Eagles need some time to jell

A booming number of hopefuls took part in tryouts for Valley Stream Central’s basketball program this winter. New varsity head coach Tim O’Hagan said 220 kids over six grade levels had their skills on display and there’s a combined 33 (18 on JV) on the high school teams.

“I was blown away by the interest and it’s an outstanding group of kids,” O’Hagan said. “It’s taking a little while to get up to speed. We took some lumps in a scrimmage against Manhasset but we played better our next time out.

“I think we’ll start to get moving around the middle of January and make a push for the playoffs,” he added. “Baldwin is Baldwin, but from what I hear the rest of the conference is going to be up for grabs.”

Coming off a highly successful season that saw them win 7 of 8 games, the Eagles are back in Class AA following a handful of campaigns in Class A. They’ll face Baldwin, East Meadow, Herricks, Hicksville, Plainview and Westbury twice apiece.

“The guys want to win and they want to work,” O’Hagan said.

Senior guard Malik Moore is the go-to on offense, O’Hagan said, after averaging 6.5 points per game. He’s an athletic slasher who can also score from outside.

O’Hagan said he’s impressed by the talents of sophomore wing Saige Frisco, a tremendous shooter and more. Senior Jayden Vera is another guard but with good size and a post-up game. Senior Jasiah Rodway is lightning-quick at the point and will need to distribute and defend.

Senior center Daniel Penubothula is Central’s X-factor. He’s 6-foot-7 and a major presence in the paint. He’s in the midst of recovering from a knee injury. Senior forward Christian Akaeze has varsity experience and does a lot of things not found in a boxscore, O’Hagan said.