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.

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 win PSAL Class B girls’ soccer championship

HSMSE Girls' soccer team - Evgeni Dobranov

The High School for Math, Science, and Engineering girls’ soccer team won the PSAL Girls' B Soccer championship 3-1 in a penalty shootout against Julia Richman on Sunday, November 9th. The teams were tied 1-1 at the end of overtime on Randall’s Island Field 10. This tight victory marks HSMSE’s first ever citywide varsity championship.

From the first whistle, the Lady Dragons played aggressive, but couldn't maintain solid control. In the first four minutes, Richman had two corners and forced a save on sophomore goalkeeper Annabelle Shultz.

 “I definitely felt more pressure [over last game],” Shultz said. “Last game, after we scored the first goal, we were so set that we were going to win and kept scoring more and more. In this, we were 1-0 almost the entire game.”

The game soon changed direction when sophomore midfielder Hillary Rodriguez assisted sophomore forward Jacqueline Hall in the seventh minute.

Things got really awkward for the Lady Dragons at the start of the second half. Both senior defender Sahar Saedi and freshman midfielder Alex West were shown yellow cards on consecutive plays. West received her yellow for a delay of game right as Saedi was returning to the field after the action died. On the ensuring play, Saedi received a yellow card for a rough foul.

“[The delay] was because Sahar came back and she was supposed to take the goal kick,” West said. “My foot hurt and so I couldn't kick it that far, and I didn't want them to get the ball and score. I was trying to get away from the ball.”

The nail biting game was the greatest challenge for the Lady Dragons all season. Richman’s 52nd minute equalizer was the first time the Lady Dragons were tied this year. The girls weren’t fazed by this new challenge, as the Dragons fought hard to win the game until the final whistle. With one minute left, Hall found herself past Richman’s goalkeeper with the ball, but two defenders were waiting on goal. Hall’s shot deflected off a defender and hit the post, giving the Lady Dragons the last corner before overtime.

The two teams, weary from 80 minutes of regulation play, faced another 20 minutes of overtime to determine who would win the championship. Both teams teetered on the brink of scoring during the overtime period; however, Shultz managed two great saves to keep the Lady Dragons in the game.

co-captains Yael Saiger and Galit Wiener with Zafonte -  Batya Wiener

The first penalty taker was West, who upon scoring, quickly put on gloves to be the stand-in goalkeeper. To the average spectator, this came as a surprise, but coach Regina Zafonte made the team practice penalties on West during the post-season. West never saved any official penalties, but was mere inches away from stopping Richman’s first. Hall and junior midfielder Taieesa Peshkovsky scored the next two while Richman missed their remaining chances.

“I knew that Alex has been trained to do this and I was so confident in her,” Schultz said.

The undefeated season ended in a deserving championship for the Lady Dragons. According to tradition, the champions will be brought up to A-Division. It will be interesting to see how the team takes on the tough challenge next season. The current seniors are the only players to have experienced the A-Division before the team was dropped to the A-Division in the 2012-2013 season. For now, the only certainty is that the champions have much to be proud of.

“It’s the most amazing experience," said Zafonte. "I’m just happy that all this hard work for the past two months culminated in success and the better team did win today. It feels amazing.”

HSMSE Lady Dragons reach PSAL Class B girls' soccer playoff finals

HSMSE girls' soccer team - Lisa Gordis

The High School for Math, Science and Engineering girls’ soccer team won 6-1 in their 2014 PSAL Class B semi-final match against Herbert H. Lehman High School on November 11, 2014.  Their victory sets up a final match against Julia Richman Educational Campus at 10AM on Sunday November 9th at Randall's Island Field 10. The game will be broadcasted live online via the NFHS Network.

The Dragons comfortable win was a result of a combination of constant hustle, an aggressive mindset, and their experience in the playoffs.

“This is the best team we've ever had at MSE,” said coach Regina Zafonte. “They know how to channel their nerves into positive energy and do amazing things. These guys are now experienced playoff players and can handle the pressure.”

Freshman midfielder Alex West was seemingly everywhere on the pitch. West controlled the midfield with her aggressiveness and superb ball handling. When given the opportunity, West took shots from outside of the box, resulting in two spectacular goals. Despite her tremendous impact on both the game and the season, West remained humble in victory.

"Being aggressive, man marking their best player, and getting the step ahead by scoring the first two goals in the start [won us the match]," said West.

Another player who embodied the team’s hustle mentality was junior forward Galit Wiener. All three of her goals in the game came after sprinting for either crosses or deflections off of Lehman’s goalkeeper.

"We all came out determined," said Wiener. "We've been to the playoffs before and have been let down. We knew it could happen again and we've come so far already, so we wanted to give it our best. Everyone played 100%."

The Lady Dragons’ back line was just as impressive as their offense. The defense didn't even give Lehman a shot on goal for the first 30 minutes of the game. In fact, the most pressure sophomore goalkeeper Annabelle Shultz faced were from five corners that were easily cleared due to the great defending. The only slip up was a late goal, but the Lady Dragons were already up 6-0 at that point.

“Our defense was impenetrable," said Zafonte. “They were first to the ball and didn't allow anybody to get by them.”

The team's push to the finals has been a result of both quality leadership and great team chemistry. If the continue to play with the same sense of urgency and aggressiveness in the final, the team could bring HSMSE its first citywide varsity championship in school history.

"We have very good chances [in the final]," said West. "We're very good together working as a team and we're good at stepping up to the challenge."

A u-turn for HSMSE girls’ basketball

HSMSE Girls Basketball Team / M. Galeano

The High School for Math Science & Engineering girls’ basketball team went 7-9 in the 2013-14 season, a huge improvement from their 0-18 season last year. The rise was due to the addition of freshman Annabelle Shultz, as well as the excellent play from senior shooting guard Donna Fintzi. 

Shultz, the rookie point guard, scored 15 points per game, taking pressure off of Fintzi who has been the team’s scoring leader since her sophomore year. 

“We would always try to get the ball to Donna,” Shultz said. “[She] would hit three pointers and I would always crash the boards and try to get foul shots up.” 

The new head coach Jeremy Bassie helped the team on and off the court. Bassie successfully coached the Girls Jr. Varsity team at Bronx Science from 2007-12. His past experience as a coach helped the girls turn their season around.

“He was a really good coach,” Shultz said. “He knew what to do and was very confident in what he did. He would always make us laugh and make us have a good time playing."

Next year, without senior co-captains Fintzi and Mikaela Bloch, who combined for more than 20 points per game, others will have to score. Despite their trouble, the Dragons are determined to try and improve their record for next season. 

Annabelle Shultz / Din Islam

It’s going to be a learning process for most of the team and me also, but everyone is going to have to step up,” Shultz said.

The Dragons will have to look towards freshman next year to help fill the vacancies left by the seniors. The team relied on the seniors for a large portion of their scoring but now they will have to change their game to make up for the disadvantage.

Saying goodbye to their departing captains, the Dragons will continue to work towards making the playoffs. It will be a rebuilding process, but this season was definitely a triumph for the girls’ basketball team.

By: Willy Herman and Henry Schoenfeld

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.