Thursday, October 1, 2026
Seaford boys’ basketball returns plenty of experience looking to build off of last year’s breakthrough season in which the Vikings found their rhythm in February.
The Vikings feature 10 seniors and many key pieces from last year’s team that finished 6-6 in Conference A-VII and reached the Nassau Class A quarterfinals with a 70-62 first-round playoff win against North Shore.
“We have a lot of depth and it will just take time to mold everyone together,” said second-year head coach Jay Lynch. “I think come the second half of the season we will peak like we did last year and hopefully have success in the playoffs.”
Lynch brings back plenty of athleticism including senior forward Brian Falk, who made strides on the court last year and also shined on the football field in the fall as a running back leading the Vikings to the Nassau Conference IV title.
Seaford will also be bolstered inside by senior starting center Brian Hennessy, who is a force with rebounding and on defense.
“The two Brians are going to be the cornerstone,” Lynch said. “They are tremendous athletes.”
The backcourt is led by senior point guard Mike Spinella, a reigning All-Conference player who also led the football county title push with Falk as starting quarterback. The Vikings also return senior sharpshooters Tate Gatto and Dylan Alt.
Lynch said JJ Dipietro, a 6-7 center, will also deliver valuable minutes in the paint. Sophomore Luke Tudda and freshman Cody Gatto are expected to contribute off the bench in the backcourt.
“They’re really good kids who are really mature and understand their roles so you couldn’t ask for a better situation,” Lynch said. “I’ve got some tremendous athletes and some of the younger kids are pure basketball players so I have a great mix.”
Seaford competes in Conference A-II with Lawrence, North Shore, Island Trees, Malverne, Locust Valley and Friends Academy.
Seaford’s girls are looking to take the next step toward a championship this winter.
The Vikings reached the Class A semifinals last season, a year removed from a narrow quarterfinal loss to North Shore. Seaford lost a large senior class from last year’s 15-7 squad that went 11-1 in Conference A2, but fifth-year head coach Stephanie Bartkus still returns a strong core primed for another deep postseason run.
“We think that even though we’re young, we’re solid and we’re athletic and have got great returners coming back,” Bartkus said. “We’re hoping to be conference champs and make it to the county finals this season.”
Junior guard Emily McGowan is the Vikings’ lone returning starter and a fourth-year varsity player. Bartkus said McGowan, a captain, worked hard in the offseason to expand her game beyond shooting and improve defensively after earning conference player of the year honors as a sophomore.
“When you’re playing teams who know someone’s really good it’s a concern that they’re just going to try to face guard her,” Bartkus said. “But I think she will work through it.”
Bartkus also returns junior Jozie Collichio and sophomore Bridget Grosser, who both earned significant minutes off the bench last season. Grosser served as the backup point guard as a freshman and is ready to take on a larger role.
Freshman center Samantha Richardson is poised to make strides after appearing on varsity as an eighth grader.
Seaford also brings athleticism inside from senior power forward Kaylie Conklin and sophomore center Rylie Betz.
Dec. 12: @ Island Trees, 5:00 p.m.
Dec. 20: @ Friends Academy, 11:45 a.m.
Jan. 6: Malverne, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 9: Lawrence, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 12: @ Locust Valley, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 15: North Shore, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 24: Island Trees, 11:45 a.m.
Jan. 31: Friends Academy, 11:45 a.m.
Feb. 3: @ Malverne, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 6: @ Lawrence, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 9: Locust Valley, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 12: @ North Shore, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 12: Island Trees, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 20: Friends Academy, 11:45 a.m.
Jan. 6: @ Malverne, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 8: @ Lawrence, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 12: Locust Valley, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 15: @ North Shore, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 24: @ Island Trees, 10:00 a.m.
Jan. 31: @ Friends Academy, 11:45 a.m.
Feb. 3: Malverne, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 5: Lawrence, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 9: @ Locust Valley, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 12: North Shore, 6:45 p.m.
