Cicero, N.Y. — There’s a saying, “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

There is a host of Section III boys basketball players who understand this and put in countless hours to work on their craft.

At syracuse.com’s winter sports media day, we asked Section III boys basketball coaches which players are the first ones in the gym and last ones to leave.

Here’s what they said:

Brandon “Cuddy” Tape , Auburn

“He’s a sophomore. He came in last year as a freshman. He’s in the gym all the time. But I mean, actually, most of our kids are in the gym. As soon as they open the door, they’re there ready to go and have to kick them out. ... He’s always asked me what can I do to get better? What can I do better?” — Jim Marsh

Cody Piersall , Camden

“What stands out is that kid ha

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