Varsity Basketball Falls Short in Bid For Second Straight State Championship

Above: Varsity basketball head coach Kevin Cullen gives some final words of advice in the team huddle moments before tip-off for the CHSAA B-Division State Championship game.

The Regis varsity basketball team met The Park School of Buffalo on Saturday afternoon with the CHSAA B-Division State Championship on the line. In an incredibly tight match that featured a tie score entering the fourth quarter, Regis found itself falling short of earning a second straight State Championship, with a final score of 48-43.

The game featured physical play and tight defense, with both factors keeping team scoring low. Regis was behind 12-10 at the end of the first quarter and 23-19 at halftime.

(Pictured: Senior forward Declan Cronin '15 makes a move to the basket to score two points in the state championship title game against The Park School of Buffalo. Photo courtesy MSG Varsity)

But momentum seemed to be in Regis's favor as senior guard Charles Gavigan sparked a late third quarter rally. Gavigan, who led all scoring with 19 points, helped give Regis its biggest lead of the game, 32-26. But Park School would chip away at that lead, and the game was knotted at 34 entering the final 8 minutes.

In a tense and physical fourth quarter, the Regis momentum was stymied by Park's junior forward Jordan Nwora. In a game where Park rarely converted from the perimeter, Nwora hit two late-game three-pointers and helped build a lead that proved too much for Regis to overcome so late in the game.

Regis would cut the lead to 2 with 32.9 seconds remaining. But the clock became the enemy as there was not enough time to stage a second rally, and Regis fell 48-43.

(Pictured: Although slightly outsized by Park defenders, senior forward Mike Cerone '15 battles to secure a rebound in the state title game. Photo courtesy MSG Varsity)

Despite the loss, the varsity squad can still take pride in having earned the school's second consecutive City Championship, a title Regis had not held since 2005.

The senior leadership of Charles Gavigan, Connor Dillon, Liam Hogan, Patrick Thomas, Michael Parrish, Declan Cronin, Michael Flood, and Mike Cerone represented Regis well in what was certainly a memorable season.

The state title game was streamed live by MSG Varsity, and a replay of the game can be viewed on the MSG Varsity website. Video clips of game highlights can also be viewed.

MSG Varsity's news recap: Park Ousts Regis in Catholic B Final | March 14, 2015

Some photographs from the game are provided below. MSG Varsity has also made available a collection of state title game photographs.

Junior guard Shane O'Donoghue '16 passes to senior guard Charles Gavigan '15 after advancing the ball past the Park team's full court press.

Junior guard Conor Peterson '16 shoots a three pointer late in the state title game.

Left to right: Conor Peterson '16, Charles Gavigan '15, Liam Hogan '15. Photographs courtesy MSG Varsity.

Charles Gavigan '15 controls the point against the pressure of Park's defense.

 Senior forward Mike Cerone '15 battles for two points in the state title game.

Shane O'Donoghue '16 drives to the basket against two Park defenders.

Charles Gavigan '15 scores two points on a fast break opportunity during the state title game.