On Saturday, Feb. 12, St. Aidan's celebrated its first CYO Girls' Basketball Championship in many years as Coach Tom Flynn's combined 7th and 8th Grade team defeated St. Gertrude of Bayville 44-32 at St. Mary's High School to complete an undefeated 16-0 season and win the 8th grade CYO Nassau-Suffolk Diocesan "B" Championship.

The team featured the best guard trio in the division with Morgan Laverty, Shannon Flynn and Allison Sloper taking turns leading the team to a perfect 12-0 regular season. Stephanie Dobranski, Jeanette Morley, Margaret O'Neill and Christina Mockler provided the interior defense and rebounding. Alexandra Nilson, Courtney McLaughlin, Elizabeth Hauser and Maryann Sanderlead showed great versatility all season taking turns at playing both guard and forward. The team's relentless full court press forced their opponents into numerous turnovers and led to many easy victories.

St. Aidan opened the playoffs against Holy Name of Mary. With Jeanette Morley out for the season it was left to Margaret O'Neill, Christina Mockler, and Elizabeth Hauser to battle inside against a much bigger team and their rebounding and defense proved the keys to a 46-28 victory. The second round featured a match-up against the pre-season favorite, once defeated Holy Family. With Allison Sloper leading the scoring and tough rebounding from Stephanie Dobranski and Maryann Sanderleaf, St. Aidan built a six point lead late in the 4th quarter but Holy fought back in the last minutes. Their final shot to win the game rolled off the rim and Morgan Laverty grabbed the game clinching rebound for a 36-35 win. In the Semi-Final, Morgan was high scorer as the team from Christ the King managed to stay close through most of the game but solid defense from Courtney McLaughlin and Alex Nilson prevented them from rallying at the end. In the Championship game, St. Gertrude made the mistake of attempting their own full court press but fell quickly behind as Shannon Flynn and Morgan Laverty dribbled through their pressure with ease. St. Gertrude had their opportunity for a comeback after Elizabeth Hauser went down with a broken wrist in the second half. But on this occasion it was Shannon's Flynn's scoring that kept St. Aidan in front. Morgan Laverty and Allison Sloper each made clutch free throws in the 4th Quarter while Alex Nilson, Stephanie Dobranski and Christina Mockler all made key second half baskets to preserve the win.

Best wishes to 8th graders, Maryann, Stephanie, Courtney, Morgan and Jeanette as they graduate into high school ball while 7th graders Shannon, Allison, Christina, Margaret, Elizabeth and Alexandra will be coming back for the chance to repeat next year.