The 42nd season of the St. Francis Summer Classic came to a rousing conclusion this past 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 repeatedly build a big lead, 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 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.
Wednesday’s championship games 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. Congrats on another successful season! See you next summer.
Photos by Christian Alessandro.
