EDGE ATHLETICS

Millbrook High School and Millbrook Middle schools were the host of this years Get an Edge VIII annual tournament for the 15-17 age divisions. Although great facilities for a tournament, it’s the teams, the parents and the coaches that truly make for a successful weekend. Unlike last weekend where most of the teams participating in the younger division were local, this weekend featured teams from as far north as the Adirondacks and and as far south as Delaware. The 15u division, the most diverse of the three groups, was also the largest field with ten teams competing. “Its the largest field we have had in any division so far,” said tournament director Jim Santoro. That size is a direct result of the growing popularity of the tournament format and entry fee. “Five games in a single weekend with this level of competition is great,” said Lou Panzanaro, the coach of the New York Pride. “When I saw the format and how cheap it was to come, it was an easy decision,” he added. Coach Panzanaro, also known as “Coach P,” at Peekskill High School, knows something about the value of tournaments. He has coached many state championship teams at the high school level, and has had several players go on to play in the NBA including Elton Brand and Hilton Armstrong. “Its all about playing games and getting that experience.” he added. Tom Mullins, the head coach from the NY Ravens agreed. “I have been doing this for more than 15 years and this is the best value anywhere,” coach Mullins said. Coach Mullins is also an assistant at Poughkeepsie High School.

The format and entry fee aside, there were some great games, with four going into overtime and four being decided at the buzzer. The 17u Edge team was one of the victims of a last second shot. After being in control of the game versus the NY Ravens, Eric Fazio (Lourdes High School) and Mike Rooney (Carmel High School) found themselves on the bench with foul trouble allowing the Ravens to get within one point with 10 seconds remaining. “They hit a shot from 30 feet to take the lead,” said Fazio about the unexpected deep launch with 10 seconds left. The Edge were not able to respond as their last attempt at the buzzer fell short. In other action, the 16u division finished up the weekend with a 4-1 mark. In all, the four Edge teams competing compiled a 13-7 record. “Although I am pleased with the record, its more about how we are competing,” said Santoro. “Our older Edge teams really did well this weekend, but I think all of the coaches including our competition are proud of their athletes,” he added. With still many more tournaments and games ahead, the Edge will take to the practice floor this week to continue working hard. Next up for most of the teams is the Tom Dowd Memorial in Orange county at the end of May.