PETERSBURG — Township Committee presented special proclamations to three youth sports teams May 11, honoring their successful seasons.
The Upper Township Basketball Association girls and boys third- and fourth-grade teams each won the championship this season in the South Shore League, while the Upper Township Green Hornets Wrestling Program won the South Jersey Youth Wrestling League title.
The girls team had an undefeated season, winning 10 games straight and holding opponents to fewer than 5 points on average per game.
The team played in the championship game March 7, beating Lower Township 12-7. Players were Adeline Bolitho, Sydney Eckert, Kaelyn Gilchrist, Abigail Hindle, Erin McHale, Molly McHale, Mairead McMahon, Moly Persun, Juliette Reese and Sloane Williams.
Coach Paul Reese and assistant coach Ashley Eckert volunteered to lead the team. Township Committee offered its “heartfelt thanks and gratitude for their commitment and service to the young people of this community.”
Committee also congratulated the third- and fourth-grade boys team on their championship. The boys defeated Dennis Township 25-24 on March 7.
“This inexperienced team started the season as underdogs with little anticipation for success, but their hard work and determination week after week gave them the drive to succeed,” Committeeman Sam Palombo said.
Players were Dominick Alliano, Marc Draboski, Joseph Freda, Lincoln Gracia, Jake Grassi, Cruz Law, Cooper McClure, Cayden Scioli, Jonathan Thomas and Mason Wood.
Head coach Andrew Wood and assistant coaches Kristen McClure and Devon Scioli provided guidance and encouragement throughout the season.
The Upper Township Green Hornets Wrestling Program also had an outstanding 2025-2026 season, winning the South Jersey Youth Wrestling League Championship
“Township Committee, on behalf of the citizens of Upper Township, recognize and congratulate the athletes and coaches for their dedication, hard work and accomplishments,” Palombo said.
Participants were Wyatt Gant, Tommy Tyrrell, Mylah Carney, Merrick Vaughan, Gavin Burgess, Hannah Wojcik, Brock Barber, Branson Shaw, Ethan McMahan, Ethan Bostard, Michael Tomlin, Finn Wheeler, Luke McHale, Jax Candeloro, Jack Lauer, Riley Jones, Rocco Palombo, Brynn Cunningham, Keira Cunningham, Dani Schlachter, Asher Comeforo, Trent Lera, Carson Nieves, Aiden McHale, Landon Gracia, Jeff Heaton, Aiden Newcomb, Brayden Hinrichsen and Brayden Jones.
Township Committee also extended its appreciation to head coach Frank Sannino and assistant coaches Jerry Stroh, Joseph Cunningham, Jeremy Gant and Tom Tyrrell.
– STORY and PHOTOS by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff