CCS Boys’ Basketball Strong Going Into Last Month Of Play

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With a little over a month left in the season, the Cooperstown Varsity Basketball team is still going strong and showing promise.
Over Christmas break, the team participated in the Dick White Holiday Tournament, where its athletic resolve was tested against Cobleskill-Richmondville.
Two days after a close loss (Cobleskill-Richmondville, 50; Cooperstown, 48) on Dec. 29, the team, which is first in its league, was still dutifully plugging away at their drills.
Going through everything from circle layups and basic shot-taking to agility and fitness improvement during a 7 a.m. practice on the 31st, the dedication was evident.
“Our biggest problem is defense,” said Coach Dave Bertram.
With the four sophomores usually all on the court at the same time, he feels the team is very athletic despite the players’ ages.  But as a team, the players are lacking in game experience and low on rebounds. 
The team needs to play with more energy throughout the whole game, not just when it’s on the line, Bertram said.
The team is more than half seniors, however.  Kyle Liner stands out among them.  He provides guidance and keeps the team moving.
According to Bertram, Liner is “willing to do the dirty work” when he’s put on the court.  His experience is helpful to the team’s younger players.
With the strengths of their older players and the potential of the younger, Cooperstown’s Varsity team has great potential, the coach said.
The Redskins play at Herkimer at 7:30 Saturday, Jan. 9, but return home at 7:30 Monday, hosting Edmeston.