Sometimes, experience can be the ultimate difference-maker. 

On Dec. 13, a promising Harrison team found this out the hard way while taking on 2023 Class AAA semifinalist Mamaroneck, throwing an early scare into the Tigers before falling at the Harrison Jefferson Showcase in White Plains by a score of 63-48.

Harrison ripped off a 10-2 run to start the game, harrying Mamaroneck with some inspired defense and putting the Tigers on the back foot. But the Tigers quickly regrouped, reclaiming the lead before the end of the first half and going on to extend that lead after the intermission. 

Mamaroneck’s Will Plunkett was named game MVP, scoring 16 points and grabbing nine rebounds to lead the Tiger comeback. Plunkett said that Harrison’s tenacity gave the Tigers fits early on, forcing Mamaroneck to regroup. 

“I think we were off-balance to start, we weren’t moving the ball, we weren’t fluid,” said Plunkett. “After the first few minutes I think we really settled in and that made the difference.”

Matt McCoy would pace the Huskies with 16 points of his own, but it wasn’t enough to stem the Mamaroneck tide, as the Tigers improved to 4-0 on the season. 

Harrison, a much-improved squad that will turn some heads upon returning to Class AA this season, is currently 1-1.

According to Plunkett, the key factor to the Tigers’ success thus far has been a smooth transition from season that saw the squad make a trip to the Westchester County Center. 

“It’s all about continuity, we work hard at practice every day,” said Plunkett. “I think with four games under our belt, we’re starting to see what we can do.”

Harrison will look to bounce back this weekend, as it hosts its annual tournament, while the Tigers will also host their own holiday tournament, as they invite Hamilton, Ardsley and Ramapo to Mamaroneck High School. 

As the team continues its march through the season, said Plunkett, the Tigers have their sights firmly set on eclipsing last season’s terrific finish. 

Leadership is paramount; our leadership was really good last year, so all of our returners really are leaders this year,” said Plunkett. “It’s not just our captains, everyone is stepping up. Everyone knows their role, which is important and we have a lot of returners who know what it’s like to get there, and now we want to win it.”