Nassau AA-II girls basketball team-by-team outlook
Baldwins Kaia Harrison (4) moves the ball against Christ the King players in the New York State Federation Tournament of Champions Class A A girls final basketball game Saturday, March 24, 2018, in Glens Falls, N.Y. Baldwin won the game 58-49. Credit: HANS PENNINK/Hans Pennink
NASSAU AA-II
BALDWIN BRUINS
Last season: 26-1
Coach: Tom Catapano
KEY PLAYERS
Alexis Aponte G 5-5 Sr.; Mariah Benavides G 5-4 Sr.; Kaia Harrison G 5-7 Sr.; Jamiela Moore F 5-10 Sr.; Elena Randolph F 5-11 Jr.
ABOUT THE BRUINS: The defending Federation champions, led by Harrison, have high expectations despite losing four starters.
EAST MEADOW JETS
Last season: 12-9
Coach: Peter M. Olenik
KEY PLAYERS
Danielle Hippner F/C 6-3 Jr.; Stephanie Sparkowski F 6-1 Jr.; Julie Tannenblatt G 5-3 Soph.; Rhoda Williams G 5-8 Soph.; Alyssa Yablansky G 5-5 Sr.
ABOUT THE JETS: A young, athletic team with sights set on its fourth straight playoff appearance.
HICKSVILLE COMETS
Last season: 14-7
Coach: Frank LoCascio
KEY PLAYERS
Emma DeJesus G 5-7 Jr.; Emma Kaszovitz G 5-3 Soph.; Ashley Pierce F 5-10 Fr.; Rebecca Sloan F 5-10 Sr.; Ashley Yanopulos G 5-1 Sr.
ABOUT THE COMETS: Yanopulos averaged 4.1 points per game last year and could step into a larger role.
LONG BEACH MARINES
Last season: 1-18
Coach: Kristin Ciccone
KEY PLAYERS
Lainie Kassap G 5-6 Soph.; Delilah Plunkett C 5-10 Jr.; Fiona Rafferty F 5-8 Sr.; Gia Simbari G 5-6 Soph.; Adriana Zieba-Rosa F 5-8 Sr.
ABOUT THE MARINES: Ciccone expects improvement from a team that is still young but more experienced.
PLAINVIEW-OLD BETHPAGE JFK HAWKS
Last season: 5-14
Coach: Nick Tomasulo
KEY PLAYERS
Emily Howell F 5-9 Soph.; Emma Kimmel G 5-7 Fr.; Nikki Mastorides F 5-8 Jr.; Amanda Ortsman G 5-6 Jr.; Eunice Yim G 5-6 Sr.
ABOUT THE HAWKS: Team returns four starters including Yim, the leading scorer last winter.
PORT WASHINGTON VIKINGS
Last season: 9-11
Coach: Dennis Trottier
KEY PLAYERS
Natalie DeMeo G/F 5-6 8th; Sophi Gindi G 5-4 Sr.; Caitlin Kane G 5-6 Sr.; Sabine Rosaya F 5-11 Jr.; Kate Shanahan G/F 5-9 Jr.
ABOUT THE VIKINGS: Gindi and Kane provide leadership and talent for a potential playoff team.
WESTBURY GREEN DRAGONS
Last season: 1-15
Coach: Dwight Gibson
KEY PLAYERS
Cinly Gousse G 5-7 Soph.; Janina Jean G 5-5 Sr.; Breana Prather F 5-7 Soph.; Jenelle Rogers F 5-7 Soph.; Jade Telesford F 5-6 Sr.
ABOUT THE GREEN DRAGONS: Gibson’s goal is to play competitive games more consistently.
