Great job boys, it is big time when the 8th grade wins (it allows me to brag and trash talk all the other AD's at our meetings)  
Coach CeE and Coach Jaime, great job, you both put so much into this team, making sure they are prepared. The passion you both have for the game, the pride you have in representing our Parish and the love you have for the boys. These boys and our Parish are very lucky to have you both. After Christmas, we will sit down and talk about contract extensions for you both. GREAT JOB.

I'll let the coaches tell you the story: 


Rich,




Great picture, the boys all look cool and the coaches look like 9-year-olds visiting Disneyland for the first time. Love it!


Last night's championship game was an awesome game to see. These 8th-grade boys from Epiphany and OLPH battled it out again but we manage to get the win in a Double overtime and sudden death situation.
The 8th-grade OLPH and 8th-grade Epiphany boys are evenly matched. Last year in 7th grade, these 2 teams put on a good show each time playing against each other. OLPH won the first game and Epiphany won the rematch. We thought we would see each other in the championship last year but did not work out that way.
Then comes our flame tournament this year. After battling through 3 games each with other opponents the stage was set for a showdown for the long-awaited championship showdown. 2 great teams going head to head again. A rematch of last year to crown who would be the champions. Throughout the whole game, the score was close. We started ahead then they caught up, but not but much. So much going through the coaches' and players' minds. Which players to play, when and who to sub at the right time, and which offensive play to call. Every moment of the game was so intense and many moving parts. 
Over time we were up by 4, then they caught up. Double overtime, same situation. Then announcement was made there will be a sudden death situation. Referee stated, “ who ever makes the first shot wins the game”. 
So we start. Quick huddle for each team. Players from each team line up for the jump ball. Both coaches from each team strategically place each players around the center. The ball goes up and tipped. Santino, Epiphany's strong forward, gets the ball off the tip. Coach CeE shouts, stay calm and move the ball. The first pass to Birdie, Epiphany's guard, brings the ball to top of the key. Birdie then received a screen from Mateo, Epiphany guard, then moves to the corner. Quick skip pass back to the top to Ben M, Epiphany's power forward, who then swings the ball to Santino coming back from cutting to the basket. Another pass back to Mateo who now has a 1 on 1 with an OLPH player, who switches guarding him. Mateo jab step right, OLPH player reacts then Mateo drives towards the right elbow to take a breathtaking jump shot. The ball goes directly into the net!!!!  Epiphany boys clear the bench chasing down Mateo and congratulating him on the game-winning shot. And that’s the GAME!! 
These 8th grade Epiphany boys basketball team did an outstanding job working as a team and in the end were able to claim the 1st place Flame tournament trophy. These boys work hard to earn this victory. We are so proud of them and our Epiphany community who supports us. A good way to end our 1st half of the season and can’t wait to see wait for the second half has in store for us. Go Eagles!!

Thanks
Coach CeE and Coach Jaime
8th grade Epiphany Coach