Leading off today: The New York State Sportswriters Association wrapped up its 2025-26 boys basketball awards Wednesday by announcing three more players of the year and releasing its all-state selections in the large-school classes.
Garnering POY recognition are Archbishop Stepinac senior Jasiah Jervis (Class AAA), Achievement First junior Tyler Romeo (AA), and Westhill senior Eli Prince (A).
There were no repeat picks among the first-team selections. The complete all-state teams in Classes AAA, AA, and A are available here.
The complete all-state selections in Classes B, C, and D can be viewed here.
• Once again, our gratitude goes out to the NYSSWA's Steve Grandin for editing the basketball all-state teams with the assistance of a network of reporters and other advisers across the state.
Section 1 moving forward with removing private schools from postseason
The Section 1 Athletic Council has given the OK to put a referendum in front of its members next month, with the approval of which having the effect of banning non-public schools from competing against public schools in sectionals. By extension, it would also present those four schools from advancing to NYSPHSAA state championships.
The referendum to change the section's constitution will require the approval of two-thirds of schools in order to pass. Given the schools' overwhelming vote at last week's NYSPHSAA meeting of the ad hoc committee, passage is almost certain.
Meanwhile in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association is closer to being able to conduct separate playoffs for public schools and private or charter schools after a
bill made it through second consideration in the state House on Tuesday.
Passage would not mandate separate playoffs but would make the option available to the PIAA. A late amendment to the bill would indemnify the PIAA from court suits if it did create separate playoffs.
If the bill clears the House, it will then go to the Senate.
Long baseball losing streak snapped
Ian McGee blooped a two-run double in the bottom of the sixth inning to give host
Central Islip a 3-1 win over Huntington in Long Island baseball action Tuesday, giving the team its first victory in more than two years and snapping a 40-game dry spell.
The contest was Central Islip's second annual "Strike Out Cancer" fundraiser. The promotion raised $1,100 last year, and this year's edition eclipsed $1,200.
During the middle of the third inning, both teams lined up on the baselines outside their dugouts, with each player holding up a sign with a name written on it. The names represented people in those players' lives who had been affected by or lost to cancer.
Passings
Long-time Fonda-Fultonville coach and Section 2 boys outdoor track coordinator
Dave Petersen died last week at the age of 77.<>
Over almost five decades as a coach, Petersen, particularly known for his work with hurdlers, was involved in 137 league and 89 Section 2 titles at the school.
"So many people reached out to him as a hurdle coach," longtime assistant Mark Therrien told the Daily Gazette. "He affected a lot more than Fonda kids. Coaches were constantly in touch with him, and he would work with kids from other schools.
"He was the epitome of what a coach should be, helping anybody and looking out for the best for anybody."
