Sports

New Pearl River Girls Basketball Coach Ready for Transition

New Pearl River girls basketball Head Coach Dan Lauture may lack the experience of his predecessor, but there are aspects of his new job that are familiar territory.

The Pearl River Board of Education approved his appointment as the Pirates' head coach Tuesday night, about a month and a half before practice begins Nov. 11, but he has faced quicker turnarounds.

"It's not the first time I have been through something like this," Lauture said. "At my first varsity job (at Raymond S. Kellis High School) in Glenndale, AZ, I was hired a month before tryouts. It's nothing I'm unprepared for."

"He seems eager to get going," Pearl River Director of Athletics Todd Santabarbara said. "He seems excited about the opportunity. He talked about an all-in approach as far as being committed. 

"His energy and enthusiasm are something we felt the girls could relate to, His up-tempo personality seemed to be extremely positive. He talked a lot about wanting to move girls forward in their growth as basketball players."


In addition to interviews with the Pearl River administration, Lauture has already spoken former Pearl River Head Coach Lorraine Moylan, who retired after 20 seasons leading the Pirates in March. When she announced her decision, Moylan expressed interest in helping out with the program. She still teaches at Pearl River High School. Lauture said he wants to take her up on that, though they have not discussed the details yet.

"It is a priority of mine to make sure Coach Moylan is still around," Lauture said. "I felt the transition wouldn't go as well without her around. I want her input and I want her around."

Lauture, a Central Connecticut State graduate with a master's degree from Arizona State, said the strong program already in place will make his job easier. He has already watched video of the Pirates from last season, when they reached the Section 1 Class A semifinals.

"Anybody walking into the position is following a challenging path," Santabarbara said. "He is walking into a very successful program. The expectations are to maintain that tradition and success."

Marissa Scognamiglio and Amanda DeCourcey are among the graduation losses from last year's team. Senior guard Sam Alicandri was a full-time starter in 2012-13 and junior forward Emma Daly and sophomore guard Jenna Scanlon were part-time starters.

"I know it's a solid core," Lauture said. "I know the previous coach and I know the work ethic she instilled in a lot of these girls. I know they will keep that pace. We will be a very solid team because we have a solid foundation."

Lauture said he prefers a varied offense that can adapt to its personnel, running five guards when necessary or more traditional sets with two or three forwards. He prefers constant pressure on defense, something the Pirates are very familiar with.

"Once I saw the 2-2-1 (trap) Pearl River ran, I was familiar with it," Lauture said. "My thinking is to take advantage of opportunities on the defensive end. Trapping the ball. Constant talking and pressure."

Lauture spent last season as a volunteer assistant with the Iona College women's basketball program, but had to find a new direction when Head Coach Tony Bozzella left to take over the same job at Seton Hall.

"I considered him for my staff at Seton Hall," Bozzella said. "I did not have  spot, but he is on my short list for the future.

"He was a volunteer, but he was there every day. He did a great job for us."

Lauture, who was a teacher in Arizona, got his certification in Connecticut and he is working as a substitute teacher in Stamford. He will be making the commute to Pearl River. He said he plans to get his New York certification. 

Bozzella said he had no doubt that Lauture would put in the work necessary to coach at Pearl River, just as he found ways to make himself available whenever needed at Iona.  

"He will put in the time," Bozzella said. "He has such great passion and he's such a great guy. He was tremendous (at Iona)."


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