With a regular season record of 10 wins and 2 losses, Holy Family's eighth grade boys CYO basketball team fought hard and never gave up in any game this season to come in second in their respective division. Winning every tournament they entered, the team acquired a competitive and winning attitude, as well as a shared confidence that the team exhibited in every game they played this season.

Holy Family was coached by Dan Rogers and assistant Carlos Petit and featured a strong starting line-up of Christopher Dragone and Ben Aloi, who dominated the boards most of the year and proved no match for most teams with their inside scoring ability. At the guard position Ryan Cacchioli, with his play-making, dribbling and driving skills, guided and set the tone for the team all year while Mike Callahan and Terry Brennan, with their outside shooting, proved reliable assets. Add to that a very talented bench comprised of Patrick Hayden, Nick Tobin, Kyle Rogers, Ryan McEnaney, Connor Mahan, Brandon Gamblin and Carlos Petit and you get Holy Family's first championship win in over 15 years.

All playoff games were hard fought as Holy Family prevailed against talented teams like St Philip, Long Beach, St. Christopher and St. Killian. In every game a player stepped up to the challenge when needed and together as a team they won.

The championship game was played on March 26 at St. Dominic's High School against St. Aloysius. With a very emotional and supportive crowd on hand for both teams, the game proved to be a heart stopper from the opening tip-off. Holy Family went into the fourth quarter with a 10-point lead but St. Aloysius refused to give up and forced an overtime period. As the lead changed a number of times, Holy Family hung tough as they did all year and came away with a 46-45 victory, which was not decided until the final buzzer sounded. Both teams should be proud of what they accomplished that day. It was one of the most exciting games I have ever witnessed.

When the season started Coach Dan Rogers had hoped for a winning record, but as the team continued to excel, everyone knew something special was happening. Thanks to the coaches and the players for such an exciting and fun filled season and congratulations to the team for making their parents very proud.