The greatest rivalry in WNY high school basketball resumed yesterday, the first of at least two games between Canisius and St. Joe's to be played at the Canisius College Koessler Center this season. Below are some game notes and thoughts from yesterday afternoon's 77-65 triumph for the Crusaders.
- I arrived early enough to see the entire JV contest. The future is bright, as always, for both schools. I feel like I see enough games to state what might already be obvious to many, but both of those JV teams would beat at least half of the 105 varsity teams that compete in WNY.
- Moving this rivalry to the Koessler Center was a good idea, considering the venue was sold out before the varsity contest had started. Capacity there is nearly 2,200. Buffalo State holds 3,500. If we're really trying to accomodate the most fans as possible, maybe an even larger venue should be considered. Either way, how great is it that a single high school basketball game draws so much local interest?
- Adam Weir eclipsed the 1,000 point mark in his three-year varsity career. I was happy for him that he was able to accomplish that milestone against his rival, before a capacity crowd, and on the same court that he'll call home after high school. He carries himself with class on the floor and acts like he's been there before in all the game's big moments. His game has really evolved over the past three seasons.
- St. Joe's got off to a good start and led by five points twice in the opening quarter. The score was 13-8 after eight minutes.
- The Marauders backcourt tandem of Jordan Glover and Jaylen Morris that has started and led the team the past two seasons, collided with each other with 3:19 remaining in the second quarter. Neither player was able to return to action for the rest of the game. It's a shame that two seniors had to miss out on finishing a game that is so highly anticipated and lose out on the experience.
- Obviously, losing the two players that handle the ball the most, at the same time, had a major effect on how the Marauders played the rest of the way. But I think it would sell Canisius short to assume a different result without the collision. The Crusaders were amidst a 12-3 run prior and had stolen the game's momentum, leading 20-17. There was a long break in the action, which totally changes the pulse of the game, in and of itself. Who knows how the game would have continued on without the injuries.
- When the action resumed, Canisius closed out the half on a 7-2 run.
- Because of the injuries to Glover and Morris, the Marauders spent the rest of the game with forwards playing guard. A lot fell on the shoulders of Louis Oliveri, a starter that past two seasons. He responded by scoring 21 points, many of which he was forced to create on his own.
- Two players who really stepped up nicely for St. Joe's were Mark Cerza and Dylan Hall. Both played the best game I've ever seen from them. Cerza finished with 23 points and Hall added 11 points.
- Matt MacDonald has been much more involved with facilitating the offense this season, in addition to knocking down shots. He's smart and patient in half court sets, and is great at delivering a pass to a cutting teammate.
- Weir led the Crusaders with 22 points and MacDonald scored 21 points.
- The largest Crusader lead of the game came with 5:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. Weir threaded a pass into the post for Jamel Mosley, who converted to give Canisius a 60-40 lead.
- Speaking of Mosley, he was a big factor in the paint, rejecting and altering shots all afternoon.
- St. Joe's was already extremely short-handed at the guard spot with Glover & Morris out, and then reserve guard Justin Hollins was forced to the bench in the third after picking up a technical foul. Then when he returned in the fourth quarter, Hollins was disqualified with 5:30 remaining after getting a second technical. He got it for celebrating/taunting in the face of a Crusader after a steal & score, as St. Joe's was amidst a 6-0 run that occurred in less than 20 seconds, cutting the Canisius lead to 60-46. Hollins could be such an impact player for the Marauders, especially yesterday, but he has to think of his team before thinking of himself and reacting. Instead of yelling in the opponents face, knock down the & 1, and then get back and D-up. There's an entire section filled with rowdy St. Joe's fans - let them do the yelling...just give them something to yell about.
- Finally, because it would have been a Canisius home game, they had the home announcer and I'm assuming they also ran the concession stand, because the pizza was from Mister Pizza. I ate before I came, thinking the Koessler Center would be selling the same lousy pizza they always carry. When I saw people floating around with Mister Pizza, I ate again.
-centercourt
Definitely disappointed that Glover and Morris missed most of the game after the injury. Hope both players do not miss significant time. Can't wait for round 2.
Posted by: WT716 | Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 03:57 PM
Mr. Pizza is a greasy terrible mess of a so called pizza....
Franco's now that's a pie ;)
Posted by: WNYHOOPS | Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 05:50 PM
Not Mr. Pizza, Mister Pizza. It's a Buffalo thing. Only two locations and both are a long way from Jamestown.
Franco's? I think I'd rather eat Tony's.
Posted by: centercourt | Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 05:55 PM
I'll take Francos over mister pizza.
Posted by: Gus Buster | Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 06:36 PM
Both kids are fine and will not miss much time, if any, as long as they are ok tomorrow.
Posted by: jackherlan | Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 06:42 PM
Falls vs Jamestown is the greatest rivilary in WNY basketball not Canisius Joe's. Canisius will beat them all 3 times by 8-10 points.
I just want 2 know if CC and me r going 2 c the Class D Final early - tomorrow at Clymer vs Sherman!
Posted by: McShea is God | Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 07:07 PM
Trust me I know Mister Pizza on Bird and Elmwood,and I'd rather eat Pizza Hut then that place.
I'll foot the Franco's at the NF v. Jtown Sectional Final game... sorry Will North.
Posted by: WNYHOOPS | Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 08:05 PM
I never should have doubted WNYHOOPS. Always been a fan and will continue to be.
You can bring me some Franco's during the AA final. I shouldn't be too hard to find.
Posted by: centercourt | Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 09:27 PM
MR WNYHOOPS, ...and if we ARE in the final, I would like a slice of Franco's delivered to the bench please.
Posted by: Chuck Swierski | Monday, January 14, 2013 at 10:56 AM
Coach, would you like that pie delivered between quarters or at the half?
It is amazing to me the lack of commentary on the blog about this game. A couple years ago there would have been a lot of trash talking, predictions and recapitulations of the game. Disappointing to see so little activity on the game from hoop fans.
I made the game. Unfortunately once again I had high expectations for a great game and it just didn't deliver. Certainly a very good win for Canisius. The next game should tell us more if everyone is healthy. If I was Joes fan I'd argue that the game would have been close till the end but for the injuries. I had the feeling though, despite the quality start by Joes, that it was only a matter of time before the Crusaders asserted themselves. They certainly seem to have more talent at every position on the floor.
It was good to see Washington get some significant PT. If I could offer him a tad bit of advice, I'd suggest spending a lot of time working on his left hand. He'll need the versatility of being able to go either way off the bounce if he wants to be the best he can be.
A nice move by the schools to move the game to CC. The only problem, they ran out of water well before the start of the varsity game. They'll have to do a better job with the concessions next time if only to make a lot more dough. And what Catholic institution isn't looking to do that?!
Posted by: hoopster | Monday, January 14, 2013 at 01:01 PM
CC - is there anyplace I can view the current standings for teams. BN has not been updated in weeks.
Posted by: BB FOLLOWER | Monday, January 14, 2013 at 01:12 PM
No.
If there's a specific team or a couple you are interested in, I can help you with that, but I don't know where you'd find standings.
Standings will only matter as they relate to seeding points and a lot will change with how they would currently look now and the end of the regular season.
If the standings mattered more to me, I might put in the extensive work to provide them and keep them updated. But to me, it becomes fairly clear which teams will be in the race for league titles and which teams have a legitimate shot at making any noise within its class during sectionals.
Max Preps is actually my number one resource when trying to figure out a team's record. People always say you can't rely on Max Preps, and that's true for statistics. But for records, as long as you check to make sure all games are reported and none are duplicates, Max Preps is where I turn. But you have to do it one team at a time.
Posted by: centercourt | Monday, January 14, 2013 at 02:48 PM
section6boysbball.com if the coaches update
Posted by: guest | Monday, January 14, 2013 at 05:22 PM
always count me in on any given game i may be attending to give you a recap and believe it or not i did very well in my journalism in school....only proplem is it was many moons ago!!anyway you had to take 2/4 so jour/lit...it was and looking back im glad....i know how to pear down the game to an update or give you the highlights and let you post as i dont want to post games im at due to security cleareances!!!and it also look like you need to find a local food place for fans to go after the games in away games for teams parents.have a great day and will see you on here or watching you tweet!take care.
Posted by: lovethegame | Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 10:48 AM