Rockland County Basketball Teams Shine in Holiday Tournament

This past weekend, Rockland County celebrated the holidays with the 37th Albertus Magnus Richard McNichols Christmas Tournament, featuring competitive matchups on both the men’s and women’s sides. The Tournament was held at Albertus Magnus High School. 

Girls Tournament 

The women’s bracket featured Albertus Magnus, Pearl River, Lakeland Panas, and Ursuline High School. 

Fresh off a state championship, the Albertus Magnus women’s team faced Pearl River in the first round, securing a commanding 75–47 victory. Julia Scott had a standout performance with 30 points, supported by Sara Nezaj’s 15 points and Dianny Amaro’s 9 points. 

In the other semifinal, Lakeland Panas faced Ursuline High School in a star-studded matchup. Panas senior and Cortland commit Cadence Nicholas went head-to-head with Ursuline senior and Sacred Heart commit Sophie Nascimento. Nicholas emerged victorious, leading her team with 27 points. Nascimento, however, had a strong performance, finishing with 18 points and 16 rebounds. 

In the final, Albertus Magnus showcased their dominance, defeating Lakeland Panas 73–37 to clinch the championship. Scott led the team again with 23 points, earning Tournament MVP honors. Tess Dorry contributed 15 points, while senior Riley Harold and junior Maddy Zuppe, scoring 11 and 9 points respectively, were named to the All-Tournament Team. 

All Girls Tournament Team: Riley Harold (AM), Sophie Nascimento (UHS), Cadence Nicholas (LP), Julia Scott (AM), Sofia Tavarez (LP), Carley Voce (CS), Maddy Zuppe (AM). 

Boys Tournament 

The men’s bracket featured Pearl River, Nanuet, Clarkstown South, and host Albertus Magnus High School. 

In the opening game, Pearl River triumphed over Albertus Magnus, 58–47. Sophomore Brendan Orr shone with 20 points, while sophomore Ryan Houston added 16 of his own. Houston’s clutch performance, including three consecutive three-pointers in the fourth quarter, propelled Pearl River to the championship game.

On the other side of the bracket, Nanuet edged out Clarkstown South 53–48 in a closely contested match. Senior Dervin Ermilus paced Nanuet with 15 points, while junior Ford Banton added 14. 

In the championship game, Pearl River outscored Nanuet 54–35 to claim the title. Orr led the Pirates with 22 points, earning Tournament MVP honors, while junior TJ Lanese recorded an impressive double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Both players were named to the All-Tournament Team. 

All Boys Tournament Team: Ford Banton (N), Dervin Ermilus (N), Ryan Houston (PR), TJ Lanese (PR), Elijah Lavallee(CS), Brendan Orr (PR), Michael Toolan (AM). 

The tournaments highlighted strong performances from local athletes, with Albertus Magnus and Pearl River emerging as champions. These teams will look to carry their momentum into the rest of the season as we enter the new year.