Printer Friendly Version - Celtics Take the Valley Cup Title

The Celtics claimed a 70-60 victory versus the Grizzlies to capture the crown in the 2022 Valley Cup Tournament hosted by the Deep River Parks & Recreation Department. Pictured from the Celtics are (back) coach Kyle Montecalvo, Mason Drew, Jason Malli, Michael Kollmer, Jacob McKenna, Colin Carver, Tucker Burr, and coach Gavin Filacchione with (front) Luke Baczewski. Missing from photo is Ben Safran. Photo courtesy of Deep River Parks & Recreation

The Deep River Parks & Recreation Department’s winter basketball program, offered to youth in grades K through 12, recently completed its 2022 season. There were many participants who had a great time playing in the league, and the rec department thanks all of the volunteer coaches and staff who gave their time and talents each week to bring this program to the local youth.

The league’s NBA high school program for players in grades 9 to 12 finished its season by holding its annual Valley Cup Tournament. The tournament saw five teams battle each other for a chance to take home the Silver Cup trophy.

In the championship game, the Celtics defeated the Grizzlies by the final score of 70-60 to win the title at John Winthrop Middle School gymnasium. Colin Carver led the Celtics with 20 points, while teammate Mason Drew added 18 points in the victory. Two other players in double digits for the Celtics were Jason Malli scoring 15 points and Michael Kollmer posting 12 points.

The two coaches for the Celtics, Kyle Montecalvo and Gavin Filacchione, are former players who came back to support the program and volunteer their time. The duo led the team to a regular-season record of 6-2 on the year. The roster for the Celtics also included Luke Baczewski, Tucker Burr, Jacob McKenna, and Ben Safran.

The Grizzlies were a worthy opponent for the Celtics in the final. Led by coaches Casey Metz and Jim Metz, the team notched a record of 7-2 and entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed. The high scorers for the Grizzlies in the final were Mason Erwin with 16 points and Lucas Rogers with 15 points.

The Deep River Parks & Recreation Department thanks everyone who volunteered this season and sends a special shoutout to the league’s other coaches: Tyler Saunders, Trevor Tiezzi, Maureen Evans, Michael Cullina, Tony DaRe, Danielle Lucas, Jay Lucas, Olivia Cunningham, and Liam Welch. The department also thanks the league’s referees, along with the custodial staffs at John Winthrop Middle School, Deep River Elementary School, and Essex Elementary School.