On Championship Monday, the 4th Grade Boys saw a battle to the end between the top two teams. The Lakers, who went 7-3, were coached by Jamie Cortese and Dan Salsberg; the Celtics, who also went 7-3, were coached by Scott Paskewitz. The Lakers started the game strong, taking a quick 8-0 lead, using a smothering defense, and a fast break offense. However, the Celtics quickly adjusted, and the teams went into half time with the Celtics clinging to a 13-10 lead.

In the second half both teams used tough defense and a mix of run-and-gun/half-court offense to trade baskets the whole way. However, with two minutes left to play the Lakers defense, which smothered the Celtics to start the game, swung back into action. The Lakers defense used the last two minutes to shut down the Celtics and two take a two point lead within the last thirty seconds of the game. The Celtics had three opportunities to tie it up with ten seconds left, but could not capitalize and the game ended with the Lakers on top of the Celtics, 31-29.

Congratulations to the Lakers on their great championship win. Congratulations to both teams on a great season. Congratulations to all then teams on an extremely competitive, well balanced season. One could look at the records of all the teams and see a discrepancy in the wins and losses; however, the records do not tell the tale. There were 17 games decided by three points or less; one overtime game; and one game which ended in a tie.

As coordinator for the 4th grade boys league I would like to thank Larry Keating, Chris Thompson, Mike Ventre, John Iraj, John Gibbons, Kevin Walsh, Tom Phillips, John Mezzo, Jamie Cortese, and Dan Salsberg for their time and dedication, for getting it and for an all-around great job. I would like to give a special thanks to Scott Paskewitz for a great job and for coaching with me yet again.

I want to extend a special thank you to Tom Granville, Chris DeSantis, Dan Dignam, and Scott Paskewitz. As directors, you have gone above and beyond.

I want to say thank you to the Dennis Nuss crew for a great job refereeing this year.