Signature win boosts Elmont

Terry Ianniello has coached high school volleyball for 40 years – the last 23 as leader of the Elmont girls program. Ianniello knows what it takes to be great. 

Ianniello ‘sElmont teams have won the last two conference titles, losing a total of one conference game along the way. 

But after losing four All-County players to graduation, including All-State superstar Gabriela Williams, the veteran coach had concerns about the 2024 Spartans being championship material.

Elmont was off to a relatively slow start – 5-5 after a straight-set loss to East Rockaway on Sept. 30. But now Ianniello is wondering if there still could be great things ahead after Elmont posted a stunning 3-2 road victory over previously unbeaten Plainedge last Saturday.

“This team can step up on the court - I wouldn’t want to play us,’’ Ianniello said. “We have too many facets, too many kids who can offensively hit the ball to different zones. 

Last season, Elmont advanced all the way to the Nassau County Class AA semifinals before losing to Mepham. 

Senior middle blockers Ariana Patterson and Osazeme Ekhator, both of whom are 5-foot-11, started on last year’s juggernaut but a lot of other returnees saw scant playing time. 

  Against Plainedge, Patterson/Ekhator were superb forming a stone wall, forcing the Red Devils to struggle to execute around the blocks. Ekhator was All-Conference last season. 

“Osa and Ariana are fearsome middles who are very hard to play around,’’ Ianniello said. “They’re probably the biggest blockers in the conference. They’re’ both lanky with very long arms. They control the net.’’

Jaeda Patrick has done exceptionally as the new libero and had a “monster game’’ against Plainedge, the coach said. 

The issue with this year’s team – despite a rare influx of talent in senior transfer Rhiana Miller – is not having enough experienced setters to make the unit a well-oiled machine.

  Elmont has nine seniors, but not all have varsity playing experience. 

“It’s not a young team because of the seniors but our (scorers) don’t get as many touches as last year,’’ Ianniello said. “Our setters are new.

“Unfortunately those were the kids who sat on the bench and watched those teams. It’s hard to be on a team where you have so many excellent players and you sit, sit, sit and when it’s their opportunity to play.’’ 

Ianniello is thrilled at the addition of outside hitter Miller, an All-County selection who starred for Valley Stream Central last season. Miller is paired with standout senior outside hitter Sahara Williams, who has held her own in the kill department. 

 “I was very surprised (about Miller) because I never had a transfer student in my coaching career,’’ Ianniello said. “She’ an excellent defensive player and very agile, smart, high-IQ volleyball player and very versatile.’’

Elmont still could be dangerous if the setters progress. Ianniello sees a lot of promise in new setter Gigi  St. Jean. “Gigi of the three (setter) has the nicest hands,’’ Ianello said. “If the ball is passed where it should be, she divies it up nicely. She does her job and is consistent.’’

 If the setting play improves, look out for the Spartans. “It’s harder to play with kids who are learning how to set,’’ Ianniello said. “They’re trying to find their chemistry.’’ 

Elmont found it in North Massapequa. “Believe,’’ Ianniello said.