One should expect the unexpected when it comes to Holy Family CYO's 9th and 10th grade girls team. During the regular season, the team's average margin of victory or loss was five points. Clearly, the teams in the highly competitive "A" division were very evenly matched. On any given night, any team could manage to eke out a close victory against their opponent. That's what made Holy Family's romp through the playoffs so improbable.

In their semifinal match up, Holy Family faced top seed St. Kilian before racing to an insurmountable 23-point third-quarter lead and cruised to a 41-26 victory. In the finals, Holy Family coasted to a 51-30 victory over St. Philip to win the Long Island Championship.

The key to both wins was smothering defense and teamwork. The team's unselfish style of play resulted in every Holy Family player scoring at least four points in the championship game. As is usually the case in sports, defense and teamwork provided to be the winning formula. In addition, the girls exhibited outstanding sportsmanship throughout both the regular season and the playoffs.

The girls also provide to be champions off the court as well. Most have participated in various community service activities such as volunteering at the Special Olympics and the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged.

The team would like to extend a special thank you to Sue Matera, Mike Lavelle and the entire Holy Family CYO Board for the time and effort they expend on behalf of Holy Family's young athletes. Thanks also to the players' parents and relatives for their enthusiastic support of this team. The team dedicates this season to the memory of April Filangieri.