Last Sunday, at the New York Technical College in Greenvale, the St. Joseph's 7th grade boys basketball team completed a "Cinderella" season, by winning the CYO Diocesan title. In a heart-stopping 2 point victory over a gallant St. Gertrude's of Bayville team.

The real story is that this was a special group of boys who would never quit. Along the way, St. Joseph's also captured the Notre Dame Tournament title and the St. Vincent de Paul Tournament championship. St. Joseph's used a swarming 1-3-1 full court zone press to constantly keep their opponents off guard.

Kevin Rice, Kyle Siegel and David Dziomba controlled the rebounds for St. Joe's, while also playing the middle very well on the offensive end. The outstanding hustle of guards Adam Cox, Brian McGowan, Alex DeSimone and Peter Miale inspired the offense and defense. St. Joe's featured strong outside shooting by Brian Perrier and Mike Olsen. bobby Flecker quarterbacked the offense from the point, while patrolling up the middle on defense. Swingmen Will Appelt, Mike Noone and Tommy Sebring played well on both ends of the floor, while showing good ability to the hoop.

After 22 games, this was a special season that no one wanted to see end. Coaches Neil McGowan and Mike Noone were proud to have been associated with this great group of boys and wish to thank all of the parents for their season long support and acknowledge John Appelt and Robert Miale for their volunteer efforts.

The boys capped off their outstanding season with a victory celebration at the Ground Round restaurant. This past Thursday, the boys played an exhibition game at the Meadowlands Arena, prior to the New Jersey Nets and Toronto Raptors NBA game.