Pat Farrell, a Rockville Centre resident and student at Chaminade High School in Mineola, has committed to play for Villanova University under Coach Jay Wright. Farrell, 6’5, was selected in the 2006 Lightning AAU Draft and played for coaches David Rothman and Paul Valenti for the past 7 years. Coach Rothman said: “When we drafted Pat, he was a thin, unassuming 5’5 6th grader who was just beginning to develop a passion for the game. He worked hard every year to improve his skills and toughness to become the dominant player he is today. We’re confident he’ll continue his strong play for Villanova under Coach Wright. Pat’s parents are big supporters of the Lightning program and have always been fixtures around Island Garden.”

Billy Heenan, a 6’3 post player out of Amityville Memorial HS has committed to SUNY New Paltz to play for Coach Mike Rejniak. Billy has played for Lightning Rothman since 6th grade. At Amityville, under Coach Jack Agostino, he led the Warriors to the Suffolk County Class A Finals the past two years. Billy was on track to be a 12 season athlete until he suffered a devastating leg injury this fall in a Warriors soccer game. He underwent an aggressive rehab schedule and was able to rejoin his school squad in late December. “No one was more dedicated to our Superleague and AAU team than Billy and his family. He was always the first to arrive to every practice and to every game, and was always one of the toughest workers on the court. Usually outsized around the basket, he still managed to average over 20 points/game throughout his AAU career. He was the leader of our squad from the day he joined us and continues to lead and inspire his teammates today” added Coach Rothman.