Basketball

The remarkable return of the rock

Tournaments signal the start of high school’s greatest season

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — It seems like only yesterday that this reporter was communicating the electricity that abounded at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHAA) boys championships in a multi-page feature entitled “Live from Glens Falls,” (See The River Reporter, March 17, 2005).

That annual ritual celebrating the best of the best in boys basketball is the culmination of something that is once again about to begin.

After just a couple of weeks of practice and a few scrimmages, area teams will hit the hardwood this week in a number of local boys and girls tournaments. Here is a brief overview of Sullivan County teams and some compelling tidbits that should impel fans to consider getting an early start on watching what is bound to be a season to remember.

Boys basketball

(Last year’s records are in parentheses)

Monticello (13-8) lost in the Class A quarterfinals to Cornwall. The Panthers also lost a ton of talent to graduation, including Devin Jackson, Luis Paredes and Sinan Tertimez. But hardwood standout Brad Cooper is back, joined by seniors Mike Washington (two guard), Eric Wolcott (guard), juniors Omar Diaz (forward), Mike Normann, Jr. (forward), Wayne Fletcher (guard), Johnny Goodin (center), Justino Paredes (point guard) and Dior Jackson (point guard)

The Panthers open their season at the Wallenpaupack tournament on December 2. Coached by High School Hall of Famer Dick O’Neill, the Panthers are always a factor in Sullivan County rock lore.

Sullivan West (17-5) lost in the Class B finals to Burke and graduated the fearsome foursome of Sean Kelly, Sean Semenetz, Joe Meyer and Joe Winski. Not to worry: back and strong in the post is Derek Hahn surrounded by a cast of guards, including Kevin Cappiello, Paul Pitz, Kevin Brewer and Ross Bernhardt. Up front are Alan Ackermann and Brett Youmans. With the terrific coaching provided by Rick Ellison, Bob Menges and Cliff Kelly, this team will still be a factor in Class B but Burke looks to be the odds on favorite to repeat as Section 9 champs. Sullivan West opens at Livingston Manor on December 1 and then will host S.S. Seward, Liberty and Fallsburg at the Billy Moran Tourney on December 9 to 10.

Tri-Valley (6-15) Coach Jason Semo’s kids have turned into men. A grueling season of AAU that began just after last year’s season finale will produce a force to reckon with in Class C. Big rival will be S.S. Seward who moved up. Tri-Valley keynoters include John Merchant, Dustin and Ryan Van Lieu, Michael Kaplan and Ian Exner. Big man Derek Smith will provide an inside presence. Tri-Valley opens its season on the road at Delhi on December 1.

Roscoe (5-15) played strong in summer league. The Blue Devils will bring experience and depth to the court this season with Dan DeVantier, Troy Kirchner, Kris Merschon, Lance Brookins and Jayson Harris. With Seward out of the mix, Roscoe’s main competition will be right up the road in Livingston Manor. Class D Roscoe opens its season with a home tournament versus Manor, Eldred and the Family School on December 6-7.

Fallsburg (2-15) has been an enigma for the past two years. The Comets never lack talent but have not jelled since their 2002 state semi-final loss to Buffalo City Honors. This year’s team features a new wave of players who show promise. Coming off a soccer season that showed their athleticism and work ethic, this group could prove to be a force. Look for Chris Gates and Dave Anthony to provide the spark.

Eldred (4-14) will look to suffuse the basketball season with the same excitement it brought to football. Winning a Section 9 title injected a shot in the arm to the Yellowjackets, and look for some of that to evince itself on the hardwood. Veterans Patrick Kean, J.T. Vogt, Mike Prunka and George Fountain will exchange their shoulder pads for basketball jerseys and look to turn Eldred around.

The Family School (13-8) The Falcons are always competitive and had a streak last year where they were blowing away their competition. Key to their scoring fluidity is leading scorer Tom Gould. He will be rejoined by Mike Pruitt, Dan Zobell and Will Gahan.

Liberty (6-14) is loaded with talent this year. After winning the summer league with a bunch of pick up players, the Indians have solidified during their preseason practices with the immensely talented Lakarri Byrd surrounded by a cast of speedy athletes, including Tyrone White, Mac Isseks, Pete Panagakos, Jason Garritt, Andre Brand and Dave Brown. Liberty faces a tough Class B schedule, but should show marked improvement over last season.

Girls basketball

Sullivan West (15-7) lost to Burke in the Class B semifinals. Gone now are point guard Heather Lander and post force Autumn Darder, but Coach Ron Berhnhardt’s team is AAU-tested and raring to go. Anchored by Kate Fanning, April Ackermann and Sarah Lander, the Lady Dawgs return veterans Jen and Jessica Pitz, profit from the return of Erin Berhnhardt and are defined by depth from Lauren Ellison and Donna Kelly. The Lady Dawgs host their season opening Billy Moran Tip Off Classic Tournament versus S.S. Seward, Liberty and Fallsburg on December 2 and 3.

Tri-Valley (13-8) lost in the Class C semifinals to Millbrook and will open their 2005-06 campaign at Monticello on December 2. Coach Karen Furman lost her entire starting team from last year, and the 2005-06 Bears feature speed but lack size. Key players include Kaylie Ackerley, Maria Jeltsch, Heather McArthur, Brittany McNamara, Cynthia Seibert, Kanacia James, Monica Lee, Gretchen Hartman and Miranda Benevides. The Bears will play Highland on December 6 and James I. O’Neill on December 9.

Eldred (11-9) lost in the Class D semifinals to Chapel Field, a team that is apt to be the Yellowjackets’ main competition now that Seward has moved up to Class C. With the loss of dominant post player Jessica Cherry, Coach Frank Kean will look to returning veterans Stephanie Berger, Ayla Kelty, Brittany Borstelman and Becky Hallock to keep the ball moving and implement aggressive defense. The Yellowjackets acquired center Kayla Bozan from Sullivan West. Eldred will host its opening tournament against Chapel Field, Livingston Manor and The Family School on December 4 and 5.

Livingston Manor (8-10) lost in the sectional quarterfinals to John A. Coleman Catholic. Manor returns a number of key players who could propel a strong Wildcat run. Included in the mix are Heather Sherwood, Jackie Trotti and Katie Portz. Manor will tip it up at the Eldred tournament on December 4 against Class D rivals Eldred, Family, and Chapel Field.

Roscoe (4-14) will not field a varsity team this season.

Monticello (8-11) will open its season at home against Tri-Valley on December 3. Then, it will host The Family School on December 6. The Panther’s leading scorer from 2004-05 was Ana Rivera. She will be back for this year and will be joined by Te’neshia and Ty’nnessa Washington.

Fallsburg (4-16) struggled last year with a team that lacked experience. In the center of the Comets’ attack will be returning veteran Erinn Gilmore. Other Comets back in the mix include Jennifer Olan and Mannie Wizwer. Fallsburg will travel to Sullivan West on December 2 and 3 to face the Lady Bulldogs, Liberty and S.S. Seward.

Liberty (2-16) will open its season at the Sullivan West tournament against the Lady Bulldogs, S.S. Seward and Fallsburg. Coach Tom Lagatutta’s squad is young and faces a tough schedule. The team features seniors Lemorne Cheng and Melinda Baez. A host of younger players include Maggie Sauchuk, Jessica Diza, Kayla Jardine, Kelly Lockwood, Angela Giacome and Aryana Walizedeh.

The Family School (1-17) will open its season at Hancock on November 30 and then will travel to Eldred to play Chapel Field, Eldred and Livingston Manor on December 2 and 3.