By KEVIN DEVLIN
On Sunday, March 7, at Saint Agatha’s school gymnasium in Milton, the Gate of Heaven CYO fifth and sixth grade boys’ travel team defeated Saint Agatha’s of Milton, 27-14, to capture the CYO Vicariate Tournament Championship.
Gatey took an early 9-2 lead and led at the half, 11-6. In the second half, Gatey went on a 9-5 run to take a 20-11 lead and went home with the championship medals and trophy. For Gatey, Conor Strickland was unstoppable as he netted 13 points, including one three-pointer from downtown. Max Hogan blocked two shots, had a handful of rebounds and scored six points. It was without doubt the best game he played all season as he blocked up the middle and gobbled up the rebounds. Slick lefty guard Owen Donovan also had a solid game, hitting a crucial three pointer and scoring six points. Chris Hosea contributed a deuce in the victory and performed a tremendous victory hoop dance up the court.
The entire team played well and was focused throughout the game. Rookie coach Mark Donovan, who led his team to an 11-2 regular season record, was proud of his players.
“I’m happy and proud of these kids,” Donovan said. “They played unselfishly and as a team should. They’re young and they’re going to enjoy much more success in hoop if they work hard at it and develop their game as they go along. I was fortunate to be part of this and to get to know these kids.”
The Saint Agatha’s fifth and sixth grade boys’ travel team was coached by David Clifford and Vinnie Gratch.
