Coach: 'Boys getting job done on the court'

By Josh Lashley
MILFORD — The process of becoming a more complete basketball program does not end at any given point during the season. Instead, it is ever lasting.

There are always areas at which a squad can get better — in rebounding, making free-throws, playing defense, and other vital skills.

The Delaware Valley High School boy’s basketball program continues to learn from its mistakes and build upon its strengths as the seasons move forward.

Kris Holtzer, the head coach for the Warriors, has seen his entire roster consistently improve, something that brings him and the student-athletes a sense of pride.

Spacing and limiting turnovers have improved this winter, Holtzer said.

“Spacing is something that is very important and makes teams difficult to guard," he said. "We have emphasized that and when we have that spacing we are difficult to play against.

“I think all of our players have improved as the season has gone on. But if I had to choose just one it would be Matt Campbell. He has picked up a great deal of individual improvement from our assistant coach Scott Nielsen. Coach Nielsen does a great job working with our post players and teaching skills. Matt has absorbed those skills and carried them over into games.”

Leadership from veteran student-athletes has been a key component for the success of the Warriors throughout the season.

“Our four seniors that have been in the program for years have shown great leadership,” Holtzer said. “Nick Pampalone and Ryan Woolley have shown great leadership by being vocal and talking to our players. Neither one of them are afraid to speak up and tell the other guys what they need to hear. Tom Oakley and Zach Cerberville have done a great job of leading by example and working hard every day."

Of course, Delaware Valley must continue to work on some weaknesses, now that District II playoff time has arrived.

“Taking care of the ball and handling pressure" still need to be addressed, Holtzer said.

“We have one of the most difficult pre-season schedules in the area and it was by design to prepare our team for what we will see in the post-season," he said. "We have to maintain poise versus pressure and attack that pressure with our own pressure.”

Editor's note: On Feb. 14, the Warriors won the Lackawanna 2 League championship game, 43-41, over North Pocono at Carbondale High School. Through January, junior forward Acoveno was averaging 18.9 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.