Girls Basketball: Plainview JFK 2011 Preview

All the girls basketball team wants for Christmas is a win. And the Hawks will take a couple after the new year as well.

That's all one can hope for after the Hawks suffered through an 0-18 season a year ago. This year, they move to Conference AA-II, led by a new coach. Jay Ascher takes over after spending time as an assistant with the JV team.  There's nowhere to go but up, and Ascher says he's put a plan in place to get Plainview on the road back to respectability, one game at a time.

"I simplified the offense for them so that they don't get too confused on the court," Ascher said.  "[I'm going to] see what they've got out there."

Ascher also says he's worked on conditioning with his squad, hoping they'll be able to run with anyone on the schedule, including new conference foe Baldwin, the defending county champs.  A tough task to be sure, but Ascher feels he has the roster to compete.

Last Season: 0-18

Coach: Jay Ascher (first year).

Top Players:

• Alice Cohen, forward
• Samantha Pantowich, forward
• Danielle Soberman, center
• Allison Giosa, guard
• Allison Bradley, guard

Position Breakdown: Ascher plans an up-tempo offense, and wants to attack from the outside. It starts with the backcourt, with Allison Bradley at the point, and Allison Giosa at the two. Giosa is a good shot, quick off the dribble, and can score from inside or out. Bradley is a team captain, and Ascher is looking at her to lead, for starters.

"She's our leader on the floor, she'll look to dish the ball and drop a couple points when she can," Ascher said.

Up front, Samantha Pantowich, fresh off the JV, starts at power forward. She's active on defense, and grabs rebounds. Alice Cohen is another captain and starting forward, with a good touch around the rim. Third captain and center Danielle Soberman brings rebounding and a nice short shot as well.

Off the bench, look for Sydney Schreiber to see time at guard. She's a change of pace player, fast off the dribble, and Christina Legotti will see minutes up front.

Defensively, Ascher plans to use a zone most of the time, but will switch to man-to man on occasion.

Expectations: Ascher is still evaluating what he has, so he's hesitant to use the term "rebuilding year."  Coming off a winless season, and with some tough competition, it's hard to envision this being anything but, but Ascher says the Hawks are ready to register a few wins, and go from there.

"They're excited this year, it's a totally new experience for them," Ascher said.  "Different system, different plays, from what I can tell they're absolutely excited and ready to get out there and win a couple games this year."

Key Games:

• Dec. 21: Plainview JFK @ Hicksville, 7 p.m.
• Jan. 4: MacArthur @ Plainview JFK, 5 p.m. 
• Jan. 28: Hicksville @ Plainview JFK, 4:30 p.m.
• Feb. 1: Plainview JFK @ MacArthur, 6:15 p.m.
• Feb. 8: Baldwin @ Plainview JFK, 4:30 p.m.

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