The local version of "March Madness" was on display in the St. Aloysius Parish gym, March 10 and 11, as the C.Y.O. boys basketball playoffs were in full swing. The St. Aloysius Panthers continued their impressive play with a 61-50 victory over St. Anthony's of Oceanside in fifth-grade action. With the victory, the team advanced to the "Sweet Sixteen" in the islandwide tournament.

Despite registering its highest offensive output of the season, it was timely team defense, which spurred the team to victory. After St. Anthony's narrowed a 14-point halftime deficit to 2 with about four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Jack Kimmel keyed a defensive surge that ignited a 12-3 run to put the game out of reach.

As St. Anthony's threatened to tie the game, Kimmel made a key steal that led to a St. Aloysius basket on the other end. Kimmel added another steal, secured a key offensive rebound and also contributed 5 of his 11 points in the decisive surge.

The Panthers were able to build up an early lead as interior defenders Marc Giovaniello, Josh Moinian, Michael Sitzer and Shane Smith neutralized St. Anthony's size advantage with relentless rebounding on both ends of the floor. Perimeter defense was supplied by point guards Brett Alper and Sam Weinbaum who, along with Vinny Patrey, worked hard to force turnovers and prevent the opposition from penetrating the lane.

St. Aloysius featured a balanced scoring attack paced by Dylan Forrester who poured in a game high 17 points while Gil Weiss added 11 points for the victors.

The team's next game in the single elimination tournament was scheduled to take place on March 17 at 10:30 a.m. in the St. Joseph's gym in Garden City and will pit St. Aloysius against the winner of the game between St. Joseph's of Kings Park and Our Lady of Victory from Floral Park. Despite having played its final home game of the season, the team hopes that the tremendous support it has received will continue as it hits the road in pursuit of a championship. Additionally, the team would like to thank those who have been instrumental in providing the opportunity for this wonderful experience especially their families and friends, the fans, parish volunteers and the church itself.