Rivals Play Similar Styles in Section 1 Class A Boys Semifinal

Pearl River senior guard Luke Houston agreed that his school's rivalry with Tappan Zee is a friendly one.

The question is how that will hold up when the teams play with a berth in the Section 1 Class A championship game on the line.

"The fact that it’s TZ, we will play a little harder because it’s them," Houston said. "The rivalry is still strong. it's not hate, but you can’t lose to them, especially at the County Center."

No. 2 seed Pearl River (17-3) will play No. 3 Tappan Zee (16-4) 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Section 1 Class A semifinals at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.

"It’s maybe a little more stressful for the coaches, but the fans love it and the kids really enjoy it," Pearl River coach Jerry Houston said of facing a rival in the semis.

Tappan Zee coach George Gaine admitted that facing a rival adds another element to the game but pressure is nothing new for the Dutchmen, who have carried the weight of defending last year's section title all season.

"There have been some sleepless nights," Gaine said of the week preparing for the semifinals. "It's not just the team. The whole school is involved. Kids who don't normally come to games will come to this one. These schools are not separated by much."

That description fits the teams on the floor as well. Neither has great size, but both are veteran teams that handle the ball well and rely on playing tenacious defense.

Tappan Zee features most of last year's section championship team, though their have been changes along the way. Junior forward Brendan Donahue missed six games with a harline fracture to his clavicle and he is currently coming off the bench. Junior Pat Peterson was particularly effective the last time these two teams played while Taj Vines has been strong in the playoffs.

"They are well-balanced in terms of scoring threats," Jerry Houston said. "All of their guys are capable of scoring. They can all pass, dribble and shoot. There is a reason why they won last year and why they are where they are this year."

Gaine is quick to point out that there are good reasons Pearl River is in this postion as well, though the offensive balance has been a challenge at times. The Pirates needed a 33-point effort from Luke Houston to beat Peekskill in the quarterfinals, but they will likely need more players scoring Wednesday.

"For TZ, there wil be no 30-, 40-point game," Houston said. "It’s going to be the teens, if that. You need other players stepping up and making shots and being confident in themselves. It can’t just be me. We’re not going to win like that."

Houston should be aided by having over a week between games. He is still recovering from a sprained ankle he suffered in the final game of the regular season.

"Having a week off, I got a lot of rest and I’ve been doing a lot of physical therapy," Luke Houston said. "Today (Monday) was the first time I’ve played since (the quarterfinal against Peekskill). I was a little rusty but I was shaking the cobwebs off and it feels pretty good."

Houston was very limited in the first round of the playoffs, but junior Austin O'Toole picked up much of the offensive slack by scoring 22 points in a victory over Ardsley. Senior forward John Donovan has become more of an offensive factor as the season has gone on.

"That’s the thing," Gaine said. "Luke is a great player, but they also have Joey Clinton and Austin O’Toole. Anthony Calise. They have other great players people forget about. If you get so worried about Luke, those other guys can beat you, too. That’s the thing that makes them really good."

That, and the ability to finish strong. Pearl River had to rally in both playoff games and has shown a knack for pulling out close games much of the season. Jerry Houston said experience has been a key factor.

"I think it is our chemsistry this year is so much stronger than it has in the past," Luke Houston said. "We are able to rely on each other. We spent a lot more time on free throws and competing in practice and that really helps us at the end of games to finish them out. The heart of this team is so strong. I’ve never been a part of anything like this."

The two teams played twice, but both meetings were very early in the season. The teams opened against one another, with the Dutchmen winning 43-40 at home Dec. 10. Pearl River won, 52-48, Dec. 21 at home.

"After we beat them at our place, we thought they would go on a run and we dreamed of playing them at the County Center," Donovan said.

"We haven’t played them in a while," Jerry Houston said. "We played twice before Christmas. Both teams have changed a lot in that time, putting new stuff in and playing different people. I think it’s going to be a pretty amazing environment. The game there and the game here were standing-room only. It’s going to be interesting to see if it is that way there, too. I think it will be."

If the first two games are any indication, that crowd should see a low-scoring, competitive game.

"I think we are very evenly matched," Gaine said. "They are the two seed for a reason. It’s not a fluke. I think it could come down to the little things -- who makes a big shot or takes a key charge.

"We pride ourselves on defense and we are playing a team that does the same. We are tough defensive teams that try to take away your best options. We make you scramble to score."