No one knew what to expect on the first day of practice for the North Shore girls’ basketball team.
Though the Vikings advanced to the Nassau County Class A semifinals last season, they lost seven seniors - four starters. Those players totaled 132 minutes per game.
“Our first practice, we all had in our minds that we lost 7 seniors,’’ star point guard Sofia Della Ratta said. “We didn’t know what we’d look like in the first practice, and it wasn’t the best. Ever since then, I feel like all our mindsets changed. I don’t think anyone has any doubts.’’
The Vikings are the Cleveland Cavaliers of Conference A2. The Sea Cliff/Glen Head power is off to an unbeaten start in conference play at 7-0 (10-4 overall.)
Della Ratta, a senior, is leading the surge at 18.2 points (ranked in Nassau’s top 10), 8 rebounds and 4 assists. But it’s hardly a one-girl show.
Head coach Keith Freund told the squad on the first day: “We have all these minutes and it’s open season to grab these minutes.
“You don’t replace people, you replace furniture,’’ Freund added. “I don’t ask any kid to be the kid from last year but the best version of themselves.’’
Freund said it’s been “surprising but not surprising,’’ noting defense as the team’s pride and joy.
“Their skills may not be where last season’s team was but their effort, energy, enthusiasm and taking pride in defense is through the roof,’’ Freund said. “They take pride in pressuring the ball.’’
The two best defenders are senior guards Ally Basile and Lizzy Aurre, who defend the opposing team’s top perimeter players. Basile is a Division I lacrosse prospect. “She’s tireless, superfast and strong for someone her size,’’ Freund said.
Though she doesn’t score much, Basile hit the biggest shot of the season in North Shore’s mammoth come-from-behind victory at Seaford on Dec. 15. The Vikings rallied from 13 points down in the fourth quarter to win 54-52. Trailing 52-51, Basile drained a 3-pointer with 16 seconds left for the game-winner.
North Shore isn’t known for its height but its other significant win was over Garden City, which boasted three players over 6-foot. Its tallest players are 5-foot-7 versatile forward Erin Lily La Rosa, averaging 12 points and 7 rebounds, and starting center Annabella Misiti. Only a freshman, Misiti drained two fourth-quarter 3’s in the Seaford comeback.
First off the bench, senior Taylor Silvia adds depth. And it all starts with the 5-6 Della Ratta, who is hitting 3-pointers from 5 feet from behind the arc.
Attending open gym in the summer, Della Ratta worked on her 3-pointer with Freund. She’s now committed to Roger Williams University in Rhode Island.
“She’s truly doing everything now – improved every aspect,” Freund said. “Rebounding, passing, blocking shots, scoring. Her shot has gotten much better with the range.’’
Della Ratta feels the Vikings can finish unbeaten in the conference. The big test will be the Seaford rematch this Saturday at home at noon.
“At practice, our team has been extremely enthusiastic all the time,’’’ Della Ratta said. “Coach Freund said at first practice if we bring effort, enthusiasm and intensity, that will hold us above most teams.’’