By Rich Fisher, Contributing Editor
The season’s most exciting day for Mercer County CYO Basketball took place on Feb. 15, as 12 teams battled for six division championships in Trenton’s John “Mincey” Manczak Gymnasium.
St. Gregory’s Blue of Hamilton Square had a banner day with four titles, while St. Raphael’s, Hamilton, and Our Lady of Sorrows, Hamilton, also claimed trophies.
Here is a look at how the title games transpired, along with awards handed out for the season.
GIRLS FRESHMAN
Second-seeded OLS won its second straight title by defeating top-seed St. Gregory’s Blue, 20-10.
Leading the charge was Mya Fragé, with 16 points. Charlee Rommel’s defense set the tone throughout the game, while Karina Gielarowiec produced a strong rebounding effort to help OLS control possession and tempo.
“The entire roster contributed with relentless energy and teamwork, making key plays throughout the game to secure the victory,” said Scott Sirak, who assisted head coach Joan Carella.
Rounding out the team were Francesca Sirak, Briella Venose, Elinor Ulrich, Gemma Calisti, Emilia Dela Cruz and Mackenzie Brescio.
“This was an especially memorable season, as every player on the roster scored, a feat made possible by the leadership, effort and unselfish play of our seniors,” Sirak said. “Mya Fragé embraced Gemma Calisti, often passing up open shots to give our younger players the opportunity to take their own shot at the basket.
“Throughout the season, these student-athletes have represented Our Lady of Sorrows with exceptional effort, enthusiasm, teamwork and Catholic values both on and off the court.”
BOYS FRESHMAN
Top-seeded St. Gregory’s Blue topped upset-minded third-seed OLS as Antonio Barone led the way with 15 points. All five starters had multiple buckets and eight of 12 players contributed to the scoring.
The rest of the roster featured Anthony Sciortino, Brendon Shanklin, Jack Foote, Jacob Doolan, Joseph Usmiani, Kanaan Johnson, Luca DiGregorio, Luca D’Alessandro, Nicholas Mazza, Patrick O’Connor, Philip Talamo, Quinn Nemeth and Salvatore Pannone. Carlos Higgins and Steve Sciortino were the assistant coaches.
“Our team went undefeated due to their unselfishness, suffocating defense and dominance on the boards,” coach Mike Shanklin said.
GIRLS JV
Playoff Most Valuable Player Bridget Carter collected 12 points, 18 rebounds and six blocked shots to pace top-seeded St. Raphael’s to a 30-18 victory over 2nd-seeded OLS.
Regular-season MVP Mia Larry added nine points and six rebounds, Elizabeth Lockington had five points and five steals and Ava Timian amassed four points and eight rebounds.
Rounding out the team were Elizabeth Bloor, Juliana O’Rourke, Jocelyn Grant, Brianna Pearson and Madison Grant. Sean Carter was an assistant coach.
“This team bought into the defense-first approach that coach Sean and I promote,” head coach Jason Timian said. “Everything we do starts with solid team defense. They work hard in practice and get better every week.
“They’ve earned the success they’ve had as a team because they trust each other, play as a unit, and all find ways to contribute to winning basketball. We’re very proud of all of them. It’s a fun group to coach.”
The regular-season Sportsmanship Awards went to St. Gregory’s White for team and Nora Bullinger of St. Paul’s, Princeton, for individual.
BOYS JV
Top-seeded St. Gregory’s Blue stopped the Cinderella run by 6th-seeded St. Ann’s, Lawrenceville, as regular-season Big School and Playoff MVP Enzo DiMartino scored 16 points.
“We knew we would be facing a very tough opponent in St. Ann’s,” coach Bill Doolan said. “They have a very good team and one particularly outstanding player. Despite the challenge, our team executed the game plan with discipline and confidence. After falling behind 2–0 early, our boys responded with suffocating defense, unselfish offensive play, and relentless energy to build a big lead by halftime.”
Luke Doolan and Nolan Muits each added 10 points, while Michael Chiorello, Luke Pulaski, Lucas Mondello, Michael Gargionne, Dylan Newcomb, Logan Whitman and Jackson Bishop all contributed throughout the season. Bishop was also the Individual Sportsmanship Award winner.
“The season was a testament to our players’ resilience and determination,” Doolan said. “After dropping our opening game, the players responded with maturity and focus, using that early setback as motivation.
“What stands out most is the sportsmanship the team displayed. Our players consistently showed respect toward opponents, coaches and game officials, representing themselves and their program with class at every opportunity.”
The division’s Team Sportsmanship Award went to St. Raphael’s Blue, while Jackson Bishop of St. Gregory’s Blue was the individual winner. Regular-season Small School MVP went to OLS’ Alex Cucchiano.
GIRLS VARSITY
Olivia Angiolino showed why she was both the Big Division regular-season and playoff MVP as she poured in 16 points to power top-seeded St. Gregory’s Blue past 2nd-seeded St. Raphael’s, 32-11.
“To St. Raphael’s credit, the first quarter was a close contest,” said head coach Beth Lo, who was assisted by April Woods. “In the second quarter, we were able to create some distance through our defense, which often lead to more scoring opportunities. We were able to convert on those opportunities.”
The remainder of the team, which went undefeated, included Rulli Parker, Alexandria Poli, Sloane Woods, Lyla Carroll, Stella DiBartolo, Sophia Lo, Avery Liberto and Addison Woods.
“My goal is that each player is better in March than they were in September and every year we have achieved that goal,” Lo said. “Our players are exceptional people who work very hard, both on their own and as a team.
“Our group came together as fourth-graders and Olivia joined us in sixth grade, so it has been my privilege to watch them grow and develop both as players and people. Credit also goes to our amazing group parents. They are supportive of our team, our goals and our philosophy as coaches.”
St. Raphel’s swept the Sportsmanship Awards, winning as a team while player Emily Casimates, won the individual honor.
The Small School Division MVP was Nina Balerna of St. Gregory’s White.
BOYS VARSITY
Playoff and regular-season Big School Division MVP Joseph D’Uva scored 12 points as St. Gregory’s Blue defeated 2nd-seeded St. John’s, Allentown, 42-24, to cap a 15-0 season.
Gennaro “G” Salzano added nine points, Evan Rogers had eight and Matthew Angiolino’s tallied six in the victory.
“We were able to force 16 turnovers to secure the title,” said coach Bryan Rogers, who says he is hanging up his coaching whistle after 25 years. “It was a very balanced attack offensively and a team effort on defense.”
Rounding out the squad were Brayden Galant, Jackson Diefenbach, Ryan Kell and Andrew Fennelli. Colin Kell served as assistant coach. D’Uva led the team in scoring, Angiolino led in assists, Rogers in steals and Salzano in rebounds.
“The season’s success was fueled by our defense,” said Rogers, whose team allowed an average of just 17 points per game. “We had consistent contributions from every player throughout the season. I am very proud of how hard the boys worked and the effort they displayed.
“I have been fortunate to have a great group of boys that have been together for a number of years and were willing to work and improve every time we stepped onto the court. It has been a lot of fun, and this was a great way to end their eighth-grade season.”
The division’s Team Sportsmanship winner was OLS, while the same team’s Nicky Stillitano was the Individual Sportsmanship winner. St. John’s Gianni Colella was Small School regular-season MVP.
