No. 2 Ranked Bayport-Blue Point Team Preview

The reigning Class C state champions the Bayport-Blue Point Phantoms come in at number 2 in the LILJ top 26 preseason rankings. After winning two state championships in the past three years, this year the program moves to Class D where they will begin another run for a state championship. This year they’ll look to replace elite production while leaning on a talented and experienced returning core under Head Coach Ryan Gick. The Phantoms graduated several cornerstone players from 2025, but the foundation remains strong thanks to a talented group of upperclassmen and an emerging group of underclassmen ready to take on larger roles.

The losses from the Class of 2025 are significant and start in the midfield. All-American Aubrie Eisfeld was an igniter of the offense last spring, posting an outstanding 88 points while fellow All-American Ava Meyn was dominant at the draw and on offense with 80 points. Attackers Erika Kreuscher and Emma Shanahan also graduated last year, along with defensive contributors Emma Brown and goalie Sophia Diaz, who saw heavy action in net. Replacing that level of production will be the primary storyline early in the season.

Fortunately for Bayport-Blue Point, the Class of 2026 brings back a strong, battle-tested nucleus. Sara Richardt (Binghamton) is poised to be a focal point of the offense after a 50-point campaign, Kailey Bruckner (Towson) adds versatility and a scoring punch from the midfield with 36 points last year, while adding to the midfield in the senior class is Kayla Bongiorno (Winthrop). At attack, Eva Carvalho (Albany) returns after a productive 26-point season and will be asked to shoulder more responsibility. Defensively, Abby Bishop (Dickinson), Shannon Carney (Binghamton), Alexandria Kennedy (Frostburg), and Payton Weybrecht (Cortland) form a veteran unit that gives the Phantoms stability on the back end.

The future is equally promising with a talented Class of 2027 already making its presence felt. Olivia Brady (Clemson) headlines that group after a breakout season with 52 points, showing the ability to score in bunches and create offense off the dodge. Fellow offensive players Liliana May (UMass), Liliana LiPuma (LIU), and Madeline Clark all have a chance for a greater impact this year (Salisbury), while Aila Cahill (Queens) provides defensive balance. In goal, Peyton D’Angelo (Salisbury) returns with varsity experience and will look to grow into a larger role after gaining valuable minutes last spring.

This winter the Phantoms were members of the LILJ winter league as they gear up for another championship run. This was an opportunity for sophomores such as Kaelyn Aiello, Charlotte Bishop and Camryn Bruckner to play in some meaningful minutes with the varsity program as they could be names to look out for in the spring.

As the season unfolds, Bayport-Blue Point will rely on its returning juniors and seniors to lead the way while younger players may have the chance to step confidently into expanded roles. If the Phantoms can maintain their continuity with their returning upperclassmen, they have the pieces in place to remain serious contenders throughout the 2026 campaign. The schedule opens up with a non-league matchup against Garden City on 3/20 followed by their first league game against Shoreham-Wading River on 3/26.