"Alexa Stonish, Soph., Ward Melville (East Setauket NY) – Still growing at 5-9 and from a good volleyball pedigree (sis Samantha plays for Stetson), Stonish’s defensive and passing skills really are superior, especially given that she just turned 15. “As all volleyball coaches know, the truly great defenders share certain characteristics,” said coach Charles Fernandes. “Speed, a solid extended platform, powerful hands, the ability and strength to play extremely low to the ground, the intelligence and intuition to read the play before it happens, and most importantly a completely fearless disregard for body. Lex has all of these qualities in huge abundance. She is one of the best “big game”–“big point” players we have ever had in our program.”  Way to Go Lex !!!

PrepVolleyball.com selected 279 sophomores of distinction that the nation enjoyed watching this past fall: "Before we get to the honorees, you should know that this is by far the hardest list we do. The Sophomore list is such a massive project. On the one hand, we are still getting to know these athletes. On the other, they are already making their marks on high school varsity programs across the nation."

Haley Blunt, 5-9 OH, Ward Melville (East Setauket NY) – A Suffolk County “Rookie of the Year” is the next big gun for the Patriots. Possessing a HUGE arm that she is just beginning to learn how to use, Blunt finished 2008 with 186 kills in 330 swings and showed great improvement in serve-receive and on defense, where she had only 9 receiving errors and dug up 203 balls. Named All League and All Section in her first year starting, Blunt went from a nice player to have to Ward Melville’s “go-to” by the end of the season.  Congratulations Haley !!!

PrepVolleyball.com selected 374 sophomores of distinction the nation enjoyed watching this past fall: "Before we get to the honorees, you should know that this is by far the hardest list we do. The Sophomore list is such a massive project. On the one hand, we are still getting to know these athletes. On the other, they are already making their marks on high school varsity programs across the nation."
Noelle Morrison, 5-10 S, Ward Melville (East Setauket NY) – Morrison, younger sister of Temple setter Jackie Morrison, put up 738 assists for one of the best teams in New York. Voted “Rookie of the Year,” Morrison also was an All-Section pick for the Patriots, who won a fifth consecutive County (NY Section XI) Championship and reached the state Elite 8 in Class AA. “Noelle has already developed a mature court sense and unique ability to read opponents and find the best hitter for each situation,” said coach Charlie Fernandes.