PYA Night was just one of those special times that makes us realize why we love living in Port Washington. It was the type of event that is characteristic of a small town. First, The JV Lady Vikings were scheduled to play followed by The Varsity Lady Vikings. All the young girl basketball players in town were invited. The evening was organized by PYA, The Leaders Club of Schreiber High School, under the direction of Maria Giamanco and The Lady Vikings, coached by Stephanie Joannon. Just a week prior to PYA Night over 120 young PYA players attended a basketball clinic at the high school hosted by the Lady Vikings. The girls were given the heads up for PYA Night. Coach Joannon told the girls, "Come wearing a tee shirt that has a basketball logo and you will be given basketball favors and be eligible to win fabulous raffle prizes."

The girls showed up in record numbers on Friday night, Jan. 23 in the Schreiber gymnasium. Fourth-grader Katie Morovich wearing her PYA basketball shirt was thrilled when she was given a basketball charm necklace and a Lady Viking memo pad as were all the other attendees. The young gals came with their parents and grandparents. It was a family event. At halftime the drawing was held for the raffle prizes: basketball bulletin boards, balls, blankets and other fun stuff.

The gym was just the perfect place to be with loads of people from the community supporting our home teams and performances by the cheerleaders and Portettes got the crowd on their feet!

The young players got a chance to be with The Lady Vikings following the game and have their programs signed. When asked if they were having a good time and what was special about the night, fourth-graders Samantha Cohen and Alison Peraz said, "We love basketball and we wanted to be here to cheer for our home team." Stephanie Reali's response was, "When I grow up I want to be a Lady Viking."