Drake sisters commit to U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

USMMASachem East seniors and sisters Alexandria and Samantha Drake have committed to play basketball at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.

Both sisters were integral to the girl’s basketball team’s success at East, ending their careers with a Class A Long Island championship this past season.

Sachem East coach Matt Brisson was complimentary of his team’s ability to mesh and ebb with one another this year and the Drake sisters were a key cog in their cohesive culture.

“At the end, all the kids have embraced their roles,” said Brisson after the Long Island title game. “They don’t care if they get their names in the paper or not. At the end, they just want the W. This is one of the most exciting groups I’ve been around in a long time just because of that selfless mentality.”

The Merchant Marine Academy competes in the Landmark Conference and finished 12-13 overall and 3-11 in conference play last season.

A number of girls from this season’s team have committed to play in college, including juniors Kathleen Everson, who will play at Bryant, and Katie Doherty, who will suit up at Holy Cross.

RELATED: Click to see Sachem’s athletic college commitment list

-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro