Falcon boys have high hopes in hoops

Senior Blair Heimel (right) is the returning Northern Tier League Most Valuable Player. He is among four Coudersport starters back to defend the league championship for coach Chris Fink in his final season at the helm. Heimel this year was one of five players named to the D9Sports.com District 9 Preseason All- District Team. Four boys who have played basketball together since early elementary school return for their senior year at Coudersport.

Head coach Chris Fink has announced that, due to family commitments, he will probably "graduate" at the same time returning starters Derek Burdick, Colton Corey, John Hau and Blair Heimel close out their scholastic basketball careers.

Coudersport appears to be the favorite to repeat as Northern Tier League champion during Fink's final season.

Heimel (6-6) is the returning Northern Tier MVP and joined Hau (6-4) on the all-star team. Each averaged more than 16 points and eight rebounds per game.

Corey was also a doublefigure scorer, while Burdick was one of the region's top point guards and defensive specialists.

Also back for Fink are juniors Brett Whitman, Nate Minor, Eric Babcock and Josiah Gerhart, along with senior Justen Kinder.

All nine of those players should see substantial floor time.

Coudersport finished at 24-3 last year, including a 20-game win streak snapped by Elk County Catholic in the playoffs. The Falcons were eliminated by Kennedy Catholic in the state's "Sweet 16."

Season opener was Friday night against Portville. Results were not available by press time.

Coudersport travels to Wellsboro on Thursday and hosts a tough St. Marys squad next Friday. JV action is at 6 p.m., with varsity to follow at about 7:30.