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Mostly Cloudy Strong chemistry propels Seaford
Hard work during the offseason is paying dividends for Seaford girls’ basketball this winter.
Seaford began the season at 10-2 and 4-1 in Conference A-II, which third-year head coach Stephanie Bartkus attributes largely to solid team chemistry developed prior to the 2023-24 season.
“We worked a lot together in the summer and in the fall, just so that they would be ready when they walked into the gym instead of picking up basketball for the first time in six months,” Bartkus said. “I think that made a huge difference.”
Senior guard/forward Daniella Stek has been a key part of Seaford’s hot start, producing 18 points and seven rebounds in a 54-39 non-league win at Calhoun Dec. 29. The co-captain also helped seal a 50-45 non-league win with two late free throws on Jan. 4 against MacArthur at Nassau Coliseum.
Amanda Williamson, another co-captain, has also provided a spark on both ends of the floor. The senior guard tallied 14 points and five steals in a 52-42 non-league win at Oceanside on Dec. 9.
“We are pretty good at playing zone because they’re so good at working together and their chemistry is really good,” Bartkus said. “Their defensive rebounding has gotten better throughout the season.”
Bartkus has been impressed by the play of McGowan, who missed time early in the season due to a wrist injury. She said when the team stepped up in her absence it showcased the team’s resilience.
“They really had to work to win without her,” she said. “It showed that even when one of our best shooters is out, we have others who can step up.”
Junior center Skyler Secondino, also a co-captain, has been instrumental in the Vikings’ success at both ends of the floor as well. She leads the team in rebounding and is a tough defender and vocal leader, Bartkus noted.
Seaford’s lone conference loss was a 51-44 loss to North Shore on Dec. 16 in which the Vikings led 11-5 after the first quarter before getting outscored 34-17 over the next two periods.
Bartkus said chemistry on and off the court has been a big part of developing a winning culture that should prove very valuable during the home stretch of the season leading into the playoffs next month.
“These girls love each other, and love hanging out before and after practice with one another and our coaching staff is the same,” she said. “Every single day I think all of us look forward to going to our practice and our games.”
Seaford host North Shore this Friday at 7 p.m. in a crucial rematch that could ultimately decide the conference title.
