Boys make CVU history with comeback win

Redhawks capture firstever state championship

BY LAUREN READ

Observer correspondent

Champlain Valley was hunting for its first-ever program title, taking on the three-time defending champs, trailing by eight points and running low on time.

The Redhawks needed a spark and they needed one fast.

Enter Ollie Cheer.

The junior came into the game with just under four minutes to play in the third quarter with the Redhawks trailing Rice 31-22.

When he left the game with three minutes to go in regulation, Champlain Valley had a 37-34 lead.

It was a lead CVU would not relinquish as it beat Rice 42-38 to capture the Division I boys basketball title — the first state championship in program history — on Saturday at UVM’s Patrick Gym.

“I am so proud of these guys,” said CVU coach Mike Osborne. “I have had so many former players see BASKETBALL page 16