Big potential for young LWA Tigers

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Lawrence Woodmere Academy returned three impact players from a 20-win team that came up short against UNIS (United Nations International School) in the PSAA (Private Schools Athletic Association) boys’ basketball championship game last season.

The young and talented Tigers got a small measure of revenge against UNIS on Jan. 14, winning 94-70 at home as all five starters scored in double figures. Sophomore Jordan Dingle led the way with 22 points, while junior John Alimo added 20 and freshman big man Aiden Igiehon had 16 points and 14 rebounds.

“We’re young, and we have the potential to be very good,” head coach Jeff Weiss said after LWA improved to 10-0 overall. “I’m not sure how we’re going to handle the pressure of the playoffs, but everything is going really well so far,” he added.

“We’re tough and physical and doing a lot of trapping and pressing as usual. We’re playing at a fast tempo and showing we can score.”

Sophomore Kendall Ogilve, a transfer from Hewlett, had 13 points and 14 rebounds in the win over UNIS, and junior Terrin Roy, a transfer from Lawrence, chipped in 10 points.

Dingle, Alimo and Igiehon have turned up their games another notch after starting and contributing plenty last winter. “They’re still young, but they played a lot and grew physically during the offseason,” Weiss said. “To essentially have another year and a half with them is exciting.”

Weiss believes Dingle is one of the better scorers on Long Island, and he’s got the numbers to prove it. The shooting guard is averaging 22 points per game after pouring in 21 per outing last season. “He’s really talented offensively,” Weiss said. “He’s very strong driving to the basket and he can hit from the outside. Playing off the ball hasn’t hindered his ability to score.”

Dingle also rose to the occasion in LWA’s two biggest wins so far. He had 28 points in a 77-72 victory at Amityville, and a season-high 29 in a 76-72 decision over Berkeley Carroll.

Alimo was recently inserted as the point guard, and the offense has been running smooth, Weiss noted. “John’s an unselfish player and sees the court extremely well,” he said. “He rarely turns the ball over and he can score and distribute.” Alimo, who is backed up by freshman Aaron Davis, is averaging 14.3 points per game.

Up front, the Tigers feature Igiehon, a 6-foot-9 mismatch nightmare for opponents. After averaging 8 points per game as an eighth-grader, Igiehon’s production has spiked considerably with his addition of a few inches plus 20 pounds during the offseason. “He already has the attention of big-time college programs,” Weiss said. “He’s improved quite a bit and still has a ways to go.”

Igiehon is averaging 16.6 points and 15 rebounds per game. He had 27 points and 16 boards against Berkeley Carroll. Ogilve is starting to hit stride after recovering from a broken leg, while Roy is a hard-nosed defender. Freshman Tyler St. Furcy, senior Jordyn Berry and sophomore Andrew Buskey lead the group of reserves along with Davis.