Nassau A-II girls basketball preview

Division's Laura Stuart drives past Cold Spring Harbor's Kelly Gubitosi. (Dec. 12, 2011) Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
NASSAU A-II
1. DIVISION BLUE DRAGONS
Coach: Steve Kissane
Key players
G Taylor Calabrese, 5-5
G Kristin Aquila, 5-7
G Erin McCauley, 5-5
F Laura Stuart, 5-9
C Jessica Fressle, 5-10
Outlook: Returns three starters; led by Stuart, a great rebounder and Aquila, an excellent shooter.
2. PLAINEDGE RED DEVILS
Coach: Lauren Tartamella
Key players
G Kelsey Marigliano, 5-5
G Kaitlyn Finnen, 5-5
F Danielle Harrington, 5-6
F Alexandra DiChiara, 5-7
C Marissa D'Alleva, 5-11
Outlook: They'll look to run a fast-break offense and their defense has improved.
3. SEWANHAKA INDIANS
Coach: Alex Soupios
Key players
G Daniella Ford, 5-7
G Jenny Pechacek, 5-5
G/F Michelle Niles, 5-8
F Myeishay Brooks, 5-6
C Casey Hayes, 5-11
Outlook: Young, but competitive. Three eighth-graders, including potential star Ashley Dann.
4. MANHASSET INDIANS
Coach: Lauren Majewski
Key players
G Erin Barry, 5-4
G Jacqueline Albanese, 5-7
G Julia Glynn, 5-6
G Alexa Durso, 5-5
F Chloe Murphy, 5-11
Outlook: A playoff team last year; fast and athletic, guard-heavy group that likes to run.
5. ROSLYN BULLDOGS
Coach: Beth Shackel-Scott
Key players
G Ally Schneider, 5-6
G Paula Spatz, 5-7
F Andie Migden, 5-10
F Callie Migden, 5-11
F Ally Krieger, 5-11
Outlook: Want to rebound from four-win season; defense and transition game is a strength.
6. LAWRENCE GOLDEN TORNADO
Coach: George Klein
Key players
G Erika Kirchner, 5-4
G Dina Goldstein, 5 -5
G/F Nayalise Montilla, 5-9
F Kaleah Norwood, 5-8
C Kiara Stephens, 5-10
Outlook: Will rely on Norwood and Goldstein for leadership; three freshmen starting.
7. HEWLETT BULLDOGS
Coach: Frank Viggiano
Key players
G Jillian Rosenblum, 5-1
G Gabrielle Korin, 5-3
G Emily Rodriguez, 5-2
F Sabrina Feldman, 5-9
F Kim Smith, 6-0
Outlook: Playoffs last season, but now inexperienced; group is active defensively and hustles.
8. GREAT NECK NORTH BLAZERS
Coach: Erik Connolly
Key players
G Nicole Yazdanpanah 5-4
G Joyce Gallo 5-6
G Lauren Kerendian 5-5
F Nicole Lalezarzadeh 5-7
C Caroline O'Byrne 5-9
Outlook: Has struggled, but a hard-working, competitive group that runs the floor well.