The Obama School players heard the whispers leading into Friday’s Section 1 Class A opening round game. The Lightning, despite being the No. 5 seed, had their doubters.
But even falling into a first-quarter hole didn’t deter Obama against a 12th-seeded Ardsley squad. The explosive and balanced Lightning team stormed past Ardsley in the second half, coming away with a decisive 56-40 win to advance to Tuesday’s quarterfinals.
Watch the GameDay One highlights of the game here:
Dontaye Dunkel scored a team-high 12 points with four assists for Obama (15-6). Seediya Jabbi added 11 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks and Raheem Azeez, Elvin Adrian and Eli Mitchell all scored nine points in the win.
The Lightning advance to take on No. 4 Nanuet in the Class A quarterfinals.
Evan Kurian led Ardsley with 22 points.
Find the full Class A Basketball Tournament bracket on GameDay One here.
In other games from Friday in the Section 1 Class A Boys Tournament:
In the best game of the night, Irvington beat Putnam Valley in double overtime, 65-63, behind a heroic effort from CJ Steinberg. The senior guard had 19 points, including the 1,000th of his career, as well as connecting several big shots in the fourth quarter and overtime.
Video by @RayTeodora1 as Steinberg tied the game to force overtime:
CJ Steinberg beats the buzzer to send this one to OVERTIME!@pvhs_athletics_ 55@IrvingtonBB 55 pic.twitter.com/JvbzqSQihP
— Ray Teodora (@rayteodora1) February 21, 2025
In overtime, Steinberg put the Bulldogs ahead on this 3-pointer:
CJ STEINBERG BOOM!
— Ray Teodora (@rayteodora1) February 21, 2025
63-60 BULLDOGS
19.8 TO GO pic.twitter.com/IPtaJBXyHp
Westlake upended Hen Hud, 87-42 as the second-seeded Wildcats advanced. Marcus Jackette scored 20 points. Brayden Lingeza added 12 and Nick Stratigakis had 11.
Albertus Magnus beat Bronxville for the second game in a row, winning 56-42 at home.
No. 1 seed Byram Hills blew out Croton-Harmon, 94-45, as Zach Efobi posted 16 points and 12 rebounds. Chris Amenedo scored 14.
Rye Neck, the No. 6 seed, protected its home court with a 67-60 win over Edgemont. Kyle Harris scored 24 points and Logan Williams added 16.
Pearl River got by Pleasantville, 54-42. Nanuet defeated Pelham 51-40 as Luke Peterson scored 12 and Ford Banton added 10.
Senior Stars Shine: Jake Kessner has Rye thinking Gold Ball
Riley Harold: The Rising Star of Class AAA Basketball
Rye finishes season strong, takes down Tappan Zee in finale
Albertus Magnus girls run past IHA in inter-state matchup
Veolia Athlete of the Month: Vincent Sanabria, Nyack
