The 2023 Preview contains:
- Commentary
- What's New
- Player Movement
- Returning 2022 All-Centercourt Players
- 20 Players to watch in 2023
- A League-by-League look at returning All-League selections
(MMA, Yale Cup, ECIC, NFL, N-O, CCAA, & Charters)
- Coaching Changes
- Classification Changes
- Preseason Top 10 Large & Small Schools
- Predictions
Commentary
- The old adage has existed as long as I’ve watched sports - ‘Defense Wins Championships’. In an era where 3-point shooting has changed the game like never before and players work tirelessly on improving their shot and range, defense remains a controllable constant. The very first high school game I watched last season had St. Mary’s playing in it and the first words I spoke out loud, assessing anything I had seen was a remark about how active the Lancers looked defensively. They would end up being state champions. The stretch run that included a Manhattan Cup and state championship for Canisius was a masters class in execution and defending for 32 minutes. As I drove to Glens Falls to see the four Section VI teams that all advanced to the state final four, I thought about the common theme to all four of those regional champions (Jamestown, Amherst, Allegany-Limestone, & Salamanca) - all were exceptional defensive programs. Crowds get bigger and louder in the postseason. The biggest games are on the college courts with no wall behind the basket and multiple 3-point lines that result in players taking deeper shots. Intensity ramps up and things can get tense. Teams that relied on outscoring you suddenly have an off night and just like that, the magical postseason ride is over. I love a good high-scoring affair as much as anyone, but nothing earns respect like championships. Defense is where they are won. 'D' Up!
- In wrapping my head around the upcoming season, the thing I kept circling back to, and was most excited about, is how absolutely loaded Class B is this year. You’ll find predictions at the bottom of this preview, but when it comes to that classification, there are so many teams that could win it, it's like throwing darts at a revolving board. The leading scorer in the MMA from last season, Jalen Duff, is back at Lew-Port. Cheektowaga, Pioneer, & Iroquois all move down from Class A2. Salamanca, who made it to Glens Falls in Class C last season, moves up to Class B. Bennett, who won Class B1 hoops in 2021, has a starting five that just brought a Class AA football title back to Buffalo - they're winners. Lackawanna started running opponents out of the building last season and won 16 straight on its way to Buff State. Newfane returns a strong squad after reaching the Class B2 Final Four. Defending Yale Cup II champion City Honors is in Class B, along with defending N-O champion Roy-Hart, and the team that beat them in last year's postseason - Southwestern. Tapestry's winning ways in Class C earned them a new home in Class B. Middle College has played in four Class C state championship games since 2010 - they've now settled into Class B. Let's see...am I forgetting anyone? Oh yes, there's that team from Olean that has won 13 Section VI titles in the past 14 seasons they've been classified as a B school. That should do it. Haha, just kidding - I saved the overall defending Class B champions for last. Allegany-Limestone reached Glens Falls in 2022 and will be a force once again in 2023. There, I think I've made a pretty strong case for Class B being LOADED! The two schools raising Section VI plaques in the first two games of Championship Saturday from Classes B2 and B1 will have truly earned the title.
- Sadly, after this season we will have reached the end of an era. The NYSPHAA is adding a sixth classification beginning next season, Class AAA. While this change will come with some impact to all of the classifications as they are currently comprised, the biggest impact will be felt in the new Class AAA. Based on the BEDS numbers the state will use for the new Class AAA, there will be only two teams from Section VI with BEDS numbers placing them in Class AAA - Niagara Falls & Lancaster. Section VI may also classify Health sciences as an AAA, and technically, could move all WNY charter schools to the highest classification if it wanted to, just to create a credible number of teams for a postseason sectional tournament. While I’m struggling to find anything I like about this coming change for next season, the aspect of it that hits home hardest for a traditionalist like myself is separating Niagara Falls and Jamestown. Since 2004, those two teams have combined to win 17 Class AA titles, with Niagara Falls winning 11 of them. Something I’ve almost come to expect and look forward to is the annual Falls vs. Jamestown game at Buff State. The two teams have played each other 11 times under the bright lights since 2006, and eight of those games have been Class AA Finals on Championship Saturday. At the very least, I'm hoping the two teams begin scheduling each other annually in a nonleague tilt starting in 2023, because Falls/Jamestown is tradition. So when the NFHS Pep Band is playing at 3:15 pm on Championship Saturday, March 4th at Buff State, and Falls & Jamestown are warming up for a 12th Buff State battle since 2006, take it all in and thanks for all the memories!
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What's New ??
- The Centercourt Classic is back at Hamburg High School on February 3rd & 4th. However, this season, the annual event will feature boys/girls double-header between the host Bulldogs & Frontier on night one. The Saturday lineup is loaded with five great matchups.
- Regionals are hosted by Section V this season on Saturday, March 11th. The venue has not yet been announced.
- The Manhattan Cup is staying with its single tournament format with one champion. The winner represents our area in the CHSAA Class A state playoffs. However, this season, any team that finishes the MMA regular season in the top four with 8 or more league wins is only eligible for the Class A state playoffs. Any team eliminated in the first round of the Manhattan Cup Tournament will see its season end there. A Class B representative for the CHSAA state playoffs will also be determined via a Relegation Tournament. Teams that are designated as a Class B school at the start of the Manhattan Cup Tournament, who finished with 7 or less league wins, and are eliminated beginning in the second round are eligible for that tournament.
- Hamburg returns ECIC II this season, after a season of competition up in ECIC I.
- Lackawanna & Springville will flip divisions, with the Steelers moving up to play in ECIC III, while the Griffins will slide down to play in ECIC IV.
- Maple Grove & Falconer will also flip divisions in the CCAA, as the Red Dragons head to CCAA II West and Falconer moves into CCAA I East.
- Speaking of the CCAA leagues - they've gone back to calling them CCAA I East and a CCAA II East after changing the names to CCAA Central & CCAA East respectively for one season last year.
- The NFL is returning to its split division format. The nine-team league will once again have a Niagara Division (Falls, Lockport, NW, NT, & Ken West) and a Frontier Division (Lew-Port, CSAT, Ken East, & Grand Island). Teams within a sub-division will play a traditional home & home against each other and then one game against each team from the other sub-division.
- It turns out the IAC was not the place to be. After three seasons away, The Park School is back in the Monsignor Martin Association, where they will be classified in Class B. The Pioneers won consecutive CHSAA Class A State Championships in 2018 & 2019 before exiting to become an independent in Class A for two seasons. Last year, they returned to the IAC, their former home for several years prior to originally joining the MMA in 2013.
- New events debut this season. Fredonia College hosted a small school challenge on Saturday, December 3rd, pitting four teams from CCAA against opponents from ECIC. On MLK weekend there is a second event at SUNY Fredonia with a full slate of games that includes some elite competition from PA with several future Division I players. There is also a day of games on MLK Day at Hilbert College, a Coaches vs. Cancer event with some marquee matchups.
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Player Movement
Key Transfers
Jalen Duff: Nichols ----> Lew-Port
Jordan Alexander: Maryvale ---> Amherst
Nakhyi Harris: Sweet Home ----> Timon
Channing Francis: Lancaster ---> Nichols
Tre Paulfrey: Olmsted ---> Nichols
Gionni Zelasko: Williamsville North ---> St. Joe's
Antwan Threeths: Global Concepts ---> Lackawanna
Ka'johni Dickerson: Global Concepts ---> Lackawanna
Early Prep School Departures
Adam Chiacchia - Hamburg
Ahmir Dunn - Amherst
Returning Studs
- James Robinson is back at Niagara Falls for his senior season after leaving the area as a freshman prior to the start of that season. He's a 6-5 difference maker that will quickly become a known commodity on the local hoops scene. I've seen some preseason highlights...he's gonna be a problem for teams!
- Patrick McNeill is ready for his senior year at North Tonawanda after missing the majority of last season with an injury. He had four double figure performances, including a 31-point career-high early in his junior season prior to the injury.
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Returning All-Centercourt Talent
*** 8 of the top 25 players from the 2022 All-Centercourt Team return to the WNY high school hoops scene, along with 10 players that received Honorable Mentions following last season.
Returning First Teamer
Shane Cercone - Canisius, Senior
Junior Season Stats:
19.9 PPG
8.9 RPG
2.3 APG
0.8 SPG
A five-year varsity starter and WNY's most impactful player at both ends, 'Batman' will look to add a third Manhattan Cup championship to his Delaware Avenue resume.
Returning Second Teamers
Jalen Duff - Lew-Port, Senior
Junior Season Stats:
24.3 PPG
7.5 RPG
6.0 APG
1.7 SPG
Already a four-time All-Centercourt selection, Duff returns home after leading the MMA in scoring & assists, looking to earn the Lancers another Section VI championship like he did as a starter with Lew-Port as an eighth-grader.
Nick Moore - Amherst, Senior
Junior Season Stats:
16.6 PPG
5.7 RPG
5.2 APG
2.9 SPG
After leading Amherst to its greatest season in program history as a junior, Moore and the Tigers are determined to repeat as Section VI champs for just the second time ever and make another run at the state level.
Returning Third Teamers
Lucus Brown - Salamanca, Junior
Sophomore Season Stats:
21.2 PPG
5.5 RPG
3.9 SPG
2.8 APG
His riveting performances wowed the areas at Buff Sate & Glens Falls as he led Salamanca to its first state final four while earning First Team All-State honors. He's a fierce competitor with a rare skill set, making him the ultimate Warrior.
Xander Fletcher - Niagara Wheatfield, Senior
Junior Season Stats:
16.7 PPG
5.1 APG
4.1 RPG
2.0 SPG
Controlled the offense and his opponent for the Falcons, as this selfless floor general led Niagara Wheatfield to its best season ever with 21 wins, an undefeated NFL title, and a Section VI championship.
Jaiden Harrison - Timon, Junior
Sophomore Season Stats
20.8 PPG
4.9 RPG
2.1 APG
1.8 SPG
His first varsity season in the MMA yielded 500 points, giving him over 1,300 in his career entering his junior campaign. After reaching a Manhattan Cup Final, Harrison is ready to lead the Tigers and add a championship to his resume.
Jakye Rainey - Nichols, Junior
Sophomore Season Stats
24.1 PPG
4.6 RPG
2.3 SPG
1.9 APG
After leading WNY in 3-pointers and erupting for a career-high 44 points in a game during his breakout sophomore season, Rainey Buckets is ready to grab the reins at Nichols as the team leader entering his third varsity season.
Returning Fifth Teamer
Trey Drake - Jamestown, Senior
Junior Season Stats:
13.8 PPG
5.5 RPG
2.8 APG
2.0 SPG
A proven two-sport champion that picked up a Daemen hoops offer before committing to the gridiron, Drake led the Red Raiders to Glens Falls in Class AA with his combination of leadership, toughness, & intelligence while delivering for them in the clutch.
Returning 2022 Honorable Mentions
Bobby Beilein - Lew-Port, Senior
19.2 PPG / 4.5 RPG / 2.8 APG / 1.6 SPG / 1.0 BPG - as a junior
Juilenn Celments - Lackawanna, Senior
17.9 PPG - as a junior
Dorian Facen - Williamsville East, Senior
15.1 PPG / 6.0 RPG / 3.7 SPG / 2.3 APG - as a junior
Andy Herrick - Salamanca, Senior
12.9 PPG / 3.2 RPG / 2.2 APG / 1.4 SPG - as a junior
Xavier Benton - Health Sciences, Senior
12.1 PPG / 6.0 APG / 2.6 SPG / 1.9 RPG - as a junior
Luke Granto - Canisius, Senior
6.6 PPG / 4.1 RPG / 3.4 APG / 1.2 SPG - as a junior
Ray Cortes - Silver Creek, Junior
25.1 PPG / 12.1 RPG / 3.4 SPG / 2.2 APG / 1.3 BPG - as a sophomore
Jordan Alexander - Amherst, Junior
21.8 PPG / 7.8 RPG / 2.8 SPG / 2.5 APG - as a sophomore
Drew Hind - Randolph, Freshman
16.4 PPG / 4.4 RPG / 4.3 APG / 2.6 SPG - as a freshman
Nakhyi Harris - Timon, Sophomore
13.2 PPG / 5.6 RPG / 2.6 APG / 1.9 SPG / 1.1 BPG - as a freshman
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20 Players to Watch
More impact players for 2023 not mentioned above
Chase Welch - Park, Senior
Grayson White - Clarence, Senior
Jack DeRose - Olean, Senior
Nation Howard - Orchard Park, Senior
Omarion Ralands - Niagara Falls, Senior
Javani Rivera - South Park, Senior
Ethan Fry - Fredonia, Senior
Logan Reaska - St. Francis, Senior
Nate Errington - Frontier, Senior
Nasir Starks - St. Mary's, Senior
Anthony DeCapua - Allegany-Limestone, Senior
Evan Myers - Newfane, Senior
Matthew Pannes - Southwestern, Senior
Jaiden Huntington - Randolph, Senior
Sajun Beasley - McKinley, Junior
Parker Rey - Nichols, Junior
Jaymier Goosby - St. Joe's, Sophomore
Carson Swanson - Westfield, Sophomore
Amir Moye - Health Sciences, Freshman
Charlie Croff - Lockport, Freshman
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League-By-League: Returning All-League Talent
Monsignor Martin Association
Large Schools - CLASS A
Canisius - Shane Cercone - 12, Luke Granto - 12
St. Joe's - Sam Greco - 12
St. Francis - Logan Reaska - 12
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Small Schools - CLASS B
Timon - Jaiden Harrison - 11, Jacob Humphrey - 11
Nichols - Jakye Rainey - 11
St. Mary's - Nasier Starks - 12
The Park School
Cardinal O'Hara
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Section VI
YALE CUP I
McKinley - Sajon Beasley - 11, Kevin Borden - 12, Jordan David-Lewis - 12
East - Mohamed Awali - 12, Michael Jackson - 12, Cedric Weatherspoon - 12
Bennett - Rashard Perry - 12, Jayden Lewis - 12, Jahlil Alston - 12
South Park - Javani Rivera - 12, Antonio Watts - 12, Keyon Dred - 12
I-Prep - Angel Serrano - 12, Versi Hawkins - 12, Omarion Arroyo - 12
Hutch-Tech - Jahleeio Dowell - 12, David Washington - 11
Middle College - Jaykwon Kyle - 10, Adrian Anderson - 12
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YALE CUP II
MST Seneca - Tyeon Sanford - 12, Marcelino Long - 11
Olmsted - Ezekiel Alexander - 11
City Honors - Bith Deng - 12, Charlie Hilway - 12
Emerson - Emanuel Thomas - 12
Riverside - Landon Jaeckle - 11
Buffalo Arts - Jordan Rodgers - 12
Burgard
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ECIC I
Jamestown - Trey Drake -12
Frontier - Nate Errington - 11
Clarence - Grayson White - 12
Orchard Park
Lancaster
Williamsville North
West Seneca West
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ECIC II
Amherst - Nick Moore - 12, Josh Bugiera - 12, Jordan Alexander - 11
Williamsville East - Dorian Facen - 12, Mason Evans - 11
Iroquois - Justus Kleitz - 9
Sweet Home - Jordan Theodore - 12
Williamsville South - Nicco DiGiulio
Starpoint - Cohen Vogel - 10, Jackson Griesmer - 10
West Seneca East
Hamburg
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ECIC III
Lackawanna - Julienn Clements - 12
Pioneer - Walker Bekiel - 12, Sam Platt - 10
Depew - Jemery Clarke - 12, Jaden Torres - 11
Cheektowaga - Romel Speaks - 11
East Aurora - Matt Horning - 12
Maryvale - Malachi Ladson - 12
Lake Shore - Max Zelonka - 12
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ECIC IV
Cleveland Hill - Zack Phillips - 12, Cameron D'Hilly - 11
Holland - Henry Anderson - 12
Springville - Maximus Perry - 11
Alden
Eden
JFK
Tonawanda
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Niagara Frontier League
Niagara Division
Niagara Falls
Niagara Wheatfield - Xander Fletcher - 12
Lockport - Jason Green - 12
North Tonawanda
Kenmore West
Frontier Division
Lew-Port - Bobby Beilein - 12, Jalen Duff - 12
CSAT
Kenmore East
Grand Island
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Niagara-Orleans
Newfane - Evan Myers - 12, Landon Braman - 11, Ben Dickinson -11
Roy-Hart
Barker
Wilson
Akron
Medina
Albion
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CCAA I West
Salamanca - Andy Herrick - 12
Olean - Jack DeRose - 12
Fredonia - Ethan Fry - 12, Davion White - 11
Allegany-Limestone - Andrew Giardini - 12
Southwestern - Matt Panes - 12
Dunkirk
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CCAA I East
Randolph - Jaiden Huntington - 12, Drew Hind - 10, Carson Conley - 12
Silver Creek - Ray Cortes - 11, Matt Woleben 12
Frewsburg - Connor Murray - 12, Gavin Smith - 11
Falconer - Jase Smith - 12
Portville
Cassadaga Valley
Gowanda
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CCAA II West
Panama - Bryce Hinsdale - 10, Carter Brink - 10, Alex Barmore - 10, Gabe Roth - 12
Clymer - Blake Kopta - 12, Austin White - 12
Westfield - Carson Swanson - 10
Chautauqua Lake - Lawson Ormsby - 12
Sherman
Maple Grove
Brocton
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CCAA II East
Ellicottville - Owen Chudy - 11, Caedon Wyatt - 12
North Collins - Matt Sweet - 12, Derek Ebersole - 11
Franklinville - Noah Shenk - 11, Beau Bielecki - 11
Forestville - Brayden Smith - 12
Cattaraugus-Little Valley
Pine Valley
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Charter Schools
Health Sciences - Xavier Benton - 12
Global Concepts - Kobe Torres - 11, Antwan Threeths - 12
Tapestry
Maritime
BASCS
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Teams with New Coaches (17)
Medina - Justin Morgan
Cardinal O'Hara - Bryan Legge
The Park School - Rod Middleton
Lancaster - Tony Watson
Hamburg - Dave Benningfield
Starpoint - Luke Vogel
CSAT - Marques Johnson
Dunkirk - Sixto Rosario
Alden - Mike Borton
Tonawanda - Scott Ackerman
JFK - Lindsey Taylor
Springville - Al Monaco
Portville - Nathan Kloc
Maple Grove - Bill Price
Burgard - Jarryd Austin
BASCS - Paul Kowalski
Maritime - Rinaldo Foye
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Classification Changes (16)
Lockport moves up from Class A1 to Class AA
Health Sciences moves up from Class A2 to Class AA
South Park moves down from Class A1 to Class A2
Pioneer moves down from Class A2 to Class B1
Cheektowaga moves down from Class A2 to Class B1
Iroquois moves down from Class A2 to Class B1
Alden moves up from Class B2 to Class B1
Burgard moves down from Class B1 to Class B2
Springville moves down from Class B1 to Class B2
Salamanca moves up from Class C to Class B2
Springville moves up from Class C1 to Class B2
East moves down from Class B1 to Class C
Maritime moves down from Class B2 to Class C
JFK moves down from Class B2 to Class C
Maple Grove moves down from Class C to Class D
Barker moves down from Class C to Class D
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Preseason Rankings
** Eight of the 10 teams that appeared in the 2022 Preseason Large School Rankings were Top 10 teams when the season ended, and I was 7 of 10 predicting Top 10 small schools in 2021
Large Schools
1. Canisius
2. Niagara Falls
3. Jamestown
4. Amherst
5. St. Joe's
6. Health Sciences
7. McKinley
8. Niagara Wheatfield
9. Lockport
10. St. Francis
Small Schools
1. Timon
2. Nichols
3. Lew-Port
4. Allegany-Limestone
5. Salamanca
6. Randolph
7. Lackawanna
8. Park
9. St. Mary's
10. East
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Predictions
* The 2022 Preview correctly predicted 10 of 13 league champions
MMA - Timon
Yale Cup I - McKinley
Yale Cup II - MST Seneca
ECIC I - Jamestown
ECIC II - Amherst
ECIC III - Lackawanna
ECIC IV - Holland
NFL - Niagara Falls
N-O - Newfane
CCAA I West - Allegany-Limestone
CCAA II West - Panama
CCAA I East - Randolph
CCAA II East - Ellicottville
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I went just 2 of 8 predicting these end-of-year champions in the 2022 Preview
Manhattan Cup
So...I have now correctly predicted the Manhattan Cup winner just two times in the last 10 years! That includes years when there were only three teams competing for it. Pretty pathetic. Seeing your school below has become the Centercourt curse! If I just picked Canisius every season, I'd be right more times than not. But I wouldn't be this season, because the team from South Buffalo is ready to put it all together and win the Manahattan Cup for the first time since 2001.
** Timon **
Class AA
Final Four:
Health Sciences, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, & Lockport
** Niagara Falls **
Class A1
Final Four:
McKinley, Niagara Wheatfield, Williamsville East, & North Tonawanda
** McKinley **
Class A2
Final Four:
South Park, Amherst, Williamsville South, & CSAT
** Amherst **
Class B1
Final Four:
Olean, Lackawanna, Lew-Port, & Pioneer
** Lew-Port **
Class B2
Final Four:
Bennett, Allegany-Limestone, Newfane, & Salamanca
** Salamanca **
Class C
Final Four:
Randolph, Silver Creek, East, & Holland
** Randolph **
Class D
Final Four:
Panama, Ellicottville, Westfield, & Barker
** Barker **
-centercourt
The season is officially underway with the release of this preview! Great work as always, we appreciate you
Posted by: Hoops are back | Monday, December 05, 2022 at 10:32 PM
Stellar job as always sir. The only thing that I would correct is St. Joes winning the MMA with a very young team and for years to come.
-no bias here at all
Posted by: Chris badillo | Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 08:33 PM