Parents and Players Relish PRC Hoops Tournament

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – The PRC Youth Basketball Tournament is in full swing at the Westchester County Center, and parents, coaches and children are enjoying the festivities.

More than 100 teams from all areas of Westchester County descend upon the County Center during a three-week period to participate in the single-elimination tournament. Boys from fifth to 10th grades and girls from fifth to eighth grades take part in the event.

The fifth-grade team from Rye Brook has lost to Peekskill in consecutive years by about 30 points. The two met again Monday afternoon in Rye Brook’s third game of the tournament. No fifth-grade team from Rye Brook had ever advanced so far.

Brian Grodin’s son, Isaac, plays for Rye Brook, and the proud father was in attendance to watch his son in action.

“It’s a town thing. It’s town teams,” Grodin said. “They definitely want to win, and it’s fun playing in the County Center. It’s a great time.”

Grodin also has a son in seventh grade who has played in the tournament in past years.

Players’ friends also sat in the upper deck to watch the action. Jack Wells watched the Rye Brook-Peekskill game to cheer on his friend.

Robin Abrutyn’s 10-year-old son took the court Monday afternoon for Rye Brook, as well.

“I think it’s a great tournament. I think the kids get excited,” Abrutyn said. “It’s great to play in County Center. It’s exciting. They feel part of something different.”

Pelham coach Harry Tsavaris said, above all, he just wants his players to enjoy themselves.

“The most important thing is, we want the kids to have a good time,” Tsavaris said. “We want them to really cherish this experience. It’s not all about winning.”

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