As March Madness begins and the nation turns its eyes to the thrill of men’s college basketball’s biggest stage, a quiet story of faith, formation, and triumph is emerging from the Diocese of Brooklyn.
Several standout players — products of our local Catholic high schools — are competing in the NCAA Tournament, carrying the spirit of Brooklyn and Queens to arenas across the country.
Josh Pascarelli, who honed his skills at St. Francis Prep, is now suiting up for the Colorado State Rams; Halon Rawlins, with roots in Nazareth Regional, represents Fairfield University; Markell Alston, a Christ the King alum, plays for the UCLA Bruins; and Maia Charles, who played for The Mary Louis Academy and now represents Winston-Salem University.
These young players, alongside the broader pride in St. John’s University’s strong March Madness presence, highlight the enduring pipeline of talented players from our diocesan schools.
This success comes as no accident. It traces back to the foundational work of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) sports programs within the diocese.
These are programs that we highlight here at The Tablet during the sports seasons.
For generations, CYO has been more than just youth athletics. It’s a ministry rooted in parish life, where young people learn discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and — most importantly — the values of Catholic faith.
Through CYO basketball leagues, boys and girls from parishes across Brooklyn and Queens develop not only their jump shots and defensive tactics but also their character, which is shaped by prayer, community, and service.
The CYO’s mission to form Catholic leaders through sport and community shines brightly here. Many of these March Madness participants likely began their organized hoops journeys in parish gyms, playing in CYO leagues that emphasize fun, inclusion, and moral growth alongside competition.
These programs build the habits of hard work and humility that translate from elementary school courts to high school powerhouses like St. Francis Prep, Christ the King, and Nazareth, and ultimately to Division I college programs.
In an era when sports can sometimes lose sight of their higher purpose, the Diocese of Brooklyn’s CYO stands as a model: athletics as evangelization.
Players learn that victory is sweeter when shared in fellowship, that defeat builds resilience under God’s grace, and that every game is an opportunity to witness Christ’s love through sportsmanship and respect.
As these diocesan alumni chase brackets and national glory, they carry the prayers and pride of our diocese with them.
Their journeys remind us of the quiet power of Catholic formation — from CYO practices in parish halls to the ultra bright lights of March Madness.
May their efforts inspire the next generation in our parishes and schools to lace up, play hard, and live faithfully.
Go Diocese of Brooklyn — may faith and hoops continue to unite and uplift our young people.