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Sports

Pleasantville and Briarcliff Remember Lt. Charles "Charley" Garbarini

Pleasantville and Briarcliff faced off in the annual Lt. Charles "Charley" Garbarini Memorial Basketball Trophy game.

was the site of the seventh annual Lt. Charles “Charley” Garbarini Memorial Basketball Trophy Game in honor of resident and fireman Charles Garbarini who was killed in action on September 11, 2001.

Garbarini’s wife, Andrea presented the contest’s trophy to visiting Briarcliff (14-4) who finished the season on an eight-game winning streak, 55-39, at Pleasantville (3-15) Tuesday.

“I am very grateful that the village of Pleasantville holds the memorial game,” she said. “I think we should never forget September 11.”

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Many supporters were on hand, including three mothers and friends of Andrea’s, Mary Maloney, Laurie Drillock and Mary Anne Guttridge, along with their children.

“We came to show support for our friend Andrea and her family,” they said. “We come annually [for the past nine years] and always enjoy her friendly presence.”

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Pleasantville High School Athletic Director John Bauerlein began the commemorative evening with an introduction about the reason for the special event.

“Garbarini served as a New York City firefighter for 16 years in the Bronx, Harlem and finally midtown Manhattan,” said Bauerlein.

Bauerlein went on to mention Garbarini’s true passion for firefighting.

“He was known for his enthusiasm and sense of humor in any firehouse he occupied,” Bauerlein said. “He loved his job, always describing it as the best career anyone could have. He even had business cards stating…Charles Garbarini– Firefighter–You light’ em, We fight’ em."

Basketball, said Bauerlein, was another passion of Garbarini's.

“Charley also loved basketball. He started playing in the streets of the Bronx in the St. Ann’s school yard and continued playing as a fireman on numerous teams," he said. “On September 11, 2001, he bravely made the supreme sacrifice while saving the lives of others.”

Said Bauerlein, “This game is a fitting honor to a man who not only loved the game of basketball, but also loved Pleasantville and its surrounding communities."

“Charley was extremely grateful that he and his wife, Andrea, could raise their two sons, Dylan (14) and Philip (12) in such a caring community. And we are thankful that they decided to call Pleasantville their home. The Garbarini family is forever grateful to the Pleasantville and Briarcliff School Districts for this opportunity to remember such a wonderful father, husband and American hero. As we pause to remember him, let us also be mindful of all those brave individuals in uniform who were lost in the line of duty.”

Bauerlein then acknowledged and thanked Andrea, Dylan and Philip for their attendance Tuesday, adding they present the game's trophy.

 “Thank you for your support and enjoy the game,” concluded Bauerlein.

Pleasantville controlled the tempo early in the first, before Briarcliff raced to a 10-2 advantage. The Panthers' six points then cut the deficit 10-8 to head into the second down 14-13 to the Bears.

The Bears sped out as the second quarter commenced, pulling a 21-14 edge until the Panthers rallied back to trail 25-23 into the break.

Matt Evangelista’s Bears players turned the slim margin into a 37-27 lead thanks to key turnovers heading into the fourth, where the possible third seed section one playoff squad stretched the differential 16 en route to the 55-39 final.

“It’s special for the kids,” Evangelista said about the Bear’s victory following the annual event, recognition of the regular season finale and reception of the memorial trophy. “It’s nice to be here.”

The Panthers held all Bears scorers to single-digit points. Brian Daniels led the Bears with nine points and 11 rebounds for an all-around game.

Jack Eisenberg finished with 11 points to lead the Panthers, who have a lot to think about before next season if they want to bounce back from a dismal year.

Summer basketball camps are already part of the plan.

“If we’re not committed, we’re not going to be better next year,” Sophomore Nick Greto asserted.

Junior varsity players will be relied upon to contribute, along with the younger players already on the roster.

The Panthers go out on a high note, despite the tough defeat over a crosstown rival.

“[It’s special], especially for our seniors,” Greto said of the momentous occasion to honor a community hero. “They love the sport. They have to work hard.”

In April, Andrea Garbarini and other 9/11 widows will release a documentary titled From the Ground Up, about their husbands and their own lives since that date.

The film touches upon “what good has come out of 9/11,” according to Andrea Garbarini. “It’s about the remembrance of the tragedy."

Check out 911filmproject.com for more information on the endeavor and how to donate money to the project.

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