The local sports community and the Catholic Central League join together in celebrating Pope John XXIII High School of Everett’s achievement of winning its first basketball state championship.
Under the direction of Coach Leo Boucher, the Pope John Tigers featured Chelsea natives Luis Velasquez and Mehkhi Collins and generated considerable enthusiasm throughout the season. This past Saturday in Springfield, numerous students, alumni, and fans made the trip to witness the team capture the Division 4 title by defeating defending state champion Maynard High, 89-57.
The Tigers’ remarkable journey saw them overcome much larger schools and programs from stronger conferences during their MIAA Tournament run. Guard Angel Price-Espada delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 49 points with 10 three-pointers in the championship game.
Boucher, who calls Charlestown home and was himself an accomplished basketball player, previously demonstrated his coaching prowess at St. Clement School, where he won a state championship. When that school closed, Pope John made an excellent decision in hiring him as basketball coach.
The presence of school leadership at the championship game proved equally noteworthy. Head of School Carl DiMaiti, Principal Thomas Mahoney, and Director of Athletics Ryan Murphy attended the Springfield contest and proudly displayed the trophy following the Tigers’ decisive victory.
DiMaiti brings substantial experience in athletic administration, having served as head of school at St. Mary’s High School in Lynn. As a former track coach, he recognizes how interscholastic athletics can establish a strong foundation for student-athletes and facilitate pathways to higher education. His own children, Drew and Carole, excelled in high school athletics, with Drew earning an individual state hurdles title before attending Tufts University.
Mahoney’s credentials include induction into the Chelsea High School Hall of Fame as founder and head coach of the CHS soccer program, which produced GBL titles and All-Scholastic selections. As an alumnus of Pope John and Boston College from the school’s inaugural graduating class, this championship holds particular significance for him.
Murphy proved an ideal selection to oversee the school’s athletic department. His accessibility and support have been instrumental in helping student-athletes navigate college applications, and he has represented the school effectively at athletic director meetings. Strong athletic programs begin with leadership, and Murphy has positioned Pope John’s athletics on an upward trajectory. Now the program can claim a state championship.
Coach Leo Boucher, associate head coach Larry Washington, freshman coach Paul Williams, and the Pope John basketball players deserve recognition for creating lasting memories and achieving this historic championship season.
Future induction into the Pope John XXIII High School Hall of Fame surely awaits.