The Tri-Town Basketball League wrapped up an exciting season with its championship games on Sunday, March 15, held at Old Rochester Regional High School. The league continues to provide an inclusive and flexible opportunity for boys and girls in Grades 3 through 8 across the Tri-Town communities to develop their skills, compete, and enjoy the game of basketball.
The first finals matchup of the day featured the Grade 5-8 Girls division, as the Tarheels faced off against the Irish in a competitive and hard-fought game, with the Tarheels securing a 15–11 victory. The Tarheels took an early 4–2 lead behind Fiona Gately and Vivi Spindle and extended it to 7–5 in the second quarter with additional scoring from Spindle and Bailee Cusick. The Irish responded in the third quarter to take a brief 9–7 lead, led by Emma Grace Daniel and Estelle Griffith. However, the Tarheels finished strong in the fourth quarter with key baskets from Spindle, Violet Soares and Cusick – including a three-pointer – to seal the win. The Irish were led by Griffith, along with contributions from Madeline Moronta, who hit an amazing three-point shot, Daniel, and Cali Mills.
The second game featured the Grade 3-4 Girls division, where Duke defeated the Friars 25–8. Duke set the tone early with baskets from Ellie O’Brien and Liana Janicki, while Charlotte Medeiros scored for the Friars. In the second quarter, Rose O’Brien added to Duke’s lead, while Zella Ladetto responded for the Friars. Elena Towinho contributed in the third quarter for Duke, while Ladetto added more points for the Friars. Duke pulled away in the fourth quarter with a strong performance from Kyra Judge, who scored 12 points on six baskets, along with a basket and foul shot from O’Brien and additional scoring from Natalie Morgan. Hadley Long scored for the Friars in the final quarter.
In the Grade 3-4 Boys championship, the Irish defeated the Tigers 22–10. Zach Pitts opened the scoring in the first quarter, and the Irish built their lead in the second quarter with contributions from Will Boucher, James Pitts, Cole Harrison, and Adriel Bettencourt, including a put-back basket by Bettencourt. The Tigers stayed competitive with scoring from Shane Tavares and Griffin McKay, but the Irish pulled away in the third quarter as Zach Pitts added four points and a foul shot while holding the Tigers scoreless. The Irish sealed the victory in the fourth quarter with additional baskets from Boucher, James Pitts, and Bettencourt, while McKay added the Tigers’ final points.
In the Grade 5-8 Boys championship, Wichita defeated Syracuse Orange 25–15. Wichita was led early by Phillip Lucci, who scored six points and a foul shot in the first quarter, while Syracuse Orange received contributions from Aiden Zhou, Ben Reece, Cody Davis, and Zayden Agcatas, who knocked down a three-pointer in the second quarter. Wichita extended its lead in the second quarter with additional scoring from Bo Randall, who added a basket and a foul shot. In the third quarter, Wichita continued to build momentum with baskets from Oliver Costa, JB Ebert and Able Philbrook, while Reece added four more points for Syracuse Orange. Wichita closed out the game in the fourth quarter behind Flynn Carroll, who scored four points and two foul shots, along with additional scoring from Jack Calder, while Vinny Baptista added a basket for Syracuse Orange.
The Tri-Town Basketball League season began with placement sessions in late October, followed by practices in November and games starting in December, culminating in March playoffs. The program emphasizes skill development, teamwork and flexibility, allowing participants to balance other activities while enjoying competitive play. Congratulations to all players, coaches, and families on a fantastic season!