The Xavier boys’ varsity team, down 16 points with 1:30 left in the third period, launched an unforgettable comeback to defeat St. Raymond 43-41 at a packed Mt. Carmel gym to win the team’s second Bronx title in four years behind the efforts of Kenny Hogarty’s 20 points and Diego Martinez’s 17 points.
The varsity team, coached by John Musto and Bobby Guarascio, would go on to win the CYO Archdiocesan Championship, crushing St. Charles Borromeo, the Manhattan champions, 49-24, behind the efforts of Martinez (24 points), Hogarty (14 points) and Andrew Velasquez (10 points).
Michael Gjushi, Michael Sedia and Peter Dedavani were other notable players during the team’s 43-13 season.
The girls were just as strong this season. The Gidgets, coached by Liz Musto and Colleen Castiello, defeated St. Barnabas, 16-12, to complete an incredible 29-3 season with a Bronx title.
Paige Castiello, the team MVP, shut down her opponents on defense, and added 6 points, while Marissa Denner dominated the boards and also added 6 points in the victory. Gianna Castello, Brianna Monaco and Gabby Musto also turned in great performances in the championship game.
The Xavier Biddy Cheerleaders also brought home a CYO Bronx crown, besting rival Our Lady of Assumption at Manhattan College to earn the school its’ fourth title this year.
The four teams contributes to an incredible 10 Bronx County championships in the last four years by Xavier; an impressive record parents state is due to the tireless work of coaches, the never ending support of its fans and a host of talented kids that have walked through the school’s illustrious sports program.
