With only two returning veterans, your JV Saints entered a competitive basketball season with significant uncertainty. This group of young men worked tirelessly to improve this year and developed an admirable sense of unity and camaraderie. They finished the regular season with an overall record of 5 wins and 3 losses, and they secured the fifth playoff seed with a victory against the undefeated Crescent team. We defeated the Country Day School in the opening round of the playoffs which set up a quarterfinal rematch against our crosstown rival, Bayview Glen. Although we struggled to hit shots in the first half, this team demonstrated tremendous resilience and determination and we managed to tie the game with only three minutes remaining in regulation. Although our postseason comeback ultimately ran out of time, we are extremely proud of this group's accomplishments this year.

On to our player awards. First up, our MIP. Earlier this year, when watching this player at tryouts, you could tell that basketball wasn't their primary sport. Though they lacked the fundamental skills required, we knew they were athletic, coachable, and they would be great a teammate - and sometimes that's what you need to make an impact. We were thoroughly impressed with his work ethic and development throughout the season, and we often counted on him to provide us energy off the bench when we needed it most. This year's MIP is James Gillingham. As for our MVP, this was another case of an underdog proving himself this season. Looking back at last year, our biggest mistake as coaches was cutting this player from the team. This season, he came back with a vengeance. In any game where we pushed him to give us more, he always responded. He had an array of moves to get a bucket, including his patented turn-around fade-away jumper. No matter how short or tall his defender was, he would always remind them they were just too small. He ended off this season as one of our top scorers and rebounders. This year's MVP is Adam Campagna.

Story by Michael Carroll, JV Basketball Coach