Best of 2011: Malverne-West Hempstead's Sports Stars

They dazzled us during game-time and brought home trophies, titles and other accolades to Malverne and West Hempstead.

Here are the top sports star of 2011 (in no particular order).

: The star forward on Malverne High School's varsity basketball team was a three-year starter on the team before graduating in the spring. During his time in a Mules uniform, the teamevery year, and made it to the state finals in 2009, the quarterfinals in 2010 and

: In his senior year on the Rams varsity football team, Sheeler made many clutch plays to bring West Hempstead to the post-season. As the team's kicker, tight end and defensive back, Sheeler had a phenomenal year, but he'll probably be remembered most for the spectacular catches he made during , including an interception in the final 30 seconds, and the interception he made against Seaford in .

Danielle Hines: Any of the girls on the Malverne girls volleyball team could be named here. The team made it all the way to the  at SUNY Old Westbury behind the solid play of Hines and company. She was a constant force at the net during the season, as she showed in a semifinal win over Carle Place with six kills and six blocks and a 15-kill effort at Locust Valley on Oct. 25.

West Hempstead's winning quarterback propelled his team to lead their conference for most of the season and earn a spot in the playoffs. Devito's 2011 highlight reel would undoubtedly include the touchdown he scored against Seaford by way of a quarterback sneak, which added to the team's upset victory over the then undefeated Vikings.

The West Hempstead High School senior's efforts on the Rams varsity soccer team recently earned her the title of New York State Class A Player of the Year. The award is determined annually by the New York State Sportswriters and Coaches Organization for Girls Sports (NYSSCOGS) and the New York State Sportswriters Association (NYSSWA).

Darnell Davy: As a co-captain of West Hempstead's varsity basketball team, Davy in 2011 by scoring Davy 16 points in the final season game against Great Neck North. He's also starting of this season strong too, recently ver Malverne in the consolation game of the annual Hank Williams tournament.

The 22-year-old elite runner from West Hempstead had a great year. He won the 3,000-meter steeplechase during the IC4A-ECAC Outdoor Championships at Princeton and was among with a time of 2:45:47, a race he dedicated to his brother. and he's looking to compete in the 2012 Olympics.

: West Hempstead varsity football was on top of the Class IV rankings for much of the season thanks largely in part to Boatwright. Despite losing in the opening round of the playoffs to East Rockaway, the Rams displayed heart as a team, just as the running back did in each game. Boatwright had 11 total touchdowns for West Hempstead, which finished with a 6-3 overall record.

As a sophomore, Malverne's towering 6'6 center made his presence known in the paint throughout the 2010-2011 basketball season. He scored a career-high 24 points against the Wheatley Wildcats to help the Mules win the conference championship. Now, as a junior on a relatively young team, he will need to step up to make up for the loss of Alexander and other star seniors who graduated in the spring.

: Hall has been a key player on West Hempstead's varsity football and basketball teams. The junior helped the Rams football finish with one of their best season's in recent school history and make it to the playoffs. Before breaking his toe in a game against Malverne in early October, he compiled 450 yards in his role as running back over the span of four games, including 122 yards in in mid-September, that ended the school's long-time win streak.

The pitching duo were on fire during the championship game of the Minor Little League playoffs in June. They threw a combined no-hitter to shut out their opponent and lead Malverne's Team Henshaw to the title.

The seventh grader scored the lone goal for Our Lady of Lourdes' Grade 7/8 boys soccer team in their championship game against Long Beach. He also shut out his opponent while goal-tending in the second half of the game, to help his team bring home the title.