>> RIP CYO Hoops Star
Mike Tilley, 78, a standout Catholic Youth Organization basketball player at Holy Child Jesus, Richmond Hill, died Jan. 15. He went on to play at St. John’s Prep, Brooklyn, and Hofstra University, Hempstead, L.I. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Jan. 20 at Holy Child Jesus.
>> Lady Knights Shine
The Holy Cross H.S., Flushing, girls’ varsity basketball team had an impressive showing in the Rose Classic, held Jan. 15 at Nazareth H.S., East Flatbush.
The Knights battled to a 79-67 victory over Bishop Loughlin H.S., Fort Greene.
Junior Kyara Champagne notched a career-high 36 points to go along with five assists en route to winning the Tournament MVP Award.
Sophomore Mona Okorie recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds while winning the Scholar Athlete Award.
Junior Jianna Davneiro, winner of the Sportsmanship Award, scored 11 points with four assists.
>> Referee Retires
Longtime Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and CHSAA referee Phil McBride announced that this will be his final season officiating basketball games.
His ties to the diocese run deep, having begun his CYO sports playing and coaching careers at St. Stan’s, Maspeth.
His career as an official began with CYO in 1971 and then the CHSAA during the 1977-1978 season. In 2015, he was inducted into both the CYO and CHSAA Halls of Fame.
He will continue coaching CYO – which he’s done for more than 50 years – at St. Andrew Avellino, Flushing.
The Holy Cross H.S., Flushing, varsity bowling team won the CHSAA city championship.
