Suffolk II girls basketball preview
Commack guard Olivia Vasselman controls the ball against Sewanhaka during a varsity girls basketball tournament at Northport High School on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
BAY SHORE MARAUDERS
Last season: 8-12
Coach: Janine Mazzie
KEY PLAYERS
Danisha Bishop G 5-8 Sr.; Angelina Fargas G 5-7 Sr. ; Daja Farmer F 6-1 Sr. ; Nayari Hester G/F 5-10 Jr ; Kyrstin White G 5-3 Jr.
ABOUT THE MARAUDERS: Strong in the backcourt, Bay Shore will be led by Fargas, who averaged 12 points per game last season.
COMMACK COUGARS
Last season: 13-9
Coach: Russ Tietjen
KEY PLAYERS
Jordan DiPrima G 5-5 So.; Ally Carson G 5-9 Jr.; Claire Janis G 5-7 Jr.; Fiona Kernaghan G 5-9 Fr.; Olivia Vasselman G 5-5 Jr.
ABOUT THE COUGARS: Commack is a young squad that will be looking to make more noise come playoff time. They expect to play tough and feature their speed and athleticism.
CONNETQUOT THUNDERBIRDS
Last season: 2-17
Coach: Charlie Hafner
KEY PLAYERS
Jenna Erdman F 5-9 Sr.; Olivia Herrera F 5-8 Sr.; Emma Jasinski G 5-6 Sr.; Kiarra Roth F 5-9 Sr.; Hayley Weltner G 5-5 Sr.
ABOUT THE THUNDERBIRDS: Connetquot is looking to build off last season with a roster full of senior leadership and experience.
LINDENHURST BULLDOGS
Last season: 9-11
Coach: Greg Flynn
KEY PLAYERS
Morgan Brown C 5-11 Sr.; Adriana Farrugia G 5-4 Sr.; Kelly Griffin G 5-9 So.; Nat Gudel G 5-7 Sr.
ABOUT THE BULLDOGS: A strong shooting team that can knock baskets down from distance, Lindenhurst will be led by Griffin, who averaged 15 points per game last season.
RIVERHEAD BLUE WAVES
Last season: 4-16
Coach: Lawrence Mandresh
KEY PLAYERS
Ce’Ahnie Khan G 5-3 Sr.; Megan McIntosh F 5-8 Sr.; Michaela Ligon G 5-6 Fr.; Jordan Palmer F 5-11 Jr.; Kaleigh Seal G 5-4 Jr.
ABOUT THE BLUE WAVES: Riverhead has a young roster with only two seniors this season, but is looking to build a winning attitude and start working towards becoming a perennial playoff-bound team.
SACHEM NORTH FLAMING ARROWS
Last season: 13-7
Coach: James Mellor
KEY PLAYERS
Julia Cruz F 6-1 Sr.; Kennadie Hallum G/F 6-0 Jr.; Julia Turano F 5-11 So.; Anna Scally G 5-3 Fr.; Danielle Scarfogliero G/F 5-5 Jr.
ABOUT THE FLAMING ARROWS: Hallum can play all five positions and averaged 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals per game last season. The Flaming Arrows have size and speed and will be looking to push the pace.
WHITMAN WILDCATS
Last season: 14-8
Coach: Dan Trebour
KEY PLAYERS
Kate Hoffman G 5-5 So.; Dana McGowan G 5-5 Jr.; Mia Stampfel G 5-4 So.; Olivia Simpson F 5-8 Jr.; Jenna Stockfeder F 6-0 Jr.
ABOUT THE WILDCATS: With only four returning players, the Wildcats will be a young squad. Stockfeder, who averaged 9 rebounds per game last season, is a presence inside and her progression will be a key to how far Whitman can go.
