URGENT UPDATE: Holy Family’s boys basketball team saw their undefeated season come to a sudden halt with a 63-51 defeat against defending league champions Horizon on January 20, 2026. The Tigers, who started the season 11-0, now face a challenging path in the league race.
In a matchup that had significant implications for the Granite Peaks League standings, Holy Family struggled to maintain their composure against the Hawks, particularly against standout 6-foot-9 star, Noah Sokolowski. “To go on the road and beat a good team like Horizon, you have to do a lot of little things at a high level,” stated Holy Family coach Pete Villecco post-game. “And we just weren’t as sharp as we’ve been.”
This loss not only snaps the Tigers’ perfect record but also drops them behind Horizon and Frederick in the standings, making the road to a league championship much steeper. Both Horizon and Frederick currently sit at the top with identical records of 5-0.
Senior point guard Matthew Evans led Holy Family with 12 points but emphasized the need for better defense and rebounding. “If we did that a little better today, we would’ve won,” he remarked after the game.
Sokolowski dominated the court, finishing with 20 points and a staggering 30 rebounds, showcasing his prowess on both ends of the floor. In contrast, Holy Family struggled at the free-throw line, shooting 5 of 7 compared to Horizon’s 8 of 25 from the stripe.
Villecco acknowledged the challenges posed by Sokolowski, stating, “We had a hard time keeping them off the glass. We knew that would be a challenge.” The Tigers are now 3-1 in league play and must regroup quickly.
Looking ahead, Holy Family will host the Golden Eagles on Friday, needing a win to stay competitive in the league. Last season, the Tigers secured a 56-43 victory against Frederick, and they will need a similar performance to keep their championship hopes alive.
This unexpected loss has sent shockwaves through the league, raising questions about the Tigers’ ability to bounce back and reclaim their spot at the top. Fans and players alike are eager to see how they respond in their upcoming game.
Stay tuned for further updates as Holy Family aims to rebound and keep their championship aspirations intact. Will they rise to the occasion? Only time will tell.
