High School Basketball CU Championships Highlights

CUs of Rhode Island Showcased

The University of Rhode Island’s Ryan Center was packed on Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17, as the Credit Unions of Rhode Island brought awareness to hundreds of consumers about credit unions while cheering on their favorite teams during the CU Basketball Championships. The tournament, celebrating 34 years, determines which boys and girls high school basketball teams becomes number one in the state. The arena filled with credit union representatives, volunteers, families, friends, and school administrators, cheered loudly for their teams. Through the generosity of the Credit Unions of Rhode Island as the presenting sponsor, these student athletes play the games of a lifetime.

This event is a true partnership from beginning to end. Alloya Corporate Federal Credit Union plays a central role in organizing the event for the Credit Unions of Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL), the governing body for high school student athletics, makes a big effort to recognize the support that they get from the Credit Unions of Rhode Island. During the tournament, visitors to the Ryan Center saw banners and signs everywhere recognizing Credit Unions of Rhode Islandsponsorship of the event. In addition, individual credit unions were thanked with pro-credit union messages by the announcers throughout the game.

Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee and Cooperative Credit Union Association President/CEO Ron McLean joined the credit union CEOs/representatives courtside for both the girls and boys championship games on Sunday to watch the best of the best face-off for some fast-paced action hoops. Credit union representatives presented the trophies to the athletes during the post-game ceremonies.

Pictured left to right: Mike Lucca-Special Olympics RI; Donna Gregson, Coastal1 CU; David Suvall, Rhode Island Credit Union; Fred Reinhardt, Greenwood CU; Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee; Ron McLean, Cooperative Credit Union Association, Annette Janovic, Colin Myers, Jason McHugh all of Alloya Corporate FCU

In between the girls and boys state championship games, the Special Olympics Rhode Island Unified Champions Schools Basketball teams of Tolman Tigers and Shea Raiders squared off in a friendly game on the court while students from each of the schools and the crowd cheered on the athletes.

Members of the Unified Basketball Teams the Tolman Tigers and Shea Raiders

Throughout the event, the broadcaster made credit union mentions and viewers saw video reader boards courtside, banners, and a-frames at ends of court. In addition, the digital program guide was promoted by RIIL and the Credit Unions of Rhode Island.

The results of this year’s Credit Union Championships from the weekend included:

State Semifinals - Saturday, March 16:

Girls
Barrington, 44 – Bayview, 29
Moses Brown, 50 – North Kingstown, 44

Boys
LaSalle Academy, 78 – Barrington, 67
Classical, 62 – Lincoln, 53

The finals were held Sunday afternoon and evening with an abundance of excitement as each team strived for the top spot. The skills displayed by the athletes during both games kept the scores close until the last few minutes when each of the winners pulled ahead. The four teams played intense, fast-paced, challenging games that came down to the buzzer as the crowds cheered on their favorite home teams.

State Championships Sunday, March 17:

Girls
Barrington, 32 – Moses Brown, 48

Boys
Classical, 67 – LaSalle Academy, 66

Girls:  Moses Brown, 48 – Barrington, 32

Boys: Classical, 67 – LaSalle Academy, 66

Congratulations to all the teams that made it to the 2024 CU Basketball Championships!