SUNDAY March 13, 2022

8th GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL

CYO CHAMPIONSHIP

HOME TEAM: St. Pius X

COACH’S: Jabbar Craigswell, Kieran Fitzgerald

PLAYER FIRST NAMES: Justin, Brayden, Jacob, Emmett, Carter, Lucas, Jason, Aaron, Henry, Harper, Joe, Minh, Kellen

VISITING TEAM: All Saints

COACH’S: Chris Zervis, Damian Barron

PLAYER FIRST NAMES: Barron, Colin, Carson, Thomas, Matt, Noah, Ben, Nick

Q1: St. Pius X Jumped to an early lead as the quarter ended with a 12 – 9 score over All Saints.

Q2: All Saints showed their athletic power toward the end of the second quarter as they took the lead, got into their stride and used their height to grab the rebounds.  The half ended with All Saints 24 and St. Pius X 20.

Q3: A fun third quarter to watch as both teams turn up the power.  All Saints led till the last minute of play when both teams battled back and forth.  St. Pius X led at the end 37 to 34.  Some three-point shooting helped St. Pius X get back the lead.

Q4: With 5 minutes in the last quarter, St. Pius tied the game at 38 – 38 then goes ahead by one with a charity shot. Tensions flare with each foul.  Harper puts a three pointer away for a two-point lead.  All Saints answers with their own three pointer by Nick.  St. Pius and All Saints each add another three pointer and the crowd roars with delight!  Score tied 48 to 48 with 2 minutes left to play.

Clearly the best game of the tournament and certainly the most exciting City Tournament game.

A timeout is taken with 58 seconds left in the game and a tied game.  All Saints takes several shots and miss them all.  St. Pius X gets possession of the ball with 7 seconds left in the game.  All Saints fouls with 1.5 seconds left to play.  Number 25 to the charity line for two.  Sinks 1.  All Saints takes a time out. Pius X leads by one. Back to the foul line…Misses second shot and All Saints takes a time out with 1.2 seconds left in the game. All Saints takes out the ball and throws it the length of the court.  The receiver catches it and takes a shot overshooting the target but great try none-the-less.  A truly great City Championship game that kept the fans on the edge of their seat till the very end!

Final:  St.Pius X 49, All Saints 48