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Sports

Commack Athlete Preps for Empire State Games

Kerry Haller, a CHS athlete, speaks of her preparation – and excitement – for the Empire State Games in Buffalo.

Kristen Haller, a sophomore at Commack High School, is preparing for her chance at New York state's version of the Olympics – she is a member of the scholastic women's team at the Empire State Games at the end of July. Haller is a member of the CHS women's basketball and field hockey teams. 

"I'm very excited about playing Empires this year. I watched the team play in Binghamton in 2008 and it looked like a great experience to be able to meet and play with other strong players from Long Island. I'm anticipating a similar experience at Empires," Haller said. 

After watching her sister compete in the games in Binghamton in 2008, Kerry will take her own set of skills to Buffalo to compete with other scholastic athletes. 

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Kerry Haller may give the spectators at the Empire State Games a need for a double-take – her sister played in the 2008 games, in the same sport. The younger Haller, a sophomore at Commack High School, is eager to have her chance to play, like her sister Kristen did in Binghamton's 2008 summer games. 

"I'm used to people confusing or comparing me with my older sister because it happens all the time. We're very similar to each other in alot of ways including how we play on the court," Haller said. 

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As a freshman, Haller was a starter on both the Field Hockey and Basketball teams. She was voted All-League in field hockey and rookie of the year (League 1) in basketball. One of her highlights during the season as a starting point guard was beating arch rival Northport in an overtime game.

"We won league 2 as a result and some of the highlights were shown on tv. It was an important win for us," Haller said. 

At the end of the basketball season Kerry received surgery on her knee causing her to miss the entire lacrosse season.

A well-rounded student, Haller is in CHS' Pre-IB (International Baccalaureate) program, with an unweighted average of 97. She has made the High Honor Roll all six marking periods.

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