North-South final a possibility at Rotary Tournament
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

The Williamsville North and Williamsville South varsity boys basketball teams have met the last three years in the final of the Williamsville Rotary Tournament, and if history is a good indicator, it could happen again.

The fourth annual version of the tournament, featuring South, North, Newfane and Fredonia, is slated to begin on Thursday at Williamsville South. North (6-1, 3-1) has beaten South (3-3, 2-2) in the final every year.

"North is big and physical inside," said South coach Al Monaco. "That's the one thing we aren't. We've gotten good play for our guards. If we play them, it could be a repeat of those two styles."

The varsity tournament begins at 6 p.m. with North against Newfane, followed at 7:30 p.m. by South against Fredonia. The finals and consolation are slated to begin at 6 and 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The JV tournament, with the same match-ups, is scheduled for 2:30 and 4 p.m. on both days.

In between the 6 and 7:30 p.m. varsity games on Thursday, Jim Mohan will receive the inaugural "Make a Difference Award," given to the person who has made a difference in the lives of the South boys varsity basketball team.

Mohan, a graduate of the University at Buffalo, worked as a physical education teacher at Casey Middle School from 1972 to 1982 and at Mill Middle School from 1982 until his retirement in 2004. Monaco said the seniors on his team, Brian Webb and Tim Krempa, as eighth-graders, were the last class to have Mohan as a teacher at Mill. Freshmen Erik Hansen, Aaron Adams, Phil Stasiak and Joe Licata were fifth-graders at the time.

"He is so deserving as the first winner of the award," said Monaco. "He's done so much for all of the kids. It was neat to listen to the kids and hear how much they have appreciated him."

Mohan is also the first golf coach at Williamsville East, holding the position from 1975 until 2004. In college, Mohan golfed at UB. In retirement, Mohan is an adjunct professor of physical education at Canisius College.

After the South varsity game on Dec. 27, the South Booster Club is holding a reception at Sorrentino's. All current and former players are invited. Mohan will also be honored.