By STEVE SINISKI
One year removed from winning just a single game, the Jets rebounded to finish a perfect 16-0 in 2006-07. Backed by head coach Justin Szwejkowski, who entered his first year after three seasons with the Lady Jets junior varsity team, a drop-down in ability level based on last season¹s finish and a strong 14-player roster, the program skyrocketed in an entirely new direction.
It was tough to figure out any type of expectations prior to the first game, but after East Meadow put three consecutive wins under its belt, the picture became a little clearer. ³After the first three wins I sat the guys down and told them that I don¹t see why we can¹t win every game,² Szwejkowski said. ³We just focused on one game at a time.²
There were many catalysts for the sudden success, beginning with the starting five that grew to six after an injury to forward Ryan Dragoon in the third game. Jimmy Galarza stepped in at power forward, joining center Matt Gundran, a 6-foot, 3-inch power house who could not only control the paint but also step back and drive by bigger defenders on the perimeter.
³He created a lot of match-up problems because no one could guard him,² Szwejkowski said.
Eighth-grade point guard Steve Goldstein provided the steady hand in the backcourt, where his ability to penetrate the lane and dish to open teammates became a big advantage for the Jets. On the wing, two- guard Keith Stanley and swingman Andrew Wilen enjoyed the open looks created by Goldstein¹s court vision.
³We were a great transition team,² Szwejkowski said, but was quick to point out the intelligence and savvy East Meadow displayed on the floor. ³But if we turned it over on the fast break, I felt very comfortable with the half-court [offense]. By the end of the year they knew that if we had a turnover or two we had to slow it down.²
As important as the offensive game-plan and execution was, the Jets were primarily a defensive-oriented team. When a big play was needed, Adrian DeRasario could often be found in the middle of a scramble. The sophomore was the Jets¹ defensive specialist. And a big reason for the overall stinginess grew out of the team¹s intensity in practice. ³It starts up top with people helping,² Szwejkowski said. ³We had five guys [on the floor] that know where their man and the ball are. We definitely created [scoring] opportunities because of the defense.²
Harland Abehouse and Paul Wilhelm provided quality minutes off the bench. Abehouse was the stronger re-bounder, while Wilhelm¹s height was deceiving for opponents because he was the best shooter on the team. Depending on the defensive alignment, Wilhelm could help stretch zone defenses by converting to outside shots.
Steve Mejia, Max Schonfeld, Brian Healy, Mike Skoller and Harris Danenza are all expected back after big developments over the course of the year. ³Next year there¹s going to be some pressure,² Szwejkowski said. ³But we have six guys coming back that [gained] great experience and we should be able to handle the pressure.²
