2021-22 HERALD High School Basketball Preview
HEWLETT Bulldogs can deliver some bite By TONY BELLISSIMO
least the middle of January.” Cutting down on turnovers is high on the list of goals, he noted, and senior point guards Mark Winkler ewlett has become perenand Ian Panzarella will have a big nial contenders in Nassau boys’ basketball and will be say in that regard. Depending on challenged by a competitive group situations, both will be on the floor at the same time. of conference rivals that include a Junior shooting guard Ryan half-dozen of playoff regulars. Weiss averaged 28 points per “We’re in a really strong game last winter after pouring in conference and it’s going to be interesting with not a lot to gauge 18 ppg as a freshman. He’s a fouryear starter who makes everyone from last season,” head coach around him better, Dubin said. Bill Dubin said. “We only played “Ryan could be the best shooter four games after no preseason or I’ve every coached,” he said. “He intramurals. Our offseason was no different than usual so that’s a can rip it from outside and is also aggressive to the basket.” positive. I’m seeing a lot of hard The frontcourt group features work, unselfishness and enthusireturning senior starters Evan asm.” Greenberg at center and Nicky Dubin said he likes the Bulldogs’ balance, although he doesn’t Morgan at small forward. Greenberg is one of the top athletes in see them peaking until “at the school, Dubin said, and runs the floor well in addition to his efforts in the paint. Morgan is an accurate shooter who plays with grit and defends well. Junior Jace Apter, up from JV, is strong in the half-court setting screens and is one of the team’s top rebounders.
H
Molly Williams
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offs in the 2019-2020 campaign and won 12 games, including a first-round postseason victory over Garden City, then followed up by sweeping last winter’s Covid-shortened, five-game slate. “We got the most out of last season as we could,” head coach Anthony Scro said. “It was awesome we were able to play. We were hoping to go far in the playoffs, especially for the four seniors, but there were no playoffs.” Loaded with youth aside from senior forward Molly Williams, the Bulldogs face an impressive list of conference foes that includes South Side, Manhasset, Division and Kennedy. “We had really good wins over Manhasset and Division last season, but we know how tough things are going to be,” Scro said. “We have a lot of work to do but we’re excited for the challenge.” Both Williams and junior point guard Riley Weiss are fifth-year varsity players. Williams is a threesport athlete who brings leadership and confidence to the court, Scro said. “Molly is one of the toughest kids I’ve ever coached,” he said. “She can hit shots from anywhere, passes well and rebounds.” Weiss was the county’s leading scorer as a sophomore, putting up an eye-popping 40 points per game after averaging 28 ppg as a freshman. “Riley is an all-around great player with amazing court vision and game awareness,” Scro “It’s going to be difficult said. “Every aspect of her game to double any of our guys,” said Dubin, who expects senior Michael just gets better and better. Her defense isn’t talked about enough Paris, junior Matteo Preziosi and because of her scoring ability.” sophomore Luke Rochler to make Quality minutes from last significant contributions. season should bode well for junior Emily Ertos, a guard/forward BULLDOGS AIM TO combo who has good range and CONTINUE MOMENTUM Momentum has been building can get to the basket. Juniors Jordyn Ziarno and Talya Uziel also for Hewlett girls’ basketball. It bring varsity experience. reached the Nassau Class A playHIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW
Up from JV, sophomore twins Catie and Margie Iannico bring height and quickness to the frontcourt, and sophomore Isabella Betencour will be in the mix at guard. Evan Greenberg
Schedule
MATT GUILFOYLE BOYS
December
13 17 21
Kennedy @ Manhasset V.S. North
7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
January 5 8 11 19 22 28
@ Roosevelt South Side @ Division @ Kennedy Manhasset @ V.S. North
5:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
February 2 5 8
Roosevelt @ South Side Division
5:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
GIRLS December 13 17 21
@ Kennedy Manhasset @ V.S. North
7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
January 5 8 11 19 22 28
Roosevelt @ South Side Division Kennedy @ Manhasset V.S. North
5:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
February 2 5 8
@ Roosevelt South Side @ Division
5:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Photos by Jeff Wilson
December 30, 2021 — 15
