Spartans Knock Off N.Y. State Champ

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Finn Wheeler scored 24 points Sunday to lead the Monument Mountain boys basketball team to a 59-52 win over Berne-Knox-Westerlo, N.Y., in the Hoophall Invitational.

 

Bodie Cohen hit three 3-pointers and scored a career-high 11 points, and Finn Mason and Sam Barcenas added nine and eight, respectively, in the win.

 

Monument Mountain coach Randy Koldys called it his team's best win of the year against a reigning Class C State Champion from the Empire State.

 

"They had all their starters back, including Air Force Academy basketball recruit Shane Kirker from last year's team," Koldys said.

 

The Spartans jumped on top early as Wheeler scored 18 first-half points to help build a 38-21 half-time lead.

 

Monument Mountain was up by 20 early in the third quarter before BKW stormed back.

 

It was a five-point lead with three minutes left in the fourth when Dom Calautti (18 rebounds) made a layup and Cohen sank a pair of free throws to help put the game away.

 

Monument Mountain (6-5) has won four in a row going into Wednesday's game at Pittsfield.

 

"This was a huge win for our program," Koldys said. "Our kids played their hearts out all weekend against two quality opponents. I am so happy for them and proud also. I couldn't ask any more from them."