Alex West: The rising dragon of HSMSE

Alex West has shown her potential this season as a junior for the High School For Math Science and Engineering’s girls' basketball team. Her impact on the team as a leader and valuable scorer played a large role throughout the season and in the playoffs. 

In the 2015-2016 season, West averaged only six points per game. She looked to her team for inspiration for the next season, specifically coach David Scheiman and team captain Annabelle Shultz.

“Mostly Annabelle and Scheiman [have helped me improve] because they knew I had the potential and I have finally been achieving what they always thought I could do,” West said.

West showed great improvement this season as she averaged 14 points per game and led the division in assists. The Lady Dragons finished the season 10-1 and faced Eleanor Roosevelt in their first playoff game, where they suffered a heartbreaking 50-45 loss. West performed well in the playoff contest, scoring 16 points and making key defensive stops.

She attributed their playoff appearance to the strength of the entire team. The team's chemistry improved as the season went along.

“This year we [were] more of a team even [when] we lost," she said. "We are bonded closer together. Scheiman has focused more on the technique behind our shooting and layups, so we have become more consistent and we have had better practice of this.”

Scheiman described technical improvements in West’s play that has raised her confidence on the court. As her role in the offense has grown, so has her output.

“Her dribbling, her shooting, and her on and off-court leadership [has improved], she has been very vocal on and off the court," Scheiman said. "She’s starting to come into her own and feels a lot more confident dribbling and shooting this year.”

As a coach, Scheiman saw potential and growth in West both on and off the court. Since freshman year he was impressed by her athleticism and fierce determination.

“On the court she’s a leader," he said. "She’s a fierce competitor and a lot of the other players will follow her on that effect. Off the court, she is the leader amongst her grade and people look up to her. So pretty much, for Alex for next year the girls [will] look up to her, so if she leads the way they will follow her."

West will be looking forward to playing her last season with the Lady Dragons next year. Scheiman has high expectations for her next season as a leader both on and off the court, as well emerging as a top player in the league with Shultz’s departure.

“I would like to see her anywhere from a 15 to 20 point scorer," Scheiman said. "I would like to see her averaging five rebounds per game. I think she can be a top player in the league, she’s very good in basketball and she can do that next year.”

Although she suffered a crushing loss in the playoffs after improving immensely, West held her head high in hopes of winning it all next year.

“We’ll practice harder, play harder, and I’ll do my best to lead the team,” she said.

Coach David Scheiman takes Lady Dragons to new heights

Coach David Scheiman has led the High School for Math Science and Engineering Lady Dragons basketball team to the playoffs in three consecutive seasons. In doing so, he has helped many players at the school develop their skills and their basketball mentality. Scheiman has been influential to these student athletes, both as a coach and teacher.

He became the head coach of the Lady Dragons in 2015, taking over a losing team with a 7-9 record. They have come a long way since, sporting a winning record in the three consecutive seasons and a playoff win. He expressed his hands-off approach when it comes to his role in the development of the team.

“I’m more of a player’s coach,” he said. “I kind of let the players dictate what they want to do. Of course I have control, but I think the important part is to give the players the ability to think on their own.”

This approach has been a proven winner, as their record keeps on improving and his players continue to look up to him. The relationship between Scheiman and his players was put on display during senior night when he awarded his graduating seniors with gifts to show his appreciation for them, including a ring for thousand point scorer Annabelle Shultz.

Annabelle Schultz receives ring from coach Scheiman on senior night / T. Henning

Over the past three years, Scheiman has experienced a tremendous amount of success as the head coach of the HSMSE girls basketball team. A great part of this success has been thanks to the play of Shultz, who in the 2015-2016 season was the leading scorer in the city; however, even with her absence next year, Scheiman is still confident for the team's future success.

“We have a core nucleus coming back and we’re only missing two starters and I think everybody will have to step up a little bit in the future,” he said.

He feels that the team's hard work will play a big role in the team’s success next season. He emphasized the importance of their practice routines during the offseason.

“If they take it seriously and really work hard, I think we can be very good next year and in playoff contention,” he said.

HSMSE Girls' Basketball overcome injuries to make playoffs

During the 2015-2016 season the High School for Math, Science, and Engineering girls’ basketball managed third place in the Manhattan B West division. The HSMSE Dragons' managed an eight and five record while lead by the PSAL girls basketball leading scorer, Annabelle Shultz.

There has been a noticeable progression with this season’s team, as players have come to understand their roles. Having this young core of players allowed the team time to develop. Coach David Scheiman recognized being, “a year older,” as one of the changes to the team this year.

“We haven’t had much roster change this season," Scheiman said, "we don’t have many seniors.”

HSMSE Girls' Basketball Team / HSMSE Yearbook

The Dragons' faced a number of injuries during the season, including their two highest scorers, which impeded upon their success. When a team loses such a prolific scorer such as Shultz it is difficult to remain competitive. Shultz’s injury was soon accompanied by that of Hillary Rodriguez, the Dragons' second highest scorer, and later freshman Gabrijella Ceni. Scheiman feels that it is due to the fact that these injuries were sequential, rather than all at once, that the team was able to compete and make the post season.

“Thankfully, the injuries did not occur all at once," Scheiman said. "For example, when Annabelle went down it was right before winter break. She had time to rest. Then Hillary went down, but Annabelle was back. When Hillary came back, Gabby went down.”

The Dragons' realized what had to be done to make up for these injuries; greater responsibility was placed on the offensive core. Scheiman has constantly made coaching adjustments throughout the season.

“There always has to be adjustments,” he replied. “Someone has to step up … you have to prep them up in practice for what their new roles are going to be. Certain players have to bear the burden more.”

Players took initiative and motivated one another through the difficult patches. Players created a familial culture. Certain team members took on more of a leadership role during this season. Leaders assisted others in their role changes, often as a result of injuries.

“Were very family like … we keep pushing and cheering each other on. Even when someone is injured for a long period of time we just have to learn from that; some people just have to play a larger role on the team,” Shultz said.

Scheiman feels that the Dragons could have went farther into the playoffs if the team had remained healthy throughout the season. The team's core will remain largely intact next season. If the players remain healthy, the team will likely find more success next year come postseason.

Bright future ahead for HSMSE Baseball

The High School for Math, Science, and Engineering’s boys' baseball team has dramatically improved from its winless 2014 season. The team followed its 0-13 record from 2014 with a 6-2 record in 2015.

The 2014 season did not go as planned for the boys’ baseball team. The team finished last place in its division and was demoted to the PSAL Developmental League. The team has overwhelmingly improved, with coach David Scheiman crediting this improvement to the team's growing desire to win.

Henry Schoenfeld (pitching)
/ J. Schoenfeld

"I think they want it more [than last year]," Scheiman said. "I think they are taking it more seriously [than last year.]"

Two players who have really stepped up this year are the captains of the baseball team, junior Henry Schoenfeld, and sophomore Max Hines. With only one senior on the roster, the team relies on the captains for its guidance. They have responded admirably, leading by example on the field. Schoenfeld has posted a .333 average with a home run, a double, and four RBIs. Hines batted .417 with a home run, a triple, and three RBIs. Mr. Scheiman attributes the captains’ leadership as a major reason for the team's progress.

"They have really set the tone for the year," he said. "They have set an example on the field for our young players."

Thanks to the captains' leadership and the move to the PSAL Developmental League, the team has been able to gain more confidence. The players' newfound confidence has given them a positive attitude, translating to more wins during the season.

"We probably didn't feel that we were good the previous years," he said. "Since we have more confidence, we believe that we can win any game that we play."

Scheiman feels that the team could move up in the PSAL. With another year of experience, he believes that the team even has a chance of making the playoffs.

“If we do well, maybe we can go into another division," he said. "And our confidence could even get us to be a playoff team next year."

Lone senior finishing high school baseball career

Geoffrey Nathan - N. Diunte

The High School for Math, Science, and Engineering boys’ baseball team has only one senior graduating this season. Senior second baseman Geoffrey Nathan grew from the only freshmen looking up to everyone, to being a friendly face on a tight-knit team. He concluded his fourth and final year with the Dragons, never having a teammate in his grade.

“I feel honored,” Nathan said. “I do wish I had other people [from my grade], but it’s kinda nice because I can chill with the underclassmen. It’s nice to be the one people can look up to.”

Nathan saw little playing time his freshman year, stepping up to the plate only six times. His role on the team jumped his sophomore year, where he had a .304 batting average in 23 at-bats. Nathan has made consistent contributions for the Dragons ever since.

"We depend more on him for hitting this year than other years," coach David Scheiman said. "He doesn't have to pitch as much."

The team experienced many league changes during Nathan’s tenure on the team. After their 2012 season, the Dragons were moved from the Developmental league to South Bronx B division. This 2015 season was played in the SSAL Developmental league.

“I wish we kept the same [league] the whole time,” Nathan said. “We worked our way up from development league, but then we ended up going back down. At least this year I can help the team get out of developmental.”

A common theme among the HSMSE teams is often the graduating seniors. The baseball team this year will not face this struggle next year; however, Nathan’s contributions and attitude will be missed.

"He's become more comical over the years," Scheiman said. "[He gives] a lot of comedy relief for the team."

A special senior night

HSMSE boys' varsity basketball / D. Islam

The long awaited dynamic duo

Both of the High School for Math, Science, and Engineering boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams played in a doubleheader on February 4th at City College of New York’s gym. The highlight was watching senior forward Lameek White and sophomore forward Eric Abreu play together for the first time in the season. Abreu and White’s skills complimented each other well in the Dragons’ 52-45 win against Manhattan Village Academy.

“When I was out, there was a lot of things that [White] did that I couldn't do,” Abreu said. “The same thing when I came back [and he was out]. We put the puzzle together.”

Another key for the Dragons’ victory was their high intensity from the tip-off. Their energy gave them an 18-8 lead by the end of the first quarter. Both White and senior center Alex Long scored almost double their respective season averages.

“It’s the last home game of the season, [we] had to go out with a ‘W’,” White said.

Lady Dragons improve over previous match-up

The match-up between the Lady Dragons and Chelsea Career and Technical Education was the second of their season. After a 35-26 loss on their January 1st game, the Lady Dragons were determined to show their improvement.

HSMSE girls' varsity basketball team / D. Islam

The team lost their second game against Chelsea 41-35, but despite the loss, there was a silver lining. Though an early full-court press by Chelsea hurt the Lady Dragons, things turned around by the third quarter. The team began to maneuver around Chelsea’s defense while executing their own full-court press with success.

“At first we weren't playing our hardest,” sophomore guard Annabelle Shultz said, “but we always come back in the second half.”

Sophomore guard Hillary Rodriguez played a large role in the game with many steals leading to easy fast-break points. The key for Rodriguez was her great positioning as she played one of her best game this season. Her hustle reflected a team-wide improvement in the second half.

“[The team had] a lot more hustle and nose for the ball,” head coach David Scheiman said. “Being in the right place and the right time was the main thing.”

HSMSE Lady Dragons earn first girls' basketball playoff victory in school history

Lady Dragons after their victory / HSMSE Sports

The Lady Dragons of the High School for Math, Science and Engineering felt right at home Thursday evening in their first round PSAL B Division girls’ basketball playoff game at South Bronx Prep. The Lady Dragons were unaffected by the rabid supporters of South Bronx Prep en route to a 56-35 victory.

The Lady Dragons, who were forced to play as the home team on the road due to a scheduling conflict with City College, came out with a furious full court press that put them up 6-0 after the first two minutes of the game. It was a lead they would never relinquish.

“I think they were zoned in more than anything,” said head coach David Scheiman. “They were just emotionally ready.”

Prep’s Cougars cut the Lady Dragons lead to five points one minute into the fourth quarter, narrowing the score to 36-31; however, they couldn’t get any closer due to the relentless pressure of HSMSE’s defense. With five minutes left in the game, sophomore Hillary Rodriguez hit a three pointer, stole the ensuing inbounds pass, and immediately scored on a lay-up to put the Lady Dragons ahead 43-31. Her five-second, five-point barrage, effectively secured the first playoff win in the Manhattan school’s history.

Hillary Rodriguez / HSMSE Sports

Standing in the way of the Lady Dragons playoff run are the third-seeded Phoenix of Millennium High School. The Phoenix posted a regular season record of 15-1, easily conquering the Manhattan South Division. The two teams will face off on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at John Jay Campus’ Gym in Brooklyn.

With the spring break approaching, Coach Scheiman will let the team enjoy a much needed vacation before focusing their energies on Millennium.

“When they get back to school,” Scheiman said, “it’s time to hit the ground running in preparation.”

Team	1	2	3	4				Total
HS For Math, Science and Engineering @ CCNY	15	9	12	20				56
South Bronx Preparatory	9	8	12	6				35

HS For Math, Science and Engineering @ CCNY
Player	Asst	Rebounds O-T	Fg2	Fg3	Ftm-Fta	Points
ALEX WEST	6	2-4	4	1	2-5	13
ANNABELLE SHULTZ	3	10-21	11	0	4-13	26
ANYA MARCHANT	0	4-12	2	0	0-2	4
GALIT WIENER	0	2-6	1	0	0-0	2
HILLARY RODRIGUEZ	0	4-10	3	1	0-0	9
JADE ARDINEZ	0	1-1	1	0	0-0	2
Total	9	23-54	22	2	6-20	56

South Bronx Preparatory
Player	Asst	Rebounds O-T	Fg2	Fg3	Ftm-Fta	Points
ANGIE ORTIZ ERAZO	6	0-0	2	0	0-1	4
BIANCA MONTANEZ	0	0-0	0	0	0-0	0
DAWN FRANKLIN	1	12-27	4	0	0-0	8
DEBBY SILVA	0	0-0	0	0	0-0	0
DIAMOND FULLARD	0	0-4	1	0	0-0	2
IVANA MONTANO	0	5-5	0	0	0-0	0
KATERA ROBINSON	1	1-7	7	0	0-2	14
SKYLAR HAWKINS	0	0-0	0	0	0-0	0
TAYLOR HAWKINS	0	0-0	1	1	0-0	5
ZAHRA MEDINA	0	0-0	1	0	0-0	2
Total	8	18-43	16	1	0-3	35

Dragons incorporate youth into game plan

HSMSE Boys' Basketball Team / Din Islam

Many basketball coaches will tell you that experience is a major part of winning. On the High School of Math, Science, and Engineering’s boys’ basketball team youth is the main focus. During the 2013 season, out of 13 players on the team, 11 were underclassmen allowing for growth both individually and as a team.

One of the many underclassmen on the team is freshman forward Eric Abreu. He benefited from the available playing time, averaging 8.5 ppg and 6.5 rpg.

“[Being a freshman] made [developing] kind of easier because you have a lot of time to improve,” Abreu said.

Along with youth, there must also be experience. The two seniors on the team played for two seasons, so they had much more exposure than the freshmen. Many of the younger players had to change their positions.

“It’s their first time they’re playing high school basketball,” senior guard Kofi Kordie said. “It’s different from middle school.”

It was new head coach David Scheiman’s coaching decision to recruit underclassmen because he believed they would grow together and get accustomed to being with each other.

“I felt that overall talent wise they were better, and they would develop over time,” Scheiman said.

He expected the seniors to take leadership of the team. He wanted them to be vocal and be on-court coaches for the younger players.

Although they ended the season with a disappointing 1-13 record, they are still hopeful. With the growth of the freshmen, they look to become a powerful basketball team.

“We’ll be a lot better than we are now,” Abreu said.

Written by: Daniella Smith and Sadeon Martin

The future of HSMSE baseball

The High School for Math, Science and Engineering Dragons baseball team’s approaching season is looking bright. With a year’s experience in the B-Division, more time to practice, and up-and-coming players, the team is expecting their first win this season since leaving the developmental stage.

HSMSE Baseball Team / HSMSE Sports

Last season didn’t go well for the baseball team at HSMSE. They had a rough time on the field stumbling through a 0-13 season. Coach David Scheiman credits that the team is now facing challenging opponents.

“It was our first season transitioning from the developmental league to the B-Division,” he said.

Now that Scheiman has implemented increased training time, he expects the team’s performance to improve.

“Hopefully just their reps, their fielding, and their natural ability [will improve]; things being second-nature to them when they’re playing baseball,” Scheiman said.

This upcoming season is going to look different on the field now, with younger faces from the freshman class. They will be filling in the positions that the seniors left open last season.

“I think they’ll have a big effect because a few of them are pitchers, and a few of our pitchers left last year,” co-captain Henry Schoenfeld said. “A lot of them play infield which is also our big problem, so that fills another big need.”

Now that the HSMSE Dragons have a bigger freshman class on the team, their future looks fortunate. They are aiming for their first B-Division win in the upcoming season; however, they still have a long way to go before they make it to the top.

Contributed by Nicholas Bohan and Muhammad Abid Hasan

The beginning of the future for HSMSE basketball

Annabelle Shultz shooting a free throw / Din Islam

Both the High School for Math, Science, and Engineering boys’ and girls’ basketball teams are beginning the start of what appears to be successful futures. The Lady Dragons’ are now 5-5 as of this writing, piling up more wins than their previous three seasons combined. Meanwhile, the 1-8 record of the young boys' team, so far unfairly represents a well developing unit that contains only two upperclassmen.

The key to the great turnaround season for the Lady Dragons’ so far is freshman guard Annabelle Shultz.

“Everything starts with her," said head coach Jeremy Bassie. "She brings the ball coast to coast and finds Donna Fintzi for threes, and goes to the foul line and rebounds. We are very lucky to have her in the program."

Her presence creates a big three for the team similar to that of the Miami Heat. Fintzi and senior forward Mikaela Bloch no longer need to take control of every possession and instead can work more off the ball.

“We have a few freshmen who are more highly skilled than in years past which has allowed for Donna [Fintzi] not to have as much responsibility handling the ball so she can be more set up to shoot, instead of always having to shoot off the dribble and run around to so much. I think that has allowed her to really show off her shot a bit more because she doesn’t have to handle the ball as often,” said co-coach Nick Diunte.

For the boys' team, this season has showcased the vast improvement of a developing team. The team opted to go for a younger squad this year in order to develop players to replace the play of 1,000 point-scorer Kavan Edwards. Their game against Chelsea Career and Technical Education on January 9th, 2014 demonstrated this transition perfectly. Unlike their opening game of the season where senior guard Kofi Kordie was responsible for nearly all the points, the scoring was distributed well among the underclassmen.

“I think we've improved a lot of the whole year,” said coach David Scheiman. “We've improved so much, we’re competitive now. I honestly think that in two years we might have a shot at winning the division.”

It is crucial for for the Lady Dragons to replace the talent of Fintzi and Bloch if they want to continue their success. With Shultz already providing great talent in only her first year, already improving underclassmen may easily increase their contributions next season.

For the boys' squad, it is clear that they have a growing team which will only improve over time. The whole team, sparing the two seniors, have at least another two seasons together before graduation. This large amount of time that the team will be together, almost surely guarantees they will see an improvement over the next few years.

Video footage below of HSMSE boys' basketball team first victory of the season against Manhattan Village Academy on January 11, 2014.