Random Smatterings I

McKinley used a 34-2 third quarter to extend its lead to 85-15, during a 105-22 nonleague demolition of Dunkirk.  Karma is a Mack!

 

Midway through the fourth quarter of Newfane's 78-43 win against Grand Island, the Panthers' student section, known as the Blue Zone, chanted "We're not Wilson".  The Lakemen had lost to Grand Island four days earlier, 54-17.

 

With Section V's Bishop Kearney the favorite to represent Rochester in Class AA, Niagara Falls coach Sal Constantino scheduled two regular season nonleague games with the Kings.  When people would ask me why, I said maybe Sal subscribed to the theory "it's tough to beat a team three times in a season", so he was trying to give Falls an edge at the Far West Regionals.  Then they won in the first meeting.

 

I've only seen Constantino wear a tie twice and it's been good luck both times.  Once was a three-point win against Aquinas in the 2010 Classic and the other was this year's 2012 Classic win against Kearney.  In each game, the dress shirt became completely untucked by early in the third quarter.

 

While tyring to convince the ref that his player's pass had been tipped before it went out of bounds, Batavia coach Buddy Brasky said "Come on, he's not that bad that he'd just throw the ball out the door".

 

While watching the Crusaders dig themselves a huge hole in the first half of their loss to Olean, I thought, "They're playing with no Hart".  It was an illustration to me of just how important Matt Hart was to that team last year.  Canisius will be fine, but they'll have to find a way to compensate for his leadership.   Speaking of Hart, he scored a _{career-high 27 points} in leading Hamilton College to a win earlier this month.  He leads his team in scoring, minutes played, and steals.

 

Bishop Timon/St. Jude's win against Kenmore West on Monday was the schools first victory over a ranked WNY large school since the 2010 season.  

 

Next season, Jamestown versus Olean in a nonleague game. Please.

 

New St. Mary's AD Joe Rera didn't miss a beat in carrying on the AdPro ECIC/MMA Challenge.  Another outstanding three-day, 10-game event.

 

During Jamestown's win over Williamsville South, I asked Keith McShea about the Red Raiders' Quinn Lee Yaw.  I wanted to know if Lee was part of the first or last name.  McShea replied, "Yaw don't know his name?"

 

Jared Keppel of North Collins scored 32 points  & grabbed 12 rebounds in a win against Gowanda on Wednesday.

 

My first poll ballot of the season for the large schools was identical to how the actual poll turned out.  Clearly a smart group of pollsters has been assembled for this season.

 

When Depew and Niagara Catholic played at the Cataract City Classic, both teams wore away jerseys.

 

East has stumbled out of the gates as usual, beginning 1-2, including a 10-point loss to Maple Grove.  It likely doesn't get better when they host Riverside this Friday.  Look for the Panthers to win Class B2 and face Olean in the overall Class B final.

 

At the Cataract City Classic, the game announcer would say something like, "at the end of the 3rd quarter, it's Willaimsville North 39, Batavia 23...you do the math".

 

Middle College junior Bri'an Brown set the early season scoring bar at 38 points, which he scored in a nonleague victory over CSAT Wednesday night.

 

Coaches:  Please teach your players some subbing etiquette.  Don't tap the media table and then stand in front of it so no one can see.  Go to the middle, where the scoreboard operator is, and SIT (just like they do in college & NBA).  He will sound the buzzer at the next whistle and then wait for the officials to wave you in.  That's how it works.  Amazing how many kids have no idea what the rationale is behind checking in at the scorer's table is.

 

-centercourt    

@centercourt42

Comments

[Yale Cup]

I find it Interesting that,that was Timon's 1st win over a top 10 Large school since 2010, considering they have been ranked in the Top 10 themselves for a majority of that time.I know they beat BK last year.....

Also as, far as the kids checking in @ the table. I did notice the table was right up to the sideline in the Wolvarena. the kids would have to be on the court to get to the middle. Not sure how it was @ St. Mary's or other games. Daemen may have been tight too. It is pretty common in a lot of gyms. Move back the table.

[centercourt]

The media table is level with the scorer's table. It's the same difference.

I agree with move the table back, but the reason the kids don't go to the middle is because many don't know any better.

[Yale Cup]

I guess i should have been refering to the Scorers table.I do agree though. The kids just don't know. A lot don't wait to be called in by a ref either. A technical waiting to happen.

[Yale Cup]

Love the Dunkirk Karma comment too!

[WNY BBall]

Does anyone know why Percy Bryant (St. Mary's transfer) hasn't played yet for East? Or when he will be playing?

Newfane has been really impressive so far. They rarely have guys where you say "wow that kid is an All WNY player!" but they play hard and just win games.

Quinn Lee Yaw and Brandon Kellam are as good a big man tandem as anyone has in WNY, those guys will be game changers this year. Campion is Jamestown's go to guy but if those two can stay out of foul trouble they will be REALLY tough to beat.

CSAT will only get better from here, Jaquille Peay 6'4" senior and returning starter is back for them after missing the first couple games.

St. Joe's just doesn't have that go to guy this year like they have had with Reggie Agbeko and Connor Rehbaum the past few seasons...they will be fine in the MMA but I can't see them beating Canisius. Especially if Aaron White is as aggressive as he was in the 2nd half against Olean.

Speaking of Olean - that first half was the best half of basketball I've seen by a WNY HS team. Credit Canisius for making it a game in the 2nd half.

Lastly, a few games I am interested in for Friday:
East Aurora @ Maryvale
Alden @ Cleve Hill
JFK @ Lackawanna
Riverside @ East
Burgard @ Medina

Mostly small school match ups that I think should help clear things up a little bit. Riverside @ East should be a lot better game now that Justice Feggans is back.

[centercourt]

Percy Bryant was away last week. He'll be back, I believe for tomorrow.

[McShea is God]

Joe's will beat McKinley 2 nite. Game about 2 tip. By 5

[McShea is God]

SO....I was off by 3 points this time. 2 pretty good upset picks.

I will give u my December 21st end of the world predicion next Friday at 4pm so u all have time 2 plan your last few hours if I predict the end.

Saw 3 games 2nite w CC, ran at the gym and saw 10 naked old guys on my way out, then shopped at the hell that is Walmart even at 11pm.