Salesianum News · Salesianum School Salesianum Hosts 2025 Invitational Basketball Showcase With Top CYM Teams

On December 6, Salesianum School hosted the Salesianum Invitational Showcase (S.I.S.), a reimagined one-day basketball event featuring top grade-school talent from across the region. The showcase represents the newest chapter in a storied tournament that began in 1972 as the Grammar School Invitational Tournament and was later renamed in 2011 to honor the late William J. McGowan ’71, a beloved St. Peter’s icon and longtime Salesianum freshman basketball coach.

For generations, this event has brought together student-athletes, coaches, and families for a weekend of spirited competition. This year, Salesianum proudly introduces a fresh, dynamic format while paying tribute to the legacy that shaped it. The showcase included eight competitive matchups—Delaware’s CYM programs squaring off against Pennsylvania’s CYO teams. The matchups in the inaugural showcase featured St. John the Beloved (Delaware) vs. Saints Simon and Jude (Pennsylvania); Saint Mary Magdalen Junior Varsity (Delaware) vs. Saints Peter and Paul Junior Varsity (Pennsylvania); Immaculate Heart of Mary (Delaware) vs. Saints Peter and Paul Varsity (Pennsylvania); St. Mary of the Assumption (Delaware) vs. St. Pius X (Pennsylvania); St. Edmond’s Academy (Delaware) vs. St. Anastasia (Pennsylvania); St. Anne’s (Delaware) vs. St. Denis (Pennsylvania); Saint Mary Magdalen Varsity (Delaware) vs. St. Agnes (Pennsylvania); and Nativity (Delaware) vs. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Pennsylvania).

While the format is new, the heart of the tournament remains unchanged. The Salesianum Invitational Showcase continues the mission of Coach McGowan and the generations of educators who believed in youth sports as a platform for character, sportsmanship, and community.

Joe Rodia of the Saints Peter and Paul CYO basketball program reflected on the experience, sharing:

"Our 5th–8th graders had another fantastic time at the SIS Tournament. For our 5th and 6th graders, it was their first time, and seeing their excitement to play at Sallies, and even to be in the locker room was great from a coach’s perspective. We often focus on wins and losses, but today was truly about the experience."

Thank you to all the teams, families, and fans who made it such a great day.