VSS basketball season gets rolling

Returning from the holiday break with no news if high-risk sports such as basketball would get the green light to compete across New York State had Valley Stream South boys’ head coach Michael O’Brien’s hopes a season of any kind could happen fading.

However, good news was delivered by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Jan. 22, clearing the way for the high-risk sports to resume as long as local health officials approved. In Nassau, it was determined the basketball season would be eight games played over a three-week stretch with no playoffs.

“The kids were so pumped,” O’Brien said. “We’re definitely a work in progress. The preseason workouts we used to use for conditioning and to develop chemistry took a back seat because we only had six practices before the first game.

“We practically have a brand-new team compared to last year,” he added. “We’re not only treating every game like it’s the playoffs, but like it could be the last one because it’s hard to predict how smooth everything is going to go.”

The Falcons dropped the opener at Lynbrook on Feb. 10, 52-40. Their main rotation features three seniors, a pair of juniors and a sophomore.

Senior James Jones is a versatile forward who came on strong towards the end of last season and is looking to make the most of the next two weeks, O’Brien said. Senior Jordan Wilson played significant minutes at point guard last winter and is a tremendous shooter, while senior Ivory Greenfield is a high energy athlete who runs the floor well and contributes at both ends.

Up from JV, junior guards Brady Manning and Will Campbell are projected starters who’ll look to gain valuable varsity experience to take into next season. Sophomore forward Nick Parisi is 6-foot-4 and has plenty of upside.

Remaining opponents include Division, Roosevelt (twice), Plainedge, Bethpage, Floral Park and Mineola.

Valley Stream South’s girls’ program was unable to field a JV but is trying to find a groove with 14 on varsity, said head coach Deirdre Gordon, in her second stint at the helm.

“I’m just hoping the girls can have a little bit of fun,” Gordon said. “We’re just focused on the fundamentals.”

Senior point guard Ciara Gabaldon is the heart and soul of the Falcons, the coach noted, and has a well-rounded game. She’s a returning starter who drives to the basket, is an accurate passer and rebounds well for a guard. Senior center Ceana Adams is 5-10 who can be powerful in the low post. “She’s someone we want to get the ball to,” Gordon said.

Junior Liz Traill can play guard or forward and has a high basketball IQ and sound fundamentals. Others expected to contribute include junior Sierra Harris and sophomores Christina Barkolas and LaMya Mays.