(Stafford Trueheat & Canisius were up for the McKinley game / Photo by Elliott Jerge)
Canisius 72, McKinley 46
The Crusaders put their size, talent, athleticism, and team chemistry on full display before a packed gymnasium at City Honors for the main event of the MLK Classic. Canisius & McKinley entered as top three large schools in WNY, but Canisius made it clear that they were in a different tier than the Macks with a dominant performance in all four quarters. After each quarter, the Crusader lead grew. Canisius led by seven after the 1st, by 14 at halftime, 20 through three quarters, and won the game by 26 points after its lead reached 31 points in the final stanza. The largest run of points put together from McKinley at any point in the game was six straight, scored between the end of the first half and start of the second half.
"Our guys came ready to play," Canisius coach Kyle Husband said. "I think we had good energy earlier, but most of all, we really defended."
McKinley coach Zaire Dorsey felt the size of Canisius and the way they use it to their benefit was the biggest difference.
"They dominated offensive rebounds, they dominated defensive rebounds,” Dorsey said. “It seemed like they had six players out there.”
Husband acknowledged his team's size as one of several strengths that gave them the advantage.
"Our size is a huge strength of ours," said Husband. "I think you saw that not only effect the game early, but I think it wore on them throughout the entire game -- I think they got a little frustrated, when they tried getting to the bucket, there were guys waiting for them there."
Stafford Trueheart was once again playing above the rim, throwing down three dunks and scoring a team-high 13 points, along with fellow front court big man Madut Ayiy. The two were a force inside on both ends all game, along with solid contributions on the interior from Charles Hart. Justin Jones and Colby Moultrie were both key to the success of the Crusaders all afternoon, matching the athleticism and hustle of the Macks.
Point Totals
Canisius: Madut Ayiy 13, Stafford Trueheart 13, Justin Jones 11, Will Atkinson 9, Charles Hart 6, Colby Moultrie 6, Jerimiah Wagstaff 6, Jayce Johnson 4, Dan Barnes 2, Andrew Schake 2
McKinley: Shaquan Jones 16, Keyon Johnson 11, Kesean Fisher 6, Davinti Wardlaw 4, Bruce Booker 3, Avius Outlaw 3, Kavon Rogers 3
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Middle College 72, Cheektowaga 65
Dominick Welch scored 18 of his game-high 29 points in the first half, as the Warriors took a five-point lead into halftime. But an 11-1 run to start the second half for the Kats put them in front by five points and they never trailed the rest of the way. Jojo Staton scored 20 points for Middle college, despite missing significant time in the second half due to foul trouble. Amir Jemes, Brian Johnson, and Gary Foster (team-high 21 points) all defended well and played with great composure down the stretch for the Kats as they closed out Cheektowaga.
Point Totals
Middle College: Gary Foster 21, Jojo Staton 20, Amir Jemes 13, Brian Johnson 7, Nader Kompany 5, Billy Rivera 3, Lorenzo Truitt 2, Hakeem Dobbins 1
Cheektowaga: Dominick Welch 29, Alek Bryant 12, Stephan Parker 10, Vaughn Burdett 10, Anthony Grabp 2, Rudy Bragg 2
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East 73, Sweet Home 46
East High got off to a sluggish start, as Sweet Home slowed the game at the start by getting back defensively and taking care of the ball, taking a 13-8 lead after one quarter. However, midway through the second quarter, East went on a 23-5 tear to open up a 15-point halftime lead. Throughout the second half, East continued its pressure and pressed its way to an easy victory between a pair of young teams that started no seniors.
Point Totals
East: Willard Anderson 20, Moses Hughes 17, Takeylo Burts14, Waunya Shaw 13, Ashaunte Maryon 4, Justin Allen 4, Wul Chol 1
Sweet Home: Tahron Goudelack 11, Evan John 11, Darryl Barrons 9, Stephan Trueheart 4, Luke Pappagallo 3, Ryan Harris 3, Jacob Serrano 2, Kelsay Lash 2, Anthony Frascatore 1
-centercourt
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