St. Benedict's sixth-grade boys win tournament

St. Benedict's sixth-grade boys basketball team won the Nativity Tournament. Members of the team, pictured from left, are: first row - Evan Murphy, Sean Klute, Tyler Boldin, Evan Hall, and P.J. Anders; second row - Joey Insalaco, Pat MacDonald, Colin Tenney, Paul Battaglia and coach Sean Insalaco.

The St. Benedict's sixth-grade boys basketball team won the Nativity tournament held on Jan. 19-20.

Christ the King, Notre Dame, Nativity of Orchard Park and St, Benedict of Eggertsville participated in the tournament.

St. Benedict's defeated Nativity, 30-26, in the opening round.

The game was a back-and-forth contest in the first half, with St. Benedict's holding a slim 14-13 lead at halftime. St. Benedict's opened up a sizable lead in the second half and held off a late charge by Nativity in the final two minutes. Joey Insalaco, Colin Tenney and Patrick MacDonald led all scorers with 16, 10 and four points, respectively. P.J. Anders, Paul Battaglia and Sean Klute excelled at defensive, stopping Nativity's late attempt at a comeback.

In the championship game, St. Benedict's faced Notre Dame, who defeated Christ the King in the other opening game. St. Benedict's won the championship game, 42-28.

St. Benedict's opened up an early lead behind a balanced offensive attack. St. Benedict's built on its lead in the second half by opening up its transition game. Paul Battaglia and Joey Insalaco were co-leading scorers with 12 points each. Colin Tenney, Evan Hall, Pat MacDonald and P.J. Anders also scored during the game. Evan Murphy and Tyler Boldin played a strong second half, allowing St. Benedict's to build on its lead and secure the championship.

In the consolation game, Christ the King defeated host Nativity to capture third place.