BK News

Bishop Kenny High School is proud to recognize seniors James Davis and Cate Petre as our April Students of the Month. Selected by the faculty and staff, James and Cate exemplify the spirit of Athletics, Courage, and Dedication through their commitment to excellence in the classroom, in competition, and within the school community. As scholar-athletes with full academic schedules, both students have demonstrated what it means to lead with discipline, resilience, and heart.

James Davis is a dedicated member of the Student Leadership Council and a standout three-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and baseball throughout his high school career. James has balanced the demands of athletics with academic rigor, challenging himself with courses like AP Computer Science to prepare for the future. He will continue his athletic journey playing football at Morgan State University, where he plans to pursue a degree in sports management. Reflecting on his experience, James shares that Bishop Kenny has shown him that excellence extends beyond the field and into every aspect of life. His mindset is grounded in perseverance, often repeating a mantra that fuels his work ethic: “For me, I always repeat this mantra to Coach Case when I am working out, if it ain’t hurting it ain’t working because I have to physically push myself so that I am prepared physically and mentally for each sport.”

Cate Petre has also distinguished herself as a scholar-athlete, balancing a full academic schedule while actively participating in numerous organizations, including the Athletic Leadership, History, Interact, Medical Career, and Spanish clubs. She is also a member of the English, Rho Kappa, Science, and National Honor Societies. A dedicated member of the soccer program, Cate has grown into a leader on and off the field and is committed to continuing her athletic career at Sam Houston State University, where she plans to pursue a career as a physical therapist. Her journey began early as a starting freshman on varsity, an experience that shaped her perspective and drive. Cate reflects on the responsibility she carries with gratitude, sharing, “The pressure that I have is a privilege and I know that my teammates are relying on me to bring my best. As a starting freshman on varsity, I learned how to handle the pressure earlier than most and I am thankful for my Crusader high school experience.”

James and Cate represent the very best of Bishop Kenny student-athletes who embrace challenges, lead with integrity, and strive for excellence in all they do. Their dedication and achievements highlight this recognition as April Students of the Month.

It was a season defined by discipline, precision, and steady improvement, culminating in a series of standout achievements that have placed the local air rifle team among the nation’s elite in what is a recognized high school varsity sport nationwide.

After months of rigorous training and competition, the team delivered an exceptional performance at the Navy National Championships, securing an impressive 7th-place overall finish. Competing against some of the top scholastic and service-affiliated marksmen in the country, the athletes demonstrated both technical skill and composure under pressure—hallmarks of a program that has steadily built momentum throughout the last four years.

“This result didn’t happen overnight,” Chief Edward Morales said. “It’s the product of countless hours on the range, attention to detail, and a commitment to getting better every single day.”

The Navy Nationals performance was only part of the story. The team also achieved a major milestone by qualifying for the Armed Forces National Championships, where they earned a 23rd-place finish—an accomplishment of considerable significance given the scale and competitiveness of the event. The championship field represents hundreds of teams and thousands of cadets from across all service branches, making a top-25 placement a testament to the team’s consistency, resilience, and ability to compete at a national level.

Team members credited their success to a combination of strong leadership, peer support, and a shared sense of purpose. “We push each other,” Cadet Samuel Militante ‘26 noted. “Everyone here wants to improve, and that creates an environment where success becomes the standard.”

A key factor in the program’s rise has been the construction of its dedicated air rifle range four years ago—a development that fundamentally changed the team’s training capabilities. Athletes and coaches alike were quick to recognize the individuals and organizations whose generosity made that facility possible.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of our benefactors, administration, and community,” CDR Brian Morrill added. “Having our own range has allowed us to train more consistently, more effectively, and at a higher level. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make that vision a reality.”

Throughout the season, the team improved in both individual scores and overall standings at regional and qualifying events. Their ability to perform in high-stakes environments—particularly at Navy Nationals—underscored their readiness to compete on even larger stages.

With a top-10 Navy Nationals finish, a top-25 placement at Armed Forces Nationals against a field numbering in the thousands, and a foundation built on community support, the team has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with—and a program that continues to be on-target.

 

Pictured: Samuel Militante ’26, Armani Wynn ’26, Chief Morales, Katie Epps ’27, Gracie Keupper ‘26

(Crusaders Crowned: Bishop Kenny Girls Basketball Wins First State Title in 34 Years)

The Bishop Kenny High School girls' basketball team delivered a season to remember, capping off an extraordinary run with a championship sweep—district, regional, and the long-awaited state title. With a commanding 58–48 victory over Bishop Moore, the Crusaders claimed the FHSAA Class 4A State Championship, marking the program’s first state title in 34 years.

The championship game, held on March 12 at the University of North Florida Arena, showcased one of the most complete performances in program history. From the opening tip, the Crusaders played with energy, focus, and confidence, fueled by the significance of the moment. The victory not only secured the title but also ended an eight-year stretch of Final Four appearances without a championship, making the triumph all the more meaningful for the Bishop Kenny community.

Finishing the season with an impressive 28–4 record, what makes this team’s accomplishment even more remarkable is its youth. With no seniors on the roster, the Crusaders relied on discipline, resilience, and a relentless defensive mindset to outwork their competition. Their commitment to an exceptional defensive strategy became a defining characteristic of the season, allowing them to grind through tough matchups and emerge as the top team in Class 4A.

This historic win also carries local significance, as the Crusaders became the first Duval County girls basketball team to capture a state championship on a Jacksonville court. For a program that has made eight trips to the Final Four in recent years, the long-awaited breakthrough on March 12 represents both a culmination and a new beginning.

Head Coach Mayer reflected on the significance of the victory, noting that it extends beyond this year’s roster. He shared that the championship belongs not only to the current team, but also to the former players who helped build the program’s foundation over the years. With a young and determined squad returning, the future looks bright for Bishop Kenny girls basketball.