Basketball Central 2 12-18-2025

2025-26 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PREVIEW December 18, 2025

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December 18, 2025

2025-26 HERALD High School Basktball Preview

Basktball Preview

TEAM INDEX

Baldwin Bruins...............................................6 Calhoun Colts ............................................... 8 Carey Seahawks ......................................... 10 Clarke Rams ................................................12 East Meadow Jets ........................................13 East Rockaway Rocks ..................................14 Elmont Spartans ......................................... 16 Farmingdale Dalers......................................17 Freeport Red Devils..................................... 18 Hewlett Bulldogs......................................... 20 Kennedy Cougars ....................................... 21 Lawrence Golden Tornadoes ........................22 Long Beach Marines ................................... 24 Lynbrook Owls ............................................ 30 MacArthur Generals .................................... 31 Malverne Mules .......................................... 32 Massapequa Chiefs .....................................36 Mepham Pirates ......................................... 37 Oceanside Sailors ...................................... 40 Plainedge Red Devils ...................................43 Seaford Vikings........................................... 44 Sewanhaka Ravens..................................... 45 South Side Cyclones ................................... 46 Uniondale Knights .......................................48 Valley Stream Central Eagles ...................... 49 Valley Stream North Spartans ..................... 50 Valley Stream South Falcons....................... 51 Wantagh Warriors ....................................... 52 West Hempstead Rams .............................. 55

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Wantagh High School’s Kayla Mannix Photo by Jeff Wilson

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Baldwin High School Girls’ Basketball 2024-25 NYS Class AA champions.

December 18, 2025

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December 18, 2025

BALDWIN

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Bruins aim for another county title

By DYLAN BUTLER

W

hen the doors at Lawrence Woodmere Academy closed, it opened up an opportunity at Baldwin for Dylan Cudjoe to return to its boys’ basketball program.

Coupled with his cousin Gabriel Phillips, the Bruins were going to have arguably the best big man tandem on Long Island.

But then Cudjoe, a starter on the 2023 county championship team, tore his ACL in the summer.

Five weeks later, Phillips suffered the same injury when competing in the Alzheimer’s All-Star Basketball Classic. Both are out for the season.

As devastating as that is, it doesn’t temper the expectations this winter.

“It just might take a little longer to figure out what I’m going to do, but our goal is to win the county championship for the sixth straight year, 11th total, but it’s going to take time,” head coach Darius Burton said.

“I’ve got new faces. We’re young.

I kept four sophomores, and we’ve got a big gap to fill in the middle, but we’ll figure it out.”

Back from a team that went 18-8 last season, winning the Nassau and Long Island Class A titles before losing to Tappan Zee in the New York State Southeast Regional Final, is Ethan Sainsbury, a four-year varsity player and two-year captain, who returns to run the point.

Junior Mical Saint Jean could be poised for a breakout season after what Burton described as “an unbelievable summer” for the three-level scorer.

They’re joined by fellow returnees Isaiah Lett, a senior who is probably the most athletic on the team, as well as senior speedster Jordan Williams and senior Amir Karl-Otto, who will be part of a center-by-committee setup, which includes 6-foot-7 trans-

December 18, 2025

fer Devon Williams and 6-foot-4 Matt Pierre Louis, a sophomore up from the junior varsity.

CJ Okogeri, whose sister Chinaya is on the Baldwin girls basketball team, is a forward who glides down the court and can shoot the 3-pointer. Other contributors will be AJ Nelson, a transfer from Long Island Lutheran, improved junior guard Karan Punj, and senior Rian Gittens, a 3-point threat.

BALDWIN RETOOLS AFTER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

The Baldwin girls basketball team graduated six seniors who played starring roles in a 24-2 season capped by a third New York State title in program history when the Bruins defeated Aquinas Institute in the Class AA final.

But that doesn’t mean this year’s squad lacks experience.

Alyssa Polonia was the lone junior starter a year ago and scored 18 points in the state final. The five-year varsity player and Assumption commit is going to handle the ball more than ever, while also being tasked with being a lockdown defender.

Sophomore Malia Robinson is in her fourth year on varsity and will take over the point guard duties from Payton Dulin, who is now a freshman at George Washington. She and junior Chinaya Okogeri, who was also called up to varsity as a seventh grader, were the first two guards off

BOYS December

11 @ Academy Charter 6:45 p.m.

15 Port Washington 7:00 p.m.

18 Herricks 7:00 p.m.

January

7 @ Westbury 10 @ Oceanside 13 @ V.S. Central

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Alyssa Polonia

the bench last year.

Ajeya Nicholas, a 6-foot junior forward in her third year on varsity, brings great athleticism and has expanded her range to beyond the 3-point arc. She’s joined by seniors Leah Williams, a four-year varsity player, and Akua Bonsu, a force around the basket who Baldwin coach Tom Catapano describes as a “rebounding machine and a really tough defender.”

A year ago, Catapano utilized 10 players in most games, which he said was a key reason why Baldwin won a state title.

He’s hoping to replicate that this year with Tori Brown, a 5-foot-9 athletic sophomore guard, and junior guards McKenzie Hart and Liz Hill, who were all called up from the junior varsity for the playoffs last year, as well as Nia Nesmith, a junior forward who is a utility player who rebounds and plays solid defense.

@ East Meadow Academy Charter @ Port Washington @ Herricks

February 4 07 10 13

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GIRLS December

9 @ Hicksville 15 @ Port Washington 18 @ Herricks

January

6 @ Uniondale 10 Syosset 12 @ East Meadow

Ethan Sainsbury

“I think we’re very balanced,” Catapano said. “I think we’re going to play five players who could all score in double figures. I think that’s going to be the strength, all of our starters really could go off on any given night, and I think we’re going to be hard to guard because of that.”

Photos by Jeff Wilson

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High School Basketball Preview

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December 18, 2025

CALHOUN

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Backcourt leads Colts playoff hopes

By MARC BERMAN

W

ith a strong backcourt and depth, a longer playoff journey should be in store for Calhoun’s boys team.

After a solid 8-4 Conference AA2 regular season, Calhoun lost in the first round of the playoffs in a close encounter with Valley Stream Central. The Merrick program ended up 11-9 but feeling a tad unfulfilled.

The 2025-26 team looks more well-rounded, though still led by its superb backcourt of senior point guard Luca Facciponti and sophomore shooting guard Ashton Pierre-Charles, an All-County honoree as a freshman.

“This team is returning its core but in addition, we will benefit from depth off the bench,’’ head coach Jay Kreutzberger said. “That was missing last year. We didn’t get scoring contributions off the bench.’’

In Facciponti, the Colts are blessed with a high-energy, threeyear starter and floor general. Despite being 5-foot-8, he gobbled up 4.5 rebounds while averaging 9 points and 4.5 assists.

“He’s an intense fierce competitor,’’ Kreutzberger said. “He’s learned to lead. It’s his biggest growth in understanding how he has to lead.

It’s really what you want in a point guard.’’

It should be an exciting encore season for Pierre-Charles, one of the best 3-point shooters in the county.

He averaged 12 points and drained 60 3-pointers as a freshman.

Senior 6-4 forward Amir Ibrahim averaged 5 points and 5 rebounds but is being counted on for more muscle in 2025-26. “We really need his size to rebound and rim protect,’’ Kreutzberger said.

Ali Shazar is a senior 6-3 forward who might crack the starting lineup.

Kreutzberger said he hadn’t set the

December 18, 2025

lineup other than his top 3 – Facciponti, Pierre-Charles, Ibrahim.

Junior Alec Bloch is the backup point guard after being starting point guard for the JV the past two years.

The coaching staff loves his vision and athleticism.

Jacob Graber is senior forward who played sparingly last season but being looked upon as a significant contributor off the bench. Senior Brandon Meyers is a nice pure shooter and will get minutes. Junior Will Hutchinson will vie for playing time.

CALHOUN SEEKS PLAYOFF RETURN

For two straight seasons, the Calhoun girls missed out on a playoff berth by one game. Last season, the Colots’ late-season overtime loss to Sewanhaka cost them the postseason.

Head coach Dan Catapano thinks it’s time to return to the playoffs. Only one starter was lost to graduation from Calhoun’s 9-11 team.

“There’s a core of kids who have been in the program for three, four,’’ said Catapano, in his sixth season.

“A couple of them have been on the losing side of making the playoffs with a difference of a game. They’re definitely motivated to get back to winning. The hope is to be competitive and put ourselves in position to be able to extend our season.’’

BOYS December 13 Jericho 16 Kennedy 19 @ New Hyde Park

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January 5 @ MacArthur 7 Long Beach

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Ashton Pierre-Charles

Kaitlyn DiPaola

The engine of the Colts’ fast-paced attack is senior combo guard Kaitlyn DiPaola – on varsity since freshman year. DiPaola was its leading scorer at 12 points per game. She guards the other team’s top player and averaged 3 steals.

Continued improvement from freshman Lia Biscardi will also be key. Biscardi was the point guard as a freshman, a facilitator with 3-point range. “Lia stepped up to a huge role last year,’’ Catapano said.

A 5-10 power forward, junior Angelica Kasimatis handles the ball well and is a 3-point threat. She can play all five positions and has been on varsity since 8th grade, averaging 10 points and 8 rebounds in 2024-25.

Senior Ruth Small started in the back half of the year. Small came on strong after missing her sophomore

@ G.N. South @ Jericho @ Kennedy New Hyde Park

February

2 MacArthur 5 @ Long Beach 11 G.N. South

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GIRLS December

13 @ Jericho 16 @ Kennedy 18 New Hyde Park

January

5 @ MacArthur 8 Long Beach 15 @ G.N. South

year. “She’s very athletic, sees the court well and adds grit to the lineup,’’ Catapano said.

For backcourt depth, senior Julia Kopelman returns after missing last season as she tore her ACL during 2024 training camp.

To boost the perimeter shooting, junior Brianna Witt will help tremendously. Chloe Coppola and Laney McGrath will each hold a role.

Calhoun has good outside shooters but the best part of the team is its pace. “I think we’ll transition real well, getting the ball out and running the floor,’’ Catapano said.

Photos by Jeff Wilson

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23 @ Jericho 27 @ Kennedy 30 New Hyde Park

February

2 @ MacArthur 5 Long Beach 11 @ G.N. South

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High School Basketball Preview

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December 18, 2025

CAREY

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Seahawks hope to rise in standings

By NIKO SCARLATOS

C

arey boys basketball enters the new season with a clear identity, a deeper roster, and the confidence that comes from competing in tight games a season ago.

Under head coach Laurence Reid, Carey finished 8-12 overall and 5-10 in conference play. Though the record didn’t fully reflect the effort, Reid believes the program is heading in the right direction.

“It’s a tougher league this year, but I’ll stick to what I said last year,” he said. “Give an effort and we’ll see what happens.”

That mindset will again shape the Seahawks as they look to climb the standings.

A major reason for optimism is the return of three cornerstone seniors: Kelvin Persaud, Ryan Kunkel, and Theo Andrikopolous. All three played pivotal roles as juniors, providing much of the experience and production. Their leadership on both ends of the floor will be essential as Carey leans on them to set the tone.

Persaud’s poise, Kunkel’s physicality, and Andrikopolous’s versatility make the trio the backbone.

Carey will also integrate several young players who bring upside and energy. Matthew Plaia, Cody Patton, and Patrick Lonergan are expected to take meaningful steps forward after showing strong potential in the offseason. “We’re excited about their development,” said Reid.

“The expectation is that they provide depth and balance to our rotation.”

Perhaps the most intriguing newcomer is freshman Jayden Ostrander. “He’s raw but extremely athletic,” Reid said. Ostrander has already impressed with his work ethic and competitiveness and can contribute in a positive way as he acclimates to varsity play.

December 18, 2025

Defensively, the Seahawks established a gritty identity last season, consistently battling and staying within striking distance of strong opponents. “We played really tough defense last year and we lost some tough ones,” said Reid. “But for us to be in a lot of tight games against good teams was nice to see,” Reid said. His goal now is to build on that defensive foundation while adding more offensive spark, an area that could elevate the Seahawks from competitive to dangerous.

Amelia Kalamaris

CAREY RELIES ON BALANCED ATTACK

Head coach Anthony Turco’s Seahawks enter the new season with excitement, energy, and a whole lot of unknowns. After finishing 10-10 overall (4-10 in conference) last winter, they return a young but highly athletic roster that Turco believes could develop into one of the program’s most-balanced groups in years.

“For the last five or six seasons we’ve had great guards,” Turco said.

“Now we have a more balanced attack, both offensively and defensively.

It allows us to do things in a variety of ways.”

That versatility starts with a strong core of three-year starters.

Junior guard Amelia Kalamaras brings explosiveness to both ends of the floor. Despite her soccer pedigree, she loves basketball and plays it with an edge. Joining her are seniors Isabella

BOYS December 13 @ Division 16 South Side 19 @ Clarke

January

5 Bethpage 8 Sewanhaka 14 @ Elmont

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Kelvin Persaud

Giordano and Sophia Barrera, both second-year varsity starters known for pushing the pace and defending with intensity.

In the frontcourt, senior Andrea Arias returns as a steady, coachable force. “She’s a powerful forward,” said Turco. “She never shies away from tough coaching and sets the tone physically for us.” Arias is joined

by Aidyn Lyons, a 6-foot junior whose volleyball background has sharpened her footwork. Turco is eager to see her continued development.

Sophomore Sophia Stojanowski, another dual sport volleyball and basketball athlete, has impressed early with her ability to run the

Manhasset Division @ South Side Clarke

February 2 6 11 14

@ Bethpage @ Sewanhaka Elmont @ Manhasset

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GIRLS December

13 Division 16 @ South Side 19 Clarke

January

5 @ Bethpage 8 @ Sewanhaka 14 Elmont

floor, while classmate Daisy Buja, a potential Division I soccer prospect, brings toughness and defensive bite that will be crucial in close games.

A pair of freshmen, Aria Agcaian and Ophelia Lin, have also turned heads. Both are fully committed to basketball and, with experience, could grow into future starters.

Turco admits he’s still learning exactly what identity this young group will form, but he sees something promising. “We’re young, but we have tons of athleticism and some varsity experience,” he said.

“The first week of practice has been high energy. The girls seem pumped to get the season underway.”

The Seahawks face Division, South Side, Clarke, Bethpage, Manhasset, Sewanhaka and Elmont in conference play.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

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@ Manhasset @ Division South Side @ Clarke

February 2 5 11 14

Bethpage Sewanhaka @ Elmont Manhasset

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High School Basketball Preview

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December 18, 2025

CLARKE

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Rams bring experience and optimism

By MICHELLE RABINOVICH

J

umping into the 2025-26 campaign, Clarke boys’ basketball head coach Joe Hasbrouck has hope for the Rams’ success, even if some of the roster is relatively new to the program.

“We returned three of our five starters, as well as our sixth man, so definitely not starting from scratch, but a lot of our depth is going to be new players and new varsity guys,” he said.

The Rams bring back Kai Destine, their leading scorer and combo guard. He averaged 13 points per game. “Last year he was able to play off of a couple other point guards and wings we had, he’s going to be a little more ball-dependent this year,” Hasbrouck detailed.

There’s also Justin Montez, a forward playing center according to Hasbrouck. That works because Montez clicks with Destine to maintain an offensive flow, plus Montez is naturally a hard worker when it comes to cleaning up the glass, keeping possession and grit.

“He’s a really good model for everybody who’s new this year as far as the toughness we want to play with,” Hasbrouck said of Montez.

Junior Yaya Segura is another returner destined for the hardwood.

Hasbrouck highlighted that Segura notched clutch double-double performances towards the end of last season, and he hopes to see similar production.

“He’s going to be relied on more this year, on the wings, on the perimeter, getting to the basket, finishing through contact,” Hasbrouck said.

The sixth man last winter was Damien Chanoine, described as long and lengthy at 6-foot-3, a terrific catch-and-shoot player and protects the rim well and defends.

Hasbrouck stated the Rams will

December 18, 2025

have to rely on ball movement and spacing more than hero-ball if they want to see success; in other terms, true teamwork.

A relatively new face is senior Zach Barsuaskas. While he’s not wholly new, the confidence he’s rocking makes him look like a new player, the coach noted.

There’s also sophomore point guard Aayan Mansi, who Hasbrouck labeled as deft and skilled; his only shortcoming is he still needs to adjust to the varsity speed.

Althea Borleo Kai Destine

CHEMISTRY, EXPERIENCE PROPELS CLARKE

In order to complete a bounceback after a 7-13 season, Clarke girls head coach Shaun Fean wants to see the best of the best from his team. All signs point to the face the Rams on the same page.

“Our kids know the deal, they know they expectations and were able to jump right into things off the top of the bat,” Fean explained. “So far so good, the efforts been right where we want it and hopefully we can continue to build each day.”

He’s appreciative of returning starters: Althea Borleo, Khloe Louis-Jean, Christina Boyle and Leila Thakkar. Each one a unique strength to bring to the court.

Borleo is a hybrid small/power forward player, touted as the team’s top scorer entering this season, averaging 11 points and 5 rebounds

BOYS December 13 @ Sewanhaka 19 Carey 23 @ Bethpage

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5 @ Manhasset 8 South Side 14 Division

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per game. Louis-Jean a 6-foot center, and it’s not to say that her skill starts and ends at her height. Fean also explained while her size is a massive advantage, she also pulls her weight offensively, averaging 5 points per game on top of her defensive efforts.

Boyle is flouted as the team’s best shooter, knocking down two or more trey-balls in 4 of the last 5 games last season. Lastly, Thakkar, the point guard, gets everybody rolling on offense, and has no qualms being physical on defensive to help the squad.

There’s two other returners, sophomores Ella Gorlesky and Gabriella Arboleda. Gorlesky is described

@ Elmont Sewanhaka Bethpage @ Carey

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Manhasset @ South Side @ Division Elmont

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GIRLS December

13 Sewanhaka 19 @ Carey 23 Bethpage

January

5 Manhasset 8 @ South Side 14 @ Division

as a tough defensive-minded guard, whose ability to knock down shots might be the key to elevating her game to the next level. Fean voiced Arboleda’s rebounding skills, which have been honed thus far in practice and scrimmages for the coming season.

Mia Ruiz’s epithet is “team’s best passer,” a unique superlative for a sophomore up from the JV unit, where she averaged 3 assists per game.

“We’re excited to go to battle with this group that has grown together and learned together,” Fean said. “Now it’s just about working hard every day to become the best team we can be.”

Photos by Paul Grassini

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Elmont @ Sewanhaka @ Bethpage Carey

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@ Manhasset South Side Division @ Elmont

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High School Basketball Preview

EAST MEADOW

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Jets revamp after 19-win season

By TONY BELLISSIMO

E

ast Meadow’s boys are coming off back-to-back highly successful seasons, including an appearance in the Nassau Class AAA championship game last March where it rallied from a 20-point deficit to pull even with Port Washington before the Vikings squeaked out a 58-50 victory to take the title.

The Jets lost eight seniors, including six three-year varsity players, from a 19-win team and have a lot of rebuilding to do but five returnees who practiced every day last season and knows what it takes to get the job done.

“A few points away from a county championship,” head coach Tom Rottkamp said. “We had a special season with great chemistry.”

East Meadow is lacking in height with the exception of 6-foot-7 senior center Christian Ekwonye and is severely lacking varsity game experience. It has a daunting non-league schedule that includes St. Anthony’s and Wyandanch, and a conference slate with Port Washington, defending Class AA county and Long Island champion Baldwin back in the mix, Herricks, Westbury, Oceanside and Academy Charter.

The starting backcourt will have Harry Haber at the point and Bryant Sewell at shooting guard. Both are seniors and capable of filing the basket. Haber is a captain and leader, Rottkamp said, and Sewell a tough on-ball defender.

Ekwonye is not only the Jets’ tallest by half a foot but also their most versatile. “He can guard any position and does it all offensively,” Rottkamp said. “He can block shots and rebound.”

Senior forward Josh Thelusca has 3-point range and defends well, while senior forward Marko Radaly crashes the boards and is quick get-

ting up and down the floor.

Up from JV after popping in about 20 points per game last season is junior wing Nick Schwabe, who enjoyed a stellar football season while helping East Meadow reach the semifinals.

“He’s one of the best athletes in the school,” Rottkamp said.

Given the schedule and roster turnover, the Jets have their work cut out.

“It’s an entirely new season and new team,” Rottkamp said. “We’ll need some guys to step up and give us depth”

EAST MEADOW RETURNS FOUR STARTERS

Two seasons removed from the most successful in program history as well as a semifinal appearance last winter, East Meadow still boasts championship pedigree as it returns to the largest classification for the first time since 2022-23.

“The chemistry and work ethic is nice to see,” said head coach Peter Olenik, who in 2023-24 guided the Jets to their first-ever county and Long Island titles. “We’re definitely a playoff-caliber team and we’ll look to get better every day.”

East Meadow finished 14-8 last season and is turning the page on the Allie Twible-era. “We have to figure out where to find 16 points per game,” Olenik said. “We’re looking to push the pace all game long.”

BOYS December

11 @ Port Washington 15 @ Herricks 18 V.S. Central

January

7 @ Oceanside 10 Academy Charter 13 Westbury

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Kayla Lederer

That won’t be too difficult with senior Kayla Lederer and junior Angelina Cronin leading the backcourt. Both were Honorable Mention All-County last winter and key pieces during the championship run two seasons ago.

“Kayla has elite speed and nobody can guard her,” Olenik said.

“She can get to the basket and draw fouls and is also a great defender.

We’ll need a little more offense from her and I’m confident she’ll deliver.”

Cronin, who runs the point, has been a double-digit scorer for two straight seasons and was Honorable Mention All-County as a freshman too. She drained 42 shots from behind the arc as a sophomore, averaging more than a dozen points per game, and is another tenacious defender.

Baldwin Port Washington Herricks @ V.S. Central

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January

7 Oceanside 10 @ Farmingdale

Junior forward Emily Zaradich is a returning starter and a cross country and track standout as well. “She’s our tallest kid and probably our best overall athlete,” Olenik said. “There’s a tremendous flow to her game. So smooth.”

Big things are expected from junior Kate Barnett, another returning starter who chipped in 8 points per game and has potential for more.

“She’s a well-rounded player who is gaining confidence in her shooting,” Olenik said.

First off the bench most games last season, junior Lila Doyle is a hard-working guard/forward primed for major minutes. Up from JV, sophomores Allison Barnwell and Olivia Castle will contribute.

Photos by Erik Lee

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EAST ROCKAWAY

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Rocks rely on guards, new system

By BRIAN KACHARABA

E

sity.

ast Rockaway enters the new boys’ basketball season looking radically different — by neces-

After graduating the bulk of their size, the Rocks have shifted from a post-oriented attack to a guardheavy lineup, prompting head coach Paul Collins to overhaul the team’s entire offensive identity.

“We really had to change everything we were doing because the size of our team has changed so dramatically,” Collins said. “We changed to an offense where everyone is moving at the same time.”

The constant-motion system leans on pace, screening and synchronized cuts to maximize the Rocks’ deep pool of guards and wings. That approach suits the new senior triumvirate — Cameron Peeples, Edwin Espinoza and Sean Smith — each stepping into expanded responsibilities.

Peeples has evolved from a spotup shooter into a reliable driver and creator, Espinoza is expected to take on a major scoring load, and Smith has shifted from his natural smallforward spot to work more inside for the sake of the system.

“He’s grown by leaps and bounds,” Collins said of Peeples. “He really impressed me coming into this preseason.”

Depth may be East Rockaway’s greatest asset. Collins expects to rotate eight or nine players per game, with junior guard Mike Tizio providing shooting pop and sophomore Tristan Rose supplying size and screening in the middle. Veterans such as Jethro Senior, Terry Hayes, Stefan Darkopoulos, Matt Delligatti, Austin Mullings, Mason Vetere and Jayden Perez are also expected to contribute as Collins mixes lineups freely.

“I’m confident anyone can step

December 18, 2025

in when time’s needed to give us good minutes and make sure we stay where we need to stay,” Collins said.

The Rocks finished 7–13 last season and fell to Carle Place in the Class B semifinal. With only four teams in the conference this winter, playoff entry is guaranteed — but expectations are far more ambitious.

Collins said the goal is clear: earn a top-two seed and enter the postseason playing their best basketball.

Cameron Peeples

EAST ROCKAWAY BANKS ON RESET, YOUTH

The girls are determined to move past last year’s one-win campaign, a season marked by offensive struggles that resulted in a scoring average of just over 26 points a game and a roster that never fully meshed after graduating key players from the 2023–24 team.

But in training camp, head coach Cheri Poland has seen a lot more cohesion and a far stronger foundation.

“This year we’re trying to really towards the team concept, and we can’t do it alone,” she said.

The Rocks return several key contributors, led by junior guard Colleen Lynch, who spent the offseason in summer leagues and training sessions and is expected to be one of the team’s primary scorer. Fellow returner Paulina Cuthbert has shown significant personal and athletic growth, while junior forward Sarah Martin adds versatility with her ability

BOYS December

to finish inside and hit three-pointers.

Senior captain Dannilynn Fardella provides leadership as the steadying presence on and off the court.

A major boost comes from the arrival of seventh graders Scarlett Bay and Arianna Gonzalez. Bay is expected to step in immediately as a ballhandler and scoring option, while Gonzalez projects as a growing contributor throughout the year.

“They are the future of our program,” Poland said. “They want it just as bad, so that’s going to be the big difference from last year.”

Poland has also shuffled roles to maximize the team’s strengths.

Sophomore Leila Perez moves from point guard to the wing, where she can play freer and score more, while junior returner Victoria Vargas is

12 West Hempstead 6:45 p.m.

17 Evergreen Charter 6:45 p.m.

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expected to take on a larger offensive role. Sophomore Fiona Guarinello returns to add depth, and the roster is rounded out by returning players Kiera Stephens and Kylie Lazaro.

With a more balanced roster and a defensive approach built around creating turnovers and scoring in transition, East Rockaway expects to be far more competitive in the four-team Conference B field and in position to challenge for a higher postseason seeding.

Photos by Erik Lee

GIRLS December

12 @ West Hempstead 6:45 p.m.

20 Carle Place 11:45 a.m.

January

6 8 9 12

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December 18, 2025

ELMONT

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Spartans reliant on balanced scoring

By GARRETT D. URIBE

E

lmont entered its season as a quadruple champion last year, defending titles in Conference AA5, Nassau County, Long Island and State Class AA. This year, it has shed much of that burden – repeating as AA5 champion last season, but falling in the semifinals to eventual Long Island champ Baldwin.

For a second straight autumn, Elmont returns just one starter – the honor this time going to senior Aiden Barnes (7.0 points per game), one of two remainders from the Spartans’ state-champion squad, along with junior Aaron Kelly (5.0 ppg), who joins Barnes in Elmont’s starting backcourt.

In his fourth year at the helm, head coach Ryan Straub said that, all things considered, he likes this season’s initial conditions as Elmont looks to extend its reign in AA5.

“Last year there was so much hype,” Straub said. “Everyone asking if we could run it back. That feeling’s not around us this year. It’s kind of nice, to be honest.

“What’s similar is we have one returning starter,” he added. “Aiden’s going to play a big role. He’s an elite defender. On offense he can get into the paint. He’s someone we rely on to do everything.”

“Aaron’s another one who gets after it on defense,” Straub added.

“And like Aiden he gets to the paint.

Those two will be big contributors.”

Six-foot-five senior Tarique McDonald takes over at center for Elmont, which figures to shift to a five-out style, or “offense by committee,” said Straub, as McDonald – a third-year varsity member – will be his team’s lone big.

“Tarique does a lot,” Straub said.

“Clogs the paint, protects the rim, scores with both hands. He’ll have some dunks this year.”

December 18, 2025

Senior Jayden Johnson (seasonhigh 13 points in a league win over Clarke) becomes a starter at guard, while junior Kayden Cyrus has the inside track to fill Elmont’s open fifth slot.

“Not worried about our starter situation,” Straub said. “All our new starters faced state champions in practice last year. I think we’ll be fine.”

Tarique McDonald Kayla Latiff

ELMONT DEALS WITH ROSTER TURNOVER

Kayla Latiff debuted at midseason off the injured list and made an immediate impact – her pair of late three-pointers sparking the Spartans’ comeback win over league rival Manhasset, the second in a skein of eight straight wins with which Elmont (15-7 overall) wrapped its regular season.

Latiff, whose first-half absence last year hastened promotion of eighth-grade standouts Madison Edwards and Madison Calvin to Elmont’s varsity, starts her senior season healthy, though without last winter’s playmaking partners.

With Edwards and Calvin having transferred out, as well as center Carrington Barrett, Latiff – whose six three-pointers in a win at Bethpage marked a team season-high – takes on a heavy mantle as Elmont’s team leader, the fourth-year varsity veteran asked to shepherd a crew that welcomes four first-year starters, fresh from JV.

BOYS December 12 @ South Side 16 Sewanhaka 19 Bethpage

January

5 @ Division 8 @ Manhasset 14 Carey

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“I’ve never had a season like this, where we take JV players and say, ‘You’re now all varsity starters,” said head coach Pete Lawson, whose club starts its Conference AA3 slate hosting South Side. “It’s a challenge.”

“But,” Lawson added, “we’ve got a potent weapon, a girl who can carry us. Kayla knows we expect her to do a lot. We know she can light up the long ball, which started us on our winning streak. If she just stays herself, she’ll inspire the younger girls.”

The eldest of Elmont’s new additions are junior guards Louis Jeane Desir and Kianna Young. While Desir offers flexibility at swing, Young – a true point guard – can combo with Latiff, the pair sharing ballhandling chores, with Latiff primarily shooting from the two and Young distributing at point.

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Division Manhasset @ Carey @ Clarke

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Division Manhasset @ Bethpage @ Carey

Elmont sophomores Essence Saunds and Kiara Paulino will start at forward and guard, respectively, with junior Tamia Ximines in the mix for minutes at either spot. The fivefoot-10 Saunds looks to work inside anchoring Elmont’s constellation of shooters. “(Essence) is a nice presence inside,” said Lawson. “She’s young, but she could be tremendous.”

“Last year, eighth-graders came up and gave us a reprieve,” added Lawson. “This year’s almost the same thing. We’re excited to see what we can do.”

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

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@ Division @ Manhasset Carey Clarke

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FARMINGDALE

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Dalers reload for playoff run

By BRIAN KACHARABA

A

fter a solid 12-7 regular season and a promising playoff run that ended in the Class AAA semifinals, Farmingdale boys’ basketball faces a new challenge heading into the new campaign.

With several key seniors having graduated -- including standouts like Jake Mangio and Eric Kubelka -- the Dalers will look to reload rather than rebuild. Despite these departures, head coach Jimmy Pastier is confident his team can continue their winning ways.

“We knew who was coming back and had a great offseason, no surprises,” Pastier declared. “There’s always a little adjustment period [with] timing and confidence and the lights are on a little more now.

Practice is practice, but the game is the game, so they’ll be all right.”

The Dalers return a core group of seniors who will play pivotal roles, including three-year starter Mateo Morales. A physical and energetic player, Morales will lead the team with his strong defense and leadership.

“He’s a great team leader,” Pastier said. “[He has] a lot of energy, a lot of effort, great defense, the physicality he brings to the table. He’s our kicker. He’ll make our team go.”

Joining Morales in the starting lineup will be seniors Ben Mears, who gained invaluable experience in last season’s playoff games, and Dylan Coleman, a versatile center with the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting. Seniors Brandon Mears, a swingman, and point guard Jace Ebanks round out the starting five.

Ebanks, in particular, will be asked to control the game’s tempo and distribute the ball. “He could shoot well,” Pastier said. “He has a nice mid-range jumper.”

Farmingdale’s bench will also

feature contributors like juniors Amari Powell, an athletic leaper, and 6-foot5 Colin McNamara, a tough, versatile forward.

“We’re going to have more balanced scoring this year,” Pastier said.

Pastier said the focus will also be on unselfish play and moving the ball to find the best shots. Defensively, the team is expected to be tough, with a commitment to communication and physicality.

Izzy Aristy

YOUTHFUL FARMINGDALE READY TO RISE

The girls’ team enters the season looking to push past the program’s recent pattern of hovering just above .500. The Dalers went 10-8 overall and 6-5 in Conference AAA1 play last winter before a first-round playoff exit to Freeport — their fourth straight postseason loss since 2019.

But with a core of young, athletic returners and an extra year of experience, head coach Dave Stein believes this group is ready to make a meaningful jump.

“I’d say definitely a step forward for this group,” Stein said. “[We have] a lot of returning players, and this is going to be one of the more athletic teams that we’ve ever had.”

The offense will likely run through sophomore point guard Izzy Aristy (team-leading 8.8 ppg) and freshman guard Molly McNamara, who burst onto the scene as an eighth-grader last winter by averag-

BOYS December 11 Hicksville 15 @ Hempstead 18 Uniondale

January

7 Freeport 10 @ Plainview 13 Syosset

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ing just under eight points a game.

Stein praised McNamara’s poise and versatility.

“She came in with a lot of ability,” he said. “She’s such a coachable kid and we asked her to do a lot of different things and she worked hard in doing what we asked her to do.”

Stein tabbed junior Regan O’Connor as an important piece of the team because of her defense and durability. “She gets the toughest defensive assignment every game we play, and she never lets us down,” Stein said. “We really could not survive without what she does.”

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6 Port Washington 10 East Meadow 13 @ Syosset

Versatile junior Juliann Brzeski, a versatile defender whom Stein called the team’s “swiss army knife,” is slated for a larger role.

Players in the mix for the final starting spot include sophomore Emma Lembo, juniors Emma Adamo and Kelsey Brosnan, and senior newcomer Gianna Recine.

With more experience throughout the roster, the Dalers aim to break through in the postseason.

“Even though we’re young, there’s a lot of experience out there,” Stein said. “A successful season is to try to get in the playoffs and see if we can win a playoff game this year.”

Photos by Jeff Wilson

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FREEPORT

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Red Devils set playoff goal

By PATRICK MOQUIN

I

n his third season as head coach, Daryl Johnson believes Freeport boys’ basketball is due to take a big step forward in Nassau Class AAA. The Red Devils’ postseason hopes were dashed last season when they lost to Massapequa in the final game, but they seem likely to build on that 11-9 record with a clear goal ahead.

“We did a great job in the offseason in terms of having the guys playing AAU basketball in the spring, the summer, as well as the fall, with just our high school team,” Johnson said. “So we got a chance to jell.

Their roles have been defined and they know what their expectations are.”

When Johnson, the longtime head coach at Bay Shore, looks at his budding Freeport program, he sees countless players ready to step up.

Among this group, he said that guard Oniel Suero Reyes is best prepared to lead the Red Devils in a resurgent campaign.

“I think he’s going to catch a lot of people off guard and take a lot of people by storm,” Johnson said.

“He had a great spring. Not only did he play AAU with us, he also played with Crown Basketball and put on a show. He’s going to be somebody that they’re going to underestimate.

I would be surprised if he’s not competing for Player of the Year in our conference.”

Returning junior Keven Valdez and sophomore Jaiden Daniels will join Suero Reyes around the perimeter and give Freeport multiple threats from beyond the arc. Johnson also said that he expects senior Jahmere Johnson to serve in an outside shooting role, while junior captain Jeremy Henderson was described as a locker room leader who can provide

December 18, 2025

as needed.

In the paint, junior forward Ethan Richardson and senior captain Tyrel Williams could give the Red Devils a distinct advantage due to their strength and size around the rim.

Versatile senior Ryan Greene is just as effective in the paint as he is near the top of the key.

TEN RETURNEES TO LEAD FREEPORT

Tyrel Williams

Freeport girls’ basketball will return 10 players from last year’s roster, giving the Red Devils a rare opportunity to build from one year to the next without any turnover.

Head coach Meredith Jones said that she is focused on developing a strong supporting cast around the starting five, who led Freeport to a 17-5 overall record last season.

“I tell this team, we’re going to have a good season this year,” Jones said. “We’re a good team. We’re going to have a good season. But we could have a great season.”

In March, the Red Devils’ 202425 campaign came to an end when they lost 70-47 to second-seeded Syosset in the Nassau Class AAA semifinals.

“Sometimes, the expression sort of gets overused. Like, oh, they wanted it more,” Jones said. “It’s not just wanting it. Everybody wants it.

But what are you willing to do to get there? What sacrifices will you make?

How hard are you willing to work?”

BOYS December 11 Plainview 15 @ Hicksville 18 Syosset

January

7 @ Farmingdale 10 @ Hempstead 13 Massapequa

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Freeport’s expected starting five relies on versatile scoring opportunities, rather than a single star.

Sophomore guard Ja’Niyah Eady will often be the youngest starter and is coming off a freshman year in which she scored 7.6 points per game.

Freeport’s senior leaders on the floor will likely be guards Madison Starks and Shaniyah Bonny. Starks led the Red Devils in rebounds last year and can flex into a small forward role as needed, while Bonny serves as an efficient shooting guard.

Juniors Madison Harris and Sabrina Ligonde are also expected to have massive roles on the floor. Jones described Harris as the “heart of the team,” a five-foot-eight forward who fights hard to establish herself in

@ Uniondale @ Plainview Hicksville @ Syosset

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9 East Meadow 15 Hicksville 17 Westbury

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10 @ V.S. Central 13 @ Massapequa 16 Uniondale

Madison Harris

the paint. Ligonde can play at point guard and has a “calming presence” on both sides of the floor.

Many more girls could earn significant time, either as spotstarters or bench contributors. Senior forward Leah Gaddist often started last year and could fill in alongside senior Chrissa Alexander and junior Brooklyn McKenzie. Seniors Sasha Graham and Kaylie Jean-Lubin have also earned their stripes over time.

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(516) 867-1466 High School Basketball Preview

19

12981887

20 Guy Lombardo Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520 December 18, 2025

HEWLETT

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Bulldogs sniffing for playoff success

By TONY BELLISSIMO

T

he Bulldogs are hungry for some playoff success after back-toback losses in the first round of the Class AA boys’ basketball bracket, and head coach Andy DeBernardo believes they have a roster capable of doing so.

Coming off a 14-win campaign that ended with a narrow defeat to Roslyn, Hewlett has two-time AllCounty selection Justin Ortiz to lead the way.

“We have potential to be better,” DeBernardo said. “We’re in a difference conference but it’s still super competitive and I can see teams beating each other.”

A combo guard with all the tools, Ortiz averaged a shade under 20 points per game last season and is fast approaching 1,000 points for his career. He can score from almost anywhere. “He’s one of the best players in the county if not Long Island in my opinion,” DeBernardo said. “He’s unselfish and smart. He loves to score but he wants to win more than anything else.”

Sophomore Gabe Bowers is another returning starter coming off a nice varsity debut season. He’s a 6-foot-5 center with a strong defensive presence in the paint. “He rebounds like a monster, blocks shots and does a good job staying out of foul trouble,” DeBernardo said.

“We’re going to run more offensive sets through him too.”

At the point, senior Christian Champangie has a reliable handle and not only distributes well but can shoot and drive. “He’s lightning quick and can score, but he knows our bread-and-butter will be Justin and Gabe,” DeBernardo said.

Back at Hewlett following Lawrence Woodmere Academy’s closure, senior Maxon McKenniss is a key addition and someone DeBer-

December 18, 2025

nardo is counting on to make a major impact. Another newcomer is junior Alan Fontana, who transferred from Oceanside and has impressed during camp.

Senior Stefano Borsellino is the “glue guy,” the coach said and will provide rebounding and leadership and tough defense. Senior forward Kobe Cox is strong and athletic, and junior Alan Tracktenberg, off an impressive soccer season, brings a non-stop engine. Up from JV is sophomore guard Brenden Fahy.

“I really like our depth,” DeBernardo said.

HEWLETT PRIMED FOR IMPROVEMENT

A mix of experienced varsity players and some talented newcomers will look to make Bulldogs a lot more competitive than last season when a rough-and-tumble group of conference foes got the best of them.

Hewlett managed just a nonleague win over East Rockaway amongst its 20 games, but with its backcourt tandem of Mia Koloden and Kayla Owens leading the way for head coach Alex Pallatto, optimism is high. Koloden averaged 16 points per game and Owens 12.5.

“The second half of last season we were more competitive and now we’ve got our best two players returning with the conference looking more balanced,” Pallatto said. “We have a good mix of non-league

BOYS December 16 @ Roosevelt 19 Glen Cove

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Justin Ortiz Kayla Owens

games to get us prepared.”

Koloden is one of Nassau’s top 3-point shooters, draining more than 50 last winter on the way to earning All-Class honors. She’s a third-year starter and will share point guard duties with Owens. “Mia is a proven outside shooter but she can also get to the basket and will be at the top of our press,” Pallatto said.

Owens can score from anywhere on the floor, the coach noted, and is never afraid to take a charge on defense.

Senior center Giuliana Oliviero is Hewlett’s defensive anchor and vocal leader in the paint who’ll be counted on to call out sets and rebound.

“She’s the communicator when we’re on defense,” Pallatto said.

Senior Ella Fahy has starting

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16 Roslyn 23 Roosevelt 19 @ Glen Cove

January

5 @ G.N. North 10 @ Roslyn 14 Mepham

experience as well after cracking the top five midway through last season.

She’s a strong defender expected to contribute more points.

A trio of sophomores and a pair of ninth graders are being counted on to make an impact. Sophomore Jenna Shvartsshtyen is a lefty shooter who led the JV in scoring and plays solid defense. Sophomore guard Angelia Batista is athletic with a good handle, and sophomore Maya Wodnitzky will boost the Bulldogs on the boards.

Freshmen Emma Kesler (forward) and Abigail Kurtz (guard) bring chemistry from working well together to lead the middle school program.

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KENNEDY

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Cougars ready to flip the script

By MICHELLE RABINOVICH

M

ike Gattus is entering his sophomore season as Kennedy’s boys head coach, but that’s not all that’s weighing his mind. Between a 1-19 season and an eight-year playoff drought, Gattus is ready for the Cougars to flip the script.

“Last year was my first year as the head coach, I was the assistant [coach] for 9 years prior to that, so we’re looking to improve on the that record and really compete in the league and non-league schedule,” he said.

With plenty of returners and a mostly upperclassman roster, he’s excited for the Cougars to execute on the hardwood. They face Great Neck South, Calhoun, MacArthur, Jericho, Long Beach and New Hyde Park in conference play.

Most of the starters are known amongst his coaching staff: senior Luca Kaplan, sophomore Jack Hand and junior guard Aaron Jacobs. All three players, Gattus said, had a lot of minutes last season, and are expected to step up in their roles.

Kaplan averaged 6 points and 5 rebounds per game last season and is expected to take those numbers up a notch. “Luca is a tremendous leader,” Gattus said. “He’s always encouraging teammates and is incredibly accepting of coaching.”

One of the top returnees is Nico Santiagos, so Gattus is expecting the same production plus defensive work from the senior guard. Santiagos can create turnovers and turn them into points.

There’s also seniors Lukas Oberst and Jared Cohen off the bench that contributed last winter, so Gattus expressed that he’s anticipating continued progress on and off the court from those two. “They are four-year program members who will provide

leadership and see solid minutes,” Gattus said.

A relatively fresh face this season is Bryan Gorman, coming up from the JV. So far, there’s plenty of competitive spirit to go around, and that’s just the way Gattus likes it.

“Everybody is competing for playing time,” he said. “Practice has been very competitive so far, we’re hoping to keep that going and compete as a team and win as a team.”

Jordana Wohlleben

NEW CONFERENCE FOES AWAIT KENNEDY

After a 5-7 season, the Kennedy girls are ready to hit the court, no matter the obstacles.

“We’re definitely very young,” said head coach Mallory Freely.

“We’re rebuilding this year but we are looking pretty good in my eyes.”

The Cougars are moving up to AA1 from AA3, so Freely anticipating everything including the kitchen sink to be thrown at them.

“We’re in a new conference this year so very hard to predict what will happen but I think it will be a competitive one,” she said. “A lot of teams that we haven’t ever really faced, a few non-league [competitors] that we’re pretty competitive with. We’re coming together nicely.”

Freely is excited for three key returnees, starting with junior forward Katelyn Kuhl, who she said looks tremendous in practice. There’s

BOYS December 13 @ G.N. South 16 @ Calhoun 19 MacArthur

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5 @ Jericho 14 Long Beach 17 @ New Hyde Park

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Luca Kaplan

also senior shooting guard Jordana Wohlleben, a senior and four-year varsity player. Freshman point guard Valentina Alfieri has been on the varsity since last year as a “first off the bench,” subbing in for the starting point guard when she was an eighth grader. Now she’s the floor general, entrusted with the tall task because of her defense-reading skills.

Kuhl averaged 12 rebounds, 6 blocks and almost 8 points per game last season, while Wohlleben contributed 5.7 ppg, 5 steals and 4 assists.

That core unit are the three legs of the tripod the coach expects the team will stand on. Kennedy also has

23 G.N. South 27 Calhoun 30 @ MacArthur

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Isabella Ryan coming up from JV to be the small forward and bring her multi-sport athleticism to the court.

Freely also expects a sister duo, Sydney and Remi Watstein, seventh and 10th grade respectively, to pack a punch. Remi, she plans, to maneuver as a shooting guard, while Sydney, she foresees as the sixth man off the bench. “[Syndey] is really tall as well, so having another tall and physical body is super helpful,” Freely said.

“She’s very defensive, has a great wingspan, we’re excited about them two, especially to play together, it’s a fun dynamic.”

Photos by Karen Millindorf

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LAWRENCE

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Golden Tornadoes’ vibe is upbeat

By TONY BELLISSIMO

F

ollowing a 10-10 campaign in 2022-23, the Golden Tornadoes have yet to revisit the win column.

But head coach Chris DeMarzo couldn’t be more pleased with the vibe and positive energy the kids have brought to every practice and hopes for more competitive games against the same group of conference rivals that includes Friends Academy, Locust Valley, North Shore, Malverne, Island Trees and Seaford.

“We have some young impact players and overall good athleticism,” DeMarzo said. “We’re looking forward to being more competitive and better results. We’re in position to play better at both ends of the floor and the energy is positive.”

If camp is any indication, the Golden Tornadoes won’t have any seniors among their starting five. “I think the group we have now can set the foundation to get the program back on the map,” DeMarzo said.

Junior point guard Khalil Brassell, like he did on the football field, will quarterback the offense. He got lots of valuable experience at the varsity level a year ago.

“He’s quick and smart with good court awareness,” DeMarzo said.

“He’s a leader on the court and we’re looking for him to become a leader off the court as well. He’s that type of kid.”

Junior forward Logan Davis-Kee can make things happen in the lane and like Brassell is sure to benefit from major minutes last season. In the paint, junior center Shamel Fields showed what he can do in a scrimmage with 10 blocks and only one foul. “He’s a tall, aggressive player with a great attitude,” DeMarzo said of Fields.

Sophomore shooting guard Daelen Paden has range and a handle

December 18, 2025

to take some pressure off Brassell bringing the ball up the floor. Another sophomore, Dillon Harris, is in line for a significant contribution. There’s also junior Dijon Harris, junior Joel Brassell and senior Junior Brassell to bolster the depth that was lacking last season.

“The kids are putting the work in,” said DeMarzo, who enters the season with a 16-deep roster.

ENTIRE ROSTER RETURNS FOR LAWRENCE

With all of last season’s roster back in the fold, Lawrence girls head coach Craig Mannhart is optimistic the team can crack the win column for the first time since December of 2023.

Though the program is mired in a 35-game losing streak, there’s no doubt this is the most talent Mannhart has had in his three seasons at the helm.

“The fundamentals are better by a lot and the girls are understanding the game better,” he said. “The majority didn’t pick up a basketball until seventh or eighth grade, but we do have a few playing AAU over the summer now so that’s positive. I know we’ll be more competitive, but we’re still not where we need to be.”

Senior combo guard Ava Abramov was an All-Conference selection last season and one of the top 3-point shooters in the conference (49) who led the Golden Tornadoes

BOYS December 8 North Shore 12 Friends Academy 17 @ Locust Valley

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Elyse Francis Khalil Brassell

in scoring at 13 points per game. “She’s shooting with even more confidence and consistency,” Mannhart said.

Sophomore power forward/center Elyse Francis thrived last winter in her first season playing organized basketball and is primed to take her game to the next level. “She’s 6-foot and very driven for the sport,” Mannhart said.

“Her finishing around the basket is 10 times better and she’s aggressive on the boards.”

Third-year varsity performer Yaslin Bonilla has the most experience of anyone on the roster is a strong defender in the post and boxes out well.

Sophomore Tianna Cunnhingham is 5-9 and versatile, Mannhart said, and is looking to crack the starting lineup after being slowed by injury last season. “She played

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8 @ North Shore 17 Locust Valley

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8 12 15 20

well over the summer and has solid fundamentals that we just need to fine tune,” the coach noted.

Junior guard Analeigh Humphriys brings quickness and is not only a good facilitator who gets teammates involved offensively, but isn’t afraid to drive to the basket. Junior wing Shamiyah Alder also provides quickness and will be a key defender when Lawrence turns up the pressure.

Senior Alyssa Weinstein, junior Priscilla Jiminez and sophomores Layla Allen and Valarie Vialima will also contribute.

Photos by Sue Grieco

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December 18, 2025

LONG BEACH

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Marines bank on perimeter strength

By NICK MONGIOVI

I

t was an inconsistent 2024-25 season for Long Beach boys’ basketball, but now it has a clean slate, just like everybody else. The Marines finished on the outside looking in with a 8-12 overall record and 5-8 league record. Now, they look to retool with a fresh roster.

“The league changed and our team also changed, so we’re in a similar spot where we have to try to fight for a playoff spot again,” head coach Scott Martin said. “We have to get a lot better as we go.”

Despite unfamiliar faces, Martin returns a pair who played significant minutes in junior point guard Zack Brymer and junior shooting/small forward Jaron Burns.

“Now [Brymer] is an 11th grader, a starter and presumably one of our top players and scorers,” Martin said. “He had a total of 21 threepointers which was in the middle of the league last year. We’re looking for him to grow and be a leader offensively for sure as a point guard.” “[Barnes] hit his fair share of threes last year,” Martin said. “These guys [Brymer and Burns] played significant minutes and they were part of the team heavily during the season. So, I would like them to step up and be the leaders because of their experience last year.”

In terms of senior leadership returning, that class consists of forwards Vance Kanganis, Nathan Hall, Colin Liguori, Joseph Olshwitz and shooting guard Andrew McCartney.

With the plethora of three-point shooting, the Marines may rely on their outside shooters to stretch the defenses.

“This year’s team looks like it’s going to fall into being a perimeter team and shooting some threes and trying to get guys open on the outside,” Martin said. “We don’t

December 18, 2025

have a lot of size returning and we don’t have a lot of large forwards, but we do have a 6-foot-7 freshman [Alex Michaels], so we got to work into him.

“We have to play physical to get those rebounds and hopefully hit the open threes,” Martin said. “If we do that, we’ll stay in games and if we stay in games, we’ll have a chance to compete for a playoff spot.”

Vance Kanganis

LONG BEACH COUNTS ON RISING JUNIORS

The Long Beach girls’ team is looking a little different. Instead of a roster full of savvy veterans, it’s littered with 10 juniors, three sophomores, and just two seniors.

The young bucks look to take over this program after finishing 7-13, just a couple of games out of a playoff spot, a season ago.

There is one returning captain for the Marines by the name of junior guard Brianna Bothell. She took home the All-Class award as a sophomore.

“The main thing was her leadership on and off the court,” said head coach Blake Malizia. “She’s always doing the right thing. She’s very coachable. She leads her teammates, motivates, follows her team roles and instills them into the team. She is a tremendous player; she has been our leading scorer for the past two years.”

In addition to Bothell, junior

BOYS December 13 MacArthur 16 @ Jericho

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starting point guard Jordan Soriano, senior forward Brooke Buehre and junior center Irish Lynch make up the core. “[Brooke] had a strong junior year playing for us off the bench,” Malizia said.

“She’s aggressive on the boards and understands our offensive system very well. She’s very coachable and her willingness to win is evident.”

Sophomore forward Simaiyah Wardana, junior three-point shooting guard/forward Delaney Kaplan, junior guard Danielle Gelsh, and senior guard Ava Kolb are all anticipated to make an impact on this Marines team.

Many of these girls played on JV last season and were successful.

Malizia thinks that success at the younger level can translate to the varsity level.

“Allowing them to be together

17 G.N. South 23 @ MacArthur 28 Jericho

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Brianna Bothell

as a unit down there on JV last year and knowing what winning feels like,” Malizia said. “They were with me throughout the summer and our team chemistry is strong. They are all players that play for each other and there are no single eyes and they’re not pointing fingers and blaming others. I think that’s going to be a big part of us going over the hup and making it further into the playoffs.”

Long Beach faces MacArhur, Jericho, New Hyde Park, Calhoun, Kennedy and Great Neck South in conference play.

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December 18, 2025

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December 18, 2025

2025-26 BOYS HEAD COACHES

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

DARIUS BURtON - Baldwin

JAY KREUtZBERGER - Calhoun

LAURENCE REID - Carey

JOE HASBROUCK - Clarke

tOM ROttKAMP - East Meadow

PAUL COLLINS - East Rockaway

RYAN StRAUB - Elmont

JIM PAStIER - Farmingdale

DARYL JOHNSON - Freeport

ANDY DEBERNARDO - Hewlett

MIKE GAttUS - Kennedy

CHRIS DEMARZO - Lawrence

SCOtt MARtIN - Long Beach

BRIAN DONALDSON - Lynbrook

BRIAN MAINI - MacArthur

DARROLL LOPEZ - Malverne

CHRIS CAfIERO - Massapequa

JAMIE ADAMS - Mepham

ED RISENER - Oceanside

JARED BURSKY - Plainedge

JAY LYNCH - Seaford

JASON ALLEN - Sewanhaka

JERRY D’ANGELO - South Side

JAAZ StYLES - Uniondale

MIKE O’BRIEN - V.S. South

MAtt SIMEONE - Wantagh

MIKE wIMMER - V.S. Central

MICHAEL MCVEIGH - V.S. North

ERIC RUBIN - West Hempstead

December 18, 2025

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High School Basketball Preview

2025-26 GIRLS HEAD COACHES

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

tOm CAtAPANO - Baldwin

DAN CAtAPANO - Calhoun

ANtHONy tuRCO - Carey

SHAuN FEAN - Clarke

PEtE OLENIK - East Meadow

CHERI POLAND - East Rockaway

PEtE LAWSON - Elmont

DAvE StEIN - Farmingddale

mEREDItH JONES - Freeport

ALEx PALLAttO - Hewlett

mALLORy FREELy - Kennedy

CRAIG mANNHARt - Lawrence

BLAKE mILIZIA - Long Beach

DAN DRumm - Lynbrook

DAvE RADtKE - MacArthur

AmANDA mASSON - Malverne

BILLy HERR - Massapequa

JIm muLvEy - Mepham

JARED StOLER - Oceanside

SARAH tANSEy - Plainedge

StEPHANIE BARtKuS - Seaford

ALEx SOuPIOS - Sewanhaka

DAN FERRICK - South Side

NOLAN DuNKLEy - Uniondale

DOmINIQuE SERPICO - V.S. South

StAN BuJACICH - Wantagh

mALySSA tHORNGREN - VS Central

DAN LODAtO - V.S. North

CHRIS vAN KOvICS - West Hempstead

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December 18, 2025

LYNBROOK

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Owls take flight with high hopes

By TONY BELLISSIMO

T

he Owls have strong reason to believe they can pick up where they left off last season when they finished with seven wins in their last nine, including a split of Class A playoff games, to salvage a .500 campaign at 11-11.

Three full-time starters and a host of others with a good deal of varsity experience return and head coach Brian Donaldson believes the sky is the limit.

“The expectations are to be right in the mix to win the first county title for the program since 1989,” he said. “We’re capable of being right there. We have a nice combination of height and guard play and experience.”

Senior Jake Prince just completed a standout year as Lynbrook’s soccer goalkeeper and is the lone returning award winner on the hardwood, garnering All-Conference honors. The 6-foot-4 forward is versatile enough to play any position both offensively and defensively, Donaldson said, and was ultra-productive during the late-season surge averaging a dozen points and six points during the playoff push. “He’s the kid opponents are going to game plan for the most,” the coach noted.

Senior Jaime Pereira is a combo guard who can shoot, get to the rim and distribute. He’ll also defend opponents’ top perimeter threat and serve as a key in the Owls’ up-tempo style and transition game.

Wing Devin Byrne, another senior, is a tenacious defender with 3-point range that’ll keep defenses honest. Senior Cooper Cordes is their most lethal outside threat, Donaldson noted, and a vocal leader stepping into a starting role.

Few if any teams will match Lynbrook’s paint presence with 6-8 senior center Aaron Malinka, who

December 18, 2025

like Prince surged down the stretch last winter. He’s a defensive anchor who’ll rebound plenty and score on putbacks.

Senior wing Max Dellacona will provide steady play at both ends, and junior 6-5 forward Orji Agnu is a menace on the boards and brings a nonstop motor. Donaldson said senior wing Jake Palay is the team’s most improved and could be a major offensive contributor.

Jessie Vuotto

LYNBROOK RETOOLS AFTER 20-WIN CAMPAIGN

It was a heartbreaking ending to an incredible season for the Lynbrook girls last winter.

They won 20 games but came up just short against Wantagh in the Nassau Class A championship game as the top seed in the bracket.

Now the Owls will look to return to the playoffs with a roster that lost four major contributors and brings back only one starter. New head coach Danny Drumm, a former assistant with the program and former head coach at Valley Stream South, is excited about the work ethic and potential.

“We have a nice mix of kids and the dedication has been outstanding since the summer when we had up to 16 kids some nights,” Drumm said.

“We went 8-2 in the Freeport league and built a pretty tough non-league schedule to get us ready.”

To get back to the postseason,

BOYS December 17 V.S. South 20 Floral Park

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Drumm’s squad has to win at least six conference games against a group that includes defending county and Long Island champion Wantagh, Plainedge, Floral Park, Mineola, Valley Stream North and Valley Stream South. “One hundred percent the playoffs is our goal and I’d like to see us do better than 6-6 in the conference,” Drumm said.

Junior Jessie Vuotto has starting experience and leadership qualities.

She averaged more than 7 points and 7 rebounds last season and Drumm expects the 5-foot-10 guard/forward

15 Plainedge 28 @ V.S. South 31 @ Floral Park

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to put up double-doubles often if not every game. “She’s a tremendous athlete whose numbers from last year don’t reflect how good a player she is because of all the other talent they had on the roster,” he said.

Junior forward/center Sophia Siruto is 5-11 is a strong rebounder with good shooting range stepping into a starting role. Senior Mia Corley will operate in the paint with Siruto and is also tough on the boards and defends well.

Senior forward Natalie Kehoe has varsity experience as well and can do damage offensively when teams converge on Vuotto.

At point guard, Drumm envisions senior Maggie Mattera, sophomore Arianna Lanzello and freshman Lexie Russo all contributing. Lanzello was the JV starting point last season.

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M MacARTHUR

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Generals ready for next step

By ANDREW COEN

M

acArthur boys basketball brings back plenty of experience from a 2024-25 that was battle-tested in a grueling league.

The Generals graduated three seniors from last year’s 6-14 season competing in a conference against some of Nassau County’s top teams.

Three of the powerhouse programs MacArthur contended with in recent years during league play, Baldwin, Great Neck South and Valley Stream Central, have left for other the Class AAA division opening the door for a possible breakthrough season in Conference AA-1.

“We have a lot of guys who’ve had experience over the last two years in one of the brutal conferences,” said sixth-year head coach Brian Mainil. “Us playing those teams over the last two years and a lot of these guys playing against that competition I think only benefits us this year.”

MacArthur returns three starters including junior forward Vinny Szucs, who Maini said will have an increased role this year after Raj Singh transferred to Portledge School.

Senior guard Danny Lopez is another veteran who gives the Generals some crucial backcourt experience.

Junior guard Ivan Adames is also expected to play a bigger part in the offense this season after making strides in his first varsity season as a sophomore. Maini also has high hopes for senior guard Anthony Polanco setting up some transition offense with his speed and athleticism.

MacArthur also returns some veteran leaders in the paint including junior forward Tyler Centonze, who is a hard-nosed defender, according to Maini. Senior center CJ McNulty is also back after picking up key rebounds off the bench last winter.

“He’s a beast for us,” said Maini of McNulty.

The Generals will vie for a playoff spot in Conference AA-III against Long Beach, Calhoun, Jericho, Great Neck South, New Hyde Park and Bellmore JFK. “It’s going to be very competitive across our league,” Maini said. “The experience over the last couple years is building us up for a successful season and playoffs is the ultimate goal.”

Gabby Nicolini

MACARTHUR IN COUNTY TITLE CONVERSATION

MacArthur is primed for a championship run this season with 10 seniors back following back-to-back seasons that ended on the semifinal stage.

The Generals went 17-5 last season before falling to eventual state champion Baldwin in the Class AA semis. Baldwin and East Meadow, who both ended MacArthur’s season the last two years, have moved up to Class AAA, creating a different potential championship path.

“There is no more Baldwin and no more East Meadow but there’s still tough teams like South Side and Garden City,” said 12th-year head coach Dave Radtke. “But I think it’s wide open for everybody as our section lost around a few 1,000-point scorers.”

The Generals will be powered largely by senior center/power for-

BOYS December 13 @ Long Beach 19 @ Kennedy

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5 Calhoun 8 G.N. South 14 @ New Hyde Park

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Vinny Szucs

ward Meaghan Campbell, a two-time All-County and conference defensive player of the year honoree. Campbell, who averaged 14.5 points per game last season, also shines in the classroom and has committed to play women’s college basketball at Vassar next year.

Campbell is a co-captain along with versatile senior guard/forward Gabby Nicolini, who earned All-County accolades as a junior. Radtke said Nicolini can be a tough mismatch for opposing post players with her ability to shoot and drive the basket.

The offense will be quarterbacked by senior point guard Caitilin Kilian, who got her first full year of

17 Jericho 23 Long Beach 30 Kennedy

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13 Long Beach 19 Kennedy

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5 @ Calhoun 8 @ G.N. South 14 New Hyde Park

starting under belt last year. Radtke said Kilian and senior guard Ysabelle Perillo bring plenty of speed to the floor and toughness on defense.

Radtke expects big contributions in his fast-paced offense from second-year varsity players in senior twin sisters Abby Clarkson and Olivia Clarkson along with junior Gina Iannuzzi. Freshman Brianna Peduzzi is also expected to get key minutes for the Generals after shining for the Salk Middle School team.

“Our slogan is to play fast, play smart, play together,” Radtke said.

“We’re going to press, we’re going to score in bunches and I think the bench is going to get a lot of time.”

Photos by Karen Millindorf

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December 18, 2025

MALVERNE

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Mules ‘reload’ for another run

By BRIAN KACHARABA

T

he Malverne boys’ basketball enters the new season looking to extend its remarkable streak of 52 straight playoff appearances.

The Mules went 13-8 last winter but were knocked out of the Class A playoffs with a heartbreaking 63-62 loss to Wantagh, surrendering the winning basket with 15 seconds left.

Head coach Darrol Lopez said the finish still motivates the group as they try to push deeper.

Malverne graduated only three players and lost another key contributor to transfer, but the team still has a strong returning nucleus — something Lopez has grown accustomed to building around.

“Over the years, traditionally we try to just reload and not rebuild,” he said. “We have a good team. We’ve got one senior that’s going to do some good things for us.”

That player is guard Bryce McIntosh, who leads the returning group after averaging nearly 10 points a game, highlighted by a 21-point outing against Wheatley on Feb. 11.

“I expect he’s going to be up to his leadership,” Lopez said. “Being experienced playing at this level and one of the older players on the court that played for me in three years, I’m looking for great things out of him.”

Julien Domornay gives Malverne size, strength and finishing ability inside, but junior guard Tristen Inswood, who averaged just over six points last season, is expected to miss roughly three weeks with an injury.

Until his return, juniors Shane Lee and Jason Miletic will share point-guard duties. Lee is known for his stingy defense, while Miletic brings perimeter shooting that Lopez believes can help stretch opposing defenses.

The coaching staff also looks

December 18, 2025

different. Longtime associate coach Walter Aksionoff retired after 22 years alongside Lopez. Filling his seat is Lopez’s daughter, Tatiana Lopez, creating what could be the first father-daughter coaching duo on Long Island.

“She’s a basketball player in her own right, so she understands the game,” Lopez said. “She’d be like one of the first assistant [boys] coaches… in Nassau or Long Island.”

Christopher McIntosh Makiyah Harris

YOUNG MALVERNE AIMS FOR PLAYOFF RETURN

The girls’ team took a major step forward last winter, finishing 11-11 and reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The Mules didn’t stop there, knocking off Valley Stream North, 48-42, in the first round of the Class A before bowing out against top-seeded Lynbrook in the quarterfinals.

Now, with a roster dominated by underclassmen, head coach Amanda Masson believes her players understand what it takes to compete at that level.

“That is the goal, definitely,” Masson said of returning to the postseason. “It was a blessing to make it to the playoffs and see that kind of caliber of play. We are a young team, but they know what it takes to get to that level.”

Malverne graduated two of its top three scorers, but the biggest returning weapon is freshman guard

BOYS December 12 North Shore 16 Friends Academy 20 @ Locust Valley

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Nevaeh Lopez, who averaged more than nine points a game as an eighth-grader and is expected to carry an even bigger offensive load.

“As long as her confidence is up, that’ll be the goal for her to pass what she’s had [in scoring average],” Masson said.

She’ll have help from senior Makiyah Harris, the team’s lone senior and top defender, who will also anchor the leadership role. Sophomore Dana Sobers returns as another standout defender whose offensive game continues to grow, and freshman Autumn Williams is expected to have a starting role.

Masson said the group’s mentality has already emerged as a collective strength.

“I would definitely say they’re

GIRLS December

24 @ North Shore 11:45 a.m.

28 @ Friends Academy 6:45 p.m.

29 Locust Valley 11:45 a.m.

12 North Shore 18 Friends Academy 20 @ Locust Valley

February

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3 Seaford 6 @ Island Trees 9 Lawrence

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go-getters,” she said. “They’re unselfish, and they definitely work hard to get each other better.”

Freshman Olivia Elleston, who scored 10 points in last year’s playoff win, is expected to provide immediate energy off the bench. “Tough” freshman Jade Ackies, should step into the fifth starting spot.

Masson said maintaining confidence and building trust will shape the team’s direction.

“Pretty much adapt, kind of go with each game, honestly,” Masson said. “Every day is different, so we’re just trying to adapt. But we do pretty much the same concept.”

Photos by Sue Grieco

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23 @ North Shore 28 Friends Academy 31 @ Locust Valley

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High School Basketball Preview

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2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

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MASSAPEQUA

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Young Chiefs have shooter’s chance

By DYLAN BUTLER

C

hris Cafiero has never had a younger team in his six years as Massapequa boys basketball head coach.

The Chiefs have four sophomores and, for the first time, a pair of freshmen on the roster.

But Massapequa, which went 10-11 last winter and lost to Port Washington in the Nassau Class AAA quarterfinals last year, also has tremendous senior leadership on a team Cafiero said works “unbelievably hard.”

That starts with Tyler Byrnes, a UMass lacrosse commit who was part of the undefeated Long Island championship football team.

The 6-foot-4 forward is a two-time All-Conference selection who is the engine of the squad.

“He’s a force defensively, he outworks everyone on the court,” Cafiero said. “He’s the guy who’s going to take a charge or dive and save a loose ball and get the team going the other direction, or he’ll get a steal and a dunk.”

Returning at point guard is senior John Neary, a lockdown defender who is the quintessential floor general, and Ryan McLaughlin is a 6-foot-6 senior forward who gives Cafiero a “good problem to have.”

“I’ve got two bigs who I’ve got to figure out how to play together at some point,” he said. “The problem is we have a ton of shooters. These younger kids can shoot the basketball.”

Senior Will “The Rooster” Leszczak is Massapequa’s X-factor, someone who can dunk, run the floor, and is a knockdown shooter, and shooting guard Sean Durnin provides additional leadership as a junior captain.

In freshman Jake Byrnes, Cafiero said the Chiefs have a “unicorn,”

December 18, 2025

someone who can jump out of the gym, can guard anyone, and can shoot the ball, while freshman Austin Irizarry might be the best shooter on the team.

Sophomore Nate Leszczak can also shoot it, and sophomore Austin VanRoten, whose brother Michael, was a starter last year, will see minutes.

“We have a lot of intangible parts,” Cafiero said. “If we put it together, we may surprise some people.

MASSAPEQUA BOASTS HUGE ASPIRATIONS

Tyler Byrnes

Winning a county championship won’t be a tall task for the Massapequa girls’ basketball team.

That’s because the Chiefs, who were 15-7 last season and lost to Plainview-JFK in the Nassau Class AAA semifinals, could field a starting five that features four players 5-foot10 and taller.

Running the point is junior Olivia Morgan, who can blow by defenders with an explosive first step, but has also done a good job of distributing the ball and getting to the foul line.

Savanna Appleton is an athletic 6-1 senior who is a matchup nightmare because of her versatility. “Her jump shot has really improved,” head coach Billy Herr said. “She has taken a leadership role on the court. She’s a kid who can light it up from the three-point line, run the break, and then is our best rebounder.”

BOYS December 11 Syosset 15 Plainview 18 @ Hicksville

January

7 @ Hempstead 10 Uniondale 13 @ Freeport

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Senior forward Maeve Schiereck, a Stony Brook softball commit, battles under the basket and can also step out and knock down 3-pointers.

Sophomore Sienna Erker has great post moves and footwork and is lethal from 15 feet and in.

Round out the starting five is Molly Hoffman, a long and athletic junior guard who is just under 6-foot and can defend any position on the court. The Elon lacrosse commit is a great passer who can also consistently knock down her jump shot.

There’s also quality coming off the bench with Reese Russell, a Stonehill soccer commit, who can

Farmingdale @ Syosset @ Plainview Hicksville

February 4 7 10 13

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7 V.S. Central 10 @ Uniondale

hit the 3-pointer and chases after loose balls in the Chiefs’ press. Junior Peyton Wildes, a Wingate lacrosse commit, is a relentless rebounder, senior Gina Bellone can play either guard position, and sophomore Kate D’Agostino is also going to provide valuable minutes.

“They’re great character kids, they’re hard workers,” Herr said. “No one is looking for their numbers. No one is looking to do anything that the team doesn’t need. This group has been great. I think it’s a group that can win it all and go far.”

Photos by Erik Lee

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High School Basketball Preview

MEPHAM

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Pirates aim to turn the corner

By DAVID WEINGRAD

H

ead coach Jamie Adams has no doubt that Mepham’s boys’ basketball record last year does not reflect his team’s dedication and hard work.

“If you walked into our gym the last day of practice, he said, “You’d have never known we were 0-20.”

Where many others may see a lost season, Adams sees opportunity.

A chance for growth and to build a long-lasting culture around Mepham’s boys basketball program. And he already sees that vision unfolding in the early days of practice.

It starts with All-Conference forward Rhyan Galarza, who was among the biggest surprises last season, showcasing his ability to score downhill and beyond the arc.

His defensive prowess will also find him frequently matched up against opponents’ top scorers.

Senior Colin Kohut will serve as the floor general at point guard, and Adams expressed strong confidence in his quickness and decision-making.

Juniors Frankie Fasano and Drew Adams will be key pieces of the starting lineup. Adams described Fasano as their most natural scorer, while his son Drew is the proverbial Swiss army knife who will do a bit of everything on the court.

Competing for the final starting spot were senior Chase Anderson and sophomore Jackson Mallen, who stand at 6-foot-7 and 6-foot-5, respectively. Both will play major roles in shaping the team’s defensive identity.

Other key contributors include senior Brayden Seligman, who can provide instant offensive off the bench; junior Ryan Settanni, a courtsavvy point guard who will spell Kohut off the bench; and, in a welcome surprise, freshman Caleb Caraballo, a transfer from St. Mary’s who brings

height and versatile scoring ability.

Now in his second year at Mepham, Adams said this season will be an important step toward establishing a winning culture. “‘I want to compete and I want to be in every game,” he said. “I want people to say this is not last year’s Mepham. This is going to be a team that competes from the jump ball to the final horn.”

MEPHAM RELOADS WITH YOUNG TALENT

Ryhan Galarza

All cards are on the table as the Mepham girls enter what head coach Jim Mulvey called the “post-Daube” era.

Following a 16-6 season and a quarterfinal playoff berth, Mulvey said he’s encouraged by the number of players who can fill the void left by the graduation of Makayla Daube, one of the top scorers in school history.

“We’re going to be really competitive this year,” said Mulvey, “but we have to replace a lot of scoring.

The effort is great. They’re a hungry group of kids.”

Much of the offensive focus will shift to junior Mia Troiano, who led the team in three-pointers last season. The All-Conference returner has impressed coaches by expanding her interior game.

Senior Sienna Linekin will also be called upon to steer the offense as the point guard and a crafty ballhandler.

“They’re two really hard-working

BOYS December 13 @ Roosevelt 16 Glen Cove

January

6 Garden City 8 @ Roosevelt 14 @ Hewlett

High School Basketball Preview

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Sienna Linekin

kids who are going to set the tone,” said Mulvey.

Returning sophomore Bree McGovern showed maturity beyond her years last year as a hybrid guard who contributes a bit of everything, and Mulvey expects her to make an even bigger leap this year.

One reason Mulvey is so confident is the strength of last year’s junior varsity squad, which went 18-1. That includes sophomore Olivia Lettieri, a prolific scorer and reliable outside shooter, and Gabby Caminiti, who led JV in steals last year and should also bolster the offense.

An early surprise in camp has been Christina Eromon, an athletic freshman and sharp defender who

17 Roslyn 23 @ Glen Cove 27 G.N. North

February 3 5 11 14

@ Garden City Roosevelt Hewlett @ Roslyn

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13 @ Glen Cove 17 G.N. North

January

6 @ Garden City 8 Roosevelt 14 Hewlett

may even crack the starting lineup.

Depth is key for the Pirates.

Angelina Katsalas will add senior leadership and size, and several players from last year’s JV team, Madele\ ine Chiodi, Alexis Honercamp, Maria Kiropoulos, Olivia Munch and Gia Kayantas, are also in the mix for playing time.

With a deep roster of effortdriven athletes and a long stretch of program success, Mulvey said a playoff return is the expectation. “Where we are right now,” he said, “there’s just so much room for growth.”

Photos by Jeff Wilson

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17 @ Roslyn 23 Glen Cove 27 @ G.N. North

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December 18, 2025

OCEANSIDE

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Sailors aim for vast improvement

By MARC BERMAN

I

t was a tough time for Oceanside basketball last season with the boys and girls each posting 2-18 records.

Boys head coach Ed Risener had talent but it was too young to find victories. Only one senior was on the 2024-25 roster and five underclassmen started.

With all five starters back and switch to Conference AAA2, Oceanside may be the county’s most improved team.

“We were one of the youngest teams in Nassau County,’’ Risener said. “We played in a very good conference. All our guys are returning with a year of experience. We’re looking forward to a brighter future.’’

The Sailors’ engine is senior All-County do-it-all forward Josh Gamarra, who at 6-foot-5 is one of Nassau’s elite players. “Being on a 2-18 team last year and still being voted All-County by the coaches was a very good sign,’’ Risener said.

Gamarra averaged 15 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.5 steals. He’s getting looks from schools such as St. Francis (Pa.).

“With his size, strength and guardlike skills, he can take over a game in multiple ways,’’ Risener said.

Junior Dylan Alfaro is next dangerous - a high-energy guard who averaged 5.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists. “He’s known for his hustle and rebounding,’’ Risener said.

The key, however, could, be a continued emergence of sophomore point guard Jaden Belone, who started as a freshman, averaging 4.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists.

“He’s a promising young guard developing into a well-rounded player,’’ Risener said. “His court vision and defensive instincts make him a key contributor.’’

Senior wing Louis Saglembeni

December 18, 2025

has shown lots of improvement, is a strong playmaker and key leader.

Senior Max Caine is considered the “heartbeat of the team” as a tenacious physical forward who averaged 8.5 boards and set the school record with 31 charges.

Sophomore Omar Olmeda Vazquez is a versatile guard and Jordan Simposn a big physical sophomore guard.

“We’ll be big, physical with a defense-first identity.’’ Risener said.

OCEANSIDE PRIMED FOR A REBOUND

After a 2-win campaign, things can only look up for Oceanside’s girls’ team. A .500 record may be reasonable.

Four of last season’s starters return from a club too inexperienced to compete. The 2024-25 Sailors were reeling after 11 seniors graduated.

“It was a big learning curve and it was tough,’’ head coach Jared Stoler said. “We’re really looking forward to this year. We have a lot of young talent who got experience last year. So we’ll build on top of that.’’

The offense is spearheaded by senior guard Karley Handleman and junior guard Ella Murray. Handleman averaged 9.8 points last season while Murray, who helped lead the soccer team to its first-ever Long Island title as its star goalkeeper, was at 8.5.

Both should be double-figure scorers

BOYS December

11 Herricks 15 Westbury 18 @ Port Washington

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Josh Gamarra

this season.

“They’re both guards who can get to the basket without hesitation and both have nice outside shots,’’ Stoler said. “They can score from anywhere, but not afraid to get into the lane.’’

The other two returning starters are forwards, senior Gianna Belone and junior forward Bella Marsicano.

Stoler calls Belone “one of the hardest workers on the floor who will lead by example and set the tone for the rest of the team.’’

Meanwhile, Marsicano is viewed as arguably possessing the team’s highest ceiling. “(Marsciano) learned on the fly last year, starting as a sophomore,’’ Stoler said. “A year older with a year of varsity under her belt, we expect big things from her, taking her offense to the next level.’’

Senior Reese Barriga returns to repeat her bench role from last season. Big things are expected from sophomore point guard Anna So-

@ V.S. Central @ Herricks @ Westbury Port Washington

February 4 7 10 13

@ East Meadow @ Baldwin Academy Charter V.S. Central

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GIRLS December

9 Uniondale 11 Herricks 15 @ Westbury

January

7 @ East Meadow 9 Hicksville 16 V.S. Central

Karley Handleman

koli, a freshman on the junior varsity last season.

“She can handle and score,’’ Stoler said. “She’s improved tremendously over the past year.’’

Making playoffs is a challenge in a difficult conference but a return to respectability is in the offing. “Our biggest strength is cohesion,’’ Stole said.

“We have a lot of goodpersonality girls who will be teamfirst players and want to get better.’’

Photos by Eric Dunetz

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31 Syosset 11:45 a.m.

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PLAINEDGE

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Red Devils feature new look, coach

By MARC BERMAN

T

he Plainedge boys have a new team and new head coach.

Jared Bursky takes over for John Mateyko, inheriting a roster that doesn’t have a player from last season’s rotation. Plainedge graduated its five starters.

Plainedge’s new star player was on JV last season – junior shooting guard Jackson Bianchi.

“We’re a young group,’’ said Bursky, making his varsity headcoaching debut after assistant roles at Plainview, Port Washington and Wantagh.

Though Plainedge finished 11-9, it didn’t make the playoffs because of a 5-7 conference clip. Nobody is ruling out a playoff return.

“I think we’re going to be good defensively as a group that works hard,’’ Bursky said “They’ve been awesome - me getting to know them, them getting to know me. We expect to compete for a playoff spot even if we don’t have that much experience.

I think defensively, rebounding the ball, we could still be very tough.’’

The prospective leading scorer is Bianchi, a bucket-getter who uses his length defensively. The varsity adjustment will be getting his shot off quicker.

“He can really shoot it,’’ Bursky said. “He plays really hard on both sides and rebounds the ball well.

There’s a lot on his plate but he’s handled everything well.’’

Another promoted JV player, junior forward Mateo Pallone will get his shot. He’s 6-foot-2 with size and strength. “He has a presence inside on both sides of the ball and is our engine, especially defensively and on the glass,’’ Bursky said.

Senior forward Aaron Pazos was odd man out of last season’s six-man rotation. “He’s a wing with good size – versatile offensively and defen-

sively,’’ Bursky said. “He can score off the dribble and step out to shoot it.’’

Adding grit is Lucas Rizzo, a junior forward who played JV. “He’s got a high motor, very athletic,’’ Bursky said. “The loose balls, he will be on the floor for them. He’s been a big difference maker since football ended.’’

A freshman will start at point guard - Jack Younghans, who played JV as an eighth-grader. Two senior guards who could contribute, Rocco Ardizzone and Denny Neroulas, provide outside shooting.

PLAINEDGE HAS MORE DEPTH, EXPERIENCE

The evidence states Plainedge girls team should only be better in 2025-26. Not that 2024-25 was shabby.

With only an eight-person roster and no seniors, the Red Devils posted an 8-4 conference record, won a playoff game before losing in the Class A quarterfinals to North Shore.

Head coach Sarah Tansey’s club returns all eight players while adding a few interesting freshmen.

“Last year, all eight played a ton of minutes and gained a lot of experience,’’ Tansey said. “We’re hoping to build on their experience. A deep playoff run would be nice but we’re still pretty young.’’

Only one senior is on the roster – 5-11 forward Frankie Maiello, The Red Devils are junior-laden squad,

BOYS December 15 @ V.S. South 17 @ Floral Park 20 V.S. North

January

6 @ Mineola 12 Wantagh 15 @ Lynbrook

High School Basketball Preview

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Allie Younghans Jackson Bianchi

meaning 2026-27 bodes well too.

Leading the junior brigade is a starry backcourt of junior point guard Allison Younghans and shooting guard Peyton Wise.

Younghans shines on both ends, as a defensive leader who averaged 3 steals. She posted 9 points and 4 assists per game, earning All-County honors. In its non-league opener, Younghans notched 26 points - scoring mostly transition baskets.

“She’s fast-placed, likes to push the ball and sees the floor really well,’’ Tansey said.

Wise, an All-County Honorable Mention, is their best outside shooter.

She averaged 11 points while knocking down more than 20 3-pointers.

She’s a terrific rebounder for a guard, averaging 7 boards.

Another trusty 3-point shooter is junior Giovanna Pannitti, who made

24 V.S. South 28 Floral Park 30 @ V.S. North

February 3 Mineola 6 @ Wantagh 12 Lynbrook

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12 V.S. South 17 Floral Park 19 @ V.S. North

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6 @ Mineola 12 @ Wantagh 15 @ Lynbrook

All Conference. Another All-Conference player is Charlotte Norbury, who excelled as a freshman with athleticism and size (5-9).

Three other juniors will make contributions - guards Samantha Zaccaro and Emma Throo, and forward Michela Netto, Plainedge finished 11-10 overall but moves to a tougher conference, going from A2 to A1. That could be a factor but having a full 12-deep roster will be a boost, especially defensively. Last season, Plainedge’s scrappy defense forced nearly 20 turnovers a game.

“We rely heavily on our defense,’’ Tansey said. “Our defense generates offense for us.’’

Photos by Erik Lee

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December 18, 2025

SEAFORD

2025-26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Vikings sail with experienced roster

By ANDREW COEN

S

eaford boys’ basketball returns plenty of experience looking to build off of last year’s breakthrough season in which the Vikings found their rhythm in February.

The Vikings feature 10 seniors and many key pieces from last year’s team that finished 6-6 in Conference A-VII and reached the Nassau Class A quarterfinals with a 70-62 first-round playoff win against North Shore.

“We have a lot of depth and it will just take time to mold everyone together,” said second-year head coach Jay Lynch. “I think come the second half of the season we will peak like we did last year and hopefully have success in the playoffs.”

Lynch brings back plenty of athleticism including senior forward Brian Falk, who made strides on the court last year and also shined on the football field in the fall as a running back leading the Vikings to the Nassau Conference IV title.

Seaford will also be bolstered inside by senior starting center Brian Hennnessy who is a force with rebounding and on defense “The two Brians are going to be the cornerstone,” Lynch said. “They are tremendous athletes.”

The backcourt is led by senior point guard Mike Spinella, a reigning All Conference player who led the football county title push with Falk as starting quarterback. The Vikings also return senior sharpshooters Tate Gatto and Dylan Alt. Lynch said JJ Dipietro, a 6-7 center, will also deliver valuable minutes in the paint. Sophomore Luke Tudda and freshman Cody Gatto are also expected to contribute off the bench in the backcourt.

“They’re really good kids who are really mature and understand their roles so you couldn’t ask for a better situation,” said Lynch, who

December 18, 2025

was previously Seaford JV head coach during the 2023/24 season. “I’ve got some tremendous athletes and some of the younger kids are pure basketball players so I have a great mix.”

Seaford competes in Conference A-II with Lawrence, North Shore, Island Trees, Malvene, Locust Valley and Friends Academy.

Michael Spinella

EXPECTATIONS REMAIN HIGH FOR SEAFORD

Emily McGowan

Seaford’s girls are looking to take that next step toward a championship this winter.

The Vikings reached the Class A semifinals last season a year removed from a narrow quarterfinal round loss to North Shore. Seaford lost a large senior class from last year’s 15-7 squad that went 11-1 in Conference A2, but fifth-year head coach Stephanie Bartkus still returns a strong core primed for another deep postseason run.

“We think that even though we’re young, we’re solid and we’re athletic and have got great returners coming back,” Bartkus said. “We’re hoping to be conference champs and make it to the county finals this season.”

Junior guard Emily McGowan brings plenty of experience as the Vikings’ lone returning starter as a fourth-year varsity player. Bartkus said McGowan, a captain, worked

BOYS December

12 @ Island Trees 5:00 p.m.

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6 Malverne 9 Lawrence 12 @ Locust Valley

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hard in the offseason to enhance her game beyond shooting to develop more of an inside game and improve defensively coming off a sophomore campaign in which she garnered conference player of the year honors.

“When you’re playing teams who know someone’s really good it’s a concern that they’re just going to try to face guard her but I think she will work through it,” Bartkus said of McGowan, who averaged 10.7 points per game last winter. “I believe that her teammates surrounding her are talented players that work really hard and that teams probably won’t be able to do that as much as they think they can.”

Bartkus also returns junior Jozie Collichio and sophomore Bridget Grosser, who both received big minutes off the bench last season.

15 North Shore 24 Island Trees 31 Friends Academy

February 3 6 9 12

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12 Island Trees 20 Friends Academy

January

6 @ Malverne 8 @ Lawrence 12 Locust Valley

Grosser was backup point guard as a freshman and ready to take the reins as floor leader this winter, according to Bartkus.

Freshman center Samantha Richardson is also poised to make strides this season after appearing on varsity as an eighth grader.

The Vikings also have athleticism inside from senior power forward Kaylie Conklin, a standout soccer player, and sophomore center Rylie Betz, who shines on the softball diamond.

Photos by Karen Millindorf

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High School Basketball Preview

SEWANHAKA

2025 - 26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Seniors anchor Ravens’ talented core

By DAVID WEINGRAD

F

resh off a 16–5 season and a playoff berth, the Ravens enter this season with a roster that blends promising underclassmen with battle-tested senior leaders who have been through the grind.

“Our coaching staff has to be more like teachers now,” head coach Jay Allen said. “Our younger players have talent, but they don’t have high school varsity experience.”

At the center of it all are seniors Nehemy Fresnel and Dante Anderson, two players Allen will lean on heavily. Fresnel, a 6-foot-6 All-County selection, is the team’s best outside shooter and rebounder, a double-double threat every night, and a perennial matchup problem for opposing defenses. Anderson, an All-Conference guard, is an elite defender, a strong rebounder for his position, and their go-to scorer in big moments.

“These guys work extremely hard,” Allen said. “They’re really alpha-1 and alpha-1B.” Joining them in the starting lineup will be Nnamdi Amadike, a 6-foot-5 sophomore forward who anchors the interior. Amadike brings shotblocking, athleticism, and arguably the highest upside on the roster.

Sophomore Amari James is expected to log major minutes at point guard, and Allen is eager to see how his toughness and court vision accelerate his development. He’ll split time with Rohan Murphy, just the second eighth-grader Allen has put on varsity in his 14 years coaching Sewanhaka.

Murphy is already a feisty competitor who plays beyond his age.

Senior Jayden Spaulding will bring high-effort, high-energy style off the bench. Freshman Robert Shaw, a smart and extremely coachable wing with a 6-foot-5 wingspan, and sophomore Lance Williams, one

of the team’s most consistent workers, will also play key roles.

Allen knows there will be moments when the youth shows, combined with moments when the team looks like a well-oiled machine.

But he said the expectations at Sewanhaka don’t change.

“There will be growing pains,” he said, “but we expect to be very good and we expect to win. We’ll be prepared, and we’ll get our kids to outwork other people.”

Nehemy Fresnel Lilah Lopez

SEWANHAKA EYES ANOTHER BIG STEP

The Sewanhaka girls will look to build on last year’s postseason run, carrying a youthful roster that has a chance to make noise now and the seasons ahead.

The Ravens return their entire starting backcourt, headed by AllCounty junior Alexi Stewart, whose developing all-around game has taken another leap. Stewart can score in a variety of ways and has sharpened her ability to create for teammates. She sits at 624 career points, and head coach Alex Soupios said he’s eager to watch her push toward the elusive 1,000-point milestone.

Seniors Tamia Williams and Lilah Lopez round out the veteran backcourt. Williams, who Soupios calls a player with “immeasurable basketball IQ,” will be encouraged to look for her shot more often. Lopez is also expected to take on a bigger

BOYS December 13 Clarke 16 @ Elmont 19 Manhasset

January

5 @ South Side 8 @ Carey 14 Bethpage

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offensive role.

Joining the starting lineup are forwards Gabriella Brown and Athena Thomaidis. Brown, an athletic sophomore, looks primed for a breakout year. “She has this desire to be a great basketball player,” Soupios said, noting the promising chemistry already forming between her and Thomaidis, a steady junior presence.

Depth should be a strength as well. Junior Julia Stadtfeld brings toughness, while senior co-captain Hailey Sethi provides leadership as a selfless, team-first guard.

Three newcomers have Soupios especially excited: freshman Aanu Oluwa-Por Agensin, whose court awareness and defensive instincts are well beyond her years; eighth grader

@ Division @ Clarke Elmont @ Manhasset

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13 @ Clarke 16 Elmont 19 @ Manhasset

January

5 South Side 8 Carey 12 Division

Lacy Lopez — Lilah’s sister — a savvy guard with a smooth outside shot; and eighth grader Ariel Amadike, who Soupios calls the fastest player in the gym. About this trio, he said that by the end of their high school careers, “people will know their names across Long Island.”

Now in his 20th season at Sewanhaka, Soupios said this group embodies what keeps him passionate about coaching. “I look around the room and I see greatness in some of these players,” he said. “Not only does this year’s group have real potential, but with this young core, it’s all about hope. That’s what keeps me here.”

Photos by Ron Manfredi

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December 18, 2025

SOUTH SIDE

2025 - 26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Talented Cyclones face early adversity

By GARRETT D. URIBE

L

ed last season by three-sport star and first-time All-County swingman shooter John Pericolosi, South Side (18-4 overall) boys basketball went 12-2 to place second in Nassau AA5.

The 6-foot-4 senior Stony Brook commit (baseball) paced the Cyclones with a workmanlike 14.4 points per game, while averaging a team second-leading six rebounds.

With a view to its perennial postseason run, South Side – which fell in last season’s quarterfinals to eventual Long Island champ Baldwin – had hoped go big this winter, adding 6-4 senior center Harris Breene to a lineup already boasting length in Pericolosi, 6-6 All-Conference forward Ryan Schmitt, and 6-6 fellow returning senior Jack Mullin.

Injuries, though, have forced South Side to pivot late, said head coach Jerry D’Angelo, whose club returns to AA5. With Mullin (ACL) likely out for the season, and Breene (shoulder) – who left the team a year ago to work on securing his scholarship to Dartmouth for crew – slated to enter the fold a few weeks past New Year, South Side’s depth and resilience face an early test.

“We’re starting the season with two important bigs not playing,” said D’Angelo, whose team opens conference play at home against defending AA5 champ Elmont. “So we’ve really had to figure out our new identity.”

A lot hinges on Schmitt and AllConference guard Connor Erickson’s success adapting to new roles, D’Angelo said. “We’ll probably look to run more, with Connor shooting more threes, which he proved he could do last year.”

“Ryan was mostly on the wing last year,” added D’Angelo. “This year, the way things are, we’ll need more of a post presence from him. I

December 18, 2025

think he’s capable.”

First-year starters Robert Griffo (senior) and Trevor Walsh, a 6-4 junior, add ballhandling chops and inside grit at point guard and forward, respectively, fleshing out a Cyclones first unit looking to process through Pericolosi and Schmitt (10.8 ppg) primarily.

“John and Ryan are obviously our focal points; we go as far they go,” D’Angelo said. “But our supporting cast plays a big role.”

“We’ve got the players,” he added. “They know they can make it work.”

CYCLONES WILL BE FUN TO WATCH

The Cyclones reset with a bit of a head start, returning a cadre of proven vets in All-County senior Ellie Lennon and juniors Reese Long and Katelyn Mullen – both named Honorable Mention All-County – as South Side (16-6 overall, 10-4 in AA3) welcomes seven sophomores to its varsity roster in the wake of graduated All-County pillar Charlotte Rathjen’s departure.

Though hit with a numbers dip – personnel whittled from last year’s 16 down to 11 players – the Cyclones should have enough tested talent to offset the dearth, as well as weather the learning curve of youngsters getting their feet wet at the next level, said head coach Dan Ferrick.

“We’ll have some growing

BOYS December 12 Elmont 17 @ Carey 20 Division

January

5 Sewanhaka 8 @ Clarke 9 @ Bethpage

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John Pericolosi Ellie Lennon

pains,” Ferrick said. “But I think they’re going to get acclimated in the first half. And once they do, we’ll be fine.”

Added Ferrick: “By January, February, we’re going to be fun to watch.”

Lennon – who averaged nine points through the first two thirds of South Side’s monthlong winning streak that spanned nine games last season – will again alternate with Mullen at point guard. The pair led South Side in three-pointers, with Lennon’s 21 edging Mullen’s 20 for tops on the team last winter.

Long, whose 6.6 points per game ranked third on the team, has a new first-team frontcourt mate in 5-11 sophomore Sophia Corvetti, while senior Maddie Woo becomes a starter at center for South Side.

Manhasset @ Elmont Carey @ Division

February 2 5 11 14

@ Sewanhaka Clarke @ Manhasset Bethpage

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GIRLS December

12 @ Elmont 16 Carey 19 @ Division

January

5 @ Sewanhaka 8 Clarke 14 @ Manhasset

Sort of ...

“We run our style of offense, and we’re not changing it,” said Ferrick – whose roster, officially, lists every player’s position as “guard,” a move reflecting the Cyclones’ mindset as much as it does their scheme.

“We say everyone here’s a guard,” Ferrick said. “They’re all allowed to dribble, to get up and down the court. And they’re expected to.”

The 12th-year head coach – whose team reached last season’s county quarterfinal, falling to eventual state champ Baldwin – said incoming sophomores Meredith Powers, Katherine Borruso, Emily Reda, Emily Glynn and Kenzie Kasschau could all contribute immediately.

“We might only have 11 girls, but they’re 11 girls who can play.”

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High School Basketball Preview

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High School Basketball Preview

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December 18, 2025

UNIONDALE

2025 - 26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Sky is the limit for Knights

By PATRICK MOQUIN

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or a stacked Uniondale boys’ basketball roster, learning how to handle success may make the difference in a highly anticipated campaign. Following a 2024-25 season in which the 15-6 Knights won 11 straight before falling in the Class AAA semifinals, many players will return with a bitter memory and larger ambitions.

“That’s human nature, right?

To think of where you last finished,” head coach Jaaz Styles said. “So for us, we’re definitely coming into this year with a chip on our shoulder.”

Styles said that he expects his eight-player rotation to be one of the strongest in the conference again, but he didn’t hesitate to identify junior Dylan Hickman as Uniondale’s likeliest leader. With sophomore Mori Toney transferring to St. Mary’s in Manhasset, Hickman is expected to take on an even larger role at point guard after scoring 13.5 points per game as a shooting guard.

“He’s done it before, so this is his natural position,” Styles said.

“He took a step back and took the unselfish role with just being kind of the shooter on the team. He’s a gifted shooter, but he has a lot more to offer on the basketball floor, and you’ll be able to see that this year.”

While Hickman takes over the piloting role in the offense, 6-foot-7 sophomore Jayden Barrows could prove to be a massive threat on the wing, while Jayden Oden will be Hickman’s backcourt mate at shooting guard.

With an expanded role, Styles said both sophomores could take big steps forward, and freshman Cameron Ockimey could also find his way into big spots as the Knights’ backup point guard. Styles said that he has quickly learned about the freshman’s unique three-point shooting ability.

December 18, 2025

One of Uniondale’s biggest strengths is its size, as Styles is capable of sending out a starting five well over six feet as needed.

While Hickman and others create opportunities on the perimeter, seniors Darren Brown, Herley Jean and Marc Charles could be key presences in the paint on a rotational basis.

The Knights will tangle with Hempstead, Syosset, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Massapequa, Plainview and Freeport twice apiece.

Dylan Hickman Eniola Adisa

DEVELOPING CHEMISTRY FUELS UNIONDALE

Uniondale girls’ head coach Nolan Dunkley said the goal every season is to turn his team into a family. The work begins now for the Knights, who will continue building around established talent with eager young contributors.

“If you treat each person on the team as your family, you’re willing to work hard for them and run through a wall for them,” Dunkley said.

Coaches and players alike are more than happy to look forward to a bright figure after what Dunkley described as a nightmarish 2024-25 season. Hampered by injuries, the Knights earned a 6-11 overall record but still clawed their way into Nassau Class AAA playoff contention with a 5-7 conference record. They went down to Syosset in the first round.

“For us to still make the playoffs, that was probably our saving grace,”

BOYS December 13 Hempstead 15 @ Syosset 18 @ Farmingdale

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Dunkley said. “Knowing that we didn’t have chemistry with missing parts. I just feel like that has them in tune this season and not taking this season for granted.”

Uniondale, which once again faces a challenging slate in Class AAA, had no seniors on last year’s roster, giving every player on that hard-knocking team a second chance. Dunkley said that the Knights will heavily rely on a big three of seniors Zahara Saintyl, Kayla Reid and Eniola Adisa. As juniors, Saintyl was the steadiest of the three and scored 11.5 points per game, but Adisa and Reid both took their fair share and could find more as seniors.

To support the top scorers, Dunkley expects several younger players to step up, namely sophomore Kelsey Green and junior Jahshelle Papin.

Freeport @ Hempstead Syosset Farmingdale

February 4 7 10 13

@ Hicksville Massapequa Plainview @ Freeport

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GIRLS December

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January

Both are volleyball teammates with Saintyl and Amaya Grier.

When Dunkley spoke to Isley Brapham about his plans for her earlier this year, he expected the freshman to request a spot on JV, but she insisted that she was willing to make the sacrifice to play for varsity.

The move will allow her to learn from the older girls and earn time on the floor against stronger competition.

Uniondale will play each of its 13 Class AAA rivals once.

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High School Basketball Preview

V.S. CENTRAL

2025 - 26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Eagles poised to make big push

By DYLAN BUTLER

I

mprovement year after year, day after day.

It’s what Valley Stream Central boys basketball head coach Mike Wimmer has seen, and it’s a big reason why he’s excited about this upcoming season.

“I’m very happy with how it’s gone since we’ve been here, and I’m happier today than I was yesterday,” Wimmer said. “It really has been a total pleasure to work with this group of kids and to see them all grow individually, and how they’ve taken ownership of their role in our program.”

A year ago, the Eagles finished 16-7 and lost in the Nassau Class AA quarterfinals. That was seven more wins and one additional round further in the playoffs than the previous year.

And there’s good reason, beyond universal preseason optimism, to believe Valley Stream Central can take another step forward this season.

It starts with point guard Sean O’Neil, a four-year starter strong enough to get to the rim and savvy enough to pull up for a mid-range jumper, while being an absolute menace defensively.

Forward Jaiya Vera is a three-year starter, a double-double machine who is integral in pushing transition, while also being versatile enough to guard all five positions.

Nelson Frias is a big and athletic forward who anchors the Eagles defensively, a true team guy who has shown tremendous growth in his offensive game.

Julian Vera, Jaiya’s twin brother, has good length on the wing, great vision, and is another point guard on the floor, another player who can play multiple positions, while also being a ball hawk in the passing lanes.

Wimmer calls Logan Douglas

“a microwave” offensively who was instrumental in that trip to the quarterfinals last year, knocking down back-to-back 3-pointers in the second half to give the Eagles a second-half cushion in a win over Calhoun.

In Bryan Bhushan, the Eagles have a big guard who handles the ball well and will have an increased role this year. And seniors Sebastian Jean and Aidan Balkaran and sophomores Jacob Dessources and Will Kyeremeh, the starting backcourt on the junior varsity team a year ago, should all carve out some minutes.

VSC AIMS FOR DAILY GROWTH

Head coach Malyssa Thorngren is certain she has a better team this season — it’s a senior-laden group, the best player returns after missing last season due to injury, and there’s talented young players.

But success for the Valley Stream Central girls basketball team won’t be measured on the scoreboard, not with the move to the unforgiving Conference AAA against perennial powerhouses like Massapequa, Freeport, and defending New York State champion Baldwin.

“I say to my players, every day in practice, we should get better every single day, and if you do that every single day, you’re going to start to notice the growth and the change in the games,” Thorngren said. “You

BOYS December 11 @ Westbury 15 Academy Charter 18 @ East Meadow

January

7 Herricks 10 Port Washington 13 Baldwin

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Jaiya Vera Amyah Byas

can’t just measure your progress by wins and losses.”

The Eagles are immediately better with the return of Amyah Byas, who led the team in scoring as a sophomore but missed her entire junior season, one in which Valley Stream Central won once, due to injury.

The senior’s presence in the paint and her leadership should be instrumental, and it should help free up last year’s leading scorer, Alyssa Haughton, a senior who is a 3-point threat and a strong defender, making Valley Stream Central a more balanced team offensively.

Senior Bianca Escobar is a taller guard with a non-stop motor who helps the Eagles in multiple ways.

In a season-opening 41-22 loss to Valley Stream North on November 24, Escobar compiled eight rebounds, five assists, and a couple of steals.

Senior Melanie Godinez is a

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calming presence who also brings valuable leadership and some added scoring.

Sophomore Camryn Pitt returns as the starting point guard and is coming off a strong summer. The quick point guard will look to be the floor general who gets the Eagles into their sets and plays solid defense.

Briana Garcia and Pharrah Seemungal are a pair of freshmen Thorngren is excited about. Garcia can play either point guard or shooting guard and should see significant playing time off the bench, while Seemungal is a quick shooting guard who has a nice shot and has the ability to get to the basket.

Photos by Karen Millindorf

GIRLS December

11 Uniondale 5:00 p.m.

17 East Meadow 6:45 p.m.

20 @ Port Washington 11:45 a.m.

January

7 @ Massapequa 10 Freeport 13 @ Hicksville

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@ Oceanside @ Westbury Farmingdale @ Plainview

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Herricks @ G.N. North Baldwin Syosset

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December 18, 2025

V.S. NORTH

2025 - 26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Fast-paced Spartans remain contenders

By MARC BERMAN

V

alley Stream North’s boys have advanced to the Nassau Class A semifinals two of the last three years.

It could be another trip to the Final 4, though head coach Michael McVeigh is trying to downplay its chances because Conference A6 improved. Floral Park is considered the county-title favorite.

“We want to get better every day,’’ McVeigh said. “You hope to make the playoffs. When you make the playoffs, you see what happens.’’

McVeigh is clearer on the Spartans’ identity. “We’re kind of small,’’ McVeigh said. “We’re trying to be a really fast team, play good defense and move the ball around.’’

The Spartans saw a few role players graduate but Valley Stream North’s top two scorers are back in senior point guard Vin Rienzie and junior shooting guard Tristan Mitchell.

Each averaged 15 points.

Rienzie is a crafty player who made All County after averaging 4 assists. Mitchell, an All-Conference honoree, is an excellent slasher with a high basketball IQ. During the postseason run, Mitchell was at his best with a series of 20-point outings. Valley Stream North beat Locust Valley and Friends Academy during its playoff march before losing to West Hempstead to finish 15-7.

“We see them taking another leap with a another year of experience,’’ McVeigh said. “They’ve been working real hard all year.’’

At forward, the-6-1 senior Noah Obukwelu is a high-energy player who gets to the rim. “We want him to step up more with toughness, defense and fill the missing void from players we lost last year,’’ McVeigh said.

Other impactful players are

December 18, 2025

senior guard Matt Hunt, superb in transition, and junior guard Kai Field, who might be the team’s most improved player. “He’s a better shooter, more confident, more athletic,’’ McVeigh said. “I’m excited for him to get more consistent playing time.’’

McVeigh said others who’ll see playing time are sophomore forward Prince Ward, junior guard Luke Bascombe and junior- forwards Jerry Thomas and Asa Aswad.

Jasmine Harrison

VSN EYES SECOND STRAIGHT PLAYOFF BERTH

Valley Stream North girls are looking for a fitting encore.

In 2024-25, the Spartans made the playoffs for the first time in 12 years, finishing up 10-9 after a 6-6 record in Conference A1.

Its 48-42 home playoff loss to Malverne in the first round didn’t diminish the glow. “It was a pretty big accomplishment’’ head coach Dan Lodato said. “It was a successful year. We’re trying to repeat that and get to the playoffs.’’

One concern is two eighth-grade starters from last season transferred to private schools – Celeste Lyle and Emily Weir. “It definitely hurts but we have a good group of ninth and 10th graders from JV,’’ Lodato said.

The two biggest stars are seniors Alessia Nunnari, an All-Conference selection, and Jasmine Harrison.

Nunnari is captain and “voice on the court’’, says Lodato. She averaged 7

BOYS December 12 @ Wantagh 20 @ Plainedge

January 6 9 12 15

Floral Park V.S. South @ Lynbrook Mineola

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Noan Obukwelu

points and 4 assists. Nunnari’s point production is expected to rise.

Harrison, also a captain, is a ferocious defensive player who forces turnovers and fills the box score. She averaged 5 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds.

A 5-9 power forward, Paige Fessler is the team’s best athlete.

The junior averaged 8 points and 11 rebounds. “She’s All-State track so she’s a freak athlete who doesn’t get tired running up and down the court and getting rebounds,’’ Lodato said.

23 Wantagh 30 Plainedge

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GIRLS December

12 Wantagh 19 Plainedge

January

6 9 12 15

@ Floral Park V.S. South Lynbrook @ Mineola

A lot will ride on a freshman at point guard, Ava Papangoniou, who plays travel ball and is Valley Stream North’s most important newcomer.

Junior Jada Jones, a 5-10 center, will have a stepped-up role from last season with major minutes. “She’s an intense player, big rebounder very aggressive,’’ Lodato said.

Junior small forward Lauren Postell will also see her playing time increase. At 5-9, Postell is a sweet outside shooter. Sophomore Caylin Cooper, up from JV, will carve a role.

“This year, it’s going to be defense,’’ said Lodato, in his third season. “We have a lot of athletic girls who will play lockdown defense and be in their face. Defense and rebounding will be the two keys.’’

Photos by Sue Grieco

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24 @ Wantagh 31 @ Plainedge

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V.S. SOUTH

2025 - 26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Falcons enter youth movement

By NIKO SCARLATOS

V

alley Stream South’s boys have a fresh identity, a revamped approach, and a roster eager to define itself.

After finishing 10–10 overall and 5–7 in conference play, head coach Mike O’Brien is guiding a group that, while filled with size and athleticism, remains young, raw, and largely unproven. O’Brien acknowledges it may take some time. “We have to figure out who we are and go from there,” he said.

Senior captain Jaden Pryce returns as the its most decorated player after earning All-Conference honors as a junior, when he averaged 15 points and 8 rebounds. Formerly a forward, Pryce will shift to the wing.

Junior captain Landon Jones, now in his third varsity season, anchors the Falcons at point guard.

Known for his poise and efficiency, Jones rarely turns the ball over and consistently makes the right reads.

This winter, however, he’ll be asked not only to organize the offense but also to score at a higher volume while continuing to serve as the team’s best on-ball defender.

Senior captain Shane Grant, a 6-foot-4 power forward, brings explosive athleticism and the potential to become a major scoring option.

Alongside him, senior guard Milton Ponce is poised for a breakout. After limited minutes last season, Ponce’s shooting ability and relentless work ethic have positioned him for a significantly larger role.

The Falcons also introduce several young pieces expected to contribute immediately. Junior center Sixtus Okorie, an elite shot blocker and dynamic athlete, steps up from JV. Sophomore wings Cory Terry, a long, tenacious defender and JT Reid, a natural athlete and strong rebounder adjusting to varsity speed,

deepen the rotation.

To accelerate development, O’Brien has revamped practices, shifting from drill-heavy sessions to more scrimmage-based work. “The goal is to get them playing as much as possible at practice,” said O’Brien. “We have more depth which allows us to have much more competitive scrimmages to help have our guys ready to go for the start of the season.”

Jaden Pryce Naima Brown

YOUTHFUL VSS DRIVEN

BY HEART

On the girls side, the Falcons used last season as a true developmental chapter, led by head coach Dominique Serpico who describes her team as “extremely young, but full of heart.”

With a 2-18 overall record, the results may not yet show it, but the foundation for the program’s future is being built in real time. More than 75 percent of the roster has jumped directly from JV, including seven freshmen and one eighth grader.

Despite the youth movement, Valley Stream South is anchored by two battle-tested seniors. Jessica Dyer and Naima Brown, both four-year varsity players, hold down the power forward and center spots, respectively. Their leadership has been invaluable in guiding such a young roster. “They’ve set the tone for what we expect,” Serpico said.

At the point, junior Daphne Vives brings limited basketball experience

BOYS December 15 Plainedge 17 @ Lynbrook 20 Mineola

January

9 @ V.S. North 13 Floral Park 15 Wantagh

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but is attacking the learning curve with determination. Sophomore Zainab Dar, already in her third varsity season, provides a strong bench spark at power forward/center and has shown impressive growth since her freshman year.

Among the newcomers, freshman Adelynn Espinal, who played as an eighth grader, is emerging as one of the team’s most reliable scorers and a natural leader.

Fellow freshmen Aubree Awai, Ava Bonhomme, Leia Charles, and Saba Mir add energy, athleticism, and steady improvement. Mir’s speed, Charles’s defensive hustle, and Awai’s team-first attitude have made them immediate contributors.

Freshman center Mariyah Harrison impresses with her court

24 @ Plainedge 28 Lynbrook 30 @ Mineola

February

6 V.S. North 9 @ Floral Park 12 @ Wantagh

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GIRLS December

12 @ Plainedge 17 Lynbrook 20 @ Mineola

January

9 @ V.S. North 12 @ Floral Park 15 Wantagh

awareness, consistently finding space and making smart decisions.

Gabriela Garay Salazar has shown strong motivation, while point guard Nia Anderson isn’t afraid to shoot and has quickly built chemistry with teammates. The youngest player, eighth-grader Aminata Ba, brings fierce competitiveness, excellent ball control, and standout academics.

A challenging conference slate includes defending county and Long Island champion Wantagh, Lynbrook, Plainedge, Mineola, Floral Park and Valley Stream North.

Serpico believes the program is on the right track. “Regardless of the results, my girls are going to try their hardest and have fun,” she said.

“We are excited for the future of this program.”

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

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24 Plainedge 28 @ Lynbrook 31 @ Mineola

February 6 V.S. North 9 Floral Park 12 Wantagh

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December 18, 2025

WANTAGH

2025 - 26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Warriors capable of playoff run

By ANDREW COEN

W

antagh boys basketball graduated key pieces from last season’s team that reached the Nassau Class A semifinals but still have a championship mindset.

The Warriors return three players who received significant minutes during last season’s 12-9 team that fell just shy of playing in the finals with a 61-56 loss to Floral Park in the semis.

The 2025.26 roster also features nine football players who were part of a county championship run this past fall.

“They know what it takes to win and that makes my job easier because you can’t teach that,” said fifth-year head coach Matt Simeone.

“They know what it takes to get it done.”

Wantagh brings back two starters in seniors Devin Paccione and Joe Nicholson. Paccione helped patrol the offense as starting guard while Nicholson shined at forward averaging 6.8 points per game.

Sophomore guard Vinny Napolitano will take on a starring role this year after earning plenty of playing time as a freshman. Simeone is also hopeful for strong contributions from 6-4 senior forward Carter Loughman, an All-County quarterback who returns to the court after a two-year absence to focus on preparing to play lacrosse on the collegiate level.

“He is a great athlete and should especially help on the defensive end,” said Simeone of Loughman, who has committed to play college lacrosse at Albany. “That is a big boost for us.”

Senior Nick Hodne and Frankie Falco are expected to add contributions to the rotation after getting varsity experience last year. Sophomore Brendan Wood, who shined on junior varsity, also will pick up key minutes off the bench.

December 18, 2025

Wantagh will compete in a challenging Conference A-1 with Floral Park, Valley Stream South, Mineola, Valley Stream North, Lynbrook and Plainedge.

“I think it is going to be more competitive than it was last year,” said Simeone of the Warriors league schedule. “On any given night anybody could show up and take anybody down.”

WANTAGH SEEKS REPEAT MAGIC

Sabrina Asadurian

After a memorable championship season, Wantagh girls basketball is looking to create new memories this season.

The Warriors captured the program’s first county title since 2006 with a dramatic 44-43 upset against top-seeded Lynbrook in the Nassau Class A championship game and then went on to take home a Long Island crown against Mount Sinai five days later. The Warriors then nearly took home a state title before falling in the Class A finals at Hudson Valley Community College to Ardsley, 39-28.

“We really haven’t talked about last year, which is good as they’re just focusing on this year,” said longtime head coach Stan Bujacich. “Our core has been battle tested and they know what it takes to win.”

Wantagh returns three starters from last year’s 23-3 season including versatile junior guard/forward

BOYS December 12 V.S. North 17 @ Mineola

January 6 9 12 15

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Kayla Mannix, who is also a standout soccer player. Mannix averaged 15.7points per game as a sophomore while also leading the team in assists and steals.

The offense will once again be patrolled by senior guard Sabrina Asadurian, a star lacrosse player who has committed to Stony Brook. Junior Isabella Ferraro and sophomore Makayla McNeil, who was first player off the bench last season,. will also be an integral part of the starting backcourt this winter. Sophomore Brigid Reilly, a varsity newcomer, could also see some key minutes in

23 @ V.S. North 28 Mineola

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GIRLS December

12 @ V.S. North 17 Mineola

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6 9 12 15

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an off guard role.

The inside game will feature varsity returners in sophomore Ella Perfetti and junior Camryn Mitchell, who both got minutes last season.

Bujacich also sees potential in freshman 6-1 center Judy Roper and freshman Maeve Walsh, who was on junior varsity as an eighth grader.

The Warriors attempts at a repeat county title will face stiff competition, according to Bujacich, from Plainedge and North Shore.

“It’s a positive to have returning kids coming back who’ve been through the battles and tough environments,” Bujacich said. “They got battle tested throughout the year with a tough schedule which helped in the end.”

Photos by Paul Grassini

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24 V.S. North 28 @ Mineola

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High School Basketball Preview

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WEST HEMPSTEAD

2025 - 26 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

Rams built for more success

By NICK MONGIOVI

T

he 2024–2025 season came with high expectations for West Hempstead boys basketball after winning the Class B Long Island Championship the previous season. It followed that title run with a strong 15–8 campaign but fell to Floral Park, 80–70, in the Nassau Class A championship game.

The Rams will have a new look after graduating their top scorers and All-County standouts, Isaiah Blunt and Evan Wilson. Still, head coach Eric Rubin believes the foundation built over the past two seasons continues to elevate the program.

“I think really the last couple of years, the program’s had a lot of success and I think that success breeds more success,” Rubin said. “The younger kids, when they were part of the JV team at the time, saw that the expectations were high. They see what it takes to get to the highest levels here for county championships and Long Island championships.”

Much of last season’s supporting cast was made up of underclassmen, giving West Hempstead valuable experience heading into this winter.

Senior All-Conference point guard Jonathan Houston returns for his third varsity season and is the lone remaining player from the 2023– 2024 championship roster.

“He sees the court really well,” Rubin said. “He makes some passes that have you like, ‘how did he see that kid?’ He can also shoot, but he really knows his role well. He doesn’t force things, and he is a good distributor of the basketball.”

Playing alongside Houston will be junior guard Alex Davis and junior forward and his brother, Jamir Houston.

“By the time playoffs rolled around, [Jamir Houston] was probably our best player,” Rubin said. “He

was one of the best players on the court for either team. He’s a really snart player and he’s capable of scoring, but he plays excellent defense. I can put him on the other team’s best player, whether it’s a point guard or a six-foot-five or six-foot-six center.”

Additional contributors will include senior guards Jason Maldonado and Christian Feglia, junior forward Yency Duran, last year’s JV leading scorer, and senior guard/forward Kayden Nuzzi.

WEST HEMPSTEAD RETURNS THREE STARTERS After a 5-13 season, the West Hempstead girls look to bounce back with three returning starters in senior point guard Daniella Healy, senior post player Jazmyn Russel and junior post player Ana Rizzuto.

“This is her [Healy’s] fourth year on varsity and she’s going to be asked to do everything for us,” said head coach Chris Van Kovics. “She is going to run the offense. She’s going to have to grab rebounds and play defense for us. Everything goes through her.”

Outside of Healy, Rizzuto and Russel, the Rams lack experience.

“We have a very young and inexperienced team that is working really hard,” Van Kovics said. “They’re going to be our key players.”

Another kid who can make an impact is sophomore Heidy Baires

BOYS December 12 @ East Rockaway 16 C.S. Harbor 20 @ Wheatley

January

9 Carle Place 15 @ Oyster Bay 24 East Rockaway

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Danielle Healy

Coreas. “She’s going to do a lot for us,” Van Kovics said. “She’s quick, she’s athletic. She’s gonna help bring the ball up. She can help run some offense and hopefully get to the basket for us a little bit.”

Four eighth-graders have made varsity, and they’ve been a “sparkplug,” adding “nice energy and enthusiasm” thus far, Van Kovics noted.

Guard Gabriella Lubrano, post player Grace Shanley, defensive specialist guard/forward Liliana Macchia and three-point scorer Amalia Jimenez Delgado are set to play “significant time” as the Rams build. “[Lubrano] is a tough little player,” Van Kovics said. “She can shoot, but [I’m] trying to teach her some defense. She’s tough going to the basket, doesn’t mind scoring in transition. She’s definitely a player we’re going to look to.”

With another season in Class

28 @ C.S. Harbor 31 Wheatley

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3 @ Carle Place 6 Oyster Bay

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GIRLS December

12 East Rockaway 16 @ C.S. Harbor 20 Wheatley

January

9 @Carle Place 15 Oyster Bay 24 @ East Rockaway

AB3 on the horizon, the Rams are going to follow the “blueprint” of West Hempstead basketball.

“The girls are working hard; they have a great work ethic,” Van Kovics said. “They’re showing up and have realistic expectations for the year.

They’re just focusing on what they can control. [If] we can take care of the ball, score in transition a little bit, rebound, play defense, get to the foul line a little bit, and get the opposing team into foul trouble, we’ll be okay.

But, we’re in a very difficult league.”

The Rams face East Rockaway, Wheatley, Carle Place, Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor twice apiece.

Photos by Sue Grieco

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3 Carle Place 6 @ Oyster Bay

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December 18, 2025

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