SPORTS

Immaculate Conception wins state title

By ALEX SPONSELLER
Posted 3/30/23

The Immaculate Conception junior boys basketball team won the Rhode Island Catholic Athletic League State Championship earlier this month when it edged Our Lady of Mercy School 37-34 in the title …

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SPORTS

Immaculate Conception wins state title

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The Immaculate Conception junior boys basketball team won the Rhode Island Catholic Athletic League State Championship earlier this month when it edged Our Lady of Mercy School 37-34 in the title clash. It was a close battle throughout, with neither team leading by more than three points.

With the win, Immaculate Conception will now head to the CAL New England tournament that is taking place from March 31-April 2 in schools across Rhode Island. It was Immaculate Conception’s first state title since the 2019 season.

“The kids were excited. They were excited for each other. They worked hard all season long and there really was not one superstar. They all complemented each other. They’re excited to have a chance to compete in the New England championships,” said Immaculate Conception coach Mike Monahan.

The team, which is made up of students grades 4-6, finished the regular season with a 9-3 record which was good for the third seed in the four-team playoff. Immaculate Conception rolled to a 15-point win over Mercymount Country Day School in the semis, who dealt it a loss earlier in the winter.

Immaculate Conception will now set its sights on the regional tournament, which will feature teams from five of the six New England States.

The game plan will be simple, according to Monahan: sticking to what they do best.

“We’re expecting to do the same thing that we’ve done all year which is to play sound, fundamental defense. Share the basketball and to play together,” said Monahan.

With a strong core of fifth and fourth graders set to return next season, Monahan and his staff are also pleased to lay a strong foundation for the future and to see the youngsters get a taste of success.

“It’s exciting because we have a young squad. They’re experiencing success this year and we hope to build on it in the years to come,” said Monahan. “These boys have been a joy to coach all season. They have represented Immaculate Conception and the city of Cranston with great pride. We are blessed to be able to continue playing and to compete for a New England championship.”

Members of the team include: Nick Mancini, Blake Miller, Antonio Ferreira, Isaiah Jackson, Gabe Bedard, JJ Hamilton, Logan Saraiva, Kameron Monahan, Drew Napolillo, Ethan Posy. Coaches Mike Monahan, Nick Mancini, Chris Sabitoni.

basketball, championship

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