Nassau A-I boys basketball preview

Elmont's KC Ndefo gets height on way to basket during a non-league boys basketball game in Uniondale, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015. Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
Bellmore JFK Cougars
Coach: Rory Block
Last season: 7-10
Key players
G Michael Schwartz 6-1 Sr.
G James Ferry 5-6 Sr.
G Jason Teich 5-9 Sr.
F Josh Schuit 6-1 Sr.
F Joe Condello 6-1 Sr.
Outlook: After winning four of their final five games last season and just missing the playoffs by one game, the high-tempo Cougars look to reach the postseason.
Carey Seahawks
Coach: Martin Kelly
Last season: 10-11
Key players
G Mike Catanese 6-3 Sr.
G Jeremy Pulle 5-10 So.
G Jonathan Francois 6-2 So.
F Anthony Catapano 6-2 Sr.
F Sean Engel 6-4 Sr.
Outlook: After finishing 7-3 in conference play, Carey looks to make a playoff run behind senior guard Catanese in a fast-paced offense with changing defenses.
Elmont Spartans
Coach: George Holub
Last season: 17-2
Key players
G Travis Robinson-Morgan 5-10 Sr.
G Yasir Lawrence 6-1 Sr.
F Jalen Burgess 6-3 Sr.
F Kenechukwu “KC” Ndefo 6-4 So.
F Darius Celestin 6-3 Sr.
Outlook: Elmont moves to Class A after reaching the county semifinals in AA last year. The Spartans expect to have balance on offense with Robinson-Morgan facilitating the offense at point guard.
Garden City Trojans
Coach: James Hegmann
Last season: 11-7
Key players
G Joe Leighton 6-1 Sr.
G Kevin McNiff 5-10 So.
G Andrew DeSantis 6-2 So.
F John Wotczak 6-1 Sr.
F Brian Leggett 6-4 Sr.
Outlook: The Trojans look to improve off a season in which it hosted its first playoff game since 1999 behind strong guard play led by Leighton.
Great Neck North Blazers
Coach: Mike Holleran
Last season: 5-12
Key players
G Julien Hakimian 6-0 So.
G Julien Hajibay 5-11 Sr.
G Ben Shokrian 5-11 Sr.
F Nate Diaz 6-1 Sr.
F Jordan Nessenoff 6-4 Sr.
Outlook: Despite being the only non-senior in the starting lineup, sophomore Hakimian is the team’s returning leading scorer (11 points per game).
Jericho Jayhawks
Coach: Walter Bachman
Last season: 7-11
Key players
G Corey Wellington 6-1 Sr.
G Sherwin Soroush 5-10 Sr.
F Benjamin Wachtel 6-1 Sr.
F Jason Katz 6-2 Jr.
F Max Rosenbloom 6-6 Sr.
Outlook: Jericho looks to return to the playoffs with an experienced starting five, featuring four seniors.
Manhasset Indians
Coach: George Bruns
Last season: 9-8
Key players
G Jack Keogh 5-9 Jr.
G John Sanseverino 5-11 Sr.
G Dan Hedberg 6-0 Jr.
F Will Theodoropoulos 6-2 Jr.
F Peter Conlan 6-2 Jr.
Outlook: Conlan and Sanseverino will have key roles for the Indians this season.
Sewanhaka Indians
Coach: Jay Allen
Last season: 4-13
Key players
G Kamoy Silvera 5-9 Jr.
G Korey McLaurin 6-1 Sr.
F Rahim Akinwunmi 6-2 So.
F Marcus Johnson 6-3 Jr.
F Sam Williams 6-4 Sr.
Outlook: The Indians return senior McLaurin, who averaged 13.5 points, six rebounds and 1.5 assists last season.