Members of the Pittsburgh Diocesan junior varsity basketball championship Butler Catholic team include, from left, front, Nate Gilkey, Willem Leyland, Clifford Aufman, Derek Ricciardella, Teddy Miller and Atticus English; back, assistant coach Hank Leyland, Brady Green, Liam Hohn, Thomas Edwards and head coach Matt Friel. Submitted Photo

For 16 years, Butler Catholic went without a Pittsburgh Diocesan Championship in basketball.

That stretch won’t reach 17.

The Saints’ junior varsity team (fifth-sixth grade) recently capped an 18-2 season by winning the Pittsburgh Diocesan title. The team defeated John F. Kennedy Catholic from Washington, Pa., 31-16, in the championship game.

Nate Gilkey scored 19 points and Tommy Edwards snared 13 rebounds in that contest. Both boys were named to the all-tournament team.

“We had nine kids on the roster and great defense was the key to their success,” Butler Catholic coach Matt Friel said. “We didn’t allow many points to the opposition.

“Everybody got along. These guys love to play basketball together.”