The arrival of Thanksgiving heralded the start of the boys’ basketball season at local Catholic high schools, with top area teams in action.

The Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) stretches throughout the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn. The top teams in each diocese are designated as “AA” teams and play the most competitive schedules.

In White Plains, St. Frances Academy of Baltimore, Maryland, edged Archbishop Stepinac on a three-point shot at the buzzer in that school’s season and home opener, 59-58, on November 30. Against the non-conference challenger, Dylan Perry had 18 points with ten rebounds and two assists, and Darius Ratliff contributed 12 points and nine rebounds, along with two assists and two blocked shots. “Our guys got off to a slow start but battled back. A tough opener to start the year, which will only make us better as we move throughout the season,” Stepinac Coach Patrick Massaroni told The Good Newsroom. Stepinac plays its first conference game on Friday, December 6, against Bronx rival Cardinal Hayes, at Hayes.

Iona Prep cruised against rival Fordham Prep 66-49 as New Rochelle’s Iona traveled to the Bronx. Johnny Keenan scored 24 for the Gaels, and freshman Dillion Callahan sank 15. Despite the loss, standout performances for Fordham came from Brian Kapfer, with 24 points, eight rebounds, and five steals, and Jacob Toomer, who scored 13. Iona next heads to Archbishop Molloy on Tuesday, December 3. Fordham goes to Moore Catholic on Saturday, December 7. 

CHSAA “AA” contenders St. Raymond’s School for Boys tip off late this season on Saturday, December 8, against St. Peter’s Boys High School in Staten Island.