The members of Irvington High School’s girls varsity basketball team have once again demonstrated their strength on and off the court when they raised money for two important causes.
During a league game against Hastings High School on Jan. 13, the girls raised more than $1,800 in memory of Shamoya McKenzie, a talented Mount Vernon basketball player who tragically died on New Year’s Eve. McKenzie, who was a passenger in the backseat of her family car, was returning home from practice when she was struck by a stray bullet.
“The Irvington girls donated the money directly to the young girl’s family to help cover the costs of her funeral,” coach Gina Maher said. “They were heartbroken when they learned about McKenzie’s death and, like many other teams, wanted to show their support. The outpouring from the students and our entire school community, as well as from those who attended the game against Hastings, was overwhelming.”
The following day, Irvington High School hosted the annual Autism Classic Tournament, a four-game showcase of some of the top girls basketball teams in the Hudson Valley, and raised more than $2,000 for programs that directly benefit people with autism.
“I am so proud of my team and classmates for how hard we worked to raise the amount of money that we did,” said Lindsay Halpin, the team’s senior captain. “It really shows how much our community cares about others and how we would do anything to help families in need.”
The Bulldogs now hold a 12-1 record and are aiming for their third straight Section 1 Class B championship title and their seventh in eight years.
“The Autism Classic is one of the highlights of the year in Section 1 girls basketball,” Maher said. “Every year, we fill our gym with fans from all over, and their generosity for such a special cause is moving.”
Photo Caption: Irvington High School’s girls varsity basketball team raised money for two important causes.
Photo courtesy of the Irvington Union Free School District
