Nassau AA-I boys basketball preview
Uniondale's Imran Ritchie passes the ball early in the first quarter of a game against Farmingdale. (Jan. 15, 2013) Credit: Dan Neri
NASSAU AA-I
1. UNIONDALE KNIGHTSCoach: Tom Diana
Key players
G Imran Ritchie 6-1
G Shomarie Redd 6-0
G Tahreek Hodge 6-2
F Nick Danns 6-2
C Alan McDonald 6-3
Outlook: Ritchie is expected to lead the group to another appearance in the county final.
2. MASSAPEQUA CHIEFSCoach: Martin Voigt
Key players
G Brian Nichtern 6-1
G Dylan Balducci 5-10
G Alex Cosenza 6-1
F Sean Nealis 6-3
F Griffin Sullivan 6-2
Outlook: Will compete for title behind Balducci, who averaged 21 points per game last season.
3. FARMINGDALE DALERSCoach: Jim Pastier
Key players
G Jack Burke 5-10
G Ra Rogers 5-10
F Maliek Seela 6-0
F Curtis Jenkins 6-2
C Ron Winkler 6-7
Outlook: Four-year starters Jenkins and Burke make the Dalers a tough team to beat.
4. FREEPORT RED DEVILSCoach: Bob DeBonis
Key players
G Shawnee Barrett 5-7
G Nino Rodriguez 6-0
F Moses Fletcher 6-1
F Te'Korey Smith 6-3
C Davelle Hooks 6-4
Outlook: Defense will be key for the team that is led by Rodriguez.
5. HEMPSTEAD TIGERS
Coach: Lateef Myles
Key players
G Lykem Bethea 5-9
G Khalik Watts 6-0
F John Blocker 5-9
F Andre Morse 6-3
C Stephon Davis 6-2
Outlook: Blocker, an explosive player, is prime for a big season and will guide the young group.
6. OCEANSIDE SAILORSCoach: Dan Keegan
Key players
G Casey Kelly 5-11
G Tim Nolan 5-11
F Kevin O'Keefe 6-3
F Bob Stewart 5-11
C Tom Pallatto 6-3
Outlook: Perimeter defense and three-point shooting, especially from Kelly, are strengths.
7. SYOSSET BRAVES
Coach: Greg Cardona
Key players
G Dan Albernas 5-11
G Sam Breslow 6-2
F Alex Rosen 6-0
F Dan Quinn 6-3
C Bryan Zecher 6-4
Outlook: Albernas has the ability to lead a new group toward an improved season.
