The 42nd season of the St. Francis Summer Classic came to a rousing conclusion on Thursday, August 20. Rain forced the final game of the Tim Klein Men’s Open Division 1 into the gym as the top two seeds, A&S at the Harbor and JG Electric faced off for the championship. After a full week of camp that had drained camp director and JG star Charlie Marquardt, his participation was in doubt, but he arrived right before the opening buzzer and everyone in the gym braced for a great game. They were not disappointed as JG would go out to leads only for A&S to reel them back in. Playing catch up finally caught up with A&S and a big three-point play by Kohen Rowbathem of JG gave them too much separation for A&S to counter one more time. Charlie Marquardt led with 40 and Rowbathem 22 as JG pulled away to win 84-70. Steve Bradley and Caden Williams each had 24 for captain Andrew Sullivan’s A&S squad.
The champions include Kevin Connelly, Sean Carroll, Brian Rocco, Sean Smaldone, Shane Herrity, Francis Cole, Jimmy Wolfer, Matt Marquardt, Neil Marquardt, and captain Jack Hurley. Many thanks to Christian Alessandro who livestreamed the game for those who couldn’t make it there.
The championship games on Wednesday, August 19 began with Boys Grammar Middle. Justin Youngberg’s two free throws were the final difference as Rockaway Pickleball and Golf edged R. Tyne Painting 34-32. Jack Davidson led Tyne with 12. Youngberg finished with 11 and Connor Chavanne led with 15 for Rockaway Pickleball. Also getting the long sleeves for coaches Allison Chavanne and Kristin Youngberg are Luke Libassi, John Comer, Jonathan Mandala, Cash Spector, and Giancarlo Paolillo.
The Girls Grammar Senior final followed, and Storage Place could not overcome a tough first half as SFDS Catholic Academy held the lead throughout to win 46-36. Ava Masullo poured in 26 for Storage Place one night after putting up 30 in a 45-44 win over McManus Mechanical in the semifinals. Logan Leahy tallied 38 in the loss. Mara Brady was once again the leader for SFDS CA with 25 and got ample help from Meghan O’Neill, Anna Corvi, Lottie Courtney, Bryn Hullah, Maggie Dodson, Brooke Nigro, and Kasey Shuttleworth for coaches Jim and Courtney McCool.
Meanwhile, in the gym, Mullin Basketball Camp came from behind to squeeze out a 49-47 win over NF Beauty for the Girls High School Championship. Molly Trears of NF Beauty was high scorer with 21. Mullin was led by Isabella Grimaldi with 18, and coaches Callie and Caitlin Mullin’s squad consisted of Sadie Corvi, Anne McDonagh, Maeve Bartholomeo, Caroline Mullin, Taylor Sorrentino, Emily Carbonaro, Grace Clark, Jenna Faherty, and Ryleigh Mitchell.
Thanks to all for a great 2026. We’ll see you in June 2027 for season 43!
Editor’s note: The first half of this is a re-print from last week and includes a missing player’s name. The second half of this article had gotten cut off last week.
