The key to the success of the Corpus Christi fifth grade squad is a quick opening and a dynamic close. On Sunday the boys marched to their fourth win against one loss with a 26-17 victory over Our Lady Of Hope of Carle Place. The team has become a balanced scoring machine and has gotten a tremendous reputation as defensive stalwarts.

Mike Falotico's troops jumped out to a 6-1 first quarter lead behind baskets from Joe Purcell, Mike Fox and Alex Ward. The two teams traded baskets over the next two quarters with Dan Gouveia and Tom McKeever adding field goals for the Corpus Christi. Cooper Camby maintained his usual strong game on the boards with eight rebounds and two blocks. As a matter of fact, each member of the team managed at least one rebound with McKeever and Tim Goncalves grabbing a quartet and Endre Cooper and Ward nabbing a trio.

The local boys took hold in the fourth quarter to salt away the match. Ward, Fox, Goncalves and Camby hit from the field while Purcell filled the free throw lane. The defense was headed by strong men Nick Conte and Bryan Vesley and the sly Fox slapping away a pair of steals. Alex Ward controlled the game at the point and produced the stat line of the season - six points, three rebounds, three assists and an astounding three blocks for the team midget. Purcell was game high scorer with eight points.

The team is rounding into mid-season form and has seen contributions from all members of the team. At press time, the fifth graders were tied for first place heading into their first hiatus of the season where they do not return to conference play until January 2. The boys will however stay sharp in a holiday tournament sponsored event by the parish on the weekend after Christmas.