St. Hillary’s CYO team celebrates their Division Championship win!

Under the bright lights of a busy gym, the sounds of CYO basketball come to life: sneakers squeaking on polished floors, basketballs pounding rhythmically, and the sharp whistle of referees blending with the crowd’s reactions. These sights and sounds reflect the spirit of the game, where each dribble, pass, and shot tells a story of the highs and lows of CYO basketball.

Kodey Kish, a junior, dives into what makes CYO basketball special for him, “It’s the time with my friends, those on my team and those we play against, that fuels the excitement. Knowing every game is like a part of our story adds a layer of intensity you just don’t find anywhere else.”

CYO basketball, rooted in the parishes and schools of the Diocese of Cleveland, operates on a principle different from typical high school sports. Teams are mostly parish-based, offering a mix of competitive play and good fun only found in the CYO experience. Nearly 300 Walsh Jesuit students participate in the program each year, and there are separate leagues for boys and girls.

Anna Paulus, a junior who plays for her parish of St. Hillary, reflects, “CYO is the perfect middle ground. It’s organized, competitive basketball without the pressure of high school varsity sports. Playing for my parish, it feels like we’re all in it together, playing to have fun and be part of the team.”

The structure of the CYO league develops a sense of belonging and identity. While many teams are parish-affiliated, allowing students to represent their faith communities, schools like Walsh Jesuit have also found a home in CYO basketball. While the school has not had a CYO team on the courts since the 2021-2022 academic year, plans are now underway to rekindle the spirit of competition under the Walsh Jesuit banner next year.

“The return of a Walsh Jesuit team to CYO is super anticipated,” shares Nathan Klug, echoing the sentiment of many students. “It’s about bringing our school into the bigger level of competition and showcasing our skills.”

The CYO program has a dual focus incorporating faith and service into its mission. This dual focus on athleticism and personal growth creates a nurturing environment where students like Anthony Bernard thrive, “Winning is great, but what we really take away from CYO basketball are the moments of personal achievement, teamwork, and the lessons we learn from our victories and defeats.”

Despite the varied experiences of teams—some savoring victories, others enduring tough seasons—the consensus remains that CYO basketball is a treasured part of the high school experience of many Walsh Jesuit students. Despite facing a challenging season, Andrew Gale finds comfort in the program: “Our record wasn’t what we hoped for, but the memories we made are priceless. It’s more than just basketball because it’s about friendship and hanging out together.”

CYO basketball represents faith, friendship, community building, and fun. As the CYO league looks to the future, the excitement builds for the potential of championship glory and the opportunity to strengthen bonds.

Jonah Campagna sums up the anticipation, “Next year, with a Walsh Jesuit team back in the mix, we’re not just aiming for titles; we’re looking to make history together as a school!”