High School Basketball Preview 12-21-2023

2023-24 HIGH SCHOOL S P O RT S P R E V I E W December 21, 2023

OCEANSIDE’S

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HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

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December 21, 2023 — 3

Basketball Preview

2023-24 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 Freeport Red Devils.................... 20 Hewlett Bulldogs........................ 22 Kennedy Cougars ...................... 24 Lawrence Golden Tornadoes ...... 26 Long Beach Marines .................. 30 Lynbrook Owls ........................... 32 MacArthur Generals ................... 34 Malverne Mules ......................... 36 Mepham Pirates ........................ 38 Oceanside Sailors...................... 40 Seaford Vikings .......................... 42 Sewanhaka Indians.................... 43 South Side Cyclones .................. 44 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 Executive Editor MICHAEL HINMAN 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 Senior Editors LAURA LANE/DANIEL OFFNER Contributing Sportswriters TONY BELLISSIMO MARC BERMAN ANDREW COEN ANDREW FANTUCCHIO BRIAN KACHARABA DAVID PATALANO DAVID WEINGRAD ON THE COVER Emma Poland, East Rockaway High School Photo by Ron Manfredi

2023- 24 HIGH SCHOO L S P O RT S P R E V I E W December 21, 2023

OCEANSIDE’S

BRIANNA AMENTA FOR THE

South Side captured Nassau County and L.I. Class A boys’ titles last winter.

VALLEY STREAM NORTH’S

DOMINIC OBUKWELU 26 TEAMS

Cover Design - Jeffrey A. Negrin Photos - Neil Miller Cover Photos - Brianna Amenta (Oceanside) and Dominic Obukwelu (Valley Stream North)

Photo by Neil Miller

Basketball Preview is an advertising supplement to the Herald Community Newspapers. Copyright © 2023 Richner Communications, Inc. Published by Richner Communications, Inc. 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000 • www.ilherald.com

4 — December 21, 2023

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

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December 21, 2023 — 5

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

BALDWIN Bruins aim for another title

By TONY BELLISSIMO

LIC, returns a pair of All-Conference selections to lean on. Junior guard/forward Chase Timberlake averaged 10 points per game as his season’s version of the mainly a spark off the bench, and Bruins is practically a mirror image of the 2022-23 squad freshman point guard Peyton Howell dazzled daily as the youngest which used some late-game player on the court. heroics to capture a third straight Timberlake is a slasher who Nassau Class AA championship. can get to the rim and score, “We were very young last Burton said, but also someone season and we’re pretty much in capable of stretching defenses the same situation,” head coach with three-point range. Howell has Darius Burton said. “The kids the poise of a veteran running the worked hard, improved every day and came through under pressure. show and gets everyone involved.

The county was wide open and this “Peyton plays year-round and is a true floor leader,” noted Burton, season it’s the same.”

What used to be Class AA — who has lightning-fast sophomore Ethan Sainsbury slated as Howell’s the large school classification in backup. the state — is now AAA and the Senior Shane Mauldin’s wellBruins will have to hurdle familiar rivals such as runner-up Port Wash- rounded offensive game has him primed to land a starting role. He ington, Farmingdale, Uniondale and classmate Myles Austin both and Syosset to keep their crown. got a taste of varsity a year ago Baldwin, 21-3 last winter but not a ton of action. Austin runs after falling to Brentwood in the the floor well and will be counted on to rebound, especially when Burton, who has 384 career victories, goes with a quicker lineup.

Size, and plenty of it, will be provided by sophomores Dylan Cudjoe (6-7) and Gabe Phillips (6-4), and senior Brian SimmsBiggs. Cudjoe is up from JV, Phillips is a transfer from Chaminade, and Simms-Biggs will continue to do some dirty work a varsity reserve.

T

Chase Timberlake

BRUINS LOOKING TO HANG 10 Of its nine consecutive Nassau County championships and a handful of Long Island crowns to go with them, last season’s accomplishments were as impressive of any for the Bruins under head coach Tom Catapano.

“We probably overachieved considering all the injuries we suffered,” Catapano said of a 2022-23 campaign low-lighted by injuries to three starts and highlighted by title wins over Massapequa and Walt Whitman.

“The girls did a phenomenal job. I was proud how far we came and this season we have to fend off a bunch of strong teams returning most of their talent.”

On paper, Massapequa and Syosset figure to pose the biggest hurdles to Baldwin capturing a 10th straight county championship.

The Bruins will lean heavily on returning Nassau Large Schools Player of the Year and All-Long Island guard Payton Dulin. A junior, Dulin is taking over the majority of point guard responsibilities and being asked to turn the heat up defensively. She averaged 17 points per game last winter.

Junior guard Monique Echols started almost every game last season and is a tremendous defender with an improved jump shot. Catapano said she thrived in the playoffs and will look for the hard-working Echols to chip in some points.

Senior wing Renelle Grannum was one of the standouts who needed surgery prior to last season but is showing glimpses of being 100 percent. She played sparingly a year ago after earning Second Team All-Long Island as a sophomore. “Renelle can give us 10 to 15 points any given night,” Catapano said.

Junior center Toni Smith and freshman wing Chinaya Okogeri are returning starters as well.

Smith is a double-double threat (points/rebounds) and Okogeri proved she belonged last season as an eighth-grader.

Sophomore guard Alyssa Polonia is an accurate outside shooter and could work her way into the starting five. Junior Madison Guilory brings experience to the frontcourt and senior guard Sienna Hardy brings a wealth of intangibles.

Payton Dulin

MATT GUILFOYLE

Schedule

BOYS January 5 8 11 17 20 26 31

Farmingdale Academy Charter @ Westbury @ Port Washington Plainview @ Farmingdale @ Academy Charter

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 2 6 9

Westbury Port Washington @ Plainview

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 14 20

@ Syosset Massapequa

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 8 10 11 17 26 31

Academy Charter @ Oceanside Westbury @ Hicksville Uniondale Freeport

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

February 2 6 9

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

Plainview 7:00 p.m.

Photos by Karen Millindorf

6 — December 21, 2023

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

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2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

CALHOUN Seniors lead Colts’ playoff hopes

By MARC BERMAN

Matt Kalfus, Conference 2A Player of the Year, has graduated.

“Replacing him is like replacing a point guard and leading scorer,’’ ith only one returning Kreutzberger said. starter, it might be a The bulk of responsibility falls challenge for Calhoun’s boys’ team to repeat its big season on junior point guard Riley Bhunut, the lone returning starter after avof 2022-23. But 17-year head eraging 7.5 points. Bhunet handles coach Jay Kreutzberger has made the ball adeptly and is being that his goal. looked upon to average doubles Last season, Calhoun digits. advanced to the second round Alongside Riley in the backof the playoffs before losing by court is Joey Goodman, the senior three points in a heartbreak to football quarterback. “He’s a great Elmont. Six players return from athlete and sees the floor well,’’ that squad including four senior Kreutzberger said. “He’s a glue starters. guy — whatever we need him to “There’s only one returning starter, but I’ll start four guys on the do. He’s not a big scorer but he’ll floor who have varsity experience,’’ contribute.’’

Senior wing Josh Edouard is Kreutzberger said. “They are defithe Colts’ best defensive player nitely ready — even if they didn’t and will be assigned to the opget a ton of minutes last year. My ponent’s most dangerous player. projection for us every year is to Shalique Roberts is not a make the playoffs, playing our best traditional center but he’ll score in basketball at that time.’’ the post.

Danny Goodman, Joey’s twin brother, is coming off shoulder injury and won’t be ready at the outset. He was Sixth Man last season as the Colts’ best outside shooter.

Senior Sean Cooke has never played basketball but being counted on to solidify the defense.

A top-level soccer star, Cooke will play for University of Chicago.

“He’s a long athlete,’’ Kreutzberger said. “He’ll defend and rebound and learn to play in our program.‘’ Junior guard Matt Taormina will provide another shooter off the bench.

W

Joey Goodman

8 — December 21, 2023

REVAMPED COLTS STILL EYE PLAYOFFS Calhoun has made the playoffs four straight years but this might be head coach Dan Catapano’s toughest mission in getting to a fifth.

Its top three scorers are gone from an 11-9 squad that lost in the first round to Floral Park. Point guard Ashleigh Coyne is more playmaker than scorer but will be asked to be top gun after averaging 5 points last season.

“Our goal is to always make the playoffs,’’ Catapano said. ‘With the work we put into the offseason it’s attainable. For sure there will be girls who haven’t played big minutes and will be put into bigger roles.’’

Enter Coyne, a four-year varsity member now counted on to be the star. “She’s going to have a big role - being point guard and being facilitator but also taking a bigger role for scoring,’’ Catapano said. “She’s more of a driver, getting to her spots. Her basketball IQ has increased. She’s worked on other offensive crafts – to shoot the open jump shot.’’

Five-foot-9 Hannah Lewis is the center but active with speed and versatile defense. “She can guard all five positions,’ Catapano said.

“She’s best in transition, very long, can get deflections and get ahead of the play.’’

Forward Dana Wauchope excels in the post. “She does well inside the paint and has nice foul line jump shot,’’ Catapano said. “We’re going to need to her to put pressure on the glass.’’

Their best 3-point shooter, freshman Angelica Kasimatis starts at small forward after entering the rotation late last season. Kasimatis is a mismatch,’’ Catapano said.

“She can handle the ball, shoot it and also has good post moves.’’

At shooting guard is Gabby Facciponti, who is “strong and tough and brings a lot of grit to the team,” Catapano said.

Sophomore wing Katie DiPaola is the first player off the bench and can defend guards or bigs.

“We’re looking for her to bring a spark when she gets out there,’’ Catapano said.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Ashleigh Coyne

Schedule BOYS December 12 15 18 21

@ Carey Great Neck North @ Sewanhaka Roslyn

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 18 27 30

@ New Hyde Park 12:00 p.m. @ Garden City 6:45 p.m.

Elmont 7:00 p.m.

Carey 7:00 p.m. @ Great Neck North 5:00 p.m.

Sewanhaka 1:00 p.m. @ Roslyn 7:00 p.m.

February 2 7 10

New Hyde Park Garden City @ Elmont

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

GIRLS December 12 15 18 21

Carey @ Great Neck North Sewanhaka @ Roslyn

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 9 12 16 18 20 27 30

Garden City @ Elmont @ Carey Great Neck North New Hyde Park @ Sewanhaka Roslyn

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 2 7 10

@ New Hyde Park @ Garden City Elmont

5:00 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

Photos by Eric Dunetz

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2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

CAREY Seahawks pointed in right direction

By GARRETT D. URIBE

An athletic downhill weapon who shoots and distributes with equal ease, Yussuf averaged 6.6 points in ead coach Dan Reece held limited minutes.

The Seahawks will look to no illusions as he stepped 6-foot-2 senior forward Nick Zoto the helm at Carey last grafos for a boost in boards, Reece season, inheriting a team whose said, while seniors Brandon Goico three-season slide had just seen the Seahawks sink to 1-17. Under and Gage Kleinman are tapped to Reece, Carey compounded its wins, contribute both ways.

“The kids are excited and going 2-18 overall. ready to play their hearts out,” If the Seahawks can at least repeat the operation, doubling up Reece said. “We’ll see where the chips fall.” victories two seasons straight, a climb towards contention would seem solidly established. It is along SEAHAWKS READY FOR NEXT CHAPTER these lines the team is thinking, Half of Carey’s All-County said Reece, as Carey returns three point guard tandem returns in starters and moves to Conference junior Leila Paz, whose duties at AA4. the one expand to full-time in the “We have a bunch of guys wake of program all-time great back, and that should help us Caylee DeMeo’s graduation. keep moving in the right direcWith the added returns of tion,” Reece said. “We knew this wouldn’t be a quick turnaround.

Last year we worked on building some culture. It’s a learning curve and we’re looking to take small steps forward.”

“We won’t rely on one guy this year to score 20 points,” Reece added, referencing graduated All-County guard Nick Broas’ 18 points per game average. “This is going to be a committee effort.”

Chairing Carey’s offensive committee is junior guard Kevin Colvin, second on the team last season with 7.8 points per game. Colvin also was second on the squad with 26 3-ponters – seven of which came in a 66-63 loss against Division. “Kevin’s got a good pull-up game and can score at the rim,” Reece said. “We’re going to need him to keep giving us points.”

Guards John Scott (senior) and Brandon Goico (junior) return to Carey’s first unit, with Kevin Colvin senior forward Jerome Ferguson and junior point guard David Yussuf joining.

H

10 — December 21, 2023

All-Conference forward Valentina Falanga, fellow senior co-captain Michelle Zheng and junior guard Mikayla DePaolo, Carey (10-11, 7-4 A3) restores four fifths of last year’s top rotation.

While head coach Anthony Turco acknowledged the missing fifth won’t be readily replaced – DeMeo, a key driver of Carey’s two-year resurgence following an eight-year playoff drought, had over 1,000 career points – the Seahawks, Turco said, are braced for change as the club, which joins Conference AA2, turns a page to the next chapter.

“This group, it’s their time now,” Turco said. “It’s a little different now, we’ll have to rely on other people. Leila, Valentina, Michelle, our captains, they have an opportunity to take the reins and say, ‘Let’s get after it.’”

Projected as a first-teamer, seasoned junior Allessandra Varuzzi could add a stretch-four twist to Carey’s traditional starting guard quartet, with versatile freshman Amelia Kalamaras first off the bench and six-foot sophomore Madison Gonzalez a forceful interior option.

“We’ll be able to match up with bigger teams,” Turco said.

“But if teams want to run and gun, we can do that too.”

An early key for Carey could lie in Paz, whom Turco has called “a true point guard,” finding a wingman – a role she herself often played as the Seahawks’ secondleading scorer (14.2 ppg) last season. “I think that person could be Ameila,” Turco said. “It’ll be interesting seeing how they gel. We’ve got girls who can do different things. So maybe it’s Mikayla, Michelle, or maybe Alessandra.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Carey’s AA2 slate, which opened at Calhoun, includes matchups with perennial contenders Sewanhaka, Elmont and Garden City. “I expect us to contend in this conference,” Turco said. “This team’s consistent, and they genuinely get along.”

Leila Paz

Schedule BOYS December 12 14 18 21

Calhoun Sewanhaka @ Roslyn Garden City

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 19 27 30

@ Elmont 10:00 a.m.

New Hyde Park 4:30 p.m. @ Great Neck North 5:00 p.m. @ Calhoun 7:00 p.m. @ Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m.

Roslyn 11:45 a.m. @ Garden City 6:45 p.m.

February 2 7 10

Elmont @ New Hyde Park Great Neck North

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

11:45 a.m.

12 15 18 21

@ Calhoun @ Sewanhaka Roslyn @ Garden City

7:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

GIRLS December

January 6 9 12 16 18 27 30

Elmont @ New Hyde Park Great Neck North Calhoun Sewanhaka @ Roslyn Garden City

12:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

February 2 7 10

@ Elmont 4:30 p.m.

New Hyde Park 6:15 p.m. @ Great Neck North 10:00 a.m.

Photos by Sue Grieco

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December 21, 2023 — 11

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

CLARKE Rams undergo rebuilding process

By MARC BERMAN

roster and the Rams show a propensity for moving the ball.

“We’re teaching guys the system,’’ Hasbrouck said. “The last couple he high times for Clarke of years we were able to hit the boys’ basketball team will take a one-year hiatus as the ground running. It’s an adjustment program attempts a reconstruction. for everybody. So far we’re picking things up.

Clarke finished 15-6 and “We’re buying into those lost in second round of the Class roles,’’ he added. “If we excel in A playoffs to Sewanahaka. That them, we can have a nice five on Clarke cast is gone. The Rams the floor. There’s not one guy who are decimated after losing their will get 35 in a game.” entire starting five – and top nine players, including All-County stars RAMS LOOK TO BUILD James DeSimone and Tammyson OFF SUCCESS Emile.

Last season’s first-round Clarke made the playoffs playoff loss to Sewanhaka after a two straight seasons. “It’s going 14-7 season was tough to take. to be a total rebuild,’’ head coach Clarke’s girls team is on Joe Hasbrouck said. “We’re really working on the defensive side. The a mission to erase that painful memory. In that contest, Clarke biggest concern is defending at a high level. We’re trying to connect held a 4-point halftime lead.

This season’s Rams appear on that end. We have a couple of loaded again with four of guys who can really guard the ball. But as a unit, we’re trying to mesh.’’

The lone player with rotation experience is senior small forward Ryan Jones. “He has a really high basketball IQ, really good slashing to the rim and crafty finishing,’’ Jones said. “He’s like a floor general.’’

Point guard is junior Christian Destine and could be top scorer.

His brother, sophomore Kai Destine will join him in the backcourt as shooting guard. “Ryan and the two Destines are our three bucketgetters,’’ Hasbrouck said.

Clarke lacks height as evidenced by starting a 6-footer at center in Giancarlo Rengifo. Another starter is athletic swingman Jaret Sarrantonio, who adds length along with sophomore wing Matt Kurz. Another rotation guy is senior wing Zain Atif. That’s a lot of wings, not many bigs.

“We’re going to be smaller,’’ Ryan Jones Hasbrouck said. “We’re focusing on gang rebounding to finish off possessions.’’

There’s four seniors on the

T

12 — December 21, 2023

five starters returning, including leading scorer Michelle Diaz, who averaged 14 points per game. The promotion from JV of promising sophomore center Althea Borleo is also a boon.

“We were happy to be there, but after we got there and we had them on the ropes, it was a bitter taste in our mouths not to finish the deal,’’ said head coach Sean Fean, in his 11th season.

Clarke lost its second-leading scorer in Rina Visvananthan but there’s plenty of potential to fill the void.

“This group has played together for a couple of years,’’ Fean said. “Last year was a success and we’re looking to building upon that. Though it was a disappointing ending, it’s given them motivation to come back harder and try to win a playoff game or two and leave their mark as one of the most successful teams since I’ve been there.’’

The Mehta twins are now seniors and keep improving. Avika was an All-Conference point guard and “a steadying influence,’’ Fean says. A shotblocker, Aanya Mehta plays small forward, anchors the back of a 1-3-1 zone and earned the conference’s Defensive Player of The Year.

Adding to the defensive grit is senior power forward Maddy Millman, the Rams’ vocal leader.

“When things get difficult, they turn to Maddy,’’ Fean said. “She’s on the floor for loose balls, does all the dirty work.’’

However, Fean wants Aanya and Millman to do more. “Without Rina, we’re having to fill a scoring role,’’ Fean said. “They’re tough defensive players and now we’re asking them to step up on the offensive end.’’

Fean has the highest hopes for first-year varsity player, Borleo, an inside presence who scored high marks on an offseason App that tracks drills. “She worked incredibly hard in the offsea-

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

son,’’ Fean said. “She committed herself to becoming a better player. She’s turned our heads and ready to announce herself.’’

Off the bench, Clarke is boosted by junior forward, lefty Lia Addeo, who finishes around the basket, and senior center Izma Mir. Michelle Diaz

Schedule BOYS December 13 20 21

@ North Shore Island Trees @ Malverne

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 4 9 13 16 19 26 29

Lawrence 7:00 p.m. @ Friends Academy 7:00 p.m. @ Seaford 12:00 p.m.

North Shore 7:00 p.m.

Friends Academy 7:00 p.m. @ Island Trees 7:00 p.m.

Malverne 7:00 p.m.

February 1 7

@ Lawrence Seaford

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 13 20 22

North Shore @ Island Trees Malverne

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 4 6 12 16 19 26 29

@ Lawrence 7:00 p.m.

Friends Academy 12:00 p.m.

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

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

February 1 7

Lawrence @ Seaford

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Paul Grassini

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2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

EAST MEADOW Junior-led Jets can contend

By TONY BELLISSIMO

play. Great Neck South is on their radar because they’ve played AAU ball with a lot of those kids.”

East Meadow’s efforts will be nder the state’s new classification for basketball, East led by 10 juniors. “We don’t have Meadow was bumped from captains yet and we’ll see about leadership,” Rottkamp said. “Who the largest grouping in Nassau is going to step up and get us a County to the second tier along with familiar rivals Herricks and bucket when we need it? We have Valley Stream Central. plenty of talent, but will it flower?”

The Jets, without a returning The Jets appear to be in good starter from last season’s 13-win hands with junior Will Casseus running the point. “He’s shifty and hard to guard in the open floor,” Rottkamp said. “He can pass and score, and he’s a strong on-ball defender.”

Junior wings Brendan Cronin, Mazin Ibrihem and Isaiah Perkins are all 6-foot-3 with a taste of varsity action under their belts.

“They call all shoot the three and get to the basket,” Rottkamp said. “We’re going to have their height on the court and try to create matchup problems.”

There’s more size up front with 6-5 junior center Nick Destefano and 6-4 junior forward Izaiah Richards. Both will serve as presence in the paint, rebounding and altering shots.

Rottkamp scheduled some old friends — Syosset, Port Washingplayoff ton and Hempstead — as well as team, are not a three-game in three-day Holy without talent Trinity Tournament — to get the and looking to Jets prepared for the conference battle for the slate. top spot in Conference AA3, JETS EXCITED FOR head coach Tom NEW CHALLENGE Rottkamp said.

There’s a buzz in the air in “We’ve East Meadow and it’s not just been improving because of nine-time defendas a program and ing county champion Baldwin’s ascended from absence on the Jets’ schedule. the 8-seed in the Head coach Peter Olenik playoffs to the 5 last returns all major contributors from year,” Rottkamp said. last winter’s 16-win team, includ“In terms of the new ing All-County junior point guard setup, I don’t know if Allie Twible and All-Conference the kids care who they senior wings Brooke Vislocky and Mazin Ibrihem Charlotte Viola.

U

14 — December 21, 2023

“We’re excited about what we’re bringing back and we’re excited about having a lot of new opponents to play,” Olenik said.

“I’m confident we have what it takes to compete for the conference title. We’re not the biggest team but if we can rebound, we’ll be fine.”

Twible averaged 16 points per game last season and Olenik said: “As Allie goes, we go.” She’s a captain and five-tool talent with the ability to score and get teammates involved. “She’s a special player who has tremendous instincts and is a leader,” he said.

Vislocky and Viola are interchangeable as guards/small forwards. They are both four-year varsity players and both averaged double digits in points last season.

Vislocky poured in 12 points per game and is a key in transition and from the perimeter. Viola set an East Meadow single-season record with 45 three-pointers on the way to scoring 11 ppg.

Backcourt depth features a pair of JV standouts ready to make noise at the varsity level. Freshman Angelina Cronin averaged 16 points and Olenik described sophomore Kayla Lederer as the fastest player he’s ever coached.

Seniors Keziah Philip and Dynastee Ramos are the starters in the frontcourt. Philip, a leader on the volleyball court, brings that’s sport’s attributes to basketball, Olenik said. “She can jump out of the gym,” he noted. Ramos provides many intangibles, including clogging up the lane and setting screens.

“We have proven scorers,” Olenik said. “We’re looking to hold opponents to about 40 points by playing aggressive defense. If we can do that, I like our chances.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Brooke Vislocky

Schedule

BOYS December 12 14 18 21

@ V.S. Central Long Beach MacArthur @ Herricks

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 18 27 30

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

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 2 7 10

@ Mepham Jericho G.N. South

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 12 14 18 21

V.S. Central @ Long Beach @ MacArthur Herricks

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 18 27 30

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

12:00 p.m.

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 2 7 9

Mepham @ Jericho @ G.N. South

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Paul Grassini

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December 21, 2023 — 15

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

EAST ROCKAWAY Rocks eager to show improvement

By BRIAN KACHARABA

P

aul Collins is confident the East Rockaway boys’ team will be much improved this season after essentially hitting “rock” bottom the past two years.

The Rocks bench boss oversaw just one win last season – a 55-52 victory over Carey on Jan. 16 in which they trailed at halftime – and a combined three in the past two campaigns. The fall from grace followed an appearance in the Section VIII small schools title game.

“I think there’s going to be no doubt we’re going to see improvement,” Collins said. “We had good dedication in the off-season. The kids worked on their fundamentals. The kids did what they had to do to improve. They do a lot of team building by themselves.

They’re a pretty tight-knit group this year.”

The Rocks lost some of their top scorers to graduation, but they do have some talent returning in juniors Antonio Buzzetta (8.7 ppg), Joe Ventura (6.3) and senior Kyle Pollackov (5.3). Collins believes any one of them could top the team this winter.

“It could be Antoino, it could be Kyle Pollackov,” he said. “With the run-and-gun system we’re doing, it’s whoever’s moving the fastest to get the passes up the court to get the layup.

We’re planning on the other team getting frantic and capitalizing on it.”

Senior Nick Pollackov has rounded into a solid all-around player, according to Collins, and more consistent in shooting, rebounding, put-backs, and getting up the floor. Six-foot-two Edwin Abreu-Lopez has a good vertical leap to get rebounds and is a strong finisher.

16 — December 21, 2023

Collins is also excited about sophomore Cameron Peeples and 6-foot-5 junior C.J. Bercolotti.

Peeples’ ability to shoot the ball and get to the basket made him the JV’s leading scorer last season, and Bercolotti is a up-and-comer who can rebound.

The Rocks are a ‘B’ team in the Conference ABC League 8 along with Carle Place, West Hempstead and Oyster Bay. ROCKS LOOK FOR MOMENTUM CARRYOVER The girls recovered from a 1-9 start last season by winning seven of their last 10 to qualify for the playoffs, where they won a first-round game and led most of the way in the semis before losing

Kyle Pollackov

to Cold Spring Harbor.

That momentum, along with a mostly intact roster, makes this season very exciting for head coach Cheri Poland and her team.

“Being [at Hofstra] and having that experience, I think, is the fuel to get them going now,” Poland said. “They want to get back there and that’s the goal, to win Nassau County and move to [the Long Island Championship].”

Senior Emma Poland and sophomore Maya Motherway lead the offense after both improved their scoring averages from the previous season. Poland (15.1 ppg) had three games of at least 23 points in 2022-23 thanks to an increased confidence and tireless work ethic.

“She’s going to be very important in what we do,” Cheri Poland said. “She’s the rim protector, she rebounds, and she can score, so she’s definitely the heart and soul of the team.

Besides her scoring talent, Motherway (13.5) is also a strong defender who can guard the opposition’s best player.

“Maya is an unbelievable player,” Cheri Poland said. “Emma and her played on the same travel team so that was awesome to be able to develop that chemistry.

Defensively, she’s going to help us a lot. Offensively, she’s gained more confidence also.”

Juniors Sofia Tizio, Norah Rose, and Erin Lynch should provide scoring depth and senior Isabella Alvarez is back after a shoulder injury. Speedy junior Nicole Buzzetta will also be in the rotation along with 6-foot junior Sophia Pappas and seniors Molly Hernandez and Sofia Ramirez, a varsity newcomer.

East Rockaway beat conference-foe Carle Place in the playoffs after losing to the Frogs by a point in the regular-season finale, and Cheri Poland expects them to be their main competition again.

Maya Motherway

Schedule BOYS December 13 16 19 22

Oyster Bay 7:00 p.m.

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

Locust Valley 7:00 p.m.

January 4 8 10 13 20 27 29

@ Carle Place 7:00 p.m. @ Oyster Bay 7:00 p.m.

Wheatley 7:00 p.m. @ West Hempstead 12:00 p.m.

Evergreen Charter 10:30 a.m.

C.S. Harbor 12:00 p.m. @ Locust Valley 7:00 p.m.

February 1 5 8

Carle Place @ Wheatley West Hempstead

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 13 19 22

@ Oyster Bay C.S. Harbor @ Locust Valley

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 4 10 13 17 26 29

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

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 1 5 8

@ Carle Place 7:00 p.m.

Wheatley 7:00 p.m. @ West Hempstead 7:00 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

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December 21, 2023 — 17

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

ELMONT Spartans bring defensive theme

By ANDREW COEN

E

lmont kept its stride as a program last season coming within two wins of a county title and is fueled for another deep postseason run this winter.

The Spartans return three starters off last year’s 16-7 team that fell to eventual Long Island Class A champion South Side in the county semifinals.

“We’re looking to build on last year and hopefully surpass it,” fourth-year Elmont head coach Ryan Straub said. “We’re hungry for more.”

Senior guard Cassius Moore will be an instrumental part of the Spartans’ offense this season after averaging 15.5 points a game as a junior. Versatile senior 6-foot5 forward Osagie Ekhator brings some size to the floor and has also been developing ball-handling skills as well.

The floor general of the offense is senior point guard Gemere Frias-Walsh. “He’s had a big offseason and he is getting better,” Straub said of Frias-Walsh.

“He’s a really good communicator and solid leader for us.”

Junior guard Arlyn Brown got valuable minutes off the bench last season and will step into a larger role as one of the team’s top defenders. Forwards Nassir Edwards and Ebu Nwabudu are both potential starters who are both solid rebounders with solid wingspans.

Straub said there are many other players on his roster capable of earning key minutes. Depth could separate Elmont from some of its rivals.

“We’re going to commit to the defensive end of the floor and that is going to be our identity and we’re going to try and generate 18 — December 21, 2023

some offense off of that,” Straub said. “I think our length, athleticism and depth is going to be huge for us this year.”

The Spartans compete in Class AA this season and its league will consist of some familiar teams like Sewanhaka, Carey, Great Neck North, Roslyn and Garden City along with newcomers Calhoun and New Hyde Park.

SPARTANS WANT DEEPER PLAYOFF RUN Elmont’s returning players are fueled to return to the girls’ playoffs and have a longer postseason stay this winter.

Gemere Frias-Walsh

The Spartans, who had graduated seven seniors from the 2021-22 team, reached the Class A playoffs for a second straight season and hung tough with second-seeded Plainedge in the round of 16 before falling 42-36.

“They were a talented team and it ended too quickly for them,” third-year Elmont head coach Pete Lawson said.

Lawson returns one consistent starter from last season in junior forward Charlotte Hines, who was the Spartans’ second-leading scorer and top rebounder last season. Hines tallied 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a 65-26 win against Valley Stream Central as a sophomore.

Senior point guard Cassidy Grannum is also back after contributing as a starter and a spark off the bench last season. She suffered an injury in the preseason, but Lawson hopes to have her back by the start of the conference schedule.

Sophomore shooting guard Kayla Latiff also received valuable minutes on the floor last winter after making big strides as a freshman. Lawson said he is looking for a breakout season from senior guard Kyla Moore, who averaged 6.8 points per game last year and registered 11 points in a 51-37 victory against Roslyn.

Other players expected to be key contributors include Sophia Manchoon, Kaitlyn Paulino, Carrington Barrett, Anielia Bryan and Samaya Jaffers, who is entering her first varsity season.

“She is working very hard and has a little bit of size,” Lawson said of Jaffers. “She may be able to step in and help us.”

Elmont will compete among

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Cassidy Grannum the same teams in Conference AA-I this season with the exception of South Side, which was replaced by Calhoun. The league also features Sewanhaka, New Hyde Park, Great Neck North, Garden City, Carrey and Roslyn.

Schedule BOYS December 12 15 18 21

@ Garden City Roslyn @ New Hyde Park @ Sewanhaka

6:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 18 27 30

Carey G.N. North @ Calhoun Garden City @ Roslyn New Hyde Park Sewanhaka

10:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

February 2 7 10

@ Carey @ G.N. North Calhoun

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

GIRLS December 12 15 18 21

Garden City @ Roslyn New Hyde Park Sewanhaka

4:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 18 27 30

@ Carey @ G.N. North Calhoun @ Garden City Roslyn @ New Hyde Park @ Sewanhaka

12:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

February 2 7 10

Carey G.N. North @ Calhoun

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

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December 21, 2023 — 19

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

FREEPORT Red Devils hope to flip script

By BRIAN KACHARABA

strong with a pair of 17-point games in early February to finish with six double-digit efforts in all.

“He’s definitely going to t seems that a dark cloud be one of our leaders this year,” has been hovering over the Johnson said. “He has a good Freeport boys’ basketball program these days. The Red Devils head for the game, he plays hard, he competes, and his jump shot are 4-44 since just before the has gotten better.” pandemic and, to make matters Johnson sees senior Latrell worse, last year’s leading scorer transferred, and the team endured Tucker being the “sleeper” of the group because of his speed, deceptwo long-term injuries during the tive first step, and shooting ability, preseason. especially from long range. Athletic Former Valley Stream South freshman Ethan Richardson can girls’ head coach Daryl Johnson help rebound with his 6-foot-3 is now at the helm and tasked to frame and junior Shawn Broyles turn the program around, though he acknowledges it won’t be easy. was recalled after leading the JV in “It’s a challenge every night,” scoring last season.

Senior Jose Pimentel made the he said of flipping the script. “But team after not playing basketball it’s been fun because the kids for two years and surprised in camp desperately want to play well. with his ball handling skills, aggresThey want to do well and they siveness and shooting ability. understand some of the struggles and challenges with a new coach RED DEVILS HAVE coming in with a whole new EYE ON FUTURE system who also comes in with a The girls’ team is noticeably winning pedigree too.” younger than the squad that won Johnson is hoping that a 18 games and advanced to the more up-tempo style of play will help the three J’s of Jayden Gordon, Jaylen JeanLouis and Jevon Saul hit more J’s on the floor after the trio hovered around a six-point scoring average last season. JeanLouis in particular finished the 202223 campaign

I

Jaylen Jean-Louis

20 — December 21, 2023

county semifinals last winter, but there might still be enough for the Red Devils to return to the playoffs.

Two sophomores, two freshmen and an eighth grader will be featured in the rotation this season to help fill the void left by the team’s top two scorers that graduated. Head coach Meredith Jones doesn’t want to use the upcoming season as a throwaway, but one where she can start rebuilding for the future.

“It’s definitely one of those rebuilding years, but really exciting because we do have this young, hungry group,” Jones said. “I don’t want to write this year off, but it is exciting to see what this rebuilding year will help build.”

The team is led by Nia Phillips, who averaged seven points a game during her maiden season with the Red Devils after moving from Farmingdale. Phillips reached double digits in points four times last winter and plays tenacious defense.

“She is going to be our floor leader as well as off the floor leader,” Jones said. “She fit right in. Farmingdale is a big defensive team too, so that wasn’t hard to transfer over.”

Fellow senior Queenasha Ellis is quick on the court and can hit the long-range jumper. Freshman Sabrina Ligonde is the new starting point guard and is strong at getting to the basket, distributing the ball, and playing defense, and varsity newcomer Madison Starks, a sophomore, also brings a defensive-minded attitude at guard.

Freshman power forward Madison Harris has already displayed a high IQ on both ends of the court and eighth grader Laila Harrison will provide a spark off the bench with her “really great” shot and “good court awareness,” Jones said.

Sophomore Leah Gaddist and

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Nia Phillips

returning senior Brianne Belizaire will also see time.

Under the new Class AAA alignment, Freeport will face each of its 11 conference rivals once.

Schedule BOYS December 11 14 18 20

@ Uniondale @ Oceanside @ Hempstead Massapequa

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 5 11 16 20 27 31

Syosset @ Hicksville Uniondale Oceanside @ Massapequa Hempstead

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

February 2 9

@ Syosset Hicksville

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 18 21

Plainview Oceanside

7:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

January 8 11 17 20 26 31

@ Port Washington 6:30 p.m.

Uniondale 7:00 p.m.

Westbury 7:00 p.m. @ Farmingdale 12:00 p.m.

Aademy Charter 7:00 p.m. @ Baldwin 6:30 p.m.

February 3 6 9

Syosset @ Massapequa @ Hicksville

12:00 p.m.

6:30 0p.m.

6:30 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

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December 21, 2023 — 21

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

HEWLETT Bulldogs relying on balance

By ANDREW FANTUCCHIO

L

ast season was an unfamiliar one for the Hewlett boys’ basketball team, failing to win a non-league game and missing the playoffs for just the second time in 18 years.

This season, the Bulldogs are starting anew with Andy DeBerardo taking over as head coach and are hoping to prove that last year was an anomaly.

“It was a tough season,” DeBernardo said. “We didn’t have much senior leadership and had maybe one or two returning players. The rest of the team was young.”

DeBernardo believes last winter was an early life lesson in adversity for his players. The one who perhaps endured the most was Luke Rockler, after struggling to stay on the court while battling injuries. He will serve as Hewlett’s senior captain.

With guards Justin Ortiz and Justin Ogilvy, along with Lincoln Williams out on the wing and newcomer Frans Limage, Hewlett expects to have a well-balanced attack on offense.

“I don’t have a guy that’s going to put up 25 points a night,” DeBernardo said. “But I have a lot of guys who can put up a consistent 15. It’s going to be well-balanced. That I can tell you.”

On the defensive end, the Bulldogs plan to play with a heavy dosage of man-to-man coverage.

The systems aren’t entirely new under DeBernardo. What is, however, is his approach to promoting interest in the team.

From being more active on social media to reading to local elementary schoolers, the Bulldogs are letting everyone know they plan to compete this season.

“I’m a big believer in building the community around us,” DeBernardo said. “ There’s 22 — December 21, 2023

to take those losses and learn from them. There’s been more vocal leadership on the court.”

To establish its leadership early, Hewlett named its three captains, senior Brianna Ruta, junior Sienna LaPaglia and sophomore Izzy Betancur, at the end of BULLDOGS EMBRACE last season.

CLEAN SLATE “We did it so the Talk to anyone involved with the Hewlett girls’ team, and you’ll captains would be able to work throughout the offseason and find a consensus opinion that it underachieved in all aspects during grow,” Scro said. “[We wanted them to] be able to kind of have the 2022-23 season.

Leadership wasn’t a strength an idea of the direction they wanted to lead this team and let and chemistry was hit and miss, their leadership kind of emerge leading to equal results on the from themselves.” court with a 5-14 finish.

Early signs show the rest of As the Bulldogs return, head the team is responding. coach Anthony Scro isn’t letting “It’s exciting to see,” Scro that same pattern set in. said. “It definitely feels like a “We had a year to take our good vibe at the start of our lumps,” Scro said. “Now we have season right now, collectively.”

The Bulldogs enter the new season with a mix of established veterans and aspiring up-andcomers. It’s a shift in direction from years prior when they’ve relied heavily on one or two stars to carry the team.

Sophomore point guard Kayla Owens’ strong handle on the ball gives her the ability to drive to the rim or set up her teammates at will. Juniors Rachel Cafaro and Taylor Amitrano come poised with their basketball IQs. “It’s a different looking group of kids this year,” Scro said. “From the way they seem to be working together, they have more of a smooth, functioning organic type of flow. It seems very loose and very enjoyable.”

Keeping that positive mindset will be crucial for Hewlett going up against a stacked schedule in the AA-3 conference. a buzz in the air. We’re trying to grab it, run with it and hopefully, it equates to wins.”

Hewlett is part of League 5 in Class AA and will tangle with South Side, Division, Glen Cove, Bethpage, Roosevelt and Kennedy.

Luke Rochler

Brianna Ruta

Schedule BOYS December 12 15 18 21

@ Rooseelt @ Kennedy Bethpage @ South Side

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 27 30

Glen Cove @ Division Manhasset Roosevelt @ Bethpage South Side

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 2 7 10

@ Glen Cove Division @ Manhasset

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 12 15 21

Rooseelt Kennedy South Side

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 3 5 9 12 16 27 30

@ Bethpage @ Glen Cove Division @ Manhasset @ Roosevelt Bethpage @ South Side

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 2 7 9

Glen Cove @ Division Manhasset

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

Photos by Eric Dunetz

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

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December 21, 2023 — 23

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

KENNEDY Finding offense key for Cougars

By TONY BELLISSIMO

K

ennedy has seven returning varsity players and will look to make some noise in a new-look Conference AA5 that includes defending Long Island champion South Side and county runner-up Manhasset.

The Cougars, who won three games last winter, feature six seniors among their most experienced led by third-year shooting guard Leo Ferry. He averaged close to double digits in points and can be a lights-out shooter from medium and long distance, head coach Rory Block said.

“He’s one of those kids who lives for basketball and is a leader on the floor,” said Block, who enters his 32nd season at the helm.

At point guard, Zachary

Leo Ferry

24 — December 21, 2023

Cohen brings a lot of tools it takes to run an offense and can hit from the outside. He averaged a modest 4 points per game and Block believes that scoring output can double. “He’ll be very important for us in a lot of ways,” said Block, who has junior Jake Wexler and freshman Aaron Jacobs as point backups.

Forward Michael Mezzone, another third-year member of the varsity and a senior, will be Kennedy’s tallest starter at 6-foot-2 and counted on the rebound and chip in more points than last season. “He’s another dedicated kid who loves basketball and brings leadership,” Block said. “He’ll be battling for rebounds against some bigger opponents.”

Senior forwards Lucas Linn and Alex Leiderman will look to parlay last season’s court time into bigger roles. Both are in the 6-foot range and rebound well. Leiderman and Linn are gritty defenders in the paint.

Junior forward Ari Salama will be first off the bench most games.

Freshman center Luca Kaplan is a strong all-around young talent and his work in the interior will also be key to the Cougars’ success. He got a taste of varsity as an eighth-grader and held his own.

In addition to South Side and Manhasset, the Cougars will tangle twice with Bethpage, Division, Glen Cove, Hewlett and Roosevelt.

HOW MUCH CAN COUGARS GROW? It’ll be interesting to see how the Cougars evolve in what head coach Mallory Freely described as a “growth season” that’ll rely on the defense to keep them close in games.

Returning to the playoffs is still a goal after a mediocre 4-8 conference record, highlighted by a victory over previously unbeaten Garden City. The Trojans will be

one of Kennedy’s non-league opponents this month along with Mepham, Seaford and a tournament at Island Trees.

“We have a bunch of good games early,” Freely said. “We’re going to be a work in progress, but we have potential. We have some varsity experience and some exciting young talent.”

The backcourt tandem of senior Sophia Fischetti and junior Jolie Yablon both enter their third varsity campaigns.

Fischetti is a strong outside shooter who stretches defenses and is also a key when the Cougars turn up the pressure. Yablon runs the point and is being urged to shoot more, Freely said, to go along with her smart decisions, vision and shiftiness.

Senior Ella Galjanich is an AllCounty lacrosse and soccer standout who brings many important attributes to the basketball court.

She’ll likely start at guard with junior Liyanna Ashurov providing a spark in the backcourt as well.

Freely is expecting junior center Ashley St. Surin to have a breakout this winter and put all her talent together. “She has good instincts and moves inside the paint, handles the ball well and rebounds,” Freely said.

Senior forward Kaylee Ayers is a three-sport athlete who has chemistry with St. Surin in the frontcourt. “Kaylee is unselfish and sees the floor well,” the coach noted. Freshmen Hannah Yoselowitz (6-foot-1) and Katelyn Kuhl (5-11) are both learning quickly and will be called upon to contribute.

“We should be quick and giving teams a hard time defensively,” Freely said. “If we can do that, we should be able to fight for a playoff spot.”

Defending county champion Manhasset is part of Kennedy’s conference slate that also includes perennial playoff teams South Side and Division.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Sophia Fischetti

Schedule BOYS December

MATT GUILFOYLE 12 @ Glen Cove 15 18 21

Hewlett @ Manhasset @ Division

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 18 25 30

Bethpage Roosevelt @ South Side Glen Cove @ Hewlett Manhasset Division

10:30 a.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 2 6 9

@ Bethpage @ Roosevelt South Side

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12 15 18 21

Glen Cove @ Hewlett Manhasset Division

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December

January 6 9 12 16 18 27 30

@ Bethpage @ Roosevelt South Side @ Glen Cove Hewlett @ Manhasset @ Division

12:00 p.m.

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 2 7 10

Bethpage Roosevelt @ South Side

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

Photos by Karen Millindorf

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2023-24 NASSAU COUNTY BASKETBALL

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

CLASS AAA

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CLASS AA

• Bethpage • Calhoun • Carey • Division • East Meadow • Elmont • Garden City • Glen Cove

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

CLASS A

• Clarke • Cold Spring Harbor • Floral Park • Friends Academy • Island Trees • Lawrence

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

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HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

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December 21, 2023 — 25

2023- 24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

LAWRENCE Learning curve for Golden Tornadoes

By TONY BELLISSIMO

“We’re carrying 10 on varsity and the kids are working hard and asking questions,” Mannhart said.

“I’m big on ball movement and f the first few weeks of camp progression. As long as they’re is any indication, it may take learning and getting better, some time for Lawrence to jell that’s all I can ask.” this winter under first-year head The onus of picking up coach Devine Smith, who brings a lot of the scoring slack decades worth of coaching experiwill be on freshman ence at the collegiate and high Gianna Torres, who school levels. made an early stateThe Golden Tornadoes, 10-10 ment with 12 points last season under Lou Robinson in the opener against with a first-round playoff exit cour- GOLDEN TORNADOES Valley Stream South. tesy of Glen Cove, are taking some HAVE WORK CUT OUT Torres chipped in 4.5 points The girls’ program also time to grasp the new coaching per game a year ago and has has a new head coach in Craig system. displayed all the qualities of a solid Mannhart. He’s working with a “It’s been a challenge so far, point guard, Mannhart said. roster full of youth and unproven but the kids are working hard,” “She’s very capable and has talent and will try to get the Smith said. “We have a lot of last year’s experience under her Golden Tornadoes into the win learning and skill work to do. column following the departure of belt,” he said. “She has some They’ll get there. It’s just going to growing to do, but that’s OK. standout scorer Andie Adams to take some time.”

She moves the ball well and can graduation last June.

Junior Nahmire Young, who Adams averaged 20.5 points score.” had 6 points and 11 rebounds Sophomore Andrea Aguilar is per game last winter and twice hit in the season-ending defeat, is a combo guard/forward described by for 40-plus, accounting for the bulk the starting shooting guard and a strong defender who’ll be at the of the offense for a 4-win team.

Smith as the team’s best- overall forefront when Lawrence wants player. “He’s coachable and can to turn up pressure. “She can run play anywhere we need him,” for days,” said Mannhart, who Smith said. “He’s physical and can believes Aguilar can get some score from inside or outside the points in transition and also get to paint.” the foul line.

Having a strong grasp of the At center, sophomore Yaslin playbook makes senior point guard Bonilla is 6-foot-1 and can be a Israel Colburn an ideal fit to run force in the middle of a zone. She’ll the show. Although slowed by an be asked to score on putbacks as ankle injury in camp, he can score, her post moves develop. In adget his teammates involved and dition to Bonilla, senior power limit turnovers. He’s also a captain. forward Temetria Marcus will Junior forward Ben Perez need to lead the way on comes off a strong soccer season, the boards. “Temetria is helping Lawrence to the county an aggressive player finals, and can finish around the at both ends of the rim, rebound and defend. Junior floor,” Mannhart guard Quason Vick brings a qualsaid. ity jump shot that’s likely to land The new him in the starting five, Smith coach is also counting noted. Scrappy and tenacious on steady contributions defense is senior guard Julian from seniors Stephanie Blanchard, Thompson’s game.

Nahmire Young Madison Perez and Sofia Jiminez.

Junior center Tamir Thomas is raw but expected to start and provide

I

26 — December 21, 2023

rebounds and blocked shots.

Junior Ayden Diaz is an aggressive forward who’ll contribute at both ends of the floor.

Lawrence will battle Malverne, Seaford, Clarke, North Shore, Island Trees and Friends Academy in conference play.

“We’re not going to be too deep and we’ll need to stay out of foul trouble and do the little things well to be successful,” Smith said.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Giana Torres

Schedule BOYS December MATT GUILFOYLE 16 19 22

@ Island Trees Seaford North Shore

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 4 9 13 19 26 29

@ Clarke Malverne Friends Academy Island Trees @ Seaford @ North Shore

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 1 5 8

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

GIRLS December 16 19 22 23

Island Trees @ Seaford @ North Shore @ Roosevelt

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

January 4 10 13 19 20 26 29

Clarke 7:00 p.m. @ Malverne 7:00 p.m. @ Friends Academy 12:00 p.m. @ Island Trees 7:00 p.m.

Roosevelt 10:00 a.m.

Seaford 7:00 p.m.

North Shore 7:00 p.m.

February 1 5 8

@ Clarke Malverne Friends Academy

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 21, 2023 — 27

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

2023-24

BOYS HEAD

COACHES DARIUS BURTON - Baldwin

JAY KREUTZBERGER - Calhoun

DAN REECE - Carey

JOE HASBROUCK - Clarke

TOM ROTTKAMP - East Meadow

PAUL COLLINS - East Rockaway

RYAN STRAUB - Elmont

DARYL JOHNSON - Freeport

ANDY DEBERNARDO - Hewlett

RORY BLOCK - Kennedy

DEVINE SMITH - Lawrence

- Long Beach

BRIAN DONALDSON - Lynbrook

BRIAN MAINI - MacArthur

DARROLL LOPEZ - Malverne

BOB KAIBLE - Mepham

ED RISENER - Oceanside

RALPH ROSSETTI - 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 21, 2023

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

2023-24

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

MEREDITH JONES - Freeport

ANTHONY SCRO - Hewlett

MALLORY FREELY - Kennedy

CRAIG MANNHART - Lawrence

BLAKE MILIZIA - Long Beach

KOREN PENA - Lynbrook

DAVE RADTKE - MacArthur

AMANDA MASSON - Malverne

JIM MULVEY - Mepham

JARED STOLER - Oceanside

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

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HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

December 21, 2023 — 29

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

LONG BEACH Marines aim to make playoff noise

By ANDREW FANTUCCHIO

this year if things go according to plan during his fourth and final varsity season. Main will share the ot much is different for the captaincy with fellow seniors Ryan Saggio and Ben Scalise-Mitchell.

Long Beach boys as they Scalise-Mitchell won the return their entire roster from a year ago. What the Marines team’s Defensive Player of the Year award last season and has do hope will be different is their the athleticism that makes him a end result, after being eliminated from the playoffs in the first round threat to average a double-double.

Meanwhile, Saggio has only in each of the last four seasons. improved after playing a bench “We lost in a close game in that first round again,” head coach role and is still a lights-out shooter from beyond the arc.

Scott Martin said. “Now we’re “We made him a captain looking to make a little bit more of a deeper push. Maybe even the because of his experience as a reserve player,” Martin said of conference championship.”

Saggio. “It’ll help with our deeper Undoubtedly, the Marines’ reserve players and give them an strength lies in their numbers. idea of what they’re supposed to “Depth is a strength for us do.” this year,” Martin said. “Offense, Role players such as Shaquile sometimes finding points can be Johnson, Cameron Graham, Jamar tough. We don’t have that issue.

Burns and Matthew Hayes are All of these guys are capable of just a few of the pieces at Martin’s scoring.” disposal.

Senior Michael Main could Martin believes having the make the all-Long Island squad entire roster back can only be a good thing. Long Beach doesn’t have to dedicate practice time to learning new systems or developing chemistry. That’s all already in place. From the opening tip, the Marines can just play.

“Team chemistry is off the charts,” Martin said. “Little things that teams do that are hard for the coaches to implement, we’re already doing.

That’s going to really help us excel when we go through a really tough league schedule.”

N

Mike Main

30 — December 21, 2023

MARINES POISED TO TAKE NEXT STEP Long Beach’s girls team has taken steps forward in the last few seasons. Now, under new head coach Blake Malizia, the Marines are ready to make a leap in 202324.

A team chalked full of talent, Malizia has spent the offseason developing his players’ basketball sense, hoping to help them maxi-

mize their abilities each and every night.

“Their strengths really are their athletic ability,” Malizia said.

“Taking that and complementing it with having a press defense and being a quick transition team off of rebounds, that’s what we’re going to have to do in order to win games this year.”

Longtime varsity strongholds Ella Timperio and Ava Main comprise Long Beach’s backcourt in their senior seasons. Meanwhile, Franky DeCicco and Reagan McCarthy are expecting to build upon their strong performances from a year ago as they become upperclassmen. However, the players who may gain the most in their development are already far along at such an early age.

Jordan Soriano, Brianna Bothell and Anala Teemer comprise a stacked freshman class. Malizia projects them to be key contributors in Long Beach’s lineup this season after the three were part of a team that ran through the JV circuit in recent years.

“Our JV team has pretty much dominated,” Malizia said.” I think that we are competitive with the teams in our conference, just watching them from the last few years. I’m not saying we’re going to win the conference, but I think we can be competitive and finish in the top four.”

Considering Long Beach has had single-digit wins in each of the last two seasons, the goal of a topfour finish is a considerable jump and may almost seem unreasonable. The Marines are very much aware of that, which is why they’re willing to put in the work to make it happen.

“It’s going to take time to build,” Malizia said. “It doesn’t just happen in two weeks, but I’m confident we’re going to gel together.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Reagan McCarthy

Schedule BOYS December 12 14 18 21

MacArthur @ East Meadow Herricks @ Jericho

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 18 27 30

@ G.N. South Mepham V.S. Central @ MacArthur East Meadow @ Herricks Jericho

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

February 2 7 10

G.N. South @ Mepham @ V.S. Central

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 12 14 18 21

@ MacArthur East Meadow @ Herricks Jericho

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 18 27 30

G.N. South @ Mepham @ V.S. Central MacArthur @ East Meadow Herricks @ Jericho

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 2 7 9

@ G.N. South Mepham V.S. Central

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

Photos by Justine Stefanelli

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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December 21, 2023 — 31

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

LYNBROOK All hands on deck for Owls

By MARC BERMAN

bench in center Jake Prince and guards Devin Byrne, Cooper Cordes and Jaimie Pereira. The latter three are outside shooters. he Lynbrook boys have a “We’ll be in playoff hunt new coach in Brian Donuntil the very end,’’ Donaldson aldson – and a lot of new said. “Our conference is weak at faces. The Owls graduated nine the bottom. You can sweep those seniors from last season’s 13-8 games and go 6-6 and make the playoff squad. Plus, the program lost another key player when Dylon playoffs.’’

Stanley transferred to Holy Cross OWLS FRESH OFF High in Queens.

20-WIN SEASON Donaldson, the JV coach/ It was an unforgettable final varsity assistant in 2022-23, has season for head coach Steve LoCihis work cut out for him without cero, who retired as a teacher last a full-time returning starter. He’ll spring after leading the Lynbrook rely on three players to be top girls’ team to the Nassau County scorers – senior forward Timmy Class A title game.

Mingo, senior center Amah Agwu LoCicero kept it under wraps and swingman James O’Donovan.

“One night it will be one guy, that 2022-23 was his last season one night another guy,’’ Donaldson so as not to take away from the giant accomplishments of his girls, said.

Mingo started on occasion last season and averaged 5 points.

He’s a slasher, strong defender and one of the more athletic players in the new conference, AAA6.

At 6-3, Agwu will play the Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson role.

“He’s super-athletic above the rim, a defensive presence, shotblocker,’’ Donaldson said. “He’ll be rim running and setting screens.’’

O’Donovan is the team’s vocal leader and its microwave scorer, deft from the 3-point line. “He’s like a flash — any night he can go off,’’ Donaldson said. “He’ll got hot in spurts.’’

Ismar Purisic is a junior power forward with a nice inside-out game. At point guard will be junior Michael Werzinger after starring at the JV level. “He’ll slow us down in the halfcourt, run us through our sets,’’ Donaldson said. “He’s calm, cool and collected and the guy you want Timmy Mingo taking a big foul shot.’’

The Owls will go with a nine-man rotation with four sophomores coming off the

T

32 — December 21, 2023

who posted a 20-3 record, 12-1 in the conference.

Former assistant Koren Pena, has been promoted to head coach and tries for an encore despite a cupboard not as plentiful. The Owls lost three key players, including Conference Player of the Year Kaelynn O’Brien.

There’s not a natural point guard on the roster so juniors Brooke Mazzei and Kate Benedict will be asked to share the workload.

“Our biggest challenge is figuring out how to navigate people without a point guard,’’ said Pena, a Lynbrook assistant for 10 years.

“Brooke will have to handle the ball more this year. Both have played a substantial amount of basketball. Two AAU kids. I’m confident both can do it.’’

The key is not robbing from Benedict’s strength – shooting 3’s.

Benedict set the school record last year with 7 3-pointers in a game.

“She’ll break that record,’’ Pena said. “I’m confident this year or next year she’ll have 8 in a game.’’

One edge Lynbrook has is height. Sophia Dwyer illustrates that. The guard-forward stands at 5-foot-10. “She’s my most versatile player,’’ Pena said. “She can run the floor like a guard and has a great outside shot.’’

Lynbrook returns its starting center in 5-10 Cate Jennings, an inside presence. “My hope is she comes back stronger,’’ Pena said.

The tallest player at 5-11 is swing Mackenzie Casey, a strong rebounder and volleyball star, headed to Adelphi. “I have a lot of height,’’ Pena said. “We’ll be the taller side against most teams.’’

The X-factor is small forward Jessie Bodian, recovering from ACL surgery suffered during lacrosse last season. She may be cleared by January for added depth.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Brooke Mazzei

“We have big shoes to fill,’’ Pena said. “But these kids are talented. They want to continue what they left off last year. Our ultimate goal is to make it back to the county championships.’’

Schedule BOYS MATT GUILFOYLE December

13 16 19

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

6:45 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

January 4 10 13 17 19 26

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

6:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

February 1 5 8

@ Mineola Plainedge @ Wantagh

6:45 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 13 14 18

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

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

January 4 10 13 17 19 26

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

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

February 1 5 8

@ Mineola @ Plainedge Wantagh

6:15 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

Photos by Eric Dunetz

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December 21, 2023 — 33

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

MacARTHUR M Youthful Generals rely on size

By ANDREW COEN

M

acArthur is seeking a rebound season with a young team.

The Generals were limited to two wins last year competing in a challenging Conference A1. While only four seniors return, fourthyear’ head coach Brian Maini sees potential for a turnaround that serves as a building block for future success.

“We have some good size and length that we hope we can use to our advantage,” Maini said. ”We have our work cut out for us, but have a young team that is going to get a lot of valuable experience.”

Junior 6-foot-2 guard Mike Kondyra leads the way as MacArthur’s floor general after expanding his game in the offseason to be able to drive to the rim in addition to long-range shooting. Kondyra averaged 13.1 points per game in his first season on varsity and tallied 20 in a 56-51 early season loss to New Hyde Park.

Maini also has high hopes for junior guard Keidyn Cheng, who missed his sophomore season after playing on JV as a freshman. Senior 6-3 forward John Morgenstern gives the Generals some size and experience in the frontcourt after starting a number of games as a junior.

A wildcard this season will be the development of 6-5 junior forward Anthony Vargas, who Maini hopes can make strides in the frontcourt with limited basketball experience.

“They are good kids and they work hard,” said Maini of his core players. “We are hoping they can step their game up.”

MacArthur will compete in 34 — December 21, 2023

Conference AA-3 this season, which consists of mostly the same league opponents as last year along with newcomer East Meadow. The league also includes Valley Stream Central, Great Neck South, Jericho, Long Beach, Mepham and Herricks. On paper, it appears a wide-open race.

“At the end of the day we are trying to get these guys to compete at a high level,” Maini said.

CHEMISTRY NO CONCERN FOR GENERALS MacArthur’s girls’ squad graduated five seniors off last season’s team that reached the Nassau Class A quarterfinals, but returns a close-knit group poised for another postseason run.

Nine of the 14 players on MacArthur’s roster played on the same CYO team and 10th-year

Mike Kondyra

Generals’ head coach Dave Radtke hopes that familiarity can pay dividends on the court.

“They are all best friends so the chemistry is off the charts,” Radtke said.

Radtke returns two starters in All-County senior point guard Sara Kealey and sophomore Meagan Campbell, who earned AllConference honors as a freshman for her strong inside game. Kealey led MacArthur with 21 points in a 59-41 first round playoff victory last year and will look to pick up where she left off.

Other returners slated to start this season include senior Ani Angelakis along with sophomores Gabby Nicolini and Caitilin Kilian.

Angelakis displayed strong shooting range from the perimeter last season hitting 11 3-pointers.

Veteran players expected to get quality minutes off the bench include seniors Amrita Kaur, Athina Tsolakaki and Ariana Coyle. Kaur showed shooting range potential as a junior, converting two 3-pointers in MacArthur’s 67-24 blowout win against Jericho.

Radtke said he plans to go deep into his bench, which will aid the Generals’ fast-paced offense and full-court pressure defense.

“I’m going to play 10 to 12 consistently and I think we could wear people down,” Radtke said.

“We want to speed things up.”

The Generals will be competing in Conference AA League 3 with Valley Stream Central, Great Neck South, Jericho, Long Beach, Mepham. East Meadow and Herricks. Radtke said conference newcomer East Meadow and Mepham will likely provide the strongest competition toward MacArthur’s goal of achieving a third straight conference title.

“The conference is going to be pretty tough,” Radtke said. “It is going to be a fun, competitive year.”

Sara Kealey

Schedule BOYS

MATT GUILFOYLE December 12 15 18 21

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

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 18 27 30

Jericho Herricks @ Mepham Long Beach @ G.N. South East Meadow V.S. Central

12:00 p.m.

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 2 7 10

@ Jericho @ Herricks Mepham

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 12 15 18 21

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

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 18 27 30

@ Jericho @ Herricks Mepham @ Long Beach G.N. South @ East Meadow @ V.S. Central

12:00 p.m.

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 2 7 10

Jericho Herricks @ Mepham

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

Photos by Karen Millindorf

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

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December 21, 2023 — 35

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

MALVERNE Mules deal with unfamiliar territory

By BRIAN KACHARABA

scorer to graduation, but still have plenty of offensive and defensive talent that could put them in contention for that elusive playoff he defending county spot. champion Mules continue “Pretty much them being to be a model of consistency together all summer and basically by making the playoffs for an setting the tone for the younger astounding 50th straight season ones coming in and showing last winter, not including the growth and being more confident postseason-less pandemic year. in their play [creates excitement],” This year, they face a whole new said coach Amanda Masson. set of challenges as they try to Senior Mikayla Johnson begin another decade of success. averaged almost 13 points a game Malverne is an ‘A’ school for last season, more than double her the first time since 1979 and will output as a sophomore, and had face several new teams this season two games of 20 or more points. as a member of Conference ABC She’s a threat from long range League 7. And, which has been after connecting on 48 3-pointers, PLAYOFFS WITHIN the case for the Mules in recent and Masson wants her to shoot MULES’ REACH seasons, there will be new go-to even more.

The girls’ team took a big weapons on offense to replace the The Mules were bolstered step forward last year by improving graduating seniors. last year by the additions of thentheir win total from three to nine “It’ll be interesting,” associjunior transfer students Jahairah and would’ve finished with a ate coach Walter Aksionoff said. winning record if not for a season- Arnoux and Ayanna Simpson, who “We’ll be growing, but once we figure to be among the team’s ending four-game losing that get rolling in the league, I think leading scorers this winter. resulted in a 9-11 mark. mid-December, I think we’ll get a Both had three double-digit The Mules lost their leading real feel of what we have.” point games last season while Guard Chad Wesley leads a displaying strong defensive skills. senior-heavy roster after averaging “I have high expectations for almost nine points a game last [Arnoux],” Masson said. “I already season despite battling an injured know that anytime there’s a situankle. Wesley is quick and a ation where [we need her] , she three-point threat, giving Aksionoff comes back 100. She never lets confidence that his scoring average down. Ayanna was our defensive will grow even more. person to go into offense. She “I believe he’ll be a doublehad a lot of steals into layups. digit scorer,” Aksionoff said. “His She’s definitely quick [and] always shooting has improved a little guards the best player as does bit and I like when we kick Jahairah.” the ball out to him and Ty’zanae Reed (6 ppg) should we just go. He’s so quick, be the team’s top rebounder and he can take it to the Masson is hoping she grows basket. He’s got that more offensively. Fellow junior Euro move that he Hazel Whitfield is another can score and he’s power forward who scored got a little bit of a at a five-point clip and floater.” honed her skills by playing Forward over the summer.

Kevin Estime was Eighth-grader Kaya one of Malverne’s Hamilton is a smart Chad Wesley stronger players down the player who has a stretch last year and well-rounded ended the campaign

T

36 — December 21, 2023

with multiple double-doubles.

Fellow seniors Jake Walsh, Zavion Daniels, and Jordan Blue round out the projected top five, with William Hartley, Lorenzo Maione and Nicholas Brown providing experienced depth.

“Jake is a key this year,” Aksionoff said. “He’ll play like a [small forward]. He can jump and he can shoot, so he’s really got to come to it.”

Sophomore Christopher McIntosh has a lot of potential and 6-foot-8 junior “project” Will Spencer could emerge as a force with more seasoning.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

game, freshman Nevaeh DeJesus could start emerging as the point guard of the future, and Gabrielle Allen, another freshman, is expected to be one of the Mules’ defensive specialists.

Jahairah Arnoux

Schedule BOYS December 13 19 21

Seaford @ North Shore Clarke

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 4 9 13 17 26 29

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

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 1 5 8

@ Friends Academy 7:00 p.m.

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

GIRLS December 13 19 22

@ Seaford North Shore @ Clarke

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 4 9 13 17 26 29

@ Friends Academy 7:00 p.m.

Lawrence 7:00 p.m.

Island Trees 12:00 p.m.

Seaford 7:00 p.m. @ North Shore 5:00 p.m.

Clarke 7:00 p.m.

February 1 5 8

Friends Academy @ Lawrence Island Trees

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Sue Grieco

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December 21, 2023 — 37

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

MEPHAM Defense, boards vital for Pirates

By DAVID WEINGRAD

I

n his third year as Mepham’s boys’ head coach, Bob Kaible said his team appears ready to take the next step following a couple of rebuilding years.

And with a strong combination of experience and size, it’s easy to see why he’s optimistic.

The Pirates’ offense will revolve around senior forward Kieran Kehoe, a talented scorer who can dominate a game when he’s on.

Consistency, said Kaible, will be a huge key for Kehoe this season as their offensive anchor.

At guard, Owen Heller took a leap forward last season as a junior and will be a key component offensively this year with his natural ability and athleticism.

Seniors Ryan Harrington and Mitch Savalli, at forward and guard respectively, are two tone-setters for the team who both go all out on defense. Savalli, a vocal leader, “is the heart and soul of our team,” said Kaible.

Kiran Paingankar will be the sixth man off the bench. As a shooter, Kaible said, the whole offense opens up when the senior is on the court.

Kieran Roth is another senior who brings intangibles off the bench and is a key role player who can fill in wherever needed.

And Colin Kohit, the youngest on the roster as a sophomore, is a strong ball-handler off the bench at guard who Kaible expects will play key minutes in crunch time of games.

With his entire starting five all above six-feet tall, utilizing that size to get high-percentage shots and smother opposing offenses will be key to their success, said Kaible.

“For us to have any chance of getting to the next level we’ll have to be really good defensively and really good at rebounding,” he said. “If we’re not good on those 38 — December 21, 2023

fronts we won’t get to where we want to get to. It’s a really solid group of kids that’s fun to be around. Playoffs is a realistic goal for us.”

PIRATES HAVE INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS The Pirates return most of their core from last year’s playoff team with the hopes of advancing even further this year.

The team will go, said head coach Jim Mulvey, as far as their star junior Makayla Daube goes.

The All-County forward averaged 16 points and 16 rebounds last winter, even pulling in a school-

Kieran Kehoe

record 28 rebounds in a single game.

“She’s our leader,” said Mulvey. “We call her an old-school, throwback player.”

Senior Ashley Felsberg will also be a key player leading the offense. While small in stature, Mulvey said the third-year point guard looms large on the court with her intense play.

Brianna Ferry’s outside shooting is a strong complement to Daube’s inside presence, with the senior guard setting a school record 47 three-pointers last season.

Providing a major boost to the defense are junior forward Sophia Beck, a hard-nosed player who does a lot of the dirty work, and senior forward Grace Glynn, a shot blocking and rebounding force.

But it’s Leah Smith who has impressed the coaching staff this fall with her lockdown defense. The junior, in her first year on varsity, cleans up loose balls and offers valuable intangibles.

Junior Grace Skulavic, a major athlete who is a star on the lacrosse team, will also contribute with her toughness and ability to defend all five positions.

Senior Katie Burke is a key role player off the bench who can fill in at all five positions and provides depth off the bench.

Mepham’s size and balanced roster has Mulvey confident it can compete with any team in its conference. The goal, he said, is to return to the playoffs and perhaps even make a run towards the county finals.

“You think about what all good teams have,” he said. “We have a little bit of everything. We have the ingredients… just have to see how the soup comes out.”

Makayla Daube

Schedule BOYS December 12 15 18 21

@ Jericho Herricks V.S. Central G.N. South

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 18 27 30

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

12:00 p.m.

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 2 7 10

East Meadow Long Beach @ MacArthur

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 12 15 18 21

Jericho @ Herricks @ V.S. Central @ G.N. South

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 18 27 30

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

12:00 p.m.

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 2 7 10

@ East Meadow @ Long Beach MacArthur

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

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December 21, 2023 — 39

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

OCEANSIDE Sailors pose a sizeable challenge

By MARC BERMAN

O

ceanside will have size, that’s for sure. The Sailors are led by two tall seniors—6-foot-4 dynamo Ben Zito and 6-5 All-Conference banger Adam Elbenhiry.

Zito, who plays small forward, averaged 13 points while draining 38 3-pointers. “(Zito) can score on all three levels,’’ head coach Ed Risener said. “He’s the ultimate gym rat, loves working on his game.’’

Elbenhiry averaged 8 points and 11 rebounds. His specialty is volleyball at which he will play in college. But he’s a dominant rebounder, hauling in 23 boards in a game last season.

“They’re big boys,’’ Risener

Ben Zito

40 — December 21, 2023

said of his frontcourt tandem. “ We’re definitely going through our big men this year.’’

Oceanside finished just 8-12 last winter, good for only sixth place in the eight-team conference with a 4-10 showing. Could the tide be turning for the Sailors?

“Our vision this year is to compete for a playoff spot in the new conference,’’ Risener said.

“We have the talent to do that but you got to go out and prove it.’’

Oceanside graduated its starting backcourt of Jacob Raphan and Anthony Rodriguez leaving both jobs open. Point guard Connor Haufler was a backup last season and will be thrust into role as floor general. Nick Paris will join him in the backcourt and also can play the point.

Small forward AJ Romagno might be their most dangerous deep threat and came on strong at the end of last season. Angel Espinal will go from reserve to starting power forward and is known as “a playmaker at that position.

“He makes his teammates better,’’ Risener said.

Sophomore Josh Gamarra also adds height – at 6-5 – and fills out the rotation. He has the makings to be a star. “He has a presence when he walks into the gym,’’ Risener said. “He’s a talented offensive player.’’

Oceanside goes eight-deep with 3-point shooting guard Marko Perisa.

VETERAN LINEUP TO GUIDE SAILORS The Oceanside girls will run it back. That’s good news for the Sailors, led by this section’s cover girl/senior guard Brianna Amenta.

Oceanside lost just one player from last season’s squad as all the starters return on a team that finished 10-10. The Sailors made the playoffs for the first time in five years and then won a playoff game for the first time since 2012.

“I’m pretty much returning

my whole team so I’m looking to get better,’’ head coach Jared Stoler said. “Everyone loses seniors every year. So we’re hoping to take a step forward on that .500 record.’’

The coach admits the new conference jam – combining AAI and AA2 into Conference AAA – could cause unpredictability. He’s confident a small-ball unit led by a Amenta/Samantha Farsky backcourt will be formidable.

Amenta averaged 15 points two straight seasons as All-County. The 5-4 point guard hopes to play college basketball. “She’s our go-to,’’ Stoler said. “She’ll benefit from more experience with all the people returning.’’

Last season, Amenta averaged 4.5 assists. Amenta and Farsky will alternate at the point. “(Amenta) can get to the rim, she’s a great shooter and has excellent vision,’’ Stoler said. “Her vision has only gotten better the more she’s played point.’’

Farsky averaged 8 points and has a quality handle. “They’re like 1 and 1A,’’ Stoler said. “(Farsky) is aggressive, attacks and gets her points around the rim.’’

Oceanside has no true center. Senior Emma Pagano, a 5-8 forward, will play that role after an All-Conference campaign. Lack of size could be an issue. “We take advantage of our strengths,’’ Stoler said. “We’re quick and focus on defense.’’

The biggest improvement could come from junior Camryn Weinberg, who played varsity for the first time in 2022-23. She’s being counted on as a scorer with a versatile game. Senior small forward Maeve Barrins is the glue.

“We can’t think of taking her off the floor,’’ Stoler said. “She’s so cerebral and one of our best defenders.’’

Grace DiDominica and Natalie Paul round out the rotation.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Samantha Farsky

Schedule

MATT GUILFOYLE

BOYS December

11 14 21

Massapequa Freeport @ Hicksville

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

January 4 8 11 16 20 31

Hempstead Uniondale @ Syosset @ Massapequa @ Freeport Hicksville

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 9

@ Hempstead @ Uniondale Syosset

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 14 20 21

Westbury Uniondale @ Freeport

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

January 10 11 17 26 31

Baldwin Academy Charter @ Farmingdale Hicksville @ Massapequa

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 6 9

Plainview 12:00 p.m.

Syosset 7:00 p.m. @ Port Washington 7:00 p.m.

Photos by Neil Miller

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HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

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December 21, 2023 — 41

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

SEAFORD Vikings have pieces in place

By ANDREW COEN

T

he Seaford boys return a veteran team fueled to reach the playoffs after just missing out on a second-straight postseason appearance last winter.

The Vikings battled through adversity after losing starting center Devin O’Donnell in the third game to a wrist injury to nearly grab one of the two available playoff spots in Conference B-II. O’Donnell returns this season as one of 10 seniors on the roster ready to tackle a challenging schedule as Seaford returns to Conference A due to increased enrollment.

“He was an All-Conference player before he broke his wrist,” said 42nd-year Seaford head coach Ralph Rossetti of the 6-foot3 O’Donnell, who was a starting tight end on Seaford’s football team and helped the Vikings capture a county title. “Hopefully he comes back the way he was as a 10th grader and then we will have a nice starting five.”

Rossetti, who entered the season eight wins away from his 400th career victory at Seaford, also returns experienced seniors Andrew Tudda and Frank Pyrt.

Tudda, a hard-to-defend guard, registered 21.2 points per game as a junior while Pyrt, a 6-2, forward, shined as an inside presence who can also convert long-range shots from the perimeter. Both are capable of filling up the stat sheet on any given night.

Luke Donavan and Jeff Cesario also bring senior leadership to the floor.

Donavan, a 6-3 forward tallied 10 points last season in a 65-62 win against Academy Charter School.

Seaford will compete this season in Conference A7 with Clarke, North Shore, Lawrence, Island Trees, Malverne and Friends Academy. The Vikings suffered 42 — December 21, 2023

several close defeats last season that Rossetti hopes are converted into victories this winter.

“We had four games within less than three points and we missed the playoffs by one game,” said Rossetti, who led Seaford to a county title in 1998. “I’ve got a nice group.”

HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR VIKINGS Seaford’s girls’ program is looking to raise the bar this winter in a higher-level league.

The Vikings, who reached the Class B semifinals last season, will compete in Conference A this winter with plenty of returners from a team that was two wins from a county title.

“We’re setting some high goals this season with a lot of

returning players,” said third-year head coach Stephanie Bartkus. “It’s not going to be as much learning and it’s going to be more just emphasizing our philosophy from last season and hoping to do a little better than we did.”

Senior guards Amanda Williamson and Daniella Stek will help lead Seaford’s quest for a championship as co-captains. Williamson blossomed into a scoring threat at guard as a junior while the versatile Stek is a floor general who will also be counted on for crucial rebounds.

Junior forward Skyler Secondino also returns after picking up some key buckets and renounds as a sophomore.

Fellow junior forward Jessica Grzelaczyk is coming off an AllConference season.

“We have a very strong junior class,” Bartkus said. “We have a lot of big girls and forwards so we’re going to try and play the game to their strengths.”

Bartkus is also excited about the development of freshman Emily McGowan, who was brought up to varsity last season as an eighth grader. McGowan is a big threat from the perimeter as the team’s best outside shooter.

“We have to take advantage of the fact that we know each other well with around eighty percent of the team having been on varsity before,” Bartkus said.

“We definitely don’t want it to slip through the cracks.”

The Vikings are part of a new and more challenging league in Conference A2 this season featuring Clarke, North Shore, Lawrence, Island Trees, Malverne and Friends Academy.

Andrew Tudda

Amanda Williamson

Schedule BOYS December 13 16 19 22

@ Malverne 7:00 p.m.

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

January 10 13 17 19 26 29

Island Trees Clarke Malverne @ North Shore Lawrence Friends Academy

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 5 7

@ Island Trees @ Clarke

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 13 16 19

Malverne @ North Shore Lawrence

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 10 12 17 19 26 29

@ Island Trees @ Clarke @ Malverne North Shore @ Lawrence @ Friends Academy

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 2 5 7

Friends Academy Island Trees Clarke

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Karen Millindorf

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

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2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

SEWANHAKA High ceiling for senior-led Indians

By DAVID WEINGRAD

F

ollowing a promising season by a youthful Sewanhaka squad, an extra year of seasoning has head coach Jason Allen believing the sky is the limit.

“We’re a very deep senior team,” said Allen. “We’re going 12 deep and have all of them contributing.”

Success, Allen said, is contingent on his team buying in and making personal sacrifices, something he said the kids appear very willing to do.

It starts with All-County senior Jordan Tucker, who can score from anywhere on the court and was their leading rebounder. “He’s definitely the alpha on our team and we’ll be looking for him to have a big year,” Allen said.

All-County senior Dylan McLennon will be a top scorer along with Tucker, and Allen described him as a dynamic finisher who also led the team in steals.

At point guard, senior Nasir McMillan sets a tone not only on offense as a floor general, but on defense with his toughness.

Senior center Fritz Pajotte does a lot of the cleaning up on the boards, but Allen praised his ability to guard all five positions, giving his team defensive versatility.

Senior co-captain Elliot LaMotte, a leader on and off the court, rounds out the starting lineup and brings an added toughness to the floor.

Juniors Matthew Abreu and Braylon Metellus will be keys off the bench, with Abreu bringing energy and instant offense, and Metellus a strong mix of intelligence and athleticism.

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tallest player but one of their better shooters.

“There’s no selfishness on our team,” said Allen. “Our ceiling is anything we determine it to be.

There’s a lot of good teams out there and it’s not going to be an easy road for us, but these guys are committed to the big picture.

The sky’s the limit for us as long as we work hard and don’t take anything for granted.”

ADDITIONAL PROGRESS IS INDIANS’ GOAL A youthful, talented Sewanhaka girls’ team will look to keep improving as head coach Alex Soupios said he has been impressed this year with his young team’s work ethic, athleticism and maturity.

Across the roster, progression has been evident, said Soupios, starting with senior captain Lana

Jordan Tucker

Cayo, who has become a vocal leader and floor general for the team. “She’s basically running practice now,” said Soupious.

Junior co-captain Janiya Grant has also taken a leap forward, said her coach, adding her overall game has caught up with her athleticism.

Saniya Moreau, a six-foot junior guard, provides defensive versatility and can help stifle defenders under the basket.

Junior Aniya Marriott has also upped her game entering this season, and Soupios said she worked hard on her outside shooting.

He expressed excitement with his young freshman point guard Alexi Stewart, a starter last winter as an eighth grader, who has already shown maturity beyond her years with her ball handling and court vision. “I truly think she has a tremendous amount of potential the next four years,” he said.

Sophomore newcomer Tamiya Williams will be an asset off the bench with her speed and basketball IQ. “She understands plays, she understands breakdowns, defense, and we’ll rely on her as a shutdown defender,” said Soupios.

Lila Lopez, also a new addition as a sophomore, rivals Marriott with her lethal outsider shooting and will be a weapon off the bench. And junior Gabrielle Dawson is yet another player who has impressed with her progression, particularly her rebounding.

After winning a playoff game last year, improvement is the goal. “That’s the most important thing this year,” Soupios said.

“Once they have a whole season underneath their feet, I want to see this group and their work ethic be able to pay off one day. I do believe this group has the focus to be successful. Not only now, but later for our program.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Lana Cavo

Schedule BOYS December 12

New Hyde Park

18 21

Calhoun Elmont

MATT 14 GUILFOYLE @ Carey

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 19 27 30

@ G.N. North Roslyn @ Garden City @ New Hyde Park Carey @ Calhoun @ Elmont

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

February 2 7 10

G.N. North @ Roslyn Garden City

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 12 15 18 21

@ New Hyde Park Carey @ Calhoun @ Elmont

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 18 27 30

G.N. North @ Roslyn Garden City New Hyde Park @ Carey Calhoun Elmont

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

February 2 7 10

@ G.N. North Roslyn @ Garden City

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

Photos by Eric Dunetz

December 21, 2023 — 43

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

SOUTH SIDE Cyclones off historic 24-2 season

By ANDREW FANTUCCHIO

season based on their talent alone.

“Realistically, our goal is to play better in February than in hen looking at the South December,” D’Angelo said. “This is Side boys basketball team a process.”

Can the Cyclones afford to on paper, it’d be easy wait that long while they’re the to pick it as an odds-on favorite ones with the target on their backs? to repeat as the Nassau County That can’t be determined on paper. champions. “ I think others feel we graduWith a combination of height, ated too much to be a county level length and athleticism that’s rarely seen at the high school level, it’s not championship team,” D’Angelo unrealistic to think the Cyclones can said. “ I disagree. You know, I think we still have a ton of potential. I come close to matching their 24-2 think We have certain things that record from a year ago. other teams may not have. We’ll But with only six players see. That’s the fun part about returning to a team which also captured a Long Island title, it’s also basketball.” anything but certain.

“I was spoiled last year,” head CYCLONES’ DEPTH TOUGH TO MATCH coach Jerry D’Angelo said. “I had What player on the South Side a ton of returning experience, and girls team would you defend above they were very good.” all others?

Pat Mullin saw the court the A few years ago, that question most last season of any returnhad an obvious answer, and head ing player. But even that was coach Dan Ferrick got tired of it. This limited, playing on one of the best rosters D’Angelo believes he’s ever season, Ferrick insists there is no coached. This season, he’s one of three senior captains, along with Ryan Kennedy and Matthew DeSena.

“He was our fifth option,” D’Angelo said. “ But he’s 6-foot-4 and athletic. He can play many positions. He’s got a great motor about him. He’s physical. He brings a lot of toughness to the team.”

The area of the roster lacking experience is the backcourt. Sophomore John Pericolosi will start at point guard, with juniors Charles Munro, Connor Fernandez and Dylan Walsh all jockeying for minutes off the bench.

“We need the seniors to be good role models,” D’Angelo said.

“We’re kind of behind the eight ball.”

Ryan Kennedy With little time to form a cohesive connection before the start of the year, D’Angelo is hoping the Cyclones can rack up wins early in the

W

44 — December 21, 2023

easy choice because South Side has options all over the floor.

The Cyclones will revolve around senior captain, Kyla Murphy.

The two-time All-County selection averaged 13 points per game a year ago, scoring from the paint and beyond the arc.

“She’s kind of a matchup nightmare,” Ferrick said. “She can hit a three-pointer and play down low. She’s just an all-around very good player.”

If a team takes away Murphy, they it has to slow down South Side’s other All-County selection, junior Charlotte Rathjen, but that’s much easier said than done.

“She’s got a nonstop engine,” Ferrick said. “She’s tenacious and makes our team just so much better.”

The challenges keep coming when looking down the roster.

Dakota Evans is as much of a threat to score as she is to pass, opening up more players for South Side to turn to, from the always-reliable Katherine Ahern to Taylor Hansman and Shailyn Woodson.

“We’re very deep,” Ferrick said. “When you look at our team, you’re sitting there going, ‘Okay, we’ll take away Kyla Murphy.’ Well, I have other [options].”

Depth will be an advantage for the Cyclones, but will it be enough to help them win their conference? Having to go up against the likes of Manhasset and Division, along with unknowns in Bethpage and Glen Cove, they’re not entirely sure themselves.

“I think our conference is going to be very competitive,” Ferrick said. “You have to have a bench. Playing five or six girls doesn’t work. That’s a recipe for disaster. You have to have multiple scorers.”

Even if they don’t manage to win their conference, the bar for the Cyclones is high.

“Our goal is still to win a county championship,” Ferrick

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Kyla Murphy

said. “But as I’ve explained to the girls if we are not one of the top four seeds, then we have done something wrong.”

Schedule BOYS December 12 @ Bethpage 15 Roosevelt 19 @ Division 21 Hewlett MATT GUILFOYLE

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 18 26 30

@ Manhasset @ Glen Cove Kennedy Bethpage @ Roosevelt Division @ Hewlett

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 7 9

Manhasset Glen Cove @ Kennedy

2:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 12 15 19 21

Bethpage @ Roosevelt Division @ Hewlett

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 18 27 30

Manhasset Glen Cove @ Kennedy @ Bethpage Roosevelt @ Division Hewlett

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 2 7 10

@ Manhasset @ Glen Cove Kennedy

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

Photos by Paul Grassini

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December 21, 2023 — 47

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

UNIONDALE Knights eager to make statement

By TONY BELLISSIMO

At center, senior Joshua Bernard is a rim protector and defensive anchor in the paint who nexperience was a key factor in stood out during summer league games. Senior Joshua Jean is the a rare non-playoff season for top frontcourt reserve and brings a the Uniondale boys’ in 20226-5 frame.

23. The Knights won eight games Eighth-grader Morell Toney is but fell one victory short of a trip to the postseason in what was 2013 the backup point guard who has graduate Jaaz Styles’ debut at the excellent size (6-1) for his age and helm of a program he helped lead plenty of high-level experience on the AAU circuit. to two county finals.

“We’re always looking to “It would be a major disappointpressure the ball and score in ment if we didn’t get back to transition,” Styles said. the playoffs,” he said. “The kids have been working hard since the KNIGHTS’ MAIN GOAL: summer. We can’t use youth as an excuse this season. I’m looking ADVANCE IN PLAYOFFS Returning to the playoffs and for this team to grow and for the guys to push each other to another getting beyond the first round is the big goal Uniondale girls’ head level.” coach Nolan Dunkley set for his Senior Dameek Horton is team. coming off an All-Conference “We’re looking to break season where he led the Knights in scoring. The long-distance shooting through and win a playoff game guard is accurate from behind the since it has been a while,” he said. “We need to finish in the top arc and also crafty getting to the basket. He’ll also bring the ball up eight or over .500 to get into the the floor at times and take pressure off junior Nisaiah James at the point.

‘Dameek can score from anywhere and is a smart defender,” Styles said.

James is 6-foot-3 after enjoying a growth spurt over the summer, the coach noted. He ran the JV offense last winter.

“I have high expectations for Nisaiah but we’re not putting a ton of his plate right away,” Styles said. “He definitely can be a floor general.”

Senior power forward Zahni Duncan is the team’s best rebounder and defender and brings a physical element. “He Dameek Horton has double-double potential every game,” Styles said. “He plays with a high motor.”

I

48 — December 21, 2023

playoffs and take it from there.”

The Knights racked up a solid 11 wins last winter but fell short in the 8-9 seed playoff matchup with Oceanside in a defensive struggle 29-26. Guard Darrian Jackson, now a senior, paced Uniondale with 10 points to cap an Honorable Mention All-County campaign.

“Darrian has been on varsity since the eighth grade and is a strong two-way player after developing into an efficient scorer,” said Dunkley, who has coached in the program for 15 years. “She can hit for 20 points any night and we might need that more earlier in the season while the rest of the offense gets into sync.”

Sophomore Zahara Saintyl is an All-Conference center with defensive prowess, Dunkley said. She blocks shots, rebounds well and can score off the offensive glass.

Another sophomore, Eniola Adisa, could see the bulk of work at point guard after splitting duties with Jackson a year ago. Adisa has improved her court vision and recognizing game situations, the coach said, and has good shooting range as well.

Freshman guard/forward Jada Murchison became a defensive anchor last season and will be a key in all pressure situations and force turnovers. Sophomore Kayla Reid was the first off the bench and could resume that role or crack the starting five. Either way, she’ll see quality minutes, rebound and swat away some shots.

Nilah James was the leading scorer at the JV level as a freshman and is a consistent perimeter threat.

Seniors Sidalia Brissett and Guerlande Salomon provide additional offensive threats.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Darrian Jackson

Schedule BOYS December 11 14 20 22

Freeport @ Hicksville Hempstead @ Syosset

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

January 5 8 16 20 27 31

Massapequa @ Oceanside @ Freeport Hicksville @ Hempstead Syosset

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

February 2 6

@ Massapequa Oceanside

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 14 20 22

@ Port Washington @ Oceanside Plainview

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

January 5 8 11 17 20 26

Syosset Farmingdale @ Freeport Academy Charter @ Hicksville @ Baldwin

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 3 9

Massapequa Westbury

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

Photos by Paul Grassini

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December 21, 2023 — 49

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

V.S. CENTRAL Eagles seek playoff landing

By GARRETT D. URIBE

B

y any measure the Eagles’ first season under new head coach Mike Wimmer marked a turnaround. Doubling its wins from the previous season, both overall and in conference, Valley Stream Central finished 8-12, 6-8 in Nassau AA2 last winter.

The trick now, said Wimmer – VSC’s first non-one-and-done skipper this decade – is to stay the course, as Central’s trajectory has the club headed toward ending its four-year playoff drought.

“It took time last year to figure out what our path to success would be,” said Wimmer, whose

Saige Frisco

50 — December 21, 2023

team – now in AA3 – finished one win shy of a postseason berth.

“Once everyone was on the same page, we got to a position where we were competing till the very end.”

“My staff and I made a commitment,” Wimmer added.

“We’re not looking to move on.

We want to raise the standard of this program.”

Continuity of both coach and roster ought to aid the Eagles’ cause, as Central returns its top two scorers in senior All-County swing Saige Frisco (11.1 points per game, 43 3-ponters) and sophomore Sean O’Neill (9.2 ppg), an All-Conference honoree at point guard.

“When Saige gets hot, we really live off that,” Wimmer said.

“Sean O’Neill is a kid we’re lucky to have. He’s great at getting teammates involved, but also is more than capable of scoring himself.”

Six-foot-4 senior Matt Neckles and junior Kyle Thomas return for VSC in the post. Both can work inside or outside in a fluid Eagles offense, while 6-6 Simar Singh and fellow incoming freshman Jaiya Vera – slotting in at the five and four spots respectively – give VSC added options, said Wimmer, to shapeshift according to matchups.

“I’m a big believer in positionless basketball,” Wimmer said. “It’s a beautiful thing when you know the athletic attributes are there.”

Junior Jamin Legagneur, last season’s JV scoring leader, gives VSC – which visits East Meadow Dec. 12 in its conference opener – further firepower at guard.

EXPERIENCE BODES WELL FOR EAGLES Amayah Byas gets the keys after leading VSC’s offense as a first-year freshman (10.9 points per game), said head coach Malyssa Thorngren. But the combo guard will split driving duties with her heir apparent as the Eagles’

top rookie, precocious eighth– grade ballhandler Joeyce Ferero, whose appearance has helped raise expectations the club can improve on last season’s two-win showing.

Pressed to start four freshmen last season due to a dearth in numbers, VSC now boasts a seasoned nucleus headlined by Byas and fellow sophomore Alyssa Haughton, whose 20 3-pointers paced the Eagles, with seniors Arianna Perez and Faizat Shekoni adding veteran savvy in the Eagles’ frontcourt.

“I think last year was a learning experience,” said Thorngren, whose team – which accreted this offseason to a dozen members – enters Conference AA1. “I think we’ll be better this year. We’re deeper. We’re still pretty young, but last year forced us to mature and grow, not just emotionally but also physically. That should help us with being less intimidated.”

If fear was ever a factor for Byas, surely there wasn’t a trace at season’s end. Adept at getting to the line with drives to the paint, Byas converted on 37 free throws in VSC’s final two games, notching back-to-back 20-point performances. “Anything we asked Amayah to do, she did it,” Thorngren said.

“She’d go against double- and triple-teams, drawing lots of fouls.

That’s a lot of points for us.”

While Ferero – a natural point guard whose addition, said Thorngren, frees Byas to play more off the ball – exhibited instant first-team readiness at tryouts, sixfoot sophomore newcomer Tashia Williams emerged in camp as a promising inside project. “Tashia was a nice surprise,” Thorngren said. “She’s a bit raw, but with some work I think she’ll develop nicely underneath.”

Junior reserve Lauren Alvarez (4.4 ppg) will see her role expanded at off guard, Thorngren said.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Arianna Perez

Schedule BOYS December 12 15 18 21

East Meadow @ Jericho @ Mepham MacArthur

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 19 27 30

@ Herricks G.N. South @ Long Beach @ East Meadow Jericho Mepham @ MacArthur

12:00 p.m.

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 2 7 10

Herricks @ G.N. South Long Beach

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 12 15 18 21

@ East Meadow Jericho @ Mepham @ MacArthur

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 6 9 12 16 19 27 30

Herricks @ G.N. South Long Beach East Meadow @ Jericho Mepham MacArthur

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 2 7 9

@ Herricks G.N. South @ Long Beach

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

V.S. NORTH Spartans boast plenty of talent

By DAVID PATALANO

V

alley Stream North’s boys are hoping its season opener is just a sign of things to come. It defeated Island Trees by a 26-point margin with its starpower setting the tone.

Seniors Dominic Obukwelu and Jalen Harrison both had 19 while sophomores Noah Obukwelu and Vicent Rienzie scored 13 and 12 respectively.

While Dominic Obekwelu and Harrison led the scoring out of the gate, that’s something head coach Michael McVeigh expects to happen all season. Harrison is a very quick point guard with a great pull-up jumper while Obukwelu can shoot the three and is a force driving to the hoop.

Danny Kosior is the primary big for the Spartans. He’s athletic, can shoot the ball and is always up grab-

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bing rebounds. Ezekiel Morris brings the energy to the team with his defensive play. “[Morris] is the perfect energizer bunny kind of kid,” said McVeigh. “He comes into the game very loud, talkative and will always make a couple of play. He’s a great guy to have on your team.”

Freshman Tristan Mitchell will look to make an impact with his shot and high basketball IQ. Noah Obekwelu can do it all: dribble, shoot, pass and play defense. He’ll be someone to watch as he develops throughout his high school career.

Christian St. Amand, Tony Kapusta, Josh Martinez, Nick Earle, Mohammed Syed and Gavin Fereira will all be important upperclassmen that come off of the bench. Early on they’be all been leaders in their own way with helping the younger players as the Spar “We just want to take this season one day at a time and get better every day,” McVeigh said.

“We’re super excited with this group, they’re such a great team to coach. We’re going to have fun play our hardest and hopefully at the end of the year we’re known for our defense.”

The Spartans are looking to contend for a conference title and more. Their conference includes Mineola, Valley Stream South, Lynbrook, Wantagh, Floral Park and Plainedge.

SPARTANS SHOW EARLY PROMISE Looking to set the tone for a successful season after failing to win a conference game last winter, the Valley Stream North girls got off to a roaring 3-0 start with nonconference victories over Valley Stream Central, West Hempstead and Great Neck South.

The Spartans, who needed

just three games to match last season’s win total, are led by captains and starters Elena Magno, Isabella Feldman and Alyanna Nadal. Magno is the primary scorer for the squad, Nadal drives to the hoop and Feldman will get up to grab rebounds. In the game against Valley Stream Central, both Magno and Nadal scored 14 points. “[Feldman] is kind of like the quarterback of the defense,” first-year head coach Dan Lodato said. “She’s very vocal and lets her teammates know where they should be.”

The other two starters are underclassmen Alessia Nunnari and Paige Fessler. Nunnari has an incredibly high basketball IQ and a great shot while Fessler is a stellar athlete who loves the game. “[Fesller] before practice will jump up grab the net then hang on the rim,” said Lodato.

“She’s got the height, she’s been a multi-sport athlete since she got here and she just has the itch to be a competitor. She recently had 12 or 13 rebounds and a lot of them were offensive, she just wants to be in the mix.”

Rounding out the rest of the squad is Cianna Nadal, Daniella Orozco, Ryann Blount and Savyon Rodriguez. Nadal is a very reliable defensive player who will play minutes down the stretch, Orozco is a senior leader who is always has a positive impact on and off the court, Blount is all over the court with defensive pressure and Rodriguez is solid all-around while also bringing lots of laughter to the locker room.

“We have the skill and players who want to win and are willing to accept different styles of play that we’re going to throw out there” said Lodato. “I think we’re capable of making a run and winning games that in years past we wouldn’t have.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Elena Magno

Schedule BOYS December

MATT GUILFOYLE 14 16 19 22

@ Mineola @ V.S. South Lynbrook @ Wantagh

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 4 13 17 19 26 29

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

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

February 1 8

@ Floral Park Plainedge

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

12 18 20 22

Mineola @ Lynbrook V.S. South Wantagh

5:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

GIRLS December

January 4 6 13 19 26 29

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

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 1 8

Floral Park @ Plainedge

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Neil Miller

December 21, 2023 — 51

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

V.S. SOUTH Falcons relying on tough defense

By BRIAN KACHARABA

now. We’ll see.”

One player who is back is leading scorer Brady DelValle, ike O’Brien could see the who increased his scoring average Valley Stream South boys’ to almost 13 points a game last season. He reached double digits basketball season go 15 times last season, including either way. three 20-plus point efforts, but it’s The Falcons’ head coach at the other end where the junior guided his team to a five-win improvement to seven in 2022-23, wants to excel as well.

“We’re hoping for another but only three players from that All-County run,” O’Brien said. squad returns and the roster fea“He’s going to be seeing a lot tures lots of varsity inexperience. more double teams, he’s going to Defense will likely be the team’s be seeing a lot more pressure, but calling card while hoping that the best thing I took from him this some offensive depth emerges. year is that he actually, before the “I feel like we can make the season, he came to me and said he playoffs, or I feel like we can also, unfortunately, finish at the bottom wanted to guard the team’s best player. So I think he’s focused more [of Conference ABC 6] by losing on a lot of defense, which is great.” very close games,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien is hoping Dillon Wal“We’re very good defensively [and] I think offense is our struggle right lace will be the Falcons’ secondleading scorer after he averaged almost four points last winter.

Fellow senior Lonnie Creech is the team’s only other returnee who is being counted on for defense, rebounding and put-back points.

Freshman Landon Jones and eighth grader C.J. Jean-Baptiste will make their varsity debuts and both have strong offensive skills, with the latter producing several 30-point games on the seventh-grade team.

Junior Keith Benardin is being slotted at point guard and sophomore Jaden Pryce has a similar skill set as Creech.

M

Brady DelValle

52 — December 21, 2023

STABILITY A KEY FOR FALCONS The girls won just once for the second straight season in 2022-23, but a more youthful roster will allow second-year head coach Dominique Serpico to mold the program for the future.

Only four players are back from last year’s team, including one senior, and Serpico is hoping

more stability with the coaches will start helping her build a foundation.

“It’s such a fresh team.”

Serpico said. “I think they’re really eager and motivated. In practice we have seen a bit of a difference, and it’s nothing against the girls from last year. I just think that this is their first year on a varsity sport and experiencing us as coaches rather than the other girls having had three different coaches.”

Offense was at a premium last season as the Falcons scored 20 points or fewer 11 times for a 23.5 average, but the defense was steady as it yielded just over 48 points a contest.

“I think literal strength wise, that is where we are the strongest,” Serpico said.

“I don’t think we are as strong on offense, and that’s not to put us down. It’s something we’re working on.”

Junior point guard Lisa JeanAntoine (4.0 ppg) is the highest returning scorer. She flashed her potential with a 10-point game against North Shore last Jan. 20 and Serpico is expecting bigger things from her this season.

“I’m really expecting her to lead the team,” she said. “I am expecting her to show up big in that position and to really direct the team.”

Senior Mikayla Thomas is a long-range shooting threat despite being a center and juniors Ysabel Clesca and Jayla McLean are strong defenders who could also score.

Promising sophomore Mia Ferguson has a high basketball IQ to go with her accurate shooting and athletic sophomore Jessica Dyer is a strong defender who can lead in transition. Freshman Isabelle Maxis has “unmatched” defensive ability and “fluid” offensive skills.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Jayla McLean

Schedule BOYS

MATT GUILFOYLE December 13 16 22

@ Lynbrook V.S. North Plainedge

6:45 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

January 4 10 13 17 19 29

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

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

February 1 5 8

Wantagh @ Mineola Floral Park

5:15 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 13 20 22

Lynbrook @ V.S. North @ Plainedge

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

January 4 10 13 17 19 29

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

5:15 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

February 1 5 8

@ Wantagh Mineola @ Floral Park

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

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December 21, 2023 — 53

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

WANTAGH

Warriors fresh off breakout season

By ANDREW COEN

campaign.

“If our defense can be close to what it was last year we will be in a good spot to make the playveteran Wantagh boys’ offs and hopefully make another team took a major leap last run,” Simeone said. “We had the season with a run to the Nassau Class A semifinals and the best defense in Nassau County for program is looking to continue the a reason and that is because the momentum this winter with many kids bought in and understood that that is what wins games and new faces. this group is buying into that as Wantagh returns just one well.” starter off of last season’s 18-4 Wantagh has Valley Stream team that reached the county semifinals a year after receiving the North, Valley Stream South, Floral Park, Lynbrook, Mineola and final playoff spot.

“It was a good stepping stone Plainedge as conference rivals. for the program,” said third-year PLAYOFF RETURN head coach Matt Simeone of the ON WARRIORS’ RADAR 2022-23 season, where the WarThe Wantagh girls’ program’s riors earned the fifth seed for the playoffs and fell to Manhasset 50- two-decade playoff streak came to 37 in the semis. “It showed that if an end last season and this year’s group is determined to start a new you put the time in and the work, the reward is going to be good.”

Senior guard/forward Charlie DeStefano is the lone returning starter from last year’s breakthrough season and will seek to take on a bigger role this winter.

The three-year varsity starter was the team’s third leading scorer as a junior and earned All-Conference honors.

Senior guards Jack Tate and James Ackerman played significant roles in last year’s deep postseason run off the bench and will receive more minutes this season as starters leading the backcourt.

Juniors Kevin Gutfleisch and Oliver Iacobazzi are also expected to take on increased roles along with sophomores Joe Nicholson and Devin Paccione.

The Warriors boasted the top Charlie DeStefano defense in Nassau County last season playing a straight man-to-man and Simeone said that will once again be a key in the 2023-24

A

54 — December 21, 2023

one.

The Warriors had a rare losing season under longtime head coach Stan Bujacich to miss the postseason for the first time since the 2002-03 campaign. Many of this year’s returners have enjoyed playoff success in other sports, which Bujacich hopes carries over to the basketball floor.

“They are motivated and have a lot of experience playing in competition whether it is soccer, volleyball, lacrosse or softball,” Bujacich said. “All of them had success in other sports after our basketball season.”

Wantagh returns two experienced seniors in Juliana Cerasi and Casey Kissinger, who have both been on varsity since they were freshmen. Cerasi and Kissinger were both standout players in lacrosse and softball, respectively, during the spring.

Bujacich also brings back veterans Skylar Mondelli, Brighid Smith, Riley Forthofer and Sabrina Asadurian. The versatile Smith produced 12 points, 10 rebounds and four steals in a 51-41 win against Valley Stream North last season.

A varsity newcomer Bujacich has high hopes for is freshman Kayla Mannix, an AAU basketball player who can play any position with her 5-11 frame. Mannix led Wantagh to a 9-0 record in summer league games.

Other players who add to Wantagh’s depth include Emily McGeown, Gianna Paccione, Riley Berardis, Ella Perfetti and Camryn Mitchell and Jane Burns.

The Warriors will once again face a tough league schedule competing in Conference A6, which features the same opponents as the boys’ side: Lynbrook, Floral Park, Mineola, Valley Stream North, Plainedge and Valley Stream South.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Casey Kissinger

“We got indoctrinated into a tough league last year,” said Bujacich whose team finished 2-8 in conference play with several close defeats.. “I think we are going to be playing with a little bit of a chip on our shoulder.”

Schedule BOYS December

MATT GUILFOYLE 13 18 22

Plainedge @ Mineola V.S. North

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 4 10 13 17 26 29

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

7:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

February 1 5 8

@ V.S. South Floral Park Lynbrook

5:15 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 13 18 22

@ Plainedge @ Mineola @ V.S. North

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

January 4 10 13 17 26 29

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

5:15 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

February 1 5 8

V.S. South @ Floral Park @ Lynbrook

7:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

Photos by Karen Millindorf

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2023-24 HERALD High School Basketball Preview

WEST HEMPSTEAD Rams optimistic for success

By DAVID PATALANO

primary scorers. “[Healy] has gotten so much better from last season,” head coach Chris Van Kovics said. “She’s he West Hempstead boys a little more aggressive now and got off to a promising start isn’t as hesitant to try and score.” after defeating Lawrence Emma Keicher will be an 67-34 on the first Saturday of important piece as well. She is a December. Chris Young recorded three-point shooter who when a double-double with 14 points making her shots can really YOUTHFUL RAMS and 10 assists while Anthony elevate the entire offense.

Graffeo-Jackson was the co-leader HOPE TO COMPETE Ana Rizzuto, one of the West Hempstead’s girls’ roster in points with 14 as well. is very young this season, featuring ninth graders on the roster, Young is the team’s primary is West Hempstead’s best point guard with a good shot and five freshmen and two sophorebounder and post player. mores along with six upperclasssolid defense. Also running the “Going up against point is Evan Wilson who has been men. To go along with that, it has juniors and seniors in battled with injury issues early on promoted to be a starter after and suffered two losses out of the your first year of being the sixth man last season. varsity basketball gate. “[Wilson] has worked so is not an easy Junior Constance Berryhard,” head coach Eric Rubin said. thing to do, Rawley will be one of the leaders “He comes into the gym in the but Anna has for the Rams with her quick shot morning for a half hour almost done a lot of good and ability to drive to the basket. every day before school just to Sophomore Daniella Healy will join things so far,” Van Kovics said. work on his shot.”

Berry-Rawley as one of the team’s “She’s just trying to find her footIsaiah Blunt is a big, strong ing on the varsity level and she’s forward that averaged over 20 going to be a good player for us.” points for Lawrence Woodmere Madison Cates is another Academy last season. He’s forward that will be playing a lot of expected to be a big part of the minutes. She’s a very smart player offense while also being a big time that will be bringing the ball up shot blocker and key rebounder. from time to time. “[Blunt] had a thunderous Isabella Salimbene, Arianna dunk in the last game,” Rubin said.

Corona, Willow Stern and senior “He got a steal and went down Veronica Hanna round out the the court for it, it really lit up the squad. All have good rebounding crowd.” skills and athleticism and will look Gavin Lee is a three-sport to add a spark. athlete that slots into the starting “We just want to go out lineup as a power forward. there, work hard and have some He’s a great athlete that can fun,” Van Kovics said. “We’re score if needed, plays tergoing to be in some games this rific defense and rebounds year and we’ll find out what we’re well. He does a good really made of.” majority of the dirty work for The Rams will face Carle West Hempstead.

Place, Wheatley, Cold Spring HarGraffeo-Jackson was the bor, Locust Valley, Oyster Bay and Rams’ leading scorer last season East Rockaway in conference play. with 15.5 points per game while shooting over 50 percent from the field. He also recorded 8.4 rebounds per game and will look to carry his hot hand into this season.

Coming off the bench as key Anthony Graffeo-Jackson pieces for West Hempstead will be Joey Thomas, Nick McComb-Giuffre, Declan Cole and Jonathan

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“We have a lot of optimism going into this year,” Rubin said.

“There are a lot of huge expectations for us, but we know tha we have to earn it on the court. The kids know not to take anything for granted.”

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Constance Berry-Rowley

Schedule

MATT GUILFOYLE

BOYS December

13 16 19 22

Carle Place 5:00 p.m.

Wheatley 12:00 p.m. @ Locust Valley 7:00 p.m.

Evergreen Charter 5:00 p.m.

January 4 10 13 17 19 26 29

@ C.S. Harbor 7:00 p.m.

Oyster Bay 5:00 p.m.

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

Locust Valley 5:00 p.m.

Evergreen Charter 5:00 p.m.

February 1 5 8

C.S. Harbor @ Oyster Bay @ East Rockaway

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

GIRLS December 13 16 19

@ Carle Place @ Wheatley Locust Valley

7:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

January 4 10 13 17 19 26

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

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 1 5 8

@ C.S. Harbor Oyster Bay East Rockaway

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Photos by Sue Grieco

December 21, 2023 — 55

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HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

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