After going undefeated over Christmas break - a streak which included five non-league wins as well as a victory at Kellenberg - the Flyers' JVA squad appeared to be peaking as the calendar pages flipped to 2025.

To conclude the first week of classes after their extended academic break, the Flyers took down the visiting St. Mary's Gaels on January 10 in the Activity-Athletic Center, 71-54.

When these two teams met in their first tilt back on December 3, the game was lopsided, with Chaminade reigning victorious, 87-31.  This time around, from the opening tip, the rematch appeared to be following a similar script.

The Flyers put up 26 points in the first quarter due to their spectacular outside shooting. This offensive eruption included four treys from sharpshooter Jake Ellwood.

Gaels' head coach Joe Martino could be overheard in his squad's huddle as he asked his players, "Who's guarding number three? He's got four three-pointers already!"

This efficiency, however, would not last, as a brand-new five on the floor for Chaminade slowed the game.

St. Mary's managed just six points in the second quarter, while the Flyers put up 13. Chaminade's stifling defense proved too much for the Gaels, whose roster for the game included just six players. The Flyers led at halftime, 39-20.

As the lead grew throughout the second half, much of Chaminade's roster was afforded playing time, and all but three Flyers registered points in the win. 

The victory pushed the Flyers' record to 6-0 in CHSAA play. 

They couldn't relish this victory for long, however, as it was a quick turnaround for Chaminade, who made their way to Brooklyn for a matchup with Bishop Loughlin less than 24 hours later. 

Chaminade was without head coach Thomas O'Connell, which left JVB head coach Michael Ferrara to lead the way.  

The beginning of Saturday's game contrasted with what the Flyers were used to. There was no double-digit lead or early timeout by the opponent; instead, the Flyers were losing at the end of the first quarter, 15-9.

Nicholas Sweeney had seven of Chaminade's nine points in the first frame.

The Flyers' bench proved to be key in giving the team momentum. But it wasn't the offense that stood out, as an early charge taken by Andreas Donas set the stage for an epic defensive battle. 

Chaminade found its rhythm by relying on off-ball movement, as they tried to capitalize on the Lions' man-to-man defense to reduce the deficit. These efforts were successful, as Flyers went into halftime with the score knotted at 24 thanks to a last-second tip-in from big man Jonathon Walsh. 

As the sluggish offensive pace continued into the second half, Chaminade lost its footing. The Lions were seeing more second chances after offensive rebounds and taking advantage.

Donas chipped in five points in the third quarter, but the Flyers narrowly trailed Bishop Loughlin, 35-32, as the game headed to the final quarter.

The game continued to slip away for Chaminade once the fourth quarter began. The Lions were making perimeter shots when needed, and the Flyers were running a six-man rotation, making it hard for players to find rest.

Coach Ferrara called a full timeout when the scoreboard read 48-41. Down seven points, Chaminade immediately went into a press, as they were in dire need of a turnover. Unfortunately, the Lions were careful with their possessions and hit free throws down the stretch, so the Flyers could not muster a response, ultimately falling to Loughlin, 57-47.

Sweeney led the way with 16 points for Chaminade, while Donas added 14.

The loss dropped Chaminade to 12-2 on the season and broke their seven-game winning streak, which began against Stepinac on December 20.

The Flyers will look to remain undefeated in league play when they travel to St. Dominic's on Tuesday before a home matchup against Holy Trinity on Thursday, January 16.