On Feb. 3, 2025, Cardozo’s Varsity Boys Basketball team held their annual senior night in celebration of the graduating class of 2025 seniors on the team. Five student-athletes were named by Varsity Coach Ron Naclerio in recognition of their hard work. In addition, the boys celebrated with a victory over Francis Lewis High School with a score of 65-60.
The night began at 6 p.m., as Coach Naclerio opened the night off with a sentimental speech, which captured the hearts of many of those in the audience.
“It’s a great day, for me it’s a sad day, five young men that became a part of my life, part of my family. The people here don’t realize how much time we spent together: weekends, weekdays, summer months, fall months, spring months, and it’s a part of coaching that I hate, saying goodbye,” expressed Coach Naclerio. “It’s not time to go yet, but I want to specifically honor the five tremendous young men.”
The coach names his senior players one by one as the audience watches and listens to the mentioned players: Georgios Gatsias, also known as George.
“I wish he had three more years, he came here, and y’know what, without him, the Cardozo tradition might not be continuing. I actually look at George, and when I talk about him I use the word ‘air conditioning.’ The reason why I use the word air conditioning, because his academic grades make you put on air conditioning,” said Naclerio proudly.
“He has a 98.9 average, and I know he’s gonna give it his best for the rest of the time he’s here, college is calling, and unfortunately it’s a part of growing up.”
The next player called up was Jayden Brister. Coach Naclerio proclaimed, “He was only here for one year, I’ve gotten to know him, I’m on him non-stop because I see how good he can be.”
“I don’t think he realizes how good he can be, and as a coach, that’s my job: to push him up the ladder to success,” he continued. “A very bright young man, he’s one of the keys, he’s our leading scorer. I’m so happy he came for 12 months.”
Following, Coach Naclerio spoke about Isaiah Wolfe Young, who was recognized not only for his talent in basketball, but for also shining on the Cardozo football team as a quarterback. “ We are going to our 12th win in the last 13 games, and without him we would definitely not be in this position.”
The basketball coach then connected basketball with his belief in faith, sharing that when he goes to church, he prays for all of his players.
“I go to church diligently on Sunday, and when I go to church, I always pray for all of my former players. I pray for my former players’ families, some of 60-years-old, and I pray for my present Cardozo players, and I pray for their families. And then when I’m done, I say an extra prayer to these two.”
While the coach spoke, he broke into tears, and a moment of silence was given to him. Audience members as well, felt the sadness in the air and as well, were flooded with tears for this sentimental moment. He began to talk about two players who not only shine at Cardozo, but do so pushing through adversity.
“Both had a parent, shot and killed, taken from us. And as a coach, when they came into high school, everything was great, and I remember that day. April 16, 2022. And it changed my life, and definitely his life forever,” he continued.
“As a coach, If you know me, I’m always on my players. Driving, pushing them up the ladder, and there were times it hurt me to get on them, because I know the pain that they wake up to everyday. Justin Halstead,” the Coach Naclerio exclaimed, as the gymnasium filled with applause with respect. “But she’s looking down, from Heaven, and she’s so proud.”
“The last young man, was a young man that I knew when he was a little kid, and he kept on growing. He kept on getting bigger and better, and his dad, coached,” Naclerio said, as he walked back and forth to allow everyone in the audience to hear his voice, and the story of Yaw Pabi.
“Because we truly love this young man, I believe he’s definitely one of the most popular kids in this school. He’s been a great point guard for us this yea.” Standing strong, Pabi stood up and received his award, smiling towards the camera.
All of the five graduating seniors stood up for a final photo together with Coach Naclerio, the crowd applauded the seniors, as they sat down and prepared themselves for their game. The DJ in the corner of the gym began blasting songs from the popular artist Kendrick Lamar to hype up all of the players.
The atmosphere of the gymnasium changed drastically, from emotional and moving, to cheering and lively, as the boys were having fun — vibing to the music and smiling, ready to win and prove, Cardozo was on top.
And, so they did, taking home that special senior win.
