PROVIDENCE — Dedicated coaches, enthusiastic players and supportive families will assemble this weekend for the start of the annual Catholic Athletic League basketball playoffs. Ninety-eight teams will compete in the parish league divisions, and 50 will play in the school division.
The boys’ and girls’ teams are divided into Midgets (Grades 4-6); Grammar (Grades 7-8), and Cadet (Grades 9-11).
The playoff games will be played on February 28-March 1; March 7-8, and 14-15 at LaSalle Academy, Providence; St. Mary Academy, Bay-View, East Providence; Bishop Hendricken High School, Warwick; Mount St. Charles Academy, Woonsocket; St. Raphael Academy, Pawtucket; and St. Lawrence Parish, Centredale.
“We are anticipating that in the semi-finals and finals of the Girls Grammar Open and the Boys Grammar Open, the match-ups will demonstrate to the parents and coaches the skill level of the players,” emphasized Merrie Densmore, CAL administrative assistant.
Michael Tartaglia, a member of the CAL Board of Directors and a 26 year veteran coach at St. Philip Church in Greenville, has enjoyed his long involvement in helping young athletes to achieve their best. He is one of more than 425 coaches who invest their time and talent to make the league a success and who have done so for many years - even after their own children have grown.
“We have created a true ‘program’ here at St. Philip,” said Tartaglia. “We have wonderful participation, great support from our pastors and great parental support.”
The popular coach said his players have fun while practicing strong Christian values.
“We may be the youngest and largest team in the division, but we also have the biggest heart of any team,” he noted.
Like Coach Tartaglia, Jerry Dandeneau, CAL administrator, said he is looking forward to the annual tournament.
“We think this is an exciting time for the teams that are participating,” said Dandeneau, adding that the players will have a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate their skills in “beautiful venues” that the five high schools and one parish have “generously donated” for the teams to use.
The games are open to the public and a small admission fee will be charged. Proceeds will benefit CAL programs.
For more information, call the Office of Youth Ministry at 278-4626.
