Nassau AA-I girls basketball team-by-team outlook
Rachel Mahler #35 of Syosset, center, defends against Gabriella Heimbauer #23 of Massapequa during the Nassau County varsity girls basketball Class AA semifinals at LIU Post on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. Massapequa won by a score of 48-44. Credit: James Escher
NASSAU AA-I
FARMINGDALE DALERS
Last season: 12-9
Coach: Pete Cerrone
KEY PLAYERS
Kelly Bergersen PG 5-6 Jr.; Emily Gonzalez G 5-5 Sr.; Jacquelyn Gregorovic F 5-10 Sr.; Sydney Moore G 5-9 Sr.; Keleysha Petit-Frere F 6-0 Jr.
ABOUT THE DALERS: A solid defensive team led by Petit-Frere, an athletic big who is a force.
FREEPORT RED DEVILS
Last season: 13-8
Coach: Meredith Jones
KEY PLAYERS
Taylor Abraham F 6-0 Jr.; Leslie Enrique Cruz G 5-6 Sr.; Tyler Hawkins F 5-11 Jr.; Tiona Parker G 5-5 Sr.; Deavion Peterson G 5-5 Sr.
ABOUT THE RED DEVILS: A good inside-outside balance makes Freeport strong, as it does its signature brand of defense.
HEMPSTEAD TIGERS
Last season: 0-14
Coach: Daren Faulk
KEY PLAYERS
Lakeria Bettis F 5-8 Soph.; Kiana Church G 5-4 Fr.; Kayla Cox C 5-10 Fr.; Andrea Quijada G 5-7 Soph.; Faith Reese F 5-6 Soph.
ABOUT THE TIGERS: A new coach has the Tigers looking to turn the program around.
MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS
Last season: 14-8
Coach: Billy Herr
KEY PLAYERS
Meghan Callaghan F 5-5 Sr.; Emma Cooney G 5-2 Jr.; Kate Fiola G 5-5 Sr.; Gabriella Heimbauer F 6-2 Jr.; Meghan Wildes F 6-2 Jr.
ABOUT THE CHIEFS: Graduated nine seniors but return a blend of youth and experience.
OCEANSIDE SAILORS
Last season: 10-10
Coach: Jared Stoler
KEY PLAYERS
Jamie Behar G 6-2 Jr.; Gina Contorno F 5-6 Jr.; Samantha Greco F 5-7 Sr.; Katie Morgan G 5-1 Sr.; Victoria Ward G/F 5-4 Sr.
ABOUT THE SAILORS: Looking to compete with each team in the conference and make a playoff run.
SYOSSET BRAVES
Last season: 13-6
Coach: Michael Ferreira
KEY PLAYERS
Lilah Grubman G/F 5-9 Fr.; Kendall Halpern PG 5-7 Jr.; Rachel Mahler C/F 6-1 Sr.; Caroline Ruggiero G/F 5-8 Jr.; Charlotte Twohig G/F 5-6 Jr.
ABOUT THE BRAVES: A solid defensive team with significant returning athleticism, led by Mahler and Halpern.
UNIONDALE KNIGHTS
Last season: 3-16
Coach: Nolan Dunkley
KEY PLAYERS
Abimbola Babatunde F 5-10 Sr.; Anissa Bonner G 5-10 Jr.; Kapri Bradshaw G 5-5 Jr.; Heavyn Giles G 5-6 Sr.; Tyasia Williams G 5-4 Fr.
ABOUT THE KNIGHTS: Experienced upperclassmen have the Knights searching for their first playoff berth in three years.
