Suffolk VIII girls basketball preview

SUFFOLK VIII

1. PIERSON/BRIDGEHAMPTON WHALERS

Coach: Kevin Barron

Key players

G May Evjen 5-6

G Kasey Gilbride 5-5

G Eilis Sheil 5-8

C Erica Selyukova 5-10

F Bridget Canavan 5-8

Outlook: With their skill and athleticism, the Whalers expect to take the program to the next level behind a more aggressive defense.

2. SOUTHOLD/GREENPORT FIRST SETTLERS

Coach: Joe Read

Key players

G Cari Gerhing 5-8

G Justina Babcock 5-3

F Abby Schardan 5-9

F Cyndi VanBaurgondien 5-10

G Shannon Smith 5-5

Outlook: Will run an uptempo offense behind Gerhing, a great ball handler in transition, and Babcock, a strong shooter and passer.

3. STONY BROOK BEARS

Coach: Steven Harney

Key players

G Ali Rothaar 5-6

F Sydney Braat 5-10

G Annie Skorobohaty 5-7

F Rebecca Hollis 5-8

G Tavia Jeffries 5-3

Outlook: The defending Class C champs will continue to emphasize defense. Hannah Abrahamsen adds versatility off the bench.

4. MERCY MONARCHS

Coach: Brian Babst

Key players

G Mary Reiter 5-6

F Fiona Nunez 5-9

G Mia Behrens 5-5

F Danya Young 5-7

G Megan Kuehhas 5-4

Outlook: Winless last season, but with young talent, now hoping to compete for a playoff spot. Reiter is an all-around talent and Nunez can put the ball in the basket.

5. PORT JEFFERSON ROYALS

Coach: Ed Duddy

Key players

G/F Courtney Lewis 5-9

F Corrine Scannell 5-8

G Olivia Racanelli 5-3

F Caroline Biondo 5-10

G/F Theresa Gomes 5-6

Outlook: The nucleus is comprised of nine freshman, none better than Lewis, who can knock it down from deep or put the ball on the floor and drive the lane.

6. ROSS COSMOS

Coach: Don Williams

Key players

G Asako Saito 5-2

PG Kendall Scala 5-7

G Gloria Feuer 5-8

C Lisa Marinokha 6-2

F Yvonne Zhang 5-10

Outlook: A speedy team led by Saito, a shooter with tremendous range. Sophomore center Marinokha brings size and raw talent.