By STEVE SINISKI
(13-5 overall, 7-5 in Conference II) already knew ‹ they were going to the playoffs. Though the exact seeding was unofficial as of press time, it appeared as if Oceanside would get an opportunity to host an opening-round game against Port Washington on Thursday.
Last Thursday¹s win only enhanced those chances. ³We needed to win to get a higher seed,² Oceanside coach Harvey Pyser said.
Driven by the leadership of point guard Caitlyn Collins and Lindsey Pepino, who paved the way yet again by combining for 24 of the team¹s 45 points against the Lady Bruins, the Lady Sailors have made a quick ascent through the Conference II ranks.
³The seniors verbalize more and keep everyone into the game,² Pyser said. ³That¹s where their leadership takes over.²
The team¹s calling card has been a well-rounded defense predicated on effort and controlling the tempo of the game. It shined brightest down the stretch, as Oceanside limited six of its final seven opponents to 43 points or fewer. Not surprisingly, the team racked up a sparkling 5-2 mark over those seven games.
³We¹re not letting [opponents] do their usual scoring,² Pyser said. ³They aren¹t scoring a ton, and against the better teams we¹re keeping it close.²
In the win over Baldwin, the offense came through with some early points to open up a 25-14 edge at halftime. ³For a change we shot the ball well and opened up the middle,² Pyser said. ³We try to get points off the perimeter and offensive sets.²
Collins scored a game-high 13 points, while Pepino added 11, including five from the free-throw line. Despite a roster that featured just five returning players and a number of fresh faces, it didn¹t take long for the unit to mesh. And even the lack of size in the paint hasn¹t hindered its development over the course of the season. The Lady Sailors have come to practice every day eager to take on the next challenge, and proved that hard work and preparation pay off in. ³We¹re [small] but we play hard, and we¹ll do what it takes to win,² Pyser said. ³The kids have been extremely coachable.²
Over the last several seasons, the playoffs have been out of Oceanside¹s reach. But now the Lady Sailors have a firm hold on a postseason berth. ³To me it¹s been a terrific season, and very exciting,² said Pyser. ³When you don¹t expect something and get it, that makes it so much sweeter.²
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