LOCH SHELDRAKE – For those beset by cancer and their loved ones who are coping with the contiguous effects, the battle goes on and the fight to survive is always preeminent. Indeed, the disease, which is the second leading cause of death in the United States behind heart disease, is still egregiously prevalent. The Covid pandemic obscured that fact as the news bombarded us with the daily developments of the far-reaching effects of the virus. 

Still, the search for a cure for cancer never abates, nor do the efforts by so many involved in its treatment, research of raising money needed for that costly battle.

For the past fourteen years, Monticello Coach Chris Russo, Deputy Executive Director of the Basketball Coaches Association of New York (BCANY), has organized the annual BCANY Coaches vs. Cancer Classic at Sullivan County Community College. 

The annual hoop fest raises money for the Garnet Health Center Oncology Unit. The tournament serves to further awareness about the disease and local resources people can access for testing, diagnosis and treatment. 

Last year the event raised $5,250 dollars which was donated to the Catskill Regional Medical Center Oncology Unit and the Ride2Survive. Since its inception, the BCANY Coaches vs. Cancer Classic has donated $53,000 to the fight against cancer with close to $50,000 to the Oncology Unit at GHMC. 

While there is no single way to prevent cancer, there are many ways to reduce your risk of developing it including a reduction in tobacco use, improved diet and the incorporation of more exercise. Take advantage of regular screening tests. Contact the Garnet Health Medical Center for more information at (845) 794-3300, ext 3233. 

Sub-zero temperatures and high winds brought about a wind-chill advisory that postponed the opening night games until February 18. 

Saturday’s Docket of Games

Sullivan West 58, Eldred 18

With Sullivan West’s much-anticipated home game versus Chester postponed on Friday, the Lady Bulldogs turned their attention to a young Lady Yellowjackets squad from Eldred. With a huge advantage in size and experience, the 6-2 Westies easily downed 3-9 Eldred. 

A 15-2 lead after the first quarter burgeoned to 36-6 at halftime, which they expanded further to a 47-11 margin after the third quarter. 

Sullivan West Coach Pat Donovan provided valuable minutes to all his players in the victory. Anna Bernas led SW with 12 points. Karlee Diehl netted 11, while Nicole Reeves and Lanie Herbert provided nine each. Eldred’s Sydney Furler scored six. Sullivan West was nine-for-15 from the free throw line (60%), while Eldred was two-for-seven (28%). 

Sullivan West hosts Seward and Burke at home this week. They have already beaten both teams and have already earned a sectional berth with a 3-0 league mark. 

Sullivan West 36, Eldred 23

In an unusually low scoring game, the 6-7 Bulldogs held 4-4 Eldred scoreless in the second quarter to marshal an unimpressive 14-10 lead at halftime. Eldred was plagued by numerous turnovers and a recurring inability to box out, resulting in SW’s rebound advantage. 

Eldred was having difficulty executing its sets. Athletic freshman Trai Kaufmann impressed with his shot-blocking leaps but managed to score only four points. Elijah Gonzalez and James Deyermond each posted six. 

Sullivan West was paced by Jacob Hubert’s 12 points. Evan Ebert added seven. 

Eldred coach Bill Furler was clearly disappointed with his team’s effort. “We’re a lot bigger than those guys, and we should have had a lot more rebounds.” 

The shot selection was also distressing. “Everyone thinks they’re a three-point shooter,” he added. 

Sullivan West coach John Meyer was happy with the win. Sullivan West hosts Chapel Field this week. The Lions are rolling along and seem to be on cue for another Section IX Class D title.

Monticello 65, Liberty 55

In what has been annually billed as the marquee matchup of the tournament, the county’s two largest schools went at it again. The 7-8 Montis held on to defeat the 4-12 Indians 65-55. They led from the outset and never relinquished that edge, though Liberty affected a resurgence in the second and fourth quarters that ultimately reduced the Panthers’ lead to five in the waning minutes of the game. 

Monticello jumped out to a 17-5 first quarter lead but the timely shooing of Liberty’s Cody Ricco kept the Indians in the game. By night’s end he had posted a game-high 19 points. 

Liberty cut the deficit by halftime and trailed 31-22. Both teams scored 16 in the third quarter. That provided the Montis with a 47-38 edge going into the final stanza. 

“Liberty played great,” averred Monticello Coach Chris Russo. “Cody Ricco made some huge shots, and they were really good on the boards. I’m proud of my kids. We didn’t play as well as we can, but we just kept on pushing and battling and came out on top. In the last sequence Daevion Sandoval  had a chance to take a deep three but passed it. We got the extra basket from Dylan and one.” 

Monticello vied for the season sweep against league rival Cornwall last night. Their sectional aspirations would be greatly improved by that victory. They are only one win shy of being at .500, so that avenue is still open.