TRR photo by Richard A. Ross Monticello junior Briar Patterson scores against Mid Valley. In the consolation round win over Western Wayne, Patterson had 23 points and four assists.

New era

Monticello gains a split in Hawley tourney opener as Russo debuts as coach

By RICHARD A. ROSS

WALLENPAUPACK, PA—To temper steel, you have to subject it to intense heat. The creation of razor sharp swords also requires pounding and honing. Building great basketball teams is born of a similar process.

Basketball games are heated encounters that are both physically and mentally pounding. To prevail on the hardwood requires strength, will and resiliency and that takes preparation, sweat, determination and skilled guidance.

Consider adversity as an accelerant to mature this process, for it is in facing challenges that we are offered our greatest opportunity to strengthen ourselves while forging courage and fortitude to better face the coming trials.

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Win one

Sullivan West comes out firing in opening-night win over Port Jervis

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY—Authoritative, confident and balanced, Sullivan West hit the floor in its opener against Class A Port Jervis and stole the show.

Deploying effective defense, getting fine outside shooting and penetration to the rim by dint of some deft passing, the Bulldogs looked impressive in their 70-54 win over the Red Raiders who have one of Section Nine’s best leapers in senior Nick Smith.

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Excellence extolled

Words of praise, gratitude and respect at football banquet define Sullivan West’s

By RICHARD A. ROSS

CALLICOON, NY—“We did it with style, skills, respectfulness and most of all, we did it with dignity,” said senior Nick Mootz in his moving message of gratitude at the Sullivan West football banquet put on by the Gridiron Club at Villa Roma on December 7.

Mootz credited the fans, coaches, fellow players and the community, whose united efforts and energy created what the young cancer survivor referred to as a “family.” It was that bond of cohesion that gave rise to Sullivan West’s undefeated regular season and a commanding playoff win over Tri-Valley.

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Also in this issue:

• Tri-Valley girls hold sway over Monticello in helter-skelter opener of teams under construction