CYO Boys Basketball Championships were held at Providence High School on March 8th. The final four featured teams from all four corners of the CYO demonstrating the depth of talent from schools throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. As expected, both the third place and championship games were exciting and fun to watch.
In the title game, the American Martyrs Mustangs of Manhattan Beach, the #1 seed and Southbay Conference champions, played Our Lady of Fatima Chargers from Artesia, tournament upstarts and Big 10 Conference champions. Both schools had impressive runs through the playoffs to reach the 2015 Championship game.
The game got off to a fast start with both schools controlling and moving the ball well with their stable of quality athletes. OL Fatima matched AMS’ athleticism man for man, with the game a tight conbtest through most of the first half. AMS created some separation from there on and held a lead going into halftime.
The second half started similar to the first with quick transitions and aggressive movement to the basket. American Martyrs were able to build upon their lead despite furious activity by the Chargers. However, AMS maintained control, answering OL Fatima’s three point accuracy with ball control and effective offensive play to win the championship game 53-37.
In the third place game, the Cathedral Chapel Dire Wolves of Los Angeles, the #3 seed and the Sunset Conference champions, matched up against the Holy Name of Mary of San Dimas, the #4 seed and champions of the Mountain East Conference. The boys battled hard throughout the game, with both teams making key shots to keep it close, leading to not one, but two overtime periods. In the end the Dire Wolves prevailed to claim the third place trophy for Cathedral Chapel.
James McGoldrick, CYO Director stated, “This was another top notch contest with four really good teams, full of great athletes. The athleticism and sportsmanship was highly evident and the fan support was also vibrant. This was a great day for CYO sports. Congratulations to all four teams on the success and to American Martyrs on their CYO Championship.
