The View From Centercourt

2015 NYS Class B Federation Champions: Park Pionneers

(Park shows everybody who number 1 is)

 

Just imagine that headline two years ago when Park played in the IAC.  Following the 2013 season, head coach Michael Battaglia, who was finishing his third season as the head coach of the Pioneers, committed to making Park a winning program.  Check that, a championship program.  It began with the arrival of some of the area's top talents, to go along with some key pieces that were already in place.  Then Battaglia took his team out of the IAC and got them into the Monsignor Martin Association, WNY's catholic league, known for fielding some of the best teams and players in the City of Buffalo.  Finally, there was the addition of a couple more key pieces prior to the start of this season, and it was on.

 

After winning the first ever Class B Manhattan Cup, the Pioneers went on to claim a CHSAA state championship.  It was an amazing feat to be certain, particularly for a team that made such rapid strides in two seasons.  But there was more to accomplish, more expected of this long, tall, and extremely talented group.  Park arrived at the NYS Class B Federation Tournament of Champions to find the defending champs, Westhill, waiting there with all the key pieces from the season prior.  After a Westhill fade away 3-pointer from the reigning Class B state Player of the Year sent the Class B semifinal to overtime, Park put itself in a position to win the game again in the extra session, and then swatted away a similar last second 3-point attempt to advance to the title game.

 

Then they made history.

 

The Pioneers started fast, claiming a double-digit lead in the opening quarter, and looked the part of the best Class B team in NYS, until they were officially just that.  Park defeated Maspeth (Queens, NY) 70-51, winning the school's first ever Federation Championship.

 

Jordan Nwora was awarded Class B Tournament MVP, while seniors Derek Cheatom and Randy Golda were each selected to the All-Tournament team.

 

With the Pioneers leading 5-4 at the midway part of the opening quarter, Nwora converted a traditional three-point play that spurred an 11-0 run.  Cheatom also finished an 'And 1' during the scoring surge, along with a trey from Hunter Anderson and a bucket from Kyle Harris that made it 16-4 just six minutes in.

 

After leading 35-22 at halftime, Park blew the game wide open in the third quarter with a 15-0 run that pushed its advantage to 50-26, leaving the eventual outcome in little doubt.

 

This year's group has certainly set the bar high - as high as it goes.  The Pioneers graduate just two players from this championship squad, but both immensely important to this team's success.  Whether or not the school from Harlem Road in Amherst will continue to achieve such spectacular outcomes remains to be seen, the accomplishments of this year's group put them in extremely select company and should be celebrated.

 

-centercourt

2015 NYS Class A Federation Champions: Canisius Crusaders

 

Undefeated regular season Monsignor Martin Champions.  Manhattan Cup Champions.  CHSAA State Champions.  And now, Federation Champions!  The Canisius Crusaders have officially climbed to the top of the Class A high school basketball world and are the undisputed Kings!

 

LaTerrance Reed opened the NYS Class A Federation Championship game by burying a 3-pointer to give Canisius a lead they would never let go of.  They played like champions and now they are, following a 48-44 win over Albany Academy.  

 

It's the first ever Federation Championship for Canisius, who knocked off the last two teams to win it, on consecutive days, and did so on their turf.  The tournament was held at University at Albany's SEFCU Arena.  Albany Academy and Scotia-Glenville, who the Crusaders ousted in the semifinal to end its state-leading 53-game winning streak, are less than 20 miles from the U of Albany, when you combine distance.

 

Reed was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, scoring a combined 33 points in the two wins.  Josh Huffman scored 32 points in the two outings, while Stafford Trueheart added 23 points in the tournament.

 

Canisius jumped out to a 7-0 to start the game and held leads of six points at halftime and following the third quarter.  Their largest lead of the game came with 4:10 left in the fourth quarter, when Reed and Huffman hit back-to-back 3-pointers, which put the Crusaders up by 12 points, 44-32.

 

Albany Academy got to within three points with 14.3 seconds left in the game, but Huffman secured the victory for the Crusaders at the stripe, giving them a two possession lead with 12.8 seconds remaining.

 

The championship caps a breakthrough season for the program.  While the Crusaders have dominated the Monsignor Martin over the past seven seasons, to the tune of a 94-7 record against league opponents and five Manhattan Cups, that was the extent of their success until this season.  Canisius is the first team since Nichols in 2010 to win a Federation Championship.  Prior to that, Niagara Falls won it in 2005, in Class AA.

 

-centercourt

Park beats Westhill in OT

(Park celebrates its win over Westhill that put them in the Class B Federation Title game/Photo by James McCoy)

 

Following Westhill's spectacular display in the 2014 NYSPHAA Class B state championship game, a 93-55 win over Olean, it seemed difficult to fathom a team could possibly stand in it way of repeating the following season.  The Warriors were returning 85 of the points scored in a game that was never even competitive.  They went on to win the Federation in Class B, finishing 27-0.  But those who have followed my work this year know that I've said from the start that anything less than a Federation matchup between Westhill and Park this season would be a disappointment for the Pioneers.  

 

Well, Park made it to the Federation Tournament of Champions. They didn't disappoint anyone, except those with dreams of a repeat championship for Westhill.

 

Kyle Harris sank a pair of free throws with 1.6 seconds remaining in overtime, then Randy Golda blocked a game-winning attempt from the Westhill's Jordan Roland, preserving a 56-55 victory over the defending champs.  The victory advances the Pioneers to the Class B Federation Championship game on Sunday, 4 pm at SUNY Albany.

 

Park had led by as many as 12 points in the second half after taking a 10-point lead into the break.  Westhill chipped away at the deficit and closed to within six points heading into the final stanza.  Midway through the fourth, the Warriors had pulled to within two points, setting up an intense finish.  With the Pioneers leading 52-49, Westhill had possession with 18 seconds remaining.  As the time ticked off the clock, the reigning NYS Class B POY, Jordan Roland, buried a trey from the left corner over the outstretched arm of Park's Derek Cheatom with 1.6 seconds left, sending the action to OT.

 

The Pioneers trailed by a point for over two minutes in the extra session as the score stayed knotted at 55-54, before Harris calmly sank the game-tying charity toss, followed by the game-winner.

 

Jordan Nwora led Park with 18 points, Hunter Anderson scored 13 points, and Kyle Harris had 12 points.

 

Jordan Roland scored 18 points and Tyler Reynolds added 15 points for Westhill in the loss.

 

-centercourt

Canisius snaps Scotia's 53-game streak

(Stafford Trueheart lowers the #BOOM on Scotia as Canisius advances to the Fed final / Photo by James McCoy)

 

On Sunday, I watched two undefeated teams, Scotia-Glenville and Greece Athena, battle for the NYSPHAA Class A State Championship.  The two entered the game 1 & 2 respectively in the NYSSWA rankings.  After a competitive championship game in Glens Falls, Scotia emerged as the undefeated NYSPHAA champion for a second straight year, and would move on the Federation Tournament in Albany, seeking to repeat as champions there as well.  They were also seeking to extend the longest winning streak in the state to 54 games with a semifinal victory to set up one last championship game.  But the Canisius Crusaders, state champions from the CHSAA, were waiting there for the Tartans with a different agenda - register a historic, streak-ending victory and live to fight together one last time.  Mission accomplished.

 

It took overtime and overcoming foul trouble, but Canisius introduced Scotia-Glenville of Section II to the taste of defeat for the first time since the 2013 season, with an incredible 68-63 victory over the Tartans at SUNY Albany, to advance to the NYS Class A Federation championship game against Albany Academy, tomorrow at 5 pm.

 

After an intense battle between state champions came right down to the final seconds, it was the Crusaders with a two-point lead and Stafford Trueheart shooting the back end of a 1 & 1 coming out of a timeout, with 2.6 seconds left.  When Trueheart's attempt missed, a scramble for the rebound ensued that resulted in Scotia's Joe Cremo gaining possession near the three-quarter court area.  Before he could even get a last second heave away, the Tartans were awarded a non-shooting foul with 0.3 seconds remaining.  Cremo would end up making the most of his gift and hit both tosses to send the game to overtime.

 

After a back-and-forth start to the extra session, Cremo hit a '3' for Scotia with 1:07 left to give his team a 63-61 lead.  Trueheart responded by converting a three-point play for the Crusaders that would begin a 7-0 run to close out the game, as Reed & Huffman each added a pair of free throws.

 

"It was really a collective effort today", Canisius coach Kyle Husband said.  "Stafford stepped up, LT (Reed) was great, Josh was terrific, and we probably don't win without TJ Wheatley's contributions".

 

There's only one game left to win, and it would be the most significant win in school history for the basketball team.  Canisius has never won a Federation title, an extremely rare and extraordinary accomplishment.

 

Trueheart went over 1,000 career points in the win, finishing with 19 points.  Reed also scored 19 points, while Josh Huffman added 16 points.

 

Cremo finished with a game-high 28 points, to lead the Tartans in his final outing.

 

-centercourt

Skill development offered by former UB stars

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

High school basketball players interested in improving their game through a quality learning experience provided by former Division I players will want to read the information below.

 

Former UB standouts, Tony Watson and Will Regan have started Pro Training Mini Camps - a skill development program focusing on shooting, ball handling, transition, footwork, finishing, post play, defense,  & team play.  

 

Spots will be very limited and filled on a first come, first served basis, as this off-season skill development program will provide a very small instructor to athlete ratio to maximize the learning potential of the experience.  For more information:

Call:  561-312-7514 

Email:  [email protected]

Visit:  www.protrainingbb.com

 

Who:

 

Tony Watson II - played four years at UB, two years professionally overseas.

 

Will Regan- played five years of college basketball. Played for Tony Bennett, Reggie Witherspoon and Bobby Hurley 

 

 

What:

 

Pro Training Basketball Mini Camps

 

 

When:

 

Starting April 13th-June 18th. Every Monday, Tuesday & Thursday.

 

1st Workout 6:00pm-7:30PM

2nd Workout 7:30PM-9:00PM

 

 

Where:

 

Clearfield Community Center

730 Hopkins Rd., Buffalo, NY 14221

 

 

Why:

 

They believe there is untapped potential of talent in Western New York that needs development and guidance.  Through their mini camps, they will use the knowledge acquired throughout their careers to help players reach a higher level of basketball. 

 

 

-centercourt

 

 

All-League Teams - 2015

 

 

MONSIGNOR MARTIN ASSOCIATION

Class A

Player of the Year:

LaTerrance Reed - Canisius, 12

 

All-Catholic

Stafford Trueheart - Canisius, 11

Chris Miner - Nichols, 12

Cam Lewis - Nichols, 12

Marcell Davis - St. Joe's, 12

Kordell Holness-Lightbody, St. Francis, 12

Derick Simpson - Timon, 12

 

Class B

Player of the Year:

Jordan Nwora - Park, 11

 

All-Catholic

Takal Molson - St. Mary's, 11

Derek Cheatom - Park, 12

Randy Golda - Park, 12

Buzz Watson - Walsh, 12

Tavien Kemp - Walsh, 10

Donel Cathcart - Cardinal O'Hara, 12

Sean Wilson - St. Mary's, 12

 

************************************************

 

YALE CUP I

Co-Players of the Year:

Percy Bryant - East, 12 / Devin Morris - McKinley, 12

 

First Team

Juwan Tolliver - McKinley, 12

Shaquan Jones - McKinley, 11

Fred Foster - Middle College, 11

JoJo Staton - Middle College, 11

 

Second Team

Damone Brown - East, 12

Amir Jemes - Middle College, 11

Brian Johnson - Middle College, 11

Isaiah Jamison - Burgard, 11

Jovell Littlejohn - East, 12

 

Third Team

Keyshawn Ridgeway - McKinley, 12

Dion Morrison - East, 12

Shakur Harris - South Park, 10

Jaylen Hall - Burgard, 12

Dante Campbell - Hutch-Tech, 12

 

Honorable Mention

 McKinley:  Bruce Booker - 11, Keyon Johnson - 11, Kesean Fisher - 11, Jaylen Prophet - 11

East:  Willard Anderson - 9, Malik Doughty - 12, Jamil Reynolds - 12, Daquan Williams - 12

Middle College:  Isaiah Jenkins - 12, Billy Rivera - 11, Lorenzo Truitt - 11

Burgard:  Rodderick Morrow - 12, Emmanuel Moss - 12

South Park:  James Baker - 11

Riverside:  Alexander Johnson - 11, Damone McNamee - 12

Bennett:  Jose Rivera - 11, Alex Lofton - 12

Hutch-Tech:  Josh Bonilla - 12, Jaylen Rose - 11

 

************************************************

 

YALE CUP II

Player of the Year:

Xavier Maye - I-Prep, 12

 

First Team

Terrance James - I-Prep, 12

Michael Simpson - Emerson, 11

Aaron Woods - Buffalo Arts, 12

Matt Cieslik - City Honors, 12

Brandon Roach - Olmsted, 11

Kyle Davis - DaVinci, 12

 

Second Team

Davon Gant - I-Prep, 11

JeQuan Wilson - MST Seneca, 11

Dominic Prince - MST Seneca, 10

Demetrius Brown - Buffalo Arts, 11

Jason Dowell - Emerson, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Lafayatte:  Julio Muriel - 12

MST Seneca:  Alfonse Oyoyo - 11, David Anderson - 10

Emerson:  Justin Acker - 11

Olmsted:  Dan Reid - 10

City Honors:  Jordahn Summers - 12, Ryan Langhorne - 11, Amir Radford - 8

DaVinci:  Mike Horton - 10, Devonte Robinson - 12

 

*************************************************

 

ALL-ECIC

Player of the Year:

Zack Panebianco - Jamestown, 12

 

First Team

Zack Panebianco - Jamestown, 12

TC Brown - Amherst, 11

Dominick Welch - Cheektowaga, 10

Clay Lewis - Holland, 12

Sam Castronova - Williamsville South, 12

Nick Parucki - West Seneca East, 12

 

Second Team

Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, 9

Dylan Lambert - Williamsville North, 12

Zak Ciezki - Cheektowaga, 12

Cort Williams - Williamsville East, 12

Stephen Carlson - Jamestown, 12

Maceo Jack - Williamsville North, 11

 

*************************************************

 

ECIC I

Player of the Year:

Zack Panebianco - Jamestown, 12

 

First Team

Stephen Carlson - Jamestown, 12

Dylan Lambert - Williamsville North, 12

Maceo Jack - Williamsville North, 12

Jay Bergmann - Frontier, 12

Matt Sadowy - Clarence, 12

 

Second Team

Tyler Lis - Lancaster, 12

Alex Konst - Lancaster - 11

Frank Borzillieri - West Seneca West, 12

Sean Hill - Williamsville North, 11

Bryan Pulli - Clarence, 12

 

 Honorable Mention

Frontier:  David Estrada - 12, Jake Gleason - 12

Orchard Park:  Dan Freilicher - 11

Jamestown:  Zacc Kinsey - 11

 

****************************************************

 

ECIC II

Player of the Year:

Nick Parucki - West Seneca East 12

 

First Team

Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, 9

Sam Castronova - Williamsville South, 12

Christian Nodine - Starpoint, 11

Cort Williams - Williamsville East, 12

 

Second Team

Nicholas Clough - Williamsville East, 12

Brock Kroening - Starpoint, 11

Jordan Heine - Sweet Home, 12

Ben Walters - Starpoint, 11

Brendan Ryan - Hamburg, 11

 

 Honorable Mention

Williamsville South:  Graham Dolan - 11, Matt Foster - 11

Sweet Home:  Brandon Smiley - 12

Hamburg:  Caleb Wood - 12

West Seneca East:  Ed Radka - 11, Matt Kumro - 12

Iroquois:  Zach Emer - 12, Lucas Tait - 12

 

****************************************************

 

ECIC III

Player of the Year:

TC Brown - Amherst, 11

 

First Team

Zak Cieszki - Cheektowaga, 12

Dominik Welch - Cheektowaga, 10

Dorian Billups - Amherst, 12

Darien Lowe - Amherst, 12

Collin Gemerek - Depew, 12

 

Second Team

Noah Thompson - East Aurora, 11

Amadi Ikpeze - Amherst, 11

Mike Kelleher - Maryvale, 12

Vince Nourse - Pioneer, 12

Kyle Warner - Springville, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Depew:  Tyler Anna - 12, Dylan Sekuterski - 12, Chad Biersbach - 9

Cheektowaga:  Patrick Plummer - 12, Devon Camel - 12

East Aurora:  Mike Coatsworth - 12

Maryvale:  Ray Blackwell - 9

 

**************************************************

 

ECIC IV

Player of the Year:

Clay Lewis - Holland, 12

 

First Team

Jeremiah Jones - Lackawanna, 12

Joe Braniecki - JFK, 12

Anthony Sullivan - Cleveland Hill, 12

Larry Fields - Lackawanna, 12

Jermaine Hairston - Cleveland Hill, 12

Tristan Boling - Tonawanda, 12

 

Second Team

Rodney White - Cleveland Hill, 11

Jordan Stockweather - Alden, 11

Christian Snell - Alden, 9

Cale Byczkowski - JFK, 12

AJ Perlino - Holland, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Alden:  Dylan Riddoch - 11

Holland:  Matt Farrant - 12, EJ Staniszewski - 11

JFK:  Brendan Fox - 12

Lackawanna:  Jaelin Watson - 11, Darius Cleveland - 12

Tonawanda:  Cody Diaz - 11, Larenz Jefferson - 12

 

***************************************************

 

NIAGARA FRONTIER LEAGUE

First  Team

Chris Woodard - North Tonawanda, 12

Craig Paige - Lew-Port, 12

Jenard Jackson - Lew-Port, 11

Terrell Ford - Kenmore West, 11

Kelly Brown - Lockport, 11

 

Second Team

Breon Harris - Niagara Falls, 11

Nathan Nielson - Niagara Wheatfield, 11

Joe Kulikowski - Grand Island, 11

Qeyion Williams - Niagara Falls, 11

Ryan Gilbert - North Tonawanda, 11

 

Third Team

Mikey Bermudez - Niagara Falls, 12

Colin Carrey - Grand Island, 12

Trent White - Kenmore West, 12

Nathan Williams - Niagara Wheatfield, 12

Adam McNeill - North Tonawanda, 12

 

*******************************************************

 

NIAGARA-ORLEANS

First Team

Kyle Bradley - Wilson, 12

Jason Hellwig - Medina, 12

Dylanta Carson - CSAT, 12

Andy Xaspos - Roy-Hart, 11

Gates Abrams - Akron, 11

 

Second Team

Evan Shank - Wilson, 12

Chris Sweeney - Barker, 12

Clayton Stanton - Albion, 12

Kyle Burdick - Newfane, 12

Justin Morgan - Medina, 11

 

 Honorable Mention

Albion:  Desmond Blackmon - 12, Manny Thompson - 12, Austin Lloyd - 12, Alex Bison - 12, Tommy Mattison - 10

Barker:  Nate Luckman - 10, Tom Callaghan - 12

Roy-Hart:  Chris Anderson - 11, Nelson Andrade - 12

 

****************************************************

 

CCAA I WEST

Player of the Year:

John Piper - Fredonia, 12

 

First Team

Cam Voss - Fredonia, 12

Cody Johnson - Cassadaga Valley, 12

Patrick Moore - Fredonia, 11

Chucky Martin - Olean, 12

Isaiah Thomas - Dunkirk, 11

 

Second Team

Elijah Ramadhan - Olean, 11

Jake Cavana - Olean, 11

Ben Eckstrom - Olean, 10

Shamon Stewart - Dunkirk, 10

Ben Burk - Southwestern, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Chautauqua Lake:  Carter Davidson - 11, Aaron Swan - 10

Fredonia:  Jarod Burmaster - 11

Olean:  Connor Prizel - 12

Falconer:  Sean Nord - 11, Ryan DePietro - 11

Dunkirk:  Rashad Brown - 11, Richard Pickens - 12

 

***************************************************

 

CCAA II WEST

Player of the Year:

Graham Soffel - Maple Grove, 12

 

First Team

Jake Card - Sherman, 12

Nathan Ottaway - Sherman, 12

Liam Tennies - Westfield, 12

Josh Eddy - Panama, 11

Chris Robson - Sherman, 10

 

Second Team

Tanner Dahl - Westfield, 12

Matt Hair - Frewsburg, 11

Jake Card - Sherman, 11

Chris Blose - Panama, 11

Cordell O'Brien - Frewsburg, 10

Josh Odell - Panama, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Panama:  Jack Payne - 11

Sherman:  Jeremy Cole - 12, Stephen Walczak - 12, Kolby Parks - 10

Clymer:  Adam Honey - 11, Josh Summers - 11, Jared Dunnewold - 12, Dylan Neckers - 11, Evan Legters - 12

Brocton:  Aaron Rifigiato - 10, Bryan Graves - 12

Frewsburg:  Kole Brink - 11

Westfield:  Trevor North - 11

Maple Grove:  Pat Nelson - 11

 

**************************************************

 

CCAA I EAST

Player of the Year:

 Bill Brooks - Silver Creek, 11

 

First Team

Bryce Morrison - Randolph, 12

Trevon Thompson - Silver Creek, 11

Isaac Hilyer  - Portville, 12

Jared Fish - Salamanca, 12

Tyler Siperek - Salamanca, 12

Cole Davis - Allegany-Limestone, 11

 

Second Team

Mason Bosley - Randolph, 12

Connor Gates - Silver Creek, 11

Andy Crandall - Salamanca, 12

Nate Brawdy - Gowanda, 9

Randy Jimerson - Gowanda, 12

Dominic Conroy - Allegany-Limestone, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Portville:  Zach Ewings - 12, Andrew Sarber - 12

Cattaraugus/Little Valley:  Darnell Pritchard - 12

Silver Creek:  Sherman Williams - 12

Gowanda:  Les Young - 12

Randolph:  Derek Young - 12

Salamanca:  Austin Elliott - 12

Allegany-Limestone:  Bailey Higby - 11

 

*************************************************** 

 

CCAA II EAST

Player of the Year:

Dylan Granger - Pine Valley, 12

 

First Team

Phalla Musall - Ellicottville, 12

Logan Youngberg - Forestville, 12

Caleb Makuch - Forestville, 12

Elliott Bowen - Ellicottville, 9

Ben Erickson - Franklinville, 12

Dylan Granger - Pine Valley, 12

 

Second Team

Dylan Szumigala - Forestville, 11

Dawson Bielecki - Franklinville, 11

Jordan Milks - Franklinville, 11

Kilian Abers - PineValley, 11

Austin Grinols - Ellicottville, 9

Emil Erlandson - West Valley, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Forestville:  Ryan Forbes - 12, Jeff Van Vlack - 12

Franklinville:  Isaac Kopp - 9, Drew Jackson - 10, Wil Bays - 11, 

Ellicottville:  Jonas Hurlburt - 11, Cole Lapi - 11, Griffin Chudy - 9

Pine Valley:  Russell Hayes - 12

West Valley:  Patrick Enser - 12. Jared Ras - 12, Justin Summers - 11, Chad Boldt - 10

 

*******************************************************

 

Charter Schools

Player of the Year:

Fred Searles - Global Concepts, 12

 

First Team

DeJuan Owens - Tapestry, 12

Tyrin Lott - Health Sciences, 9

Kenny White - Oracle, 11

Damon Glenn - Maritime, 12

Jordan Maxey - Tapestry, 12

 

Second Team

JaQuoine Fogan - Tapestry, 11

Kam Rashada - Health Sciences, 11

Naz Flood - Health Sciences, 12

Andre Bragg - Tapestry, 12

Fabian Pierce - Global Concepts, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Buffalo Science:  David Harris - 12

Oracle:  Shaundez Davis - 12, Shakur Bridges - 10

Global Concepts:  Dwight Dilbert - 10

Health Sciences:  Amarri Funderburk - 11

 

-centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings - Week 14

 

The 14th state rankings of the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Aquinas #6

Jamestown #17

Niagara Falls #28 *

 

Class A 

Greece Athena #2

Canisius #5

Williamsville South #10

McKinley #13

Olean #23

Amherst #28 *

Nichols #30 *

 

 Class B

Leadership Academy #4

Park #5

East #11

Fredonia #16

 

 Class C 

Lyons #3

Middle College #6

Tapestry #7

Silver Creek #10

 

Class D

I-Prep #4

Sherman #8

Panama #14

 

 ** According to the rankings...

 

- Last week, I put an asterisk next to Niagara Falls at #28 in Class AA, because they had added five spots to include more teams.  Now they've done it in Class A also.  Suddenly, there's a top 30 in Class A, rather than the top 25 we've seen all season.  Come on!! What about the 32nd best team in Class A??? Shouldn't #46 get a shout out somewhere too???

 

- Last week, Chaminade (who lost to Canisius in the CHSAA state semifinal) was tied with Amherst at #25 in Class A. Neither team has played since, but this week, Chaminade is up to #19 , while Amherst dropped out of the rankings, or to #28 if you like the tee-ball, everyone deserves a ranking theory.  While I agree that Chaminade is significantly ahead of Amherst, I do not understand what the logic in moving both teams around that much when both of their seasons are over.

 

- Leadership, who narrowly escaped East, is #4 in Class B, while Park is #5.  Both should get a shot at Westhill before the season ends, which should finally be the evidence the committee needed to push the Pioneers (CHSAA Class B state champs) ahead of Leadership Academy.

 

- I-Prep is the worst of the Class D teams playing in Glens Falls, ranked #4 of the four teams headed there. I doubt that is really the case. 

 

For the complete NYSSWA rankings, click here.

 

-centercourt

Who deserves a spot on All-Centercourt?

 

The 2015 All-Centercourt Team & CC MVP will be published on Thursday, April 16th

 

** Link to Brackets Central ** 

 

You think it's easy to come up a top 60?  How about about separating it into a top 25 first? Give it shot. Five teams, with five players on each team, and another 35 players for honorable mention.

 

In about three weeks, the 5th Annual All-Centercourt team will be announced, honoring the top 60 seasons turned in by WNY high school players this year.  The selections are broken down into a first, second, third, fourth, & fifth team, with five players on each, along with 35 honorable mention selections.  There is also an award for the CC MVP (the WNY Player of the Year), Coach of the Year, and Sixth Man of the Year.

 

The top 60 may sound like a lot, but when you start putting names down on paper, the list fills quickly and inevitably some very good players get left off the list.  The main criteria I focus on is the 2014-2015 season, not what you did in the past, and not where you're going in the future...it's all about honoring the top 60 from this season.

 

Use the comments section below to tell us what your 5 teams would look like and maybe even why.  If you're really ambitious, try coming up with the entire team including the HM selections.  

 

Please keep all commentary appropriate when discussing high school athletes, and remember, it is lame to say someone does not belong on a team, without offering up who should be on one.  It might be even more lame to give only one or two teams.  Show us you've paid attention this season and provide all five teams.

 

-centercourt

Far West Regionals - 2015

(Jamestown's Zack Panebianco scored 65 points in his last two regional appearances / Photo by Harry Scull)

 

Class AA:  Aquinas 76, Jamestown 70

 

Aquinas:         17 - 20 - 16 - 23 = 76

Jamestown:  15 - 17 - 20 - 18 = 70

 

FG%:  Jamestown 60.5, Aquinas 53.7

3-Point %:  Jamestown 61.5, Aquinas 40

Points in Paint:  Aquinas 38, Jamestown 18

Rebounds:  Aquinas 22, Jamestown 21

Assists:  Aquinas 15, Jamestown 11

Steals:  Aquinas 15, Jamestown 9

 

Jamestown

Zack Panebianco - 31 Pts, 4 Asts, 3 Rebs, 2 Stls

Ben Larson - 14 Pts

Stephen Carlson - 11 Pts, 7 Rebs, 4 Stls, 2 Asts

James Rojas - 9 Pts, 4 Rebs, 2 Asts

Zacc Kinsey - 3 Pts, 3 Rebs, 2 Asts

 

Aquinas

Jalen Pickett - 18 Pts, 4 Rebs, 4 Stls, 3 Asts

DJ Roberts - 15 Pts, 4 Stls, 2 Rebs

Earnest Edwards - 14 Pts, 7 Rebs, 3 Asts, 2 Stls

Melvin Grayson - 11 Pts, 2 Asts

Patrick McLamore - 8 Pts, 3 Rebs, 2 Asts, 2 Stls

Griffin Kornaker - 6 Pts, 2 Asts, 2 Stls

 

***********************************

 

Class A:  Greece Athena 62, Williamsville South 42

 

Greece Athena:           13 - 15 - 11 - 23 = 62

Williamsville South:   3 - 14 - 13 - 12 = 42

 

FG%:  Athena 41.9, South 28.3

3-Point %:  South 29.2, Athena 23.1

Rebounds:  Athena 54, South 26

Points in Paint:  Athena 38, South 16

 

South

Greg Dolan - 11 Pts, 4 Asts, 2 Stls

Kam Varner - 11 Pts, 3 Rebs

Sam Castronova - 10 Pts, 6 Rebs, 2 Asts, 2 Stls, 2 Blks

Graham Dolan - 3 Pts, 2 Stls

Myles Hall - 2 Pts, 5 Rebs, 3 Asts, 2 Stls

Matt Foster - 2 Pts, 3 Rebs

 

Athena

Anthony Lamb - 23 Pts, 21 Rebs, 3 Asts, 2 Blks, 2 Stls

Zac DiSalvo - 13 Pts, 6 Rebs, 3 Stls

Peter Florin - 8 Pts, 7 Rebs, 3 Asts

Brendon Wind - 8 Pts, 9 Rebs, 4 Asts

Tyler Kubanka - 8 Pts

 

********************************

 

Class B:   Leadership Academy 57, East 55

 

L.A.:  17 - 20 - 17 -  7 = 57

East:  17 -  8 - 15 - 15 = 55

 

FG%:  L.A. 37, East 34.4

3-Point %:  L.A. 42.1, East 28

Rebounds: East 45, L.A. 40

 

East

Percy Bryant - 17 Pts, 7 Asts, 3 Rebs, 3 Stls

Malik Doughty - 10 Pts, 6 Rebs

Damone Brown - 8 Pts, 8 Rebs

Dion Morrison - 7 Pts, 4 Rebs, 3 Stls

Jovell Littlejohn - 4 Pts, 12 Rebs

 

Leadership Academy

Keith McGee - 26 Pts, 4 Rebs, 3 Asts, 7/13 on 3-pointers

Shabazz Mosley - 17 Pts, 9 Rebs, 2 Blks, 2 Asts

Devante Hagins - 7 Pts, 9 Rebs, 5 Asts, 3 Stls, 2 Blks

 

********************************

 

Class C:   Lyons 67, Middle College 63

 

Middle College:  17 - 11 - 14 - 21 = 63

Lyons:                    19 - 13 - 17 - 18 = 67

 

FG%:  Lyons 46.2, Middle College 34.5

3-Point %:  Lyons 47.4, Middle College 34.8

Rebounds:  Middle College 43, Lyons 32

Points in Paint:  Lyons 30, Middle College 20

 

Middle College

Fred Foster - 22 Pts, 15 Rebs, 2 Asts

JoJo Staton - 15 Pts, 3 Stls, 2 Asts

Amir Jemes - 10 Pts, 4 Asts

Brian Johnson - 6 Pts, 10 Rebs, 2 Stls

Billy Rivera - 6 Pts

 

Lyons

Damon Hunter - 31 Pts, 8 Rebs, 4 Asts, 2 Blks

Deondre McDonald - 9 Pts

Daryn Carswell - 7 Pts, 3 Rebs

Jordan Aumell - 6 Pts, 2 Rebs

Chris Peay - 4 Pts, 8 Rebs

 

********************************

 

Class D:   I-Prep 83, Prattsburgh 79

 

I-Prep:             23 - 20 - 16 - 24 = 83

Prattsburgh:  19 - 14 - 15 - 31 = 79

 

FG%:  I-Prep 44.9, Prattsburgh 35.4

3-Point %:  Prattsburgh 34.8, I-Prep 20

Rebounds: I-Prep 56, Prattsburgh 48

Points in Paint:  I-Prep 64, Prattsburgh 30

 

I-Prep

Davon Gant - 27 Pts, 19 Rebs, 9 Blks, 3 Asts, 3 Stls

Terrance James - 20 Pts, 11 Rebs, 9 Asts, 2 Blks, 2 Stls

Xavier Maye - 20 Pts, 15 Rebs, 66% from field

Zack Bashir - 7 Pts, 3 Stls, 2 Rebs

Jeffery Townsel - 6 Pts, 5 Rebs

Daniel Santiago - 3 Pts, 4 Rebs, 3 Asts

 

Prattsburgh

Garrett Socola - 14 Pts, 20 Rebs

Cameron Baird - 14 Pts, 9 Rebs

Ben Byington - 13 Pts, 5 Asts, 3 Rebs

Jeffery Gilbert - 13 Pts, 4/5 on 3-pointers

Philip Derick - 11 Pts, 3 Rebs

 

-centercourt

Section VI All-Tournament Teams - 2015

 

Section VI All-Tournament Teams are selected based on games played during the semifinal and championship rounds of sectionals, and do not include crossover or quarterfinal rounds.

 

Click here to see All-Tournament Teams from other sections, or to view the playoff brackets fro every section in NYS.  You will also find the teams listed below while you are there.  This is a great site during the postseason for keeping track of things across the state.  I highly recommend bookmarking it or saving it to your favorites.

 

Class AA

MVP - Zack Panebianco - Jamestown

 

Stephen Carlson - Jamestown

Charles Lamar - Niagara Falls

Mikey Bermudez - Niagara Falls

Sean Hill - Williamsville North

Maceo Jack - Williamsville North

 

Character Awards:  Zack Panebianco (Jamestown)   &  Mikey Bermudez (Niagara Falls)

 

************************

 

Class A1

MVP - Sam Castronova - Williamsville South

 

Greg Dolan - Williamsville South

Kam Varner - Williamsville South

Chris Woodard - North Tonawanda

Colby Moultrie - North Tonawanda

Juwan Tolliver - McKinley

 

Character Awards:   Sam Castronova (Williamsville South)  &   Adam McNeill - (North Tonwanda)

 

************************

 

Class A2

MVP - Chucky Martin - Olean

 

Ben Eckstrom - Olean

Jake Cavana - Olean

TC Brown - Amherst

Dominick Welch - Cheektowaga

Christian Nodine - Starpoint

 

Character Awards:   Jake Cavana (Olean)   &  Darien Lowe (Amherst)

 

****************************

 

Class B1

MVP - Desmond Blackmon - Albion

 

Clayton Stanton - Albion

Mike Kelleher - Maryvale

Ted York-Brown - Maryvale

Zion Hall - Burgard

Jalin Cooper - Medina

 

Character Awards:  Clayton Stanton (Albion)  &  Mike Kelleher (Maryvale)

 

**************************

 

Class B2

MVP - Percy Bryant - East

 

Daquan Williams - East

John Piper - Fredonia

Cam Voss - Fredonia

Jermaine Hairston - Cleveland Hill

Kyle Bradley - Wilson

 

Character Awards:   Percy Bryant (East)  &  Cam Voss (Fredonia)

 

*******************************

 

Class C1

MVP - JaQuoine Fogan - Tapestry

 

DeJuan Owens - Tapestry

Bill Brooks - Silver Creek

Jake Lewis - Silver Creek

Andy Crandall - Salamanca

Carter Davidson - Chautauqua Lake

 

Character Awards:  Jordan Maxey (Tapestry)  &  Sherman Williams (Silver Creek)

 

*****************************

 

Class C2

MVP - Fred Foster - Middle College

 

JoJo Staton - Middle College

Mason Bosley - Randolph

Bryce Morrison - Randolph

Clay Lewis - Holland

Ben Erickson - Franklinville

 

Character Awards:  Brian Johnson (Middle College)  &  Jarrett Lecceadone (Randolph)

 

********************************

 

Class D

MVP - Xavier Maye - I-Prep

 

Terrance James - I-Prep

Chris Robson - Sherman

Jake Card - Sherman

Chris Blose - Panama

Tanner Dahl - Westfield

 

Character Awards:   Xavier Maye (I-Prep)  &  Chris Robson (Sherman)

 

-centercourt

 

Crossover Tuesday - 2015

(Fred Foster of Middle College with the #BOOM of the year / Photo by Harry Scull)

 

Tuesday night at the Buff State Sports Arena, three games determined regional qualifiers for Classes A, B, & C in the final boys high school basketball games played in WNY this season.  Williamsville South, East, & Middle College were all winners in the classification crossover games, and each will play on Saturday in Rochester against champions from Section V, for the right to advance to Glens Falls and compete in the state final four.

 

Class A:   Williamsville South 46, Olean 38

For just the second time in school history, Williamsville South has advanced to regionals.  The Billies got a game-high 18 points from senior 1,000 point scorer Sam Castronova in a defensive struggle that ended the Huskies' streak of winning their last seven regional qualifiers, dating back to 2007.  For South head coach Gabe Michael, he advances his squad out of the section in just his third season behind the bench.  Also for the Billies, it will be their first time ever getting out of Buffalo, as the 2010 overall champion played its regional game at Buff State.  South will travel to Rochester on Saturday night to face either Greece Athena or Rochester SOTA at 7 pm at Gates Chili HS.

 

The Billies struggled from the field early, finding points in the paint difficult to come by and the iron unkind on perimeter shots.  Olean jumped out to a 12-3 lead in the opening quarter, limiting South to a single field goal in the first seven minutes.  Myles Hall sparked his team with a 3-pointer in the final minute of the first quarter, but South still trailed, 13-6 heading into the second quarter.

 

Perimeter shooting and defense allowed the Billies to even things up and then take a one-point lead before halftime.   Castronova connected on a pair from beyond the arc and Kam Varner added another for South, who took an 18-17 lead into the break.  The trend continued in the third quarter, as the South seniors, Castronova & Varner once again combined to knock down three treys, while the Billies' defense continued to give Olean trouble.  The Billies went a stretch of 11:28 between the second and third quarters without allowing a field goal and took a 37-24 advantage into the final stanza.

 

Olean made one last stand in the fourth, pulling to within six points, 41-35, after an 11-0 run.  However, with just over a minute remaining, the Billies broke Olean's press and finished it with a dunk from Matt Foster to effectively seal the victory for South.  The defense played by the Dolan brothers was key in the victory, as Graham limited Huskies' sharp-shooting sophomore Ben Eckstrom to two points, while Greg made Olean floor general Jake Cavana work on every trip up the court all game.

 

Varner and Greg Dolan each scored nine points in the win for South, while Ramadhan's team-high 13 points led Olean.  Chucky Martin added 10 points in his final game as a Husky.

 

Class B:   East 72, Albion 54

After winning Class B2 in the two seasons prior, the Panthers can once again take their act to Rochester for the first time since 2011, when they went as the Class A representative for Section VI.  Percy Bryant led five different Panthers in double figures with a game-high 16 point evening.  East will face the winner of Leadership Academy/Wellsville on Saturday at 4 pm at Rush-Henrietta HS.

 

Despite his game-high scoring outing, Bryant didn't even get his name on the score sheet in the opening quarter.  He did collect several steals and get his team flying in transition early on though, as the Panthers led 10-0 less than three minutes into the game and made it difficult for Albion to get into any form of rhythm.  Even once the Purple Eagles seemed to adjust to the pressure and game speed of East, they allowed seven unanswered points to close the first quarter and trailed 25-10 after eight minutes.

 

Albion was not able to make up any ground in the second quarter, never getting any closer than 15 points and trailing 39-24 at the break.  The Panthers' lead reached 21 points before the fourth quarter and they were never really threatened in the final frame.

 

Daquan Williams finished with 14 points for East, while Damone Brown scored 11 points, and Jovell Littlejohn and Dion Morrison each added 10 points.

 

Albion was led by Desmond Blackmon's 16 points.

 

Class C:  Middle College 76, Tapestry 70

In just their seventh year of competition, the Kats have won five Section VI titles and are now headed back to the regional round for a fourth time, where they have never lost.  Middle College has made it to the Class C state championship game in each of the three prior years its team made it to this point.  The Kats will play at Rush-Henrietta this Saturday at 2 pm against either Lyons or Caledonia-Mumford.

 

Less than a minute into the game, the Kats trailed 8-1, as the Thunderhawks pressure got them started quickly.  Middle College got right back into the game, capitalizing on several misses by Tapestry near the basket and converting to points at the other end.  Middle College took a 17-16 lead after one.  With a 24-22 lead midway through the second quarter, the Kats began a run and stole the game's momentum.  Fred Foster ignited his team when he threw down vicious poster dunk over a defender that spurred a 14-4 spurt to take the game's first double-digit lead, as they headed off to halftime with a 38-26 lead.

 

After increasing to a 15-point lead after three quarters, Tapestry junior JaQuoine Fogan tried putting his team on his back and nearly carried them where they wanted to go.  Fogan scored 13 consecutive points for the Thunderhawks, a 13-4 run in the game, to get the deficit down to 69-63 with 3:13 to go.  But the Kats never let Tapestry any closer and played them evenly for the duration to take the overall Class C title.

 

JoJo Staton led the Kats with 22 points, while Foster finished with 20 points.  Amir Jemes added 12 points and Brian Johnson chipped in 10 points for Middle College.

 

Fogan had a game-high 23 points, while DeJuan Owens ended with 14 points.

 

-centercourt

 

 

 

NYSSWA State Rankings - Week 13

 

The 13th state rankings of the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Jamestown #16

Niagara Falls #28 *

 

Class A 

Canisius #5

Williamsville South #8

McKinley #13

Olean #21

Amherst #25 (tied w/ Chaminade)

 

 Class B

Park #8

East #13

Fredonia #17

 

 Class C 

Middle College #4

Tapestry #6

Silver Creek #10

 

Class D

I-Prep #6

Sherman #8

Panama #14

 

 ** According to the rankings...

 

- Niagara Falls is ranked #28 this week, but I put an asterisk by it. It's not because I don't think they should be ranked, it's because the state recently added five teams to the Class AA rankings two weeks ago, where it had been a top 25 all season long. Even the AP only ranks the top 25 college teams. I don't add spots to the All-Centercourt team to avoid having to make difficult decisions.

 

- The CHSAA state championship between Canisius & Kennedy Catholic will feature #5 vs. #6 in NYS Class A.

 

- Amherst is just as good as the Chaminade team that Canisius beat on Sunday at Daemen.  Not sure those in attendance for that game would agree.

 

- Nichols, who lost to Canisius by two for the Manhattan Cup, is not ranked in Class A, while five other WNY teams are.  This is likely because the state looks unfavorably upon the Vikings 16-10 record.  Those loses to Walsh, St. Joe's, & Timon came back to bite them, while wins over McKinley & Park, along with nearly forcing OT with Canisius is apparently easily dismissed.  Gotta love the state standings - I mean - rankings.

 

- Conversely, East, who was unranked for most of the season, catapults into the Class B rankings, landing at #13.  This after beating Fredonia, despite an overall record of now 15-8.  The Panthers should have been ranked all season - they had results to back that up and a long standing championship pedigree.  Stop fixating on overall wins & losses, and look closer at who teams are playing and how they fare.  

 

- Both East & Fredonia are better than Park's opponent in the CHSAA Class B state championship game, St. Regis, who is only ranked #21 in Class B.

 

- Tuesday's Class C crossover between Middle College & Tapestry will feature #4 vs. #6 in the state.

 

- I-Prep's win over former Class D #2 Sherman only got them moved up from #11 to #6.  The Presidents remain ranked behind this week's opponent, Prattsburgh, who is #4 in Class D.

 

For the complete NYSSWA rankings, click here.

 

-centercourt

Canisius advances to the CHSAA state championship

 

CHSAA State Semifinal:   Canisius 74, Chaminade 67

After completing a third straight undefeated regular season in the Monsignor Martin and capping it off with a Manhattan Cup Championship on Wednesday night, Canisius kept the winning going with a victory over Chaminade in the CHSAA state semifinal.  The Crusaders will now play for the state championship at Fordham against Kennedy Catholic on Saturday at 3 pm.  It will be the second time in three seasons that Canisius has advanced to this game, seeking to join the football team and win its first state championship in Class A.

 

Stafford Trueheart looked dominant in the paint, posting a 28-point performance that included 12 rebounds and four blocks.  Josh Huffman scored 16 points for Canisius and assisted Trueheart on a dunk, throwing a nice lob in his direction.  Justin Jones added 15 points and nine rebounds for the Crusaders.

 

Canisius led for nearly the entire game, but they were never able to pull away from Chaminade, thanks to balanced perimeter attack. The Flyers connected on a total of 13 3-pointers in the game, made by eight different players.  Despite such a fine shooting display, Canisius was able to close out the state semifinal as they were near perfect from the charity stripe down the stretch and limited the Flyers to one shot on several possessions with a concentrated effort on the glass.

 

"Playing this game at home with a great crowd, against a really good team and to get this one, I'm happy for our guys", Canisius coach Kyle Husband said.  "Now we the opportunity to go the NYC again and win our first ever Class A state championship, with this group.  We have to cherish it and get it".

 

-centercourt

Championship Saturday - 2015

 

 

Class AA Final:  Jamestown 48, Niagara Falls 38

Zack Panebianco and Stephen Carlson each scored 16 points, leading the Red Raiders to a three-peat in Class AA and the fifth sectional title in six seasons.  Jamestown never trailed in the defensive struggle that was tied late in the first half, before they closed on a 5-0 run to take a 26-21 halftime lead.

 

Niagara Falls stayed with the defending state finalists, trailing just 39-33 heading into the fourth quarter, before the Red Raiders pulled away in the closing minutes of the game.  Panebianco did most of his damage in the first half, while Jamestown looked inside to Carlson at the end to close out the game.

 

"I'm blessed to coach the Jamestown Red Raiders", said Jamestown coach Ben Drake, who won his 300th career game with the Red Raiders in just his 17th season.  "It's certainly better to get that milestone win tonight than it would have been in the first game of next season".

 

Sophomore Charles Lamar led Niagara Falls with a game-high 19 points.

 

Class A1 Final:   Williamsville South 63, North Tonawanda 41

The Billies got a balanced performance with five players scoring in double figures and their senior leader, Sam Castronova, reaching the 1,000 point milestone along the way.  North Tonawanda was a game opponent for most of the first half, playing even with South until midway through the second quarter, when Jacks' senior Chris Woodard (10 points) had to go to the bench with his third foul.  South took full advantage, closing the half on a 10-2 run to take a 29-21 lead into the break.  The Jacks would never get any closer than that eight point deficit the rest of the way.

 

Greg Dolan led the way with 15 points, Castronova and Matt Foster each scored 11 points, while Graham Dolan and Myles Hall each added 10 points.  The Billies advance to Tuesday's regional qualifier to face Olean.

 

"It's all about the program, we talk about being a family and I'm sure every program does, but we believe in that", South coach Gabe Michael said.  "I'm really proud and happy for them because they get to go out winners".

 

When asked for his thoughts facing Olean, who has won sectional titles in eight of the last nine seasons,  Michael replied with: "This is their house, we're just guests in it".

 

Class A2 Final:   Olean 58, Amherst 49

For a second straight time at Buff State, the Huskies fell behind early, only to win the final three quarters and the game.  The result was a fourth straight sectional championship for Olean, and its eighth in nine years.  The Huskies got 16 points apiece from senior Chucky Martin and sophomore Ben Eckstrom, along with 15 points on five 3-pointers from guard Jake Cavana to knock off the top seeded Tigers, who have been ranked as a top five large school all season.

 

The 2014 Centercourt Coach of the Year, Jeff Anastasia, showed WNY why he's the winningest active coach with over 500 career victories to his credit.  Olean graduated all five starters from last season's Class B state finalist team and also moved up in classification, from Class B1 to Class A2.  It was the first ever sectional crown in Class A for Anastasia.

 

"They're just a bunch of blue collar kids who work really hard", said Anastasia.  "Each year is a new year - last year it was expected, this year it was not".

 

Class B1 Final:   Albion 65, Maryvale 57

After a 43-year drought, a Section VI champion's plaque for boys varsity basketball will make its way into Orleans County.  The Purple Eagles pulled off the improbable after finishing third in the Niagara-Orleans league, by winning the Class B1 title as the #4 seed.  Desmond Blackmon scored a game-high 20 points to lead the Purple Eagles to the title in their first appearance at Buff State, while Clayton Stanton added 16 points in the win.

 

Albion, who knocked off the top seeded Burgard Bulldogs to arrive here, spotted Maryvale the first three points, before taking an early 11-3 lead and never trailing the rest of the way.  The Purple Eagles led by double figures for much of the contest, playing an entertaining brand of basketball, sharing the ball, and making plays in transition.  

 

Albion advances to Tuesday's Class B regional qualifier at Buff State, where they'll take on the champs from Class B2, East High at 7 pm.

 

"I told them we didn't get here by accident", Albion coach Brett Meakin said.  "I knew we would have to play our best game to win it.  I feel minus a couple bad decisions, we played a pretty complete game".

 

Class B2 Final:   East 54, Fredonia 51

The Panthers, reigning champions from the last two seasons, made it a three-peat in Class B2 and won their fifth Section VI title in six seasons, the 13th overall for head coach Starling Bryant in his 19th season.  They will face Albion in the Class B crossover on Tuesday, looking to advance to regionals for the first time since 2011 when they went as a Class A school.

 

After seven lead changes and four ties in the first half, Daquan Williams drilled a 3-pointer with four seconds left in the half to put the Panthers up three at the break.  East never relinquished the lead for the rest of the game.  Percy Bryant scored a game-high 25 points, while Williams added 10 points for the Panthers, while they held the Hillbillies' Patrick Moore without a field goal in the game.

 

John Piper finished his career at Fredonia with seven 3-pointers and a team-high 23 points, while senior Cam Voss added 19 points.

 

"We tried to build up to be at our peak this time of year", said East coach Starling Bryant.  "I feel pretty confident with our tradition once we get here, it's a different ball game".

 

When asked about the big game performances from returning 2014 4th Team All-Centercourt selection Percy Bryant, the coach added:

"He's a true winner and he gives it all he has.  He does it in practice and he does it in games.  The bigger the game, the bigger the heart".

 

-centercourt

Tapestry, Middle College, & I-Prep crowned

(Fred Foster helped lead Middle College to a 4th straight Section VI title)

 

Class C1 Championship:  Tapestry 64, Silver Creek 61

 

The most competitive game of the evening ended in a jubilant celebration for the Thunderhawks, as they pressed and attacked their way to their first Section VI title.  Tapestry led by seven points at halftime and by 10 after three quarters, but couldn't put the Black Knights away until the final buzzer.  Trailing by nine with three minutes to go, Silver Creek came back to get within three points and had a look at the potential game-tying trey at game's end, but the shot failed to fall.

 

Tapestry got double figure scoring from four different players, led by DeJuan Owens 19 point night.  JaQuoine Fogan scored 13 points, Andre Bragg had 11 points, and Jordan Maxey added 10 points in the win.

 

Bill Brooks led Silver Creek with 19 points, who lost key starter Connor Gates to an ankle injury in the second quarter.  Jake Lewis and Trevon Thompson added 11 points each in the loss, while Chase Scanlan scored nine.

 

"It feels fantastic", Tapestry coach Darren Kresge said.  "Anytime you put this much time into something and to have it payoff, there's really no words".

 

Tapestry will play Middle College on Tuesday night, 7 pm, at Buffalo State, for the right to advance to the Class C regionals.

 

Class C2 Championship:  Middle College 63, Randolph 43

 

Fred Foster threw down a two-handed dunk to open the game's scoring for the Kats and went on to have excellent all-around game, showing off his explosiveness inside and his touch from mid range, en route to a game-high 22 points.  The Kats took a 10-point lead into halftime and led by 17 points after three quarters, on their way to winning a fourth consecutive Section VI crown.

 

"I'm proud of our school, proud of what we've put together", said Middle College coach Randy Rich.  "That's five different sectional titles with five different groups".

 

Billy Rivera scored 14 points for the Kats, while JoJo staton added 13 points.

 

Mason Bosley led the Cardinals with 17 points, while Jarrett Lecceadone scored 13 points.

 

Class D Championship:  I-Prep 68, Sherman 60

 

Xavier Maye dropped a '3' on the first shot taken for to I-Prep, who raced out to a 22-9 lead.  The Presidents led by as many as 18 points in late in the second quarter, before Sherman made its first run to get within two points midway through the third quarter.  I-Prep regained an eight-point advantage, before the Wildcats made their second push and briefly took their only lead for two possessions at the halfway point of the fourth quarter.  But this game belonged to I-Prep, who controlled the paint and the game's tempo, and finished Sherman off with a 12-2 run to close out the game and win the Class D crown, advancing to regionals.

 

Maye scored a game-high 27 points and added 15 rebounds in a monster championship game performance.  Terrance James added 16 points for the winners.

 

"It feels amazing", I-Prep coach Shaun Ryan said.  "You're playing against a team like Sherman that's unbelievable - you don't get to 21-0 by accident.  I'm just so proud of my guys".

 

Chris Robson led Sherman with 21 points, while Nathan Ottaway added 12 points in the loss.

 

-centercourt

Amherst & Olean to meet in A2

(Amherst & Cheektowaga played another epic classic at Buff State / Photo by Harry Scull)

 

In each of the past three seasons, Amherst & Olean have reached the Section VI Final on Championship Saturday at Buff State.  But they've never faced each other in that game, because the Huskies were classified in B1.  This season however, Olean is up in Class A2, so it's only fitting that these two programs each entering a fourth straight sectional final finally face each other.  After each won semifinal games on Thursday night, the stage is set for the Tigers & Huskies to square off on Saturday at 3:30 pm for the Class A2 title.

 

 

Amherst 54, Cheektowaga 53

 

TC Brown scored 17 points, including the game winner with 36 seconds left, to lift the Tigers over Cheektowaga in a thrilling finish to a an epic triad for a second straight season between the two teams.  Cheektowaga had a chance at the end, but turned the ball over in the closing seconds and saw the clock hit all zeros before they could foul, sending the Amherst student section spilling on to the court to surround a jubilant Amherst team celebrating the dramatic win.

 

After six lead changes and three ties in the first six minutes, Amherst closed the quarter with seven straight to lead by five after one.  Amadi Ikpeze got it going inside in the second quarter, scoring six of his 12 points, before Cheektowaga's Dominick Welch added six of his own in response at the close of the half, sending the teams to the break separated by just a point, 24-23.

 

A 7-2 start to the third quarter gave Amherst a lead they would retain throughout the quarter, reaching as many as eight points at the midway point.  Cheektowaga got buckets from Welch, Patrick Plummer, Devon Camel, & Stephan Parker to finish the third on a 9-2 rip that once again saw the teams separated by just a point heading into the fourth.

 

With 2:25 to go, Welch scored to give the Warriors the lead, 50-49.  A free throw from Brown and an inside score from Ikpeze put the Tigers back up, 52-50, at the 1:44 mark.  Three charity tosses by Welch over the next minute had the Warriors back on top, 53-52 in the final minute, before Brown drove past his defender to finish at the rim for the game winnner.

 

Dorian Billups scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half in the win for the Tigers.

 

Welch finished with a game-high 25 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter.  Zak Ciezki scored 16 points for the Warriors in his final game.

 

Olean 62, Starpoint 51

 

The Huskies won each of the last three quarters by a combined 22 points, as they absorbed an early flurry from Starpoint, before taking control of the rest of the game.  Sophomore Ben Eckstrom scored all of his team-high 17 points in the second half, stroking three 3-pointers and swishing his mid range jumpers.  Chucky Martin was tough inside and finished with 16 points for Olean, while floor general Jake Cavana added 10 points in the win.

 

Starpoint led by 11 points as the teams headed into the second quarter after finishing off the first eight minutes on a 10-2 run.  The Huskies defense allowed them right back into the game prior to halftime, limiting the Spartans to a single field goal in the second quarter - a trey from Christian Nodine that didn't fall until five seconds prior to the intermission.  

 

Late in the third quarter, Olean took its first lead on a '3' from Eckstrom.  After Nodine scored in response for the Spartans, Eckstrom netted another to give the Huskies the lead heading into the final stanza, where they would not trail again.  Starpoint tied the game on three occasions in the fourth quarter, but Olean pulled away over the final 4:34, outscoring the Spartans by ten points to advance to the championship game.

 

Nodine ended with a game-high 27 points in the loss, while Brock Kroening added 11 points for Starpoint.

 

-centercourt

Canisius wins the 2015 Manhattan Cup

 (Stafford Trueheart gets loose for the Manhatan Cup Champs. #BOOM / Photo by Joshua Koester)

 

Coming into this season, two teams were viewed as the favorites to come away with the Manhattan Cup - the defending champs & the team they upset to earn the chance to win it.  After a year of talking about a potential meeting between those two for all the marbles, the two MMA powers stepped on the court to give everyone what they had been waiting for.  Last night as the clock ticked down under 10 seconds remaining in the Class A Manhattan Cup Final between the two favorites, Canisius & Nichols, the game was tied at 53-53, giving way to a wild finish and giving fans a great Manhattan Cup Final between the two teams who have dominated the tournament for the last seven years.

 

A cutting Justin Jones took a pass from LaTerrance Reed and finished with a reverse layup with just 2.4 seconds left to give the Crusaders a 55-53 victory over Nichols in the 2015 Manhattan Cup Final.  The win crowns Canisius for the fifth time in seven seasons and is the 15th in school history.

 

"Credit to Nichols, they played their hearts out and were great", said Canisius coach Kyle Husband following the victory.

 

He was right.  Nichols was great.  So was Canisius.  And the combination of the two, along with an incredible showing from the fans of both schools, particularly the student sections, made for a special night all the way around.  A highly competitive and intense game in that type of atmosphere, between two highly skilled teams playing for a championship - there's nothing more you could ask for.

 

"I couldn't be happier for our guys, the way they fought, the way they battled - they deserved it", Husband said.

 

The game even gave us both teams looking like it was their night in the first half, before things settled into the classic back-and-forth slugfest that was the second half.  Nichols came out flying in the opening quarter, led for most of it, and took an early 18-12 lead.  Canisius won the second quarter even more convincingly than Nichols took the first.  The Crusaders dialed up the defensive intensity, and won the quarter, 18-7.

 

The second half began with six points from the Vikings in the first 90 seconds to take the lead back, 31-30.  From that point forward, the game played out like two proud heavyweight champs standing toe-to-toe and refusing to fall.  The lead would change 15 times moving forward and was tied another five times. It was the type of game that comes down to the final possession, whoever has the ball last wins.  That distinction went to the Crusaders.

 

With 33 seconds left, Nichols' freshman Marcellus Cooper jumped up to grab the offensive rebound of a shot that had gone long for Nichols.  Without coming down, Cooper scored on the putback, and tied the game for the Vikings at 53-53.  

 

On the final possession for Canisius, they put the ball in the hands of LaTerrance Reed.  As the clock ticked under seven seconds, Reed dribbled into the lane from the left wing and nearly had the ball taken by Cooper.  Then, with Chris Miner making a play for the ball, Reed zipped a left-handed pass over Miner's right shoulder, threading a pass between Cam Lewis and Tanner Schmit, to a cutting Jones, who finished with the reverse layup with 2.4 seconds left.  

 

"We play hard, we play tough, and that play at the end, the way we finished - that's who we are", said Husband.

 

Reed scored 14 of his game-high 20 points in the second half, while Josh Huffman scored 16 points in the win.  Huffman was awarded Manhattan Cup MVP.

 

Miner led Nichols with 17 points, Schmit scored 12 points, and Lewis added 11 points.  Schmit eclipsed the 1,000 point total for his high school career on a long two in the third quarter.

 

Following the game, I asked Husband if the win was anymore significant coming against Nichols.

 

"I wanted to be right here talking to you because we won this game"  Husband said.  "Obviously playing Nichols again after last year seemed fitting.  I'll probably look back at this down the road and it will seem even more so, but today, just standing here after winning this game again means a ton".

 

-centercourt

Park wins the 1st ever Class B Manhattan Cup

 

I was told at the start of last season that Park could win the Manhattan Cup.  At the start of this season, I was nearly guaranteeing it.  The Park Pioneers joined the Monsignor Martin Association at the start of last season and immediately made waves, before bowing out to eventual champion Nichols in the Manhattan Cup playoffs.  After the Manhattan Cup playoffs were re-formatted to award separate Cups for the Class A & Class B schools, Park came in this season as the heavy favorite to claim that prize in its inaugural season.  They didn't disappoint.

 

With senior starter Randy Golda sidelined with a bruised foot, the Pioneers cruised to a 69-55 win over St. Mary's and claimed the first ever Class B Manhattan Cup.   Jordan Nwora was named Tournament MVP for the Pioneers following his 21-point performance in the final.

 

Park put on a shooting display from start to finish, raining in 12 long-range bombs to account for more than half of their offensive production.  Nwora and Kyle Harris each connected four times from downtown, while Hunter Anderson and Derek Cheatom each drilled a pair.

 

"That's been our story this year - they're all born shooters", Park coach Michael Battaglia said.

 

Early in the second quarter, one of Nwora's treys put the Pioneers in front, 25-24, and they would never relinquished it.  Park took an 11-point lead into the intermission and never let the Lancers any closer than nine points the rest of the way.

 

Anderson finished with 17 points for Park, Harris scored 14 points, and Cheatom added 13 points.

 

"This is huge", Battaglia said.  "Five years ago, we were in the IAC.  It wasn't until last year that we joined the Monsignor Martin, which is a prestigious league - it's the best basketball in WNY, and to be able to win it in our second year is unbelievable".

 

Park advances to  the CHSAA Class B state championship, where they'll face the winner of the St. Regis/Salesian CHSAA Class B semifinal.  The state title game will be at Fordham on March 15, 2015.

 

-centercourt

Fredonia/East rematch set; Jamestown rolls

(Jovell Littlejohn helped lead East back to a 5th title game in six years / Photo by Harry Scull)

 

Tuesday night at Buff State saw three more teams advance to Section VI championship games.  Below are recaps of the two Class B2 semifinals and the first Class AA semifinal:

 

Fredonia 53, Wilson 48

 

The Hillbillies looked well in control of their Class B2 semifinal matchup with Wilson when they took an 18-point lead late in the third quarter.  But in a true test of the character of the Lakemen, they refused to hang their heads and stop hustling, and nearly stunned the #2 ranked small school in WNY in the closing minutes.

 

After Patrick Moore scored to put Fredonia up 41-23 with the game nearing the fourth quarter, Kyle Bradley scored his 21st point of the game and 10th of the third quarter on a 3-pointer.  The trifecta ignited the crowd, which at the time was really taking a liking to the 'Kyle Bradley Show'.  Moments later, Adam Murray hit another trey for the Lakemen to make it a 12-point game heading into the final stanza.  The strong contingent of Wilson fans responded in kind again, this time sensing their Lakemen were finally ready to make their run.  They did.

 

Evan Shank began the fourth by converting a three-point play.  Following a basket from Fredonia's Cam Voss, Bradley nailed a contested bomb from long range.  Wilson got a stop and Bradley come right back with another score for the Lakemen.  After Zach Sarratori scored a layup for the Lakemen, they got yet another stop.  Once again, the ball went to Bradley, who made a tough move toward the lane and finished, capping a 12-2 Wilson run that had nearly brought them all the way back, prompting a Fredonia timeout with a 3:14 remaining and a 45-43 lead.  With the place going nuts and all the monentum on the side of Wilson, particularly Bradley, the Hillbillies made a switch to zone defense.  It may have been what saved them.

 

After trading a pair of free throws with Wilson, Cam Voss got to the rack for the Hillbillies to make it 47-43.  Wilson's Joe Littere answered with a '3' and suddenly the Lakemen were within a point with 2:46 to go.  However, Fredonia's defense held strong over the closing minutes, and Bradley, who had been having his way, could no longer find space to maneuver.  Fredonia closed out the contest with a 6-2 edge, with Wilson's last points coming from the stripe with nine seconds left in the game.

 

Moore led Fredonia with 20 points, while Voss added 10 points.

 

Bradley finished with a game-high 30 points, with 19 of those coming in the second half.

 

East 59, Cleveland Hill 44

 

The Panthers spotted Cleveland Hill the game's first three points, then used a 19-4 run to take a double-digit lead on the top-seeded Golden Eagles.  East, who busted out the four corners offense and executed it well, never trailed in the contest and spent much of the second half playing with a comfortable lead..

 

Four different Panthers finished in double figures, led by Percy Bryant's 19 points.  Damone Brown scored 14 points, freshman Willard Anderson scored 13 points, and Jovell Littlejohn scored 12 points for East, who advances to a sixth straight Section VI championship game.

 

East will face Fredonia on Saturday at noon in the Class B2 championship game.  The Panthers are two-time defending champs of that classification.  The game will be a rematch of a contest the Hillbillies won handily at home two weeks ago.

 

Jamestown 71, Lancaster 35

 

Zack Panebianco scored 12 points and dished 10 assists to lead Jamestown to its sixth consecutive Class AA Final on Saturday night at 8:15 pm.  The Red Raiders, who will be seeking a third straight title, will face the winner of tonight's semifinal between Williamsville North and Niagara Falls.

 

Zacc Kinsey led Jamestown, who got all five starters in double figure scoring, with 16 points.  Ben Larson scored 12 points for the Red Raiders, while Stephen Carlson and James Rojas each scored 10 points.

 

-centercourt

 

NYSSWA State Rankings - Week 12

 

The twelfth state rankings of the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Jamestown #17

 

Class A 

Canisius #5

McKinley #7

Amherst #12

Williamsville South #14

 

Class B

Park #9

Fredonia #11

Cleveland Hill #19

 

 Class C 

Middle College #5

Silver Creek #6

Tapestry #11

 Randolph 25

 

Class D

Sherman #2

I-Prep #11

Panama 14

 

 ** According to the rankings...

 

-  I've spent the last few weeks making snarky comments in this space about Webster Schroeder being ranked ahead of Jamestown in Class AA.  I will no longer have to do that this year, because Webster Schroeder , ranked #18 in Class AA last week, went out in the quarterfinals to Irondequoit on Saturday night.   And Jamestown is now ranked #17.  So I was right.

 

- Aquinas will advance to Glens Falls with a 22-0 record after beating Jamestown in the regionals.

 

- Cleveland Hill will beat East tonight.  The Golden Eagles moved up five spots in Class B, from #24 to #19, for hanging on to beat CSAT.

 

- Some matchups to look forward to, according to the rankings: 

 Sherman vs. I-Prep in the Class D Final

Middle College vs. Silver Creek in the class C crossover

Amherst vs. Will South in the Class A crossover

Park vs. Westhill in the Class B Federeation Championship

Canisius vs. Kennedy Catholic for the CHSAA state championship

 

 For the complete NYSSWA rankings, click here.

 

-centercourt

South ends McKinley's season, NT advances

(Graham Dolan had one of several standout performances for South / Photo by Dave DeLuca)

 

All season long, it seemed they were on a collision course to meet up in the Class A1 Final.  They've been the only two teams from Class A1 that were ranked in the top five all season. What a game it would be at 6:30 pm on Championship Saturday.  But then late in the season, the Billies lost to Starpoint, surrendering the top seed in A1 and setting the stage for South to play the Macks in the semifinals instead.  Ultimately, it didn't matter when they played.  As it turned out, Williamsville South was the better team this year.  They proved it on the court at Buff State, the place the Macks practically call home, and earned a trip back to the Class A1 Finals, looking to settle what they view as some unfinished business.  Awaiting them will be North Tonawanda, a crew as gritty as they come, that hangs its hat on protecting the paint with perhaps the best 2-3 zone in the section.

 

Williamsville South 65, McKinley 61

Sam Castronova scored off the opening tip for the Billies on a confident move to the basket.  There was no hesitation, just an aggressive, controlled finish at the basket. It was a definite sign of things to come.  Midway through the opening quarter, the Billies took a 10-3 lead.  The start of the game saw South getting good looks inside and finishing them with ease.  Five different players scored for South in the first eight minutes, led by Kam Varner scoring six of his 16 points in the frame.  McKinley scored just its second field goal of the quarter in the closing seconds and trailed 18-7 heading into the second quarter.

 

The Macks cut the deficit to 20-15 with an 8-2 run to start the second quarter.  After a timeout, South got a basket from Varner.  After getting a stop, Graham Dolan banged a '3' for the Billies, followed by a three-point play from Matt Foster, and with three minutes left before halftime, South had its largest lead of the game, 28-15.  Just two seconds before halftime, Juwan Tolliver finished at the basket to cut the Billies' advantage to 32-23 at the intermission.

 

At the midway point of the third quarter, with South in front, 41-29, McKinley made its move.  A 14-4 push to close the third quarter, with half of those points coming from Tolliver, got the Macks to within two, 45-43 heading into the final stanza.  Just over a minute into the fourth, Devin Morris tied the game for McKinley at 45 apiece, and the Buff State Sports Arena was electric.  McKinley had the momentum, and it looked like a good game plan from South had run its course.  The Macks were about to wear another opponent down.

 

Instead, the complete opposite occured.  Will South settled and got back to doing what had helped them to control the tempo for most of the game up to that point.  Varner scored six more points to lead a 10-0 charge for the Billies and give them a 55-45 lead with 4:37 to go.  McKinley got to within six points at the four minute mark, but it was the closest they would get until the buzzer sounded to end the game.

 

"We have so much respect for that program", Williamsville South coach Gabe Michael said.  "I thought we were going to win, but I've got to say, they're tough.  That's why we've had this game circled - and it wasn't even on our schedule".

 

South junior Graham Dolan had a standout performance defensively, limiting the penetration of McKinley's leading scorer, Morris, who was held to seven points in his final game.  Dolan also scored six of his nine points over the last six minutes of the game.

 

The things that most stood out about what enabled the Billies to control the game against McKinley were rebounding, getting back defensively, not allowing McKinley to gain points in the paint, and handling their pressure.  South had 12 team blocks in the first half, while out-rebounding McKinley by eight.

 

Varner, (16 points) who shared team-high scoring honors with Castronova, was a fierce rebounder throughout and played his best game in a Billies uniform in their biggest game of his tenure.  Matt Foster was the other glass cleaner for the Billies, limiting second chance opportunities for the Macks, and scoring 11 points along the way.  It prevented McKinley from getting out in transition and turned it into a half court game, which favored South.  When the Macks were able to make their run to eventually tie the game at the start of the fourth quarter, Foster was resting up on the bench.  Upon his return, South went on the decisive 10-0 run.  

 

"We only rebounded offensively with two guys (Varner & Foster), so we had three guys getting back.  and we talked about getting all the way back, because even if you're back, they're still going", Michael said.  

 

Freshman point guard Greg Dolan scored eight points, while taking care of the ball and not allowing the vaunted McKinley pressure to be a factor.  He never got rattled and continually made the right decisions with the ball.

 

"It came down to executing not just the game plan, but fundamentals", Michael said. "The big thing was how we handled pressure, because it didn't bother us at all".

 

Tolliver finished with 19 points for the Macks, while Shaquan Jones added 11 points.

 

North Tonawanda 46, Sweet Home 35

Just seconds into the game, Brandon Smiley flushed a lob for Sweet Home to get the party started.  But after a quick 4-2 start for the Panthers, North Tonawanda settled in and finished the opening quarter on a 10-1 run to lead 12-5.

 

After a basket from Colby Moultrie to put the Jacks up 14-5 to start the second quarter, Sweet Home put the clamps on defensively and didn't allow another point from the Jacks for the rest of the half.  Sweet Home won the quarter, 8-2, and trailed 14-13 at halftime.  

 

After an even third quarter had the score 24-23 in favor of North Tonawanda, the Jacks began to pull away.  Donovin Book and Ryan Gilbert each connected from downtown to start the final stanza, followed by a layup from Gilbert, to tale a 32-23 lead.  With two minutes remaining, the Panthers got to within five points, but never any closer in a game where points came at a premium.

 

Chris Woodard led the Jacks with a game-high 12 points, while Book & Gilbert each finished with 10 points.

 

Jordan Evert and Asa'd Myles each scored 10 points for Sweet Home in the loss.

 

Williamsville South and North Tonawanda will play for the Class A1 Section VI title on Saturday, March 7th at 6:30 pm at Buffalo State.

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots - 2015 - Week 10

(It's championship week in WNY! / Photo by Dave DeLuca)

 

As a pollster for the Buffalo News, I'm asked to send in my weekly ballots ranking the top ten large and small schools.  The polls are based on games played through Sunday of each week.  Here's a look at how I see them and some of the rationale used to get there.

 

Large Schools

 1. Canisius (MMA) -  After a week off, the Crusaders handled St. Joe's for a third time this season, to advance to a sixth time in seven seasons.

2. Jamestown (AA) -  The Red Raiders made it back to Buff State with ease, seeking their fifth Class AA title in six seasons.

3. McKinley (A1) -   The Macks streak of advancing to Buff State has now reached 16 straight years.  

4. Amherst (A2) -  Semifinal of the week, Part 1, involves these Tigers, who take on Cheektowaga on Thursday night.  Amherst will need to do the Warriors the same way they were done last season.  Those two really love each other.

5. Williamsvillle South (A1) -  Semifinal of the week, Part 2, tips tonight. South vs. McKinley, which has become an annual rivalry at Buff State, should give us everything you could want out of a high school basketball game.  I'm going to try to get a good seat for it.

6. Williamsville North (AA) -  The Spartans play in a semifinal game that I'd love to see, but one I'll be missing.  North battles Niagara Falls on Wednesday, at the same time the team just below them on my ballot plays for the Manhattan Cup championship.  Semifinal vs. final...priorities.  I'll  never understand why these games have to conflict.

7. Nichols (MMA) -  In the tweet of the week, the Nichols student section, Gang Green, congratulated Canisius on reaching its first Manhattan Cup Final since 2013.   It's definitely fitting that these two play one more time this season with some big stakes at hand.

8. Timon (MMA) -   Saw their season end at the hands of Nichols yesterday after a brief fourth quarter lead got away, preventing them from a third straight appearance in the Manhattan Cup Final.

9. St. Joe's (MMA) -  The Marauders drew the short straw and had to take on Canisius in the semifinals.  They did beat the teams they're sandwiched between on my ballot, along with Nichols, all on the road.

10. Starpoint (A2) -  Back at Buff State for the first time since 2003, where they'll face Olean, a team that's made a lot of memories in that sports arena over the past several seasons.

 

Small Schools

1. Park (MMA) -  They got Niagara Catholic's best shot on Sunday, and they'll get the best St. Mary's has to offer on Wednesday night.  The key for the Pioneers is to play at their best.  When they are at their best, they are at another level from the other small schools.

2. Fredonia (B2) -  Got quite the scare from Lackawanna on Friday, but survived to return to Buff State in their quest to win a sectional title.  They'll need to get past a fiesty Wilson team first, for a shot at either East or Cleveland Hill.

3. St. Mary's (MMA) -   The Lancers, who have been the best small school in the MMA for years, are fittingly playing in the first ever Class B Manhattan Cup championship game.  They'll have something in store for the Pioneers.

4. Middle College (C2) -   The Kats have the horses to get back to Glens Falls in Class C, and they'll begin that process this week as they go after a fourth straight Section VI crown.

5. Silver Creek (C1) -  The Black Knights return to JCC for a fourth straight year, where they're the #1 seed in Class C1 after winning their division.

6. East (B2) - Took care of a good Health Sciences team in the quarterfinals to get back to Buff State.  The Panthers face Cleveland Hill on Tuesday, who they beat in the title game last year.

7. Sherman (D) -  The only undefeated team in WNY and one of three teams  in a quest to win a third straight Section VI crown.

8. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks had the largest margin of victory of any Section VI team in Friday's quarterfinals.  Now they'll need to win a second game in the Southern Tier against Salamanca for a shot at the title in Class C1 on Friday night.

9. Walsh (MMA) - I brought the Eagles back onto my ballot this week on the strength of road wins over Timon and St. Mary's, a home win over Nichols, and taking Starpoint to overtime.  Their season might be over, but no other non-Park small school has those type of credentials.

10. Burgard (B1) -  The Bulldogs are the #1 seed in Class B1 and have made it to Buff State.  That was good enough for me.  Can't wait to see their return for the first time since 2006.

 

-centercourt

Buffalo Stampede partners with Adidas

 

Local AAU team, the Buffalo Stampede, has officially partnered with Adidas-Ohio, to form WNY Team Adidas Elite - Stampede, the newest franchise on the Adidas Elite circuit.  They are currently looking for the best young talent in the Buffalo area, hoping to have them playing in their backyard this summer.

 

The Stampede was the team Howard Washington Jr played for prior to the City Rocks.  They are forming teams from 5th to 11th grade now, and are in need of coaches and trainers as well.  For more information, follow @stampedebny on Twitter and send a direct message.

 

-centercourt

Manhattan Cup Semifinals - 2015

 

The Manhattan Cup Finals are set:

Wednesday, March 4th - 7 & 8:45 pm

Class B Final:  (1) Park vs. (2) St. Mary's

Class A Final:  (1) Canisius vs. (2) Nichols

Click here to see the Manhattan Cup Playoff Bracket

Below are recaps of each semifinal game:

 

Nichols 66, Timon 61

In a rematch of last year's championship game, the Vikings got a game-high 25 points from Chris Miner, who was a force inside the paint all game, to advance to the Manhattan Cup Final for the sixth time in nine seasons.

Timon led the entire first quarter, taking a 20-15 advantage after one.  The second quarter saw seven lead changes, before Nichols took a 33-30 lead into halftime.  After staying in front the entire way in the third frame, Nichols slipped behind Timon on the scoreboard once again with 4:40 remaining, following seven straight Tiger points.  A minute later, Timon increased its lead to two points, before Nichols closed the game by scoring the final eight points to advance to the final.

Cam Lewis added 16 points for Nichols in the win.

Joe Harrison led Timon with 16 points, while Claudious Modi and Quinton Lamar each scored 12 points.

 

Canisius 69, St. Joe's 43

For the sixth time in seven seasons, Canisius will play in the Manhattan Cup final.  The Crusaders jumped out to a 6-0 lead and never trailed in the game, on their way to a third victory this season over their rivals.

Stafford Trueheart scored 15 of his game-high 21 points in the first half as Canisius took a 14-point lead to the break.  The junior big man had a pair of dunks in the game, one flushed off a lob from LaTerrance Reed, and the other being a two-handed slam coming in traffic.

The Marauders were able to get within eight points of Canisius twice in the third quarter, but that would be the closest the game was at any point in the second half.

Justin Jones scored 14 points for Canisius and LaTerrance Reed added 12 points.

Nick Motley and Grant Beyer each scored 11 points for the Marauders, while Jack Scaglione finished his playing days at St. Joe's with eight points.

 

St. Mary's 59, Walsh 49

 Takal Molson scored 10 of his game-high 31 points in the fourth quarter, to keep an upset-minded Walsh team from taking any leads when they were threatening in the final stanza.  The opening quarter was back-and-forth, but Molson scored the final basket to give his team a lead they would never relinquish.

The Eagles struck from downtown nine times over the first three quarters, but cooled off at the end, as they missed all 3-point attempts in the final stanza.

After Tavian Kemp converted a three-point play with 1:29 left in the game to get Walsh within one, 50-49, the Lancers closed out the contest on a 9-0 run.

Kemp finished with a team-high 21 points, while Christian Churakos added 11 points in the loss.

 

Park 57, Niagara Catholic 49

Jordan Nwora scored 11 of his game-high 26 points in the opening quarter to get the Pioneers off to a 20-11 lead on Niagara Catholic.  The Patriots managed to play Park even for the rest of the game, but were never able to make up the early deficit from the opening stanza.  The closest Niagara Catholic got the rest of the way was within five points in the second quarter, but also never trailed by more than 15 points at any time.

Jake Socha scored all 12 of Niagara Catholic's 2nd quarter points, en route to a team-high 23-point game.  The senior big man was instrumental in keeping his team around all game with solid rebounding, defending, and interior passing.  Jaceary Menes scored eight of his 13 points in the fourth quarter, including a couple deep treys.

Kyle Harris scored 13 points and Derek Cheatom added 11 points for Park in the win.

 

-centercourt

 

Buff State Semifinal Guide - 2015

 

 

 

Monday, March 2nd

Class A1 Semifinals at 6 pm & 7:45 pm

 #1 North Tonawanda (15-4) vs. #4 Sweet Home  (10-9)

- The Jacks finished as co-champs of the NFL with Niagara Falls, the Panthers tied for 3rd in ECIC II

- NT is led by Chris Woodard & Ryan Gilbert.

-  Sweet Home is led by Jordan Heine and Brandon Smiley.

- The Jacks lost in the semifinals to Will South at Buff State last season

- The Panthers last appearance at Buff State was in 2013, when they lost to Hutch-Tech, 67-47, in the Class A1 semifinals.

- Last season, NT ended Sweet Home's season in the Class A1 quarterfinals.

-  Best win for NT was at Niagara Falls.

- Best win for Sweet Home was against Williamsville East.

- I did not for for either team in this week's large school poll

 

#2 Williamsville South (17-2) vs. #3 McKinley (17-2)

- McKinley went unbeaten in the city to win the Yale Cup, South won league in ECIC II.

- South is led by Sam Castronova (returning All-Centercourt Honorable Mention selection) and freshman Greg Dolan.

- McKinley is led by Devin Morris (returning 5th Team All-Centercourt selection) and Shaquan Jones.

- These two met in the Class A1 final last season. McKinley won, 71-66.

- Best win for Williamsville South was at Williamsville North

- Best win for McKinley was at Williamsville North

- I voted McKinley #3 and South #5 in this week's large school poll.

 

***********************

 

Tuesday, March 3rd

Class B2 Semifinals at 5:15 pm & 6:45 pm

#1 Cleveland Hill (16-3) vs. #5 East (11-8) 

- The Golden Eagles were unbeaten ECIC IV champs, East finished 4th in Yale Cup I.

- Cleveland Hill is led by Jermaine Hairston & Anthony Sullivan.

- East is led by Percy Bryant (returning 4th Team All-Centercourt selection and 1,000 point scorer) and Damone Brown

- These two met in the Class B2 final last season. East won, 58-49.

- Best win for Cleveland Hill was against Salamanca.

- Best win for East was against Middle College.

- I voted East #6 and did not vote for Cleveland Hill in this week's small school poll.

 

#2 Fredonia (17-2) vs. #3 Wilson (16-3)

- The Hillbillies were co-champs with Olean in CCAA I West.  Wilson won the N-O.

- Fredonia is led by John Piper (1,000 point scorer) and Patrick Moore.

- Wilson is led by Kyle Bradley and Evan Shank.

- The Hillbillies lost to Olean in the Class B1 final last season.

- Wilson's last appearance at Buff State was in 2012 when lost lost to CSAT in the Class B2 final.

- Best win for Fredonia was at St. Mary's.

- Best win for Wilson was against Niagara Catholic.

- I voted Fredonia #2 in this week's small school poll.  I did not vote for the Lakemen.

 

Class AA Semifinal at 8:15 pm

#1 Jamestown (16-3) vs. #4 Lancaster (11-8)

- The Red Raiders were unbeaten champs of ECIC I, Lancaster finished 3rd.

- Jamestown is led by Zack Panebianco & Stephen Carlson.

- The Redskins are led by Alex Damiani and Collin Murray.

- Jamestown won Class AA last season and advanced to the NYSPHAA Class AA state championship.

- Lancaster's last trip to Buff State was in 2011, where they lost to Jamestown in the Class AA semifinals.

- Best win for Jamestown was against Amherst.

- Best win for Lancaster was against Cleveland Hill.

- I voted Jamestown #2 in this week's large school poll.  I did not vote for the Redskins.

 

 **********************************

 

Wednesday, March 4th

Class B1 Semifinals at 5:15 pm & 6:45 pm

#1 Burgard (13-6) vs. #5 Alboin (8-11)

- The Bulldogs finished 3rd in Yale Cup I, the Purple Eagles tied for 3rd in the N-O.

- Burgard is led by Jaelyn Hall and Isaiah Jamison.

- Albion is led by Austin Lloyd and Dez Blackmon.

- Burgard's last trip to Buff State was in 2006, when they lost to eventual state champion, Lackawanna, by two points in the Class B1 final.

- The Purple Eagles will make their first trip to Buff State. It's on Grant Street in Buffalo.

- Best win for Burgard was against East.

- Best win for Albion was against St. Francis.

- I voted Burgard #10 and did not vote for Albion in the small school poll.

 

#3 Medina (10-9) vs. #10 Maryvale (9-10)

- The Mustangs finished 2nd in the N-O, the Flyers finished 5th in ECIC III.

- Medina is led by Jason Hellwig and Justin Morgan.

- Maryvale is led by Mike Kelleher and Ray Blackwell.

- The Mustangs last trip to Buff State was in 2009, where they lost to Olean in the Class B1 semifinals.

- The Flyers lost to Cheektowaga, 72-53, in the Class A2 semifinals last season.

- Best win for Medina was against Wilson.

- Best win for Maryvale was at Depew.

- I did not vote for either team in the small school poll.

 

 Class AA Semifinal at 8:15 pm

#2 Williamsville North (15-4) vs. #3 Niagara Falls (13-6)

- The Spartans finished 2nd in ECIC I, the Wolverines were co-champs with NT in the NFL.

- North is led by Dylan Lambert and Maceo Jack.

- Niagara Falls is led by Mikey Bermudez and Qeyion Williams.

- The Spartans lost in the Class AA semifinals last season to Clarence, 49-39.

- Niagara Falls' last trip to Buff State was in 2013, when they lost in the Class AA final to Jamestown, 46-39.

- Best win for Will North was against Timon.

- Best win for Niagara Falls was at North Tonawanda.

- I voted North #6 in this week's large school poll.  I did not vote for Niagara Falls.

 

********************************

 

Thursday, March 5th

Class A2 Semifinals

 #1 Amherst (17-2) vs. #4 Cheektowaga (15-4)

- The Tigers were undefeated in ECIC III, the Warriors finished 2nd in ECIC III.

- Amherst is led by TC Brown and Dorian Billups.

- Cheektowaga is led by Dominick Welch and Zak Ciezki.

- They played in the Class A2 final last season, with Cheektowaga winning in OT, 69-68.

- Best win for Amherst was at Cheektowaga.

- Best win for Cheektowaga was against East.

- I voted Amherst #4 and did not vote for Cheektowaga  in the large school poll.

 

#2 Starpoint (16-3) vs. #3 Olean (15-4)

- The Spartans finished 2nd in ECIC II, the Huskies were co-champs of CCAA I West with Fredonia.

- Starpoint is led by Brock Kroening and Christian Nodine.

- Olean is led by Chucky Martin and Connor Prizel.

- Starpoint's last trip to Buff State was in 2003.

- Olean won the overall Section VI Class B title last year and advanced to the NYSPHAA Class B state championship.

- Best win for Starpoint was at Williamsville South.

- Best win for Olean was against Fredonia.

- I voted Starpoint #10 in this week's large school poll.  I did not vote for Olean.

 

-centercourt