Nassau boys basketball preview 2011-12
Uniondale's Shaquille Mosley on a fast break as Baldwin's Jordan Menzies-Taylor trails during the Nassau Class AA championship at Hofstra. (March 6, 2010) Credit: Richard Slattery
CLASS AA
In Conference AA1, Uniondale features a deep and versatile team led by Shaquille Mosley, a multifaceted point guard who can shoot and distribute. He is joined by 6-6 power forward Kenny Woodard, Aaron Cust and Terrance Brown.
Farmingdale will contend behind Dalique Mingo, a two-time all-county point guard who can get to the rim, and 6-3 forward/center Kevin Petit-Frere.
Defending conference champion Freeport has an all-county backcourt with Leondre Simmon and Jere Brown and a strong defender and rebounder in forward Isaiah Barnes.
Syosset features 6-2 forward Mohammed Kassamali, a good face-up player, and Mike Friedman. Hempstead also will be in the running with Tidell Pierre.
In Conference AA2, Baldwin, which is seeking a sixth straight trip to the county finals, is in a league of its own behind 6-4 forward Kyle Richardson, who can get to the basket and shoot from downtown; 5-9 guard Brandon Williams, a playmaker who can get to the rim, and 6-5 center Kirk Staine.
MacArthur is a small but quick and experienced team, led by 6-3 center Kevin Roach, a strong rebounder and defender, and explosive guard William Cheshire.
Hicksville will improve with 6-5 center T.J. Danns, guard Nick Petrucelli and forward Pablo Segura.
Plainview JFK, with Alec Abramowitz, and Valley Stream Central, with Jonathan Grimsley, also will contend.
In Conference AA3, Elmont, off its first county championship, returns Tristan Brown, a pass-first point guard who thrives in transition, and slashers Michael Dugue and Timothy Lewis.
Great Neck South is a well-rounded team with a backcourt of Dan Belmont and Jay Lee and 6-9 John Davis in the middle.
Mepham returns its entire starting five, led by guards Kyle Wechsler and J.T. Elsasser. Westbury features first-year varsity players in forward Giordan Walker and guard Marc Laurent. Herricks will compete behind 6-4 forward George Malonoukos, a double-double threat, and guard Andrew Fellus, who shoots the three well.
CLASS A
Defending Conference A1 champion South Side returns all five starters, led by two senior all-county selections: point guard Darren Nickelson and power forward Ryan Spadaford. They are joined by guard Kevin Coyle, center Bobby Akeson and small forward Robert Pichioni.
Roslyn features a deep team with 6-5 center Mark Gjonlekaj and forward Andrew Wolfe. Jericho will be in the running with shooting guard Garret Johnson and point guard Corey Miller.
In Conference A2, Lawrence will get out in transition behind shooting guard Eddie Robinson, a physical player who can shoot from anywhere, forward Clifton Lyerly and guard Dwayne Daniel.
Hewlett's offense is run by guard Harrison Brenner, the team's only senior, along with forwards Avery Feldman and Weldon Irvine. Sewanhaka will pound teams inside with 6-5, 320-pound center Kareem Are and 6-7 power forward Josh Wilchcombe.
In Conference A3, county champion Manhasset returns 6-1 guard/forward Alessandro Troia, an aggressive scorer who averaged nearly 20 points per game last season, and a backcourt of Dan Merola and Dan Connolly.
West Hempstead will push the ball behind guards Tyree Glascoe and Raymond Alexander and swingman Pat D'Haiti. Floral Park will utilize its depth by playing at a fast pace with a backcourt of G.K. Claun and Lloyd Wheeler.
Great Neck North features guard Alec Ludwig and 6-5 forward Evan Borman. Valley Stream South is led by Diego Maldonado, Dana King and Jeyson Jones.
In Conference A4, Seaford, coming off its third conference title in five years, has a cohesive unit led by 6-1 guard James Curley, who handles the ball well and plays solid defense.
Roosevelt will be aggressive defensively with Shaquille Hanson and Terrance Greer in the backcourt and 6-6 center Shaquille Ware.
Mineola guards Mike Waszchuk, Brian Gaffney and Malcolm Brown will put points on the board. Valley Stream North has quickness with guards Anthony Martelli and Marvin Eveillard and an inside presence in 6-4 center C.J. Byron.
CLASS B
Six-time defending county champion Malverne is the favorite again with slashing 6-2 point guard Timothy Pruitt, 5-8 combo guard Marc Jean and 6-7 F-C Andre Berry. Locust Valley features a duo of all-county players in 6-4 guard/forward Alex Rawa and shooting guard Matt Campanella. Oyster Bay may surprise with a senior-laden team led by small forward Joe Siringo, 6-7 center Greg Nielson and shooting guard David Carl. Wheatley's Christian and Joshua Hyon are joined by Zach Rogers.
CLASS C
Defending state champion Friends Academy will play an inside-out game with 6-5 center Kellan Sehring, swingman Mark Godlis and small forward Bennett Felder. East Rockaway has a small but athletic team led by shooting guard David McClure, small forward Mikey Lores and 6-4 center Justin Jonas.
