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St. Francis Xavier Lancers play at Staples Center

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Contributed by: mike graceffo on 3/21/2008

The St. Francis Xavier Lancers seventh-eight grade boys basketball team qualified for the final four of the CYO playoffs and finished its season with a tough 48-to-36 loss to a very good St. Jerome's team from Westchester.

The Lancers took fourth out of 200 CYO schools. The Lancers were thrilled to be able to play at the Staples Center.

The game held on Wednesday, March 19, was a prelude to the CYO title game, which was won by Holy Trinity of San Pedro. Trinity defeated Marina Regina from Gardena to win the title.

All four teams were honored after the championship game by returning to the Staples Center court. Larry Muno, CYO Director, led everyone in a prayer and then proceeded to introduce all four teams and presented each player with a medal and presented each coach with a team trophy to bring back to their schools. Pictures followed.

It was a great season for the Lancers, who finished with a 19-and-7 record. In addition to finishing with an 8-and-2 league record, the Lancers also went 4-2 in the Salesian holiday tournament, 3-1 in the Notre Dame impact tourney and won four games in the CYO playoffs to advance to the final four.

The pastor of St. Francis is Father Richard Albarano, principal is Dr. Paul Sullivan, athletic director is Mike Graceffo and CYO representative is Anna Jackson.

Members of the 2007-08 Lancers include JimmyAmour, Will Besu, Tommy Carver, Nathan Del Rosario, Michael Henoud, Andrew Jaspe, Ben Jury, Matthew Kaufman, Mitchell Kellogg, Spencer Khoury, Andrew Maddigan, Ryan Okiishi,Joe Shashaty, Joseph Velladao and Jimmy Villarreal.

The team is coached by Graceffo and Mike Velladao. The city of Burbank, as well as the Parish community of St. Francis Xavier, should be very proud of the efforts and great sportsmanship displayed by the Lancer basketball team and cheerleaders.

The Lancers had more than 28 members of our award-winning cheerleading squad cheering on the team at the Staples Center. It was a great thrill seeing all our cheerleaders perform on the Staples Center court, they were awesome. A

nd to our players we are very proud of you, you never gave up, you played with heart, determination, desire, and a great will to win. We will never forget this awesome season. You all are true champions!

Sincerely, your Coaches Mike Graceffo and Mike Velladao

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