2011-2012 Season Preview

With high school hoops season now in full swing here in WNY, it's time to see what basketball fans have to look forward to in the upcoming season.

 

WHAT'S NEW THIS SEASON?  

- Yale Cup  games are now scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm instead of 5:30 pm

- East and Burgard will both play in Yale Cup I, the large school division, despite being classified as small schools

- Leonardo DaVinci will field a team in the Yale Cup II and Class C1

- Class C now has 21 teams, meaning there is now a C1 & C2

- Friday, March 2, 2012 will feature three sectional championship games at JCC beginning at 5:30 pm for classes D, C2, & C1

- Crossover Tuesday at Buffalo State on March 6, 2012 will feature three games this year beginning at 5:30 pm with the Class C1/C2 game

- The Far West Regionals are back at Buffalo State this season on March 10, 2012 beginning at 12:00 pm

- Sweet Home will play in ECIC I

- Lake Shore will play in ECIC II

- Forestville and Ellicottville will play in CCAA III

- Brocton and North Collins will play in CCAA IV

- 2011 POY Jaysean Paige will play his senior season at a high school in Kentucky

- Chad Kelly is not playing basketball this season

- Stan Wier returns to East Aurora for his senior season

 

CLASSIFICATION CHANGES

McKinley moves down from AA to A1

Lafayette moves down from A1 to A2

Bennett moves down from A1 to A2

Olean moves down from A2 to B1

East moves down from A2 to B1

Burgard moves down from A2 to B1

Springville moves down from A2 to B1

JFK moves down from B1 to B2

Akron moves down from B1 to B2

Roy-Hart moves down from B1 to B2

Cassadaga Valley moves down from B2 to C1

 

NEW HEAD COACHES

Lancaster - John Otto

West Seneca East - Dan Leutman

Barker - Michael O'Sullivan

Clymer - Dan White

Tapestry Charter - Tony Williams

Nichols - Jim MacKinnon

 

 

 THE PLAYERS

Although I don’t publish a preseason All-Centercourt team, there are four players in WNY this season that are Division 1 talents and worth some early discussion.  Stan Wier will be a UB Bull next year, Jermaine Crumpton has already given Canisius a verbal commitment despite being a junior, Reggie Abeko has yet to decide on the many colleges who have shown interest, and Sterling Taplin will undoubtedly be playing major college ball somewhere…after he finishes his last three years of high school.

 

After bringing some serious raw talent to the Monsignor Martin Association last year, Agbeko has developed into a top prospect in WNY for St. Joe’s.  The buzz all summer was about the 6-7 Agbeko’s dominance in AAU and major strides in the fundamental aspects of his game.  He was a force on the boards last year and had really begun to finish well around the basket (finishing as a Fifth Team All-Centercourt selection), before crashing to the floor with an ankle injury at the Koessler Center during the postseason and missing the Marauders final two games.  His size, coupled with his leaping ability, will give teams fits near the basket this year.

 

Wier returns to WNY for his senior season and will be back with his original alma mater, East Aurora.  As a sophomore, Wier was named Second Team All-WNY as he helped lead Nichols to a Class A New York State Federation championship and then spent his junior campaign at a high school in Indiana.  The Blue Devils are glad to have this inside/outside threat back and will rely on his all-around game this season.  Besides his obvious physical attributes, Wier is a tireless worker who gets in the gym early each morning and takes hundreds of shots.

 

Another inside/outside threat is Crumpton.  The NFHS big man showed some flashes of brilliance as a sophomore and by all accounts, has improved tremendously over the summer.  The Wolverines will ask Crumpton to play a much bigger role this year after graduating a pair of big men who kept him out of the starting lineup last season.

 

Possibly the most talented player in this area is still developing, and that’s a scary thought when you consider just how good Taplin was as a freshman at Williamsville North last year.  In the offseason, Taplin (Third Team All-Centercourt in 2011) added 12 pounds of muscle to his frame and worked hard to improve his outside shot, which was already one of the area’s best.  The Spartans will look for Taplin to attack the rim more this year and take another step forward as an underclassman leader of their team.

 

A player who landed a spot on the Fifth Team All-Centercourt after finishing the season with a flurry, is Holland’s Jordan Farrant.  In back-to-back games during sectionals last February, Farrant scored a combined 76 points against Salamanca and OTC/MEC.

 

The following players return this season after earning All-Centercourt Honorable Mention honors a year ago:

 

Martin Bailey (Kenmore West),  Matt Hart (Canisius), Jordan Williams (Timon), Kyle Kobis (Timon), Taijay Williams (Niagara Falls), Khalid Brown (OTC/MEC), Jamaal Carter (City Honors), Aaron Frasier (MST Seneca), Jesse Lalka (Tonawanda), Josh Haight (Barker), Nick Lenart (Panama), Alex Grace (Maple Grove), Justice Feggans (Riverside), JJ Wilkes (Niagara Falls).

 

 

Some other players that I anticipate having great seasons include Sam Eckstrom (Olean), Adam Weir (Canisius), Conner Keenan (Williamsville East), Tommy Campion (Jamestown), Daryl Spencer (Cleveland Hill), Darnell Carson (CSAT), Zeddy Williams (Silver Creek), Kevin Holmes (Dunkirk), and Clayton Hess (Tonawanda).

 

LEAGUE BY LEAGUE

 

MONSIGNOR MARTIN

 

The Crusaders will be the favorites to repeat, thanks to the return of a very talented group that helped lift Canisius past St. Joe’s last year.  Matt Hart, Adam Weir, Aaron White, and Matt McDonald comprise the most dangerous quartet of shooters in WNY and all have plenty of big game experience as well.  Seniors Tim Schifferle and Brendan Tenney give head coach Kyle Husband some needed size inside.

 

Bishop Timon/St. Jude has four starters back from a year ago: Seniors Jordan Williams and Kyle Kobis, and juniors Ryan Dougherty and Fulton Bryant.  Williams and Kobis are two of the very best shooters in all of WNY, and when the Tigers are clicking on all cylinders, they’re capable being the top team in the area.

 

Following three consecutive appearances in the Catholic Class B state championship and a pair of titles, St. Mary’s once again has the horses to return.  Erik Simmons, Jake Denz, Devin Redden, and Nate Meyers are the key returnees for the Lancers and averaged a collective 36 points per game last season.  Also of note, former standout Joe Cellino joins the coaching staff this season.

 

The Marauders will need Agbeko to dominate the middle on both ends of the floor and open things up for the team’s shooters.  Mark Cerza transfers from Cardinal O’Hara and offers both size and finesse, while Jordan Glover, Kyle Briggs, and Jaylen Morris are all quick, aggressive, and athletic.  Junior Dylan Hall should have a major role for St. Joe’s this season also.

 

St. Francis returns six of its top eight players from last season, with each seeing time in the starting lineup.  Tyler Wagner, a three-year starter, will lead the Red Raiders this season from the guard position.  Both Brian Melisz and Cory Cullen started several games last year on varsity as sophomores.   Also returning are Brett Cawthorn, Matthew Morcio, and big Miles Bartholomew, who takes up a lot of space in the paint.  This very experienced and senior laden team looks to be a factor in a very talented and deep league.

 

Nichols brings back the Noonan brothers, Tommy and Adam, along with Eric Luko, Liam Ryan, and Sam Sendziak.  A quartet of tall and talented freshmen join the Vikings, as Jamar Waters, Cam Lewis, Chris Minor, and Tanner Schmit begin the process of returning Nichols to a power program in WNY.

 

Niagara Catholic has a pair of dynamic guards back in Joe Lowery and Jonathan Jackson and Walsh returns Ryan Whelpley.

 

YALE CUP

 

McKinley is led this season by guard Michael Davis, who saw plenty of action on last season’s AA semifinalist team.  Marcus Morris can shoot from anywhere in the gym, but missed most of last year with a knee injury.  Also back for the Macks are Lovell smith and Stephen Johnson, while Reyjzon Jordan will display his athletic talents on the hardwood as well.

 

Despite repeated success, the East Panthers seem to enter each season flying slightly below the radar.  After losing all five starters off the Section VI Class A regional representative, the same is sure to hold true again this year.  I still expect them to challenge for the Yale Cup in the large school division again this year.  Senior Rashaan Brown and sophomore transfer Tyree Tyson give East a pair of twin towers in the paint, while speedy sophomore Jonathan Lewis will run the point.  Seniors Daquann Griggs and Darnell Carr will also be key pieces this year.

 

Hutch-Tech is ready to make a run at the Yale Cup this year.  The Engineers bring back multiple players from the team that threatened Williamsville South in the A1 semis last year, including Marcus Nelson, Denzell Washington, Andrew Strug, and Tim Whitehead.  Sophomore Aymanuel Radford and junior Jovohn Owens will also be major factors.

 

Riverside features the electrifying Feggans and a much improved Lamont Little, along with returnees Mike Leonard and Mark Anderson. 

 

Bennett brings back 6-6 Derrick Quarles, gridiron start Javon Fogan, and Markei Miller.  The Tigers will also look for solid production out of Ed Bishop, Joe Nelson, Paris White, and Tylon Lynch.

 

OTC/MEC has two of its top players back in Khalid Brown and Cordell Torres, along with Davonte Harper and Kevin Reese.

 

MST Seneca has Jaleyn Pearson and Ben Bolden to go along with top area guard Aaron Frasier.

 

I-Prep returns Maurice Cheatom and Davonte Whitsett from last season's Class C state semifinalist squad.

 

ECIC I

 

The Red Raiders will look to defend both league and back-to-back sectional titles.  Leading the way for Jamestown will be junior Tommy Campion, a vital part of the team’s run to last season’s Class AA state title game.  Seniors Adam Cecchini and Kevin Diaz are also back, and both can light it up from the perimeter.  The future is already looking bright, as this ever re-loading team has three sophomores and two freshman

 

Sweet Home will be lead by junior Kole Gilchrist, who made second team ECIC II last season after averaging 13 points per game as a sophomore.  Senior Jayson Moore will run the point for the Panthers and will have Khalid Barnes, the JV’s leading scorer last year, to dish to.

 

Taplin will lead a Spartans squad that is determined to win ECIC I.  He’ll have help from tough defender Nick Konotopsky and three-point threat David Berkun, along with 6-3 forwards Brett Butler and Justin Bangert.  George Attea, a 6-3 freshman, could be one to keep an eye on as he develops at Williamsville North.

 

Clarence will be lead by a pair of guards in sophomore Bryan Jost and senior Stephen Hughes, Orchard Park welcomes Matt McCormick back, and Frontier has Alex Warren and Matt Taylor.

 

ECIC II

 

Conventional wisdom would have Williamsville South falling off the WNY basketball map after losing its entire starting lineup and fielding a team this season with just one senior.  However, optimism runs high for the Billies and their lone senior, Jim Caputi.  Jack Fitzpatrick takes over point guard duty, while Damien Powers will look to assume Joe Licata’s role as the team’s three-point threat.  South will also get contributions from Chaquiel Nettles, Trent Ferguson, Mike Calandra, Sam Castronova, and a player with a familiar last name…Pat Stasiak.

 

The league’s best player may be senior forward Conner Keenan at Williamsville East.  He, along with point guard Michael Kyarunts, will lead the Flames into battle this year.  Joseph Kleinmann and Mike Altman are back for their senior campaigns, while sophomore Jaleel Battle comes over from Riverside, along with a pair of out-of-state transfers.  Zack Bischel and Michael Spina will look to provide a spark coming off the bench.

 

Lake Shore varsity coach Dan Gerken returns four underclassmen and three seniors as the Eagles look to improve upon last season with experience and leadership.  Ryan Spears will captain the team, while senior guards Josh Sanchez and Mark Kennedy’s athleticism will be relied upon on both ends of the floor.

 

The Spartans will feature a very youthful group, with only two seniors on the team.  Starpoint’s offense will be directed by sophomore guard Julian Mott.  The Spartans also bring back Steve Cooper, Andrew Rankie, and sharp shooter Stan Speaker.

 

ECIC III

 

Maryvale has won league championships in each of the last two seasons, and will look to continue its winning ways.  Sean Weisansal, Tyler Smith, and the always energetic Joe Gabor are back for head coach Mark Kensey’s team, and the Flyers also gain Zack Walkowski fro JFK.  Demetri McCallie, Max Aikin, Ed Smith, and Jayln Putman all join the Flyers from the JV last year.

 

The addition of Wier will help to make East Aurora contenders, but they’re far from a one-man show.  Ian Allen has size and the ability to do things all over the court.  Mike Rhoades is a classic glue player who obviously works very hard, while Chris Bourne and Brendan Cox are both heady players.  Eli Melas and Cam Wier are both capable reserves for the Blue Devils.

 

Depew will occupy the paint with a pair of sturdy big men in 6-5 Jaden Cotton and 6-6 sophomore Mike Lamb.  Aaron Ertel can bomb away from the perimeter, while sophomore point guard Derrick Sekuterski can do a little of everything and continues to improve.  Mike Ballistrea and Jon Gemerek also return to the Wildcats.

 

Amherst will challenge for the ECIC III crown this season, due in large part to the returning contributions of Glenn and Johnathan Belton.  The two guards were leaders for the Tigers last year, as Glenn was the second leading scorer and Johnathan led in assists.  The Tigers also bring back 6-7 junior Alex Turecki to clog the middle, along with Steven Reynolds and Owen Lankes.  Juniors Dion Lewis and Jonah Heim are new to the team, but should see plenty of action.

 

Cheektowaga is led by Kyle McDuffie, Marquel Jackson, and Derek Clyburn.  The Warriors will also start Ernie Vann and freshman Zak Ciezki.

 

At Pioneer, senior Mike Brass returns poised to take a giant leap forward with a full year of starting varsity experience under his belt.  Able to play and guard any position 1-4, his court smarts and poise are his best attributes.  An ECIC III honorable mention as a sophmore, junior Terik Lewis is the leading returning scorer and after a stellar summer, appears ready to take the next step forward.  Team newcomers Dylan Souder and Connor Johnson look to make an immediate impact.

 

ECIC IV

 

Tonawanda enters this season with high hopes.  The defending ECIC IV champs bring back the league’s POY in Jesse Lalka, and also return the well-rounded Clayton Hess.  Completing the Warriors starting lineup should be Jake Spencer, Tyler Hughes, and Andy Smith.

 

Cleveland Hill will seek a third straight trip to Buffalo State this year, led by senior Daryl Spencer.  Despite missing four games at the start of last season, Spencer lead the team in shooting and free throw percentage, points scored (13.9 per game), rebounds (12.7 per game), blocked shots, and steals.  Senior point guard Miles Barker will need to lead his team on the floor and forward DeVonte Davis should be a presence in the paint. The team will also look for sophomore Jared Watkins to contribute on both ends of the court with his quickness.   

 

Lackawanna’s lone returning starter from last season’s Class B1 champ is Raytrel Finley.  The Steelers also bring back Norman Sweat, Admir Merhizic, and TJ Giddens.  Head coach Tim Foley’s group will look to run about ten deep this season and rely on athleticism to help counter a lack of experience as they seek a return trip to Buffalo State.

 

 JFK has Christian Boettcher back in its starting lineup again, and also returns Jimmy Quinn, Ken Minorczyk, Nick Sikora, and Ben Zaccagnino.  Nick Anderson and Joey Burkowski move up to varsity and should see plenty of action.

 

Paul Matuszak is the lone returning starter at Alden, who also welcome back shooting threat Phil Bifulco.  Juniors Corey Barczykowski and Jake McNamara, and sophomore Dylan Dussalt move up from the JV for head coach Andy Smith’s Bulldogs.

 

Holland will look to Jordan Farrant to do a lot of everything and he'll likely be up to that task once again this season.

 

NIAGARA FRONTIER LEAGUE

 

Niagara Falls will once again be the heavy favorite to win in both its league and section, with five players returning that saw quality minutes on a team that lost by just three points in the AA sectional championship to state runner-up Jamestown.  Crumpton will be a force inside, while JJ Wilkes, Taijay Williams, and Jamere Ollison all started games for the Wolverines at guard last season.  Junior Ramir Burton will also be a key contributor at Falls this year.

 

Kenmore West would be the top threat to challenge the Wolverines again this year with Martin Bailey, Marcus Lobdell, and 6-6 junior Quintin Campbell.

 

After much time and effort in his inaugural year at the helm, head coach Nate Beutel will challenge his Vikings to take a big step forward this season.  Junior point guard Nick Soos, senior center Dylan Kelly, and senior forward Jon Voyzey return to Grand Island and are expected to make an impact as starters.  Corey Adamshick and Jordan Jelks move up to varsity and will be relied upon, while freshman Quinn Carey is full of potential to have a strong four years at the varsity level.

 

After finishing third in the NFL last year, Niagara Wheatfield will look to Ryan Elnicki and Jack Mulcahy to keep the wins coming.

 

Lockport has the 6-6 Nick DiMartile along with Ezra Nwachaku.  Lew-Port welcomes St. Joe's transfer guard John Dziewit, who pairs with Nick Mansour to lead the Lancers.  Kenmore East will look to PJ Blanch for much of its scoring, and North Tonawanda will do the same with Corey Mis.

 

 

 NIAGARA-ORLEANS LEAGUE

 

CSAT should be the favorites to win its first ever N-O crown, as the Eagles return some real talent.  Junior guard Darnell Carson leads an Eagles team that also brings back shot-blocking Arzell Kaigler and Justin Black.  After a year at OTC/MEC, Desmond Lamar transferred back to CSAT.

 

Wilson lost most of its starting lineup, but still returns enough talent to make another run at a third straight league title and a sixth straight trip to the B2 semifinals.  Tyler Martin is the court leader for the Lakemen, who also bring back 6-4 forwards Dave Littere and Dustin DiLaura, Pat Walch, Pat Diez, and Zack Moxham.

 

Newfane lost a ton to graduation, with Sean Seefeldt being the lone returning starter.  Scott Kneeland is the only other senior returning, so juniors Connor Sears and Bryan Geise will be relied upon heavily for the Panthers.

 

Over at Akron, Connor Ladd, last year's leading scorer and rebounder is back for his junior season.  Junior Austin Mietz gets a fresh start from football after battling back from a knee injury last winter.  Junior Gowah Abrams will be the big man in the middle after finishing the season strong on varsity last year.  The largest question mark is at the point, as the Tiger's graduated three-year varsity player Jaime Salcedo.

 

Roy-Hart will be improved this season, as the Rams return four starters.  Jake Klietz, Ryan Metz, Chris Luce, and Brad Bobbit return to head coach Mark Rydza’s unit, while Conner Baker will play this season after missing last year due to injury.

 

Barker has a very talented pair back this season in senior Josh Haight and sophomore Jake Haight.

 

Medina will continue to improve with behind Lonnie Taylor and Lucas Evans. 

 

CCAA I

 

Olean will very likely reclaim its dominance in the CCAA this year and with the team moving back to Class B, could be in for a lengthy postseason.  The Huskies return four starters, led by the man in the middle, Sam Eckstrom.  Nick Schmidt averaged 13 points per game as a freshman and will be back prowling the perimeter.  Luke Hennessy, Pat Scholla, Max Portlow, and Neil Shoemaker also return, while an impact should be felt from newcomers Wil Bathurst and Evan Ryan.

 

Dunkirk will try to contend with the Huskies, with Kevin Holmes and Mike Donaldson back from last year’s league champs.

 

Fredonia will be led by Dylan Meyer, Southwestern has Jake Swan back, Falconer returns Ryan Nord, and Zach Harrington will be the main threat for Allegany-Limestone.

 

CCAA II

 

Salamanca will try to capture the league crown behind the talented trio of Jevon Battle, Jackson John, and Tanner John.

 

Randolph has both Brady Morrison and John Morgante back, Cassadaga Valley has Dustin Schauman for one more season, Gage Bird leads Frewsburg, Portville has Zach Blask and Zach Miles, and Silver Creek has a very talented and athletic junior in Zeddy Williams.

 

 CCAA III

 

Senior Austin Alonge will lead the way for Westfield after averaging 15 points as a junior.  The Wolverines also return three other starters: Trey North, Jon Coe, and Anthony Leone.  Junior Dylan MacCubbin was the first man off the bench last year, and senior Brent Morrison returns to Westfield after being a key starter at Chautauqua Lake last year.

 

Maple Grove returns senior guard Alex Grace, along with senior forward Skyler Liddell.

 

Ellicottville has both Colin Lapi and Conner Hellwig returning.

 

Franklinville returns Jake Reynolds, while Jason McMahon will be the senior leader for Chautauqua Lake.

 

CCAA IV

 

Panama has the league’s top player in four-year starter Nick Lenart, along with Zach Lubi returning.

 

David Kelley, Andrew Graham, and Marcus Lindstrom are all back for Sherman.

 

Clymer will be tough with Dan Lictus and Adam Walker in its lineup, Dan Ferguson and Jordan Patterson will lead Brocton, and North Collins returns senior Jared Keppel.

 

PREDICTIONS

LEAGUE CHAMPS:

Yale Cup I - McKinley, Yale Cup II - OTC/MEC, ECIC I - Jamestown, ECIC II - Williamsville South, ECIC III - East Aurora,  ECIC IV - Tonawanda,  NFL - Niagara Falls,  N-O - CSAT,  CCAA I - Olean,  CCAA II - Salamanca,  CCAA III - Maple Grove,  CCAA IV - Panama

 

SECTIONAL CHAMPS:

AA - Niagara Falls, A1 - McKinley, A2 - Riverside, B1 - Olean, B2 - CSAT, C1 - OTC/MEC, C2 - Maple Grove, D - Panama

 

-centercourt

 

Comments

[Andrew Webster]

Well done with the preview CC. Looks like WNY should be poised for another exciting b-ball season!

[MMA]

Nice job by CCentercourt of including a little something about most schools in this area. One question though: Where is your prediction for the MMA?

[Sam]

WOW! This is excellent. Thank you for a great preview Mr. Centercourt.

[centercourt]

MMA -

I predict Canisius will win the Cup.

[Division1]

Great job on previews CC.

[McShea is God]

Yes great job CC on the preview. After watching B Kearney 2nite it is clear why Aquinas moved up 2 AA this year - 2 avoid having 2 play them in the A Section 5 final. I hope Falls can beat Aquinas on March 10th at Buff State cause no way our A team will beat Kearney. Jamesville Dewitt-Bishop Kearney will b a great Class A state final. U can book that 1. Still don't get the Crumpton 2 Canisius thing...Parotta will b gone by the time he gets there anyway. A 6-4 D1 Power forward? What? Not quick enough 2 play the 3 and not good enough outside shot 2 play the 2.

And not that it's Sal's fault but that stupid 18 game crap....they had 2 great tests this weekend now have 2 wait a month 4 the 2 games in Erie then another month and a half until the Section 6 Final 2 get a real game cause the NFL is a joke (please TML-No Ken West talk here). At least if they could do 1 game each it would leave 7 more no leaguers. O Well.

How about Syracuse! Going 2 #1 this weeek w Kentucky and Ohio State losing! Bernie would b proud!

[TML1000]

No, I will put in some KW talk....KW played them tough for 6 out of 8 quarters last year and the area where NF dominated was in the paint....NF's paint advantage is gone this year. Williams and Wilkins will not dominate KW's guards by any stretch. Why are most of the games NF has played in the NFL the past decade a joke...because they had a huge athletic advantage to go with their talent. KW is just as athletic and quick at the 1-3 spots. I'm not saying NF will lose but to say those two games will be a joke is dumb. Canisius is better than the Falls so we'll see how much of a joke KW will be on Tuesday.

Talk about a joke...Cuse at #1 will be a joke. They were pushed hard against the only two decent teams they've played and also against Marshall. I would take Kentucky, UNC, OSU and Duke over Cuse.

[Tim]

CC,
Who have been the most emotional/passionate players in your 3-5 years on the beat?

[McShea is God]

TML Falls will crush Ken West by 15 both games your guards can't keep up with their guard's. Falls will run them off the court. I'm not saying Cuse is the best team jack - just that they will b ranked #1 Monday.

PS I may wanna fight u at Mary's this week so look 4 me next 2 CC let's go at it. Hollywood will ref

[Patrick Moran]

Great job, Centercourt. So great, in fact, I'm stealing it and putting it up on BSD tomorrow, heh :)

[TML1000]

Ha....that would be a more exciting halftime show than a wing contest. Ive been working on my Kimura.

[Dark TML]

This might be the best Ken West team in years. Bailey is one of the best point guards in WNY and they are athletic. Outside shooting might be a problem for them. The Falls hasn't been the vintage Falls the last couple of seasons. Look how NT won the NFL two seasons ago. Canisius will be a good measuring stick of how good the Blue Devils can be this year.

[ILoveMIGtoo]

Pat M,why didn't Sal keep Aquinas from moving to AA?
Sam,you work in the school system. Maybe you know?
MiG,that would be HILARIOUS!!!