Surprise team of the season – Commack. They get this for two reasons: No. 1 they improved six games from last season to a 15-4 League II record. That in itself is an achievement, but two other teams did that as well (Sayville and Centereach). But to beat the previously unbeaten Bay Shore 5-0? That’s what earns them honors here.
Most dominant stretch – Mt. Sinai, 16 straight wins. After losing to Sachem East and Brentwood to start the season, Mt. Sinai hasn’t lost a contest. Other contenders - East Islip’s six straight shutouts to end the season. Bay Shore’s undefeated streak to start the season.
Highest run differential – East Islip, which has scored 210 runs while allowing just 35 for a 175 differential.
Most anticipated matchup – Bay Shore v. St. John the Baptist. After beating West Babylon 8-0, Olivia Galati matched up against the then-undefeated Bay Shore and took them down to a tune of 3-1.
Most discussed game – Could it be any other than East Islip’s 35-0 defeat of Copiague? No matter where you fall in the debate, this was certainly the most striking game all year. It ate up quite a bit of blog comments as well as a few pages of message board space.
Most underrated team – Hampton Bays, which was underrated at least by me, suddenly turned a rebuilding year into a League title. Ali Hultberg and Marissa Raimo are legit.
Best league race – League I. While League V and even League II gave it a ride, the pitching and back and forth between Brentwood, Patchogue-Medford, Sachem East and Ward Melville has to get the nod.
Most boring league race – League IV. Was there any doubt West Babylon was going to take it again? They have a six game lead on their closest opponent, the biggest stretch in the county.
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes Award – Miller Place and ESM, for giving us different league champs than last season. Brentwood, Bay Shore, East Islip, West Babylon, Mt. Sinai and Hampton Bays took their respective League titles just as they did in 2008.
How did they do it? Award – Ward Melville. This team managed to seriously challenge for the League I title and nabbed a playoff spot after scoring just 61 runs and allowing 45. That’s a 16 run differential. SIXTEEN. WM shows that pitching and defense certainly gets you to the playoffs. We’ll see if it alone can truly win championships.
- Cody Derespina