Fotopoulos the Way Forward: Former Hampton Bays Star Takes Over Girls Basketball Team

A Hampton Bays basketball great will lead the team she was once the star of, and she’s ready to take the program to new heights.

Alexis Fotopoulos, still the Baymen’s all-time leading point scorer, and who became the 21st high school girls basketball player on Long Island to join the 2,000-point club, said she’s grateful for the opportunity to restore that winning culture.

“It means a lot to me to give back to a program that has given me so much,” said Fotopoulos, a former six-year varsity starter at Hampton Bays. “Having played for this school’s basketball team and experienced success on and off the court, I am looking forward to contributing to the program’s legacy and providing guidance to the next generation of student-athletes. I look forward to the challenges and successes that lie ahead.”

Fotopoulos — who as a senior broke Andrea Dwyer’s 27-year Hampton Bays record of 1,716 career points, set in 1988 — replaces Darryl Johnson, who took over as head coach in 2018.

“We are thrilled to welcome Alexis as the new Hampton Bays varsity girls basketball head coach,” Athletic Director John Foster said. “As a dedicated teacher within our district, an alumna and a positive role model, Alexis brings a unique blend of experience and connections with our female student-athletes. Her enthusiasm, expertise and boundless energy are sure to elevate our program.”

Her connections following those she made as a player have come as a middle school physical education teacher and head coach of the junior varsity girls volleyball team. Fotopoulos’s father, Andy, is the head coach of the varsity volleyball squad in Hampton Bays, where nine of the 11 players on her first basketball team come from. Those Baymen are also hot off a 16-3 fall campaign.

“Having a group of athletes who have played for me before and know the expectations and qualities I expect from them has led to a smooth transition, and I am hoping their experience and winning ways on the volleyball court can carry over into the basketball season,” Fotopoulos said. “These girls have been playing together since August, so we already have great team chemistry. I know how they work and how to motivate them to get the best out of each player.”

That, the former Adelphi University student-athlete said, is a major concentration for her in her first year.

“I’ll be focusing on individual player development to maximize the potential of each athlete,” Fotopoulos said. “I will continue to emphasize strong fundamentals, teamwork and a positive team culture. With the group of athletes that I have on the team, my hopes are to play an up-tempo, fast-paced game.”

The coach, who as a sophomore collected 31 points in a Suffolk County Championship win over Mattituck, as a junior amassed 50 points in a win over Southampton, and as a senior recorded 46 in a win over Miller Place, said she has implemented modern-day training methods and strategies to keep the program competitive. She also understands, she said, that with just one returning varsity starter from a team that went 3-18 last season, success will take time.

Eden Brown, now a sophomore, is that one player, who is set to take on a larger role this season. Fotopoulos said she is anticipating Brown to have a significant impact on both ends of the court.

Also returning to the team are seniors Tania Quiros and Nellie Nicolova, leaders of the volleyball team who will also provide talent and leadership on and off the court.

“They excel in all areas of the game, from securing rebounds to creating steals and contributing to scoring,” Fotopoulos said. “I am confident that they will elevate their teammates both on and off the court.”

Quiros said she is also assured in her new leader, who was actually her and several of her teammates’ junior varsity coach, saying this change brings things full circle.

“For us seniors, being able to finish our last year with her as a coach is definitely special, and means a lot to us,” she said. “Most of us are already familiar and comfortable with her coaching style, and I think we’ve already started out with a lot of potential — it also sets the bar especially high — and our skills can only improve. She’s been so successful with her teams, so we can see a lot of success for us, as well.”

Newcomer Julia Brandes, a junior who is also from the volleyball team, will bring tenacity, her coach said, while sophomores Taylor Meyers and Shea Egan will also play major roles this season.

“Julia is one of the hardest working players and contributes in ways that might not always show up in the stats, and Taylor and Shea are bringing lots of energy and excitement to the team,” Fotopoulos said. “We have a lot of younger players in the program who are only going to get better, and I think we are heading in the right direction.”

Senior Jordyn Heaney and junior Kaya Raynor add depth to the roster, while rounding it out are seniors Chase Dunkirk, who will provide size and presence in the paint, and Gianna Betta, who expands upon the Baymen’s defensive intensity.

“The girls have been working hard — I think we’re off to a great start — and I’m excited to see it all come together,” Fotopoulos said. “I have introduced a number of new concepts and strategies to the team and they’ve been receptive and committed to the process. They are locked in, and believe in what we are trying to build.”

The coach said she believes her stint in the program will serve her well when connecting with and commanding the group.

“My time as a player taught me the value of teamwork, discipline and hard work, and I aim to instill these principles in our players, fostering a culture of respect, unity and continuous improvement,” Fotopoulos said. “I hope to bring back a winning attitude and culture to the program.”