For the SKS Wrestlers, February began on the road for the first round of the Hudson Valley Athletic League (HVAL) championship tournament on Wednesday, February 1, and Wednesday, February 8. With many wrestlers out due to illness, a small Cougar squad fell against Woodhall, NYMA, Greens Farms Academy, and Marvelwood. Luke C. ’23 won 1 match in 126 lb. class, followed by Logan K. ‘27 who won 2 matches at 120 lbs.
The SKS Wrestlers concluded their winter competition on Wednesday, February 15, hosting NYMA, Marvelwood, and Woodhall for the final round of the HVAL quarterfinals. Although the Cougars didn’t advance, Coach Ciunga praised his team for their hard work and determination: “The season was a turbulent one due to many injuries and illnesses that arose. Despite this, we had wrestlers like Luke C. ’23, who won the majority of his matches this season. Thomas C. ’23 won the final match of his career in spectacular fashion with a late period pin in the final seconds of the bout. Cedric Z. ’23 performed valiantly all winter despite jumping around different weight classes. Logan K. ’27, who was new to wrestling and late to start the season, achieved multiple victories and quickly became one of our top wrestlers. Next year, we will have young wrestlers who have a lot to prove within the HVAL league and I am excited to see them perform.”
Tipping off February with a loss to Greens Farms Academy, the Cougars hosted Winchendon on Saturday, February 4 hoping for victory. With excellent teamwork and consistent defensive play, the Cougars rallied to achieve a comfortable win over the Wapitis, 55-40.
Next up, the girls hosted Worcester Academy on Saturday, February 11. According to Coach Miller, the team demonstrated excellent skill and teamwork throughout the game, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Hilltoppers, ending with a final score of 43-71. Hoping for redemption, the Cougars traveled to Sacred Heart to face the Tigers on Wednesday, February 15. It was another tough game for the Cougars who fought hard throughout, only giving way to the Tigers in the final minutes to finish with a 49-53 score.
For their last three games of the season, the Cougars enjoyed a much anticipated winning streak. Their home game versus MacDuffie on Saturday, February 18, was Senior Day. Their spirits were high as the team honored its senior players who will be moving on to college this fall. At the same time, consistent play brought them a resounding win over the Mustangs, 39-25.
After a day of rest, the Cougars traveled down the Mountain to NYMA on Monday, February 2o, bringing home another comfortable win over the Knights, 39-25. For their final game, the Cougars hosted the NYMA Knights the following day, Tuesday, February 21, who were no match for Storm King’s winning momentum. Home advantage and skill brought them a final win, 71-44 over the Knights, to close out their winter season.
The boys varsity basketball team tipped off February on a winning streak, first beating Marvelwood 58-44 followed by another comfortable victory over Darrow 78-52. The boys hoped to keep the winning momentum going when they traveled to face a strong team at South Kent on Saturday, February 4. Although the Cougars displayed persistent teamwork throughout the game, they ultimately fell to the Cardinals 66-92 at the final buzzer.
On Wednesday, February 8, the Cougars hoped for redemption when they faced the Watkinson Rams. Throughout the game, Storm King worked hard to keep the score close, but were edged out by their opponents, 58-62, in the final minutes of the game.
Next up, the boys traveled to Troy, New York, to face Redemption Christian Academy on Saturday, February 11. According to Coach Cook, it was a tough game for the Cougars, who displayed excellent teamwork and determination throughout the game. Despite their valiant efforts, the score widened in the second half with the Cougars ultimately falling to a tough RCA team with a final score of 56-64.
To close out the month, Storm King played back-to-back games at NYMA on Friday, February 17, then Capital Harbor Prep on Saturday, February 18, followed by their final tip off against South Kent on Saturday, February 25. Despite three more losses to end their season, the Cougars remained positive with their sights now set on rebounding next year.
Following an exciting win over the Darrow Ducks to tip off the month of February, the JV Cougars hosted the Oakwood Lions on Saturday, February 4. It was a good game for both teams who played with tenacity and grit and kept the score close for most of the game. However, home advantage and some cheering fans gave the Cougars the extra momentum they needed overcome the Lions 28- 25 in the final minutes.
After another nail-biting win, 28-25 over the Oakwood Lions on Wednesday, February 8, the JV Cougars tipped off against Harvey two days later on their home court. Although the SKS team entered the game running with solid teamwork and some great play, their efforts fell short against a strong Harvey team resulting in a loss, 21-50 to the Cavaliers.
Even more determined for a win, the Cougars traveled to Woodhall the following Wednesday, February 15, to face the Phoenix. It was another exciting game for the Storm King team who kept the score close and maintained their pressure at the net until the final minutes, edging past their opponent, 31-28, at the final buzzer. It was a great season for the JV Cougars who will continue to build their skills next winter.