LWA Tigers gaining traction

A season after finishing 26-3 and capturing the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) Class C boys’ basketball championship, Lawrence Woodmere Academy is just starting to find its groove with a fully healthy lineup.

The Tigers, who were without star center Aidan Igiehon for most of December due to an ankle injury, stand at 9-4 while navigating one of the toughest schedules they’ve had in a long time according to head coach Jeff Weiss.

“We’re jelling more and more with every game,” Weiss said. “I think we’re going to be really strong at the end of the season. We just want to continue to build on the cohesiveness and fine tune everything.”

Igiehon was the Private School Athletic Association (PSAA) MVP and Class C tournament MVP last season as a sophomore when the 6-foot-10 big man averaged 21.5 points and 15 rebounds per game. He’s the most heavily recruited athlete in the program’s storied history, Weiss noted, and may have his pick of Division I schools when decision time comes.

“He’s already an incredible player and his upside is through the roof,” Weiss said of Igiehon, a native of Ireland in his fourth season at LWA who had 26 points in an 85-78 victory over St. Raymond’s on Jan. 15. “He’ll make his five official college visits in the fall and take it from there,” he added. “He’s a tough, smart and unselfish player. He’s getting doubled any time he touches the ball, but it’s so hard to stop him.”

Igiehon, who’s averaging 18 points per game, dished out 17 assists in a 63-42 victory over University Prep on Jan. 21. Junior guard Tyler St. Furcy (18.4 ppg) poured in 25 points to lead all scorers.

St. Furcy is a third-year starter and another D-I player in Weiss’ mind. He’s a 6-4 guard who’s dynamic in transition with the ability to also score from the outside. “Tyler grew a bit during the offseason and has really stepped up his game,” Weiss said. “He’s really athletic and active on the offensive boards. He loves to slash to the basket and dunk the ball.”

Senior Kendell Ogilvie can play either guard spot and always gets the toughest defensive assignment in the backcourt, Weiss said. Ogilvie averages 10 points per game. “He’s very strong and athletic,” Weiss explained. “He’s our best defender. He sees the court well and anticipates.”

Making the most of an increased role has been senior guard Andrew Buskey, who drained 6 of 7 shots from behind the arc against St. Raymond’s as part of a 20-point performance. He’s averaging more than 15 per game. “We always knew he was a quality shooter,” Weiss said.

Junior Malik Speckman is a 6-6 forward who does a lot of things well, especially rebounding, and a fixture in the starting lineup. Senior Kasaun Thomas, sophomore Larry Rhabb and junior Andrew Richards are also making key contributions.

The Tigers are home three consecutive Saturdays, beginning this week with a 3 p.m. tipoff against Saunders.