By Jamie Noonan '24 

The women's basketball team accomplished a successful season to say the least, and made school history twice in just one season. The Spartans are back-to-back section champs after going undefeated in their section two years in a row. 

“It was one of our major goals at the beginning of the season,” senior Julie Spinelli said. “We were all very happy we were able to do it.  Going back-to- back was a big accomplishment.” 

After defeating Riverview to become section champs, the girls got to work in practice for a long road ahead. For the first playoff game on February 22,  the Spartans were on their home turf where they took on the Bishop Canevin Crusaders. They defeated the Crusaders in a 66-36 win. 

“I think we were prepared really well and that was one of the main reasons we won,” senior Emma Swierczewski said.  “We were ready for anything.”

On February 26, the Spartans took on Aquinas at Fox Chapel High School. The Spartans were hungry for this win because Aquinas beat them the last nine times they faced each other. The Spartans were in fact hungry enough, because they defeated Aquinas in a 65-56 win. 

“Going into that game, we knew we were going to have to play super hard,” Spinelli said. “So we went in strong, and it was the best feeling in the entire world to beat them.” 

By defeating Aquinas they secured a spot in the Section 1A WPIAL Championship game. The Spartans faced Union Area High School in the WPIAL finals, the team that bumped them out of the playoffs last season in the semi-finals. The game took place at the Petersen Event Center on March 2. After leading the game for more than three full quarters, the Spartans fell short to the Scotties in overtime, 50-43. 

“Making it to the Pete was one of our goals this season," senior captain Anna Kreinbrook said. “It was a great experience that none of us will ever forget.”

This was not the end of the road for the Spartans. On Saturday March 9, they played their first state playoff game, again in their home gym against St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy. The team made history again for the second time this season, by winning their first state playoff game, as they defeated SJCA 57-35. 

“It was really good to get a state playoff win,” Kreinbrook said. “ It is something that has never happened in the history of St. Joe’s women's basketball.” 

After the win on March 2, the Spartans got back to work at practice to prepare for their next game. It  took place on March 13 at Hempfield Area High School against Berlin Brothers Valley High School. Their season ended with a 61-50 loss. 

The Spartans fought all season and worked really hard for their final 23-5 record. The women's basketball team accomplished so much this season, and they should be proud of their achievements.

“I think our last season was our best season, especially with making school history twice,” Swierczewski said.“It was a great way to end our high school basketball career.” 

By Anna Kreinbrook '24 

Hockey players and teenage girls both want the same thing: the Stanley Cup. Founded in 1913 by inventor William Stanley Jr, the Stanley Tumbler has taken the world by storm. 

The most trendy version is the The Clean Slate Quencher H2.0 FLOWSTATE™ Tumbler| 40 OZ which is priced at around $45.

According to Forbes CMO Network, this craze boosted Stanley’s annual sales from $75 million per year to $750 million per year in 2023. 

“I saw it on TikTok and heard that they keep your water cold for long periods of time. With playing sports and drinking a lot of water I thought it would be a good purchase,” Senior Ashley Vrscak said.

The tumbler includes a side handle and is available in an array of colors ranging from vibrant orange to baby pink. Some students even choose to customize their Stanley with decals or add a straw topper. 

Senior Jennifer Phan said, “I got one before Thanksgiving. I like it because it keeps the ice from melting for a long period of time.” 

They have become a staple in every classroom and act as an accessory. 

Freshman Sydney McKinzie said, “I think it’s a bit overpriced, but it carries a lot of water, is easy to hold, and always stays cold.” 

On January 29, students kicked off Catholic Schools Week with a guest speaker, Larry Klukaszewski. Klukaszewski shared his passion for art, and talked the students through his journey of being diagnosed with Paroneoplastic Syndrome. 

After his diagnosis, Klukaszewski faced many challenges. He said, “My biggest struggle with my diagnosis was the constant fatigue and soreness.” 

As he went through his treatments, Klukaszewski found a way to cope with his pain. 

“Art is a great outlet for me, it provides me with a mental challenge, helping me to put my all into my work,” Klukaszewski said. 

Klukaszewski's engaging speech also included audience participation, where volunteers from both basketball teams played a round of knockout, and were then awarded $20 and a piece of his own artwork. 

Klukaszewski also touched on his charity, The Larry Klu Foundation, which benefits cancer warriors. 

By Courtney Mentecki '26

The Drama Department held an open mic night at Harvest Moon Cafe in the Heights Plaza on March 11. 

The coffee shop was packed with students, as well as local customers, to watch and participate in comedy and singing. 

Sophomore Niviah Andree said,  “I felt very nervous going up to sing and was scared of people judging me, but after the first song, I got more comfortable.” 

It takes a lot of courage to stand up in front of my people and perform especially when they are your friends.  

Andree said, “I have been in two musicals before, Shrek and Godspell, so I am used to singing on stage.”

Her younger sister, Octavia, from Mary Queen of Apostles attended and sang as well. 

A percentage of the coffee sales and a nominal cover charge generated some income from this new venue.  The event raised $425 for the spring musical.

“I had so much fun at open mic and would love to do another one,” Andree said.