Mineola Mustang Sports News

By Bob Nelson

Girls Basketball

Congratulations to the varsity girls basketball team for their impressive win against Seaford 57 to 24 on Jan. 12. Jessica Hegmann led all scorers with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Katie Zunno had nine assists. Exceptional play was demonstrated by Nikki Adams and Katie Sharp.

Girls Bowling

This year, chemistry teacher Bill Smith has taken over the reins of the girls varsity bowling team. He has a very talented squad, and thus far this season, the team has put together some very impressive wins. Here is Mr. Smith's girls bowling team profile:

Lady Mustangs Defeat Lawrence

This past week saw a key bowling rematch as Mineola took on the number two team in Nassau County, Lawrence High School. Earlier in the season, the Mineola varsity took 8 of 11 points to grab first place, while the JV swept all 11 points to remain unbeaten. Well, the day may have been different, but the results were still the same.

The varsity came out of the blocks fast with a season high team game of 725. Christina Schulze (226) and Joanna Errico (204) led the way to an early lead. The second of the three game set came down to the final frame. Melissa Danielson came up with three strikes in the 10th, and Tracee Eger bowled a 209 to give the Mustangs the 17 pin victory. The third game was a must for Lawrence, and they showed great character with an impressive 693 team game.

Mineola has a 10 point lead over Lawrence in their conference, and two more head to head matches are coming up before the County Championships in February.

The JV continued its perfect season with a shutout over Lawrence. Five different bowlers led the way for MHS. Sue Gresalfi, Jenn Hettinger, Jeanette Hollwedel, Tara Fairgrieve and Jen Pirrone helped to run the JV record to 66-0, standing alone in first place.

Girls Bowling Profile

Coaching Staff: William Smith - High School varsity, JV.

HS Attended: Southern Regional High School

College Attended: Rensselaer/SUNY Albany (BS/MS)

Returning Players: Capt. Tracee Eger - senior - only returning varsity bowling, 150 average in qualifying; Capt. Jenn Hettinger - senior; Capt. Suzanne Gresalfi - senior; Jeanette Hollwedel - junior; Tara Fairgrieve - junior; Sonia Costa - sophomore; Christina Schulze - eighth grade - high average on squad.

Expectations for the season: Even though a young team, we still can win our conference and advance to the county championships in February. Staying focused - Your game is only as good or as bad as the last ball you threw - try to focus on consistency.

"Hot" Newcomers: Christina Schulze - first year on varsity; Capt. Melissa Danielson - senior - will start season on varsity in her first year on team; Jenn Pirrone - seventh grade - will anchor JV team; Joanna Errico - freshman - qualified for varsity; Leonor Ribeiro - freshman - will see JV action.

JV Girls Basketball Profile

The junior varsity girls basketball team is coached by Suzanne Vitale. Coaching any junior varsity spots can have its ups and downs. The pressure is always on to teach the younger athletes the skills needed to compete on the next level. Also, the JV coach must have a complete knowledge of the varsity play book, so as to have the players prepared if they are called up to the varsity team. With a good JV coach, a varsity coach's job is made much easier. We salute all of our JV coaches for the great job that they do, and for their dedication to our younger and aspiring varsity players.

Coach Vitale has submitted a profile of her girls JV basketball team. Here's what she had to say:

Coaching Staff: Suzanne Vitale

HS Attended: Martin Van Buren

College Attended: Queens College (BS); Hofstra University (MS).

Coaching Style and Philosophy - Style of coaching is to teach strategies and skills of the game. To get the JV players ready mentally/physically for the varsity level. To give the players a sense of commitment and belonging.

Returning players: Erin Cloghessy - Strong defensive player. Outstanding three point shooter. Leadership qualities (captain).

Expectations for the Season: Explosive fast break team. Expect to average 30+ points per game. Expect to have several players score 8+ points per game. Expect everyone to improve to their own individual level of skill and knowledge.

"Hot" Newcomers: Erin Sanderleaf, Katherine Hock, Ashley O'Neil.

Players to Watch: Erin Cloghessy #35; Erin Sanderleaf #44; Ashley O'Neil #34; Katherine Hock #5 (H), #10 (A); Samantha Didrickson #31 (H), #40 (A); Lucy Sousa #32 (H), #25 (A).

Booster Club Sponsors Celebrity Basketball Game

By now, most of you should be aware of our upcoming celebrity basketball game scheduled for Friday, Feb. 27, from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Former National Football League players will come out to play teams from the Mineola school community. As of this date, teams from the Kiwanis Club, high school faculty, and parent organizations have already come forward. There is no question that this event will be one of the most fun, and successful events of the school year. Most importantly, all money raised will be donated to the Mineola Athletic Booster Club for its many college and sports camp scholarships.

Be sure to set this date aside. You will most certainly be glad that you did. Refreshments will be sold, and other events will be scheduled. Try your luck at a three point shooting contest. Raffles will also be held. Help support our athletes.

Catalina Seafood Honors NY Jets

Members and former members of the New York Jets recently attended the Catalina Seafood Co. Jets Most Valuable Player Awards Dinner. Co-owner John Curtin, (left to right), Bruce Blakeman, majority leader Nassau County Legislature, veteran star linebacker Mo Lewis and Jets linebacker Chad Cascadden, congratulate Mo Lewis on receiving the Catalina Seafood Co. MVP Award. Blakeman also presented Lewis with a citation for his contribution to the Jets this season. This awards dinner was the final event following six Jets "Tell it like it is" luncheons held at Catalina Seafood Co. Luncheon attendees voted for the player whom they believed was the most instrumental Jets' turnaround this year. Catalina Seafood Co., Carle Place, is Long Island's most unique seafood restaurant specializing in fine seafood cuisine.