Thursday, October 1, 2026
For a stacked Uniondale boys’ basketball roster, learning how to handle success may make the difference in a highly anticipated campaign. Following a 2024-25 season in which the 15-6 Knights won 11 straight before falling in the Class AAA semifinals, many players return with unfinished business.
“That’s human nature, right? To think of where you last finished,” head coach Jaaz Styles said. “So for us, we’re definitely coming into this year with a chip on our shoulder.”
Styles expects his eight-player rotation to again be one of the strongest in the conference and pointed to junior Dylan Hickman as the team’s leader. With sophomore Mori Toney transferring to St. Mary’s in Manhasset, Hickman will take on a larger role at point guard after averaging 13.5 points per game as a shooting guard.
“He’s done it before, so this is his natural position,” Styles said. “He’s a gifted shooter, but he has a lot more to offer.”
Six-foot-seven sophomore Jayden Barrows provides length and versatility on the wing, while Jayden Oden pairs with Hickman in the backcourt. Freshman Cameron Ockimey could earn minutes as the backup point guard thanks to his shooting ability.
Uniondale’s size remains a major strength, with seniors Darren Brown, Herley Jean and Marc Charles providing depth and physicality in the paint.
Uniondale girls head coach Nolan Dunkley believes chemistry will fuel the Knights’ return to form after an injury-plagued 2024-25 season.
“If you treat each person on the team as your family, you’re willing to work hard for them and run through a wall for them,” Dunkley said.
Despite injuries, Uniondale finished 6-11 overall and reached the Nassau Class AAA playoffs with a 5-7 conference record, falling to Syosset in the opening round.
“For us to still make the playoffs, that was probably our saving grace,” Dunkley said. “It has them in tune this season and not taking anything for granted.”
The Knights return their entire roster and will rely heavily on a senior trio of Zahara Saintyl, Kayla Reid and Eniola Adisa. Saintyl led the team with 11.5 points per game as a junior, while Reid and Adisa are expected to expand their offensive roles.
Sophomore Kelsey Green and junior Jahshelle Papin are among the younger contributors expected to step up, while freshman Isley Brapham elected to compete at the varsity level to gain experience against stronger competition.
Uniondale faces all 13 Class AAA opponents once this season.
Dec. 13: Hempstead, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 15: @ Syosset, 5:00 p.m.
Dec. 18: @ Farmingdale, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 7: Hicksville, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 10: @ Massapequa, 11:45 a.m.
Jan. 13: @ Plainview, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 16: Freeport, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 23: @ Hempstead, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 26: Syosset, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 29: Farmingdale, 5:00 p.m.
Feb. 4: @ Hicksville, 5:00 p.m.
Feb. 7: Massapequa, 11:45 a.m.
Feb. 10: Plainview, 5:00 p.m.
Feb. 13: @ Freeport, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 9: @ Oceanside, 6:45 p.m.
Dec. 11: @ V.S. Central, 5:00 p.m.
Dec. 18: Farmingdale, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 6: Baldwin, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 8: @ Port Washington, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 10: Massapequa, 11:45 a.m.
Jan. 13: Plainview, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 16: @ Freeport, 6:45 p.m.
Jan. 26: @ Syosset, 5:00 p.m.
Jan. 31: Westbury, 11:45 a.m.
Feb. 5: @ Hicksville, 5:00 p.m.
Feb. 7: @ Herricks, 11:45 a.m.
Feb. 10: @ East Meadow, 6:45 p.m.
