The Massapequa Chiefs Boys basketball team are on their way to yet another playoff berth in the competitive Class AA-1 conference. This conference is one of the most advanced and competitive basketball conferences on Long Island. What’s even more fascinating is that the Chiefs have made the playoffs for 12 consecutive years.
“The character and work ethic of this team is something I am very proud of,” said head coach Martin Voigt of his 2014-15 squad.
The team is built off of rare athletes, as many of the boys on the basketball team are multiple sport athletes including all-state soccer players. Competitiveness is second nature, while the consistency to get better every day is at the forefront of the team as a whole.
Standing at 6’ 4,” senior guard Sean Nealis is determined to extend his days as a Chief on the court in the playoffs. Nealis was named captain after his outstanding performance on varsity for three years. Ironically, he is paired up with his younger brother on the court this year; junior and guard Dylan Nealis.
Nealis is red hot right now and will have a major impact on the team this year. But looking outside the Nealis powerhouse, Massapequa has another star studded guard in senior Brandon Merklin, who has earned two varsity letters. This will be Merklin’s last year as a Chief but he takes pride in his role and will amplify his team on and off the court.
For the first time in three years, Voigt brought up three incredible athletes from the JV team; Thomas Ammendola, Bryce Paladino and Gary Rettig.
“I brought these players up to give them the experience to compete at the varsity level as well as the most competitive competition,” said Voigt.
The Varsity and JV basketball programs at Massapequa high school are run almost identical, so young athletes are already being conditioned for their future as a Chief.
Fortunately for the Chiefs, Voigt has quite the résumé.
“I was born and raised in Massapequa and also played basketball as well as went on to win a Nassau County Championship in 1977,” said Voigt who has coached at Massapequa for 23 years. “I try to tie together game play at the college level with the high school level and that gives us the advantage,” he continued, adding that his experience at the collegiate level with ties from Villanova and Fordham help in his coaching.
Champions are made in practice and the Chiefs run a very intense one. Starting with dynamic warm ups, they then go into their full court conditioning with basketballs. Soon after the stretching and conditioning is complete, the team then goes into offensive and defensive techniques, which helps the players get familiar with the plan for the next game.
“At practice, we emphasize on team work and communication,” said Voigt of his boys, who take their extra energy into the weight room after practice and during the off season. “This year as a team we need to get open and give each other the opportunity to score.”
Massapequa’s defense is strong, but finishing is key, as the season is progressing and the Chiefs are starting to build that chemistry and endurance to outplay their opponents.
In the most competitive conference, Massapequa holds their own. It will be intriguing to see where the Chiefs end up on the leader board.
