The Holy Family eighth grade girl's basketball team clinched a playoff berth earlier this month and completed the season on an amazing season-ending seven game-winning streak. The streak was highlighted in the final game, held Sunday, Jan. 5, versus St. Bernard's - the 2002 defending champion and 2003 conference leader, in Holy Family's gym. The highly regarded rivals from Levittown were no match as the home team opened up an 18-point lead early and never looked back, winning 46 to 25.

Katelyn Picardi had a game high 12-points, which came as no surprise. The talented playmaker is among the league leaders in points and assists. Jackie Delligatti, Picardi's backcourt mate, was on fire and burned St. Bernard's for 11 points. Jackie has been an opponent's nightmare this year when her hot hand gets going.

Jenna Vanacore and Danielle DeLorenzo provided their usually great defense and rebounding on the front line which they have been doing for four years at Holy Family. The two workhorses frequently played against much taller opponents, but always manage to control the boards. The duo added seven and six points, respectively, on offense in the contest.

Lauren Balla added eight points for Holy Family and contributed at both ends of the court. Lauren has been one of the top players in the league and might be the most versatile player in the conference as she plays center, forward and guard.

Amanda Smith, a late bloomer and the most improved player on the team, excelled this year as a shot blocker and defender inside the paint. Her coach calls her the most intelligent basketball mind on the team, with great instincts on the defensive end.

Ally Botto, the shooter, has been a zone killer with her rainbow swishes for the past two seasons. Meghan O'Reilly, a defensive specialist and press breaker, along with newcomer Bernadette Fuentes, complete the roster. With her great work ethic and hustle, Bernadette has been a welcome addition to this year's team.

The team has improved every game and they look forward to keeping the winning streak alive, hopefully through the Diocese Championships. Coach Eddie O'Reilly could not be more pleased with his young players. "It has been a pleasure coaching this team," he said. "Each player is aware of her role this year and they all play their part to perfection. I have been fortunate to have a great assistant coach in Bill Balla, along with the talented group of players."

The team plays a tenacious zone and press on defense, hustling all over the floor. Offensively, they are a very unselfish team, always looking for the open shooter, averaging six passes before each field goal attempt. The girls, however, have a Jeckyl and Hyde personality on and off the court. The are the nicest bunch off girls you would want to meet off the court, but when the tip-off comes at game time, they turn into a ferocious pack of wolves for 28 minutes, chasing opponents all over the court.

Most of the girls have been with the team since fourth grade and it would be a nice way to wind up what is probably their final year in CYO. They are all enjoying the ride in their last season together and are determined to keep the streak going right through the championship weekend.