The 2015 CYO basketball season will go down as a legendary, yet dramatic, year for Erie’s church league basketball. The league was led by several key teams, but ultimately, the Our Lady of Peace Crusaders bested the other six teams to win the city championship and continued on to the state tournament. While the Crusaders failed to convert their local success in the state tournament in Harrisburg, Erie’s CYO All-Stars still have a shot at ending their season with a W when they face the faculty all-stars this Thursday, May 21, in the Prep gymnasium.
Like most sports, an All-Star game provides fans, along with players, an enjoyable game to watch. It showcases the ups and downs the season experienced, which includes the intensity church league basketball brings and of course, the humor. After the faculty team won 2013’s inaugural showdown, the CYO students bounced back to win last year’s game, which also included Mr. Bhatti’s missed half-court ‘buzzer’ beater where students shouted at Mr. Bhatti “3…2…1….erhhhh,” despite there being several minutes left on the clock.
While the students won last year’s matchup by a measly two points, this year’s game is set to be drastically different. First off, the faculty are rumored to be lacking key players, such as Mr. Pituch as well the previously mentioned Mr. Bhatti. Mr. Hubert and Mr. Colwell are set to lead the faculty in their attempt to reclaim their trophy after losing last year’s championship. Mr. Swanson will provide the team with mid-to-long range jumpers that could be the key to their victory.
The faculty faces a deep CYO All-Star roster with all-around players, shooters, and defensive threats. Five of the seven teams rostered at least one senior player to play in the game except. OLC’s Jack Kloecker, Ryan Podufol, and Sam Sweny will be the leaders of this game. In order for the students to win, big games from all three of them are needed.
Tickets for the game are available at lunch beginning tomorrow. The cost of a ticket is one dollar for students. Teachers get free admission but can purchase a one dollar dress down pass for that day. The money raised will go to the senior class. Regardless of how much is raised, fans will truly get their money’s worth in this exciting game of basketball.
CYO All-Star Roster:
St. Pete’s: James Trucilla, Jack Bloomstine, Oliver Wiesner.
OLC: Jack Kloecker, Ryan Podufal, and Sam Sweny.
Mount Carmel: Dan Sokolowski and Hunter Neimic
Blessed Sacrament: Sean Reed, Jacob Galla, and Zack Bednarowiz
OLP: Alex Ventrello