Honestly, if you aren’t paying attention to what’s happening in the Helderbergs right now, you’re missing the most interesting story in Section 2 sports. It is easy to look at a small, rural school district like Berne-Knox-Westerlo and assume their athletic programs are just "participation trophy" territory. That would be a massive mistake.
The 2024-25 season changed everything for berne knox westerlo basketball. The boys' varsity team didn't just win; they steamrolled their way to a perfect 26-0 season. This wasn't some fluke. It was the first undefeated season in the 91-year history of the program, culminating in the NYS Class C State Championship. They didn't just squeak by in the finals, either. They handled business with the kind of discipline you'd expect from a college program, not a group of kids from a town where everybody knows your name.
The 2025 State Championship and the "Independent" Gamble
Winning a state title is usually the peak. For most schools, you celebrate, hang the banner, and try to rebuild after the seniors graduate. But BKW decided to do something way more aggressive.
Following that historic 2025 run, the district asked the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) for a two-year reprieve from league scheduling. Basically, they went "independent." Why? Because when you’re the best in your class, playing the same local rivals twice a year doesn't help you grow. Athletic Director Mr. Galvin and Head Coach Andrew Wright wanted to see what these kids could do against the giants.
During the current 2025-26 season, the Bulldogs have been hunting for bigger game. We’re talking about a schedule that includes heavy hitters like Bethlehem Central, Green Tech, and Saratoga Central Catholic. This isn't just about winning anymore; it's about proving that a Class C school from Berne can hang with Class AA and AAA programs.
It’s a gutsy move.
Some people thought going independent would kill the local rivalries that make Friday nights special. But honestly, the Bulldogs kept the ones that mattered. They still scheduled games against Schoharie and Voorheesville. They just traded the "easy" league nights for bus trips to places like the Utica Nexus Center to play teams like New Hartford.
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Why the Bulldogs' System Actually Works
You can't talk about berne knox westerlo basketball without talking about the Wright family and the culture of the gym. The varsity gym is named after Ray “Pete” Shaul, a man who basically built the foundation of BKW sports. That "old school" grit is still there.
Coach Andrew Wright has been at this a long time. He isn't just a guy drawing plays on a whiteboard; he’s a builder. The current roster is a mix of high-IQ players who have been playing together since they were in modified.
Look at the stats from the 2024-25 championship run. Arlan Wright was a three-sport state champion. Think about that for a second. In an era where kids are pressured to specialize in one sport year-round, BKW is thriving because they have "total athletes."
The roster depth has been the real secret sauce.
- Arlan Wright: A defensive nightmare for opponents.
- Dayne Coates: Lethal from the perimeter.
- Shane Kirker: The kind of reliable presence every championship team needs.
They play a brand of basketball that focuses on the "four pass" rule—a discipline-first approach that forces the defense to break down before anyone even thinks about taking a shot. It's frustrating to play against, and it’s beautiful to watch if you’re a purist.
The Girls' Program: The Dynasty Nobody Talks About
While the boys’ undefeated season grabbed the headlines recently, the BKW girls’ basketball program has been a model of consistency for decades. People forget that back in 2003 and 2004, the girls' team reached back-to-back state finals.
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The 2024-25 girls' team finished 18-5, capturing the Hudson Division championship. This wasn't a "rebuilding" year; it was a "reloading" year. Even after losing seniors like Katie Stevens and Emma McFadden, the program continues to churn out competitive teams.
There’s a specific kind of pressure that comes with playing at BKW. You’re playing for a community that actually shows up. When the Bulldogs made their run to the Class C Final Four, the "Dog Pit" (as the home gym is affectionately known) was loud enough to shake the rafters.
What Most People Get Wrong About Small-School Ball
The biggest misconception is that BKW's success is just a "cycle" of good athletes. "Oh, they just happened to have a tall kid this year," or "They got lucky with a few transfers."
That’s total nonsense.
The success of berne knox westerlo basketball is rooted in a coaching philosophy that starts in the elementary school. It’s about the "Bulldog Way." It’s a culture where the older kids mentor the younger ones, and the community treats a Tuesday night home game like it’s the Super Bowl.
Honestly, the move to an independent schedule for the boys this season is the ultimate litmus test. As of January 2026, they are sitting at 8-3. They’ve taken some lumps—a one-point heartbreaker against Washington Heights Expeditionary and a close loss to Bethlehem. But those losses are worth more than twenty-point blowouts against weaker league opponents. They are getting battle-tested for the Sectional tournament.
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Actionable Steps for Fans and Parents
If you’re looking to support the program or get your kid involved in the BKW basketball pipeline, you need to stay on top of the moving parts.
Follow the New Schedule: Since the boys are now independent, the old WAC calendars won't help you. Check the official BKW school site for the most up-to-date varsity and JV releases.
Understand the Classification: Even though the Bulldogs are playing "up" against larger schools during the regular season, they still compete in the Section II Class C tournament. This means they’ll enter the postseason with a much higher Strength of Schedule (SOS) than their peers.
Support the Boosters: Small school sports live and die by the booster club. Whether it's the Holiday Tournament or the Hall of Fame inductions, that's where the funding for gear and travel comes from.
Watch the Rankings: Keep an eye on the NYSSWA (New York State Sportswriters Association) rankings. BKW has consistently sat in the top 5 for Class C, and their performance against Class A schools is what keeps them there.
The Bulldogs aren't just a "small town team" anymore. They are a program that other schools in the state are starting to study. Whether they can repeat as state champs remains to be seen, but the foundation is solid enough that they’ll be in the conversation for years to come.