Suffolk I boys basketball preview
Brentwood guard Michael Almonacy shoots a free throw in overtime against Southampton in the Suffolk boys basketball overall final on Friday, March 6, 2015. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Brentwood Indians
Coach: Anthony Jimenez
Last season: 23-2
Key players
G Michael Almonacy 6-0 Sr.
G Lester Quinones 6-1 Soph.
G/F Josh Herritt 6-1 Jr.
F/C Jamel Allen 6-6 Sr.
F Rahmel Allen 6-3 Jr.
Outlook: With Almonacy and Jamel Allen back, Brentwood has two integral pieces from last year’s state runner-up squad.
Commack Cougars
Coach: Peter Smith
Last season: 12-6
Key players
G Ryan Graziano 6-2 Sr.
G Ryan Donohue 5-11 Jr.
G Ian Rubin 6-0 Sr.
F Johnny Pohlman 6-2 Jr.
F Ryan Steffens 6-4 Sr.
Outlook: Graziano (9 ppg) is the leading returning scorer for a team that will rely on solid defense and ball movement.
Floyd Colonials
Coach: Rob Hodgson
Last season: 11-8
Key players
G Georgie Torres 6-0 Sr.
G JayRon Booker 6-1 Sr.
G AJ Ray 5-10 Jr.
F Devin Robinson 6-2 Sr.
F Nevil Onfroy 6-3 Jr.
Outlook: Torres, Booker, Ray and Robinson were on last year’s playoff team, but none averaged more than Booker’s 5.7 points. Devonte Dixon graduated, leaving 30.9 points per game on the table.
Longwood Lions
Coach: Bill McBrien
Last season: 10-10
Key players
G Shalek Rodriguez 6-0 Sr.
G Tyler Hammond 6-0 Sr.
G Emmanuel Rancy 6-1 Soph.
F Jalen Ryan 6-3 Soph.
F CJ Owens 6-5 Sr.
Outlook: Speed and quickness will be strengths for the Lions.
Patchogue-Medford Raiders
Coach: Wil Dortonne
Last season: 4-14
Key players
G Brian Dellecave 6-1 Soph.
G Caleb Andrews 5-11 Sr.
G Brad Malm 6-0 Jr.
F Jared Remien 6-4 Sr.
C Chris Cartey 6-5 Sr.
Outlook: Malm, Remien and Cartey are the Raiders with significant varsity experience. Dortonne added Dellecave and four other sophomores to the roster.
Sachem East Flaming Arrows
Coach: John Finta
Last season: 2-16
Key players
G Pierce Powell 5-11 Jr.
G Jake Passaretti 6-0 Sr.
G Jake Raio 6-0 Sr.
G Luc Raio 6-0 Sr.
F Ali Campos 6-5 Jr.
Outlook: Passaretti, an All-Conference selection who averaged 17.8 points per game last year, leads a group of eight returnees from a 2-16 rebuilding year.
Sachem North Flaming Arrows
Coach: Tommy Mullee
Last season: 9-9
Key players
G Darius Townsend 5-9 Sr.
G Nakhari Nelson 5-9 Sr.
G Drew Scally 6-1 Jr.
F Brian Czarnecki 6-1 Sr.
C Dan Quinn 6-5 Sr.
Outlook: Townsend and Nelson’s experience as seniors and third-year varsity players will be key for Sachem North in its quest for a playoff spot.
Ward Melville Patriots
Coach: Alex Piccirillo
Last season: 8-10
Key players
G Matt Hudzik 5-11 Jr.
G Matt O’Hea 6-4 Sr.
G Thomas Botelho 6-4 Sr.
F Dom Pryor 6-1 Jr.
C Tim Specht 6-4 Sr.
Outlook: Piccirillo stressed the importance of defense as the Patriots look to improve from last year.
