CRAFTSBURY – The Craftsbury Academy (CA) boys’ basketball team’s season came to an end in the regular season after battling injury and numbers throughout head coach Brandon Berry’s first season on the sidelines.
Berry took over a Charger program at the beginning of the year that struggled with participation numbers in their first season in the rugged Mountain League last winter. This year was no different, playing much of the season with two subs or less. When returning sophomore starter Landon Miller went down with a season-ending injury midway through the schedule, Berry’s options to fill out a competitive roster grew thin.
“I’m really proud of the guys for sticking with it this year. I think in almost every game we played there was a sense of being outnumbered and outmatched, but for us to remain positive and competitive against all odds shows the character of this team. I know their efforts inspired the younger generations in Craftsbury, and that’s ultimately what we hope to achieve; to make a positive impact on our community,” said Berry.
Dylan Washer led a senior class that included Sterling Blodgett and Chris Haefs that provided some much-needed leadership for Berry and his squad. Blodgett and Haefs recorded various career highs throughout the season and Washer led the Chargers in scoring for the third straight season, picking up wins against Northfield, Sharon Academy, and Christ Covenant along the way. Washer was asked to do a lot for Berry’s inexperienced team and delivered on more nights than not, including a pair of 40 plus performances in a stellar senior campaign. His 43-point night against Sharon Academy in February on the road included the 1,000th of his career. He was honored at home on senior night the next game and was presented the game ball by his grandfather and Charger legend Allen Reed. Reed graduated from CA in 1982 with 1,674 points, a school record that stood for 35 years. With small school athletic programs teetering all around the state, Washer’s feat could very well be the last of its kind in the Common.
“All of our seniors, Dylan, Sterling, and Chris gave everything they had to this team and I’m glad we could give them the joy of having a varsity team this year, which isn’t always guaranteed. I’m excited for their next chapters, and I know they will all go on to accomplish great things in life,” said Berry.
