The holidays are all about traditions, and there’s nothing more traditional in the local boys’ high school hoops scene than the annual Msgr. King Memorial Basketball Tournament. The 54th annual tournament returned to the iconic green floor at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Flatlands, from Dec. 26-30.
Author: Jim Mancari
Announcing the Brooklyn/Queens CHSFL All-Star Team for 2024, CHSAA Girls’ All-League Teams
After another competitive season of Catholic High School Football League action, The Tablet’s Brooklyn/Queens CHSFL All-Star team is back. Players were selected from the four high schools that field football teams in the diocese: Christ the King H.S., Middle Village; Holy Cross H.S., Flushing; St. Francis Prep, Fresh Meadows; and Xaverian H.S., Bay Ridge. Special thanks to the league’s coaches for providing nominations and statistics.
The Brooklyn/Queens CHSAA Mount Rushmore Debate
In sports, we’re always talking about Mount Rushmore — the top four players ever for a given team, program, or league. We know CHSAA boys’ basketball league in the diocese has seen its fair share of absolute greats, so as another high school hoops season is upon us, here’s a look at the Mount Rushmore of the local Catholic League.
Names of Coaching Legends Now Adorn St. John’s Prep
Two coaching legends at St. John’s Prep, Astoria (formerly Mater Christi H.S.), will live forever in the school’s gymnasium. On Nov. 24, the school hosted a court-naming ceremony during the boys’ varsity basketball game to honor longtime coaches Jim Gatto and the late Ed Flood — both of whom dedicated their lives to the school’s community. Former student-athletes, teachers, administrators, and family members returned to celebrate these two coaching titans.
RIP Lovable ‘Looie:’ Remembering St. John’s Coaching Legend
It almost was a certainty that Lou Carnesecca, the beloved former St. John’s University men’s basketball coach, would reach the age of 100 on Jan. 5, 2025. Sadly though, he fell a few weeks short.
Holy Cross Hall of Fame Inductee Credits School for Path to Success
Holy Cross H.S., Flushing, held its Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Nov. 16 to honor a group of individuals who have made their old stomping grounds very proud.
Nobody’s Perfect? Tell That to Xaverian’s Girls’ Volleyball Teams
When we think of New York sports dynasties over the past 50 years, a few teams stand out — the early ’80s Islanders and the late ’90s Yankees. Now, it may be time to add one from the Diocese of Brooklyn — the Xaverian H.S., Bay Ridge, girls’ volleyball program. This fall was a historic campaign for the Clippers’ varsity and junior varsity teams.
Servin’ Sister Makes Return to Court with TMLA Hilltoppers
It’s a comeback story for the ages. After 35 years away from CHSAA tennis, Sister Marie Mackey, CSJ, the former varsity tennis coach at Bishop Kearney H.S., Bensonhurst, returned to the coaching ranks this past fall season to lead The Mary Louis Academy (TMLA), Jamaica Estates, varsity squad.
New York City Marathon a Thrill for CYO Track Coaches
For the 53rd time, the TCS New York City Marathon — a major highlight of the fall sports scene — traversed the five boroughs on Sunday, Nov. 3. As always, our diocese was well represented by
parishioners throughout Brooklyn and Queens. This year, several Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) track coaches participated in the race or passionately cheered on the runners along the 26.2-mile course.
The 2024 New York Mets: OMG, What a Ride!
In Catholicism, the sacrament of reconciliation is a core value of our faith since it absolves us of our sins, cleanses our souls, and brings us closer to God.
