>> Maupin Gets MVP Award
Team L.I. defeated Team NYC in this year’s Catholic High School Football League Senior Bowl, 38-21, on Nov. 30 at Mitchell Field Athletic Complex, Uniondale, L.I. The Long Island Offensive Player of the Game was running back Nakai Maupin from Holy Cross H.S., Flushing. Maupin scored two touchdowns.
>> Kent’s Remission
Don Kent, former head varsity boys’ basketball coach at Msgr. McClancy H.S., East Elmhurst, and Christ the King H.S., Middle Village, is celebrating 12 years cancer free.
Diagnosed with kidney cancer, Kent originally was given a limited window to live.His doctors have been amazed at his recovery, calling him a “miracle” and a “phenomenon.”
“I always felt I had strong willpower, and I always felt I was a strong person,” Kent said.
“I’m grateful for the support of my family, the support of my friends, and the support of God most of all. All these prayers were said for me, and I’m now entering year number 13.”
As the late great college basketball coach Jimmy Valvano once said, “Never give up!” Kent has never given up on his journey toward improved health.
>> Hoop Championship
Alonzo Ortiz-Traylor, a 2017 graduate of Msgr. McClancy H.S., East Elmhurst, was part of the team that just won the Liga Superior de Baloncesto basketball championship in Nicaragua.
His team, Real Esteli, defeated Brumas, 3-2, in the title round. Ortiz-Traylor was a two-time Tablet All-Star who averaged 16.4 points and 9.2 rebounds as a senior for the Crusaders en route to being named to the CHSAA ‘A’ All-League Team.