Hewlett Bulldogs

HEWLETT

Bulldogs a work in progress

By TONY BELLISSIMO

The Bulldogs lack starting experience at the varsity level and will rely on dialing up the offensive pace and playing sound defense to make a run for their 18th playoff appearance in the last 19 seasons. Hewlett comes off a 14-win campaign and eliminated Wantagh and Roslyn in the Nassau Class A playoffs before falling to Garden City in the quarterfi nals. “We’re a work in progress and the good news is we have nine non-league games before our conference opener,” head coach Bill Dubin said. “We lost all of our starters and bring back a part-time starter and our sixth man. Making the playoffs is always the goal and that’ll never change. Once you get in anything can happen.” The offense will be in the hands of senior point guard Matteo Preziosi, who like much of the roster is unproven but showing plenty of ability to get the job done. “He’s a leader on the court and I think he can handle the pressure that comes with the position,” Dubin said. “He can shoot, drive and distribute.” Junior forward Luke Rochler has some starts and plenty of fl oor time under his belt. “He’s a tough and physical kid who will dive after loose balls and fi ght for rebounds and get some putback points,” Dubin said. Also up front, junior Zaine Branch is an athletic center who can make thins happen in transition. Junior Dylan Shatz and sophomore Isaiah Pierre can be impactful in the paint. Brand new to the program, junior forward Nick Paris can handle the ball and get to the basket. He’s in the mix to start, Dubin said. Senior Jace Apter has starting experience and can contribute at forward and guard. Sophomore Justin Ogilvie was one of the leaders for a strong JV squad last season and projects as the starting two-guard. Senior

Adam Dam can provide an offensive spark.

BALANCE A KEY

FOR HEWLETT

Fresh off a 14-win season that included a thrilling victory over Wantagh in the fi rst round of the Nassau Class A girls’ basketball playoffs, the Bulldogs have their work cut out but four returnees with signifi cant starting experience. Replacing the nearly 50 points per game lost with the departure of two-time county scoring leader Riley Weiss, who relocated to Florida, and since-graduated Molly Williams, will be a collective effort, head coach Anthony Scro said. “We lost Riley a year earlier than expected and we’re looking forward to the challenge of getting back to the playoffs,” Scro said. “We wish her all the best. Our program wouldn’t be where it is without her.” Hewlett will need to fi nish .500 or better to keep its playoff streak going. Its conference consists of Manhasset, Division, Carey, Roosevelt and Glen Cove. “Last season was the best we’ve had in recent memory and I still think we’re a playoff team,” Scro said. “We’re not going to score like we did, but our defense and depth should help us wear some opponents down.” Senior Emily Erdos runs the offense from the point, passes and shoots well and is smart defensively. “Emily’s a third-year varsity player and a leader on and off the court,” Scro said. “She has great court awareness.” Junior forward Brianna Ruta earned All-Conference honors last season and is a physical player who’ll provide tough defense and rebounding, Scro said. Senior forward Jordyn Ziarno is selfl ess and scrappy, the coach noted, and always looking to do whatever it takes to help the team. Also returning are junior twins Catie and Marcie Iannico. They’re guard/forward types with shooting and rebounding ability. “Their soccer speed translates to basketball and we’ll be counting on them a lot,” said Scro, who also has junior Izzy Betencur, senior Leila Flores and sophomore Rachel Cafaro adding to a deep backcourt.

Matteo Preziosi

Dubin said. Also up front, junior Zaine Branch is an athletic center who can make thins happen in transition. Junior Dylan Shatz and sophomore Isaiah Pierre can be impactful in the paint. Brand new to the a strong JV squad last season and projects as the starting two-guard. Senior

Adam Dam can provide an offensive spark.

BALANCE A KEY

FOR HEWLETT

Fresh off a 14-win season that included a thrilling victory over Wantagh in the fi rst round of the Nassau Class A girls’ basketball playoffs, the Bulldogs have their work cut out but four Also returning are junior twins

Emily Erdos

Schedule

BOYS January

4 Glen Cove 7:00 p.m. 7 Manhasset 12:00 p.m. 10 @ Roosevelt 5:00 p.m. 13 @ Carey 5:00 p.m. 18 Division 7:00 p.m. 21 @ Division 12:00 p.m. 27 Carey 7:00 p.m.

February

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

GIRLS December

13 Manhasset 7:00 p.m. 16 @ Division 7:00 p.m. 20 Carey 7:00 p.m.

January

10 Roosevelt 5:00 p.m. 13 @ Glen Cove 7:00 p.m. 18 @ Manhasset 7:00 p.m. 21 Division 12:00 p.m. 27 @ Carey 5:00 p.m.

February

7 @ Roosevelt 5:00 p.m. 10 Glen Cove 7:00 p.m.