College Winter 2017

COLLEGE EDITION

Winter | 2017

• featuring •

FSC girl's basketball

•

Adelphi Girl's Basketball

•

Hofstra Men's Basketball

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

Hello Readers Welcome to our College Winter Edition.

In this edition, we will relive some high caliber teams seasons.

You will read about the Adelphi women’s basketballteams terrific ride this season, as they became Conference Champions and made it to the second round of the NCAA Division II East Regional. We also add the seasons from the Farmingdale State women’s basketball team and Hofstra men’s basketball team as they both made it to the opening round of their conference championship. This edition is stacked with talent from some of the top college teams on Long Island. Sit Back, Relax and enjoy reading about our local College teams...

ULTIMATE ATHLETE MAGAZINE publisher / CEO

PAUL CORACE

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

N.J. Comanzo

SPORTS EDITOR :

Jaclynkelli Kronemberg

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR :

NAZIR ABBAS

SENIOR MEDIA MANAGER :

Punnuthurai Jeyathas

GRAPHIC Designers :

Joe Klaus Nazir Abbas Anthony Anastasiou Virgina Degusmen

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER : Richard Brooks CONTRIBUTING WRITERS : Jaclynkelli Kronemberg

Joe Galotti Rahul Kumar Nicholas Esposito Lisa Holahan

Until our next edition...

Eat-Sleep-Play Basketball Jaclynkelli Kronemberg Sports Editor

Michael Ganci

In-House Photography : Kevin Sperandeo Contributing Photography : Kaddy Tsang, Anthony

Hughes, Morgan Harrison, Paul Corace, Adil Borluca, Bill Kelly, Steve Toscano, Peter scifo

COLLEGE EDITION

Winter | 2017

Cover Artwork : Joe Klaus

CONTACT US Phone: 1-800-680-3213 Email: info@ultimateathletemagazine.com • FEATURING

www.ultim atea thlet

L

•

FSC GIRL'S BASKETBAL

•

ADELPHI GIRL'S BASKE

•

HOFSTRA MEN'S BASK

TBALL

ema gazi ne.c om

ETBALL

Ultimate Athlete Magazine (ISSN 1931-5295) is published 12 times a year by Ultimate Athlete Magazine, Inc., 24 Woodbine Ave, Northport, New York 11768. All contents copyright 2012 by Ultimate Athlete Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in whole or part of the content without prior written consent of Ultimate Athlete, Inc. is strictly prohibited. All logos and trademarks are prroperties of their respective owners.

Although the writers and publishers have exhaustively researched all sources to ensure the accuracy and the completeness of the information contained in this publication we assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any inconsistency herein. The opinions expressed in all materials are those of authors and do not necessarily represent those of Ultimate Athlete, Inc. or Long Island’s Ultimate Athlete Magazine.

5

Winter | 2017

• FEATURING •

FSC GIRL'S BASKETBALL

•

ADELPHI GIRL'S BASKETBALL

•

HOFSTRA MEN'S BASKETBALL

FARMINGDALE

COLLEGE EDITION

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

Cover Photo by Morgan Harrison 08 FSC Girl’s Basketball 28 Adelphi Girl’s Basketball 48 Hofstra Men’s Basketball

6

WWW.ULTIMATEATHLETEMAGAZINE.COM

ADELPHI BA

ASKETBALL

FARMINGDALE STATE GIRLS IN QUEST OF A PLAYOFF SPOT Story By: Harvey Sandig | Photos By: Morgan Harrison

T

The finish line is just ahead as Farmingdale State University’s women’s basketball team is in the middle of the pack in their quest for a playoff birth, in Division III’s Skyline Conference. They are in 4th place, 11-6 in league play and 13-10 overall.

Their roster consists of 13 women, all of whom reside in Long Island. The coach is Chris Mooney in his 17th year, whose career record is 277-152. Mooney is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz and also is the school’s softball coach.

The team has gone to the conference finals 11 times in 13 years and won it in 2009-10 over Mt. St. Mary’s, which had won it the previous eight. They got an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III tournament in 2002-03 with a record of 18-7. This was the first year the college was eligible to participate in the NCAA’s.

Only one starter, junior guard Tyra Harrison remains from last year. The other four are transfers and Mooney felt it took a while to find the right combination.

“The chemistry wasn’t there at the start – I juggled our line-up quite a bit,” Mooney said. “I play ten girls, but didn’t know who would be best playing together, as some would occasionally show flashes. I was unsure – should I go with our best offense or our best defense?”

He decided on junior guards Kaelyn Ward from East Hampton, Harrison from Baldwin, 5’9” junior forward Essence Casey from Huntington Station, 5’10” sophomore guard A.J. Smith from Freeport and 5’3” junior Elizabeth Durchhalter from St. Mary’s H.S. in Manhasset. Harrison was named Conference ‘Player of the Year’ a year ago.

HOFSTRA BASKETBALL

7

Photo by Morgan Harrison

9

FARMINGDALE 10

WWW.ULTIMATEATHLETEMAGAZINE.COM

FARMINGDALE STATE GIRLS IN QUEST OF A PLAYOFF SPOT Story By: Harvey Sandig | Photos By: Morgan Harrison

T

The finish line is just ahead as Farmingdale State University’s women’s basketball team is in the middle of the pack in their quest for a playoff birth, in Division III’s Skyline Conference. They are in 4th place, 11-6 in league play and 13-10 overall.

Their roster consists of 13 women, all of whom reside in Long Island. The coach is Chris Mooney in his 17th year, whose career record is 277-152. Mooney is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz and also is the school’s softball coach.

The team has gone to the conference finals 11 times in 13 years and won it in 2009-10 over Mt. St. Mary’s, which had won it the previous eight. They got an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III tournament in 2002-03 with a record of 18-7. This was the first year the college was eligible to participate in the NCAA’s.

Only one starter, junior guard Tyra Harrison remains from last year. The other four are transfers and Mooney felt it took a while to find the right combination.

“The chemistry wasn’t there at the start – I juggled our line-up quite a bit,” Mooney said. “I play ten girls, but didn’t know who would be best playing together, as some would occasionally show flashes. I was unsure – should I go with our best offense or our best defense?”

He decided on junior guards Kaelyn Ward from East Hampton, Harrison from Baldwin, 5’9” junior forward Essence Casey from Huntington Station, 5’10” sophomore guard A.J. Smith from Freeport and 5’3” junior Elizabeth Durchhalter from St. Mary’s H.S. in Manhasset. Harrison was named Conference ‘Player of the Year’ a year ago.

11

“Last year, we had to rely on Harrison to carry the load,” Mooney said. “She carried the team on her back most of the time and scored 45 points against St. Joseph’s, Long Island. This year, we surrounded her with more talent. Last year, she played the point [guard], but is better suited at the #2. She’s very quick.” Harrison has averaged 14 pointsper-game so far.

“Smith plays center, but is more of a forward,” he continued. “She transferred as a junior from Dodge City Junior College in Kansas -- she wanted to be closer to home. She has long arms, can rebound, is very versatile and our best 3-point shooter. She can score either inside or out and is an inside presence so we feed her in the post. She likes to shoot from outside, but down the stretch, we want her to mix it up.”

Smith averages 14 points and 7 boards.

Essence Casey transferred from Division II, LIU Post. She averages 10 points, 6 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Kaelyn Ward transferred from Dowling College, which closed for good. She averages 7.5 points and 5 boards.

“The best part of Essence’s game is around the basket,” Mooney said. “She shoots a little bit, but is really good at handling the ball.

She’s a good passer. Ward is our primary ball handler and our best option at lead guard. At the beginning, she came in off the bench, but starts now. She is a very smart player.”

“Elizabeth Durchhalter is the heart and soul of our defense,” Mooney said. “She’s a very tough player. We put her on their best guard.” Durchhalter’s high was 14 points vs. Purchase, including 4-of6 from three-point range.

This is her first year attending Farmingdale State, as she was at CCNY her first two years. Originally, she was not a starter, but became one after the first three games. She had a specific reason for why she enjoys basketball as opposed to soccer or softball.

“I don’t like playing outdoors. I get sunburned easily,” Durchhalter said. “I started in CYO at St. Catherine’s when I was in the 4th grade; then played AAU for the Long Island Lightning. We went

12

to tournaments in Massachusetts, Disney World and the Nationals in Washington, D.C. I like the whole momentum of the sport, like working hard -- I’d run through a wall for my team. I dive for balls -- you name it, I DO it. I just LOVE to play defense.”

Mooney characterized senior guard Charnae Jenkins from South Side H.S. as the squad’s 2nd best defensive player and 2nd best 3-point shooter. “She brings energy when she comes in on defense. She’s small, but quick, with a lot of heart.”

Chelsea May is a 6’2” senior forward from Baldwin, who enters the game off the bench at the same time with Jenkins. The strongest part of her game is rebounding.

The highlight this season was a career high 30 points, by Smith in an 80-70 triumph over St. Joseph’s of Brooklyn at home. She connected on 12-of-21 shooting. The green-and-white led 50-34 at halftime, as Harrison notched 17 and Smith 16. The closest the Bears got was within seven points. Harrison ended up with 21 points and six assists, while Casey added a double-double, 10 points and 10 boards.

The Rams notched a win vs. Merchant Marine Academy (9-7, 5-6), 79-58. Smith led with 16, but was complimented nicely by Ward and Harrison, each with 15. Harrison added five steals, while Casey added 12 points and six rebounds. The green-and-white pulled away in the 4th quarter when they sank 6-of-8 three-point shots and used 52% shooting to cruise to victory.

The Rams had another easy win against Yeshiva (2-13, 0-10), 77-45, as they scored 17 straight points after an opening bucket by their opponent and opened up at 41-17 lead midway through quarter #2. Smith had 12 points at halftime. The Rams’ advantage would balloon to as much as 36 at 61-25, before Mooney cleared the bench.

Eleven players would score. Ward led with 15 points and six steals, while junior forward Jasmine Sapp (Central Islip) added 13 and nine rebounds off the bench.

WWW.ULTIMATEATHLETEMAGAZINE.COM

The toughest team for the Rams has been SUNY Old Westbury.

They lost, 73-51. The Panthers are 9-3 and 16-3 overall. Smith led with 22 points and eight rebounds, while Casey added 15, nine boards and four assists.

The Rams travelled upstate to Troy to take on Sage and used a strong second half to defeat them, 67-59. They had also defeated the Gators (14-8, 10-5) in Long Island in November. They outscored their opponent 40-28 after intermission.

Trailing 39-32, they went on a 9-0 run and took a 41-39 advantage.

Behind 53-51 with 5:33 left, FSU tallied seven straight points. Casey ended up with 21, including 15-of-19 from the foul line. Harrison added 13 and 5 steals. Durchhalter came up big with 11 points, five steals and a game-high five assists.

Their next-to-last league game was a rout against Purchase (2-20, 1-16), 74-43.

The green-and-white went on an 18-0 run in the first quarter and led 23-9. Over the first six minutes of the 3rd, they ballooned their advantage to 58-29. Durchhalter, Ward and Harrison each scored 14 points and there was liberal use of the bench.

Mooney figures he will be the 4th or 5th seed, come playoff time and expects to play either Sage or Mt. St. Vincent when post-season starts February 21st.

“To be successful, we have to defend and protect the basketball,” Mooney said. “We have to keep teams in low numbers offensively. We have to rebound and cause turnovers.” Durchhalter best summed up the team’s playoff chances.

“We’ve had a few bumps in the road, but have a lot of individual talent – the best in the Skyline Conference,” she said. “We just need to be committed, stay together and work hard.”

13

FARMINGDALE BASKETBALL RAMS

1(800)680-3213

14

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

FARMINGDALE BASKETBALL RAMS

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

15

FARMINGDALE BASKETBALL RAMS

1(800)680-3213

16

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

FARMINGDALE BASKETBALL RAMS

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

17

FARMINGDALE BASKETBALL RAMS

1(800)680-3213

18

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

FARMINGDALE BASKETBALL RAMS

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

19

FARMINGDALE BASKETBALL RAMS

1(800)680-3213

20

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

FARMINGDALE BASKETBALL RAMS

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

21

FARMINGDALE BASKETBALL RAMS

1(800)680-3213

22

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

FARMINGDALE BASKETBALL RAMS

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

23

FARMINGDALE BASKETBALL RAMS

1(800)680-3213

24

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

FARMINGDALE BASKETBALL RAMS

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

25

FARMINGDALE BASKETBALL

FARMINGDALE

RAMS FARMINGDALE STATE GIRLS IN QUEST OF A PLAYOFF SPOT Story By: Harvey Sandig | Photos By: Morgan Harrison

T

The finish line is just ahead as Farmingdale State University’s women’s basketball team is in the middle of the pack in their quest for a playoff birth, in Division III’s Skyline Conference. They are in 4th place, 11-6 in league play and 13-10 overall.

Their roster consists of 13 women, all of whom reside in Long Island. The coach is Chris Mooney in his 17th year, whose career record is 277-152. Mooney is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz and also is the school’s softball coach.

The team has gone to the conference finals 11 times in 13 years and won it in 2009-10 over Mt. St. Mary’s, which had won it the previous eight. They got an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III tournament in 2002-03 with a record of 18-7. This was the first year the college was eligible to participate in the NCAA’s.

Only one starter, junior guard Tyra Harrison remains from last year. The other four are transfers and Mooney felt it took a while to find the right combination.

“The chemistry wasn’t there at the start – I juggled our line-up quite a bit,” Mooney said. “I play ten girls, but didn’t know who would be best playing together, as some would occasionally show flashes. I was unsure – should I go with our best offense or our best defense?”

He decided on junior guards Kaelyn Ward from East Hampton, Harrison from Baldwin, 5’9” junior forward Essence Casey from Huntington Station, 5’10” sophomore guard A.J. Smith from Freeport and 5’3” junior Elizabeth Durchhalter from St. Mary’s H.S. in Manhasset. Harrison was named Conference ‘Player of the Year’ a year ago.

“Last year, we had to rely on Harrison to carry the load,” Mooney said. “She carried the team on her back most of the time and scored 45 points against St. Joseph’s, Long Island. This year, we surrounded her with more talent. Last year, she played the point [guard], but is better suited at the #2. She’s very quick.” Harrison has averaged 14 pointsper-game so far.

“Smith plays center, but is more of a forward,” he continued. “She transferred as a junior from Dodge City Junior College in Kansas -- she wanted to be closer to home. She has long arms, can rebound, is very versatile and our best 3-point shooter. She can score either inside or out and is an inside presence so we feed her in the post. She likes to shoot from outside, but down the stretch, we want her to mix it up.”

Smith averages 14 points and 7 boards.

Essence Casey transferred from Division II, LIU Post. She averages 10 points, 6 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Kaelyn Ward transferred from Dowling College, which closed for good. She averages 7.5 points and 5 boards.

“The best part of Essence’s game is around the basket,” Mooney said. “She shoots a little bit, but is really good at handling the ball.

She’s a good passer. Ward is our primary ball handler and our best option at lead guard. At the beginning, she came in off the bench, but starts now. She is a very smart player.”

“Elizabeth Durchhalter is the heart and soul of our defense,” Mooney said. “She’s a very tough player. We put her on their best guard.” Durchhalter’s high was 14 points vs. Purchase, including 4-of6 from three-point range.

This is her first year attending Farmingdale State, as she was at CCNY her first two years. Originally, she was not a starter, but became one after the first three games. She had a specific reason for why she enjoys basketball as opposed to soccer or softball.

“I don’t like playing outdoors. I get sunburned easily,” Durchhalter said. “I started in CYO at St. Catherine’s when I was in the 4th grade; then played AAU for the Long Island Lightning. We went

1(800)680-3213

to tournaments in Massachusetts, Disney World and the Nationals in Washington, D.C. I like the whole momentum of the sport, like working hard -- I’d run through a wall for my team. I dive for balls -- you name it, I DO it. I just LOVE to play defense.”

The toughest team for the Rams has been SUNY Old Westbury.

They lost, 73-51. The Panthers are 9-3 and 16-3 overall. Smith led with 22 points and eight rebounds, while Casey added 15, nine boards and four assists.

Mooney characterized senior guard Charnae Jenkins from South Side H.S. as the squad’s 2nd best defensive player and 2nd best 3-point shooter. “She brings energy when she comes in on defense. She’s small, but quick, with a lot of heart.”

The Rams travelled upstate to Troy to take on Sage and used a strong second half to defeat them, 67-59. They had also defeated the Gators (14-8, 10-5) in Long Island in November. They outscored their opponent 40-28 after intermission.

Chelsea May is a 6’2” senior forward from Baldwin, who enters the game off the bench at the same time with Jenkins. The strongest part of her game is rebounding.

Trailing 39-32, they went on a 9-0 run and took a 41-39 advantage.

Behind 53-51 with 5:33 left, FSU tallied seven straight points. Casey ended up with 21, including 15-of-19 from the foul line. Harrison added 13 and 5 steals. Durchhalter came up big with 11 points, five steals and a game-high five assists.

The highlight this season was a career high 30 points, by Smith in an 80-70 triumph over St. Joseph’s of Brooklyn at home. She connected on 12-of-21 shooting. The green-and-white led 50-34 at halftime, as Harrison notched 17 and Smith 16. The closest the Bears got was within seven points. Harrison ended up with 21 points and six assists, while Casey added a double-double, 10 points and 10 boards.

The Rams notched a win vs. Merchant Marine Academy (9-7, 5-6), 79-58. Smith led with 16, but was complimented nicely by Ward and Harrison, each with 15. Harrison added five steals, while Casey added 12 points and six rebounds. The green-and-white pulled away in the 4th quarter when they sank 6-of-8 three-point shots and used 52% shooting to cruise to victory.

The Rams had another easy win against Yeshiva (2-13, 0-10), 77-45, as they scored 17 straight points after an opening bucket by their opponent and opened up at 41-17 lead midway through quarter #2. Smith had 12 points at halftime. The Rams’ advantage would balloon to as much as 36 at 61-25, before Mooney cleared the bench.

Eleven players would score. Ward led with 15 points and six steals, while junior forward Jasmine Sapp (Central Islip) added 13 and nine rebounds off the bench.

Their next-to-last league game was a rout against Purchase (2-20, 1-16), 74-43.

The green-and-white went on an 18-0 run in the first quarter and led 23-9. Over the first six minutes of the 3rd, they ballooned their advantage to 58-29. Durchhalter, Ward and Harrison each scored 14 points and there was liberal use of the bench.

Mooney figures he will be the 4th or 5th seed, come playoff time and expects to play either Sage or Mt. St. Vincent when post-season starts February 21st.

“To be successful, we have to defend and protect the basketball,” Mooney said. “We have to keep teams in low numbers offensively. We have to rebound and cause turnovers.” Durchhalter best summed up the team’s playoff chances.

“We’ve had a few bumps in the road, but have a lot of individual talent – the best in the Skyline Conference,” she said. “We just need to be committed, stay together and work hard.”

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

TO ORDER CALL 1.800.680.3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

VISIT WEBSITE TO VIEW UPDATED EDITIONs www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

27

29

Photo by Nazir Abbas

ADELPHI BA

30

ASKETBALL

31

ALDELPHI SOARS BEHIND NEW COACH Story By: Jaclynkelli Kronemberg I Photos by: Nazir Abbas

F

For the Adelphi Women’s Basketball team, the 2016-2017 season brought along a hint of uncertainty, when the Panthers hired Missy Traversi in May to be the new head coach. Last season Adelphi’s season ended in the NE-10 semifinal game and they have surpassed that this season making it to the NE-10 championship game. The Panthers are currently ranked 14th in the nation in the Division II WBCA Coaches Poll and are ranked second in the Women’s East Regional Rankings.

Traversi was hired on May 23, 2016. She spent the previous two years coaching at Wheelock College in Boston. In her short two years, she turned that program around, posting the most wins in the program history. Traversi’s skill set in coaching is evident in the brilliant year she has produced in her inaugural season at Adelphi.

The season kicked off with a rival game against NYIT. Who is to say whether it was nerves or everyone feeling each other out, but Adelphi got off to a slow start.

Their opening game they fell 73-59 to NYIT but they rebounded quickly in their next game. For their second game of the season, the Panthers went up against another Long Island rival in LIU Post. The out come of this game was more like what the Panthers wanted. They walked away with 69-49 victory. This win sparked a four game winning streak where the Panthers defeated Southern Connecticut, American International and New Haven. The Panthers were rolling starting the season with a 4-1 record.

Adelphi faltered a little after their four game winning streak. They were handed their second loss of the season in a thrilling game against Caldwell. Caldwell squeaked out a 78-73 victory over the Panthers. In their following game, they were the victors of a thrilling game. The Panthers bounced back after their loss defeating Molloy 66-61. This victory sent the Panther on a 14 game winning streak with 10 of those victories coming against conference foes. This gave Adelphi an 18-2 record

by January 24th. The streak was ended by conference foe Assumption. Assumption handed Adelphi a 63-58 loss, but once again the Panthers didn’t hang their heads and got right back to work.

32

The Panthers didn’t take long to get another winning streak going this time consisting of five games. Adelphi defeated Pace, Southern Connecticut, Saint Rose, New Haven and Le Moyne. All five victories were in conference games. This sent the Panthers into their final game of the regular season against American International.

Adelphi was hoping to get a momentum builder going into the NE-10 Championship Tournament but American International had other ideas. AIC handed Adelphi their fourth loss of the season in a nail-bitter. They pulled off a 54-51 victory. Despite this loss, the Panthers were named the NE-10 Southwest Division regular season champions for the third time in four years. This gave Adelphi the number one seed and a bye in the Northeastern-10 Championship. They were also rewarded with home court advantage throughout the tournament. This season Adelphi has been unstoppable at home going 14-0.

WWW.ULTIMATEATHLETEMAGAZINE.COM

In the quarterfinals of the NE-10 Championship, Adelphi faced off with #5 Southern Connecticut. The Panthers were able to pull out a close one defeating Southern Connecticut 69-52 advancing to the semifinals. In the semifinals, Adelphi was trailing Le Moyne College at the half. After a close third quarter, the Panthers dominated the fourth pulling out a 67-57 victory sending them into the championship game. The Panthers have the advantage because they will be playing at home. They have not lost at home and will look to keep that going Sunday March 5th at 1pm. The Panthers will face off with the number one team of the Northeast Division, Bentley. Both teams met during the regular season and Adelphi came out the victor winning 62-60. This will be an exciting battle to the finish and just like their first meeting, Adelphi will be playing at home.

This season Adelphi has shown they are force to be reckoned with and their statistics prove that. The Panthers are seventh in the nation in scoring defense, only giving up on average 55.0 points per game. In the NE-10, they are second in scoring defense and defensive rebounds, averaging 27.2 per game. They are first in the NE-10 in rebounds per game (43.1) and offensive rebounds per game (16.0). The Panthers are third in the NE-10 in points per game (65.2) and steals per game (8.2) and they come in fourth in blocks per game (3.8).

Senior forward, Sierra Clark is second in the NE-10 in points per game (19.5), rebounds per game (10.1), blocks per game (2.4) and offensive rebounds per game (3.9). Senior Forward Calli Balfour is second in the NE-10 in steals per game averaging 3.3.

This team has done everything right this season and fast on the track to the NCAA Division II Tournament. If they keep playing the way they have sky is the limit for this team. Traversi has settled into her new position without a hitch and has these ladies primed for a long run in the NCAA tournament.

33

ADELPHI BASKETBALL PANTHERS

1(800)680-3213

34

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

ADELPHI BASKETBALL PANTHERS

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

35

ADELPHI BASKETBALL PANTHERS

1(800)680-3213

36

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

ADELPHI BASKETBALL PANTHERS

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

37

ADELPHI BASKETBALL PANTHERS

1(800)680-3213

38

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

ADELPHI BASKETBALL PANTHERS

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

39

ADELPHI BASKETBALL PANTHERS

1(800)680-3213

40

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

ADELPHI BASKETBALL PANTHERS

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

41

ADELPHI BASKETBALL PANTHERS

1(800)680-3213

42

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

ADELPHI BASKETBALL PANTHERS

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

43

ADELPHI BASKETBALL PANTHERS

1(800)680-3213

44

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

ADELPHI BASKETBALL PANTHERS

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

45

ADELPHI BASKETBALL PANTHERS

ADELPHI WOMEN's BASKETBALL

ALDELPHI SOARS BEHIND NEW COACH Story By: Jaclynkelli Kronemberg I Photos by: Nazir Abbas

F

For the Adelphi Women’s Basketball team, the 2016-2017 season brought along a hint of uncertainty, when the Panthers hired Missy Traversi in May to be the new head coach. Last season Adelphi’s season ended in the NE-10 semifinal game and they have surpassed that this season making it to the NE-10 championship game. The Panthers are currently ranked 14th in the nation in the Division II WBCA Coaches Poll and are ranked second in the Women’s East Regional Rankings.

Traversi was hired on May 23, 2016. She spent the previous two years coaching at Wheelock College in Boston. In her short two years, she turned that program around, posting the most wins in the program history. Traversi’s skill set in coaching is evident in the brilliant year she has produced in her inaugural season at Adelphi.

The season kicked off with a rival game against NYIT. Who is to say whether it was nerves or everyone feeling each other out, but Adelphi got off to a slow start.

Their opening game they fell 73-59 to NYIT but they rebounded quickly in their next game. For their second game of the season, the Panthers went up against another Long Island rival in LIU Post. The out come of this game was more like what the Panthers wanted. They walked away with 69-49 victory. This win sparked a four game winning streak where the Panthers defeated Southern Connecticut, American International and New Haven. The Panthers were rolling starting the season with a 4-1 record.

Adelphi faltered a little after their four game winning streak. They were handed their second loss of the season in a thrilling game against Caldwell. Caldwell squeaked out a 78-73 victory over the Panthers. In their following game, they were the victors of a thrilling game. The Panthers bounced back after their loss defeating Molloy 66-61. This victory sent the Panther on a 14 game winning streak with 10 of those victories coming against conference foes. This gave Adelphi an 18-2 record

by January 24th. The streak was ended by conference foe Assumption. Assumption handed Adelphi a 63-58 loss, but once again the Panthers didn’t hang their heads and got right back to work.

The Panthers didn’t take long to get another winning streak going this time consisting of five games. Adelphi defeated Pace, Southern Connecticut, Saint Rose, New Haven and Le Moyne. All five victories were in conference games. This sent the Panthers into their final game of the regular season against American International.

Adelphi was hoping to get a momentum builder going into the NE-10 Championship Tournament but American International had other ideas. AIC handed Adelphi their fourth loss of the season in a nail-bitter. They pulled off a 54-51 victory. Despite this loss, the Panthers were named the NE-10 Southwest Division regular season champions for the third time in four years. This gave Adelphi the number one seed and a bye in the Northeastern-10 Championship. They were also rewarded with home court advantage throughout the tournament. This season Adelphi has been unstoppable at home going 14-0.

1(800)680-3213

In the quarterfinals of the NE-10 Championship, Adelphi faced off with #5 Southern Connecticut. The Panthers were able to pull out a close one defeating Southern Connecticut 69-52 advancing to the semifinals. In the semifinals, Adelphi was trailing Le Moyne College at the half. After a close third quarter, the Panthers dominated the fourth pulling out a 67-57 victory sending them into the championship game. The Panthers have the advantage because they will be playing at home. They have not lost at home and will look to keep that going Sunday March 5th at 1pm. The Panthers will face off with the number one team of the Northeast Division, Bentley. Both teams met during the regular season and Adelphi came out the victor winning 62-60. This will be an exciting battle to the finish and just like their first meeting, Adelphi will be playing at home.

This season Adelphi has shown they are force to be reckoned with and their statistics prove that. The Panthers are seventh in the nation in scoring defense, only giving up on average 55.0 points per game. In the NE-10, they are second in scoring defense and defensive rebounds, averaging 27.2 per game. They are first in the NE-10 in rebounds per game (43.1) and offensive rebounds per game (16.0). The Panthers are third in the NE-10 in points per game (65.2) and steals per game (8.2) and they come in fourth in blocks per game (3.8).

Senior forward, Sierra Clark is second in the NE-10 in points per game (19.5), rebounds per game (10.1), blocks per game (2.4) and offensive rebounds per game (3.9). Senior Forward Calli Balfour is second in the NE-10 in steals per game averaging 3.3.

This team has done everything right this season and fast on the track to the NCAA Division II Tournament. If they keep playing the way they have sky is the limit for this team. Traversi has settled into her new position without a hitch and has these ladies primed for a long run in the NCAA tournament.

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

TO ORDER CALL 1.800.680.3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

47

ULTIMATE ATHLETE

49

Photo by Nazir Abbas

51

HOFSTRA BA

52

WWW.ULTIMATEATHLETEMAGAZINE.COM

ASKETBALL

53

HOFSTRA LOOKS TO MAKE A PUSH IN THE CAA TOURNAMENT Story by Jaclynkelli Kronemberg | Photos by Nazir Abbas

A

After coming in second in the Colonial Athletic Association tournament, the Hofstra men’s basketball team came into the season hungry and wanting to win their conference tournament. Despite bumps along the way, this season Hofstra can still make a run in the CAA tournament.

This season didn’t go exactly as it was planned to go for the Pride. They are currently 14-16 overall, sitting in eighth place in their conference. There is one game remaining in the regular season before the CAA tournament starts on March 3rd.

This time last year, Hofstra was on their way to claiming the regular season CAA title. This was their first conference title since 2001. They ended up going 24-10, making it to the CAA Championship game, but losing to UNC Wilmington ending their hope for a NCAA Tournament birth. They instead got invited to the National Invitation Tournament. Despite losing some key components from last year, the Pride were ready to come into the season determined to get to the NCAA Tournament.

Head coach Joe Mihalich entered his fourth season this year and has been a great asset to the Hofstra Men’s basketball program. Mihalich came to Hofstra from Niagara University where he was the head coach since 1998. While at Niagara University, he won 265 games and earned two NCAA Tournament births. In just four years, Mihalich has turned the Pride program around with back to back 20 win seasons and consecutive postseason appearances.

This season kicked off on November 11th, at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex against Coppin State University. Hofstra started the season off right in a thrilling 74-72 victory in the first of three non-conference games. The Pride went 1-2 in the non-conference games before entering the Gulf Coast Showcase. At the Gulf Coast Showcase, Hofstra played against Bradley University, Univeristy of Vermont and University of South Dakota. Hofstra walked away with two wins and one loss before heading back home.

The win over the University of South Dakota sparked a four game winning streak. The Pride defeated Medaille

54

WWW.ULTIMATEATHLETEMAGAZINE.COM

College, Columbia University and Florida Atlantic University sending them to a 6-3 record.

This season was a series of up and down streaks.

The Pride would win two games then loose two games.

Their biggest slump was from January 2nd – 19th, where they lost six straight games. In their most recent game, the Pride handed William and Mary their first home loss of the season behind Justin Wright-Forman’s 35 point game.

He scored 31 of those points in the second half to help boost Hofstra to a 92-86 victory. With one game remaining, Hofstra is looking end their season on a high note and make a statement in the CAA Tournament.

Despite their ups and downs this season, the Pride have had reasons to be proud of what they have accomplished. They are currently ranked third in the CAA in scoring offense, averaging 76.9 points per game, in three point field goal percentage averaging .367 three pointers a game and in offensive rebound percentage, averaging .320 offensive rebounds per game. They are fourth in the CAA in offensive rebounds with 345, averaging 11.9 per game and in three point field goals made, averaging 9.0 per game.

The players are also making their mark in the CAA. Junior forward/center, Rokas Gustys is leading the CAA in rebounding with 315, averaging 12.1 per game, offensive rebounds, averaging 3.8 per game and defensive rebounds, averaging 8.3 per game.

Gustys is second in the CAA in field goal percentage with .544 average. Sophomore guard, Wright-Forman in third in the CAA in scoring, averaging 17.9 points per game with a total of 538 points on the year. Junior forward, Hunter Sabety is second in the CAA in blocked shots, averaging 1.3 per game. Freshman guard, Eli Pemberton is second in the CAA in three point field goal percentage with a .421 percentage. Senior guard, Deron Powers is second in the CAA in assists, averaging 5.3 per game. Rounding out the players is senior guard, Brian Bernardi. Bernardi is first in the CAA in free throw percentage with a .886 percentage and third in three point field goals made, averaging 2.4 per game.

Hofstra wants to finish the season strong. Next up for the Pride, is James Madison University. This will be the last game of the regular season and if they want to make a run in the CAA tournament they need to have momentum going in. Winning two straight games going into the CAA tournament will be exactly what Hofstra needs. They made it to the CAA championship game last year and hope to do the same this season. The CAA tournament starts on March 3, and Hofstra will be ready to contend.

55

HOFSTRA BASKETBALL PRIDE

1(800)680-3213

56

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

HOFSTRA BASKETBALL PRIDE

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

57

HOFSTRA BASKETBALL PRIDE

1(800)680-3213

58

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

HOFSTRA BASKETBALL PRIDE

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

59

HOFSTRA BASKETBALL PRIDE

1(800)680-3213

60

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

HOFSTRA BASKETBALL PRIDE

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

61

HOFSTRA BASKETBALL PRIDE

1(800)680-3213

62

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

HOFSTRA BASKETBALL PRIDE

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

63

HOFSTRA BASKETBALL PRIDE

1(800)680-3213

64

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

HOFSTRA BASKETBALL PRIDE

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

65

HOFSTRA BASKETBALL PRIDE

1(800)680-3213

66

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

HOFSTRA BASKETBALL PRIDE

1(800)680-3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

67

HOFSTRA BASKETBALL PRIDE

HOFSTRA BASKETBALL

HOFSTRA LOOKS TO MAKE A PUSH IN THE CAA TOURNAMENT Story by Jaclynkelli Kronemberg | Photos by Nazir Abbas

A

After coming in second in the Colonial Athletic Association tournament, the Hofstra men’s basketball team came into the season hungry and wanting to win their conference tournament. Despite bumps along the way, this season Hofstra can still make a run in the CAA tournament.

This season didn’t go exactly as it was planned to go for the Pride. They are currently 14-16 overall, sitting in eighth place in their conference. There is one game remaining in the regular season before the CAA tournament starts on March 3rd.

This time last year, Hofstra was on their way to claiming the regular season CAA title. This was their first conference title since 2001. They ended up going 24-10, making it to the CAA Championship game, but losing to UNC Wilmington ending their hope for a NCAA Tournament birth. They instead got invited to the National Invitation Tournament. Despite losing some key components from last year, the Pride were ready to come into the season determined to get to the NCAA Tournament.

Head coach Joe Mihalich entered his fourth season this year and has been a great asset to the Hofstra Men’s basketball program. Mihalich came to Hofstra from Niagara University where he was the head coach since 1998. While at Niagara University, he won 265 games and earned two NCAA Tournament births. In just four years, Mihalich has turned the Pride program around with back to back 20 win seasons and consecutive postseason appearances.

This season kicked off on November 11th, at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex against Coppin State University. Hofstra started the season off right in a thrilling 74-72 victory in the first of three non-conference games. The Pride went 1-2 in the non-conference games before entering the Gulf Coast Showcase. At the Gulf Coast Showcase, Hofstra played against Bradley University, Univeristy of Vermont and University of South Dakota. Hofstra walked away with two wins and one loss before heading back home.

The win over the University of South Dakota sparked a four game winning streak. The Pride defeated Medaille

1(800)680-3213

College, Columbia University and Florida Atlantic University sending them to a 6-3 record.

This season was a series of up and down streaks.

The Pride would win two games then loose two games.

Their biggest slump was from January 2nd – 19th, where they lost six straight games. In their most recent game, the Pride handed William and Mary their first home loss of the season behind Justin Wright-Forman’s 35 point game.

He scored 31 of those points in the second half to help boost Hofstra to a 92-86 victory. With one game remaining, Hofstra is looking end their season on a high note and make a statement in the CAA Tournament.

Despite their ups and downs this season, the Pride have had reasons to be proud of what they have accomplished. They are currently ranked third in the CAA in scoring offense, averaging 76.9 points per game, in three point field goal percentage averaging .367 three pointers a game and in offensive rebound percentage, averaging .320 offensive rebounds per game. They are fourth in the CAA in offensive rebounds with 345, averaging 11.9 per game and in three point field goals made, averaging 9.0 per game.

The players are also making their mark in the CAA. Junior forward/center, Rokas Gustys is leading the CAA in rebounding with 315, averaging 12.1 per game, offensive rebounds, averaging 3.8 per game and defensive rebounds, averaging 8.3 per game.

Gustys is second in the CAA in field goal percentage with .544 average. Sophomore guard, Wright-Forman in third in the CAA in scoring, averaging 17.9 points per game with a total of 538 points on the year. Junior forward, Hunter Sabety is second in the CAA in blocked shots, averaging 1.3 per game. Freshman guard, Eli Pemberton is second in the CAA in three point field goal percentage with a .421 percentage. Senior guard, Deron Powers is second in the CAA in assists, averaging 5.3 per game. Rounding out the players is senior guard, Brian Bernardi. Bernardi is first in the CAA in free throw percentage with a .886 percentage and third in three point field goals made, averaging 2.4 per game.

Hofstra wants to finish the season strong. Next up for the Pride, is James Madison University. This will be the last game of the regular season and if they want to make a run in the CAA tournament they need to have momentum going in. Winning two straight games going into the CAA tournament will be exactly what Hofstra needs. They made it to the CAA championship game last year and hope to do the same this season. The CAA tournament starts on March 3, and Hofstra will be ready to contend.

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

TO ORDER CALL 1.800.680.3213

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com