Nassau A-I girls basketball preview
Garden City's Samantha Auricchio pulls up to shoot during a game against Lindenhurst. (Dec. 15, 2012) Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
NASSAU A-I
1. GARDEN CITY TROJANS
Coach: Anthony Sparacia
Key players
G Sam Auricchio 5-9
G Michaela Bruno 5-6
G Tara DeAngelo 5-7
F Kerry McCarraher 5-6
F Taylor Carpentier 5-10
Outlook: Defending Nassau "A" champ returns lethal shooter in Aurrichio and elite defender in Carpentier. Becky Reisler is "instant offense."
2. WANTAGH WARRIORS
Coach: Stan Bujacich
Key players
G Christina Peden 5-4
G Nikki Sliwak 5-5
G Kiernan Rathgaber 5-7
F Paige Graig 5-11
C Alex Parlato 6-4
Outlook:Title contender, features three guards capable of playing the point and can dominate the post with Fordham-bound star Parlato.
3. SOUTH SIDE CYCLONES
Coach: Katelyn Dunn
Key players
G Sarah Mullooly 5-7
G Jess Hawley 5-5
F Juliana Hadjiyane 5-8
F Bridget McFadden 5-8
F Laura McNally 5-11
Outlook: Reached second round of the playoffs, returns an athletic, defensive-minded group.
4. CAREY SEAHAWKS
Coach: Theresa Schmidt
Key players
G Victoria Porcasi 5-6
G Keva Moore 5-7
G Brett Robison 5-6
F Dana Susse 5-9
C Emily Johnson 5-11
Outlook: Extra motivation after missing playoffs by one game; good outside shooting team, led by Porcasi and Moore.
5. JERICHO JAYHAWKS
Coach: Andrew Schneider
Key players
G Jillian Silverman 5-5
G Sydney Adler 5-6
G Haley Rothman 5-6
F Jillian Leibowitz 5-9
F Taylor Murphy 5-10
Outlook: Inexperienced but gritty group will rely on speed and defense. Top scorer Jamie Tils returns from torn ACL.
6. WESTBURY GREEN DRAGONS
Coach: Aaron Howell
Key players
G Kayla Bomani 5-6
G Sabrina Guerrier 5-6
G Melissa Eustache 5-9
G Danielle Ramsey 5-10
F Renee Watson 5-8
Outlook: Five seniors starting including Watson, an elite rebounder; tight defense helps create offensive opportunities.
7. BELLMORE JFK COUGARS
Coach: Darryl Wolfe
Key players
G Gabrielle D'Ambrosi 5-4
G Skylar Eiskowitz 5-5
F Cora Travaglione 5-8
F Sara Coluccio 5-8
C Samantha Milazzo 5-11
Outlook: Young team coming off a one-win season, looking to develop; Milazzo is a strong shot-blocker and post scorer.
8. NEW HYDE PARK GLADIATORS
Coach: Hugh Flaherty
Key players
G Jalissa Sanchez 5-5
G/F Brianna Patrizi 5-10
G Jillian Sakowich 5-7
F Laila Chadli 5-9
F Paola Quijada 5-8
Outlook: Chadli, a skilled scorer, leads an experienced group.
