There are a number of aspects that make writing for The Weekly Adirondack a uniquely rewarding experience.

To begin, the entire staff has a genuine connection to, and interest in, the community.  That commitment and dedication shows up every week, providing readers with reporting that is not only fair and accurate, but also reflects the true essence of local residents.

The opportunity to cover the exploits of our student-athletes is also especially gratifying.  It might sound corny but, as the song lyric says, “I believe the children are our future”.  Watching these kids grow into young adults over the last few years has been one of the great experiences of my life.

Another benefit which our small-town environment provides is the chance to get direct feedback from friends, neighbors, and the citizenry in general.

Last week, for example, I tackled a difficult topic which had the potential to raise a few hackles.  And, believe it or not, not every newspaper columnist thrives on, or seeks out, controversy.

Thankfully, folks in these parts seem to possess a spirit of acceptance and a willingness to genuinely consider opinions that might not, at first glance, coincide with their own.

Over the last several days, as people shared their own thoughts on our most recent “touchy subject”, I thanked my lucky stars that we find ourselves in this time and place.  The fact that we are able to have these conversations in a civil manner perhaps says more about who we are than anything else.

I look forward to contributing toward a healthy process of discourse in the future and genuinely appreciate it when people call or walk up and chat.  Your opinion counts every bit as much as mine, so don’t ever hesitate to speak your mind!

For the next month or so, however, you won’t be seeing me bopping around town as I’m soon to be heading out on a book tour.  Know that, until I return, I’ll be praying for lots of snow – the local economy could sure use a boost – and can’t wait to see how the Eskimos are doing.  Until then . . .

Girls JV Basketball

We only have one result from last week to report, but it was a doozie.  The ladies hit the road on Monday, January 10 to take on LaFargeville, a team still smarting from a previous loss to the Eskimos.

Despite their opponents’ revenge factor, Coach Andrew Huntress had the team ready to roll, and they made an early statement in opening a 27-11 halftime bulge.

LaFargeville attempted to create confusion by clogging the paint early in the second half but the girls responded nicely, taking what the defense gave them.  During that stretch, Katie Connell drained a number of jumpers, totaling 17 points in the half.

Having hit those outside shots, the inside opened back up and Mercedes Rice went to work, striking for five layups.

The game ended with a final score of 44-28, providing a shot of confidence for a team that has been improving consistently.

Connell gave fans a glimpse of some serious hardcourt potential with 19 points, seven rebounds, and a devastating nine blocked shots.  Rice had a tremendous game as well in scoring a dozen points and snatching fifteen rebounds.

Several other players had a hand in the win, including Sam Notley (6 pts., 6 stls., 5 reb., 4 assists); Jodi Bolton (5 pts.; 2 assists); and Kayla Yuckel (2 pts., 2 assists), not to mention fine defense from the entire squad.

Boys Varsity Basketball

Several players were called up from Jayvee to replace a depleted Varsity team, so there are no results for that group.

It’s great that some younger players got a taste of the “big leagues”, but a little unfortunate that it had to come at a time when the Eskimos were facing New York Mills and Oriskany, easily the two strongest squads in the League.

To be perfectly honest, Old Forge would have had their hands full with both of those teams even if they had been at full strength.  That said, neither score was close and, in fact, many fans were disappointed in New York Mills’ Coach Mike Adey’s apparent decision to run the score up.

No sour grapes, though, as all of our student-athletes stepped up and gave it everything they had.  Once again, adversity does provide an opportunity and the Eskimos made the best of a rough situation.

Kevin Kress, for example, managed 17 points against Oriskany.  Dane Daiker, P.J. Perkins, Patrick Venetz, and Kenny Pastore all found themselves in the box score as well.

I’ve spoken with several of the guys and, to their credit, they’ve managed to keep their chins up.  I sincerely hope that, as missing players return, fences will be mended and they can all work together towards a strong finish to their season.