Nassau boys basketball preview
CONFERENCE AA-I
FARMINGDALE DALERS
Coach: Jim Pastier
Last season: 6-11
Key players
G Mike Lynch 5-11 Sr.
G/F Marc Conigliaro 6-5 Jr.
G Antonio Smikle Jr. 6-3 Jr.
G/F David Ruiz 6-1 Sr.
F Larry Lembo Jr. 6-1 Sr.
Outlook: Loaded with returnees.
FREEPORT RED DEVILS
Coach: Larry Steimer
Last season: 15-7
Key players
G Rajah Mayo 6-0 Sr.
F Terryl Cowans 6-2 Sr.
C Keion Montaque 6-5 Sr.
G Reggie Nash 6-0 Sr.
G Tyreece Middleton 5-9 Sr.
Outlook: Will be most successful scoring in transition.
HEMPSTEAD TIGERS
Coach: Lateef Myles
Last season: 9-12
Key players
G Lykeem Bethea 5-11 Sr.
G/F Dashawn Meadors 6-3 Jr.
G Saybien Barron 6-1 Sr.
C Devin Dobson 6-6 Jr.
G/F Ja’Juan Polley 5-10 Sr.
Outlook: Deep with nine seniors and juniors Meadors and Dobson.
MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS
Coach: Martin Voigt
Last season: 16-5
Key players
F/C Bryce Paladino 6-4 Sr.
G Thomas Ammendola 5-7 Sr.
G/F Kevin Voigt 6-4 Jr.
G Chris Wasson 6-1 Sr.
F Gary Rettig 6-2 Sr.
Outlook: Several key pieces return from county semifinalist.
OCEANSIDE SAILORS
Coach: Al Lyson
Last season: 4-15
G/F Charlie Franzo 6-0 Sr.
G/F Maurice Lewis 6-0 Sr.
G Jake Lazzro 5-11 Soph.
F/C Jake Taveroff 6-7 Fr.
F Anthorn Garrett 6-3 Sr.
Outlook: Taveroff will be a double-double threat.
SYOSSET BRAVES
Coach: Greg Cardona
Last season: 11-9
Key players
G Griffin Halpern 6-0 Sr.
C James Dionisio 6-4 Sr.
G Richie Rambarran 5-7 Sr.
G Jacob Wiener 6-0 Jr.
F Robert Kula 6-0 Soph.
Outlook: Three returning starters.
UNIONDALE KNIGHTS
Coach: Tom Diana
Last season: 12-7
Key players
G Danny Ashley 5-10 Jr.
G R.J. Meyers 5-9 Soph.
G Zion Styles 6-2 Soph.
F De’Shaun Jackson 6-2 Sr.
F Craig Brown 6-5 Soph.
Outlook: Young but quick.
CONFERENCE AA-II
BALDWIN BRUINS
Coach: Darius Burton
Last season: 20-2
Key players
F Elijah Bovell 6-2 Sr.
G Jabeon Bivins 5-11 Sr.
C Ian Rieger 6-5 Sr.
G Norman Wilson 6-1 Sr.
F Nassim Cylin 6-3 Jr.
Outlook: Bovell and Bivins will take on a bigger for defending LI champs.
EAST MEADOW JETS
Coach: Bob Kopp
Last season: 10-10
Key players
C Will Ayers 6-5 Sr.
G JR Howell 6-0 Sr.
G/F Nick Forrler 6-3 Sr.
G Kyle Leibel 5-10 Sr.
G/F Emeka Ewolu 6-2 Sr.
Outlook: Howell (9 ppg, 5 apg) and Ayers (5 ppg, 5 rpg) were key contributors on last season.
HICKSVILLE COMETS
Coach: Phil Essigman
Last season: 7-12
Key players
G Connor McPartland 5-10 Sr.
F Steven Pavlak 6-3 Sr.
C Amrinder Singh 6-3 Sr.
G Ryan McBride 6-1 Sr.
G Charnvir Singh 6-0 Sr.
Outlook: McPartland (15 ppg) and Pavlak (12 ppg) are the top returning scorers.
PLAINVIEW JFK HAWKS
Coach: Mike Harris
Last season: 14-6
Key players
G Jack Stafford 6-2 Sr.
G Justin Lambert 6-2 Sr.
G Andrew Cardello 6-0 Sr.
G Brandon Becker 6-0 Sr.
F Brandon Mintz 6-3 Jr.
Outlook: Lambert and Stafford will lead the way.
PORT WASHINGTON VIKINGS
Coach: Sean Dooley
Last season: 8-11
Key players
F Xavier Merriweather 6-2 Sr.
G Jake Block 5-10 Sr.
F Adam Mizrahi 6-3 Sr.
C Daniel Dash 6-7 Jr.
G Crew Weingard 5-9 Sr.
Outlook: Merriweather (17 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg, 1.5 spg) is one of the league’s top players.
VALLEY STREAM C. EAGLES
Coach: Hayward Alfred
Last season: 10-8
Key players
G Elijah Robinson 6-2 Sr.
G Ahunna Okoko 6-1 Soph.
G Armani O’Brady 6-1 Soph.
F Ryan Germosen 6-1 Jr.
F Malcolm Carter 6-0 Jr.
Outlook: Inexperienced but Alfred likes this group’s potential down the line.
WESTBURY GREEN DRAGONS
Coach: Dave Graff
Last season: 19-4
Key players
G/F Jonathan Dean 6-0 Sr.
G/F Darius Young 6-0 Sr.
C Khalid Ketchan 6-3 Sr.
G Brandon Ottley 5-10 Sr.
C/F Isaiah Bien-Aise 6-3 Jr.
Outlook: Dean and Young, who both averaged 18 points per game last year, are two of the county’s most potent scorers. The Green Dragons return four starters.
CONFERENCE AA/A-III
CALHOUN COLTS
Coach: Jay Kreutzberger
Last season: 7-12
Key players
F Patrick Gardner 6-7 Sr.
F Jalen Rosemond 6-7 Jr.
F Thomas Cummings 6-2 Sr.
G Thomas Casimano 6-0 Soph.
G Bobby Stokel 5-10 Jr.
Outlook: Colts have the league’s biggest frontline.
GREAT NECK SOUTH REBELS
Coach: Steve Liebertz
Last season: 12-8
Key players
F Phil Silverstein 6-3 Sr.
G Sheldon Henry 5-10 Jr.
G Caleb Ponce 5-8 Sr.
F Liam Blicher 6-2 Sr.
G/F Jacob Neiderman 6-1 Sr.
Outlook: Rebels are deeper than they have been in some time.
HERRICKS HIGHLANDERS
Coach: Tom Kinsella
Last season: 12-8
Key players
G Jordan Idaspe 5-8 Jr.
G Chris Kilcullen 6-0 Sr.
F Sarbjit Ladhar 6-3 Sr.
G Steve Gerazounis 6-1 Sr.
C Rob Levine 6-3 Sr.
Outlook: Highlanders are strongest in the backcourt.
LONG BEACH MARINES
Coach: Scott Martin
Last season: 3-16
Key players
G Gian Valles 5-8 Sr.
F Matteo Camarda 5-10 Jr.
G Lashawn Hankins 5-8 Soph.
F Joe O’Donohue 5-10 Jr.
G Marquise Stephens Jr. 5-11 Soph.
Outlook: Young team looks to take a step forward.
MACARTHUR GENERALS
Coach: Eric Rubin
Last season: 5-14
Key players
G Benny Orlando 5-9 Jr.
G Andrew Sweeney 5-11 Jr.
G Kyle Acquavella 6-1 Jr.
F Mike Manfredo 6-1 Jr.
F Nick Purcell 6-2 Jr.
Outlook: Young team with a year’s experience under its belt.
MANHASSET INDIANS
Coach: George Bruns
Last season: 6-12
Key players
F Peter Conlan 6-2 Sr.
F Danny Hedberg 6-1 Sr.
G Jack Keogh 5-9 Sr.
F Will Theodoropoulos 6-2 Sr.
G Chris Themelis 5-11 Soph.
Outlook: Conlan (12 ppg) and Hedberg (11 ppg) lead a balanced offensive attack.
MEPHAM PIRATES
Coach: Patrick Fallon
Last season: 11-9
Key players
G Nah’jel Sands 5-11 Sr.
G Jeremy Lissade 5-9 Sr.
C Jordan Jones 6-4 Sr.
G Jake Santiago 5-9 Sr.
F Ricky Derosena 6-1 Sr.
Outlook: Five players return from playoff team.
CONFERENCE A-I
BELLMORE JFK COUGARS
Coach: Rory Block
Last season: 10-10
Key players
F Steven Carlson 6-0 Jr.
G Josh Eisner 6-0 Sr.
C Marco Travaglione 6-1 Soph.
G Matt Muscarella 5-7 Sr.
F Brandon Desatnick 6-0 Sr.
Outlook: Carlson (5.5 ppg.)
is the top returning scorer.
CAREY SEAHAWKS
Coach: Marty Kelly
Last season: 5-13
Key players
C Frank Porcasi 6-4 Jr.
G Aiden Murchie 6-2 Jr.
G Nick Giacalone 6-0 Soph.
F TJ Orlandino 6-2 Jr.
G Tyler DeMeo 5-9 Sr.
Outlook: Looking to bounce back from injury-plagued season.
ELMONT SPARTANS
Coach: George Holub
Last season: 24-4
Key players
G/F Kenechukwu “KC” Ndefo 6-6 Jr.
G Victor Olawoye 6-0 Jr.
G Jaylin Miller 6-1 Jr.
G Conrad Ihaza 6-0 Jr.
F Vincent McDonald 6-6 Sr.
Outlook: Defending state champs are young but have a breakout star candidate in Ndefo (10 ppg, 8 rbg).
GARDEN CITY TROJANS
Coach: James Hegmann
Last season: 13-5
Key players
G Andrew DeSantis 6-3 Jr.
G Kevin McNiff 6-0 Jr.
G Matthew Granville 6-1 Jr.
G Chris Jordan 6-0 Jr.
F Tyler Soutar 6-5 Jr.
Outlook: Looking to push the pace offensively.
GREAT NECK NORTH BLAZERS
Coach: Michael Holleran
Last season: 8-11
Key players
G Julien Hakimian 6-0 Jr.
G Eric Shirian 5-11 Jr.
F Eliot Kadouri 6-3 Jr.
F Roger Hyman 6-3 Jr.
F Jared Schwartz 6-1 Sr.
Outlook: Hakimian, who averaged 15 points a game last season, leads a core of four juniors.
JERICHO JAYHAWKS
Coach: Walter Bachman
Last season: 8-11
Key players
F Benjamin Alon 6-2 Sr.
F Jason Katz 6-2 Sr.
F Evan Lapidus 6-2 Sr.
F Hamza Malik 6-2 Soph.
G Aaron Jaffe 5-10 Soph.
Outlook: Young team has a deep frontcour.
SEWANHAKA INDIANS
Coach: Jay Allen
Last season: 14-7
Key players
F Giovany Brice 6-1 Jr.
G Rahim Akinwumni 6-2 Jr.
G Kamaal Chin 6-1 Jr.
G Jayden Boyd 5-8 Jr.
F Marcus Johnson 6-3 Sr.
Outlook: Will rely on its junior class and pressure defense to return to the postseason.
CONFERENCE A-II
DIVISION BLUE DRAGONS
Coach: Brian Maini
Last season: 0-19
Key players
G Mike Tamburello 6-0 Sr.
F Elliot Galarza 6-1 Jr.
F Tom Kiphart 6-2 Soph.
F Bryan Corporan 6-1 Sr.
G Vincent Incirrano 5-8 Sr.
Outlook: Tamburello and Kiphart are threats to catch fire from deep.
HEWLETT BULLDOGS
Coach: Bill Dubin
Last season: 12-9
Key players
C Zach Bromfeld 6-7 Sr.
F Alyjah Hill 6-0 Jr.
G Logan Steinberg 5-8 Sr.
G Luca Preziosi 5-9 Jr.
F Matt Mannino 6-3 Jr.
Outlook: Bromfeld is a force inside and Hill is a dynamic player.
NEW HYDE PARK GLADIATORS
Coach: Don Rood
Last season: 8-11
Key players
G Joseph Langan 6-1 Sr.
C Nick Anthony 6-4 Jr.
F Jacori Clemons 6-0 Sr.
F Kosta Katsoulis 6-0 Sr.
G Tom Kamberis 5-9 Sr.
Outlook: Gladiators hope their athleticism and depth in the backcourt help them make the postseason.
ROOSEVELT ROUGH RIDERS
Coach: Jayson Williams
Last season: 10-11
Key players
G Timmy Santana 5-10 Sr.
G/F Latrell Hollis 6-3 Sr.
F Isaiah Stone 6-6 Jr.
F Calvin Brown 6-6 Sr.
G Stephen Vailes 5-10 Sr.
Outlook: Santana and Hollis will fill bigger roles this year; Stone is a key addition to frontcourt.
ROSLYN BULLDOGS
Coach: Craig Murphy
Last season: 13-6
Key players
G/F Omar Burns 6-4 Sr.
C Jonah Tener 6-4 Sr.
G Austin Reimer 5-9 Sr.
G Spencer Markbreiter 5-11 Sr.
G Jared Buchbinder 6-1 Jr.
Outlook: The Bulldogs will speed you up.
SOUTH SIDE CYCLONES
Coach: Jerry D’Angelo
Last season: 18-4
Key players
G Brandon Grayson 5-11 Sr.
F Dami Awosika 6-4 Sr.
G Ryan Prendergast 5-11 Sr.
F James Testa 6-4 Sr.
G Pat Basile 6-1 Sr.
Outlook: Awosika (14 ppg) and Grayson form a potent 1-2 punch.
WANTAGH WARRIORS
Coach: Keith Hunter
Last season: 6-13
Key players
G Connor L’Eplattenier 5-5 Sr.
G TJ Sullivan 5-8 Sr.
F Sean Gutfliesch 6-3 Sr.
F Sam Goldfarb 6-4 Sr.
F Anthony Teresky 6-0 Sr.
Outlook: Warriors will shoot to return to the playoffs with a team-centric approach.
CONFERENCE A-III
BETHPAGE GOLDEN EAGLES
Coach: Jack Davenport
Last season: 3-16
Key players
F/C Ryan O’Neill 6-2 Jr.
C Mark Rossini 6-4 Jr.
G Jourdan Jamison 6-0 Sr.
G Phillip Purchick 6-0 Jr.
G Bora Soybas 5-10 Fr.
Outlook: Young and inexperienced; looking to improve.
FLORAL PARK KNIGHTS
Coach: Sean Boyle
Last season: 9-10
Key players
G/F TJ Cluess 6-5 Sr.
G Brian Fox 6-1 Jr.
G Frank Phelan 6-0 Jr.
G Jack Dixon 6-0 Sr.
F/C Michael Incantalupo 6-3 Jr.
Outlook: Will change defenses and turn opponents over.
GLEN COVE BIG RED
Coach: Pete Falen
Last season: 14-7
Key players
G Kevin Ernest 5-10 Sr.
G Neri Romero 5-8 Sr.
C Chris Blissett 6-6 Sr.
F Noah Stone 6-3 Sr.
F Elijah English 6-1 Jr.
Outlook: Ernest, Romero and Blissett lead the way.
LAWRENCE GOLDEN TORNADOES
Coach: Lou Robinson
Last season: 15-5
Key players
F Hector Retana 6-2 Jr.
G Roy Vezana 6-0 Jr.
G Keaton Goldsby 5-8 Soph.
G/F Warren Shivers 6-0 Sr.
G Isaiah Godwin 5-10 Jr.
Outlook: Golden Tornadoes can go 10 deep.
LYNBROOK OWLS
Coach: Jamie Adams
Last season: 2-17
Key players
G Rylan Blondo 5-9 Soph.
F Robert Sitonio 6-2 Sr.
G Nick Tuzzio 5-9 Sr.
G Matt Higginson 5-9 Sr.
C Aldin Cekic 6-5 Jr.
Outlook: Blondo sets the tone offensively and defensively.
PLAINEDGE RED DEVILS
Coach: Brian Buckley
Last season: 9-10
Key players
F Dillon McSweeney 6-3 Sr.
G Jonathan Raso 6-2 Sr.
G Joe Yarusso 5-10 Soph.
G Alex Brown 6-2 Sr.
G Kenny Feeley 5-11 Sr.
Outlook: Buckley likes the mix of upperclassmen and young talent.
VALLEY STREAM NORTH SPARTANS
Coach: Dan Achatz
Last season: 17-4
Key players
G Noah Shy 6-1 Sr.
G Taliq Abdul-Rahim 5-10 Jr.
F Omar Baxter 6-1 Sr.
C Shamar Griffith 6-3 Jr.
G John Alimo 6-1 Sr.
Outlook: Backcourt, led by Shy and Abdul-Rahim, can stack up against anyone in league.
CONFERENCE A-IV
CLARKE RAMS
Coach: Joseph Hasbrouck
Last season: 4-15
Key players
G Austin Widing 5-11 Sr.
G Jimmy Posillico 5-9 Sr.
F/C Eric Sathue 6-4 Sr.
F Ryan Widing 6-1 Sr.
F Matt Boyko 6-2 Sr.
Outlook: New head coach and four new starters.
FRIENDS ACADEMY QUAKERS
Coach: Steve Hefele
Last season: 13-7
Key players
G Trayvon Alexander 5-8 Fr.
F Hutch Tyree 6-3 Sr.
G Maclain Pascucci 5-10 Sr.
G Steve Popoola 5-9 Jr.
G Teddy Mangiarotti 5-11 Fr.
Outlook: Alexander regarded as one of conference’s top players.
ISLAND TREES BULLDOGS
Coach: Michael Wimmer
Last season: 15-5
Key players
F Robert Ferrufino 6-4 Sr.
C Kevin Dixon 6-4 Sr.
G Nicholas Carita 5-9 Jr.
G John Verdi 6-0 Jr.
F Robert Acevedo 6-3 Soph.
Outlook: Nine players return from conference championship team.
MINEOLA MUSTANGS
Coach: Ezra Elliott
Last season: 2-17
Key players
G John McMahon 5-9 Jr.
F John Venus 6-2 Sr.
F Manny Martins 6-2 Sr.
G Chris Wiercinski 6-0 Jr.
F Elliot Lee 6-3 Sr.
Outlook: Led by McMahon who averaged 17 ppg.
NORTH SHORE VIKINGS
Coach: Kevin Carpenter
Last season: 12-8
Key players
F Kenny Belanger 6-1 Sr.
G David Aufiero 5-8 Soph.
G/F Matt Bell 6-1 Jr.
G CJ LaSorsa 5-10 Sr.
F Dan Livoti 6-1 Soph.
Outlook: Coach expects team to thrive on defense, ball movement.
VALLEY STREAM SOUTH FALCONS
Coach: Matt Johnsen
Last season: 12-8
Key players
G Osbourne Traill 5-10 Sr.
G Daniel Sarpong 5-10 Sr.
F Dominick Arcodia 6-4 Sr.
F Isaiah Taylor 6-4 Sr.
C Keiron Jeremiah 6-6 Sr.
Outlook: Tall team will create matchup problems.
WEST HEMPSTEAD RAMS
Coach: Ed Cosgrove
Last season: 5-14
Key players
G Christian Martinez 5-10 Sr.
F Chris Jean-Louis 6-3 Jr.
C Paul Drysdale 6-4 Sr.
F Jordan Lewis 6-4 Sr.
G John Granholm 5-10 Jr.
Outlook: Granholm will take the reins of the offense.
CONFERENCE ABC
CARLE PLACE FROGS
Coach: John Cantwell
Last season: 6-13
Key players
G Nate Armstrong 5-10 Sr.
F Chris Kelly 6-3 Sr.
F Chris Ruscillo 6-5 Sr.
F Matt Morrison 6-1 Jr.
G Thomas Browne 6-1 Sr.
Outlook: Armstrong (11.4 ppg) is the top returning scorer.
COLD SPRING HARBOR SEAHAWKS
Coach: Jason Mercurio
Last season: 13-6
Key players
G Reese Grossman 6-1 Sr.
G Matthew Licciardi 5-7 Sr.
F Jack Vavassis 6-2 Soph.
F Matthew Taglich 6-2 Sr.
G John Munyak 6-3 Sr.
Outlook: Bulk of offense returns.
EAST ROCKAWAY ROCKS
Coach: Joe Lores
Last season: 7-14
Key players
G Nick Parziale 5-8 Sr.
G Christopher Levins 6-0 Soph.
G Thomas Rogers 6-0 Sr.
C John Pellitere 6-5 Jr.
F Dylan Henshaw 6-0 Soph
Outlook: Levins and Henshaw were effective JV scorers.
LOCUST VALLEY FALCONS
Coach: Tim Lomot
Last season: 12-6
Key players
G Danny Wilson 6-2 Sr.
F Billy Finke 6-6 Sr.
F Brian Wright 6-4 Sr.
G Parker Appel 6-2 Jr.
G Jahmir Primer 6-0 8th grade
Outlook: Led by Wilson, Finke, Appel.
MALVERNE MULES
Coach: Darrol Lopez
Last season: 2-16
Key players not provided.
OYSTER BAY BAYMEN
Coach: Brian Boyle
Last season: 14-9
Key players
G/F Anthony Reilly 6-3 Jr.
G Devon Marmorale 5-11 Jr.
G Elia Deblasio 5-9 Jr.
G Bradley Beck 5-10 Jr.
F Khalil Williams 6-2 Soph.
Outlook: St. Dom transfer Reilly adds to young talent.
SEAFORD VIKINGS
Coach: Ralph Rossetti
Last season: 14-7
Key players
G Andrew Cain 6-2 Sr.
G Dan Roell 5-8 Sr.
F Jim Ryan 6-3 Sr.
C John Diachok 6-3 Sr.
G Andrew Pich 6-0 Sr.
Outlook: Cain, Roell and Pich can hold their own against anyone.
WHEATLEY WILDCATS
Coach: Jim Curcio
Last season: 6-13
Key players
F Brian Doria 6-1 Sr.
F Michael Tragale 6-2 Sr.
C Zach Calabrese 6-3 Sr.
G Peter Littman 5-11 Sr.
G Ben Barnett 6-0 Sr.
Outlook: Thrives on defense.
