by Jen Burhans
A Win Over Cambridge
The Berlin boys varsity basketball squad started the week with a strong win over Cambridge at home. The Mountaineers scored 27 points in the first quarter and allowed Cambridge only 2. The Indians got rolling in the 2nd quarter and picked up 12, but Berlin stayed hot adding another 22 to go in to the locker room with a 49-14 lead. The second half was much the same with Berlin winning 86-29. The boys played a steady game and stuck to their game plan and continued to show why they are one of the top scoring teams in Section II.
DePaolis lead with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists. Seel followed with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Berlin’s bench gave a strong showing with 8 players putting numbers on the board for a real team effort.
A Loss To Waterford
The boys traveled to Waterford Friday, January 31. It is always a tough gym to play in. The game was well attended and the play was exciting to watch, as it was anyone’s game until the final minutes. Neither team gave any quarter in the first half, and the teams went into the locker room tied at 34.
The second half saw Waterford come out hot and gain the lead with a series of three-point hits. Berlin answered back and brought it to within 3 baskets by the end of the 3rd quarter with several scoring drives from Seel in the paint and 3-pointers from DePaolis. Defensive steals on Berlin’s part rattled Waterford’s rhythm and caused them to look back inside for shots.
Both teams blew hot and cold in the 4th with the Fordians holding onto the lead, coming back with some key outside shooting. Waterford failed to put the game on ice, and a Curtis defensive steal and long throw to Rokjer resulted in a basket and fired Berlin up. The last minutes of the game had Berlin fans on the edge of their seats with Berlin trying to come back, but it was too little too late and Waterford held on for the 70-60 win.
DePaolis was once again high scorer with 19 points, and he had 11 rebounds. He was followed by Seel with 13 points and 6 rebounds.
Berlin now has 2 losses to Germantown and a split with Waterford, bringing their record to 8-3.
Coach Sauer said, “The kids have been playing at a very high level, and I am proud of their efforts. As we approach the final five games of the season heading into sectional play, we’ll have to take it one game at a time as if it were our last.”
Berlin travels to Heatley on Friday, February 7, after a two game home stand at the beginning of the week.