The Lackawanna Steelers are Section VI champs for the first time since winning a state title in 2006. Even with all the success head coach Tim Foley has enjoyed during his tenure with the team, this most recent accomplishment may be his finest at the helm in Lackawanna.
After a regular season that had its ups and downs, the Steelers have come together as a team and the results have been nearly astounding. After an ultra impressive showing against previously unbeaten Dunkirk, the Steelers were even more commanding in the Class B1 final with a 58-35 win over Newfane.
In his fifth and final varsity season at Lackawanna, Dondre Alexander led the Steelers in their championship victory with 23 points. Lackawanna never trailed in the game and dispalyed an extremely high level of intensity for all 32 minutes. Leading 40-30 with 5:14 remaining in the game, the Steelers went on a 14-3 run to completely dash any hopes the Panthers may have had.
Lackawanna did a superb job defending Newfane senior Dan Hambruch, who was coming off a 25 point effort, limiting him to just four points. The Steelers kept Newfane away from the basket and the Panthers were unable to knock down shots from the perimeter. Lackawanna will now face Cassadaga Valley on Tuesday night in the Class B1/B2 crossover at 6:00 pm at Buffalo State for the right to advance to the Far West Regionals.
Rohn Pierce led Newfane in the loss, finishing with 22 points.
-centercourt
If they go on to beat Valley and win in Rochester, he likely would get my vote for Coach of the Year.
Posted by: Patrick Moran | Monday, March 07, 2011 at 02:15 PM