Gatey CYO 3/4 Grade Boys win State Championship!

The Gate of Heaven 3/4 grade boys team took home the CYO state championship this year, capping off an undefeated season. The boys returned 9 of their 11 players from a team that took their lumps their first year in the 3/4 division. Two big additions that helped put this year’s team over the top were Louie Lamonica and RJ Gibbons. The returning players were led by the sharp shooting and intense defense of Michael Burke and David Byrne, five dual basketball/hockey athletes PJ DiMaggio, Jerry Marshman, Bobby Clifford, Cooper Ward, Andrew Lyons, and the improvement and dedication of Jase Rahkoul, and John Sheppeck. Head coach David Byrne led the team all season long with his unmatched enthusiasm and commitment to helping the boys improve. Assistant coach John Sheppeck was the quiet sounding board for coach Dave and the group.

After a dominant run through the regular season, Gatey cruised through the first couple of playoff rounds before having to defeat a very strong Weymouth Catholic team twice in the double-elimination playoff format. Semifinal and final wins by 3&2 points really proved the championship mettle of Gate of Heaven when tested by an excellent opponent. The last wins really highlighted the all-star level play by Louie Lamonica and the defensive intensity and shot-making under pressure by David Byrne and Michael Burke.

You can congratulate the team when you see them marching with their championship banner in the Evacuation Day parade on Sunday, March 17th.