Bulldogs aim to continue momentum

Momentum has been building for Hewlett girls’ basketball. It reached the Nassau Class A playoffs in the 2019-2020 campaign and won 12 games, including a first-round postseason victory over Garden City, then followed up by sweeping last winter’s Covid-shortened, five-game slate.

“We got the most out of last season as we could,” head coach Anthony Scro said. “It was awesome we were able to play. We were hoping to go far in the playoffs, especially for the four seniors, but there were no playoffs.”

Loaded with youth aside from senior forward Molly Williams, the Bulldogs face an impressive list of conference foes that includes South Side, Manhasset, Division and Kennedy. “We had really good wins over Manhasset and Division last season, but we know how tough things are going to be,” Scro said. “We have a lot of work to do but we’re excited for the challenge.”

Both Williams and junior point guard Riley Weiss are fifth-year varsity players. Williams is a three-sport athlete who brings leadership and confidence to the court, Scro said. “Molly is one of the toughest kids I’ve ever coached,” he said. “She can hit shots from anywhere, passes well and rebounds.”

Weiss was the county’s leading scorer as a sophomore, putting up an eye-popping 40 points per game after averaging 28 ppg as a freshman. “Riley is an all-around great player with amazing court vision and game awareness,” Scro said. “Every aspect of her game just gets better and better. Her defense isn’t talked about enough because of her scoring ability.”

Quality minutes from last season should bode well for junior Emily Ertos, a guard/forward combo who has good range and can get to the basket. Juniors Jordyn Ziarno and Talya Uziel also bring varsity experience.

Up from JV, sophomore twins Catie and Margie Iannico bring height and quickness to the frontcourt, and sophomore Isabella Betencour will be in the mix at guard.