Thursday, October 1, 2026
MacArthur boys basketball brings back plenty of experience from a 2024-25 season that was battle-tested in a grueling league.
The Generals graduated three seniors from last year’s 6-14 season competing in a conference against some of Nassau County’s top teams. Three of the powerhouse programs MacArthur contended with in recent years during league play — Baldwin, Great Neck South and Valley Stream Central — have left for other the Class AAA division, opening the door for a possible breakthrough season in Conference AA-1.
“We have a lot of guys who’ve had experience over the last two years in one of the brutal conferences,” said sixth-year head coach Brian Mainil. “Us playing those teams over the last two years and a lot of these guys playing against that competition I think only benefits us this year.”
MacArthur returns three starters including junior forward Vinny Szucs, who Mainil said will have an increased role this year after Raj Singh transferred to Portledge School. Senior guard Danny Lopez is another veteran who gives the Generals some crucial backcourt experience.
Junior guard Ivan Adames is also expected to play a bigger part in the offense this season after making strides in his first varsity season as a sophomore. Mainil also has high hopes for senior guard Anthony Polanco setting up some transition offense with his speed and athleticism.
MacArthur also returns some veteran leaders in the paint including junior forward Tyler Centonze, who is a hard-nosed defender, according to Mainil. Senior center CJ McNulty is also back after picking up key rebounds off the bench last winter.
“He’s a beast for us,” said Mainil of McNulty.
The Generals will vie for a playoff spot in Conference AA-III against Long Beach, Calhoun, Jericho, Great Neck South, New Hyde Park and Bellmore JFK.
“It’s going to be very competitive across our league,” Mainil said. “The experience over the last couple years is building us up for a successful season and playoffs is the ultimate goal.”
MacArthur is primed for a championship run this season with 10 seniors back following back-to-back seasons that ended on the semifinal stage.
The Generals went 17-5 last season before falling to eventual state champion Baldwin in the Class AA semis. Baldwin and East Meadow, who both ended MacArthur’s season the last two years, have moved up to Class AAA, creating a different potential championship path.
“There is no more Baldwin and no more East Meadow but there’s still tough teams like South Side and Garden City,” said 12th-year head coach Dave Radtke. “But I think it’s wide open for everybody as our section lost around a few 1,000-point scorers.”
The Generals will be powered largely by senior center/power forward Meaghan Campbell, a two-time All-County and conference defensive player of the year honoree. Campbell, who averaged 14.5 points per game last season, also shines in the classroom and has committed to play women’s college basketball at Vassar next year.
Campbell is a co-captain along with versatile senior guard/forward Gabby Nicolini, who earned All-County accolades as a junior. Radtke said Nicolini can be a tough mismatch for opposing post players with her ability to shoot and drive the basket.
The offense will be quarterbacked by senior point guard Caitilin Kilian, who got her first full year of starting under belt last year. Radtke said Kilian and senior guard Ysabelle Perillo bring plenty of speed to the floor and toughness on defense.
Radtke expects big contributions in his fast-paced offense from second-year varsity players in senior twin sisters Abby Clarkson and Olivia Clarkson along with junior Gina Iannuzzi. Freshman Brianna Peduzzi is also expected to get key minutes for the Generals after shining for the Salk Middle School team.
“Our slogan is to play fast, play smart, play together,” Radtke said. “We’re going to press, we’re going to score in bunches and I think the bench is going to get a lot of time.”
Dec. 13: @ Long Beach, 11:45 a.m.
Dec. 19: @ Kennedy, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 5: Calhoun, 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 8: G.N. South, 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 14: @ New Hyde Park, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 17: Jericho, 12:00 p.m.
Jan. 23: Long Beach, 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 30: Kennedy, 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 2: @ Calhoun, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 5: @ G.N. South, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 11: New Hyde Park, 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 14: @ Jericho, 12:00 p.m.
Dec. 13: Long Beach, 11:45 a.m.
Dec. 19: Kennedy, 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 5: @ Calhoun, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 8: @ G.N. South, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 14: New Hyde Park, 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 17: @ Jericho, 11:45 a.m.
Jan. 23: @ Long Beach, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 30: @ Kennedy, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 2: Calhoun, 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 5: G.N. South, 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 11: @ New Hyde Park, 5:00 p.m.
Feb. 14: Jericho, 11:45 a.m.
