The St. Marks Catholic Youth Organization eighth grade basketball team deserved trophies this year for a season filled with great efforts.

But they didn't want them.

Instead, the boys thought it would be best to donate the funds used for trophies and memorabilia to the Washington Township Food Pantry at the Long Valley Presbyterian Church.

The funds–$250 allocated by the church–are given to the coaches for the eighth graders, since it will be their final year playing in the league.

This year, however, the players and their parents came together and decided to donate the funds to the food pantry in lieu of trophies.

St. Mark's will host a banquet on Saturday, March 10 and the boys will be awarded certificates from the food pantry honoring the donation. 

Team members include: Jason DiGiralomo, Joseph Fantasia, Nick Malone, Anthony Mandala, James Mazzullo, Liam McLoughlin, Anthony Michalopoulos, Jeffery Millet, Eric Moore, Julian Zinna.

All information and photo provided by Janeen Zinna.