Blind Brook boys’ varsity basketball team starts season by winning P.C. tournament

December 14, 2023 at 12:13 a.m.

The Blind Brook 2023-24 boys’ varsity basketball team. Back row, from left: Ryan Stiler, Elliot Zwicker, Josiah Curtis, Aidan Sacs, Tyler Taerstein, James Pearlman, Bailey Estep. Front row, from left: Cooper Schloss, Nico Palacios, Eli Zimmerman, Noah Brookman, Jack Gold, Luke Miller. (Courtesy photo of Anna Vnenchak)

The Blind Brook boys’ varsity basketball team began tryouts on Monday, Nov. 13 and finalized the team by Saturday, the 18th. After a long week of drills and running, the team was finalized and the captains were set. Senior captain Eli Zimmerman and junior captain Noah Brookman will lead the team this year.

      

Last year, the boys fell short in the first round of sectionals to Rye Neck. They had a special year with lots of success and memories but were not able to finish the job. Coach Eric Brand and his team are looking for redemption this season and hoping it will eventually lead to a big playoff push.

The official schedule for the season came out on Tuesday, Nov. 28 and the Trojans competed in their first official game on Monday, Dec. 11 at Haldane. They then host Leffell on Wednesday, Dec. 13 and will play Woodlands on Friday the 15^th at 6:15 p.m.

“Basketball season is special for many reasons. It brings people and teammates together, fostering a sense of camaraderie as the fans rally for our team, especially home games and homecoming night. The intense competition and thrilling games create a unique energy and excitement different from any other sport,” said sophomore Tyler Taerstein, who made the varsity team last year as a freshman. “There are many connections made through such a small team and the opportunities for building on old ones are endless. Each and every practice, everyone gets an opportunity to preserve their minutes or gain more through hard work and toughness out on the floor, and as a team, we have the opportunity to succeed a lot this season through many returning players, as the chemistry between players already feels like mid-season form.”

The boys kicked off their season on Friday, Dec. 8 in a tournament hosted by Port Chester High School. The Trojans beat Edgemont in the first round, led by Zimmerman with 20 points and Brookman scoring 16. The following day, Blind Brook defeated Rye Neck 58-41 to win the tournament, with Zimmerman scoring 24 this time and winning the MVP. Brookman had 12 and was honored with the All-Tournament award, finishing off a successful opening weekend for the Trojans.

On Monday, Dec. 11, the Trojans traveled to Haldane High School for a 6:15 p.m. matchup. Despite a close, eventful contest, the Trojans were able to hold Haldane off and get the win by a 67-62 score. Brookman led the way scoring 24 points, with junior Bailey Estep putting up 16 and an additional 15 coming from Zimmerman. The Trojans advanced to 3-0 on the season and anticipated their home opener against Leffell High School on Wednesday, Dec. 13.