PCA 7th/8th Grade Boys Win Seacoast League Championship!

Written in collaboration with senior Emma Eisner and the PCA Marketing Team.

After an intense 42-39 victory against St. Patrick Academy, our PCA 7th/8th Grade Varsity Boys Basketball team has officially been crowned the Seacoast Private School League Champions! With clutch plays like 7th grade student athlete, Jarad Stockbower’s crucial steal and free throws, these young athletes left everything on the court—and the results speak for themselves.

A youth basketball team in white jerseys holds a trophy and a championship banner on a gym floor, with coaches and players posing for a group photo.
A basketball player in an Eagles uniform receives a medal from a coach. Another person holds a trophy in the background.
Two basketball teams of young players in green and white uniforms stand side by side on a gym court under a basketball hoop.

This championship win was no accident. It was the product of hours of hard work, determination and spirit from each team member. Every member of the team gave their all, overcoming challenges with resilience and heart. And it wasn’t just their efforts that led them to this victory— The energy and support from the PCA community was a driving force.

Whether you were cheering from the stands, supporting from home, or showing your support in other ways, YOU were an essential part of this win!

A large group of people sitting and standing in bleachers, clapping and looking forward, with a sunny window in the background.
Four young men stand and clap enthusiastically in a gymnasium, with empty blue bleachers behind them.
A crowded gymnasium with spectators sitting in bleachers, watching and clapping for a player on the basketball court.

Now, let’s rewind to the semifinal game on February 14th. PCA came out strong, defeating Sacred Heart 53-27 and securing their spot in the championship game. It was an impressive, dominant performance that had fans on the edge of their seats, showcasing the team’s skill and teamwork. That win set up the final showdown with St. Patrick Academy on Saturday, February 15th, where the Eagles earned their well-deserved title.

When we asked 8th grader, Ezra Chamberlain, about his biggest area of improvement, he said, “Personally, the biggest area of improvement for me was my aggression towards the basket. As a smaller guard, going up against players much taller can be intimidating, but I got more comfortable with it over the course of the season. By the time we reached the championship, I felt much more confident attacking the rim.”

A young basketball player in an "Eagles" jersey prepares to shoot a free throw. Other players and a blurred audience are visible in the background.
A basketball player in a white "Eagles" uniform, number 35, preparing to shoot a free throw. Opponent in green, number 30, is visible in the foreground. Spectators are seated in the background.

The championship game was nothing short of spectacular, with PCA fighting hard against a strong St. Patrick’s Academy team. But no matter the challenge, the Eagles remained focused and united. When we asked Tommy Henker about the biggest challenge the team faced, he claimed, “One of the biggest challenges we faced this season was our level of aggression and commitment. At times, it wasn’t where it needed to be. But as the season went on, we made a collective decision to give everything we had, and that drive was key to securing the championship.”

The game came down to the final moments, and when a clutch play sealed the win, the crowd went wild! The Eagles went on to win 42-39, a victory that was sweet for everyone involved. From the first buzzer to the last, it was clear that PCA had earned this moment.

Two basketball players in white uniforms are on a court, with one passing the ball. A referee in a striped shirt is watching the play.
Basketball team in white jerseys huddles around coach during a game in a gymnasium, with spectators seated in the bleachers.

This win meant a lot to the players, too. 7th grader Jarad Stockbower shared, “Winning the championship has been a lifelong dream for me. I’ve been playing sports for as long as I can remember, so it means so much to achieve this with my team. There’s something special about playing team sports with friends and sharing this victory together.”

After the victory, we asked the players how it felt to win the championship. Here’s what they had to say:

Jarad Stockbower said that;“The moment we won felt incredible. We celebrated as a team, and it was so much fun. It was truly a special moment, one that I’ll always cherish.”

This was quickly echoed by Ezra Chamberlain who states; “Winning the championship felt amazing, especially after being down in the first half. We went into the second half trailing, but we picked up our game and completed the comeback. It was an unforgettable feeling.” And the excitement did not change with 8th grader Tommy Henker who said that “It was pure joy—thinking about how far we’ve come as a team over the season. All of that emotion poured out during the game, and when we won, it just felt incredible.”

This victory is for all of us—players, coaches, families, and fans. Thank you for your unwavering support. The Eagles have soared to new heights, and we cannot be prouder!

Go Eagles!