The Warwick PAL Warriors travel basketball program recently wrapped up a successful 2022-2023 season with two teams capturing Rhode Island championships.

The third grade boys completed a historic season with a perfect 34-0 record, finishing as Rhode Island state champions. The team battled and stuck together all year and refused to be outworked by anyone, including in games against fourth grade teams.

In finishing with a perfect record, the team captured a regular season MetroWest title, three RIYBA Tournament Championships and the state championship.

“It’s really hard to beat a bunch of kids who treat each other like family and care for each other like brothers,” head coach Jim Garcia said. “To me, there is nothing better than being able to challenge and make a meaningful difference in kids’ lives, both on and off the court. There were lots of happy tears and hugs and thanks from my players after the championship game. Their faces and appreciation make it worth the blood, sweat, tears, middle-of-the-summer workouts, and countless hours together. Myself, and coaches Dave Narcavage and Danny Silva preached respect, the ability to listen, and the willingness to play as hard as you can not for yourself, but for your teammates.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this group. They stuck together, played for each other, ignored the distractions, and were as interested in becoming better on the court as they were off the court. They are truly a special group that will represent the program well for years to come and it’s a thrill to see what they can achieve.”

In addition to the third grade team, the sixth grade boys B team captured the Division 3 state tournament championship. The team finished the season with a 9-6 record, winning six straight games to close out the season, including a hard-fought victory in the championship game.

“This group of kids gave it their all, each and every game,” head coach Josh Andersen said. “We started the season off with a few that never played organized basketball before. They put in the time and effort, listened and learned. There aren’t any heroes or egos on this team. The MVP changed from game to game. Many times the player that had the most impact on the game didn’t score a single point but instead wreaked havoc defensively. Ultimately, every player knew his role and how to benefit the team. I know I speak for Coach Dave Ellingwood and Coach Steve Hawes when I say I couldn’t be any prouder of this team. We’re looking forward to next year!”

How the rest of the program fared during the 2022-2023 season:

• The 8th-grade team wrapped up their careers with an overall record of 12-8, a Division

1 record of 6-7, and a Holiday Tournament Championship. This is a team that won the Division 2 regular season and state championship a few years ago in 6th grade. Led by Jack Bannon, Mike Brugnoli and Jayden Reuter this team fought hard throughout the season. Bannon, Brugnoli, Brett Taylor and Mike Morreira have spent their entire childhood playing for the Warriors. Ryan Carbary and Mark Lopes have spent most of their careers with the Warriors with a few years off in between. Starter Jake Anzivino and 6th man Ian Degnan have been with the program for the last two years. Michael Egan was a newcomer and key contributor to this year’s team. These boys have shown true Warrior pride both on and off the court. They were led by Head Coach Dean Brugnoli, and Asst Coaches Matt Bannon and Walter Davenport, we wish them great success in high school.

• The seventh grade boys team finished the regular season with a 7-5 record. The team worked extremely hard all season long with everyone, parents/guardians, coaches and players, dedicated to making this a successful season. The players battled every single time they stepped on the court and made it to the finals of the MLK Jr. tournament and the final 4 of the RI Metrowest state tournament, eventually losing to the tournament Champions.
• The sixth grade boys A team finished with a 14-13 record with five of the team’s losses by three points or less, while competing in Division 1. The season was highlighted by winning the Holiday Jam-Fest Tournament in Marshfield, Massachusetts, with a 4-0 record.
• The sixth grade girls team finished the year 14-5, including a 9-1 Division 2 regular season league championship. As a first-year group, they fought hard to overcome experienced teams. Their trademarks all season were defense and intensity. For the year the team allowed an average of only 16 points per game.
• The fifth grade boys A team finished third in the Division 1 regular season with an 8-5 record, and 14-7 overall. The hard-nosed squad lost in the Final Four of the Rhode Island State Championship to South Kingstown. The team finished the season making it to the championship game in the New England championships.
• It was a great season for the fifth grade B team, going from two wins in the prior season, to 8-5 and a first-round playoff bye this year. The team battled and played hard each game, but unfortunately came up short to a tough Pawtucket team in the playoffs.
• The fifth grade girls season came to an end with a 3-point state championship Final Four loss. They all played their hearts out all season and never backed down from any opponent. The team came into the 2023 season defending state champions, and battled every week together. They earned the number one seed in the tournament bracket based on their consistent play, and also made it to two RIYBA tournament championship games.
• The fourth grade boys team completed a successful season ending with a record of 21-7. The season started by winning the Narragansett Division 2 Thanksgiving tournament and qualified for the Division 1 4th grade state playoffs as the number 3 overall seed. The boys won their first game vs. East Providence 42-36 but eventually bowed out in the semifinals losing to East Greenwich 21-17 to end the season.
• The third grade boys B team finished 2-16 in the competitive Division 1 group and was formed with the expectation that they would not win a game and be developmental for next year’s competitive season. Not only did they win more than one game, they had games that were close or games that went into overtime and capped the year with a playoff victory.

The Warwick (PAL) Warriors compete against teams in MetroWest RI and the Rhode Island Youth Basketball Association, with teams from third to eighth grade. For more information visit warwickyouthbasketballri.org