As the CYO basketball season concluded, the Church of St. Aidan fourth grade basketball team, coached by Tom Winters, Mike Mirino and Ed Fitzgerald, experienced a tumultuous and rewarding season. The team was hurt by injuries and a depleted roster but showed their heart and determination by gritting out contests against better competition, bigger opponents and benches that never seemed to empty. This team represented its church in a spirited manner with the utmost in sportsmanship and respect to its foes, fans and families. The team was also invited to take a road trip to Hofstra University during their NCAA bound season to see a game against the University of Maine as their personal guests. Following the victory, the boys were able to visit the locker room and spend a few minutes with one of the Pride's best players, starting point guard Jason Hernandez.

The team was led by Center Ryan "Mr. Rebound" Fitzgerald who averaged almost four points a game as the force in the pivot. Ryan was awarded two game balls during the season and logged more court time than any of his teammates. Utility man Mike Gioia was the glue to this squad with the versatility to play every position on the floor. The "G Man" was the team's leading scorer averaging five points per session after a slow start and predominantly controlling the flow of the offense. Manning the point on most occasions was TJ "The Dish" Winters by contributing numerous assists and averaging 3.5 points per match while trying to direct the offense amid myriad shouts from his coach/father.

The team made vast improvements as the season progressed, evident in the play of most players. Steve "The Driver" Nardella became a consistent scorer late in the season boosting his game average above two points and possessing the meanest game face anyone has seen north of Hillside Avenue. Mike "Mad Man" Mirino was the defensive stopper given the responsibility to guard the opposition's best player each and every night. "Mad Man" also contributed nearly a point a game to the scoring column while sacrificing his body on each gym floor. Greg "Rubber Arm" Castro was the team's secret weapon finding rebounds from all angles and pitching in with a point each week.

Every team needs unsung heroes and this bunch was no exception. Chris "Merlin" Olsen was a key man early in the season before a bout with pneumonia knocked him for a loop. The team lacked size and depth during his absence and could have used his point of magic each night. During that period, Ed "Team Spirit" Nienstadt picked up minutes and was the body underneath to ward off most physical opponents. What Eddie lacked in single point scoring, he made up for every time we needed extra time during injuries or a short bench. Sal "The Stroke" Strocchia was a critical two-way player. "Stroke" pitched up shots that may not have went through the twine but gave second chance points under the hoop to many of his teammates while garnering one a game for himself.

The depressing part of the season came on New Year's Eve. One key component, Charlie 'Trooper" Journigan, sustained what was believed to be a season ending shoulder separation after leading the team with six points. Charlie was sorely missed but joined us on the bench. The team's main offensive play was devoted to him by name. "Troop" did not let down his teammates by returning for the final game and adding two points.

Desire was front and center with this crew despite being undermanned and outclassed in nearly every game. This team never gave up. As the coaching staff doubted themselves with frustration and anxiety, the boys always held their heads high and raised the spirit of the adults. This season was truly an example of how boys learn and grow in character when not presented with the best of circumstances. Our hats are off to them as a shining representation of what church and community represents in our young people.

From a personal standpoint, Head Coach Winters would like to thank his two assistant coaches, Mike Mirino and Ed Fitzgerald, for their aid and support during the season as well as the kind words from the families of the team. In addition, all three coaches are very proud of the representation at each and every game by parents, grandparents, siblings and friends. No matter where this team traveled it maintained a large contingent of fans who spurred on the boys to their effective showings. St. Aidan should be proud of the commitment showed by all. Finally, we would also like to thank the generosity of Terry Ryan of the Hofstra University basketball coaching staff for making his entire institution available to the program.