Final Champs Crowned for 2024 Summer Classic
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By Keith “Bugsy” Goldberg
The 40th edition of the St. Francis Summer Classic concluded last Thursday, August 22. The evening began at Springman Hall with the Girls High School championship. In a thriller, NF Beauty edged out Callie’s 52-51, overcoming a strong game by Callie Mullin in defeat. The champions are Jayla Ferguson, Vanessa Hosey, Aleena Skrijelj, Layla Wagner, Maleah Wagner, Ava Lundon, Syniya Barton, Adyson Febre, Valentina Guzman, Haley Soriano, and Mia Vincenzi, and are coached by Larry Hawkins and Joe DiBenedetto.
The Clare Droesch Women’s Open championship followed at Springman and Graf-X prevailed over Crush Studio 82-70. The champions are Kristen Podlovits, Kayla Podlovits, Essence Gray, Allie Moogan, Naya Rivera, Kayla Robinson, Chanel Jemott, Jackie Dellesantis, and Jenna Annecchisrico.
The season then wrapped up back at Fr. Grogan Memorial Schoolyard at St. Francis for the Tim Klein Men’s Open championship. Callie’s ran out to a quick 10-point lead before Kennedy’s Restaurant recovered, but Callie’s still led 34-29 at the half. In the second half, Kennedy’s turned the tide by going to big man Sean Loftus in the post who scored all 11 of his points after intermission. Callie’s tried to lengthen the game by putting Kennedy’s on the line, but Kevin Crockett made 7 of 8 down the stretch as Kennedy’s held on to win 66-58. Tim Defonzo and Gio Dambrille each had 16 for Callie’s. Kevin Crockett led Kennedy’s with 23 and Liam Monaghan added 18 and in addition to Loftus, the champions are Ryan Prendergast, Tom Belletiere, Desmond McGowan, Bard Featherston, Mike McGuire, Pat McDerby, Matt Crockett, Jay Camus, Nick Crockett, Matt Grogan, and Dennis O’Grady.
Congratulations and thank you to all of the players, coaches, and volunteers that made the 40th season of Summer Classic another success!
Photos by Christian Allessandro.
