Carey Seahawks

CAREY

Seahawks begin a new chapter

By TONY BELLISSIMO

It’s a fresh start for Carey boys’ basketball following a diffi cult 1-win season. New head coach Dan Reece is optimistic the Seahawks can get back on the map and make a big enough leap to battle for a playoff spot in Conference A-III, which includes defending state champion Manhasset, Hewlett, Glen Cove, Roosevelt and Division. “There’s a lot of excitement and the kids are practicing really hard,” said Reece, the former longtime head coach at Sewanhaka who has former Indians assistant Laurence Reid and former Carey star Derek Brown on staff. “We got going with open gyms in August and we haven’t really set longterm goals except to try to be one of the playoff teams in our conference,” he added. “Everyone is looking forward to the challenges.” The roster features a mix of seniors, juniors and sophomores, led by senior guard Nick Broas, described by Reece as Carey’s “most complete player.” Broas is expected to be the leading scorer most nights. “He’s a playmaker who does a little bit of everything,” Reece said. “He leads by example and has great basketball instincts.” Seniors Ryan Simonetti and Mike DeMarco are returning varsity players projected to run the offense from the point, although Reece hinted both could be on the fl oor simultaneously. “Ryan is an offensive spark and Mike is an engine on defense,” Reece said. Also part of the backcourt are juniors Justin Villas and John Scott, both big JV contributors last season. “Both are great defenders and Justin has an outstanding vertical jump,” said Reece, who added sophomores David Yussuf, Brandon Goicko and Kevin Colvin will all see minutes as well. The Seahawks don’t have a lot of size and that’s why junior forward Nick Zografas, who’s 6-foot-2, will be asked to guard bigger opponents. “We could struggle with rebounding so we want to move the ball fast whenever we can,” Reece said.

CAREY COMES OFF BREAKTHROUGH SEASON

Last winter was a memorable one for the Seahawks and considered a breakthrough in many ways as they fi nished .500 in conference play to snap an 8-year playoff drought. “We lost at home to Seaford in the fi rst round of the playoffs but it was an awesome atmosphere and I’m so glad our kids got to experience it,” head coach Anthony Turco said. “Now we want to build off last season with four of fi ve starters back.” Carey’s strength is in the backcourt with guards Caylee DeMeo and Leila Paz, but Turco said the roster also includes size. DeMeo is a two-time All-County selection and was the Conference Player of the Year as a junior when she averaged 22 points per game. She’s headed to UConn to play softball and needs 280 points to become the third player in program history to reach 1,000. “We were 1-6 at one point last season and Caylee just carried us to the playoffs,” Turco explained. “Her leadership is tremendous and she’s a complete player.” Paz averaged 8 points as a freshman and defends well. “She’s explosive on the fast break and also has shooting range,” Turco said. “She has a lot of talent and last year’s experience under her belt.” Junior Michelle Zheng, up from JV, has improved her shooting touch to go with her defensive skills. Additional keys to the backcourt are sophomores Mikayla DePaolo and Alessandra Varuzzi. Turco said both are quality shooters and not afraid to have their numbers called. Junior Valentina Falagna is a scrappy forward and a student of the game. She’s a returning starter and someone Turco believes can contribute more offense. Senior Brianna Suarez-Dubina started most games last season at center and brings size and power moves to the basket, and junior Vanessa

Peluso will be a physical presence. “Our main goal is to make the playoffs and see what we can do once we get there,” going with open gyms in August an offensive spark and Mike is an Turco said. engine on defense,” Reece said. Also part of the backcourt are juniors Justin Villas and John Scott, both big JV contributors last season. “Both are great defenders and Justin has an outstanding vertical jump,” said Reece, who added sophomores David Yussuf, Brandon Goicko and Kevin Colvin will all see minutes as well. The Seahawks don’t have a lot of size and that’s why junior forward Nick Zografas, who’s 6-foot-2, will be asked Reece said.

CAREY COMES OFF BREAKTHROUGH SEASON

Last winter was a memorable one for the Seahawks and considered a breakthrough in many ways as they fi nished .500 in conference play to snap an 8-year playoff drought. “We lost at home to Seaford in the fi rst round of the playoffs but

Nick Broas

atmosphere and I’m so coach Anthony Turco said. “Now we want to build off last season with four of fi ve starters Carey’s strength is in the backcourt with guards Caylee DeMeo and Leila Paz, but Turco said the roster also DeMeo is a two-time All-County selection and was the Conference Player of the Year as a junior when she averaged 22 points per game. She’s headed to UConn to play softball and needs 280 points to become the third player in program history to reach 1,000. “We were 1-6 at one point last season and Caylee just carried us to the leadership is tremendous and she’s from JV, has improved her shooting backcourt are sophomores Mikayla

Peluso will be a physical presence. “Our main goal is to make the playoffs and see what we can do once we get there,” Turco said.

Leila Paz

Schedule

BOYS January

4 Division 5:00 p.m. 6 @ Glen Cove 7:00 p.m. 10 @ Manhasset 7:00 p.m. 13 Hewlett 5:00 p.m. 18 @ Roosevelt 7:00 p.m. 21 Roosevelt 10:00 a.m. 27 @ Hewlett 7:00 p.m.

February

1 @ Division 7:00 p.m. 4 Glen Cove 10:00 a.m. 7 Manhasset 5:00 p.m.

GIRLS December

16 Roosevelt 5:00 p.m. 20 @ Hewlett 7:00 p.m.

January

4 @ Division 7:00 p.m. 7 Glen Cove 12:00 p.m. 10 Manhasset 5:00 p.m. 21 @ Roosevelt 12:00 p.m. 27 Hewlett 5:00 p.m.

February

1 Division 5:00 p.m. 4 @ Glen Cove 12:00 p.m. 7 @ Manhasset 7:00 p.m.