Coach: Bob Vachris

The North Shore Women's Varsity Basketball Team captured its first Conference Championship, finishing the season at 11-1 with an exciting 37-35 victory over Manhasset High School. The victory put the Lady Vikings into the County Tournament, where they will be the number 3 seed in a 16-team field.

The Mastery in Manhasset reversed the Lady Vikings' only league loss and gave them claim to the conference banner. During a very close first half, it was obvious that this game would be decided by defense... Manhasset's switching man-to-man vs. the Viking 1-3-1 zone. The North Shore offense was led by Megan Schenkel, Kristen Reynolds and Amanda Longobucco, but the Vikings trailed by 20-15 at half-time.

The second half began with the Vikings on a 8-3 run to tie the score at 23. The girls took the lead when Catie DeStio completed a three-point play, but Manhasset fought back to claim a 27-26 lead at the end of three quarters. The final frame began with Meghan Schenkel delivering her fourth basket of the game and Alyssa Marrone a lay-up off an offensive rebound. The Indians responded with two 3-pointers to regain a 33-30 lead. The Lady Vikings refused to lose as Amanda Longobucco scored on a rebound and a foul shot while Kelly Henry gave the team a 35-33 lead with a driving lay-up from the corner with under two minutes to play. As the clock was running down, Manhasset's All County player Meghan Clarke, converted a steal into a lay-up to again tie the score. The relentless Lady Vikings got the ball to Meghan Schenkel's hands and she was fouled going hard to the basket. With 1:04 left in the game, Meghan (14 points) calmly sank both free throws to put North Shore ahead 37-35. Great defense by Megan McCormack and Alyssa Marrone stopped Manhasset's response, and the backcourt of Cori Gasser, Kristen Reynolds and Catie DeStio were able to control the ball as time expired.

In the end, however, the deciding factor was the depth of the North Shore team. Contributions from Kristina Alonge, Christine Andrews, Sara Longobucco (who gave it a go while coming down from the flu) and Lauren Clausen allowed rest and respite from foul trouble giving strength to the end of the game. Viking non-starters accounted for 20 points to only two for the Manhasset bench.

A satisfying victory for the four seniors, Cori Gasser, Amanda Longobucco, Megan McCormack and Kristina Alonge who brought the team from 0-12 to 11-1 in their careers. The support of the parents, fans (especially the JV girls and varsity boys' basketball teams) and friends was tremendous. Congratulations to all.

By Craig DeNicola

The North Shore wrestling team has had an outstanding season, finishing second in the league, only losing to Oyster Bay.

The team has great leadership from seniors Dan Carleton (number one in the county last year), Matt Kaplon and Matt Schmiemann. Juniors Brett Schneider, Joe Valasiadis, Zack Ziskin, sophomores Tom Boehm, Ansel Werz and freshmen Glen Gerbush, Peter Blackburn, Eric Gruebel, Michael Treco, Will Valasiadis, Peter Griffiths, Craig DeMeo, and Stephen DiDamo are all integral to the team's success. Senior Matt DeStefano came out late and has done a fine job.

The North Shore wrestling team has the counties coming up Saturday and Sunday at Nassau Community College. Come out and support the Vikings wrestling team.

By Alison Razzetti

North Shore is now 5-5 in their league season. This past Friday, the Vikings lost to Bethpage 50-47 with six seconds left in the game. At half time, North Shore was down by four points and caught up in the third quarter, yet during the last quarter of the game, Bethpage scored 13 points. Senior Mike Frey led the scoring with 22 points. He was assisted with Billy Melillo's 10 points and Tim Francis' nine points. The Vikings look forward to a successful end to their season.