Middle School Sports
Middle School athletics continues to expand as student interests prompt staff to offer new opportunities for participation. This spring season, 4th and 5th Grade students were able to participate in track and field for the first time, and girls’ volleyball followed their varsity fall season by adding a junior varsity team to their spring season. Making a strong return this year, the lacrosse team is ready to compete for a league title this June.
Track and Field
Coaches Camara, Lewis, and Lopez were proud to work with the 20 students who joined this year’s inaugural track and field team, most of whom were 4th graders. The team participated in two meets, qualifying for the championship competition. 5th Grader Jacob Dominguez won first place in shot put, and many students placed in the top five of their event. Our students’ strong character was evident throughout all events, and our Lions also took home a trophy for sportsmanship! Coach Camara wrote, “The best part from our point of view as coaches was how eager the students were to practice and compete. Our students are now more excited than ever to get back on the track next year.”
Volleyball
After a fall varsity season with Coaches Anglin and Gass that saw interest and demand that exceeded expectations, the spring season with Coaches Celestin and Mejia featured a junior varsity squad in addition to varsity, both of which competed within the NYC Middle School Athletics League’s (NYCMSAL) Bronx volleyball division. Captains Jenesis Ruiz and Bielka Medina were standouts during the campaign, during which the team ended 4-4 and qualified for the league playoffs.
A close first-round loss capped a successful and promising inaugural season; with 14 5th, 6th, and 7th Grade athletes returning, the sky’s the limit for these ladies!
Coach Mejia expressed the sentiments of all four coaches with high praise for this year’s varsity and junior varsity teams. “I couldn’t be prouder of our volleyball team. Throughout the season, they have demonstrated exceptional dedication, skill, and sportsmanship. Their relentless determination and unwavering teamwork have propelled them to numerous victories, and their success is a testament to their hard work and commitment. Not only have they showcased remarkable talent on the court, but they have also exhibited outstanding character off the court. Their support for one another, positive attitude, and respect for opponents have set them apart as true champions. They have become a cohesive unit, relying on each other’s strengths and lifting each other up during challenging moments. It has been a privilege to witness their growth, both as individuals and as a team, and I am filled with pride for all that they have accomplished.”
Lacrosse
The LION boys lacrosse team has enjoyed unprecedented success this spring under the leadership of Coaches Griffin and Patricof. The team began the season 4-0, including a win against defending league champion MS 223. High points included offensive leadership by captains Joel Cole and Avry Miller and remarkable defense by 7th Grade Captain Daniel Boateng. A trip to the Trilogy Lacrosse Metlife Classic marked the midway point of the season, providing the boys with their first taste of high-level club lacrosse competition. The team competed against the Brooklyn Lacrosse Club, as well as the New Jersey chapters of 3D Lacrosse and Building Blocks lacrosse. These organizations have the goal of sending athletes to high-level high school and college teams, an aspiration that many of our athletes share.
Finishing with a 7-1 record, which places the team in a strong position for 3rd place in the 11-team NYCMSAL Lacrosse League, our Lions look forward to the playoffs and a chance to compete for a league title. Coach Griffin shared, “We have seen extraordinary growth from our athletes this season. Their character, grit, and teamwork have put LION on the lacrosse map in New York. We look forward to their continued improvement in the playoffs.” After winning the first round of the playoffs, they will play again on Tuesday, June 6th at 5pm on Randall’s Island, field #80. Come and support our boys or cheer them on when you see them in the hallway or classroom.
