Long Island's high school sports scene has been nothing short of extraordinary, with an impressive 30-plus teams claiming state championships in the 2025-26 season. Newsday has highlighted the top 10 teams across all seasons, and I'm here to delve into this exciting list, offering my insights and commentary on these remarkable achievements.
The Dominance of Garden City Football
Kicking things off is the Garden City football team, an absolute powerhouse with an incredible 63-game winning streak, a New York State record. This season, they extended that streak to a mind-boggling 66 games, an achievement that speaks volumes about their dominance. The Trojans' average margin of victory, a staggering 33.4 points per game, is a testament to their skill and consistency. What makes this particularly fascinating is the psychological aspect; maintaining such a winning streak requires an incredible mental fortitude and a culture of excellence that permeates the entire team.
St. Anthony's Girls Lacrosse: A Dynasty in the Making
St. Anthony's girls lacrosse team has established itself as a force to be reckoned with, claiming their seventh consecutive CHSAA Class AA title. Despite suffering their first loss in three seasons, they bounced back with a 14-game winning streak to end the year. With an impressive 26 Division I recruits and a national ranking of third, St. Anthony's is building a dynasty. The fact that 13 of those players are returning next season suggests that this team's dominance may continue for years to come. It's a testament to the program's ability to recruit and develop top talent.
Perfect Season for Half Hollow Hills Flag Football
Half Hollow Hills' flag football team had an impeccable season, going undefeated with a 19-0 record. Their dominance was evident in the state championship final, where they defeated Shaker by a comfortable margin. The team's offensive prowess, led by Samantha Heyman's 70 touchdown passes and Zoe Franks' 27 receptions, was simply outstanding. Their defense also shone, with six shutouts. This team's success highlights the growing popularity and competitiveness of flag football, a sport that often gets overlooked.
Massapequa's Football and Volleyball Dynasties
Massapequa's football team made history by becoming the first Nassau Class I team to win three straight Long Island titles. Their versatility was on full display, as they adapted to different challenges, whether it was a high-scoring affair against Oceanside or a tight contest against Ward Melville. The prospect of a potential showdown with Garden City next year is an exciting prospect for Long Island football fans. Additionally, Massapequa's boys volleyball team dominated, winning their first state championship with an impressive record of 21-0. This team's success showcases the importance of a strong volleyball culture within the school.
St. Anthony's Boys Lacrosse: A Consistent Powerhouse
St. Anthony's boys lacrosse team continues its reign as a powerhouse, securing their seventh consecutive state title. Their ability to come back from deficits and their national ranking of No. 7 by USA Lacrosse are testaments to their resilience and skill. With seven Friars named to Newsday's All-Long Island team, including the Player of the Year, Danny Rooney, this team's depth and talent are undeniable. It's a program that consistently produces top-tier players and maintains a high level of success.
St. Mary's Girls Basketball: Kicking Down the Door
St. Mary's girls basketball team finally broke through, claiming the CHSAA state Class AA championship. Their victory over Christ the King, a team featuring a UConn commit, was a testament to their skill and determination. Kayla Solomon's achievement of 2,000 career points and her 29-point performance in the final are remarkable milestones. This team's success highlights the importance of perseverance and the satisfaction that comes with achieving a long-sought-after goal.
Sayville Girls Lacrosse: Flawless and Dominant
Sayville's girls lacrosse team went undefeated for the second time in three years, a remarkable achievement. Their dominance was evident in the state championship, where they won by comfortable margins. Sophia Buffardi, the Newsday Player of the Year, led the way with her impressive stats. This team's success showcases the depth of talent in Long Island's girls lacrosse scene and the importance of developing well-rounded athletes.
Ward Melville's Cheerleading Dynasty
Ward Melville's co-ed cheerleading team has established itself as the best in the state for three consecutive years. Their chants and routines have become a symbol of their school's spirit and pride. Newsday's Cheerleader of the Year, Ian Licavoli, provided exceptional athleticism and leadership. This team's success highlights the often-overlooked sport of cheerleading and the dedication and skill required to excel in it.
Commack's Boys Soccer and Bowling Dominance
Commack's boys soccer team dominated their way to the state Class AAA title, averaging an incredible four goals per game. Their defensive prowess was also on display, allowing only a few goals across their entire season. The team's success was led by Newsday's Player of the Year, Brayden O'Boyle, who made history as the first five-year varsity player/starter in Commack's history. Additionally, Commack's boys bowling team went undefeated, showcasing the school's strength in multiple sports.
Massapequa's Baseball and Wrestling Success
Massapequa's baseball team had an impressive season, finishing with a record of 25-3-1. Their success is a testament to the school's strong baseball program and the talent within the team. Similarly, Massapequa's boys wrestling team had a successful season, showcasing the school's well-rounded athletic prowess.
Honorable Mentions
Chaminade boys soccer, South Side girls volleyball, Syosset girls tennis, and Massapequa boys wrestling all deserve recognition for their outstanding seasons. These teams have contributed to the overall success and competitiveness of Long Island's high school sports scene.
In conclusion, the 2025-26 high school sports season on Long Island was a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of these student-athletes. These teams have set a high bar for future seasons, and it will be exciting to see if any of them can maintain or even surpass their achievements in the years to come. Personally, I think it's a privilege to witness such incredible sportsmanship and competitiveness at the high school level.
