Thursday, October 1, 2026
Elmont boys’ basketball is in the midst of a unique season, with a group of inexperienced upperclassmen trying to make up for lost time. After weathering a challenging non-league schedule, head coach Ryan Straub has been happy with recent results against conference rivals.
“What we can rely on as well is that a lot of these guys have been in our program,” Straub said. “They know the foundation. They know the roots. They've practiced against state championship-level players before, so they’re battle-tested. While inexperienced, they've had the practice experience of being part of the program and knowing what we're trying to do.”
Despite starting 0-4 against the likes of Chaminade and South Side, the Spartans have clawed their way back to a 4-7 record and are 3-2 in Nassau AA-5. They have notched victories over Sewanhaka, Bethpage and Division, and on Jan. 8, they took Manhasset, 10-1 overall, to the limit in a 48-45 defeat.
“Traditionally, we've been very good at winning those close games that are within a couple points,” Straub said. “There's three to five points, and we try to win those games, obviously, more than not. But we haven't recently, so there are a lot of opportunities for our kids to learn and reflect.”
Much of Elmont’s improvement has come as a result of different players finding ways to contribute. Senior guard Aiden Barnes, the Spartans’ only returning starter, has been crucial in an expanded role, scoring 10.7 points per game and often guarding the opponent’s best players.
Junior guard Aaron Kelly, a quieter presence at times in December, has been heating up from beyond the perimeter and delivered a season-high 15 points against Manhasset. He also scored 12 points in the Spartans’ victory over Division on Jan. 8.
“I'm thinking he learned a lot from those tougher non-league games,” Straub said. “Hopefully, he's starting to hit his stride. He’s another good defender, gets into the paint and creates for others. He can shoot and he's been solid for us.”
Kelly’s improvement against Division coincided with a massive effort from senior forward Tarique McDonald, who scored a season-high 15 points in the 64-47 win. A greater presence in the paint could make the difference for Elmont moving forward.
Barnes and Kelly have both contributed to a high-pressure defensive style that has forced opponents into early errors, but no Spartan has been more effective in this system than Kayden Cyrus. The senior point guard has been a nightmare in Elmont’s fast-paced defensive scheme, hustling for possessions and pouncing on quick steals.
Cyrus’ pesky style has raised the bar for teammates like senior Jayden Johnson, an effective scorer making steady improvements on defense. With performances like his 26-point gem in a win over Amityville in the Baldwin Tournament on Dec. 29, he has earned his coach’s patience on the other side of the floor.
Straub noted the Spartans, though inexperienced at the varsity level, still have a massive legacy to protect. In March 2024, Elmont won the Class AA state championship, its second state title since 2016, marking the school as a fast-growing powerhouse. Caught in a profoundly exciting era, Straub sees a chance for this group of improving seniors to keep the party going.
