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Mahopac Defeats Carmel In Rematch After Racial Language Accusation

MAHOPAC, N.Y. -- Mahopac High School's boys basketball team beat crosstown rival Carmel 58-50 in a Friday rematch played weeks after a Mahopac player allegedly used racially insensitive language towards a Carmel opponent at the schools' previous game.

Mahopac fans at their team's game against cross-town rival Carmel. Mahopac won 58-50.

Mahopac fans at their team's game against cross-town rival Carmel. Mahopac won 58-50.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Excited Mahopac fans hoist the Bryan Higgins Memorial Trophy towards the end of the boys basketball team's win over rival Carmel.

Excited Mahopac fans hoist the Bryan Higgins Memorial Trophy towards the end of the boys basketball team's win over rival Carmel.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Mahopac fans at their team's game against cross-town rival Carmel. Mahopac won 58-50.

Mahopac fans at their team's game against cross-town rival Carmel. Mahopac won 58-50.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Excited Mahopac fans hoist the Bryan Higgins Memorial Trophy towards the end of the boys basketball team's win over rival Carmel.

Excited Mahopac fans hoist the Bryan Higgins Memorial Trophy towards the end of the boys basketball team's win over rival Carmel.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Carmel fans at their team's game against crosstown rival Mahopac. Mahopac won 58-50.

Carmel fans at their team's game against crosstown rival Mahopac. Mahopac won 58-50.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Carmel fans at their team's game against crosstown rival Mahopac. Mahopac won 58-50.

Carmel fans at their team's game against crosstown rival Mahopac. Mahopac won 58-50.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Carmel fans at their team's game against cross-town rival Mahopac. Mahopac won 58-50.

Carmel fans at their team's game against cross-town rival Mahopac. Mahopac won 58-50.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Mahopac defeated crosstown rival Carmel by 58-50 at a basketball rematch.

Mahopac defeated crosstown rival Carmel by 58-50 at a basketball rematch.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Mahopac defeated cross-town rival Carmel by 58 to 50 at a basketball rematch.

Mahopac defeated cross-town rival Carmel by 58 to 50 at a basketball rematch.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Mahopac defeated cross-town rival Carmel by 58 to 50 at a basketball rematch.

Mahopac defeated cross-town rival Carmel by 58 to 50 at a basketball rematch.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Mahopac defeated cross-town rival Carmel by 58 to 50 at a basketball rematch.

Mahopac defeated cross-town rival Carmel by 58 to 50 at a basketball rematch.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie

The game was played before a packed and passionate crowd at Mahopac.

Mahopac first-year varsity coach Jim Harter said he was not aware of anything controversial happening in the latest matchup. Harter also spoke positively of the rivalry with his school's neighbor.

“It’s a great deal of fun for coaches, players, everybody to be a part of a game like this," he said.

Carmel hosted and won the previous game 57-50 between the schools on Jan. 7, when the alleged incident occurred.

The schools' student sections were each lively with cheering and chanting supporters. Mahopac's fans congregated on one side while Carmel's gathered in another. 

As the game was winding down, a group of excited Mahopac fans hoisted the Bryan Higgins Memorial Trophy. Although the prize pertains only to football -- Mahopac won the trophy in October, Daily Voice previously reported -- it is a prominent symbol of the schools' rivalry. 

Moments after the Indians clinched their win, fans headed onto the court and towards the team. An excited group of teens in a cluster could be seen jumping up and down.

Lou Riolo, Carmel's principal who attended the contest, was pleased with how Carmel conducted itself in the contest.

“We’re very proud of our kids," he said.

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