The high school basketball season officially kicked off in Eastchester last week, as the Eagles boys and girls teams both took part in the school’s 42nd annual Holiday Tournament. The tourney proved an auspicious beginning for both Eagle squads, as both teams triumphed over the field to take home top honors.
The Eastchester girls closed out the event in impressive fashion on Dec. 4, edging a game Tuckahoe team 44-42 in the tournament finale. The Eagles held a nine-point lead at halftime before the Tigers—who beat the hosts in last year’s meeting—utilized an effective full-court press to push the tempo and climb back into contention. The Eagles were able to regroup, however, and put the game away in the closing minutes.
Theresa Wright led Eastchester with 15 points and Tuckahoe’s Olivia Mondrone paced all scorers with 16. Julia Vesey, who netted 10 points, was named the tournament MVP. Vesey said that the Eagles—who topped the Ursuline B team in the preliminary round—knew they would have their hands full against Tuckahoe in the finals.
“They beat us last year, so we knew they were good,” said Vesey. “To come out today and get a win over them was really important to us.”
Vesey also pointed out that withstanding the Tigers’ second half charge should benefit the Class A Eagles as they look ahead to the rest of the regular season schedule.
“It’s going to really help us, playing with a lead,” she said “If we face [a situation like] this again, we know what we have to do, keep our calm.”
On the boys end, Eastchester bested Horace Greeley in the first round before topping Walter Panas 61-56 on Dec. 5. John Russell, who led with 15 points in the championship game, was named to the All-Tournament team, while Frankie Provenzale—who had 18 against Horace Greeley—was named MVP.
For Provenzale, the opportunity to play in front of a rabid home crowd was a unique experience, given that Covid protocols meant that the majority of games last year were played in empty gymnasiums.
“This is so much better than last year; the fans help you out a lot,” he said. “When you’re tired, they bring that energy.”
The Eastchester girls will be back in action on Dec. 9, after press time, when they host Nyack. The boys team will be heading across the bridge to take on the Red Hawks that same day. Both teams will be taking part in Harrison’s holiday tournament next week.
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