Nassau A-II girls basketball team-by-team outlook
Elmont's Gigi Faison (11) puts one up while being covered by North Shore's Gbrielle Zaffiro (13) and scores in the second quarter during the the Nassau County High School Girls Class A basketball finals on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Hofstra University. Credit: Bob Sorensen
NASSAU A-2
BELLMORE JFK COUGARS
Last season: 15-6
Coach: Mallory Freely
KEY PLAYERS
Danielle Lewin PG 5-5 Jr.; Gabrielle Lewin SG 5-0 Sr.; Dylan Manger C 5-8 Jr.; Cameron Montalbano SF 5-7 Soph.; Rachel Nossen SG 5-5 Soph.
ABOUT THE COUGARS: A mix of aggressive, scrappy defenders means easy points in transition.
CAREY SEAHAWKS
Last season: 1-17
Coach: Danielle Donohue
KEY PLAYERS
Jenna Lim G 5-4 Sr.; Kelly-Ann McGrath G 5-5 Jr.; Arianna Millan F 5-9 Jr.; MaryGrace Spano G 5-4 Jr.; Vanessa Tortorella F 5-6 Jr.
ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS: Looking to establish a tradition of success this winter with experienced upperclassmen.
ELMONT SPARTANS
Last season: 23-2
Coach: Tom Magno
KEY PLAYERS
Nataiya Bailey G/F 5-8 Sr.; Gigi Faison G 5-8 Sr.; Brianna Moore C 6-0 Jr.; Rae Sawyer G 5-6 Fr.; Alexis Stewart F 5-8 Sr.
ABOUT THE SPARTANS: Looking for an identity after graduating two Division I players, but Faison is a five-year varsity talent.
GREAT NECK NORTH
BLAZERS
Last season: 2-19
Coach: Erik Connolly
KEY PLAYERS
Kelly Chau PF 5-6 Jr.; Emma Cohen G/F 5-5 Jr.; Shira Pirouzian F 5-7 Soph.; Abby Rabbany SG 5-4 Jr.; Shaina Yazdanpanah SG 5-5 Sr.
ABOUT THE BLAZERS: Rabbany and Yazdanpanah are outside threats, while Chau commands the low post.
JERICHO JAYHAWKS
Last season: 11-8
Coach: Andrew Schneider
KEY PLAYERS
Caitlin Chestler G 5-5 Jr.; Jaqueline DeLuca PF 5-9 Sr.; Kristina Kallansrude G 5-8 Sr.; Lucy Peters C 5-11 Sr.; Jade StolerPG 5-7 Soph.
ABOUT THE JAYHAWKS: Fast and athletic, Jericho looks to make the playoffs after missing by one game.
MANHASSET INDIANS
Last season: 18-2
Coach: Lauren Sadeh
KEY PLAYERS
Grace Gately F 5-9 Soph.; Emma LoPinto G 5-3 Soph.; Rebecca Ritterband G 5-2 Soph.; Maria Themelis PG 5-5 Jr.; Kelly Trotta F 5-7 Sr.
ABOUT THE INDIANS: With nine of 14 players on the roster state champion lacrosse players, the Indians are battle-tested.
NEW HYDE PARK GLADIATORS
Last season: 11-7
Coach: Ron Pickett
KEY PLAYERS
Joanna Mauceri G 5-6 Sr.; Brianna Platia G 5-3 Sr.; Melanie Sinkler F 5-8 Sr.; Andrea Waldron F 5-7 Sr.; Julia White G 5-4 Jr.
ABOUT THE GLADIATORS: A defensive-minded team looking to improve its offense and make another playoff push.
SEWANHAKA INDIANS
Last season: 17-3
Coach: Alex Soupios
KEY PLAYERS
Carly Bolivar G 5-7 Sr.; Ashley Cattle F 5-9 Sr.; Flo Hunte G 5-4 Sr.; Mia Weinschrieder F 5-8 Jr.; Jessica Williams G 5-6 Sr.
ABOUT THE INDIANS: Poised for a county title run behind Bolivar, an NYIT commit.
