Suffolk VII boys basketball preview
Southampton's Israel Johnson makes a no-look pass during the Long Island Class B boys basketball final against Malverne at LIU Post on Tuesday, March 10, 2015. Credit: James Escher
Babylon Panthers
Coach: Chris Morra
Last season: 17-2
Key players
G Nick Antolini 6-3 Sr.
G K’Sean Reid 6-2 Sr.
G Shaun Kaminski 5-11 Jr.
G Jason Carlock 6-2 Jr.
F Kenny Rohl 6-2 Jr.
Outlook: Senior Nick Antolini, an all-conference guard, will use his leadership as a four-year varsity player to guide a young Panthers squad.
Center Moriches Red Devils
Coach: Nick Thomas
Last season: 12-7
Key players
G Kyrin Taylor 6-2 Sr.
G Nakia Durham 6-2 Jr.
G/F Sean Braithwaite 6-4 Fr.
F Matt Almond 6-4 Sr.
C Tyliek Quinonez 6-6 Sr.
Outlook: The inexperienced Center Moriches lineup has key contributors from all grades, as two key players feature senior guard Kyrin Taylor and freshman Sean Braithwaite.
Mattituck Tuckers
Coach: Paul Ellwood
Last season: 10-8
Key players
G Joe Tardif 5-9 Sr.
G Parker Tuthill 6-0 Sr.
F Ryan Mowdy 6-3 Sr.
F Dane Fedun 6-2 Sr.
C Carter Montgomery 6-3 Jr.
Outlook: The Tuckers return a two-time all-league selection in Joe Tardif to run the uptempo offense.
Mercy Monarchs
Coach: Kevin O’Halloran
Last season: 5-8
Key players
G Joe Jeskie 5-10 Sr.
G Nick Kneski 5-11 Sr.
G Allen Zilnicki 6-0 So.
F Kevin Santacroce 6-3 Sr.
F Sean Tuthill 6-1 Jr.
Outlook: Kevin Santacroce returns after averaging 18.5 points per game as a junior under first-year coach Kevin O’Halloran. Senior Joe Jeskie will run the offense at point off a 14 points, three assist season.
The Ross School
Coach: Wes Howard
Last season: 0-12
Key players
G Royson Han 5-7 Jr.
G Jeremy Guan 5-9 Sr.
G Tommy Jerido 5-9 Sr.
F Johnny Xu 5-10 Sr.
F Oscar Zhao 6-2 Jr.
Outlook: Ross will rely on its depth, chemistry and experience moving up to League VII playing an aggressive style of basketball.
Southampton Mariners
Coach: Herm Lamison
Last season: 23-3
Key players
G Israel Johnson 6-0 Sr.
G Gene Scott 5-11 Sr.
G Chad Pike 5-10 Jr.
F Timmy Alejo 6-2 Jr.
F Micah Snowden 6-3 Fr.
Outlook: Three-year starter senior Israel Johnson (12 points, eight rebounds, eight assists) leads the back-to-back Long Island champions at point guard.
Wyandanch Warriors
Coach: Barry Baker Jr.
Last season: 8-11
Key players
G Kamar Harris 5-7 Sr.
G Kashawn Charles 6-1 So.
F Mike McLamb 6-3 Jr.
F Tayquan Brooks 6-4 Sr.
C Kaymel Cabbagestalk 6-5 Sr.
Outlook: Kashawn Charles averaged 12 points and Kaymel Cabbagestalk averaged 10 points and six rebounds for a Warriors team that just missed that playoffs last season.
