The following article was submitted by a team parent.
St. Joseph’s JV girls’ team defeated St. John’s of Clark Saturday in the semi finals of the playoffs. Although St. John’s scored first, it was the only time they had the lead. The lady Celtics came back in the second quarter to secure the lead at half time. The Celtics’ defense, including a strong press, forced many St. John’s turnovers. Scoring team members Kate Meyer (2), Sophia Rounsaville (3), Annabel Callahan (7), and Molly Gray, who scored a season high 9 points, gave the Celtics the 20 to 8 final score to win. The team advances to the finals next weekend where it will meet Holy Trinity of Westfield in the championship.
St. Joseph’s Pee Wee girls’ white team defeated St. Helen’s in the semi finals 13-4. The Celtics started off strong with baskets by Neve McGowan and Leah Connell that ignited the Celtics’ crowd. Coach Jim Fardin drew up a defensive scheme that the Celtics’ girls executed to precision, holding St. Helen’s to 4 points. Zhara Alexander, Jamie Fardin and Talia Baptise were the defensive catalysts that caused many turnovers. Ruby Aylward, Paloma Duvergne and Katie O’Mara took advantage by pushing the ball and finding open players. It was a complete team effort by the Celtics as Peyton Hollis and Sophia Franklin played amazing defense at the top of the zone and kept St. Helen’s out of their offense. Catherine Holt and Evelyn Calabrese worked hard under the boards, limiting second-chance opportunities, by rebounding and getting loose balls.
St. Joseph’s CYO is a shared parish ministry for the Catholic parishioners of Our Lady of Sorrows in South Orange and South Joseph’s in Maplewood. St. Joseph’s has 15 teams for girls and boys in Grades 2 – 12.
