The Holy Rosary eighth-grade American girls CYO basketball players finished off their stellar CYO careers with a basketful of awards, claiming trophies at the St. Isidore of Danville Select Thanksgiving Tournament, Christ the King Invitational Christmas Tournament and East Diablo League Championship. The Trojans won by double digits in all but two games all season.

Holy Rosary saved its best for last, taking the CYO title by thrashing opponents on the way to the Diocese of Oakland Championship. The Trojans’ high-octane press and fast break smoked St. Perpetua of Lafayette 41-15. In the semis, the Trojans had difficulty putting away pesky Santa Maria team from Orinda, but held on for a 43-41 win and trip to the finals.

In the championship game, Holy Rosary’s trapping defense put the squeeze on St. Mary’s of Pleasant Hill from the outset, posting a 21-12 first-period lead. The shooting exhibition continued in the second half off precision plays set up for Monique Cardenas, who chipped in 10 of her 17 points. The final score: Holy Rosary 52, St. Mary’s 35.

“These girls worked real hard all year long, with the goal of winning Diocese tops on their list,” said Cast. “Even though my fifth- and eighth-grade teams won the championship this year, it was a sad day for me knowing this would be the last time I get to coach my daughter and these wonderful young ladies as they move onto high school next year.”