Officials: Section 1 HS basketball championship no longer at County Center

<p>Officials announced Monday that after 83 years, Section 1 high school basketball championship games will no longer be at the Westchester County Center.</p>

News 12 Staff

Nov 28, 2017, 10:34 PM

Updated 2,350 days ago

Share:

Officials announced Monday that after 83 years, Section 1 high school basketball championship games will no longer be at the Westchester County Center.
Games will move this season to Pace University in Pleasantville, ending an era of playoff basketball that began in the 1930s. 
In a news release, Section 1 officials stated the move offers a top-notch facility, central location and a collegiate atmosphere unmatched in the region.
Pete Tartaglia, with the County Parks and Recreation Department, says the two sides could not come up with a financial agreement..
“We did work with them,” says Tartaglia. “We did come up with a proposal and include more savings in our proposal than we have in the past, but we respect their decision.”
Mount Vernon has called the County Center its second home, having won 15 Boys Section titles in 18 years. The Ossining girls team was also used to playing in the County Center, having played in nine consecutive title games. Head Coach Dan Ricci says it won't be the same. Ricci says it’s the dream of every kid who plays in Section 1 to make it to the County Center.
“It's an arena that's known for Section 1 basketball and it's a really bad day,” he says.
The section semifinal games, which were also held at the County Center, will be moved to venues yet to be determined.


More from News 12