As the Christian Youth Organization (CYO) regular season comes to a close, the playoff seeds are set and the teams are ready to get to business.
The regular season champions were the Crusaders of Our Lady of Peace. They were one game away from having a perfect season with a record of 11-1. They are led by Matt Falconer, a former team member of Cathedral Prep’s varsity team. Falconer, Jeremy Hill, and Mike Douds are all standouts in the league and for OLP. Other key contributors for their squad are Alex Ventrello, Timmy Beverage, Connor Robbins, Tyler Madura, Jake Mays and Chris Callari. OLP will be the first seed in the playoffs and will receive a bye.
In second place, with a record of 9-3, the Lancers of St. George. They are led by Mike Carrara and Hunter Horn. They also receive big contributions from Mike Spizarny and Koran Williams. The Lancers will be the second seed in the playoffs and are rewarded a bye.
Taking third place were the East Side Apostles, formerly known as Our Lady of Mount Carmel. They finished with a record of 8-4. They are known for how serious they take CYO, which may lead to success for them in the playoffs. The Apostles have many threats including Dillon Wolbert, Hunter Neimeic, Bryce Vogel, and Noah Vroman.

Tied for fourth were St. Peter’s and St. Jude’s at 5-7. The Dukes of St. Peter’s are led by Justin “JP” Perez and Oliver Wiesner. The Raiders of St. Jude’s are led by three beasts: Ryan Podufal, Jack Kloecker, and Samuel Sweny. The Raiders look to defend their title, but will need to grind harder than ever in the playoffs if they hope to make a return to states.
The Bulldogs of Blessed Sacrament took sixth place with a record of 4-8. The Bulldogs leaders include Jake Galla and sixth man of the year, Sean Reed. Harborcreek Youth Services unfortunately went winless this season and did not make the playoffs.
The playoffs start Sunday with both games at 8:30 pm. The Bulldogs will have to travel to the east end of town to face the Apostles at Schefner Hall. The St. Peter’s Dukes will play at St. Jude’s. Admission to every CYO game is free.