Hooper rebounds with a fast break

LANCASTER – Losing two kids that had each started 100 consecutive games was a tough pill to swallow for Fairfield Christian Academy coach Roger Hooper, but after another season of hard practices and keeping the Knights disciplined, Hooper had his team right back to where they were one year ago.

The Knights returned to the Division IV district final this year, and though they lost for the second consecutive year to Africentric, Coach Hooper, the 2015 Eagle-Gazette Coach of the Year, was thrilled with his inexperienced team's performance.

"We were happy with how we finished up and hopefully this is the momentum we need to get back there next year," Hooper said.

Hooper was actually happy with the performance of his team well before reaching the district final. In addition to losing Steve Carpenter and Nick Spurgus, Hooper lost two other senior starters last year. The team he was left with was young and had seen very little time on the floor.

"I wasn't quite sure what we were going to get," Hooper said. "I thought we would really hit our stride around Christmas."

But it was well before Christmas when the Knights started to take off. They started their season with a 9-1 record, falling only to Newark Catholic and earning last-second victories over Hartley and league rival Berne Union.

"We actually got off to a better start that I thought we would," Hooper said. "Finishing 16-9 was a good season for this group... I think we were overachievers this year."

The Knights were led by senior KJ Dewese this season - the only returning starter from the 2013-14 season. But, if this year has taught Hooper anything, it's that someone will come in to fill that role next year too.

"We're really going to miss KJ, but its going to be time for someone else to step up," Hooper said. "They are an excellent group to coach."

For Hooper, success during the season is earned in the off season. He said his team will be focusing on weight lifting and shooting this summer to prepare for next year.

"This group will work hard and get ready for next year. We've got pretty smart kids, they understand what needs to be done," Hooper said. "They're really disciplined."

Coaching for Hooper, is something he can't live without - especially after 43 years. He thanks his wife Debbie and kids Nan and Clay daily for their support.

"I have a lot of people to thank for being able to do what I do," Hooper said. "I need to thank God for ending up here at this school. It's a great school to coach at."

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