Suffolk County Team Of The Week: East Islip Stars Recognized, Smithtown Seniors Celebrate Next Step

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — This week’s top high school sports moments across Suffolk County featured major individual honors, milestone celebrations, and a powerful reminder of what sports can represent beyond the scoreboard.

East Islip Football Players Earn Countywide Recognition

Two East Islip High School football standouts were recognized among the county’s best at the National Football Foundation’s Suffolk County Chapter Scholar Athlete Awards Brunch, held April 19 at the Melville Marriott.

Team captain Dylan Bayer was selected as a 2025 Golden Eleven Scholar Athlete, one of just 11 players in the county to earn the distinction. Jake Simmons was also honored, earning a spot on the Player of the Week Team, which also recognizes only 11 athletes countywide.

Both players added to their decorated seasons with First Team All-Long Island and First Team All-State honors, solidifying their status among Suffolk County’s elite.

Smithtown Seniors Celebrate College Commitments

In Smithtown, senior student-athletes took the next step in their athletic and academic journeys during college commitment ceremonies held April 22 at High School East and High School West.

Led by Director of Athletics Jason Lambert, the ceremonies highlighted the achievements of a senior class that set a strong standard across multiple programs.

“The amount of success the senior class has had since they walked through the doors four years ago is incredible…you have set the bar for future classes,” Lambert told students and families.

Surrounded by proud parents and supporters, seniors wore their future college colors, marking the transition to the next chapter of their careers.

East Islip Softball Wins Inaugural Legacy Game

East Islip’s varsity softball team delivered both a dominant performance and a meaningful tribute during the inaugural Laney McGowan Legacy Game on March 18.

The team defeated Bellport, 14–2, in a game that went far beyond the final score.

Coach Jason McGowan’s 7-year-old daughter, Stella, threw out the ceremonial first pitch, setting the tone for a day centered on remembrance, gratitude and community.

“In life, the scoreboard isn’t what matters most,” McGowan said. “We’re lucky to have the opportunity to play this game. Laney didn’t get that chance, so don’t take it for granted.”

East Islip backed that message with a strong offensive showing.

Marisa Renganeschi led the way, going 3-for-3 with three runs scored and four stolen bases. Lexi Kneisel added a milestone moment, recording her 100th career hit while finishing 2-for-4 with two runs, two doubles, and three RBIs.

Reagan O’Hara contributed two hits and two RBIs, while Kate Vessalico went 2-for-3 with two runs and a triple. Alexa Leonard hit her first home run of the season and drove in two runs, while Sophia Corso and Delaney Crowe each added multi-hit performances.

Crowe also earned the win in the circle, pitching five innings with seven strikeouts and no walks, marking her second win in a 24-hour span.

But the impact of the day extended beyond softball.

“This game means more than just softball,” senior captain Kayla Varga said. “It’s about playing for something bigger than ourselves and honoring Laney’s legacy.”

“It was amazing to see everyone come together,” junior captain Lexi Kneisel added. “Our parents, our families, the whole community — everyone had a part in making this special.”

Don’t See Your Team Highlighted?

Patch is compiling weekly high school sports highlights from districts across Suffolk County. Coaches, athletic directors, and school communications staff are encouraged to send scores, milestones, and standout performances for inclusion in future roundups.