New York PSAL Season Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we check out some of the top teams in the New York PSAL division that will look to challenge defending champs, South Shore for the crown. These four teams are balanced on both ends and have dynamic offensive and defensive players leading the charge. This season will be an opportunity for new contributors to carve out a role and for returning pieces to lead their teams in their quest for a state title. Let's take a look. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bergtraum</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bergtraum are coming off a 24-5 campaign last season. Led by dynamic scoring guards, [player_tooltip player_id='384774' first='Veralyn' last='Aviles'] who averaged 23 PPG last season and senior guard, Kadidiatou Diallo who averaged 18 PPG. Of the defensive end, Bergtraum plays pressing defense with an emphasis on controlling the boards. They are led by a trio of forwards, Fante Sidme, [player_tooltip player_id='384776' first='Aniaya' last='Burton-Hernandez'], and Brian Pellew who all averaged at least 8 boards per game and will look to impose their will on opponents this upcoming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cobble Hill</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cobble Hill return the Orr sisters and return a roster coming off a 25-1 campaign last season. Led by Leah and Lesly Orr, who averaged 23 PPG and 17PPG respectively last season. Of the defensive end, [player_tooltip player_id='878914' first='Sofia' last='Johanson'] is the primary rim protector leading the team in rebounds and blocks. This is a well balanced team that focused on team basketball on the offensive and defensive end. Definitely a team to keep an eye on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>East New York Family Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East New York is coming off an average season and will look to rebound this upcoming season with another season of experience. There is reason for optimism with star point guard, [player_tooltip player_id='476206' first='Arianna' last='Mercado'] returning along with athletic wing, Niani Downing guarding the perimeter. Mercado was dynamic last season averaging 21 points per game and 4 steals per game and will be relied on again to carry the offense burden. Downing and Mercardo will also spearhead the defensive attack and looking to push the break in transition off turnovers. Lack of depth is cause for concern but with another season of experience under the same system, I expect this record to improve significantly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clinton School </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clinton School is coming off an impressive 27-5 season last year. If you haven't heard of [player_tooltip player_id='859787' first='Jaya' last='Kelly'], get some popcorn ready. Kelly is one of the most gifted offensive players in the state averaging 22 points per game last season. Kate Stanley and [player_tooltip player_id='860010' first='Sofia' last='Tokarczyk'], who averaged 15 PPG and 6 PPG respectively last season will have bigger roles this season. Of the defensive end, Tokarczyk is the anchor leading the team in rebounds with 12 per game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->