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The Byram Bleacher Creatures in action at Rye High School on Friday, January 10th
Intense Rivalry Showdown: Byram Falls Short in Nail-Biting Matchup Against Rye
This past Friday, Byram’s boys’ basketball team traveled to Rye for a fiercely competitive rivalry matchup. Despite a standout performance from Byram, Rye managed to come away with the victory, setting the stage for a crucial rematch at Byram’s home court on January 31st.
By Drew Schneider
This past Friday, the Byram boys' basketball team traveled south on I-684 for a highly anticipated rivalry matchup against the Rye Garnets. This rivalry has been a back-and-forth battle over the past decade, with both Rye and Byram finding success at different times. Last season, Byram came out on top, defeating Rye in the Class A Section Championship to earn the Gold Ball. However, with a new season underway, the focus has shifted to what lies ahead.
Byram’s team looks quite similar to last year’s, though they’ll be without key player Tyson Repa, as he has taken his talents to Union College. On the bright side, they regain point guard Brody Ceisler, who missed all of last season due to injury, bringing valuable experience and leadership back to the court.
The game was set to tip off at 7 p.m., with Rye drawing a crowd of over 175 fans. However, the strong home support didn’t phase the Byram Bleacher Creatures, as they brought along an impressive 150 fans to help fill the “Cube.”
A 20-year Byram basketball fan shared their thoughts on the atmosphere, saying, “Aside from the games at the County Center, this has to be one of the top five away game crowds and definitely one of the top three student sections I’ve seen in all my time following the team.”
The game tipped off with Byram’s big man, Zach Efobi, winning the opening tip, as expected. On the first possession, small forward Kevin Kendall wasted no time, driving to the basket for a smooth layup to get Byram on the board. The crowd erupted.
The game remained tightly contested throughout the first half, with neither team gaining much separation. By halftime, Rye held a narrow 31-27 lead. Center Zach Efobi stood out with six rebounds and a crowd-pleasing dunk, while power forward Ben Wolf paced the offense with a team-high seven points.
Byram started the second half with the ball, and right from the get-go, point guard Max Miller drove to the basket, finishing with an easy layup to bring the score to 31-29 in favor of Rye.
The game remained tightly contested throughout the quarter, with Byram taking the lead briefly, only to have Rye reclaim it in the closing moments. The third quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find a rhythm offensively. Rye managed just eight points in the frame, while Byram scored nine, ending the quarter with a narrow 39-38 lead for Rye.
The fourth quarter turned out to be the most thrilling, with the lead swinging back and forth between both teams. Early on, small forward Kevin Kendall put Rye’s #3 on skates, shaking him off and finishing with a smooth layup to give Byram momentum.
Following that, Byram went on a brief run and, at one point, led by six, but Rye quickly responded with a 7-1 run to reclaim the lead by just one point. Byram’s Kevin Kendall once again stepped up, knocking down a three-pointer to put his team ahead 51-49, though Rye quickly answered back to tie it once more.
With two minutes left in the game, both defenses tightened up, preventing any points from being scored until the final 45 seconds. Rye capitalized with a crucial corner three to go up by three, delivering what would ultimately prove to be the dagger.
The final stats of the game were as follows: Kevin Kendall led Byram with 15 points, shooting 46% from the field and knocking down three three-pointers in 29 minutes of play. Ben Wolf added 13 points, shooting an efficient 63% from the field, while Chris Amenedo contributed with 11 points and four assists. Center Zach Efobi also made a significant impact, finishing with 10 rebounds, one block, and three dunks.
Despite the loss, it was a hard-fought game and undeniably one of the most exciting matchups in recent years. Byram will have the chance to face Rye again at home in a night game on January 31st. This will serve as a true test for Byram as they begin to gear up for what looks to be a promising playoff run.
Byram Boys Battle to Victory: Set for Playoff Rematch Against Cross Town Rivals
Byram Boys Battle to Victory: Set for Playoff Rematch Against Cross Town Rivals
The Byram boys clinched a playoff spot with a hard-fought 28-21 victory over Nanuet, fueled by standout performances from Daniel Leff and Tyler Marescot. As they prepare to face cross-county rival Pleasantville in the playoffs, the team looks to build on their previous success against the Panthers.
By Drew Schneider
This past Saturday, the Byram boys stayed cozy at home to face a highly talented Nanuet team. For the fans, it was a white-out game, and for the boys, it marked their final regular-season game. While it wasn't the prettiest game, Byram was happy with the results.
Kickoff was set for 2 p.m., and the stakes couldn't have been higher. Byram entered the contest with a 5-2 record, sitting sixth in the playoff brackets, making this game a must-win for their postseason hopes.
The game was a nail-biter, with the score closely contested throughout. Running back Daniel Leff played fantastically, scoring two touchdowns—one through the air and another on a powerful rushing play. Leff also played well on the other side of the ball, racking up an impressive 12 tackles. The momentum swung in the third quarter when running back Michael Bordoni ran an amazing 70-yard jet sweep, tying the game.
With just two minutes left, wide receiver Tyler Marescot ran the ball in for the game-winning touchdown, finalizing the score at 28-21.
After the game, cornerback Jordan Tolchin (#3) reflected on the team’s effort, stating, “We knew the playoffs were on the line. We came out confident and ready. We were ready to kill.”
Byram finishes the regular season with a 6-2 record and will now turn their attention to the playoffs, where they are set to clash once again with their cross-county rivals, the Pleasantville Panthers. In their previous encounter in Week 7, Byram managed to snap Pleasantville's 11-season homecoming winning streak with a narrow 4-point victory.
Despite the head-to-head advantage, Byram will travel to Pleasntville’s ParkWay Field due to the Piner Systems playoff standings. The game is scheduled to kick off at 6pm, and the team encourages fans to arrive by 5:30 p.m., dressed in camouflage to support their squad.
Looking ahead to the rematch, Bordoni emphasized the importance of their defensive line, stating, “It's up to the men up front. They need to have a day.” In their last meeting, Byram effectively contained Pleasantville’s star running back, forcing the Panthers to rely on their passing game. If they hope to advance, a repeat performance will be essential.
As Byram prepares for this high-stakes playoff matchup, the team is both locked while excited. Can they harness the momentum from their victory against Nanuet and outmaneuver their rivals once more? Only time will tell.
Byram Football Turns Up The Heat After A Rivalry Win
By Drew Schneider
This past Saturday, the Byram boys took a 20-minute trip to Parkway Field to face off against our next-door rivals, the Pleasantville Panthers. It was Pleasantville’s homecoming, and they were determined to keep their 11-season homecoming winning streak alive. But the Byram boys had other plans, ready to snap that streak.
Forty-five minutes before kickoff, Byram fans began to pour into the stands. For Byram, this was arguably the most important game of the season, and their fans showed up in force, providing a much-needed energy boost. That energy translated into a dominant first half.
Quarterback Bryce Baskind connected twice with wide receiver Tyler Marescot for two passing touchdowns while also running in another score, giving Byram a commanding 15-point lead heading into the third quarter. From many fans’ perspectives, Pleasantville appeared disorganized and unprepared.
According to Left Guard Jake Levy, “We stacked the line; they were outnumbered in the box.”
Byram capitalized on Pleasantville's confusion, which proved to be the game-changer. However, Pleasantville came out strong in the third quarter, scoring two quick touchdowns and successfully executing a fake extra point to tie the game at 20-20.
Two drives later, Byram’s defense forced Pleasantville to punt. The punt, aimed at WR Tyler Marescot, was Pleasantville’s first mistake. After a series of missed tackles and some key blocks, Marescot broke free and took it all the way for a 60-yard punt return touchdown, giving Byram a 26-22 lead with 2.26 left in the game.
Pleasantville got one last chance with the ball, but their hopes were dashed by cornerback Jake Rosenberg’s lockdown defense, icing the game and securing a huge win for Byram.
This marks Byram’s first victory over Pleasantville since the much-celebrated Daniel Picart era.
With a 5-2 record, Byram now heads into their final game of the season against Nanuet. This past playoff rivalry between these teams makes for a tricky matchup. With QB Bryce Baskind out with an apparent leg injury, the team must step up and look toward the highly talented QB Aidan Padley. Byram is lucky enough to have two gifted quarterbacks on their roster, both of whom have experience. Currently, Byram sits in 7th place in the Section One standings, but a win against Nanuet could potentially bump them up to 4th and secure a spot in the playoffs.
While one team’s 11-year streak was shattered, the other rolls into the final stretch of the season, brimming with confidence and ready for what’s next.
We're Going To The Playoffs!
We're Going To The Playoffs!
By Charlie Jacobs
With their win over Brewster on Senior Day, Byram Hills Boys Varsity Soccer has cemented themselves a home playoff game. Goals by Greg Shrayer, Chris Amenedo, Tyler Bond, Billy Gillespie, and Connor Boekel gave the Bobcats a 5-0 victory. Even with a loss to Somers, the Bobcats still had home field advantage.The first playoff game was Friday, October 20th against John Jay-Cross River. The team then went on to beat Walter Panas and undefeated Tappan Zee. Billy Gillespie and Chris Amenedo were unstoppable in those games. Judging from the two boys’ soccer games I have announced this season, the team looks like they can be Section 1 Championship contenders. That championship game will be against Rye. I’m planning an interview with Captains Connor Boekel and Zach Pero to talk about the playoffs and the overall soccer season.
Because of the excitement surrounding the Boys Soccer Team, I often talk to the players about their season, asking various questions. The conversation I remember the most was with Zach Pero. In my sophomore year and junior year, I remember watching Zach be one of the top goal scorers on the team. However, he has been less of a scorer this season. I hope Zach is saving it for the playoffs, and if so, the possibilities are endless.
Another key member of the team is Billy Gillespie, who is playing for the Bobcats for the first time this year because in the past years he was very occupied with an outside soccer commitment. Now, he’s the team’s best player and a real difference maker on the field. Knowing that people in our school are so talented when it comes to their sport is such an exciting thing and makes the games more fun for everyone. I have very high hopes for the boys’ soccer team this year and think they can go far. Hopefully I’m right and they go on to beat the powerhouses in Class A, such as undefeated Tappan Zee.
When the playoffs start, it’s a whole new season. What happened in the regular season doesn’t matter anymore. It’s now win or go home. Our team this year has a few tough games likely coming up in the playoffs, but I know what they are capable of. I hope that in a few weeks, there will be a new article with a picture of the trophy!
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