Nassau boys volleyball: Port Washington ready to win
The returning members of the 2009 Port Jefferson volleyball team that lost in the Class A final to Plainview JFK hopes to win the school's first county title since 1999. (File photo, 2009) Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
Adam Epstein was hobbled by an ankle injury suffered in Game 3 of a grueling marathon disguised as a volleyball game, but had no intention of sitting out. If Port Washington was going down in the Class A finals for the second year running, Epstein, the team tri-captain and middle hitter, would have the same view he'd had all season: front and center.
Port Washington lost the five-game match against Plainview JFK, and Epstein, said coach Maria Giamanco, well, "he left everything on the court."
You'll have to excuse the Pirates if they're a little hungry.
CLASS A
In fact, Port Washington returns famished. The Vikings haven't won a title since 1999 and have the best talent in the county in Epstein and fellow captains Daniel Bernstein (outside hitter) and Sung Kim (setter). It's a well-managed and mature attack that will make a legitimate run.
The biggest threats remain Plainview JFK, Massapequa and Long Beach.
Plainview JFK returns with middle blocker Steven Coniglio, who, at 6-4, is its most intimidating presence. The team has five starting seniors, along with junior Greg Rankel, who brings a strong serve to a defense-minded crew that is three deep in libero. Challenging them is Massapequa, with four starters over 6-3.
Long Beach was dealt a devastating blow last year with the injury of outside hitter Nick Smith. The senior is a game-changer and returns to a team that has an improved backcourt defense and serve receive. He's supported by All-Conference setter Jon Yunger (614 assists, 148 digs and 20 aces). East Meadow brings back three All-Conference players, and Herricks hopes to continue its run of making the playoffs 21 of the last 22 seasons. Calhoun will look to improve tactically and ride a strong middle attack and All-Conference outside hitter Alex Morra. Uniondale comes back strong with outside hitter Jason Mascoe.
CLASS B
Bellmore JFK returns nine players from its championship team. Jericho will likely be the main competition. The team finished second in the conference and returns nine players and three All-Conference, including outside hitter Jason Wang.
Floral Park will also be strong, thanks to All-County opposite-side hitter Shaan Afridi and a sizable, well-balanced attack. Garden City has a strong defense, and Valley Stream North may surprise; they have 13 seniors and could be trouble for more established teams.
CHSAA
St. Anthony's won it all against St. John the Baptist and is off to a strong start this year, winning the Uniondale Invitational. St. Anthony's is young, but returns two key starters in setter Lee Vasilakos and hitter Scott Van Duyne. Look for St. John the Baptist, coming off its best year in school history, and Chaminade to challenge.
Chaminade has two strong setters and an overpowering back-row attack, and Baptist returns setter Nick Licari. St. Francis Prep also comes back better after a difficult season.
