The East Haven Firefighters Local 1205 boys’ basketball team recently won the 8th-grade championship in the Sal Tinari Biddy Basketball League by posting a 42-38 victory versus Forbes Fuel at the old East Haven High School.

During the season, the team’s coach, Mike Discepolo, passed away from cancer. The athletes on the team decided to dedicate the rest of their season to Discepolo. Discepolo coached Biddy Basketball for more than 20 years and his dream was to win a championship. Although he was sick, Discepolo coached East Haven Firefighters Local 1205 during the recent season, attending practices and games, while also handling arrangements for the team. After Discepolo passed away on Dec. 28, Anthony Bagnoli coached the squad for the rest of the season. The campaign culminated with the team’s nail-biting victory in the championship, which was dedicated to Discepolo.

The members of the East Haven Firefighters Local 1205 boys’ basketball squad are Scott Arpino, Christopher Bagnoli, Antonio Barnabei, Michael Capozzo, Shea Carusone, Anthony Cofrancesco, Robby Cofrancesco, Joey Esposito, James Hicks, and Tyler Vance.

Information courtesy of Carmella Cofrancesco