Thursday, October 1, 2026
West Babylon’s girls basketball team has built its identity on steady improvement, unselfish play, and a belief that any opponent can be beaten on a given night.
Under the guidance of head coach Ron Langella, the Eagles enter the final stretch of the regular season with a 10–8 overall record and a strong 9–5 mark in League 3, once again positioning themselves for a postseason run.
“We’re playing hard and getting better as the season has gone along,” Langella said. “That’s really been the key for us.”
Leading the way is sophomore guard Jaelynn Burgess, who has emerged as one of the league’s premier scorers. She recently reached the 1,000-point milestone for her career, an achievement Langella described as unforgettable. Yet what stood out most was her reaction. During a timeout, the coach said Burgess brushed aside the accomplishment and told her teammates, “Who cares about my stats. We need to win this game.” She currently leads the team in scoring, averaging 15.8 points per game, while setting the tone with her leadership and competitiveness.
Burgess had 23 points and freshman Ava Dockery 21 Jan. 28 as West Babylon rallied for a 61-58 victory over Smithtown East.
Senior center Sarah Caltobiano serves as the heart and soul of the team, Langella said. A captain, Caltobiano anchors the paint, pulling down rebounds and taking charges while logging heavy minutes. Her toughness and consistency have been crucial to West Babylon’s success.
Junior Gia Coladonato, who sealed the Jan. 28 win with a steal and layup, adds another layer with her athleticism and high motor. She plays hard on both ends of the floor and is known for doing the little things that help her teammates succeed. At the point guard position, Dockery has made an immediate impact. Dockery’s offseason dedication paid off, as she’s been playing year round and has been part of the varsity program since seventh grade, earning a starting role last season as an eighth grader.
Senior Samantha Serrano provides a spark off the bench, contributing valuable energy and effort. Sophomores Chloe Downey and Alyssa Dunsmore round out the rotation, playing in every game and embracing their roles. “They know their roles and they play them so well,” Langella said, highlighting the depth and reliability.
Unselfishness defines the Eagles’ style of play. Ball movement and team first basketball have fueled a strong stretch of recent wins, including victories over Smithtown East twice, Centereach, Bellport, Deer Park, and East Islip.
Burgess has consistently led the scoring, while Dockery, Dunsmore, Charlotte Hoisik, and junior Alura Liles have all made key contributions.
As the postseason approaches, West Babylon’s confidence is growing.
The Eagles have already secured a playoff spot for the seventh straight season, with three remaining games to determine seeding.
For a program accustomed to postseason pressure, the mindset remains simple. “You never know what can happen in the playoffs,” Langella said. “We can beat any team on any given night, but we’re going to have to bring our best.”
