The Bulldogs are hungry for some playoff success after back-to-back losses in the first round of the Class AA boys’ basketball bracket, and head coach Andy DeBernardo believes they have a roster capable of doing so.
Coming off a 14-win campaign that ended with a narrow defeat to Roslyn, Hewlett has two-time All-County selection Justin Ortiz to lead the way.
“We have potential to be better,” DeBernardo said. “We’re in a difference conference but it’s still super competitive and I can see teams beating each other.”
A combo guard with all the tools, Ortiz averaged a shade under 20 points per game last season and is fast approaching 1,000 points for his career. He can score from almost anywhere.
“He’s one of the best players in the county if not Long Island in my opinion,” DeBernardo said. “He’s unselfish and smart. He loves to score but he wants to win more than anything else.”
Sophomore Gabe Bowers is another returning starter coming off a nice varsity debut season. He’s a 6-foot-5 center with a strong defensive presence in the paint.
“He rebounds like a monster, blocks shots and does a good job staying out of foul trouble,” DeBernardo said. “We’re going to run more offensive sets through him too.”
At the point, senior Christian Champangie has a reliable handle and not only distributes well but can shoot and drive.
“He’s lightning quick and can score, but he knows our bread-and-butter will be Justin and Gabe,” DeBernardo said.
Back at Hewlett following Lawrence Woodmere Academy’s closure, senior Maxon McKenniss is a key addition and someone DeBernardo is counting on to make a major impact.
Another newcomer is junior Alan Fontana, who transferred from Oceanside and has impressed during camp.
Senior Stefano Borsellino is the “glue guy,” the coach said, and will provide rebounding, leadership and tough defense.
Senior forward Kobe Cox is strong and athletic, and junior Alan Tracktenberg, off an impressive soccer season, brings a non-stop engine. Up from JV is sophomore guard Brenden Fahy.
“I really like our depth,” DeBernardo said.
A mix of experienced varsity players and some talented newcomers will look to make Bulldogs a lot more competitive than last season when a rough-and-tumble group of conference foes got the best of them.
Hewlett managed just a non-league win over East Rockaway amongst its 20 games, but with its backcourt tandem of Mia Koloden and Kayla Owens leading the way for head coach Alex Pallatto, optimism is high. Koloden averaged 16 points per game and Owens 12.5.
“The second half of last season we were more competitive and now we’ve got our best two players returning with the conference looking more balanced,” Pallatto said. “We have a good mix of non-league games to get us prepared.”
Koloden is one of Nassau’s top 3-point shooters, draining more than 50 last winter on the way to earning All-Class honors. She’s a third-year starter and will share point guard duties with Owens.
“Mia is a proven outside shooter but she can also get to the basket and will be at the top of our press,” Pallatto said.
Owens can score from anywhere on the floor and is never afraid to take a charge on defense.
Senior center Giuliana Oliviero is Hewlett’s defensive anchor and vocal leader in the paint who’ll be counted on to call out sets and rebound.
“She’s the communicator when we’re on defense,” Pallatto said.
Senior Ella Fahy has starting experience as well after cracking the top five midway through last season. She’s a strong defender expected to contribute more points.
A trio of sophomores and a pair of ninth graders are being counted on to make an impact.
Sophomore Jenna Shvartsshtyen is a lefty shooter who led the JV in scoring and plays solid defense. Sophomore guard Angelia Batista is athletic with a good handle, and sophomore Maya Wodnitzky will boost the Bulldogs on the boards.
Freshmen Emma Kesler (forward) and Abigail Kurtz (guard) bring chemistry from working well together to lead the middle school program.
Dec. 16: @ Roosevelt, 5:00 p.m.
Dec. 19: Glen Cove, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 5: @ G.N. North, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 12: @ Roslyn, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 14: Mepham, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 17: @ Garden City, 12:45 p.m.
Jan. 23: Roslyn, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 27: Roosevelt, 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 30: @ Glen Cove, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 2: G.N. North, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 11: @ Mepham, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 13: Garden City, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 16: Roslyn, 5:00 p.m.
Dec. 19: @ Glen Cove, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 23: Roosevelt, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 5: @ G.N. North, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 10: @ Roslyn, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 14: Mepham, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 17: Garden City, 11:45 a.m.
Jan. 23: @ Roslyn, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 27: @ Roosevelt, 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 30: Glen Cove, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 2: @ G.N. North, 5:00 p.m.
Feb. 11: Mepham, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 13: @ Garden City, 6:45 p.m.
