MAMARONECK, N.Y. — They are a reluctant bunch. Almost resistant. Defiant. For a bunch of teenage boys, it’s downright odd. Heck, who doesn’t want a very well-deserved award? Well, these boys don’t. At least, not right now.

Normal high school athletes are thrilled to receive post-season awards that recognize their strong play. But for a collection of senior Mamaroneck HS and Rye Neck HS basketball players, they just wish the recognition could have come a little while later. The reason why: they wish they were still playing.

“In a heartbeat.” That’s what Mamaroneck’s Aidan Roy answered when asked if he would trade his awards for a chance to play in the state tournament.

“I would 100% give it all back for a chance to compete in States,” says Ethan Lithgow of Rye Neck. “The chance to compete would mean more than any award.”

Hoopers Aidan Roy and Ethan Glassman attend Mamaroneck High. Over at Rye Neck High, RJ Hutt, Luke West, Ronan West and Ethan Lithgow are also basketball-playing seniors. The similarities are strong: the players all played in the same local LMBA rec league, AAU basketball and Tri-County Basketball as youngsters, they all were recognized for post-season honors, both teams racked up nearly identical records (15-7 and 16-7), both teams finished second in the League behind state powerhouse teams, both played intense playoff games before packed gyms … oh, and all of the boys wish they were playing in the NY State tournament right now.

“No award comes close to having the chance for a title,” comments Ronan West emphatically.

Perhaps it’s no surprise that these players earning awards also are the ones who would forego the praise for the chance to play in one more game.

“Since they were kids, they’ve been wired to win as a team, not to receive individual attention,” comments Robert Hutt, who had coached them all in competitive AAU play. “It’s funny how the best players just want to keep playing.”

“We don’t get recognized for individual success without the success of our teams,” states Glassman.

Rye Neck made it the Final Four at the County Center in Class B, but fell to 23-1 Valhalla in a gutsy game. It was the 3rd time Rye Neck faced the #4 ranked team in the state this season, but they couldn’t quite pull off the upset, despite earning much praise for their strong effort.

“The recognition and press feels good considering a lot of people doubted us and didn’t expect us to do well,” stakes Lithgow. Ronan drives that point home:
“We had 5 guys score 15+ points on multiple occasions and not one of us cared who had a big game so long as we got the win. That’s probably why our guys outside of RJ didn’t get a ton of recognition during the season. But after we got to the County Center, I’m happy more recognition came for the guys.”

Meanwhile, Mamaroneck suffered a heart-breaking playoff loss by one basket to eventual Class AA finalist Scarsdale. Their epic battles with the best teams in the large school league rightfully earned the team a rep as being among the best in all of Section 1.

For their strong 22-23 senior seasons, Mamaroneck’s Roy and Glassman earned All-Section honors, which is the highest award a player can receive in Section 1 until all-state honors are unveiled. Hutt from Rye Neck also garnered All-Section status, while Luke West earned All-League, followed by his twin Ronan and teammate Ethan Lithgow who both achieved All-League Honorable Mention.

“Being recognized with guys like RJ and Ethan is awesome because we’ve all been playing together since we were little kids,” chimes in Roy.

“It feels great knowing my old teammates were able to be rewarded with All-Section. I’m glad we were able to achieve the same accomplishment together!” exclaims Hutt.

Aidan Roy and Ronan West were both also named Court of Excellence recipients. This honor awarded by Section 1 coaches is for select student-athletes whose performance in basketball, class and community is especially noteworthy.

“Ronan was always a hard worker on and off the basketball court so it was well deserved,” says Roy.

“Obviously Aidan is a great player, very competitive,” says West “It’s cool to be recognized with him.”

In an interesting tidbit, Aidan (headed to Skidmore to play basketball) and Ronan (headed to Haverford for lacrosse) played together in high-level youth basketball. That their paths cross again, despite being at different schools, almost a decade later in this fashion may surprise some, but not their old coach.

“I’m not at all surprised Aidan and Ronan both were named,” says Robert Hutt. “They were tenacious, smart and great players even back in 4th grade. Those innocent-looking Irish boys loved the challenge to battle the best. For them to share the same stage almost 10 years later is a great story.”

For many youngsters and up-and-comers, local high school players become almost iconic. Outside of their accomplishments on the court, all of these boys have a confidence and demeanor that borders on swagger as they are seniors.

“It definitely has a lot to do with confidence. But all of these guys also have the skill set to achieve so much,” points out RJ Hutt.

Glassman remembers what it was like as a young player working hard to make teams and earn playing time: “my best piece of advice for any young kids is that whatever you put into it is what you will get out of it. Your success on the court is directly a product of the work you put in.”

On March 20th at the Section 1 Basketball Awards Dinner, these boys will have their names read aloud then be applauded as being among the best of the best. They will surely appreciate the experience, show proper gratitude, and soak in the moment to reflect upon impressive seniors seasons. But until that moment happens, they are still itching to play in one more game. Hey, players play.

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