Jets look to continue playoff streak

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An unexpected offseason hurdle has prompted a round of personnel shuffling on head coach Pete Olenik’s squad, as East Meadow tests its depth in trying for an eighth straight postseason berth.

Midway through the same summer that saw guard Rhoda Williams (10.7 ppg) graduate, fellow All-Conference honoree Allie Twible – who as an eighth-grade point guard led the Jets (5-2) in spring with 13.3 points per game (third in AA2) and 13 3-pointers – transferred to Holy Trinity.

The combined offensive hit notwithstanding, Olenik said he is “energized” by the roster East Meadow has retained – pointing to causes for hope that the Jets can continue their playoff streak.

“I’m excited about what we might accomplish this year,” said Olenik, whose club begins AA2 action on Dec. 15 at home facing Herricks. “This team has by far the best chemistry I’ve seen in my nine years as a coach here at East Meadow. We’re going to be young, but it’s a good core group of young players.”

Set to start four underclassmen, East Meadow looks to lean on veterans Lindsay Solenski (4.7 ppg) and Isabela Pota (5.5 ppg). Solenski (senior) moves from the two position to answer the vacancy at point guard, while the 5-foot-8 Pota (junior) resumes her promising rise at power forward.

“Lindsay’s leadership qualities can’t be taught,” Olenik said of the fourth-year starter. “Our program wouldn’t be where it is without her contributions on and off the court. Isabella’s just a strong, physical presence, able to overpower players. She could have a monster season.”

Junior Emily Forrler starts a first year at forward, while sophomores Charlotte Viola and Brooke Vislocky join the Jets’ motion offense as starting guards. “Our new, young players all play good, headsy basketball,” Olenik said, adding, “We definitely have the potential to make the playoffs, and possibly make some noise there.”