In a game that went down to the wire Central Valley Academy delayed the celebration for Coach Larry Stockwell’s 500th coaching win.
Delayed only until this week, when Sauquoit Valley graciously agreed to play again at Waterville Tuesday, Feb. 4. Based on Waterville’s earlier win - 53-9 - that game will not include the drama the one last week vs. the Thunder did.
CVA came into the game at 5-8 and needing a win to keep pace with a spot in the Class B playoffs. One of those eight losses was to Waterville, 53-48.
But last week, fueled by the need to win and helped by an early case of WCS nerves and poor shooting underneath the basket, the Thunder won 60-55. Waterville made just 11 of 43 baskets inside the 3-point line.Props to the Thunder, which played in front of the largest Waterville crowd - boys or girls - in a couple of years. The third tier of bleachers was used and sprinkled throughout the Jim Van Wormer Gym were numerous Waterville girls basketball alumni plus members who serve with Stockwell in the Brothertown Optimist Club.
CVA raced out to a 9-0 lead in a little under three minutes, forcing Stockwell…