This season was a challenging one for the boys’ basketball team at Dover Area High School. The team suffered an unfortunate series of losses with an overall record of 1-19. Though even amidst such challenges, the team has been recognized for its sportsmanship.
Senior shooting guard Nathan Cooper scored 20 out of the 32 points in a 70-32 loss against Kennard-Dale in January. “I know we’ve been having a tough struggle this season, so I just wanted to put my all out there and win the game,” he said.
This display netted Cooper nominations from the York Dispatch, the York Daily Record, and DAHS for Athlete of the Week. Alongside the individual recognitions and awards among the players, the team as a whole received awards. Head Coach Daniel Overmiller explained what accolades the team received. He said, “Collectively, we were selected by the Division 2 YAIAA coaches to receive the Sportsmanship Award. This was the second consecutive year our program was recognized with this honor. Additionally, our team was recognized by the YAIAA Chapter of PIAA Basketball Officials to receive the Gretchen Wolf Swartz Scholarship Award for Sportsmanship.”
Cooper gave his thoughts on the scholarship the seniors on the team can apply for, and what it means for him going forward. “It feels good. It means that I can go to post-secondary, college, trade school, and not have to worry about paying tuition off.”
Overmiller shared the philosophy he held while coaching this season. “To push our players forward, we challenge them consistently, mentally and physically. We teach them they can be, do, and give more than they believe they are capable.”
Overmiller’s philosophy has been an inspiration to his players, Cooper had this to say to underclassmen looking to play basketball. “Go into school, do all the hard work, get your grades right, then go have fun later, go to the gym and do all that.”
Overmiller also outlined how practice was structured this past season and how it helps the team grow, both on and off the court.
“There was much background knowledge, vocabulary, and learning that needed to be presented through heavy volumes of repetitive practice. Practices were also very competitive, game-based, and challenging, mentally and physically. We used videos when appropriate to teach them concepts both related to and parallel to learning the game of basketball. There were many real-life, real learning experiences that transcended the basketball court.”
Despite the misfortune the team faced this season, their hard work and excellent conduct on the court set them apart from the rest. Their great work ethic and even greater respect for the sport of basketball allowed them to be recognized for more than just their feats on the court. They remain a shining example of the athletic community here at DAHS.