St. Philip’s girls’ basketball claims third-straight state title

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By PETE FONTAINE

“March Madness” has again taken the nation by storm.

Of course, the main attractions are the prestigious NCAA men’s and women’s tournaments, which will swing into the Sweet Sixteen and then the Elite Eight this weekend, determining who will compete in the Final Four.

Locally, teams like St. Philip’s CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) girls’ basketball team will be in the New England spotlight this weekend.

That’s because coach Deb Howe’s hoopsters recently wrapped up a third-straight state championship and are headed for the prestigious New England CYO Championship.

St. Philip, which is made up of seventh and eight-grade girls from Johnston and Smithfield, defeated the always-tough St. Augustine’s of Providence, 35-18, to claim the state crown for a third-straight season.

St. Philip finished the season at 13-0.

Howe’s hoopsters are also the defending New England champions and are favored to capture the regional crown this weekend. St. Philip’s first regional tourney opponent will be Boston and all games are being played in Fitchburg, Mass.

“This is a good team and the girls worked hard all season,” Howe said of her squad. “We are all proud of the girls – they played very well throughout the season.”

While Howe and Pam Dolan serve as the teams’ coaches, the state champ’s roster includes Julianna Zalewski, Madison Dannenfelser, Kaylee Correia, Leah DeChristofaro, Kaylin Zalewski, Julie Mitchell, Caroline Howe, Madison D’Ambra, Caitlyn Dolan and Riley Hart.

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