Nassau A-I boys basketball preview
From left, Alex Sorenson, Paul Pandolfi and Keith Ruiz of South Side look on during the game against Roslyn. (Feb. 27, 2013) Credit: Mike Stobe
NASSAU A-I
1. SOUTH SIDE CYCLONES
Coach: Jerry D'Angelo
Key players
G Keith Ruiz 5-11
G Erik Shirland 6-0
G Alex Sorensen 6-1
F Paul Pandolfi 6-3
F Garett Gallego 6-3
Outlook: A deep, unselfish and athletic team that should compete for a county championship.
2. CAREY SEAHAWKS
Coach: Martin Kelly
Key players
G Dylan DeMeo 5-9
G Adrian Denner 6-4
F Andrew Ris 6-2
F Kieran Murchie 6-5
F Tom Gallant 6-3
Outlook: Strong team behind Denner, who averaged 17.5 points per game last season.
3. JERICHO JAYHAWKS
Coach: Walter Bachman
Key players
G Daniel Schneider 5-10
G Jack Roberts 6-1
F Joshua Francis 6-3
F Mike Goren 6-3
C Jackson Weinrab 6-6
Outlook: The defending county champions are well-coached and should be in the mix once again.
4. WESTBURY GREEN DRAGONS
Coach: Dave Graff
Key players
G Christian Hamilton 5-9
G Jonathan Dean 5-9
F Shakel Cafield 6-2
F Brian Newell 6-2
C Malachi Dean 6-3
Outlook: Strong unit that should be a contender for a playoff spot.
5. BELLMORE JFK COUGARS
Coach: Rory Block
Key players
G Jake Berger 5-10
G Evan Teich 6-0
F Eric Pauly 6-1
F John Cuttitta 6-0
C Nick Bandini 6-2
Outlook: With 16 players, depth is a strength.
6. WANTAGH WARRIORS
Coach: Keith Hunter
Key players
G Matthew Buchner 5-10
G Kyle Cain 5-10
F Brett Neuman 6-1
F Dan Devine 6-4
C Thomas Burke 6-5
Outlook: A gritty, attacking defense is a strength for a team hoping to make the playoffs.
7. GARDEN CITY TROJANS
Coach: Laurence Steimer
Key players
G Mark Desantis 5-9
G Joe Leighton 5-9
F Rob Wotczak 6-2
F Matt Kelly 6-4
C Conor Lumdoon 6-5
Outlook: Will rely heavily on solid three-point shooting.
8. NEW HYDE PARK GLADIATORS
Coach: Don Rood
Key players
G Christopher Ferlazzo 6-0
G Kevin Su 5-9
G Hassan Fuller 6-0
F Brennan Scanlon 6-0
F Ryan Korzevinski 6-3
Outlook: Could surprise late in the season once new players jell.
