Athleticism key to Generals’ success

MacArthur returns plenty of experience despite graduating six seniors from last year’s 5-3 shortened season.

Eighth-year head coach Dave Radtke said his team, which features many three-sport athletes, is poised for a playoff drive in his fast-pace style offense and full-court pressure defense.

“We like to get teams to play fast,” Radtke said. “Teams don’t like to play us because we don’t let them set up their offense.”

Leading the charge in the Generals’ up-tempo system is senior Hailey Hnis, a reigning All-County guard who will play college soccer at Albany next fall after a stellar high school career on the pitch. Juniors Ava Anguilli and Marissa Cardon are also core returners.

Senior Ryann Murphy, a standout volleyball player, and senior Gianna Feniello, a lacrosse commit at Eastern Michigan, provide athleticism to MacArthur’s lineup on both ends of the floor. Sophomore Sara Kealey will also provide a spark after moving up from junior varsity for part of last season.

The Generals tied for the conference title in A-1 and with the league wide-open Radtke sees potential for another strong showing this season that can culminate in a postseason run. The conference features Mepham, Long Beach, Jericho, Valley Stream Central, Great Neck South, Great Neck North and Garden City. 

Radtke said the team is entering the season extra motivated after being limited to so few games with no playoffs last winter. He noted that for the first time in his many years of coaching every returning varsity player participated in summer league. 

“They are great kids and are like wind-up toys with motors that just keep going and going and going and they do everything we ask them to do,” Radtke said. “The starters lead by example and they work as hard as everyone else so there is no slacking off which really helps.”