Mercer County CYO basketball crowns its winners on Championship Sunday
February 21, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.
One of the great winter athletic traditions in Mercer County took place Feb. 16 when Championship Sunday was staged at the hallowed CYO Center in Trenton.
PHOTO GALLERY: CYO Basketball Championships 2025
The Mercer County CYO League staged six league playoff championship games in John “Mincey” Manczak Memorial Gymnasium, to decide the best teams of the 2024-25 campaign. Here’s how it played out.
GIRLS VARSITY
Second-seeded Our Lady of Sorrows, Hamilton, topped St. Raphael’s, Hamilton, 23-21 in a thriller as playoff Most Valuable Player Cameron Fitzpatrick led the winners with seven points.
The Our Lady of Sorrows girls varsity basketball team is all smiles after defeating Hamilton Township rival St. Raphael in the CYO playoff championship game. Courtesy photo Olivia Scharibone, who was named Small School Regular-Season Most Valuable Player, and Devon Haggerty both had five points, Kelsey Okorie added four, Kaitlyn O’Neil had two and Grace Mulryne one as OLS capped a 15-2 campaign.
“Our key players were the starting five,” coach Nick Commiso said. “Olivia Scharibone was our captain and our leading scorer. Cameron Fitzpatrick was our workhorse. She played both sides of the ball, and always hit critical shots when needed.
“Kelsey Okorie was our defensive specialist, who always guarded the opposing team’s best player, Devon Haggerty was our motivator, who picked the team up when we needed it with a word of encouragement or a key steal or basket. She also was a good two-way player. Grace Mulryne was our center who blocked shots and rebounds and provided toughness in the paint.”
Commiso said his team played with a “sense of determination” in the finals after losing last year’s championship games.
“They showed they belonged back in the finals,” he said. “This time we played to the final seconds with a lot of heart.”
Rounding out the team were Katalina Ochoa, Makayla Rommel, Leighton Smith, Amoka Ubah, Madison Urban and Jaylynn Wooley.
In addition to Scharibone, other Girls Varsity regular-season award winners saw Stuart, Princeton earn the Team Sportsmanship Award, while Stuart’s Juliette Teaney was Individual Sportsmanship winner and St. Raphael’s Addy Dziubak was Large School Division MVP.
BOYS VARSITY
Top-seeded St. James, Pennington, defeated Our Lady of Sorrows, Hamilton, 47-22, as playoff Most Valuable Player Brendan Whitlock exploded for 21 points.
“It was a true team effort,” said coach Roger Demareski, whose team finished 13-4. “This team has been together since the third grade, and it's been an honor and pleasure coaching them and watching them grow as basketball players, teammates and young men.”
The roster included Whitlock, Patrick Demareski, Liam Buchert, Christian Helmrich, Luca Raffo, John Troiano, Michael Zambrano, Andrew Young, Anderson Heaphy and Declan Curley.
“Several players were injured early in the season, and we were fortunate that some were able to come back,” Demareski said. “This team focused on helping each other be successful and the team. They listened at practice, asked questions, worked hard and executed our game plan with little focus on individual achievement.
“While I’m happy for their championship win, I’m most pleased with who they have become as a person,” the coach continued. “Each is an example of what a CYO basketball player represents in terms of values, teamwork and sportsmanship.”
For the season, St. Paul, Princeton, was Boys Varsity Team Sportsmanship winner; St. Ann, Lawrenceville’s, Elias Hook won the Individual Sportsmanship award; OLS’ Max Grimm was Small School Division MVP, and St. Gregory’s Blue, Hamilton’s, Gavin Johnson was Large School MVP.
GIRLS JV
Top-seeded St. Raphael’s defeated St. Paul’s Gold, Princeton, 32-21 as playoff MVP Victoria Chapman popped in 11 points.
As the lone undefeated team left standing in Mercer County CYO basketball, the St. Raphael's girls' proudly display their championship trophy after downing St. Paul's Gold in the playoff title game. Courtesy photo The win left St. Raphael’s as Mercer CYO’s lone undefeated team at 17-0.
“In terms of key players, it was often Mia (Larry) or Victoria who led our team in scoring, but that wasn’t the only source of our success,” coach Jason Timian said. “Everything we did this year started with defense and that was a full team effort.
“The championship game was no different. That was our best defensive performance of the season. We were able to speed up the game and got out to an early lead. I think they fed off of the crowd too, it was loud in there!”
Completing the roster were Elizabeth Bloor, Jocelyn Grant, Ava Timian, Penelope Werts, Elizabeth Lockington, Bridget Carter, Madison Grant and assistant coach Sean Carter. Larry was named the regular-season Large School MVP.
“We’ve put a lot of work in as a team over the past several months and they have gotten better every week,” Timian said. “We’re a pretty young team which makes the accomplishment pretty special. The league is filled with solid competition. Capping off an undefeated season in that gym is something the girls will remember for a long time.”
Other Girls JV award winners saw St. Paul’s White take Team Sportsmanship honors, St. Gregory Blue’s Vivien Horchuck win the Individual Sportsmanship Award and OLS’ Sophia Drager Seliga cop Small School MVP.
BOYS JV
Top-seeded St. John’s, Allentown, defeated second-seeded St. Raphael’s Gold, 35-24, as playoff MVP Brady Knox led the way with nine points.
The victory capped a 15-1 season in which St. John’s also won the regular-season title.
After defeating St. Raphael's Gold in the title game, St. John's was ready to celebrate its CYO boys championship. Courtesy photo “We had different players step up at different times to contribute,” coach Fred Dumont said. “We emphasize passing, moving the ball to create shots and in-your-face defense. It only works if the team plays together, and these boys did. They played extremely hard, didn’t let up and gave 1,000 percent.”
The roster consisted of Knox, Frederick Dumont, Dean Dumont, Salvatore Guglielmelli, Giovanni Coecliff, Ryan O’Donnell, Hunter O’Donnell and Declan Hamilton.
“This season the boys grew as basketball players and young men,” Dumont said. “They challenged themselves and each other to get better and continue to improve. I couldn’t be prouder of the young gentlemen they’re becoming on and off the court.”
In two playoff games, Coecliff had 30 points and hit big shots late in games. Frederick Dumont led with 14 assists, while the remainder of the team chipped in with points, steals, rebounding and intense defense.
In three seasons St. John’s has gone 48-3 with three regular-season titles, two playoff championships and a playoff runner-up.
As for the Boys JV season awards, St. Paul’s earned Team Sportsmanship honors, St. Raphael Gold’s Gary Leonardo was Individual Sportsmanship winners, St. John’s Sal Guiglielmelli was Small School MVP and St. Paul’s Bryce Davidson was Large School MVP.
GIRLS FRESHMEN
Top-seeded OLS defeated second-seeded St. Gregory’s Blue, 13-8, as Mya Frage tallied five points, Kacey O’Neil had four, Layla Bak three and Zoe Schaffer one.
Our Lady of Sorrows girls freshman team was a happy bunch of champions after defeating St. Gregory Blue in the playoff final. Courtesy photo “These young ladies had a terrific season,” coach Joan Carella said. “They started strong and continued to improve with every game. When it came to the championship they stepped onto the court with high energy and determination. Their aggressive rebounding and quick passes kept them ahead of their opponents.”
Rounding out the roster were Karina Gielarowiec, Alivia Long, Brianna Noto, Charlee Rommell, Parker Sirak, Nkechi Ubah and Briella Venose. They helped OLS to a 9-1 record.
“Each girl played an important role in winning,” Carella said. “They all worked together as a team and supported one another. Coach Scott (Sirak) and I are very proud of their accomplishment.”
BOYS FRESHMEN
Second-seeded St. Gregory’s Blue defeated top-seeded St. Raphael’s Gold, 18-12, as Patrick Murphy exploded for 12 points.
“There's nothing like CYO Championship Sunday,” exclaimed St. Greg’s coach Joe Fuhrman. “We had an intense game against a great opponent. Both teams battled wire to wire. Austin (Talar) and Patrick's big baskets down the stretch and the amazing defense from Russell (Hennessey), Mason (Schiaretti) and Ben (Galant) carried us. I could not be prouder of all our boys. They exemplify what a team is about.”
The St. Gregory Blue boys freshman team is proud to be number one after beating St. Raphael's Gold to win the playoff championship. Courtesy photoRounding out the squad were Aiden Wilson, Armani Rios, Brady Nemeth, Christian Fuhrman, Dylan Scenna, Michael Loesser, TJ Coohill and Tommy Shantz. St. Greg’s finished 22-4 and won two of the three tournaments it entered.
“As coaches, we demanded a lot out of the players and families, and we are grateful that they were able to celebrate their hard work on top,” Fuhrman said. “Every player played an integral role in our success.
“Austin, Patrick and Ben provided baskets in the biggest moments. Mason, Tommy, Michael and Dylan led our defense with energy on the perimeter. Russell, Armani and TJ led in rebounds, and sharpshooters like Aiden, Christian and Brady "Buckets" were the spark we needed when shooting from distance. We cannot wait to see what the next four years bring!”
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Friday, February 21, 2025
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One of the great winter athletic traditions in Mercer County took place Feb. 16 when Championship Sunday was staged at the hallowed CYO Center in Trenton.
PHOTO GALLERY: CYO Basketball Championships 2025
The Mercer County CYO League staged six league playoff championship games in John “Mincey” Manczak Memorial Gymnasium, to decide the best teams of the 2024-25 campaign. Here’s how it played out.
GIRLS VARSITY
Second-seeded Our Lady of Sorrows, Hamilton, topped St. Raphael’s, Hamilton, 23-21 in a thriller as playoff Most Valuable Player Cameron Fitzpatrick led the winners with seven points.
The Our Lady of Sorrows girls varsity basketball team is all smiles after defeating Hamilton Township rival St. Raphael in the CYO playoff championship game. Courtesy photo Olivia Scharibone, who was named Small School Regular-Season Most Valuable Player, and Devon Haggerty both had five points, Kelsey Okorie added four, Kaitlyn O’Neil had two and Grace Mulryne one as OLS capped a 15-2 campaign.
“Our key players were the starting five,” coach Nick Commiso said. “Olivia Scharibone was our captain and our leading scorer. Cameron Fitzpatrick was our workhorse. She played both sides of the ball, and always hit critical shots when needed.
“Kelsey Okorie was our defensive specialist, who always guarded the opposing team’s best player, Devon Haggerty was our motivator, who picked the team up when we needed it with a word of encouragement or a key steal or basket. She also was a good two-way player. Grace Mulryne was our center who blocked shots and rebounds and provided toughness in the paint.”
Commiso said his team played with a “sense of determination” in the finals after losing last year’s championship games.
“They showed they belonged back in the finals,” he said. “This time we played to the final seconds with a lot of heart.”
Rounding out the team were Katalina Ochoa, Makayla Rommel, Leighton Smith, Amoka Ubah, Madison Urban and Jaylynn Wooley.
In addition to Scharibone, other Girls Varsity regular-season award winners saw Stuart, Princeton earn the Team Sportsmanship Award, while Stuart’s Juliette Teaney was Individual Sportsmanship winner and St. Raphael’s Addy Dziubak was Large School Division MVP.
BOYS VARSITY
Top-seeded St. James, Pennington, defeated Our Lady of Sorrows, Hamilton, 47-22, as playoff Most Valuable Player Brendan Whitlock exploded for 21 points.
“It was a true team effort,” said coach Roger Demareski, whose team finished 13-4. “This team has been together since the third grade, and it's been an honor and pleasure coaching them and watching them grow as basketball players, teammates and young men.”
The roster included Whitlock, Patrick Demareski, Liam Buchert, Christian Helmrich, Luca Raffo, John Troiano, Michael Zambrano, Andrew Young, Anderson Heaphy and Declan Curley.
“Several players were injured early in the season, and we were fortunate that some were able to come back,” Demareski said. “This team focused on helping each other be successful and the team. They listened at practice, asked questions, worked hard and executed our game plan with little focus on individual achievement.
“While I’m happy for their championship win, I’m most pleased with who they have become as a person,” the coach continued. “Each is an example of what a CYO basketball player represents in terms of values, teamwork and sportsmanship.”
For the season, St. Paul, Princeton, was Boys Varsity Team Sportsmanship winner; St. Ann, Lawrenceville’s, Elias Hook won the Individual Sportsmanship award; OLS’ Max Grimm was Small School Division MVP, and St. Gregory’s Blue, Hamilton’s, Gavin Johnson was Large School MVP.
GIRLS JV
Top-seeded St. Raphael’s defeated St. Paul’s Gold, Princeton, 32-21 as playoff MVP Victoria Chapman popped in 11 points.
As the lone undefeated team left standing in Mercer County CYO basketball, the St. Raphael's girls' proudly display their championship trophy after downing St. Paul's Gold in the playoff title game. Courtesy photo The win left St. Raphael’s as Mercer CYO’s lone undefeated team at 17-0.
“In terms of key players, it was often Mia (Larry) or Victoria who led our team in scoring, but that wasn’t the only source of our success,” coach Jason Timian said. “Everything we did this year started with defense and that was a full team effort.
“The championship game was no different. That was our best defensive performance of the season. We were able to speed up the game and got out to an early lead. I think they fed off of the crowd too, it was loud in there!”
Completing the roster were Elizabeth Bloor, Jocelyn Grant, Ava Timian, Penelope Werts, Elizabeth Lockington, Bridget Carter, Madison Grant and assistant coach Sean Carter. Larry was named the regular-season Large School MVP.
“We’ve put a lot of work in as a team over the past several months and they have gotten better every week,” Timian said. “We’re a pretty young team which makes the accomplishment pretty special. The league is filled with solid competition. Capping off an undefeated season in that gym is something the girls will remember for a long time.”
Other Girls JV award winners saw St. Paul’s White take Team Sportsmanship honors, St. Gregory Blue’s Vivien Horchuck win the Individual Sportsmanship Award and OLS’ Sophia Drager Seliga cop Small School MVP.
BOYS JV
Top-seeded St. John’s, Allentown, defeated second-seeded St. Raphael’s Gold, 35-24, as playoff MVP Brady Knox led the way with nine points.
The victory capped a 15-1 season in which St. John’s also won the regular-season title.
After defeating St. Raphael's Gold in the title game, St. John's was ready to celebrate its CYO boys championship. Courtesy photo “We had different players step up at different times to contribute,” coach Fred Dumont said. “We emphasize passing, moving the ball to create shots and in-your-face defense. It only works if the team plays together, and these boys did. They played extremely hard, didn’t let up and gave 1,000 percent.”
The roster consisted of Knox, Frederick Dumont, Dean Dumont, Salvatore Guglielmelli, Giovanni Coecliff, Ryan O’Donnell, Hunter O’Donnell and Declan Hamilton.
“This season the boys grew as basketball players and young men,” Dumont said. “They challenged themselves and each other to get better and continue to improve. I couldn’t be prouder of the young gentlemen they’re becoming on and off the court.”
In two playoff games, Coecliff had 30 points and hit big shots late in games. Frederick Dumont led with 14 assists, while the remainder of the team chipped in with points, steals, rebounding and intense defense.
In three seasons St. John’s has gone 48-3 with three regular-season titles, two playoff championships and a playoff runner-up.
As for the Boys JV season awards, St. Paul’s earned Team Sportsmanship honors, St. Raphael Gold’s Gary Leonardo was Individual Sportsmanship winners, St. John’s Sal Guiglielmelli was Small School MVP and St. Paul’s Bryce Davidson was Large School MVP.
GIRLS FRESHMEN
Top-seeded OLS defeated second-seeded St. Gregory’s Blue, 13-8, as Mya Frage tallied five points, Kacey O’Neil had four, Layla Bak three and Zoe Schaffer one.
Our Lady of Sorrows girls freshman team was a happy bunch of champions after defeating St. Gregory Blue in the playoff final. Courtesy photo “These young ladies had a terrific season,” coach Joan Carella said. “They started strong and continued to improve with every game. When it came to the championship they stepped onto the court with high energy and determination. Their aggressive rebounding and quick passes kept them ahead of their opponents.”
Rounding out the roster were Karina Gielarowiec, Alivia Long, Brianna Noto, Charlee Rommell, Parker Sirak, Nkechi Ubah and Briella Venose. They helped OLS to a 9-1 record.
“Each girl played an important role in winning,” Carella said. “They all worked together as a team and supported one another. Coach Scott (Sirak) and I are very proud of their accomplishment.”
BOYS FRESHMEN
Second-seeded St. Gregory’s Blue defeated top-seeded St. Raphael’s Gold, 18-12, as Patrick Murphy exploded for 12 points.
“There's nothing like CYO Championship Sunday,” exclaimed St. Greg’s coach Joe Fuhrman. “We had an intense game against a great opponent. Both teams battled wire to wire. Austin (Talar) and Patrick's big baskets down the stretch and the amazing defense from Russell (Hennessey), Mason (Schiaretti) and Ben (Galant) carried us. I could not be prouder of all our boys. They exemplify what a team is about.”
The St. Gregory Blue boys freshman team is proud to be number one after beating St. Raphael's Gold to win the playoff championship. Courtesy photoRounding out the squad were Aiden Wilson, Armani Rios, Brady Nemeth, Christian Fuhrman, Dylan Scenna, Michael Loesser, TJ Coohill and Tommy Shantz. St. Greg’s finished 22-4 and won two of the three tournaments it entered.
“As coaches, we demanded a lot out of the players and families, and we are grateful that they were able to celebrate their hard work on top,” Fuhrman said. “Every player played an integral role in our success.
“Austin, Patrick and Ben provided baskets in the biggest moments. Mason, Tommy, Michael and Dylan led our defense with energy on the perimeter. Russell, Armani and TJ led in rebounds, and sharpshooters like Aiden, Christian and Brady "Buckets" were the spark we needed when shooting from distance. We cannot wait to see what the next four years bring!”