Thursday, October 1, 2026
Carey boys basketball enters the new season with a clear identity, a deeper roster, and the confidence that comes from competing in tight games a season ago.
Under head coach Laurence Reid, Carey finished 8-12 overall and 5-10 in conference play. Though the record didn’t fully reflect the effort, Reid believes the program is heading in the right direction.
“It’s a tougher league this year, but I’ll stick to what I said last year,” he said. “Give an effort and we’ll see what happens.”
That mindset will again shape the Seahawks as they look to climb the standings.
A major reason for optimism is the return of three cornerstone seniors: Kelvin Persaud, Ryan Kunkel, and Theo Andrikopolous. All three played pivotal roles as juniors, providing much of the experience and production. Their leadership on both ends of the floor will be essential as Carey leans on them to set the tone. Persaud’s poise, Kunkel’s physicality, and Andrikopolous’s versatility make the trio the backbone.
Carey will also integrate several young players who bring upside and energy. Matthew Plaia, Cody Patton, and Patrick Lonergan are expected to take meaningful steps forward after showing strong potential in the offseason. “We’re excited about their development,” said Reid. “The expectation is that they provide depth and balance to our rotation.”
Perhaps the most intriguing newcomer is freshman Jayden Ostrander. “He’s raw but extremely athletic,” Reid said. Ostrander has already impressed with his work ethic and competitiveness and can contribute in a positive way as he acclimates to varsity play.
Defensively, the Seahawks established a gritty identity last season, consistently battling and staying within striking distance of strong opponents. “We played really tough defense last year and we lost some tough ones,” said Reid. “But for us to be in a lot of tight games against good teams was nice to see.” His goal now is to build on that defensive foundation while adding more offensive spark, an area that could elevate the Seahawks from competitive to dangerous.
Head coach Anthony Turco’s Seahawks enter the new season with excitement, energy, and a whole lot of unknowns. After finishing 10-10 overall (4-10 in conference) last winter, they return a young but highly athletic roster that Turco believes could develop into one of the program’s most-balanced groups in years.
“For the last five or six seasons we’ve had great guards,” Turco said. “Now we have a more balanced attack, both offensively and defensively. It allows us to do things in a variety of ways.”
That versatility starts with a strong core of three-year starters. Junior guard Amelia Kalamaras brings explosiveness to both ends of the floor. Despite her soccer pedigree, she loves basketball and plays it with an edge. Joining her are seniors Isabella Giordano and Sophia Barrera, both second-year varsity starters known for pushing the pace and defending with intensity.
In the frontcourt, senior Andrea Arias returns as a steady, coachable force. “She’s a powerful forward,” said Turco. “She never shies away from tough coaching and sets the tone physically for us.” Arias is joined by Aidyn Lyons, a 6-foot junior whose volleyball background has sharpened her footwork. Turco is eager to see her continued development.
Sophomore Sophia Stojanowski, another dual-sport volleyball and basketball athlete, has impressed early with her ability to run the floor, while classmate Daisy Buja, a potential Division I soccer prospect, brings toughness and defensive bite that will be crucial in close games.
A pair of freshmen, Aria Agcaian and Ophelia Lin, have also turned heads. Both are fully committed to basketball and, with experience, could grow into future starters.
Turco admits he’s still learning exactly what identity this young group will form, but he sees something promising.
“We’re young, but we have tons of athleticism and some varsity experience,” he said. “The first week of practice has been high energy. The girls seem pumped to get the season underway.”
The Seahawks face Division, South Side, Clarke, Bethpage, Manhasset, Sewanhaka and Elmont in conference play.
Dec. 13: @ Division, 11:45 a.m.
Dec. 16: South Side, 5:00 p.m.
Dec. 19: @ Clarke, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 5: Bethpage, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 8: Sewanhaka, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 14: @ Elmont, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 17: Manhasset, 10:00 a.m.
Jan. 24: Division, 10:00 a.m.
Jan. 27: @ South Side, 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 30: Clarke, 5:00 p.m.
Feb. 2: @ Bethpage, 5:00 p.m.
Feb. 6: @ Sewanhaka, 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 11: Elmont, 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 14: @ Manhasset, 11:45 a.m.
Dec. 13: Division, 11:30 a.m.
Dec. 16: @ South Side, 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 19: Clarke, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 5: @ Bethpage, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 8: @ Sewanhaka, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 14: Elmont, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 17: @ Manhasset, 11:45 a.m.
Jan. 24: @ Division, 11:45 a.m.
Jan. 27: South Side, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 30: @ Clarke, 6:45 p.m.
Feb. 2: Bethpage, 5:00 p.m.
Feb. 5: Sewanhaka, 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 11: @ Elmont, 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 14: Manhasset, 10:00 a.m.
