The Executive Committee of Section One, Inc., of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) met Monday, Jan. 30, and approved the highly anticipated return to the Westchester County Center for the 2022-23 Basketball Championships. Championship week is scheduled to begin with the semifinal match-ups on Monday, Feb. 27.
Last week, Section One leadership conducted a site visit with Westchester County officials to assess the status of renovations taking place at the venue. “It was truly amazing to see the transformation that the Westchester County Center has undergone. First, this storied space was converted into a medical facility as part of the greater effort to address the needs of our county in battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Now it is returning to serve once again as the premier venue to host our Basketball Championships. While renovations are ongoing, we are optimistic for its return,” stated Todd Santabarbara, Executive Director.
Amendments to the previously adopted boys and girls basketball tournament calendar were also approved.
● Monday, February 27th – Class B Semifinals
● Tuesday, February 28th – Class C Semifinals
● Wednesday, March 1st – Class A Semifinals
● Thursday, March 2nd – Class AA Semifinals
● Friday, March 3rd – Class D Boys Final and Class B Finals
● Saturday, March 4th – Class C and Class A Finals
● Sunday, March 5th – Class AA Finals
Section One leadership continues to collaborate closely with its counterparts at Westchester County Parks & Recreation toward the shared goal of a return to the County Center for the Basketball Championship events. In the event that the County Center is not able to open its doors on Feb. 27, the Executive Committee previously approved contingency plans to host the Section Championships at Clarkstown South High School.
“As the last sporting event to be played in the County Center in March of 2020, how fitting it is for Section One to be a part of re-opening its doors,” Mr. Santabarbara stated. “Our Basketball Sport Chairs, the Championship Committee and the Executive Committee remain focused on offering premier championship events that provide our member schools and their communities with opportunities to display their talents. Being able to renew our partnership with Westchester County reinforces the value we place on collaboration in order to build the best possible championship experience for the student-athletes of Section One.”
The last time a basketball championship was celebrated in the Westchester County Center was in March 2020.
County Executive George Latimer said, “The Westchester County Center has been a major landmark in this County for generations – and for Section One Basketball players that facility’s elevated status is even greater. For nearly three years, the County Center was used as a beacon of hope in our battle against COVID-19. From its transformation into a hospital center, to a testing hub and finally to a vaccination clinic, this iconic venue changed itself to adapt to the times, like we all did. But now, finally and like we all do, we see progress. This tournament was the last event hosted at this facility before COVID-19 hit and now it will be the first event hosted upon its re-opening. With Section One Basketball returning to the County Center, this iconic tournament is in its rightful home and I look forward to welcoming these exceptional schools, student-athletes and families back.”
