Basketball Preview 12-19-2024

2024-25 HIGH SCHOOL S P O RT S P R E V I E W December 19, 2024

EAST MEADOW’S

ALLIE TWIBLE

FOR THE

ELMONT’S

NASSIR EDWARDS 29 TEAMS

Lay-up take you down?

We’ve Got Specialists For That ®

With the most Castle Connolly Top Doctors® of any orthopedic practice on Long Island, Orlin & Cohen’s specialists are recognized among the best in the nation by their peers. Their experience and expertise can help you feel better, faster.

Over 75 in-network orthopedists, featuring fellowship-trained specialists in sports medicine, knee, shoulder, hip, joint replacement, foot and ankle, spine, and hand In-house MRI and digital X-ray, weightbearing CT scan, pain management, and physical therapy The resources of the only orthopedic practice that spans from Southampton to Staten Island

We’re here 7 days a week for all your orthopedic needs.

Immediate appointments available.

Most insurance accepted.

516.536.2800 | 631.706.2800 | orlincohen.com Rockville Centre • Lynbrook • Merrick • Garden City • Bellmore Massapequa • Woodbury • Melville • Bohemia • Smithtown Port Jefferson • Riverhead • Southampton • Port Jefferson Station Huntington • Syosset • Kew Gardens • Fresh Meadows • Staten Island 1280542

2 — December 19, 2024

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

F R E E P O R T

ASK ABOUT OUR

VIP PICK-UP & DELIVERY FOR MAINTENANCE ON YOUR ROVER F R E E P O R T

F R E E P O R T

LandRoverFreeport.com 516-771-9700 JUST A SHORT DRIVE AWAY, RIGHT OFF THE MEADOWBROOK PARKWAY

1256888

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 19, 2024 — 3

Basketball Preview

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

TEAM INDEX Baldwin Bruins.............................. 6 Calhoun Colts ............................... 8 Carey Seahawks ........................ 10 Clarke Rams ............................... 12 East Meadow Jets ....................... 14 East Rockaway Rocks ................ 16 Elmont Spartans ........................ 18 Farmingdale Dalers ..................... 20 Freeport Red Devils.................... 21 Hewlett Bulldogs........................ 22 Kennedy Cougars ...................... 24 Lawrence Golden Tornadoes ...... 26 Long Beach Marines .................. 30 Lynbrook Owls ........................... 32 MacArthur Generals ................... 34 Malverne Mules ......................... 35 Massapequa Chiefs .................... 36 Mepham Pirates ........................ 38 Oceanside Sailors...................... 40 Plainedge Red Devils .................. 42 Seaford Vikings .......................... 43 Sewanhaka Ravens .................... 46 South Side Cyclones .................. 47 Uniondale Knights ...................... 48 Valley Stream Central Eagles...... 50 Valley Stream North Spartans .... 51 Valley Stream South Falcons ...... 52 Wantagh Warriors ...................... 54 West Hempstead Rams ............. 55

A special advertising supplement to the Herald Community Newspapers

Publisher STUART RICHNER Deputy Editor JEFF BESSEN Vice President of Sales RHONDA GLICKMAN Section Editor TONY BELLISSIMO Creative Director Editorial Designer JEFFREY A. NEGRIN Photo Editor TIM BAKER Contributing Sportswriters TONY BELLISSIMO MARC BERMAN DYLAN BUTLER ANDREW COEN ANDREW FANTUCCHIO JUSTIN JOSEPH BRIAN KACHARABA MICHELLE RABINOVICH NIKO SCARLATOS GARRETT D. URIBE DAVID WEINGRAD ON THE COVER Makayla Daube, Mepham High School Photo by Ron Manfredi

West Hempstead’s boys captured the Nassau County and L.I. Class B championships last season.

Cover Design - Jeffrey A. Negrin Photos - Karen Millindorf Cover Photos - Allie Twible (East Meadow) and Nassir Edwards (Elmont)

Photo by Ross Farber

Basketball Preview is an advertising supplement to the Herald Community Newspapers. Copyright © 2024 Richner Communications, Inc. Published by Richner Communications, Inc. 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000 • www.ilherald.com 4 — December 19, 2024

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

your home your home is a big is a big investment investment protect it protect it Luke Mangal 516-783-3485 Luke MangalAve 914 Atlantic 516-783-3485 Baldwin 914 Atlantic Ave Lukeshmangal@allstate.com Baldwin Lukeshmangal@allstate.com

NOT AVAILABLE IN EVERY STATE. Subject to terms, conditions & availability. Allstate Property and Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates: 3100 Sanders Rd, Northbrook, IL. © 2023 Allstate Insurance Co. GM20145 NOT AVAILABLE IN EVERY STATE. Subject to terms, conditions & availability. Allstate Property and Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates: 3100 Sanders Rd, Northbrook, IL. © 2023 Allstate Insurance Co. GM20145

Call or stop by for a free quote.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

1280559

I live and work right here in our community, and I’m on hand to help you get the protection you deserve. If you’re ready to talk home insurance Iorlive andsome workadvice right here in our community, and need about protecting all that’s I’m on hand to help you get the protection you important to you, call me today. deserve. If you’re ready to talk home insurance or need some about protecting all that’s Call or stop byadvice for a free quote. important to you, call me today.

December 19, 2024 — 5

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

BALDWIN Bruins in unchartered territory

By DYLAN BUTLER

thinks will “surprise a lot of people this year.”

The Bruins are again playing the same challenging non-league year ago, Baldwin was a schedule, highlighted by games young and inexperienced team that captured a fourth against Suffolk powerhouses Hills East and Floyd, in addition to consecutive Nassau County Class AAA title, knocking off Port Wash- annual battles with Uniondale and Thurgood Marshall from the Bronx, ington in the finals, before falling as well as Amityville in Baldwin’s to Bay Shore in the Long Island annual Christmas tournament.

Championship.

A matchup with defending The Bruins won’t get a chance to defend their crown because they Long Island Class AA champion Elmont could follow in that have been reclassified into Class tournament and might be a county AA — for one season only. championship preview And head coach Darius Burton’s squad will navigate those BALDWIN AIMS TO unchartered waters young and RESTORE GLORY inexperienced again after point For the first time in a decade, guard Peyton Howell transferred the Baldwin girls’ basketball team to Long Island Lutheran for his is entering a season not as the sophomore season and center defending county champions.

Dylan Cudjoe reclassified as a sophomore at Lawrence Woodmere Academy.

That leaves just two returning starters.

“Our goal always is to win a county championship, but it’s going to be a work in progress,” said Burton, who is in his 25th season at the helm. “We’ve got some early injuries, we’re a little nicked up, we’re inexperienced, but I’ve got a good group that’s going to work hard. I think we’re going to get better throughout the season.”

Young and inexperienced, but not lacking talent.

Senior Chase Timberlake is entering his third year as a starting guard and was a secondteam All-Long Island selection a year ago.

Gabe Phillips, who earned All-County honors as a sophomore last year, is poised for a breakout junior season, with the forward named MVP of the Alzheimer’s Classic last month.

Chase Timberlake After serving as Howell’s backup last year, junior Ethan Sainsbury will be the starting point guard, while Mike Saint Jean is a sophomore Burton

A

And there’s a veteran squad back from last season’s loss to Syosset in the Nassau Class AAA title game, ending the Bruins’ nineyear reign atop the county.

“It was a tough pill to swallow. But I also think, looking back, maybe it was what this group needed to hopefully take that last step this season,” said 16th-year head coach Tom Catapano. “We have a lot of returning players. I know that loss stung everybody involved in our program, so it’s something we’re definitely using as motivation. We’ve got to go out and finish business this year.”

Leading the returners is point guard Payton Dulin, one of six seniors on this year’s squad. The George Washington commit is a 1,000-point scorer and a six-year varsity player.

“Having her back makes the world of a difference,” Catapano said.

Senior forward Toni Smith, in her fourth year on varsity, is a double-double machine who brings old-school toughness and is a co-captain with Dulin.

Also returning are senior guard Monique Echols, a threeyear starter, as well as junior guard Alyssa Polonia, who is coming off a strong offseason.

Sophomore guard Chinaya Okogeri, a starter since eighth grade, is an athletic lockdown defender; senior forward Madison Guillory, another four-year varsity player, brings a ton of big-game experience, and sophomore forward Ajeya Nicholas has the potential to be the program’s next special player.

Adding to the uniqueness this season is the temporary move to Class AA this year. And while that will be different, the non-league schedule, which includes New York City programs Holy Cross and Nazareth as well as national powerhouse Long Island Lutheran, is again stacked.

Can Baldwin get back atop

the mountaintop? That’s the edict

by Baldwin alum Shania Iglesias,

Payton Dulin

a senior on the Oswego women’s basketball team. “You’ve got to make sure we let everybody know that Baldwin is still the best,” Catapano said of her message.

Schedule BOYS December 10 13 16 19

@ V.S. Central Long Beach @ Jericho MacArthur

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 16 24 27 30

@ G.N. South G.N. North @ Mepham V.S. Central @ Long Beach Jericho @ MacArthur

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

G.N. South @ G.N. North Mepham

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 10 13 16 19

V.S. Central @ Long Beach Jericho @ MacArthur

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 15 24 27 30

G.N. South @ G.N. North East Meadow @ V.S. Central Long Beach @ Jericho MacArthur

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

@ G.N. South G.N. North @ East Meadow

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

6 — December 19, 2024

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

When someone you love dies, your most immediate needs will be comfort, support, strength and perspective.

At Fullerton’s, we speak with people in crisis every day. We work hard to understand what their needs are and to help them lighten their burden. We’ve served local families for four generations and to us, our clients are friends and neighbors.

We invite you to stop by or call to learn more about us. We want you to know the care and Ng concern that our family will extend to yours pRe-plaNNi available just when you need it the most.

Newly d

ate v o N e R

s l e p a Ch

Four Generations Of Compassion & Trust

769 Merrick Road Baldwin, NY 11510 • (516) 223-1460 www.fullertonfhny.com TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

1251668

Serving All Faiths Since 1903

December 19, 2024 — 7

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

CALHOUN Colts bringing a new style

By MARC BERMAN

Amir Ibrahim and Andrew Hutchinson.

Kreutzberger blames Calhoun’s downfall on a rough t was a down season for Calconference that saw three teams houn’s boys basketball team, missing the playoffs for the first make last seasons Final Four.

“We have a lot of optimism time since 2016 while crashing to for this year because we ‘ve got a a 6-14 record. group more capable offensively,’ To get back to where it once Kreutzberger said. “We have a was, Calhoun will rely on a new style – less size and more smallball bunch of guys who found their way to 8-to-12 minutes a game as spacing of the floor.

The expectation is more scor- role player and ready to take the ing talent than last season’s squad next step.’’ that was inconsistent offensively.

“This team is not going to be CALHOUN FUELED

BY STRONG DEPTH pounding it inside and relying on Last season’s Calhoun girls size like we have in the past,’’ said head coach Jay Kreutzberger, in his lived and died with senior point guard Ashleigh Coyne. And she 18th season. suffered an injury midway through “This team is going to excel in open space - 4 out and 5 out on the campaign.

Coyne has graduated after offense. And through ball movement, we’re a team who will play a Calhoun finished 9-11 and disappointedly missed the playoffs when quicker pace.

Maybe even play more four guards it lost its season finale to Elmont by 1 point. The theme this winter is around one forward.’’

Senior point guard Riley Bhu- a larger rotation will lead to better distribution. nut is Calhoun’s star, a returning Perhaps Coyne’s void as a All-County selection who averaged 16 points and hit 55 3-pointers. “They got to respect that range,’’ Kreutzberger said. “He’s gotten stronger and is a better finisher. We’ll see a more versatile offensive player.’’

The second scoring option is Matthew Weidenbaum, a senior small forward and experienced scorer.

The biggest boost is freshman 5-11 shooting guard Ashton Pierre Charles. “He’s got an elite shot,’’ Kreutzberger said. “He’s going to help us space the floor. I could see it from the first day of all workouts – good mechanics, confident.’’

Luca Facciponti is a junior point guard who played last season in the rotation, averaging 4 points. “He’s definitely a sparkRiley Bhunut plug - a lead guard who will play a significant role,’’ Kreutzberger said.

In addition, two forwards coming back of significance are

I

8 — December 19, 2024

ball-handling scorer will be filled by sophomore power forward Angelica Kasimitis, who at 5-foot-9 averaged 5 points and 10 rebounds but got hurt in midJanuary. On varsity since eighth grade, Kasimitis may be more point forward.

“She’s more or less a Swiss Army knife - can play the low post, stretch the floor, can handle the ball and she may bring the ball up this year,’’ head coach Dan Catapano said.

The starting point guard successor to Coyne was an unknown entering camp. Julia Kopelman and Lia Biscardi were battling it out.

Neither will be relied on to score.

Carrying that load will be junior shooting guard Katie DiPaola, who averaged 7 points with 4 assists last season. “She’s our shooter,’’ Catapano said.

“Katie came on really big late in the season and took a bigger role because of injuries. She found her role as defensive-minded player but also a player who can space the floor and hit open spot-ups.’’

Senior Lauren Rosario, a senior forward who averaged 5 points and 3 steals, is known as very athletic who can play multiple defensive positions. Then there’s 5-10 senior center Sam Guida (4 points, 6 rebounds) who is big, fast and excels in transition.

Senior Keira Brown is also in the point guard mix and is a returning varsity player who can make the most of a new opportunity.

Another senior, Sophia Hanellin, is a power forward who’ll provide rebounding off the bench along with defensive toughness.

“We’re in a tough conference but with the athleticism and people we brought back, we should compete to get back to the playoffs,’’ Catapano said. “We have a bunch of quality athletes and the playoffs are definitely attainable.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Katie DiPaola

Schedule BOYS December 10 13 16 19

Garden City @ Roosevelt New Hyde Park @ Division

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 16 24 27 30

Sewanhaka @ Glen Cove Carey @ Garden City Roosevelt @ New Hyde Park Division

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

@ Sewanhaka Glen Cove @ Carey

4:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 10 13 16 19

@ Garden City Roosevelt @ New Hyde Park Mepham

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 16 24 27 30

@ Sewanhaka Glen Cove @ Carey Garden City @ Roosevelt New Hyde Park @ Mepham

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

Sewanhaka @ Glen Cove Carey

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

y options for Funeral Services mation ping morial Services need/Prefinancing Arrangements • • • • •

Many options for Funeral Services Cremation • Shipping Memorial Services Preneed/Prefinancing Arrangements

• • •

We have the largest newly renovated C and Lounge in the area Multiple Chapels ranging in size to fit e Family’s needs • We have the largest newly renovated Chapels and Loungeparking in the area lot Spacious • Multiple Chapels ranging in size to fit each Quality at affordable prices Family’sfunerals needs • •

Spacious parking lot Quality funerals at affordable prices

1252545

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 19, 2024 — 9

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

CAREY Seahawks eyeing some sizeable improvement

By NIKO SCARLATOS

C

arey’s boys basketball program is entering a new chapter under Laurence Reid as the head coach.

Having spent last season as the JV coach and serving as Sewanhaka’s JV coach for seven years, Reid brings a bunch of experience and a fresh perspective. As a football coach, he is known for instilling a sense of toughness in his athletes. He plans to bring that same mentality to the basketball court this season, emphasizing a high-energy, fast-paced style of play.

“We’re going to compete from Day 1,” he said. “The score doesn’t matter if we’re not competing. I want my guys to give it their all, and I want them to know that every day we’re getting better, whether that’s in practice or in a game.”

Improvement is the main goal for this season. Reid aims to build on the success of last year’s JV team, which had a strong campaign. “We have a good group of guys and I expect them to keep improving,” he said.

“We’ll rely on more than just the starting five so it’s going to take everyone to succeed.”

The Seahawks’ lineup is filled with talent, with key returners such as junior Kelvin Persaud, Theo Andrikopolous, and Ryan Kunkel. Senior Kevin Colvin, who has shown leadership qualities, is expected to be the emotional and on-court leader for the team.

Along with Colvin, players like Jack Degnan and Ryan Boubsis will play vital roles.

Reid is also placing a strong emphasis on team development and growth. “Last year’s games are a good benchmark for us but I don’t want to focus on the scoreboard alone,” he said.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day so

10 — December 19, 2024

we need to take small victories wherever we can.”

Taking on the varsity role is a new challenge for Reid, but it’s one he’s excited about. “It’s a chance to stay fresh and young in my approach,” he said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with these guys last year, and they’re a great group. It was a no-brainer for me to go with them to the varsity level.”

LEADERSHIP TO GUIDE CAREY Carey’s girls are led by head coach Anthony Turco, in his sixth season.

His sights are set on taking the team to the next level. After a season where expectations didn’t align with results, Turco is excited about an athletic and conditioned

Kevin Colvin

team.

With several key players returning, improvement and growing together is the focus. “We have decided to take a more athletic approach this season,” he said. “We have done a lot more conditioning and the players have noticed a difference.”

A major strength is its experienced roster. Leila Paz, a four-year starter, anchors the offense with her ball-handling skills and ability to shoot from anywhere on the floor. She will reach 1,000 career points early in the campaign.

Alongside Paz are three-year starters Mikayla Depaolo and Alessandra Varuzzi, who provide solid leadership both on and off the court. “They know their role and are stepping up as leaders,” said Turco. “They are constantly coaching up the rest of the team which is good to see.”

Sophomore Amelia Kalamaris, a two-year starter, is another key contributor. “She’s a big soccer player but still buys into playing basketball,” said Turco. “She’s such a strong defender for us.”

Andrea Arias, a starting forward this season, is also making a big impact in her second year on varsity. Though she didn’t start last season, Turco said she’s eager for the opportunity and ready to make a difference. The depth has also gotten stronger with the addition of guards Isabella Giordano and Sophia Cavilere, both players who will contribute significantly after coming up from JV. As Turco reflects on his years coaching, he’s learned the importance of balancing discipline with freedom, letting the players be themselves while fostering a supportive team culture. “There’s so much negativity in the world, but seeing them cheer for each other makes all the difference,” he said. “That’s the kind of culture I want to continue building.”

The Seahawks face Glen

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Leila Paz

Cove, Mepham, Sewanhaka, New Hyde Park, Valley Stream North, Garden City, Calhoun and Roosevelt in conference play.

Schedule BOYS December 10 13 16 19

@ Glen Cove Division Sewanhaka @ New Hyde Park

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 16 24 27 30

Garden City @ Roosevelt @ Calhoun Glen Cove @ Division @ Sewanhaka New Hyde Park

5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

February 3 6 10

@ Garden City Roosevelt Calhoun

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

10 13 16 19

Glen Cove @ Mepham @ Sewanhaka New Hyde Park

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

GIRLS December

January 8 11 13 16 24 27 30

@ Garden City Roosevelt Calhoun @ Glen Cove Mepham Sewanhaka @ New Hyde Park

5:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

Garden City @ Roosevelt @ Calhoun

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Brian Ballweg

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Mount Sinai South Nassau named among the top 10% in nation for overall orthopedic services by Healthgrades

At Mount Sinai South Nassau, our orthopedic specialists offer the latest advances in the care of your bones, muscles, and joints. Our team is experienced in the latest techniques to repair damage, restore mobility and speed recovery.

Mount Sinai South Nassau has been named a recipient of the Healthgrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award and a Five-Star recipient for hip fracture treatment and is among the top ten percent of hospitals nationwide for overall orthopedic services for ten years in a row.

1280616

Learn more at southnassau.org/ortho

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 19, 2024 — 11

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

CLARKE Optimistic Rams look to compete

By MICHELLE RABINOVICH

has high energy, he is coachable and he really worked on his game in the offseason to be a little more larke boys’ basketball is cau- of an offensive threat,” Hasbrouck tiously optimistic coming into said. “He’s the type of kid that evthis season, where the team ery program on the island needs.”

There’s also some newer folks finished at the bottom of the conto keep in mind, as the above ference, returning only two of last mentioned have been returners year’s starters and its sixth man. only. A key fresh face to keep in “We are looking starting fresh, a little bit,” said head coach mind in the coming weeks is Yaya Segura, and the main thing HasJoe Hasbrouck. “They’re working really hard and playing with really brouck wants him to work on his self-confidence mid-game. There’s good energy so far, for the first also Damien Chanoine, a wing/big week and a half.” who Hasbrouck says that he wants Starting point guard Kai to plug in for defense reasons.

Destine is back, and Hasbrouck Overall, it appears the Rams explained that Destine is also stepprogressing in the right direction. ping into a leadership role. With They’re in a stacked conference him is his older brother and also returning starter Christian Destine, that includes defending county champ Elmont, Manhasset, South who Hasbrouck highlighted as a Side and Hewlett. good shooter with a high IQ for “They’ve been super coachthe game. In sum: he expects the two brothers to combine for more able so far, which is kind of the biggest thing, because they’re than some buckets. willing to accept the construcThere’s also Luke Ricciotive criticism and trying to make McAniff, who came off the bench as the back-up point guard, but it’s those adjustments,” Hasbrouck explained. “So from day one to his behind-closed-doors approach that shows what kind of asset he is. today has been lightyears.”

“He’s vocal for all two hours CLARKE COMES OFF of practice, he 12-WIN CAMPAIGN After a 12-9 season last year, the Clarke girls are itching to get back to the court, according to head coach Shaun Fean.

“It was a strong year for us, we went to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons so we were really proud of that,” he said.

“To make the playoffs back to back seasons was a big success for us, and now we’re back to the drawing board a little bit. As a coaching staff, we’re excited about it.”

Christian Destine The major difference is the

C

12 — December 19, 2024

fact that eight senior players graduated Clarke, providing a vacuum to be filled.

Enter the two captains, junior center Althea Borleo and senior forward Lia Addeo. Borleo averaged around 7 points and 5 rebounds per game, and Addeo has plenty of experience coming off the bench from last season with a starting spot. “[Borleo]’s taken it to another level in terms of her preparation and her work in the off season,” Fean said. “She went to a bunch of camps and clinics and really worked on her game and we’re really seeing that play out within the first week of practices.”

Something big that Fean is counting on is how much the former JV players are going to be stepping up, like junior Christina Boyle, sophomore Leila Thakkar ad sophomore Despina Papoutsakis.

Fean explained that all three have guarding and shooting opportunities, all showing varying range on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.

Interestingly, Fean highlighted the fact there’s a few freshmen coming in at the varsity level, including Ella Gorlesky. What stands out to him about her is her ability to listen and apply the feedback she receives from the coaching staff so quickly.

It’s part of a larger feeling for the Rams: “That’s what I’m most excited about this season, seeing these younger kids and seeing where they were on day one and already after a week we can see some pretty big strides in development, and im really pumped to see what that looks like in January and February when things are really getting cooking.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Althea Borleo

Schedule BOYS December 10 13 16 19

Manhasset @ South Side Bethpage Hewlett

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 16 24 27 30

@ Elmont @ Roslyn Kennedy @ Manhasset South Side @ Bethpage @ Hewlett

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

Elmont Roslyn @ Kennedy

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 11 14 20

Floral Park V.S. North @ Wantagh

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 14 17 25 30

@ V.S. South Mineola Lynbrook @ Floral Park @ V.S. North Wantagh

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 4 7 11

V.S. South @ Mineola @ Lynbrook

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Paul Grassini

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 19, 2024 — 13

2024-254 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

EAST MEADOW Expectations sky high for Jets

By TONY BELLISSIMO

W

At center is 6-5 senior Zay Richards, another All-Conference honoree and a major paint presence. He’ll lead the team in rebounds and steps up in big games, as last season’s 18-point, 14-rebound performance at Jericho proved.

Senior wing Isaiah Perkins is a high flyer with energy. He’s steady at both ends of the floor and sparks the transition game.

Among the key reserves are junior Bryant Sewell, the JV’s leading scorer last season at 16 ppg, and junior Harrison Haber, another guard with a touch of varsity experience.

ith 30 combined wins over the past two seasons and five seniors expected to comprise its starting lineup, East Meadow boys’ basketball is on a heater.

The Jets, coming off a 17-win campaign, figure to be among the top contenders for the Nassau Class AAA crown after reaching the Class AA quarterfinals last season.

“Let’s face it, we have eight returning seniors who have helped us win a lot of games the past two seasons,” head coach Tom RottEAST MEADOW OFF kamp said. “We’re confident and people are saying we’re one of the HISTORIC SEASON It was a storybook 2023-24 teams to beat. All I can say is we’re determined to win the conference campaign for the East Meadow girls. They made program history and hopefully peak come playoff time.” winning their first-ever county title With four-time defending county champion Baldwin in Class AA this winter, back-to-back runner-up Port Washington, Syosset and Uniondale figure to be in the mix with the Jets.

East Meadow’s entire starting five already has two seasons of varsity basketball under their belts, including returning All-County selections Mazin Ibrahem and Nick Destefano.

Ibramen is considered one of the premier shooting guards in the county and averaged 14 points per game a year ago. Destefano, a 6-foot-4 forward who helped lead the volleyball team to the Division I county finals, is a consistent double-double (points/rebounds) provider, Rottkamp said.

Senior Will Casseus is an All-Conference point guard who’s Nick Destefano become a complete leader on and off the court, the coach noted.

“He’s very shifty and hard to guard and a great defender at the top of our press,” Rottkamp said.

14 — December 19, 2024

and added the Long Island crown a week later.

The Jets, who topped Manhasset for the Nassau Class AA championship and Westhampton for the L.I. title, went 20-6.

“It was quite a run that we’ll never forget,” head coach Peter Olenik said. “Once we got the 7-seed, we took that as a slight and rode the wave. It was a historic season, there’s no better way to say it.”

Two integral pieces graduated, 15-point scorer Charlotte Viola and tenacious rebounder Keziah Phillip, but the Jets return a ton of talent along with a host of newcomers from an undefeated JV coached by Brian Johnson.

Senior point guard Allie Twible is the team‘s pilot and coming off a First Team All-Long Island season. The Pace University commit poured in 20 points in the county final and enters this season 50 points shy of the 1,000-career point plateau.

“Allie is just the complete package,” Olenik said. “She’s a special kid and one of the best players in the county.”

Junior Kayla Lederer is the defensive tone-setter and the quickest kid Olenik said he’s coached. “She’s a one-person press,” he said.

Angelina Cronin is a dynamic shooting guard who’s also capable of running the point and will do so her junior and senior years. As a freshman she was Honorable Mention All-County and had 13 points against Manhasset in the title game.

Cronin is one of four sophomores in East Meadow’s projected top six. Forwards Emily Zaradich, Kate Barnett and Lila Doyle will all contribute a lot, Olenik said.

Zaradich will be counted on to make some noise in the paint and haul down rebounds. Barnett is a talented multisport athlete and Doyle last season posted four straight games of 25-plus points

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Kayla Lederer

for the JV. Junior Hailey Lipack provides height and depth behind Zaradich.

“We have another close-knit group and that extends to how they perform on the court,” Olenik said.

Schedule BOYS December 9 18 21

@ Herricks Port Washington @ Plainview

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

January 7 10 15 18 28 31

Academy Charter 7:00 p.m. @ Farmingdale 5:00 p.m. @ Westbury 7:00 p.m.

Herricks 12:00 p.m. @ Port Washington 7:00 p.m.

Plainview 7:00 p.m.

February 5 8 11

@ Academy Charter 7:00 p.m.

Farmingdale 12:00 p.m.

Westbury 7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 10 13 16 19

@ MacArthur Jericho @ G.N. North @ G.N. South

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 16 24 27 30

Long Beach V.S. Central @ Baldwin MacArthur @ Jericho G.N. North G.N. South

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

@ Long Beach @ V.S. Central Baldwin

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Karen Millindorf

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

516-794-0190

The Original

1580 Hempstead Turnpike • East Meadow

A Long Island Family Tradition since 1955

Book Your Holiday Parties Now! Special Off-premise Catering Package (10 or More People)

ONLY $2195

per person

Package Includes: Ceasar Salad • Garlic Bread • Eggplant Rollatini • Rigatoni Vodka • Cannoli Choice of 2 Entrees: Chicken Marsala • Veal Parmigiana Sausage & Peppers • Chicken Francese Grilled Chicken w/ Roasted Peppers & Mozzerella Also Includes: Soda, Plates, Napkins, Utensils, Cups & Ice

Event Planner: Courtney

Hours: Tues - Thurs & Sun 11am - 11pm, Fri - Sat 11am - Midnight

Let Us Cater Your Next Home Or Office Party

Private Party Room Available for Up to 100 People Ask for Catering Expert Frank Borrelli

PRIVATE PARTY ROOM Have Your Next Special Occasion at Borrelli’s

MENUS $ STARTING AT

3995

per person

Communions/Christenings Rehearsal Dinners • Anniversaries Showers • Birthdays Graduations Private Party Room Available for Up to 120 People

HOLIdAY PARTY CATERING TRAY FAVORITES Baked Stuffed Clam Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail (30-60) Mini Meatballs Eggplant Rollatini Rigatoni Norcina Lasagna Lobster Raviolli Tuscan Sliced Steak Shrimp Marina or Fra Diavolo Chicken Marsala

1281865 1197962

1281865

Borrelli’s

(1/4 mi. East of Nassau Coliseum)

www.borrellisrestaurant.com •

Need a physical exam for sports or school?

How about treatment for a sports related injury?

At AFC, we have incredible medical professionals standing by and ready to treat you quickly, without an appointment, seven days a week.

2310 Hempstead NYNY11554 HempsteadTpke, Tpke,East EastMeadow, Meadow, 11554 AFCUrgentCare.com/eastmeadow 516.346.5090 |I AFCUrgentCare.com/East-Meadow

NO S-S:S-S: 8am8am to 5pm NO APPOINTMENT APPOINTMENTNEEDED NEEDEDHOURS: HOURS:M-F: M-F:8am 8amtoto8pm, 10pm, to 5pm

1281125

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 19, 2024 — 15

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

EAST ROCKAWAY Experienced Rocks starting to roll

T

By BRIAN KACHARABA he East Rockaway boys’ basketball team showed marked improvement last season as its six overall wins were twice as much as the previous two campaigns combined. And it could continue that upward trend with most of the team returning.

The Rocks’ record was good enough to return to the playoffs, where they fell in the semifinals to Carle Place. A key to the turnaround was a team defense that allowed just under 50 points a game after yielding just over 57 during their one-win campaign of 2022-23.

Edwin Abreu-Lopez

16 — December 19, 2024

“The speed and the quickness is unparalleled right now,” head coach Paul Collins said of training camp. “Defensively, the hands are always moving, the feet are always moving, we’re in on every loose ball, we’re in the lane trying to get every pass. Defensively, four days of practice, we just attack where we left off last year.”

Senior point guard Antonio Buzzetta improved his point total by almost two points to 10.1 last year on the strength of 11 double-digit efforts, including a season-high 22 against Carey last December. Collins said his hard work during the offseason could pay even higher dividends this season.

“He spent a lot of time this summer in workouts and summer league games working on his midrange game,” Collins said. “When he comes down, it’s not always just take it to the rim, it’s also just seeing the smart play and the easier play sometimes when the defense goes back on their heels to pull up from the foul line. He did a great job improving that aspect of his game.”

Joe Ventura (5.6 ppg) is an adept passer who could improve his scoring numbers and fellow senior Edwin Abreu-Lopez (5.8 ppg) brings plenty of energy down low. Junior Cameron Peeples has improved his shooting, according to Collins, and the rebounding should come from 6-foot-5 senior C.J. Bertolotti and 6-foot-1 junior Sean Smith.

Junior Edwin Espinoza is a quick guard who starred on the JV team last season.

EAST ROCKAWAY LEANS ON DEFENSE This season was already going to be bittersweet for girls’ head coach Cheri Poland with her daughter Emma graduating to Molloy College after starring for the Rocks for four years. But now that her second-leading scorer from last winter is now at St. Anthony’s, Poland may be wondering

who will consistently supply the offense.

The third-highest scorer last season was Sophia Poppas, a six-foot senior who averaged just two points a game. Several other players from last year are also returning, but they all fell underneath that threshold.

“Obviously, that is a concern,” Poland said of the offense. “Poppas, they way she’s coming into the beginning of the season, I feel confident. She was injured a little bit last season, so I feel like those numbers weren’t truly a representation of what her abilities are.”

Senior shooting guard Sofia Tizio is the only returning Rock to have a 10-point game last year, doing so against West Hempstead last Jan. 13. She did average over five points a game as a sophomore two seasons ago and still remains an offensive threat, according to Poland.

“Two seasons ago, Tizio was very important in some of the wins that we had and she’s a three-point threat,” she said. “So, between Poppas and Tizio, I do believe that would be great.”

Rachel Burch “really worked hard in the offseason”, Poland said, and is expected to be a contributor at both ends of the floor.

Fellow senior Norah Rose was an All-Conference selection two seasons ago and Poland is hoping her athleticism will return after being plagued by a knee injury last winter.

Sophomore newcomer Paulina Cuthbert is also quick and athletic and will also be vying for minutes with Colleen Lynch, who has offensive and defensive potential. Senior returnee Ashley Wilkerson is a presence down low and junior rookie Emily Valdebenito can shoot the ball while displaying a strong court IQ. Freshman Leila Perez and junior Danilynn Fardella will both add depth at point guard.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Sophia Pappas

Schedule BOYS December 11 14 17

Evergreen Charter 7:00 p.m. @ C.S. Harbor 12:00 p.m.

West Hempstead 7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 14 16 25 28

@ Locust Valley 7:00 p.m. @ Oyster Bay 7:00 p.m.

Carle Place 7:00 p.m.

Evergreen Charter 7:00 p.m.

C.S. Harbor 12:00 p.m. @ West Hempstead 7:00 p.m.

February 4 7 11

Locust Valley Oyster Bay @ Carle Place

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 11 14 17

@ Wheatley 7:00 p.m.

C.S. Harbor 12:00 p.m. @ West Hempstead 7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 14 16 25 28

Locust Valley Oyster Bay @ Carle Place Wheatley @ C.S. Harbor West Hempstead

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 4 7 11

@ Locust Valley @ Oyster Bay Carle Place

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Sue Grieco

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

KITTY Pnily

O HARA’S

SPECIALS

TUE �2 TACOS 2 FOR �35 WITH WED ENTREES SOUP OR SALAD THU

�10.95 BACON CHEESE BURGER

After 8pm �6 DRAFTS PITCHER AND PRETZEL �25

2FERS VODKA MIXED DRINK, BUD LIGHT, MILLER LITE

FISH AND CHIPS �5 SELTZERS FRI �13.95 �15 BOTTLES OF WINE

845 Merrick Rd, Baldwin, NY 11510

1281757

5162085520

1281751 1281751

MILLER LITE SAT BRUNCH 12-3PM �20 BUCKETS SUN BRUNCH 12-3PM �8 VODKA SODAS

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 19, 2024 — 17

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

ELMONT Spartans reigning state champs

By GARRETT D. URIBE

up his club’s offensive scheme and go inside-out this season – a change, said Lawson, that will see Elmont shift from a midrange mindset to process through the 5-11 Hines and fellow senior captain Kaitlyn Paulino, an Honorable Mention All-County honoree at forward.

“Last year we had a bunch of shooters,” said Lawson, whose team – which returns three starters in Hines, Paulino and junior shooting guard Kayla Latiff – finished 14-7 overall and reached the opening round of the county Class AA playoffs. “This year, though, it’ll be about competing, about being tougher. As far as that goes, things will revolve more around Hines and playing in the post.”

“Shooters are good, though,” added Lawson. “They can always shoot you back into a game, and we’ve still got some.”

Latiff (7.4 ppg) – team second-leader with 28 threepointers – is joined in the Spartans starting backcourt by senior point guard Kyla Moore, who averaged six points a game as a reserve at both guard spots, reaching double digits three times.

“Kyla’s dynamic; she can light up the place,” Lawson said.

“Becoming our distributor, it’s hard. But she’s talented.”

ELMONT FEATURES NICE Five-ten sophomore CarPAINT PRESENCE Charlotte Hines rington Barrett is poised to crack Elmont’s first rotation in her finished fifth in scoring in Conference second season on varsity, having averaged close to five points last AA2 last season, pouring in 265 points season in limited minutes at the two and three spots, while Sparat a career-best rate of 12.6 per game – a tans senior Samaya Jeffers looks to feat made all the more impressive make a move at forward.

“This year we could put it all by the fact that none were from together,” said Lawson, whose outside the arc. team moves to AA3. “We can’t Indeed, the two-time Allrely on shooters as much, but we County forward’s performance could be more well-rounded. The proved somewhat seismic for Elmont, causing fourth-year Spartans girls have more experience, which head coach Pete Lawson to shake should make us more competitive.”

“Our captains are like coaches, holding everyone to account,” Straub said of Brown and Muhammad. “Each plays on and off the rlyn Brown’s buzzer-beater ball, keeping us versatile, and to stun Half Hollow Hills guard you 94 feet.”

East sealed the Spartans’ “Both Ebu and Nas (Edfirst Long Island title under head coach Ryan Straub last season – a wards), our big men, are athletic,” Straub added. “Ebu’s a beast on pivotal win in Elmont’s march to the glass, and Nas can finish at the the boys’ Class AA state chamrim with both hands.” pionship, its second state title in The six-foot-six Ebubuenna eight seasons. led Elmont (23-4 overall) in scoring While Elmont’s title-winning off the bench with eight points roster takes a hit, with four per game, while Edwards (6-4) – first-stringers lost to graduation, whose 14 points against Half Holkey links remain in Brown – a low Hills were a game high in the starting guard last season before Long Island championship – gave a sprained ankle limited his minutes – and fellow senior Nassir Elmont similar length and power down low on offense.

Edwards, a second-year-starting That Elmont’s bigs can score forward.

The returning tandem – along is something of a bonus, however.

As Straub is quick to stress, the with senior All-Conference sixthSpartans – league leaders last man center Ebubuenna Nwabadu winter in AA4 allowing 44.2 points and senior combo guard Khalil Muhammad – a Spartans co-captain per game – once again intend to hand their hat on defense. alongside Brown – should help “To play in transition, as we Elmont absorb the shock of its personnel shift, said Straub, who begins do, you have to get stops,” Straub said. his fifth season at the helm as the Senior six-four forward Jordan Spartans enter Nassau Conference Cook looks to succeed Nwabadu AA5 defending a host of titles. at sixth-man, while sophomores Aaron Kelly and Kaedon Brown are top reserves at guard for Elmont.

“It’s a new lineup,” Straub said. “They’ve worked hard and they’re excited to defend a title.”

A

Ebu Nwabudu

18 — December 19, 2024

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Charlotte Hines

Schedule BOYS December 10 13 16 19

South Side @ Kennedy Manhasset @ Bethpage

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 16 24 27 30

Clarke Hewlett @ Roslyn @ South Side Kennedy @ Manhasset Bethpage

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

@ Clarke @ Hewlett Roslyn

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 10 13 16 19

@ South Side Kennedy @ Manhasset Bethpage

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 16 24 27 30

@ Division @ Hewlett Roslyn South Side @ Kennedy Manhasset @ Bethpage

7:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

Division Hewlett @ Roslyn

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Karen Millindorf

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2024-25 NASSAU COUNTY BASKETBALL

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

CLASS AAA

• Academy Charter • East Meadow • Farmingdale • Freeport • Hempstead • Herricks • Hicksville • Massapequa • Oceanside • Plainview • Port Washington • Syosset • Uniondale • Westbury

CLASS AA

• Baldwin • Bethpage • Calhoun • Carey • Clarke • Division

• Elmont • Garden City • Glen Cove • Great Neck North • Great Neck South • Hewlett • Jericho • Kennedy • Long Beach • MacArthur • Manhasset • Mepham • New Hyde Park • Roosevelt • Roslyn • Sewanhaka • South Side • V.S. Central

• Locust Valley • Lynbrook • Malverne • Mineola • North Shore • Plainedge • Seaford • V.S. North • V.S. South • Wantagh • West Hempstead • Wheatley

CLASS B

CLASS A

• Carle Place • Cold Spring Harbor • East Rockaway • Evergreen Charter

• Floral Park • Friends Academy • Island Trees • Lawrence

• Oyster Bay

Helping immigrants become a vital part of tHe community We continue to support families in need in these uncertain times and bridge cultures for stronger communities. our work includes: • Grocery delivery to seniors and shut-ins • Food distribution partnering with coalitions on community and state issues like: • redistricting • Census • education initiatives • housing • healthcare • immigration • Civic education

We appreciate your past support and look forward to your continued support of our work. please visit our website for more information. www.theelmontculturalcenter.org

MiMi Pierre Johnson, President (516) 362-3027 Twitter - elmontculturalct Facebook - elmont Cultural Center instagram - elmont Cultural Center

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

1277260

info@theelmontculturalcenter.org

December 19, 2024 — 19

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

FARMINGDALE Senior-led Dalers will contend

By BRIAN KACHARABA

T

he Farmingdale boys’ basketball team could be extra motivated this season after falling as the third seed to No. 6 Hempstead in last year’s Class AAA quarterfinal playoff matchup following a 15-win regular season.

But could this be the team’s final chance for that elusive county title with a senior-heavy roster?

The Dalers have lost their last four quarterfinal appearances since last winning a playoff game in 2019. This year’s squad could be the group to buck that trend with seniors holding four of the five starting spots – including three that averaged better than 10 points a game in 2023-24 – and about nine on the roster overall.

“They’re focused and ready to rock,” head coach Jimmy Pastier said of his team. “They have one common goal in mind right now.”

Jake Mangio was one of the top scorers in Nassau County last season with a 17.1 average, almost three points better than his junior campaign. He had eight games of at least 20 points, including 32 against Roosevelt last Dec. 29, and had exactly 20 in the playoffs.

“This year he has matured,” Pastier said. “He’s seeing things as a coach on the court. He just grew up a little. It’s clicking right now for him.”

Senior Erik Kubelka was deadly from beyond the arc in his rookie varsity season with a 12.4 scoring average boosted by 66 3-pointers and a quick release. J.J. Collins (10.7 ppg) emerged as a double-double machine last year as the 6-foot-4 forward collected eight of them after having just one as a junior.

Senior Cameron Frontino had a strong training camp and will start until junior Mateo Morales 20 — December 19, 2024

gets eased in following his football season. The Dalers also boast two giants in 6-foot-6 senior Andrew Dillon and 6-foot-4 junior Dylan Coleman, who will defend the rim and provide rebounding and shot blocking.

Junior guard Benjamin Mear is strong on both ends of the court with his defensive prowess and ball handling skills..

FARMINGDALE REMAINS A PLAYOFF STAPLE Like their male counterparts, the girls’ team has consistently made the playoffs in recent years before stalling in the quarterfinals.

But unlike the boys, they are already incorporating more youth into their lineup.

The Dalers went 7-5 in Conference AAA play last season (10-9 overall) but lost their only two double-digit scorers to graduation. But head coach Dave Stein feels that his team still has plenty

of talent to remain competitive this winter.

“We’re a different team, but I think we’ll be a competitive team,” Stein said. “We’re young.

I have seven sophomores, two freshmen and an eighth grader on the team. But my three seniors are very capable of leading us in that direction and we should be able to go deep on the bench.”

One of those seniors is point guard Ruby Seaman, who missed most of last season due to injury and her absence was felt in the lineup.

“I think if Ruby plays all year, we could have been a semifinalist if not go to the finals last year with her,” Stein said. “She’s back healthy and playing great.

I think Ruby will be one of the best guards in Nassau County this year.”

Another senior, Kaitlyn Quinn, is the top returning scorer from last season with three double-digit point games. Junior forward Katie Hecker is back with the team and is a presence on the post with a high court IQ. “Katie, for us, is what we lost in terms of size,” Stein said. “She’s not big, but she plays big.”

Rounding out the potential starting five is sophomore Regan O’Connor, who Stein tabbed as one of the best defenders in the county, and freshman Isabel Aristy, who gained valuable experience as an 8th grader last season and will help quarterback the offense with Seaman.

Sophomore rim protector Ja’Kiya Arthur, “super quick” eighth grader Molly McNamara and versatile sophomore Juliann Brzeski should all provide depth off the bench.

Ruby Seaman

Schedule BOYS December 12 18 21

Westbury 7:00 p.m. @ Herricks 5:00 p.m. @ Port Washington 12:00 p.m.

January 7 10 15 25 28 30

Plainview 5:00 p.m.

East Meadow 5:00 p.m. @ Academy Charter 7:00 p.m. @ Westbury 12:00 p.m.

Herricks 5:00 p.m.

Port Washington 5:00 p.m.

February 5 8 11

@ Plainview @ East Meadow Academy Charter

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 18

Hicksville

5:00 p.m.

January 6 10 15 18 25 28 31

Syosset 5:00 p.m. @ Freeport 7:00 p.m.

Academy Charter 5:00 p.m. @ Massapequa 5:00 p.m.

Uniondale 12:00 p.m. @ Herricks 7:00 p.m. @ Port Washington 7:00 p.m.

February Jake Mangio

5 7 11

Plainview Westbury @ Oceanside

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Michael Scro

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

FREEPORT Red Devils reset after 8-win season

By BRIAN KACHARABA

I

t’s a good news-bad news scenario for the Freeport boys’ basketball team.

Under first-year head coach Daryl Johnson, the Red Devils went 8-12 in 2023-24 after winning just four times in their previous 44 tries and were victorious in their final two contests. But carrying that momentum into this season will be challenging after all five of their top scorers either graduated or elected not to return.

The team did inherit some young talent via transfer students and the JV team to help fill the voids, leaving Johnson optimistic that there won’t be much of a drop off in talent.

“I like the makeup of our team right now,” Johnson said.

“We’re going to be young and I’m going to have five new starters.

Shawn Broyles

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

Most of these kids put in the work during the spring and the summer as well as the fall, so I’m looking for some great things from this group.”

Sophomore point guard Noah Patterson averaged around 15 points a game at St. Mary’s High School and has excited Johnson with his speed.

“This guy has a motor,” Johnson said. “He can go.”

Junior Tyrel Williams and sophomore Bryan Thomas are both making the jump from JV and could be in the opening day starting lineup possibly with incumbent seniors Jayden Wong and Shawn Broyles. Thomas is an athletic player who can hit from three-point range and Broyles, the JV’s leading scorer two seasons ago, had a pair of double-digit point games last season.

Williams and the versatile Wong both bring a defensive presence to the lineup.

Senior Jacob Jordan is another long-range shooter who can also drive to the basket, and Johnson is hoping that senior Joshua OseiSefah can make an impact after missing all of last season following knee surgery. Sophomore Ethan Richardson also returns and brings size and inside scoring to the team.

“It’s going to be a whole new starting five, but I like the chemistry because these kids played together throughout the offseason,” Johnson said.

FREEPORT LEANS ON EXPERIENCE Last year’s girls’ team was a lot younger than the squad that won 18 games in 2022-23, but still went 9-12 to return to the playoffs. They too lost their top scorer to graduation as well as another productive starter who transferred out of Freeport, but still have plenty of talent in place to reach double-digit wins.

“The pieces are definitely all there,” head coach Meredith Jones

said. “We ended up only having one senior graduate that had considerable playing time. The younger players got so much time last year.

Our tenth graders this year don’t play like tenth graders. Experience wise, they were all starters all last year and they’re ready to go now.”

Sabrina Ligonde (7.3 ppg) and Madison Harris (6.4) both had strong freshman campaigns and Jones is confident that they can elevate their games this season.

Ligonde had five double-digit point games last season, including a season-high 21 against Hicksville on Feb. 9, and Harris can score from anywhere as evidenced by her 15-point performance against a tough Syosset team on Feb. 3.

“She, to me, is one of the top players in the county,” Jones said of Harris. “Her stats last year didn’t always reflect it, partially because we weren’t that strong. She has such a good sense of the floor [and] she doesn’t quit on a play so she gets a lot of second and third chances.”

Madison Starks was mostly known for her defense at the start of last year, but suddenly emerged as an offensive threat midway through the season. Fellow junior Leah Gaddist was a starter for most of last season and has played with a lot more confidence at both ends of the court during training camp, Jones said.

Sophomore Shaniya Bonny is a “good shooter” and a “strong, quick defender” who could also see valuable minutes. Among the newcomers who could make an impact are junior Chrissa Alexander and freshmen Whitney Whitmore and Ja’Niyah Eady.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Madison Starks

Schedule BOYS December 9 11 18 21

Syosset @ Oceanside @ Hempstead Hicksville

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

January 7 15 18 24 27 31

@ Uniondale Massapequa @ Syosset Oceanside Hempstead @ Hicksville

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

February 5 10

Uniondale @ Massapequa

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 9 12 18 21

@ Syosset Westbury Port Washington @ Uniondale

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

January 7 10 18 24 31

@ Uniondale Farmingdale @ Plainview @ Oceanside Hicksville

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 5 10

@ Academy Charter 5:00 p.m.

Herricks 7:00 p.m.

Photos by Justine Stefanelli

December 19, 2024 — 21

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

HEWLETT Bulldogs face daunting schedule

By TONY BELLISSIMO

to match in the backcourt with their All-County tandem of Justin Ogilvie and Justin Ortiz. They poured in 19.5 and 16.5 points per ewlett boys’ basketball comes off a 13-win season game, respectively, last winter and DeBernardo believes they can comthat ended with a firstbine for 50 any given night. Both round playoff loss at Sewanhaka. will run the point at times and The Bulldogs have the be backed up by junior Christian pieces to go further, as long as Champagne, up from JV. they qualify.

“They both play travel ball “If we can get in, we’ll be beyond battle tested,” head coach and just love the sport,” DeBernardo said. “Both improved since Andy DeBernardo said. “Our expectations are super high, except last season, Ogilvie improved his jump shot and rebounding, and we’re in the conference from Ortiz worked on his defense and hell. Four of the past seven state free throws. We’ll go as far as champions we’re playing twice those two can take us.” apiece. I know it’s a cliché but we Senior Lincoln Williams is really can’t worry about more than another guard who can put up one opponent at a time.” double digits in points. He has Hewlett will tangle with defending state champion Elmont, a high basketball IQ, the coach Manhasset and South Side in con- noted, and active hands on ference play in addition to Roslyn, defense to create turnovers and make things happen in transition.

Bethpage, Kennedy and Clarke.

In the frontcourt, three-sport Despite the major competisenior athlete Daniel Lankri tion, the Bulldogs will be tough (football/lacrosse) is Hewlett’s glue gun, DeBernardo said. “He a grinder who does all the things like rebounds, takes charges and sets screens that a team needs to be successful.”

Also keys to the frontcourt are junior Kobe Cox, a solid defender with good touch around the basket, freshman Gabe Bowery, who played all summer with the varsity and thrived as a scorer, rebounder and shot blocker, and junior Stefano Borsellino.

H

Justin Ogilvie

22 — December 19, 2024

HEWLETT WORKS TO CLOSE GAP The Hewlett girls are coming off a season that started promising but didn’t end well, resulting in a 4-10 mark and no playoffs for a second straight campaign.

“We never regained our momentum after the holiday break,” head coach Alex Pallatto said. “This season we’re looking to be much more competitive against the top teams and close the gap.

It’s a daunting schedule that’s even

tougher on paper but we have to focus on one game at a time.”

The Bulldogs, who must battle the likes of Manhasset, South Side, Elmont and Kennedy twice apiece, return nine from last season’s roster including three starters. “We’re counting on the continuity and chemistry to carry over,” Pallatto said. “The girls are familiar with one another and get along well.

We’re putting a bigger emphasis on defense.”

Junior guard/forward Kayla Owens and sophomore point guard Mia Koloden are returning award-winning starters. Owens averaged 10 points per game and was All-Conference; Koloden averaged 13 points, hitting over 50 three-pointers, and earned AllClass. Both chipped in 5 rebounds per game.

“Kayla doesn’t settle for outside shots, she goes right to the basket and isn’t afraid to take a charge if someone is doing the same when we’re on defense,” Pallatto said.

Koloden is a floor leader and the team’s best dribbler, the coach noted, and started every game as a freshman. “We already know she can hit from outside and want her to create some higher percentage shots for herself and her teammates,” Pallatto said.

Senior Sienna LaPaglia is a returning starting guard who’ll set the tone at the defensive end.

“She’s our quickest player and brings a lot of defensive energy,” Pallatto said.

In the frontcourt, seniors Rachel Cafaro, Taylor Amitrano and Emily Mukamal all saw significant minutes last season and will again with any two likely completing the starting lineup on a given night.

Up from JV, Pallatto is looking for juniors Ella Fahy, Guiliana Oliviero and Orya Nahoom to provide depth in different areas.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Kayla Owens

Schedule BOYS December 10 13 16 19

Bethpage @ Manhasset Roslyn @ Clarke

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 16 24 27 30

Kennedy @ Elmont South Side @ Bethpage Manhasset @ Roslyn Clarke

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

@ Kennedy Elmont @ South Side

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 10 13 16 19

@ Bethpage Manhasset @ Roslyn Division

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 16 24 27 30

@ Kennedy Elmont @ South Side Bethpage @ Manhasset Roslyn @ Division

7:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

Kennedy @ Elmont South Side

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Eric Dunetz

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Ready to Sell Ready to Sell Your Home?

Your Home?

Here’s What to Expect Here’s What to Expect from Our Selling Appointment: from Our Selling Appointment:

Home walkthrough Listening first Home walkthrough Listening first Market insights Strategic game plan Market insights Strategic game plan Your support system Your support system

If this personalized approach sounds like a perfect fit for approach you, let’s sounds chat!

If this personalized like a perfect for you,your let’slisting chat!

Contact us to fit schedule

SCAN ME SCAN ME

appointment start your Contact us to and schedule your homelisting selling journey. appointment and start your homeselling journey.

Follow us on IG @twinteamhomes Follow us on IG @twinteamhomes

Call The Twin Team (516) 816-4699 Call The Twin Team (516) 816-4699 DAVORKA BENDER, Broker/Owner DAVORKA BENDER, Broker/Owner EVA BOCI, Broker EVA BOCI, Associate Broker Associate

1281574

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 19, 2024 — 23

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

KENNEDY Cougars begin a new era

By TONY BELLISSIMO

I

t’s a new era for Kennedy’s boys’ hoops program as Rory Block retired as head coach after an incredible 32 years at the helm. Longtime assistant and former JV head coach Mike Gattus takes over an has many familiar names on the roster to work with.

“I coaches most of these kids when they were freshmen and sophomores on JV,” Gattus said. “It’s an exciting time. It was incredible to work under Rory for so many years and he taught me so much. I’m going to take things from him and other coaches I’ve played for and worked with and develop my own style.”

Perhaps the biggest challenge the Cougars are facing once again is arguably the strongest conference in all of Nassau. It features

Ari Salama

24 — December 19, 2024

defending county and Long Island champion Elmont, runner-up South Side, perennial power Manhasset, and talented Hewlett and Roslyn.

“It’s been a tough conference for years,” Gattus said. “We just want to focus on ourselves. We want to keep building the program and give those teams a hard time and one day be right up there.”

The Cougars return five with varsity experience, including senior forward Ari Salama who was their second-leading scorer behind standout Leo Ferry last winter.

Salama averaged 7.5 points per game and has the ability to double that production. “Ari can get to the basket and has shooting range,” Gattus said. “He can score in a variety of ways and continues to work harder on defense.”

Balanced scoring will be a key, Gattus noted. Sophomore point guard Aaron Jacobs runs the show and is a tenacious defender. “He’s an excellent decision-maker and in line for a breakout season,” Gattus noted.

Senior guard Jake Wexler is aggressive to the rim and dangerous in transition, and senior Hayden Felman is a guard projected to see increased minutes.

In the frontcourt, sophomore power forward Luca Kaplan brings a combination of size and skill, and 6-foot-10 senior center Mike Kovac is back in the fold after sitting out last season.

KENNEDY BRINGS PLENTY OF PIECES Kennedy is looking to not only end a recent playoff drought but make noise when it gets there.

Head coach Mallory Freely is cautiously optimistic all of the pieces will fall into place for the Cougars, who

finished 5-9 against conference rivals last winter and missed the playoffs by a few wins.

“We have smart, experienced and talented girls,” Freely said.

“They’re all fast learners and we’re way ahead of last year’s pace. Our goal is always to make the playoffs and see where we can go from there.”

In addition to a healthy amount of returnees, the Cougars received a boost when Tristan Montalbano decided to rejoin the program after a one-year absence. A volleyball standout, the versatile 5-foot-11 2022-23 All-County basketball selection is capable of posting a double-double any given night.

“She’s a unique player who gives us everything including more height,” Freely said. “It’s a gamechanger for us so we’re excited to have her back.”

Senior point guard Jolie Yablon is a fourth-year varsity player with Honorable Mention All-County and All-Conference seasons under her belt. She averaged 12 points and 6 assists a season ago and is a tremendous three-sport (soccer, flag football), Freely noted. “Jolie’s a great kid who makes smart decisions all the time,” she said.

Also returning to the backcourt is junior Jordi Wohlleben, who brings quickness and plenty of offensive punch.

Senior 5-10 center Ashley St. Surin is another four-year member of the varsity coming off an Honorable Mention All-County campaign that saw her average 11.8 points.

“She’s cool, calm and collected and strong at both ends of the court,” Freely said.

Sophomore forward Katelyn Kuhl is also 5-10 who along with Montalbano helped lead the volleyball team to the county semifinals. Kuhl started some games last season and has excellent leaping ability and makes things happen in

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Jolie Yablon

transition as well.

There’s plenty of depth with seniors Katie Kliers and Liyana Ashurov, sophomore Lindsay Nashtatik and eighth-grade backup point guard Val Alfieri.

Schedule BOYS December

MATT GUILFOYLE 10 @ Roslyn 12 16 19

Elmont @ South Side Manhasset

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 7 11 13 16 24 27 30

@ Hewlett Bethpage @ Clarke Roslyn @ Elmont South Side @ Manhasset

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

Hewlett @ Bethpage Clarke

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

10 12 16 19

Roslyn @ Elmont South Side @ Manhasset

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

GIRLS December

January 8 11 13 16 27 30

Hewlett @ Bethpage Division @ Roslyn @ South Side Manhasset

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

February 3 6 7 10

@ Hewlett Bethpage Elmont @ Division

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

licensed & insured electricians

Bi County ELECTRIC

1280705

Est. 1958

1230483

A

Step

Above

Stairbuilders LLC

Wood Stairs and Rails

❖ Licensed & Insured ❖ ❖ Free Estimates ❖ ❖ Owner Operated ❖ ❖ Reasonable Rates ❖ ❖ Custom Stairs & Railings ❖

Phone: 516-679-2622 Fax: 516-679-1648 www.astepabovestairbuilder.com astepabovestairs@verizon.net Licensed & Insured - Nassau & Suffolk1280699

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 19, 2024 — 25

2024- 25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

LAWRENCE Golden Tornadoes set new foundation

By TONY BELLISSIMO

In terms of the win/loss column, the coach noted the Golden Tornadoes “can only go up from last season” as they were unable to win a game. He’s also hoping to field a JV squad but the numbers are making it no sure thing. “It’s going to be tough but we’re trying,” Manhardt said.

Junior forward Yaslin Bonilla is 5-foot-11 and a presence in the middle. “She helps deter opponents from driving to the basket and working on her own post moves and mid-range jumper,” Manhardt said. “We’re counting on her to provide leadership and she’s already delivering.”

Guard Andrea Aguilar, another junior, is a fiery defender who operates at the top of the zone and hustles all over the court.

“She’s quick and has an outstanding conditioning level,” Manhardt said.

Up from JV and with a small taste of varsity experience, sophomore Priscilla Jimenez runs the point. She scored 11 points against North Shore last season and not only can get to the rim but also knock down an occasional perimeter shot to keep defenses honest.

Also contributing to the backcourt will be junior combo guard Ava Abramov, who can provide an offensive spark, and sophomore Analeigh Humphries, who brings LAWRENCE REBUILDS WITH energy.

FRESHMAN CLASS Losing seven to graduation Two of the freshmen, forward/ guard Tianna Cunningham and and a key piece to relocation, center Elyse Francis, will be key Lawrence’s girls’ program is back to square one with six freshmen on pieces. Francis is locked in to start despite just picking up the sport the varsity roster to join a handful recently. “She’s 6-foot and quickly of returnees. learning the game and looks great “It’s close to a completely in practice,” Manhardt said. Cunnew team,” second-year head ningham is making the jump from coach Craig Manhardt said.

“We’re younger with girls who are middle school ball and has shown the ability to put the ball in the dedicated to the sport and that’s a positive. We’ve been implement- basket and rebound. ing more plays. They’re eager and we’ve had competitive practices.”

any scrimmages. “The practice time was more important,” he noted.

Senior 6-foot-1 forward Nahmire Young is the most acfter spending last season complished player on the roster helping coach Lawrence’s and had some big scoring games a girls’ program, Chris DeMarzo takes over as head coach of year ago. He’s expected to garner plenty of defensive attention but the boys. He’s been a head coach at the varsity level in a ton different will be counted on to score and sports and this is his first go-round rebound in double figures every game. “He’s pretty much our on the hardwood. everything,” DeMarzo said. “He’s “I want to build up the a great kid with good skills and program as much as possible,” leadership qualities.”

DeMarzo said. “Not having a JV Junior Melvin Beltran will run makes it tough, but we have 14 the point and has ability to be an kids on varsity and everyone has offensive force. He brings a strong been showing up and putting the handle and quickness, the coach work in. The team has chemistry said. Also part of the starting backand a good personality. I don’t know how we’re going to stack up, court is senior guard Ayden Diaz, a high-energy defender whose but we want to be as competitive motor never runs out of gas. as we can.”

Sophomore guard Khalil BraThe Golden Tornadoes were unable to get a victory last season sell might not be the biggest kid and with so much to cover during but shoots well from the outside and can help bring the ball up the camp, DeMarzo didn’t schedule floor. Serving as an ignition switch off the bench will be senior Joshua Paez, who can knock down some threes to keep defenses honest.

Another sophomore, center Logan Davis-Kee, can score in the paint, rebound and block shots.

Lawrence’s conference rivals are Friends Academy, North Shore, Seaford, Malverne, Island Trees and Wheatley.

A

Nahmire Young

26 — December 19, 2024

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Yaslin Bonilla

Schedule BOYS December

MATT GUILFOYLE 11 14 17 20

North Shore @ Friends Academy @ Malverne @ Wheatley

7:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 14 17 25 28

@ Island Trees Seaford @ North Shore Friends Academy Malverne

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 1 4 10

Wheatley Island Trees @ Seaford

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 11 14 17 20

@ North Shore Friends Academy Malverne Plainedge

7:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 14 17 25 28 31

Island Trees 7:00 p.m. @ Seaford 7:00 p.m.

North Shore 7:00 p.m. @ Friends Academy 12:00 p.m. @ Malverne 6:00 p.m. @ Plainedge 5:00 p.m.

February 4 11

@ Island Trees Seaford

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Sue Grieco

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

THERE IS NOTHING LIKE

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

We love High School basketball - it’s the best of the sport, before big business and salaries interfere with the pure passion for playing. It’s about school and community pride.

It’s about the camaraderie our kids share on and off the field.

Nothing else.

Follow the athletes from your school each week in Herald Community Newspapers. Enjoy our local coverage of the players, the coaches, the game and the fans.

Subscribe today and don’t miss any of the action!

Liherald.com/subscribe (516) 569-4000 x7

HERALD Community Newspapers liherald.com/subscribe

Sports

real local, real news TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 19, 2024 — 27

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

2024-25

BOYS HEAD

COACHES 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

JOHN MATEYKO - Plainedge

JAY LYNCH - Seaford

JASON ALLEN - Sewanhaka

JERRY D’ANGELO - South Side

JAAZ STYLES - Uniondale

MIKE WIMMER - V.S. Central

MICHAEL MCVEIGH - V.S. North

MIKE O’BRIEN - V.S. South

MATT SIMEONE - Wantagh

ERIC RUBIN - West Hempstead

28 — December 19, 2024

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

2024-25

GIRLS HEAD

COACHES 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

KOREN PENA - 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

MALYSSA THORNGREN - VS Central

DAN LODATO - V.S. North

DOMINIQUE SERPICO - V.S. South

STAN BUJACICH - Wantagh

CHRIS VAN KOVICS - West Hempstead

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 19, 2024 — 29

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

LONG BEACH Marines hungry for success

By MICHELLE RABINOVICH

L

ast year, Long Beach boys’ basketball went 10-7 overall and 6-6 in conference play, enough to clinch a playoff spot.

This left quite the appetite for head coach Scott Martin & Co. A solid returning core includes the likely candidate to be the starting point guard is senior Jamar Burns, but Martin anticipates that other players will get reps in the shot-calling position, and Burns’ experience at shooting guard spot makes it that much easier to adjust the schemes on the fly.

“Jamar is a good shooter, he’s a real fast kid and he finishes well in the lane,” Martin said.

There’s also Brody Schuh, who Martin said could play multiple positions but anticipates using him as a three or a four forward.

“He’s probably about six-foot-two [so] he provides mismatches when guards play him and he can bring the ball outside and

Brody Schuh

30 — December 19, 2024

give mismatches when forwards play him,” Martin said. “He’s versatile, he’s a good kid, he’s a captain-in-character type of material.”

Matt Hayes completes the trifecta of returners. Hayes started balling for the Marines in his sophomore year, and is now labeled by his coach as a great shooter, expected to set up real estate in the four spot.

Two sophomores stand out to Martin, Zach Brymer and Jeron Burns, Jamar’s younger brother. “[Zach] shoots really well, he’s got pretty good basketball knowledge, he’s just really getting acclimated to things that we do, the way we run offense and defense and transition. We think he can be a starter as a sophomore and he’s close to that role,” Martin said. “Jeron is a very good athlete.

He passes the ball well, shoots the ball well, has really good awareness and above-average skills.”

The centerpiece, pun intended, is 6-foot-4 center Ben Orner, who’s going to see more minutes. “He’s a bigger kid, he’s strong,” Martin said. “He played mainly reserve roles last year, he didn’t see a whole lot of time; he knows what to do but now is his opportunity to make a step up.”

LONG BEACH OFF PLAYOFF SEASON Last year, was a unique season for the Long Beach girls.

Head coach Blake Milizia was at the helm for his first season there, the Marines had been in a playoff drought for a few years up until that point and he capped it off by making the dance in his first go-around.

They finished 8-13 overall, 7-7 in conference play.

Now, with most of his players back, he’s looking to repeat that success, especially with four seniors, three juniors and a handful of sophomores and freshman to round out the roster.

Seniors Regan Reagan McCarthy McCarthy and Delaney Chernoff, the team’s starting center and forward respectively, are a key component of this year as part of a larger plan en route “She is extremely athletic, to success. she is one of the most competitive “We’re looking to be able to people I ever met and she just has increase our basketball knowledge a desire to win,” Milizia said. of packing the paint more, giving the ball to our bigs,” he said. “We have forwards and centers, that Schedule we trust and try to take advantage and capitalize on their strengths BOYS and really try to feed the ball inside December more this year.”

10 Jericho 7:00 p.m.

Milizia also highlighted the 13 @ Baldwin 7:00 p.m.

16 MacArthur 7:00 p.m. work done to improve the transi19 @ G.N. North 7:00 p.m. tion offense, pressing his players January to find more open shots based on 8 Mepham 7:00 p.m. their motion offense, where the 11 G.N. South 7:00 p.m.

13 @ V.S. Central 7:00 p.m. one and two spots come in.

16 @ Jericho 7:00 p.m.

Brianna Bothell, a sophomore 24 Baldwin 7:00 p.m.

27 @ MacArthur 7:00 p.m. who can play the point and shoot30 G.N. North 7:00 p.m. ing guard slots, was described by February her coach as someone who has a 3 @ Mepham 7:00 p.m. true knack for the game with her 6 @ G.N. South 7:00 p.m.

10 V.S. Central 7:00 p.m. versatility. Milizia also expects the go-to point guard to be Jordan GIRLS Soriano, a sophomore who he December said has great ball handling and 10 @ Jericho 7:00 p.m. defense-reading skills.

13 Baldwin 7:00 p.m.

16 @ MacArthur 7:00 p.m.

To round out the starting 19 G.N. North 7:00 p.m. five is senior Alexis Richards at January the three, with the capacity and 8 @ East Meadow 7:00 p.m. flexibility to play guard or forward 11 @ G.N. South 7:00 p.m.

13 V.S. Central 7:00 p.m. as needed.

16 Jericho 7:00 p.m.

Someone to keep an eye out 24 @ Baldwin 7:00 p.m.

27 MacArthur 7:00 p.m. for is sophomore Anima Taylor; 30 @ G.N. North 7:00 p.m. typically, Milizia said, she pops of February the lacrosse scoresheet but those 3 East Meadow 7:00 p.m. skills transfer just fine on the 6 G.N. South 7:00 p.m.

10 @ V.S. Central 7:00 p.m. basketball court according to her coach.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Photos by Justine Stefanelli

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

CARD T F s GI to

motivate ALL MEMBERSHIP GIFT CARDS INCLUDE 2 FREE TRAINING SESSIONS W/ A COACH

membership

training

3 months

5 sessions

249

395

membership

training

719

save sav ave av ve $100+

one year

15 sessions

995 valid for east location only

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

1256865

265 e park ave - long beach ny 11561 - 516-348-6377

December 19, 2024 — 31

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

LYNBROOK Owls ready for a rebound

By MARC BERMAN

adjust to him. He’s a big but plays like a guard. The traditional big will struggle at the perimeter with he Lynbrook boys are primed him.’’

The fight is on for starting for a resurgence after last slots. “What’s going to help us season’s 5-15 flop.

The Owls lost just one starter is we can match up in different ways,’’ Donaldson said. “We can – albeit their leading scorer, Tim play big against some or spread Mingo. Lynbrook returns nine players from the rotation, including the floor against you. There’s no set-in-stone lineup.’’ four seniors. “We have continuThe other two seniors are ity,’ second-year head coach Michael Werzinger, a point guard, Brian Donaldson said. “It’s a big strength. We expect a big bounce- and 6-4 forward Andrew Malinka.

Werzinger averaged 5.1 back year.’’ points as a three-level scorer.

Donaldson is excited about Twice, Werzinger rang up 23 senior James O’Donovan, an AllConference player last season who points last season, including averaged 8.2 points while shooting against Plainedge when he hit the 37 percent from 3. “He spaces the game-winner from mid-range. “He operates our offense and gets us floor for us,’’ Donaldson said. into sets,’’ Donaldson said.

But the player with the The tall Malinka will be relied biggest upside is 6-foot-4 senior upon to increase production. The big Ismar Purisic, who averaged senior played sparingly and aver5.1 points in 2023-24 in his first year on varsity. Purisic has excelled aged 1.6 points.

There are three juniors who in spring/fall leagues. “Ismar had an adjustment from JV to varsity,’’ could be impactful - wing Jaime Pereira, guard Cooper Cordes and Donaldson said. “He’s done a lot big man Jake Prince. However, in the offseason and has been a each averaged less than 5 points big plus for us. Teams will have to with Prince leading the way at 4.8.

The Owls have returning players who averaged a combined 42 points. At last season’s training camp, that number was 6 points. “We expect to make some noise,’’ Donaldson said. “It was growing pians last year and we learned from it.’’

T

Ismar Purisic

32 — December 19, 2024

LYNBROOK’S DYNASTY SHOULD ROLL ON The Owls return four starters from last season’s 17-4 Conference 1 champion squad. Lynbrook now goes for a conference three-peat with four returning seniors - Brooke Mazzei, Cate Jennings, Sophia Dwyer and Kaitlyn Benedict.

But there is bigger fish to fry.

Lynbrook has made either the Nassau County semifinals or finals the past three seasons. The Owls haven’t

won the whole enchilada since 1978.

It is not as long as the New York Knicks’ championship drought since 1973, but it’s close. “If Lynbrook is going to get a title, this is going to be the team that’s going to get it done,’’ said second-year head coach Koren Pena.

Lynbrook is loaded, starting with Mazzei, the point guard who played 75 percent of games in 2023-24 because of two separate injuries. She broke her nose, and soon after returning, broke her foot. She missed the playoffs that ended in the semifinals.

Mazzei averaged 12 points, 4 assists and 3 steals. “She is the most dynamic player in Class A and possibly the county,’’ Pena said.

Mazzei and 5-foot-11 forward Jennings have been integral players for the last three prosperous seasons. Jennings averaged 11 points and 9 rebounds. She also shot a team-leading 75 percent from the free-throw line.

“She excels in rebounding and free throw percentage,’’ Pena said. “She can also handle the basketball and has great court vision as an inside player.’’

A slashing wing, Dwyer averaged 9 points last season, is tall and long who defends the passing lines.

Adding to the embarrassment of riches is Kaitlyn Benedict, a 3-point sniper and playmaker. Last season, she broke the single game 3-point record by dropping 8 three-pointers against Island Trees in the first round.

In addition to the senior core, sophomore rising star Jessie Vuotto is a key cog - 5-10 forward strong on defense and unafraid at going hard to the basket.

Lynbrook has height and tall aspirations.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Brooke Mazzei

Schedule BOYS MATT GUILFOYLE December

14 17 20

Floral Park @ Wantagh Mineola

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 14 25 28

@ V.S. North V.S. South @ Plainedge @ Floral Park Wantagh

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 1 4 7 11

@ Mineola V.S. North @ V.S. South Plainedge

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 14 17 20

@ Floral Park Wantagh @ Mineola

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 14 25 28

V.S. North @ V.S. South @ Clarke Floral Park @ Wantagh

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 1 4 7 11

Mineola @ V.S. North V.S. South Clarke

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Check us out daily!

Check us out daily!

@LYNBROOKBAGELS @LYNBROOKBAGELS

Check us out daily!

@LYNBROOKBAGELS Check us out daily!

@LYNBROOKBAGELS

Check us out daily!

@LYNBROOKBAGELS

EXPIRES 1/9/25

BUY ANY SOUP GET A BUTTERED EXPIRES 1/9/25 BAGEL FREE!

BUY ANY SOUP GET A BUTTERED BUY ANY SOUP BUY ANY SOUP BAGEL FREE! BUY ANY SOUP GET A BUTTERED GET A BUTTERED GET A BUTTERED MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANYFREE! OTHER OFFER FREE! BAGEL BAGEL BAGEL FREE! EXPIRES 1/2/22

MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER

MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER EXPIRES 1/2/22 MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER

EXPIRES 1/2/22 EXPIRES 1/2/22 EXPIRES 1/9/25

7 11 7 11 OPEN CHRISTMAS OPEN CHRISTMAS 7 11 OPEN CHRISTMAS 11 OPEN OPEN CHRISTMAS 7 11 MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER

1281860

EXPIRES 1/2/22

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 19, 2024 — 33

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

MacARTHUR M Generals aim to make strides

By ANDREW COEN

lead the way for us.”

Complementing Kondyra.in the backcourt is senior point guard Keidyn Cheng, who produced 13 hile the record may not points including nine in the fourth have reflected it, MacArthur boys’ basketball quarter in a 49-40 victory against established a building block during Bellmore JFK as a junior.

Senior center Anthony its three-win 2023/24 season comVargas also gives the Generals an peting in one of Nassau County’s experience inside presence after most challenging leagues that improving his play over the second fifth-year head coach Brian Maini half of last season. He chipped in hopes pays dividends this winter. six points in a 78-53 loss to East The Generals battled hard Meadow last January. last season in Conference AA-III Sophomore Raj Singh and dropping five games in single Vincent Szucs are also expected digits going up against some of to be key parts of the lineup after the area’s top teams. MacArthur getting varsity time as freshmen. returns key players who earned The 6-3 Singh started a few games valuable minutes against fierce competition including senior guard at forward last season while Szucs made strides at shooting guard.

Mike Kondyra, who averaged Junior guard Danny Lopez nearly 20 points per game. also returns to give MacArthur “He had a pretty strong some additional backcourt experiseason for the competition that ence. Lopez registered 17 points we went up again,” Maini said of in a 64-57 non-league loss to Kondyra, who had a season-high Carle Place during the Jim 32 points in a narrow 59-57 loss Colligan basketball tournament at Long Beach last season. “We are going to rely heavily on him to last tDecember.

MacArthur’s already grueling conference got even tougher for this season with the addition of defending Nassau County Class AAA champion Baldwin. The league also features Jericho, Great Neck South, Mepham, Long Beach and Valley Stream Central.

“The conference is back to being as competitive as it could be,” Maini said. “Hopefully we can be in the mix.”

W

Mike Kondyra

34 — December 19, 2024

MACARTHUR OFF 18-WIN SEASON The MacArthur girls return much of its starting lineup from last year’s team that reached the Class AA semifinals and is seeing another deep postseason run in a more challenging league this winter.

The Generals, who return three full-time starters from an 18-4 team that fell to East Meadow in the county semis, will see increased competition vying

for a championship with longtime county power Baldwin joining Class AA for this season.

“We’re going to be competitive, but the conference is going to be tough,” said 11th year head coach Dave Radtke “We have Baldwin and East Meadow who are two of the better teams in the county.”

The Generals bring back junior center/power forward Meaghan Campbell, a reigning All-County player who tallied 18 points in MacArthur’s 58-50 quarterfinal win against Division last season. Campbell was also conference co-defensive player of the year with teammate Ysabelle Perillo, a returning junior guard.

Gabby Nicolini is also back after earning All-Conference accolades and is among 11 juniors on the roster. Junior point guard Caitilin Kilian, who started some games last season, will lead the backcourt.

Radtke said that Campbell and Nicolini will be the key toward how far the team goes this season with their offensive skills.

“Campbell’s our star and our big girl and we’re going to go as far as she goes,” Radtke said. “Her and Gabby Nicolini are the best we’ve got.”

Senior Caitlin Barry and junior Ella Mancini add athleticism on the court after both gaining experience off the bench last season. Radke is also expecting contributions from newcomers that include the twin sisters of Abby Clarkson and Olivia Clarkson along with Gina Iannuzzi and eighth grader Angela Lopez in his uptempo system.

“We’re going to run and gun, press and trap,” Radtke said. “Our best offense is our defense and our press because they are just so athletic.”

MacArthur will compete in Conference’s League 3 which consists of Baldwin, East Meadow, Valley Stream Central, Great Neck South, Great Neck North, Long Beach and Jericho.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Meagan Campbell

Schedule BOYS

MATT GUILFOYLE December 10 13 16 19

@ Mepham G.N. South @ Long Beach @ Baldwin

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 16 24 27 30

V.S. Central Jericho @ G.N. North Mepham @ G.N. South Long Beach Baldwin

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

@ V.S. Central @ Jericho G.N. North

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 10 13 16 19

East Meadow @ G.N. South Long Beach Baldwin

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 16 24 27 30

@ V.S. Central @ Jericho G.N. North @ East Meadow G.N. South @ Long Beach @ Baldwin

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

V.S. Central Jericho @ G.N. North

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

Photos by Karen Millindorf

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

MALVERNE Mules begin quest for 52

By BRIAN KACHARABA

A

51st straight playoff berth appeared to be in jeopardy for the Malverne boys’ basketball team last January, but five wins in the final eight games put the Mules at 7-5 in the conference and back in the postseason, where it beat Plainedge before falling to Friends Academy in the Class A quarterfinals.

But making it 52 will again be a challenge for Malverne, which graduated all five starters from last season and 11 seniors overall.

“We’ve got a very young squad, maybe a couple of seniors,” associate coach Walter Aksionoff said. “The kids that we have, they come from a JV season [where] they were very good, very quick.

Now, they have to learn how to play really good defense.”

The backcourt will likely

Lorenzo Malone

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

team upwards.

Head coach Amanda Masson changed her schemes during training camp in hopes of better results and is focusing on a defense that did allow an average of just over 44 points a game last season.

“We do have a very young team, so we’re just definitely trying to just take a different approach on how we’re going about things,” she said.

“We’re working on defense as much. So far, it’s been OK.” Offensively, Ty’Zanae Reed improved her scoring average by more than two points a game to 8.3 last season while admirably filling in at point guard when injuries struck the roster. She had nine double-digit point games and hit 15 3-pointers on the campaign.

“I expect a lot from her,” Masson said. “She worked so hard over the summer. She’s definitely taking that senior role to another level, and I expect so much from her just being a leader.”

Senior Hazel Whitfield averaged just over four points a game last season and will co-captain the team with Reed. Masson is hoping that the pair can help inspire their younger teammates for future seasons.

Junior Makiyah Harris is one of the top defenders on the team and is often responsible for guarding the opposition’s top scorer.

Freshman Dana Sobers is an athletic guard who can also defend SENIORS LEAD OTHERWISE and grab rebounds and eighth YOUTHFUL MALVERNE grader Nevaeh Lopez will see lots A pair of five-game losing of minutes with her offensive skills streaks ended up being too costly for the girls’ team as their win total and rugged play on the court.

Sophomore point guard dropped from nine to six last year (4-8 Conference A2). Naveah DeJesus returns and improved her skills at both ends Three of the team’s top four scorers from of the floor during the offseason.

Sophomore Gabrielle Allen and 2023-24 are gone, eighth graders Autumn Williams but there is still and Olivia Elleston add more plenty of talent that could again point the depth. consist of senior returnee Lorenzo Maione and junior Christopher McIntosh, a 6-foot-2 athlete who Aksionoff is hoping can be effective driving to the basket and drawing fouls. Sophomore Tristan Inswood, who was called up late last season, provides depth at point guard with his ball handling and shooting skills.

Aksionoff, a longtime assistant under multiple head coaches including Darroll Lopez, is also excited to see the play of raw 6-foot-10 senior Spencer Sexton and took a unique approach to get him acclimated to varsity basketball.

“He has to run,” Aksionoff said. “So, I got him with a track coach, [go] box to box, work on some strength. But I see him in our rotation right away because he can get some rebounds, outlet, and [go] where we’re going to go. You can’t teach height.”

Sophomore forward Isaiah Smith is coming off the football season and Aksionoff has penciled in among the top seven of the rotation. Six-foot-two sophomore forward Andrew Innocent is an accurate shooter who could also see plenty of minutes and senior Jamar Smith is an excellent defender with a high court IQ. Players who also see court time are juniors Alexander Anderson and Julien Dumornay, senior defensive stalwart Rayshard Cerisier and quick lefty sophomore Shane Lee.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Ty’Zanae Reed

Schedule BOYS December 11 14 17

Friends Academy @ Island Trees Lawrence

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 14 17 25 28

North Shore 7:00 p.m. @ Seaford 7:00 p.m.

Wheatley 7:00 p.m. @ Friends Academy 7:00 p.m.

Island Trees 12:00 p.m. @ Lawrence 7:00 p.m.

February 4 7 11

North Shore Seaford @ Wheatley

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 11 14 17

@ Friends Academy 7:00 p.m.

Island Trees 12:00 p.m. @ Lawrence 7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 14 17 25 28

@ North Shore Seaford @ Plainedge Friends Academy @ Island Trees Lawrence

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 4 7 11

North Shore @ Seaford Plainedge

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Sue Grieco

December 19, 2024 — 35

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

MASSAPEQUA Thinking big: Chiefs aim high

By DYLAN BUTLER

T

he Massapequa boys’ basketball team had a makeover for the 2024-25 season — a super-sized one.

The Chiefs are thinking big with the largest team Chris Cafiero has had in his five years as head coach.

Not in terms of numbers, but rather in length.

Massapequa is a vastly different team from the one that went 14-7 last year, losing to Syosset in the Nassau Class AAA quarterfinals. While the backcourt of Giuliano Camporini and Brian Kopp is gone, there’s a bevy of height, led by 6-foot-4 Mike VanRoten, a versatile senior who can play multiple positions.

Another returning starter is AJ Molenko, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound senior center who is one of three standouts on the Massapequa football team, along with Tyler

Michael Van Roten

36 — December 19, 2024

Byrnes, a 6-foot-4 junior who is a returning All-Conference performer and 6-foot senior guard Frank Romano.

They’re late to joining the basketball team after helping the football team win a second consecutive Long Island Class I title.

Seniors Matthew Pettis, who started late last season, and Anthony Pastier are defensive standouts on a team Cafiero believes can go nine deep.

“This team’s identity better be on the defensive end and rebounding,” Cafiero said. “If we give up an offensive rebound, it’s basically going to be like having a turnover on offense. We have to be able to rebound and just play lockdown defense. That’s what this team’s got to be built on — creating offense from defense.”

If Massapequa can do that, Cafiero is confident his hardworking team can make a deeper playoff run this year.

But first, there’s a challenging regular season, which starts with a tournament at Wantagh, includes league games against Syosset, Uniondale and Hempstead, and the annual highly-anticipated non-league showdown with rival Farmingdale.

“If we take on our identity and understand how we need to play, I think the sky is the limit for this group,” Cafiero said. “If we play defense and take care of the basketball, I really think we could compete with anybody.”

MASSAPEQUA HAS COUNTY TITLE HOPES To make a run at a ninth county championship in program history, and first since 2013, the Massapequa girls are going to have to get out and run.

Part of that plan is to make the most of the team’s strength — its athleticism throughout its deep roster. And also out of necessity after graduating leading scorers Briana Neary and Grace Trotta

from a team that went 14-8 and lost to Baldwin in the Nassau AAA semifinals.

“My ideal setup is never knowing who’s going to be our leading scorer because we’re constantly moving the ball, we’re all constantly attacking and then we’re spreading out that defense because they have to worry about everybody,” head coach Billy Herr said.

Leading the way this year is senior captain Paige Garguilo, who Herr calls “one of the best defenders I’ve ever had” as well as someone who can score in double digits if given the chance.

Junior Savanna Appleton is a 6-foot-1 senior forward who can handle, shoot and is good for three to four blocks a game.

Senior guard Isabella Grosso, arguably the Chiefs’ most athletic player, has proven to step up in the postseason, specifically in the loss to Baldwin a year ago and senior Cassidy Morrow, a Siena-bound lacrosse standout, creates offense from her pressure defense.

One of the players up from a junior varsity team that went 19-0 last year is sophomore point guard Liv Morgan who can dish, drive and facilitate and is “the fastest kid I’ve ever seen,” according to Herr.

The Chiefs will be tested from the jump in a tone-setting December that includes Manhasset, Plainview-JFK, Walt Whitman, Sacred Heart, St. Anthony’s and St. Dominic’s.

And while the semifinal defeat to Baldwin stings, Massapequa isn’t thinking of revenge, especially with Baldwin dropping a classification. Instead, their target is on the defending county champions.

“Our goal is to beat Syosset this year because that’s who’s at the top of the mountain right now,” Herr said.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Paige Garguilo

Schedule

MATT GUILFOYLE

BOYS December

9 12 18 21

Hicksville @ Syosset Uniondale @ Oceanside

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

January 10 15 18 24 27 31

Hempstead @ Freeport @ Hicksville Syosset @ Uniondale Oceanside

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 8 10

@ Hempstead Freeport

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 9 18 21

@ Plainview 7:00 p.m. @ Academy Charter 7:00 p.m.

Port Washington 12:00 p.m.

January 7 10 18 24 27 31

@ Freeport @ Westbury Farmingdale @ Hicksville Uniondale @ Oceanside

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 8

Syosset Herricks

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

Photos by Michael Scro

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

GAMECHANGING Education

Nassau Community College offers a full college experience with 20+ nationally ranked athletic teams, 60+ student clubs, and flexible routes to a college degree.

• Academic scholarships and career coaching • Supportive community for student-athletes • Championship-winning athletics, including 100+ NJCAA titles across various sports Many of our graduates transfer to distinguished four-year universities and launch careers in the professional sports and entertainment industry.

So can you.

Learn more at nassaulions.com/welcome

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

1280792

Nassau Community College One Education Drive Garden City, New York 11530 516-572-7345 | ncc.edu

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 19, 2024 — 37

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

MEPHAM Pirates have pieces to build

By DAVID WEINGRAD

F

irst-year head coach Jamie Adams has seen enough to believe he has the foundation to build a perennial winner.

The Pirates will feature a mostly returning roster of upperclassmen, and Adams said he’s enjoyed his early days getting to know them all. “I’m really happy with how they are acclimating to me,” said the former Lynbrook head coach of nine years. “I really feel like these kids just bought in.”

One of the first players to catch his eye is senior Owen Heller, whose athleticism will make him a top playmaker and scorer. Heller was one of the top quarterbacks in Nassau an led the Pirates to the county finals. “He really has a good handle on the mental side of the game,” said Adams. “He sees the game almost coach-like.”

They’ll get a boost from senior forward Will Gallagher, a sharpshooter who missed all of last season with an injury, and junior Rhyan Arias, a transfer from St. Dominic’s, who has also showcased his talent early this season and has impressed Adams and his staff.

Complementing these scorers will be Tommy Kayantas, a power forward who is not afraid to be physical and help his team in the trenches by crashing the boards and setting screens.

The goal, said Adams, is to play an up-tempo style and control the pace of the game. A major key to that is a trio of speedy guards who will bring versality to the squad – seniors Rodney Michel and Kyle McQuillan, and junior Colin Kohut. “I’m really excited to see them buzz aorund, handle the ball, play defense,” said Adams.

Rounding out their rotation is senior Andrew Graf, 38 — December 19, 2024

a 6’3” forward who can also play the perimeter, and senior guard Tyler Ranancher, a gritty defender who will match up with opposing big men.

With eight returning seniors and a promising junior class, Adams is excited for this year and what lies ahead. “I think we’ll build a really strong foundation for what the future can bring,” he said. “This is the start of something hopefully.”

CONFIDENT MEPHAM READY TO MAKE NOISE A run to the AA quarterfinals last year has instilled confidence in an experienced Mepham squad led by their star forward senior Makayla Daube.

“We’re coming off a really good experience and bringing back a lot of kids who contributed,” said head coach James Mulvey.

Daube, an All-State and twotime All-County forward – and the class valedictorian, to boot – enters the final season of her illustrious

career after averaging 17 points and 19 boards per game last year.

On pace to reach 1,000 career and points and 1,000 career rebounds, Mulvey said she’s among the top five players he’s coached in his 22 years at Mepham. “We want her to get a touch every time on the offensive end,” he said. “She’s so fundamentally sound.”

She’ll have a strong supporting cast alongside returning All-Conference senior Sophia Beck, who Mulvey called a fearless guard who plays an unselfish, hardworking game.

Complementing the pair is senior Grace Skulavic, a hardnosed forward who Mulvey said will be a key defensive piece often guarding the opposing team’s highest scorer.

At point guard, senior Sierra Barbosa is a stellar athlete who is not only a floor general but who Mulvey expects to rack up steals with her lengthy wingspan.

Depth and defense will be a key for Mepham, and Mulvey thinks they can wear down opponents with their aggressiveness.

A key to that strategy is senior Leah Smith, who is a major factor in their transition game turning turnovers into offense.

Some new faces include freshman Bree McGovern who will serve as a spark off the bench, as well as sophomore Mia Troiano, who led junior varsity in scoring last year. Juniors Gabby Caminiti and Sienna Linekin, as well as senior Gabby Fitzgerald will also be contributors.

With plenty of star power and confidence, Mulvey said his team is rearing to go. ”I don’t feel like we’ll be phased by much this year,” he said. “We’re battle tested.”

Sophia Beck

Schedule BOYS December 10 13 16 19

MacArthur @ Jericho G.N. North G.N. South

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 10 13 16 24 27 30

@ Long Beach @ V.S. Central Baldwin @ MacArthur Jericho @ G.N. North @ G.N. South

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

Long Beach V.S. Central @ Baldwin

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 10 13 16 19

@ Roosevelt Carey @ Garden City @ Calhoun

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 16 24 27 30

Glen Cove New Hyde Park @ Sewanhaka Roosevelt @ Carey Garden City Calhoun

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February Will Gallagher

3 6 10

@ Glen Cove @ New Hyde Park Sewanhaka

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

JUNK REMOVAL D E M O L I T I O N JUNK REMOVAL D E M O L I T I O N REMOVAL • CLEANUP DEMOLITION • CLEANUP JUNK D E M OREMOVAL L I T O N REMOVAL • ICLEANUP DEMOLITION • CLEANUP REMOVAL • ICLEANUP DEMOLITION • CLEANUP JUNK D E M OREMOVAL L I T O N REMOVAL • CLEANUP DEMOLITION • CLEANUP

DEMOLITION OF:OF: DEMOLITION DEMOLITION OF:OF: DEMOLITION DEMOLITION OF:OF: DEMOLITION

• Pools, all types • Bathhouses • Sheds • Dormers • Garages • Kitchens/Baths • Pools, all typesDemolition • Bathhouses • Sheds • Complete House • Buildings • Dormers • Garages • Kitchens/Baths • All Phases of Interior and Exterior Demolition • Pools, all typesDemolition • Bathhouses • Sheds •for Complete House • Buildings Contractor Projects • Concrete Patios, • Dormers • Garages • Kitchens/Baths • All Phases of Interior and Exterior Demolition Sidewalks, Driveways, Stoops •for Complete House Demolition • Buildings Contractor Projects • Concrete Patios, • All Phases of Interior and Exterior Demolition Sidewalks, Driveways, Stoops • Pools, all types • Bathhouses • Sheds for Contractor Projects • Concrete Patios, • Dormers • Garages • Kitchens/Baths • Fire and Flood Sidewalks, Damage • Driveways, Garage Cleanouts Stoops • Complete House Demolition • Buildings • Attic Cleanouts • Shed Cleanouts • Lot Clearing ••All of Interior and Fire and Flood Damage •Exterior GarageDemolition Cleanouts •Phases Estate Cleanouts • Complete House and for Contractor Projects • Concrete Patios, • Attic Cleanouts • Shed Cleanouts • Lot Clearing Apartment Cleanouts • Entire Building Cleanouts • Fire andCleanouts Flood Damage • Driveways, GarageHouse Cleanouts Sidewalks, Stoops • Estate Cleanouts • Complete and • Warehouse • Construction Cleanouts • Attic Cleanouts • Shed Cleanouts • Lot Clearing Apartment Cleanouts • Entire Cleanouts • Eviction Cleanouts • Yard Building Debris Cleanouts • Estate Cleanouts • Complete House and • Warehouse Cleanouts • Construction Cleanouts Apartment Cleanouts • Entire Building Cleanouts • Eviction Cleanouts • Yard Debris Cleanouts • Fire and Flood Damage • Garage Cleanouts Cleanouts MENTION COUPON • Warehouse Cleanouts • Construction • Attic Cleanouts • Shed• Cleanouts • Lot Clearing • Eviction Cleanouts Yard Debris Cleanouts CODE: EXPRESS ALL SIZE DUMPSTERS AVAILABLE • Estate Cleanouts • Complete House and MENTION COUPON 5, 10, 15, 20 & 30 Yard Sizes Apartment Cleanouts • Entire Building Cleanouts CODE: EXPRESS ALL SIZE DUMPSTERS AVAILABLE • Warehouse Cleanouts • Construction Cleanouts MENTION COUPON 5, 10, 15, 20 & 30 Yard Sizes DEMOLITION • Eviction Cleanouts • Yard Debris Cleanouts CODE: EXPRESS ALL SIZE DUMPSTERS AVAILABLE RUBBISH REMOVAL 5, 10, 15, 20 & 30 Yard Sizes ANY DEMOLITION, CLEANOUT DEMOLITION CLEAN-UPS MENTION COUPON OR DUMPSTER RENTAL RUBBISH REMOVAL CLEAN-OUTS DEMOLITION ANY DEMOLITION, CLEANOUT Discount may not be combined with any other offer.

CODE: EXPRESS ALL SIZE DUMPSTERS AVAILABLE CLEAN-UPS Coupon must be submitted at time of ser vice.

DUMPSTER RENTALS OR DUMPSTER RENTAL RUBBISH REMOVAL 5, 10, 15, 20 & 30 Yard Sizes CLEAN-OUTS ANY DEMOLITION, CLEANOUT Discount may not be combined with any other offer.

CLEAN-UPS Coupon must be submitted at time of ser vice.

OR DUMPSTER RENTAL DUMPSTER RENTALS FULLY LICENSED & INSURED: Nassau H3900100000 • Suffolk 45336-H DEMOLITION CLEAN-OUTS Discount may not be combined with any other offer.

Coupon must be submitted at time of ser vice.

RUBBISH REMOVAL DUMPSTER FULLY LICENSEDRENTALS & INSURED: Nassau H3900100000 • Suffolk 45336-H ANY DEMOLITION, CLEANOUT CLEAN-UPS OR DUMPSTER RENTAL FULLY LICENSED & INSURED: Nassau H3900100000 • Suffolk 45336-H CLEAN-OUTS Discount may not be combined with any other offer.

Coupon must be submitted at time of ser vice.

A Division of R & C Rubbish Removal &RENTALS Demolition DUMPSTER 401081N051122

Printed & Distributed By Long Printed Island & Distributed Media Printed Group By & Distributed •Long CallPrinted 631.226.2636 Island By &Media Distributed Long Group Island • www.longislandmediagroup.com By Media • Call Long 631.226.2636 Group Island•Media Call 631.226.2636 • Group www.longislandmediagroup.com • Call •631.226.2636 www.longislandmediagroup.com • www.longislandmediagroup.com

DEMOLITION OF:OF: DEMOLITION ALL PHASES OF CLEANOUTS: ALL PHASES OF CLEANOUTS: ALL PHASES OF CLEANOUTS:

SAME DAY SERVICE ALL PHASES OF CLEANOUTS: SAME DAY SERVICE SAME DAY SERVICE $

GET 25 OFF $ SAME DAY SERVICE GET $25 OFF FREE GET 25 OFF E S E TE R A EFSTIM $ ES EFSTRIMEATE GET 25 OFF ESTIMATES

821529

146943Y 146943Y

821529

146943Y

HERALD

146943Y

821529 821529 381746N031721 381746N031721 381746N031721

FREE

631.608.9099 WWW.1866WEJUNKIT.COM 1-866-935-8654 631.608.9099 WWW.1866WEJUNKIT.COM ESTIMATES 631.608.9099 1-866-935-8654 A Division of R & C Rubbish Removal & Demolition WWW.1866WEJUNKIT.COM FULLY LICENSED & INSURED: Nassau H3900100000 • Suffolk 45336-H 1-866-935-8654 A Division of R & C Rubbish Removal & Demolition 631.608.9099 WWW.1866WEJUNKIT.COM 1-866-935-8654 A Division of R & C Rubbish Removal & Demolition PRINTED & DELIVERED BY HERALD/PRIMETIME • 516-569-4000

401081N051122

PRINTED & DELIVERED BY HERALD/PRIMETIME • 516-569-4000

401081N051122

PRINTED & DELIVERED BY HERALD/PRIMETIME • 516-569-4000

381746N031721

401081N051122

PRINTED & DELIVERED BY HERALD/PRIMETIME • 516-569-4000

1281580

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 19, 2024 — 39

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

OCEANSIDE Sailors count on returning duo

I

By MARC BERMAN t will be virtually a new team and perhaps a new record.

Injuries haunted Oceanside’s boys team during a 5-15 campaign. All-Conference stars Ben Zito and Adam Elbehiry had their seasons cut short. They were among 11 seniors who graduated but all isn’t lost. The Sailors’ two returnees, 6-foot-5 junior Josh Gamarra, and 6-3 shooting guard Kyle Singh, project as stars.

As a sophomore, Gamarra earned All-Conference, averaging 12.5 points, 10 rebounds. He got invited to fall’s Alzheimer’s Classic pitting Nassau versus Suffolk.

“He’s had a great offseason, is explosive, can shoot the 3 and is a leader,’’ head coach Ed Risener said. “He’s a true gym rat.’’

Meanwhile, Singh, will elevate from bench role to second-most important player. The lanky 6-3 shooting guard averaged 7 points. “He got better and better as the season went on,’’ Risener

Josh Gamarra

40 — December 19, 2024

said. “He’s a traditional scorer.’’

After the Gamarra-Singh duo, Oceanside will field varsity newcomers but that’s not a bad thing. “This group, even though they’re new to varsity, they’ve had a lot of cohesion being together on middle school and JV,’’ Risener said. “This group’s chemistry is better than any group I’ve had in my five years.’’

The three most notable firstyear varsity guys are sophomore guard Dylan Alfaro, 6-1 junior forward Max Caine and 6-1 junior forward John Grimaldi.

Alfaro is a natural scorer. “He had a great JV season,’’ Risener said. “He’s a bucket-getter. He’s going to have a big impact.’’

The coach considers Caine “the glue to our team on both ends of the floor’’. “He facilitates and he’s a quarterback of the defense - the loudest guy on the court,’’ Risener said. “He does all the stuff coaches love and is a relentless rebounder.’’

Grimaldi won’t be asked to score much but will facilitate and guard different spots. Another rotation player is senior 6-2 forward Dan Bekker, who played garbage-time minutes. Bekker is a point forward - a ball mover athletic enough to get to the rim and be a versatile defender.

“They’re a tight group,’’ Risener said. “I want to see how it translates to the varsity.’’

OCEANSIDE HAS PLAYOFFS ON RADAR Despite graduating 11 seniors from last season’s solid squad, the Oceanside girls’ team has not given up on being in the playoff hunt.

With superstar All-County guard Brianna Amenta graduating, Oceanside will rely on two return-

ees to man the backcourt - senior point guard Camryn Weinberg and junior shooting guard Karley Handleman.

Weinberg started last season and averaged 5.6 points, while Handleman came off the bench.

“Between Camryn and Karley, the ball will be in their hands most of the time,’’ head coach Jared Stoler said. “We’ll go as far as those two will take us. Not that Camryn has been waiting in the wings. There’s no Brianna. It’s her time to shine.”

Amenta averaged 16 points last season so Weinberg will have to pick up scoring slack. “Camryn wasn’t a top option last year,’’ Stoler said. “She’s a really quick point guard with a ton of skills. She’s electric and can shoot from outside and get to the rim. It’s a matter of her putting it all together.’’

Handleman could be her perfect complement. “I expect big things from (Handleman),’’ Stoler said. “She’s tough as a bull, gets to the basket. She doesn’t back down and can also shoot. Between those two. I have two players who can get the ball in the net but have a lot of inexperience after them.’’

Sophomore wing Ella Murray, who played JV, will be needed to play beyond her years. “She might one of the best athletes we have,’’ Stoler said.

Another sophomore starter is 5-10 center Bella Marsicano, also on JV last season. She has rebounding potential and is developing a post game with her aggressiveness. “She’s very talented and very raw,’’ Stoler said.

Two seniors, guard Lana Landa and small forward Juliana Ewashko, will be thrust into the rotation.

Last season, Oceanside lost out on a final playoff spot by dropping its final game to Port Washington, finishing 9-11. Despite a tough conference, the hope is Oceanside will take it to the final game again.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Camryn Weinberg

Schedule

MATT GUILFOYLE

BOYS December

9 12 21

@ Hempstead Freeport Massapequa

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

January 7 10 15 18 24 31

@ Hicksville @ Syosset Uniondale Hempstead @ Freeport @ Massapequa

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 5 8 10

Hicksville Syosset @ Uniondale

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 12 18

@ Plainview Westbury

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 10 15 18 24 28 31

Port Washington 7:00 p.m. @ Uniondale 7:00 p.m. @ Herricks 12:00 p.m.

Freeport 7:00 p.m. @ Academy Charter 5:00 p.m.

Massapequa 7:00 p.m.

February 5 7 11

@ Hicksville @ Syosset Farmingdale

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Justine Stefanelli

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 19, 2024 — 41

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

PLAINEDGE Red Devils will stand tall

By MARC BERMAN

made it to the Nassau County Class A quarterfinals.

So when asked where the Plainedge offense will come from, veteran head coach Ssrah Tansey paused and said, “We use our defense to score. We’re defensiveminded. We have a lot of athletes.

Our offense will be fueled by our defense.’’

The pressing, end-zone defense is a staple of a Tanseycoached team. “We don’t get a lot of basketball-first kids but we get a lot of athletes,’’ Tansey said. “We create havoc.’’

That pressure will be needed more than ever with a lack of returning scorers. The lone returning starter is Lucy’s sister, Allie Younghans, a point guard who averaged about four points.

“She did a lot of things for us that didn’t always show up in the box score,’’ Tansey said. “We will look for her to lead the team this year as one of our few returnees.

Her role last year wasn’t to score.

We’ll look for her to score more but she’s a facilitator.’’

Two other returnees are sophomores, guard Peyton Wise and Michela Netto. Both started only a few games last winter as freshman. Peyton averaged 4.8.

Netto, a star soccer player, averaged 2 points and 3.5 rebounds.

“They were more role players but this year we’ll be looking for them to score,’’ Tansey said. “They rebound really well and are good defenders.’’

Plainedge will also have to depend heavily on two s sophomores in guards Giovanna DEFENSE TO FUEL Pannitti, who can shoot the 3, PLAINEDGE OFFENSE and Samantha Zaccaro whom the Scoring might be a chore for coach calls “a phenomenal athlete Plainedge’s girls team. The Red Devils lost their leading scorer, Lucy who defensively creates from Younghans, an All-County selection chaos.’’

Two juniors in 5-11 center who provided 18.5 points per Franki Maiello and forward Julia game.

Truncalo played junior varsity last There are no seniors on the team and just one returning starter season and are touted for their from last season’s 14-7 squad that rebounding.

especially,’’ Mateyko said. “Our conference isn’t very big. Very seldom do you face big players. To start three guys 6-5 on the front hat are they putting in the water in North Mass- line is pretty big for our league.’’

The top returnee is returning apequa these days?

All-Conference 6-2 senior Owen The Plainedge boys will field one of its tallest teams in history as Donnellan, who averaged 14 the Red Devils seek a third playoff points and is a three-year starter.

He’ll shift from point guard to berth in four years. wing. “He’s very fast and is a Plainedge is known more scorer,’’ Mateyko said. for its football but fourth-year The size comes from 6-5 head coach John Mateyko has grown a respectable program off a senior forward Brian Keavney, 6-6 senior Alec Anderson and 6-5 12-9 playoff campaign. Malverne Jackson Torres. knocked out Plainedge in the first Keavney, whose brother round of the Class A playoffs. graduated, is the most electric of Only two key players were the trio. His 7-point average is exlost in starters Kevin Keavney and pected to increase as a swingman. top scorer Lucas Emmanual, but Anderson will play center Plainedge returns a lot of seniors and comes over from football. and height.

Though Anderson netted 22 points Mateyko has coached for 30 in a game, he averaged 7 but that years - known as the last basketshould rise. “He wasn’t asked to ball coach at Dowling College, score a lot last year,’’ Mateyko which closed in 2017. said. “Alex played “D” and got “We’ll definitely have size, rebounds. This year we’ll ask him very tall for Plainedge standards to do more.’’

Torres is touted more for being the football quarterback but projected as a power-forward force as a sophomore.

The addition of senior AJ Gulino, an All-State soccer player, is huge as he’ll play point guard. Gulino opted out of basketball least season due to knee issues.

Also returning from injury is senior shooter Matt Barry. “I have a nucleus of kids since the 10th grade,’’ Mateyko said. “We’re hoping to (make the playoffs) again and think we can.’’

W

Owen Donnellan 42 — December 19, 2024

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Allie Younghans

This extreme youth is new territory for Tansey, in her ninth season. “I’ve never not had a senior,’’ Tansey said. “Even if we don’t have seniors, the young girls got playoff experience last year.

Even though we’re young, we’re not too inexperienced. But it’s different in terms of not having a senior leader.’’

Schedule BOYS December 11 14 20

@ Floral Park V.S. North @ Wantagh

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 14 17 25

V.S. South @ Mineola Lynbrook Floral Park @ V.S. North

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

February 1 4 7 11

Wantagh @ V.S. South Mineola @ Lynbrook

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 11 17 20

Seaford @ North Shore @ Lawrence

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 14 17 28

@ Friends Academy Island Trees Malverne @ Seaford North Shore

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 1 4 7 11

Lawrence Friends Academy @ Island Trees @ Malverne

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Michael Scro

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

SEAFORD Vikings launch post-Rossetti era

By ANDREW COEN

Lynch inherits a program with four returning players from last year’s 11-10 team that fell to Cold Spring Harbor in the first round of eaford boys’ basketball begins a new era this winter the Class A playoffs.

Seniors Kyle Britton, Ayden with its first season in more than four decades not led by Ralph Das and Justin Betz bring veteran leadership to a team with many Rossetti. newcombers who were part of a The longtime Seaford head JV squad under Lynch that went coach retired after the 2023//24 16-3 last year. Britton and Das season with 403 career wins are guards who will play pivotal including a county title in 1999.

Jay Lynch, Seaford’s JV head coach roles guiding the younger players last season, takes over for Rossetti adjusting to the varsity level while the 6-6 Betz will be a big inside and will look to carry forward the presence at center. winning tradition.

The Vikings also have a “It’s an honor to take over for Ralph after 40 years of dedicating talented junior class that features forward Dylan Alt, who Lynch said so much to the Seaford commuis poised for a breakout season. nity, students and alumni,” said Center/forward Brian Hennnessy, Lynch, a former Seaford girls baspoint guard Mike Spinella, sharpketball head coach who has also shooter Mark Villeck and versatile led women’s college basketball programs at Briarfliffe and Berkeley athlete Brian Falk also bring plenty of skills to help spur a winning College. “Winning 400 games is formula. something Long Island basketball The junior class also includes might never see again and got those wins with class and respect.” guards Tate Gatto and Will Ryan along with big men JJ DiPietro and Justin DiScala. The deep roster also features Johnny Renck, who can play any position on the court and three-point threat Logan Anzalone,.

“We will push the ball up at an tempo pace and rely heavily on three-point shooting,” Lynch said.

Seaford will compete in League 8 this season with Lawrence, North Shore, Island Trees, Malverne, Wheatley and Friends Academy. The Vikings also tackle a challenging non-league schedule that includes early back-to-back games against Valley Stream Central and CHSAA powerhouse All Hallows.

S

Brian Hennessey

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

LOFTY GOALS FOR SEAFORD Fourth-year Seaford girls head coach Stephanie Bartkus returns plenty of talent from last year’s team that neatly knocked off second-seeded North Shore in the Class A quarterfinals.

With a heavy junior class,

the Vikings nearly upset North Shore as the seven seed in the quarterfinal round before falling 51-46. Barktus is now hoping with another year of eperience her veteran team is poised for a deeper run this winter.

“We have some very high expectations and some aggressive goals,” Bartkus said. “We remember sitting after that North Shore game and thinking about how it could have been us.”

Seafood has a large senior class led by center and team captain Skyler Secondino. Bartkus said Secondino, who is also a standout softball player, is emerging as a big scoring threat to go along with her rebound skills.

Senior Sophia Santenalla at 5-10 brings versatility and can play any position. Jessica Grzelaczyk, an All-Conference forward the last two seasons, has the ability to earn All-County as a senior, according to Bartkus, when she takes on more of a shooting role.

The Vikings’ senior-laden roster also includes Ashley Tuohy, who has committed to play women’s lacrosse at Long Island University and will often guard the other team’s top scorer. CJ Block, who shined on the volleyball court in the fall, adds another scoring and defensive threat to the floor.

“I have such a variety of players to work with,” Bartkus said.

“We’re going to be an aggressive team hoping most of our offense comes from our defense.”

Sophomore guard Emily McGowan also brings experience as a third-year varsity player who Bartkus has high expectations for after rebounding from an injuryplagued freshman season.

Freshman guard Bridget Grosser also has potential for a breakout season after competing on varsity as an eighth grader Seaford’s League 7 foes are North Shore, Island Trees, Malverne, Lawrence, Wheatley and Friends Academy.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Skylar Secondino

Schedule BOYS December 11 14 17 20

Wheatley @ North Shore Island Trees Friends Academy

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 9 14 17 25 28

Malverne @ Lawrence @ Wheatley North Shore @ Island Trees

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 1 7 11

@ Friends Academy 12:00 p.m. @ Malverne 7:00 p.m.

Lawrence 7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 11 14 17 20

@ Plainedge 7:00 p.m.

North Shore 12:00 p.m. @ Island Trees 7:00 p.m. @ Friends Academy 7:00 p.m.

January 9 14 17 25 28

@ Malverne Lawrence Plainedge @ North Shore Island Trees

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 1 7 11

Friends Academy Malverne @ Lawrence

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Karen Millindorf

December 19, 2024 — 43

NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA

Find Your Furever Friend This Holiday Season!

Open for Adoptions: Christmas Eve: 10am–7pm New Year’s Eve: 10am–6pm New Year’s Day 10am–6pm Closed: Christmas Day

1281937

Open Daily: 10 AM – 6 PM • animalleague.org 25 Davis Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050 516.883.7575 • RR006 • FOLLOW US ON:

FALL DRAIN OUTS

END OF SEASON INSTALLATIONS • Renovations

• Service • Repairs

Certified Backflow Tester

Free Estimates Licensed and Insured

1251945

Joe Barbato 516-826-7700 44 — December 19, 2024

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 19, 2024 — 45

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

SEWANHAKA New-look Ravens ready to roll

By DAVID WEINGRAD

Braylon Metellus also returns as a role player last season who will now play a pivotal role. The versatile senior is one of the team’s new-look roster with only most athletic players and top two returning rotational players will take the floor for defenders.

Junior guard Nehemy Fresnel a Ravens team that advanced to the Nassau AA semifinals last year. did see some time at varsity last But as a perennial playoff pro- year before an injury ended his gram that reached two county final season. This year, Allen expects him to be a major contributor after fours in the last six seasons, head he showed some bright spots last coach Jay Allen strongly believes season. that once his team starts to jell, Much of the remaining roster they will be in the championship will be new to the varsity level, conversation come year’s end. including freshman Lance Williams, “There’s now an expectation that when you play here, it’s going a classic “3-and-D” guard; junior Dante Anderson, an offensive to be at a high level,” he said. threat who puts major pressure on Sewanhaka’s most expeopposing defenses; senior Wayne rienced returner is senior point guard Miles Gurley, who was a key Odenville, who will provide a boost upon his return as he recovers piece to their success as a floor from an injury; and junior Jayden general and dogged defender.

Spaulding, a tough defender.

“We’re really excited about what And for the first time in his he can bring to the table as a career, Allen said, he’ll have an scorer, defender, passer, all the eighth grader on varsity – Robert phases of the game,” said Allen.

Shaw, who the coach believes will emerge as a key piece.

“This year there’s a lot of teaching,” the coach said. “But they work really hard and that’s why we’re excited. I think they understand we’re trying to build a culture. That’s something these guys are looking forward to.”

A

Nehemy Fresnel

46 — December 19, 2024

SEWANHAKA PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER Head coach Alex Soupios strongly believes this could be the season it all comes together for his current girls squad.

With a core that’s now played together for three seasons, their combined growth and maturity has been exciting to watch.

“This group has had the potential for quite some time,” he said. “They’ve put in the work and there’s an opportunity for us all to take the next step.”

At the forefront is senior All-County forward Janiya Grant, whose all-around skills regularly fill the stat sheet. “She’s one of those players that can do a little bit of everything well,” Soupios said.

“She’s not just a lockdown defender. Not just a scorer.”

Senior forward Saniya Moreau is a breakout candidate whose work ethic was defined by an anecdote Soupios recalled this summer. “She sent me a text message and said, ‘Soup, I know I am in Florida but I want you to see this.’” he recalled. “She found a gym down there and she was working on her up-and-unders to make her a better basketball player. It was so cool to see.”

Fellow senior Gabby Dawson serves as a perfect complement to the starting lineup, said Soupios, as her instinct is to set up her teammate rather than score.

At guard, junior Lilah Lopez is another breakout candidate who is laser quick on the floor and has vastly improved her shooting and ball handling. And Soupios sang the praises of his junior backup point guard Tamia Williams, who, in addition to her improved game, he considers an extension of the coaching staff by her tendencies to run over to the sideline during stoppages to strategize.

Other contributors will include senior Aniya Marriott, sophomore Alexi Stewart – Honorable AllCounty last year – and freshman Gabby Brown.

“With all the development we’ve put together the last few years in the regular season and offseason,” said Soupios, “I think this team has the potential to make a statement.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Saniya Moreau

Schedule BOYS December 10

@ New Hyde Park

16 20

@ Carey Roosevelt

MATT 13 GUILFOYLE Glen Cove

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 17 24 27 30

@ Calhoun Garden City @ Division New Hyde Park @ Glen Cove Carey @ Roosevelt

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

February 3 7 10

Calhoun @ Garden City Division

5:00 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 10 13 16 20

New Hyde Park @ Glen Cove Carey @ Roosevelt

4:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 16 24 27 31

Calhoun @ Garden City Mepham @ New Hyde Park Glen Cove @ Carey Roosevelt

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

February 3 5 10

@ Calhoun Garden City @ Mepham

7:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Eric Dunetz

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

SOUTH SIDE Cyclones to display new identity

By ANDREW FANTUCCHIO

S

outh Side’s boys’ basketball team enters the new season with a new identity.

Coming off a season in which they reached the Nassau Class AA championship game by dominating in the paint, the Cyclones are being forced to put a new spin on things by switching to an offense predicated on shooting from the outside with former all-county big men Patrick Mullin and Ryan Kennedy graduating at the end of last season.

“It’ll be an adjustment for the boys, for us as a program,” head coach Jerry D’Angelo said. “We are adaptable. I don’t think it’s an adjustment for us as a team as much or for myself as a coach. It’s more of an adjustment that kids may have

John Pericolosi

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

From the top down, South Side sports a roster full of athletes.

Whether it be Ellie Lenon, Ella Burbige, Molly Reardon, Katelyn Mullin, Reese Long, or Taylor Hansman, there are multiple players who can handle the ball, shoot, and are difficult to defend.

With so many weapons to use, it makes sense for South Side to feature a run-and-gun style of offense.

“You never pass up a shot,” said Ferrick. “It’s the mindset of you get the ball, and the first thing you do is that you’re looking to score.

The whole idea is to put pressure on the other defense.”

The Cyclones utilized that same strategy last season, and it carried them all the way to the county semifinals, where they narrowly fell to Manhasset by a slim five-point margin.

Many of the players who played in that game team are back this year, but the one who may make the biggest difference didn’t.

Charlotte Rathjen returns to the South Side lineup after missing all of last season with a back injury.

A former All-County selection, the senior has the ability to make an instant impact as soon as she steps back on the floor.

“She runs like a deer and is sixfoot-one,” Ferrick said. “She did get to watch all last year, so it wasn’t like she wasn’t around. Learning the different systems isn’t a big deal for her. It’s just a matter of knocking off the rust, which we’re doing every day. She’s going to be fine.”

But for all the depth and talent the Cyclones have, their effort SOUTH SIDE HAS defense is what will define their UNMATCHED DEPTH season.

Depth is not an issue for Dan Ferrick as the head coach of the “We have to buy in on defense South Side girls’ team. It’s knowing so that we can turn it into offense,” said Ferrick. “That’s the whole idea. what to do with it that’s the probPlay defense, and then attack on lem.

“I have 15 girls who can play,” offense.”

Ferrick said. “Some teams might go seven deep. Some teams might even go eight. But I could put 15 girls out there.” certain roles that will be different.”

After spending last season in a supporting role, junior guard John Pericolosi will be the linchpin for the Cyclones, with their offense flowing through him. Pericolosi set a high standard for himself as a sophomore, earning All-Conference recognition, and has even higher expectations.

“We’re expecting John to be better,” said D’Angelo. “John is about three inches taller than he was last year and probably about 10 pounds heavier with more muscle.”

Joining Pericolosi in the starting lineup is fellow returner Ryan Schmitt, as well as Connor Fernandez, whose three-point shooting will be pivotal to the strategic change, while Sean Arnott will fill the voids underneath the rim left by Mullin in Kennedy.

But replacing the talent of their former star players isn’t so much the issue for the Cyclones. Rather, it’s replacing their leadership.

“We’re definitely going to be on the inexperienced side for a good bit,” D’Angelo said. “I’m hopeful that someone like John, someone like Sean, or someone like Connor or Ryan, because they played a lot last year, they can help the progress a little faster.”

Along with Charles Munro, Patrick Sweeney, and Dylan Walsh providing added depth off the bench, the Cyclones are looking to make another deep playoff run.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Taylor Hansman

Schedule BOYS December 10 @ Elmont 13 Clarke 16 Kennedy 19 @ Roslyn MATT GUILFOYLE

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 16 24 27 30

Bethpage @ Manhasset @ Hewlett Elmont @ Clarke @ Kennedy Roslyn

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

@ Bethpage Manhasset Hewlett

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 10 13 16 19

Elmont @ Division @ Kennedy Roslyn

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 11 13 16 24 27 30

@ Bethpage Manhasset Hewlett @ Elmont Division Kennedy @ Roslyn

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

Bethpage @ Manhasset @ Hewlett

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Brian Ballweg

December 19, 2024 — 47

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

UNIONDALE Youthful Knights loom dangerous

By TONY BELLISSIMO

U

niondale boys’ head coach Jaaz Styles is prepared for his youth-filled team to make its share of mistakes this season, but at the same time is bursting with excitement thinking how far the Knights can go if they jell sooner than later.

Last winter, Uniondale won 11 games and snapped a two-year playoff drought. “When you start two eighth-graders, there’s a learning curve and I feel we fulfilled our potential last season,” Styles said.

“Now we’re trying to get to the next round. We still don’t have an overwhelming amount of experience, but the talent level is high.”

So just how young are the Knights? Well, Styles projects a starting lineup consisting of three freshmen, a sophomore and a senior.

“We’ll need to develop some leadership to go deep in the playoffs,” he said. “Someone needs to be an extension of the coach on the floor.”

The lone starting upperclassman, senior Nisiah James, an All-Conference combo guard, is 6-foot-3 and never gets rattled.

He’s a skilled passer and defender, and Styles is looking for him to be more vocal.

The offense expects to get a lift from sophomore Dylan Hickman, a transfer from Holy Trinity described by Styles as the team’s best shooter. The 6-1 guard has plenty of range and can also dribble and drive.

Running the point is freshman Morell Toney, an All-Conference selection as an eighth-grader. He’s a 6-3 floor general who makes the offense tick, Styles said. “He started every game and averaged 10 points and 8 assists,” the coach noted.

Up from JV, freshman 6-7 wing Jayden Barrows “can block shots with his elbows,” Styles said.

48 — December 19, 2024

Barrows improved by leaps and bounds during the offseason and will not only serve as a major presence in the paint but also boasts a smooth perimeter game.

Returning starting forward Jayden Oden brings all the intangibles and is a crowd favorite.

“He’s the type of kid who crashes the boards and takes charges,” said Styles, who plans to call upon junior forward Darren Brown and senior guard Dion Morris often.

EIGHT IS ENOUGH FOR UNIONDALE While the girls’ roster only features eight names this season, head coach Nolan Dunkley doesn’t feel if will affect practices or the Knights’ chances to do as much

Jayden Barrows

damage as last winter when it finished 14-6.

“We have a small squad, but it’s talented,” he said. “We won’t have as many chairs on the bench as our opponents, but I feel we have a chance to win the conference and go far in the playoffs.”

With perennial powerhouse Baldwin no longer in Class AAA, defending champion Syosset heads the list of top contenders. Massapequa, which nipped Uniondale by three in the first round of last season’s playoffs, also figures to be in the mix despite its own youth.

There’s only one Class AAA conference and all teams will face each other once.

“Last year we played all the top opponents on the road,” Dunkley said. “This schedule is more favorable.”

Third-year varsity performers Zahara Saintyl, Eniola Adisa and Kayla Reid — all juniors — lead the way.

Saintyl, a 6-foot center who can also play point guard, has been on a steady rise with All-Conference and All-Class campaigns under her belt. “She’s a three-level scorer and a strong rebounder who put in a lot of offseason work,” Dunkley said.

Adisa’s leadership is starting to shine, the coach noted, and the All-Class point guard averaged about 10 points and 5 assists.

Defense is Reid’s passion and she’ll get the toughest assignment every game, Dunkley said, as well as spark the Knights in transition. She’s 5-11 and can stretch defenses with her shooting range.

Providing a jolt to the offense will be sophomore 6-2 forward Shyi’Ann Talmadge, a transfer from Roosevelt who led the Rough Riders in scoring. “She’s a huge addition who gives us another presence inside,” Dunkley said.

The fifth starter could be a rotating part between junior Amaya Grier and freshman Kelsey Green, depending if Dunkley wants to go

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Zahara Saintyl

with more quickness or size, respectively. Depth comes in the form of sophomore Makayla Grier and freshman Greydi Velasquez.

Schedule BOYS December 12 18 21

Hempstead @ Massapequa @ Syosset

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

January 7 10 15 24 28 31

Freeport Hicksville @ Oceanside @ Hempstead Massapequa Syosset

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

February 5 8 10

@ Freeport @ Hicksville Oceanside

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 9 11 14 18

@ Academy Charter 5:00 p.m.

Freeport 4:30 p.m.

Port Washington 12:00 p.m.

Herricks 5:00 p.m.

January 14 17 25 27 31

Oceanside Syosset @ Farmingdale @ Massapequa @ Plainview

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 5 8

@ Westbury Hicksville

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

Photos by Paul Grassini

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Merrick Collision & Towing

Celebrating 46 Years Servicing the South Shore of Long Island.

Family Owned and Operated

Service You Can Always Trust • Factory trained technicians • State of the Art facility • Eco-friendly 36 BROADWAY, BELLMORE NY

• Free estimates

Services include: • Collision Repair • Paintless Dent Removal

516.623.9259 WWW.MERRICKCOLLISION.COM

1268739

• Direct repair shop for major insurance companies

HHA’s, LPN’s, Nurse’s Aides, Childcare, Housekeeping & Day Workers No Fee To Employers

Evon’s Services 516-505-5510 TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

1267719

Serving The Community For Over 20 Years

December 19, 2024 — 49

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

V.S. CENTRAL Eagles poised to move forward

By DYLAN BUTLER

to finish around the rim. He’ll be joined in the post by Nelson Frias, a 6-foot-5 junior who is coming off ike Wimmer is excited. It’s a solid football season.

In junior Bryan Bhushan, hard not to be for the Valthe Eagles have a big guard who ley Stream Central boys’ shoots the ball well, gets to the basketball head coach. basket and makes good decisions, There are four starters while guards Julian Vera and back from last year’s squad that Logan Douglas can both score the returned to the postseason and ball and defend their positions. hung tough with East Meadow in the first round of the Nassau YOUTHFUL VSC Class AAA playoffs, nine players LEARNING TO FLY in a deep and versatile rotation, A winless season and a leadincluding two up from a JV squad ing scorer lost for the year before that went 16-3. one bounce of the ball would And they start his third year indicate storm clouds for the Valley as head coach healthy.

Stream Central girls team.

That was far from the case But there’s a bright future last year, when injury and illness meant the starting five weren’t on forecasted for a team that will only graduate one player this year. the court together until the sixth “Next year we’re going to bagame of the season. sically have the same team, hope“I’m excited and the reason fully all going well, a year older, is because I’ve got 16 kids on my hopefully our nucleus is here,” team who really dedicate them10th-year head coach Malyssa selves to improving as basketball players,” Wimmer said. “We’re very appreciative of the fact the kids have bought in so quickly.”

Back is Sean O’Neil, a junior who was a two-time All-Conference selection and a starter since December of his freshman year.

He runs Valley Stream Central’s offense while guarding the opposition’s best player.

Sophomore Jaiya Vera started last year as a forward and Wimmer believes he is a double-double machine who not only has developed his jump shot but his understanding of the game as well.

Senior Jamin Legagneur is a returning starter on the wing who has unmatched athleticism and an innate ability to explode to the basket. Fellow senior Kyle Thomas Sean O’Neil is a good distributor, an important pass-first cog in the offense.

Simar Singh, a 6-foot-6 sophomore backed up at center last year, but is more confident and in better shape this season

M

50 — December 19, 2024

Thorngren said. “We’ve got some young ones. Hopefully we can start to build and move forward within the program.

Barring injuries or transfers, hopefully we will have a nice foundation for a few years.”

Amyah Byas is the leading scorer from a year ago, but the junior suffered a knee injury playing basketball during the summer and had surgery before school started in September.

That puts the onus on eighth-grader Gabby Francois, a forward who has impressed Thorngren in the preseason with her basketball IQ. “She has a nose for the game, she knows about various situations and where she should be and what’s happening on the court at all times,” Thorngren said. “I was surprised by how far advanced her basketball knowledge was. I knew she was very athletic. I was surprised at how well-rounded she was.”

Junior Alyssa Haughton is a returning shooting guard and the team captain — a lot of the leadership, and perhaps scoring — will be on her shoulders.

Who else can pick up the scoring void in a young guardheavy squad? That’s one of the big questions for Valley Stream Central.

“It’ll be interesting to see how we gel and how we mold and who steps up,” Thorngren said.

For those returning players, it will be important to put last year behind them. The best way to do so is to get an early win. There are opportunities, Thorngren believes, on a schedule that includes Malverne as well as Valley Stream North and Valley Stream South.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Alyssa Haughton

Schedule BOYS December 10 13 17 19

Baldwin @ G.N. North @ G.N. South Jericho

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 10 13 16 24 27 30

@ MacArthur Mepham Long Beach @ Baldwin G.N. North G.N. South @ Jericho

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

MacArthur @ Mepham @ Long Beach

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 10 14 17 19

@ Baldwin G.N. North G.N. South @ Jericho

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 10 13 15 24 27 30

MacArthur @ East Meadow @ Long Beach Baldwin @ G.N. North @ G.N. South Jericho

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 10

@ MacArthur East Meadow Long Beach

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Brian Ballweg

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

V.S. NORTH Spartans will rely on balance

By JUSTIN JOSEPH

V

alley Stream North’s boys’ team hopes to build upon their 16-5 record from last season and fourth year head coach Mike McVeigh believes they have the perfect team to do it.

“If we just stay together and keep trying to have a focused mindset of getting better everyday we will get where we need to be this season,” Mcveigh said.

Junior guard Vincent Rienzie is one of the most versatile players on the roster and will be counted on to allow the Spartans to make an impact in multiple aspects.

“He’s a good passer a good outside shooter and he’s a team leader,” McVeigh said Sophomore guard Tristan Mitchell is described by his coach as a really high IQ player. He started last year as a freshman on the team and looks to bring his experience from last season to help North make a return to the playoffs.

Senior forward Zeke Morris is the defensive stalworth of the team and gives his team great energy on both sides of the ball. Senior guard Omarion Holder is another great perimeter defender who is expected with Morris to keep other teams offense at bay with his lighting quick speed and great defensive instincts.

McVeigh said senior Gavin Fererria is one of the better shooters on the roster and stretches a defense by being able to knock down wide open threes. Junior Matt Hunt is an athletic slasher who is adept at getting to the rim and finishing for the team, especially in the open court of transition.

Speaking on the goals for this season McVeigh says he’s not worried about the end result as of yet, he wants the Spartans to gradually improve and build together each day during practice and in games because the conference will be a TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

huge test.

North, which went 11-1 in conference games last winter, is part of a conference that includes neighboring Valley Stream South, Mineola, Lynbrook, Floral Park, Wantagh and Plainedge.

VSN LOOKS TO ITS YOUTH Valley Stream North’s girls team will be relying on its youth this season now more than ever before.

The Spartans will be one of the few varsity teams to not boast a senior in their starting lineup and inversely will be counting on big contributions from two special eighth graders who second-year head coach Daniel Lodato feels have blossoming potential.

“They are two very competi-

tive basketball focused athletes,” Lodato said about young guards Celeste Lyle and Emily Weir. “In practice I see it every day, they are a step ahead. I believe they will be big impact players for us this season,” he added.

That appears to be the theme for North – to rely on its youth, athleticism and chemistry to improve on its 6-11 record from last year.

“What I preach to them is I want to compete even further in league ball in a very good league,” Lodato said.

Returning is junior Alessia Nunnari who has been with the program since she was a freshman and will one of the team captains this season. “She’s just a leader, she’s basketball through and through. She’s the voice of the team… the girls really listen to her,” Lodato said.

Sophomore forward Paige Fessler is also making her return and was described by her coach to be the most athletic player on the court. “She’s just a work horse… she played pretty much the entire game every game on varsity last year,” Ladato said.

Junior guard Jasmine Harrison is what her coach described as an energizer because she’s always flying up and down the court. She’s very versatile and does a little of everything for her team.

Sophomore forward Jada Jones coming from JV last season is expected to man the paint for the team and grab a lot of boards and hustle for her team to gain extra possessions.

“We feel like we have a good group of underclassmen that all love basketball and want to compete and want to win so it’s about putting that confidence in them,” Lodato said.

Alessia Nunnari

Schedule BOYS December

MATT GUILFOYLE 11 14 17 20

Mineola @ Plainedge @ Floral Park @ V.S. South

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

January 6 14 17 24 28

Lynbrook Wantagh @ Mineola Plainedge Floral Park

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

February 1 4 11

V.S. South @ Lynbrook @ Wantagh

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

12 14 17 20

@ Mineola @ Clarke Floral Park V.S. South

4:45 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

GIRLS December

January 6 14 17 25 28

@ Lynbrook @ Wantagh Mineola Clarke @ Floral Park

5:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

February Vincent Rienzie

1 4 11

@ V.S. South Lynbrook Wantagh

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

Photos by Eric Dunetz

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 19, 2024 — 51

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

V.S. SOUTH Falcons aiming for playoff berth

By NIKO SCARLATOS

more vocal,” said O’Brien. “But in terms of his play on the court, he’s a 1,000-point scorer.”

Keith Bernardin was a player he Valley Stream South boys who took big strides last winter. are excited to embark on a “He stepped up really nicely last new season.

After winning just five games year,” said O’Brien, who enters his 7th season at the helm. “He a year ago, head coach Mike continues to get better and better.

O’Brien made sure to have his guys ready to go. “We did a ton of After what we saw from him in the summer league, we’re hoping for offseason work,” he said. “We’ve been in the gym since May and got big things.”

Another rising star within the in as much work as we possibly program is sophomore Landon could.”

Jones. “He’s one of the smartest The good news for the Falcons is they’re returning a good players we have on the team,” said O’Brien. “He’s always in the amount of key players from last right spot and understands the season. Senior standout guard Brady DelValle returns as one of its game better than most.”

While DelValle is the team’s captains and leading scorer. “I’m offensive leader, O’Brien believes trying to get him to be a little bit that junior Jaden Pryce has the chance to be option number two.

“He’s a very versatile player for us,” O’Brien said. “He has all the potential in the world to be a dangerous scorer.”

Other key contributors for the Falcons this season are junior power forward Shane Grant, who O’Brien called a ‘dark horse player’ and senior center Gavin Reynolds.

The goal this season for O’Brien and his coaching staff is simple. “I want to continue to build the culture here by staying positive,” he said. “If you’re not evolving, you’re not in the right business and that’s what I’ve learned during my seven years.”

Despite the inconsistencies last season, the expectation level is still high. “I’ve been looking forward to coaching this exact group for a while now,” said O’Brien.

“I am confident that they can be the ones to break our playoff drought.”

T

Brady DelValle

52 — December 19, 2024

IMPROVEMENT EXPECTED FOR VSS Valley Stream South’s girls team is also aiming to improve from last season.

The Falcons won just one game in the 2023-24 campaign

but head coach Dominique Serpico is excited to begin a new chapter.

“We have put in the work this offseason to be competitive,” she said. “Our nonconference schedule is definitely more favorable compared to last year.”

One of the Falcons’ senior leaders is Jayla McLean. “She’s one of the strongest players we have,” said Serpico. “She’s always leading by example with her hustle on the court and effort on defense.”

McLean’s leadership can go a long way in helping mold one particular young superstar, eighthgrader Adelynn Espinal.

“She has such a great knowledge of the game,” Serpico said. “Her ball handling and shooting skills are tremendous. We’re intrigued to see how she’ll do against girls that are older than her.”

Another senior leader the Falcons are counting on this winter is guard Lisa Jean-Antoine. “She’s someone who leads on the court,” said Serpico. “She is always giving it 110 percent whenever she’s out there. Her and McLean will put up the most points and be the most motivational for the rest of the team.”

Other key players for the promising Falcons include senior forward Ysabel Clesca, junior shooting guard Melanie Mallon, and junior small forwards Naima Brown and Jessica Dyer.

When you’re coming off a 1-19 season, it can be tough to find the positives within the program. But in her third season as head coach, Serpico is finding ways to stay positive and motivate her team to keep trying.

“The number one thing I tell my players is to never give up no matter what the score is,” she said. “Play at maximum capacity the entire game. If they start to

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Jayla McLean give up, that’s where they lose the most. I don’t really care about our record, I want them to focus on their teammates and allow them to showcase their abilities.”

Schedule BOYS

MATT GUILFOYLE December 11 18 20

@ Wantagh Mineola V.S. North

6:45 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

January 6 9 14 17 28

@ Plainedge @ Lynbrook @ Floral Park Wantagh @ Mineola

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 1 4 7 11

@ V.S. North Plainedge Lynbrook Floral Park

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 11 18 20

Wantagh Mineola @ V.S. North

6:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

January 6 9 14 17 28

Clarke Lynbrook Floral Park @ Wantagh @ Mineola

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 1 4 7 11

V.S. North @ Clarke @ Lynbrook @ Floral Park

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

ARE YOU MOVING? CONTACT US BEFORE YOU PACK!

Buyers of Antiques, Jewelry & Fine Art

WE ALSO BUY Gold Bronzes Sterling Watches Diamonds Costume Jewelry Jade

Coral Coins Lalique Art Glass Porcelain Oil Paintings Tiffany

Marion Rizzo & Adam Zimmerman (516) 671-6464 • (212) 366-9466 40 West 25th Street, GALLERY 113, NYC

www.Syl-LeeAntiques.com

Meissen Estate Jewelry Asian Antiques Mid Century Furniture & Much More

IMMEDIATE CASH PAID Same Day Service FREE House Calls 40 Year Family Business Licensed & Bonded

Free Appraisals 1268366

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 19, 2024 — 53

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

WANTAGH

Warriors carrying championship mindset

By ANDREW COEN

head coach Matt Simeone, who is also an offensive assistant on the football staff. “We’ll slowly get ith seven football players them back in and there is no doubt in my mind they’ll be ready to go.” on the roster, Wantagh Seniors Kevin Gutfleisch boys basketball got a later start than most teams practic- and Oliver Iacobazzi are the two returning starters from last year’s ing with a full squad for a good team that reached the Class AA reason.

The Warriors won the Confer- quarterfinals. Gutfleisch was an ence IV county title on Nov. 22 fol- All-Conference at forward last lowed up a week later with a Long year while Iacobazzi, a football standout, made strides at guard as Island championship win against Bayport-Blue Point on Black Friday a junior.

Juniors Devin Paccione and nearly two weeks after the start of basketball practice and three days Joe Nicholson are expected to be starters this year after earning key before the first game. minutes as sophomores. Paccione “They will be thrown to the fire a little bit which is fine because is slated to be the starting point guard and Nicholson will take on the main goal is to be playing our one of the forward spots inside. best basketball towards the end Seniors Joe Valentino and of the season,” said fourth-year Cole Spinelli will be rotating at the center position. Both shined on the football field as a lineman and tight end, respectively.

Defense will be a huge focus this season with Simeone hoping the team can reclaim its status from two years ago as the top defensive team in the county playing a straight man-to-man when Wantagh reached the semifinals.

“We pride ourselves on playing tough defense,” Simeone said. “This group that I have is very athletic and they’re tough kids and work hard.”

Wantagh will compete in League 6 this season which features Valley Stream North, Mineola, Lynbrook, Floral Park, Valley Stream South and Plainedge.

W

Kevin Gutfliesch

54 — December 19, 2024

WANTAGH FRESH OFF FINALS APPEARANCE Wantagh’s returning starters enter the new girls basketball season with plenty of championship pedigree.

The Warriors reached the Class A finals last winter and much of the roster has also been part

of title runs with Wantagh girls lacrosse in the spring and soccer this fall. Longtime head coach Stan Bujacich said his many returning players are fueled by nearly achieving the program’s first county crown since 2006 and wanting to replicate the success of lacrosse and soccer.

“These girls have either won counties or been in the county finals either in basketball, soccer or lacrosse so they know what it’s like to play big games,” Bujacich said.

“We lost in the finals last year but the year before we were 5-15 so that was a big turnaround for us.”

Bujacich returns three fulltime starters including senior Juliana Cerasi and sophomore Kayla Mannix, who both led Wantagh girls soccer to the program’s first Class A title on Nov. 7. Cerasi, who has committed to play women’s lacrosse at James Madison University, led the Warriors’ girls lacrosse team to a Class C title in the spring against Manhasset.

Junior point guard Sabrina Asadurian also returns to the lineup and will lead the backcourt.

The Stony Brook women’s lacrosse commit tallied a key goal in Wangtagh’s 11-10 county title win against Manhasset in May. Senior center Riley Forthofer, who was also on the soccer and girls lacrosse championship teams, provides an inside presence after starting some games as a junior.

Sophomore Isabella Ferraro is also slated to start this year after moving up to varsity for the playoffs as a freshman. She was also part of Wangtagh’s summer league team that won a title in the Town of Babylon.

Wantagh boasts plenty of depth with Ella Perfetti, Gianna Paccione, Camryn Mitchell and Makayla McNeil all expected to contribute valuable minutes off the bench.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Julianna Cerasi

“The key is going to be staying focused one game at a time,” ” Bujacich said. “We can’t look ahead and need to respect all opponents.”

Schedule BOYS December

MATT GUILFOYLE 11 14 17 20

V.S. South @ Mineola Lynbrook Plainedge

6:45 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

January 8 14 17 25 28

Floral Park @ V.S. North @ V.S. South Mineola @ Lynbrook

6:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

February 1 8 11

@ Plainedge @ Floral Park V.S. North

12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

GIRLS December 11 13 18 21

@ V.S. South Mineola @ Lynbrook Clarke

5:15 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

January 9 14 17 24 28 30

@ Floral Park V.S. North V.S. South @ Mineola Lynbrook @ Clarke

5:15 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 7 11

Floral Park @ V.S. North

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

Photos by Karen Millindorf

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2024-25 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

WEST HEMPSTEAD Rams are defending champs

By JUSTIN JOSEPH

T

he West Hempstead boys are the reigning Long Island Class B champions from and are looking to back it up with another big season.

The Rams finished with a 19-5 overall record and were 11-3 in conference, which was good enough to finish first and earn Nassau’s top playoff seed.

Head coach Eric Rubin, who has been with the program for the past three seasons, expects the team to try to win in a different way. “Last year we graduated three starters and eight seniors total,” he said.

Four players return from the championship team, including

Isaiah Blunt

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

Chris Van Kovics, head coach of the program for 23 years, believes getting back on the right track is as simple as improving little by little.

“Try to find ways to get better every single day,” Van Kovics said.

“Try to get better offensively, defensively, shooting, rebounding, its all we are looking to do. Coming to practice, working hard, trying to get better.”

The Rams will look to leading talents such as senior Constance Berry-Rowley who according to Van Kovics can play any position.

“She is very athletic and will be a leader on the floor for us,” he said of Berry-Rowley.

Senior Madison Cates “ is a tough athletic player and will look to bring the ball up for us on offense,” Van Kovics said.

Also returning is junior guard/ forward Daniella Healy. “She’ll play the one, two, or three and will be asked to run the offense and score for us,” Van Kovics said. “She gives us a little size underneath if we need it. She’s a smart athletic tough player.”

In the frontcourt, sophomore Isabella Salimbene will be asked to provide scoring and reounds in the paint. “We need her to play great post defense,” Van Kovics said.

Another sophomore, Willow Stern, “will give us a spark of the bench and will be at the top of our press,” the coach noted. “She is quick fast and athletic.”

One of the team’s better post players according to Van Kovics is junior Jazmyn Russell. “We will ask her to help us rebound and will operate a lot out of the low post.”

There are many keys to the WEST HEMPSTEAD WORKS TO Rams’ success. “If we stay healthy, follow the blueprint, work hard, IMPROVE play tough, play smart, play The West Hempstead girls didn’t have the season it wanted in together, we should be much improved,” Van Kovics said.

2023-24. The Rams finished 0-12 in Nassau AB-III conference play and hope to visit the win column as much as possible this winter despite a difficult schedule. senior Evan Wilson who Rubin says is “very quick and has improved his shot a lot to where he’s a good shooter.”

Senior Isaiah Blunt is considered one of top players in the county last season and is expected to have an even bigger impact out on the court. “He’s tall, can shoot well and runs the court well in transition,” Rubin said. “He’s our best scorer.”

Setting the defensive tone and bringing some intangibles is junior guard Jonathan Houston.

“He sees the court really well and is a terrific passer,” Rubin said. “He’s probably our best defensive player overall.”

Senior forward Riley Leddick is what his coach describes as a tremendous role player. “He doesn’t need the ball to be effective, good rebounder and defender, he does all the dirty work for us,” Rubin said.

One of the varsity newcomers, sophomore guard Alex Davis, will likely be the teams sixth man.

“He’s quick and is a great slasher driving to the rim, he’s very strong with the ball and givers us another option as a ball handler.”

Rubin also expects production from sophomore Jamir Houston who is the brother of Jonathan. “He’s very versatile and can play anything from the point to the center. He’s got as great head for the game,” the coach noted.

With a revamped roster, Rubin thinks defending at a high level will be a focus. “Scoring shouldn’t be an issue, but how well we play defense will be key in how far we go,” he said.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Madison Cates

MATT GUILFOYLE Schedule

BOYS December

11 14 17 20

Locust Valley 7:00 p.m.

Evergreen Charter 12:00 p.m. @ East Rockaway 7:00 p.m. @ Carle Place 7:00 p.m.

January 6 14 16 24 28

C.S. Harbor Oyster Bay @ Locust Valley Evergreen Charter East Rockaway

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

February 1 4 11

Carle Place @ C.S. Harbor @ Oyster Bay

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 11 14 17 20

@ Locust Valley @ Wheatley East Rockaway Carle Place

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 14 16 25 28

@ C.S. Harbor @ Oyster Bay Locust Valley Wheatley @ East Rockaway

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 1 4 11

@ Carle Place C.S. Harbor Oyster Bay

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Brian Ballweg

December 19, 2024 — 55

Located in Rockville Centre, Molloy University is home to one of the premier NCAA Division II athletic programs in the East Coast Conference. The University recently expanded its athletic offerings by introducing sprint football as its 23rd intercollegiate sport. The Lions proudly competed as the newest member of the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL) this past fall.

Molloy combines academic excellence and leadership with personal mentoring.

The University offers 70 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral academic programs and a variety of student clubs and activities including a co-ed equestrian team, and men’s and women’s rugby.

molloy.edu

56 — December 19, 2024

MOL1317_HeraldCommNP_6.5139x9.75_4C_v1.indd 1

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

1280565

Here you’ll think about your future in a whole new way.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS 11/20/24 2:47 PM