The 2020 All-Centercourt Team: The Best in WNY

 

The 2020 CC MVP

JaVaughn Jones - Health Sciences, Junior

20.6 PPG / 7.4 RPG / 7.3 APG / 4.9 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Section VI Class A Champion

- MVP of the Section VI Class A2 Tournament

- MVP of the St. Francis Christmas Tournament

- Canisius College Tip-Off All-Tournament Team

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- Scored a career-high 32 points in a win over Tapestry

- Scored over 20 points in 12 games

- Dished over 10 dimes in 10 games

- Recorded 13 double-doubles 

- Recorded 6 triple-doubles 

- Recorded 2 quadruple-doubles 

- Two-time All-Centercourt Defender

- Has scored 857 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

First Team All-Centercourt

Dewayne Vass - Canisius, Senior

16.5 PPG / 7.8 RPG / 4.7 APG / 2.5 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Manhattan Cup Champion

- Player of the Year in the MMA

- MVP of the Manhattan Cup

- MVP of the St. Pius Christmas Tournament

- Scored a career-high 28 points in a win over McQuaid

- Matched career-high 28 pts in a win over Cardinal Gibbons

- Scored over 20 points in 8 games

- Recorded 8 double-doubles

- Hauled in a career-high 14 boards vs Holy Cross

- Grabbed over 10 rebounds in 8 games

- Team leader in points, boards, dimes, & steals

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Scored 863 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Tyler Hind - Randolph, Senior

25.0 PPG / 6.1 APG / 5.3 RPG / 2.8 SPG 

- Four-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Section VI Class C2 Champion

- Four-time Player of the Year in CCAA I East 

- MVP of the Section VI Class C2 Tournament

- Tully Tip-Off Tournament MVP

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- Scored a season-high 38 points in a win over Tapestry

- Scored over 30 points in 8 games

- Scored over 20 points in 21 games

- Team leader in assists with 147

- Led WNY in 3-pointers made with 105

- WNY record 400 career 3-pointers

- Scored 2,244 career points (8th all-time in WNY)

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Roddy Gayle - Lew-Port, Sophomore

25.6 PPG / 9.0 RPG / 3.0 APG / 2.3 SPG / 1.3 BPG

- Three-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Player of the Year in the NFL

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- Game MVP at the BSN Sports NFL/ECIC Challenge

- Scored a career-high 38 points twice in 2020

- Scored over 30 points in five games

- Scored over 20 points in 14 of 17 games

- Hauled in 20 rebounds vs. South Park

- Recorded 7 double-doubles

- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Career 1,000 point scorer

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Jalen Bradberry - Park, Junior

19.7 PPG / 3.2 APG / 3.1 RPG / 1.4 SPG

- Four-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- MVP of Brooklyn Post Invitational

- Scored a season-high 35 points vs Brooklyn Collegiate

- Scored over 30 points in 2 games

- Scored over 20 points in 10 games

- Scored 15 in the 4Q vs. Brooklyn Collegiate

- Had the game-winning board & score vs Health Sciences

- Connected from 3-point range 50 times

- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Has scored 1,780 career points

(Photo: Larry Scheur)

 

Jamond Jones - Middle College, Senior

22.7 PPG / 4.8 APG / 4.0 RPG / 2.9 SPG / 0.8 BPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Section VI Class C Champion

- Player of the Year in Yale Cup I

- MVP of the Section VI Class C1 Tournament

- Scored a career-high 44 points in Class C1 Semis

- Made a school record 9 treys in Class C1 Semis

- Scored over 30 points in 5 games

- Averaged 30.3 PPG in the postseason

- Scored in double figures in all 23 games

- Connected from 3-point range 81 times

- Scored 1,247 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri) 

 

Second Team All-Centercourt

Jaemon Turner - Niagara Falls, Senior

21.1 PPG / 6.2 APG / 4.7 RPG / 2.9 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team Niagara Frontier League

- Game MVP in the Cataract Classic vs Amherst

- Game MVP in the Cataract Classic vs O'Hara

- Game MVP in the Bishop Kearney Showcase

- Scored a career-high 39 points in a win over O'Hara

- Scored 22 pts in the 3Q & hit 7 treys vs O'Hara

- Scored over 25 points in 5 games

- Scored over 20 points in 12 games

- Scored 1,118 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Jamyier Patton - Timon, Junior

22.1 PPG / 3.2 RPG / 2.7 APG / 2.7 SPG 

- Woj Cup Champion

- MVP of the Woj Cup

- First Team All-Catholic

- Scored a career-high 38 points vs. Canisius

- Scored a game-high 27 in a win over Canisius

- Scored 27 & 8 boards in the Woj Cup Final

- Scored over 30 points in 3 games

- Scored over 20 points in 16 games

- Connected from 3-point range 59 times

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

 

 

Jaden Slaughter - St. Joe's, Junior

18.1 PPG / 5.3 RPG / 2.7 APG / 1.2 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team All-Catholic

- Scored a season-high 33 points in a win at Aquinas

- Recorded a triple-double at Aquinas (14 boards & 10 dimes)

- Scored 27 points on 10/12 shooting with 9 boards vs Timon

- Scored 24 points on 10/11 shooting in a win over N. Falls

- Scored over 20 points in 8 games

- Shot 58% from the field on the season

- Recorded 3 double-doubles

- Has scored 1,327 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Jaylen Stewart - Amherst, Senior

20.7 PPG / 5.5 RPG / 3.5 APG / 1.9 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Section VI Class A2 Finalist

- Player of the Year for All-ECIC

- Player of the Year in ECIC II

- Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Scored a career-high 33 points in a win over WSE

- Scored 32 points in a comeback win at Falls

- Scored over 30 points in 3 games

- Scored over 20 points in 11 games

- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Scored 1,048 career points

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Avion Harris - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior

17.7 PPG / 5.1 APG / 4.7 RPG / 3.7 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Player of the Year in the Monsignor Martin Association

- Scored a career-high 41 points with 10 boards vs Timon

- Had 30 points, 9 boards, 7 steals, & 6 dimes vs Nichols

- Scored over 20 points in 11 games

- Recorded a triple-double in a win at Timon

- Reached 3 straight MMA Championship games

- Finishes career with 282 steals

- Three-time All-Centercourt Defender

- Scored 1,017 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Third Team All-Centercourt

Daciare Riley - Health Sciences, Senior

15.1 PPG / 8.3 RPG / 3.6 SPG / 2.3 SPG / 2.2 BPG

- Section VI Class A Champion

- Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team

- MVP of the Canisius College Tip-Off Tournament

- St. Francis Christmas All-Tournament Team

- Scored a season-high 24 points in a win over St. Francis

- Scored over 20 points in 5 games

- Hauled in a career-high 14 boards in a win over Lackawanna

- Recorded 8 double-doubles 

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Has scored 542 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

John Orogun - Park, Senior

14.4 PPG / 13.1 RPG / 1.6 BPG / 0.4 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Scored a career-high 24 points in a win at OP

- Scored over 20 points in 6 games

- Grabbed a career-high 24 boards with 23 pts vs Mt. Zion

- Had over 10 rebounds in 17 games

- Recorded 14 double-doubles 

- Was 1 point or rebound shy of double-double in 5 games

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- All-Centercourt Defender

(Photo: Larry Scheur)

 

 

Covi James - Olean, Senior

19.9 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 3.2 APG / 2.6 SPG

- Section VI Class B Champion

- First Team CCAA I West

- MVP of the Section VI Class B1 Tournament

- MVP of the Olean Tip-Off Tournament

- Joe DeCerbo Memorial All-Tournament Team

- Scored a career-high 47 points in a win over Jamestown

- Scored 34 points & 10 boards in a win over Depew

- Made game-winning '3' at the buzzer vs. Jamestown

- Made game-winning '3' at the buzzer vs. All-Limestone

- Scored over 20 points in 12 games

- Recorded 3 double-doubles

- Had at least 5 steals in 5 games

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Cam Barmore - Panama, Senior

28.9 PPG / 14.3 RPG / 3.1 BPG / 2.9 APG / 2.1 SPG

- Player of the Year in CCAA II West

- WNY's scoring leader in 2020

- Scored a career-high 47 points in a win over Forestville

- Hauled in a career-high 20 boards in a win over Forestville

- Scored over 40 points in 2 games

- Scored over 30 points in 8 games

- Scored over 20 points in 19 games

- Recorded 19 double-doubles

- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Scored 1,404 career points, with 884 boards & 198 blks

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Anthony Mack - South Park, Senior

20.7 PPG / 7.3 SPG / 6.7 APG / 4.1 RPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team Yale Cup I

- Clarence Holiday All-Tournament Team

- Scored a career-high 30 points at Tapestry

- Matched career-high 30 in playoffs at Lew-Port

- Scored 23 of 30 pts in the 2nd half at Lew-Port

- Scored over 20 points in 13 games

- Had over 10 steals in 7 games

- Dishes over 10 assists in 5 games

- Recorded 5 triple-doubles & 2 double-doubles

- Three-time All-Centercourt Defender

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Fourth Team All-Centercourt

Demarri Jones - Jamestown, Junior

17.2 PPG / 10.3 RPG / 1.3 APG / 1.3 SPG 

- Player of the Year in ECIC I

- First Team All-ECIC

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- MVP of the United Way Tournament

- Olean Tip-Off All-Tournament Team

- Scored a career-high 28 pts & 14 boards in a win over OP

- Had 25 points & 19 boards vs. Olean

- Recorded 11 double-doubles

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

 

Michael DiGiulio - Williamsville South, Senior

25.0 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 3.7 SPG / 2.8 APG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team All-ECIC

- First Team ECIC II

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Game MVP at the BSN Sports NFL/ECIC Challenge

- Scored a career-high 34 points in a win over Starpoint

- Scored over 30 points in 4 games

- Scored over 25 points in 13 games

- Scored over 20 points in 20 games

- Scored 16 points in the 4Q of a sectional comeback win

- Had 8 steals vs Maritime & 7 games with 5 or more steals

- Scored 984 career points

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Cal Shifflet - Williamsville East, Senior

19.1 PPG / 8.7 RPG / 3.7 APG / 2.3 SPG / 1.4 BPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team All-ECIC

- First Team ECIC II

- MVP of the Five Guys Tournyament

- MVP of the Lockport Rotary Tournament

- Scored a season-high 32 points in a win over North

- Scored over 30 points in 2 games 

- Scored over 20 points in 13 games

- Recorded 11 double-doubles

- Connected from 3-point range 50 times

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Scored 1,216 career points with 673 boards

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Trey Kleitz - Iroquois, Sophomore

20.7 PPG / 7.5 APG / 5.7 SPG / 2.8 RPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Player of the Year in ECIC III

- First Team All-ECIC

- Greg Martin Memorial All-Tournament Team

- Scored a season-high 37 points in a win over N-W

- Scored over 30 points in 5 games

- Scored over 30 points in 3 straight games

- Scored over 20 points in 13 games

- Set a school record with a 20-point quarter

- Recorded 9 double-doubles

- Has scored 735 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Casey Curran - Allegany-Limestone, Senior

12.6 PPG / 11.2 RPG / 4.6 APG / 1.6 BPG / 1.5 SPG

- Section VI Class B2 Champion

- Player of the Year in CCAA I West

- MVP of the Section VI Class B2 Tournament

- Scored a season-high 22 points in a win over Dunkirk

- Hauled in a career-high 18 boards in a win over Pioneer

- Matched a career-high 18 boards in a win over Fredonia

- Grabbed over 15 rebounds in 7 games

- Recorded 12 double-doubles & 1 triple-double

- Banged the game-winning '3' in the Class B2 semis

- Scored 833 career points

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Fifth Team All-Centercourt

Joe Harrington - Lancaster, Sophomore

15.8 PPG / 8.4 RPG / 2.0 BPG / 1.7 SPG / 1.3 APG

- Section VI Class AA Champion 

- All-ECIC selection

- MVP of the Elmira Tournament

- Scored a career-high 27 points in a win over North

- Scored 19 pts, 10 boards, & 8 blks in AA semi vs Falls

- Scored over 20 points in 6 games

- Scored in double figures in 19 games

- Recorded 9 double-doubles

- Team leader in points, boards, blocks, & FG%

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Breht Swiech - Williamsville North, Senior

18.0 PPG / 5.3 RPG / 2.1 APG / 1.7 SPG

- All-ECIC Selection

- First Team ECIC I

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Five Guys All-Tournament Team

- Scored a career-high 39 points vs OP

- Scored over 30 points in 2 games

- Scored over 20 points in 9 games

- Connected from 3-point range 59 times

- Shot 52% from the field on the season

- Scored 822 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Danny Carter - East, Senior

18.2 PPG / 5.0 RPG / 4.0 APG / 2.7 SPG 

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- First Team Yale Cup I

- Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Scored a career-high 39 points vs O'Hara

- Scored over 30 points in 2 games

- Scored over 20 points in 9 games

- Scored in double figures in 20 games

- Team leader in points, assists, & steals

- Scored 939 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Tariq Eubanks, Tapestry, Junior

13.3 PPG / 7.3 APG / 5.0 SPG / 3.6 RPG

- Three-Time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Class C1 Finalist

- First Team All-Charter

- Olean Tip-Off All-Tournament Team

- Scored a season-high 30 points in a win at Medina

- Scored over 20 points in 3 games

- Dished a season-high 17 dimes in a win vs South Park

- Scored 12 of 20 points in the 4Q/OT of win vs CSAT

- Three-time All-Centercourt Defender

- Has scored 894 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Dante Moultrie - North Tonawanda, Senior

14.5 PPG / 4.9 RPG / 3.4 APG / 2.0 SPG

- Section VI Class A1 Champion 

- First Team Niagara Frontier League

- MVP of the Section VI Class A1 Tournament

- Scored a career-high 31 points in a win over Lockport

- Scored 28 points in the Class A1 Championship

- Shot 10/14 & 4/4 from '3' in Class A1 Championship

- Scored 763 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

 

 

 

** At the time he played his last game at Nichols this season, Aidan Horan was on pace for All-Centercourt honors.  It's unknown how things would have turned out or exactly which team he would have landed on, and I didn't want to take someone else's spot in the top 25.....however, the season he had through 15 games warranted recognition, which he is getting here in his own space.  His game had improved tremendously this season.  He was a four-year varsity player making all the right basketball plays without forcing anything and became a true team leader with exceptional body language on and off the court, which translated into his talents & 6-5 athletic frame reaching their true potential.  Even his attitude after learning his season had ended, could not have displayed more positively. **

Aidan Horan - Nichols, Senior

21.7 PPG / 7.4 RPG / 2.5 APG / 1.5 SPG / 1.2 BPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team All-Catholic

- Kiski Showcase All-Tournament Team

- Scored a season-high 30 points vs. Tapestry

- Scored 28 points vs. Timon

- Scored over 20 points in 10 of 15 games

- Recorded 4 double-doubles

- Career 1,000 point scorer

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

 

 

Honorable Mention 

Lavarde Mance - Global Concepts, Senior

28.3 PPG / 11.7 RPG / 2.3 SPG / 2.0 APG / 0.7 BPG - Scored a WNY season-high 51 points at Bishop Kearney

 

Xaier Mitchell - Maryvale, Senior

18.9 PPG / 12.0 RPG / 3.3 APG / 3.0 SPG - First Team ECIC III

 

Caron Marshall - Cleveland Hill, Senior

18.3 PPG / 5.7 RPG / 3.5 SPG / 1.4 APG - Player of the Year in ECIC IV

 

Tyler Robinson - North Collins, Senior

17.4 PPG / 11.9 RPG / 4.3 BPG / 2.1 APG / 2.0 SPG - Player of the Year in CCAA II East

 

Nick O'Neil - Amherst, Senior

17.3 PPG / 4.9 RPG / 2.9 APG / 2.6 SPG - First Team ECIC II

 

Nate Ryniec - West Seneca West, Senior

16.7 PPG / 4.8 RPG / 2.9 APG / 2.2 SPG / 1.3 BPG - First Team ECIC I

 

Garrett Srock - Newfane, Senior

16.4 PPG / 10.3 RPG / 2.6 SPG / 2.1 APG / 2.1 BPG - Player of the Year in the N-O

 

Tino Mancabelli - Orchard Park, Senior

16.0 PPG / 6.1 RPG / 3.5 APG / 1.3 SPG - First Team ECIC I

 

Marciano Lamar - Olmsted, Senior

15.8 PPG / 5.5 RPG / 4.0 APG / 2.7 SPG - Player of the Year in Yale Cup II

 

Jordan Cutter - North Tonawanda, Senior

15.7 PPG / 4.1 RPG / 2.5 SPG / 1.1 APG - Scored over 20 in 9 games & hit 56 treys

 

Trent Cordone - West Seneca East, Senior

15.5 PPG / 4.7 RPG / 3.0 APG / 2.2 SPG - First Team All-ECIC II

 

Devonte Prince, Middle College, Senior

15.0 PPG / 3.3 APG / 2.4 RPG / 2.0 SPG - First Team Yale Cup I

 

Daesean Ashley - St. Joe's, Senior

13.7 PPG / 4.9 RPG / 3.7 APG / 1.6 SPG - First Team All-Catholic

 

Jon Nellis - Holland, Senior

13.3 PPG / 6.1 RPG / 2.7 SPG / 1.5 APG - First Team ECIC IV

 

Gus Napoleon - Allegany-Limestone, Senior

13.3 PPG / 3.2 RPG / 1.3 SPG / 1.1 APG - First Team CCAA I West

 

Jabari Spencer - Health Sciences, Senior

13.2 PPG / 5.1 RPG / 3.0 APG / 2.8 SPG / 1.1 BPG - All-Centercourt Defender

 

Tyler Smith - Health Sciences, Senior

12.7 PPG / 6.8 RPG / 2.9 SPG / 2.1 APG / 1.9 BPG - Centercourt #BOOM Squad

 

Kaleb Steward - Randolph, Senior

10.7 PPG / 5.6 APG / 5.2 RPG / 3.1 SPG - First Team CCAA I East

 

Zach Ianello - Clarence, Junior

16.8 PPG / 4.0 APG / 2.0 SPG / 72 Made 3-pointers - First Team ECIC I

 

Tyler Putney, Fredonia, Junior

15.9 PPG / 8.0 RPG / 2.0 BPG / 1.8 APG / 1.1 SPG - First Team CCAA I West

 

Peyton Consigli - St. Francis, Junior

14.6 PPG / 7.2 RPG / 1.7 APG / 1.4 SPG / 0.8 BPG - First Team All-Catholic

 

Keonjay Carter - Park, Junior

14.3 PPG / 4.5 APG / 4.3 RPG / 1.0 SPG - Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

 

Joe Ciocca - Canisius, Junior

11.8 PPG / 1.9 RPG / 1.8 APG / 1.0 SPG - First Team All-Catholic

 

Max Dowling - Canisius, Junior

11.0 PPG / 5.0 RPG / 0.9 SPG / 0.7 BPG - First Team All-Catholic

 

TJ Robinson - Niagara Wheatfield, Sophomore

21.0 PPG / 4.3 RPG / 2.4 APG / 2.0 SPG - First Team Niagara Frontier League

 

Trevin Boling - Tonawanda, Sophomore

20.6 PPG / 2.3 RPG / 1.8 SPG / 1.6 APG - First Team ECIC IV

 

Max Schneider - Williamsville East, Sophomore

16.5 PPG / 7.0 APG / 3.1 SPG / 2.3 RPG -  First Team ECIC II

 

Kamar Goudelock - Timon, Sophomore

16.3 PPG / 4.3 RPG / 2.8 APG / 2.8 SPG - First Team All-Catholic

 

Massai Graham - Tapestry, Sophomore

14.3 PPG / 10.0 RPG / 2.9 BPG / 1.6 APG / 1.4 SPG - Centercourt #BOOM Squad

 

Josh Haskell - St. Joe's, Sophomore

12.9 PPG / 3.8 RPG / 1.8 APG / 0.7 SPG - Shot 44% on 70 made 3-pointers

 

Gabe McCoy - Randolph, Sophomore

11.8 PPG / 9.1 RPG / 3.5 BPG / 1.8 SPG / 1.1 APG - First Team CCAA I East

 

Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Sophomore

10.7 PPG / 4.0 APG / 2.9 RPG / 1.4 SPG - Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

 

Jalen Duff - Lew-Port, Freshman

17.5 PPG / 3.9 APG / 3.4 RPG / 1.5 SPG - First Team Niagara Frontier League

 

Shane Cercone - Canisius, Freshman

9.0 PPG / 5.7 RPG / 1.1 APG / 1.0 SPG - All-Centercourt Defender

 

Greg Brooks - Maritime, 7th Grade

14.1 PPG / 3.2 APG / 1.9 SPG / 1.6 RPG - First Team Charter Cup

 

Sixth Man of the Year

Eric Kegler - Canisius, Senior

7.4 PPG / 5.9 RPG / 2.4 APG / 1.1 SPG / 0.7 BPG

Kegs was so good coming off the bench to boost the Canisius lineup that head coach Kyle Husband couldn't keep him out of the starting lineup at season's end when the Crusaders were securing another Manhattan Cup.  An all-around talent with a smooth jumper from mid range and a beast on the boards with five games over nine rebounds, he saved some of his best performances for the toughest opponents.  Against Niagara Falls, Kegs scored a season-high 18 points with five boards and four steals, while banging three big shots from downtown.  Against Health Sciences, he scored a team-high 15 points and took Game MVP honors at the Centercourt Classic.  In a Valentine's Day rivalry game, he scored 13 points and pounded the glass for a career-high 15 rebounds to help put St. Joe's down.  And in a drubbing of Aquinas, he was the maestro, dishing out nine dimes in the game while continuing to clean the glass for 12 boards.

 

All-Centercourt Defenders

First Team

Avion Harris - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior

Shane Cercone - Canisius, Freshman

JaVaughn Jones - Health Sciences, Junior

Daesean Ashley - St. Joe's, Senior

Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry, Junior

 

Second Team

Jabari Spencer - Health Sciences, Senior

Keyunte Jones - Middle College, Senior

John Orogun - Park, Senior

Noah Fox - North Tonawanda, Senior

Kaleb Steward - Randolph, Senior

 

Third Team

Keith Brown - Middle College, Senior

Ben Giardini - Allegany-Limestone, Senior

Anthony Mack - South Park, Senior

Gabe McCoy - Randolph, Sophomore

Kaleb Rybij - Fredonia, Senior

 

Centercourt #BOOM Squad

Massai Graham - Tapestry, Sophomore

Roddy Gayle - Lew-Port, Sophomore

Cam Barmore - Panama, Senior

Anthony Smith - Middle College, Junior

Nick Whitfield - Fredonia, Sophomore

John Orogun - Park, Senior

Jalen Bradberry - Park, Junior

Daciare Riley - Health Sciences, Senior

Deshaun Brown - Health Sciences, Senior

Tyler Smith - Health Sciences, Senior

Dewayne Vass - Canisius, Senior

Demarri Jones - Jamestown, Junior

Jaylen Stewart - Amherst, Senior

Cal Shifflet - Williamsville East, Senior

Jamond Jones - Middle college, Senior

 

Coach of the Year

John Otto, Lancaster

An offseason shoulder surgery caused him many sleepless nights to think about an upcoming season that had a lot potential, but would also present a lot of challenges.  But those were challenges you could project, like how ultra-competitive the league in ECIC I would be, or how big bad Niagara Falls was always waiting there in Class AA, or how another extended championship football season would once again delay truly getting down to business on the hardwood.  And while in and out of restless sleep, he dreamed of this being the team that would end a 61 year Section VI title drought, but never dreamed of all that he'd have to overcome to get it.

On January 16, 2020, Otto learned that his brother had died unexpectedly.  One night later, he was on the bench coaching his team at Williamsville North.  Lancaster saw its seven-game win streak end that night.  Two more losses would follow over the next five games.  The team would ultimately finish the regular season tied for third place in league play and entered the postseason as the #5 seed, meaning they'd be on the road in the playoffs.  The place they'd need to win to keep fighting was Williamsville North.

Trailing by nine points in the second half, the Legends dug in and gutted out a win in a hard-hitting battle to avenge the earlier road defeat, win the rubber-match over the Spartans, and advance to the Class AA Semifinals at Buff State.  Their prize?  A date with top-seeded Niagara Falls - the four-time defending champion.

Trailing the Wolverines, who came in as the 5th ranked large school in WNY, by four points entering the final frame, the unranked Legends would outscore the #1 seed 20-8 over the final eight minutes to claim a 65-57 victory.  It would be Otto's second trip to Championship Saturday in four seasons, as Lancaster advanced to the Class AA Final to face Orchard Park - the last team that had defeated Lancaster less than three weeks prior.  

In a classic slugfest, before a spectacular afternoon crowd on the big stage at Buff State, Lancaster once again trailed during the second half and well into the fourth quarter.  But in a season of overcoming obstacles, this was just one last opportunity to come together as a team and make some history.  As the final minutes of the game unfolded, Lancaster completely turned the momentum in its favor and pulled away, allowing the coach and the team just enough time to absorb before the final buzzer sounded, the magnitude of the moment.  That #5 seed who stuck together through some very difficult moments turned out to be a team of destiny.  The streak was over.  The Legends were Section VI basketball champions in Class AA!

As with any overcoming any long drought, the celebration was special.  It was emotional.  It was inspirational.  The sense of true team accomplishment was never more evident to me as it all unfolded.  And the man who is incredibly beloved by his players for reasons that extend well past basketball and into the sense of family he instilled with that group, is the man who has earned this year's honor.  Lancaster's John Otto is the 2020 Centercourt Coach of the Year.  

 

-centercourt

Comments

[WNY Hoop Fan]

To all the kids that read this and feel let down, please understand this is the opinion of 1 single guy with no basketball ability.. Centercourt does a ton for WNY high school basketball and this isn’t meant to put him down, if anything it’s a testament to him in how much buzz and notoriety he gets. due to his massive following he should strongly consider doing a panel of coaches and refs next year when determining these teams in order to deliver a fair opinion to these kids that work so hard only to be let down... There’s no other way to say it but your credibility is important when you have the audience that you do and it’s important for people to know your resume when your opinion is so highly touted. To my understanding centercourt is just a guy that goes to a ton of high school basketball games , he has never played in college and never coached (If I’m wrong please correct me). So if you feel like you got snubbed and it’s brining you down, just remember, it’s just some random dude with no basketball credibility’s opinion.

[WNY hoops fan = loser]

WNY hoop fan = jackass

I'm glad to see that you talk down CC mentioning his basketball resume (while also claiming not to know it) and criticizing him for his extensive list. Sorry that your son didn't make CC's list or wasn't high enough on this list. CC likely saw every single team in WNY at least once (with many teams, especially the ranked ones, numerous times). If you don't like his list, feel free to make your own website, go to 100+ varsity games each year, do write-ups for each game, promote the kids positively always, and then make your own list.

[V3LHoops]

“Centercourt does a ton for WNY high school basketball and this isn’t meant to put him down”....also....” it’s just some random dude with no basketball credibility.” Ok. Also, what does playing college basketball have to do with with evaluating high school basketball players? Have you seen some of the refs around here that you want involved in the selection process? Not exactly top notch athletes. Look. This isn’t a perfect science and like you said it’s one man who takes in a TON of high school basketball and has to make tough decisions. There are a lot of players. He could have picked every player you feel is deserving and then he’d have whole other handful of parents and trolls criticizing his selections. How about just respectful saying “____ played great this season. I would have put him on a team.” What you don’t realize is by you trashing these selections, you’re unintentionally “bringing down” these players. Practice what you preach.

[Section6]

Congrats to everyone, tough decisions but no one sees more bball. Everyones opinions will vary obviously and that's natural.Hopefully one day the area will look to separate large and small school like Rochester and Cuse does . Possibly selecting 10 in large school AA ad A and 10 in small B,C,D. Although there are some exceptional players in lower classes every year like a Hind and Jones this year , it is a different game. With that said ppl should follow up with a post of there teams. I'm sure they would get picked apart also . Thanks for the coverage CC and it's ok to disagree but let's do it respectfully

[John Allen]

Chad u are great at what u do. I really enjoyed every minute watching u do your thing.

[MMAfan]

Josh Haskell is one of the best players in Western New York. A shame to see him disrespected. Competing at the highest level in WNY this year and he delivered the goods. The stats may not show it (usually don’t for MMA kids) he can go toe to toe with anyone. Only a sophmore. Watch out for that kid. Look for him and SJCI to rise to the top finally after years of mediocrity. Haskell Glover and Slaughter. You’ll be hearing a lot about them.

[Mike G]

Good list! Nick O’Neil HM that’s a head scratcher though honestly had a better season then most people on the list. It wouldn’t be fair to not factor that he played with another great player in Jaylen Stewart?

[All Team Thoughts]

Always tough to make these decisions .My
List of kids who could have made a squad.

Nick Oneil - 2 way player,shared spotlight with Stewart played big in huge games

Jalen Duff- great second half season possibly teams most consistent player 2nd half of year after gayles injury

Keonjay Carter -scored created , best defender ,shared ball hadling duties on possibly best team in area .

Max Dowling- inside anchor for top 2/3 team in area. Shut down opposing bigs.

Jabari Smith-top defender ,huge sho maker keyed second half comeback vs NT with his 3 point shooting

Daesean Asley- most consistent Marauder, guards 4 positions , played on and off ball. Lockdown defender

Not sure who you could remove though, though decisions as every year.

[Wnyhoops]

Really should of thought Kolasinski as coach of the year. Probably the best coach in western New York by far. Can’t disrespect him as a coach

[Hoops Fan]

Agree with most of All Team Thoughts list. I would also add Joe Ciocca who was a big part of the Canisius team with the Vass, Dowling and Cercone starting group that beat St. Joe’s three times this year. They then went to Long Island and crushed the Long Island champion. Canisius was on their way to winning States, and Ciocca was their big time shooter. Ciocca scored 21 in Long Island to lead all scorers in that game. There are a lot of worthy kids not listed, including Des Davis and Caleb Hutchins from Park. Really good complimentary players on a very good team. Having watched every player on the first team, Vass should have been player of the year. He was the best player in WNY this year. If you saw him play, you know how dominant he was. Everyone has opinions, but my main hope is these players use basketball as a way to a good education more than anything else.

[George Benson]

Thanks for all you do for WNY Boys Basketball ,Keep up the Great Work Be Safe.

[Buzzer beater]

Excellent job on this entire publication! The whole thing is so well thought out and put together and I can't imagine the amount work of work that goes into this for one person but it's beyond impressive. All the kids on these teams are very deserving. It should be considered a very high honor to see your name on this page! Congratulations to all of them!!

[photodimensions]

Congratulations to all selected honorees and to the unselected starting seniors whose season abruptly ended. I still believe local is "local recognition" and is biased in that manner. As of 4/8/20 only 3 honorees on the 1st 3 teams (including POY) have D1 offers. 1st Team: Roddy Gayle Jr., Jalen Bradberry and 3rd Team: John Orogun. College coaches recognize talent and ability.

[photodimensions]

Do the math. There are 347 D1 Basketball Teams. 4511 Total Scholarship Players. Approximately 1128 Scholarships are available each year. That's NATIONALLY. My research shows 99 Section 6 teams, 10 MMHSAA teams and 1 NYSAIS team. Approximately 1430 local high school players. Though not all desire or have the talent or ability to play at the next level or the GPA to qualify, it still goes to reason, those with offers are the best of the best.

[enough already]

This guy again. Keep pushing your Park loves. Just because someone gets offered out of high school doesn't mean that they had a better season than someone else. Granted, a giant like Orogun is going to have further opportunity at the next level, as his size is much more rare than most other kids. That being said, that doesn't mean that he had a better high school season than another just because they're not getting an opportunity due to their projected development.

[Section 6]

d1 offers should have no bearing on all wny teams or cc . But just to inform photoguy Massai Graham of Tapestry holds multiple offers also.

[photodimensions]

Yes he is talented. He may have interest. The NCAA doesn't show any D1 scholarship offers for him at this time.

[FYI]

The NCAA doesn’t publish scholarship offers for any athletes.

[photodimensions]

24/7 sports and verbal commits do as well as my private sources. they get info from schools (ALL). BTW my son has a Sweet 16 ring so I've been there

[gottalovephoto]

Evidently someone asked photo about his son? I thought this thread was about high school basketball. CC has seen every team multiple times. Everyone who frequents this site would value and respect his opinion of the 2019-2020 high school season over the pro-Park poster.

[photodimensions]

Centercourt does a great job covering the action. I differ with 95% of the posters on this board who have no clue about scholar/student-athletes. Its almost impossible to judge an individual's talent unless they exceed against the best. I stand by my opinion that top talent does not go unnoticed and the true best of the best are those offered D1 scholarships as they are rare and the college coaches compare talent from WNY against every other place they recruit. If you think your team is better than Park, play the game or play the nationally ranked teams on their schedule they lost to.. Park hasn't lost to a local team in 2 years, has not lost at home to a local team since 1/2017. AND will have produced the last WNY NBA drafted player since Niagara Falls in 2005.

[MD]

"Park hasn't lost to a local team in 2 years and not lost at home to a local team since 2017" You only played 7 local games this season and just 3 of them were at home!

"If you think your team is better than Park, play the game" St. Joes tried to play you but Park backed out. Since you're one of the only ones on this board with a clue, can you please explain why Park backed out of this game?

[photodimensions]

I understand it had to do with the revenue split on a neutral site.

[photobomb]

I never realized that high school sports were based on revenue. I thought that they were for developing boys and girls in their teenage years. Only Park seems to bring "revenue splits" up.

[photodimensions]

don't be naive.

[amateur sports]

Lol. You're a funny dude. It really shows why Park wasn't allowed to play in MMA this year (and then really wasn't even allowed to play in NYS independent). If your attitude matches those of the rest of the school, it's not the thought process of the goal of high school sports. Sports are supposed to help kids become better people, teach teamwork, sportsmanship, along with athleticism/competition. Yes, clearly a small percentage are talented enough and driven enough to push towards college athletics, and in even smaller cases division 1. The cut throat, elitist attitude that you project, downing everyone but your Park kids, is sad. Congratulations to all of those kids who CC has placed on his all-wny teams.

[curiousfan]

Whatever happened to Dan Scott? I know he went to Oak Hill but then never heard anything after.

[Shawn Turri]

Will you be posting a season preview for 2021? Always an enjoyable read