Suffolk I girls basketball preview
Sachem East's Katie Doherty (25) drives the outside on Walt Whitman's Marissa Olsen (21). (Feb. 23, 2013) Credit: George A. Faella
SUFFOLK I1. SACHEM EAST FLAMING ARROWS
Coach: Matt Brisson
Key players
G Katie Doherty 5-11
F Kathleen Everson 5-11
G Zoe Riis-Falica 5-3
F/G Jordan Pamlayne 5-7
C Gabby Aspururo 6-0
Outlook: The defending Long Island champions are younger, faster and more athletic, led by Doherty, one of the Island's most complete players, and Everson, who's hard to stop inside and out.
2. BRENTWOOD INDIANS
Coach: Chris Harrison
Key players
G Alexia Douglas 5-8
G Natasha Almonady 5-7
C Niyah Ellis 6-1
F Kallie Rae-Jones 5-5
F Brianna Farquharson 5-8
Outlook:The Indians rely on their pressure defense and can mix things up offensively. They bring a tenacious defender off the bench in freshman guard K'Anndra Rhoden.
3. COMMACK COUGARS
Coach: Denis Conroy
Key players
F Chelsea Schultz 6-1
F Jackie DelliSanti 5-8
G Samantha Miller 5-6
G Jillian Spagnuola 5-3
C/F Charlotte Fanning 5-11
Outlook: Schultz, who's skilled on the perimeter and inside, and DelliSanti, who attacks the basket with either hand, lead a versatile and balanced squad.
4. LONGWOOD LIONS
Coach: James Castiglione
Key players
G Kiery West 5-9
F Tah'Joenae Hinton 5-10
G Charlotte Walker 5-6
C Phallon Tullis-Joyce 6-1
G Zorria West 5-9
Outlook: Offense thrives on the fast break, led by the Delaware-bound West, an athletic combo guard who has increased her range.
5. WARD MELVILLE PATRIOTS
Coach: Lauren Caggiano
Key players
G Taylor Tripptree 5-8
G Kira Sells 5-7
G Julia Coletti 5-5
C Yasmine Fathi 6-0
G Briana Brady 5-9
Outlook: A young but athletic team filled with shooters, like Tripptree and Sells, who will also push the ball.
6. PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD RAIDERS
Coach: Jeff Hansen
Key players
F Annie Murray 6-0
F Morgan Romano 5-9
G Kelly Minicozzi 5-7
G Kristi Carroll 5-5
G Corinna Ferrante 5-4
Outlook: Strong defensive team that will apply pressure, force teams out of their offense, and generate points in transition.
7. FLOYD COLONIALS
Coach: Robert O'Driscoll
Key players
G Jalisa Giles 5-4
G Jayna Rios 5-3
G/F Jennifer McDermott 5-5
F Migle Mitruleviciute 6-1
F Savannah Barnosky 5-9
Outlook: A rebuilding year after losing 10 seniors from a playoff team. Giles is a deep threat and Rios is a talented point guard who handles the ball well.
