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CYO Hall Of Fame Member Biographies
Bob Bucchi, Coach – Immaculate
Bob Bucchi coached the Immaculate Conception girls Varsity basketball team from 1983-2004. Year after year, Bob’s Immaculate teams were at the top of the standings, claiming CYO Championships in 1991 and 1998. Bob was always one of the most respected coaches by his peers, referees, players, and parents of players throughout his 21 year career. His approach was always honest, fair, and for the right reasons.
When basketball season was over, Bucchi continued his volunteer efforts with the softball team at Immaculate where he guided them to 10 titles, including six straight. Bob was involved with the Trenton PAL league too, where he coached multiple girls’ championship teams. Bob was awarded he 2001 Trenton PAL Service Man of the Year Award. Bob is a member of the Trenton PAL Board of Governors and the Mercer County CYO Athletic Council. Now that his coaching career is over, he has turned his attention to officiating and is a member of the IAABO Board # 193.
Hank Casey, Coach – Blessed Sacrament
Francis “Hank” Casey coached both the boys and girls teams at Blessed Sacrament from the mid 1960’s until 1979. He served as the head girls coach from 1970-1979, and from 1970-1974 as the boys assistant. Needless to say Hank was a very busy man in the early part of the 1970’s volunteering his free time to teach the game of basketball, but probably every minute worthwhile with the Blessed Sacrament 1974, 15-0 girls’ team that won the CYO Championship which included his daughter, Katie. During Hank’s time Blessed Sacrament, and after his departure, the Blessed Sacrament boys and girls consistently produced highly talented and competitive teams, much due to the knowledge, commitment, and instruction of Hank Casey.
Hank attended Blessed Sacrament Grammar School, followed by St. Joe’s Prep High School in Philadelphia where he participated on the basketball team, then collegiately at national power, Georgetown University. Hank played on the team at Georgetown that played the first game at McDonough Arena. Hank also attended Trenton State College.
Jim Dill, Coach – St. Joseph’s / Cathedral
James began his CYO career as a player at St. Joseph’s from 1955 -1957. He is most remembered as a coach at St. Joseph’s and Cathedra. Jim was a three time CYO Coach of the Year, 1982, 1989, and 1990, winning several CYO championships, three Holy Cross Christmas Tournaments, two Notre Dame Sending School Tournaments, and two Willingboro Tournaments. His greatest moment came during the 1987-1988 season when Cathedral finished undefeated, winning five separate championships.
Jim’s Cathedral Crusaders were one of the most dominant Grammar School teams in the mid to late 1980’s; often times playing high school Junior Varsity teams for better competition. Jim coached the likes of Deon Hames, Andrew Kennedy, and Rashawn Glenn, and was instrumental in their development and success.
Jim attended Notre Dame High School where he was a member of the 1960 and 1961 State Championship soccer teams. From there he attended Trenton Junior College and was a member of the 1963 National Championship soccer team. He was named first team ALL American JUCO Soccer in 1963. He was inducted into the Mercer County Soccer Hall of Fame and the Mercer County Community College Soccer Hall of Fame.
Joe’s involvement with the CYO covered two decades as a successful coach and top official. Coaching the Girls Varsity teams at St. Anthony’s for six years Joe guided his girls to two CYO Championships and coaches several of the leagues top players and future High School stars. However, O’Gorman is most remembered as one of the top referees of his time, with countless games worked, and a no nonsense approach that earned him the distinction of the CYO Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee in the Referee Division. During Joe’s CYO time he was a member of IAABO Board 193 for 15 years, where he was a top, local high school official, assigned to many high profile games.
Since retiring from coaching and officiating, O’Gorman is no stranger to basketball, and all sports in Mercer County. For the last 25 years, he has reported the stories to us as a Sports Writer for the “Trentonian” newspaper. Over the years, Joe has covered all of the top, local stars, big games, and brought important information to all the sports fans from New York to Philly. Currently, Joe covers high school field hockey, the local colleges, including Princeton University and the College of New Jersey’s Men’s and Women’s basketball teams, and does a weekly column on NASCAR. He was voted the College Writer of the Year in 2004 by the College Sports Information Directors. Joe is a former part-time employee of the CYO, a Camp Counselor for four Summers at the CYO Day Camp in Yardville while in high school.
Jack Cryan, Male Player – St. Joseph’s
A CYO star in the late 1950’s Jack led his St. Joe’s team to the league title during his 7th grade year in 1957. To this day, Cryan remains one of Mercer County’s greatest high school stars, beginning his athletic success at the CYO. Jack was the first multi sport star at Notre Dame High School where he received All City honors in basketball, soccer, and baseball.
Jack continued his education at Rider University where he once again was an athletic star. Cryan was a three year starter in basketball and soccer, being named a Little All-American basketball player and to NJ All State team in basketball in 1966. Jack led the entire nation in free throw shooting percentage in the same year with an average of 91.6%. After Jack graduated from Rider in 1966 he continued his hoops career for the Sunbury Mercuries of the Eastern Professional League.
In 1971, at the age of 27, Jack died after being stricken with cancer. Today his memory lives on through the prestigious Jack Cryan Memorial Award which was created 40 years ago by many of Jack’s friends, and is the most coveted in Mercer County basketball. The award is synonymous with boy’s basketball excellence and is awarded to a senior who displays outstanding sportsmanship, is a team leader, and a gentleman on and off the court, just as Jack was.
Donald Ellison, Male Player – Our Lady of Divine Shepherd
Donald starred at Our Lady of Divine Shepherd in the mid to late 1970’s with his brother Willie, a Co-Hall of Fame Inductee. Together they received All Star recognition and led OLDS to regular season and playoff championships. He and his brother Willie led the Greater Trenton AAU team to a State Championship at the age of 15 and later went on to the National AAU Tournament in Conway, Arkansas. Donald continued his basketball career at both McCorristin and Trenton High.
As a Junior on the 1982-83 McCorristin team Ellison helped lead his squad to a 27-3 record and to the NJSIAA Parochial ‘A’ Championship. As a Senior at Trenton High he once again helped lead his team deep into the State Tournament where the Tornadoes were the State Final Runner-Ups. His basketball career continued at Stockton State College where he became the school’s all time leading scorer and rebounder. His 1986-87 team made the Division 3 Final Four, and Donald was named to the Final Four All Tournament Team. He graduated from Stockton with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. Donald remains active in basketball today as a referee with IAABO Board 193, where he has been a member for the last 20 years, and currently serves on their Executive Board. Ellison continues to work the top games year in and year out in Mercer County and has been assigned to a Boy’s State Championship and to a Tournament of Champions Semi-Final game.
Brian Bigos, Male Player – Our Lady of Sorrows
Brian was a CYO star at Our Lady of Sorrows from 1988-1993, leading his team to the 1993 League Championship. Bigos was named league MVP in 1993, his 8th grade season. Brian went on to star at Steinert High where he received All County and All Area recognition in 1995, 1996, and 1997. In 1997 Brian led the Spartans to the Central Jersey Group IV State Championship, being named first team All State in Group IV and County player of the year.
Brian set the Steinert High scoring record in 1997 with 1,408 points, which puts him as the 8th leading scorer all time in Mercer County. Brian’s talents, accolades, and leadership earned him to the All Mercer County Decade Team for 1990-2000. Bigos continued his hoops career end education at Rider University and Bryant College. While at Rider, Bigos and the Broncs participated in the NIT (National Invitational Tournament). At Bryant, Bigos was named to the 2001 All Tournament Team for the Albany Holiday Basketball Tournament and led the team in three point field goal percentage. Brian received a B.S. in Finance from Bryant.
William Ellison, Male Player – Our Lady of Divine Shepherd
Willie starred at Our Lady of Divine Shepherd in the mid 1970’s with his brother Donald, a CO-Hall of Fame Inductee. Together they received All Star recognition led OLDS to a regular season and playoff championship. He and his brother Donald led the Greater Trenton AAU team to s State Championship at the age of 15 and later went on to the National AAU Tournament in Conway, Arkansas.
Willie continued his basketball career at McCoristin High School where he became a star. Ellison was named Team MVP and the Jack Cryan Award winner in 1982, his senior season. Willie became a 1,000 point scorer at McCorristin and was awarded several honors including: the first team ALL Colonial Valley Conference, first team All Parochial ‘A’, first team All Area, first team NJSIAA All Tournament team, Knights of Columbus Award winner and to the All State Team, along the way his team complied a 27-3 record and became the NJSIAA Parochial ‘A’ Champions. Willie participated in the Mercer County All Star game and in the NJ All Star game. Ellison continued his education and basketball career at Stockton State College, where he received a B.A. in Marketing and Business.
Fred Falchi, Male Player – Immaculate
Fred Falchi is a man with a lifetime of basketball achievements from his start with the CYO in 1972 and still on going. A three year Varsity player at Immaculate Conception under Jerry Howell Sr., and Jerry Howell Jr., Fred was the 1975 CYO MVP. He moved onto Pennington Prep High School where he was a freshman he received the Most Team Spirit Award. During his Junior and Senior seasons, Fred was voted Team MVP, and was named to the Trenton Times and Trentonian’s All Prep first team in 1978 and 1979.
Fred gave back to Immaculate starting in 1982 where he coached on the JV and Varsity level until 1992. This was followed by a four year stop as assistant coach at Notre Dame High School, which then led to his current coaching job at McCorristin (now Trenton Catholic Academy) starting in 1998. For the last 12 years Fred has been the head Boy’s Varsity Coach compiling a 235-89 record. Falchi has had many successful teams and accolades over the last 12 years including several top 25 State, Regional, and National rankings, being a 5 time Trenton Times and Trentonian Coach of the Year, 10 time CVC and Burlington League champ, 6 time South Jersey Parochial B Champion, and a solo Parochial B State Championship, but Fred brought a whole new level of success and accolades to Trenton Catholic Academy and Mercer County basketball in 2010. Falchi guided his Iron Mikes to a 2010 Tournament of Champions victory, becoming the only boys’ team in Mercer County to ever win the TOC. For his efforts, Fred was named the NJ State High School Coach of the Year. Through all of this, Fred still recalls his playing days at the CYO in front of standing room only crowds as his greatest basketball memory.
Terry Morawski, Male Player – Holy Cross
Terry was a star at Holy Cross in the late 1950’s, leading them to back-to-back CYO Championships during his 7th and 8th grade years. Terry was a three time CYO All Star and named league MVP after his 8th grade season.
Morawski played at Trenton Catholic Boys High from 1959-1962, and then when Trenton Catholic closed he went to Cathedral. Terry was a 6’-5” center and played for legendary coach Father Clarence O’Shea. Terry contributed as a freshman and sophomore for Trenton Catholic, but it was during his junior season, the last for TC, that he led the Golden Wave to a 24-2 record. They won 22 straight before falling to Bishop Eustace in the South Jersey Parochial A title game. Morawski again led TC into the famous ESCIT in Newport, Rhode Island, which featured the top Catholic schools in the Northeast. TC made the finals but lost to DeMatha of Washington, 58-56 on a buzzer beater. Terry made All-County averaging 16.2 points per game.
Kevin Tylus, Male Player – St. Paul’s
Kevin played at St. Paul’s for four years on the Grammar School level and for two years in the High School Summer League. These were Kevin’s formative years, which led to becoming a top notch high school and college player. Kevin was the Grammar School MVP in eight grade in 1969, having scored 1,194 points over four seasons, and the High School Summer league MVP in 1972. Behind his leadership and skill, St. Paul’s won three Grammar School championships in four seasons and retired the Bishop Ahr trophy. Tylus returned to the CYO in 1996 as a coach at St. Greg’s where he helped direct their boys’ team, which included his son Kevin, to a Junior Varsity Championship.
Kevin became a top player at The Hun School, which won the Penn-Jersey Prep Championship, with Kevin receiving All Prep and All Area recognition. He was also a member of Hun’s State Championship baseball team and was named All Prep in soccer. Prior to college, Kevin was All State in basketball and baseball as a Post Graduate at Fork Union Academy in Virginia. At Gettysburg College, Kevin helped them advance to the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament during the 1974-1975 season, led the team in free throw shooting and had a personal best 20 point against Rutgers.
Kevin’s accomplishments stretch from the playing fields to the community, where he has been honored by America Red Cross of Central NJ, the Central NJ Boy Scouts as a “Spirit of America” awardees, the Boys and Girls Club of Trenton, the Community YMCA as a “Distinguished Citizen”, and by The Hun School as a “Distinguished Alumnus” and “Athletic Hall of Fame” inductee. Kevin credits values learned through the CYO for his interest in serving on several community and business Boards.
Cindy Astore, Female Player – St. Raphael’s
Cindy played CYO Basketball for five years at St. Raphael’s under Hall of Fame coach, and Mother, Rose Astore. Cindy was a member of three CYO Basketball championships and a three time league MVP from 1974-1976. Astore was also a member of the 1976 CYO softball championship team and the 1976 league MVP.
She continued her athletic career at Hamilton West where she earned nine Varsity letters. She was a 1980 All County basketball selection, leading the County in assists, and an All County Soccer selection. Her athletic success at West earned her an induction into the Hornets Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. Today, Cindy is the head girl’s freshman and Junior Varsity basketball coach at Steinert, and the Assistant Varsity coach, where she has been for the last 13 years. She has had much success on the high school level as a coach guiding three teams to undefeated seasons. Astore also serves as the head freshman softball coach and the Assistant Varsity Coach at Steinert.
Nicole Brown, Female Player – St. Anthony’s
Nicole was a five year star at St. Anthony’s under fellow Hall of Fame coach Mike Drangula. During this time she was a three time Large School Division All Star and led her team to a ‘B’ Division Playoff Championship, in 1997. Brown was named to numerous Tournament All Star Teams including the Immaculate Conception Turkey Shoot Tournament. One of her finest moments was when she scored 39 points against Blessed Sacrament in a 59-54 win. Despite her small stature in grammar school, Nicole had a big heart, and was a great team leader. Nicole received the league’s Sportsmanship Award during her 8th grade season.
Nicole continued her basketball success at Steinert High School. She was named to the third team All CVC as a Sophomore, to the second team as a Junior, and to the first team as a Senior. Nicole continued her education and athletics at Mercer County Community College. She led her team to back-to-back Region 19 Division II Championships in 2004 and 2005, and was named Tournament MVP in 2004. Brown played basketball in Italy for a two week tour through MCCC in 2006.
Caren Castaldo, Female Player – Our Lady of Sorrows
Caren was a star at Our Lady of Sorrows for three years in the early 1970’s, leading them to a double overtime, buzzer beating , Playoff Championship, which she still considers her greatest basketball moment.
Castaldo moved on to Notre Dame High where she was once again a basketball star. She was a two time ALL County selection and an All State selection during her Senior year. Caren continued her education and basketball career at Monmouth College. She received a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from Monmouth and her M.A. in Student Personnel Services, Substance Awareness Coordinator, from The College of New Jersey.
Sandy Walker, Female Player – St. Stanislaus
Sandy was a rare six year Varsity player for the powerful St. Stan's from 1985-1991 for Hall of Fame Coach Mike Drangula. During her six years St. Stan’s won first place season championships in 1988, 1989, and 1991. Walker was named MVP of the playoffs in the 1990 and the league MVP during her 8th grade season in 1991, which she calls her greatest CYO basketball memory.
Sandy continued her basketball excellence at McCorristin Catholic High School where she became a four year starter and four time letter winner. Sandy also starred on the softball team where she received four Varsity letters and on the tennis team where she received two Varsity letters. During her Senior year she was named Female Athlete of the Year at McCorristin. Sandy received several All County accolades in basketball. Sandy was invited to participate in the 1994 and 1995 Olympic Trials for the USA Women’s Olympic Basketball Team for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Sandy attended Philadelphia University where she received her B.S. in 1999 and the University of Tampa where she earned her Executive MBA in 2009. She was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society, a business honor society recognizing outstanding students of business, in 2009; she was among the top 20% of all graduating MBA students throughout the world to qualify.
Patty Hemlinger – Jewell, Female Player – St. Raphael’s
Patty was a star at St. Raphael’s during the 1978-1979 season, playing under John Bartolmei and Hall of Fame Coach Rose Astore. Patty led St. Raphael’s to several championships during this season, achieving many personal accolades, while being defeated only one time. St. Raphael’s won the regular season and playoff championship Patty was named the league MVP. In addition, she led her team to the Knights of Columbus, St. Raphael’s Invitational, and St. Anthony’s tournament championships, once again being named MVP in the St. Anthony’s tournament and Co-MVP in the St. Raphael’s tournament.
Patty went on to star at Hamilton High West where she led the Hornets to the 1982-1983 Mercer County Championship and Group III State Championship. At West she became a 1,000 point scorer and received All American and All Mercer awards. Patty was a soccer and track & field star at Hamilton too, setting a School and County record in the javelin throw. She was named to the 1982 and 1983 All Mercer Track team and All County and All State soccer in 1981 and 1982. She was inducted into the Hamilton High West Hall of Fame in 2000.
Rose Agabiti, Special Contributor
The CYO Basketball Hall of Fame is comprised of the best players, coaches, and referees to come through the program over its 57 year period. The CYO Grammar School basketball league is considered the top youth basketball league in New Jersey and beyond. The same can be said for the CYO Cheerleading Program, but it wasn’t always the case, not until Rose Agabiti came around. Rose didn’t invent Cheerleading but she is considered an innovator of Cheerleading in Mercer County and the CYO. Rose turned halftime cheerleading into a traveling sport, and added to the history, personality, and atmosphere on South Broad St. and throughout Mercer County. Rose Agabiti is considered a “special” person for her contributions to the Cheerleading Program. Basketball and Cheerleading go hand and hand, and without Rose and her contributions, the Cheer Program wouldn’t have taken off with success.
Rose spent 11 years as the Head Cheerleading Coach at St. Joachim’s from 1964-1975. She was voted Mercer County Coach of the Year in 1973. Rose practiced her girls a few times a week and led them onto the court at halftime of each game. What she did during halftime of basketball games was special, but what she did for the sport and the competition of the sport locally was more important. Rose is considered a pioneer for Cheerleading in Mercer County; she had the foresight to turn halftime basketball game cheerleading into a County sport and led thousands of girls to competitions week after week. Today it is a National competition that fills arenas and Rose bridged the gap locally, and through the CYO. Rose had a vision to bring more competition to Mercer County, to set up cheer competitions at schools and parishes giving the cheerleaders a time to shine other than halftime of basketball games; and to focus on the individual performer, “Ms. Yell” as its known, and to make cheerleading a traveling sport. Rose organized bake sales, car washes, and fundraising platforms to allow her dreams to be fulfilled. She truly blazed the path for the young ladies and volunteer coaches that exist today.
Her efforts were rewarded during her last year when she coached St. Joachim’s to eight straight team first place tournaments including the Garden State Cheerleading Tournament at the Convention Hall in Asbury Park, missing a perfect score by one point, and a State Miss Yell winner in Lola Rossi, Lisa Strippoli, and Virginia Minelli in Bayonne. Rose coached numerous young ladies that went on to star as cheerleaders on the high school and college ranks. She was more than a coach to these young ladies, serving as a mentor and guidance counselor to them as well. Rose helped to make a good program in basketball become a great program by becoming its partner.
Scott Bollwage, Special Contributor
Organizations such as the CYO, and programs inside of the organization, and in this case the Athletic Program (that have stood the test of time for over 57 years) don’t just happen without the help, guidance, support, and dedication of “Special” people like Scott Bollwage. Scott served as CYO Athletic Director from 1975-1980; during this era CYO basketball thrived. A CYO Athletic Director is a very busy person during the basketball season, spending countless hours in gymnasiums over the course of the season, ensuring that every game and every aspect of every game is done correctly. A CYO Athletic Director is also a very unique person s well. It takes a “Special” person to handle 60 plus fiery, competitive, and committed coaches from what at his time were more than 20 different parishes, without any biases, and still being able to maintain balance and fairness. All this, and still many, many other duties and responsibilities that needed to be done on a daily basis to serve the entire organization, not just the basketball program.
Scott continued to serve the CYO after his days as Athletic Director when he was appointed to serve as a volunteer member of the Board of Trustees in the late 1990’s. Scott helped to set policies, represent and ensure the highest of standards of the Organization, and help point it in the right direction during a transition and expansion period. Scott Bollwage is, and will always be a very “special” person to the CYO, and out basketball program.
Harold Hall, Coach – Sacred Heart
Harold Hall coached the Sacred Heart basketball teams for 21 years, giving guidance and instruction to many great basketball players. Two p-layers that were fortunate enough to cross paths with Harold Hall are Ron Payton and Mark Bass, here tonight as inductees into the player division. It is no coincidence that he was one of the first coaches to mold these men into Division I basketball players they became. During his time at Sacred Heart Coach Hall’s teams won numerous CYO division championships and tournaments.
In addition to being a Hall of Fame Coach, Harold was a pretty good player at Trenton Catholic. He was named to the All City first team in 1954. After his days at Trenton Catholic he attended Rider College and received a degree in Criminal Justice.
Harold is retired from the Trenton Police Department after 30 years of service and is presently employed by the Attorney General, Office of insurance Fraud Prosecutor.
Judge David Schroth, Coach – Blessed Sacrament School
The late David J. Schroth coached Blessed Sacrament School’s basketball team for 14 years from approximately 1960 through 1974. During that time, in addition to winning CYO Championships, he coached some of the area’s top players. A few of his players over those years included Rick Barrett, who was All-County at Ewing High School and played college basketball at Cincinnati, where he attended on a full scholarship. His brother, Michael, won a Pennsylvania State Championship at Holy Ghost Prep, was All-County (Bucks) and played for Lafayette. Chad Barrett played basketball for Ewing High and was an All-County soccer player. Bob Rich and Tom Reba were standouts on Cathedral’s teams with fellow Honoree, Jack Adams. Bill Cahill went on to stand out on the prep scene at the Lawrenceville High School. Bill Rigot starred at Princeton Day School earning All Prep School honors and Tom Ungrady went on to play for Notre Dame High School.
Schroth brought the box and one, triangle and two, full court and half court presses and a myriad of other defenses to the CYO as well as a love for the fast break.
Dave Schroth himself played for Blessed Sacrament and starred at St. Joe’s Prep in Philadelphia where he played against Wilt Chamberlain. He was first team All-Catholic. Schroth is a graduate of Fordham University and Fordham Law School where he received his Juris Doctor. At Fordham, he played Freshman Basketball and was the starting goalie on the Varsity Soccer Team.
Schroth is former President of Trenton’s City Council, Presiding Judge of The Trenton Municipal Court and Judge of The New Jersey Superior Court for fifteen years and a member of the Board of the CYO.
Joyce Walters, Coach – St. Hedwig’s
Joyce coached the St. Hedwig’s grammar school team in the CYO for 30 years and was honored with a plaque by the CYO upon her retirement from coaching.
During those years, Joyce coached several championship teams and her teams made the playoffs in all but two of her 30 years. Her greatest memory was her undefeated team that won the division and the playoffs.
Her influence on her players is exemplified by having four of her players go on to high school and score over 1,000 points during their careers: Diane Olech, Joanne Ranke Franks; Monica Stanzec and her daughter Shelly Walters Dearden. Shelly also scored 1,000 points in college and with her mother as a role model, had gone on to coaching excellence in her own right coaching the women’s team at Ewing High for many years and this year was appointed Head Coach of the Boy’s team, the first female to coach a boys varsity team in Mercer County.
Joyce was honored by the CYO as Coach of the Year on several occasions; she was inducted into the Trenton Softball Hall of Fame and also into the Ewing High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
George Holsman was a CYO Basketball official for nearly 30 years. He began officiating games in the early 1960’s when CYO games were played at the Junior 2 gym. George stopped blowing his whistle in 1990. For many of those years, George Holsman and Mincey Manczak were the CYO’s dynamic duo-working the first three games together each Sunday morning.
George was also a great basketball player for St. Mary’s School in the late 1940’s, then played for championship Trenton Catholic teams, (City and ESCIT champs). In addition, Holsman was MVP of the Eastern Service League during his years in the U.S. Navy.
Looking back on his CYO referee days, George recalls Henry Jingoli as his favorite coach. His best memories were watching the CYO youth progress through High School, (through a “referee’s eyes”), as athletes and young Catholic men.
John “Mincey” Manczak – Referee
Known to many as “Mr. CYO Basketball”, John “Mincey” Manczak devoted nearly 50 years to the CYO as the premiere basketball referee in the area. Even during the years when Mincey was officiating High School State Championships games in Atlantic City, he could still be found working CYO games on Sundays. When Mincey’s legs gave out, he became the CYO’s most dependable basketball time-keeper, literally until the day he died in 1996.
Mincey was a stellar athlete during his playing days in both basketball and baseball. In fact, he played minor league baseball with The Trenton Senators before World War II. Manczak always enjoyed telling stories of his baseball barnstorming days enduring long bus rides to games in West Virginia and elsewhere. One of Manczak’s favorite lines as a ref was: “When you step over the line, you’re mine!” Although he could come across as loud and abrasive at times, (especially when coaches or players needed to be controlled), those who knew Mincey well, knew him as a great man. He loved basketball, the kids, and the CYO.
In his “other job”, Mincey was employed for more than 30 years with the CITY of Trenton Shade Tree Division-retiring in 1981. At that time, Mincey became a very competitive golfer – a true athlete, excelling at any game he tried!
David Potash served as an IAABO official for 34 years including 23 as a CYO referee. His mentor was non other than Mincey Manczak. During his officiating career, Dave received the “John Manczak Award’ from the CYO as well as the “Joe Logue Award” from IAABO Chapter # 193
As with many referees, Dave Potash was first an outstanding basketball player himself starting with his CYO All Star days at Immaculate Conception in the late 1950’s. He recalls playing against St. James in front of a packed house at Junior 2 when Mincey called him “Bug Legs”! Dave went on to be All-City and All-Diocese during his career at St. Anthony’s High School, then played at Trenton Junior College and the University of Corpus Christi in Texas.
Dave Potash retired after 34 years of teaching in the Trenton Public Schools. For 25 of those years, Dave was both the Director of the Wetzel Summer Adult Basketball League and the Hamilton Hoops Summer League.
Jack Adams, Player – St. Mary’s
Jack Adams played CYO Basketball for St. Mary’s from 1959-1963. He has quite a resume from these years, including being a two time CYO Southern Division Most Valuable Player. His 1962-63 St. Mary’s team finished 19-0 and gave St. Mary’s their first ever full league championship. Jack was a two year co-captain and the team’s leading scorer for two straight seasons, and was a two time starting All Star. Jack holds seven separate CYO league and tournaments awards to his two MVP awards.
Jack and four of his starting teammates from the unbeaten squad in 1962-63 were ranked as one of the top grade school teams in the State from officials from South Amboy, Asbury Park, and Trenton.
From St. Mary’s Jack went to Cathedral High School where he was a star basketball player as well. Jack led Cathedral to the 1966-67 Parochial State Championship and is one of the greatest scorers in Cathedral and Mercer County High School history with 1099 points. Jack continued his academic and athletic career at Holy Cross College. He received an A.B. from Holy Cross in English and his Law Degree from The University of Miami.
Mark Bass, Male Player – Sacred Heart
Mark Bass played CYO Basketball for Sacred Heart, where he started what would be a great playing career from Grammar School to Division I college hoops. Under the guidance of Hall of Fame Coach, Harold Hall, Mark won numerous individual awards including two MVP Awards in 1986 in the Notre Dame and Holy Cross tournaments and the CYO Large School Division MVP in 1987. His Sacred Heart teams won the Small School Division Championships in the 1984 and were Large School Division Champs in 1985, 86, and 87.
In 1987Mark enrolled at McCorristin Catholic High School in Hamilton where he was a four year letterman and led McCorristin to back to back Parochial ‘A’ State Championships in 1989 and 1990. At the end of his Senior year Mark was named Player of the Year and set all time scoring record at McCorristin with 1,482 points. After graduating from McCorristin, Mark went on to Maine Central Institute, helping the squad to a 27-1 record.
In 1992 Mark accepted a scholarship to St. Joseph’s University where he was a fiery leader on the court making the 1992-1993 All Freshman Team. His Senior year he led the Hawks to the NIT finals averaging 14.3 points per game while connecting on a then school record 91 three pointers. A second team all Big 5 selection, he connected on 225 three-pointers over his four year career. He also served as a team captain his Junior and Senior years at SJU. As a freshman Mark led the A-10 conference in free throw percentage (86.9%) and led in three point percentage as a Junior (.423). Mark graduated in 1996 with a degree in Marketing from St. Joe’s and is also a member of the University’s Hall of Fame.
Lou Bucchere, Male Player – Our Lady of Sorrows
Lou Bucchere played CYO basketball for OLS from 1980-82. During this time his teams were very successful, winning the 1981 NDHS Sending Tournament, the 1981 CYO Northern Division, and were the 1981 CYO Playoff Runner-Ups. Lou was a member of the 1982 CYO Large School All Star Team, and was a member of a few other successful youth basketball teams, including the 1981 National Little Lads Runner-Ups, and the 1981 New Jersey State AAU Champions.
From OLS Lou took his basketball career to NDHS. During his Senior year he was named to the All Mercer Basketball Team and was selected as the prestigious Jack Cryan Award Winner. In addition to basketball at ND Lou was a successful soccer player, and was named to the 1985 Hibernian Senior “Soccer 11” team.
After graduating from ND Lou continued his education and athletic career at Division I Drexel University, participating on the soccer and basketball teams. His next stop was TSC, and was a very memorable one not only for him but for the entire Mercer County Basketball Community. The team took the basketball fans for an unforgettable ride in 1989 finishing 30-1 and was the NCAA Division III National Runner Ups. Lu served as captain on the 1989-90 TSC team, and was named Mr. Hustle in the Lennox Invitational Tournament. Lou and his 1989 team were inducted into the TCNJ Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004 as a team of “distinction”. Lou has served as a coach with McCorristin High School where they were CVC and Parochial A State Champions, and with Rider University where they were Northeast Conference Champions and made an appearance in the NCAA Division I Tournament.
John Bucci, Male Player – St. Joachim’s
John Bucci was a star on St. Joachim’s basketball team for three years in the mid 70’s, graduating from 8th grade in 1975. John then became a basketball star at St. Anthony’s High School, receiving several honors throughout his high school career.
As a Junior on the St. Anthony’s basketball team John made second team All Mercer-County during a year in which the Iron Mikes were South Jersey Parochial ‘A’ Champions. During his Senior year the individual awards and team championships continued. John was named MVP of the Irish Invitational, and put his name on the St. Anthony’s 1000 point list, finishing his High Scholl career with 1,025 points. John was selected to the All Mercer-County Basketball first team as a senior in 1979, and was named the Mercer County Basketball Athlete of the Year. In addition to that, John made the All Parochial State first team, and was third team of the All-State Team.
Jason Malloy, Male Player – Holy Cross
Jason Malloy played Grammar School Basketball for Holy Cross from 1996 through 1999. It was during this time that he was selected to many All Star games and received the 1998-99 regular season sportsmanship award. Jason was always a scoring threat for Holy Cross, but never more dangerous then the 54 points he put up in a 60-58 double OT playoff victory.
Jason continued playing basketball at Hamilton West. He led Hamilton to the 2002-2003 CVC Valley Division Championship and was named first team all CVC that year. Jason was awarded the prestigious Jack Cryan Award after his senior year and ranks second on the Hamilton West scoring list with 1,276 points.
In addition to his accomplishments at Holy Cross and Hamilton, Jason was a member of the Central Jersey AAU NJ State Champions. Jason was also part of a District 12 Championship team with Sunnybrae Little League in 1995.
James Nemeth, Male Player – St. Stephen’s
James Nemeth played CYO basketball for St. Stephen’s for most of the decade of the 60’s. The eight years he played, from 1960-61 season through the 1967-68 season is a CYO record. James was talented enough to play for St. Stephen’s starting in first grade. By the time he was an 8th grader he was league MVP, and the highlight of the year was a 53 point effort against his toughest opponent, St. Mary’s. James continued his basketball playing days in high school for Cathedral.
Currently, James is in his 23rd year of services with the Trenton Police Department and holds the rank of Detective Lieutenant. His responsibilities include overseeing Police Academy Training of new recruit classes and in service trainings.
Carmen Nitti, Male Player – St. James
Carmen Nitti starred in the CYO basketball league for St. James from 1957-1962. He was selected to the All Star team as a 7th and 8th grader, and played for an undefeated team as a 6th grader. Carmen played his high school basketball at Cathedral, was the MVP of the 1966 squad, and was named to the All Parochial first team. Carmen was a successful baseball player for Cathedral as well; making All-Parochial first team in baseball too.
Carmen has received degrees from MCCC and a B.S. from Murray State University, and his graduate degree from TSC. From there he started a very successful coaching career at St. Anthony’s from 1976-1982. The highlight of these years was a 1982 State Championship with a 27-3 record. Carmen holds an impressive coaching record of 128-60 during this time, and was a 4 time Coach of the Year Award Winner and guided St. Anthony’s to 5 conference championships.
Brian O’Reilly, Male Player – Our Lady of Sorrows
Brian O’Reilly was a star at OLS in the late 70’s and early 80’s. He led OLS to several championships during this time, including the 1981 CYO Northern Division championship, the 1981 NDHS Sending School Championship, the 1980 St. Raphael’s Tournament championship, and the 1980 CYO championship. In addition to this he was part of the 1980 AAU State Championship.
His basketball career continued at NDHS where he was selected to the All Mercer County first team and was awarded the prestigious Jack Cryan winner. Brian was a star on the ND soccer and baseball teams too. He was selected to the All Mercer County baseball and soccer teams and to the All State soccer team. During his playing days at ND, Brian participated on 7 scholastic state championship teams.
Brian continued his academic and athletics at Lafayette College. He was a 4 year letter winner on the soccer team at Lafayette and captain during the 1988-89 season. He was selected to the All ECL soccer team during the 1988-89 season and was named a Regional All American.
Ron Payton, Male Player – Sacred Heart
Two ways to put Ron Payton’s basketball career in perspective would be easy. Ron is the all time leading scorer in Mercer County High School Basketball history with 2,674 points. Also, he spent his college days at Syracuse University playing for a perennial National power, and legendary coach, Jim Boehim.
Ron played at Sacred Heart from 1970-74 for a CYO Basketball Hall of Fame coach, Harold Hall, his 8th grade team finished 33-1. From Sacred Heart he went to Hun where he was named all Mercer County, All State, and All American. His 1977 and 1978 Hun teams were State Champions. The honors continued at Syracuse where he was Big East ESPN Collegiate Player of the Week in 1982 as well as the Big East Player of the Week.
Ron received a B.S. degree from Syracuse and is currently a teacher and business owner, living in Burlington, NJ with his children Taj, Corye, Melanie, and Melissa. Ron serves on the Board of Directors for the NAACP and the Boys and Girls Club in Binghamton, NY.
Jack Rafferty, Male Player – Holy Angels
Before being a great Mayor for Hamilton Township, Jack Rafferty was a great CYO basketball player for Holy Angels in the mid 50’s. It was during this time that he participated on dozens of championship teams as part of Holy Angels with the CYO and the Trenton Parochial League, Hamilton Township Recreation, and the Trenton YMCA. Jack continued his basketball career with Trenton Catholic High School and then with Trenton Junior College. During his time with Trenton Junior College he was team captain.
While attending Trenton Junior College Jack received his A.A. degree before his education continued at LaSalle College where he earned his B.A. degree. Jack then enrolled at the University Of Kentucky College Of Law where he earned his J.D. In 1970 he was elected to Hamilton Township Governing Body and served in this position until 1976 when he was elected as the first full-time Mayor of Hamilton Township. Jack served Hamilton as Mayor for 24 years leading the Township through many new and exciting times and successful projects. His success and foresight as Mayor over 24 years makes Hamilton a wonderful, safe, and beautiful place to live.
Nick Werkman, Male Player – Immaculate
Nick “The Quick” Werkman played for Immaculate Conception Grammar School from 1954-56. His 1956 team was a perfect 33-0 winning the CYO regular season and playoff championships and the Grammar School Diocese and State Championships.
Nick’s basketball days continued at Trenton Catholic where he was a three time State Champion with the Golden Waves and was named to first team All State. In addition, Nick was the MVP of the NJ/NY ALL Star Game, MVP of the Newport, Rhode Island Tournament twice, and first team All ESCIT twice. Another High School award was the High School Athlete of the Year from the Kent Association.
Nick went from Trenton Catholic to Division I Seton Hall University on a full basketball scholarship. It was here that he became the second leading scorer in Seton Hall history with 2273 points, averaging 32 points per game, was All American in 1962,63, and 64 and was the nations leading scorer in 1963, second leading scorer in the nation in 64, and the third leading scorer in the nation in 62. Nick was named the NJ Sports Writers Collegiate Athlete of the Year, the Collegiate Player of the Year, and the Metropolitan Sportswriter Player of the Year in 1964. Nick was inducted into the Seton Hall University Hall of Fame and the NJ Collegiate Hall of Fame. After graduating from Seton Hall with a B.A. degree the Boston Celtics drafted Nick and he played with them in 1964-65. Nick also earned his M.A. from Seton Hall.
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