2021-22 HERALD High School Basketball Preview
SEWANHAKA Indians equipped for deep run By JAMIE deJONG
on both sides of the ball. Denhart doesn’t have a discernable flaw in his game, as Allen stated “he pretewanhaka’s boys’ basketball ty much does everything for us.” team is coming off a success- Senior combo guard Tyler Harts will ful shortened season, as the start and utilize his 6-foot-5 frame to generate mismatches on offense team finished with a 5-3 record. With most of the projected starters and be a versatile and switchable asset on defense. being guys who have had sigSenior Christopher Cherry will nificant longevity in the program, operate as a primary scoring guard, as well as the team having some intriguing underclassmen, expecta- as his central prerogative will be tions are rightly quite high for this to initiate easy offense for the team as a shooter and as a passer. upcoming season. “Our goal every year is to win Senior J’Den Lloyd is a starting forward, as he will combine excepa championship, and I think we tional rebounding capabilities with have a lot of talent,” head coach competent ball-handling. Senior Jason Allen stated. “It’s really just Jonathan Edouard will utilize his moving the chess pieces in the size to provide a sturdy interior right direction.” presence. Sophomores Jordan Sewanhaka will rely heavily on senior Kamren Denhart, as the Tucker and Dylan McLennon will All-County guard will look to lead provide key minutes off the bench. For the Indians, this season the team and insert his dominance will be determined by how well they utilize the immense talent they possess. “I have a really good team and I don’t even know what the ceiling is for us yet,” Allen explained. “I think we’ll be one of the better teams in the county. I think we’ll compete for a championship in our league, and I think that we’ll be a very good team in the playoffs.”
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Charnelle Miller
34 — December 30, 2021
INDIANS WORK TOWARD PLAYOFF GOAL The Sewanhaka girls are looking to build upon progress made in last season’s muddled campaign, where the team went 3-5. However, with the returning talent and the laudable work ethic the team has demonstrated to this point, head coach Alex Soupios is confident in his group. “These girls are doing the right things to peak at the right time,” Soupios said. “They’re staying after to get shots up and as a coach you
can’t ask for anything more than that.” Senior Charnelle Miller is going to be the ultimate Swiss army knife for the Indians, as she will start and play both guard and forward. Her immense versatility and skill set will be a major catalyst in determining the team’s fate. “She is going to be our everything this year,” Soupios noted. Senior Laura MarciaBodden will start at point for the team, as her unselfish play style lends itself to the point. Junior Jayda Brown will be the primary rim protector and rebounder, and has the potential to be a dominant force on the inside. “The girls know that if Jayda becomes dangerous inside then it’ll help the guards and it’ll open everything up,” Soupios said. Junior Kayla Grant will be the starting small forward, and by all accounts has improved tremendously since last year. Freshman Thalia Fowler will contribute despite her age. The rest of the rotation will consist of junior Kernyse BenitoJones, senior Chastidy Adams, sophomore Susie Aquino, sophomores Ralanadae Kayo, Mariah Wolfe, Jadin Rolling, and freshman Janiya Grant. Soupios believes the early progressions the team has made could be indicative of a special season. “They’re starting to get really comfortable together,” Soupios said. “They’re starting to slide into positions and getting to know their roles right now. I love these kids; they really do love basketball.” He concluded: “The goal is always to make the playoffs. Whether it’s as one of the top seeds or sliding in at either the third or fourth spot because we know that once you’re in anything can happen.”
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW
Kamren Denhart
Schedule BOYS
December MATT GUILFOYLE 14 17
Roslyn @ Garden City
5:00 p.m. 6:45 p.m.
January 5 8 11 14 19 22
@ Carey Elmont Calhoun @ Glen Cove @ Roslyn Garden City
4:30 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m.
February 2 5 8 11
Carey @ Elmont @ Calhoun Glen Cove
4:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
GIRLS December 14 17
@ Roslyn Garden City
5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
January 5 8 11 14 19 22
Carey @ Elmont @ Calhoun Glen Cove Roslyn @ Garden City
4:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m.
February 1 5 8 11
@ Carey Elmont Calhoun @ Glen Cove
4:30 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Photos by Brian Ballweg HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
