🇬🇷SPORTS NEWS🇺🇸

The 129th Boston Marathon was celebrated with an amazing wreath ceremony on April 17 at View Boston. Symeon Tegos, Consul General of Greece in Boston, Tim Kilduff, President of The 26.2 Foundation, and Boston Athletic Association President and CEO Jack Fleming celebrated the 41st Boston Marathon Wreath Ceremony, with great support and cooperation with the dynamic Alpha Omega Council. The four beautiful gold wreaths were used to crown the victors of the 2025 Boston Marathon. The wreaths were sent from the sacred groves from Marathon,Greece. These wreaths connect the ritual of the marathon race from the ancient Greek world to the modern world.

Iasonas Vaiopoulos is a 15-year-old, 6'3 post/power forward originally from Volos, Greece, currently residing in Fairgrove, Michigan. He plays for the Mid-Michigan Sting Elite 16U team as part of the Puma NXTPRO Circuit and also competes at the varsity level for Akron-Fairgrove High School. 

During the 2024–2025 season, Iasonas earned the Rebound Leader Award, securing an impressive 126 rebounds. He maintained a 10% turnover rate while recording 98 points, 15 blocks, 12 steals, and 17 assists. He currently holds a 3.5 GPA, balancing academics and athletics with dedication and discipline. 

Beyond the court, Iasonas is a skilled pianist and holds the 2023 Children’s World Record for the largest handspan. He has gained media attention for his uniquely sized feet (15.5 - 3E) and generously donates his lightly used shoes to athletes with similar sizing challenges.

Iasonas comes from a large family with seven siblings: Joseph, Ariana, Mathaios, Angeliki,

Pavlos, Athanasios, and Vaios. He is strong in his faith ( Greek Orthodox) and his commitment to growth and excellence is evident in his achievement of 30 certifications through the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). These include NFHS Basketball Coach Levels 1, 2, and 3, Interscholastic Coach and Accredited Interscholastic Coach certifications, as well as credentials in game officiating, strength and conditioning, and sports nutrition. Iasonas is NCAA registered. 

Coaches consistently describe Iasonas as humble, highly coachable, and determined. His talent has drawn interest from programs abroad, including offers to transfer and play basketball internationally.

GAS Exclusive Interview: When did you start playing basketball? Could you tell us about your work ethic and your future goals?

I started playing basketball in 2023. Before that, I had never truly connected with sports—until I found basketball. That summer, I committed myself fully, spending every day training and working to improve every aspect of my game—skills, footwork, conditioning, and especially my basketball IQ. Early on, my first trainer compared my late start and natural feel for the game to Nikola Jokić, which motivated me to keep pushing. Now, my current trainer, Dante Williams, sees flashes of Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon in the way I move and control the paint. I’m growing every day. I just got my first dunk recently and I am excited to see what I learn next. My goal is to play college ball, go overseas, or compete at any level where I can keep growing. On the court, I focus on dominating the paint, staying vocal, and bringing relentless energy from tip-off to the final buzzer.

The 2025 Harry Agganis Basketball Tournament took place on April 4-6 at the St George 

Church Greek Orthodox(Lynn) with sixteen Men’s Open Division and four Boy’s High School teams participating.

In the High School Division, the Boston Sons of Pericles defeated St. Val’s of Peabody in the first round while St George of Lynn defeated a very young Arlington team to advance to the championship game.

In the consolation game, the St Vasilios team from Peabody lead by Alex Dimov and Solon

Anezis defeated a scrappy Arlington team that was led be Christos Kollias by a score of 65 to 45. A Boston AHEPA'S Steven Karayan  scored 35 points in a 72-55 win over Peabody.

The championship game was tight for most of the match with both teams playing intense defense and firing threes from all over the court. Peter Eliopoulos three-point shooting (27pts) kept the Sons in the lead while the sharp shooting of Matt Drogittis (Game high 36 pts) made sure St. George kept the game tight. With five minutes to play, the Sons were up by five but had lost the momentum to St. George when a key steal by Foti Condakes set up a three-point basket by George Skafides to change the momentum against St. George and secure the defending champion Sons of Pericles a 56 to 45 victory. The team was coached by Boston AHEPA Athens Chapter number 24 Athletic Director Mike Condakes. The MVP was Peter Eliopoulos SOP. All-Stars Boston Sons of Pericles George Skafides, and Alexi Legouros, Saint George All- Stars Matt Drogittis, and Demos Nikolakopoulos. Saint Vasilios All-Stars Solon Anezis and Alex Dimov. Christos Kollias of Saint Athanasius The Great of Arlington, Massachusetts. Father Alex Orphanos of Saint George presented the championship Trophies.

In the Men’s Division Finals, it would be Saint George of Lynn against Saint Vasilios of Peabody a rivalry that spans sixty years in the Harry Agganis Tournament. Both teams played very well in the first half. Although St. George had a smaller team, they were much quicker at the guard position. Dan Yardemian’s penetrating and scoring as well as the three-point shooting of Derek Retos and James Meklis kept the St George team in the lead for most of the game. However, the St Val’s had their own three-point shooters in Sam Triachoff and Evan Mason which kept the game close and had cut the lead to six points with two minutes to play. However, clutch free throw shooting and defense by St George allowed them to maintain their lead and win by a score of 77 to 70. Saint George of Lynn was led by All-Stars Dan Yardemian, Derek Retos, and Devon Dezekas. Saint Vasilios was led by Sam Triachoff and Evan Mason as reported to GAS.

On Saturday evening the Agganis committee presented the prestigious “MAZ AWARD” given annually to honor the late George Mazareas – a St. George community member who courageously fought ALS for over 20 years. George was a family man to his wife Cynthia and daughter Eleni. He was known for his dignity, support for his community, leadership and sportsmanship. George was an outstanding athlete at Milton Academy, Tufts University, and professional basketball player in Greece.

The committee was proud to present the 2025 “MAZ AWARD” Award to Katerina Mallios,

Polixeni Tsiotos and Niki Tsiotos all former Winthrop High School multi sports stars.

Katerina Mallios, a lifelong competitor and leader, is being recognized for her passion,

mentorship, advocacy for basketball, Greek heritage, and her dedication to the Greek-American community.

Originally from Boston, MA, and now residing in Chicago, IL, Katerina’s basketball journey

began at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Lynn, MA, competing in the Harry Agganis

Tournament. Katerina would star at Winthrop High School in basketball and soccer. Her high school basketball team finished with a 20-0 regular season. She went on to become a four-year starter and team captain at Babson College, leading her team to four consecutive NEWMAC Championships, 81 straight regular season games win streak and an Elite Eight finish in the NCAA Tournament.

Polixeni Tsiotos is being honored with the award for her unwavering commitment to preserving Hellenism both within and beyond her basketball activities. As a lifelong member of the Saint George Greek Orthodox community, she has embraced her cultural heritage, attended Greek school and maintained her deep connection to her heritage and her love for the game Polixeni has been an active member of the Greek basketball community since childhood, showcasing both her athleticism and passion for the sport. She attended Winthrop High school, where she was an honor student and also helped lead her Viking team to the Division III Basketball championship finals at the TD Garden and was an All-Star Soccer goaltender.

Niki Tsiotos is being recognized with this award for her outstanding leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication to both athletics and her community.

Niki's passion for basketball has been a central part of her life. She has played the sport from a young age, honing her skills and becoming a standout All Star in basketball and soccer at Winthrop High. Along with her twin sister Polixeni she took her basketball team to the Massachusetts State Finals at The Boston Garden. She further developed her talent by competing in Division II women’s basketball at the College of Saint Rose, where she demonstrated leadership and dedication on the court. 

Niki has participated in charitable efforts, including running the Boston Marathon and raising over $15,000 in support of ALS research in honor of her late uncle, George Mazareas.

🇬🇷Greeks in the USA 🇺🇸 SHOWCASE & Tournaments were a great success! Tournaments held in Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island! SLAA Founder and CEO Jimmy Pristouris leadership made  it possible for our youth to be scouted by Hellas Basketball Organizers.Saw some great talent! A huge thank you to Euro League Legend, Dimitris Diamantidis and U20 Greek National Team Head Coach, Kostas Papadopoulos for making the trip to the US to join us in the Greeks Abroad Program!

Lucas Karampelas is the starting Striker for the Milton, GA High School JV soccer team. and got his team of to a great start this season. The 5’11” sophomore had 6 goals and 1 assist after 4 games this season, leading the undefeated Eagles to a 3-0-1 start. He would eventually lead his team to the Junior Varsity playoffs.

Lucas would display his talent and determination in the state playoffs. He assisted on the

winning goal and added another for good measure as the Milton High School JV team won the Georgia State Championship JV Cup in their division behind his season eight goals and three assists. He scored the only goal in the semi-final to win 1-0, and then he assisted on the first goal and scored the second goal in an exciting 2-0 final victory. Lucas hard work and leadership earned him a spot on the varsity team the rest of this season.

What is interesting about his soccer story is that Lucas missed the first round of the soccer

playoffs so that he could compete at the parish level in the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical

festival. He then advanced to the district level and placed first in the Festival. This happened after leading the soccer team to victory in the second and third round of the playoffs. He will be going to Savannah in May for the diocese level Oratorical Festival.

Lucas attends Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Marietta, GA. He is on the

GOYA leadership team and is a senior member of the church’s acolyte group. Lucas also

participates as a member of the Hellenic Dance team and the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, Atlanta Archdiocese Winter Youth Rally and St. Stephen’s Summer Camp. His paternal great-grandparents were from Crete, Sparta and Messinia. In 2022, he had the opportunity to play soccer in Chania, about 15 minutes from where his great grandfather was born.

Panos Galatas is currently going into its fourth season on staff for the men's soccer program in 2025 at Division 1 University of New Hampshire.

He was a member of the America East Coaching Staff of the Year in 2022 and 2023, and then Northeast Region Staff of the Year in 2023. Galatas, has been part of the staff team winning the America East Regular Season Title three season straight as well as the America East Conference Championship in 2022. He helped contribute to the team going to two NCAA appearances where in 2023 they made it to their third Sweet-Sixteen in program history. 

Galatas, who is native of New Hampshire, had an outstanding playing career at New England College (DIII). As a four-year starting midfielder, he started in 81 matches, contributing 14 goals and 13 assists. Galatas helped the pilgrims win two conference championships and made two NCAA Tournament appearances. He is a 2x First Team All-Conference Player, Conference Player of Week and New England College Player of the Month. 

During his gap year in college, Galatas studied abroad and was able to join Liga Revelacao Academica u23 team in Coimbra, Portugal. Before college, Galatas played for several clubs competing in USYS Region 1 League and National league. Galatas obtained his B.A. in Business Administration and his M.B.A. in Project Management through New England College. Galatas is also the Publicity Administrator for New Hampshire Olympic Development Program and is the head coach of the u12 Boys ODP New Hampshire State Team."

GAS asked Panos Galatas ,How he felt about his Greek Heritage? Being able to be a first- generation college student allowed me to represent my family roots going back to Karpenissi - Evrytania and Angelokastro - Missolonghi, Greece. This rich heritage taught me the value of family, faith, and public service which I carry into my playing and coaching career. I am super proud to be a Greek American and represent college programs on both sides of the field as a player and now coach."

The 2025 Boston Marathon Wreath Ceremony was well publicized and had many AHEPA

family members present at the celebration. The 1946 Boston Marathon victory of Greece’s

Stylianos Kyriakides over his competitive friend Johnny Kelley is still considered the greatest race in Boston Marathon History. The Kyriakides victory is talked about every year in Boston’s media and at the Boston Marathon Wreath Ceremony. AHEPA played a key role led by past Supreme President George Demeter who placed the olive crown on Kyriakides after his historic victory. AHEPA was instrumental in helping Kyriakides raise funds, food, and medical equipment for the heroic people of Greece who suffered after WW2. The wreaths at this year’s 2025 Boston Marathon were offered in the name of Kyriakides.

The 68th Harry Agganis Tournament was well represented by AHEPA family team entries.

Participating this year were the Albany Sons of Pericles, Boston Sons of Pericles, Boston

AHEPA and New Rochelle AHEPA. The New Rochelle team has entered the tournament for a

decade under AHEPA National Basketball Director Costas Papademetriou. The Boston Sons of Pericles Coached by Boston Athletic Director Mike Condakes won the Agganis High School Division for a second straight year.

Every Kuriakee ON AIR WNTN Grecian Echoes WNTN1550AM from Boston “The Athens of America” The one and only Greek-America Sports show “THE BENCHWARMERS” Hosted by Greek radio legends Ted Demetriades, Bill Galatis, Nick Ypsilantis, and Nick Markopoulos.

The 16th Annual Basketball Teddy K Classic in memory of Teddy Kariotis will be the last of

the Greek Hoop Tournaments Tour. The tournament attracts over 20 teams to Hellenic College in Brookline, Massachusetts. Director Tony Kariotis can be reached at 617-590-8051. The tournament will be held this week April 30-May 4 in the “Athens of America” Boston.

Greek Hoop Scoop- Check out an amazing site Greek Hoop Scoop about all things about Greek Basketball. They cover Greek and Orthodox basketball tournaments individual players, teams, and much more. Editor Terry Poulos, is a long-time sports columnist for The Greek Star and Windy City Greek.com as well as a Greek American media journalist.

Greek Idiom- Then axizee ton kolpo. It is not worth-while.

Greek Philosophy-When men speak ill of you,live so nobody may believe them. Plato

As promised we delivered some of our Greek American Sports athletes that reached the

milestone of 1,000 points in high school and college. How about Niki Kerstein 2,000-point high school women’s scorer. A Megalo F Harry Stowe “EFXARISTO” to everyone who has

supported all of our grass roots effort on our platforms on the web on our Sports News,

especially on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, and other Greek-American, Greek and Cypriot sites that shared our Greek-American athletes stories and accomplishments. The response has been amazing! We have been told by community leaders that the Greek American Sports Initiative work is incredibly important to our community and is really important for our young Greek American Athletes to be featured, promoted, and finally have a voice. Tell your parea, friends, family, Papou, Yiayia, worldwide to follow Greek American Sports on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and on the web at Greek American Sports.com Community support is necessary for GAS to continue our mission.

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