Blue skies and sunshine marked a day of pride and celebration in Riverhead, as scores of residents turned out on Main Street for a first-ever Canyon of Champions parade organized to honor the
The team won a bevy of honors during the past season, securing a League III Champions title and being recognized as Suffolk County Class AA Champions, Suffolk County Section XI Champions and, for the first-ever time in the history of girls' basketball in the district, snagging the mantle of Long Island Champions.
The team also were named MSG Varsity #20 team in the tri-state area and ended the season in a blaze of glory with a "Final Four" finish at the Class AA New York State Championship.
"We'll be back," promised Coach David Spinella, the NY Division AA Coach of 2012, who said the team plans to continue their winning streak next season.
Joining the Girls' Varsity basketball team and their Blue Krew were the Riverhead High School band, the NJROTC Color Guard, district administrators, students, parents and staffers, elected officials, civic groups, and members of the police and fire departments.
Steve Failla, announcer for home games, served as master of ceremonies. The girls, he said, were humble. During a time when focus is often on "me," he said, "This is the generation of 'we.' That's why we had this success. I can't think of a better role model for my daughters than the girls' basketball team."
Also honoring the team were Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter and New York State Senator Ken LaValle, who presented the team with a proclamation. Walter said Riverhead supporters had stronger presence at away games than home team spectators, a testament to "stunning" community spirit and support.
