The Comeback Kids were up to their old tricks again Saturday night.

For the second time in 10 days, the Cooperstown boys basketball team erased an 18-point fourth quarter deficit, running their winning streak to seven games with a 57-56 victory over Canastota Saturday night.

The Redskins also took a 49-46 win over Westmoreland Friday night, and are 11-5 heading to Friday's game at Canastota. Cooperstown's home game with Sauquoit Tuesday was postponed and rescheduled for last night (Wednesday).

On Saturday, Cooperstown trailed Canastota by 18 points with seven minutes remaining, and 14 with four minutes remaining. To make matters seem even more dim, leading scorer Jeremy Holmes, averaging better than 18 points-a-game and the best three point shooter on the team, fouled out halfway through the final quarter.

But junior Brad Hill led a late, frantic charge, scoring 10 of his 22 points in the final period, and the Redskins pressure defense wore down Canastota in the latter minutes of the game.

"Our conditioning really paid off," said Cooperstown head coach Mike Cring. "I told them during a timeout just to keep their heads up and keep playing. I didn't necessarily expect to come all the way back, but this team does not quit. It's really a super trait since we only have one senior on the team."

Nate Smith hit a pair of free throws to give the Redskins a one point lead with 19 seconds remaining, and Hill made a steal and converted a lay-up to give Cooperstown a three-point cushion. the Redskins outscored Canastota 23-7 in the fourth quarter.

In addition to Hill's 22, Billy Hribar added 14 points and Holmes 10.

Cooperstown also took a close win over Westmoreland Friday night, erasing a three-point fourth quarter deficit to take a 45-36 lead with four minutes remaining.

But Westmoreland scored the next eight points to pull within 45-44, but the Redskins made four foul shots in the final minute to seal the win.

"It was kind of an ugly basketball game with both teams playing solid defense," Cring said. "They match up well with us, and nothing came easy on the offensive end. We were just happy to get the win and get out of there."

Cooperstown has four games remaining in the regular season, including at Canastota Friday night and at Hamilton next Tuesday. Hamilton is undefeated in Center State play and 15-1 overall, their only loss coming to Little Falls in a crossover game.

...The Cooperstown junior varsity improved to 16-0 with a 33-point win over Canastota Saturday...The Redskins also erased an 18-point fourth quarter deficit to beat Waterville on Jan. 16.

As losses go, the Cooperstown girls basketball team's 47-43 defeat at the hands of Mohawk last Thursday was a good one.

After all, Mohawk entered the game undefeated and ranked ninth in the latest Section Three Class C state poll, and the Redskins nearly erased a 13-point deficit heading to the fourth quarter.

"It was a moral victory," Cooperstown head coach Frank Miosek said. "We've played so many close games this year, and we really have not been blown out by anyone."

Senior Amy Kane had a game-high 21 for Cooperstown while Gretchen Wolff added 11.

One of the Redskins' worst losses of the season came Saturday, a 53-41 loss to Ilion in which Miosek said his team was "beaten up pretty good."

On Monday, the Redskins bounced back with a 35-26 victory over Little Falls as Wolff again led the way with nine points and 13 rebounds as Cooperstown broke open a close game in the final period.

"Stephanie Smith continues to play very good defense, and I have no complaints," Miosek said. "This team is trying hard every time out."

The Redskins travel to Mohawk tonight (Thursday) then play at Westmoreland Monday in a game which has been postponed three times due to inclement weather.