Over the recent holiday, the Elmont Memorial High School Boy's Basketball team competed in the Haggerty Memorial Basketball Tournament held in Chaminade High School. Elmont has competed in this tournament on numerous occasions along with Manhasset, Garden City and the host, Chaminade. This four team lineup consists of "power house" type basketball programs, as many basketball championships hang in each school's respective gymnasiums.

The first test for the Spartans was a talented Manhasset team. Elmont won this contest thanks to the leadership and hard work of seniors Patrick Eustache, Tuchukwu Aguoji, and Brian Ciavarella. The team won by the score of 69-65 in a hard fought battle.

The following day, the Spartans returned to the Chaminade floor with one thing in mind, winning the championship. That is exactly what they accomplished as they went on to defeat CHSAA powerhouse Chaminade by the score of 64-58. The Spartans went toe to toe with their opponents and walked away well deserving of the championship trophy. The emotions in the championship game ran high as neither opponent wanted to surrender, making this inaugural tournament championship victory one to savor for the Spartans. Elmont's senior guard, Jahson Minott, was named tournament MVP as he compiled a total of 51 points, many of which came as clutch three pointers and foul shots leading the Spartans. Coach Dave Kinsley was excited about his team's performance in the tournament, "It is a special win for our kids. Playing in Chaminade can rattle teams that are unfamiliar with the unusual court and I am proud of the confidence our kids played with." Assistant coach Mike Graham added to the notion of confidence leading the way for the Spartans, "It was great to see our seniors step up and make the big shots. Our guys played their hearts out and it paid off."

The Spartans took their success in their non-league schedule, which includes wins over Floral Park, Freeport, Copiague and Roosevelt, to their first Conference A-II victory over Plainview JFK on Jan. 4, 2000. The Spartans once again displayed heart and perseverance as they battled back from an 11-point deficit to win 60-59. Leading the way for the Spartans with tenacious defense and hustle were seniors Brian Ciavarella, Patrick Eustache and junior Charles Fernandez. The Spartans will look to continue their winning ways when they square off against Great Neck South on Jan. 11, 2000 in a home Conference A-II contest.