Nassau A-III boys basketball preview

Erik Kanzer of Jericho defends against Dana King of Valley Stream South. (Feb. 27, 2013) Credit: Mike Stobe
NASSAU A-III
1. VALLEY STREAM SOUTH FALCONS
Coach:Matt Johnsen
Key players
G Dana King 5-8
G William Knight 5-10
F Andrew Labeck 5-11
F Grant Javon 6-0
C Dimitri Badette 6-5
Outlook:Should contend for conference title behind King, who averaged 21 points and eight assists.
2. FLORAL PARK KNIGHTSCoach:Nick Simone
Key playersG Jordan Butler 6-0
G T.J. Cluess 6-1
F Kevin Cluess 6-5
F Taize Walker 6-1
F Jimmy Guerriero 6-0
Outlook:Kevin Cluess is a talented player capable of scoring both inside and outside and can play any position.
3. BETHPAGE GOLDEN EAGLESCoach:Jack Davenport
Key playersG Chris Tempesta
F Deniz Soybas 6-2
F Brett Tarnell 6-0
F Carl O'Brien 6-3
F Gregory Gerber 6-2
Outlook: An inexperienced team that returns two very good players in Gerber and O'Brien.
4. ISLAND TREES BULLDOGS
Coach:Michael Wimmer
Key players
G Joseph Santoro 5-8
G Brett Beiersdorfer 5-10
F Christian Bours 6-0
F Daniel Connelly 6-1
C Andrew Kramer 6-5
Outlook: Kramer averaged a double-double last season and intends to make this team playoff-caliber.
5. LYNBROOK OWLS
Coach:Chris Rube
Key players
G Michael McVeigh 5-10
G Anthony Mackie 5-11
G Jake Sandler 5-8
F Frank Boni 5-9
C Armin Cekic 6-4
Outlook: McVeigh, who committed to Cortland, is a lethal scorer.
6. NORTH SHORE VIKINGS
Coach:Kevin Carpenter
Key players
G Josh Schwartz 5-8
G Adam Bell 6-0
G Bennett Mansfield 6-0
F Nick Hartman 6-1
F Jackson Rieger 6-4
Outlook: Could grab a spot in playoffs with 11 returning players.
7. GLEN COVE BIG RED
Coach:Peter Falen
Key players
G David Perkins 6-0
G Rodney Ray 6-1
F Ralik Jackson 6-0
F Tajah Garner 6-3
C David Duda 6-4
Outlook: Inexperienced team that could surprise.
8. VALLEY STREAM NORTH EAGLES
Coach:Dan Achatz
Key players
G Mahlik McLeod 5-9
G Aaron Bonitto 5-8
F Joe Kempton 6-0
F Tom Canny 6-0
C Ricardo Richardson 6-3
Outlook: Tough defense and transition offense will make the team competitive.