Newsday Player of the Year: Keira Mullaney, South Side, OH, Sr.
south Side’s Keira Mullaney Credit: Howard Simmons
As a captain, Mullaney readily set the tone for the Cyclones. Whether it’s a fiery speech in the huddle or notching eight kills in the first set of the state final, Mullaney knows how to get South Side rolling.
Mullaney recorded 301 digs, 294 kills and 46 aces for the state Class A champions, including 24 kills in the state final. She had 19 kills in the regional final and helped South Side (18-1) orchestrate a comeback victory in its Long Island championship win.
“I never thought the day would come where we’d pull off this kind of season,” Mullaney said. “It doesn’t feel real, but I’m happy to have gone out on top with this group. This team deserved it more than anything.”
“Keira is our rock on the court. If I mess up and look at her, she makes me feel like everything will be OK,” South Side libero Maeve Britt said. “She’s a great leader. She’s vocal and encourages everyone to be better. Everyone looks up to her.”
Suffolk Player of the Year: Alexandra Patsos, connetquot, OH, Sr.
Alex Patsos of Connetquot. Credit: Dawn McCormick
Place Alex Patsos anywhere on the court and she will make an immediate impact. She had 308 digs,227 kills,58 aces,42 assists and 11 blocks for the Suffolk Class AAA champions,who went 20-2.
Patsos had 20 kills in the county final win and 16 kills in the Long Island championship.
“Alex is an intense competitor and fearless leader. She embodied the ‘we over me’ mentality of the team,” Connetquot coach Louis Melfi said. “Her ability to lead by example and uplift her teammates made us a stronger team. Her poise under pressure is remarkable.”