Oracle builds a winner in 4th season

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - In just the fourth year of the program's existence, Oracle Charter School has turned into a legitimate contender.

The Phoenix sit at 14-1 on the season, ranked 14th in the state in Class C after last week's win over McKinley.

Not bad, for a program that won just two games in its first year, and had just five players academically eligible at one point that season.

"When we first started here, there were a lot of obstacles... we didn't have a lot of guys trying out for the team," said Head Coach Brian Pawloski. "Students didn't really understand that we needed to have practice six days a week."

Pawloski also instituted a set of academic standards for the team.

"Once they were clear that our standards would be something that would be unwavering, they started to abide by them," said Pawloski.

Gerald Bibbs is one of three players who have been on the team for all four seasons. He says they have all made huge strides over the last few years.

"The difference is, everybody started to get on track," said Bibbs. "Everybody just flipped the script."

The script for this season is still being written, but Oracle has firmly established itself as a team to watch, come playoff time.