Assemblyman Tom Alfano honored the Floral Park Memorial High School Lady Knights basketball team for winning the Long Island Southeast Regional Class A Girls Basketball Championship at Stonybrook.

The Knights defeated Huntington 47-44 in what students and parents termed a "thrilling overtime win" that had everyone on the edge of their seats. The victory was especially sweet for the team as they had been down by 15 points in the third quarter and surged ahead in the final moments of the game.

In commemoration of the outstanding win, Assemblyman Alfano presented the team with Assembly citations in a ceremony attended by students and parents.

"These girls are stars on the basketball court and the classroom. They are our next generation of leaders and I couldn't be more proud," Assemblyman Alfano said.

The ceremony began with teachers saluting the team for their tenacity and strong team spirit. Principal Kathy Sottile said, "We are extremely proud of our girls basketball team. Not only are they talented on the court but they are our stars in class. We're already looking forward to next season!"

Assemblyman Alfano noted that Floral Park is looking for an even better season next year as only one of the current players is a senior graduating. "This is a team with a deep bench and a lot of experience. They're also a team that cares about one another and supports each other. That spells teamwork and a winning spirit that will be devastating to their opponents on the court next season."

Alfano and Sottile presented awards to players: Danielle Donohue, Samantha Epstein, Megan Galvin, Raquel Gonzales, Kate Hartnett, Shannon Ingram, Holly Judge, Caitlin Klaum, Margaret McGee, Justine O'Callahan, Kaitlin Phelan and Ericka Re.

"Coaching basketball is a very special part of my life. This team, because of their dedication, friendship and caring, will always occupy a special place in my heart," Coach Mayerhofer said. "These girls, as a group, represent the very best Floral Park Memorial has to offer, both athletically and academically."

During the ceremony, players spoke on behalf of the team and noted the family feeling each has for one another. "Clearly, this is a very special team. The parents are incredibly supportive and proud of them. The teachers are right there for them. And, the team is truly an extended family of one another," Assemblyman Alfano said.

Students cheered their fellow classmates as they came forward to accept their honors from New York State. "This is what makes Floral Park Memorial such a special place. They support each other and stand by one another. It's a school that develops the whole person- academically, socially, athletically and community," Assemblyman Alfano concluded.