(South Bend) — Hundreds of fans and alumni turned out Wednesday night to honor the 3A State Champion St. Joseph boys basketball team.

The champions carried their new trophy into Alumni Gym to a standing ovation, and were lauded by Bishop Kevin Rhoades, Mayor James Mueller and school officials.

Eric Gaff’s Huskies claimed the first boys basketball title in school history Saturday night with a 56-52 triumph over Attucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

“There may have been better players on other teams, but as a team, no one was better than you,” beamed Mueller, a 2000 Saint Joseph grad. The mayor than offered a special proclamation, honoring each member of the team.

Bishop Rhoades congratulated the team for the title, but also “for your sportsmanship and for the way you represented your school and the diocese.”

Gaff introduced each member of the team, offering praises and thanks, saying “this is a team that truly loves one another.”

Basketball players spanning 53 years of St. Joe history came out to support the team, including former IU and Bulls standout John Laskowski.