By Kevin Devlin
Barring Gatey teams participation in the upcoming New England CYO Championships in April, the 2017-2018 Gate of Heaven CYO basketball season is now history, and the program can proudly boast that three travel teams won their respective CYO state championships. The 5th/6th grade boys’ team, the high school girls’ squad, and the junior boys’ team, all brought home the coveted trophies which will be on display at the Walsh Community Center.
The players on the girls’ high school travel team coached by Allison Baker and Brianna Esposito are; Allison McGough, Julia Casper, Lauren Woods, Grace Tinlin, Jacqueline Beggan, Rebecca Donovan, Jackie Czar, Catherine Woods, and Emily Harris. The players for the Gate of Heaven boys’ junior travel team coached by Kevin Cox and Billy Crowley, are; Logan Crowley, Linden Cox, Joey Brink, Xavier Nunez, Maturi Mwangi, Eric Pance, Zack Mitchell, Danny Potember, and Bobby Delaney. The players on the 5th/6th grade travel team coached by Bobby McGarrell and Greg Lally are; Mullen Byrne, Ryan McDonald, Aiden Kineavy, Tristin Pecevich, Robert Wisniewski, Aidan Coltan, Jonathan McCarthy, and Ryan McGarrell.
Coach McGarrell was proud that his 5th/6th grade team worked so hard all season long and eventually captured the state CYO title.
“I’m just so proud of the boys,” Coach McGarrell said. “It was the culmination of a great season. They dedicated their time…committed to the team and their play showed it. They got better each game, came together, and put the team first, doing all the little things to win above individual accomplishments.
“It was a total team effort committed to both offense and defense,” McGarrell added. “We accomplished what we set forth to do at the beginning of the year. It’s been enjoyable and I’m extremely happy for the players and their parents. They deserve it.
“I was fortunate to coach the team along with Greg Lally and would like to thank him,” he concluded. “And I also would to thank Kevin Lally, for all the work he does for this basketball program.”
Over 300 youngsters participated in the Gate of Heaven CYO basketball program this season which was comprised of instructional leagues, house leagues and travel teams. Gatey CYO Athletic Director, Kevin Lally, was thrilled that all the players had fun, were taught fundamentals, exercised, met new friends, and competed at the highest level bringing home three CYO state titles.
“It was another great season that always seems to go by too fast,” Lally said. “I’m glad we’ve been able to provide this athletic outlet for our kids for so many years now. It’s a productive way for them to utilize their time and learn valuable life lessons. I’m proud of every player, from the six-year olds in the instructional leagues, to the players on the three teams that won their respective state CYO titles.
“Without the support of our coaches, league commissioners, and other volunteers such as timers and scorers; as well as our generous sponsors, it would surely be impossible to keep this program afloat,” he concluded. “So from the bottom of my heart I sincerely want to thank all of them for their hard work and continued support throughout the years.”
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KD
