Over the last week, basketball teams across Section I have been hitting the gymnasium to prepare for the upcoming season. In Harrison, a ton of returning talent, and some unfinished business, has combined to make the Huskies a program to watch this winter.
After a terrific regular season campaign last year, the Huskies suffered an early postseason exit, falling to league foe Eastchester in the first round of the Class A playoffs.
According to head coach Louis Kail however, that loss has served to motivate each of Harrison’s eight returning players this preseason. “We’ve had great senior leadership so far, especially playing a big role in the fall,” the six-year head coach said. “It has really made the transition even easier coming into the first week of practice.”
Chief among Harrison’s returnees this year will be junior point guard Avery LaBarbera, who has established herself as a true force over the last several seasons. Last year, LaBarbera was awarded all-state honors, and will once again be tasked with running the Huskies’ offense.
“She just continues to improve and mature,” said Kail of his point guard. “She eats, lives and breathes basketball, so that’s really just a tribute to her.”
LaBarbera will be joined by fellow returning starters Gina Nuvoloni, who played a big role for the Huskies last season, and senior Kendall Lefkowitz, whose versatility should give Kail options when constructing the lineup.
“[Lefkowitz] can do a little bit of everything, she’s one of those kids who plays all summer,” Kail said. “We can put her in an offensive set anywhere from the 1 to the 5 [positions], and that could be challenging for a lot of kids, but she can do it.”
Kail is also expecting a breakout year from 5’9’’ senior Megan Clow, who will give the Huskies some much-needed length in the front court and should see an increased role this year. “She was our first big off the bench last year, and she’s coming off a terrific volleyball season,” Kail said. “What she can bring, athletically, we are very excited for.”
Harrison’s season kicks off on Dec. 3, when they travel to Carmel to take on New Rochelle in a season kickoff tournament, but the Huskies won’t begin their league schedule until Jan. 4 when they take on Pelham. Harrison’s league tests will include Eastchester, newcomer Ardsley, and Rye, which made a state semifinal appearance last year.
“When you look from top to bottom, I think our league is one of the most balanced leagues in Section I,” Kail said. “We know that there’s not one easy game.”
