The Warwick PAL Warriors travel basketball program recently wrapped up a successful 2022-2023 season with two teams capturing Rhode Island championships.
The third grade boys completed a historic …
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The Warwick PAL Warriors travel basketball program recently wrapped up a successful 2022-2023 season with two teams capturing Rhode Island championships.
The third grade boys completed a historic season with a perfect 34-0 record, finishing as Rhode Island state champions. The team battled and stuck together all year and refused to be outworked by anyone, including in games against fourth grade teams.
In finishing with a perfect record, the team captured a regular season MetroWest title, three RIYBA Tournament Championships and the state championship.
“It’s really hard to beat a bunch of kids who treat each other like family and care for each other like brothers,” head coach Jim Garcia said. “To me, there is nothing better than being able to challenge and make a meaningful difference in kids’ lives, both on and off the court. There were lots of happy tears and hugs and thanks from my players after the championship game. Their faces and appreciation make it worth the blood, sweat, tears, middle-of-the-summer workouts, and countless hours together. Myself, and coaches Dave Narcavage and Danny Silva preached respect, the ability to listen, and the willingness to play as hard as you can not for yourself, but for your teammates.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this group. They stuck together, played for each other, ignored the distractions, and were as interested in becoming better on the court as they were off the court. They are truly a special group that will represent the program well for years to come and it’s a thrill to see what they can achieve.”
In addition to the third grade team, the sixth grade boys B team captured the Division 3 state tournament championship. The team finished the season with a 9-6 record, winning six straight games to close out the season, including a hard-fought victory in the championship game.
“This group of kids gave it their all, each and every game,” head coach Josh Andersen said. “We started the season off with a few that never played organized basketball before. They put in the time and effort, listened and learned. There aren’t any heroes or egos on this team. The MVP changed from game to game. Many times the player that had the most impact on the game didn’t score a single point but instead wreaked havoc defensively. Ultimately, every player knew his role and how to benefit the team. I know I speak for Coach Dave Ellingwood and Coach Steve Hawes when I say I couldn’t be any prouder of this team. We’re looking forward to next year!”
How the rest of the program fared during the 2022-2023 season:
1 record of 6-7, and a Holiday Tournament Championship. This is a team that won the Division 2 regular season and state championship a few years ago in 6th grade. Led by Jack Bannon, Mike Brugnoli and Jayden Reuter this team fought hard throughout the season. Bannon, Brugnoli, Brett Taylor and Mike Morreira have spent their entire childhood playing for the Warriors. Ryan Carbary and Mark Lopes have spent most of their careers with the Warriors with a few years off in between. Starter Jake Anzivino and 6th man Ian Degnan have been with the program for the last two years. Michael Egan was a newcomer and key contributor to this year’s team. These boys have shown true Warrior pride both on and off the court. They were led by Head Coach Dean Brugnoli, and Asst Coaches Matt Bannon and Walter Davenport, we wish them great success in high school.
The Warwick (PAL) Warriors compete against teams in MetroWest RI and the Rhode Island Youth Basketball Association, with teams from third to eighth grade. For more information visit warwickyouthbasketballri.org
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