When Dom Narcisco, Harvey’s varsity basketball coach, leads his players in pregame warm-ups on the Tappan Zee High School court Friday evening, he might experience a bit of deja vu. Narcisco and his team will be playing a 6 p.m. game against Briarcliff High School in the Tappan Zee Holiday Tournament on the same court where Harvey’s second-year coach played his high school ball.
Coach Narcisco said he gave this challenge to his players: "I'm coming home. Who's coming with me? Who has my back"? He played for Tappan Zee High School from 1994-98.
The Tappan Zee Tournament, created in memory of beloved teacher, administrator and coach, Dan Dinan, will also feature the host team and Valley Central, in addition to Harvey and Briarcliff. This year’s tournament will raise money for cancer treatment for Narcisco’s friend and former teammate, Johnny Gerosimo, who was diagnosed this past year with cancer.
“I entered us into the TZ tournament because it is my alma mater,” said coach Narcisco. “I thought it would be a cool idea for me to bring my team to where I played, on the same court I played on nearly 20 years ago,” he added. He said he looks forward to coaching in the gym where he played his high school games.
Narcisco is also glad to have the chance to support the efforts to help raise money for his friend’s medical needs. “I felt that bringing my team to help in the cause would be a nice gesture,” the coach said. Harvey, a small independent school which plays in the Housatonic Valley Athletic League, is 3-4 on the season so far.
Coach Narcisco realizes playing against larger public school teams will be “a tall order” for his players. “As long as we go down there and play hard and compete, I will be happy,” said the coach.
Coach Narcisco looks forward to going home to his alma mater but he sees the weekend at Tappan Zee as helping his team get ready for the return to regular season games. “Playing in a tournament like this will better prepare us for our ultimate mission, to be HVAL champions,” said the coach.
Following Harvey’s battle with Briarcliff, Tappan Zee faces Valley Central at 8 p.m. The tournament ends Saturday with a consolation contest and the championship game.
