Rinaldi Named To All-Section Team

Four counties worth of basketball coaches and players gathered in the White Plains Crown Plaza Tuesday night to honor the best in Section 1 varsity basketball.

Saunders High School head coach and the director of the Westchester County Basketball Coaches Association, Anthony Nicodemo, acted as the night's master of ceremonies, handing out several awards to coaches and members of the media from all over the section.

Each of the four conferences had a coach of the year, John Martino from Brewster, Mark Tanzi from Somers, Bill Murphy from New Rochelle and Chris Roff from North Rockland received the honor for their work over the season. Some other notable awards included the Fred DeMaio Sportsmanship award, which went to Pearl River's Jerry Houston. The Coach of the Year award went to Bob DelleBovi from Pleasantville.

Although several members of the media were present, Kevin Devaney, of MSG Varsity, was specially noted and awarded the John Martino service award. The plaque was given to him for his overall service to Section 1 basketball.

But Nicodemo, and others who spoke, made it clear that the night was not about the committee or the coaches but the young men who were there to be commended for their achievements both on and off the basketball court.

The big winners of the evening were the members of the of the Tri-County's first team. The first team comprised of Antoine Mason and P.J. Torres from New Rochelle, John Perez from North Rockland, Daquan Brickhouse from Peekskill and Dustin Hogue from Lincoln. The section's Mr. Basketball was given to Jabarie Hinds from Mt. Vernon. Hinds is just the third junior in the award's history to win the section's Mr. Basketball. The first two, Elton Brand and Ben Gordon, are currently in the NBA.

Harrison's own Dennis Rinaldi was among the incredible young men awarded at the dinner. Rinaldi capped off his high school basketball career with a nod to the county's all-section team.

Rinaldi led the Huskies in both points and rebounds, he was the team's leader both on and off the court. At the end of the season Harrison's coaches named Rinaldi the co-practice player of the year along with co-captain Jared Hodes. Rinaldi was also named Harrison's most valuable player.

Harrison basketball rarely has reason to celebrate, but the last three years have led to a sort of resurgence in the program. Rinaldi has been captain of the squad for all three years he was on the team and has been involved in some of the best seasons the school has ever had. Rinaldi also ranks in the top ten in school history in both rebounds and points.

"High school basketball was great for me," Rinaldi said. "I enjoyed every minute of it. But I am ready for that next challenge both athletically and scholastically. I am looking forward to continuing my career in the next level and I can't wait to make new memories."

Rinaldi is currently narrowing down his college search and, because of his athletic ability, has the option to go to school for basketball, football or even both. He has already been accepted to several schools including Hartford, Western New England and Central Connecticut State. He is currently unsure where he wants to go, or even what sport he wants to play. Wherever he goes you can be sure he will compete at a high level in both athletics and in the classroom.

As his older brother, I could not be more proud of what Dennis has already achieved. He has gone from the runt of the litter in our family to one of the best basketball players the town of Harrison has ever seen. No matter what challenges he will face, whether they be athletically, scholastically, or otherwise, I know that he is a strong enough individual to overcome just about anything. Love you Den, and congrats on adding yet another trophy to your mantel.