Multi-sport athletes lead Marines

Long Beach girls’ basketball head coach Kristin Ciccone can’t help but think how far last season’s team could’ve gone had Nassau County conducted playoffs. “It would’ve been exciting,” she said.

The offseason wasn’t so normal, either. Not because of Covid, but kids’ commitments to other sports limited the usual number of workouts. “All of the girls play other sports and it’s great to have this level of athleticism on the team,” Ciccone said. “I’m excited to watch them grow and use their other sports instincts on the basketball court.”

Although the Marines are sure to miss the presence of junior Keira Bauer, a lacrosse standout who suffered a knee injury last spring, Ciccone will count on a mix of athletes from all four grades to get the job done.

“We’ll be competitive and it’s hard to say who’s the favorite to win the conference,” Ciccone said. “Talking with other coaches, it really seems up for grabs and nobody’s going undefeated.”

Seniors Alex Hastings, Lily Fenech and Noelle Main will set the tone. Hastings is usually in the spotlight in the spring as the pitcher for the softball team. She’s a point guard with experience, quickness and scoring ability. “Her shot has really started to click,” Ciccone said.

Fenech is a hard-working forward who’s always traveling at full speed and doing all the little things not found in a boxscore. “Her energy is contagious,” Ciccone said.

Main assumes a larger role and is a candidate to crack the starting five. Her younger sister, sophomore Ava Main, is a tenacious defender and can attack the basket. Juniors Megan Brolley-Monahan and Gabby Gelish also run the point. Brolley-Mohanah is a lefty 3-point shooter and likely starter. Freshman Franky Decicco has a wide range of skills.

At center, junior Haley Brandt is strong on the boards and leads the Marines in the paint.