The Elmont Memorial High School Lady Spartans Girls Basketball team enjoyed a wonderful season this year. The girls captured the regular season Conference II A title posting a remarkable 12-0 record. This title is the first for the girls since 1992 and it came in grand fashion.

Second year coach, Gregg Petrocelli, faced a major task at the inception of the season as the Lady Spartans returned only four players from the previous year. With a glance at the season that the Lady Spartans turned in, one can only wonder how they were able to turn in such an amazing run. If you speak to any of Petrocelli's players, they will certainly agree that this team was driven by a desire to win every time they stepped onto the floor. It is this great heart and passion for success that led this team to great lengths during the regular season and into the playoffs.

The girls faced a strong South Side team in the quarterfinals of the playoffs and were able to muster up an amazing come from behind victory on their home court. The Lady Spartans faced adversity in this contest as they trailed by 21 points with a little over three minutes remaining in the second quarter. Under the guidance of Coach Petrocelli and the confidence of NaTasha Lyons, Tiffany Daley and Rachele Yambaye, the Lady Spartans were able to turn the 21 point deficit into a ten point victory. This spark of energy was fueled by the team's defensive pressure, which allowed for fast break points and three point baskets in the crunch time. Ericka Johnson, Lisa Lavelle and Richeda Cadet put forth relentless effort in this victory.

In the semifinals, the Lady Spartans faced a strong Farmingdale team at a neutral site, Roslyn High School. The girls played intensely once again as the teams battled to a 19-19 tie at half-time. In the second half, the Lady Spartans played their usual aggressive brand of basketball, but fell short as Farmingdale closed the contest victorious by the score of 46-39. The Lady Spartans were once again led by Tiffany Daley and NaTasha Lyons, who added 13 and 12 points respectively.

The Elmont Memorial Girls Basketball Team has a great deal to be proud of as they enjoyed a wonderful season. The Lady Spartans will return many players including: Tiffany Daley, NaTasha Lyons, Ericka Johnson, Lisa Lavelle, Rachele Yambaye, Margo Laventure, Richeda Cadet, Tricia Prettypaul and Christine Daley. The Lady Spartans will be saying goodbye to seniors Katrina Arias, Avaleen Blake and Shenika Louis and wish them the best in their college endeavors. These girls provided much needed leadership both on and off the basketball court. Shenika's, Avaleen's and Katrina's presence will certainly be missed as they have devoted an immense amount of time into the Lady Spartan basketball program.