This past week, the Hills West Basketball Booster Club sponsored the 2025 Alexander Aurrichio Memorial Holiday Tournament at Half Hollow Hills High School West. The tournament featured the host varsity team along with North Babylon, Southampton, and John Jay of Brooklyn, bringing together strong programs for a competitive holiday showcase. Hills West successfully defended its home court, defeating Southampton 72–56 in the championship game to capture the tournament title.
The event honored the legacy of Alexander Aurrichio, a member of the Class of 2008 who left a lasting impact on the Hills West basketball program. Aurrichio was a three-year varsity player and served as captain of the school’s first-ever Suffolk County championship team. He played a key role in leading the Colts to a school-record 23-game winning streak and the program’s first county title. In recognition of his contributions, his No. 25 jersey was retired in 2021 by longtime head coach Bill Mitaritonna. Tragically, Aurrichio lost his life in a bicycle accident while living in Australia in May of 2020.
Alexander is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in Hills West history and is fondly remembered for his leadership, toughness, and relentless competitive spirit. Following his high school career, he went on to attend Columbia University, where he competed in both soccer and baseball before later pursuing a career in the Australian Football League.
In addition to the championship celebration, several individual honors were awarded. Senior captain Vince Corso received the Alexander Aurrichio Award, presented annually to the team’s hardest worker. Fellow senior captains Jack Vafeas and Ethan Saintjean were also recognized for their outstanding performances and were named to the all-tournament team, helping make the event a fitting tribute to a Hills West legend.