South Side High School recognizes its scholar athletes

South Side High School’s winter athletes proved to be formidable, both in the classroom and on the field, earning the distinction of being named scholar-athlete teams by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

Carol Roseto, director of physical education, interscholastic athletics and health for the Rockville Centre School District, invited scholar-athletes with the basketball, track, swimming, diving, gymnastics and wrestling teams to the school board meeting on March 21 for a special presentation in recognition of their outstanding achievements.

“I am so looking forward to see how we do in the spring, but the winter season was fabulous,” Roseto said.

The girls’ varsity basketball team had a breakout season, finishing 2023 with a five-game win streak. The team went on to qualify for the semifinals, where they lost 38-44 to Manhasset.

Kyla Murphy, a senior at South Side, was recognized as a three-time All-County player who led the team in scoring and rebounds for the past two years. Her coaches stated she is one of the best players to come through the program in the last 20 years.

Dakota Evans, also a senior at South Side, was recognized as one of the best pure shooters in Nassau County, averaging 12 points a game during the regular season. Both Evans and Murphy were recognized for earning All-County honors this season.

The defending Nassau County champion Cyclones boys’ varsity basketball team also had an exceptional year, but ultimately lost the crown in the finals, falling 34-51 against Elmont.

Seniors Patrick Mullin, who led the team in scoring and rebounds, and Ryan Kennedy, who followed close behind in the number two spot and was the team’s defensive anchor, were also recognized for earning All-County honors this season.

Ashley Harney, head coach of the girls’ gymnastics team was invited up along with all nine gymnasts who earned All-County recognition and secured spots in the state qualifier and team championship meet. 

Olivia Accomando was recognized for earning All-County honor with an average score of 8.9 in floor exercises.

Alex Griffo, was recognized for earning All-County honors for vault and bars. Her strongest event is the uneven bars where she averaged a 7.9 this season.

Mia DiSalvo was also recognized as an All-County athlete for vault, beam and floor, where she averages a 9.2. During the team championship meet, she earned a 9.4 — one of the team’s highest scores of the season.

Also recognized with All-County honors were Cassie Hawkins for averaging 8.82 on vault and floor, Ava Jewett for averaging 8.17 on the uneven bars, Riley Levine for averaging 8.65 on beam and floor, Erin McCarthy for averaging 8.2 on bars and floor, Nina Napoli for averaging 8.43 on beam and Sofia Rosa for averaging 9.15 on beam and floor.

Following the presentation, the girls’ winter track team were invited up to be recognized by the board.

Claire Bohan, a senior track star, earned All-County honors in the 3,000-meter and 1,500-meter distance events, finishing second place and third place respectively.

She will continue running in the fall at George Washington University.

Head coach Chris Webster stated, “Claire is the epitome of self-discipline and athletic dedication.”

Victoria Daniel, Ashley Mata, Kasey McRae and Hannah Porter were all recognized by their performance in the 200-meter relay, finishing second place in the county. Daniel was also recognized for her All-County performance in the 55-meter hurdles this season.

Last up was boys’ winter track star John Frazier, who earned All-County honors in the triple jump this season. Under the guidance of head coach Keith Bosch, Frazier qualified for the state championships, where he jumped over 43 feet to finish in ninth place in the state.