Suffolk VIII boys basketball preview
Bridgehampton players and cheerleaders celebrate their win in the NYSPHSAA Class D boys basketball final played at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Saturday, March 21, 2015. Credit: Adrian Kraus
Bridgehampton Killer Bees
Coach: Carl Johnson
Last season: 22-2
Key players
G Elijah Jackson 6-1 Jr.
G Tylik Furman 6-0 Sr.
G Matt Hostetter 6-2 Sr.
F Josh Lamison 6-0 Sr.
F Elijah Harding 6-0 Jr.
Outlook: The defending state Class D champions return four starters from last year’s squad. Johnson, in his 25th season, uses different defenses and a motion offense to get players open.
Greenport Porters
Coach: Ev Corwin
Last season: 1-14
Key players
G Bayrone Rivas 5-10 Sr.
G Jordan Fonseca 5-10 So.
F Ryan Costello 6-0 Sr.
F Julian Swann 6-4 Fr.
C Sam Strickland Jr.
Outlook: Swann has impressed in practice and could emerge as a top player on a young Greenport squad.
Pierson Whalers
Coach: Dan White
Last season: 11-9
G Stephen Musicki 6-0 Sr.
G Sean Sloane 5-10 Jr.
G Andrew James 5-8 Sr.
G Andrew Roberts 5-8 Sr.
F Will Martin 6-1 So.
Outlook: Pierson plays an up-tempo offense and utilizes pressure on the ball. The Whalers look to make up for their height with speed and selfless play.
Port Jefferson Royals
Coach: Keith Buehler
Last season: 0-18
Key players
G Thomas Mark 5-9 So.
G Kris Cheslock 6-3 Jr.
F Brian Mark 6-0 Jr.
F Michael Spyrou 6-0 Sr.
F John McLaughlin 6-1 Jr.
Outlook: Cheslock averaged 10 points and three assists last season with Brian Mark adding six points and four rebounds.
Shelter Island Indians
Coach: Jay Card Jr.
Last season: 7-8
Key players
G Jack Kimmelmann 5-11 Sr.
G Peter Kropf 5-10 Sr.
F Billy Boeklan 6-1 Sr.
F Tristan Wissemann 6-4 Sr.
C Semaj Lawrence 6-4 Jr.
Outlook: Shelter Island is led by dynamic scorer Wissemann, who averaged 23.9 points and 12.6 rebounds last season.
Southold Settlers
Coach: Phil Reed
Last season: 10-9
Key players
G Patrick McFarland 5-11 Jr.
G Noah Mina 5-10 Sr.
F Greg Gehring 6-0 Sr.
F Aiden Walker 5-9 Sr.
C Aiden Vandenburg 6-2 Sr.
Outlook: Southold relies on its toughness rather than size down low — led by Walker’s defensive presence down low and McFarland and Mina up top.
The Stony Brook School Bears
Coach: Michael Hickey
Last season: 13-7
Key players
G Chester Kayonga 6-3 Sr.
G Harry Zhu 6-2 Jr.
G Luke O’Connor 6-2 Sr.
F Mac Bohuny 6-4 Jr.
F Jyles Etienne 6-6 Jr.
Outlook: Seniors Kayonga and O’Connor lead a talented lineup.
