Nassau AA-I girls basketball preview
Massapequa's Olivia Batista shoots a free throw against Sachem East in the Long Island girls basketball Class AA final at the David S. Mack Arena. (March 8, 2013) Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
NASSAU AA-I
1. MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS
Coach: Shari Roessler
Key players
G Rachel Sieber 5-6
G Olivia Batista 5-8
G/F Megan McCabe 5-10
F Melanie Hingher 6-0
Outlook: Return seven from last year's Nassau Class AA title team, including Carmella Gampero, Lilly Bernardi and Lauren Boix.
2. UNIONDALE KNIGHTS
Coach: Danielle Nicol
Key players
G Sakara Hester-Torres 5-6
G Ashley Jara 5-4
G Diamonae McLean 5-7
F Bianca Nwatu 5-8
F Diana Lemus 5-7
Outlook: Reached the Nassau "AA" final but enters rebuilding year; Hester-Torres, a playmaking point guard, leads a talented backcourt.
3. FARMINGDALE DALERS
Coach: Pete Cerrone
Key players
G Lauren Hill 5-7
G Emily Dwyer 5-6
G Laura Fullam 5-6
F Amanda Hausmann 5-10
F Sam Cunningham 5-9
Outlook: Tough and athletic group, but unproven; enters rebuilding year after reaching Nassau "AA" semifinals last season.
4. FREEPORT RED DEVILS
Coach: Meredith Jones
Key players
G Janique Lewis 5-8
G Kahasia Cobbs 5-7
G Taylor Miller 5-7
F AJ Smith 6-0
C Deja Hooks 6-2
Outlook: An improved team with experience; will rely on its pressure defense and up-tempo offense.
5. SYOSSET BRAVES
Coaches: Diane Malley
and Ian Western
Key players
G/F Rachel Quinn 5-10
G Gabriella Galasso 5-5
G Sarah Solomon 5-5
G/F Julia Rauchenberger 5-10
F Elise Maturo 5-11
Outlook: With Quinn's outside shooting and Maturo's inside presence, Syosset could be a playoff contender.
6. OCEANSIDE SAILORS
Coach: Jason Manning
Key players
G Claire McNamara 5-7
G Megan McNamara 5-7
G Jeannie Callanan 5-4
F Paige Seitz 5-8
F Veronica Miller 5-8
Outlook: An experienced group led by its strong backcourt; talented newcomers including 5-10 center Emily Ott.
7. HEMPSTEAD TIGERS
Coach: Randi Harrison
Key players
G Treasure Hayes 5-5
G Kayla Davis 5-7
G Eyavonne Drayton 5-7
F Samantha Coq 5-10
C Jorri Young 5-11
Outlook: Team is in a rebuilding phase; utilizes a half-court offense and will infuse some zone defense.
