By Jordan J. Michael

BERNE –– The Bulldogs are looking like a confident basketball team despite losing a key piece of its puzzle.

Head Coach Andy Wright told The Enterprise after practice on Tuesday that losing three-year starting point guard David Sikule is “one of the most significant losses ever.” BKW has to find new ways on offense because Sikule was a solid third of the team’s scoring.

“It’s not like he just scored either,” said Wright. “He created most of the opportunities for everyone else.”

Luckily, the Bulldogs have five returning players in the starting line-up who played alongside Sikule last year –– seniors Paolo Audino, Curtis Clark, Ryan LaBelle, and Jacob Tambasco, and sophomore Nate Krimsky at center who stands 6 feet, 5 inches.

“I’m concerned about our youth because it can create potential problems,” Wright said of the three sophomores and one freshman on the team. “But, these kids aren’t scared of anyone, so, maybe I shouldn’t be worried. It’s weird because the team is young and old at the same time.”

“Us four seniors haven’t played with the other guys, but it looks like we’re coming together,” said Clark after practice. “They look confident and that should lead to some scoring.”

“We just need to keep feeding the ball to the players coming off the bench so they can get comfortable,” Tambasco said, seconding Clark on the idea of building team confidence. “I think it’s important to share the ball.”

Coming off the bench will be juniors Corbin Repscher and Ed Weidman, sophomores Mike Gamble and Tyler Sigond, and freshman Garrett Pitcher.

The Bulldogs are fresh off a scrimmage against Maple Hill, a team that was the state runner-up in Class C. “We went nose-to-nose with them,” said Wright. “Didn’t show many weaknesses in that one.”

However, BKW only made 43 percent of its free throws during the scrimmage. Each player shot 60 free throws at practice on Tuesday. “We’re going to keep working on that until it’s improved,” said LaBelle. “We need to learn to use our whole body at the line.”

The Bulldogs are up against a loaded Western Athletic Conference South in 2009-10. Sharon Springs is a Class D champion and Canajoharie is a Class C champion. Schoharie and Schenectady Christian are also looking much improved, according to Wright.

“I’ve seen Canjo, Schoharie, and Sharon play in their opening tournaments and I understand the type of game we’ll have to play,” Wright said. “We have to hold court at home and we’ll have to do well on the road. It’ll be tough.”

BKW may be sitting in a stacked league, but the team can definitely run with the best in Class C.

“Opponents will have a hard time stopping our transition game,” said Wright. “My guys can blaze by people; I’ve already witnessed it. We’ll go all out and I doubt we’ll lose a game by our own means.”