The Massapequa Girls’ Basketball team has a strong tradition
of winning. There is a trophy case full of awards, banners from past championships along the gymnasium wall and a legacy that spans several years. That is why coach Shari Roessler’s goal for her team is clear: to win the conference championship.
“We've lost in early rounds of the playoffs in many years,” she
says. “We lost in the second round to be exact. That was pretty early for us.” The last time Massapequa won a conference crown was in 2007. The last County championship was in 2006.
Massapequa (7-1) opened the season with a 47-40 loss to Sacred Heart in the St. Dominic’s Holiday Classic, but quickly bounced back with three-straight wins in the KSA Holiday Classic in Orlando. They followed their Holiday Tournament victory with a 47-31 win over Uniondale, who they lost
to in the second round of the Nassau Conference AA-I playoffs. “[Uniondale] is one of the solid team’s in the conference,” Roessler said. “It’s always a good game between us.” So far, the Chiefs are riding a seven-game win streak following wins over Oceanside (47-30),Kellenberg (51-48) and Freeport (64-54).
Roessler is quick to point out there are no stars on her team this year, just a group of girls who play well together and have a sense of focus as a team. She alternates three guards in the starting lineup depending on the competitor and says this rotation suits the team well.
“We really don’t have any superstars on the team,” she said. “Everyone has their different strengths. Some are better shooters, some are better ball handlers. I prefer to say we are pretty balanced.”
Last Season: 16-3 overall. Lost to Uniondale in the second round of the
Nassau Conference AA-I playoffs.
Coach: Shari Roessler (17th year).
Key Players:
- Danielle Doherty, junior, guard
- Morgan Roessler, junior guard
- Lauren Van Buren, junior, forward
- Joanne Josephson, senior, forward
- Nicole Scicutella, senior, guard
- Melissa Maini, senior, forward
- Taylor Bryne, junior, forward
Expectations: With a team loaded with juniors and seniors, Massapequa has the experience needed to dominate the conference. Roessler wants the Chiefs to get back to the winning tradition with no early exits in the playoffs this year. In fact, that is one of the season’s goal. “We would like to win our conference,” Roessler said. “And challenge for a conference championship.”
Key Games:
- Jan. 6: Farmingdale @Massapequa, 4:00 p.m.
- Jan. 27: Massapequa @Uniondale, 7:00 p.m.
- Jan. 31: Freeport @ Massapequa, 7:00 p.m.
- Feb. 3: Massapequa @ Farmingdale, 4:00 p.m.
