossover meet, a mark that should have her in the hunt with some of the top jumpers in the county.

Southold also returns senior Marie Mullen in the hurdles. She ran 9.81 Saturday for fifth place. Freshman Natalie Kopala was ninth in the 1,000 (3:41.54).

Top photo caption: Mattituck sophomore Nikki Searles practices the hurdles at practice Tuesday. (Credit: Joe Werkmeister)

joew@timesreview.com

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Greenport’s Village Cinema will reopen this month for a series of holiday films selected by Manhattan Film Institute, marking the first time in more than two decades the theater has been open in the winter.

The six films, which will be screened Dec. 28-30, are just the start of winter cinema at the Front Street theater. A Saturday Film Series, also curated by MFI, will run from Jan. 19 through May 18 showcasing award-winning movies and classic cinema for kids and adults alike, said MFI co-founder Tony Spiridakis.

In total, 42 films will be shown on 21 dates, with family-friendly screenings at 3 p.m. and more mature selections at 7 p.m. All of the screenings will be presented free of charge this winter, though, as with some museums, there will be a suggested donation.

“The idea of having the Greenport movie theater during the winter has been a fun pipe dream for years,” said Mr. Spiridakis, a Greenport resident who recalled attending films at the theater since childhood and used his Institute’s relationship with the theater as a way to turn the dream into reality. “Since this is a grand experiment, there is no charge for these films this year. We want to rally community participation and create a buzz.”

The major obstacle to screening movies at the theater in the winter has been a broken boiler system, which Manhattan Film Institute has since paid to have repaired.

Mr. Spiridakis said he first approached theater owner Josh Sapan — who he knows through screenings of MFI films hosted at the theater each summer — in September about the possibility of fixing the boiler, which is now fully up and running.

This isn’t the first time an entity has attempted to open the theater in winter. In 2017, the Village of Greenport explored the possibility, but realized it wasn’t economically viable for a government body to undertake such an endeavor.

Licensing rights make it costly to screen first-run films, so Mr. Spiridakis has been creative, choosing a slate of older films he hopes will appeal to audiences and be less expensive to show.

Among the films he’s aiming to offer in the holiday slate are “Home Alone” and “Elf.” The Saturday series will kick off in January with a slate of “Best Picture Oscar Winners,” followed by a “Women in Film” theme and ending with a lineup of movies from “Great Directors.”

One week you’ll be able to catch “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” followed weeks later by “Lost in Translation” and eventually “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” Mr. Spiridakis said. “Frozen” is among the family-friendly films expected to screen. Some foreign language and international films will also be included in the overall lineup.

Currently the eight-screen Mattituck Cinemas is the only year-round theater operating on the North Fork. Plans to bring a multiplex to the former Walmart property on Route 58 in Riverhead have hit a snag, according to Riverhead Town officials.

Mr. Spiridakis hopes this year’s series is the start of something special and he’s hoping to partner with local restaurants to offer Saturday night specials for movie-goers.

“The success of this dream depends on our ability to get the word out to the North Fork community,” he said.

For schedule and to donate click here.

gparpan@timesreview.com

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After graduating from SUNY/Cortland last year, Mike Kollmer began searching for a school district where he could begin to work as a substitute teacher. He found a spot at Mattituck in January, and soon after, athletic director Greg Wormuth asked him if he’d be interested in coaching.

The Tuckers had a position open for the boys winter track team. And Kollmer, a 2013 graduate of Mount Sinai High School, had participated in track in high school. It was an ideal match.

“He hooked me up pretty good,” Kollmer said of Wormuth.

The Tuckers have struggled for some stability on the coaching side for the boys program and Kollmer was excited for the opportunity.

Kollmer helped coach the lacrosse team in the spring, which allowed him a chance to get to know some of the athletes he’s now coaching in track.

“I knew their skill level and I knew what their ability level was,” he said. “I knew a few just through baseball, talking to other coaches.”

The Tuckers feature a roster of about 22 athletes now as the winter season kicks off.

Kollmer said the team has a trio of longtime, dedicated runners in junior Eric Palencia, and seniors Christian Demchak and Antonio Marine.

Palencia and Demchak are both coming off strong cross-country seasons. Demchak was third in the Class C State Qualifier race and competed at the state championships.

“They’re very dedicated to the sport,” Kollmer said. “They all take leadership roles in everything.”

Mattituck competed in the first crossover meet of the winter season Sunday at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood. Demchak ran the 3,200 in 11 minutes, 32.24 seconds. Palencia ran the 1,000 in 3:10.82.

The Tuckers also feature junior Matthew Krupnick in the sprints. He ran the 55-dash Sunday in 7.81.

“Everyone really has the one or two events they’re mainly good at and if I need them in a third event, they don’t mind,” Kollmer said.

Kollmer said the winter season is largely a buildup toward the spring season.

“It’s really good to get everybody in shape, stay in shape and sort out what they need so they can start out [spring] fresh,” he said. “And then just trying to build the program. This is more kids than they had last year, so that’s good. And everyone seems to like it so it keeps growing.”

Southold features a combined team with Greenport this winter coached by Karl Himmelmann, the cross-country coach in the fall.

The team competed at Sunday’s crossover meet as well. Junior Max Pasko ran the 55-dash in 6.89 to finish in second place. It was an impressive time for the start of the season. Eight runners posted under 7-second times at last year’s small school championship.

Junior Kenneth Latham ran the 55-hurdles in 9.31 Sunday to finish 10th. He also ran the 55-dash in 7.38.

Photo caption: Antonio Marine, left, and Christian Demchak at practice Tuesday. (Credit: Joe Werkmeister)

joew@timesreview.com

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A Suffolk County grand jury has indicted a Greenport man for his role in an alleged drunken driving crash that led to the death of a Queens woman earlier this year, according to online court records.

Glenn Zaleski, 36, is expected to be arraigned Wednesday on a 30-count indictment that includes a top charge of aggravated vehicular homicide, a class B felony. The indictment includes another two dozen felony charges, records show.

The top charge suggests the grand jury found Mr. Zaleski’s blood alcohol content to be at least a .18, more than twice the legal limit, according to documents. The Suffolk County assistant district attorney previously said he had a blood alcohol content of 0.21 percent — nearly three times the legal limit.

Mr. Zaleski was driving a 2016 Dodge pick-up truck eastbound on Route 48 near Chapel Lane on the morning of July 15 when he crossed over into westbound traffic and struck a minivan with seven occupants, according to police. He was originally charged with driving while intoxicated and suffered only minor injuries in the crash, police said at the time.

Witnesses said Mr. Zaleski swerved to the right of the road and overcorrected, crossing the double yellow line at “a high rate of speed” into the minivan. The force of the collision pushed the minivan off the road, prosecutors said at his initial arraignment in Southold Town Justice Court.

The driver of the van, You Feng Yang, 51, of Flushing was pronounced dead two hours later at Stony Brook University Hospital. Two passengers in the van were also airlifted to Stony Brook for treatment of serious injuries. The other four passengers, all adults from Flushing, were treated at local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.

Mr. Zaleski admitted to police that he drank six beers prior to the 8:30 a.m. crash, prosecutors said in July.

gparpan@timesreview.com

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A Greenport man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to upgraded charges from an alleged drunken driving crash that led to the death of a Queens woman in July. 

Glenn Zaleski, 36, is facing up to 25 years in prison on the top charge of aggravated vehicular homicide. He did not post the $100,000 bail set by Suffolk County Judge Fernando Camacho.

With emotional family members standing behind him in the Central Islip courtroom, Mr. Zaleski was arraigned on a 30-count indictment handed down earlier this week by a Suffolk County grand jury.

Assistant District Attorney Ray Varuolo said Wednesday that Mr. Zaleski, who has a prior DWI conviction, was returning home from a family party the night prior to the crash and he admitted to police drinking between six and eight beers. He told investigators he was “sleeping it off” in his truck before he attempted to drive home, according to Mr. Varuolo.

His initial blood alcohol content registered at .22 according to prosecutors, who added that when he was checked again an hour later in the hospital he registered an even higher .23. That’s nearly three times the legal limit, prosecutors said.

Brendan Ahern, chief of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office’s vehicular crimes bureau said the evidence suggest Mr. Zaleski was less than truthful about the amount of alcohol he consumed prior to the crash.

“We work based on forensic toxicology here, which showed a much higher level of blood alcohol than 6 to 8 beers perhaps would support,” he said in speaking to reporters outside the courtroom. “This is a very high blood alcohol level.”

If convicted of the top charge, Mr. Zaleski faces a minimum of 1 to 3 years in prison with a maximum of 25 years, prosecutors said.

Mr. Zaleski’s attorney, Anthony Rutkowski of Southampton, said of the upgrade charges, “they’re just allegations at this time … it’s obviously a very tragic accident.”

Mr. Rutkowski noted concerns over a reckless driving charge his client is facing, saying there’s no indication Mr. Zaleski was speeding at the time of the crash. He said he also hadn’t spoken to his client about the allegation that he was “sleeping it off” before the crash.

He added that Mr. Zaleski and his family were “remorseful.”

Mr. Zaleski was driving a 2016 Dodge pick-up truck eastbound on Route 48 near Chapel Lane around 8:30 a.m. July 15 when he crossed over into westbound traffic and struck a minivan with seven occupants, according to police. He was originally charged with driving while intoxicated and suffered only minor injuries in the crash, police said at the time.

Witnesses said Mr. Zaleski swerved to the right of the road and overcorrected, crossing the double yellow line at “a high rate of speed” into the minivan. The force of the collision pushed the minivan off the road, prosecutors said at his initial arraignment in Southold Town Justice Court.

The driver of the van, You Feng Yang, 51, of Flushing was pronounced dead two hours later at Stony Brook University Hospital. Two passengers in the van were also airlifted to Stony Brook for treatment of serious injuries. The other four passengers, all adults from Flushing, were treated at local hospitals for injuries that were not life-threatening, according to police.

Mr. Zaleski’s family members declined comment outside the courtroom Wednesday. He’s due back in court on a conference Jan. 28.

Photo caption: Glenn Zaleski appears in court Wednesday. (Credit: Jessica Rotkiewicz / Newsday)

The post Greenport man pleads not guilty to upgraded charges in fatal crash appeared first on Suffolk Times.

Sometime on Christmas morning, Ev Corwin figures he will receive a text from senior guard Jaxan Swann asking him if he could open the Greenport High School gymnasium so he and his teammates can play some basketball that day.

The Porters’ boys basketball coach will oblige because he realizes that the game is in his players’ DNA because they love to play and practice it so much.

“I get texts all the time,” Corwin said. “Sunday we don’t have practice. ‘Hey coach, can we go down and get into the gym?’ I’m lucky I live two blocks away from the school. So, I go open the gym, the boys are in there, shooting the ball. They just like to be around each other. They’ve been playing together so long. It makes it easy.

“These guys are true gym rats. It’s one of the things that makes them good.”

On Friday night in front of a packed house at Southold High School, the Porters weren’t merely good, they were excellent in an 82-45 victory in a Suffolk County League VII game.

Some of the huge margin of victory can be attributed to Greenport’s talent. Some of that can be attributed to the players’ passion for the game.

“We’re actually in the gym every day,” said Swann, who collected a game-high 26 points.

“If the gym’s open, we’re in there,” added junior guard Ahkee Anderson, who finished with 23 points and 12 assists.

Besides, there is a Holiday Invitational tournament next Friday at Suffolk County Community College. The Porters will take on Bayport-Blue Point and will face either Riverhead or Southampton Saturday.

“We don’t want to go into a game Saturday, especially in a Christmas tournament, just from not playing basketball, shots just not falling,” Anderson said. “So we want to stay consistent and shoot all the time.”

And there is another competition that is in the back of the players’ minds — the state tournament. Last season the Porters lost in the Class C state semifinals to Lake George, 78-53, in Binghamton. They want to return there again this March.

“Everyone really wants to work,” Anderson said. “We’ve got a goal in mind. We know that if we want to reach it, we’ve got to put the work in.”

Greenport (6-1, 3-0) certainly put in the work Friday night, deploying an alert defense that keeps the opposition on its toes. Many times Southold players wound up chasing Greenport players after turnovers and steals. The visitors forced the First Settlers (2-4, 0-2) into 23 turnovers, 11 alone in the opening quarter. They turned eight turnovers into 16 points. Ten of those points came via five steals by Swann, who quite appropriately scored the first basket on a takeaway only 38 seconds into the game.

“A lot of them dribble with their heads down with the same move and once to one side,” Swann said. “It was just easy defense for me.”

Added Corwin: “This team, when it’s moving like that defensively, sometimes it looks like it’s seven guys out there, the way the guards are moving. When we’re going well, we’re scoring off our defense up and down the floor. That’s when we’re in our comfort zone.”

The Porters did everything well — defense, transition, rebounding, ballhandling and, of course, shooting. They were devastating from two-point range, connecting on 66.6 percent of their attempts (33 of 55).

Greenport made short work of the Settlers, bolting out to a stunning 16-0 advantage with 2 minutes and 50 seconds remaining in the opening quarter before Nick Grathwohl (team-high 20 points) scored Southold’s first points on a trey 11 seconds later. Anderson and Swann led the way with six points apiece during that surge, although the former finished the opening quarter with 14 points.

Swann felt the huge crowd motivated the Porters. “Greenport is never that full,” he said. “It’s like a whole lot of energy.”

Center Jude Swann controlled the middle with 13 points and 18 rebounds.

“I definitely had a blast, especially … everyone coming out and having a good game,” Anderson said. “That’s what makes me happy. It doesn’t matter what I do. I like to see everyone else shine.”

By the time the Settlers recovered it was too late, although they did play much better in the second half.

“First half we looked like we weren’t ready to come and play,” coach Lucas Grigonis said. “Second half we showed that we can at least fight and try to execute what we’re trying to do against a higher quality team.”

Especially one that loves to practice every day.

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