Nassau AA-II girls basketball preview
Baldwin guard Jade Aponte looks to drive to the basket against MacArthur. (Jan. 15, 2013) Credit: Steven Ryan
NASSAU AA-II
1. BALDWIN BRUINS
Coach: Tom Catapano
Key players
G Mariah Butler 5-3
G Jade Aponte 5-5
G Tyra Harrison 5-6
F Tiara Place 5-10
C Lames El Gammal 6-2
Outlook: Perennial contender returns 11, eager to rebound from upset in "AA" quarterfinals; Taylor Howell and Aziah Hudson are explosive off the bench.
2. HICKSVILLE COMETS
Coach: Frank LoCascio
Key players
G Keley Abbriano 5-5
G Jillian Wynne 5-7
F Tracy Timque 5-9
F Victoria Lomangino 5-8
C Atalah Eady 5-11
Outlook: Coming off a poor season, but has experienced core; will be strong in the low post.
3. PORT WASHINGTON VIKINGS
Coach: Dennis Trottier
Key players
G Emma Nadel 5-4
G Megan Murphy 5-4
G Anna Catrone 5-4
F Mia Waker 5-8
F Christina Doria-Pegno 5-7
Outlook: Experienced team with playoff aspirations; solid defensively and Nadel and Murphy are offensive sparkplug.
4. EAST MEADOW JETS
Coach: Peter Olenik
Key players
G Marrol Cajoles 5-2
G Crista San Antonio 5-4
G Marisa San Antonio 5-3
F Emily Sharina 5-2
F Mary Hosey 5-7
Outlook: Young team looking to rebound from down season. Rebecca Alzsan, a 6-foot center, has upside.
5. MACARTHUR GENERALS
Coach: Michael Gattus
Key players
G Caitlyn Buckley 5-7
G Jen Gubell 5-7
G/F Kristen Politi 5-7
F Sam Santeramo 5-7
C Stephanie Volpe 6-1
Outlook: Reached Class AA semifinals and senior-laden group has high expectations. Volpe is dominant inside and pressure defense makes Generals dangerous.
6. PLAINVIEW JFK HAWKS
Coach: Nicholas Tomasulo
Key players
G Emily Alexander 5-2
G Jessica Pantowich 5-5
F Krystal Korason 5-9
F Emily Strack 5-9
C Allison Butigian 5-10
Outlook: Hoping to improve greatly from a 4-13 season; will be competitive with a talented and seasoned frontcourt.
7. VALLEY STREAM CENTRAL EAGLES
Coach: Mary Parisi
Key players
F Brianna Hendrick 5-10
F Nia-Maya Outlaw 5-9
G Jasmine Garden 5-3
G Naomi Bolasingh 5-6
G Mikala Casimir 5-4
Outlook: Fast, athletic team with an up-tempo style, features a balanced and cohesive offense.
