In his third season as head coach, Daryl Johnson believes Freeport boys’ basketball is due to take a big step forward in Nassau Class AAA.
The Red Devils’ postseason hopes were dashed last season when they lost to Massapequa in the final game, but they seem likely to build on that 11-9 record with a clear goal ahead.
“We did a great job in the offseason in terms of having the guys playing AAU basketball in the spring, the summer, as well as the fall, with just our high school team,” Johnson said. “So we got a chance to jell. Their roles have been defined and they know what their expectations are.”
When Johnson, the longtime head coach at Bay Shore, looks at his budding Freeport program, he sees countless players ready to step up. Among this group, he said that guard Oniel Suero Reyes is best prepared to lead the Red Devils in a resurgent campaign.
“I think he’s going to catch a lot of people off guard and take a lot of people by storm,” Johnson said. “He had a great spring. Not only did he play AAU with us, he also played with Crown Basketball and put on a show. He’s going to be somebody that they’re going to underestimate. I would be surprised if he’s not competing for Player of the Year in our conference.”
Returning junior Keven Valdez and sophomore Jaiden Daniels will join Suero Reyes around the perimeter and give Freeport multiple threats from beyond the arc. Johnson also said that he expects senior Jahmere Johnson to serve in an outside shooting role, while junior captain Jeremy Henderson was described as a locker room leader who can provide as needed.
In the paint, junior forward Ethan Richardson and senior captain Tyrel Williams could give the Red Devils a distinct advantage due to their strength and size around the rim. Versatile senior Ryan Greene is just as effective in the paint as he is near the top of the key.
Freeport girls’ basketball will return 10 players from last year’s roster, giving the Red Devils a rare opportunity to build from one year to the next without any turnover.
Head coach Meredith Jones said that she is focused on developing a strong supporting cast around the starting five, who led Freeport to a 17-5 overall record last season.
“I tell this team, we’re going to have a good season this year,” Jones said. “We’re a good team. We’re going to have a good season. But we could have a great season.”
In March, the Red Devils’ 2024-25 campaign came to an end when they lost 70-47 to second-seeded Syosset in the Nassau Class AAA semifinals.
“Sometimes, the expression sort of gets overused. Like, oh, they wanted it more,” Jones said. “It’s not just wanting it. Everybody wants it. But what are you willing to do to get there? What sacrifices will you make? How hard are you willing to work?”
Freeport’s expected starting five relies on versatile scoring opportunities, rather than a single star.
Sophomore guard Ja’Niyah Eady will often be the youngest starter and is coming off a freshman year in which she scored 7.6 points per game.
Freeport’s senior leaders on the floor will likely be guards Madison Starks and Shaniyah Bonny. Starks led the Red Devils in rebounds last year and can flex into a small forward role as needed, while Bonny serves as an efficient shooting guard.
Juniors Madison Harris and Sabrina Ligonde are also expected to have massive roles on the floor. Jones described Harris as the “heart of the team,” a five-foot-eight forward who fights hard to establish herself in the paint. Ligonde can play at point guard and has a “calming presence” on both sides of the floor.
Many more girls could earn significant time, either as spot starters or bench contributors. Senior forward Leah Gaddist often started last year and could fill in alongside senior Chrissa Alexander and junior Brooklyn McKenzie. Seniors Sasha Graham and Kaylie Jean-Lubin have also earned their stripes over time.
Dec. 11: Plainview, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 15: @ Hicksville, 5:00 p.m.
Dec. 18: Syosset, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 7: @ Farmingdale, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 10: @ Hempstead, 11:45 a.m.
Jan. 13: Massapequa, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 16: @ Uniondale, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 23: @ Plainview, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 26: Hicksville, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 29: @ Syosset, 5:00 p.m.
Feb. 4: Farmingdale, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 7: Hempstead, 11:45 a.m.
Feb. 10: @ Massapequa, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 13: Uniondale, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 9: East Meadow, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 15: Hicksville, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 17: Westbury, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 10: @ V.S. Central, 11:45 a.m.
Jan. 13: @ Massapequa, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 16: Uniondale, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 23: Plainview, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 26: @ Baldwin, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 29: Syosset, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 31: @ Port Washington, 11:45 a.m.
Feb. 4: @ Farmingdale, 5:00 p.m.
Feb. 11: @ Herricks, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 12: Oceanside, 6:45 p.m.
