In what was supposed to be a transitional year for the St. Mary's Boys Varsity Basketball Team, they have once again earned a trip to Glens Falls this weekend where they will compete in the New York State Federation Basketball Tournament.

By defeating Iona Prep 55-44 on Sunday, March 17 before 800 die-hard Gaels Fans at St. John's University, the Gaels boosted their overall record to 23-2 for the year and captured the state CHSAA Catholic Class B Crown.

Paul Tricaro, senior guard, said "people continue to ask me how we, as a team, have come this far, and I tell them all the same thing: dedication, team cooperation, and preparation on and off the court are key."

Dan Nolan, Manhasset native, is a key reserve on the team, yet a superstar in the classroom. Ranked first academically in the Junior Class (for which he received a scholarship) Dan says "being a part of this team has enabled me to be in the best shape of my life, physically and mentally." Coach Tim Cluess supports that statement, noting that the academic performance of his players improves when they are in-season.

Senior Co-Captain Jared Weir said: "Part of what I've learned here at St. Mary's is that some of us are shorter, taller, quicker, slower, smarter. . . we are not the same, but we are all the same in having the opportunity to make the most of what we have, excel as individuals and create a winning team. Coach Cluess reinforces our individual strengths and knows how to make us work and play hard together." Bill Clarke added, "so much can be accomplished by teamwork when overall success is the goal instead of being concerned about which individual hits the most 3 pointers."

St. Mary's now faces Wings Academy (Bronx) at 5 pm on Friday, March 22 in Glens Falls. For more information, call 516 627 2711 or visit us at www.stmary.ws.