2022-23 Portledge High Preseason Preview
Portledge High School located in Locust Valley Long Island, is a small high academic co-ed high school. Their boys varsity basketball team is head coached by AJ Allen (2nd year), and he is assisted by Bruno Cotumaccio (5th year). The team is the reigning undefeated Private Schools Athletic Association Champions. Despite graduating seven seniors, Portledge has reloaded for the 22-23 season with some young and exciting pieces. With newly appointed Athletic Director Amy Mulligan at the helm Portledge Basketball and Sports are heading in a new but promising direction.
Returners:
Anthony Follett (2023) 6’4 combo guard - Senior Captain Anthony is the lone returning starter and senior leading this young Portledge team. Follett steps into the primary scoring role with the departure of Long Islands All Time Scorer Zaire Baines. With big shoes to fill Follett looks primed to lead the Panthers on both offense and defense. With this diverse game on offense, spacing the floor with his 3pt shooting or finishing at the rim, and his hard nose commitment to defense. Anthony looks to be an impact player on the next level.
Brandon Torres (2025) 6’5 combo guard - Torres is expecting to make a big leap in his sophomore campaign. At 6’5 210 pound Brandon is starting to couple his refined skill set with his built frame giving the Panthers another threat on the wing. With his ability to knock down shots from 3 and impose his size on defenders Brandon primed to make a big splash on Long Island.
Daniel Okoronkwo (2024) 6’3 power forward- Daniel is your classic bruiser in the post. With his stocky 6’3 frame he does a great job of using his body to fight for position and rebound the ball violently. Daniel had a strong off season working on his skill set and is poised to leave a big impact on the court this season.
Transfers:
Damien Bennett (2024) 5’11 point guard- Portledge welcomed Bennett to campus this year. Damien will be the X-Factor this season. As Damien grows comfortable running the offense, we are expecting him to be one of the top point guards on Long Island. With his selfless style of play Damien is constantly looking for him teammates while still managing to score the ball. Damien stands at 5’11 but plays the game much bigger than his listed height and finds himself finishing and rebounding above the rim. Expect Bennett to be a big part in what the Panther look to do this year.
Anthony Stennett (2024) 6’3 combo guard - The lengthy wing is a bit of an unknown on Long Island… For now. Stennett is a long armed strong defender who is looking to match up with the other team’s primary option. He has lengthy build and is athletic so you can pencil Stennett to anchor the Panther’s defense. Stennett is no on trick pony as he has a quick first step and welcomes contact at the rim. Anthony is a welcomed addition to this year’s team.
Aidan Kiyashka (2024) 6’8 center- Aidan brings something new to this years Panther squad and that is height. Aidan is a 6’8 long armed center who has the ability to shoot the ball up to the 3pt line. With the size and skill of Aidan he has the luxury of deciding how he wants to impact this game weather it is down low on the blocks on stepping out to the perimeter. Aidan has been finishing through contact and altering shots all summer and we can expect the same once the season tips off.
Promotions:
Alfred Palagonia (2025) 5’8 combo guard - Palagonia is a gym rat. A pesky defender who constantly finds himself battling for rebounds. He has the ability to handle the basketball and knock down the 3pt shot. Palagonia is entering his first year at the varsity level looking to space the floor and make hard nose plays.
Devin Sweeny (2024) 5’11 combo guard - Sweeny is another gym rat on campus. Devin has improved his handle and his ability to finish around the rim. Coming into his junior year with an established jump shot Devin is expecting to be multidimensional this year on offense coupling his improved handle and his smooth shooting.
Schedule:
Wednesday 11/30/2022 @Syossett 5pm
Friday 12/2/2022 @Lawrence Woodmere Academy 4pm
Wednesday 12/7/2022 @Martin Luther 5:30pm
Friday 12/9/2022 @Stony Brook 6:30pm
Saturday 12/10/2022 @Francis Lewis Tournament TBA
Monday 12/14/2022 @Holy Trinity 7:30pm
Saturday 12/17/2022 @Campus Magnus Tournament TBA
Saturday 1/7/2022 @Gary Charles Event TBA
Thursday 1/12/2022 St Doms 6:30pm
Saturday 1/14/2022 LuHi B 3pm
Sunday 1/15/2022 @South Shore MLK Tournament TBA
Thursday 1/19/2022 @Knox 630pm
Saturday 1/21/2022 Martin Luther 1pm
Tuesday 1/24/2022 Kew Forest 6pm
Thursday 1/26/2022 @LuHi B 5pm
Sunday 1/29/2022 @Scanlan Tournament TBA
Wednesday 2/1/2022 @Avenue 530pm
Friday 2/3/2022 Stony Brook 4:30pm
Saturday 2/4/2022 @St Anthonys 12pm
Tuesday 2/7/2022 York Prep 4pm
Thursday 2/9/2022 Knox 630pm
Tuesday 2/13/2022 PSAA Quarters TBA
Wednesday 2/14/2022 PSAA Semis TBA
Thursday 2/16/2022 PSAA Finas TBA
Wednesday2/22/2022 NYSAISAA Round 1 TBA