Without a doubt, as one of the most underestimated teams in Section 1 heading into the season, the Clarkstown North boys basketball team has truly made a name for itself. With most of the roster returning, despite losing some of their key players, the Rams knew this was their season to prove themselves. Now sitting at an impressive 6-2 record, they show no signs of slowing down any time soon.
The team’s goal is simple: keep racking up the wins and hopefully find themselves in the Section 1 Class AA playoffs, and ultimately the famed County Center where the section finals take place. Among 18 competing teams in Class AA, the Rams currently hold the 5th seed and are determined to continue climbing the rankings. With an experienced roster featuring 9 seniors, that goal seems within reach. Although the season is only halfway over and anything can happen, Coach Amparo and his team– driven by their relentless work ethic, passion, and determination– are ready to keep pushing forward and leave their mark.
The Rams opened the season with a statement win, defeating Nanuet 59-42. Just a week later, they dominated Albertus in their home opener, putting on a show with highlight-reel dunks and setting the tone for the season. The victory propelled Clarkstown North to 7th place on Lohud’s top 10 team rankings.
While those early wins turned heads, they were no fluke. The team’s offseason dedication had clearly paid off. Though they suffered losses in their next two games to an undefeated Pearl River team and a heartbreaking three point loss to Suffern, the Rams bounced back in a big way, rattling off 4 straight wins. During that stretch, Senior Rotimi Esiso was nominated for Lohud player of the week.
The Rams didn’t stop there; after topping Albertus, they went on to defeat Somers by an overtime victory in the first round of the Pelham Holiday Tournament. In that game, Rotimi Esiso recorded 22 points and 10 rebounds, Kyle Kirkland added 14 points and 5 rebounds, Jack Kavanagh contributed 11 points and 5 rebounds, and Javonte Johnson chipped in 8 points and 2 rebounds. In the second round, Clarkstown North defeated Pelham to capture the 2025 Pelham Holiday championship. Esiso earned MVP honors while Kirkland was named All Tournament.
The success didn’t stop there. The Rams also defeated Spring Valley and Nyack in the Nyack Red and Black Showcase. In their game against Spring Valley, Kirkland posted 17 points and 7 rebounds, Esiso added 17 points and junior Justin Santos had 13 points and 6 rebounds. Both Esiso and Kirkland earned All Tournament honors for their performances.
With league play now underway, the second half of the season promises to bring tougher matchups but also opportunities for the Rams to climb in the team rankings. Continued teamwork and development from the team, along with extensive leadership from the many upperclassmen, will be essential in the coming weeks as the team aims to close the season on a high and make a strong and much-earned push towards postseason rankings.
Coach Amparo has his mind set on what he wants this season: a deep playoff run. “We’ve been building to this,” Amparo said in a pre-season interview with Game Day One. “We have high expectations for sure.” The team admits their chemistry is there and has been a major strength in this opening month, with 11 returners players creating a close knit, family like bond.“We’re gonna give it our all, and we’re gonna try to get to the County Center…This is the best chance we’ve got,” senior Hudsyn Pincus added.
Fans are encouraged to stay tuned and keep showing up for the team to help cheer them on and build momentum during this last stretch of the season. Keep filling the stands.
