Three St. Rocco School B-Ball Squads Play In State Finals

Editor's Note: On March 19, three girls' basketball teams from played in the state finals. This article was submitted by Rhonda Sasa, a member of the JohnstonPatch Mom's Council and assistant coach of the sixth-grade squad.

The day got off to a late start, as the first game of the day (scheduled to start at 10 a.m. at Bay View Academy) was delayed by almost an hour.

The 7^th and 8^th grade girls' team, coached by Anthony Corsinetti and assistants Mike D’Acchioli, Lori Anderson, and Dana Loffredo, scored their first point of the day from a free throw shot by Rachel Iudiciani.

The defense looked strong, but five minutes into the game, Fr. Doyle School of Coventry scored a basket, securing what would be a permanent lead for the game.

St. Rocco’s additional first half points were scored by Gianna Conti, Miranda Jacavone, Cassie Ponte, and Francesca Corsinetti, ending the first half at 14-10.

During the second half, the girls fought hard for additional points — including a three-point shot by Francesca in the last 11 seconds of the game — but Fr. Doyle stayed strong and won the game, 34-26.

Coach Anthony said after the game: “I am very proud of my girls."

The second game of the day was the 4^th and 5^th grade team, led by David DeCesare and assisted by Lisa Corsinetti, held at Bishop Hendricken High School.

St. Rocco played a very strong game against Mercy Mount, with several players contributing — Jayme DeCesare scored 8 points, Jenna Almagno chipped in 5, Antonia Corsinetti added 3, and Nicole DeCiantis posted 2 points to win their game, 18-14.

Coach David said: “It was a complete team victory — everyone contributed in some way to the win. I am happy that we won, but it is a bittersweet day. I am sad that the other two teams did not win."

The coach also thanked his assistant: "I appreciate all the help from Lisa — she is the brains and the looks, and I have the loud voice. I would also like to say we are very proud of the St. Rocco Athletic Program, and Anthony Corsinetti, the Athletic Director, and all the support from the parents."

The day ended with the 6^th grade team, coached by Dave Raposa and assisted by me, also at Hendricken. The St. Rocco girls were very optimistic about a win, but their nerves would prove overwhelming.

This game started off with a three-point lead by Mercy Mount. In the first half Alexa Raposa scored 3 free throws, Isabella Montecalvo scored one basket and a free throw and Sydney DeCesare also scored a free throw shot.

The defense was strong, with Rachel Wade making a few steals and Naja Sasa, Jennifer Wallitsch, and Amanda Baanante trying their hardest to hold Mercy Mount back.

Coming into the second half and down by seven, the girls struggled to make a comeback — and together, they put one together.

With just 1:30 to play, Alexa scored an awesome three-point shot and added a free throw, Sydney scored a free throw and Isabella scored a free throw and then — to everyone’s amazement — made a lay-up to tie the game and send it into overtime.

The crowd was off their feet cheering at such an incredible comeback.

Overtime time came, and in Dave’s words: “We just could not buy a basket."

The game ended with Mercy Mount winning, 20-15. Our girls, with tears rolling down their cheeks but their heads held high, congratulated the other team.

Our bittersweet day ended as we walked outside with our many teary-eyed girls — but suddenly, smiles began to emerge as they looked towards an ultra-stretch white limousine with a chauffeur at the open door ,waiting to greet them all.

They jumped in, poured their sodas, turned the music up high, and waved as they drove off  — the champions that they truly are in all our hearts.