In October 2010, nine sixth grade girls were selected to play on the 6th grade CYO St. Bernard’s Travel basketball team. Head Coach Casey Politi and Assistant Coach Pat Skeggs knew they had their work cut out for them, as this newly formed team would be facing tough opponents who had played together for more than two years.
Hard work, hustle and heart was the motto of this “little team that could,” and it paid off as the team went undefeated (14-0) taking first place in their division and out scoring their opponents 293-160 during the regular season.
At the Nassau County Championship game against Christ the King, which proved to be a real nail biter as the 4th quarter closed in a 14-14 tie, forcing the game into overtime with a standing room only crowd at the St. Bernard’s gym.
The next four minutes was a fast battle between teams with St. Bernard’s capturing the title with a 19-18 win. Following this victory, a mere 13 hours later the team would succumb to St. Philip Neri for the Long Island Championship title 12-11.
During the regular season, Hope Blanc’s 70 points led the team in baskets, and the tallest member of the team, Jessica Skeggs, faced every tip off with determination. Katie Politi led the team in assists while Jenna Stillman and Erin Magliano proved to be feisty point guards during the season.
Jen Katz and Abby Walker gave 100 percent in each game, and none matched Alanna Hallahan’s speed.
Erin Vaughan Ware pulled down an amazing team high of 112 rebounds.
A special thanks goes to the team’s mascot Caitlin Elia and the record keeper Richie Ware.
