They start the year at full steam. Two Uniondale students stand out in wrestling and basketball and are recognized in school sports on Long Island, NY.
Wrestler Joshua Pierre-Paul and basketball player Zahara Saintyl, both seniors at Uniondale High School, thus begin a 2026 season that promises a lot.
Joshua Pierre-Paul He was recently named to Newsday’s list of Long Island’s Top 50 High School Wrestlers.
As a junior, Joshua won a 13-7 decision, taking third place in the 108-pound class at Division I Nassau County and qualifying for the New York State Championships. This year, he has competed in the 118 and 110 pound categories.
“Joshua Pierre-Paul, or JPP as we call him, is currently ranked fourth in the 118-pound class,” Uniondale High School wrestling coach Harry Coffin said. “He is going down to the 110-pound category, where he has already defeated the number 2 fighter in the county.”
In his first 17 fights of the season, Joshua compiled a record of 16-1. His only loss was by abandonment due to injury.
On your part, Zahara Saintylwas named among the top 100 Long Island high school basketball players by Newsday for the second year in a row, having also received this honor as a junior.
“Zahara has been a team captain for the past two years, demonstrating leadership and character,” said Uniondale High School girls basketball head coach Nolan Dunkley. «His junior season was affected by an ankle injury, but he still averaged double figures in points. Zahara is also averaging double figures in points this season.
Zahara has also recorded double-doubles in points and rebounds during her basketball career at Uniondale. Newsday highlighted his remarkable ability to “drive to the basket, play in the post and shoot 3-pointers.”
Zahara aspires to lead the “Knights” to a successful season in 2025-2026. Uniondale High School won its first two conference games, earning a 54-40 victory against Oceanside High School and a 42-25 victory against Valley Stream Central High School.
In addition to her success on the basketball court, Zahara was the only two-year captain in the history of the high school’s women’s volleyball program and was named to Long Island’s Top 100 High School Volleyball Players of 2025 list, according to Newsday.
He also excels academically, excelling in numerous AP courses and ranking among the top 25 students in his class. After graduating from Uniondale High School, Zahara plans to major in biology and study medicine.
For more information about the Uniondale School District, you can visit their website at https://district.uniondaleschools.org and follow them on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/uniondalek12 .
