Whiz Kids: The St. Joseph Basketball Team

Whiz Kids : Eighth grade students Eddie Fitzgerald, Dave Edwards, Jack McGinnis, Evan Jakobsze, Pat Geraghty, Will Falotico, Chuck Norgle, Myles Farley and former team mates Ben Johnson and Kenny Yeo. 

School: St. Joseph School

Accomplishments: 3-peat basketball champions

Key to Awesomeness: The eighth grade basketball “A” team members who have played together since fifth grade, are apparently undefeatable. On a 53-game winning streak, the boys last lost a game in 2008. Their overall record since fifth grade is 63 wins, three losses. In addition to being the 2009, 2010 and 2011 league champions, the boys won the 2011 Mayor’s Goodwill Tournament, the St. Pius Tournament and other notable awards.

But more important than their athletic prowess, is their attitude and hard work.  “These boys have been great role models for the younger students at St. Joseph," Jakobsze's mother, Noreen, wrote.

"They worked hard and were very successful, but never cocky or arrogant. At a time when, what we call 'professionals' are playing with attitude and poor sportsmanship, our eighth-grade boys played with dignity and class.....always aggressive yet always gentlemen.” She advises residents to watch for these boys as they undoubtedly will go on to play for North and South high schools, Montini High School and Benet Academy.

“These are good kids. Well respected kids at St. Joe’s and in the community. They’re just decent kids,” said Marita Blanken, publicity coordinator for St. Joseph School.

The team is coached by Joe Fitzgerald and Myles Farley.