The St. Kilian CYO Stars played their quarter final playoff game Tuesday, Nov. 7 against St. Elizabeth, a team that finished first in their respective division with a 7-1 record. The Stars played their usual tough and inspired brilliant defensive game winning 36-33.

The Stars led at half-time 19-16 and increased their lead at the end of the third quarter by eight with a score of 29-21. St. Elizabeth made a run at the Stars in the fourth quarter, but was unable to catch them allowing the Stars to rise into the league's final four.

Chris Tinney, who always does a remarkable job defensively and in rebounding, had her best offensive game of the year scoring 17 to lead all scorers. Lauren Cohen scored eight, Krista Daniello five, while Kate Hogan, Lorraine Quinn and Meghan Fanning each scored two points each.

The St. Elizabeth victory put the Stars into the final four semi final round on Thursday of that week in Hicksville against St. Bernard, a team they had faced and defeated in their first game of the season by four points. The Stars opened the game against St. Bernard on fire scoring 14 points in the first quarter, led by Kate Hogan's seven points, to lead 14-8. St. Bernard then came roaring back in the second quarter to tie the score at half-time 21-21.

The Stars' light finally dimmed in the third quarter when they faded badly. For the first time all season St. Kilian was held scoreless in a quarter, when they were outscored in the third 9-0. The Stars could have totally folded up when St. Bernard scored the first three points of the fourth quarter to go down by 12. They did not. To their credit they made a big run outscoring St. Bernard 13-7 to tighten up the scoreboard. Unfortunately, it just wasn't enough as the Stars' season ended one game short of the championship with the 40-34 loss.

In this final game of the season, Katie Hogan, who played extremely well all season offensively, defensively and off the boards, had her offensive game of the year scoring 18 points to lead all scorers. Lauren Cohen had seven while co-captains Chris Tinney and Krista Daniello each scored four points. Even though Lorraine Quinn, Meg Fanning and Jess Patane were held scoreless they played very well with all their heart and soul.

This season, which had to be played before the start of the high school season, saw the team finish in third place in their eight-team division with a regular season record of 7-3 and an overall record of 9-4. The core of this team has been together for three years and during this time frame the team has had an overall record of 29-9. They have finished in third place twice and second place once. The players on this team are outstanding over achieving athletes. They were the smallest team on the court every game of the year, but they played with the biggest hearts. Coaches Mary Ann Daniello and Joe Fanning, along with the team parents, are extremely proud of their athletic accomplishments this year on the hardwood floor and wish them the best of luck as most of them continue their basketball careers into high school. The Stars' season has ended, but their competitive light will shine on.