The HSMSE Girls basketball team made it to the first round of the 2020 PSAL “B” Division Playoffs after finishing second place in their division. The Dragons maintained a 9-3 record, all while losing two valuable players during the season.
The Dragons were a resilient team, so giving up was not an option. Losing players due to injury did not demoralize the team, in fact, it boosted team morale. They had to play harder in support of their sidelined teammates.
“It gave everyone an opportunity to step up and support their teammates,” coach David Scheiman said.
Before a pre-season scrimmage, starting center Nicole Ogen broke a finger during warm-ups. The Dragons lost another starter midway through the season when shooting guard Barbara Ceci broke her ankle during the first quarter of a league game. Less experienced players stepped up and helped the Dragons take victory.
“[The injuries] makes everyone work harder because everyone wants to come through for that person and win,” junior point guard Agnes Heffner said.
Following the injuries, sophomores Sandy Liang and Taylor Jeffrey filled starting positions, while freshmen Sherry Li and Lily Yan earned more playing time. The Dragons’ ability to deal with adversity sets them up for a strong upcoming season, as their younger players gained valuable experience that will help the team in the future.
- Siddhaarta Venkatesh also contributed to this story.
Showing posts with label PSAL Basketball Playoffs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PSAL Basketball Playoffs. Show all posts
Monday, March 30, 2020
Friday, February 14, 2020
HSMSE Falls To The Clinton School In The First Round Of The PSAL Girls' Basketball Playoffs
The HSMSE girls’ basketball team lost their first round playoff game 56-35, in an intense battle against the Clinton School at the Nat Holman Gymnasium on February 10, 2020.
Despite the lopsided final score, HSMSE cut the difference to only four points halfway through the third quarter. However, the Dragons’ comeback was cut short by injuries and foul trouble that stymied their star players.
“One of our main players got into foul trouble, and our point guard had a jammed finger,” coach David Scheiman said.
This forced Scheiman to put inexperienced players on the court who were no match for Clinton’s aggressive style of play. Clinton’s full-court press caused HSMSE to turn the ball over repeatedly, which exhausted the Dragons. Frustration from turning the ball over fueled unnecessary fouls.
“Unni [Isaksen] picked up her fourth foul and had to sit out the rest of the [third] quarter,” he said.
With their leading scorer on the bench, HSMSE could not match The Clinton School’s fast-paced offense. HSMSE rallied late in the fourth quarter, but ultimately could not close the gap caused by their earlier foul troubles.
“In the fourth quarter we put up a good fight,” said sophomore Taylor Jeffrey.
Rose Wladis led the Hawks with 23 points. Unni Isaksen had 10 for the Dragons in their losing effort.
Despite the lopsided final score, HSMSE cut the difference to only four points halfway through the third quarter. However, the Dragons’ comeback was cut short by injuries and foul trouble that stymied their star players.
“One of our main players got into foul trouble, and our point guard had a jammed finger,” coach David Scheiman said.
This forced Scheiman to put inexperienced players on the court who were no match for Clinton’s aggressive style of play. Clinton’s full-court press caused HSMSE to turn the ball over repeatedly, which exhausted the Dragons. Frustration from turning the ball over fueled unnecessary fouls.
“Unni [Isaksen] picked up her fourth foul and had to sit out the rest of the [third] quarter,” he said.
With their leading scorer on the bench, HSMSE could not match The Clinton School’s fast-paced offense. HSMSE rallied late in the fourth quarter, but ultimately could not close the gap caused by their earlier foul troubles.
“In the fourth quarter we put up a good fight,” said sophomore Taylor Jeffrey.
Rose Wladis led the Hawks with 23 points. Unni Isaksen had 10 for the Dragons in their losing effort.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Eric Abreu’s leadership drives HSMSE boys basketball to playoffs
Eric Abreu’s improvement throughout his four year tenure on the High School for Math Science and Engineering’s boys’ basketball team has propelled the Dragons to their first playoff appearance in five seasons.
In the 2016-17 season, Abreu scored 16.7 ppg, placing him second in his division. His scoring output is even more impressive considering the fact that he has doubled it since freshman year.
“There wasn’t many seniors on the team when I came, so through the years I tried to step into that leadership role,” Abreu said. “[I wanted to] be that leader that we didn’t have.”
Aside from his on-court contribution, Abreu is also a tremendous asset off the court. He must balance his responsibilities in the Mount Sinai concentration, a medical internship that HSMSE offers that requires the student to spend half the school day at Mount Sinai hospital. Abreu makes sure that his work at Mount Sinai does not interfere with his role on the team.
“I try to make up for Sinai when I don’t have school,” he said.
As one of only two four year players on the team, he must be a mentor for players who are not as experienced in the PSAL, and try to mold new additions to contributors for the team. Gabriel Culian is a second year player for the Dragons, and he feels his production has increased through Abreu's guidance.
“Certain times when I was working by myself he would come to me and show me certain skills,” Culian said. “He’s pushed me to strive harder in school and he’s helped me when I had trouble.”
Since the Dragons are heading into the playoffs for the first time since the 2011-12 season, no current member on the team has played a game in the postseason. Despite their lack of experience, Abreu is confident the team will do well.
“Over the years I've been on the team, we've gotten a lot better,” Abreu said. “When the ball is in someone else's hands, they can do something well for the team.”
Authored By Mohammed Kabir, Michael Stern, Matthias Granja
In the 2016-17 season, Abreu scored 16.7 ppg, placing him second in his division. His scoring output is even more impressive considering the fact that he has doubled it since freshman year.
“There wasn’t many seniors on the team when I came, so through the years I tried to step into that leadership role,” Abreu said. “[I wanted to] be that leader that we didn’t have.”
Aside from his on-court contribution, Abreu is also a tremendous asset off the court. He must balance his responsibilities in the Mount Sinai concentration, a medical internship that HSMSE offers that requires the student to spend half the school day at Mount Sinai hospital. Abreu makes sure that his work at Mount Sinai does not interfere with his role on the team.
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| Teammates show appreciation for Eric Abreu / T. Henning |
“I try to make up for Sinai when I don’t have school,” he said.
As one of only two four year players on the team, he must be a mentor for players who are not as experienced in the PSAL, and try to mold new additions to contributors for the team. Gabriel Culian is a second year player for the Dragons, and he feels his production has increased through Abreu's guidance.
“Certain times when I was working by myself he would come to me and show me certain skills,” Culian said. “He’s pushed me to strive harder in school and he’s helped me when I had trouble.”
Since the Dragons are heading into the playoffs for the first time since the 2011-12 season, no current member on the team has played a game in the postseason. Despite their lack of experience, Abreu is confident the team will do well.
“Over the years I've been on the team, we've gotten a lot better,” Abreu said. “When the ball is in someone else's hands, they can do something well for the team.”
Authored By Mohammed Kabir, Michael Stern, Matthias Granja
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
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.
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.
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.
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| 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.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
2011 HSMSE Boys Basketball Season Review
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| Coach Epstein during a timeout / T. Henning |
To get to their 6-6 record the Dragons went through some highs and lows, having a stretch where they won four out of five games, but also experiencing a three game losing streak. The team’s greatest win was against the 8-4 Manhattan Village Academy. Senior point guard Nate McGrory hit a game winning three-pointer with just seconds on the clock to give the Dragons a one point victory. The Dragons also had a letdown, losing against 3-9 Fiorello H. LaGuardia, that they had already beaten prior this season.
To make the season as successful as it was, the Dragons needed everyone to step up and contribute to the team. Rookie sophomore forward Kavan Edwards emerged as the team’s leading scorer and rebounder. Others making significant contributions were seniors McGrory and Chris Yates and junior Eli Auslander. Teamwork was one area where the Dragons improved significantly from the beginning of the season. Yates stated that he tried to involved his teammates more in the offense opting to be, “more of a ‘Rondo’ than a ‘Kobe’.”
The players credited coach Richard Epstein with much of their improvement. “The coaching was effective because he showed us exactly what he wanted us to do. The problem came when we tried to do it,” stated Yates. Popovic added that Epstein had heavily, “worked with us on our passing and dribbling,” two areas that were key for their successful play.
Although there was a lot of growth on the team, their weaknesses were still apparent. One of which was maintaining their energy level, which showed up in the disappointing loss to LaGuardia after blowing a 13-3 first quarter lead. In order to have a chance in the playoffs, the Dragons are going to have to play hard and stay focused for the entire game, not just the first quarter. In addition, the Dragons will have to swing the momentum from their three consecutive losses going into Wednesday's playoff contest.
Looking forward to next season, the Dragons have the potential to be better than they were this year. Losing only two seniors, they will have the opportunity to grow as a team and build more chemistry. Players like Edwards and Auslander will be able to mature and form a strong core of the team. However, they will need other players who did not get a chance to play much this year to step up and contribute. These contributions could come from players like Popovic, Yassine Khaliqui and Brandon Agyemang.
The HSMSE Dragons developed a lot during the 2010-2011 season. They fought hard and now they have a chance to compete in the playoffs for the first time in five seasons and have a promising future looking forward to next season.
Marcelo Bravo, Matthew Josephs, Hafizul Sarker, and An-Khe Tomer contributed to this article.
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