Catch-up with the latest commits in this week’s committed corner.
Boys
Jojo Todaro (2021, D/LSM, Carey) Johns Hopkins, Jojo is a Goat. Hailing from Franklin Square, kid has been eating up attackers since a child. Touted as one of Long Island’s finest defenders, this early commit has recently switched to Hop to play for one of the greatest to play and coach the game, Dave Pietramala. Pietro must have rolled out the red carpet for Jojo, who recently switched from his verbal commitment to Syracuse.
Nick Giardina (2020, D, Islip)- Fairfield, Giardina is an athletic, south-paw who loves stalking the ball, getting it on the ground, and pushing the ball upfield in transition. Look to get inside the crease on the Islip defense, and Giardina will bring the body and put you on your back. Coach Baxter looking to assemble a Championship caliber defense and Giardina will be his newest piece to the puzzle.
Jezayd Hall (2021, FOGO, William Floyd)- Albany, Remember the name. Jezayd will take his talents over the bridge and upstate to Albany. Jezayd keeps busy in the off-season by running through competition on the gridiron, and pinning opponents on the mats during the winter. Come Spring, Hall has risen to become one of the most dominant at the face-off X. The sky is the limit for this young man’s potential. Excited to see him rise and put his boys at Floyd on the map this upcoming Spring.
Chris Cappelmann (2021, FOGO, St. Anthony’s)- Navy, Speaking of stud face-off specialists, Cappelmann is one of the best. St. Anthony’s has note one, but two ridiculous FOGO’s in Cappelmann and Naso. Not sure if St. Anthony’s will be beaten with that one-two punch on their team. Regardless of what you throw at Cappelmann, he’ll be ready. Pole, power, punch, you name it, he is prepared for it. Congrats to Chris and thanks for serving our nation.
Jalen Seymour (2021, M, St. Anthony’s)- Navy, Seymour is a 6’ 3” 175 pound midfielder. Oh my! This kid is not only big, he’s athletic too. Excited to see Seymour assume a bigger role for the St. A varsity team in the coming years. Congrats Jalen and thanks for serving our country!
Bryan Hanley (2020, GK, Bethpage)-Babson, What a grab for the Beavers! Hanley, one of the better stoppers on the island, is heading to MA to play for the Beavers of Babson. One of America’s best entrepreneurial schools, Babson is building a legit DIII program. If Hanley doesn’t start a business worth millions and leave college early to make bank, he should make history for the Beavers in net during his four years.
Girls
Jenika Cuocco (2021, GK, Rocky Point)-Drexel, Another suffolk success story, Cuocco is heading to Philly to play for the Dragons. Jenika has been holding it down for Rocky Point and has been the anchor of this defense. Very excited for her and we wish you the best of luck at Drexel!
Meghan McLaughlin (2021, A, Sayville)- Army, McLaughlin is one of the many studs in that 2021 class for Sayville. This attacker has a nose for the goal and to say she’s tough would be an understatement. Expect the Golden Flashes to make some noise and for Meg to put up numbers this upcoming Spring. Congrats on your commitment Meg and thanks for serving our country.
Abby Wise (2021, A, Plainedge)- Quinnipiac, Abby Wise was getting locked off come playoff time last year as a sophomore. Seems it took some time for word to get out that this young lady could play. 2018 All-Long Island Team Goat, Wise is slick, lefty, and super athletic. She will go play for Coach TK and help build the Bobcats into a MAAC powerhouse. Congrats on the commitment Abby, well deserved!
Jillian Balkunas (2021, M, Wantagh)- Brown, Balkunas straight-up came onto the seen last year after putting up numbers against virtually every power team in Nassau County. This kid is a gamer! Balkunas is your classic two-way midfielder who can do it all. Besides defending, and playing between the lines, she is a prolific scorer on the offensive end. Really happy for her and she will rip up the Ivy league come Spring of 2022!
