Hard work and team chemistry gave the St. Anastasia Parish Girls Varsity Basketball team in Newtown Square its second Pennsylvania State CYO championship victory in a row, writes Matteo Iadonisi for 6abc.

The team took the title in 2022 and again in 2023.

“Ever since the beginning we’ve just been like sisters,” said Maddie DeFronzo. “Especially in like JV, in fifth and sixth grade, we just got that chemistry, and ever since it’s been so much fun playing with them.”

Head coach Pat Doogan knew going into the season last year they had a strong team. 

“The girls set goals and the state title was one of them,” he said.

Doogan became head coach at the beginning of last year’s season, giving her a 2-0 record coaching a state championship team.

“The weekend in Altoona was just fantastic,” said Doogan. “We got there and to be able to win that game, it was amazing to be able to do that two years in a row.”

The girls reunited on the court for one of their last times for a Hoops Hysteria fundraiser event for St. Anastasia School.

 The team is successful at fundraising, generating $31,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Read more about the St. Anastasia team’s two roads to victory at 6abc.