Sports

On Jan. 16, the Holy Family girls traveled to Babylon to play a tall and talented St. Joseph team in the opening round of the playoffs. They held their opponent to six first-half points and went on to defeat St. Joseph 31-25, extending their winning streak to eight games. Lauren Balla led all scorers with nine points as Kaitlyn Picardi added eight as she put on a clinic with her passing and dribbling.

The second round ended the season for the gutsy team as they played an undefeated (12-0) St. Joseph of Garden City on the road. After playing a tremendous first-half holding the high scoring hosts to just nine points, the Holy Family girls ran out of gas. The Holy Family team was blanked in the third quarter and could not catch up, losing 30-19. They had over 20 steals but the tired girls uncharacteristically could not convert the steals into lay-ups at the other end.

"Five of our nine girls had just come from a grueling basketball tryout for the school team," said Coach Eddie O'Reilly. "I could see the fatigue setting in after they played a fast paced hustling first half, but they never quit."

Jackie Deligatti led Holy Family with eight points. Danielle Delorenzo, Amanda Smith and Jenna Vanacore all did a terrific job rebounding and defending against a much taller team. The girls had a great season and went down fighting right to the final buzzer.

"They should all be proud of themselves as they all had great careers at Holy Family and are well prepared for the next level," said O'Reilly. "I will miss them, but will be rooting for them during their high school careers."

Coach O'Reilly credits the great Holy Family CYO system for the players' success that for many began eight years ago. "It all starts at the top with its devoted president, Joe Leo, a no nonsense guy whose only concern is the kids. His leadership carries on right down through the girls travel coordinator, Sue Matera, and the many volunteers who teach the beginners in the instructional league. Matera is very dedicated to the program and is frequently seen at the gym showing her support for the travel teams," said O'Reilly.

If anyone has a young daughter or son interested in learning to play basketball, CYO is a terrific program for their children to join and be taught skills and sportsmanship.