By Jacob Kaplan
The best time of the year has arrived, and it’s not the holiday season. Tappan Zee basketball is back and this season has a little extra meaning to it, ending last season at the hands of their inner county rival isn’t what TZ expected, with most of the team returning the Dutchmen are ready to roll. TZ has risen up to Class AA this season opposed to Class A from last season, which means better competition and challenge. The season starts Monday, the boys will host defending section champions Peekskill, led by their star Jaden Chavis. Chavis led Peekskill to their 1st gold ball since 2009 and the 2nd round of the State playoffs before eventually losing to Our Lady of Lourdes. TZ will have more than half of their opening day starting lineup from last year starting again, this time they get a couple of big pieces from the state championship team back in Tommy Linehan and Jack Piccione who both returned late in the season last year from prior injuries. They will have to be ready from the jump as Peekskill will try to continue the momentum that last year brought them.
TZ brings in four new guys (Liam D, Sean C, Ty M, Christian S) and brings back most of last year’s roster. Class AA brings the heat when it comes to talented teams, with the likes of Peekskill, Clarkstown South, Greeley, Rye, Somers, Yorktown, and more. Tappan Zee looks to rebound from last year, and they have their sights set on making it back to the County Center.
TZ 2024 Schedule
Dec 9 V Peekskill (season opener)
Dec 17 V CL South
Dec 19, 21 JFK Tourney (@ Somers)
Dec 23 @ Somers
Jan 3 V Albertus
Jan 6 V Eastchester
Jan 14 @ Nyack
Jan 17 @ Bryam Hills
Jan 22 V Nanuet
Jan 25 V Pelham
Jan 28 @ Pearl River
Feb 3 V Nyack
Feb 5 @ Nanuet
Feb 8 @ Albertus
Feb 11 V Pearl River
Feb 13 V Roosevelt
Feb 15 @ Rye