The Rams Take League Championship in Final Seconds

Coming off a buzzer-beating win by the South Kortright Lady Rams, the boys varsity knew they had their work cut out for them, going up against Charlotte Valley, which had given them a close game at the end of the season. The boys produced their own buzzer-beating win, 59-58. 

Connor Quarino, as he has all season, led scoring for the Rams, with 27 points and was the man who sank the clinching basket. Teammate Jacob Staroba contributed another 10 points in double figures.

For Charlotte Valley, Ezra Ontl scored 17 points and teammate Trevor Waid chipped in another 15 points.

The Charlotte Valley fans had to stand for a while, a routine until the first Charlotte Valley basket was scored. It took more than two minutes before any baskets were scored. Eventually Charlotte Valley did score and led by two points after the opening quarter. SK then went on a streak to lead by 9 points in the second quarter, before Charlotte Valley battled back with a pair of three-pointers from Ontl to close the gap to a three-point SK lead by halftime. 

Charlotte Valley returned from the break to lead by one point at the end of three quarters and was up by two points before a foul placed Quarino on the free-throw line where he bucketed both baskets to give SK the game with less than 25 seconds to go. They were able to hold Charlotte Valley from scoring to take home the title.

As the Rams bench helped the cheerleaders, cheering loudly, never giving up.

There may have been a few hoarse players and definitely a few hoarse fans.

Action now moves on to Section IV, Class D playoffs where the SK Rams are the top seed . They now own a 7-0 and 16-2 record. They received the first place Delaware League trophy and the Delaware League championship trophy.

SK Athletic Director Bob VanValkenburgh now has to make room for at least four more trophies in the case and the season isn't over yet.

SK, which is the top seed, had a bye from the opening round on Wednesday and will play the winner of the Cherry Valley-Springfield vs. Worcester game on their home court Feb. 24. The time has not been determined, so check ahead.

Charlotte Valley also had a bye from the opening round and will host fifth-seeded Morris in a Feb. 24 quarterfinal on their home court.

Margaretville will be at Edmeston and if Roxbury advances from the opening round against Schenevus, would travel to Milford.

Semifinal action will be played on Feb. 28 at SUNY Delhi and the championships are set for March 2 at SUNY Delhi.

SectionIV, Class D Seedings

1. South Kortright/Ands (17-2)

2. Milford (15-3)

3. Edmeston (15-4)

4. Charlotte Valley (15-4_

5. Morris (14-5)

6. Margaretville (12-7)

7. Schenevus (10-9)

8. Worcester (11-8)

9. Cherry Valley-Springfield (10-8)

10. Roxbury (9-11)