The View From Centercourt

St. Mary's & Riverside win openers

High school basketball season officially got underway tonight as the action tipped-off at Daemen College for the Pastor-Cooper Showcase.  Many of the usual suspects were there watching the games tonight, while several others are sure to make an appearance over the next couple of nights.  It was good to get back to the action and talk hoops with some of the regulars.

 

In the first boys game, St. Mary's had no trouble disposing of Frontier, 71-49.  The Lancers got 17 points from Devin Redden in the win, while Derek Lee lead the way for the Falcons with 13 points.  St. Mary's next plays in the Wilson Tip-Off Tournament on Thursday night, with the consolation and championship games of that tournament being held on Saturday, beginning at 1:30 pm.

 

Riverside defeated St. Francis in the night cap, 67-58.  Although the game was competitive throughout, the Frontiers lead most of the game.  Lamont Little shot the ball well and lead Riverside with 23 points, while Justice Feggans added 19 points and took game MVP honors.  Brian Melisz lead the Red Raiders with 16 points and Tyler Wagner added 15 points in defeat.  Riverside will also play next in the Wilson Tourny, facing Brunswick (Ohio) in the first round on Friday night.

 

-centercourt

Pastor-Cooper Showcase matchups announced

There may be other games played before it, but high school season in WNY officially gets underway each year at the Daemen Athletic Facility.  The Pastor-Cooper Showcase, formerly known as the Al & Rose Pastor Tournament, is held each year as a memorial tribute to Al Pastor, Rose Pastor, and Jerry Cooper.  This prestigious annual event has been committed to bringing in some of the area's top programs for over 25 years, and in doing so, it also brings WNY's hoop-heads back together again.

 

The event's director, David Cooper, said the reason for a change in format from a tournament to a showcase was due to public schools losing two regular season games.  Moving to a showcase format was the best way to ensure the quality of games would continue in the same tradition this event has always provided.  This year's event will unfold over the course of three nights, with a girls game proceeding two boys games on each night.  On the boys side, four of the six matchups have a Yale Cup squad facing a MMAA team.  As is always the case with this event, there will be major poll implications and free admission to watch it all unfold.

 

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Rose Pastor Bracket

Girls  5:15 pm  Frontier vs. Cardinal O'Hara

Boys 7:00 pm  Frontier vs. St. Mary's

Boys  8:30 pm  Riverside vs. St. Francis

 

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Al Pastor Bracket

Girls  5:15 pm  Hutch-Tech vs. Nardin

Boys  7:00 pm  Hutch-Tech vs. Cheektowaga

Boys 8:30 pm  OTC/MEC vs. Canisius

 

Friday, December 2, 2011

Jerry Cooper Bracket

Girls  5:15 pm  Grand Island vs. Sacred Heart

Boys 7:00 pm  McKinley vs. St. Joe's

Boys 8:30 pm  East vs. Timon

 

-centercourt