Forty-one years is a long time to wait for a chance for greatness, but this winter, the Clarkstown North boys varsity basketball team brought that chance back to reality. In a season purely fueled by belief, relentless effort, and an unstoppable team culture, the Rams earned their long awaited return to the famed Westchester County Center, marking a historic moment for the program.
Over the course of the season, they made their way to the top. The bar was higher, the expectations greater. There was no way this team was going to let down what might be their only chance. The Rams had established themselves as one of the most disciplined and determined teams in the Section across the regular season. After suffering two early losses, they bounced back. Game after game, North demonstrated consistency in many ways. They never lost their composure even when they were down and truly established themselves through every victory. Whether it was locking it down defensively or adjusting to quick transitions, the Rams embraced a true team mentality. The team ended the regular season with a 17-3 record.
The growth of this team inspired everyone who followed their journey. Many players stepped into bigger roles this season and leadership emerged across the roster. Their chemistry grew, and confidence built all the way through to playoffs as the Rams only lost one game in over two months. Each victory strengthened the belief that this group was capable of doing something historic.
With the performance that the Rams put on this season, when they were granted the 3rd seed in the bracket, it was no surprise. The playoffs brought a new level of intensity. Every shot counted, every possession mattered, and every second felt like a carried weight. Yet, North never looked stressed or overwhelmed. The team continued to play with composure and relied on their grit and team chemistry to advance through the bracket.
Their journey to the County Center truly demonstrated their dominance. In their opening playoff game against Peekskill, the Rams exploded with a 84-29 victory, with Seniors Rotimi Esiso and Kyle Kirkland each scoring 23 points, and Jack Kavanagh adding 15 as North entered half time with over a 30-point lead.
In the quarterfinals, Clarkstown North dominated Roosevelt to a 66-50 win, continuing their quest for a gold ball. The trio of Esiso, Kavanagh, and Kirkland showed out again and combined for 54 points. As the final buzzer went off, emotions exploded on the court: Coach Amparo hugged every player, and students stormed the court, celebrating.
This team couldn’t do it without their head Coach, coach Kenny Amparo. Amparo has been the head coach of North Basketball for 13 years. “I love this, I do this because I love it,” Coach Amparo said in a post-game interview with Game Day One. Trusting each other and playing with heart is a central component that has shown up on the court this season. “This year everything has clicked,” Standout Rotimi Esiso added. “As a group, as a team, we’ve played great team basketball.” Performances from players like Esiso, Kirkland, and Kavanagh energized the whole team and secured crucial buckets when they were needed most.
Rotimi Esiso and Jack Kavanagh earned All-Section, All-League, and All-Class AA honors, solidifying their status as two of the top players in the Section. Additionally, Kyle Kirkland and Justin Santos earned All- Class AA and All-League recognition. Together these players formed a strong backbone of the team.
As the Rams prepare to take the floor at the historic Westchester County Center, they carry more than momentum– they carry decades of dreams that led them there. Regardless of the outcome, after four decades the Rams have reminded everyone what is possible when talent meets teamwork and belief becomes reality.
