In the team’s first playoff appearance, New Hyde Park Amoco defeated Dining NY.com, 48-33. Offensively, Zachary Frankel, Mena Yacoub and Jimmy Kozakis were standouts.Amoco's defensive strength was visible in their smothering zone defense,…
By The Times-Ledger
Minor Division
In the team’s first playoff appearance, New Hyde Park Amoco defeated Dining NY.com, 48-33. Offensively, Zachary Frankel, Mena Yacoub and Jimmy Kozakis were standouts.Amoco's defensive strength was visible in their smothering zone defense, led by John Sfiris and Ralph Glavan. In the second round, however, New Hyde Park Amoco was defeated by the first place team, Cosmo Plumbing, 44-40, bringing an exciting season to an end. Amoco’s defense was anchored by the forward combinations of Mark Williams, Alex Mason and Erhan Sencer. It was a nailbiter until the final buzzer sounded.
In an opening round playoff game, Cosmo Plumbing and Heating outlasted Verdi’s Restaurant, 58-46. Cosmo started off strong, running out to a 14-2 lead. Verdi’s refused to fold, however, and battled back to get within one point in the first half. The game remained close with Verdi’s having numerous chances to tie, but Cosmo was finally able to pull away in the fourth quarter. James Brandes scored 36 points while getting strong support from Stephan Fadis and Sina Erfani. Verdi’s Michael Berndt had 16 points and Anthony Kapovic played his most aggressive game of the season, scoring from inside and outside. Andrew Lehr’s two first half jump shots helped to crack Cosmo’s zone defense, while Jose Barcena played his usual strong inside game. Joe May, Joseph Angenbroich and James Tierney each gave Verdi’s strong efforts on both ends of the floor.
In a first round playoff game, Graham Restoration beat Cherry Valley Deli, 51-40. The first half was a closely matched game with the lead changing many times. Ray Torres, Tommy Franceschini, David Ortiz and Joey Graham led the team in scoring, while Mike Gambino, Renzo Gagliardi, Juan Perdomo and Elliot Nasser played a great pressing defense for the team. For Cherry Valley, Joe Montgomery, Danny Munoz, Patrick Williams and Nick Vigorito kept the game close until the very end.
Bantam Division
In the Bantam Division’s final regular season game, Franklin’s Printing defeated Lee’s Jewel Box, 25-21. A great defensive effort was exhibited by Brandon Torres and Chris Franceshini, while Nick Kataklides led Franklin’s Printing with 12 points. Joey Depperman contributed seven.
In the first round of the playoffs, Franklin’s Printing defeated Pizza Chef, 24-17. Michael Higgins and John Nicolau playing strong games on the defensive side of the ball for the winners. Joseph Farrell had a strong all-around game and Chris Franceshini hit two big baskets in the second half to help in the scoring. Nick Kataklides continued to be a strong offensive presence with 12 points. Joey Depperman played a strong game on both sides of the ball.
Novice Division
The DG Bulls and Raptors clawed their way to a 9-9 tie game at the end of five ferocious periods of play. Stephen Ehresman and Jeffrey Johnston came out flying and scored two each with an assist by David Legaz to put the Raptors in the lead 4-0, but Bulls came right back to tie the game at 4-4 on baskets by Tommy Medina and Mike Lavin. The Bulls rushed into the lead 6-4 on a score by Patrick Flynn, but the Raptors jumped back in front 7-6 on Colleen Brennan’s basket assisted by Stephanie Camilleri and then brother Dennis Brennan sank two free throws but referee Steve Frankel disqualified the second on a lane violation. With some great rebounding and defensive support by Mark McClean, Gina Tsoumai and Sal DiMaris, the Bulls charged back on scores by Pat Flynn and Tommy Medina to take the lead 9-7 late in the game. But with the game winding down, Louis Kabatnik put one back in to tie the game at 9-9 just a moment before the buzzer sounded to end an exciting contest.
In a Saturday afternoon shootout, the DG Lakers and Bulls dueled down to the wire with the Lakers holding on for a 28-22 win. The game started off slow, with both teams having trouble finding the basket, but in the second quarter the Lakers trio of Manny Barcena, Patrick Berndt and Kenny Lehr found their range and the Lakers took the lead. The Bulls battled back with scoring from Patrick Flynn, John Comisky, and Tommy Medina while also getting strong contributions from Mike Lavin, Sal DiMaria, Mark McClean, Gina Tsoumai, Kieran Coffey and Katherine Pougsoklis. The game remained close in the second half, but the Lakers were able to hold the lead because of outstanding defense from Joe Bell and strong rebounding from Nicole Zolla, Patrick Thompson and Emily Stepancic.
Girls Division
Joe’s Gals beat Gerry’s Angels, 31-29, in one of the most exciting games of the year. The Gals never trailed in the game, but the Angels managed to tie with 12 seconds remaining before Christine McGrory’s long shot, her 10th point of the game, clinched the victory. Sarah Marcisak was also super with 15 points. Excellent all-around performances by Lauren Bova, Lisa Rooney, Pauline Brabazon and Kimberly Gonzalez were also a big part of the victory. Katie Brent, Angelica Carmody, Christine O'Donnell, Katie Boller, Ariana Doulaveris and Anabel Camilleri all played excellent games in defeat.
In Sunday’s games, Laura’s Ladies, led by the spectacular play of Lexie Mannix with 10 points, held on to beat Jim’s Powerhouse team, 26-20. Daniella Vellucci, Tina Mavroudes and Michelle Kuzniewski were all key players for the Ladies. Kaitlin, Alyssa Diamond and Pinar Undemir all played a fine game for Jim’s team.
Jan’s Supergirls had a fine Sunday afternoon defeating Joe’s Gals, 21-16. Gillian Avery, Shannon Kern, Martina Hanovich and Kelly Simon were too much for Lauren Bautista, Angela Jurkovic, Lisa Rooney, Pauline Barbazon and Christine McGrory, despite their great effort.
