The Cherry Valley-Springfield boys basketball team narrowly missed winning the championship of the Mt. Markham Tournament last weekend, falling in overtime to the host team, 62-61.

The Patriots missed a short jumper at the end of regulation, and the back end of a one-and-one foul shot opportunity in overtime that would have sent the game to double overtime.

"We made a good comeback in the second half to get back into the game," CV-S boys head coach Dave Armstrong said. "We had some good opportunities to win the game, but these tournaments should help us prepare for our league schedule."

CV-S begins Tri-Valley play this Friday at defending T-V large champion Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton. The Patriots had won the previous two division titles before last year.

"I think we have the talent to have a very successful season and certainly be competitive in the league," Armstrong said. "We have several players with some good experience and some talented newcomers."

Six-foot three inch sophomore big man Evan Lane has joined the starting line-up this season, and along with Matt Buffett should give the Patriots a solid scoring duo down low.

In a first round win over New York Mills Friday night, the two combined for 29 points, while Ryan Williams had a game-high 16 points. CV-S outscored New York Mills 24-7 in the fourth quarter to break open a close game and win by 18 points, 66-48.

Also returning from last year's team are Justin Lindberg and Cassidy Marchev, and sophomore Devan Waldman will also see plenty of playing time. Junior Brad Minich and seniors Sam Gardner and Brandon Mcwayne and Mike Fox round out the 10-man roster.

After Friday night's game at Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton, the Patriots will travel to South Kortright Saturday night to play the host Rams in the championship of their tournament. CV-S defeated Roxbury in the opener Nov. 24, but the championship game was delayed after a power outage at the South Kortright school.

The championship game between SK and CV-S is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. The Rams won the section Four Class D title last year, but lost many players to graduation.

"They're not an overly talented team, but they play in-your-face defense and will be good every year because of it," Armstrong said. "I think we're capable of having a really good season, and a couple of wins this weekend might be just what we need to get us going after the tough loss last week."