Elmont Spartans

ELMONT

Spartans bank on experience

By ANDREW COEN

Elmont is looking to build on last year’s rebounding season that fell two wins shy of reaching the Nassau Class A boys’ basketball playoffs with an experienced team back in the fold. The Spartans return nine players from last season’s young team that fi nished 4-8 in Conference A-2 and stayed in postseason contention down the stretch with several close losses. Third-year head coach Ryan Straub is hoping the experience gained from last year’s team of newcomers plays dividends and propels the team into the playoffs, which can be achieved with a .500 or better record in Conference A-2. “It’s exciting because they were all new to varsity basketball last year so they got a year under their belt,” Straub said. “Now I think they’re ready to be a little more competitive.” Senior 6-foot-1 guard Girell Frias-Walsh brings length and energy to the fl oor along with being the Spartans’ top defender. Straub said Frias-Walsh has developed an improved perimeter shot in the offseason, which complements his athletic skills to slash to the basket and will keep defenses on their toes. Junior 6-6 forward Osagie Ekhator brings versatility with a strong inside game and the ability to make outside shots. Elmont has a host of shooters that will be threats from three-point range including senior twins Joshua Pfi fer and Nathan Pfi fer as well as junior Cassius Moore. Starting point guard Gemere Frias-Walsh, brother of Girell, entered the new season sidelined with an injury but Lawson hopes to have back soon to lead Elmont’s up-tempo offense. Senior Jaylen Thybulle and sophomore Arlyn Brown are also capable guards who can provide valuable minutes. “We are much improved and we learned so much from last year and I think we can make a little bit of noise,” Straub said. “We play fast, we play tough and we’re also pretty deep.”

ELMONT RETOOLS AFTER DEPARTURES

Elmont girls lost plenty of fi repower from last season’s team that reached the round of 16 stage in the Class A playoffs. The Spartans graduated seven seniors including the program’s backcourt duo the previous four years in Rae Sawyer and Kelliane Watkins. While Elmont returns seven seniors, playing time was limited last year on a veteran team. “Even though the team is seniorladen, they haven’t gotten as much exposure as they should have the last couple years,” second-year head coach Pete Lawson said. No full-time starters are back, but senior Taylah Farquharson did start a few games when the team was faced with injuries. Lawson said the versatile Farquharson, who can be slotted in any position, is motivated to have a big senior season and has stepped up as a major team leader. Chi Chi Chikuezi and Aryanna Pierre also return for larger roles this season after receiving valuable minutes off the bench last winter. Rehnya Fletcher is also back and will be counted on as a key defensive player while Charlotte Hines and Cassidy Grannum will also have increased roles. Returning to the postseason is a chief goal for the Spartans, who went 8-4 in Conference A-II last year and defeated New Hyde Park 63-49 in the fi rst round of the Class A playoffs. The league features Garden City, Glen Cove, Sewanhaka, Roslyn, South Side, Bellmore JFK and Great Neck North. Entering his second season on the varsity bench, Lawson is encouraged by the attitude of his players at practice. “This team is showing me early on that they are going to compete for their coach,” said Lawson, who coached many of the girls on the JV squad prior to assuming the head coaching role last year. “When they buy into that mindset it gives you a lot of optimism.”

TGirell Frias-Walsh

Senior 6-foot-1 guard Girell Frias-Walsh brings length and energy to the fl oor along with being the Spartans’ top defender. Straub said Frias-Walsh has developed an improved perimeter shot in the offseason, which complements his athletic skills to slash to the basket and will keep defenses on their toes. Junior 6-6 forward Osagie Ekhator brings versatility with a strong inside game and the ability to make outside shots. Elmont has a host of shooters that will be threats from three-point range including senior twins Joshua Pfi fer and Nathan Pfi fer as well as junior Cassius Moore. Starting point guard Gemere Frias-Walsh, brother of Girell, entered the new season sidelined with an injury but Lawson hopes to have back soon to lead Elmont’s up-tempo offense. Senior Jaylen Thybulle and sophomore Arlyn Brown are also capable guards who can provide valuable minutes. “We are much improved and we learned so much from last year and I think we can make a little bit of noise,” Straub said. “We play fast, we play tough and we’re also pretty deep.”

ELMONT RETOOLS AFTER DEPARTURES

Elmont girls lost plenty of fi repower from last season’s team that reached the round of 16 stage in the Class A playoffs. The Spartans graduated seven seniors including the program’s backcourt duo the previous four years in Rae Sawyer and Kelliane Watkins. While Elmont returns seven seniors, playing time was limited last year on a veteran team. “Even though the team is seniorladen, they haven’t gotten as much exposure as they should have the last couple years,” second-year head coach Pete No full-time starters are back, but senior Taylah Farquharson did start a few games when the team was faced with injuries. Lawson said the versatile Farquharson, who can be slotted in any and Aryanna Pierre also return

Taylah Farquharson

Schedule

BOYS December

13 G.N. North 5:00 p.m. 16 @ Sewanhaka 7:00 p.m. 20 Kennedy 5:00 p.m.

January

3 @ Garden City 6:45 p.m. 7 Roslyn 10:00 a.m. 10 @ South Side 7:00 p.m. 16 @ G.N. North 5:00 p.m. 21 Sewanhaka 10:00 a.m. 26 @ Kennedy 7:00 p.m.

February

1 Garden City 5:00 p.m. 4 @ Roslyn 12:00 p.m. 7 South Side 5:00 p.m.

GIRLS December

13 @ G.N. North 5:00 p.m. 15 Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m. 20 @ Kennedy 7:00 p.m.

January

4 Garden City 5:00 p.m. 6 @ Roslyn 7:00 p.m. 10 South Side 5:00 p.m. 18 G.N. North 5:00 p.m. 21 @ Sewanhaka 12:00 p.m. 27 Kennedy 5:00 p.m.

February

1 @ Garden City 5:00 p.m. 4 Roslyn 10:00 a.m. 7 @ South Side 7:00 p.m.