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Can Flames stay hot this winter?


The New Covenant boys' basketball team enjoyed a breakout season in 2014-15 and they're looking for another trip to the District Three playoffs this time around

The New Covenant boys' basketball team made history last season, winning a district playoff game for the first time in school history and doing so in front of a vocal group of classmates and other fired-up supporters.

The question as the 2015-16 season nears is can the Flames build off the feel-good success that memorable 52-40 victory over High Point Baptist provided? Time will tell, with a new head coach in the fold and some key graduation losses to deal with.

But New Covenant, led by seniors Dawson Copenhaver and Cody Snyder, should have fun trying to continue the success that began a season ago.

For a closer look at the Flames, as well as the New Covenant girls' team, check out the capsules below:

NEW COVENANT BOYS AT A GLANCE

Coach: Mark McCrary, 1st year,

Last year: 12-8, qualified for CCAC playoffs, advanced to second round of District Three Class A playoffs

Top players: Dawson Copenhaver (sr. forward), Cody Snyder (sr. guard)

Outlook: The Flames enjoyed a breakout season in 2014-15, qualifying for their conference playoffs and winning their first-ever district playoff game. Some key graduation losses, and the late resignation of head coach Jon Klohr will make it difficult to duplicate that feat, but now that New Covenant has had a taste of PIAA postseason play they're looking for more.

"We believe we will have a strong winning season and go deeper in our conference playoffs  and districts," Klohr said last month, before stepping down.

NEW COVENANT GIRLS AT A GLANCE

Coach:  Chris Light, 4th year, 11-39

Last year: 2-12

Top returning players: Jacinda Clarke, guard, Annika Martin, guard/forward, Sarah Meese, forward, Evoni Sinclair, guard, Kylie Murray, guard/forward

Outlook: The Flames won just two games a season ago, but Light is upbeat about his team's future and looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.

"We are a very young team, however I know that these girls will give excellent effort,' he said. "We are looking forward to working hard, growing together, playing strong defense and building for the future."