Nassau girls basketball preview

Elmont's Zhaneia Thybulle takes the ball up the court against Kellenberg on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016. Credit: Richard T. Slattery
NASSAU AA-I
FARMINGDALE DALERS
Coach: Pete Cerrone
Last season: 16-5
Key players
F Samantha Huebner 5-9 Sr.
G Aisha Smikle 5-6 Jr.
G Cailee Perettine 5-6 Sr.
G Julia Dell Aguila 5-6 Jr.
F Nicolena Spadalik 6-0 Sr.
Outlook: Huebner and Smikle lead a team that has experience and depth.
FREEPORT RED DEVILS
Coach: Meredith Jones
Last season: 7-12
Key players
G Maya Thomas 5-6 Sr.
F Taylor Abraham 5-10 Fr.
G/F Phalan Smith 5-7 Sr.
G Bianca Benjamin 5-5 Jr.
F Ceniya Nicholas 5-9 Jr.
Outlook: Combines quickness in the backcourt and height in the post.
HEMPSTEAD TIGERS
Coach: Randi Harrison
Last season: 0-13
Key players
F Kierra Jackson Jr.
G Angel Dowie Soph.
F/C Cassondra Scott Sr.
F/C Osato Irowa Jr.
G Adasia Conley Sr.
Outlook: Harrison believes improvement could be on the horizon.
MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS
Coach: Billy Herr
Last season: 18-4
Key players
F Gabriella Heimbauer 6-1 Fr.
G Morgan Camarda 5-5 Jr.
G/F Kathleen Doherty 5-9 Jr.
G Helena Salmon 5-4 Jr.
G/F Brittny Membreno 5-9 Jr.
Outlook: An experienced core that can rally around Heimbauer.
OCEANSIDE SAILORS
Coach: Joe Supple
Last season: 13-7
Key players
F Jamie Behar 6-2 Fr.
G/F Samantha Stein 5-8 Sr.
F Sabrina Seeger 5-11 Sr.
F Gina Contorno 5-9 Fr.
G Kathleen Lucey 5-3 Sr.
Outlook: Behar is one of the most talented freshmen in Nassau.
SYOSSET BRAVES
Coach: Michael Ferreira
Last season: 15-7
Key players
G Camryn Monfort 5-5 Sr.
F Rachel Mahler 6-1 Soph.
G Kendall Halpern 5-8 Fr.
G Sabrina Lieberman 5-1 Jr.
G Victoria Caridi 5-4 Jr.
Outlook: Relying on post presence of Mahler for points and rebounds.
UNIONDALE KNIGHTS
Coach: Nolan Dunkley
Last season: 6-13
Key players
G Heavyn Giles 5-5 Soph.
F Belinda Saint-Louis 5-10 Sr.
F Abimbola Babatunde 5-8 Soph.
G Shatoya Newine 5-7 Jr.
G Kapri Bradshaw 5-4 Fr.
Outlook: Young team; Saint-Louis can be dominant in the post.
NASSAU AA-I
FARMINGDALE DALERS
Coach: Pete Cerrone
Last season: 16-5
Key players
F Samantha Huebner 5-9 Sr.
G Aisha Smikle 5-6 Jr.
G Cailee Perettine 5-6 Sr.
G Julia Dell Aguila 5-6 Jr.
F Nicolena Spadalik 6-0 Sr.
Outlook: Huebner and Smikle lead a team that has experience and depth. The Dalers could contend for a county title.
FREEPORT RED DEVILS
Coach: Meredith Jones
Last season: 7-12
Key players
G Maya Thomas 5-6 Sr.
F Taylor Abraham 5-10 Fr.
G/F Phalan Smith 5-7 Sr.
G Bianca Benjamin 5-5 Jr.
F Ceniya Nicholas 5-9 Jr.
Outlook: A combination of quickness in the backcourt and height in the post could put the Red Devils in play at the top of the conference.
HEMPSTEAD TIGERS
Coach: Randi Harrison
Last season: 0-13
Key players
F Kierra Jackson Jr.
G Angel Dowie Soph.
F/C Cassondra Scott Sr.
F/C Osato Irowa Jr.
G Adasia Conley Sr.
Outlook: The Tigers boast good size and solid experience, leaving coach Harrison to believe that improvement could be on the horizon.
MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS
Coach: Billy Herr
Last season: 18-4
Key players
F Gabriella Heimbauer 6-1 Fr.
G Morgan Camarda 5-5 Jr.
G/F Kathleen Doherty 5-9 Jr.
G Helena Salmon 5-4 Jr.
G/F Brittny Membreno 5-9 Jr.
Outlook: An experienced core leads a group of fresh faces that can rally around Heimbauer, a presence in the post with a soft touch near the basket.
OCEANSIDE SAILORS
Coach: Joe Supple
Last season: 13-7
Key players
F Jamie Behar 6-2 Fr.
G/F Samantha Stein 5-8 Sr.
F Sabrina Seeger 5-11 Sr.
F Gina Contorno 5-9 Fr.
G Kathleen Lucey 5-3 Sr.
Outlook: The Sailors have quickness that combines with a frontcourt with shooting touch. Behar is one of the most talented freshmen in Nassau because of her versatility as a forward.
SYOSSET BRAVES
Coach: Michael Ferreira
Last season: 15-7
Key players
G Camryn Monfort 5-5 Sr.
F Rachel Mahler 6-1 Soph.
G Kendall Halpern 5-8 Fr.
G Sabrina Lieberman 5-1 Jr.
G Victoria Caridi 5-4 Jr.
Outlook: The Braves have a strong perimeter game and will be relying on the post presence of Mahler for points and rebounds.
UNIONDALE KNIGHTS
Coach: Nolan Dunkley
Last season: 6-13
Key players
G Heavyn Giles 5-5 Soph.
F Belinda Saint-Louis 5-10 Sr.
F Abimbola Babatunde 5-8 Soph.
G Shatoya Newine 5-7 Jr.
G Kapri Bradshaw 5-4 Fr.
Outlook: The Knights are young but have a talented senior in Saint-Louis, who can be dominant in the post.
NASSAU AA-II
BALDWIN BRUINS
Coach: Tom Catapano
Last season: 20-3
Key players
G Aziah Hudson 5-6 Jr.
G Jenna Annecchiarico 5-5 Jr.
G Kaia Harrison 5-6 Soph.
G Montia Moon 5-5 Sr.
F Sarah Pulis 6-0 Sr.
Outlook: Annecchiarico and Harrison comprise one of LI’s best backcourts.
EAST MEADOW JETS
Coach: Peter Olenik
Last season: 6-12
Key players
G/F Emily Shurina 5-9 Jr.
G Hannah Arbuse 5-6 Jr.
F Nicole Giblin 5-6 Jr.
G Alyssa Yablansky 5-2 Soph.
F/C Val Rios 5-7 Sr.
Outlook: Shurina, one of Nassau’s top scorers, runs the show.
HICKSVILLE COMETS
Coach: Frank LoCascio
Last season: 13-8
Key players
C Ijah Fletcher 6-1 Jr.
G Julia Bentrewicz 5-7 Jr.
G Carly Schultheiss 5-3 Jr.
G/F Valerie Adamo 5-8 Jr.
F/C Alexa Lomangino 5-9 Sr.
Outlook: Fletcher and Brentrewicz provide an inside-out presence.
PLAINVIEW-OLD BETHPAGE JFK HAWKS
Coach: Nick Tomasulo
Last season: 9-10
Key players
F Krystal Korason 5-8 Sr.
G Rebecca Koltun 5-4 Sr.
G/F Jen Golio 5-6 Sr.
F Amanda Newman 5-9 Sr.
F Rachel Weiss 6-0 Jr.
Outlook: Ted by four-year starter Korason (17 ppg, 12 rpg).
PORT WASHINGTON VIKINGS
Coach: Dennis Trottier
Last season: 10-9
Key players
G/F Rebecca Rosen 5-7 Jr.
G/F Rachel Rosen 5-9 Sr.
G Tyler Owens 5-5 Jr.
F Emma Furst 5-7 Sr.
G/F Rebecca Katz 5-6 Jr.
Outlook: Rosen sisters provide scoring and rebounding.
WESTBURY GREEN DRAGONS
Coach: Dwight Gibson
Last season: 0-14
Key players
G Dieusi Armand 5-5 Soph.
G Janina Jean 5-4 Soph.
F Jade Telesford 5-6 Soph.
G Princess Bethea 5-9 Soph.
F Nedeva Coq 5-8 Jr.
Outlook: Defensive-minded team with a focus on quickness.
VALLEY STREAM CENTRAL EAGLES
Coach: Malyssa Thorngren
Last season: 6-12
Key players
G Isabella Gandasegui 5-3 Sr.
F Nicole Carter 5-9 Sr.
G/F Janay Legagneur 5-11 Fr.
F Kailee Finn 5-8 Fr.
G Kaitlin Gabbidon 5-2 Soph.
Outlook: Gandasegui and Carter lead a young group.
NASSAU AA-III
CALHOUN COLTS
Coach: Peter Magnuson
Last season: 12-9
Key players
G/F Honora Campbell 5-11 Jr.
G/F Katie Healy 5-10 Jr.
G Dana Brown 5-3 Sr.
G Christine Argentieri 5-4 Jr.
F Lauren Pitti 5-9 Jr.
Outlook: Campbell can shoot and see the floor, and she’ll lead a team with legitimate playoff hopes.
GREAT NECK SOUTH REBELS
Coach: Tom Umstatter
Last season: 13-6
Key players
G Delaisja Chunn 5-9 Sr.
C Jessica Vissichelli 6-0 Sr.
G Kristen Renta 5-6 Sr.
F Tiana Carter 5-8 Soph.
F Madison Solomon 6-1 Sr.
Outlook: The Rebels are well-rounded with Chunn and Yissichelli providing offense, Renta and Carter making stops and Solomon doing both.
HERRICKS HIGHLANDERS
Coach: Jon Lavas
Last season: 7-12
Key players
F Alannah O’Shea 5-11 Sr.
F Chase McGahan 5-10 Sr.
G Mariella Facibene 5-6 Sr.
G Samantha Diaz 5-8 Sr.
C Jacklyn Amodeo 5-11 Sr.
Outlook: The Highlanders have an all-senior starting five that brings height and a strong perimeter game.
LONG BEACH MARINES
Coach: Kristin Ciccone
Last season: 2-16
Key players
G/F Siobhan Rafferty 5-10 Sr.
G Katie Whelan 5-7 Sr.
G Taylor Haines 5-5 Jr.
G/F Fiona Rafferty 5-10 Soph.
F Samantha Chase 5-10 Sr.
Outlook: Siobhan Rafferty powers a fast team that could score a lot of points in transition.
MACARTHUR GENERALS
Information not reported to Newsday.
MANHASSET INDIANS
Coach: Lauren Sadeh
Last season: 11-8
Key players
G Leah Ritterband 5-3 Sr.
G Maria Themelis 5-4 Fr.
F Caroline Kelly 5-8 Jr.
G Elizabeth Kim 5-6 Jr.
G Emma LoPinto 5-2 8th grade
Outlook: Ritterband will be running the point for a team focused on playing high-pressure defense to force turnovers and get fast breaks.
MEPHAM PIRATES
Coach: Jim Mulvey
Last season: 16-3
Key players
F Maeve Testa 5-9 Sr.
G Maryann Bagonis 5-6 Jr.
G Kara Castaldo 5-5 Jr.
F Julia Anderson 5-8 Jr.
G Julia Linekin 5-3 Jr.
Outlook: Bagonis paces the Pirates with her long-range shot, while Testa powers the offense with her athleticism.
NASSAU AI
BELLMORE JFK COUGARS
Coach: Mallory Palmieri
Last season: 9-10
Key players
G Nicolina Torchia 5-4 Sr.
F Rachel Katz 5-7 Jr.
G Rose Mehani 5-5 Jr.
G Carly Wills 5-4 Jr.
C Lauren Miksits 6-1 Sr.
Outlook: A quick and aggressive team led by Torchia and Katz.
CAREY SEAHAWKS
Coach: Liz Crawford
Last season: 4-10
Key players
G Alexa Recigno 5-6 Jr.
F Francesca Cirone 5-9 Jr.
G Maria D’Amato 5-5 Jr.
F Aylin Ciftcikal 5-11 Sr.
G Meghan Santina 5-5 Jr.
Outlook: Recigno is go-to shooter; Cirone can be a threat from outside.
ELMONT SPARTANS
Coach: Tom Magno
Last season: 21-2
Key players
G Zhaneia Thybulle 5-5 Jr.
F Kem Nwabudu 5-11 Jr.
G Gigi Faison 5-5 Soph.
G Jada Fernandez 5-7 Jr.
G Kiera Holland 5-8 Sr.
Outlook: Thybulle is a speedy playmaker, Nwabudu provides versatility.
GARDEN CITY TROJANS
Coach: Tim O’Hagan
Last season: 15-5
Key players
G Kelly George 5-5 Sr.
F Alexis Pagonis 5-10 Sr.
F Grace Kelly 5-7 Soph.
F Claire McGuire 5-9 Fr.
G/F Jen Kubler 5-6 Soph.
Outlook: George’s perimeter shooting will help lead developing team.
GREAT NECK NORTH BLAZERS
Coach: Erik Connolly
Last season: 1-15
Key players
F Caroline O’Byrne 5-9 Sr.
C Ashley Epstein 6-1 Sr.
G Ariella Yahoudidee 5-3 Jr.
F Rebecca Yamanian 5-7 Jr.
G Kayla Kamali 5-4 Jr.
Outlook: O’Byrne leads the way.
JERICHO JAYHAWKS
Coach: Andrew Schneider
Last season: 7-11
Key players
C Lucy Peters 6-0 Soph.
G Jade Stoler 5-4 8th grade
F Marlee Lehrhoff 5-8 Sr.
G Rebecca Silverman 5-5 Jr.
G Jess Busam 5-6 Sr.
Outlook: Peters is a post scorer who can take the ball out to the perimeter.
SEWANHAKA INDIANS
Coach: Alex Soupios
Last season: 11-8
Key players
G/F Destiny Hurt 5-8 Sr.
G Carly Bolivar 5-7 Soph.
G Flo Hunte 5-4 Soph.
G/F Kate Weinschreider 5-9 Jr.
G Cherish Francis 5-4 Jr.
Outlook: Hurt leads a young group.
NASSAU AII
DIVISION BLUE DRAGONS
Coach: Steve Kissane
Last season: 12-8
Key players
G Erin McCauley 5-6 Sr.
G Madison Gillis 5-8 Soph.
C Nora Tracey 6-0 Jr.
F Emily Gillis 5-10 Fr.
F Amy Rzemieniewski 5-10 Jr.
Outlook: McCauley can shoot and leads a young team.
HEWLETT BULLDOGS
Coach: Richard De Santo
Last season: 1-11
Key players
G Samantha Panzarella 5-1 Soph.
C Jessica Keeler 5-8 Sr.
F Kylie Halpern 5-5 Sr.
G Hasseena Lamousnery 5-4 Sr.
G Jessica Silberger 5-2 Sr.
Outlook: Panzarella runs offense for a team looking to improve.
NEW HYDE PARK GLADIATORS
Coach: Ron Pickett
Last season: 4-11
Key players
G Hannah Arkin 5-4 Sr.
G Joanna Mauceri 5-6 Soph.
F Christina Suresh 5-10 Jr.
G/F Andrea Waldron 5-7 Soph.
G Ally Petricca 5-4 Jr.
Outlook: Arkin and Mauceri lead the way.
ROOSEVELT ROUGH RIDERS
Coach: Don Crummell
Last season: 10-9
Key players
G Iyanna Mitchell 5-6 Sr.
G Lauren London 5-7 Sr.
F Destiny Jackson 5-9 Sr.
G Hallelyah Yisrael 5-5 Soph.
G Seonah Innocent 5-6 Fr.
Outlook: A lot of backcourt talent and quickness.
ROSLYN BULLDOGS
Coach: Noreen Naughton
Last season: 2-16
Key players
G Samantha Busch 5-5 Sr.
G Laura Carrillo 5-0 Soph.
F Emily Cohen 5-10 Soph.
C Morgan Davey 6-2 Soph.
G Kendall Reichbach 5-6 Jr.
Outlook: Busch is a threat to drive to the basket or take an outside shot.
SOUTH SIDE CYCLONES
Coach: Dan Ferrick
Last season: 16-4
Key players
G Jourdin Thomas 5-6 Sr.
G Jenna Lopez 5-8 Jr.
F Gianna Mauro 5-9 Jr.
F Kelsey Barrett 5-8 Soph.
G Kendall Kelly 5-6 Jr.
Outlook: Strong playoff hopes; Thomas (17.2 ppg), Kelly lead the way.
WANTAGH WARRIORS
Coach: Stan Bujacich
Last season: 14-6
Key players
G Caitlin Albanese 5-5 Soph.
F Hannah Dougherty 5-10 Soph.
G Julianna Kissane 5-6 Jr.
F Angela Labenberg 5-9 Soph.
G Megan Lucey 5-5 Soph.
Outlook: An aggressive shooter in Albanese, elusive handler in Kissane.
NASSAU A-III
BETHPAGE GOLDEN EAGLES
Coach: Joseph Inghilterra
Last season: 7-10
Key players
G Camryn Roeller 5-7 Sr.
F Taylor Hughes 5-9 Sr.
G/F Gillian O’Boyle 5-7 Jr.
G Kelly Hughes 5-5 Jr.
F Taylor Hannaberry 5-8 Sr.
Outlook: Roeller is a scoring force; Taylor Hughes has range.
FLORAL PARK KNIGHTS
Coach: Michael Spina
Last season: 24-2
Key players
F Natalie Hickman 6-0 Sr.
C Faith Balletta 5-11 Sr.
G Marykate Guerriero Jr.
F Aideen Gill 5-11 Sr.
G/F Ashley Corcoran 5-7 Jr.
Outlook: Hickman is a force down low in the post-Kaila Hilaire era.
GLEN COVE BIG RED
Coach: Mike Woodhouse
Last season: 11-8
Key players
F Grace Brady 6-3 Sr.
F Grace Woods 5-9 Sr.
G Destiny Howell 5-10 Fr.
F Amara Phillip 5-8 Sr.
G Trinity Hudson 5-10 Soph.
Outlook: Brady can score and rebound; Woods can drive.
LAWRENCE GOLDEN TORNADOES
Coach: George Klein
Last season: 1-15
Key players
G Nayalise Montilla 5-10 Sr.
G Erika Kirchner 5-5 Sr.
F Kiara Stephens 5-11 Sr.
G Brooke Kirchner 5-4 Sr.
G Shania Miller 5-6 Sr.
Outlook: Montilla (17 ppg) leads the way.
LYNBROOK OWLS
Coach: Stephen LoCicero
Last season: 16-5
Key players
F Kerrin Montgomery 5-11 Sr.
G/F Sophia LoCicero 5-10 Jr.
G Emily Kluth 5-8 Sr.
G Erin Pender 5-8 Jr.
F Rachel Foley 5-9 Sr.
Outlook: Led by Montgomery (19.4 ppg) and lLoCicero (18.6 ppg).
PLAINEDGE RED DEVILS
Coach: Lauren Scimonelli
Last season: 14-5
Key players
F Katie McSweeney 5-10 Jr.
G Alexandra DiChiara 5-6 Sr.
G/F Ashley Lindsay 5-9 Soph.
G Lauren Krystall 5-6 Soph.
F Juliana Keenan 5-7 Jr.
Outlook: McSweeney powers an up-tempo offense.
VALLEY STREAM NORTH SPARTANS
Coach: Katie Di Lapi
Last season: 3-16
Key players
G Lisa Loshiavo 5-6 Sr.
G Kelly Kroez 5-6 Sr.
F Sam Elbert 5-8 Sr.
F Enyonam Menssah 5-8 Sr.
G Jess Bonnito 5-4 Sr.
Outlook: Senior-laden group expecting better things.
NASSAU A-IV
CLARKE RAMS
Coach: Shaun Fean
Last season: 7-12
Key players
G Sonia Iacoboni 5-5 Jr.
G Nicole Zappala 5-3 Jr.
F Kayla Famillette 5-8 Jr.
F Emily Carman 5-6 Soph.
G Graceann Murphy 5-1 Fr.
Outlook: Iacobani, Zappala and Carman are scoring threats.
FRIENDS ACADEMY QUAKERS
Coach: Navro Allen
Last season: 9-10
Key players
G Ryan Weight 5-9 Sr.
G Lauren LeoGrande 5-8 Sr.
G Sydney Themelis 5-4 Sr.
F Elizabeth Gherlone 5-11 Sr.
F Jessica Gherlone 5-11 Soph.
Outlook: Focused on spreading around the scoring.
ISLAND TREES BULLDOGS
Coach: Bob Kaible
Last season: 14-5
Key players
G/F Catherine Zamroz 5-9 Sr.
F/C Cathryn Kramer 5-11 Soph.
F/C Kaeley Johnston 5-9 Sr.
G Julia Minafo 5-6 Soph.
G/F Brianna Fitzgerald 5-8 Fr.
Outlook: Zamroz runs the show; Kramer is a presence inside.
MINEOLA MUSTANGS
Coach: Dan Bailey
Last season: 5-14
Key players
G/F Victoria Venus 5-11 Soph.
F/C Meaghan McCaffrey 6-0 Soph.
F Angelina Morelli 5-6 Jr.
F/C Elizabeth Ryan 5-11 Sr.
G Erin Miller 5-7 Soph.
Outlook: Venus can do it all; McCaffrey is a top-25 scorer.
NORTH SHORE VIKINGS
Coach: Keith Freund
Last season: 16-5
Key player
G Gabrielle Zaffiro 5-9 Jr.
G Ashleigh Sheerin 5-10 Sr.
G Jessica Scuderi 5-5 Sr.
G Selena Fortich 5-9 Jr.
F Paige Barwick 5-10 Sr.
Outlook: A lot of experience and unlimited athleticism.
VALLEY STREAM SOUTH
FALCONS
Coach: Michael O’Brien
Last season: 6-13
Key players
G/F Chibugo Obichere 5-10 Soph.
G Kelyse Land 5-7 Jr.
F Caitlyn Lopeck 5-7 Jr.
G Hailey Roberts 5-10 8th grade
G/F Janez Francis 5-4 5-4 Jr.
Outlook: Obichere and Land are scoring threats.
WEST HEMPSTEAD RAMS
Coach: Chris Van Kovics
Last season: 0-12
Key players
F Ja’nya Flash 5-10 Soph.
G Haley Duran 5-4 Fr.
G Jenna Eivazi 5-6 Fr.
F Kate Shanley 5-8 Fr.
G Lydia Almeida 5-6 Jr.
Outlook: Flash can be a force from the post for young Rams.
NASSAU ABC
CARLE PLACE FROGS
Coach: Michael Bello
Last season: 14-7
Key players
G Leah Burden 5-6 Soph.
F Abigail Selhorn 6-0 Soph.
G Erin Leary 5-10 8th grade
G Victoria Dieguez 5-6 8th grade
F Caroline McLaughlin 5-9 Soph.
Outlook: Burden is an electric player from the point. Selhorn adds height.
COLD SPRING HARBOR SEAHAWKS
Coach: Rory Malone
Last season: 15-6
Key players
G Sophia Taglich 5-8 Soph.
G Caroline Debellis 5-8 Soph.
F Niki Mormile 5-7 Soph.
G Katherine Buonfiglio 5-5 Jr.
F Vera Simmons 5-6 Sr.
Outlook: Taglich is strong inside; Debellis hits shots from outside.
EAST ROCKAWAY ROCKS
Coach: Karin Leary
Last season: 11-11
Key players
F Alessia Drevnyak 6-1 Sr.
F Brooke DeGiulio 5-7 Soph.
G Juliet McCarthy 5-6 Soph.
G Rachel O’Hagan 5-5 Jr.
G Rachel Graves 5-3 Jr.
Outlook: Drevnyak brings high-level scoring and rebounding.
LOCUST VALLEY FALCONS
Coach: Michael Guidone
Last season: 11-9
Key players
G Julia Sabatino 5-7 Fr.
G Julie Spence 5-6 Jr.
G Paige O’Brien X-X Fr.
F Caroline Mangan 5-7 Jr.
G/F Emily Moran 5-9 Jr.
Outlook: Sabatino scores and defends, Spence can move off ball.
MALVERNE MULES
Coach: Lorenzo Jenkins
Last season: 4-15
Key players
G Keyeria Dawson 5-9 Sr.
C/F Alexis Lake 6-0 Jr.
F Diana Jean 5-6 Jr.
F Quateka Dawson 5-11 Soph.
G Princia Ulysse 5-3 7th grade
Outlook: Keyeria Dawson, Lake and Jean are the offensive drivers.
OYSTER BAY BAYMEN
Coach: Sandy Rossen
Last season: 14-5
Key players
G Gianna Gotti 5-5 Jr.
G Catherine Kelly 5-5 Sr.
G/F Lindsey Tiberia 5-6 Jr.
F Savannah Augustine 5-7 Sr.
G/F Elizabeth Reilly 5-7 Fr.
Outlook: Gotti’s scoring leads a well-blanced group.
SEAFORD VIKINGS
Coach: Bob Vachris
Last season: 12-8
Key players
C Jaclyn Grzelasczyk 6-1 Jr.
G Julia Siler 5-6 Jr.
F Jenna Siler 5-10 Jr.
F Madison O’Hagan 5-10 Jr.
G Ally Palermo 5-3 Sr.
Outlook: Starting five returns; Grzelasczyk can dominate post.
WHEATLEY WILDCATS
Coach: Ashley Rogala
Last season: 8-10
Key players
G Allison LaMonica 5-3 Sr.
G Micki Wain 5-5 Sr.
F Julia Braito 5-5 Soph.
G Sami Rothstein 5-5 Soph.
C Arianna Turkalj 5-11 Sr.
Outlook: LaMonica (18. ppg) leads the charge; Wain is solid on defense.
CONFERENCE AA-III
CALHOUN COLTS
Coach: Peter Magnuson
Last season: 12-9
Key players
G/F Honora Campbell 5-11 Jr.
G/F Katie Healy 5-10 Jr.
G Dana Brown 5-3 Sr.
G Christine Argentieri 5-4 Jr.
F Lauren Pitti 5-9 Jr.
Outlook: Campbell can shoot and see the floor, and she’ll lead a with legitimate playoff hopes.
GREAT NECK SOUTH REBELS
Coach: Tom Umstatter
Last season: 13-6
Key players
G Delaisja Chunn 5-9 Sr.
C Jessica Vissichelli 6-0 Sr.
G Kristen Renta 5-6 Sr.
F Tiana Carter 5-8 Soph.
F Madison Solomon 6-1 Sr.
Outlook: The Rebels are well-rounded with Chunn and Yissichelli providing offense, Renta and Carter making stops and Solomon doing both.
HERRICKS HIGHLANDERS
Coach: Jon Lavas
Last season: 7-12
Key players
F Alannah O’Shea 5-11 Sr.
F Chase McGahan 5-10 Sr.
G Mariella Facibene 5-6 Sr.
G Samantha Diaz 5-8 Sr.
C Jacklyn Amodeo 5-11 Sr.
Outlook: The Highlanders have an all-senior starting five that brings height and a strong perimeter game.
LONG BEACH MARINES
Coach: Kristin Ciccone
Last season: 2-16
Key players
G/F Siobhan Rafferty 5-10 Sr.
G Katie Whelan 5-7 Sr.
G Taylor Haines 5-5 Jr.
G/F Fiona Rafferty 5-10 Soph.
F Samantha Chase 5-10 Sr.
Outlook: Siobhan Rafferty powers a fast team that could score a lot of points in transition.
MACARTHUR GENERALS
Information not reported to Newsday.
MANHASSET INDIANS
Coach: Lauren Sadeh
Last season: 11-8
Key players
G Leah Ritterband 5-3 Sr.
G Maria Themelis 5-4 Fr.
F Caroline Kelly 5-8 Jr.
G Elizabeth Kim 5-6 Jr.
G Emma LoPinto 5-2 8th grade
Outlook: Ritterband will be running the point for a team focused on playing high-pressure defense to force turnovers and get fast breaks.
MEPHAM PIRATES
Coach: Jim Mulvey
Last season: 16-3
Key players
F Maeve Testa 5-9 Sr.
G Maryann Bagonis 5-6 Jr.
G Kara Castaldo 5-5 Jr.
F Julia Anderson 5-8 Jr.
G Julia Linekin 5-3 Jr.
Outlook: Bagonis paces the Pirates with her long-range shot, while Testa powers the offense with her athleticism.
