St. Anne's Boys Basketball Team Takes First Place  

Coaches: Pizzingrillo, Prevete, Jaghab, Back row: E. Ortiz , N. Lavino, M. Manfre, J. Darocha, C. Hayes, Front: A. Penaro, J. Pizzingrillo, M. Prevete, E. Jabhab

The 5th grade boys from St. Anne's are heading for the playoffs. Their first round game will be contested at St. Aidan's Gym on Saturday, Feb. 28th vs St. Peter's. The boys finish atop the division with a 10 - 2 record. One loss coming on a last second shot. Each of the boys improved their basketball skills throughout the year and the team enjoyed many lopsided victories. There were very few games in which each player did not score.

Mr. Pizzingrillo and Mr. Prevete enjoyed watching the boys run their pick and rolls to perfection and seemed they could score at will. Marc Prevete dribbled around defenders and finished with his patented underhand lay-ups. Joseph Pizzingrillo rained jumpers from all over the court and dazzled the crowd with rainbows swishes. The two boys each scored 20 pts. or better in numerous games. None of they victories would be possible without the tenacious rebounding of Connor Hayes. He was a blue collar hard worker. Estaban Ortiz was the recipient of a number of pick and roll easy baskets. He played his roll to perfection. Nick Lavino became the defensive specialist and his speed smothered the opponents best player. He lead the team in steals and fast break points. Anthony Penaro by far the fastest learner out of the nine boys. Once afraid to shoot and now he can chuck them up with the best of them. Eli Jaghab improved each and every week. He never missed a practice the entire year. His first basket put a smile on everyone face. Matthew Manfre proves good things come in small packages. He out hustled all the big boys to rebounds and was the first on on the floor for every loose ball. Joseph Darocha exempilified everything CYO stands for. Having fun was all he was about. He got a rebound and dribbled the entire court and scored. He didn't let anyone stop him from having fun.

Mr. Pizzingrillo and I will like to thank all the parents for running their kids to practices and games for the last four months. Special thanks goes out to Mr. Jaghab, he made the mistake of learning how to properly take care of the scorebook and we never let him put it down.