Ten student-athletes from Comsewogue High School were recognized in Newsday’s annual listings of Long Island’s top high school athletes for the fall sports season, highlighting the depth of talent and dedication across the Comsewogue School District’s athletic programs.

“We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes and the hard work they put in every day,” said Comsewogue School District Athletic Director Matteo DeVincenzo. “Being recognized by Newsday among the best on Long Island is a tremendous achievement and a testament not only to their talent, but to their leadership, discipline, and commitment to excellence both on and off the field.”

Senior Abigail Monahan was named to Newsday’s Top 50 Cheerleaders list. The team captain was praised as an exceptional athlete with beautiful tumbling skills, including a round-off back handspring tuck. She was also recognized for consistently leading by example and inspiring her teammates to push themselves and believe in their abilities.

Junior Izzy Grillo earned a spot among Newsday’s Top 20 Girls Bowlers. She recorded Long Island’s best high series with a 740, while her 279 high game ranked second. Her 193.8 average placed her seventh overall in Suffolk County.

Seniors RJ Varland and James Ward were both selected to Newsday’s Top 100 Boys Basketball Players list. RJ Varland, a SUNY Maritime commit, averaged 13.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. After scoring 29 points twice and 26 once in the final seven games of the season, head coach Joel Sutherland called him “one of the great scorers in Suffolk County.” James Ward, a Penn College commit, averaged a double-double with 12.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.

Senior Jayla Callender was named among Newsday’s Top 100 Girls Basketball Players. She was described as a dynamic guard capable of scoring from the perimeter, the post, or off the dribble, making her extremely difficult to defend. She averaged 14.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.5 steals, and 4.1 assists.

Senior Nicholas Flaherty was recognized as one of Newsday’s Top 100 Boys Wrestlers after earning a third-place finish at 152 pounds in Suffolk Division I with a 6-1 decision.

Junior Lexie Cole earned distinction among Newsday’s Top 50 Girls Cross Country Runners. She currently ranks third among Long Island runners at Sunken Meadow (18:59.9), first at Queensbury High School (17:57.5), the site of this year’s state public school championships, and first at Bowdoin Park (18:57.9), home of the Federation Championships. Her 2024 times at Queensbury and Bowdoin Park rank seventh and eighth among returning runners statewide.

Senior Maddie Maher was named to Newsday’s Top 100 Girls Soccer Players list after recording five goals and eight assists this season. She plans to continue her career at Hartwick College in the fall.

Seniors Tristan Dent and Sean Griffin were both featured among Newsday’s Top 100 Boys Soccer Players. Tristan Dent was recognized as one of Suffolk’s top goal scorers, tallying 17 goals for Comsewogue’s Suffolk Class AA championship team, scoring against every team in the league. Head coach Mike Bonura noted, “So it wasn’t like he scored most of them against the weaker teams.” Sean Griffin, who played both center back and center midfield, was a key defensive presence throughout the championship run. Coach Bonura praised his versatility, saying, “Great ball skills. Great teammate. Unbelievable defender. Sees the field well.”