The 2018 CC MVP
Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, Senior
28.6 PPG / 8.8 RPG / 7.1 SPG / 6.9 APG
- The first ever four-time All-Centercourt player
- Voted All-ECIC Player of the Year
- Voted ECIC II Player of the Year
- Selected to the Section VI Class A1 All-Tournament Team
- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic
- Selected to Chaminade All-Tournament Team
- Selected to Canisius' Tom Keenan All-Tournament Team
- Scored a career-high 47 points in a win at O'Hara
- Scored over 30 points in eight games & over 20 points in 20 games
- Sat the entire 4th quarter of nine games this season
- Holds school records for career points, rebounds, steals, & wins
- Two-time All-Centercourt Defender
- Career 2,000 point scorer
(Photo: Buffalo News)
First Team All-Centercourt
Noah Hutchins - Park, Junior
13.1 PPG / 6.6 APG / 5.0 RPG / 2.6 SPG / 1.3 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- NYS Federation Class A Champion
- MVP of the NYS Class A Federation Tournament
- Scored 19 of 24 points in 2nd half of the Federation Final
- Scored 8 points in the last minute of the Federation Final
- Hit the game-winner at the buzzer of the Federation Final
- Game MVP at The Park School Showcase
- Dished 18 assists in a win over St. Mary's
- Scored a season-high 27 points in a win over Middle College
- Shot over 57% from the field on the season
- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Two-time All-Centercourt Defender
(Photo: Larry Scheur)
Dan Scott - Park, Junior
16.9 PPG / 2.8 APG / 2.7 RPG / 1.9 SPG / 1.0 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- NYS Federation Class A Champion
- NYS Class A Federation All-Tournament Team
- Scored over 20 points in nine games
- Scored a season-high 26 points in a win over Niagara Catholic
- Scored 25 points in a win over Canisius
- Efficient scorer that shot over 50% from the field
- Connected on 3-pointers 64 times this season
- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Two-time All-Centercourt Defender
- Career 1,000 point scorer
(Photo: Larry Scheur)
Willard Anderson - East, Senior
25.7 PPG / 6.3 APG / 6.1 RPG / 3.2 SPG / 0.5 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- MVP of the NYSPHAA Class D State Championship
- MVP of the Section VI Class D Tournament
- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic
- Game MVP at the Bishop Kearney Showcase
- Game MVP at the Cataract City Classic
- Scored a season-high 41 points in a win over I-Prep
- Scored over 30 points in seven games & 19 games over 20 points
- Career 1,000 Point scorer
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Davonte Gaines - Health Sciences, Senior
18.0 PPG / 8.8 RPG / 5.2 APG / 4.2 SPG / 2.5 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- Player of the Year in Charter Cup
- MVP of the Section VI Class B2 Tournament
- MVP of Lancaster Tip-Off Tournament
- MVP of St. Francis Christmas Tournament
- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic
- Scored a career-high 52 points in a win over BASCS
- Scored over 30 points twice & 10 games over 20 points
- Had 22 double-doubles, 4 triple-doubles & 3 quad-doubles
- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Career 1,000 point Scorer
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Juston Johnson - West Seneca West, Junior
24.8 PPG / 8.0 APG / 7.3 RPG / 3.4 SPG
- Voted First Team All-ECIC
- Voted ECIC I Player of the Year
- MVP of the Section VI Class A1 Tournament
- MVP of the Pioneer Motorsports Tournament
- Scored a career-high 43 points in a win over South Park (school record)
- Scored over 40 points twice, five games over 30 points, & 13 games over 20 points
- Registered four triple-doubles & 17 double-doubles
- Set the school record for points in a season (619)
- Career 1,000 point scorer
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Second Team All-Centercourt
Devin Pope - Chautauqua Lake, Senior
30.2 PPG / 9.3 RPG / 4.3 SPG / 2.8 APG / 1.0 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- Voted Player of the Year in CCAA I West
- Section VI Class C All-Tournament Team
- Game MVP Honors at the United Way Showcase
- Led all Section VI players in points per game
- Scored a career-high 52 points in a win over Panama
- Scored over 40 points four times, 13 games over 30 points, & 17 games over 20 points
- Had a triple-double (40 pts, 18 boards, & 12 steals) against Franklinville
- Career 2,000 point scorer
(Photo: Dunkirk Observer)
Ryan Bradley - Canisius, Senior
12.4 PPG / 8.0 RPG / 2.4 APG / 1.2 BPG / 1.0 SPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- Voted Monsignor Martin Player of the Year
- Tom Keenan All-Tournament Team
- Scored a career-high 32 points in a win over St. Joe's
- Recorded a double-double in a win over Irondequoit
- Scored over 20 points in six games
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- WNY's top big man
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Jayce Johnson - Canisius, Senior
12.6 PPG / 6.1 RPG / 3.4 APG / 1.3 SPG / 0.9 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- Voted First Team All-Catholic
- MVP of the Tom Keenan Tournament
- Scored a season-high 24 points in a win at Aquinas
- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Three-time All-Centercourt Defender
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Julian Cunningham - Timon, Junior
18.5 PPG / 4.1 APG / 4.0 RPG / 1.9 SPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- Voted First Team All-Catholic
- Bishop Kearney Tournament All-Tournament Team
- Scored a career-high 28 points against Park
- Finished with 27 & 26 points in wins over St. Francis & St. Mary's
- Scored over 20 points in six games
- Shot 50% from 3-point range
- Team leader in points, assists, & steals
- Two-time All-Centercourt Defender
- Career 1,000 point scorer
Trevor Book - North Tonawanda, Senior
25.5 PPG / 9.1 RPG / 3.0 APG / 2.2 SPG / 1.4 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- Voted First Team Niagara Frontier League
- Section VI All-Tournament Team
- MVP of the Jolly Boys' Bob Hettler Tournament
- Scored a career-high 40 pts w/ 8 treys in a win at Ken West
- Scored over 25 points in 11 games & 16 games over 20 points
- Holds school records for pts in a season (536) & career 3-pointers (144)
- Career 1,000 point scorer
Third Team All-Centercourt
Austin James - Canisius, Senior
13.8 PPG / 3.6 RPG / 3.0 APG / 1.2 SPG
- Voted First Team All-Catholic
- Tom Keenan All-Tournament Team
- Scored a season-high 28 points in a win - over Park
- Recorded a double-double in a win at St. Francis
- Scored over 20 points in five games
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
Master Radford - Timon, Senior
13.8 PPG / 9.8 RPG / 4.5 BPG / 1.2 APG / 0.8 SPG
- Voted First Team All-Catholic
- MVP of the Bishop Kearney Tournament
- - Scored a career-high 34 pts & with 20 boards in a win over Notre Dame (Ontario)
- Recorded one triple-double & eight double-doubles on the season
- Had 19 points, 11 boards, & 9 blocks in a win over St. Francis
- Led all WNY players in blocked shots
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- 2018 All-Centercourt Defender
- WNY's top post defender
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Mike Schmidt - Olean, Junior
16.6 PPG / 6.4 APG / 5.2 RPG / 3.5 SPG
- Voted Player of the Year in CCAA I West
- MVP of the Section VI Class B1 Tournament
- MVP of the Olean HS Tip-Off Tournament
- MVP of the IAABO Tournament
- Scored a season-high 29 points in a win over Gowanda & had seven games over 20 points
- Recorded 15 assists in a win over Chautauqua Lake
- Registered two triple-doubles on the season and six double-doubles
- 2018 All-Centercourt Defender
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Justin Hemphill - Cardinal O'Hara, Junior
20.5 PPG / 13.5 RPG / 3.5 APG / 2.6 SPG / 2.6 BPG
- Player of the Year in Monsignor Martin Class B
- Scored over 30 points in three games & 14 games over 20 points
- Scored a season-high 34 with 17 boards against Canisius
- Recorded 23 double-doubles on the year
- Had 27 points & 20 rebounds in a win over Niagara Catholic
- Holds school record for career rebounds (847)
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Career 1,000 point scorer
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Jalen Bradberry - Niagara Catholic, Freshman
20.3 PPG / 4.6 RPG / 2.4 APG / 2.1 SPG / 0.7 BPG
- Selected MVP of the Manhattan Cup in Class B
- Voted First Team All-Catholic
- MVP of the Wilson Tip-Off Tournament
- Earned Game MVP at the Cataract City Classic
- Scored a season-high 31 points in a win over O'Hara
- Scored over 20 points in 11 games, including 29 & 27 twice
- Knocked down 65 treys on the season
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Fourth Team All-Centercourt
Justin Allen - East, Senior
15.0 PPG / 12.7 RPG / 2.8 SPG / 2.5 BPG / 2.5 APG
- NYSPHAA State Championship All-Tournament Team
- Section VI Class D All-Tournament Team
- Scored over 20 points in seven games
- Hauled in over 20 rebounds in 3 games
- Recorded 20 double-doubles on the season
- Erupted for 27 pts & 20 rebounds in Regional win over Clyde-Savannah
- Had 64 points & 49 boards over last 3 games (Regional & State Tournament)
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Sam Erickson - Franklinville, Senior
21.0 PPG / 11.2 RPG / 3.1 APG / 2.5 SPG / 2.1 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- Voted Player of the Year in CCAA II East
- Section VI Class D All-Tournament Team
- MVP of Rick Hughes Memorial Tournament
- IAABO All-Tournament Team
- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic
- Game MVP at the Cataract City Classic
- Scored a season-high 36 points & 13 boards in a sectional win over Panama
- Scored over 30 points twice & 12 games over 20 points
- Recorded 14 double-doubles
- Career 1,000 point scorer
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Elliot Bowen - Ellicottville, Senior
19.7 PPG / 12.6 RPG / 2.7 BPG / 2.0 SPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- First Team All-State as a sophomore & as a junior
- Voted Player of the Year in CCAA II East
- Section VI Class D All-Tournament Team
- MVP of the Joe Decerbo Tournament
- MVP of the Holiday Valley Tournament
- Salamanca Tip-Off All-Tournament Team
- Game MVP Honors at the Centercourt Classic
- Had two games over 30 points & 20 rebounds
- Scored over 20 points in 13 games & eight games over 15 rebounds
- Registered 18 double-doubles
- Ellicottville's All-Time leader in points (1,586) & Rebounds (1,079)
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Jack Capen - St. Joe's, Senior
24.4 PPG / 7.1 RPG / 1.3 SPG / 1.2 APG
- Voted First Team All-Catholic
- Game MVP at the Can/Am Showcase
- Selected to the Lockport All-Tournament Team
- Selected to the Ken-Ton All-Tournament Team
- Attempted 253 free throws on the season
- The Monsignor Martin's leading scorer
- Scored a career-high 37 points in three different games
- Scored over 30 points in eight games & over 20 points in 18 games
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Brandon Smith - Park, Senior
14.0 PPG / 2.4 RPG / 1.9 APG / 1.4 SPG / 1.0 BPG
- NYS Federation Class A Champion
- MVP of the Manhattan Cup
- Scored a combined 46 points in Manhattan Cup playoffs
- Finished with a season-high 27 points in a win over South Park
- Scored over 20 points in six games
- Connected on 3-pointers 62 times this season
(Photo: Larry Scheur)
Fifth Team All-Centercourt
Kam Briggs - Health Sciences, Junior
12.9 PPG / 3.1 SPG / 1.8 APG / 1.5 RPG
- Voted First Team Charter Cup
- NYSPHAA Class B All-Tournament Team
- St. Francis Christmas All-Tournament Team
- Lancaster Tip-Off All-Tournament Team
- Scored a team-high 23 points in the NYSPHAA Class B state semifinal
- Earned a pair of game-clinching steals in the final minute of the Regional qualifier
- 2018 All-Centercourt Defender
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Jalin Cooper - Medina, Senior
21.3 PPG / 9.5 RPG / 3.3 SPG / 2.2 APG / 2.2 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- Voted Player of the Year in the Niagara Orleans League
- Game MVP Honors at the Centercourt Classic
- Game MVP Honors at the Cataract City Classic
- Scored a season-high 39 points in a win over Barker
- Scored over 30 points twice & had over 20 points in 13 games
- Registered 11 double-doubles
- Set school record for points in a season (468)
- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Career 1,000 point scorer
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Nate Brawdy - Gowanda, Senior
23.6 PPG / 15.0 RPG / 4.8 APG / 2.7 SPG
- Voted First Team CCAA I East
- Olean Tip-Off All-Tournament Team
- Turned in the stat line of the decade in a win at Roy-Hart, scoring a career-high 43 points and grabbing a career-high 31 rebounds
- Scored over 30 points four times & had 14 games over 20 points
- Recorded 19 double-doubles
- Led all of WNY in total rebounds (331) & rebounds per game (15)
- Finished his career with 1715 points, 888 rebounds & 361 assists
Tyler Hind - Randolph, Sophomore
23.3 PPG / 6.6 APG / 4.2 RPG / 3.1 SPG / 0.5 BPG
- Voted Player of the Year in CCAA I East
- Section VI Class C All-Tournament Team
- Rick Hughes Memorial All-Tournament Team
- Scored a season-high 40 points with 8 assists in a win over Gowanda
- Scored over 30 points in seven games & had 15 games over 20 points
- Canned at least seven 3-pointers in five games
- Led WNY in 3-pointers made on the season (88)
- Had 11 games with at least seven assists
- Career 1,000 point scorer
(Photo: Post Journal)
Ray Mushat - South Park, Senior
17.4 PPG / 4.2 RPG / 1.8 APG / 1.7 SPG / 0.4 BPG
- Voted First Team Yale Cup I
- Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team
- Park Tournament All-Tournament Team
- Maryvale Christmas All-Tournament Team
- Scored a career-high 39 points in a win over Emerson
- Scored over 30 points twice & nine games over 20 points
- Recorded 12 double-doubles on the season
- Career 1,000 point scorer
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Honorable Mention
Kyle Burley - Pioneer, Senior
22.2 PPG / 10.8 RPG / 3.1 APG / 2.3 SPG / 0.8 BPG - First Team ECIC III
Chad Biersbach - Depew, Senior
22.0 PPG / 8.3 RPG / 2.1 APG / 2.1 SPG / 1.0 BPG - First Team All-ECIC
Hakeem Dobbins - Middle College, Senior
20.5 PPG / 4.9 APG / 4.4 RPG / 3.2 SPG / 0.5 BPG - First Team Yale Cup I
Kyle DeVoogel - Newfane, Senior
19.7 PPG / 3.7 RPG / 3.5 SPG / 1.5 APG / 0.5 BPG - First Team Niagara-Orleans League
Kyle Ebert - Frontier, Senior
19.2 PPG / 5.0 RPG / 1.2 APG / 0.9 SPG / 0.5 BPG - First Team ECIC I
Devaun Farnham-DeJesus - Dunkirk, Senior
17.8 PPG / 7.4 RPG / 4.8 APG / 3.0 SPG / 1.0 BPG - First Team CCAA I West
Ray Blackwell - Maryvale, Senior
17.6 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 3.0 APG / 3.0 SPG - First Team ECIC III
Isaac Kopp - Franklinville, Senior
17.5 PPG / 5.1 RPG / 2.5 APG / 1.2 SPG / 0.5 BPG - First Team CCAA II East
Johnathan Park - Lake Shore, Senior
16.7 PPG / 13.5 RPG / 3.3 BPG / 1.7 APG / 1.7 SPG - First Team ECIC III
Griffin Chudy - Ellicottville, Senior
16.6 PPG / 5.8 RPG / 4.3 APG / 3.6 SPG - First Team CCAA II East
Alex Wayland - West Seneca West, Senior
15.4 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 3.0 SPG / 2.9 APG - First Team ECIC I
Nasir Benton - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior
15.3 PPG / 4.7 RPG / 4.0 APG / 3.7 SPG - First Team All-Catholic
Christian Szablewski - St. Mary's, Senior
15.0 PPG / 8.2 RPG / 1.8 APG / 1.4 BPG / 1.1 SPG - First Team All-Catholic
Max Weber - Newfane, Senior
14.2 PPG / 7.3 RPG / 6.6 APG / 2.7 SPG / 0.8 BPG - First Team Niagara-Orleans League
Waunya Shaw - East, Senior
14.0 PPG / 7.0 RPG / 2.5 APG / 1.8 SPG / 0.7 BPG - NYSPHAA State Champion
Bo Sireika - St. Francis, Senior
13.8 PPG / 4.5 RPG / 2.6 SPG / 2.3 APG / 1.0 BPG - First Team All-Catholic
Quran DuBois - Niagara Falls, Senior
12.9 PPG / 3.9 RPG / 2.1 APG / 1.6 SPG - Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team
Nick MacDonald - Canisius, Senior
12.3 PPG / 2.7 RPG / 1.3 APG / 1.1 SPG - Led the MMA in 3-pointers made w/ school record 73
Mason Goodridge - Springville, Junior
24.6 PPG / 3.1 RPG / 2.4 SPG / 2.0 APG / 0.5 BPG - Player of the Year in ECIC III
Zamari Mitchell - West Seneca East, Junior
22.5 PPG / 4.7 RPG / 4.2 SPG / 2.4 APG / 0.6 BPG - First Team All-ECIC
Trent Scott - Lew-Port, Junior
18.6 PPG / 6.1 RPG / 4.9 APG / 3.2 SPG / 1.1 BPG - First Team Niagara Frontier League
Adrian Baugh - West Seneca West, Junior
17.6 PPG / 7.4 RPG / 2.3 SPG / 2.0 APG / 1.2 BPG - First Team ECIC I
Earl Howard - MST Seneca, Junior
17.5 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 3.4 APG / 1.1 SPG - Player of the Year in Yale Cup II
Dorian Plummer - Tapestry, Junior
17.3 PPG / 4.7 RPG / 2.6 SPG / 1.4 APG - First Team All-Charter
Cam Sionko - Grand Island, Junior
16.3 PPG / 7.0 RPG / 5.2 APG / 1.5 SPG / 0.5 BPG - First Team Niagara Frontier League
River Reinhardt - Clarence, Junior
15.3 PPG / 4.6 APG / 3.3 RPG / 2.7 SPG - First Team ECIC I
Haakim Siner - Niagara Catholic, Junior
13.7 PPG / 10.6 RPG / 1.8 SPG / 1.3 APG / 0.8 BPG - Recorded 12 double-doubles on the season
Chris Stineman - Nichols, Junior
12.5 PPG / 10.4 RPG / 2.8 APG / 1.5 BPG / 0.9 SPG - First Team All-Catholic
Devin Degree - Williamsville South, Junior
11.8 PPG / 4.6 APG / 4.1 RPG / 2.7 SPG - First Team ECIC II
Quentin Nnagbo - Park, Junior
6.6 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 1.6 APG / 1.6 SPG / 1.5 BPG - NYS Class A Federation Champion
Julian Eziukwu - Park, Junior
5.9 PPG / 6.5 RPG / 1.9 BPG / 1.6 SPG / 1.2 APG - NYS Class A Federation Champion
Daesean Ashley - Amherst, Sophomore
17.6 PPG / 6.4 RPG / 3.4 APG / 3.3 SPG - First Team ECIC II
John Orogun - Park, Sophomore
5.4 PPG / 6.6 RPG / 1.9 BPG / 1.6 SPG / 1.0 APG - NYS Class A Federation Champion
Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry, Freshman
12.0 PPG / 4.2 APG / 3.5 RPG / 2.9 SPG - MVP of Section VI Class C Tournament
Roddy Gayle - Niagara Falls, 8th Grade
12.8 PPG / 4.3 RPG / 3.2 APG / 1.0 SPG / 0.9 BPG - First Team Niagara Frontier League
****** ****** ******
Sixth Man of the Year
Julian Eziukwu - Park, Junior
5.9 PPG / 6.5 RPG / 1.9 BPG / 1.6 SPG / 1.2 APG
Without question, a starter on any other team in WNY. An aggressive rebounder with a knack for staying with the play and finishing in the paint, Eziukwu's most impressive attribute was his work ethic. Not only did he willingly accept his role as Park's sixth man, he embraced it. Upon entering the game, you would immediately hear him talking on defense and notice a boost in the team's energy at that end due to his presence.
- NYS Federation Class A Champion
- Earned All-Centercourt Honorable Mention in 2018
(Photo: Buffalo News)
All-Centercourt Defenders
First Team
Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, Senior
Jayce Johnson - Canisius, Senior
Master Radford - Timon, Senior
Noah Hutchins - Park, Junior
Dan Scott - Park, Junior
Second Team
Tazaun Rose - Niagara Falls, Senior
Griffin Chudy - Ellicottville, Senior
Dylan Burton - Franklinville, Senior
Kam Briggs - Health Sciences, Junior
Lucas Theisen - St. Francis, Junior
Third Team
Avion Harris - Niagara Catholic, Sophomore
Mike Schmidt - Olean, Junior
Kavon Rogers - McKinley, Senior
Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry, Freshman
Anthony Mack - South Park, Sophomore
Centercourt #BOOM Squad
Davonte Gaines - Health Sciences, Senior
Austin James - Canisius, Senior
Noah Hutchins - Park, Junior
Master Radford - Timon, Senior
Jalin Cooper - Medina, Senior
Liam Carey - Grand Island
Justin Hemphill - Cardinal O'Hara, Junior
Roddy Gayle - Niagara Falls, 8th Grader
Jayce Johnson - Canisius, Senior
Johnathan Park - Lake Shore, Senior
Justin Allen - East, Senior
Dan Scott - Park, Junior
Ryan Bradley - Canisius, Senior
Coach of the Year
Rich Jacob - The Park School
-centercourt
Hakeem Dobbins 20 5 and 5 and yale cup champ how did he get snubbed??
Posted by: Andre B adams | Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 05:47 PM
This was awesome and well worth the wait! You're the best Mr CenterCourt.
Posted by: Jude | Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 06:22 PM
congrats to CC on another job well done. You bring so much more enjoyment to the WNY basketball scene with all the work you do. Thanks for a great job.
Posted by: Nelson Adams | Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 06:49 PM
Curious to hear where some of these young men are headed next year (seniors) or where they have offers (underclassmen / uncommitted). Can you share?
Posted by: Mark | Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 08:09 PM
Dobbins has a case but who do you take out?! I will probably make a call for Bradley to make first team over one of the Park kids. Really good list and some questions but will probably be better than the Buffalo News list.
Posted by: Mad Mike | Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 09:43 PM
Who does Dobbins replace? Easy. Hind or Brawdy. Mostly Hind.
Who did Gowanda beat??? Who did Randolph beat???
No one that was ever ranked in any school rankings?? I can name 5 players off the top of my head that would lock down Hind and take him to the basket at will!!!
He shot a lot of 3s and made a lot?? But where did it get his team??? No where!!!
Hind waa about two years early!!!!
Posted by: Double Nickle | Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 10:23 PM
Good one double nickle. I see your argument just find it funny all the support just for 5th team?! Really? Give me a break Dobbins is probably where he belongs.
Posted by: Vic Vinegar | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 07:41 AM
Kids work hard to make any of these teams and you downplay the importance of wanting to be on 5th team. That's pretty shallow of you!!!! But it's all good . You do you.
Posted by: Double Nickle | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 08:05 AM
This year seemed very difficult, there were alot of talented kids. Hind is a heck of a player attacking him is pretty petty in my mind.
Tough to weigh lgs and competition , with numbers and such. will never be a perfect process
Posted by: crystal ball | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 09:08 AM
Tyler Hind is a good ball player and he's only a sophomore. I also had Hakeem Dobbins on the 5th team but I don't have a problem with Hind making it. To say his teams haven't gotten anywhere is a bit ignorant. He was the best player for his team last year (as a Freshman) when they won sectionals and beat East High while doing it. He went toe to toe with Devin Pope (2nd Team All CC) in the semi-finals this year and won.
Who did they beat? "No one that was ever ranked in any school rankings." They beat Allegany Limestone who finished ranked 15th in the State in Class C.
"Can name 5 players off the top of my head that would lock down Hind and take him to the basket at will." Yeah? Like who? The 20 guys ranked ahead of him on this list? There are 5 guys that can do the same to Hakeem Dobbins as well.
For the record, I had Hakeem Dobbins on 5th Team.
Posted by: StateChamps2003 | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 10:11 AM
What's wild to me is Ryan Bradley being left off of the 1st Team. I'd like to know when the last time the MMA Player of the Year did not make 1st team. Furthermore, when was the last time the MMA POY did not make 1st team AND other MMA player(s) make 1st team.
Posted by: StateChamps2003 | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 10:15 AM
5th team is good do not get me wrong. But your claim he should be over Hind like it's a robbery is what's funny. Honorable mention is good too.
Posted by: Vic Vinegar | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 10:36 AM
I agree one of the Park kids has to be out of the 1st team. Bradley dominated throughout the year even all 3 Park bigs. Personally I would not mind both Park guards off first team.
Posted by: Scouty | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 11:53 AM
I just think that there is this perception that because Park won a Federation Title in Class A that you HAVE to include a player from that team on the 1st Team. When in reality this Park squad was collectively a great TEAM. On any given night, Hutchins, Scott or Smith could be their best player. The MVP of the Manhattan Cup was Smith and in all honesty, Park's big men won them the Manhattan Cup and then they kept it rolling into the Catholic playoffs and then the Federation playoffs.
I think this team is different than the 2015 Canisius team because I thought that Reed was their best player on almost every night. Same with the 2010 Nichols team where Regan was their best player on almost every night.
If you put either one of Scott or Hutchins on a different team then yes, they probably are the teams best player every night but you can't play the "If" game here.
Posted by: StateChamps2003 | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 12:25 PM
Bradley was a steady player but I thought James was there best player. Canisius was a true team where they had 3-4 kids given huge contributions. I think the two Parks kids deserved first team and glad they were recognized as such. Both could easily have been MMA players of the year IMO.
Posted by: crystal ball | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 12:50 PM
The perception is correct. Reward the best players in the area and the winners. Can't put lower level players above them. Especially if they win Federations. May not seem completely correct but it is basketball and would not want it any other way. Reward the champs and best players. Also do not like Ticket being on first and Briggs on 5th. Briggs was their go to guy in big games.
Posted by: J Peterson | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 02:27 PM
The top 6 players in the area are exactly how this list turned out to be. If anyone disagree then say who you think should take Johnson, Anderson or the Park boys spot? I know we can't argue Gaines and Dolan
Posted by: WNY Scout | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 05:14 PM
If we are going on the years the kids had Gaines was no show in many big games, Go back and look.It is for sure an argument. I would love to see his numbers outside the Charter lg. Book had a much better year Cunningham and a few others.
Posted by: Wny scout rebuttal | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 07:58 PM
Hakeem Dobbins 20.5 PPG...4.9 APG..
4.4 RPG...3.2 SPG...0.5 BPG..DO THE MATH!..Not counting the fact that Hakeem took young men who had never played basketball with the help of his coach lead them to the Yale Cup Championship!...There has to be some other reasoning behind this because it Damn Sure Can’t be Stats!
Posted by: Neal Dobbins | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 08:59 PM
Neal who are you taking off the 5th team to make room? Not mad at the pick it's just hard to take one off. Good year winning Yale cup though.
Posted by: Vic Vinegar | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 09:19 PM
Johnson should have won POY. Out played Dolan for the title. Led his teamother as best in WNY as they were best in WNY. Top 2-3 guard in area.
Posted by: Popeye | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 09:47 PM
Johnson should have won POY. Out played Dolan for the title. Led his teamother as best in WNY as they were best in WNY. Top 2-3 guard in area.
Posted by: Popeye | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 09:48 PM
Popeye! FYI Park was the best team in WNY and best in the state in class a . Canisius was a close second in WNY .Congrats to WSW on a very good season but they don’t compare.
Posted by: Park Proud | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 10:50 PM
Great job Center Court. It was a tough year to pick the teams but you did a great job. I think the 1st team and POY was spot on. Thanks for another great season.
Posted by: Park Proud | Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 10:54 PM
Let’s be honest here people, Gaines made 1st Team because he’s signed to Tennessee ; Hutchins played his best basketball of the year during Fed and has a 40 inch vertical - those are the real reasons that the two of them made 1st Team. Period. If If Gaines isn’t signed D1, he doesn’t make 1st Team this year - based on the season he had. Same with Hutchins......without D1 offers, his performance just during the Fed run, and all those bunnies, he also would not have been a 1st teamer this season. One could legitimately argue that Brandon Smith was just as good, if not better, than Hutchins as a cumulative season. Pope and Bradley could both be on 1st Team over them - if we are judging objectively and based strictly on this season!. However, we live in an age where euro-steps into missed layups are oowed and ahhed over, turnovers don’t seem to matter to kids, and fans value one good dunk over a collective game of good decisions. So, not surprised that these selections are what they are. It is disappointing that we can’t seem to call a spade a spade anymore though
Posted by: Adam | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 06:42 AM
Hutchins had a very good season. You have to look at more than ppg. He is a very unselfish player that does what’s best for hie team. He’s a great defender. He also shot 57% from the field and sat out when games were decided (not like some others on the all WNY team). I attended every Park game and he is truly deserving.
Posted by: Park Proud | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 07:02 AM
Adam you have it right it also helps if you post on Twitter all the time also park without the two big men recruits would be just another Yale cup team.Is CC a MMA grad he shows a lot of bias toward that league ?
Posted by: Mwalker2246 | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 07:14 AM
@Park Proud - Noah is deserving of being on one of these five teams, for sure. Not 1st though. Minus the Fed run (which is only a few games, and at the end of the season), Julian Cunningham was arguably more effective as a point guard than Hutchins this season. If not for his performance in the Fed, we wouldn’t even be having this convo, because he most certainly would not have made 1st team, without it. Again, one could argue that Brandon Smith was just as good for Park as Noah, if not better, for the majority of the season. Watching every Park game, you should have noticed that. Also, it seems laughable that the MMA Class A POY isn’t a first teamed. Talk about a team player! Ryan Bradley should be on there, over Hutchins or Gaines - if we are actually basing decisions on the entirety of this season, and not on hype. However, it’s 2018, and AAU and the countless social media outlets that these kids all have, seem to be the supreme ruler of talent judgements. Thumbs up if you like my comments! I need the validity to feel good today smh
Posted by: Adam | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 08:54 AM
@ Neal Dobbins , I think CC did a great job but I think he missed on one kid and thats your son. Numbers along with winning the Yale Cup which was the second best lg in the area this year. Sorry but there are a couple kids on this list that played horrible competiton and teams were bad that I cant agree with. Great job by Dobbins this year hopefully Buff News rewards him.Overall though great job by CC , no one else puts the time or effort into seeing all these kids from what I understand.
Posted by: crystal ball | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 09:22 AM
Buffalo News First team reveiled.
Hutchins, Gaines,Juston Johnson, Dolan, Anderson
Posted by: crystal ball | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 10:35 AM
Daniel Scott was the best player on the best team in the best lg in the area. I am sorry Buffalo news but CC is more in touch with reality. He was the most consistent player all year on the best team . Not taking away anything from the top 5 but they they missed on this. Scott Willard Dolan and Juston should have been locks , last spot toss up between Bradley/Hutchins
Posted by: 716bballguy | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 10:48 AM
@ crystal ball Thanks maybe it will make Hakeem feel better after reading what you and many others had to say about how he was overlooked for whatever reason!..I’m reading about the character of Noah Hutchins vs his stats which is cool because I totally agree but Damn has anyone gave any thought to the fact that Hakeem Dobbins lead a team of kids that wasn’t even interested in Basketball to a Yale Cup Championship beating McKinley twice South Park And East for the Championship while some of these other leagues were much softer?..Even more disturbing is how can a sophomore and a junior who’s stats are equal to or less than his take precedence over his as a senior playing his last year!..Look at the teamates those players had then take a look at the young men Hakeem had to help develop as players!..And we still Won!...I guess Character is only relevant when it comes to suburban kids!
Posted by: Neal Dobbins | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 11:19 AM
Bo Sireika only HM, and not on any defensive team is a travesty. He guarded the top player on every team. Ask Dolan or Ticket if he wasn't the best defender they faced all year. Sorry CC, but you missed on Bo.
Posted by: iron mike | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 12:09 PM
Nate Brawdy did drop 24 points and grab 13 rebounds on MEC's home court while Dobbins scored 21 points. They won (as they should have), but barely.
Tyler Hind scored a game high 16 points in the Class C final against Tapestry. So it's not as if these two kids couldn't put up stats against quality competition when given the opportunity.
Posted by: StateChamps2003 | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 12:57 PM
@ Neal Dobbins - we live in a society that voted for a reality TV personality as President of the US; the most popular musicians tend to have extremely lack luster lyrics - but thumping beats; and one of the most popular NBA players travels every single time he hits an “unguardable” step back jumper. So, not everything that is popular makes sense - or is deserving of certain accolades or titles! Take solice in knowing that your son put on his hard hat, and went to work every night - and won a league championship! In order to be lauded by the WNY contingency, he would have been fine losing - as long as he had a D1 offer, or he had one great looking dunk per night, or he played for an AAU team that promotes offensive stardom while not caring about any real basketball IQ. Your son is clearly just as deserving of a spot on one of these 5 teams as most any other player on the list. He should know that too. Tell him to use that as fuel for the next level, if nothing else
Posted by: Adam | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 01:29 PM
The top 5 list presented will beat any team you throw at them. Daniel is good but not better than Noah.Still see an argument for him on first team over Gaines. Cunningham is good but not even on either Park guards level. Can not play a game of 'if' Park does not have big men because then we can take away options for other teams. Be fair. Competition matters! If the Yale cup kids averaged 40 or something against those bums then I could see an argument. MMA best league and not close. All others bow down. Go O'hara!
Posted by: Trey Cardinal | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 01:36 PM
@Trey Cardinal - Ha. Not sure what else to say. Your first statement is not even applicable to anything. Your second statement is just flat wrong. And your statement about Cunningham is uneducated, at best. He scored 28 on those Park guards. And won, I believe. You might as well have mentioned the fact that O Hara’s girls could beat O Hara’s boys. At least then, your comments might hold some weight
Posted by: Adam | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 03:39 PM
I was all over the place. Love this game. But I'd take Hutchins over Scott. Sure most scouts would too Adam. I like Scotts game more bc I like scoring but my basketball mind knows leadership. Together they are best guard duo we've had in years. Timon won 1 of 3 I believe that's pretty educated. Cunningham himself does not believe that he's on those guards level. What offers does he have? And I think Cunningham is just under Johnson from WSW in talent. Can't argue on our girls team. We are really good!
Posted by: Trey Cardinal | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 03:48 PM
@Adam...I had Hakeem read your comment, he sends his thanks!..Respect!
Posted by: Neal Dobbins | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 04:03 PM
Bo did not play enough this year to be considered. CC did not miss. One of my favorites to watch. Best on the Franny team last year too. 2 Park kids is weird but post season does count and only thing that matters. Ask Canisius. And James Harden does not travel on the step back.
Posted by: Mad Mike | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 05:02 PM
WSW went undefeated and best South. Surprised nobody else thinks he's not POY. Top guard with best shooting and we play too fast and score too much for Park. If we don't win it will be close
Posted by: Popeye | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 05:22 PM
Hutchins is the most overrated player in wny history ,if he goes D1 he'll be one of the bench players doing dance moves when their teammates score, If you think he's a ACC player you better LEAVE THE WEED ALONE.
Posted by: Mwalker2246 | Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 11:09 PM
I remember not to long ago people saying the same thing about Sterling Taplin that the gentleman above is writing about Hutchins. Last time I checked Taplin is enjoying a fine career with D1 Tulsa. Good for him. Good for WNY hoops. Hopefully Hutchins and other WNY basketball players will get as much out of their basketball experience.
Posted by: Bona fan | Friday, April 20, 2018 at 08:12 AM
WSW didn’t make it to the Feds or we could have possibly seen them play Park. What’s that telling you? Go Park! Triple crown winners, Monsignor Martin, NYS Catholic School and NYS A Division champions. Responding to the negative comments on Noah Hutchins that’s not what this forum is for. Noahs the best PG in WNY.
Posted by: Park Proud | Friday, April 20, 2018 at 08:25 AM
Canisius beat Irondequoit, Park beat Canisius (twice), Irondequoit spanked West Seneca West. There you go.
Posted by: StateChamps2003 | Friday, April 20, 2018 at 09:22 AM
90% of kids on these teams could only dream of playing D1 so sitting on the bench is not that bad. Better than you Walker. I do not think he is an ACC player but the coaches do who know better than you. I believe Ticket will shine at the next level and so will Scott when they reach their respective colleges. Also do not know why everyone sleeps on Austin James. Kid has game.
Posted by: Mad Mike | Friday, April 20, 2018 at 10:14 AM
Buffalo News is revieled
1st team
Dolan, Hutchins, Johnson, Anderson, Gaines
2nd
Cunningham, Scott, Pope, Bradley, Book
3rd
Hemphill, Bowen, Erickson, James, Jayce Johnson
4th
Schmidt, Bradberry, Allen, Radford, Smith
Posted by: Crystal Ball | Friday, April 20, 2018 at 10:32 AM
Mad Mike ? Take one of the Park kids out ? You mean add one ...they won Feds
Posted by: Duh | Friday, April 20, 2018 at 01:46 PM
How the hell did you miss Jordan Gompah from Park??!
Posted by: Park Fan | Friday, April 20, 2018 at 03:47 PM
Honestly easy picks. Only arguable first team kids are arguable not from talent but more of competition and how they were when it counted. Good list CC and Buff News. Glad Johnson didn't get POY bc that would have been hard to watch.
Posted by: Bruce | Friday, April 20, 2018 at 08:39 PM
Wow Smith 4th team what a injustice maybe he don't have a Twitter account.He and Scott carried park the whole season also Dobbins not on any team is a joke the news must have a bias against the Yale cup no South Park players I guess he had to put in some from the small schools from the southern tier
Posted by: Mwalker2246 | Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 06:02 AM
How is it that Poumpey was the only 1st team all catholic that didn't make any list. Should have at least been Honorable Mention.
Posted by: realdeal | Monday, April 23, 2018 at 11:54 PM
Smith has a twitter Walker. But he cant guard a light post. Nick and Austin would take turns destroying him. All he has to do is hit open shots. Who would you take off to make room for Dobbins? Yale Cup is a joke. Pompey is a underrated talent and may be better than Cunningham...
Posted by: Mac | Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 10:01 AM
Who is transferring this off-season, and to where? I've heard some rumblings. I don't really understand why high school kids transfer schools simply due to basketball, but then again, they're all going to the NBA.
Posted by: Transfers | Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 08:57 AM
Transfer season is upon us. Here is what I got on the wire from my inside sources
Bradberry- St Joes from N. Catholic
D. Ashley- St Joes from Amherst
Gayle- Lewport from Falls
Scott- May not be eligible for season at Park
Johnson- May not be eligible for season at WSW
Stewart- This is on rumor mill but I am hearing Timon or Amherst...
Like NBA offseason and watch Canisius still be on top!
Posted by: Mad Mike | Friday, June 22, 2018 at 03:56 PM
Basketball is just around the corner! Sucks no Daniel Scott, Justin Johnson, or Julian Cunningham. If Noah can't win POY after all those departures he should stick to baseball. Canisius wins the Cup again, can't wait!
Posted by: Lonzo | Friday, October 12, 2018 at 02:08 PM
Does anybody know if Juston Johnson is eligible for basketball this season?
Posted by: Eligible? | Tuesday, November 06, 2018 at 11:03 AM