MILFORD-In last year's Anton Remy Tournament championship game, Cooperstown's Shane Connolly scored 19 first quarter points on the way to a game-high 35, leading the Redskins to the championship win and earning MVP honors.

On Saturday, he only scored 14 first quarter points in the Remy tournament final against Milford, on his way to a game-high 24 points, again leading Cooperstown to the championship and earning MVP honors for the second straight year.

"Shane got off to a quick start and we played well as a team," said CCS boys basketball coach Dave Bertram.

The Redskins were never seriously challenged in the tournament, winning the first game Friday over Ft. Plain, 71-40, and beating Milford 66-39. Connolly scored 44 points in the two games, and was joined on the all-tournament team by Jeremy Holmes.

In addition, senior forward Will Dennis was 6-10 from the field with four steals in the two games, while Andy Dickan was 5-11 from the field and 7-8 from the free throw line.

In the championship game, Milford jumped out to a 5-0 lead behind five points from all-tournament selection David Kerr. But Connolly scored the next eight points of the game, prompting a 14-0 run which gave the Redskins a 14-5 lead which they never relinquished.

In the opening round game against Ft. Plain, the score was tied at 21-21 midway through the second quarter when a technical foul call on a Ft. Plain player prompted a 35-5 run over the next quarter and a half, giving Cooperstown a 56-31 lead.

"We really played well defensively in that second and third quarter," said Cooperstown boys basketball coach Dave Bertram. "That's the kind of defense I'd like to see us play all the time."

The Hilltoppers were limited to just 14 second half points as Cooperstown's smothering full court defense caused turnover after turnover.

On Monday, the Redskins began Center State Conference play, whipping on Morrisville, 68-40. The Redskins again played terrific defense, with 32 team steals.

Senior big man Billy Hribar had 13 points and 12 rebounds against Morrisville.

Tuesday's home game against Hamilton was canceled and is rescheduled for Feb. 6.

Cooperstown is off until Dec. 12 when they host Westmoreland, then host Waterville Dec. 16 in a game that will likely go a long way toward deciding the Center State Conference title.

"That's the showdown game," Bertram said. "The nice thing about our team right now is that everyone is accepting their role."

The Milford boys had a rough start to their league schedule as well, losing to defending Tri-Valley Small champion Franklin, 67-53, despite 17 points and four three-point shots from David Kerr.

"We've been playing a little panicky, and I'm making some adjustments in our line-up which will hopefully help," said Milford head coach Frank Spurchise.