Rams benefit from playing time

West Hempstead had no seniors last winter when it played six games, winning its last two. Longtime head coach Chris Van Kovics called it “a sprint,” but said getting everyone considerable playing time was the main benefit of the pandemic-shortened campaign.

“It was nice to give everyone the varsity experience and hopefully we’ll be one of the four best ‘B’ teams in the conference and make the playoffs,” said Van Kovics, who guided the Rams to the Class A tournament in 2019-2020. “This was the most kids we’ve had at tryouts in about 7 years,” he added. “It was good to see.”

Seniors Amanda Healy and Sanaia Estime were instrumental in helping the volleyball team make an incredible run to the county finals and are third-year performers on the hardwood. Healy is an experienced point guard who’ll defend in the paint, Van Kovics said. “Amanda makes really good decisions with the ball and can score and defend,” he said. Estime, a center, is a strong rebounder, shot-blocker and tough to stop from close range.

Senior Isabel Tavarez is the most experienced varsity player on the roster and can run the point occasionally. Tavarez had 18 points in last season’s finale and averaged better than 10 per game. “Isabel can shoot the 3, runs the fast break and attacks the basket,” Van Kovics said.

Junior forward Chance Mingo had 17 points in the next-to-last game and hit five shots from behind the arc. She’s a returning starter with quickness, size and shooting touch. Senior Catherine Andree is another perimeter shooting threat who’ll also contribute in the post.

Senior Mackenzie Cates brings height and grit to the paint. She’ll handle all the important inbounds passes, Van Kovics said. Junior Gianna Cardillo is a speedy three-sport athlete and a defensive spark, while senior Isabella Torres provides depth on the wing.