The fourth-grade boys travel team at St. Bernard's is playing in the CYO fifth grade C Division this year, but are playing well despite the lack of experience and, in most cases, height. There are several key players who have made the difference in the first few games.

In late November, the boys faced a determined St. Rose team that is always a tough match-up. With less than a second left on the clock and St. Bernard down by two points, Conor O'Leary launched a desperation shot near the foul line and swished it to tie the game. Conor wasn't done. In the second overtime, he scored the winning basket to beat St. Rose by two points. Patrick Buckley and JJ Kissane chipped in with six points each and Conor had 11 points.

In a Dec. 12 game against St. Peter's, Jamie McAndrew scored eight points and Michael Witteck scored five to lead St. Bernard's to a 42-15 win. In fact, every player on St. Bernard's scored in the game, showing what a balance attack this team has.

In all of their games, players have contributed in many ways. Danny Maini runs the point guard and controls the offense, Kyle Jordan and John Duffy are great defensive players and lead the team in steals. Owen McHugh and JJ Kissane are doing an excellent job of rebounding and starting the fast break. This team also finished first place in the Christmas tournament, with Matt Nagelberg named as the MVP.

Coaches Steve Belmonte and Barry Nagelberg have noticed tremendous improvement in the short time this team has been together. This is the first time these players have played together, but a positive chemistry is developing with this group. Their sense of team play will enable them to succeed in the future.