It has been 72 years since the first game, and this highly anticipated tradition still stands strong! Once again Curtis High School held its annual Thanksgiving Eve game between Curtis and St. Peter’s on November 21st at the College of Staten Island. As the biggest game in Staten Island high school sports, the Thanksgiving eve game has sold out for the past 20 years. Over 700 tickets were sold at Curtis High School alone.

Coach Archibold, a former varsity basketball player and coach at Curtis said, “The Thanksgiving Eve Game is a neighborhood rivalry where kids who live in the same neighborhood but go to different schools battle it out on the basketball court for year long bragging rights.”

This year the junior varsity team earned those bragging rights by defeating St. Peters High School 52-42, while varsity unfortunately lost by nine points. Despite this loss, crowds remained cheerful and encouraged the players through a series of chants and clapping! Sophomore player Rafique Williams said, “as a first year player who transferred from Eagle Academy it was different and great to be in the fun atmosphere of the Thanksgiving eve game. It was special to be amongst the team that lead Curtis to a victory after a four year losing streak.”

At the eve game, wins are not guaranteed for either sides but it is guaranteed that there are guest appearances from alumni, former players, and recurring fans from the neighborhood. “As a senior who has attended the eve game for the past four years, it was bittersweet to attend this year’s. I wish the best for the teams and hope that JV can continue on this victorious path and that varsity can regain their win streak,” said Senior Mikiyah Murphy. Overall the teams played very well and regardless of the outcome the Thanksgiving Eve game is a tradition that will continue forever.