The Island Trees Girls Varsity Basketball team has begun its 2005-06 season unbeaten. With 10 girls returning from last year, the team was ready for any competition thrown its way. Also, four of the returning girls are award-winners, including Sarah Hess - All County; Katie Tolan and Valerie Ahrens - All-Conference; and Sam Modik - All-Division. The team is led by Coach Schneider and seniors Katie Tolan, Lauren Mason, Sarah Hess, Sam Modik and Dominique Witteck. The team has two returning juniors, Meaghan Davis and Beth Hughes. The returning sophomores are Valerie Ahrens and Angelika Paskins. Also returning is the only freshman, Meghan Biondolillo. New to the team are juniors Catie Hollett and Jamie Ruiz and sophomores Kristen Walsh and Alysha Ciaramitaro. The girls work very well together and have started off their season on a high note. The team won its first game against Great Neck North and just recently won an exciting game in the final seconds of play, clinching a 48-47 win against North Shore. The Lady Dawgs are now 9-0 overall and 4-0 in their conference and hope to continue their success. Since the team is placed number one in its conference and ranked number six on Newsday's Top Small Schools on Long Island, they have high expectations this season.

Congratulations go out to Michelle Duffy who won the mile and the high jump at the Nassau County Friendship Games at Nassau Community College. She was awarded the outstanding athlete of the meet. She also won the high jump at the prestigious Stanner Games at the New York City Armory, shattering the old meet record of 5' by jumping 5'4". Michelle has qualified for the High School Nationals in both events. She is headed to Maryland in March for the National Championships. Congratulations, Michelle!

The Island Trees Wrestling team defeated Wantagh 40-19. The Bulldogs were led by senior Joe Cusker, who defeated highly ranked Steven Bonnano 6-4. Other winners were Bryan Henriques, Dan Eberlein, Kris Kellam, Julio Fuentes, Chris Coradini and Ever Reyes. The team would like to congratulate Joe Cusker on reaching the 100 Win Club. The team will be hosting Plainedge next. This match will decide the league championship for 2006.

Great job by the Girls Varsity and JV Bowling teams on their last game of the season qualifying them to go to the counties. Excellent games bowled by Ingrid Gomez with her all-time high of 223, Amy Strickland, also with a 223, and congratulations to Sam Rooks and all the girls on a great season!