Top 25 athletes to look out for: 5-1
The final group of athletes to keep an eye on during the 2018-19 school year includes state champions, MVPs and future college sports stars. Be sure to follow these five this year and for years to come.
Anthony Carlucci, Ichabod CraneSoccer, Senior
Anthony Carlucci was the heart and soul of the Ichabod Crane Riders varsity soccer team last year. The squad grabbed a Section II, Class B championship and reached the New York state final. On the season, Carlucci scored 13 goals and dished off a Section II-leading 23 assists. The two-time Colonial Council first team All-Star will be tough to contain on the pitch this year in high school and in college down the line.
“Anthony is a midfield dynamo,” ICC coach Michael Young said. “After having led Section II in assists the past two seasons, Anthony is looking forward to capping off his already stellar high school career by trying to captain his team back to a third consecutive NYS Final Four appearance.”
Keon Armstrong, ChathamSoccer/Basketball/Tennis, Senior
Keon Armstrong is a rare three-sport athlete who is dominant in one of those arenas without specializing in the sport year-round. Armstrong is a two-time Patroon Conference tennis MVP, winning the award for the 2016 and 2018 seasons. In 2017, he was named a first team All-Star. It wouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone to see the Panther senior claim his third MVP honor this season on the tennis courts. It would be a surprise to see him lose a league match. Armstrong also competes on the soccer and basketball teams.
“This season I expect for Keon to continue his dominance in the Patroons and to remain a strong leader on the team. Coming from a small conference, I would really love to see Keon make a big impact on the end of the year Sectional tournament against some of the bigger schools,” Chatham tennis coach Michael Griggs said. “Keon has been in the No. 1 spot at Chatham since he was in 7th grade. He has grown tremendously as a player and leader over the years. He has stepped up over the last few years and played in some high-pressure situations, helping Chatham win two Section II Class C/D championships in as many years. While tennis may seem like an individual sport to some, Keon has always helped his teammates become better players to the benefit of the team as a whole. I am very excited to see how Keon steps up in his senior season.”
Gabbie Cox, Ichabod CraneSoccer/Hockey/Softball, Senior
She’s a state champion in softball, but that’s not even her best sport. While college coaches would love to have Cox on their softball team, the Ichabod Crane senior will be playing hockey at the next level after graduation. Cox is a first team Colonial Council All-Star in both soccer and softball. On the diamond as a junior, she hit .475 with 33 runs scored and stole base 21 times. On the pitch, she has led the Lady Riders in goals scored two years in a row.
“Gabbie is a natural athlete that excels at any sport she plays,” ICC softball coach Tracy Nytransky said. “If she put her mind to it, she could be a college athlete in any sport she chooses. I know her future is on the ice for hockey and she’s already got a scholarship there, but at the state tournament I had college coaches drooling over her speed and ability. It’s amazing considering the kid only plays softball during the high school season.”
Ama Boham, Ichabod CraneBasketball/Track, Senior
A torn ACL couldn’t stop Ama Boham from claiming a New York State Division II championship in the 100-meter hurdles as a sophomore. As a junior, she repeated the feat and became a two-time state champion, as well as the most decorated track star ever to compete at Ichabod Crane. Boham faces a big decision this year in choosing where she will attend college. And while she is one of the best hurdlers you’ll ever see, Boham also hits the hardwood for the Lady Riders basketball team. She used to play three sports, but dropped soccer after the knee injury.
“When Ama sets a goal, she does all she can possibly do to achieve it. She’s a true go-getter. Ama is an exceptionally talented young lady, on and off the field, and is a pleasure to coach and work with. She has a bright future ahead of her!” ICC track coach Lisa Bodratti previously told the Register-Star.
Trent Svingala, Maple HillWrestling, Senior
Going into his senior year, Trent Svingala is already the best wrestler to ever come out of the Patroon Conference. A two-time New York State Division II champion, the Maple Hill product has claimed titles at 106 pounds and 120 pounds. The future Division I collegiate wrestler is also a three-time Section II champion and the reigning Patroon Conference MVP (99-140 pounds). The biggest question going into this year is if anyone will be able to give Svingala a loss, something no one in the state has been able to do for two straight years. Svingala is riding an 84-match winning streak.
“Expectations are to continue being a dominant wrestler in New York state and win his third straight state championship,” MH coach Thomas Gibbons said. “Trent prepares for every match the same way, whether his opponent is a first-year wrestler or a state-ranked wrestler. Kid is all business when he puts on those wrestling shoes and uniform. He has continued to seek new ways to improve his game and is a tireless worker. He leads by example.”
