Jan. 6, 2023-- In a ceremony hosted before, appropriately, a girls basketball game last night, High School North's gymnasium was officially dedicated to former coach Ray Cervino.

The legendary former HSN girls basketball coach passed away in October of last year. Through two decades of coaching, Cervino won 313 games, nine South A titles, and the Group 4 state title in 2000.

On hand for the emotional ceremony were Ray's wife, Mary, family members including children Vicki Henn, Adam, and Nicole Kirk, current and former players, district administrators, board members, and community well wishers.

A sign reading "Ray Cervino Gymnasium," featuring the school's classic blue and gold color scheme and its logo anchor, was unveiled above the gym's entrance.

Attendees gathered around a cardboard cutout of Cervino for photos, and regaled stories from his coaching and teaching days, which featured numerous memorable one-liners.

"You wanted to go out on that court and play for him," said former star player Kim Peto following Cervino's passing last fall. "You wanted to win for him.”

High School North's current squad wanted to win for the former coach as well, defeating High School South 56-23 in the game that followed the ceremony.

Asbury Park Press was there providing photojournalistic coverage, as was High School North's own Luke Saglembeni, whose photos are featured here. TRSTV was also on site for coverage, which can be view below.