Nassau A-III girls basketball preview

Floral Park forward Lorraine Hickman and Manhasset forward Jackie Albanese anticipate a potential rebound. (Feb. 6, 2013) Credit: Steven Ryan
NASSAU A-III
1. FLORAL PARK KNIGHTS
Coach: Michael Spina
Key players
G Kaela Hilaire, 5-2
G Valerie Fox, 5-5
F Erica Bowe, 5-7
F Brittany Ingram, 5-9
C Lorraine Hickman, 6-1
Outlook: Reached Nassau "A" final led by Hickman and now adds Hilaire, a superstar sophomore who returns after a year in private school.
2. NORTH SHORE VIKINGS
Coach: Keith Freund
Key players
G Alexandra Cantwell, 5-8
G Caroline Robertson, 5-10
G Ashleigh Sheerin, 5-8
G Gabrielle Zaffiro, 5-8
F Samantha Capobianco, 5-11
Outlook: Led by Cantwell, the Vikings are a perennial contender; utilizes constant rotation of its 12 players and a persistent pressure style.
3. GLEN COVE BIG RED
Coach: Greg Mayherhoffer
Key players
G Taylah Hudson, 5-8
G Tristyn Hudson, 5-7
G Amara Phillip, 5-6
F Rianna Cedeno, 5-9
F Grace Brady, 6-3
Outlook: Hudson, a dynamic scorer, leads a young team that seeks to build off last year's trip to the playoffs.
4. ISLAND TREES BULLDOGS
Coach: Bob Kaible
Key players
G Brianna Wilson, 5-9
G Natalie Sulmonte, 5-6
G Kelly Cembrale, 5-5
F Megan Fischer, 5-9
F Cassie Paskins, 5-8
Outlook: Graduated one starter playoff team; defense and offensive versatility are strengths.
5. BETHPAGE GOLDEN EAGLESCoach: Joseph Inghilterra
Key players
G Danielle Nendza, 5-4
G Camryn Roeller, 5-5
G Julie Considine, 5-4
G Danielle Olive, 5-4
Outlook: Nendza, an all-county star, leads a speedy, guard-dominant group.
6. VALLEY STREAM NORTH SPARTANS
Coach: Geoff O'Connell
Key players
G Alanna McDougall, 5-5
G Sarah Miller, 5-7
F Danielle Evangelista, 5-9
F Lisa LoSchiavo, 5-9
C Julia LoSchiavo, 5-10
Outlook: Thrives on defense and transition; made playoffs last year.
7. LYNBROOK OWLS
Coach: Heather Manikas
Key players
G Meghan Montine, 5-1
G Gabrielle Locicero, 5-6
G/F Amanda DiGiorgio, 5-9
F Ciara Gordon, 5-10
F Kerrin Montgomery, 5-11
Outlook: Entering a rebuilding phase, but the team's strength will be its aggressive defense.
8. VALLEY STREAM SOUTH FALCONS
Coach: Daniel Drumm
Key players
G Cassidy Roberts, 5-2
G Celeste Taylor, 5-7
G Nicole Cutrone, 5-4
F Janise Hernandez, 5-7
C Uju Nwaigwe
Outlook: Coming off a one-win season, but returns several players, now more experienced.