For the first time in 20 years, a basketball championship has returned to the Waldorf School of Garden City. Led by junior co-captains Christopher Smalley of Garden City and Michael Butigian, along with freshman point guard Daniel Lindsay, Waldorf posted an impressive regular season record of 18-5, which includes only one loss in IPPSAL league play.

Waldorf faced Solomon Schechter in the first round of the playoffs Feb. 14. With a strong showing from their bench, including a clutch 3-pointer from junior Leo Bruno, Waldorf won by a score of 54-45.

The following evening, Waldorf squared off against Faith Academy for the league championship, held at SUNY Old Westbury. Despite having beaten Faith twice during the regular season, the game was close through the first half of play. After Smalley was sent to the hospital following a serious mid-court collision with an opposing player, the Waldorf School rallied behind their team captain and put the game out of reach for good, winning by a final margin of 74-60. Danny Lindsay led Waldorf in scoring with 20 points and 10 assists for his second "double-double" of the playoffs. Center Mike Butigian added 18 points and 14 rebounds, while junior forward Charles Rawlins scored a career high 16 points in the winning effort. Despite numerous trips to the IPPSAL playoffs in recent years, this year's victory marks Waldorf's first basketball championship since 1986 and was the final achievement in an outstanding season.

The Waldorf School of Garden City offers classes from N - 12 and is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) and the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). The Waldorf School participates in the I.P.P.S.A.L. league in cross-country, soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball and lacrosse. For more information about the school, call 742-3434, ext.129.