Second Annual SEC v. NEC Basketball Game

It was non-stop action from the tip off when the South East Consortium Hawks squared off against North East Consortium Basketball last Tuesday night in the second annual SEC v. NEC basketball game.

With the bitter taste of defeat still fresh on their taste buds from last season’s disappointing defeat, on their home turf no less, the Hawks came swooping in, talons out and ready to play. The long awaited re-match was met with ultimate victory for the Hawks (30-24.)

The Hawks quickly took the lead under power forward Alexander Pflaum. Alex, known as the Savage Dancer by his team mates for his delicate footwork and precise jump shot coupled with his intensity up and down the court, sank 8 points in the first three minutes of the game.

North East realized that this was not the same team they played one year ago, re-grouped, and caught up with 6 unanswered points before the end of the first quarter. 

The Hawks went right back at it full force in the second quarter. The unavoidable excitement from the crowd off the court and rough and tumble action on the court electrified the air infecting our Hawks. Typically composed players were rushing shots resulting in turn overs and making some daring passes that did not always work out in their favor.

The second quarter saviors were Chris Horan and Andrew Brooks. Horan (now known as “the Surgeon”) hit three jump shots in a row with surgical precision. Brooks, all 6’4” of him, camped out right underneath the hoop on defense stealing every rebound that came his way.

At half the Hawks had some time to cool down, collect themselves and refocus their energy. Victory was in sight. The importance of the evening and what it meant was now understood but like professionals they didn’t let it get in their heads. Their eyes told the story “There’s a job to do and my team mates are relying on me.”

The Hawks regained the lead after the third quarter and never looked back. Smashing their way through the North East defense to the board for multiple lay ups and increased aggressiveness on defense kept NEC at bay.

North East Consortium battled valiantly through the entire game making it very exciting to watch. Both teams a spectacular job by displaying every skill indicative of a great basketball team. Plus something that cannot be taught but acquired through maturity and respect; sportsmanship. Something everyone should be proud of.

The game was made complete with the scoreboard lit, half time music and even the Bronxville Broncos Mascot joining the action, dancing and rooting on the home team. The night could not have been possible without the amazing dedication and creativity of the Bronxville Youth Council spearheaded by Kenny, Thomas and Jack.

The Hawks closed out the season with a big win making them undefeated for the 2014 season. But like any great team you are only good as your last win. The Hawks are already looking towards next year as re-peat undefeated title under their belts. GO HAWKS!

Jewelry Making Workshop

Last Saturday was the second session of our Jewelry Making Workshop. In the last session all the participants had the opportunity to make their very own earrings and this time around they were able to make their own bracelet and necklace. In this workshop participants got to learn the essential skills to jewelry making including wire-work and stringing. They also learned about gemstones and got to work with Swarovski crystals. Our jewelry makers ended up making some really beautiful pieces that they will be able to enjoy for years to come!

SEC Prom 2014

There was plenty of tail feather shaking and rug cutting at the 8^th annual South East Consortium formal last Saturday night.

Participants arrived dressed to the nines for a Vegas themed evening at Bronxville High School. The gala was hosted by the energetic and outgoing Bronxville Youth Council led by staff advisor David Russert.

“It’s a fantastic night, one our students look forward to every year,” said Russert as he manned one of the game tables Saturday night.

As party goers trickled in the dance floor filled up with twisting feet, shaking hips and pumping arms to the familiar styles of DJ Mike. The party was truly under way when Chris Horan arrived quickly dancing into a shirt saturating sweat.

The ambiance was electrifying with palm trees, Vegas themed decorations, an ever- changing DJ booth and Vegas gambling chips strewn across tables. Besides the windows on the walls one would think you were on the floor of Ceasar’s.

Dancing can build up quite an appetite but that was easily solved thank to Mamaroneck Village Pizza and Pasta who catered the event. Attendees had a smorgasbord of food to choose from including two types of pasta, salad and chicken marsala.

Shortly after dinner and after a little more dancing it was time for the main event of the evening. One that was eagerly anticipated by all; the crowning of the prom King, Queen, Prince and Princess.

Maggie Stone and Chris Horan grabbed the princess and prince spot respectively. Approaching the stage to applause the two were visibly ecstatic with joy.  Both stood side by side as they were crowned.

There was a collective hush in anticipation of what was coming next, the crowning of the king and queen.  Mark Siragusa was named Prom King. Mark seemed triumphant in his victory as he walked up to the microphone, pumping his fist and grinning ear to ear.

Prom Queen? Marci Mehler! A woman who has been vying for the honor for years. Tears erupted from her eyes as the Tiara was placed on her head. The only words she was able to get were “thank you, thank you.” It was a very moving moment and there was hardly a dry eye in the gymnasium because of it.

The night ended with cake, more dancing and warm feelings towards one another. The South East Consortium prom has become something everyone looks forward to during the year. It’s a night to get dressed up, dance with friends and have some laughs. 

Check out another article written about our Prom night: Phil Reisman: At long last, Marci is crowned prom queen

West Point Swim Meet

Duty, Honor, Country; the words proudly displayed across the West Point Military Academy Swimming pool.  The Sharks swim team attended the 2014 Special Olympics New York Spring Games West competition at West Point on Saturday April 26th.

Nestled along the Hudson River in the Hudson Highlands the West Point Military Academy is an institution steeped in history and tradition. A place the Sharks swim team is honored to be able to swim every year.

Attendees were greeted by an impressive and heart felt show of force from the cadets, who came out to “buddy up” with athletes for the day. “Having a cadet hang out with me for the day is my favorite part of the day,” said Sharks swimmer Carly Horowitz.  As always the cadets were attentive, polite and enthusiastic.

Shortly after the parade of athletes (a triumphant march around the track lined by West Point athletic teams cheering athletes on) the crowd was wowed by an aerial display from the West Point jumpers as they jumped from a chinook helicopter and parachuted with precision right onto the football field.

With our squad of cadets and spirits high the Sharks made the trek up from the stadium to the swimming pools where they would win glory in the water.

Having blown the competition out of the water at White Plains High School in March every athlete was charged with more events and greater distances to master at West Point. A task they accomplished handily.

The Sharks swim team brought home a bounty of gold, silver and bronze medals in events ranging from the 25 meter free style, 50 meter backstroke and 25 meter breast stroke.

When awarded their medals the athletes made their way to the podium where a United States Army colonel in dress regalia presented them with their prize as both posed for the camera.

The West Point meet is a culmination of everything our athletes have been working towards all year. An event we all look forward to. An event the Sharks compete in with duty, honor and country in mind.