The Section 4 basketball tournament is poised to commence, promising an exhilarating event this year as boys and girls teams are separated across six enrollment classifications for the first time. This new breakdown by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association introduces the addition of Class AAA to the existing AA, A, B, C, and D classifications, intensifying the competition.
The sectional finals are slated to take place from March 1-3, with the girls’ teams vying for a spot in the state final four competition on March 14-17 at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, while the boys’ teams will be competing for the final fours in Glens Falls during the same dates.
In an exciting development, Section 4 boys teams will have the opportunity to secure “home games” as the tournament is set to be held at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena for the first time in a three-year span. The previous host for the boys’ final fours was Binghamton from 2017-19.
The defending champions from the 2023 Section 4 tournament include Elmira, Horseheads, Owego, Moravia, and South Kortright for the boys, and Binghamton, Union-Endicott, Newark Valley, Union Springs, and Oxford for the girls. Notably, Section 4 representatives claimed state basketball titles in 2022 for the Newfield boys and in 2018 for the Susquehanna Valley and Delhi girls. The state tournaments were not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the tournament approaches, several compelling storylines demand attention.
The Union-Endicott boys are a robust No. 1 seed, exhibiting their potential with eight consecutive victories before encountering a challenging phase. On the girls’ side, the well-matched rivalry between Elmira and Corning will be reignited, with both teams seeking victories in their upcoming clashes.
The Johnson City boys have been on a winning streak and secured the program’s first Southern Tier Athletic Conference championship since 2011, heightening anticipation for their performance in the upcoming Section 4 Class A play.
Horseheads’ girls, under the leadership of head coach Andy Scott, are optimistic for a triumphant return as they strive for their tenth Section 4 championship, with a motivated team showcasing impressive defensive skills and stellar offensive gameplay.
The Seton Catholic Central boys, led by former Binghamton University men’s coach Tommy Dempsey, are making an impact in their inaugural season under his guidance as they enter the tournament as the second seed in Class A.
The Elmira Notre Dame boys, who ended a 10-year division title drought, are poised for a strong showing in the tournament, displaying a renewed spirit and determination following last year’s close-call defeat.
The dynamism of the Waverly and Tioga boys’ teams, following their respective state football championships, adds an intriguing dimension to the Class B competition, while the tradition-rich Watkins Glen girls’ team brings a legacy of success to the tournament.
The upcoming Section 4 basketball tournament is brimming with excitement, hosting a myriad of captivating storylines and talented teams ready to showcase their prowess on the court. As the tournament unfolds, fans can anticipate high-stakes action and unforgettable moments as the teams vie for sectional glory.
The new six-classification format has undoubtedly injected fresh energy into the tournament, setting the stage for an unforgettable display of skill, resilience, and sportsmanship from the participating teams. Prepare for an exhilarating journey through the Section 4 basketball tournament as the action unfolds!