Sailors aim to continue momentum

While it’s hard to ignore the fact that Brianna Amenta has arrived – and in no small measure – fifth-year head coach Jared Stoler is quick to stress that the Sailors won’t be a one-person band.

The latest prodigy to ply her trade in Oceanside’s backcourt, Amenta – now a third year-starting point guard – paced the Sailors (4-2 overall, 3-2 AA1) last winter with 9.3 ppg as a freshman. She returns – with scoring support from the likes of fellow All-Conference honoree Natalie Medugno (senior) and others – to lead Oceanside back into AA1 on the hunt for the club’s first postseason appearance under Stoler.

“We’re definitely expecting big things from Brianna,” said Stoler, whose team clashes with the likes of Syosset, Massapequa and Freeport in conference play. “Especially having all that experience. We’re fortunate, too, that we have a lot of girls who can shoot. We became more aggressive last season, and now we’re trying to roll that momentum into this year.”

The multitalented, 5-9 Medugno returns at power forward, with senior Julia Lane becoming her starting frontcourt mate. “Natalie’s freakishly athletic,” Stoler said of the Cornell University soccer scholarship awardee. “She has a great shot, can get steals almost by accident. Julia’s excellent defensively, someone we expect a lot from.”

Senior Samantha Reyer moves from sixth man to start at the two spot, while sophomore Samantha Farsky is a precocious backup for either guard who will see her share of minutes. “Samantha Reyer has a great shot to help us offensively,” Stoler said. “Sammie Farsky’s someone we expect to be a big contributor. Her and Brianna, the ball will be in their hands a lot.”

On paper it would seem that the pieces are in place to prompt discussion of a Sailors postseason. “I’m certainly optimistic,” Stoler said. “I don’t see why we can’t be competitive with everyone.”