Nassau B/C girls basketball preview
Sisters Erin Leary, second from left, and Amanda Leary, second from right, celebrate with their Carle Place teammates after the Frogs' 35-25 win over Cold Spring Harbor in the Nassau Class B girls basketball final at Farmingdale State College on Saturday. Credit: James Escher
CARLE PLACE FROGS
Last season: 16-4
Coach: Connor Reardon
KEY PLAYERS
Renee Burden G/F 5-10 So.; Amanda Leary G 5-8 So.; Caitlin Leary G 5-7 8th; Erin Leary G/F 5-11 Jr.; Emily Monferrato G/F 5-10 Jr.
ABOUT THE FROGS: The five-time defending Nassau Class B champions and two-time defending Long Island Class B champions, the Frogs are looking to repeat again this year, sparked by the three Leary sisters.
COLD SPRING HARBOR SEAHAWKS
Last season: 16-5
Coach: Rory Malone
KEY PLAYERS
Hannah Gumersell G 5-2 Jr.; Grace Kiernan F 5-8 So.; Annie Kraft G 5-5 Jr.; Anna Spher F 5-8 Jr.; Ava Tighe C 5-10 So.
ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS: Four-year varsity players Kraft and Gumersell highlight a young team that will look to push the pace on both sides of the court this year.
EAST ROCKAWAY ROCKS
Last season: 12-8
Coach: Cheri Poland
KEY PLAYERS
Riley O’Hagan G 5-7 So.; Hunter Vertuccio G 5-5 Sr.
ABOUT THE ROCKS: Vertuccio will shoulder a big chunk of this year’s leadership duties after packing her stat sheet with 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals per game last season.
FRIENDS ACADEMY QUAKERS
Last season: 3-15
Coach: Cherkira Lashley
KEY PLAYERS
Danielle Davis G 5-7 Fr.; Paris Popper F 5-8 Fr.; Emma Zambrotta PG 5-3 So.; Carleigh Zelman G 5-3 Jr.
ABOUT THE QUAKERS: A young team, Friends Academy will rely on its athleticism and preseason conditioning throughout the season.
MALVERNE MULES
Last season: 5-13
Coach: Amanda Masson
KEY PLAYERS
Monica Cordova G 5-5 Sr.; Tyela Davidson G 5-5 Sr.; Destiny Mitchell F 5-6 Sr.; Princia Ulysse PG 5-7 So.
ABOUT THE MULES: After implementing a new offense last season, Malverne is hoping to build on that experience while also bringing defensive pressure and getting out quick in transition.
OYSTER BAY BAYMEN
Last season: 5-14
Coach: Rex Rossen
KEY PLAYERS
Emma Kelly G 5-3 So.; Elizabeth Reilly F 5-8 Sr.
ABOUT THE BAYMEN: Five-year varsity player Reilly will be a key leader this season, but watch out for Kelly, who stepped up last year, averaging 9.5 points per game.
WHEATLEY WILDCATS
Last season: 11-8
Coach: Ashley Rogala
KEY PLAYERS
Alina Ali G 5-5 Jr.; Emma Blennau F 5-7 Sr.; Audrey LaMonica F 5-6 Jr.; Iman Pirzada G 5-3 Jr.; Brianna Werny PG 5-4 Jr.
ABOUT THE WILDCATS: Wheatley graduated four seniors from last year’s playoff team, but return Werny, who is expected to lead the offense this winter. Marcella Kane also adds another dynamic in the backcourt.
