By: Gabby Carvens '28

Meet the Spartans Night took place on November 21. It is where the Men's and Women's Basketball teams, along with the cheer team, put on a series of events and small games in front of their families as a way to introduce and promote the upcoming season. This event has been happening at our high school for many years and is a very important tradition to our athletes. 

“Honestly, this night is a very enjoyable tradition for everyone. The parents get to meet the teams that their kids are a part of, and the teams get to show off their skills. I loved it when people came up to us afterwards and told us how good of a job we did,” said Senior Courtney Mentecki. 

The first team introduced was the cheerleaders. They came out and did a short “Get to know you,” where their Coach Gianna talked and gave some Q and A’s about her team. They then went on to do a glow-in-the-dark performance, foreshadowing their future halftime performance. 

“Our performance this year was very hip-hop and different. I think everyone, including the team, was surprised with the new change in style but also good dynamic on such a small team,” said Haley Mitchell ‘26. 

Next was the Women's Basketball team, and last but not least, the Men's. The teams’ head coaches spoke and they began with a game of knockout. They continued to do these mini games/events to hype up the night and make it more enjoyable for them and their families. 

“Us playing those games was fun. They were a way to show the parents what they can expect as far as shooting goes from all of us, but also a way for us just to relax and play with and against our teammates and the girls,” said Julian Jiggetts ‘29. 

After the night ended, the teams said goodbye to their families and went back into the locker rooms. Overall it was an entertaining night. As the teams’ seasons continue to go on, we hope to see you there supporting them. 

“Our families showing up to the games to support us is more important than they know. It changes the environment around us and gets us hype knowing that people are there for us, win or lose,” said Bella Bartolovic ‘28. 

By: Katy Short '27

As the St. Joseph High School girls' basketball team moves forward in the season, the players agree that the most meaningful parts of the season come near the end, when games and practices start to matter more. For Jocelyn Spinelli ‘27, playoffs are her favorite part of the season because “that’s when you're moving forward with the people you trust.”

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Teamwork and team bonding are integral to this sport. Kasey Cienik ‘26 and Jordan Cienik ‘28 both point towards their teammates, with Kasey simply stating that “her teammates” are her favorite part of the season and that “she loves them,” while Jordan adds that over the long season, “you become really close with them.”

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However, the lack of players on the team is a major struggle, which is pointed out by Jocelyn, who explained that “in practice [we] don’t have enough people for scrimmages,” so the team can't simulate games, which definitely is an obstacle that the team has to overcome. Jordan says that “winning games and working as a team” has been a struggle for them, which is probably because of the low number of girls.

By: Brayden Ehrman '27

The Saint Joseph Boys basketball team has started their season with new players and a new coaching staff. 

Nick Black ‘27 said, “I like the new version of the team because our coach helps us be the best version of ourselves.”

The team is well-formed from JV to Varsity and is doing well. The season is just beginning, but they are looking forward to a great season this year. “I have played Basketball before but this is my first time playing in high school. I am very happy to have this opportunity to spend with the team,” Black ‘27 said.

The coach knows what he's doing and is ambitious to build up his players to help them on and off the court. He wants to help the team grow as people, more than just players, by helping the athletes keep their grades up and being good students as well as good players. 

 Gabe Kappler ‘29 said, “I love the team because everyone listens to each other and we build each other up on and off the court.”

So far this year, the team is doing their best this season, and will hopefully thrive and make it to the playoffs.

By: Jocelyn Spinelli '27

At Saint Joseph High School, the bowling team is proving that the sport is much more than rolling a ball down the lane. Each match has tested the team's focus, teamwork, and determination, pushing them to grow both individually and collectively. I got a chance to interview the three captains: Louisa Palumbo ‘27, Martin Stickney ‘27, and Dom Dellemonache ‘26.  

Leadership plays a key role in keeping the team organized. When I asked the three captains for their opinions on having multiple leaders, they said that it really helps them distinguish roles and keeps them organized in leadership positions.

For people like Dom Dellemonache ‘26, bowling was a fun sport he wanted to try when he first came to Saint Joseph High School, and he liked it enough to stick with it.

Last season, Martin Stickney ‘27 competed in several major events, including the WPIALS and West Regionals. I asked Martin one of his goals for this season since his success last year, and he “wants to make sure he makes States, which [he] definitely thinks [he] could do.”

Despite common misconceptions, the team believes bowling deserves more respect. The three captains added to that, saying, “a lot of people think it’s lame, not a lot of sportsmanship.”

One way the bowling team unites is through preparation before the match. According to Louisa Palumbo ‘27,  “listening to hype music in the car and huddling up to pray” helps them prepare before a match. 

With strong leadership, clear goals, and determination, the Saint Joseph High School bowling team is rolling confidently toward a successful season.

By: Courtney Mentecki

At Saint Joseph High School, cheerleading is more than just supporting the school from the sidelines, but also creating never-ending bonds with new people. Performing cheers, dances, and chants helps uplift school spirit while adding excitement to the game. 

Gabriella Carvens 28’ said, “I really like the bond we have as a team. Everyone is included and we all joke and laugh. If someone doesn't get something and the others do, they take time out of their day to help each other.” 

The friendships that are created during cheer allow the girls to have another support system outside of their personal friend group at school. They encourage each other to do their best and are willing to help one another. Hoping other students see how exciting cheer is, the team hopes to bring in more students who want to add on another sport. 

“I really wanted to be in another sport. I have done sports for many years now, but never cheered for a school team. I thought this would be a good opportunity to make friends and have fun,” said Carvens. 

However, in cheer, there are many challenges that come with it. Cheerleading is a large commitment with many practices 4-5 days a week. Each practice is 2 hours of reviewing their performances and getting prepared and perfecting routines for the games. 

Carvens said, “For me, the hardest challenge is definitely the halftime dances. It takes a lot of time and sometimes I get a little confused. But, at the same time the challenge is a good thing because it pushes me to be my best. My team is always there to back me up and have never made me feel less than myself. I love my coach and my teammates. They truly make this experience ten times better.”

Although at times cheer can be overwhelming and stressful, the team is extremely excited to start the year off with their performances and hype up the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams. Every game gets more exciting each time. 

Niviah Andree ‘26 said, “I am always excited for the dances as well as the mini quarter dances as a team. Doing those is always fun and adds a touch of our personalities and how well we bond as a team.” 

The cheer team of 2025-2026 is ecstatic to bring new performances for Saint Joseph High School and prepared to make many more memories. 

Every Friday throughout the season of winter, open gyms are held at Highlands High School or Highlands Middle School. They are open to any high schooler from SJHS or Highlands who is thinking about joining the team. The coaches, Ashley McNutt, and Kasey Wolford, have been very supportive of every girl that has shown up, no matter how long they have been playing. “ It dosen’t matter the skill level you play at. What matters is your love for the game and motivation to get better,” said Ashley McNutt. As a softball player, I strongly suggest that you try out the open gyms to see if you like the sport!