Another high school sports🌃 season is upon us, jam-packed with must-see games and unforgettable experiences.
For anyone looking to run the gamut this year, our experts have compiled a lively bucket list. So rearrange your schedules to see ཧthese can’t-miss items, in order of occurrence for fans looking to take it all in.
Friday night football game at Tottenville
This one is a bit of a hike, deep onto the south shore of Staten Island, but worth it. The Pirates fans’ passi🍎on makes this arguably the best Friday Night Lights experience the city has to offer. We recommend Nov. 8, when they host Brooklyn power South Shore. You can treat yourself to an Italian ice at the original Ralph’s after the 7 p.m. game.
Fordham Prep-Xavier Turkey Bowl football game
The oldest high school sports rivalry in New York ꦿState dates back to 1882 and is now played every Thanksgiving morning. This year’s game, the 95th overall in the Thanksgiving series, will take place at 10 a.m. at Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn — a Xaviღer home game. Fordham, which has won the past three meetings, leads the rivalry 52-39-4. The turkey always tastes better for the victor.
Basketball game at Archbishop Molloy’s Jack Curran Gymnasium
Jack Curran, the winningest coach in New York State history, patrolled🐬 those sidelines for 55 seasons and collected 973 victories in the process. It remains one of the best venues to take in a Catholic league boys basketball game, especially on a Friday night. The trophy cases in the Queens gym are like a museum, honoring the likes of former NBA players Kenny Anderson, Brian Winters and Kenny Smith.
Lincoln-Jefferson boys basketball game at Lincoln
Grab a hot dog and an orangeade at Nathan’s on the Coney Island boardwalk and then head over to Lincoln to feast on this bitter rivalry. The gym was once home to Stephon Marbury, Sebastian Telfair, Lanceꦇ Ste✤phenson and Isaiah Whitehead. Jefferson coach Lawrence “Bud” Pollard’s sideline histrionics are worth the price of admission alone.
The Apparel Challenge basketball showcase at Christ the King
If you want to take in some of the best teams across the Public and Catholic leagues in a full day of hoops, this is when to do it. On Feb. 1, visit Christ the King in Middle Village, Queens, where Lamar Odom, S🍰peedy Claxton, Sue Bird and Tina Charles all starred. Stop by the concession stand for a legendary pizza bagel if you need a snack.
The Millrose Games at The Armory
The best high school, college and pro athletes converge at the city’s premier track and field venue for one night. NYC produces some of the top relay teams in the country and they are all at ও216 Fort Washington Ave. on Feb. 9, along with the high school miles and the pros in the Wanamaker Mile.
PSAL and CHSAA boys basketball championships
The games are a tradition, the public schools on a Saturday morning at Madison Square Garden or Barclays Center, and the Catholic league the next day at Fordham’s 𒅌Rose Hill gym the first weekend in March. The venues have featured some of the best prep basketball players ever, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — then Lew Alcindor — with Power Memorial, Connie Hawkins of Boys High and Marbury and Stephenson of Lincoln. This will get you set for the New York State Federation tournament, at Fordham for the first time ever, a few weeks later.
St. Francis Prep-Archbishop Molloy softball game
The home fields of the Queens schools, which have been the premier programs in the CHSAA’s Brooklyn/Queens division in recent years, are a few blocks apart along Francis Lewis Boulevard and Union Turnpike. Eat at the Blue Bay diner or travel to the Cherry Valley Deli for a pregame meal, bring a comfortable chair and feel free to converse with the friendly parents before watching a tight, well-pitched game with plenty of drama.
PSAL baseball championship at Yankee Stadium
The most famous stadium in sports hosts the PSAL Class AA an🌱d AAA championship games the second week in June. Programs with rich histories such as Tottenville, James Monroe and George Washington have been regulars at the top-tier level. Enjoy combining the history of the Yankees with ꦫsome fantastic high school baseball.
Honorable mention:
- Watch off-the-wall Ron Naclerio of Cardozo coach a game.
- Attend “The Battle of the Boulevard” boys basketball game when Holy Cross visits Queens rival St. Francis Prep.
- Check out Fontbonne Hall’s Autism Awareness softball event in Brooklyn.
- Eat at Monsignor Farrell’s acclaimed football concession stand on Staten Island.
- Take in the Monroe Baseball Tournament final in The Bronx.
- Attend the Fieldston-Riverdale football game.