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(Allegany-Limestone looks to repeat as Section VI champions)
The Section VI postseason begins tonight with six First Round matchups. The winner moves on to participate in the pre-quarterfinal round on Wednesday night, before 32 quarterfinal games between Friday night and Saturday afternoon decide which teams move on to Buffalo State and JCC for the semifinals.
Below I take a look at some of the best matchups we could potentially see in the pre-quarterfinals, quarterfinals, semifinals, and even the championship games, along with sleepers, some winning streaks, and predictions.
Most exciting brackets, top to bottom:
8. D
7. C1
6. B2
5. B1
4. AA
3. A1
2. C2
1. A2
Class A2 & Class C2 are the most similar brackets of the postseason in 2020. Each has a clear favorite, Health Sciences in A2 and Randolph in C2. But after that, it looks like a battle royal between the remaining teams, with upsets that are sure to come. In Classes A1, AA, and B1, there are numerous teams that could wind up winning it all and no clear-cut favorites. Class B2 offers a favorite in Allegany-Limestone, but any of the top five seeds are built to clip the Gators on the big stage. I'd be very surprised if Class C1 didn't feature a Section VI title game between the top two seeds in the bracket, while I think Class D features #1 vs. #3.
Sleepers from each bracket
AA - Lancaster: The Legends have only lost five times all season and 15-5 is a very impressive record for a #5 seed. Among those 15 victories are wins over the #3 and #4 seeds, Orchard Park and Will North. They lost twice to Jamestown by a combined eight points and they've won big against some quality opponents this season, including a 68-49 triumph over Will North...the #4 seed they visit in the quarterfinals with Buff State on the line.
A1 - Ken West: Also a #5 seed, the Blue Devils enter the postseason with 10-10 mark after losing four of their last six games. So why are they the sleeper? Well I watched them play three times this season, and every game was a dramatic come-from-behind victory after being left for dead. These guys have serious grit, which has a little something to do with head coach Mike Meetze, who has announced this will be has last season. The Ken West theme song might as well be a Cypress Hill track -- 'We ain't goin out like that'!
A2 - East High: I had the Panthers in my preseason Top 10 after joining the large school ranks, up from Class C in 2019. While their record is just one game above .500 and likely the reason they haven't been receiving votes in the poll recently, you won't find any bad losses on their resume. What you will find - a pair of double figure wins over South Park and a five-point loss to Health Sciences. East High has length and talent and can play with anyone in Class A.
B1 - Olean: The easiest sleeper pick ever. For starters, it's Olean and the name alone has been known to strike fear into people. There's only been one time in the last two decades that Olean was in Class B and didn't win a Section VI title. They have wins this season over the likes of Jamestown, Allegany-Limestome, Depew, and East Aurora and are winners in eight of their last nine games. The biggest obstacle they will face might be the Saturday afternoon quarterfinal at #2 Iroquois. Find a way to knock off the Chiefs and suddenly you're at Buff State, where mail is still being sent for Jeff Anastasia, who doesn't even coach Olean anymore.
B2 - Maritime: The Commodores finished 13-7 on the season and enter as the #5 seed with a date at Newfane on the horizon. Some of Maritime's signature wins this year include West Seneca West, Williamsville South, Tapestry, and Bennett. Two of their seven losses came at the hands of Health Sciences, and a third just occured at Orchard Park by two points. I'll promise you no one is sleeping on these guys, but as the #5 seed, they qualify as a solid sleeper pick. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
C - Maple Grove: The Red Dragons come into the Class C2 bracket as the #7 seed with as good a chance as any other team in that classification to reach the final opposite Randolph. Despite a 2-4 start to the season, Maple Grove finished 14-6 on the year. They hit the postseason on an eight-game win streak that includes victories over a pair of teams seeded higher than them in Class C2. Their last three wins have come by an average margin of 23.3 points.
D - Riverside: They are the only Buffalo Public School in a seven-team bracket, where the other six teams are all Southern Tier schools. Facing different competition could benefit the Frointiers and a review of their results from this season shows improvement against every team they faced twice.
Top 10 Pre-Quarterfinal Games (Wednesday, February 26th)
10. (9) Tonawanda @ (8) Medina
9. (10) Akron @ (7) JFK
8. (12) City Honors @ (5) Lackawanna
7. (11) Roy-Hart @ (6) Cleveland Hill
6. (10) West Seneca East @ (7) Lake Shore
5. (12) Starpoint vs. (5) East
4. (11) Maryvale @ (6) Albion
3. (9) Hamburg @ (8) Niagara Wheatfield
2. (10) Ken East @ (7) Sweet Home
1. (9) Cheektowaga @ (8) Williamsville South
Top 5 Friday Quarterfinal Games (February 28th)
5. (6) Frewsburg @ (3) Ellicottville
4. (7) Maple Grove @ (2) Holland
3. (5) Ken West @ (4) West Seneca West
2. (5) Salamanca @ (4) Westfield
1. (7) Sweet Home @ (2) North Tonawanda
Top 6 Saturday Quarterfinal Games (February 29th)
6. (6) Albion @ (3) Depew
5. (5) East @ (4) CSAT
4. (6) South Park @ (3) Lew-Port
3. (5) Maritime @ (4) Newfane
2. (7) Olean @ (2) Iroquois
1. (5) Lancaster @ (4) Williamsville North
Top 5 Most Exciting Potential Semifinals
5. North Tonawanda vs. McKinley (A1)
4. Health Sciences vs. Lew-Port (A2)
3. East vs. Amherst (A2)
2. Williamssville East vs. West Seneca West (A1)
1. Jamestown vs. Orchard Park (AA)
Most Exciting Championship Games
5. Class B2
4. Class C1
3. Class A1
2. Class D
1. Class AA
Winning streaks heading into sectionals
Randolph - 17 (and 19 of the last 20)
Maple Grove - 8 (and 9 of the last 10)
Medina - 7 (and 9 of the last 10)
Bennett - 7 (and 11 of the last 12)
Fredonia - 6 (and 10 of the last 11)
Niagara Falls - 5 (and 6 of the last 7)
Salamanca - 5 (and 6 of the last 7)
Cleveland Hill - 5
Olmsted - 5
Health Sciences - 4 (and 19 of the last 20)
Olean - 4 (and 8 of the last 9)
Allegany-Limestone has won 12 of the last 14
Depew has won 10 of the last 11
Williamsville East has won 9 of the last 10 & 15 of the last 17
Jamestown has won 9 of the last 10
Amherst has won 8 of the last 9
Iroquois has won 7 of the last 8
Frewsburg has won 6 of the last 7
Albion has won 5 of the last 6
Ellicottville has won 5 of the last 6
Predictions
AA - Niagara Falls
I picked Jamestown in my Season Preview and feel crazy for going against that now. But betting against Falls seems equally loco, considering they are the four-time defending champs with a double figure win over Jamestown in hand already this season.
A1 - Williamsville East
The Flames have a standout in Cal Shifflet, a maestro in Max Schneider, and the experience of playing in the Class A1 Final last seasom.
A2 - Health Sciences
I told Ty Parker in early December that I thought this was the best Health team I'd ever seen.
B1 - Iroquois
The Chiefs were my preseason pick, but haven't even been a ranked small school for most of the season. And it looks like they'll need to beat Olean just to get to Buff State. This is a prediction that either makes me look really smart or very stubborn.
B2 - Allegany-Limestone
Of all the public schools in Section VI Class B, the Gators have looked like the best one to me, with just the right blend of everything.
C1 - Middle College
The Kats brought so much back from the crew that played for a state title last season and didn't disappoint this year, going undefeated in the city for a third straight Yale Cup.
C2 - Randolph
This one comes with a centercourt guarantee. There are some very tough teams in Class C2 and it's definitely the more talented bracket as a whole compared to the C1 competition, but the Cardinals are on another level in this bracket.
D - Panama
It will not be easy for the Panthers to get past Sherman, who they only beat by three points in both meetings between the two teams during the regular season. But I'm not betting against a Cam Barmore-led team in a Section VI postseason.
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The eleventh state rankings for the 2020 the season have been released by the NYSSWA. Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:
Class AA
Niagara Falls #27
Class A
Park #5
Health Sciences #6
Canisius #8
St. Joe's #15
Class B
Timon #14
Allegany-Limestone #15
Fredonia #17
Class C
Randolph #2
Middle College #6
Tapestry #11
Westfield #19
Class D
Panama #9
According to the rankings...
- The panel was expecting Niagara Falls to beat Lew-Port by more than six points on Wednesday night. After completing Niagara Frontier League play undefeated and winning the championship game over the Lancers for their fifth consecutive victory to improve to 16-4 on the season, the Wolverines drop from #26 to #27 in NYS Class AA.
- Equally unimpressive was Timon's 26-point win over Nichols to secure the #1 seed in the Woj Cup playoffs that begin on Saturday night. The Tigers fell one spot in NYS Class B to #14.
- The hard-line approach from the panel at the NYSSWA rankings continued when it came time to review Allegany-Limestone this week as well. A three-point win over Wellsville from Section V was also a punishable offense, sending the Gators down one spot in NYS Class B from #14 to #15.
- It took a 21-point win over MST Seneca to gain mercy from the panel this week. That's what Fredonia earned in its only game played last week, and while I suspect it was a difficult decision not to continue the trend of dropping WNY teams for winning, they left the Hillbillies alone at #17 in NYS Class B. For now.
- Anything from a 26-point win to a 19-point loss got the same treatment by the panel for Timon, Falls, Allegany-Limestone, and now Tapestry. After Tapestry lost its only game last week at Randolph by 19 points, they fell...you guessed it...one spot in NYS Class C from #10 to #11.
- Chautauqua Lake finished the regular season 5-15 after beating NYS Class C #15 Westfield on Friday night. So if a win drops you one spot...losing to a team in your class that finished with just five wins drops you four spots. It's basic logic people, try to follow along. Westfield is now #19 in NYS Class C.
Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings
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(Jaemon Turner leads Falls to undefeated NFL Championship / Photo: Shawn Turri)
Large Schools
1. Park (A) - Following Buffalo News reports that the team was not included in postseason brackets released by the NYSAIS, the Pioneers defeated Global Concepts on Wednesday.
2. Health Sciences (A2) - Awaiting the winner of West Seneca East/Lake Shore to begin postseason play in the Class A2 quarterfinals.
3. Canisius (A) - After a lopsided win over Nichols on senior night, the Crusaders have a couple weeks off with a bye straight to the Manhattan Cup championship game.
4. St. Joe's (A) - The Marauders return to action on Saturday night against St. Francis for the right to face Canisius for a third time.
5. Niagara Falls (AA) - The undefeated champions of the Niagara Frontier League took down Lew-Port for a second time on Wednesday and the four-time defending Section VI champs enter sectionals as the #1 seed in Class AA, where they will host Frontier on Saturday afternoon.
6. Jamestown (AA) - The champions of ECIC I earned the sweep over Orchard Park on Monday and will host Clarence for a third meeting between the two after earning the #2 seed in the Class AA bracket.
7. Orchard Park (AA) - Knocked off Lancaster to finish the regular season, following a second loss in less than a week to Jamestown two days prior. The Quakers host Lockport in the Class AA sectionals on Saturday.
8. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers are once again champions of ECIC II and the #1 seed in Class A2, hosting either Cheektowaga or Williamsville South on Friday night.
9. Lew-Port (A2) - Finished the regular season 12-8 following a second loss on the season to Niagara Falls and now await the winner of South Park/Pioneer for a Saturday afternoon quarterfinal in Class A2.
10. Lancaster (AA) - The postseason begins with a trip to Williamsville North on Saturday. The Legends defeated North by double figures in the most recent meeting between the two, but lost the first time the teams played in Williamsville. Only one of them gets to Buff State.
Small Schools
1. Randolph (C2) - The Cardinals are the heaviest favorites to win a Section VI title again this season and will get to work on that against the winner of Global Concepts/Franklinville on Friday, following a week that saw them beat Tapestry by 19 and Iroquois by 14.
2. Middle College (C1) - The Kats host Cattaraugus-Little Valley on Friday night, a team that hasn't won since December 19th. Have mercy.
3. Timon (B) - After defeating Nichols on Sunday night to finish the regular season, the Tigers are the top seed in the Woj Cup playoffs and face St. Mary's on Saturday.
4. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - A third meeting with Nichols awaits the Hawks this Saturday night, for the right to return to the final where they won last season.
5. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - Finished the regular season with a win on Wednesday against Wellsville, and enter the Class B2 sectionals as the #2 seed. They'll draw the winner of Akron/JFK.
6. Tapestry (C1) - The first postseason goal for the Thunderhawks, 14-6 on the season, is to win Class C1. The process begins against Cassadaga Valley on Friday.
7. Fredonia (B2) - A couple big wins to end the regular season included an impressive 22-point victory over Ken West and a 21 point 'W' against MST Seneca. Someone from Class B2 will have their hands full in Fredonia on Saturday.
8. Maritime (B2) - Idle last week, so a friendly reminder that they only lost at Orchard Park by two points in their last game. They begin the postseason against the winner of Southwestern/Eden, looking to advance to a battle at Newfane on Saturday.
9. Olean (B1) - Four straight wins to finish the regular season, including Allegany-Limestone and East Aurora. They'll host the Springville/Burgard winner for the right to take on Iroquois Saturday with a trip to Buff State at stake.
10. Bennett (B1) - Can't wait to see where the Tigers fit into the postseason mix in Class B1. They are the top seed and begin on Saturday against either Medina or Tonawanda.
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Woj Cup Semifinals - Saturday, February 29th
AT Canisius College - 5:45 pm & 7:15 pm
(1) Timon 73, (4) St. Mary's 48
(2) Cardinal O'Hara 69, (3) Nichols 60
Manhattan Cup Semifinal - Saturday, February 29th
AT Canisius College - 8:45 pm
(2) St. Joe's 60, (3) St. Francis 48
Woj Cup Final - Tuesday, March 3rd
AT Canisius College - 6 pm
(1) Timon 74, (2) Cardinal O'Hara 66
2020 Woj Cup Champions - Timon Tigers
Manhattan Cup Final - Tuesday, March 3rd
AT Canisius College - 8 pm
(1) Canisius 63, (2) St. Joe's 54
2020 Manhattan Cup Champions - Canisius Crusaders
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Quarterfinals - Saturday, February 29th at 1 pm
(1) Niagara Falls 65, (8) Frontier 63
(5) Lancaster 57, (4) Williamsville North 54
(2) Jamestown 68, (7) Clarence 47
(3) Orchard Park 49, (6) Lockport 46
Semifinals - Tuesday & Wednesday, March 3rd & 4th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 8:15 pm
(5) Lancaster 65, (1) Niagara Falls 57
(3) Orchard Park 53, (2) Jamestown 43
Final - Saturday, March 7th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 3:30 pm
(5) Lancaster 49, (3) Orchard Park 40
2020 Section VI Class AA Champions - Lancaster Legends
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Class A1
First Round - Tuesday, February 25th at 7 pm
(12) Emerson 55, (13) Grand Island 41
Pre-Quarterfinals - Wednesday, February 26th at 7 pm
(9) Hamburg 68, (8) Niagara Wheatfield 51
(5) Ken West 55, (12) Emerson 34
(7) Sweet Home 60, (10) Ken East 48
(11) Hutch-Tech 80, (6) I-Prep 70
Quarterfinals - Friday, February 28th at 7 pm
(1) Williamsville East 57, (9) Hamburg 50
(4) West Seneca West 70, (5) Ken West 53
(2) North Tonawanda 73, (7) Sweet Home 52
(3) McKinley 100, (11) Hutch-Tech 71
Semifinals - Monday, March 2nd
AT BUFFALO STATE - 6 pm & 7:45 pm
(4) West Seneca West 58, (1) Williamsville East 57
(2) North Tonawanda 82, (3) McKinley 59
Final - Saturday, March 7th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 8:30 pm
(2) North Tonawanda 64, (4) West Seneca West 56
2020 Section VI Class A1 Champions - North Tonawanda Jacks
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Class A2
Pre-Quarterfinals - Wednesday, February 26th at 7 pm
(8) Willaimsville South 67, (9) Cheektowaga 60
(5) East 82, (12) Starpoint 39
(10) West Seneca East 62, (7) Lake Shore 49
(6) South Park 79, (11) Pioneer 31
Quarterfinals - Saturday, February 29th at 1 pm
(1) Amherst 81, (8) Williamsville South 58
(5) East 49, (4) CSAT 47
(2) Health Sciences 82, (10) West Seneca East 46
(6) South Park 83, (3) Lew-Port 71
Semifinals - Thursday, March 5th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 6 pm & 7:45 pm
(1) Amherst 73, (5) East 66
(2) Health Sciences 82, (6) South Park 58
Final - Saturday, March 7th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 7 pm
(2) Health Sciences 53, (1) Amherst 49
2020 Section VI Class A2 Champions - Health Sciences Falcons
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Class B1
First Round - Tuesday, February 25th at 7 pm
(12) City Honors 67, (13) Alden 44
(15) Springville 57, (10) Burgard 41
(11) Maryvale 63, (14) Dunkirk 53
Pre-Quarterfinals - Wednesday, February 26th at 7 pm
(8) Medina 68, (9) Tonawanda 60
(5) Lackawanna 62, (12) City Honors 59
(7) Olean 72, (15) Springville 43
(6) Albion 57, (11) Maryvale 49
Quarterfinals - Saturday, February 29th at 1 pm
(1) Bennett 68, (8) Medina 55
(4) East Aurora 67, (5) Lackawanna 52
(7) Olean 78, (2) Iroquois 56
(3) Depew 52, (6) Albion 48
Semifinals - Wednesday, March 4th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 5:15 pm & 6:45 pm
(4) East Aurora 65, (1) Bennett 54
(7) Olean 62, (3) Depew 36
Final - Saturday, March 7th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 1:45 pm
(7) Olean 67, (4) East Aurora 32
2020 Section VI Class B1 Champions - Olean Huskies
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Class B2
First Round - Tuesday, February 25th at 7 pm
(12) Southwestern 51, (13) Eden 37
(11) Roy-Hart 66, (14) Buffalo Arts 54
Pre-Quarterfinals - Wednesday, February 26th at 7 pm
(8) Wilson 52, (9) MST Seneca 31
(5) Maritime 64, (12) Southwestern 37
(7) JFK 52, (10) Akron 48
(11) Roy-Hart 67, (6) Cleveland Hill 57
Quarterfinals - Saturday, February 29th at 1 pm
(1) Olmsted 45, (8) Wilson 41
(4) Newfane 67, (5) Maritime 61
(2) Allegany-Limestone 74, JFK 40
(3) Fredonia 85, (11) Roy-Hart 43
Semifinals - Tuesday, March 3rd
AT BUFFALO STATE - 5:15 pm & 6:45 pm
(4) Newfane 72, (1) Olmsted 48
(2) Allegany-Limestone 42, (3) Fredonia 40
Final - Saturday, March 7th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 12 pm
(2) Allegany-Limestone 54, (4) Newfane 45
2020 Class B2 Champions - Allegany-Limestone Gators
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Class C1
Quarterfinals - Friday, February 28th at 7 pm
(1) Middle College 92, (8) Cattaraugus-Little Valley 21
(5) Chautauqua Lake 71, (4) Portville 56
(2) Tapestry 101, (7) Cassadaga Valley 40
(3) Silver Creek 101, (6) Gowanda 50
Semifinals - Monday, March 2nd
AT JCC - 5:15 pm & 6:45 pm
(1) Middle College 89, (5) Chatauqua Lake 57
(2) Tapestry 73, (3) Silver Creek 44
Final - Friday, March 6th
AT JCC - 8:15 pm
(1) Middle College 73, (2) Tapestry 50
2020 Section VI Class C1 Champions - Middle College Kats
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Class C2
Pre-Quarterfinal - Wednesday, February 26th at 7 pm
(8) Franklinville 50, (9) Global Concepts 43
Quarterfinals - Friday, February 28th at 7 pm
(1) Randolph 49, (8) Franklinville 40
(5) Salamanca 69, (4) Westfield 46
(2) Holland 77, (7) Maple Grove 67 in OT
(3) Ellicottville 60, (6) Frewsburg 49
Semifinals - Tuesday, March 3rd
AT JCC - 5:15 pm & 6:45 pm
(1) Randolph 59, (5) Salamanca 47
(2) Holland 54, (3) Ellicottville 51
Final - Friday, March 6th
AT JCC - 7:00 pm
(1) Randolph 49, (2) Holland 46
2020 Section VI Class C2 Champions - Randolph Cardinals
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Quarterfinals - Friday, February 28th at 7 pm
(2) Forestville 62, (7) Pine Valley 44
(3) Sherman 66, (6) Clymer 36
(4) North Collins 58, (5) Riverside 50
Semifinals - Monday, March 1st & Tuesday March 2nd
AT JCC - 8:15 pm
(4) North Collins 47, (1) Panama 46
(3) Sherman 44, (2) Forestville 31
Final - Friday, March 6th
AT JCC - 5:15 pm
(3) Sherman 54, (4) North Collins 40
2020 Section VI Class D Champions - Sherman Wildcats
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The tenth state rankings for the 2020 the season have been released by the NYSSWA. Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:
Class AA
Niagara Falls #26
Class A
Park #5
Health Sciences #6
Canisius #9
St. Joe's #16
Class B
Timon #13
Allegany-Limestone #14
Fredonia #17
Class C
Randolph #2
Middle College #6
Tapestry #10
Westfield #15
Class D
Panama #9
According to the rankings...
- While Niagara Falls has inched back closer to the Top 25 in NYS Class AA, holding down the magical #26 spot this week, ECIC I champion Jamestown still isn't even mentioned with honor among the small cluster of teams just outside the ranked 30. And they should be. So here's my plug - the team I picked to win ECIC I & Class AA back in November has won 10 of its last 11 games, and the loss came in an 11 am game after a two-hour bus ride.
- After heavy sanctions were placed on them for losing games in Florida, Albany Academy is finally ranked #1 in NYS Class A.
- The Health Sciences loss by one-point at the buzzer to Park cost them the Class A regional. Rochester East sits top spots ahead of Health now at #4 in NYS Class A and is the projected state final four rep from the Far West Region. Rochester East is one of the six losses on Park's record, having defeated the Pioneers in OT on January 18th.
- Canisius is #9 in NYS Class A and remains the highest ranked team from the CHSAA, which has them winning a catholic state title.
- The same scenario applies for Timon, ranked #13 in NYS Class B and the projected to win a state title.
- Allegany-Limestone remains the highest ranked team in NYS Class B from the Far west Region, which has the Gators in line for a trip to Glens Falls.
- Randolph is ready for a state championship game in NYS Class C. The Cardinals have now made it all the way up to #2 in NYS Class C. They are now eight spots ahead of Tapestry in the state. The Thunderhawks, who are ranked #10 in the state, visit Randolph tonight.
Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings
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(Jonezy & Tariq / Photo: Shawn Turri)
Large Schools
1. Park (A) - Went into Bennett on Friday and knocked off Middle College by 13 points. The Pioneers finish up their season on Wednesday night at home after adding a game to their schedule against Global Concepts.
2. Health Sciences (A2) - Finished the regular season with a 19-1 mark after three more wins last week by double figures against O'Hara, St. Francis, and Tapestry.
3. Canisius (A) - The Crusaders earned another sweep over St. Joe's to claim the top seed for the Manhattan Cup playoffs, which do not begin for nearly two weeks. In the meanwhile, they'll get reacquainted with the Koessler Center court at Canisius College with a game against Aquinas on Monday, before completing the regular season at Nichols on Wednesday.
4. St. Joe's (A) - The Marauders finished the regular season with a 19-5 record and the #2 seed in the Manhattan Cup playoffs. They'll have two weeks to prepare for a semifinal battle with St. Francis, for the right to take one last swing at Canisius.
5. Niagara Falls (AA) - Picked up wins over North Tonawanda & Niagara Wheatfield last week to stay unbeaten in the Niagara Frontier League, heading into Wednesday's game with Lew-Port.
6. Lew-Port (A2) - Avenged a loss to CSAT last week, before rolling past Bishop Kearney on Saturday afternoon. They'll look to claim a second straight league championship when they face Falls on Wednesday night.
7. Jamestown (AA) - Wins over Orchard Park and Clarence last week have guaranteed the Red Raiders at least a share of the ECIC I league championship. They won't have to share with anyone if they knock off Orchard Park on Monday afternoon.
8. Orchard Park (AA) - It all comes down to this week for OP. The Quakers need wins at Jamestown on Monday and against Lancaster on Wednesday for gives them a share of the league title along with the Red Raiders. A loss in either game hands Jamestown the ECIC I crown outright.
9. Lancaster (AA) - The Legends are 15-4 on the season after earning double-digit wins over Williamsville North & Frontier last week. They finish up the regular season at Orchard Park on Wednesday night.
10. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers earned season sweeps over Williamsville East & Sweet Home last week and can finish the regular season with a 15-5 mark and an ECIC II league title with a home win against Hamburg on Wednesday.
Small Schools
1. Randolph (C2) - The undefeated league champs of CCAA I East are one of two teams from WNY with no area losses. They wrap up the regular season with a pair of tough nonleague tests this week against Tapestry on Tuesday and Iroquois on Friday night.
2. Middle College (C1) - The Kats are now the first team to win three consecutive Yale Cup Trophies since the 60's and did so this season without a league loss!
3. Timon (B) - The Tigers lone Class B loss on the season came at the hands of O'Hara in the rematch, but the Tigers are the only team in the MMA to knock off Canisius.
4. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - The Hawks are hitting their stride at just the right time, as evidenced by wins over Timon, St. Francis, and Middle College in the last three weeks.
5. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks picked up a pair of double figure wins last week over CSAT & Global Concepts and will look to end the regular season with a bang on Tuesday night against top small school Randolph.
6. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - The champions of CCAA I West finish the regular season on Wednesday against Wellsville before gearing up for a run at another Class B2 title.
7. Fredonia (B2) - Finished second in league play behind the Gators and picked up an impressive win over NFL large school Ken West on Saturday afternoon by 22 points. Fredonia finish 16-4 with a win over MST Seneca this week.
8. Maritime (B2) - After coming up just two points short in a loss at Orchard Park last week, the Commodores are the team no one in Class B2 wants to have to tangle with.
9. Olean (B1) - The Huskies quietly enter the postseason with a 14-6 record after finishing third in CCAA I West. It looks like they'll be the 7th seed in Class B1 and I doubt there's a more dangerous 7th seed in WNY this year!
10. Bennett (B1) - The Yale Cup II champions have won seven straight games entering the postseason and ended league play this year in dominating fashion.
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(Photo: Shawn Turri)
Monday, February 17th
Orchard Park @ Jamestown - 1:30 pm
Canisius vs. Aquinas * at Canisius College - 4:30 pm
Tuesday, February 18th
Tapestry @ Randolph - 6:30 pm
Wednesday, February 19th
Williamsville North @ Clarence - 7:30 pm
Lancaster @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm
Wellsville @ Allegany-Limestone - 7:30 pm
Niagara Falls vs. Lew-Port *at Ken West - 8 pm
Thursday, February 20th
Salamanca @ Ellicottville - 7:30 pm
Friday, February 21st
Iroquois @ Randolph - 6 pm
West Seneca East @ North Tonawanda - 7 pm
Silver Creek @ Sherman - 7:30 pm
* Game of the Week - Niagara Falls vs. Lew-Port on Wednesday, February 19th
Two years ago, the Niagara Frontier League created a pair of sub divisions within its league as follows:
The Niagara Division - Niagara Falls, North Tonawanda, Ken West, Lockport, Niagara Wheatfield
The Frontier Division - Lew-Port, Grand Island, Ken East, CSAT
It created a scenario at the end of the season where the teams in the NFL played one final league game at season's end against an opponent to be determined, based on the order of finish during the regular season to that point. The exception being, the team from the Niagara Division that finished with the worst record would play a nonleague opponent that was predetermined at the beginning of the season, based on there being one extra team (five teams to four teams).
Under this new arrangement, the NFL league championship has been played on a neutral court between the teams that finish highest in their respective sub divisions, so in order to play for the title, you have to be the best of the five teams (Niagara Division) or the best of four teams (Frontier Division).
In all three seasons since the NFL moved to this new arrangement, it's been Niagara Falls and Lew-Port finishing ahead of the other teams in their groups and meeting in the championship game. In 2018, Falls rolled past the Lancers at Niagara Wheatfield, 76-46, to earn the title. Last season at Lockport, it was Lew-Port who avenged a 78-60 home loss to the Wolverines and won the rematch to claim a league championship, 75-71.
This season's championship game will be played at Ken West. Once again, the Lancers enter the finale having lost to Niagara Falls the first time around. On January 28th the two teams squared off at Falls, where the Wolverines saw a double figure lead disappear in the closing minutes, as Lew-Port battled back to get within four points in a 71-67 loss. That effort by the Lancers came without the services of 2019 First Team All-Centercourt standout Roddy Gayle, who has since returned to action for his team.
Wednesday night's game offers intrigue on multiple levels. It's now the NFL championship game between the same two teams for a third straight season and a series that is tied 1-1. It's a game with familiarity between the players with two of Lew-Port's starters transferring in over the last two seasons from Niagara Falls in Gayle and Mehki Starks. It's a rematch from this season that the Lancers are eager for, having come close without Gayle already. It's a rematch the Wolverines are looking to win again to show they are the top team, even if Lew-Port has everyone. And for these two teams that have been Top 10 large schools all season with repeat Section VI champion aspirations, it's the 'Game of the Week'!
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(Jamestown's Demarri Jones scores in the Centercourt Classic / Photo: Shawn Turri)
Monday, February 10th
Salamanca @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm
Frewsburg @ Panama - 7:30 pm
Tuesday, February 11th
North Tonawanda @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm
Lew-Port @ CSAT - 6:30 pm
Timon @ St. Joe's - 7 pm
Iroquois @ Depew - 7:30 pm
Health Sciences @ Cardinal O'Hara - 7:30 pm
Williamsville North @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm
Wednesday, February 12th
Jamestown @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm
Thursday, February 13th
Albion @ Newfane - 6:30 pm
Health Sciences @ St. Francis - 7 pm
East @ Northstar Christian - 7 pm
Maritime @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm
Olean @ East Aurora - 7:30 pm
Silver Creek @ Randolph - 7:30 pm
Sherman @ Westfield - 7:30 pm
Friday, February 14th
Park @ Middle College - 6 pm
CSAT @ Tapestry - 6:30 pm
Canisius @ St. Joe's - 7 pm
West Seneca West @ Williamsville North - 7 pm
Williamsville East @ Amherst - 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 15th
Ken West @ Fredonia - 12:30 pm
Bishop Kearney @ Lew-Port - 3 pm
Sunday, February 16th
Tapestry @ Health Sciences - 4 pm
** Games of the Week **
Iroquois @ Depew on Tuesday, Februry 10th
The Chiefs will enter the contest in first place in ECIC III with two league losses. One of those came at the hands of the Wiildcats, who have three losses in the division. It's Depew's chance to knock Iroquois out of sole possession of first place and earn a share with a sweep in hand.
Jamestown @ Orchard Park on Wednesday, February 12th
The Red Raiders & the Quakers enter this week tied for first place in ECIC I, with each team owning two league losses apiece. Jamestown has three league games left, while OP has four ECIC I games remaining. Wednesday night's meeting is the first of two games they will play against each other in a six-day span. The results of the first game will put one of the two at a huge advantage!
Canisius @ St. Joe's on Friday, February 14th
After the Canisius loss at Timon last week, the Crusaders could very well need to extend their winning streak over St. Joe's to 19 games just win the Monsignor Martin Association in Class A. The winner gets a bye straight to the Manhattan Cup Final on Tuesday, March 3rd. Second place draws St. Francis for a third time in the semifinals of the playoffs. Kyle Husband & Gabe Michael will exchange valentines during pregame.
Tapestry vs. Health Sciences on Sunday, February 16th *at D'Youville*
Round One sold out Villa Maria College and treated fans to a wildly entertaining & fast-paced treat. Get your popcorn ready & get there early!
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The 3rd Annual Centercourt Classic is Saturday, February 8th at Williamsville North High School.
Unfortunately, due to weather, Randolph and Iroquois will not play their game at North as part of the event. It will be rescheduled, with the date and location to be determined.
Also due to weather, Jamestown is unable to make the trip to play North on Friday night and the game has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 8th at 11 am.
The gymnasium will not be cleared after any games. There are no presale tickets. The Williamsville North Basketball Booster Club will provide a full line of concessions throughout all games at the event. And as always, parking is free!
The IAABO Board 53 is providing the event with a third official for all games, which is outstanding on their part! Every big game in the postseason uses a three-man crew and it serves the game better.
Saturday, February 8th
6:15 pm
Canisius Crusaders
vs.
Health Sciences Falcons
- Canisius is the #1 ranked large school in WNY and #2 in NYS Class A. The Crusaders are in first place in the Monsignor Martin Association. They've reached the Manhattan Cup Final in 12 of the last 15 seasons, winning 8 championships. Canisius is led by Third Team 2019 All-Centercourt selection Dewayne Vass. Eric Kegler will be appearing in his third consecutive Centercourt Classic
- Health is the #2 ranked large school in WNY and #3 in NYS Class A. The Falcons have the best record in WNY at 15-1. They reached the NYSPHAA Class B Final Four in back-to-back seasons, prior to being moved up to Class A2 last season. Health Sciences is led by Javaughn Jones, who averages 18 points and 8 assists per game. Jonezy will be appearing in his third consecutive Centercourt Classic
4:30 pm
St. Joe's Marauders
vs.
Lew-Port Lancers
- St. Joe's is the #3 ranked large school in WNY and #12 in NYS Class A. The Marauders are in first place in the Monsignor Martin Association. They lost in overtime of the Manhattan Cup playoffs to eventual CHSAA state champion Park in 2019. The Marauders are led by Fifth Team 2019 All-Centercourt selection Jaden Slaughter, who averages 18.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
- Lew-Port is the #7 ranked large school in WNY. The Lancers are in second place in the Niagara Frontier League. They are the defending Section VI Class A champions. The Lancers are led by First Team 2019 All-Centercourt & Second Team All-State selection Roddy Gayle, who is averaging 29 points & 10 rebounds per game.
2:45 pm
Middle College Kats
vs.
Cardinal O'Hara Hawks
- Middle College is the #1 ranked small school in WNY and #3 in NYS Class C. The Kats are the two-time defending Yale Cup champions and are in first place again this season. They reached the NYSPHAA Class C state championship game in 2019. The Kats are led by Second Team All-State & Fourth Team 2019 All-Centercourt selection Jamond Jones, who is averaging 21 points per game.
- O'Hara is the #7 ranked small school in WNY. The Hawks are in third place in the Monsignor Martin Association. They are the defending CHSAA Class B state champions. O'Hara is led by 2019 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention selection Avion Harris, who is averaging 16.1 points and 5.1 assists per game.
1:00 pm
East High Panthers
vs.
Nichols Vikings
- East has been a ranked large school this season. The Panthers are in third place in Yale Cup I. They won the NYSPHAA Class D state championship in 2018. East is led by 2019 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention selection Danny Carter, who is averaging 17.7 points per game.
- Nichols has been a ranked small school this season. The Vikings are in sixth place in the Monsignor Martin Association. They reached the CHSAA Class B state championship game in 2016, after consecutive appearances in the Manhattan Cup Final, where they were champions in 2014. Nichols is led by junior guard Hugh Purks, who averages 14.1 points per game.
11:00 am
Williamsville North Spartans
vs.
Jamestown Red Raiders
- North has been a ranked large school this season and currently ranked #10 by Centercourt. The Spartans are in third place in ECIC I. They reached the Section VI Class AA Final at Buff State in 2018 and 2019. North is led by Breht Swiech, who averages 19.6 points per game and shoots 50% from downtown.
Jamestown is the #8 ranked large school in WNY. The Red Raiders are in first place in ECIC I. They've reached Buff State in Class AA in 13 of the last 14 seasons, winning 5 Section VI Class AA titles during that span. Jamestown starts five underclassmen, led by Demarri Jones, who averages 16.7 points & 9 rebounds per game.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
A new date & location to be determined
Randolph Cardinals
vs.
Iroquois Chiefs
- Randolph is the #2 ranked WNY small schools and #5 in NYS Class C. The Cardinals are in first place in CCAA I East and undefeated in WNY. They have reached three consecutive Section VI Finals, earning championships in 2017 & 2019. Randolph is led by 2019 First Team All-State & Second Team All-Centercourt selection Tyler Hind, a 2,000 point scorer and the all-time WNY leader in 3-pointers made.
- Iroquois has been ranked this season and entered the 2020 season as the Class B1 favorite. The Chiefs are in first place in ECIC III. They reached the final four at Buff State in Class A2 the last two seasons. Iroquois is led by 2019 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention guard Trey Kleitz, who is averaging 22 points and 6.9 assists per game.
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The eighth state rankings for the 2020 the season have been released by the NYSSWA. Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:
Class AA
Niagara Falls #30
Class A
Canisius #2
Health Sciences #3
Park #8
St. Joe's #12
Class B
Allegany-Limestone #14
Fredonia #15
Class C
Middle College #3
Randolph #5
Tapestry #10
Westfield #12
Class D
Panama #8
According to the rankings...
- There was nothing they could do to break that tie. After multiple tie-breakers that included an intense bout of Rock-Paper-Scissors and a even a quick-draw western duel after 10 paces, Niagara Falls and Christ the King were still tied at the coveted #30 spot in NYS Class AA. Rumors of a Pay-Per-View scrimmage between the two are flooding social media this morning. Stay tuned.
- If St. Joe's beat Christ the King by 12 points, they would remain #12 in NYS Class A
- Randolph is thought of highly by the panel at its #5 spot in NYS Class C. Allegany-Limestone only moved down three spots to #14 in NYS Class B for it's 10-point loss to the Cardinals.
- The name Olean still strikes fear into people. On January 21st, Fredonia was ranked #20 in NYS Class B and two days later, they lost to Allegany-Limestone at home by 13 points. They fell three spots to #23 in the January 28th rankings for that loss. Then on January 30th, they defeated unranked Olean at home by 7 points and jump up eight spots to #15 in NYS Class B. It might be an unprecedented jump in rankings for a win over an unranked team. Next Halloween, don't say boo. Say Olean.
- Timon needs a win over Olean. The Tigers were #21 in NYS Class B, but after a one-point loss in the rematch to O'Hara, the team that went into Canisius and took them to overtime, is now unranked.
- Westfield's first loss of the season, 12-point loss to Frewsburg (who wasn't even a state Honorable Mention team), was a complete non-issue. Westfield stayed right where they were, #12. Frewsburg earned a mention out of the deal though.
Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings
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(Gabe McCoy defends the paint for #2 small school Randolph)
Large Schools
1. Canisius (A) - Downed O'Hara & St. Francis last week to stay unbeaten in WNY. Tuesday night the Crusaders head to Timon - a team that pusjed them to overtime on their floor in round one. Then on Saturday night, it's #2 vs. #3 in NYS Class A and #1 vs. #2 in the Buffalo News large school poll, as Canisius battles undefeated Health Sciences at Williamsville North in the Centercourt Classic.
2. Park (A) - After an entire month without a game in WNY, the Pioneers are back in action locally, as they face the undefeated Falcons from Health Sciences, who are ranked ahead of them in NYS Class A. Then on Thursday night, Bishop Kearney visits.
3. Health Sciences (A2) - Stayed undefeated with a win over East last week, heading into the biggest week of the regular season for the Falcons. Monday night they play at Park and then meet Canisius on Saturday night in the headliner of the Centercourt Classic at Williamsville North, 6:15 pm. Big, big week for Health!
4. St. Joe's (A) - Coming off a big week that included victories over NYS Class AA Top 25 teams in UPrep and Niagara Falls. They have home games against Nichols & St. Francis this week, ahead of a Centercourt Classic rematch with Lew-Port on Saturday at Williamsville North, 4:30 pm.
5. Niagara Falls (AA) - Defeated Lew-Port on Tuesday night to stay unbeaten in NFL play, before falling at St. Joe's on Friday night. The Wolverines are at Ken West on Friday night and host Lockport on Saturday afternoon.
6. Amherst (A2) - Took Williamsville South down in a rout on Wednesday night and then needed overtime on Friday against West Seneca East to win their sixth in a row and stay unbeaten in ECIC II.
7. Lew-Port (A2) - The Lancers are hopeful for Roddy Gayle's return to the lineup and will look to end a three-game skid this week with league games against Grand Island and Ken East, before taking on St. Joe's on Saturday in the Centercourt Classic at Williamsville North.
8. Jamestown (AA) - The Red Raiders are now winners of five straight after defeating Lancaster & West Seneca West. They travel to Frontier on Monday and then have a date with Williamsville North on Friday night in the Centercourt Classic.
9. Orchard Park (AA) - Bounced back from a loss to Lancaster the week prior to avenge a loss to West Seneca West and then sweep Williamsville North in a hard fought battle on Friday night. Games with Frontier & Clarence await the Quakers this week.
10. Williamsville North (AA) - A big week ahead for the Spartans with three home games. On Monday night they host Cheektowaga. Wednesday night is the championship game of the Five Guys Tournament that was postponed from late December, against district rival Williamsville East. Then on Friday night, they host the Centercourt Classic and Jamestown.
Small Schools
1. Middle College (C1) - Stayed undefeated in Yale Cup I with wins over South Park & City Honors last week. On Saturday afternoon, The Kats take on the defending CHSAA state champions from Cardinal O'Hara in the Centercourt Classic at Williamsville North, 2:45 pm.
2. Randolph (C2) - After gaining wins over Ellicottville & Salamanca last week, the Cardinals staked their claim as the top small school in the Southern Tier with a dominant defensive performance in a double figure win over Allegany-Limestone. On Friday night, Randolph plays Iroquois in the Centercourt Classic at Williamsville North, in what should be a great game at 6 pm.
3. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - The Gators lost their first game against WNY competition at Randolph on Saturday. They are unbeaten and in first place in CCAA I West, with a big rematch at Olean looming on Monday night.
4. Timon (B) - Fell by one point in the rematch with Cardinal O'Hara on Friday night. This week the Tigers will try to make some noise when they host Canisius on Tuesday and then welcome in Nichols on Friday.
5. Tapestry (C1) - Bounced back against Global Concepts after a loss at Clarence earlier in the week. Monday night, the Thunderhawks seek to even the score with Maritime.
6. Fredonia (B2) - Moved into sole possession of 2nd place in CCAA I West after a strong finish against Olean in a win that saw Tyler Putney can eight 3-pointers and score 30 points. Fredonia is at Dunkirk on Monday and hosts Chautauqua Lake Thursday night.
7. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - Recent wins over Timon and Nichols, along with significant strides in rematches with Canisius & St. Joe's, have the Hawks back in the rankings. A win on Monday night over St. Francis would be big, ahead of Thursday's rematch with St. Mary's. On Saturday, O'Hara takes a swing at the top ranked small school in WNY when they face Middle College in the Centercourt Classic at Williamsville North.
8. Maritime (B2) - The Commodores are 8-1 in their last nine outings, heading into a big rematch on Monday night with Tapestry, who they defeated by two points on January 22nd.
9. Bennett (B1) - Won games over Buffalo Arts & I-Prep last week by 42 & 47 points! The Tigers have three more Yale Cup II games this week, looking to stay in first place.
10. Olean (B1) - The Huskies couldn't hang on to their lead at Fredonia late in the fourth quarter on Thursday night and slipped into 3rd place in CCAA I West. On Monday night, they host the team at the top of the division when neighboring rival Allegany-Limestone visits.
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(Health Sciences head coach Ty Parker / Photo: Harry Scull,BuffNews)
Monday, February 3rd
Maritime @ Tapestry - 6 pm
Sweet Home @ Williamsville East - 6:30 pm
Wilson @ Akron - 6:30 pm
St. Francis @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm
Health Sciences @ Park - 7 pm
Cheektowaga @ Williamsville North - 7 pm
Allegany-Limestone @ Olean - 7:30 pm
Sherman @ Panama - 7:30 pm
Westfield @ Maple Grove - 7:30 pm
Tuesday, February 4th
Ken West @ Niagara Wheatfield - 6:30 pm
Canisius @ Timon - 6:30 pm
Wednesday, February 5th
East @ McKinley - 6 pm
Williamsville South @ West Seneca East - 6:30 pm
Williamsville East @ Williamsville North - 7 pm
Clarence @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm
Sweet Home @ Hamburg - 7:30 pm
Thursday, February 6th
Bishop Kearney @ Park - 6 pm
Wilson @ Newfane - 6:30 pm
St. Francis @ St. Joe's - 7 pm
Akron @ Roy-Hart - 7 pm
Panama @ Westfield - 7:30 pm
Friday, February 7th
Centercourt Classic at Williamsville North
Iroquois vs. Randolph - 6 pm
Williamsville North vs. Jamestown - 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 8th
Centercourt Classic at Williamsville North
East vs. Nichols - 1 pm
Middle College vs. Cardinal O'Hara - 2:45 pm
St. Joe's vs. Lew-Port - 4:30 pm
Canisius vs. Health Sciences - 6:15 pm
* Games of the Week *
Health Sciences Falcons @ The Park School Pioneers on Monday, February 3rd
Lew-Port Lancers vs. St. Joe's Marauders on Saturday, February 8th at the Centercourt Classic
Canisius Crusaders vs. Health Sciences Falcons on Saturday, February 8th at the Centercourt Classic
After two months of speculation and debate over how the area's top teams are ranked and who deserves to be considered the #1 team in WNY, we have a week that provides three big games that should provide some clarity...for now!
Canisius, Park, and Health Sciences are all undefeated against competition from WNY. Heck, Health Sciences is unbeaten, period. The only area team that remains unblemished to this point. I've kept the Falcons ranked behind Canisius & Park all season because they've never beaten either team in program history and we knew this week was coming. With the Falcons battling at Park & against Canisius in the same week, we'll at least have them as a common opponent to help answer which team might be better between those two, and where Health stands between them.
Then there's St. Joe's, who has lost to both Canisius & Health Sciences - but no one else from the area. Both losses were close games. On Friday night, St. Joe's defeated the #5 ranked large school in Niagara Falls to reinforce what most have thought to this point - we have a clear Top 4 in WNY: Canisius, Park, Health, & St. Joe's.
Enter Lew-Port. In last season's Centercourt Classic, the Lancers pounded St. Joe's by 30 points. Saturday's rematch between the two is an opportunity for the Marauders to show how far they've come as a program in one year. Unless, of course, Lew-Port makes the most of its opportunity to show WNY that the Top 4 teams aren't as clear as anyone thought and they are peaking at the right time. The Lancers showed last week they can be a formidable squad even without Roddy Gayle in the lineup. But with a special talent of Gayle's caliber leading the team, Lew-Port can play with anyone, as they proved en route to capturing the overall Section VI Class A title in 2019.
It's the biggest week of the regular season and all the big dogs are lowering their heads to size each other up. It's the 'Game of the Week' plural style!
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