It was a season to remember for the St. John the Baptist girls basketball team, which won the Catholic Youth Organization state championship and wound up as runners-up at the New England regional tournament in Bristol, Connecticut this past weekend.
Made up of 7th and 8th grade students from St. John’s in Peabody, the squad went 9-1 in the regular season. Most of them had played together for three or four years, leading to a special bond that helped them exceed expectations.
Using a combination of outstanding defense (allowing 202 points, more than 100 better than the next best team) and fast-break offense, plus excellent leadership from the 8th grade group, St. John’s would up defeating Our Lady of Assumption (Lynnfield) to take the league title.
That led to the state tourney, where St. John’s toppled Immaculate Conception of Revere to win the championship.
At the New England CYO tourney, St. John’s picked up two victories before falling just shy in the title game and finishing the entire season at 16-2.
“I was so proud of the way they played, the effort they gave every day and the character they showed,” coach Mitch Getchell said. “It was a privilege to be surrounded by a tremendous group of players and their families and was fortunate for the opportunity to share such an unforgettable season with these girls.”
Team members were Elia Dunja, Ainsley Rennick, McKenna Cohan, Katie Perkins, Sarah Perkins, Kayla Kolodziej, Taisha Castillo, Olivia Costa, Sophia Costa, Maddie Romans, Katie Angelakis, Dior Malila. Coaches were Mitch and Danielle Getchell.