The St. Martin's boys 8th grade basketball team continues to roll. On Sunday, January 18, the Blue Thunder took on unbeaten powerhouse St. William's of Seaford. They had two players over 6 feet tall who were good shooters and the team moved the ball very well. The Blue Thunder's best defenders, Mitch Dull and Matt Litvonoff, guarded the big men and tried to keep them away from the basket. The defense also used a full court press to force turnovers. St. Martin's was down most of the game and was behind by 4 points going into the 4th quarter. The front court duo of Ty Allincock and Imani Thorton kept the pressure on, resulting in a series of steals and easy baskets. With one minute to go, Blue Thunder had the lead and St. William's had the ball. Will Blackler beat a pick play and forced the St. William's player to have to reset the play using up precious time. A long shot was attempted and clanged off the rim. James Fulford got the rebound and the buzzer sounded, with the team capturing sole possession of 1st place with a 10-0 record.

The St. Martin's 9th grade Tyro team has started the season 2-0 with a couple of barn burners. On January 11, the boys played a close game with St. Mary's of East Islip. They managed to hold the lead the entire game based on the solid offense of Cody Costa, Matt Macombe and Jasheem Pulley, and stalwart defense of Tom O'Connell and Thomas Kloepfer . With a minute to play, St. Mary's took the lead. The Thunder charged back and Courtney Jordan drained a 3-pointer for the lead and eventual victory. On January 18, the team was coasting against St. Matthew's of Dix Hills, bringing a 13 point lead into the 4th quarter. The twin towers, Chris McGovern and Bob Kretz, were ruling the roost, aided by Brendan Monahan's muscular play. However, things unraveled and St. Matt's took a 1 point lead with under a minute to play. St. Matt's aggressive defense was a little too much, sending Cody Costa to the foul line to tie the game. The press was on and the ball ended up in Chris McGovern's hands for the game-winning lay-up, saving the coach from a coronary.

Team leaders congratulated Tiziana Purick's 8th grade girls who ended the season with a 9-3 record and a trip to the play-offs.