Youth in Focus

By Richard A. Ross

Triumphant trio

The strong work ethic of three Roscoe seniors pays off with consecutive Section 9 titles.

	TRR photo by Richard A. Ross Christine Rosencranse, Cheyenne Smith and Rose Miesner glow after Sectional win. (Click for larger image)

Talent abounds in high school basketball, but winning it all takes more than talent. It takes relentless effort, passion and most of all a commitment that ranges beyond the short parameters of the basketball season.

Welcome to the world of three Roscoe seniors who have made basketball their premiere focus during their high school careers. Christine Rosencranse, Rose Miesner and Cheyenne Smith are the mainstays of the Lady Devils’ team that just captured their second consecutive Section 9 Class D title. The win over rival Livingston Manor felt good but these girls are far from satisfied. Rose, Christine and Cheyenne aren’t quite ready to have it end. So they enter the State Tournament with hopes of going as far as they can. Given who they are, they’ll bring much more than hope to the floor when they play again.

All three began their hardwood careers in seventh grade. They moved up to varsity in tenth grade. That year Roscoe lost to Eldred in the Section 9 title game. Counting this year, Roscoe has won three out of the past four titles including last year’s win over John A. Coleman Catholic.

Christine, Cheyenne and Rose share the bonds of friendship and a unity of purpose. They have played AAU basketball during the year, played in summer league and gone to Oneonta’s basketball camp.

When asked what it’s been like coaching them Becky Ahart said, “It’s been great working with them. They work very hard in season and out. They’re great kids.” The feeling is mutual. Cheyenne said of her coach, “I wouldn’t want to play for anyone else.” The other two echoed the same sentiments.

Christine, known affectionately by friends and fans as “peanut,” is sweet and appears to be somewhat shy. That is until she gets on the floor. Fearless, driving and aggressive, Christine is the spark plug for the team. As point guard she handles the ball deftly, drives the lane or shoots from beyond the arc. She doesn’t flinch from contact diving for the ball or being banged around in the lane. On defense, she sticks to opposing players like glue.

Cheyenne is a persistent scorer. She can create her own shot off the dribble and has a deadly three-pointer that can ignite Roscoe’s offense. She and Chrissy feed off of each other with passes and put- backs of each other’s shots.

That brings us to Rose, whose real name is Helen. Tall and athletic, Rose plays the low post with precision. She is a dominating inside presence whose size and skills are often too much for the players who have to guard her. She is a terrific rebounder, and with her two friends and fellow shooters, she gives Roscoe a triangle of offense that has proven its success.

Rose is heading to Fordham next year. She plans to try out for basketball. Cheyenne thinks that C.W. Post is where she will end up and Christine has applied to St. Rose and Oneonta.

That’s next year. Right now Roscoe is preparing for the State Tournament so it’s back to practice and sweat.

Regardless of the outcome of future games these three young women have already proven themselves to be winners and fine kids. Superintendent George Will summed it up by saying, “I’d be proud to call any of them my daughter.”