Eastchester’s basketball teams kicked the season off in style last weekend, when the Eagles hosted their annual Holiday Tournament. And with both the boys and girls squads acquitting themselves well, it appears as though there could be big things in store for Eastchester’s hoopsters this season.
Both Eastchester teams advanced to Saturday’s championship round with decisive wins on Friday, with the boys team topping Hunter College Preparatory 74-46 and the girls besting Edgemont 54-24. Saturday’s slate proved more competitive in both cases, however, as the Eagles’ girls fell to a big Croton-Harmon team while the boys used their grit and tenacity to overcome a stiff challenge from cross-town rival Bronxville, winning the tourney title with a 54-45 win over the Broncos.
Eastchester’s girls grabbed a quick lead against Croton, but ultimately the Tigers’ size came into play, as the visitors used their height advantage to wear down a speedy Eagles team.
Addison Caputo and Johanna Hough paced Croton on the afternoon, with both players netting 10 points in the win. Eastchester was led by 10 points from Caitlin Wagner while Deanna Biancardi chipped in eight of her own.
Eastchester coach Andre Biancardi noted that his team was well aware of the challenge of facing a longer opponent, but ultimately were worn down by the rugged play of the Tigers’ bigs.
“We knew that size was going to be an issue coming in and our game plan was to box out, but Croton’s physicality kind of overtook us as the game went on,” said Biancardi. “But we didn’t give up, we played to the buzzer and if a few more shots fell for us, things could have gone differently.”
In the Saturday nightcap, the Eastchester boys were able to press their own size advantage on Bronxville, staving off a furious Boncos’ comeback in the second half thanks to some disciplined play despite the chippy nature of the game.
Jack Bochenski, who was named tournament MVP after a 19-point performance in the finals, said that facing a stiff test from a geographical rival—albeit one that the Eagles don’t often get to play—should pay dividends as the season continues.
“It’s great because we never get to play [Bronxville],” said Bochenski. “But we do this tournament every year and getting these two wins definitely helps in terms of building momentum.”
Eastchester’s boys are now 2-1 on the year and will be back in action on Friday when they tangle with White Plains at the Tigers’ own holiday tournament. Eastchester’s girls—also 2-1—will look for their third win when they tangle with John Jay on Dec. 17.
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