Nassau AA-III girls basketball preview
Herricks guard Barbara Nictas protects the ball from Connetquot guard Alyssa Torres in a Babylon girls basketball tournament game. (Dec. 9, 2013) Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
NASSAU AA-III
1. MEPHAM PIRATES
Coach: Jim Mulvey
Key players
G Alexa Morris 5-4
G Nicole Moccio 5-5
G Megan Anderson 5-5
F Bridged McNeill 5-8
C Kellie Gilroy 5-9
Outlook: Returns seven from last year's playoff team, but has transitioned from three-point shooting offense, now emphasizing low-post scoring.
2. HERRICKSHIGHLANDERS
Coach: Glenn Lavey
Key players
G Barbara Nictas 5-4
G Erin Rivera 5-7
G Bridgette Stacom 5-6
F Kristina Stacom 5-5
F Hannah Ko 5-8
Outlook: Reached the quarterfinals last season; will be led by dynamic backcourt of Nictas and Rivera.
3. ELMONT SPARTANS
Coach: Tom Magno
Key players
G Arielle Pierre 5-5
G Sahadia Cadet 5-4
G Tatiana Laroche 5-6
F Monique Joseph 5-9
C Ruby Asabor 6-0
Outlook: Versatile and defensive-oriented group led by Pierre, the point guard, and Laroche, who plays multiple positions.
4. CALHOUN COLTS
Coach: Dave Radtke
Key players
G Nora Charidah 5-6
G Megan Callahan 5-6
F Lauren Savarese 5-7
F Julia Neugebauer 5-10
F Jackie Ras 5-11
Outlook: Deep, athletic team with a 13-player rotation. Installing full-court pressure defense and uptempo style.
5. LONG BEACHMARINES
Coach: Kristin Ciccone
Key players
G Mary McDonagh 5-6
G Destiny Hurt 5-6
F Liz Rourke 5-9
F Lena Moriarty 5-10
C Perri Steiner 6-2
Outlook: Looking to build on last year's run to playoffs; relies on fast-break offense. Has a new gym, rebuilt after superstorm Sandy.
6. GREAT NECK SOUTH REBELS
Coach: Tom Umstatter
Key players
G Betsy Tannenbaum 5-2
G Dylan Livers 5-1
G/F Alexa Epstein 5-8
F Christine Vissichelli 5-8
C Rachel Warner 6-1
Outlook: Returns all but one player from last year's playoff team; good chemistry and relies on team speed.
