akota Schiffer admitted that it took some time to get adjusted to his role with the Catasauqua boys' basketball team this winter.

So far, though, Schiffer's success can be compared to an undefined actor who quickly developed into a starring role.

Schiffer, who transferred from Dieruff last year, has been the team's sixth man throughout the season and has developed into one of the area's finest in that position. He occasionally has received a starting nod in the backcourt, but he has an offensive sparkplug, averaging roughly eight points a game as the team's fifth leading scorer.

More importantly, Schiffer currently leads the team in three-pointers with 28 shots made beyond the arc. His proficiency has helped him emerge as a viable and instant offensive threat.

In the team's Colonial League final against Notre Dame, Schiffer had three 3-pointers and 13 points overall as he helped the Roughies stay close to the final buzzer.

"He (Schiffer) has hit many big shots for us this year," said head coach Eric Snyder of his junior. "(Schiffer) has a great game against Notre Dame as he and Davey Wetherhold hit some big threes for us.

"But we knew he would be able to help us. He had a great summer and showed how he could easily step up for us. Schiffer played both guard spots for us during the summer and he also played up front for us.

"We thought about getting him into the starting lineup, but coming off the bench has really worked out for us."

For Schiffer, it was a decisive change. At Dieruff, he had started on the JV team, where he had a career-high 24 points against Central Catholic. He nearly matched that effort when he had 21 in a win over Southern Lehigh.

Along with a change in his role, Schiffer also experienced a change in play.

"At Dieruff, we played more of an up-tempo game," said Schiffer. "Here at Catty, we're playing more of a half-court, more slow-down game. It is about knowing where you should be and knowing what you can do.

"Coming off the bench has worked out and I just want to do what I can to help out. I have learned how to be ready when I get in games instead of being there from the start."

Schiffer, who has played basketball since the age of seven, also has been playing baseball since his youth and was a key player on Catasauqua's Connie Mack entry this past summer. He has plans to pursue a mechanical engineering degree in college.

Until then, he plans to make the most of his time on the courts and fields.

"We all have high expectations on what we can do," said Schiffer. "We have had some ups and downs, but we have managed to get through everything. Whatever I do, I have always managed to adjust to everything.

"I never get down and myself and will keep on working."

For the Roughies and their faithful, that certainly is a good and welcome sign.