The View From Centercourt

All-State Teams 2017: Classes B, C, & D

(Ellicottville junior Elliot Bowen is now a two-time First Team All-State selection)

 

Class B

First Team:  Tavien Kemp (Walsh)  &  Davonte Gaines (Health Sciences)

Third Team:  Tyron Lott (Health Sciences)

Fifth Team:  Nick Montgomery (East Aurora)

Sixth Team:  Jalin Cooper (Medina)

Eleventh Team:  Max Weber (Newfane)

Thirteenth Team:  Chad Biersbach (Depew)  &  Christian Szablewski (St. Mary's)

Honorable Mention:  Justin Hemphill (Cardinal O'Hara), Will Johnson (Nichols), Nate Brawdy (Gowanda), Darnell Butts (Dunkirk), Mason Goodridge (Springville)

 

Class C

First Team:  Devin Pope (Chautauqua Lake)  &  Willard Anderson (East)

Second Team:  Nate Luckman (Barker)

Third Team:  Tyler Hind (Randolph)  &  Cordell O'Brien (Frewsburg)

Sixth Team:  Aaron Swan (Chautauqua Lake)

Eighth Team:  Justin Allen ( East) 

Honorable Mention:  Jarrett Lecceadone (Randolph), Jake Beaver (Randolph), Shakur Bridges (Oracle Charter), Zach Hemphill (Allegany-Limestone)

 

Class D

First Team:  Elliot Bowen (Ellicottville)

Second Team:  Sam Erickson (Franklinville)

Third Team:  Chris Robson (Sherman)

Sixth Team:  Dylan Chase (Pine Valley)

Seventh Team:  Isaac Kopp (Franklinville)

Eighth Team:  Griffin Chudy (Ellicottville)

Honorable Mention:  Darren Clark (Franklinville), Austin Grinols (Ellicottville)

 

To view the complete All-State Teams for Classes B, C, & D  -  Click HERE

 

- centercourt

The 2017 All-Centercourt Team: The Best in WNY

 

First Team All-Centercourt

Dom Welch - Cheektowaga, Senior

30.4 PPG / 12.2 RPG / 3.7 APG / 3.0 BPG / 2.0 SPG

The CC MVP and a First Team All-Centercourt selection for a second consecutive season.  The first four-time All-Centercourt selection.  Brought a skill set to WNY high school basketball that was unmatched.  Superior talent with supreme athleticism that could do anything on the court.  Unselfish player that regularly enabled scoring opportunities for his teammates.  A one-man fast break starter and a nightmare for opposing defenses in transition.  Became a polished shooter from the perimeter with deep range and the rare ability to shoot over defenders.  Led Cheektowaga to its first league title since 1963 and back to Buff State in Class A2.  Voted Player of the Year in All-ECIC, along with the same honor in ECIC III.  Selected to the Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team.  Named Game MVP at the Cataract City Classic.  A starter on the Centercourt #BOOM Squad for a record third straight season.  Dropped a career-high 51 points in a win over Depew.  Scored over 40 points in six games, including an epic 45-point performance in the Class A2 semifinal to break Ritchie Campbell's WNY scoring record.  Went over 30 points nine times and over 20 points in 20 games.  Averaged a double-double on the year in points & rebounds and also earned one triple-double.   Finished his career as the all-time scoring leader in WNY with 2,376 points, along with an astonishing 1,200 rebounds, 287 blocks, 242 assists, and 166 steals. (Photo: Buffalo News)

 

Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, Junior

23.0 PPG / 8.9 RPG / 4.3 APG / 3.8 SPG / 1.0 BPG

A First Team All-Centercourt selection for a second consecutive season.  Superior defensive footwork always keeps him in great position.  Penetrates with ease and finishes strong at the basket.  Excellent on the boards at both ends of the floor.  Was the leader of a group that spent time as WNY's top ranked team with four new starters.  Led his team in all five statistical categories listed above.  The best guard in WNY for a second straight year.   For a third season in a row, led the Billies to a league title in ECIC II and back to the Class A1 Final.  Voted First Team All-ECIC and earned Player of the Year in ECIC II for a second consecutive year.  Selected to the Section VI Class A1 All-Tournament Team.  Named Game MVP at the RAP Showcase following a win over UPrep.  Scored a career-high 32 points in a win at Cheektowaga and went over 30 points in two games. Scored over 20 points in 19 games.  Hauled in 18 rebounds in a win over Williamsville East. Became the school's all-time leader in steals (245) as a junior.  First Team All-Centercourt Defender.  Has multiple Division I offers.  Career 1,000 point scorer.  

 

James Rojas - Jamestown, Senior

27.1 PPG / 11.0 RPG / 3.5 APG / 2.6 SPG / 2.5 BPG

 Moves up from the 2016 All-Centercourt Second Team.  Did everything for Jamestown from running the point and breaking presses, to manning the post.  Became a reliable shooter from the perimeter.  Attracted extra attention from defenses and moved the ball to open teammates.  Aggressive and decisive with the ball in his hands and able to dribble through the defense. Led the Red Raiders to their seventh straight league title in ECIC I.  Voted to First Team All-ECIC.  Named Player of the Year in ECIC I.  Selected to the Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team.  Named Game MVP at the United Way Showcase.  Scored a career-high 42 points in a Class AA sectional quarterfinal win over Clarence.  Went over the 30-point mark in six games.  Averaged a double-double on the season in points & rebounds.  Finishes his career at Jamestown fourth on the all-time scoring list after turning in the fourth highest single-season scoring average.  Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo: Post Journal)

 

 

Davion Warren - Timon, Senior

22.0 PPG / 14.0 RPG / 3.0 APG / 2.0 SPG / 1.0 BPG

Moves up from 2016 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention.  Went from a standout performer to a dominant player for the Tigers.  Improved his 3-point shooting and ball handling to become an elite inside/outside threat, making him a matchup nightmare.  A relentless rebounder that collected more boards than any other player in WNY.  Brought endless energy at both ends of the court and played with an edge.  Led Timon to a Mosignor Martin Association regular season title.  Scored a career-high 31 points in a win over Walsh.  Scored over 20 points in 14 games.  Hauled in a career-high 27 rebounds in a win against Canisius.  Had over 20 rebounds in five games.  Recorded two triple-doubles on the season, while piling up 15 double-doubles.  Averaged a double-double in points & rebounds on the year.  Scored the game-winning basket at the buzzer of an overtime win against Park.  Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo: Buffalo News)

 

Tavien Kemp - Walsh, Senior

33.3 PPG / 10.8 RPG / 5.3 SPG / 3.7 APG

Moves up from the 2016 All-Centercourt Fourth Team.  Carried an inexperienced team that struggled offensively.  Composed leader that never lost his focus in adverse situations.  A pure scorer that can fill the rim in every possible way.  Crafty at creating shots and finding open space.  Excelled at turning steals into points with exceptional timing.  Led the Eagles to wins over top 10 small schools against St. Mary's, Franklinville, & Nichols.  Voted Monsignor Martin Association Class B Player of the Year.  Named MVP of the Adam Elliott Tournament at Portville.  Averaged a double-double in points & rebounds on the year.  Shot 53% from the field and 81% at the charity stripe.  Scored over 40 points in six games, eclipsed the 30-point mark in 16 games, and had over 20 points in 23 outings.  Scored a career-high 47 points against Section IV Class AA champion Corning.  Finished the season with a WNY-high 799 points and set the single-season scoring mark in the Monsignor Martin Association.  Graduates 7th on the all-time Monsignor Martin Association scoring list.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo: Olean Times Herald)

  

Second Team All-Centercourt

Shakur Harris - South Park, Senior

22.0 PPG / 7.3 SPG / 6.3 APG / 6.2 RPG 

Moves up from 2016 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention.  A fierce competitor that played much bigger than he was.  Matured from his junior season to become a true team leader for the Sparks. Played his best in the biggest games.  Displayed a toughness on both ends of the floor that inspired casual fans seeing him play for the first time.  Led South Park to its first Yale Cup Trophy since 1986.  Took the Sparks to the Class A2 Final, where they lost a thriller at the buzzer.  Selected as MVP of the Section VI Class A2 Tournament.  Voted Player of the Year in Yale Cup I.  Shot a school-record 81% from the charity stripe on 177 attempts.  Scored a career-high 40 points in a win at McKinley, with 34 of those coming in the second half.  Recorded a triple-double in that same game, adding 10 rebounds & 10 steals.  First Team All-Centercourt Defender.  Scored over 30 points in three games and went over 20 points 13 times.  Career 1,000 point scorer.

 

Devin Pope - Chautauqua Lake, Junior

28.2 PPG / 7.8 RPG / 4.7 SPG / 3.8 APG

Moves up from 2016 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention.  The secret is out on the best kept secret in the Southern Tier.  Literally did anything and everything on the court for his team.  Outstanding anticipation and timing at the defensive end.  Able to attack the basket at top speed while finishing under control.  A smooth jump shooter from all the mid range spots where most struggle.  Strong while moving towards the paint and determined to finish once he gets there.  Led Chautauqua Lake to its first ever title in Section VI behind a game-high 33 points, to win Class C1.  Advanced to the Far West Regional after leading the Thunderbirds to the overall Class C title.  Voted MVP in CCAA I West.  Selected as MVP of the Section VI Class C1 Tournament.  Named MVP of the Ellicottville Tip-Off Tournament.  Named to the IAABO All-Tournament Team.  Shot 49% from the field and 68% from the stripe on 221 attempts.  Scored over 20 points in 23 games and over 30 points on 12 occasions, including a career-high 38 points in a win over Fredonia.  Recorded six double-doubles.  Had a career-high nine steals in two different wins.  Third Team All-Centercourt Defender.  After a 706 point season, became the only player in Chautauqua Lake history to eclipse 1,000.  Enters his senior year with 1,358 points. (Photo: Post Journal)

 

Joe Jones - Park, Junior

15.0 PPG / 10.5 RPG / 3.6 BPG / 1.8 APG / 1.2 SPG

Makes his All-Centercourt debut on Second Team.  Has the size and ability to completely dominate in high school basketball.  Owns his space in the paint and establishes position with ease.  A very good passer from the post that quickly recognizes open shooters when the double comes.  Has a smooth stroke from the baseline and a big-time powerful finish when he drives it.  Sets one massive screen and is very effective rolling back to the basket.  Led a Park team with no losses to a public school and no local losses in the regular season during regulation.  Voted First Team All-Catholic.  Named Game MVP at the Cataract City Classic.  Averaged a double-double on the season in points & rebounds.  Recorded 15 double-doubles on the year.  Team leader in rebounds & blocks.  Scored a career-high 28 points in a win over Walsh.  Blocked 12 shots in a win over Elmira.  Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad.  Has multiple Division I offers. (Photo: Buffalo News)

  

Davonte Gaines - Health Sciences, Junior

17.7 PPG / 12.1 RPG / 3.8 BPG / 3.4 APG / 2.9 SPG

Makes his All-Centercourt debut on Second Team.  A highly coordinated 6-7 player that has offers rolling in after a stellar junior campaign.  Alters every shot in his vicinity that doesn't get sent the other way.  A nightmare in the high post for opposing defenses with his court vision and ability to knock down shots from mid range.  His ability to run the floor allowed the Falcons to play fast and his leaping ability led to some emphatic finishes.  Led Health Sciences to a third straight Charter Cup.  Raised the first Section VI championship plaque in school history after The Health claimed the Class B2 title.  Advanced his team out of Buffalo with an overall Class B title and led them to a Far West Regional victory to earn a trip to the state final four.  Voted MVP, Offensive POY, & Defensive POY among charter schools.  Named to the NYSPHAA All-Tournament Team in Class B.  Selected as MVP of the Section VI Class B2 Tournament.  Named to the All-Tournament Team at the Lancaster Tip-Off.  Earned Game MVP at the Pastor-Cooper Showcase.  Scored a career-high 50 points in a win over Oracle.  A starter on the Centercourt #BOOM Squad.  Has multiple Division I offers.

 

Willard Anderson - East, Junior

25.7 PPG / 5.9 APG / 3.9 RPG / 3.4 SPG / 0.7 BPG

 Moves up from 2016 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention.  An offensive facilitator who understands where the ball needs to go.  His handle and strength make him tough to stop in transition.  Stays with the play on drives and finishes through contact.  A scoring threat from the perimeter with deep range.  Led East to the Section VI Class C2 Final.  Selected to the Section VI Class C2 All-Tournament Team.  Voted to First Team in Yale Cup I.  Named Game MVP at the Cataract City Classic.  Named MVP at the Can/Am Shootout.  Recorded five double-doubles on the year.  Scored over 20 points in 15 games. Had four games of 29 points.  Scored over 30 points in seven games on the season.  Led the Panthers in scoring, assists, steals, & blocks.  Dropped a career-high 42 points in a win over Emerson.  Career 1,000 point scorer.  

 

Third Team All-Centercourt

Bo Sireika - St. Francis, Junior

14.0 PPG / 3.9 RPG / 1.9 APG / 1.3 SPG

Makes his All-Centercourt debut on Third Team.  Brings an endless amount of endurance to the game and never slows down.  Scores in a variety of ways, including timely shots from the perimeter.  Always drew his team's toughest defensive assignment.  Very athletic player that can take players off the dribble and finish in a crowded lane.  Led St. Francis to the Manhattan Cup Final for the first time since 2007, the first regular season title in the Monsignor Martin Association since 2000, and the school's first ever #1 local ranking for a period during the regular season.  Voted First Team All-Catholic in Class A.  Named to the Bella Pizza All-Tournament Team.  Scored a career-high 24 points against Canisius and went over 20 points in five games.  Second Team All-Centercourt Defender.  School's all-time leader in 3-pointers made (155) entering his senior season. (Photo: Larry Scheur)

 

Julian Cunningham - St. Francis, Sophomore

12.2 PPG / 4.7 RPG / 2.8 APG / 1.6 SPG

Makes his All-Centercourt debut on Third Team.  Became one of WNY's top floor generals in just his sophomore season.  Demonstrates toughness and confidence every time he takes the court and makes his assignment work for everything all game.  Shows a great understanding of the game, moves the ball to the right spot, and knows when to score.  Has good body control when driving to the basket.   Led St. Francis to the Manhattan Cup Final for the first time since 2007, the first regular season title in the Monsignor Martin Association since 2000, and the school's first ever #1 local ranking for a period during the regular season.  Voted First Team All-Catholic in Class A.  Named to the Bella Pizza All-Tournament Team.  Scored 12 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter of the Manhattan Cup Final, nearly leading a comeback attempt from 16-points down.  Second Team All-Centercourt Defender. (Photo: Larry Scheur)

  

Trevor Book - North Tonawanda, Junior

18.3 PPG / 4.4 RPG / 3.2 SPG / 1.9 APG

Makes his All-Centercourt debut on Third Team.  A fierce competitor that carries himself with an understated court demeanor.  Deadly shooter from beyond the 3-point arc.  Can step inside the arc and knock down mid-range jumpers from any spot on the floor.  Quick hands and sharp instincts at the defensive end.  Was at his best when the team faced top competition.  Led North Tonawanda to a league title in the Niagara Frontier League.  Raised the Section VI championship plaque after leading the Jacks to the title in Class A1.  Took the Jacks to the Far West Regional after earning the overall Class A championship for the most successful season in school history.  Voted to First Team in the Niagara Frontier League.  Selected MVP of the Section VI Class A1 Tournament.  Shot 46% from the field and 75% from the charity stripe.  Led his team with 70 deflections.  Scored over 20 points in nine games, including a career-high 37 points in a win at St. Mary's.  

 

Marcellus Cooper - Amherst, Senior  

17.6 PPG / 11.0 RPG / 3.6 SPG / 3.1 BPG / 2.2 APG

Moves up from 2016 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention.  A gifted athlete who does special things on the court that others can't.  Elevates to shoot and has a nice touch on his jumpers.  An underrated defender that used length and anticipation to regularly turn opponents over.  The combination of style and power on dunks made his aerial assaults on the rim an event all their own.  Led Amherst to a league title in ECIC II.  Took the Tigers to the overall Class A championship game after leading the team to a Section VI title in Class A2.  Voted to First Team All-ECIC and First Team in ECIC II.  Selected to the Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team.  Named Game MVP at the Cataract City Classic.  Earned MVP of the Bob Hettler Classic.  Shot 46% from the field.  Averaged a double-double in points and rebounds.  Recorded 16 double-doubles on the season.  Scored over 20 points in seven games and over 30 points twice, including a career-high 37 points with 13 boards in a win over West Seneca East.  A starter on the Centercourt #BOOM Squad. (Photo: Buffalo News)

 

Jayce Johnson - Canisius, Junior

11.3 PPG / 8.3 RPG / 5.3 APG / 1.5 SPG

Makes his All-Centercourt debut on Third Team.  A lock down defender and the best on ball defender in the area.  Stepped into a leadership role at Canisius after graduating three top 25 players and kept the team on top.  Penetrates the defense extremely well and is tough to stop near the basket.  Combines effort and power to grab every rebound and loose ball in his vicinity.  Led Canisius to its third consecutive Manhattan Cup in Class A, where he recorded 13 points and 13 rebounds in the win.  Was one assist shy of a triple-double in the Crusaders' playoff win over St. Joe's.  Scored a season-high 20 points, along with eight rebounds in the CHSAA Class A State Semifinal against Chaminade.  A First Team All-Centercourt Defender.  Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad.  (Photo: Buffalo News)

   

Fourth Team All-Centercourt

Noah Hutchins - Park, Sophomore

11.5 PPG / 5.0 APG / 4.0 RPG / 3.6 SPG / 0.5 BPG

Moves up from 2016 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention.  A team-first point guard who looks to facilitate.  Excellent handle and control when driving to the basket.  A ball hawk that creates countless transition opportunities with his defense.  Uses his athletic ability to soar, leading to big rebounds & blocks and eye-popping finishes.  Led a Park team with no losses to a public school and no local losses in the regular season during regulation.  Named MVP at the Elmira Tournament.  Scored 16 points with nine assists against Mount St. Michael.  A starter on the Centercourt #BOOM Squad.  Second Team All-Centercourt Defender.  Has multiple Division I offers. (Photo: Larry Scheur)

 

 

 

Dan Scott - Park, Sophomore

16.0 PPG / 4.7 RPG / 3.0 APG / 2.6 SPG / 0.5 BPG

Makes his All-Centercourt debut on Fourth Team.  Shoots with perfect form and gets it off quickly.  A decisive shooter with a great rise and release point who is equally effective from both downtown and mid-range.  A two-way player that plays with equal passion at both ends.  Fast and strong in transition and finishes through contact.  Led a Park team with no losses to a public school and no local losses in the regular season during regulation.  Scored over 20 points in seven games.  Voted First Team All-Catholic.  Named Game MVP at the Pastor-Cooper Showcase.  Second Team All-Centercourt Defender.  Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad.  Has multiple Division I offers.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo: Larry Scheur)

 

 

 

Joe Harrison - Timon, Senior

18.0 PPG / 3.0 RPG / 2.0 APG / 1.0 SPG

Makes his All-Centercourt debut on Fourth Team.  One of the sharpest shooters in WNY.  Drives his defender back and then pulls up over him to bury a jumper with regularity and ease.  Capable of entering one of those shooting zones that make game plans look ineffective.  Can slice through a defense to the basket and find a way to finish.  Helped lead the Tigers to a Mosignor Martin Association regular season title.  Voted First Team All-Catholic in Class A.  Scored a career-high 30 points in a win at St. Joe's that included seven bombs from downtown.  Scored over 20 points in six games.  Finishes with 180 3-pointers made during his years at Timon.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo: Tom Burns)

 

  

 

Elliot Bowen - Ellicottville, Junior

21.0 PPG / 14.7 RPG / 3.3 BPG / 1.6 SPG / 1.2 APG

Moves up from 2016 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention.  A dominant inside presence and complete game-changer in the post for the Eagles.  Able to consistently gain position in the paint for entry passes.  Near automatic at finishing from in close.  A force on the glass and a rim protector.  Has a consistent stroke from the charity stripe.  Led Ellicottville to a league title in CCAA II East.  Voted Player of the Year in CCAA II East.  Selected to the Section VI Class D All-Tournament Team.  Named to the All-Tournament Team at the Holiday Valley Tip-Off.  Shot 64% from the field & 68% at the stripe.  Scored over 30 points in four games, including matching his career-high of 34 points on three occasions.  Averaged a double-double in points and rebounds.  Recorded 18 double-doubles on the season.  Scored 13 of his 21 points in the
4th quarter & added 20 rebounds in a win at Franklinville.  Career 1,000 point scorer as a junior.

 

Sam Erickson - Franklinville, Senior

20.4 PPG / 10.2 RPG / 2.7 APG / 2.3 SPG / 1.8 BPG

Makes his All-Centercourt debut on Fourth Team.  A lanky smooth lefty with an all-around game.  An intense player that stays dialed in and never comes off the floor. Whether from long range, the elbow, or the baseline, he's a shooter with great form.  The unquestioned leader of an underclassmen Panthers' team that enjoyed its most successful season ever.  Led Franklinville to a league title in CCAA II East.  Raised the Section VI championship plaque after his team earned the Class D title.  Advanced the Panthers to their first state final four appearance with a victory in the Far West Regional.  Voted to First Team in CCAA II East.  Named MVP of both the Rick Hughes Memorial and the IAABO Tournaments.  Selected to the Section VI Class D All-Tournament Team.  Named to the NYSPHAA Class D All-Tournament Team.  Averaged a double-double in points & rebounds.  Recorded 19 double-doubles on the season.  Scored over 20 points in 18 games and over 30 points three times, including a season-high 37 points in a win over Portville. (Photo: Buffalo News)

 

Fifth Team All-Centercourt

Tyron Lott - Health Sciences, Junior

18.4 PPG / 6.0 APG / 4.1 RPG / 3.8 SPG / 0.9 BPG

Makes his All-Centercourt debut on Fifth Team.  A scorer that consistently creates his own scoring opportunities.  Thrives in the transition game.  Strong & confident with the ball in his hands, not afraid to pull up over or drive past his defender.  High energy player that never tires and leads the team's constant pressure defense.  His ability to run the floor allowed the Falcons to play fast and his leaping ability led to some emphatic finishes.  Led Health Sciences to a third straight Charter Cup.  Raised the first Section VI championship plaque in school history after The Health claimed the Class B2 title.  Advanced his team out of Buffalo with an overall Class B title and led them to a Far West Regional victory to earn a trip to the state final four.  Voted to First Team All-Charter.  Named MVP of the Lancaster Tip-Off Tournament.  Scored over 20 points in 13 games, including a season-high 31 points in a win over Global Concepts.  Career 1,000 point scorer.

 

Nick Montgomery - East Aurora, Senior

15.8 PPG / 7.4 RPG / 2.0 BPG / 1.3 APG / 1.1 SPG

Makes his All-Centercourt debut on Fifth Team.  A true team leader in every sense of the word.  The ultimate effort player - his work ethic was never outdone in a game or at a practice.  Well-rounded talent that could take you off the dribble and connect from beyond the arc.  His focused and fundamentally sound defensive style always kept his man in front of him and took some major talents out of games this season.  Led East Aurora to a league title in ECIC III.  Took the Blue Devils back to the Class B1 Final and led a dominant performance to earn a sectional title.  Selected as MVP of the Section VI Class B1 Tournament.  Voted to First Team All-ECIC.  Voted to First Team in ECIC III.  Named MVP in the Southtowns Tournament.  Scored in double figures in 22 games on the season.  Led East Aurora in points, rebounds, blocks, 3-pointers, & FT %. First Team All-Centercourt Defender.  (Photo: Buffalo News)

 

Jalin Cooper - Medina, Junior

20.8 PPG / 9.4 RPG / 3.0 SPG / 2.6 APG / 1.7 BPG

Moves up from 2016 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention.  One of WNY's top athletes became one of its best basketball players this season.  Explosive leaper that made a living around the rim.  Uses quickness to create transition opportunities and speed to finish them.  An unselfish team leader who keeps his teammates involved.  Led Medina to an undefeated championship in the Niagara-Orleans League.  Voted to First Team Niagara-Orleans League.  Selected to the Section VI Class B2 All-Tournament Team.  Named Game MVP at the Cataract City Classic.  Scored over 20 points in 13 games and eclipsed 30 points twice.  Finished with a career-high 34 points in a win over Elba.  Tied a school record for most points in one season (458).  Recorded 11 double-doubles.  Threw down over 40 dunks on the season to earn his place as a starter on the Centercourt #BOOM Squad. (Photo: Orleans Hub) 

   

Tyler Aquilina - Kenmore West, Senior

18.0 PPG / 7.3 RPG / 2.0 APG / 1.8 SPG

Makes his All-Centercourt debut on Fifth Team.  A hardworking player who went after rebounds and scored a lot of tough points inside.  Succeeded despite constant increased attention from opposing defenses.  The team's go-to player in crunch time and a solid shooter from outside.  Underrated defender who gave maximum effort at both ends.  Led Kenmore West to a league title in the Niagara Frontier League.  Voted to First Team Niagara Frontier League and received the most votes.  Named to the All-Tournament Team at the Ken-Ton Tournament.  Finishes career among the school's all-time scoring leaders.

 

 

 

Ryan Bradley - Canisius, Junior

13.3 PPG / 7.7 RPG / 2.6 APG / 1.2 SPG / 1.0 BPG

Makes his All-Centercourt debut on Fifth Team.  Became a welcomed addition to a Canisius team in need of his contributions.  His combination of size and skill made him one of the area's top inside/outside threats.  Able to consistently knock down shots from the perimeter and mid range.  Scrappy inside and not afraid to mix it up against any of the competition he faced.  Led Canisius to a third straight Manhattan Cup in Class A and back to the CHSAA State Semifinal.  Scored a season-high 33 points, along with 16 boards in a win over Cardinal O'Hara.  Scored over 20 points four times.  Stepped up to deliver a game-high 20 points at Park when his team was down three starters. (Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

 

Honorable Mention

Chris Robson - Sherman, Senior

24.1 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 3.4 APG / 3.2 SPG / 0.5 BPG  -  CCAA II West Co-Player of the Year

 

Cordell O'Brien - Frewsburg, Senior

23.6 PPG / 10.6 RPG / 2.0 APG / 2.0 SPG / 1.0 BPG  -  CCAA II West Co-Player of the Year

 

Shakur Bridges - Oracle Charter, Senior

22.7 PPG / 4.7 APG / 3.9 RPG / 3.6 SPG  -  First Team All-Charter

 

Nate Luckman - Barker, Senior

22.1 PPG / 5.2 RPG / 3.2 APG / 2.3 SPG / 0.4 BPG  -  First Team Niagara-Orleans League

 

Dan Reid - Olmsted, Senior

22.1 PPG / 2.9 RPG / 2.8 SPG / 2.6 APG  -  Co-Player of the Year in Yale Cup II

 

Monty Shoemaker - Olean, Senior

19.3 PPG / 1.1 RPG / 1.0 SPG / 0.5 APG  -  First Team CCAA I West

 

Aaron Swan - Chautauqua Lake, Senior

15.7 PPG / 6.4 RPG / 4.5 APG / 1.7 SPG / 0.5 BPG  -  First Team CCAA I West

 

Will Johnson - Nichols, Senior

15.6 PPG / 3.9 RPG / 3.1 APG / 1.4 SPG  -  First Team All Catholic Class B

 

Dakota Wiley - Williamsville South, Senior

15.5 PPG / 5.0 RPG / 2.0 SPG / 1.5 APG  -  First Team ECIC II

 

Tal James - Kenmore West, Senior

15.0 PPG / 3.0 RPG / 2.0 APG / 1.5 SPG  -  First Team Niagara Frontier League

 

Vito Fulciniti - Lancaster, Senior

13.5 PPG / 5.0 APG / 4.0 RPG / 3.0 SPG  -  First Team ECIC I

 

Da'Shawn Hines - Amherst, Senior

13.1 PPG / 4.2 RPG / 3.7 APG / 3.0 BPG / 1.7 SPG  -  First Team ECIC II

 

David Anderson - MST Seneca, Senior

12.5 PPG / 11.8 RPG / 3.2 BPG / 2.5 SPG / 2.1 APG  -  Co-Player of the Year in Yale Cup II

 

Tavon Chambers - Lockport, Senior

12.2 PPG / 3.9 RPG / 1.8 APG / 1.6 SPG  -  First Team Niagara Frontier League

  

Caleb Cockrell - St. Joe's, Senior

11.6 PPG / 4.7 RPG / 1.6 APG / 1.4 SPG  - Led team in scoring & steals, Scholarship to D-II Trevecca Nazerine University

 

Roburt Welch - St. Francis, Senior

11.4 PPG / 5.5 RPG / 1.4 APG / 1.4 SPG / 0.4 BPG  -  Led team in rebounds, Shot 51% FG

 

Daquan Hunt - St. Mary's, Senior

10.2 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 2.1 APG / 1.1 SPG / 0.6 BPG  -  First Team All Catholic Class B

 

Josh Denz - East Aurora, Senior

10.0 PPG / 5.0 RPG / 3.0 APG / 2.7 SPG / 1.0 BPG  -  First Team ECIC III

 

Vincent Tripi - North Tonawanda, Senior

6.3 PPG / 4.8 APG / 3.0 RPG / 2.1 SPG  -  Section VI Class A1 All-Tournament Team

 

Nate Brawdy - Gowanda, Junior

20.2 PPG / 14.0 RPG / 4.8 APG  -  Co-Player of the Year in CCAA I East

 

Kyle DeVoogel - Newfane, Junior

18.6 PPG / 5.9 SPG / 4.1 RPG / 2.8 APG / 0.9 BPG  -  First Team Niagara-Orleans League

 

Chad Biersbach - Depew, Junior

17.5 PPG / 8.3 RPG / 2.8 SPG / 2.1 APG / 0.9 BPG  -  First Team ECIC III

 

Ray Blackwell - Maryvale, Junior

17.0 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 3.8 APG / 3.1 SPG  -  First Team ECIC III

 

Hakeem Dobbins - Middle College, Junior

16.5 PPG / 2.8 RPG / 2.0 APG / 1.8 SPG  -  First Team Yale Cup I

 

Latrell Butler-Kemp - Walsh, Junior

16.4 PPG / 7.5 RPG / 3.9 APG / 2.2 SPG  -  First Team All-Catholic Class B

 

Ray Mushat - South Park, Junior

15.3 PPG / 5.5 RPG / 2.6 SPG / 1.2 APG / 0.6 BPG  -  First Team Yale Cup I

 

Max Weber - Newfane, Junior

14.8 PPG / 8.3 RPG / 7.0 APG / 3.0 SPG / 1.7 BPG  -  First Team Niagara-Orleans League

 

Christian Szablewski - St. Mary's, Junior

13.4 PPG / 8.5 RPG / 2.3 APG / 2.0 SPG / 0.7 BPG  -  First Team All-Catholic Class B

 

Darnell Butts - Dunkirk, Junior

13.1 PPG / 4.5 RPG / 2.1 APG / 1.6 STL / 0.4 BPG  -  First Team CCAA I West

 

Tazaun Rose - Niagara Falls, Junior

11.0 PPG / 5.0 APG / 4.0 SPG / 3.0 RPG  -  MVP of Section VI Class AA Tournament

 

Mason Goodridge - Springville, Sophomore

18.9 PPG / 2.5 APG / 2.1 RPG / 1.2 SPG -  Player of the Year in ECIC IV

 

Cam Sionko - Grand Island, Sophomore

17.2 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 3.0 APG / 1.8 SPG / 0.8 BPG  -  First Team Niagara Frontier League

 

Justin Hemphill - Cardinal O'Hara, Sophomore

16.4 PPG / 11.0 RPG / 5.1 APG / 2.4 SPG / 2.2 BPG  -  First Team All-Catholic Class B

  

Tyler Hind - Randolph, Freshman

17.6 PPG / 4.3 APG / 3.1 SPG / 2.8 RPG  -  Co-Player of the Year in CCAA I East

 

Jalen Bradberry - Niagara Wheatfield, 8th Grade

14.7 PPG / 3.3 APG / 3.0 RPG / 1.5 APG  -  Scored a career-high 38 points at 'Battle at the Border'

 

********          *********          ********          

 Sixth Man of the Year

Daesean Ashley - Amherst, Freshman

6.6 PPG / 3.5 RPG / 2.0 APG / 2.0 SPG

The future is bright for the Tigers with three varsity seasons ahead for this young floor general.  Ashley came off the bench at Amherst, but stayed in the game once he did, only coming back out of the game to rest.  The freshman made great decisions, provided scoring, and let the game come to him - showing an understanding of the game that extended far beyond his experience.  When the Tigers beat Williamsville South, Ashley scored 12 points and played a huge role in the victory.  In a win over McKinley at the MLK Classic, he scored 15 points, grabbed seven boards, and dished six dimes.  He is certain to be a starter and team leader next season.

 

*********          *********          ********* 

 All-Centercourt Defenders

First Team

Jayce Johnson - Canisius, Junior

Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, Junior

Nick Montgomery - East Aurora, Senior

Zack Woodard - North Tonawanda, Senior

Shakur Harris - South Park, Senior

 

Second Team

Noah Hutchins - Park, Junior

Bo Sireika - St. Francis, Junior

Julian Cunningham - St. Francis, Sophomore

Dan Scott - Park, Junior

Tazaun Rose - Niagara Falls, Junior

 

Third Team

Colby Moultrie - Canisius, Senior

Dakota Wiley - Williamsville South, Senior

Devin Pope - Chautauqua Lake, Junior

Jarrett Lecceadone - Randolph, Senior

Griffin Chudy - Ellicottville, Junior

 

*********           *********            ********* 

Centercourt #BOOM Squad 

The Starting Five:

Marcellus Cooper - Amherst, Senior

Jalin Cooper - Medina, Junior

Noah Hutchins - Park, Sophomore

Dom Welch - Cheektowaga, Senior

Davonte Gaines - Health Sciences, Junior

The rest of the Squad

Dan Scott - Park, Sophomore

Joe Jones - Park, Junior

Davion Warren - Timon, Senior

Jayce Johnson - Canisius, Junior

Charles Lamar - Niagara Falls, Senior

Jaeger Martino - Niagara Wheatfield, Senior

James Rojas - Jamestown, Senior

 

*********          *********           *********    

Coach of the Year

** Announced at the Prep Talk/BCANY Boys Basketball Banquet at Ilio Dipaolo's on Monday, April 24th

 

- centercourt

All-League Teams 2017

 

 

MONSIGNOR MARTIN ASSOCIATION

Class A

Player of the Year:

Davion Warren - Timon, 12

 

All-Catholic

Joe Harrison - Timon, 12

Joe Jones - Park, 11

Bo Sireika - St. Francis, 11

Julian Cunningham - St. Francis, 10

Dan Scott - Park, 10

 

Class B

Player of the Year:

Tavien Kemp - Walsh, 12

 

All-Catholic

Will Johnson - Nichols, 12

Daquan Hunt - St. Mary's, 12

Christian Szablewski - St. Mary's, 11

Latrell Butler-Kemp - Walsh, 11

Justin Hemphill - Cardinal O'Hara, 10

 

 

 ************************************************

 

YALE CUP I

Player of the Year:

Shakur Harris - South Park, 12

 

First Team

Willard Anderson - East, 11

Ray Mushat - South Park, 11

Hakeem Dobbins - Middle College, 11

Nakye Booze - McKinley, 12

Tyreek Edwards - Emerson, 12

 

Second Team

Deamontae Riley - Burgard, 11

Justin Allen - East, 11

Davonti Wardlaw - McKinley, 12

Deon Spencer - McKinley, 11

Anthony Mack - South Park, 9

  

Third Team

Derrick Bishop - Middle College, 12

Nader Kompany - Middle College, 11

Kavon Rogers - McKinley, 11

Elijah Lewis - South Park, 10

Gerald Bratton - Riverside, 12

 

Honorable Mention

South Park:  Jeremy Jackson - 12, Jakari Woods - 12, Khalil White - 12

East:  Waunya Shaw - 11, Jahahd Maryon - 11

McKinley:  Emir Evans - 11, Joe Johnson - 12

Middle College:  Shawn Goree - 12, Allen McDuffie - 12

Burgard:  DeJuan Williams - 10

Riverside:  Hak Douth - 11

Hutch-Tech:  Anthony Whitfield - 11

Emerson:  Anthony Hunter - 12

 

************************************************

 

YALE CUP II

Co-Players of the Year:

Dan Reid - Olmsted, 12  / David Anderson - MST Seneca, 12

 

First Team

Earl Howard - MST Seneca, 10

Naseem Baynes - Olmsted, 12

Dom Prince - MST Seneca, 12

Carlos Rosa - Lafayette, 11

Amir Radford - City Honors, 10

 

 Second Team

Alijay Clark - I-Prep, 12

Takeylo Burts - Lafayette, 12

Javaughn Johnson - Buffalo Arts, 12

Jason Chapman - MST Seneca, 10

Austin Parham - Olmsted, 12

 

Third Team

Jeffrey Felix - Lafayette, 12

Talon Moody - City Honors, 12

Dreqwan Johnson - Buffalo Arts, 12

Greg Ngoma - I-Prep, 12

EB Lewis - DaVinci, 9

 

Honorable Mention  

City Honors:  Kevion Taylor - 9, Jaden Slaughter - 8

Lafayatte:  Austin Grimes - 11

Buffalo Arts:  Charles Slobert - 9

DaVinci: Mykel Hardgrove - 12

 

*************************************************

 

ALL-ECIC

Player of the Year:

Dominick Welch, Cheektowaga, 12

 

First Team

Dominick Welch, Cheektowaga, 12

Greg Dolan, Williamsville South, 11

James Rojas - Jamestown, 12

Marcellus Cooper - Amherst, 12

Nick Montgomery - East Aurora, 12

 

Second Team

Vito Fulciniti - Lancaster, 12

Mason Goodridge - Springville, 10

Ray Blackwell - Maryvale, 11

Da'Shawn Hines - Amherst, 12

Josh Denz - East Aurora, 12

 

*************************************************

 

ECIC I

Player of the Year:

James Rojas - Jamestown, 12

 

First Team

Vito Fulciniti - Lancaster, 12

LG Castillo - Lancaster, 12

Alec Tamburri - Lancaster, 11

Dylan Anderson - Orchard Park, 11

Jairus Huggins - Williamsville North, 12

 

Second Team

Jesse Wayland - West Seneca West, 11

Dan Anderson - Orchard Park, 12

Noah Speyer - Lancaster, 12

Marcus Rojas - Jamestown, 10

River Reinhardt - Clarence, 10

Jacob Belote - Williamsville North, 10

 

Honorable Mention

Frontier:  Kyle Ebert - 11, Brian Norsen - 10, Zack Gerken - 12

Williamsville North:  Corey Swiech - 11, Anthony Maniscalco - 12

Clarence:  Jack Putney - 10

Jamestown:  Matt Hill - 11

 

****************************************************

 

ECIC II

Player of the Year:

Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, 11

 

First Team

Marcellus Cooper - Amherst, 12

Dakota Wiley - Williamsville South, 12

Da'Shawn Hines - Amherst, 12

Jake Genzel - Hamburg, 11

Drew Butler - Williamsville East, 12

 

Second Team

Chris Stineman - West Seneca East, 10

Zamari Mitchell - West Seneca East, 10

Evan John - Sweet Home, 10

Dominic Farszmil - West Seneca East, 12

Stephon Trueheart - Sweet Home, 10

 

Honorable Mention

Williamsville South:  Adam Braniecki - 12, Mark Worthy - 12

Williamsville East:  Matthew Gelder, 12

Iroquois:  Matthew Whalen, 12

Amherst:  Daesean Ashley, 9

Hamburg:  Patrick Hart, 12

 

****************************************************

 

ECIC III

Player of the Year:

Dominick Welch - Cheektowaga, 12

 

First Team

Nick Montgomery- East Aurora, 12

Josh Denz - East Aurora, 12

Ray Blackwell - Maryvale, 11

John Park - Lake Shore, 11

Chad Biersbach - Depew, 11

 

Second Team

Derek Clemons - Starpoint, 12

Cal McTigue - East Aurora, 12

Kyle Burley - Pioneer, 11

Vaughn Burdette - Cheektowaga, 12

Justin Mott - Starpoint, 10

Rudy Bragg - Cheektowaga, 11

Honorable Mention

Maryvale:  Brian Sullivan - 12

Lake Shore:  Jay Brueckl - 11

Starpoint:  Adam Lasal - 12

Cheektowaga:  Alex Bryant - 11

Depew:  Tyler Biersbach, 12

East Aurora:  Joe Montgomery - 12

 

 ************************************************

 

ECIC IV

Player of the Year:

Mason Goodridge - Springville, 10

 

First Team

Paul Woodward - Cleveland Hill, 12

Coan Relyea - Holland, 12

Noah Grabar - Lackawanna, 10

Marcus James - Springville, 12

Christian Snell - Alden, 11

 

Second Team

Andy Bialy - Eden, 12

London Smith - Lackawanna, 11

Jacob Braniecki - JFK, 11

Tyler Phillips - Cleveland Hill, 12

Jordan Pacillo - Lackawanna, 12

Trey Lilly - Tonawanda, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Lackawanna:  Harris Bekric - 10, Noble Smith - 11

Tonawanda:  Charlie Moore - 12, Nick Bitter - 12

Holland:  Jordan Kolbmann, Pierce Gardon

JFK:  Thomas Isbrandt - 12

Alden:  Conrad Boucher - 12

Cleveland Hill:  J'Son James - 12

Eden:  Jason Porter

 

***************************************************

 

NIAGARA FRONTIER LEAGUE

 

First  Team

Tyler Aquilina - Kenmore West, 12

Trevor Book - North Tonawanda, 11 

Tavon Chambers - Lockport, 12

Tal James - Kenmore West, 12

Cam Sionko - Grand Island, 10

 

Second Team

Syquan Ralands - Niagara Falls, 11

Kyle LaPlante - Kenmore West, 12

Kyle Brown - Lockport, 12

Mario Wright - Grand Island, 12

Malik Brooks - Lockport, 10

 

Third Team

Jalen Bradberry - Niagara Wheatfield, 8

Tazaun Rose - Niagara Falls, 11

Alex Quinn - North Tonawanda, 12

JB Wilkes - Grand Island, 12

Charles Lamar - Niagara Falls, 12

 

*******************************************************

 

NIAGARA-ORLEANS

 

First Team

Jalin Cooper - Medina, 11

Nathan Luckman - Barker, 12

Max Weber - Newfane, 11

Johnny Salone - Medina, 10

Kyle DeVoogel - Newfane, 11

 

Second Team

Justin Daul - Wilson, 12

Izaiah Rhim - Medina, 10

Jacob Bruning - Roy-Hart, 11

Kory Reynolds - Albion, 12

Connor Seeley - Wilson, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Akron:  Mason Schultz - 11, Derek Holtz - 11

Albion:  Lamar Chambers - 12, Tommy Matison - 12, Chase Hall - 12, Tanner Ferris - 12

Barker:  Eddie Wasnock - 12, Jake Arnold - 12, Austin Sullivan - 11

Roy-Hart:  Daniel Davis - 12, Brendan Hess - 12

Newfane:  Caleb Russell - 12, Connor Hill - 11, Chad Dunbar - 11, Brandon Gross - 11

Medina:  Vincent Montague - 10, Brendan Luthart - 11, Mason Lewis - 12, Alex Allis - 12, Tyrellis Atkins - 12

Wilson:  Jonah Miller - 12, Steve Frerichs - 10

 

**************************************************

 

CCAA I West

Player of the Year:

Devin Pope - Chautauqua Lake, 11

 

First Team

Monty Shoemaker - Olean, 12

Aaron Swan -  Chautauqua Lake, 12

Darnell Butts - Dunkirk, 11

Lucas Voss - Fredonia, 12

Carson Crist - Maple Grove, 10

 

Second Team

Shamon Stewart - Dunkirk, 12

Mike Schmidt - Olean, 10

Nate Shuart - Fredonia, 10

Tristen Snyder - Olean, 12

Michael Padilla - Maple Grove, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Dunkirk:  Evon Hernandez - 12, Tyreek Ruiz - 12, Devaun Farnham - 11, Noah Sobilo - 11

Maple Grove:  Dalton Dubois - 12, Peter Auer - 9

Falconer:  Brandon Luke - 12, Brandon Crick - 11

Olean:  Matt Droney - 10, Luke Rogers - 12

Southwestern:  Niko Pannes - 12, Alex Card - 10

Chautauqua Lake:  Tyler Meredith - 12

 

******************************************************

 

CCAA II WEST

Co-Players of the Year:

Chris Robson - Sherman, 12  &  Cordell O'Brien - Frewsburg, 12

 

First Team

Justin Svetz - Clymer, 12

Josh Van Earden - Clymer, 12

Dustin Neckers - Clymer, 11

Jared Gleason - Sherman, 11

 

Second Team

David Grayson - Westfield, 12

Tristen Frye - Panama, 12

Brandon Chamberlin - Cassadaga Valley, 12

Johnethen Spicer - Brocton, 12

Shawn Horr - Westfield, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Sherman: Mike Delcamp - 12, Brandon Nickerson - 12, Kyle Carpenter - 12, Tanner Ramsey - 11

Frewsburg:  Nyle Bird - 12, Caleb Caldwell - 12, Tyler Marchincin - 11, Brad Nelson - 9

Clymer:  Dylan Davis - 12

Brocton:  Garrett McFadden - 12

Cassadaga Valley:  Conner Crabtree - 10, Adam Goot - 10

Westfield:  Julio Torres - 11

Panama:  Noah Eggleston - 12, Lucas Golden - 12

 

**************************************************

 

CCAA I EAST

Co-Players of the Year:

Tyler Hind - Raandolph, 9  &  Nate Brawdy - Gowanda, 11

 

First Team

Zeus Enriquez - Salamanca, 12

Jarrett Lecceadone - Randolph, 12

Zach Hemphill - Allegany-Limestone, 12

Jake Beaver - Randolph, 12

 

Second Team

Jarmani Benton - Gowanda, 11

Joe Sherlock - Salamanca, 12

Hercules Rasha - Salamanca, 11

Nick Stein - Portville, 12

Sam Flanders - Allegany-Limestone, 10

Brady Woelben - Silver Creek, 10

 

Honorable Mention

Portville:  Colin Kloc - 12, Jaeden Harris - 11

Gowanda:  Matt Kruszka - 12

Randolph:  Kaleb Frink - 12

Salamanca:  Derek McClure - 12, Michael Collins - 12

Allegany-Limestone:  Sean McAffee - 11

Silver Creek:  Chris Williams - 12

 

*************************************************** 

 

CCAA II EAST

Player of the Year:

Elliot Bowen - Ellicottville, 11

 

First Team

Sam Erickson - Franklinville, 11

Dylan Chase - Pine Valley, 12

Griffin Chudy - Ellicottville, 11

Isaac Kopp - Franklinville, 11

Darren Clark - Franklinville, 11

 

 Second Team

Austin Grinols - Ellicottville, 11

Brandon Zielinski - North Collins, 11

Kalvin Stanbro - Forestville, 12

Kellen Martin - Cattaraugus/Little-Valley, 12

Lewis Markham - Forestville, 11

Zach Mansfield, Pine Valley, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Franklinville:  Brock Belcha - 11, Dylan Burton - 11

Ellicottville:  Steven Rowland - 10, Noah Stuve - 11

Pine Valley:  Gilberto Ortiz - 12

Forestville:  Trent Hartloff - 12

Cattaraugus/Little-Valley:  Austin Baker - 11

North Collins:  Zachary Schroeder - 11

 

All-Charter

Player of the Year:

Davonte Gaines - Health Sciences, 11

 

Offensive & Defensive POY:

Davonte Gaines - Health Sciences, 11

 

First Team

Davonte Gaines - Health Sciences, 11

Tyron Lott - Health Sciences, 11

Shakur Bridges - Oracle Charter, 12

Dwight Dilbert - Global Concepts, 12

Paitwan Jenifer - Tapestry, 12

 

-centercourt

Manhattan Cup Semifinals 2017

(Bo Sireika led Frannies to its first Manhattan Cup Final since '07 /Photo:Larry Sheur)

 

Class A Semifinals

(2) St. Francis 66, (3) Park 64

After two epic overtime battles during the regular season, the Red Raiders and Pioneers treated MMA fans to a spectacular encore performance at Villa Maria College in the series trilogy for the right to advance to the 2017 Manhattan Cup Final.  This time, St. Francis won a thriller in regulation to reach the championship game for the first time in 10 seasons.

 

"It's exciting and hard to put into words," St. Francis coach Brian Ferris said.  "We said at the end of the season that we wanted to play six more games and we needed this one to get there."

 

Bo Sireika scored 16 of his team-high 20 points in the first half, as St. Francis built a double figure lead early on and took a seven-point lead to the break.  The Red Raiders remained in control for most of the third quarter, until a 6-0 finish for Park cut the deficit to 51-48.  The Pioneers took their first lead since the opening frame with a 7-0 spurt early in the final stanza, capped by a powerful put back flush from Joe Jones.  That set the stage for an intense finish that came right down to the final possession, with Park missing a potential game-tying shot as time ran out.  Roburt Welch (18 points) and Julian Cunningham (11 points) were both key to Red Raiders hanging on in the game's final crucial moments.

 

"Our guys have been through it with them and our guys responded," said Ferris.  "It was like a heavyweight match and we had the last punch."

 

Noah Hutchins led Park with a game-high 22 points, while Jones had 18 points, with 12 coming in the second half.

 

St. Francis, now one win from a Manhattan Cup Championship, will need to dethrone the defending champions from Canisius, who have dominated the league over the last decade.

 

"I don't think we'd have it any other way," Ferris said.  "If we're going to take it away, we've got to beat them."

 

Park             11 - 19 - 18 - 16 = 64

St. Francis  17 - 20 - 14 - 15 = 66

 

Point Totals

St. Francis:  Bo Sireika 20, Roburt Welch 18, Julian Cunningham 11, Sean Taggart 7, Connor Cummings 6, Lucas Theisan 3, Devon Darrell 1

Park:  Noah Hutchins 22, Joe Jones 18, Brandon Smith 11, Marques Lowe 5, Jaylen Stewart 4, Quentin Nnagbo 2, Dan Scott 2

 

******        ******        ****** 

 

(4) Canisius 65, (1) Timon 61

For the eighth time in nine seasons, the Crusaders are headed to the Manhattan Cup Final, 0nly this season, the defending champions took a longer route to get there.  Canisius needed to play its way in to the semifinal round this season, but once they got there, they did what Canisius does...advance.  After dropping both regular season contests to the number one seed from Timon, the Crusaders came into the postseason as underdogs.

 

"I'm glad that people are counting us out, we've got a lot of character in that room," Canisius coach Kyle Husband said.  "I'm proud of the guys, they worked through a lot of adversity this entire season and today they really worked hard for 32 minutes."

 

A tightly contested battle of top WNY large schools played out for four quarters, with 14 lead changes and seven ties.  It was a game perhaps best described as one where every possession felt tense and critical to the outcome.  

 

"We wanted to be smart with our possessions and not give them points," said Husband.

 

Five Crusaders scored in double figures, with each taking turns stepping up in big moments of the game.  Colby Moultrie led the team with 16 points, while Nick MacDonald and Jayce Johnson each netted 11 points.  Ryan Bradley had 10 points in the game, but it was his late-game heroics that will be remembered when this game is recalled years down the road.

 

With Timon coming up the floor needing a bucket to tie or a trey to win in the final seconds, Bradley picked the ball handler and then swung a pass to sophomore Joe Jamison for a basket to seal the victory.  Jamison was a major spark off the bench for Canisius and scored six of his 12 points during a heated fourth quarter.

 

"I can't say enough," Husband said.  "For a sophomore...he was a man out there, Joe Jamison was impressive out there."

 

Juston Johnson finished with a game-high 22 points for Timon and collected 11 of those in the fourth quarter.  Joe Harrison scored 13 of his 18 points in the third stanza, and Davion Warren added 12 points for the Tigers.

 

Canisius will face St. Francis in the Manhattan Cup Final at the Canisius College Koessler Center on Wednesday night at 8:05 pm.

 

Canisius  16 - 12 - 22 - 15 = 65

Timon      15 - 11 - 22 - 13 = 61

 

Point Totals

Canisius:  Colby Moultrie 16, Joe Jamison 12, Nick MacDonald 11, Jayce Johnson 11, Ryan Bradley 10, Jake Zeis 3, Brendan Trapper 2

Timon:  Juston Johnson 22, Joe Harrison 18, Davion Warren 12, Adrian Baugh 5, Master Radford 4

 

******        ******        ****** 

 

Class B Semifinals

(3) Nichols 59, (2) Cardinal O'Hara 40

For a fourth straight season, Nichols will play for a Manhattan Cup.  The Vikings, who won the Class A title in 2014 and finished as runners-up in 2015, were the champions last season in Class B and now return to the final game again this season under first year head coach Darren Fenn.

 

After a close game throughout the first half, Nichols ended the second quarter by scoring the last five points to take a one-point lead to the break.  The Vikings defense allowed just eight points in the second frame with a 2-3 zone that blanketed the Hawks.  They would be even better defensively in the second half.

 

"We try to be active, take away any sort of fast break, and make them run a half court offense," Nichols coach Darren Fenn said.

 

The Vikings defense was brilliant over the final 16 minutes of play, allowing just two field goals and only 12 points.  Meanwhile, their offense remained consistently productive, scoring 15 points in each of the last two frames.  Myles Hervey was a force inside throughout, finishing his shots, hitting the boards, and defending.  Hervey scored a game-high 18 points, while fellow senior leader Will Johnson came through with 17 points in the win.

 

"Myles played probably the best game of his life tonight doing everything we know he can do and Will was outstanding as usual," Fenn said.

 

Freshman Aidan Horan added 12 points in the win, including a seven-point stretch in the third quarter and Nichols began pulling away from the Hawks.

 

Torree Cheatham led O'Hara with 10 points, while senior Rene Velazquez scored six points in his final action with the team.

 

Nichols  17 - 12 - 15 - 15 = 59

O'Hara   20 - 8 -  5 -   7  = 40

 

Point Totals

Nichols:  Myles Hervey 18, Will Johnson 17, Aidan Horan 12, Trent Banaszak 10, Ontario Jones 2

O'Hara:  Torree Cheatham 10, Nas Benton 7, Jermaine Haynes 7, Justin Hemphill 7, Rene Velasquez 6, Brandon Broadnax 3

 

 ******        ******        *******

 

(1) St. Mary's 62, (4) Walsh 46

The Lancers won three of four quarters and never trailed in the game, eliminating the Eagles and advancing to the Manhattan Cup Final in Class B.  The team's depth was on full display from the beginning, as St. Mary's led by double figures before the end of the opening quarter.

 

"Everyday it seems like we have someone new coming in," St. Mary's coach Paul Rath said.  "We do have some depth and we don't seem to drop off a whole lot."

 

Christian Szablewski led the way with a team-high 17 points on a combination of inside scoring and knocking down some jumpers.  Daquan Hunt scored eight of his 14 points in the third quarter to keep the Eagles at bay.  Matt Ciezki also scored 14 points in the game, with nine of those coming in the final frame.

 

Tavien Kemp finished with a game-high 25 points, but had to work extremely hard for everything he got, facing two defenders every time he touched the ball.  Cameron Kitchen-Perez added 10 points in the loss.

 

"That was a major focus to contain him as best we can," said Rath.

 

St. Mary's will face Nichols in the Class B Manhattan Cup Final at the Canisius College Koessler Center on Wednesday night at 6:05 pm.

 

Walsh        12 - 12 -  9 - 13 = 46

St. Mary's  21 - 11 - 15 - 15 = 62

 

Point Totals

St. Mary's:  Christian Szablewski 17, Daquan Hunt 14, Matt Ciezki 14, Zach Penska 5, Eric Brown 4, Brady O'Brien 4, Jae'lin Russell 2, Greg Poland 2

Walsh:  Tavien Kemp 25, Cameron Kitchen-Perez 10, Kameron Ramadhan 6, Latrell Butler-Kemp 5

 

- centercourt

Manhattan Cup Playoffs - 2017

 

 

Play-in Games - Thursday, February 23rd

AT Villa Maria - 4:30 pm, 6:15 pm, 7:45 pm

Class B - (3) Nichols 53, (6) Niagara Catholic 37

Class B - (4) Walsh 60, (5) CCA 43

Class A - (4) Canisius 59, (5) St.Joe's 52

 

Class B Semifinals - Saturday, February 25th

AT Villa Maria - 2 pm & 3:45 pm

(1) St. Mary's 62, (4) Walsh 46

(3) Nichols 59, (2) Cardinal O'Hara 40 

 

Class A Semifinals - Saturday, February 25th

AT Villa Maria - 5:30 pm & 7:15 pm

(4) Canisius 65, (1) Timon 61

(2) St. Francis 66, (3) Park 64

 

Manhattan Cup Finals - Wednesday, March 1st

AT Canisius College Koessler Center 

(4) Canisius 57, (2) St. Francis 53

(1) St. Mary's 64,  (3) Nichols 61

 

2017 Manhattan Cup Champions  -  Canisius Crusaders

2017 Class B Manhattan Cup Champs - St. Mary's Lancers

 

- centercourt

Brackets Central - 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buff State Week Viewing Guide

Sectional Preview

The Schedule

 

Manhattan Cup

Class AA Bracket

Class A1 Bracket

Class A2 Bracket

Class B1 Bracket

Class B2 Bracket

Class C1 Bracket

Class C2 Bracket

Class D Bracket 

 

Far West Regionals 2017

Section VI 2017 All-Tournament Teams 

Crossover Tuesday 

Championship Saturday

JCC Friday

Class AA Semifinals

Class A1 Semifinals

Class A2 Semifinals

Class B1 Semifinals

Class B2 Semifinals

Manhattan Cup Semifinals

Niagara Falls is headed back to Buff State

Clarence beats Niagara Wheatfield in Pre-Quarterfinal

Poll Ballots - Week 10

 

Brackets Central 2016

Brackets Central 2015 

Brackets Central 2014 

Brackets Central 2013 

Brackets Central 2012 

Brackets Central 2011

 

- centercourt

Poll Ballots 2017 - Week 7

(Williamsville South & St. Francis battled on January 24th. The Billies won 67-53)

 

Large Schools

1. Williamsville South (A1) - Four wins over current top 10 large schools.  To me, the easiest way to begin is St. Francis is in first place in the MMA, so rank them highest among the private schools, with South above them.  The Billies also have a 2-1 record against Monsignor Martin large schools, with all three games played on the road.  St. Francis & Timon have both beat Park.  South won at St. Francis by 14 points & at Timon by six.

2. St. Francis (MMA) - Four wins over current top 10 large schools.  I had the Red Raiders #1 after defeating Park, and rightfully so.  The following week, they dropped the 14-point decision at home to the Billies.  I feel like the rest of the pollsters were late to the party and decided that Timon beating Park made Frannies #1.  I thought Frannies beating Park made them #1, and South moved ahead of Frannies for subsequently beating them.  

3. Timon (MMA) - Three wins over current top 10 large schools.  The Tigers lost to each team above them, but have defeated the next three below them.  They earned a reward for defeating Park, in the form of a spot above them on my ballot.  Davion Warren & Joe Harrison didn't even start the game against the Pioneers, but the Tigers hung in and finished the best game I've been at this season.

4. Park (MMA) - Three wins over current top 10 large schools.  The Pioneers still managed to get a first place vote this week, despite being in second place in their league.  Park has lost its last two games played against ranked large schools from WNY and it's been nearly a month since its last win over a top 10.  Last four wins came against CCA, Niagara Catholic, Walsh, & St. Mary's.

5. Amherst (A2) - Two wins over current top 10 large schools.  Rolled past Williamsville East last week, before winning a close contest with Sweet Home.  The Tigers visit West Seneca East on Tuesday, who they beat by 11 earlier in the season.

6. Canisius (MMA) - Two wins over current top 10 large schools.  Moved the Crusaders down a spot following a 14-point road loss at St. Francis, their first loss to the Red Raiders in over a decade.  Currently in fourth place in the MMA standings, Canisius needs a win at Park on Tuesday, or the play-in game becomes a likely scenario for the two-time defending CHSAA state champions.

7. Kenmore West (AA) - Two wins over current top 10 large schools.  Pulled into a tie for first place in the NFL with a 21-point win over visiting Grand Island, who had been on top in the league. Also the only team to sweep Lockport. A pair of interesting nonleague games for the Blue Devils this week against Cheektowaga & Sweet Home give them the opportunity to confirm they belong in this spot.

8. Lockport (AA) - The Lions are currently part of the four-way tie at the top of the NFL standings with Ken West, North Tonawanda, and Grand Island.  They replaced NT on my ballot after sweeping the season series against the Jacks.  Will look to knock Grand Island from the tie in the NFL on Friday night.

9. South Park (A2) - Winners of six straight games, the Sparks are finally starting to play like the team I pegged them to be in the preseason (predicted Yale Cup I & Class A2 winner).  They had no trouble last week disposing of Middle College, and followed it up with a 21-point win over McKinley for a sweep of the Macks.

10. Jamestown (AA) - Gave the final spot to the Red Raiders, who lost at Williamsville South on Tuesday night, but rebounded with a win over Orchard Park.  They host Lancaster on Tuesday night with first place on the line in ECIC I and need a win to stay here.

 

Small Schools 

1. East Aurora (B1) - Spent last week earning sizable wins over Depew in a pair of victories.  Pioneer and Lake Shore are on the schedule this week for the Blue Devils.

2. Middle College (B2) - In their only game since defeating Health Sciences, the Kats got rolled at South Park.  I kept them here, because I never counted double figure losses to top 10 large schools against the Falcons when they happened this year.  Big game for them at East tonight, before hosting McKinley on Thursday.

3. Health Sciences (B2) - The Falcons play Oracle tonight and then take a long vacation.  With two weeks left in the regular season, Health Sciences likely won't be back in action for 18 days, when the Class B2 quarterfinals tip on Friday, February 24th.

4. Chautauqua Lake (C1) - On Thursday night, the Thunderbirds have a huge game at Dunkirk, where they need a win to stay in first place with Olean in CCAA I West, who they split with this season.

5. Cardinal O'Hara (MMA) - Hung around most of the evening against Timon, trailing by just four points midway through the fourth quarter on Wednesday night.  Followed a 12-point loss to the Tigers with a 100-55 win over CCA.

6. East (C2) - The Panthers are tied for first place with South Park, who they defeated 90-77 in their first meeting, in the chase for the Yale Cup.  Disposed of McKinley & Hutch-Tech last week and will need to avenge a loss to Middle College tonight to stay in first.

7. Ellicottville (D) - The Eagles have been rolling along waiting for tonight.  Franklinville comes to town for the rematch of what was an intense first meeting.  A win will all but guarantee the top seed in Class D and an outright league championship in CCAA II East.

8. St. Mary's (MMA) - Coming off tough games with Timon & Park, the Lancers look to rebound this week with games conming up against CCA, Starpoint, and Niagara Catholic.

9. Burgard (B1) - The Bulldogs are hanging onto this spot, barely, on the strength of wins over Franklinville.  They edged Riverside last week and had a much closer-than-expected result with winless Emerson.

10. Franklinville (D) - The Eagles need a win at Ellicottville tonight for a share of the CCAA II East title.

 

- centercourt

Top Games of the Week: 2/6/17 - 2/12/17

(Park visits the first place Red Raiders on Friday night)

 

Monday, February 6th

Middle College @ East - 6 pm

South Park @ Burgard - 6 pm

MST Seneca @ Olmsted - 6 pm

Gowanda @ Randolph - 7:30 pm

Salamanca @ Allegany-Limestone - 7:30 pm

Franklinville @ Ellicottville - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, February 7th

Canisius @ Park - 6:30 pm

Cheektowaga @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Niagara Falls @ Grand Island - 6:30 pm

Wilson @ Medina - 6:30 pm

Lancaster @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, February 8th

Sweet Home @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Timon @ Aquinas - 7 pm

Nichols @ Niagara Catholic - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, February 9th

East @ Burgard - 4:30 pm

McKinley @ Middle College - 6 pm

Newfane @ Medina - 6:30 pm

Chautauqua Lake @ Dunkirk - 7:30 pm

Salamanca @ Gowanda - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, February 10th

Tapestry @ I-Prep - 6 pm

Park @ St. Francis - 6:30 pm

Cardinal O'Hara @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

Grand Island @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Cleveland Hill @ Lackawanna - 6:30 pm

St. Joe's @ Canisius - 7 pm

Lancaster @ Williamsville North - 7:30 pm

Maryvale @ Depew - 7:30 pm

St. Mary's @ Niagara Catholic - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, February 11th

Timon @ Olean - 2:30 pm

 

  * Game of the Week - Park @ St. Francis on Friday, February 10th

I try not to repeat teams when selecting a Game of the Week.  Park had its game with Canisius and St. Francis hosted Timon in 'Games of the Week' earlier this season.  But as I looked at the lineup of games that I'd be covering this week, I asked myself, why am I over-thinking this?  Park at St. Francis on Friday night is gonna be awesome!

For starters, let's look back at what happened when the two got together in Round One of the series on January 18th.  There was a nice crowd on hand at Park that night, but unfortunately not a sellout.  At the time, people were still sleeping on the Red Raiders.  They had never beat Park and at the time, were in a multiple season drought against both Timon and Canisius as well.  So why should anyone have expected that night could turn out the way it did?  Well, this geek who immerses himself in high school hoops for four months a year dubbed it the 'No Nights Off Monsignor Martin' in the preseason for a reason and was voting them #2 after Park before the game was even played...but I digress.

The first game was quite simply an epic evening.  Park took a 21-point lead in the first half and led by 19 points at the break.  St. Francis methodically chipped away in the third quarter to make it a two-point game heading to the fourth quarter.  The Pioneers quickly went back up by eight points to begin the final frame, but in the end, had to score last to take the Red Raiders to overtime.  Then another overtime.  When the smoke cleared, St. Francis was a 70-66 winner at the home of the top ranked Class A team in NYS.  For all the details of that game with point totals, box score, and quotes, click here.

Since that night, both teams have just one loss.  Frannies got clipped on their home court by Williamsville South and Park lost a second league game at Timon.  Also since that night, the Red Raiders have earned wins over Timon and Canisius.  The result: St. Francis now sits in first place in the league standings, ahead of Park, Timon, and Canisius, thanks to beating them all.  All of a sudden, Park finds itself in the position of needing a win on Friday night to avoid falling two games out of first place heading into the Manhattan Cup playoffs.  That's providing the Pioneers get past Canisius first on Tuesday night.  Remember, No Nights Off!  

 

- centercourt

 

Top Games of the Week: 1/30/17 -- 2/5/17

(Willard Anderson & East High will fight to stay in 1st place this week)

 

Monday, January 30th

McKinley @ East - 4:30 pm

Middle College @ South Park - 6 pm

Timon @ St. Mary's - 7:30 pm

Dunkirk @ Fredonia - 7:30 pm

Salamanca @ Randolph - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 31st

North Tonawanda @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Kenmore West @ Lew-Port - 7 pm

Wilson @ Roy-Hart - 7 pm

Jamestown @ Williamsville South - 7:30 pm

Hamburg @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm

Depew @ East Aurora - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, February 1st

Nichols @ St. Joe's - 6 pm

Timon @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

 

Thursday, February 2nd

McKinley @ South Park - 6 pm

St. Joe's @ Cheektowaga - 6:30 pm

Lackawanna @ Springville - 6:30 pm

Aquinas @ Williamsville South - 7:30 pm

Olean @ Dunkirk - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, February 3rd

Barker @ Wilson - 6 pm

Park @ Timon - 6:30 pm

Nichols @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

Grand Island @ Kenmore West - 7:30 pm

 Canisius @ St. Francis - 7 pm

  

 * Game of the Week - McKinley @ East on Monday, January 30th

 There's a traffic jam at the top of the standings in Yale Cup I and a pair of games on Monday that bare big implications on the quest to get your team's name inscribed on the coveted city trophy.

East, South Park, & Middle College are all sitting in a three-way tie for first place with league records of 7-1.  The back-to-back defending Yale Cup I champions from McKinley are sitting one game back with a mark of 6-2.  After Monday night, there are two possible outcomes that could help shape the race for the Cup.

If East defeats McKinley, the Panthers would be tied with the South Park/Middle College winner for first place.  However, a Macks victory would give the winner between the Sparks & Kats sole possession of first place.  So why isn't the game between the two teams currently tied for first place the 'Game of the Week' instead?  Because past history tells us just how good Monday's battle on Northampton will be.

The Panthers have been a WNY small school since 2012, while McKinley has been a staple of Class A1.  The Macks have won four of the last five Yale Cups ('12, '13, '15, '16) and went undefeated in all four of those title campaigns.  They also won a state championship in 2013.  But despite McKinley being a much larger school with a load of recent credentials that set them apart from the rest of the pack in the city, the Macks always find themselves in a serious dog fight when they take the court at East High.

Over the last five seasons, McKinley has won every trip to East - but the largest margin of victory in any of those trips was four points.  In the last five seasons combined, McKinley's wins at East came by a total of 13 points.  That means on average, the Macks have won at East by just 2.6 points.  That includes the state championship team of 2013 only getting out of East High with a 79-76 win.  Even in 2012, when East finished the season just one game above .500 and lost the first round at #MackHigh by 19 points, the Panthers home game against McKinley was a 67-64 game.

So with the defending champs coming into East High needing a win to avoid falling two games behind in the Yale Cup I standings, the hosts sitting in first place and believing they will finish there, and recent history all but promising a thriller in the city, the week of games ahead will get started in style - 'Game of the Week' style, with a 4:30 matinee between the Macks & Panthers!

 

- centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings 2017 - Week 7

 

The seventh state rankings for the 2017 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A 

Park #5    

St. Francis #12

Williamsville South #16   

Timon #22   

 

Class B

Health Sciences #8    

East Aurora #24     

Cardinal O'Hara #25

 

Class C 

Chautauqua Lake #3     

East #18         

 

Class D

Ellicottville #6 

Franklinville #9 

Sherman #19     

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

- Section VI goes 1-4 in the Far West Regionals this year.  Section V has three ranked Class AA teams to our zero.  In Class A, there are three teams ranked ahead of our highest ranked public school.  In Class C, Section V has the NYS #1 in Perry.  And in Class D, Prattsburgh is ranked two spots ahead of Ellicottville.  Apparently Health Sciences is our only hope.

 

- Losing to an unranked opponent only cost the Pioneers four spots.  Park went from #1 to #5 in NYS Class A for its home loss to St. Francis.

 

- The reward for St. Francis?  They return to the state rankings at #12, only two spots higher than they were two weeks ago, before they were dropped completely last week.  What I'm trying to figure out is, what had them ranked #14 two weeks ago? Beating Cathedral Prep?  And if beating Cathedral Prep (from PA) was worthy of #14, how is a win AT Park only good for two spots better?

 

- Williamsville South was punished harder for losing to unranked Amherst on the road than Park was for a home loss.  The Billies dropped nine spots from #7 to #16 in NYS Class A.

 

- Meanwhile, Amherst, who has been in the state's 'Honorable Mention' for weeks, remains there despite the win.  Dear NYS rankings:  It's time to rank the Tigers!  I know that much stock is put into "records" when compiling the state rankings, with much less weight on who wins & losses come against.  Well the "too many losses" garbage argument might work for continuing to not rank Canisius with a 7-5 record, but there is no excuse to not have Amherst ranked. They are 12-2 with no bad losses, but some impressive wins. 

 

- Just to recap on Amherst, the Tigers have spent five weeks this season as a NYS Class A Honorable Mention.  Then they defeat Williamsville South, who comes in ranked #7 in NYS Class A.  The prize?  More Honorable Mention.  How?  Why?

 

- Staying in NYS Class A, Timon dropped FIVE spots, from #17 to #22 for losing on the road to UPrep (#5 in NYS AA).  So that road loss is more punishable than Park losing at home to an unranked Class A team???  Please!!!  It sounds so ridiculous, you'd think I just made this stuff up for your entertainment.

 

- Cardinal O'Hara's sixth straight win was enough to finally get them into the poll, barely, at #25.  But it took a double-digit victory over Walsh, who had been #22 before being dropped for the loss.  

 

- East Aurora dropped five spots in NYS Class B, from #19 to #24 for its loss at Cheektowaga.

 

- Sherman lost to Clymer last week and fell seven spots, but not out of the rankings.  The Wildcats, who's best win this season came against Frewsburg, went from #12 to #19 in NYS Class D.

 

- Finally there's the Class C developments to leave you scratching your head like you have a bad case of itchy scalp.  The only two teams that have been ranked all season, Chautauqua Lake & East, both had league road games last week against defending state champions.  The Thunderbirds lost at Olean by one, while East lost at Middle College by three.  As a result, Chautauqua Lake moved up THREE spots from #6 to #3.  East fell four spots from #14 to #18.  Makes sense right?  

 

Click HERE to see the complete NYSSWA State Rankings.

 

- centercourt

Top Games of the Week: 1/23/17--1/29/17

(Juilian Cunningham & the Red Raiders host Timon on Friday night)

 

Monday, January 23rd

Canisius @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 24th

Health Sciences @ Timon - 6:30 pm

Depew @ Niagara Wheatfield - 6:30 pm

Albion @ Medina - 6:30 pm

Williamsville South @ St. Francis - 7 pm

Amherst @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 25th

Hutch-Tech @ Olmsted - 6 pm

Burgard @ Lackawanna - 6:30 pm

St. Mary's @ Canisius - 7 pm

  

Friday, January 27th

Franklinville @ Burgard - 6:30 pm

Bishop Kearney @ Canisius - 6:30 pm

CCA @ Nichols - 6:30 pm

Timon @ St. Francis - 7 pm

Cardinal O'Hara @ St. Mary's - 7:30 pm

Amherst @ St. Michael's - 7:30 pm

East Aurora @ Depew - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 28th

Orchard Park @ Medina - 6 pm

Barker @ Oakfield - 7:15 pm

RAP Classic at Aquinas

Williamsville South vs. UPrep - 2 pm

Jamestown vs. Irondequoit - 4 pm

Aquinas vs. Fairport - 7:30 pm

 

 * Game of the Week - Timon @ St. Francis on Friday, January 27th

In the 'No Nights Off' Monsignor Martin Association, Friday nights game between these two top five large schools should be a war.  Hailing from the same league, these guys have long been rivals!

The teams have much about their makeup in common.  Both have young coaches who have put their stamp on the program with a passionate approach.  Each team has some senior leadership, along with a crop of talented underclassmen to ensure they will both remain competitive in coming years and keep these battles ultra entertaining.

Last season, they faced off twice.  Both meetings went to the Tigers, but the first round required double overtime before Timon came out on top.  Each school reached the Manhattan Cup semifinals in Class A, before the two were eliminated by Canisius & Park.

It's been a long time since the Red Raiders knocked off their rivals from McKinley Parkway.  You have to go back to the 2010 season, before the current coaches had taken over the programs.  That's good for a 14-game winning streak for Timon against St. Francis.

What makes this year's rivalry so enticing?  For starters, the talent they both roll out on the court, but more so, it's the quality wins each has already earned this season.  Timon has the distinction of being the squad that finally clipped Canisius, after a lengthy win streak for the Crusaders over all the other WNY foes.  For St. Francis, there was a pretty major win earlier in the week at Park, who was not only #1 in WNY, but #1 in the state.  They won't be anymore and have the Red Raiders to thank for that.  A Friday night 'Game of the Week', South Buffalo style. As always, get there early!

 

- centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings 2017 - Week 6

 

The sixth state rankings for the 2017 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A 

Park #1

Williamsville South #7

Timon #17 

 

Class B

Health Sciences #9

East Aurora #19

Walsh #22

 

Class C 

Chautauqua Lake #5 

East #14 

 

Class D

Ellicottville #6 

Franklinville #9 

Sherman #12 

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

- Still no teams ranked in NYS Class AA, still no surprise.  UPrep has made it all the way to #4 in the state's highest classification, and at 11-2, one of its loses came from Niagara Falls.

 

- Mount St. Michael is #9 in NYS Class AA and needed overtime (along with Noah Hutchins on the bench) to defeat Park, who remains #1 in NYS Class A.

 

- St. Francis losing at unranked Canisius by three got them dropped from NYS Class A, after being #14 last week.  The Crusaders also remained unranked by the state.

 

- Timon moved up from #22 to #17 in NYS Class A.

 

- Health Sciences was penalized three spots in NYS Class B, falling to #9 after losing at St. Francis, but the Falcons are back in the state final four again with no Rochester teams ranked ahead of them.

 

- Walsh dropped seven spots in NYS Class B, from #15 to #22, for losing by two points at unranked Nichols.

 

- Dunkirk's loss at Chautauqua Lake has them out of the state rankings in NYS Class B, where they were #19 last week.

 

- Meanwhile, East Aurora moves up five spots in NYS Class B, from #24 to #19, following a week that saw them beat Maryvale by 14 points.  Newark, who traveled to Buffalo and beat the Blue Devils by eight points without ever trailing, is ranked six spots behind EA at #25.

 

- Chautauqua Lake is once again the team from Section VI in NYS Class C after knocking off Dunkirk.  The Thunderbirds jumped from #11 to #5, while East, who had been ahead of Chautauqua Lake, dropped from #10 to #14 after its loss at the buzzer to unranked Cardinal O'Hara.

 

- The three Class D teams ranked in NYS, Ellicottville, Franklinville, & Sherman, all moved up one spot from last week's rankings.

 

Click HERE to see the complete NYSSWA State Rankings.

 

- centercourt

Poll Ballots 2017 - Week 4

(Cardinal O'Hara is playing its best basketball in nearly a decade)

 

Large Schools

1. Park (MMA) - Quite a week in the books for the Pioneers.  After knocking off the best team in WNY over that last five years (Canisius), who now sits at #4, they defeated the second best team in WNY this year (South).  They also own wins this season over #3 (Timon) and #9 (Niagara Falls).  On Wednesday, they'll look to make it a clean sweep of the top four contenders in the area when St. Francis visits.

2. Williamsville South (A1) - Retired Mark Coppola's #21 in a ceremony prior to tip against Sweet Home on Friday night, who remains one of my favorite players I've ever watched play high school basketball.  The Billies put their unbeaten record in ECIC II on the line in the 'Game of the Week' on Friday.

3. Timon (MMA) - After trailing at halftime, the Tigers exploded for a 27-9 third quarter and outscored St. Joe's by 25 points in the second half.  Joe Harrison is one smooth sniper from the perimeter.  Niagara Catholic is the only game for Timon this week.

4. Canisius (MMA) - Rebounded from the Park loss on Tuesday to hang for the victory on in a wild one against St. Francis.  Speaking of smooth snipers, Nick MacDonald cannot be trusted to miss open looks from downtown!

5. St. Francis (MMA) - Fell behind early against Health Sciences, but came back to win the next three quarters and earn a 12-point win over the #1 small school.  Followed the same model at Canisius, except they weren't able to make up enough points over thee final three quarters to pull it out.  After an MLK Tournament at Bishop Grimes finishes up Monday, the Red Raiders are at Park on Wednesday night and host St. Joe's on Friday.

6. Amherst (A1) - Followed a 31-point win over Hamburg with a 22-point win over McKinley at the MLK Classic on Saturday.  The Tigers have won seven straight games and will look to avenge a December loss to Williamsville South this Friday night, after hosting Iroquois on Tuesday.

7. Jamestown (AA) - Collected a pair of ECIC I wins over Williamsville North & West Seneca West this week to stay unbeaten in league play.  The Red Raiders have a nonleague game at McKinley on Tuesday, before playing their two games with Frontier to finish the week.

8. North Tonawanda (A1) - Earned a 12-point win over Grand Island on Friday night to move back into sole possession of first place in the NFL.  The Jacks face two more important games this week and both are on the road - Kenmore West & Niagara Falls.

9. Niagara Falls (AA) - Since the loss to Grand Island, the Wolverines seem to have their game faces back on.  They took a 21-point win home from a trip to Lockport and then followed that up by rolling CSAT by 58 points.  They can move back into a tie for first place in the NFL with a win over North Tonawanda on Friday.

10. Lancaster (AA) - The Legends have won their last three games in ECIC I over Orchard Park, Frontier, & Williamsville North by an average margin of 19 points.  On Saturday afternoon, they visit St. Mary's for a local Lancaster rivalry game that earns one team bragging rights for a year.

 

Small Schools

1. Health Sciences (B2) - Bounced back from a loss at St. Francis with solid wins over Burgard and Tapestry.  The Falcons look to continue to soar at Global Concepts on Wednesday.

2. East Aurora (B1) - The Blue Devils seem very focused on earning a league title this season in ECIC III.  They've knocked off two of their top contenders for the prize by double figures, large schools Cheektowaga & Maryvale.  The rematch with the Warriors is Tuesday night.

3. Chautauqua Lake (C1) - Anyone who thought the Thunderbirds beating Olean was a fluke had to second guess themselves after Friday night.  Chautauqua Lake knocked off Dunkirk to take sole possession of first place in CCAA I West and stay unbeaten in a league with larger schools.  The real test comes on Thursday night in Olean, where the Huskies haven't lost a game since 2011.

4. Cardinal O'Hara (MMA) - It's time to salute the Hawks.  They are now on a most impressive four-game win streak that began with a 22-point win over St. Mary's.  They followed it with wins of 29 & 19 over Niagara Catholic & CCA.  Then on Saturday, O'Hara overcame a nine-point deficit in the last 1:28 of the game to defeat East. 

5. East (C2) - The Panthers lit the scoreboard up again with a 90-point outing against South Park last week, before dropping late lead to O'Hara on Saturday.  When you're taking 3-pointers with a lead, under one minute to play, and over 10 seconds left on the shot clock, it's as if you actually want to learn the hard way.  Situational basketball in tight games can make or break you.

6. Walsh (MMA) - Followed a narrow loss at Nichols with a 10-point win over Frewsburg.  The Eagles face Nigara Catholic this week, before a big date on Friday night at first place Cardinal O'Hara.

7. Ellicottville (D) - Stayed unbeaten in CCAA II East with a 15-point win over North Collins in their only action last week.

8. Franklinville (D) - Won a pair of league games by 30 & 31 points to remain one game back of the Eagles in league play.

9. Dunkirk (B1) - After the Marauders lost to Chautauqua Lake on Friday, I moved them behind Franklinville, who handily beat the Thunderbirds by 18 points just three weeks ago.

10. Depew (B1) - The Wildcats are just one game out of first place in ECIC III behind East Aurora, thanks to a thrilling win over Maryvale on Tuesday night.  They will look to improve to 11-1 on the season this week, with rematches against Pioneer & Lake Shore on tap.

 

- centercourt

Top Games of the Week: 1/16/17-1/22/17

 (One of the best games of this season to date was 'The Battle of Main St' Round I)

 

Tuesday, January 17th

East @ Middle College - 4:30 pm

Burgard @ South Park - 6 pm

Olmsted @ MST Seneca - 6 pm

Nichols @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

North Tonawanda @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Hamburg @ West Seneca East - 6:30 pm

East Aurora @ Cheektowaga - 6:30 pm

Jamestown @ McKinley - 6:30 pm

St. Joe's @ St. Mary's - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 18th

St. Francis @ Park - 6:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 19th

Burgard @ East - 4:30 pm

Middle College @ McKinley - 6 pm

Lafayette @ MST Seneca - 6 pm

Maryvale @ Cheektowaga - 6:30 pm

St. Mary's @ CCA - 6:30 pm

Chautauqua Lake @ Olean - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 20th 

Newfane @ Wilson - 6 pm

Walsh @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

North Tonawanda @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

Kenmore West @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

St. Joe's @ St. Francis - 7 pm

Williamsville South @ Amherst - 7:30 pm

West Seneca East @ Hamburg - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 21st

Lancaster @ St. Mary's - 2 pm

Timon vs. UPrep **at Roberts Wesleyan - 5:30 pm

 

 * Game of the Week - Williamsville South @ Amherst on Friday, January 20th

Williamsville South and Amherst have a natural rivalry.  The two Class A schools are both located on Main Street, with just 3.1 miles separating them.  There are friendships between players on both teams and between the two coaching staffs.  But as basketball programs go, while they give each other the highest respect, they are not fond of each other.

Last season, the two teams were in the top five of the large school poll and spent the season disposing of opponents on their league schedule.  When sectionals rolled around, both took the highest seed in their respective classes (South in A1 & Amherst in A2) and proceeded to win titles.  That set up a crossover game fans waited the entire season to see and packed Buffalo State to watch.  In the end, the Billies were victorious and advanced to the Far West Regional.  Then the offseason brought some news...divisional re-alignments placed the two in ECIC II together, and we no longer had to wait all season to see what has now been dubbed 'The Battle of Main Street'.

Round one between the two perennial winners took place on December 12th at Daemen College after South coach Gabe Michael opted to play his home game on a college floor for the experience.  As expected, an overflow crowd squeezed into the facility and two weeks into the season, created an atmosphere that felt like early March with a season on the line.  Four quarters of intense basketball weren't enough on that evening.  Following an overtime session, South had taken the early leg up in ECIC II.

Since that night, both teams have only looked better.  The Billies are now regarded as WNY's top Section VI team and the #2 ranked large school behind Park.  They've earned road victories at Timon, Williamsville North, and Cheektowaga.  The Tigers are the #6 ranked large school in WNY, which makes them the second highest ranked team from Section VI.  Amherst has victories this season over North Tonawanda, McKinley, Lancaster, & East.

To sum up what we have to look forward to - a Friday night rivalry game that will cram hundreds into the Amherst Jungle, with first place in ECIC II at stake, between the top two Section VI teams, and a rematch of both the 2016 overall Class A Final & an early season overtime classic!  This game is so big it comes with two titles: The "Battle of Main Street' Round II and the 'Game of the Week'.

 

- centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings 2017 - Week 5

 

The fifth state rankings for the 2017 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A 

Park #1

Williamsville South #7

St. Francis #14

Timon #22

 

Class B

Health Sciences #6

Walsh #15

Dunkirk #19

East Aurora #24

 

Class C 

East #10

Chautauqua Lake #11

 

Class D

Ellicottville #7

Franklinville #10

Sherman #13

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

- Still no teams ranked in Class AA.  The latest developments from here to Rochester - Fairport & UPrep (Class AA) have both lost to Irondequoit (Class A).  UPrep defeated Aquinas, both in Class AA.  Niagara Falls, who beat UPrep on December 3rd, lost at Aquinas over the weekend.  My prediction/speculation is that Lockport cracks the top 25 in NYS Class AA next week if they can beat Niagara Falls this week.

 

 -Williamsville South, who now owns the longest active win streak against WNY teams at 22 games heading into tonight against Iroquois, moves up one spot to #7 in NYS Class A.  The Billies also have the longest win streak of any team against Section VI competition at 29 games.  

 

- Thursday night at Park will feature #7 vs. #1 in NYS Class A as the Pioneers host the Billies.

 

- St. Francis is now the second highest ranked MMA team in NYS.  The Red Raiders have climbed to #14 in Class A.  They could move up even higher with wins over Health Sciences and Canisius this week.  

 

- Timon falls from #14 in NYS Class A to #22 following its second loss of the season at Park.  Canisius remains unranked for a second straight week, despite a lopsided win at St. Joe's, heading into tonight's game with #1 ranked Park.

 

- Walsh finally jumps in the NYS Class B rankings, landing at #15 - one spot ahead of St. Mary's, who was knocked out of the top 25.  Walsh defeated the Lancers in Lancaster on Sunday afternoon.  It was the second league loss in the same week for the reeling Lancers, who fell at Cardinal O'Hara also.

 

- East Aurora is back in the state rankings in Class B.  The Blue Devils took the #24 ranking at the expense of Lackawanna, who had been ranked #20.  EA beat the Steelers in their crib last Tuesday night.

 

- East and Chautauqua Lake each inched up one spot in the NYS Class C rankings, where the state still views THREE teams from Section V as superior to anything Class C has to offer.  Section V has only beat Section VI in the Class C regional once since 2009.

 

 

- Ellicottville returns to the top of the order of Class D teams tightly bunched in the NYS rankings.  

 

Click HERE for the complete NYSSWA State Rankings.

 

- centercourt

Poll Ballots 2017 - Week 3

(Sam Erickson & Franklinville are one of six Southern Tier small schools receiving my vote)

 

As a pollster, I rank the top ten large and small schools in WNY each week.  These rankings are based on games played through Sunday of each week.  Here's how I see them and some of the rationale used to get there.

 

Large Schools

1. Park (MMA) - The Pioneers were ranked #1 in NYS Class A last week, but I still arrived late to the party.  However, on the same day they debuted at #1 in the state, the team I had here (Canisius) finally fell locally.  So it's time.  The Pioneers have looked like the best team in WNY since the season began and the results to this point support that.  They're in the midst of a major local grind, coming off wins over Timon & St. Joe's and heading into a week with games against Canisius & Will South.

2. St. Francis (MMA) - The Red Raiders rolled Cardinal O'Hara by 33 points last week and welcome WNY's top ranked small school, Health Sciences, to town on Tuesday night.  Then on Thursday they travel to Canisius, looking for their first win against the Crusaders in over a decade.

3. Williamsville South (A1) - The Billies will put their undefeated record on the line at Park on Thursday night when they visit the Pioneers, if they can get past Iroquois first on Tuesday.  

4. Timon (MMA) - Made history last Tuesday by ending the 36-game winning streak held by Canisius against local opponents.  The 5-2 Tigers visit St. Joe's on Tuesday night and then take a 10 days off.

5. Canisius (MMA) - Rebounded from Tuesday's rare loss at Timon with a convincing win at rival St. Joe's.  League play is in full force and the Crusaders have a pair of battles on tap this week.  On Thursday night St. Francis rolls in, but first, there's a 'Game of the Week' with #1 Park to think about.

6. Amherst (A2) - Improved to 8-2 on the season with a win over West Seneca East on Saturday, behind a career-high 35 points from Marcellus Cooper.  The Tigers will host Hamburg on Friday and then match up with McKinley in the MLK Classic on Saturday night.  It will be the first time Amherst has played the Macks since 2013, when they lost the Class A1/A2 crossover game in a game they were leading in the final minute.  McKinley went on to win a state championship.

7. Jamestown (AA) - Earned a major win over McDowell (PA) on Monday night, before falling in the last game of the United Way Showcase to Leadership Academy on Saturday.  The ECIC I rivalry between the Red Raiders and Williamsville North renews on Friday night at 'The Mac'.

8. St. Joe's (MMA) - Had a very good showing earlier in the week against Park, not so much on Friday when Canisius came to Kenmore Avenue.  The Marauders have no losses to teams ranked below them, but did win the Lockport Tournament, which keeps them ahead of the Lions for now.  Big game with Timon this Tuesday.

9. Lockport (AA) - The Lions are now on a seven-game win streak and supported a win at North Tonawanda in December by winning at Grand Island on Friday night, after the Vikings had just won at Niagara Falls.  Tavon Chambers, Kyle Brown, and Malik Brooks have Lockport tied for first place in the NFL and all over the Buff State radar in Class AA.

10. North Tonawanda (A1) - I brought the Jacks back into the top 10 after bumping them following the loss at Amherst over break.  I was between them and Grand Island for this spot, and picked the Jacks for a slightly closer loss to Lockport than the one the Vikings suffered.  Turns out NT hosts GI on Friday night at the Lumber Yard.

 

Small Schools

1. Health Sciences (B2) - Rolled up another game over 100 points last week when they beat BASCS, 103-35.  
With just one loss this season at North Tonawanda, they will be in a major battle at at St. Francis on Tuesday.  Friday night's game at Burgard could also be an entertaining affair.

2. Walsh (MMA) - Pulled off a 73-68 win at St. Mary's on Sunday after trailing by five points with just over one minute remaining.  Tavien Kemp with another monster performance for the Eagles, dropping 46 points in the comeback victory.  Special things going on at Walsh this season.

3. East (C2) - Pulled away from Randolph late at the United Way Showcase after the Cardinals tied the game at 49-49 midway through the fourth quarter.  South Park, who already beat McKinley this season and swept the Panthers last year, visits tonight.  On Saturday, East plays Cardinal O'Hara at the MLK Classic.

4. East Aurora (B1) - After winning at Lackawanna on Tuesday, the Blue Devils scored an impressive 60-39 win over Cheektowaga to stay unbeaten in ECIC III, which was enough to convince me to bump them up a spot.  Friday night against Maryvale will be for first place in league.

5. Dunkirk (B1) - Won big at Fredonia, but had their game at Olean on Friday postponed.  This week the Marauders have a big date with Chautauqua Lake for first place in CCAA I West.

6. Ellicottville (D) - Rebounded nicely from a loss over break to Randolph with a win at Franklinville in the 'Game of the Week'. That win gave the Eagles wins over the their chief competition in Class D this year - the Panthers & Sherman.

7. Franklinville (D) - Tough setback for the Panthers, losing at home to Ellicottville after a big win over Chautauqua Lake the week before.  The Panthers have a pair of road games this week at Forestville and Cattaraugus/Little Valley.

8. Chautauqua Lake (C1) - The Thunderbirds are 8-1 including a win over Olean this season.  Friday night's game against Dunkirk could give them a big leg up in league play with a victory.

9. Randolph (C2) - Dug a big hole early against East on Saturday.  Once they figured the Panthers out and tied the game up, the Cardinals allowed another run and took the loss.  Something tells me we could see those two meet up again this season.  Wins for Randolph over Ellicottville and South Park this season make for a better resume than any other team eyeing this spot right now.

10. Depew (B1) - The only loss for the Wildcats this season was against Cheektowaga.  Considering the recent success of Grand Island (winning at Niagara Falls), I thought the combination of the Wildcats' 7-1 record and owning a neutral court win over the Vikings warranted this last spot.

 

- centercourt

Top Games of the Week: 1/9/17-1/15/17

(Canisius celebrates after defeating Park to win the Manhattan Cup)

 

Monday, January 9th

South Park @ East - 6 pm

 

Tuesday, January 10th

Medina @ Wilson - 6 pm

Park @ Canisius - 6:30 pm

Timon @ St. Joe's - 6:30 pm

Walsh @ Nichols - 6:30 pm

Niagara Falls @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Lackawanna @ Cleveland Hill - 6:30 pm

Health Sciences @ St. Francis - 7 pm

Newfane @ Barker - 7 pm

Williamsville North @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

Depew @ Maryvale - 7:30 pm

Olean @ Fredonia - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 11th

Burgard @ McKinley - 6 pm

 St. Mary's @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 12th

Williamsville South @ Park - 6:30 pm

St. Francis @ Canisius - 6:30 pm

 MST Seneca @ BASCS - 7 pm

 

Friday, January 13th

Health Sciences @ Burgard - 6 pm

Grand Island @ North Tonawanda - 7 pm

Medina @ Newfane - 7 pm

St. Mary's @ Nichols - 7:30 pm

Williamsville North @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

Maryvale @ East Aurora - 7:30 pm

Randolph @ Gowanda - 7:30 pm

Dunkirk @ Chautauqua Lake - 7:30 pm

 

 

Saturday, January 14th

Tapestry @ Health Sciences - 2:30 pm

MLK Classic at City Honors HS

Sweet Home vs. Olmsted - 12 pm

Middle College vs. Canisius - 1:45 pm

East vs. Cardinal O'Hara - 4:30 pm

McKinley vs. Amherst - 6:15 pm

 

* Game of the Week - Park @ Canisius on Tuesday, January 10th

There may be more storied rivalries across WNY, but the game between Park & Canisius is still the hottest ticket in town!

Two seasons ago, both teams won Federation championships in Class A & Class B respectively.  Those followed CHSAA state championships, which followed each team winning the Manhattan Cup.  The two teams remain the only ones from WNY to win NYS high school basketball's highest honor in the last six years.

Following the two Monsignor Martin Association powers winning the Federation over the same weekend in Albany in 2015, Park was moved up in classification to compete in Class A.  The implications of the move were that now they would have to go head-to-head twice during the regular season and compete in the same playoffs for the Manhattan Cup.  

During the 2016 regular season, Canisius swept the two games against Park.  The first was a victory on the Pioneers' home floor, accomplished with a strong second half, after falling behind by double figures in the second quarter.  The second meeting of the regular season was a low-scoring defensive affair that favored the Crusaders style of play.  After both teams advanced to the Manhattan Cup Final, the Pioneers had a chance at redemption, but it was Canisius who won for a third time in an epic overtime title game.  The Crusaders would go on to win two more games and secure a second straight CHSAA Class A state championship.

Canisius and Park finished the 2016 season ranked and regarded by everybody as the top two teams in WNY.  The leaders and First Team All-Centercourt selections from each team landed in the Division I ranks - the Crusaders' Stafford Trueheart to Hofstra and Park's Jordan Nwora to Louisville.  But the cupboards never run bare for these two giants.  The Pioneers alone have three players already with Division I offers.

The Pioneers will enter the game on Tuesday as the #1 ranked team in WNY, Canisius will come in at #5.  Playing the underdog role is certain to fuel the fire burning on Delaware Avenue, as the Crusaders have never lost a game to Park.  Since the Pioneers joined the MMA in 2014, Canisius is 5-0 against Park.  An overflow crowd watched them battle in 2015 and many never got to see the games in 2016 after they sold out at both schools.  Get there early on Tuesday or else turn your notifications on!

 

- centercourt

Poll Ballots - 2017 - Happy New Year!

(Randolph has made its case with recent wins over South Park & Ellicottville)

 

As a pollster, I rank the top ten large and small schools in WNY each week.  These rankings are based on games played through Saturday of each week.  Here's how I see them and some of the rationale used to get there.

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (MMA) - Okay, here's the deal...Call it a lifetime achievement award, call me a man of my word, or call it a 36-game streak that is still intact.  The Crusaders did drop three straight before defeating Elmira in the final game of the three-round Holiday Inn Classic. But let's look at those three losses: Cathedral Prep (traveled out of state to play with no shot clock), Mount Carmel of Maryland (who knows, they could have the next Carmelo Anthony), and Horseheads. Now I realize Horseheads in an unranked team from Section IV, but have you seen the Godfather?  What I'm trying to say is, no team from WNY should appear ahead of Canisius because I type their name.  League play in the MMA starts this week.  When, or if the mighty Crusaders fall to someone locally, I'll adjust accordingly.  Winning 36 straight and 68 of your last 69 games against WNY opponents deserves that level of respect.

2. Park (MMA) - Lost their first game of the season to Mount St. Michael, who went on to win the Holiday Inn Classic in Elmira.  The Pioneers did earn a pair of wins over the break and now set their sights on putting all that talent to work in a quest for the school's first Class A Manhattan Cup.  First up is a visit to St. Joe's on Tuesday.

3. St. Francis (MMA) - Giving Canisius a long leash on the Cathedral Prep loss doesn't mean the Red Raiders win over the Ramblers at the I-90 Showcase wasn't ultra impressive.  St. Francis earned the type of win that validates them as the elite team they've been talked about as and I don't think you'll even need your listening ears on to hear them make some noise this year.

4. Williamsville South (A1) - The Billies have been opening holiday gifts and slugging down egg nog since defeating Timon last year...(December 23rd).  They are unbeaten and resume game play after an 11-day layoff at Cheektowaga Tuesday night.  

5. Timon (MMA) - The Tigers traveled to Rhode Island over break and came back with a pair of wins.  All tuned up, they get the first crack at Canisius on Tuesday night at their place.  If that wasn't enough to be all geeked up about as school starts back up this week, they also have a Friday night tilt at Park.  Winning both of those games would be ringing in the New Year with a serious bang!

6. Amherst (A2) - These guys would be the first to tell you that my preseason polls should be taken with a grain of salt, or an entire shaker.  Absent from my top 10 on Black Friday and my predicted four at Buff State in Class A2, the Tigers have recent wins over Maryvale and North Tonawanda.  More importantly, they are loaded with players that are being groomed and will only get better.  Nine players scored in the 49-45 win over NT.  That many contributions in a low-scoring win speaks to their depth and that trust coach Chris Kensy has in his bench.

7. Niagara Falls (AA) - Like Williamsville South, the Wolverines used the break to take in the joyous yuletide and carb-load on sugar cookies.  They return to action this week after two weeks off with their sights set on winning the NFL, which happens if they run the table.  That's not such an easy task, and begins with a visit from Grand Island on Tuesday.

8. Cheektowaga (A2) - The Warriors' journey towards an ECIC III league crown begins at East Aurora on Friday night.  But first, Cheektowaga hosts Williamsville South on Tuesday, as the top two talents in WNY, Welch and Dolan, go head-to-head one last time.  At least until the playoffs.

9. Jamestown (AA) - Three games ahead this week for the Red Raiders, beginning with a visit from McDowell (PA) on Monday night.  They visit Lancaster in a game that will be key to the ECIC I race on Thursday and then host Leadership Academy on Saturday in the finale of their United Way Showcase.  

10. St. Joe's (MMA) - The Marauders are 4-0 locally and that includes road wins over Kenmore West & Lockport (who won at NT).  The intense league schedule in the MMA starts with a visit from Park on Tuesday, followed by a Friday night rivalry battle against Canisius.

 

Small Schools

1. Health Sciences (B2) - Used overtime to knock off Early College of Rochester at the I-90 Showcase.  It was good experience for the Falcons, as it was the first time they had to pull out a close victory this season.  They have a rematch with BASCS on Tuesday, who they defeated by 45 points in the first meeting.

2. St. Mary's (MMA) - The Lancers are 5-1 after winning the Five Guys Tournament, which included a win over host Williamsville North, who had just defeated McKinley.  Games against Niagara Catholic and Cardinal O'Hara are coming up for the Lancers this week, who didn't take long to shoot up my rankings.

3. East (C2) - Willard Anderson's late game heroics were nearly enough to get the Panthers past Clyde Savannah, but they ultimately dropped at nailbiter.  A second game with Riverside, who they beat by 18 in the first meeting, comes on Thursday, followed by a trip to the United Way Showcase in Jamestown to play Randolph.

4. Dunkirk (B1) - Beat Niagara Catholic over break, before dropping the championship game of the Harborcreek Tournament and falling to Rochester SOTA at the I-90 Showcase.  They'll look to get right in a rivalry game versus Fredonia on Wednesday before heading to Olean on Friday night.

5. East Aurora (B1) - Lost a battle with a similarly hard working Newark out of Section V team on Friday.  They will travel to Lackawanna on Tuesday night in an intriguing nonleague game before hosting Cheektowaga on Friday in a game with major implications on the race in ECIC III.

6. Walsh (MMA) - Tavien Kemp is averaging over 33 points per game and the Eagles own a win over Franklinville, who beat Chautauqua Lake, who beat Olean.  They'll welcome CCA to the Monsignor Martin Association on Tuesday night, before traveling to St. Francis on Friday.

7. Franklinville (D) - The Panthers earned all sorts of attention for their win over Chautauqua Lake at the IAABO Tournament on Friday.  Now the pressure is on with Ellicottville coming to town on Wednesday in a battle for first place in CCAA II East.

8. Chautauqua Lake (C1) - Sometimes a good loss is necessary, which is what the Thunderbirds are hoping.  A nonleague slip to Franklinville won't change anything other than rankings.  Games with Panama and Maple Grove are ahead for Chautauqua Lake this week.

9. Randolph (C2) - The win over South Park on December 16th gave us a good indication that the Cardinals were a team to be reckoned with.  Then winning their holiday tournament by avenging a loss to Ellicottville made it official.  They visit Salamanca on Friday night before a date with East, a potential counterpart in the Class C2 sectionals, on Saturday.

10. Ellicottville (D) - The Eagles slip behind Randolph after dropping the more recent meeting with the Cardinals, but have an opportunity to climb back up the rankings coming up on Wednesday - the 'Game of the Week' at Franklinville.

 

- centercourt

Top Games of the Week: 1/2/17 - 1/8/17

(Ellicottville visits Franklinville to ring in the New Year on Wednesday)

 

Monday, January 2nd

McDowell @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 3rd

Park @ St. Joe's - 6 pm

Niagara Wheatfield @ Wilson - 6 pm

Williamsville South @ Cheektowaga - 6:30 pm

Grand Island @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

Depew @ Cleveland Hill - 6:30 pm

Lew-Port @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

East Aurora @ Lackawanna - 6:30 pm

Canisius @ Timon - 7 pm

Maryvale @ Frontier - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 4th

Fredonia @ Dunkirk - 7:30 pm

Ellicottville @ Franklinville – 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 5th

Middle College @ Burgard - 6 pm

Depew @ Starpoint - 7 pm

Wilson @ Barker - 7 pm

Jamestown @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 6th

Timon @ Park - 6:30 pm

St. Mary's @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

Walsh @ St. Francis - 6:30 pm

Lockport @ Grand Island - 6:30 pm

Canisius @ St. Joe's - 7 pm

Clarence @ Williamsville North - 7:30 pm

Hamburg @ Williamsville South - 7:30 pm

Cheektowaga @ East Aurora - 7:30 pm

Dunkirk @ Olean - 7:30 pm

Silver Creek @ Gowanda - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 7th

United Way Showcase at Jamestown HS

Panama vs. Salamanca - 12 pm

Fredonia vs. Tapestry - 1:45 pm

East vs. Randolph - 3:30 pm

Sherman vs. Silver Creek - 5:15 pm

Jamestown vs. Leadership Academy - 7 pm

 

 * Game of the Week – Ellicottville @ Franklinville on Wednesday, January 4^th

We were cruising along through the first month of the season and the results seemed to have a certain flow to them, until we hit that tricky week between Christmas & New Year’s and everything we thought we knew got a little shook up. 

Ellicottville opened its season with a win over Randolph, a team that battled with Middle College in the Class C2 semifinal last season and brought back four starters.  The Eagles continued adding to the win column, including a victory at Gowanda, a Class B2 team that won CCAA I East last season.  The Eagles lone loss was to Chautauqua Lake – a two-point heartbreaker to the #2 ranked team in NYS Class C who would go on to defeat Olean a week later.  Everyone took notice of Ellicottville, and the Eagles became a ranked small school locally. They also climbed to the #5 ranked school in NYS Class D, one of two teams along with Sherman from Section VI to be ranked by the state in Class D.

Franklinville’s schedule was equally challenging, if not more so, to get the season started.  The Panthers first hosted Burgard, one of the Yale Cup’s best teams, and took a three-point loss.  They rebounded to earn their first win over Randolph, who Ellicottville had also beaten, only by a larger margin.  Franklinville added a win over Portville, before suffering another three-point loss – this time at the hands of Tavien Kemp and Walsh on December 14^th.

Heading into the holiday break, I was calling for everyone to beware of Franklinville, but couldn’t sneak them into the small school poll due to the losses to Burgard & Walsh, also unranked.  But then came that tricky week I mentioned at the top, and plenty has changed.  The Panthers followed a win over Allegany-Limestone with a convincing victory over Chautauqua Lake.  Over the same two-day stretch, Ellicottville narrowly defeated Sherman to support its ranking above them, but fell the following night in a rematch with Randolph.  The combination of results from those four games is sure to change where WNY and NYS have these two slotted when the rankings come out early this week.  Two days after I show my hand with another small school poll and the day after the next state rankings come out, Ellicottville & Franklinville get it on to end the speculation.

Never mind where I rank them or what the state thinks, this game will be for first place in CCAA II East, as we have a pair of league rivals facing off.  This game effects the league race, sectional seeding points, rankings, and the mental state of both teams.  Both enjoyed success last season and returned their key talents.  And each team has one of WNY’s elite players – Elliot Bowen for the Eagles and Sam Erickson for Franklinville.  The Panthers also added a transfer from Fillmore with some height and talent, which certainly doesn’t hurt their chances.

 It looks like I’ll be making my first ever trip to Franklinville on Wednesday night and I’m very much looking forward to it.  Save me a seat, I like to sit right at…

 

- centercourt

Poll Ballots 2017 - Merry Christmas

 

 (Williamsville South and Timon treated fans to a duel between top WNY large schools)

 

 As a pollster, I rank the top ten large and small schools in WNY each week.  These rankings are based on games played through Saturday of each week.  Here's how I see them and some of the rationale used to get there.

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (MMA) - The Crusaders suffered their first loss of the season two days before Christmas when they got rolled by the Ramblers of Cathedral Prep.  However that loss doesn't effect the Canisius win streak against teams from WNY, which is at 36 games.

2. Park (MMA) - Play in the Josh Palmer Fund Holiday Inn Classic at Elmira this week, a three-day/eight-team tournament.  The Pioneers open against Elmira are on the opposite side of the bracket from Canisius, who also makes the trip.  If Park wins that tournament, I'll take them to number one...even if the Canisius streak is still intact.

3. Williamsville South (A1) - Another streak remained intact just before Christmas.  The Greg Dolan-led Billies have only lost to two WNY teams since he took the court as a freshman in December 2014 - a league split with Starpoint during his freshman campaign and a loss to Canisius last year.  Williamsville South passed a big test with a win at Timon last Thursday night.

4. Timon (MMA) - Wins over Bishop Kearney and Amherst and the South loss have the Tigers sitting at 2-1. They will spend this week tuning up for what will be a major start to the New Year in league play, with a pair of games in Rhode Island.

5. St. Francis (MMA) - The Red Raiders' four wins over Orchard Park, West Seneca East, Dunkirk, & Kenmore West came by an average margin of 33 points.  On Thursday night, they face the Cathedral Prep team that just defeated Canisius by 20.

6. North Tonawanda (A1) - Followed up their 13-point home loss to Lockport with a drubbing of CSAT.  The Jacks face Starpoint on Thursday and could see Amherst on Friday night in a tournament championship game.  

7. Niagara Falls (AA) - The Wolverines were two-points shy of a 50-point win over Lew-Port coming off a pair of losses in Rochester last weekend.

8. Cheektowaga (A2) - Three straight wins for the Warriors get them to 4-3 on the season.  In two of those wins (Starpoint & Depew), Dom Welch outscored the opponent by himself.  Then in a tournament championship win over St. Mary's, Welch registered a triple-double & earned MVP honors.

9. Amherst (A2) - Came away with a convincing 65-50 victory over Maryvale on Friday night.  The Tigers host the Bob Hettler Tournament this week, facing Sweet Home in the opening round.  A potential championship game with North Tonawanda looms.

10. Jamestown (AA) - Improved to 3-1 with wins over Clarence and Orchard Park prior to Christmas.  

 

Small Schools

1. Health Sciences (B2) - With two months left in the regular season, the Falcons are already nine games into their season.  An 8-1 record includes some routs and a win over Dunkirk.  They play Rochester's Early College in the I-90 Showcase at Villa Maria College on Thursday n ight.

2. East (C2) - In their last two wins, the Panthers have scored 221 points, with junior Willard Anderson netting 79 points in those two games.

3. Chautauqua Lake (C1) - The Thunderbirds historic first victory over Olean kept them undefeated and sent them shooting up my rankings.

4. Dunkirk (B1) - The Marauders are 3-2 with three games coming up this week - two in the Harborcreek Tournament and the third against Rochester SOTA at the I-90 Showcase at Villa Maria College.

5. East Aurora (B1) - The Blue Devils improved to 6-1 with a win over CSAT, but slip back two spots under Chautauqua Lake & Dunkirk this week.  East Aurora lost big to the same Olean team that Chautauqua Lake just defeated.  They share the common opponent of CSAT with Dunkirk.  EA beat them by 12, while Dunkirk's margin of victory was 22 points.

6. Ellicottville (D) - The Eagles are sitting at 5-1 with a few impressive victories and their lone loss at the hands of Chautauqua Lake by two points.  A first-round Randolph Tournament battle with Sherman on Thursday is a game to keep your eyes on.

7. Nichols (MMA) - Play in the IAABO Tournament this week against Bradford (PA) and could possibly see Olean in the second round.  We really need league play to begin in the MMA to sort some things out.

8. St. Mary's (MMA) - The Lancers' first loss of the season came at the hands of Cheektowaga on Friday night. It's tough to gauge that result in a small school poll context.  We really need league play to begin in the MMA to sort some things out.

9. Walsh (MMA) - The Eagles lost their first game this season to Corning, despite Tavien Kemp going off for a WNY season-high 47 points.  What does it all mean? I repeat,  we really need league play to begin in the MMA to sort some things out.

10. Lackawanna (B2) - I wanted to put Franklinville here, but they lost to Burgard.  I wanted to put Burgard here, but they lost to Middle College. I wanted to put Middle College here, but they lost to MST Seneca. I wanted to put MST Seneca here, but they lost to Newfane.  I wanted to put Newfane here, but they lost to O'Hara, who lost to Tapestry...and Tapestry lost to Burgard and Medina.  Follow all that?  So the Steelers, now 5-0, get the last spot.  I had them way up at #5 last week, but a pair of wins over Eden and Springville by a combined 10 points aren't the commanding results posted by the #5 small school in WNY.  

 

- centercourt

ADPRO Public/Private Challenge - 2016 Lineup

 

For the next three nights, I will set up shop at centercourt from Depew High School to cover the ADPRO Public/Private Challenge.  The 10 game showcase is WNY's largest annual high school basketball event, pairing the teams from the Monsignor Martin Association against public schools from various leagues throughout Section VI.

 

The event was originated by former St. Mary's AD/Coach Kevin Kelleher and ADPRO Senior vice president & former Sweet Home coach Paul Schintzius and started out as the ECIC / MMA Challenge. Since it's inception, the event has grown, now billed as the "Public/Private Challenge" as it expanded past just the ECIC to include teams from all over WNY.   St. Mary's hosted the Challenge for years, before Canisius and St. Joe's each took a turn hosting the event.  This season will mark the second straight year the event takes place at Depew.

 

Below is the complete three-day schedule, and as you will notice, it includes multiple games that will impact Large & Small School Poll votes and be talked about for the rest of the season.

 

Thursday, December 15th

Starpoint vs. Niagara Catholic - 5 pm

Newfane vs. Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

Friday, December 16th

Maryvale vs. Nichols - 5 pm

West Seneca East vs. St. Mary's - 6:30 pm

Amherst vs. Timon - 8 pm

Saturday, December 17th

Fredonia vs. Walsh - 12 pm

Depew vs. CCA - 1:45 pm

Kenmore West vs. St. Francis - 3:30 pm

Cheektowaga vs. Park - 5:15 pm

Jamestown vs. Canisius - 7 pm

 

Below are links to some past ADPRO Challenge coverage:

Saturday's games from 2015 ADPRO Challenge - Canisius vs. Williamsville South finale

Friday's games from 2015 ADPRO Challenge - Park vs. Amherst finale

Thursday's games from 2015 ADPRO Challenge - St. Joe's vs. Niagara Falls finale

Canisius handles Olean in the 2013 featured matchup

St. Mary's defeats Clarence at 2013 ADPRO Challenge

Olean defeats Canisius in epic battle of WNY's top small school vs. top large school from 2012 ADPRO Challenge

 

-centercourt

Classifications for the 2017 Season

                      

 

Class AA (10 Teams)                                                        

Niagara Falls - NFL                                                                     

Jamestown - ECIC I                                                              

Kenmore West - NFL                                                                 

Lancaster - ECIC I                                                                       

Frontier - ECIC I                                                                         

Willaimsville North - ECIC I                                                            

Niagara Wheatfield - NFL                                                          

Orchard Park - ECIC I                                                              

Lockport - NFL                                                                             

Clarence - ECIC I

 

Class A1 (10 Teams)                                                              

Williamsville South - ECIC II                                                   

McKinley - Yale Cup I                                                                

North Tonawanda - NFL                                                           

Hamburg - ECIC II                                                               

Grand Island - NFL                                                                   

West Seneca East - ECIC II                                                      

Sweet Home - ECIC II                                                               

Williamsville East - ECIC II                                                 

West Seneca West - ECIC I                                                      

Hutch-Tech - Yale Cup I  

 

Class A2 (11 Teams)

Amherst - ECIC II

South Park - Yale Cup

Cheektowaga - ECIC III

Olean - CCAA I West

Maryvale - ECIC III

Lew-Port – NFL

Starpoint - ECIC III

Lake Shore - ECIC III

Pioneer - ECIC III

Iroquois - ECIC II

Kenmore East - NFL

 

Class B1 (16 Teams)                                                            

East Aurora - ECIC III                                                    

Newfane - N-O                                                                     

MST Seneca - Yale Cup II                                                   

Depew - ECIC III                                                                      

Dunkirk - CCAA I West                                                          

Burgard - Yale Cup I                                                                

Riverside - Yale Cup I                                                              

CSAT - NFL                                                                             

Emerson - Yale Cup I                                                            

Alden - ECIC IV                                                                  

I-Prep - Yale Cup II                                                                 

Fredonia - CCAA I West                                                        

City Honors - Yale Cup II                                                    

Albion - N-O                                                                           

Tonawanda - ECIC IV                                                           

Springville - ECIC IV

 

Class B2 (15 Teams)

Health Sciences - Charter

Middle College - Yale Cup I

Medina - N-O

Gowanda - CCAA I East

Lackawanna - ECIC IV

Olmsted - Yale Cup II

JFK - ECIC IV

Wilson - N-O

Roy-Hart - N-O

Akron - N-O

Oracle - Charter

Southwestern - CCAA I West

Eden - ECIC IV

Buffalo Arts - Yale Cup II

Lafayette - Yale Cup II

                                                                  

Class C1 (10 Teams)                                                    

Chautauqua Lake - CCAA I West                                            

Cleveland Hill - ECIC IV                                                           

Portville - CCAA I East                                                      

Salamanca - CCAA I East                                                       

Allegany-Limestone - CCAA I East                                        

Maritime - Charter                                                                     

DaVinci - Yale Cup II                                                               

Tapestry - Charter                                                                  

Falconer - CCAA I West                                                           

Cassadaga Valley - CCAA II West

 

Class C2 (11 Teams)

East - Yale Cup I

Randolph - CCAA I East

Barker - N-O

Silver Creek - CCAA I East

Maple Grove - CCAA I West

BASCS - Charter

Cattaraugus/Little Valley - CCAA II East

Frewsburg - CCAA II West

Holland - ECIC IV

Global Concepts - Charter

Westfield - CCAA II West

 

Class D (9 Teams)

Ellicottville - CCAA II East

Sherman - CCAA II West

Franklinville - CCAA II East

Clymer - CCAA II West

Pine Valley - CCAA II East

Panama - CCAA II West

Forestville - CCAA II East 

Brocton - CCAA II West

North Collins - CCAA II East

 

Monsignor Martin Class A

Canisius

Park

Timon

St. Francis

St. Joe's

 

Monsignor Martin Class B

Nichols

Cardinal O'Hara

St. Mary's

Walsh

CCA

Niagara Catholic

 

-centercourt                

Season Preview: 2016-2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Cheektowaga's Dominick Welch [above] and Olean's Jeff Anastasia [right] each have a chance to break historic WNY records before the end of the 2017 season / Photos by Nick LoVerde [above] & Dave DeLuca [right]) 

 

 

 The 2016-2017 Pre-View From Centercourt contains:

- Feature on Jeff Anastasia & Dominick Welch

- What's New

- Returning 2016 All-Centercourt Players

- Player Watch List for 2017

- A League-by-League look at the teams

(MMA, Yale Cup, ECIC,  NFL, N-O, CCAA, & Charters)

- CoachingChanges

- Classification Changes

- Preseason Top 10 Large & Small Schools

- Predictions

******************************************

Every season begins with certain story lines.  They could be anything from a veteran head coach taking over a storied program, to major transfer news, to a team that appears built for a state run, and just about everything in between that we talk about in anticipation of another year.  Heading into the upcoming 2017 high school basketball season in Western New York, there are two prominent figures from the local scene that have shown a greatness since they first took the court with their respective teams, and now both are on the verge of history.  Jeff Anastasia, the Hall of Fame and two-time state champion head coach at Olean could become WNY's all-time winningest coach before the season ends.  Dominick Welch, already a Section VI champion and three-time All-Centercourt selection, could end his career at Cheektowaga as the area's all-time scoring leader.  While the legend of both of these greats is already well cemented in the minds of hoop fans, I'm anticipating reading each of their names at the top of the record books, in the respective categories.

 

Mel Palano and Ritchie Campbell are the two names that have been at the forefront of high school basketball in WNY for years.  Palano, the long time coach at Bishop Timon/St. Jude, retired with a resume that included 544 wins.  Campbell starred at Burgard in the late 80's and finished his high school career with 2,355 points.  For years, fans have looked at the two names at the top of those lists, marveled at their accomplishments, and wondered...will anyone ever touch those lofty marks?

 

For Anastasia, breaking Palano's record for career coaching wins is something you could see coming.  The consistent success his team's have enjoyed due to the program he has established are best illustrated by his wins per season.  Last season, there were a total of 10 teams (including Olean) from Section VI that recorded at least 17 victories.  In his 30 years behind the bench for the Huskies, Anastasia has averaged 17.29 wins per season.  For many coaches, a 17-win season would be the one they remember as their best year over a career.  However in Olean, Anastasia has made it par for the course.  Entering the 2017 campaign with 536 career victories to his credit, he needs just nine wins to reach the magic number of 545.

 

The path to Welch surpassing Campbell's career scoring mark won't be an easy one.  Cheektowaga plays in a competitive league and faces some very sharp coaches along the way.  The Warriors also play one of the most difficult nonleague schedules in WNY, so as he's always done, Welch will really have to earn it.  The high-flying senior who can do anything and everything on the court, has 1,708 career points after averaging 28.9 per contest as a junior in 21 games.  If he stays healthy and plays in every game, Welch is guaranteed another 21 games.  He is 648 points from owning the mark and would need to average 30.86 points over 21 games.  However, keep winning in the postseason, and it really starts to look attainable.  Reaching Buffalo State would get the Warriors to 22 games, where he'd need to average 29.45 points.  Reaching the Class A2 final takes 23 games and drops the needed average to 28.17, less than his output during junior year.  Welch has made it clear to me that his priority this year is to win with his friends, who he also calls teammates.  As the old cliche goes, winning takes care of everything.

*************************************************************

 

What's New

 

- After 35 years in Glens Falls, the NYSPHAA State Championships will now be played in Binghamton for at least the next three years.

 

- The NYS Federation Tournament of Champions, which features public, catholic, independent, and PSAL (NYC) champions, returns to its original home - Glens Falls, NY.

 

- WNY basketball says goodbye to Bennett High.  Those players who were to be seniors for the Tigers this season, will play for Middle College instead.

 

- Despite the folding of Bennett, there will still be 103 teams competing between Section VI and the MMA.  That's because Christian Central Academy of Williamsville, known as CCA, is now part of the Monsignor Martin Association for hoops.  Like Park once did, CCA formerly participated in the IAC.

 

- The Pastor-Cooper Showcase at Daemen College, long regarded as the official start to the high school hoops season each year, doesn't tip for the boys until December 7th & 8th.  That makes the Cataract City Classic at Niagara Falls High School the season's first major event, featuring seven games played over two days on December 2nd & 3rd, including an early clash of the titans -- Niagara Falls vs. Park.

 

- The ADPRO Public/Private Challenge, which has rotated venues the past three seasons, looks to have found a home at Depew High School.  The Challenge will take place at the Home of the Wildcats for a second straight season, with 11 games featured over three days (December 15th, 16th, & 17th), headlined by Canisius vs. Jamestown.

 

- The two defending public school state champions, Olean & Middle College, have zero chance to repeat as NYSPHAA Class B & Class C champs respectively.  That's because both teams were moved up to a higher classification this season.  The Huskies will compete in Class A2 this season, after winning the NYSPHAA Class B state title and the Kats jump up to Class B2 after winning it all in NYSPHAA's Class C.

 

- Six teams have changed leagues from last season:

Amherst to ECIC II, Starpoint & Lake Shore to ECIC III, Springville to ECIC IV, CSAT to the NFL, and Emerson to Yale Cup I.

 

 - It's Rochester's year to host the Far West Regionals again.  This season, all five games for the right to move on to Binghamton will be played at Rush-Henrietta High School.  In 2015, the regionals for Classes B, C, & D were held there.

 

************************************************

 

The Players

*** Four of the top 20 players from the 2016 All-Centercourt Team return to the WNY high school hoops scene, along with another 12 players that received Honorable Mentions following last season.

Returning First Teamers
 Dominick Welch - Cheektowaga, Senior

 * 28.9 PPG  /  11.6 RPG  /  3.6 APG  /  2.9 BPG  /  2.3 SPG *

 * as a junior

After eclipsing 1,000 career points as a sophomore, he surpassed the same mark with rebounds as a junior.  Entering his fifth and final varsity season, the dynamic talent has a chance to break the all-time WNY scoring mark and should finish as a 2,000 point scorer with over 1,000 rebounds - unheard of!  Not to mention he swats everything in his vicinity, while taking advantage of every sliver of space to cram the ball through the rim and bend the iron...#BOOM!  (Photo: James McCoy/Buffalo News)


 Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, Junior

 *18.2 PPG  /  7.7 RPG  /  6.0 APG  /  3.2 SPG *

 * as a sophomore 

Made believers out any fans who weren't quite convinced of his greatness two years ago, with a sensational sophomore campaign that included leading South to its first regional title in Class A.  While the Billies were a talented veteran team, there's no question that Dolan was the straw that stirred their drink.  An underrated rebounder and a driven do-it-all point guard, he'll look to lead a whole new cast back to a third straight Section VI crown. (Photo: Harry Scull/Buffalo News)

 

Returning Second Teamer

 James Rojas - Jamestown, Senior

 * 21.8 PPG  /  10.1 RPG  /  2.7 APG  /  1.5 SPG  /  1.2 BPG *

 * as a junior

After playing a complimentary role for the Red Raiders as a sophomore, Rojas exploded on the scene last season and put the Red Raiders on his back - carrying them back to the Class AA final.  Expect another breakout season from the inside/outside threat who can put the ball on the floor, finish with ease at the rim, and look dominant in the process.  This is a Division I talent who should be held in the highest regard among returning players in the area. (Photo: James McCoy/Buffalo News)

 

Returning Fourth Teamer

Tavien Kemp - Walsh, Senior

 * 21.0 PPG  /  4.5 RPG  /  3.7 SPG  /  3.5 APG *

 * as a junior

Was the standout talent for the Eagles' team that took the number one seed into the Manhattan Cup playoffs a season ago.  Blends exceptional quickness with his high IQ for the game, to break down defenses as he slithers to the basket.  Has quick hands and plays with a subtle aggression, maintaining the same intensity all game.  Walsh will be back in the mix for the Manhattan Cup in Class B with him leading the charge. (Photo: Harry Scull/Buffalo News)

 

 

Returning 2016 Honorable Mentions

Chris Robson - Sr., Sherman -  19.7 PPG  /  5.3 RPG  /  3.2 APG  /  3.0 SPG  /  .5 BPG  as a junior

Shakur Harris - Sr., South Park -  16.2 PPG  /  2.9 SPG  /  2.1 RPG  /  1.9 APG   as a junior

Will Johnson - Sr., Nichols -  15.8 PPG  /  4.0 APG  /  4.o RPG  /  2.o SPG  as a junior

Marcellus Cooper - Sr., Amherst -  14.5 PPG  /  10.0 RPG  /  2.0 BPG  / 0 .7 APG  as a junior 

Davion Warren - Sr., Timon -  12.5 PPG  /  7.7 RPG  /  2.1 APG  /  1.8 SPG  as a junior

Nate Brawdy - Jr., Gowanda - 23.1 PPG  /  9.2 RPG  /  4.5 APG  /  2.3 SPG  as a sophomore

Elliot Bowen - Jr., Ellicottville -  19.3 PPG  /  12.2 RPG  /  2.5 BPG  /  1.3 SPG  as a sophomore

Devin Pope - Jr., Chautauqua Lake -  17.7 PPG  /  5.3 RPG  /  3.0 APG  /  3.0 SPG  as a sophomore

Willard Andreson - Jr., East -  15.7 PPG  /  3.0 RPG  /  3.0 APG  /  2.0 SPG  as a sophomore

Jalin Cooper - Jr., Medina -  15.5 PPG  /  10.2 RPG  /  2.5 APG  /  2.1 SPG  /  2.1 BPG  as a sophomore

Ray Blackwell - Jr., Maryvale -  14.5 PPG  /  3.5 SPG  /  3.4 RPG  /  3.0 APG  as a sophomore

Noah Hutchins - So., Park -  9.9 PPG  /  4.0 RPG  /  3.5 APG  /  2.7 SPG  as a freshman

 

Player Watch List:

Joe Jones - 11 (Park), Daniel Scott - 10 (Park), Ryan Bradley - 11 (Canisius), Austin James - 11 (Canisius), Master Radford - 11 (Timon), Bo Sireika - 11 (St. Francis), Julian Cunningham - 10 (St. Francis), Nick Montgomery - 12 (East Aurora), Charles Lamar - 12 (Niagara Falls), Syquan Ralands - 11 (Niagara Falls), Adam Braniecki - 12 (Williamsville South), Jacob Genzel - 11 (Hamburg), Chris Stineman - 10 (West Seneca East), Chad Biersbach - 11 (Depew), Davonte Gaines - 11 (Health Sciences), Tyron Lott - 11 (Health Sciences), Tyler Hind - 9 (Randolph), Trevor Book - 11 (North Tonawanda), Tyler Aquilina - 12 (Kenmore West), Nate Luckman - 12 (Barker), Kyle DeVoogel - 11 (Newfane), Max Weber - 11 (Newfane), Hakeem Dobbins - 11 (Middle College), Davonti Wardlaw - 12 (McKinley), Elijah Lewis - 10 (South Park), Justin Allen - 11 (East), Mike Schmidt - 10 (Olean), Sam Erickson - 11 (Franklinville), Naseer Jackson - 12 (St. Joe's), Amir Radford - 10 (City Honors), Kyle Ebert - 11 (Frontier), Devin Degree - 10 (Williamsville South), Christian Snell - 11 (Alden), Carlton Threeths - 10 (Lackawanna), London Smith - 11 (Lackawanna), Jarrett Lecceadone - 12 (Randolph), Jalen Bradberry - 8 (Niagara Wheatfield), Kameron Briggs - 10 (Health Sciences), Jarmani Benton - 11 (Gowanda), Nader Ngoopas Kompany - 11 (Middle College), Jayce Johnson - 11 (Canisius), Juston Johnson - 10 (Timon), Terrell Mullen - 9 (Cardinal O'Hara), Justin Hemphill - 10 (Cardinal O'Hara), Latrell Butler-Kemp - 11 (Walsh), Aidan Horan - 9 (Nichols), Daniel Reid - 12 (Olmsted), Daesean Ashley - 9 (Amherst)

 

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League-By-League 

Monsignor Martin Association

Large Schools - CLASS A

Canisius is now the two-time defending CHSAA state champion in Class A, and despite graduating another strong senior class that included a second straight CC MVP in Stafford Trueheart, expect the Crusaders' success to keep rolling.  Jayce Johnson and Colby Moultrie return with plenty of experience, while the additions of Ryan Bradley and Austin James help ensure the Crusaders remain elite.  Park has no seniors on its roster, but does have three of the best players in WNY in Noah Hutchins, Joe Jones, and Daniel Scott.  Brandon Smith is also back after missing last season due to injury and will make a big impact for the Pioneers, who have some considerable young size on their bench.  Timon has players at every spot on the floor and depth to back it up.  Davion Warren is back following his breakout season, and the Tigers hope to have William Lamar back in January following a football injury.  St. Francis has its best team in the last 10 years, with a very deep team that has realistic expectations of a Manhattan Cup.  The Red Raiders benefit from some key additions, along with returning their top eight from a year ago.  St. Joe's has seven players back, led by senior guard Naseer Jackson.  Caleb Cockrell, Mike Telesco, and Jack Capen all played extended minutes last season for the Marauders, and they'll look to Hunter Dimitroff for inside presence.

***

Canisius:  Colby Multrie 12, Jake Zeis 12, Pat Weir 12, Chris Topper 12, Mark Baldy 12, Jayce Johnson 11, Ryan Bradley 11, Austin James 11, Nick MacDolnald 11, Conner McCaffrey 11, Brendan Trapper 11, Peter Atkinson 11, Jack Collins 11, John Evans 11, Cam Hall 10

Park:  Joe Jones 11, Brandon Smith 11, Marques Lowe 11, Cam Hennings 11, Noah Hutchins 10, Daniel Scott 10, Jordan Gompah 10, Julian Eziukwu 10, Quentin Nnagbo 10, John Orugun 9, Jaylen Stewart 9

Timon:  Joe Harrison 12, William Lamar 12, Davion Warren 12, Tim Payne 12, Master Radford 11, Matt O'Brien 11, Steve Reinhardt 11, Cullen Tonge 11, Joey Rozeski 11, Juston Johnson 10, Adrian Baugh 10, Jaurney Boyland 10, Alero World 10, Jayon Renfro 10

St. Francis:  Roburt Welch 12, Sean Taggart 12, Jerry Hickson 12, Connor Cummings 12, Evan Mangan 12, Bo Sireika 11, Owen Woyshner 11, Josh Palmer 11, Dylan McDuffie 11, Retsen Daley 11, Devon Darrell 11, Julian Cunningham 10, Traevonne Scott 10, Justin Pomphey 10, Dorian Ivey 10, Lucas Theisan 10, David Bartholomew 9

St. Joe's:  Naseer Jackson 12, Mike Motley 12, Mike Telesco 12, Hunter Dimitroff 12, Razihque Sullivan 12, Caleb Cockrell 12, Jack Capen 11, Jeremy Johnson 11, Trey Boling 11, Kevin Durkin 11, Keith Norward 11, John Galvin 11, Alexander D'Anniballe 11, Noah Hausbeck 11, Casey Kelly 10

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Small Schools - CLASS B 

Cardinal O'Hara has three starters back, led by Justin Hemphill, who averaged a double-double last season as a freshman.  The Hawks have a deep roster loaded with young talent that is ready to make a serious push for the Manhattan Cup in Class B. Nichols has one of WNY's best shooters in Will Johnson and will look for breakout years from both Myles Hervey and TJ Banaszak under new head coach Darren Fenn.  The Vikings also have a talented freshman in Aidan Horan who should turn some heads. St. Mary's has just three seniors, led by Daquan Hunt, but juniors Eric Brown and Christian Szablewski were both solid as sophomores.  The Lancers have a young team that got a taste of varsity action at the end of last season and will be eager to play hard under coach Paul Rath. Walsh will carry 10 players on its roster, with four of them being freshmen.  Still, the Eagles, who were state ranked in Class B all of last season, have Tavien Kemp and Latrell Butler-Kemp back and will continue to be strong.  Niagara Catholic has just two players back with any varsity experience, after a tough turnover following last season, while CCA becomes the newest member of WNY's most talented league and faces its most difficult schedule ever.

 ***

Cardinal O'Hara:  PJ Parker 12, Rene Velazquez 12, Adam Connelly 12, Nasir Benton 11, Mike Clark  11, Justin Hemphill 10, Jermaine Hayes 10, Brandon Broadmax 10, Jordan Fayson 10, Torree Cheatham 10, Jaedin Cottman 9, Terrell Mullen 9

Nichols:  Will Johnson 12, Paul Brinson 12, Myles Hervey 12, Harrison Serotte 12, Austin Ellis-Mohr 12, Amin Abubukar 12, TJ Banaszak 11, Ryan Peterson 11, Matthew Glinski 11, Antonio Jones 11, Jonathan Goodloe 10, Jake Bair 10, Aidan Horan 9

 St. Mary's:   Daquan Hunt 12, Colin Tyka 12, Zach Penska 12, Eric Brown 11, Matt Ciezski 11, Christian Szablewski 11, Ahmad Powell 11, Frank Propis 11, Jaelin Russell 11, Ben Mazurowski 11, Kofi Osei 11, Ja'Shawn Collins 11, Brady O'Brien 10, Gregory Poland 9

Archbishop Walsh:  Tavien Kemp 12, Claus Oren 12, Latrell Butler Kemp - 11, Slobodan Stojanovic 11, George Lowry 10, Cameron Kitchen-Perez 10, Colin Yorke 9, Marcus Esposito 9, Kameron Ramadhan 9, Zayne Blacksnake 9

Niagara Catholic:  Minh Hoang 12, Jonathan Phillips 12, Rico Mitchell 11, Nick Krupp 11, Jaden Turner 10, Thomas Owens 10, Harrison Abramaitys 10, Roman Wright 10, Kashus Bradley 10

CCA:  Noah Ewing 12, Caleb Hancock 12, Jacob Fusco 12, Pat Opferbeck 11, Alex Fink 11, Jared Moser 11, Josh Tyson 11, Ben Lekeuneu 11, Rick Miller 10, Zach Miller 10, Dan Tyson 9

 

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Section VI

YALE CUP I

South Park became a real factor last season and nearly upset McKinley at Buff State in Class A1.  With another deep team led by Shakur Harris that will benefit from some key transfers, the Sparks have realistic expectations of going after the Yale Cup. McKinley returns Davonti Wardlaw to its starting lineup, where he'll lead another another aggressive pack of Macks ready to make names for themselves. Zaire Dorsey's teams have won 26 straight in the Yale Cup and gone undefeated in the city in four of the five seasons.  Middle College joins Class B2 with a whole new group, led by Hakeem Dobbins, a junior who saw some quality minutes on the Kats' state championship team last season. Nader Ngoopas Kompany and Nathyia Jackson also saw time last year and will be counted on.  The team should benefit from the coaching addition of Fred Dupree, who will assist Randy Rich for a season, after 17 years playing and coaching at the Division I level.  East is now in Class C2 and hope the grind of the Yale Cup schedule, along with some big time nonleague foes, has them ready to run through JCC in March.  They have a star in junior Willard Anderson, primed for a breakout campaign.  Behind new head coach Geoff Hurley, Riverside will be lead by Gerald Bratton and Dialo Stevens.  Burgard has Markel Ford running the point, while Jeremiah Moss and Angel Carson control things in the post.  Deamontae Riley should offer both scoring and rebounding, while Cleveland Sweat will be counted on for his defensive energy.

***

South Park : Shakur Harris 12, Elijah Winston 12, Dwight Simpson 12, Khalil White 12, Jakari Woods 12, Raymond Mushat 11, Shy-Quan Brodie 11, Donte Ridgeway 11, Jalen Baker 11, DeJuan McCray 11, Daquan Anderson 11, Justice Allen 11, Elijah Lewis 10, David Stroud 10, Hakeem Humphries 10, Michael Crockett 9

McKinley: Davonti Wardlaw 12, Nakye Booze 12, Joe Johnson 12,  Deon Spencer 11, Jaylon Windsor 11,  Kavon Rogers 11, Emir Evans 11, Chris  LeCounte 11, Alvaro Mora 11,  Jahmal  Lewis 9

Middle College:  Shawn Goree 12, Allen McDuffie 12, Daquan Hamilton 12, Hakeem Dobbins 11, Nader Ngoopas Kompany 11, Nathyia Jackson 11,  Azyion Clemons 11, Donovan Queeno 11, Jules Stover 11, Zack Jones 11, Breh Daniels 10, Jamond Jones 9

East:  Shawndale Williams 12, Taijuan Littleton 12, Allen Wilson 12, Willard Anderson 11, Anthony Stevens 11, Justin Allen 11, Jahahd Maryon 11, Xavier Turner 11, Daniel Gray 11, Emmanuel Wilson 11, Ibrahim Mberwa 11, Waunya Shaw 10

Riverside:  Gerald Bratton 12, Maya Griffin 12, Carlos Rivera 12, Robert Kyle 11, Feysal Osman 11, Dialo Stevens 11, Carlos Adorno Nunez 11, Michael Deleon Vasquez 10, Asante Silva 10,   Julius Laureano 10, Hak Douth 10

Burgard: Deamontae Riley 12, Davon Callaway 12, Cleveland Sweat 12, Markel Ford 12, Myles Morrison 11, Jeremiah Early 11, Brandon Myers 11, Jorge Villa 11, Angel Carson 11, Kenyon Pringle 11, Jeremiah Moss 11, Dejuan Williams 10, Zak Griffin 10, Lavardi Mance 9

Emerson: no information provided by coach

Hutch-Tech: no information provided by coach

 

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YALE CUP II

MST Seneca is looking to improve on last years record and will have to play good defense to do it.  They'll need strong leadership from Davon Jones, David Anderson and Dom Prince.  Sophomore Earl Howard saw significant minutes last year and should take a big step forward.  Olmsted captured the Class C1 title last season and moves to Class B2 this year, hoping to benefit from the return of Daniel Reid and Naseem Baynes. City Honors returns two starters from last years team, led by sophomore Amir Radford, ready to take another big step forward.   I-Prep graduated the top seven in its rotation and rebuilds this season, led by senior Chad Forester and junior Cameron Williams-Scott.

***

MST Seneca:  Keivon Carter 12, David Anderson 12, Davon Jones 12, Solomon Jones 12, Dom Prince 12, Anthony Speed 12, Daylin Anderson 11, Jayden Brown 11, Daryl Costner 11, Diallo Gray 11, Marquel Hampshire 11, Saeviyon Livingston 11, Makhi Rodgers 11, Earl Howard 10

I-Prep: Chad Forester 12, Alijah Clark 12, Angel Rodriguez 12, Aaron Lewis 12, Greg Ngoma 12, Cameron Williams-Scott 11, Shemaar Braggs 11, Saequon Carlock 11, Brandon Wilson 11, Twandrell Dean 11, Daniel Santiago 11, Patrick Toe 10

Olmsted: Daniel Reid 12, Naseem Baynes 12, Abbas Abajobir 12, Drew Hough 12, Austin Parham 12, Austin Lowery 12, Stanley Simpson 12, Justin Evans 12, Gabriel Carr-Johnson 11, Aaron Brown 11, Joel Richards 11, Chris Pettiway 11, Jalen Johnson 11

City Honors:  Sam Battaglia 12, Talon Moody 12,  Gino Lotempio 12,  Saleem Salem 12, Brendan Bulluck 11, Sebastian Flewellyn 11, Joe Fisher 11, Gabe Morrisroe 11,  Neftali Vazquez 11, Amir Radford 10, Eliot Solomon 10, Nate Kahn 9, Kevion Taylor 9, Jayden Slaughter  8  

Lafayette: no information provided by coach

DaVinci: no information provided by coach

Buffalo Arts: no information provided by coach

 

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ECIC I

Jamestown has just two players back who saw any significant time last season in James Rojas and junior Matt Hill.  Still, a player of Rojas' caliber playing for a program like Jamestown will have the Red Raiders right back in the mix for another league title and run in Class AA.  Marcus Rojas, the younger brother of James, is a 6-2 junior who will contribute immediately.  Lancaster lost nearly all of its scoring from last season, but should still have a strong team ready to challenge for the league title.  Vito Fulciniti will anchor this year's Legends, along with Noah Speyer and Tim Molik who saw time in 2016. Juniors Alec Tamburri and Tyler Sokolowski will bring some much needed scoring, while sophomore Jakob Jerebko will make an impact this season.  Williamsville North has Jairus Huggins and Anthony Maniscalco back, who both started for the Spartan's ECIC I title team last season, along with Corey Swiech. Jon Abaya and Joe Nusall are a pair of sophomores who should be counted on at North this season.  Clarence has a blend of returning players and new talent up from JV, led by seniors Jake Randall and Jake Ireland.  Orchard Park returns just four players from last year's 16-win team, and they will be counted on heavily.  Twins Dylan & Dan Anderson, along with Dan Olejnicazk, step into prominent roles for the Quakers, while Dan Kubik (6-7, 315 lbs) will man the middle.  Frontier started four different freshmen at times last year.  The Falcons return last season's leaing scorer, junior Kyle Ebert, along with their leading rebounder, sophomore Brandon Dunz.

***

Jamestown: James Rojas 12, Ryan Holdridge 12, Dennis Rosa 12, Matt Hill 11, Noah Larson 11, Marcus Rojas 11, Henry Malarkey 11, Austin Prunty 11, Steven Wofford 11, Anthony Gullo 11, Luis Cintron 11, Kylen Faulkner 10

Lancaster:  Vito Fulciniti 12, Collin Reformat 12, Connor Duck 12, Noah Speyer 12, Tim Molik 12, LG Castillo 12, Alec Tamburri 11, Tyler Sokolowski 11, John Rogowski 11, Kyle Backert 11, Andrew Glenn 11, Ryan Mansell 11, Jakob Jerebko 10

Williamsville North:  Matt Winkler 12, Willie Sturgis III 12, Jairus Huggins 12, Anthony Maniscalco 12,
Corey Swiech 12, Andrew Hwang  12, Jason Hwang  12, Anthony Smith 12, Blake Ferrell  11, Ryan Johnston  11, Justin Konotopskyj  11, Lucas Terry 11, Jonathon Abaya 10, Joe Nusall 10, Jacob Belote 10, Dylan Mann 10

Clarence:  Jake Ireland 12, Jake Randall 12, , Jon Trapp 12, Joe Szadek 12, Austin Knorz 12, Henry Payne 12, Joe Olivieri 11, Steve Kabayiza 11, Mike O'Brien 11, Matt Zuffranieri 11, Mike Scherrer 11, Jake Reger 11, Jack Putney 10, River Reinhardt 10

Orchard Park:  Dan Anderson 12, Dylan Anderson 12, Dan Olejniczak 12, Dan Kubik 12, Dave Crescente 12, Jake Graves 12, Eric Liberatore 11, Alex Freilicher 11, Ben Shoop 11, Dave Morris 11, Nate Wereski 10, Tino Mancabelli 9, Tristan Lancaster 9

Frontier:  Zach Gerken 12, Will Anderson 12, Trevor Govenettio 12, Jacob Weiss 11, Jacob Kumiega 11, Tom Notto 11, Alex Hiam 11, Jon Seier 11, Kyle Ebert 11, Desmond Carroll 11, Brian Norsen 10, Brandon Dunz 10, Ben Taylor 10

West Seneca West: no information provided by coach

 

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ECIC II

 After repeating in ECIC II and Section VI Class A, Williamsville South reached Glens Falls for the first time in school history. Hit hard by graduation, junior Greg Dolan, already a two-time All-Centercourt selection, will look to lead a new group that hopes to put its own stamp of success on the program.  Amherst joins ECIC II after all but owning ECIC III in recent seasons. Coming off a third straight Class A2 title, the Tigers will be led by returning starter Da'Shawn Hines and welcome standout Marcellus Cooper after spending the past couple seasons at Nichols. Freshman guard Daesean Ashley is going to be a good one over on Main Street.  West Seneca East has a trio of starters with three years of varsity experience and will also start a pair of talented sophomores.  The Trojans are coming off back-to-back winning seasons after 20 years of .500 or below campaigns.  The program's first ever trip to Buff State should be the goal this season. Hamburg will try to get back to Buffalo State for a third time in the last four seasons behind the leadership of junior Jacob Genzel.  In a season shortened due to injury, Genzel scored over 20 points in a third of his games played as a sophomore. Mark Henry and Patrick Hart will also be key for the Bulldogs, who hope 6-5 junior Marcus Wloch can be a presence in the paint.  Sweet Home is coming off a solid off season and the players are buying into coach Brandon Woods' system.  The Panthers will be led by senior captains, Luke Pappagallo and Darryl Barrons.  Williamsville East returns eight players to a team that likes to play fast and keep the pressure on its opponents.  Iroquois returns most of its team from last season.

***

Williamsville South:  Adam Braniecki 12, Dakota Wiley 12, Christopher Nelson 12, Mark Worthy 12, Greg Dolan 11, Cody Sanford 11, Josh Foster 11, Anthony Lombardo 11, Robert Richards 11, John Goetzmann 11, Jacob Weinstein 11, Dan Proch 11, Devin Degree 10

Amherst:  Marcellus Cooper 12, Da'Shawn Hines 12, Jordan Barr 12, Richard Kay 12, Michael Walsh 12, Will Alfieri 12, Jake Funderburk 12, Brian Fulford 12, Brandon Fowler 11, Chris Patterson 11, Jake Mullen 10, Ja'Kye Womack 10, Jackson Tan 10, Daesean Ashley 9

Hamburg:  Patrick Hart 12, Devon Crowley 12, Jack Lacina 12, Kevin Mahoney 12, Lucas Winslow 12, Jacob Genzel 11, Mark Henry 11, Brett Hall 11, Max Schuman 11, Jack Rettig 11, Evan Robillard 11, Marcus Wloch 11

West Seneca East:  Anthony Roncone 12, Justin Gospodarski 12, Dominic Farszmil 12, Ryan Jasinski 12, Cedric Paulfrey 12, Payton Mroz 11, Dylan Deneka 11, Andrew Weiner 11, Greg Radka 11, Nick Birke 11, Christian Rodriguez 11, Chris Stineman 10, Zamari Mitchell 10

Sweet Home: Luke Pappogallo 12, Darryl Barrons 12, Kelsey Lash 12, Titus Fairclough 12, Stephon Trueheart 11, Ryan Harris 11, Anthony Frascatore 11, Brian Lovering 11, Jahad Abdo 11, Evan John 10, Ki'aiir Brunner 10, Maurice Robinson 10, Matthew Nix 10, Jamel Lucas 9

Williamsville East:  Andrew Kleinmann 12, Drew Butler 12, Matt Gelder 12, Ali Khadra 12, Sean Keenan 11, Cameron Williams 11, Connor Williams 11, Nicholas Kieffer 11, Daniel Doyle 11, Seth Blum 11, Brian Comerford 11, Justin O'Neal 11, Patrick Ranallo 11, Brian Suk 11

Iroquois:  Jack Edwards 12, Matt Whalen 12, Daniel Quinn 12, Tyler Tait 11, Andrew Hetzendorfer 11, Chris Perillo 11, S. Zachary Popovski 11, Josh Zon 11, Josh Kowalski 11, Luca Amarena 11, Charlie Ottomano 10, Maxwell Derrick 10

 

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ECIC III

The last time Cheektowaga won a division title in ECIC was 1963.  With a talented, athletic, and experienced team led by the sensational Dominick Welch, the Warriors should be all in for a league title and more this season.  Add Adrian Baugh, Vaughn Burdette, Alex Bryant, & Rudy Bragg to the mix, who all saw extended action last season, and the Warriors chances are as good as they've ever been.  Maryvale may have just three seniors, but return seven players from a team that took two of three meetings against Cheektowaga last season.  Look for the Flyers to be in the large school poll conversation this year. East Aurora has a strong group of seniors and four starters back, all with at least three years on varsity.  Led by Nick Montgomery, the Blue Devils will grind through a very competitive league and be more than battle-tested when the sectional sparks start flying in Class B1.  Starpoint joins ECIC IV this season, coming off a narrow loss to Lew-Port in the Class A2 semifinals in 2016.  The Spartans return just one starter from that team, but the program has established an identity under coach Ben Scaffidi and should remain very competitive. Depew should be a fun team to watch, especially when its shots are falling as they attack from the perimeter.  The Wildcats are led by junior Chad Biersbach and hope for strong contributions from junior Jordan Cieselski and sophomore Sean Miller.  Jim Insley takes over as head coach at Pioneer and will have an opportunity to make the program his own - the team returns just four players with no experience in the starting lineup.   Lake Shore drops into ECIC IV and has three seniors back.  Eric Senior will be a dominant defensive player & a force on the boards, Andrew McDonagh will provide some offense, and Brave Williams is WNY's only player that is 7 feet tall.  John Park will work hard inside, while Jay Brueckl provides a perimeter threat.

***

Cheektowaga:  Dominick Welch 12,  Adrian Baugh 12, Vaughn Burdette 12, Myquan Barron 12, Dontay Cox 12, Kyle Monterro 12, Alex Bryant 11, Rudy Bragg 11, Davon Brown 11, Tyreek Gibson 11, Tim Moses 11, Jaquan Pugh 11, Keon White 11

Maryvale: Ted York-Brown 12, Brian Sullivan 12, Adam Meyerhofer 12, Ray Blackwell 11, Dylan Casey 11, Zach Amato 11, Marquez Greene 11, Mark Bailey 11, Rashad Law 10, Sayvon Lash 10, Jay Henley 10, Tahron Goudelock 10

East Aurora:  Josh Denz - 12, Nick Montgomery - 12, Joe Montgomery - 12, Cal McTigue - 12, Owen Smith 12, Liam Sheehan 12, Will Beavers 11, Kellan Wittman 11, Kam Kmicinski 10, Noah Denz 10, Connor Boss 9

Depew:  Eric Jarrett - 12, Jacob Mlodozeniec - 12, John Mietus - 12, Tyler Biersbach - 12, Nolan Jarmusz 12, Hunter Shipley 12, Austin Pilley 12, Chad Biersbach - 11, Jeremy Clark 11, Jordan Cieselski 11, Davion Henderson 11, Jordan Hibbs 11, AJ Hammer 11, Dylan Cwiklinski 11, Zac Dwyer 11, Sean Miller 10

Starpoint:  Adam Lasal - 12, David Clemons - 12, Derek Clemons - 12, Jeremy Arnold - 12, Hunter Lemieux 12, Austin Mennaghan 12, Kyle Schreader 11, Eric Schreader 11, Jake Walters 11, Brandon Wunderlich 11, Aaron Chase 10, Justin Mott 10, Brendan Gawel 10

Pioneer:  Josh Taylor 12, Hunter Witt 12, Ben Kaczmarek 12, Chris Flood 12, Kyle Burley 11, Kaleb Hurlburt 11, Marcus MacWilliams 11, Jared Pemberton 11, Nick Rinker 10, Jason Corbett 10

Lake Shore:  Andrew McDonaugh 12, Brave Williams 12, Eric Senior 12, Jacob John 11, Bryce Toth 11, Dakota Luke 11, Jay Brueckl 11, Kylie Mallory 11, Ryan Utley 11, John Park 11, Ajay Cybulski 10, Josh Buchanon 10

 

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ECIC IV

Lackawanna may be young with just three seniors, but they are not lacking for experience.  The Steelers return six players that earned either Second Team All League or HM last season. Add to that the additional talent from a 16-2 JV squad, and Lackawanna looks poised to take the league back.  Cleveland Hill defends ECIC IV league title with eight seniors on its roster. Veteran head coach Mike Trzybinski takes over at Alden, and will look to get the Bulldogs focused on every possession. With three of its top players back, Alden hopes to move into the top tier of its league. JFK graduated just one senior, but he will be a tough one to replace.  The Bears hope to build on strong defensive play from last season and will look to juniors Nick Baker and Jake Braniecki for scoring. Tonawanda returns seven players, led by Zachary Stapf.  Springville joins ECIC IV under second year coach Greg Miller with a deeper team at both the guard and post positions.

 ***

Lackawana:  Jaevon Nelson 12, Jordan Pacillo 12, Trequan Giddens 12, London Smith 11, Noble Smith 11, Khalil Horton 11, Robert Rice 11, Abdul Albaneh 11, Danny Elvers 11, Terrell Brower 11, Carlton Threeths 10, Harris Bekric 10, Juan Rodriguez 10, Noah Grabar 10

Cleveland Hill:  J'Son James 12,  Chase Johnson 12, Tyler Phillips 12, Paul Woodward 12, Izayah Walker 12, Naszir Nance 12, Rashawn Hicks 12, DeVonte McGee 12, Matt LaCourse 11, Kellvonta Harris 11, Freddrick Michael Johnson 10, Aaron Wahler 10

Alden:  Conrad Boucher 12, Gabe Kozak 12, Joshua Chester 12, Nathan Lund 12, Kyle Roy 12, Christian Snell 11, Riley Pastuszynski 11, Taylor Grad 11, Joshua Jeziorski 11, Bradley Kibler 11, Alexander Leigh 11, Matthew Schuh 11

JFK:  Thomas Isbrandt - 12, Brandon Kohl - 12, Dalton Fischer - 12, Austin Nowinski 12, Connor Ricotta 12, Donta Daniels 12, Khaleed Wallace 12, Ke'von Bell 12, Jake Braniecki 11, Nick Baker 11, Jordan Snyder 11, Robert Burgstahler 11, Michael Nawojski 11

Tonawanda:  Zachary Stapf 12, Trey Lilly 12, Nick Bitter 12, Adam Haentges 12, Charles Moore 12, Naz Gonzalez 12, Collin Smith 12, Henry Palermo 11, Marc Titterington 11, James Regdos 11, Joshua Mouton 11, Guage Considine 11, Khristian Velazquez 10, Hayden Lilly 10, Owen Baker 10

Springville:  John Domes 12, Greg Cooney 12, Austin Coon 12, Connor O'Brien 12, Marcus James 12, Lexus Pollard 12, Tyler Kostelny 11, Anthony Lasker 11, Matt Sion 11, Michael Place 11, Peter Cooney 11, Mason Goodridge 10, Adam Pruitt 10

Holland: no information provided by coach

Eden: no information provided by coach

 

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Niagara Frontier League

Defending Class AA Champion, Niagara Falls, returns several players that saw significant time during last season's run.  Syquan Ralands, who showed more than a few flashes as a sophomore, should emerge as one of the areas best interior players, with his combination of size, skill and intensity. North Tonawanda has much to be excited about, returning 12 players with varsity experience, led by junior Trevor Book. The Lumberjacks are deep, talented and play for each other with a unified team attitude. Kenmore West has an outstanding senior backcourt in Tyler Aquilina, Tal James, and Kyle LaPlante.  Look for the Blue Devils to play fast, create opportunities with a dialed-in defense, and run.  Grand Island has sectional wins in consecutive seasons and looks to extend that streak behind talented sophomore point guard Cam Sionko, who also quarterbacked the football team.  Garrett Robinson is a third-year starter for the Vikings, who will also seek strong contributions from Mario Wright and JB Wilkes.  Lockport has a good mix of juniors and seniors that will rely on speed to overcome a lack of any significant size.  Niagara Wheatfield has seven players back, led by 6-5 senior Jaeger Martino and junior Anthony Ruffino.  The Falcons point duties will be in the hands of 8th grader Jalen Bradberry, a player with a very big future in hoops, that will share the backcourt with sophomore Davon Ware.  Life after Jernard Jackson won't be easy at Lew-Port, but Dawson Bailey, Dylan Milbrand, William Duff, and Steve Mansour are all back for the Lancers.  CSAT is very young and athletic, excited to compete in the NFL.  They have a mix of skill, athleticism, and size that should allow them to play fast and hard for 32 minutes.   

 ***

Niagara Falls:  Charles Lamar 12, Devin Sanders 12, Tyler Sanders 12,  Jhamir Isom 12, Cortese Myles 12, Syquan Ralands 11, Jamel Burton 11, Marques Miller 11, Tazaun Rose 11, Quaran Dubois 11, Roderick Arrington 11

North Tonawanda:  Alex Quinn 12, Brandon Casterline 12, Zack Woodard 12, Jordan Fox 12, Alex Johnson 12, Joseph Kish 12, Rory Farkas 12, Patrick Milbrand 12, Vincent Trippi 12, Trevor Book 11, Codie Cronk 11, Sean Ferry 11, Kyle McNeill 11

Kenmore West: Tyler Aquilina - 12, Tal James - 12, Kyle Laplante - 12, Kevin Carpenter 12, Tyler White 12, Rob Burns 12, Erick Rainey 11, Jake Poummit 11, Ronnie Martinez 11, Andrew Fron 11, Jaylan Young 11, Jack Stoerr 11, Jacob Robb 11, Dylan James 10

Niagara Wheatfield:  Phillip Bassham - 12, Noah Klettke - 12, Emilio Tripp - 12, Jaeger Martino - 12, Matt Gibson - 12, Peter Mulcahy - 12, Anthony Ruffino - 11, William Scullion 11, Ben Devantier 11, Nick Cloudin 11, Jared Domaradzki 11, Davon Ware 10, Jalen Bradberry 8

Lockport:  Anthonyo Lloyd 12, Cordell McDowell 12,  Kyle Brown 12, Dorian Byrd 12, Tavon Chamber 12, Kya Doxey 12, Isiah Johnson 11, Rashaun Johnson 11, Luke Lawrence 11, Devin Leatherman 11,  Tivon White 11, Malik Brooks 10, Jayln Jones 10

CSAT:  Emeka Uzomba 12, Ricky Smith 12, Luis Dejesus 12, Mitch Middlebrooks 12, James Stehens 11, Jayden Gulledge 11, Deshawn Williams 11, Mark Greamen 11, Devin Ashley 11, Dayvion Johnson 10, Daighlyon Willoughby 10, 

Grand Island:  Conner Buzby 12, Garrett Robinson 12, JB Wilkes 12,  Roman Cacciatore 12, Mario Wright 12, Ray Cleveland 12, Devin Brandon 12, Liam Carey 11, Derek Callen 11, Cam Sionko 10, JJ Wilkes 10

Lew-Port:  Dylan Milbrand 12, Dawson Bailey 12, Liam Brennan 12, Gabe Colangelo 12, Steve Mansour 12, Ryan Swearengen 12, Dylan Morrissette 11, William Duff 11, Brendan Perreault 11, Joe Powers 10, Trent Scott 10

Kenmore East: no information provided by coach

 

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Niagara-Orleans

 Medina looks to defend its league title and make a return trip to Buffalo State, behind returning All-Centercourt HM Jalin Cooper.  The Mustangs will be tough in transition, and should benefit from the return of a pair of players who will play valuable minutes, after missing last season. With just two seniors, Newfane appears built for the future.  But the Panthers are optimistic the future is underway, and for good reason. Their talented backcourt of Max Weber & Kyle DeVoogel should rival that of any small school in WNY.  Barker has a new coach that is a veteran with a winning pedigree in Don Baker.  His job will be made easier with talented senior guard Nate Luckman, one of the league's very best who can shake you down and bury shots from all over. Wilson returns eight players and also will have Justin Daul this season, who was forced out of action last year with a knee injury.  Roy-Hart had its best season last year and played under the bright lights at Buffalo State in Class B2.  The Rams bring back three talented players from last season's team in Tim Moriarity, Matt Borel, and Jake Bruning.  Albion returns six players, including two that were part of the Purple Eagles' Section VI Class B1 title in 2015.  Between their height and depth, they should make things interesting in league play.  Akron fields a team with just two seniors, but returns several players as the Tigers look to see who will emerge for the program.

***

Medina:  Tyler Howard 12, Tyrellis Atkins 12, Jalin Cooper 11, Mason Lewis 11, Alex Allis 11, Brendan Luthart 11, Jorge Phillips 11, Trenton Jones 11, Johnny Salone 10, Izaiah Rhim 10, Vincent Montague 10

Newfane:  Caleb Russell 12, Albert Kramp 12, Max Weber 11, Kyle DeVoogel 11, Chad Dunbar 11, Connor Hill 11, Brandon Gross 11, Drew Boudeman 11, Samuel Auernhamer 11, Caleb Auernhamer 11, Thorne Geise 11, Cameron Stanton 11, Sam Kline 9

Barker:  Nathan Luckman 12, Jake Arnold 12, Eddie Wasnock 12, Kyle Moeller 12, Shawn Callaghan 12, Devon Mangan 12, Ryan Voss 12, Nick Sutch 12, Derek Uschold 12, Jake Meister 12, Jack Hopkins 12, Austin Sullivan 11, Evan Ecker 11, Malik Smith 11

Wilson:   Steve Lewis 12, Jonah Miller 12, Connor Seeley 12, Kevin Skavinsky 12, Kyle Wiesinger 12, Justin Daul 12, Mike Pazik 12, Jared Carney 11, Mac Musall 11, Matt Daul 11, Eric Britton 11, Nate Fox 11, Steve Frerichs 10

Roy-Hart:  DJ Davis 12, Eric Fitch 12, Tim Moriarity 12, Justin Czaja 12, Paul Ragonese 12, Cam Meadows 12, Brendon Hess 12, Matt Borel 11, Jake Bruning 11, Jon Huntington 11, Noah Kindron 11, Charlie Brigham 10

Albion: Tommy Mattison 12, Kory Reynolds 12, Chase Hall 12, Lamar Chambers 12, Jacob Buzard 12, Tanner Ferris 12, Jacques Harrison 11, Hunter Webster 11, Bradley Sanford 11, Shyheim Jakes 11, Demetrius Gardner 11, Bryce Pritchard 10, Liam Ward 9

Akron: Elias Johnson 12, Austin Ladd 12, Weylon Abrams 11, Owen Hill 11, Derek Holtz 11, Nelson Logan 11, Morgan Smith 11, Ethan Martin 11, Mason Schultz 11, Wyatt Martin 11, Stephen Wagner 11

 

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CCAA I West 

Olean mowed down the competition last season, took an undefeated record to Glens Falls, and left with its second state championship since 2008.  With just one starter back (Monty Shoemaker) and a move up to Class A2, things will be tougher for the Huskies this season. Sophomore Mike Schmidt takes over at the point after being a Sixth Man of the Year candidate as a freshman.  Chautauqua Lake is a team that should be on everyone's radar.  The Thunderbirds return four starters, including Devin Pope who was All-CC Honorable Mention as a sophomore, to the squad that eliminated East and dropped a three-point thriller in the Class C1 final to Olmsted.  Dunkirk will be young but hungry, coming off a great football season a the school.  They had a very good JV team last year and return some key contributors.  Fredonia will be very young and inexperienced at the varsity level, returning only one player (Lucas Voss) who saw significant time during last season's sectional run.  

***

Olean: Monty Shoemaker 12, Luke Rogers 12, Derek Dandrea 12, Johnathan Magro 12, Tristen Snyder 12, Zach Parr 11, Luke Chapman 11, Alex Jodush 11, Thomas Klein 11, Mike Schmidt 10, Josh Bihler 10, Matt Droney 10

Chautauqua Lake: Bryce Bentley 12, Drew Gleason 12, Nate Hammond 12, Tyler Meredith 12, Nate Rivera 12, Collin Sargent 12, Aaron Swan 12, Joel Vinciguerra 12, Reagan Ellis 11, Devin Pope 11, Collin Wood 11, Alex Gleason 10, Kyler Majka 11

Dunkirk:  Tyreek Buchanon Ruiz 12, Evon Hernandez 12, Caleb Rasmus 12, Seth Rasmus 12, Jarrett Waclawski 12, Devaun Farnham DeJesus 11, Darnell Butts 11, Issiah Velez 11, Andre Lockett 11, Noah Sobilo 11, Tyreese Kristan-Johnson 11, Rahleek Moseley 11, Felix Garcia 11, Quantavius Kleckley 10 

Fredonia:  Lucas Voss 12, Azeem Zaidi 12, Nick Ruckman 12, Nick Piper 12, Matt Tintsman 11, Jared Kowalski 11, Reid Tarnowski 11, Brendan Plaister 11, John Delrio 11, Bo Huggins 11, Andrew Field 11, Nate Shuart 10, Nicholas Pucci 10

Maple Grove: no information provided by coach

 Southwestern: no information provided by coach

Falconer: no information provided by coach

 

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CCAA I East

Randolph has four starters back on the team that led Middle College at half of the Class C2 Final at JCC.  Add freshman sniper Tyler Hind to the mix, who spent his 8th grade season playing valuable minutes at Jamestown and the return of former head coach Kevin Hind, and the Cardinals could be dangerous.  They have a mix of everything, including size, toughness, scoring, and experience. With talent at all skilled positions, Gowanda is hoping to repeat as league champions and make a stronger showing during the playoffs this upcoming season.  The Panthers return a pair of starters in Nate Brawdy and Dakota Perdue, that will anchor the backcourt and post, respectively.  Silver Creek graduated four starters and lost a fifth to prep school for lacrosse.  The Black Knights have made it to the Section VI finals six concecutive years and will continue to play an uptempo style offense behind speedy Chris Williams, Tucker Gates and freshman Dom Jamison.  They will rely heavily on their bigs, Brady Woeleben and Bryant Jones, for leadership and points in the paint.  Allegany-Limestone has just one starter back in Zach Hemphill, but the Gators will have quality depth, thanks to the underclassmen additions from a 17-1 JV team.   Two seasons ago at Portville, the JV team finished 17-2. That same unit hits this varsity season with three returning starters and two of its three leading scorers back.  Salamanca is a senior laden team that returns seven players, including three starters, and will look to dictate the pace of games with defensive pressure.

***

Gowanda:  Matt Kruszka 12, Matthew Dodolak 12, Lauritz Predelli 12, Nate Brawdy 11, Dakota Perdue 11, Jarmani Benton 11, Ryan John 11, Stevie John 11, Nolan Rosier 11, Max Lindgren 11, Tristan Jensen 11, Damen MacLeod 10, Efrain Barreto 9

Randolph:  Jarrett Lecceadone 12,  Jake Beaver 12, Nick Martonis 12,  John Ling 12, Kaleb Frink 12, Isaac Wakefield 11, Kane Carlson 11, Dakota Donaldson 11, Tres Sherman 11, Jordan Higbee 11, Joe Carlson 11, Calvin George 11, Andrew Bernard 10, Tyler Hind 9

Portville: Ron Lott 12, Colin Kloc 12, Nick Stein 12, Donovan Gayton 12, Jaeden Harris 11, Jonah Watson 11, Brendan Tobola 11, Kyle Murray 11, Adam Wray 11, Izack Kauhl 10

Salamanca: Michael Collins 12, Zeus Enriquez 12, Derek McClure 12, Nelson Rivera 12, Jake DeKay 12, Chandler Armstrong 12, Marc Canella 12, Steve Jimerson 12, Jay Nosie 12, Joe Sherlock 12, Hercules Rasha 11, Braden Siebert 11, Tyler Hedlund 10 

Allegany-Limestone:  Zach Hemphill 12, Jordan Moore 12, Mike McMullen 12, Marcus Grove 12, Sean McAfee 11, Grant Davis 11, Roman Napoleon 11, Michael Nye 11, Tommy Moran 11, Brad Barton 11, Sam Flanders 10, Conner Golley 10, Casey Curran 9, Michael Wolfgang 9

Silver Creek:  Toby Daminguez 12, Noah Restivo 12, Chris Williams 12, Dylan Slaght 12, Eagle-Eye Stevens 12, Bryant Jones 12, Chad Yochum 11, Tom Galfo 11, Tucker Gates 10, Braeden Woleben 10, Dominic Jamison 9

 

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CCAA II West 

Sherman has a lot of depth & speed, and will use both of those qualities to its advantage.  Senior Chris Robson is one of the very best shooters in WNY.  Panama is coming off its best season in program history - one that ended with a tough loss in Glens Falls.  The Panthers graduated all five starters from that team, one that could shoot the lights out.  Look for them to pound the ball inside more this season and for this group to find its own identity.   Brocton lost four key starters from last year that will be difficult to replace, and hope the leadership of Garrett McFadden & Johnethen Spicer are able to steady the ship as the younger players develop.

***

Sherman:  Chris Robson 12,  Kolby Parks 12, Kyle Carpenter 12, Mike Delcamp 12, Korey Ayers 12, Johnny Mendoza 12, Brandon Nickerson 12, Jared Gleason 11, Gavin Kahle 11, Tanner Ramsey 11, Dylan Mitchell 11, Caleb Burick 11, Darren Kopta 11, Chance Meeder 10

Clymer:  Dylan Neckers 12, Dylan Davis 12, Justin Svetz 12, Josh Van Earden 12, Henry Sullivan 12, Dan Gustafson 12, Colt Miller 12, James Wade 12, Mackenzie Bestine 12, Dustin Neckers 11

Panama: Tristen Frye 12, Nolan Eggleston 12, Dylan Marsh 12, Lucas Golden 12, Devyn Chase 12, Jacob Smith 12, Tom Delahoy 12, Carter Morse 12

Brocton:  Garrett McFadden 12, Johnethen Spicer 12, Tyler DeRosier 12, William Powless 12, Gabe Rosas 11, Hunter Rizzo 11, Charles Rexford 11, Jason Caldwell 11, Tim O'Dell 11, Riley Rivera 10, Ronald Brown 10

Westfield: no information provided by coach

Frewsburg: no information provided by coach

Cassadaga Valley: no information provided by coach

 

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CCAA II East 

Ellicottville has its top three scorers back from a season ago, including junior big man Elliot Bowen, an All-Centercourt HM who also led the team in boards, averaging a double-double.  The Eagles lost to state semifinalist Panama in the Class D Final in March, and hope a beefed up nonleague schedule has them ready to defend their league title and then take the next step. Pine Valley will be fast and athletic, with four starters back.  The Panthers are led by Dylan Chase, an All-State Honorable Mention as a junior that averaged 15 ppg. Sam Erickson leads a Franklinville team that should contend in both league and Class D. Brock Blecha will add to the team's athleticism, while Isaac Kopp can really shoot the ball and will be counted on for more rebounding this year.  Cattaraugus/Little Valley has a core of seniors back, including Kellen Martin, along with some nice size from the junior class joining the team.  North Collins looks to improve upon scoring through a faster tempo and better defense, and improve upon last season's total in the win column.  Forestville has six players back after falling in the postseason to Panama and will look to improve its win total and make some noise in league play.

***

Ellicottville:  Chad Boldt 12, Elliot Bowen 11, Austin Grinols 11, Griffin Chudy 11, Deric Leiper 11, Noah Stuve 11, Mitchell Sexton 11, Matt Grigsby 11, Evan Palmatier 11, Cody Keller 11, Robert Neumann 11, RJ Alvarez 11, Steven Rowland 10

Franklinville:  Tyler Pitner 12, Dylan Pixley 12, DJ Pfeiffer 12, Tim Knight 12, Isaac Kopp 11, Sam Erickson 11, Brock Blecha 11, Dylan Burton 11, Kaleb Watts 11, Darren Clark 11, Josh Haskell 7

Pine Valley:  Dylan Chase 12, Austin Butcher 12, Trent Mihalko 11, Zachary Mansfield 11, Stephen Crisanti 11, Robbie Clutter 11, Dakota Loop 11, Ben Distasio 11, Marcus Cislo 11, Bayley Finch 10

Cattaraugus/Little Valley: Kellen Martin 12, Andrew Hutchison 12, TJ Southwick 12, Drew Stevens 12, Robert Blakely 12, Christian Given 12, Cooper Pritchard 12, Austin Baker 11, Andrew Minnekine 11, Jacob Goodenow 11, Tim Ulinger 11, Scott O'Donnell 11, Anthony Manning 11, Cody Luder 11

Forestville: Austin Pierce 12, Pat Parker 12, Trent Hartloff 12, Liam O'Brien 12, Bret Weaver 12, Kalvin Stanbro 12, Phil Narraway 11, Hector West 11, Brent Geise 11, Lewis Markham 11, Luke Szumigala 10, Travis Drozdziel 10, Macadam Gadewoltz 10

North Collins:  Harley Mehnert 12, Zachary Schroeder 12, Sabian Bosinski 12, Dylan Mercado 12, Eli Strauss 12, Michael Gullo 11, Trevor Mercado 11, Kevin Spicola 11, Tanner Loretto 11, Brandan Zielinski 11, Alec Pagels 11

 

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Charter Schools

Health Sciences will be a lot like they were last season - fast, athletic, deep, and talented.  The bad news for Falcons' opponents, they should be even better this year.  Juniors Tyron Lott and Davonte Gaines, along with sophomore Kameron Briggs, can all fill the net up.  At Oracle, Michael Ernst takes the reigns as head coach and will be led by Shakur Bridges, a Second Team All-charter selection as a junior.  

***

Health Sciences:  Kavon Fears 12, Wize Threat 12, Jaqon Renfro 12, Tajh Dickson 12, Antwan Stewart 12, Jaden Horn 12, Amon Smith 12, Jerome Costner 12, Davonte Gaines 11, Tyron Lott 11, Tayvion Nelson 11, Aquell Crosby 11, Shakir Cook 11, Tyseen Lott 10, Kameron Briggs 10

Oracle:  Shakur Bridges 12, Cheron Wilson 12, David Edwards 12, Abdi Ahmed 12, Joe Perez 11, Gary Marshall 11, James Myree Jr 11, Delmareion White 11, Bonifasi Luundo 11, Aaron Rogers 11, Steve Simpson Jr 11, Dontae Acker 11

BASCS:  Julian Johnson 12, Deonte Brown 12, Jovonte Davis 12, Wayne Carter 12, Georges Cortez 12, Jamie Eutsey 12,Milan Taznum 11, Trevor Mosley 11, Sean Johnson 10, Ibrahim osmani 10, Jabari Nettles 10, Jaquan Wingard 10

Tapestry: no information provided by coach

Maritime: no information provided by coach

Global Concepts: no information provided by coach

 

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Teams with New Coaches

Darren Fenn - Nichols

Michael Trzybinski - Alden

Don Baker - Barker

Jim Insley - Pioneer

Kevin Hind - Randolph

Geoff Hurley - Riverside

Adam Bennett - Salamanca

Aaron Emley - Southwestern

Matt Marinaro - West Seneca West

Brian Ellsworth - Maritime

Russ Barnes - Global Concepts

Jeff Liebner - Tapestry

Michael Ernst - Oracle

Gerald Briggs - BASCS

Randy Rakowski - Emerson

 

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Classification Changes

West Seneca West moves down from Class AA to Class A1

South Park moves down from Class A1 to Class A2

Olean moves up from Class B1 to Class A2

Riverside moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

Emerson moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

I-Prep moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

MST Seneca moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

Fredonia moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

Medina moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Lafayette moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Eden moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Buffalo Arts moves up from Class C1 to Class B2

Middle College moves up from Class C2 to Class B2

Olmsted moves up from Class C1 to Class B2

Falconer moves down from Class B2 to Class C1

DaVinci moves down from Class B2 to Class C1

Portville moves up from Class C2 to Class C1

East moves down from Class C1 to Class C2

Westfield moves up from Class D to Class C2

 

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Preseason Polls

**  While I have a good idea of which teams will be good and challenge for league and sectional titles, putting the top 10 large & small schools together in order before I've seen anyone play is definitely shooting with my back to the basket.  I've included a group of teams outside of the top 10 in both polls that I think could be/should be/will be in the poll at some point this season.  It's going to be an ultra competitive season in every regard - there is not a  clear cut favorite in any league or class this season.

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (MMA)

2. Park (MMA)

3. Niagara Falls (AA)

4. Timon (MMA)

5. Williamsville South (A1)

6. St. Francis (MMA)

7. South Park (A2)

8. Jamestown (AA)

9. Cheektowaga (A2)

10. McKinley (A1)

(Olean, North Tonawanda, Maryvale, Lancaster, St. Joe's, Kenmore West, Amherst)

 

Small Schools

1. East Aurora

2. Health Sciences

3. Middle College

4. Medina

5. Cardinal O'Hara

6. East

7. Nichols

8. Gowanda

9. Newfane

10. Randolph

 (Ellicottville, Chautauqua Lake, Lackawanna, Sherman, MST Seneca, Cleveland Hill, Olmsted, Dunkirk)

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Predictions

 

MMA Class A - Canisius

MMA Class B - Cardinal O'Hara

Yale Cup I - South Park

Yale Cup II - MST Seneca

ECIC I - Jamestown

ECIC II - Williamsville South

ECIC III - Cheektowaga

ECIC IV - Lackawanna

NFL - Niagara Falls

N-O - Medina

CCAA I West - Olean

CCAA I East - Gowanda

CCAA II West - Sherman

CCAA II East - Ellicottville

Charters - Health Sciences

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Manhattan Cup (A)

This is as competitive as I've ever this league heading into a season, with all five teams capable of beating one another.  When all the dust settles, I'm predicting a rematch of last season's Manhattan Cup Final between Canisius & Park.  This has been an area of weakness for me, as I've missed on predicting the correct winner for three straight seasons.  In 2014, I went with Canisius, who was upset by eventual winner Nichols in the semifinals.  The following season I predicted Nichols to win it all, but they lost a thriller in the final to Canisius.  Last year I went with Park, who also lost a thriller to Canisius.  So this should be viewed as good news if you're Timon, St. Joe's, St. Francis, or Park, but I'm not picking against the Crusaders this year.

** Canisius **

 

Manhattan Cup (B)

Last season, Walsh and St. Mary's were both state ranked all season and appeared on a collision course to play for a third time in the Manhattan Cup Final.  But the Lancers were not the same team by the time the postseason began and Walsh was stunned in the semifinals by eventual champion Nichols.  While I feel uneasy picking against Walsh & St. Mary's, that's what I'm going to do.  I'm calling for a final between Nichols and Cardinal O'Hara, with the champ repeating.

** Nichols **

 

Class AA  

Final Four to reach Buffalo State:  

Niagara Falls, Jamestown, Kenmore West, & Lancaster

** Niagara Falls **

 

Class A1

Final Four to reach Buffalo State:  Williamsville South, McKinley, North Tonawanda, & Hamburg

** Williamsville South **

 

Class A2  

Final Four to reach Buffalo State:  

South Park, Cheektowaga, Olean, & Maryvale

** South Park **

 

Class B1

Final Four to reach Buffalo State:  

East Aurora, Newfane, MST Seneca, & Depew

** East Aurora **

 

Class B2

Final Four to reach Buffalo State:

Health Sciences, Middle College, Medina, & Gowanda

** Health Sciences **

 

Class C1  

Final Four to reach JCC:

Chautauqua Lake, Cleveland Hill, Portville, & Salamanca

** Chautauqua Lake **

 

Class C2  

Final Four to reach JCC:  

East, Randolph, Barker, & Maple Grove

** East **

 

Class D

Final Four to reach JCC:  

Ellicottville, Sherman, Franklinville, & Clymer

** Ellicottville **

 

-centercourt

The Schedule: 2016-2017 Season

CLICK HERE  FOR THE 2017-2018 SCHEDULE

All-State Teams for Classes B, C, & D

(Gary Foster was named New York State's Player of the Year in Class C / Photo by Harry Scull)

 

Class B

First Team:  Elijah Ramadhan (Olean)  &  Takal Molson (St. Mary's)

Second Team:  Ben Eckstrom (Olean)

Third Team:  Tavien Kemp (Walsh)

Fifth Team:  Patrick Moore (Fredonia)

Eighth Team:  Jake Cavana (Olean)

Ninth Team:  Davon Gant  (I-Prep)

Tenth Team:  Nate Brawdy (Gowanda)

Twelvth Team:  Jason Dowell (Emerson)  &  Andy Xaspos (Roy-Hart)

Thirteenth Team:  Marcellus Cooper (Nichols)

 

Honorable Mention:  Jalin Cooper (Medina), Noah Thompson (East Aurora), Will Johnson (Nichols), Christian Churakos (Walsh), Adam Moore (Walsh)

 

Class C

Player of the Year:  Gary Foster, Middle College

 

First Team:  JoJo Staton, Middle College

Second Team:  Brandon Roach (Olmsted)  &  Mason Bosley (Randolph)

Third Team:  JaQuoine Fogan (Tapestry)

Fourth Team:  Trevon Thompson (Silver Creek)

Fifth Team:  Willard Anderson (East)

 

Honorable Mention:  Ramah Lassiter (Cleveland Hill), Nathan Luckman (Barker), Master Radford (Olmsted), Devin Pope (Chautauqua Lake)

 

Class D

First Team:  Elliot Bowen (Ellicottville)

Second Team:  Chris Blose (Panama)

Fourth Team:  Josh Eddy (Panama)  &  Chris Robson (Sherman)

 

Honorable Mention:  Dylan Chase (Pine Valley), Sam Erickson (Franklinville), Josh Odell (Panama), Aaron Riforgiato (Brocton)

 

Click here to view the complete All-State Teams for Classes B, C, & D

 

-centercourt

The 2016 All-Centercourt Team: The Best in WNY

 

First Team All-Centercourt

Stafford Trueheart - Canisius, Senior

20.8 PPG  /  10.5 RPG  /  2.7 APG  /  2.5 BPG

The 2016 CC MVP and a First Team All-Centercourt selection for the second consecutive season.  A dominant high school player who always delivered the biggest moments in the biggest games.  The unquestioned leader & best player on the best team in WNY.  Very good at interior passing and kick-outs to the perimeter.  Tremendous instincts and anticipation as a shot blocker.  Good decision maker that can dribble out of trouble and assist with breaking the press.  Led Canisius to back-to-back Manhattan Cups, after earning All-Catholic Player of the Year honors in Class A.  A two-time CHSAA state champion with the Crusaders.  Took Canisius to consecutive appearances in the Federation Tournament of Champions.  Undefeated against opponents from WNY in his junior and senior seasons.  Voted All-Catholic Player of the Year.  Selected MVP of the Tom Keenan Memorial Tournament. First Team Centercourt #BOOM Squad & First Team All-Centercourt Defender selections for a second straight season.  Career 1,000 point scorer.  (Photo by Harry Scull, Buffalo News)

 

Dominick Welch - Cheektowaga, Junior

28.9 PPG  /  11.6 RPG  /  3.6 APG  /  2.9 BPG  /  2.3 SPG

Moves up from the 2015 All-Centercourt Second Team.  Took his game to another level as a junior with his team depending on him more than ever.  Slashes to the basket with ease.  Secures every rebound he decides is his.  Remained a reliable free throw shooter that gets to the line frequently and became a consistent threat from the perimeter.  Regularly destroyed defenses that spent hours in preparation just to slow him down.  Voted Player of the Year in ECIC III. Voted to First Team All-ECIC for a second straight season.  Selected to the McKinley All-Tournament Team.  Earned game MVP honors at the Cataract City Classic.  A First Team All-Bee selection.  Dunked his way back on to First Team Centercourt #BOOM Squad for a second straight season.  Played in 21 games and scored over 20 points in every contest.  Scored over 30 points in eight games and went over 40 points twice, including a career-high 45 points in a win over East Aurora.  Registered a season-high 24 rebounds and nine blocks against Maryvale.  Has more points (1708), rebounds (931), and blocks (222) through his junior season than any graduating senior. (Photo by James McCoy, Buffalo News)

 

 
Jordan Nwora - Park, Senior

23.4 PPG  /  10.1 RPG  /  2.3 SPG  /  1.8 APG

A First Team All-Centercourt selection for a second consecutive season.  At 6-8, his combination of size and agility makes him WNY's top inside/outside threat.  Deceptively fast and a great finisher in transition.  Has the ability to create shots in tight windows and makes difficult shots look easy.  Voted All-Catholic in Class A.  Led Park to the Manhattan Cup Final and the number six ranking in NYS Class A.  A Second Team Centercourt #BOOM Squad selection.  Named Game MVP at the Pastor-Cooper Showcase.  Knocked down a 3-pointer in every game played, including seven in one game.  Finished with a career-high 38 points in a win over St. Joe's.  Scored over 30 points five times, including three consecutive games.  Netted over 25 points in 13 games, and had at least 27 in six of his final eight outings. Logged 15 double-doubles, including an 18-rebound outing in a win at Walsh.  Has multiple high major and power conference Division I offers.  Career 1,000 point scorer.  (Photo by Larry Scheur)

 

Greg Dolan - Will South, Sophomore

18.2 PPG  /  7.7 RPG  /  6.0 APG  /  3.2 SPG

Moves up from the 2015 All-Centercourt Third Team.  Made believers out of any fans in WNY that were still not convinced of his talents with a stellar sophomore season.  Stepped up his scoring to fill that need for the Billies, while remaining the best passer in WNY.  Level-headed leader who always remains focused regardless of game circumstances.  Underrated rebounder who demonstrates toughness in the paint.  Led South to an undefeated league title in ECIC II.  After guiding the Billies to a repeat championship in the overall Section VI Class A, pushed the team to Glens Falls for the first time, advancing past the regional.  Voted All-ECIC Player of the Year, along with the same honor in ECIC II.  Selected as MVP of the Section VI Class A1 Tournament.  Chosen as the MVP of Championship Week by Miguel Rodriguez/Buffalo News.  Selected as All-Bee Team MVP.  Averaged 23 points, 8.5 rebounds, and six assists per game in four wins at Buff State during the postseason. (Photo by Harry Scull, Buffalo News)

 

Gary Foster - Middle College, Senior

18.7 PPG  /  15.0 RPG  /  4.2 BPG  /  3.7 APG  /  2.2 SPG

Moves up from 2015 All-Centercourt Third Team.  Committed to his team this season, came back noticeably more focused, and finished strong.  An excellent rebounder that stays with the play.  Able to put the ball on the floor and start the fast break.  Thrives around the basket, but can also score from mid range & outside.  Named First Team All-High in Yale Cup I.  Selected to the Section VI Class C2 All-Tournament Team.  State Champion in both football and basketball this school year.  Scored over 20 points in 11 games and was in double figures 21 times, including a season-high 31 points.  Recorded at least 12 rebounds in 20 games, and had over 20 boards in four wins.  Had triple-doubles in wins over Bennett & Global Concepts.  Named MVP of the NYSPHAA Class C State Tournament after a 23 point & 17 rebound performance in the title game.  A two-time member of the First Team Centercourt #BOOM Squad.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo by Harry Scull, Buffalo News)

 

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** If I released a preseason First Team, Takal Molson would have been on it.  At the time he played his last game at St. Mary's, he was still there.  It's unknown how things would have turned out, and I didn't want to take someone else's spot in the top 25.....however, the season he had through 21 games warranted recognition, which he is getting here in his own space, next to the First Team, where I think he was headed.**

Takal Molson - Senior

26.4 PPG  /  6.9 RPG  /  2.7 SPG  /  2.5 APG  /  1.0 BPG

A 2015 Third Team All-Centercourt selection. The best player I've ever seen in a Lancer uniform.  A multi-faceted talent with a complete game.  Dangerous from the perimeter, strong to the basket, and smooth everywhere in between.  Knows when to defer to teammates, and also when to assert himself.  Earned Game MVP honors at the Pastor-Cooper Showcase.  MVP of the Depew Holiday Tournament.  MVP of the Five Guys Tournament at Williamsville North.  Shot an astounding 67% from the field.  Scored over 20 points in 20 games and scored over 30 points in eight games.  Scored a season-high 37 points twice - in tournament championship wins over East Aurora and Williamsville North.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo by Harry Scull, Buffalo News)

    *******************************************

Second Team All-Centercourt

Jernard Jackson - Lew-Port, Senior

25.9 PPG  /  7.o4 RPG  /  5.54 SPG  /  .7 BPG

Showed up at Buffalo State with his team and then showed out in two spectacular performances.  One of WNY's most elite scorers, despite the extra attention he received from opposing defenses in every game.  Brought relentless effort and energy to both ends of the floor for 32 minutes.  Excels at creating shots and can hit from anywhere.  Aggressive defender with quick hands that frequently turns opponents over.  Led Lew-Port to the Section VI Class A2 championship game, where he scored 26 points before halftime, after hitting the game-winner in the semifinal victory over Starpoint.  Selected as MVP of the Section VI Class A2 Tournament.  Named Niagara Gazette Player of the Year.  Led the voting for First Team NFL.  MVP of the James Walker Tournament.  Scored a WNY season-high 50 points in a win over Kenmore East.  Averaged over 31 points in three sectional games.  Scored over 30 points six times and over 20 points in 16 games.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo by Harry Scull, Buffalo News)

 

TC Brown - Amherst, Senior

22.9 PPG  /  6.8 RPG  /  5.4 APG  /  4.3 SPG  

Moves up from 2015 All-Centercourt Third Team.  Extremely efficient with shot selection and handling the ball.  Unselfish teammate that facilitated the Tigers' offense.  Brimming with confidence and relishes the role of being the team's go-to player.  Highly competitive and fearless in all situations.  Led the Tigers to a Section VI title in Class A2 and a second straight undefeated season in ECIC III.  Voted First Team All-ECIC for a third straight time. Named Co-Player of the Year in ECIC III.  Selected to the Section VI All-Tournament Team in Class A2.  Bob Hettler Tip-Off Classic MVP.  A First Team All-Bee selection.  Anthony Parlato Long Island Tournament MVP.  Named Game MVP in the Cataract City Classic and the 190 Hardwood Classic.  Scored significantly more points per game than shots taken (16.9 per game).  Knocked down 85 treys on the season while averaging over five assists per contest.  Shot over 55% on the season and over 40% from behind the arc.  Graduates as a four-time league champion and Amherst's all-time leader in points, assists, steals, and 3-pointers made.  Scored 1,482 points in four-year varsity career. (Photo by Harry Scull, Buffalo News)

 

James Rojas - Jamestown, Junior

21.8 PPG  /  10.1 RPG  /  2.7 APG  /  1.5 SPG  /  1.2 BPG

One of WNY's most improved players from last season.  Became a force to contend with in the paint and ascended to becoming one of the area's top big men.  Can step away from the basket to knock down shots.  Able to beat defenders off the dribble.  Took on a leadership role as a junior.  Led the Red Raiders to a share of the league championship in ECIC I.  Advanced Jamestown back to the Section VI Class AA championship game.  Voted First Team All-ECIC.  Voted Player of the Year in ECIC I.  Named Game MVP in both of Jamestown's outings at the United Way Showcase.  Selected to the Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team.  Scored over 20 points in 15 games and went over 30 points four times, including a season-high 35 points in a win over Orchard Park.  Scored 29 points to go with 15 rebounds in a game at Williamsville North that earned Jamestown a share of the league title. (Photo by Harry Scull, Buffalo News)

 

Maceo Jack - Williamsville North, Senior

23.2 PPG  /  7.2 RPG  /  2.2 SPG  /  1.8 APG  /  1.0 BPG

Moves up from the 2015 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention.  North's go-to player all season, who continually delivered.  Consistent perimeter threat that can elevate and shoot clean over defenders.  Able to create shots quickly off the dribble.  Strong going to the basket and a high-riser upon arrival.  Finishes off-balance shots in the lane after absorbing contact.  Always poised on the court and a great teammate.  Led the Spartans to a share of the league championship in ECIC I and back to Buff State in Class AA for a third consecutive season.  Voted First Team All-ECIC.  Voted Player of the Year in ECIC I.  Named to the Five Guys All-Tournament Team.  Earned game MVP honors at the Cataract City Classic.  Selected to the Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team.  A First Team All-Bee selection.  Scored over 20 points in 14 games this season and went over the 30-point mark in five games, including a career-high 33 points in a win over Orchard Park.  Had a memorable 19-point opening quarter against Cheektowaga to start the season.  A First Team Centercourt #BOOM Squad selection.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo by Harry Scull, Buffalo News)

 

Elijah Ramadhan - Olean, Senior

 14.3 PPG  /  9.5 RPG  /  3.7 APG  /  2.5 SPG

Embodied the team-first concept Olean won with all season.  Excellent rebounder that could immediately put the ball on the floor to spur the fast break.  Played bigger than he was, filling a need in the post for the Huskies.  Soft touch around the basket and able to consistently hit from mid range.  Strong defender that moved well and always remained in good position.  Led Olean to a perfect 27-0 record in the NYSPHAA and a Class B state championship.  Voted Player of the Year in CCAA I West.  Selected MVP of OHS Tip-Off Tournament.  Selected MVP of IAABO Tournament.  Game MVP at Jamestown United Way Showcase.  Chosen as Big 30 Co-MVP.  Chosen as WDOE Player of the Game in a win at Fredonia.  Led the Huskies in scoring 11 times.  Selected to NYSPHAA All-Tournament Team in Class B.  Selected to Federation of Champions All-Tournament Team. (Photo by Ron Szott)

 

Third Team All-Centercourt

Amadi Ikpeze - Amherst, Senior

13.2 PPG  /  10.1 RPG  /  4.5 BPG  /  1.2 SPG

Added polish to his game to become a dominant high school center.  Tremendous footwork and post-up ability on the interior.  A force on the boards and able to use size to out-rebound players in better position.  An imposing presence in the lane that forced teams to change the way they played.  Developed an outside shot.  Led the Tigers to the overall Class A final with a monster triple-double performance in the Class A2 Final: 30 points, 13 rebounds, & 12 blocks.  Kept Amherst undefeated in ECIC III for two straight seasons.  Voted First Team All-ECIC and First Team ECIC III.  Selected to the Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team. First Team All-Bee selection. Chosen for the Bob Hettler Tip-Off All-Tournament Team.  Selected to the All-Tournament Team at Center Moriches.  Shot over 50% from the field on the season.  Graduates 2nd all-time in rebounds and blocks at Amherst.  (Photo by Harry Scull, Buffalo News)

 

Christian Nodine - Starpoint, Senior

20.0 PPG  /  9.5 RPG  /  2.7 APG  /  1.5 SPG

Moves up from 2015 All-Centercourt HM.  Confident and hard-working, the leader of the Spartans.  Strong with the basketball, whether in the open court or getting to the basket.  Soars for rebounds and secures everything he gets his hands on.  A firery competitor - basketball's version of beast mode.  Led Starpoint to back-to-back appearances at Buff State in Class A2, a level the program hadn't reached in over a decade.  Voted First Team ECIC II.  Voted Second Team All-ECIC.  Selected to the Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team.  Scored over 20 points 12 times on the season, including a stretch of eight consecutive games.  Scored a season-high 33 points in a win at Iroquois.  Registered nine double-doubles, including an incredible 27 point, 23 rebound performance at Buff State.  Graduates as the all-time scoring leader at Starpoint.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo by Harry Scull, Buffalo News)

 

Graham Dolan, Will South, Senior

14.5 PPG  /  6.5 RPG  /  2.2 APG  /  1.7 BPG  /  1.1 SPG

 A heady player with an innate feel for the game of basketball.  A threat from the perimeter, whether spotting up, coming off a screen, or creating off the dribble.  A good rebounder and decision maker that quickly gets his team into transition.  A lock-down defender that always draws the toughest assignment from the opposition.  A team leader for the Billies on and off the court.  Led South to its best season in program history - going unbeaten in ECIC II to repeat as league champs, winning another overall Section VI Class A title, and advancing South to Glens Falls for its first time ever.  Voted First Team ECIC II.  Voted Second Team All-ECIC.  A First Team All-Bee selection.  Earned First Team All-Centercourt Defender for a second consecutive season.  Flushed his way to the Second Team All-Centercourt #BOOM Squad.  Selected to the Section VI Class A1 All-Tournament Team.  Made the Chaminade All-Tournament Team and hit the game-winning 3-pointer against Westbury to advance the Billies to the title game.  Scored 29 points to go with 16 rebounds in a win against Iroquois. (Photo by Harry Scull, Buffalo News)

 

Justin Jones - Canisius, Senior

10.8 PPG  /  5.7 RPG  /  3.4 APG  /  2.2 SPG

Moves up from 2015 All-Centercourt HM.  An amazing athlete with the heart of a champion.  Plays with intensity at all times and has a motor that never quits.  Showed a knack for making big plays for his team in crucial moments.  Explosive near the basket and a finisher in traffic.  Led Canisius to a second straight Manhattan Cup Championship and then took MVP honors.  A two-time state champion in the CHSAA that took Canisius back to the NYS Federation Tournament of Champions in Class A.  Shot 54% from the field on the season.  Scored 18 points & eight rebounds in a win over Park. Had a triple-double in the CHSAA state championship victory.  Took his game to another level over the final weeks of the season, averaging 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds,  6.5 assists, & 3 steals during the Crusaders' postseason run.  Selected as a Second Team All-Centercourt Defender. (Photo by Elliott Jerge)

 

Ben Eckstrom - Olean, Junior

15.6 PPG  /  6.5 RPG  /  2.0 SPG  /  1.2 APG

A pure jump shooter that can hit from anywhere on the floor.  Good size, great athleticism, and an aggressive mentality makes him an inside threat as well.  Can get out and move in transition and finishes at the basket.  Able to defend any type of player at any spot on the floor.  Led Olean to an undefeated season in the NYSPHAA Class B, which included a league title in CCAA I, another Section VI title, and a state championship. Named to the IAABO All-Tournament Team.  Voted First Team CCAA I West.  Earned Section VI Class B1 Tournament MVP honors.  Selected to the NYSPHAA All-Tournament Team in Class B.  Named WDOE Plater of the Game in a win at Dunkirk.  Chosen as Big 30 Co-MVP.  Led the Huskies in scoring 11 times.  Scored 57 points over the three Section VI Class B games at Buff State. (Photo by Bob Clark)

 

 Fourth Team All-Centercourt

Tavien Kemp - Walsh, Junior

21.0 PPG  /  4.5 RPG  /  3.7 SPG  /  3.5 APG 

Great instincts and timing on both ends of the court.  Wreaked havoc on opposing offenses from the top of the Eagles' zone.  Efficient shooter from long range.  Exceptional quickness while handling the ball and adept at moving through traffic.  Led Walsh to a top 10 state ranking for most of the season and to the regular season championship in the Monsignor Martin's Class B, where the Eagles were undefeated against WNY small schools and also registered wins over Timon, Lew-Port, & St. Joe's.  Named MVP of the Allegany County IAABO Tip-Off Tournament.  Chosen as MVP of the Adam Elliott Memorial Tournament at Portville.  Led his team in scoring, assists, steals, and 3-point shooting percentage.  Scored a career-high 43 points this season against Coudersport. (Photo by Harry Scull, Buffalo News)

 

JoJo Staton - Middle College, Senior

18.8 PPG  /  2.6 APG  /  2.0 RPG  /  1.5 SPG

Moves up from 2015 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention.  A lethal shooter from downtown that can get his shot off quicker than the defender can get his hands up.  Equally effective shooting off the dribble or spotting up and creates space to shoot with subtle & slick movements.  Torched defenses with the show-and-go, where he mastered the floater over the rotating defender.  Brought positive energy & leadership to his team and made sure they were focused on finishing the season strong.  Led Middle College to another Section VI title and back to the regional in Class C, where he advanced the Kats to Glens Falls with a game-high 20 points.  Led Middle College to the NYSPHAA state championship in Class C.  Voted First Team All-High in Yale Cup I.  Earned MVP honors in the Section VI Class C2 Tournament.  Selected to the NYSPHAA Class C All-Tournament Team.  Scored over 20 points in 13 games, including a 29-point performance in the Class C2 title game.  Scored a season-high 33 points in a win over Riverside.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo by Harry Scull, Buffalo News)

  

Patrick Moore - Fredonia, Senior

18.0 PPG / 6.6 RPG / 2.2 APG /1.7 SPG /1.5 BPG 

An excellent shooter that saw very few open looks all season.  Demonstrated a high basketball IQ and always seemed to have himself in the right place on the floor.  Became a finisher around the basket in traffic.  Delivered big game performances and timely baskets for his team all season.  Led the Hillbillies to their first Section VI title since 1994, winning Class B2.  Helped Fredonia to be the only public school in NYS Class B to play Olean within single digits, and did it all three times they played.  Voted First Team CCAA I West.  Earned MVP honors for the Section VI Class B2 Tournament.  Selected as MVP of the Clarence Tournament.  Third Team All-Centercourt Defender.  Scored over 20 points in eight games and eclipsed the 30-point mark four times.  Scored a season-high 36 points in a win over Maple Grove and scored 32 points in the Section VI class B2 Final. Finished career with 926 points. (Photo by Ron Szott)

 

Shaquan Jones - McKinley, Senior

16.4 PPG  /  9.1 RPG  /  3.1 SPG  /  3.1 APG

The epitome of McKinley Macks basketball.  A tough, hard-nosed player, that offers a little of everything to his team.  A tenacious defender with quick hands and quicker feet.  Shot the ball well from the perimeter, but thrived on getting to the basket and finishing.  Led the Macks to a second consecutive undefeated championship in Yale Cup I.  Took McKinley back to Buff State for a 17th straight season, where they advanced to the Class A1 Final.  Voted Player of the Year in Yale Cup I.  Named a First Team All-Centercourt Defender for a second straight season.  Selected to the Section VI Class A1 All-Tournament Team.  Scored over 20 points in six games, including a season-high 27 points in a win over Middle College.  Registered 12 double-doubles on the season.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo by Harry Scull, Buffalo News)

 

Breon Harris - Niagara Falls, Senior

12.0 PPG  /  3.1 SPG  /  2.8 APG  /  2.1 RPG  

Plays on-ball defense like there's nothing else in the world he would rather be doing.  Plays every minute of the game at the same speed - full tilt.  A threat from beyond the 3-point line or to blow past you on his way to the basket.  Uses great instincts to create turnovers and opportunities in the offensive end.  Led the Wolverines to an undefeated league championship in the NFL.  Took the Falls on a postseason run that resulted in a string of double-digit victories and a Section VI title in Class AA.  Selected to the Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team.  Earned Game MVP honors at the Cataract City Classic.  A First Team All-Centercourt Defender, and there were none better. (Photo by Harry Scull, Buffalo News)

 

Fifth Team All-Centercourt

Brandon Roach - Olmsted, Senior

24.6 PPG  /  6.1 RPG  /  3.3 APG  /  2.8 SPG

A pure point guard with the ability to fill up the rim.  Always under control and shows great poise in pressure situations.  A smooth stroke from outside and an eye for the open man on the inside.  Led Olmsted to the Section VI Class C1 Championship.  Voted Co-Player of the Year in Yale Cup II.  Selected to the Section VI Class C1 All-Tournament Team.  MVP of the Akron Tournament.  Scored over 20 points in 19 games and went over 30 in four games, including a season-high 44 points in a win over Lafayette, when he shot 9 of 11 from beyond the arc.  Olmsted's all-time leader in points, assists, steals, rebounds,  and triple-doubles.  Had a career-high of 50 points in his sophomore season.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo by Harry Scull, Buffalo News)

 

Jake Cavana - Olean, Senior

10.0 PPG  /  3.0 APG  /  2.4 RPG  /  2.3 SPG

The floor general for the state champion Huskies was a gamer.  Took care of the ball and facilitated Olean's offense brilliantly.  Always plays within the game and knows just the right time to attack the defense.  Equally effective in half court sets and in transition.  Tough and tenacious on the defensive end with exceptional timing.  Led his team to the Federation title game in Class B after an undefeated NYSPHAA state championship campaign.  Voted First Team CCAA I West.  Selected to the Section VI Class B1 All-Tournament Team.  A Second Team All-Centercourt Defender.  All-Tournament Team selection in the OHS Tip-Off.  Game-winning steal & score in overtime win at Fredonia.  Scored game-winning points in Federation semifinal with 0.6 seconds left. (Photo by Jerry Trass)

 

Madut Ayiy - Canisius, Senior

11.2 PPG / 10.1 RPG / 1.8 BPG  /  1.4 APG/1.3 SPG

An underrated standout in the paint who would make any team an instant contender, and was a major part of what made Canisius so good.  A physical player that's strong & athletic with a long span.  A gritty defender on every possession and a rim protector that frustrated opponents to no end.  Aggressive to every loose ball and all over the boards at both ends.  Led the best interior defense in WNY that resulted in another Manhattan Cup and a repeat CHSAA state championship in Class AA.  A Second Team All-Centercourt Defender.  Scored the game-winning basket with two seconds remaining at Timon. (Photo by Mark Mulville, Buffalo News)

 

 

Quinton Lamar - Timon, Senior

16.4 PPG  /  5.0 RPG  /  2.9 APG  /  1.7 RPG   

A good long and mid-range shooter that was also adept at slashing through a defense on his way to the hole.  Can transition from scorer to passer.  Handled the ball well and showed good court sense. Was the Tigers' on court leader all season.  Led Timon to a third place finish in the Monsignor Martin Class A.  Voted All-Catholic in Class A.  Scored over 20 points seven times, including a season-high 32 points against U-Prep. (Photo by Tom Burns)

 

 

Kyle Harris - Park, Senior

13.3 PPG  /  3.5 RPG  /  2.3 APG  /  1.4 SPG

A lethal shooter from beyond the arc.  Can handle the ball or fill up the rim playing off the ball.  Saw his scoring role increase this season for the Pioneers.  Deceptively strong and runs the floor well in transition.  Led the Pioneers to a 20-4 record and to the Manhattan Cup Final in Class A.  Voted First Team All-Catholic in Class A.  Scored in double figures in 16 games.  Shot over 46% from the floor on the season.  Scored 16 points in one quarter against Aquinas, the most allowed by the Class AA Federation finalists to any player in one quarter on the season. (Photo by Larry Scheur)

 

Honorable Mention

Mason Bosley - Randolph, Senior

25.3 PPG  /  10.0 RPG  /  3.0 APG  /  3.0 SPG - First Team CCAA I East - Hit 113 treys this season, 2nd All-Time WNY

 

Trevon Thompson - Silver Creek, Senior

24.2 PPG  /  10.8 RPG  /  2.8 APG  /  1.8 SPG  -  First Team CCAA I East - Class C2 All-Tournament Team

 

Davon Gant - I-Prep, Senior

23.0 PPG  /  10.8 RPG  /  4.6 BPG  /  2.5 SPG  /  1.7 APG  -  Yale Cup II Co-Player of the Year

 

Andy Xaspos - Roy-Hart, Senior

22.5 PPG  /  5.7 RPG  /  3.2 SPG  /  3.1 APG  -  First Team Niagara-Orleans

 

Jason Dowell - Emerson, Senior

21.6 PPG  /  13.2 RPG  /  1.0 BPG  -  First Team All-High in Yale Cup II

 

JaQuoine Fogan - Tapestry, Senior

21.2 PPG  /  3.7 RPG  /  3.5 SPG  /  2.6 APG - Player of the Year from the Charter Schools

 

Ryan Dils - Hamburg, Senior

17.8 PPG  /  5.3 RPG  /  1.6 SPG  /  1.0 APG  -  First Team ECIC II

 

Avius Outlaw - McKinley, Senior

17.0 PPG  /  4.1 APG  /  4.0 RPG  /  3.0 SPG  -  First Team All-High in Yale Cup I - Class A1 All-Tournament Team

 

Chris Blose - Panama, Senior

16.7 PPG  /  9.6 RPG  /  4.8 APG  /  1.4 SPG  -  MVP of Section VI Class D Tournament 

 

Nathan Nielson - Niagara Wheatfield, Senior

15.9 PPG  /  5.5 RPG  /  3.6 APG  /  2.3 SPG  -  First Team Niagara Frontier League

 

Noah Thompson - East Aurora, Senior

15.7 PPG  /  4.7 RPG  /  2.0 APG  /  1.7 SPG  -  First Team ECIC III  -  Second Team All-ECIC 

 

Adam Moore - Walsh, Senior

15.0 PPG  /  7.8 RPG  /  2.5 APG  -  Shot 54% FG - 41% on 3-pointers - Career 1,000 point scorer

 

Brock Kroening - Starpoint, Senior

13.8 PPG  /  9.8 RPG  /  1.4 SPG  /  1.2 APG  /  1.0 BPG  -  First Team ECIC II - Sec VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team

 

Alex Konst - Lancaster, Senior

13.8 PPG  /  5.5 RPG  /  3.1 APG  /  2.9 SPG  -  First Team ECIC I

 

Josh Eddy - Panama, Senior

13.6 PPG  /  13.1 RPG  /  1.7 BPG  /  1.0 APG  -  First Team CCAA II West

 

Keyon Johnson - McKinley, Senior

13.5 PPG  /  5.3 RPG  /  4.2 APG  /  3.3 SPG  -  First Team All-High in Yale Cup I

 

Jarod Burmaster - Fredonia, Senior 

11.8 PPG  /  5.2 APG  /  4.0 RPG  /  2.5 SPG  - First Team CCAA I West - Class B1 All-Tournament Team

 

Will Atkinson - Canisius, Senior

10.8 PPG  /  2.8 RPG  /  2.6 APG  /  1.0 SPG  -  First Team All-Catholic in Class A

  

Hunter Anderson - Park, Senior

9.4 PPG  /  5.1 RPG  /  3.1 APG  /  1.3 SPG  -  Career-high 28 points in win over Amherst

 

Sean Hill - Williamsville North, Senior

9.2 PPG  /  7.0 APG  /  4.1 RPG  /  1.9 SPG  -  First Team ECIC I

   

 Derek Schmidt - Olean, Senior

7.5 PPG  /  4.7 RPG  /  3.0 SPG  /  2.8 APG  - Class B State Tournament MVP - 1st Team All-CC Defender

    

Chris Robson - Sherman, Junior

19.7 PPG  /  5.3 RPG  /  3.2 APG  /  3.0 SPG  /  .5 BPG  -  Player of the Year in CCAA II West

 

Shakus Harris - South Park, Junior

16.2 PPG  /  2.9 SPG  /  2.1 RPG  /  1.9 APG  - First Team All-High in Yale Cup I - Class A1 All-Tournament Team

 

Will Johnson - Nichols, Junior

15.8 PPG  /  4.0 APG  /  4.o RPG  /  2.o SPG  -  Manhattan Cup MVP in Class B

 

Christian Churakos - Walsh, Junior

14.6 PPG  /  7.6 RPG  /  1.8 APG  /  1.6 SPG  - All Catholic Selection in Class B

 

Marcellus Cooper - Nichols, Junior

14.5 PPG  /  10.0 RPG  /  2.0 BPG  / 0 .7 APG  -  Had 14 double-doubles, including Manhattan Cup Class B Final

 

Qeyion Williams - Niagara Falls, Junior

13.3 PPG  /  4.4 APG  /  1.5 RPG  /  1.0 SPG  - First Team NFL - Class AA Tournament MVP

 

Davion Warren - Timon, Junior

12.5 PPG  /  7.7 RPG  /  2.1 APG  /  1.8 SPG  -  Career-high 28 points & 15 rebounds in win vs. St. Joe's

   

Nate Brawdy - Gowanda, Sophomore

23.1 PPG  /  9.2 RPG  /  4.5 APG  /  2.3 SPG  -  Player of the Year in CCAA I East

 

Elliot Bowen - Ellicottville, Sophomore

19.3 PPG  /  12.2 RPG  /  2.5 BPG  /  1.3 SPG  - Player of the Year in CCAA II East 

 

Devin Pope - Chautauqua Lake, Sophomore

17.7 PPG  /  5.3 RPG  /  3.0 APG  /  3.0 SPG  -  First Team CCAA I West

 

Willard Anderson - East, Sophomore

15.7 PPG  /  3.0 RPG  /  3.0 APG  /  2.0 SPG  -  Second Team Yale Cup I

 

Jalin Cooper - Medina, Sophomore

15.5 PPG  /  10.2 RPG  /  2.5 APG  /  2.1 SPG  /  2.1 BPG  -  First Team Niagara-Orleans

   

Ray Blackwell - Maryvale, Sophomore

14.5 PPG  /  3.5 SPG  /  3.4 RPG  /  3.0 APG  -  First Team ECIC III

  

Noah Hutchins - Park, Freshman

9.9 PPG  /  4.0 RPG  /  3.5 APG  /  2.7 SPG - Led Pioneers in assists & steals, while shooting 46%

 

*********           *********            ********

 

Sixth Man of the Year

Jayce Johnson - Canisius, Sophomore

 Came off the bench for the CHSAA Class A state champions and handled point guard duties, along with offering sensational minutes on the defensive end for the Crusaders.  A Third Team All-Centercourt Defender in his first varsity season.  (Photo by Harry Scull, Buffalo News)

 

 

All-Centercourt Defenders

First Team

Breon Harris - Niagara Falls, Senior

Graham Dolan - Williamsville South, Senior

Shaquan Jones - McKinley, Senior

Derek Schmidt - Olean, Senior

Stafford Trueheart - Canisius, Senior

 

Second Team

Jake Cavana - Olean, Senior

Madut Ayiy - Canisius, Senior

Zacc Kinsey - Jamestown, Senior

Justin Jones - Canisius, Senior

Amir Jemes - Middle College, Senior

 

Third Team

Jake Lewis - Silver Creek, Senior

Nathan Woldu - Amherst, Senior

Jayce Johnson - Canisius, Sophomore

Patrick Moore - Fredonia, Senior

Nick Montgomery - East Aurora, Junior

 

Centercourt #BOOM Squad

First Team

Stafford Trueheart - Canisius, Senior

Dominick Welch - Cheektowaga, Junior

Gary Foster - Middle College, Senior

Maceo Jack - Williamsville North, Senior

Marcellus Cooper - Nichols, Sophomore

 

Second Team

Charles Lamar - Niagara Falls, Junior

Jordan Nwora - Park, Senior

Madut Ayiy - Canisius, Senior

Graham Dolan - Williamsville South, Senior

Amadi Ikpeze - Amherst, Senior

 

Coach of the Year

Jeff Anastasia, Olean

 

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Poll Ballots - 2016 - Season Finale

(Canisius & Park were WNY's top two all season / Photo by Harry Scull)

As a pollster for the Buffalo News,  I'm asked to send in my weekly ballots ranking the top ten large and small schools.  This is the last time I'll vote this season, so these ballots represent where the teams finished.  Here's a look at how I see them and some of the rationale used to get there.

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (MMA) - The second best season in program history included the school's second CHSAA Class A state championship, a Manhattan Cup repeat, and another undefeated season against WNY opponents.  They also knocked off Class AA Federation finalist Aquinas, twice.  

2. Park (MMA) - The Pioneers had several big wins this season, including at Niagara Falls, Amherst, Middle College, Bishop Kearney, Walsh, St. Mary's, McDowell (PA), and Timon...three times.  The only losses suffered were at the hands of Aquinas and Canisius, and they were a pair of Stafford Trueheart swats away from a potential Manhattan Cup.

3. Williamsville South (A1) - All season, we wondered which of the three big dogs in Class A would emerge from postseason tournament play and advance to the Far West Regional.  When it was all said and done, no team looked more at home at Buff State, as the Billies took care of both McKinley and Amherst, for their first ever trip to states at Glens Falls.

4. Niagara Falls (AA) - The Wolverines rolled through the NFL for an unbeaten league title, and then used three double-digit victories in the sectionals to take their place back on top of Class AA.  I get credit for things like predicting Olean arrives unbeaten at Glens Falls, but I also need to be taken to task when I'm way off.  After picking Falls to win it all in the preseason, I went against them in my sectional preview -- a complete air ball by me.

5. Amherst (A2) - Another unbeaten league title in ECIC III for the Tigers, a tournament victory in NYC over the break, a solid nonleague win over Bishop Kearney, and a second Class A2 title in three seasons, with their only two losses coming to Park & Williamsville South.  They take this spot by a hair over McKinley (who has a near identical resume) for being Section VI champs.

6. McKinley (A1) - For a second straight season, the Macks rolled through the Yale Cup as undefeated league champions, which included a pair of wild finishes against the Class C state champions of Middle College.  The only two losses all season for boys on Elmwood Avenue came at the hands of Canisius and Williamsville South.

7. Timon (MMA) - A young and talented team that finished third in the Monsignor Martin Class A and had some big moments this season, including wins over Bishop Kearney and St. Mary's, routs of Williamsville North, Health Sciences, & East, and playing Aquinas within seven, along with a one-point loss hosting Canisius.

8. Jamestown (AA) - It's not where you start, it's where you finish.  After dropping a pair of home league games in December, the Red Raiders steadily improved throughout the season and ended up sharing league title honors in ECIC I, before advancing back to the Class AA championship game.

9. Williamsville North (AA) - The co-champs of ECIC I along with Jamestown, were a shot away from knocking off the Red Raiders at Buff State and reaching the final in Class AA.

10. Lew-Port (A2) - The Lancers' third place finish in the NFL wasn't enough to get everyone's attention, but their two-game performance at Buff State in Class A2 certainly was.  After knocking off Starpoint (who had been a top ten school most of the season) in a thrilling semifinal, Lew-Port took a halftime lead against eventual champion Amherst, before running out of steam.  While Jernard Jackson was special on the big stage, the entire team proved worthy of being considered a top ten large school this season.

 

Small Schools

1. Olean (B1) - When one of the very elite basketball programs in WNY can boast its most successful season ever, you know it was a season of historic proportions.  The Huskies Class B State Championship and 27-0 finish in the NYSPHAA were a testament to hard work, dedication, and team-first basketball.

2. Middle College (C2) - The Kats suffered a few losses during the season while playing up against tough competition, but when the postseason run began, they were definitely battle-tested.  The result was Middle College putting it all together in Glens Falls, meeting a season's worth of expectations, and hoisting the state championship hardware in Class C.

3. Fredonia (B2) - The only public school from NYS Class B to get within single-digits of Olean all season, and they did it all three times they played, including an overtime loss.  The Hillbillies broke through after getting close in recent seasons, and won their first Section VI title since 1994.

4. Nichols (MMA) - To be the best, you have to beat the best, and that's exactly what the Vikings did.  After juggling lineups and finding their identity throughout a sub .500 season, Nichols entered the Manhattan Cup playoffs primed for an upset, and then delivered one to top-seeded Walsh, before cruising to the championship in the Class B Final.

5. Walsh (MMA) - Their two-point loss in the playoffs drops them behind the team that advanced past them, but this Eagles' team was excellent all season, winning all eight regular season games against MMA Class B schools, knocking off Timon & St. Joe's, and winning games against large schools Lew-Port, Maryvale and North Tonawanda.

6. Panama (D) - The Panthers' season and team were outstanding this year, and included a 21-game winning streak and the school's first ever appearance in Glens Falls.  If not for the imaginary lid placed on the rim in the fourth quarter of the Class D state semifinal, the Panthers would have played for a state championship.

7. Health Sciences (B2) - The Falcons are a team built for the future, but that didn't stop them from rolling to a Charter Cup and collecting wins over Middle College and South Park during the season.  Fell behind by double figures to Fredonia in the Class B2 championship game, but showed resolve to battle back and make the Hillbillies earn it in the end.

8. East Aurora (B1) - The only Class B team from Section VI to defeat the Blue Devils this season was Olean, who they faced in the championship game in Class B1.  Their season included wins over Cheektowaga and Maryvale, and they'll have plenty coming back next year.

9. Olmsted (C1) - The Owls locked up the number two seed in Class C1 this year, but when the dust settled at JCC, they were number one.  After winning the first sectional title in school history, they made Middle College earn its trip back to the regional with an inspired performance  against the eventual state champion.

10. Chautauqua Lake (C1) - Played in the same league as Olean and Fredonia, so the Thunderbirds may have flown under the radar a bit during the season.  But a double-digit win over Dunkirk late in the season gave us an indication that they were to be taken very seriously.  After knocking off East in the quarterfinals, Chautauqua Lake handled Allegany-Limestone (who had upset top-seeded Cleveland Hill) and then missed a 3-pointer that would have forced overtime in the Class C1 Final against Olmsted.

 

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NYSSWA State Rankings - Final for 2016

 

 

The final state rankings of the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the Far Western Region teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Aquinas #2

Fairport #15

 

Class A 

Canisius #2

Park #6

Williamsville South #15

Batavia #16

Amherst #17

Pittsford Sutherland #18

Greece Athena #20

McKinley #24

 

 Class B

Olean #2

Fredonia #12

Wellsville #14

North Rose-Wolcott #17

Walsh #18

St. Mary's #23

Health Sciences #25

 

 Class C 

Middle College #1

Early College #2

Northstar Christian #6

East Rochester #10

Olmsted #12

Perry #16

 

 Class D

Panama #3

CG Finney #7

York #12

Genesee Valley #13

Elba #17

Ellicottville #20

Franklinville #21

 

 ** According to the rankings...

 

- The Canisius vs. Aquinas, Canisius vs Park, and Park vs. Aquinas games were the type of elite level NYS games we thought they were.  Aquinas lost in the Class AA Federation Championship game by just seven points.  Canisius defeated the Lil Irish twice, Aquinas beat Park by five, and Canisius needed overtime to move past Park for the Manhattan Cup.

 

- McKinley took a bit of a snub.  With the Macks' only loses coming to Canisius and South (by four), they end up #24 in NYS Class A, behind #17 Amherst, who fell to the Billies by 10. With South, Batavia, & Amherst all bunched together in consecutive slots, McKinley seems a little far down seven spots behind Amherst.

 

- From the start of the season to the NYSPHAA Class B State Championship game, Fredonia was the only team to lose to Olean by single digits...and they did it all three times they played, including an overtime loss by two.  Yet for whatever reason, they end up #12 in NYS Class B, behind the likes of Marlboro & Hudson who the Huskies knocked off by double figures, Bishop Grimes who struggled with Marlboro, and three other teams that didn't even reach Glens Falls.  Sorry Neil Kerr, but even if you want to throw a bone to the other three teams that reached Glens Falls in Class B, the next team in line that didn't reach Glens Falls HAD to be Fredonia.  You dropped the ball on that one big time.  Do your research or listen to the Section VI rep who probably told you the same thing I'm saying!!!

 

- Championships don't matter to the panel, apparently.  Nichols wins the Class B Manhattan Cup and ends up unranked, while Walsh & St. Mary's get in.  If it's all about regular season records, don't have a postseason tournament.

 

- All season long, I mocked the Class C rankings for picking a new flavor of the week, while Middle College struggled to get in and then hovered around the middle of the Class C rankings because of the all-important record.  Scoreboard!  

 

- Staying with Class C for a moment, after seeing what was waiting for Middle College at Glens Falls and coming from WNY, we had it going on in Class C.  Teams like Silver Creek, Chautauqua Lake, East, Tapestry, Randolph, and Portville are all deserving of being in the top 20 and could have competed in that state tournament.

 

- Panama finished at #3 in Class D, which is right where I would have had them also.  Excellent season for the Panthers and the best in program history.

 

For complete state rankings, click here.

 

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Walsh wraps up division title

 

There's a small private school tucked in the City of Olean, called Archbishop Walsh.  While many casual fans in the Buffalo area haven't seen them play because the school is located so far south, by now, everyone has at least heard of the Eagles.  They've been the #2 ranked small school in WNY for most of the season, and after winning three games in three days, they are division champions of the Monsignor Martin's Class B for the first time since 2003.

 

Walsh won all four quarters at St. Mary's, earning a 66-42 victory.  The win gives the Eagles the number one seed in the upcoming Manhattan Cup playoffs.

 

The Eagles took a bit to get going, as St. Mary's honored its seniors prior to the start of the game and took the court with noticeably more energy. After winning the opening quarter, 11-9, the Eagles gave up the first bucket of the second quarter, tying the game at 11-11, and prompting a timeout.

 

"We looked like we were running in slow motion in the beginning of the game," said Walsh coach Andy Moore.

 

An 11-3 run ensued, with Adam Moore scoring six of the eight points, to push the Walsh lead to 22-14.  Moore and Christian Churakos combined for seven unanswered points late in the half as the Eagles took a double figure lead to halftime, 31-21.  The Eagles started playing smarter basketball, and began looking like the Walsh team that I marvel at each time I watch them.  I call them deliberately deliberate.

 

"That's our thing - ball movement," said Moore.  "You look at us during warm-ups and we're not much to look at.  I tell everybody 'we're small, but we're slow - we're just going to try to out-slow you, move the ball, and play smart."

 

The Lancers managed to hang around for much of the third quarter, and were within nine points late in the frame, before Walsh finished the quarter on an 8-3 run to take a 50-36 advantage.  Tavien Kemp began the final stanza with a traditional three-point play and went on to score nine of his 15 points over the final eight minutes, as the Eagles poured it on, outscoring St. Mary's 16-6 and allowing just two field goals.

 

Churakos led the way with a game-high 20 points for the Eagles, including a pair of 3-pointers, but most of his damage came from the interior.

 

"Churakos had a great game," said St. Mary's coach Paul Rath.  "He owned the paint on us."

 

Moore finished the game with 16 points, and went over 1,000 points for his career in the process.  Being one of the Moore brothers comes with a lot of expectations in WNY high school basketball circles.  His oldest brother Zack was a 1,000 point scorer at Olean, while brothers Sam & Alex also starred for the Huskies, with Sam winning a state championship and earning MVP honors in 2008.  For Adam, becoming just the second 1,000 point scorer among his siblings elevates his status at future family outings.

 

"It's good bragging rights to have," Moore said.

 

The Eagles will begin postseason play on Thursday night at Villa Maria College, where they will face the winner of Cardinal O 'Hara versus Nichols in the Manhattan Cup Class B play-in game. Coach Moore pointed out that any team in the Monsignor Martin is capable of beating another on any given night and hopes for the same commitment to slow & smart basketball the team has won with all season, in the playoffs.

 

"We're not a dominant team, we're not going to just show up and beat people," Moore said.  

 

If we can't call the Eagles dominant after going unbeaten in the Class B division, knocking off Timon & St. Joe's, and being a state ranked Class B team all season, then I'll settled for impressive.  Extremely impressive.

 

Point Totals:

Walsh:  Christian Churakos 20, Adam Moore 16, Tavien Kemp 15,  Noah Watson 8, Latrell Butler-Kemp 5, Charlie Kafka 2

St. Mary's: Kayson Hill 9, Daquan Hunt 9, Eric Brown 7, Matt Ciezski 6, Brady O'Brien 6, Christian Szablewski 5

 

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Manhattan Cup Playoffs - 2016

 

Play-in Games - Sunday, February 21st

AT Villa Maria - 2 pm & 4 pm

Class B - (5) Nichols 62, (4) Cardinal O'Hara 53

Class A - (5) St. Francis 57, (4) St.Joe's 43

 

Class B Semifinals - Thursday, February 25th

AT Villa Maria - 6 pm & 8 pm

(5) Nichols 60,  (1) Walsh 58

(3) Niagara Catholic 59, (2) St. Mary's 56 

 

Class A Semifinals - Friday, February 26th

AT Villa Maria - 6 pm & 8 pm

 (1) Canisius 68, (5) St. Francis 40

(2) Park 64, (3) Timon 55

 

Manhattan Cup Finals - Sunday, February 28th

AT Villa Maria 

Class A - (1) Canisius 60, (2) Park 58

Class B - (5) Nichols 59, (3) Niagara Catholic 44

 

2016 Manhattan Cup Champions - Canisius Crusaders

2016 Class B Manhattan Cup Champs - Nichols Vikings

 

 

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NYSSWA State Rankings - Week 10 - 2016

 

The tenth state rankings for the 2016 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A 

Canisius #2

Park #6

Amherst #7

Williamsville South #11

McKinley #14

 

 Class B

Olean #1

Walsh #13

St. Mary's #14

Health Sciences #20

Fredonia #23

 

 Class C 

Middle College #7

Tapestry #14

Cleveland Hill #19

 

 Class D

Panama #10

Franklinville #13

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

- Section V now has four teams ranked in Class AA, after Bishop Kearney entered the top 25.  Canisius, Park, Amherst, & Timon all beat the Kings this season, while Niagara Falls, St. Joe's, & East all fell to Kearney.

 

- In NYS Class A, WNY has five of the top 14 teams.  After Greece Athena, Section VI now has the next three public schools, meaning the top four public schools in NYS all hail from the Far West Region.  Whichever team emerges from our Class A will face Greece Athena at Buff State in the 'de facto' NYSPHAA State championship.  The winner gets Canisius in the Federation Championship.  Remember, this is according to the rankings.

 

- Section V has the top two teams ranked in NYS Class C.  That means the sectional championship between them (Northstar Christian & East Rochester) would also be a de facto state championship.  That is until they get to the regional at Buff State to find Middle College waiting for them, where the Kats will extend Section VI's winning streak in the Class C regional to seven years.  According to Neil Kerr, even a state championship would only get Middle College's record to 20-7 and he would still think Northstar Christian was better because of its stellar 23-2 record.

 

- Cleveland Hill enters the rankings again in Class C, landing at #19.  They made a one-week appearance a few weeks ago, but were dropped after losing to Cardinal O'Hara. My reason for never having Cleveland Hill ranked locally this year was they had no wins vs. ranked small schools, but had three losses to unranked small schools (Dunkirk, Nichols, & O'Hara).  However, finishing the season with wins over Eden, JFK, Tonawanda, Alden, & Depew got their record to 15-5, and the panel loves a good record.  Had they noticed Olmsted's 16-4 record in the same class, the Owls might have swooped into these rankings as well.

 

- Franklinville remained ranked #13 in NYS Class D, despite losing to unranked Ellicottville last week, finishing second to them in the same division, and surrendering the #2 seed in Class D, while falling to the #3 seed.  It's all about records for the state rankings.

 

 For complete NYSSWA State Rankings, click here.

 

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Poll Ballots - 2016 - Week 10

(Jamestown turned a rebuilding year into another league title & another run at a crown in Class AA / Photo by James McCoy)

 

As a pollster for the Buffalo News, I'm asked to send in my weekly ballots ranking the top ten large and small schools.  The polls are based on games played through Saturday of each week.  Here's a look at how I see them and some of the rationale used to get there.

 

** This in the last poll until the 'Final Poll', which will be out after the season is over.

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (MMA) - Three league wins away from a fourth consecutive undefeated regular season in the Monsignor Martin.  

2. Park (MMA) - It's crazy to me that any pollster has voted someone other than Park at the #2 spot.  It can't be Amherst - they lost on a neutral court to the Pioneers.  It can't be McKinley - they lost to Canisius by more points in one game than Park lost to Canisius in two games.  The Pioneers' only loses this season were all by single digits (Canisius x 2 & Aquinas).  No other team can touch their laundry list of quality wins either:  Bishop Kearney, a pair of 20-point wins over Timon, Niagara Falls, Starpoint, Walsh, St. Mary's, Middle College, & Health Sciences. 

3. Amherst (A2) - Finally got a some competition for the first time in two months, as Jamestown visited on Thursday night.  The Tigers won the game by nine points to tune up for a 'Glens Falls or bust' mission.

4. Williamsville South (A1) - Undefeated champions of ECIC II and the top seed in Class A1 after sweeping Starpoint with a 17-point win on Thursday.  The Billies' focus now shifts directly to McKinley.

5. McKinley (A1) - The Macks finished the regular season off with a second straight Yale Cup Championship, after winning their 26th straight city game.  They have revenge on their minds, after Will South ended their season in the Class A1 semifinals last season.  A rematch with the Billies would only be the third ranked large school McKinley played this year (the others were Canisius & North).

6. Timon (MMA) - Rebounded from a 12-point loss at Canisius to win by 14 points at St. Francis.  The Tigers will look to figure out a way past Park in the Manhattan Cup playoffs in a quest to reach a third final in four seasons.

7. Jamestown (AA) - They just keep creeping up as they continue to improve.  After gaining a share of the ECIC I title with North, the Red Raiders will go after what seemed nearly unthinkable in early December - another title in Class AA.  After winning five of the last six, I'm not betting against it.

8. Niagara Falls (AA) - Completed an undefeated campaign in the NFL and snagged the top seed in Class AA after their ECIC I foes took turns beating each other up.  The Wolverines find out if their nonleague schedule against teams like Vaughan, Park, Bishop Kearney, & Father Henry Carr made them better when they attempt to bring the Section VI hardware back to Falls.

9. Williamsville North (AA) - In a must-win regular season finale on senior night, the Spartans scored a convincing victory over Lancaster to earn a share of ECIC I with Jamestown.  Now they are a win away from potentially meeting up with the Red Raiders on the big court at Buff State for the ultimate rubber match.

10. Starpoint (A2) - At this point in the season, when you get to this last spot, there are several teams that could make an argument to be here.  I went with the Spartans, who I think are the best team after the nine ahead of them and who I project to be battling with Amherst on Championship Saturday at 3:30 pm.

 

Small Schools

1. Olean (B1) - For just the second time in school history, Olean finished the regular season undefeated (20-0).  The last time was 2006, when they lost the Class A2 final to Maryvale.  I made a bold 25-0 arrival at Glens Falls prediction December 13th, that I'm very comfortable with.

2. Walsh (MMA) - Moved to 17-4 on the year with wins over Niagara Catholic and St. Joe's last week.  The Eagles host Timon on Thursday - a team that their neighbors in the city of Olean (yes, the undefeated Huskies) beat by 15 at Timon without Ben Eckstrom.  I throw that out there because I've heard much made of the matchup between Olean & Walsh that will never happen - with many believing Walsh would win it.  That leaves me to offer scores from common opponents as we speculate on how the game would go.  The only other common opponent this year was Maryvale.  Olean won at home by 35, Walsh won on a neutral court by eight.

3. St. Mary's (MMA) - Snow delayed the 'Game of the Week' that the Lancers were set to host on Friday.  Now, St. Mary's faces a week with games against Canisius & Walsh, before the Manhattan Cup playoffs begin on Sunday.

4. Health Sciences (B2) - Lost out on a game with Lancaster due to Friday's snow, which moved the Falcons to the #4 seed in Class B2.  That meant they avoided a quarterfinal matchup with Fredonia.

5. Middle College (C2) - I predicted the Kats to win the Yale Cup this year.  After losing in OT at McKinley and again by two at home on Thursday, they came up just short of that.  A run to Glens Falls in Class C to claim a state championship would make that a big fat whatever for Middle College, who came into this season with that goal in mind and the seniors to make it happen.

6. Fredonia (B2) - The best team in the sectionals with a #6 seed or lower will have to beat Southwestern for a second time (and for the first time at home after the Trojans won in Fredonia by two earliuer this year), then win at Gowanda to make it back to Buff State.  The Hillbillies road to a sectional title is not an easy one this year.

7. East (C1) - Not the same East team of recent years, with a very young group that plays up & down.  After leading McKinley all game and ultimately losing by two, the Panthers go to South Park and get beat up pretty handily.  A very intriguing quarterfinal against Chautauqua Lake and Devin Pope looms, and the Panthers are not used to long bus rides.  They have won eight sectional titles in the last nine years, but all those came at Buff State.  Now in Class C1, the road to 9 in 10 years now goes through the Southern Tier and ends at JCC.

8. Gowanda (B2) - The Panthers won CCAA I East, their first league title in hoops in 30 years.  After finishing with a 17-3 record, they will likely host Fredonia on Friday, who would easily be the best team they've faced all season.  That game seems to be calling me.

9. East Aurora (B1) - The Blue Devils have only won two of their last six games heading into sectionals, however, they've been facing Class A schools and state ranked Livonia in Class B during that stretch.  They could have to show the would have won the N-O to reach the Class B1 final, with potential matchups with Newfane & Medina setting up in the Class B1 bracket.

10. Tapestry (C1) - The defending Class C1 champions get a return trip to JCC with a win over Bennett on Friday night, and find themselves on the same side of the bracket as Olmsted if they make it back.

 

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Brackets Central - 2016

 

Below are links to each bracket & the 2016 Sectional Preview, along with links to all postseason articles.

 

Brackets Central 2015  Brackets Central 2014  Brackets Central 2013  Brackets Central 2012  Brackets Central 2011

 

Buff State Week Viewing Guide

 Sectional Preview - 2016

Manhattan Cup

Class AA Bracket

Class A1 Bracket

Class A2 Bracket

Class B1 Bracket

Class B2 Bracket

Class C1 Bracket

Class C2 Bracket

Class D Bracket 

 

Olean Huskies - Undefeated State Champs

Middle College Kats - 2016 State Champs

South falls short in Glens Falls

Olean's on the brink of history

Middle College now one win away

Panama unable to finish at Glens Falls

Far West Regionals - 2016

Crossover Tuesday

Manhattan Cup Finals - 2016

Section VI All-Tournament Teams - 2016

Championship Saturday

JCC Friday - 2016

Olean & East Aurora are on to the B1 Final

McKinley wins in OT, Fredonia & Health Sciences for B2 title

Jamestown survives, Falls rolls, & South back in A1 Final

Class A2 Semifinals: Lew-Port & Amherst advance

Manhattan cup Play-in games

Walsh wraps up division title

Lancaster is going back to Buff State

Newfane advances to quarterfinals

State Rankings heading into postseason

Poll Ballots - Week 10

  

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NYSSWA State Rankings - Week 9 - 2016

 

The ninth state rankings for the 2016 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A 

Canisius #2

Park #6

Amherst #7

Williamsville South #12

McKinley #16

 

 Class B

Olean #1

Walsh #14

St. Mary's #15

Health Sciences #20

Fredonia #25

 

 Class C 

Middle College #7

Tapestry #15

 

 Class D

Panama #11

Franklinville #13

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

- There are at least four teams from Section V's Class AA that are better than whoever wins the title this year in Section VI.  Aquinas, Rochester East, & Fairport are all ranked, while Bishop Kearney is on par with those schools and just beat Fairport last night.

 

- The NYS Class A Federation Championship game would be Class A #1 Greece Athena vs. #2 Canisius.

 

- After Greece Athena, Section V has no teams ranked, while Section VI has three teams ranked, along with the two teams from the MMA (Canisius & Park).

 

- Olean would see North Rose-Wolcott (Section V) in the regionals.

 

- Olean & Walsh are both projected to win state championships.  If that happened, they just might meet up at the Federation Tournament.

 

- There are two teams from Section V ranked ahead of Middle College, and one of them (Northstar Christian) is ranked #1 in the state.  Yes, they are a private school in Class C. 

 

- Section V also has two teams from Class D ranked ahead of Panama & Franklinville.

 

- Based on state rankings, Section VI will go 1-4 at regionals, but Olean will win a state championship.  State rankings also currently predict state championships for Canisius & Walsh as well.

 

 For complete NYSSWA State Rankings, click here.

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots - 2016 - Week 9

(Fredonia nearly upset Olean last week, while St. Mary's prepares for Walsh on Friday / Photo by Ron Szot)

 

As a pollster for the Buffalo News, I'm asked to send in my weekly ballots ranking the top ten large and small schools.  The polls are based on games played through Saturday of each week.  Here's a look at how I see them and some of the rationale used to get there.

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (MMA) - Not only the best team in WNY, but one of the best defensive teams I've ever watched.  Holding Park to 21 points over three quarters wasn't exciting to watch, but it sure was impressive.  Hosting Timon on Tuesday and then visiting St. Joe's Friday night.

2. Park (MMA) - Rebounded nicely from the Canisius loss with an interior-dominating win at Timon on Friday.  Tonight they travel to Aquinas to face the Lil Irish, ranked #8 in NYS Class AA.

3. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers haven't faced a team currently ranked in WNY's large school top 10 since losing to Park in December.  That changes Thursday night, when Jamestown arrives for a nonleague sectional tuneup against the ECIC III champs.  

4. Williamsville South (A1) - Last season, the Billies won ECIC II despite a home loss to Starpoint.  On Thursday night, the two will square off on Main Street again, where a South win would again give them the outright league title.

5. McKinley (A1) - The Macks escaped East High with a victory after trailing the Panthers all game on Tuesday night.  That means a win at Middle College on Thursday gives them the Yale Cup all to themselves.

6. Timon (MMA) - The Tigers have established themselves as a clear #3 in the MMA Class A after sweeping St. Joe's, but losing a second time to Park.  They get another shot at Canisius on Tuesday and then travel to play the red hot Red Raiders at St. Francis on Friday.

7. Niagara Falls (AA) - Had a more than respectable showing against Canadian power Father Henry Carr on Saturday night, after locking up another league championship in the NFL.

8. Jamestown (AA) - Put some pressure on ECIC I leader Williamsville North by handing the Spartans their first league loss of the season on Tuesday.  Zacc Kinsey's long 3-pointer at the buzzer scored a nonleague win over 2015 regional champ Leadership Academy on Saturday.

9. Williamsville North (AA) - Despite getting tripped up by Jamestown, the Spartans still control their own fate.  Wins tonight and Wednesday against Lancaster earn them the title in ECIC I & the top seed in Class AA.

10. Starpoint (A2) - Thursday is a big night for the Spartans.  The school's all-time scoring leader, Christian Nodine, will go for his 1,000th point as Starpoint attempts to force a co-championship in ECIC II.

 

Small Schools

1. Olean (B1) - Prevailed in what was likely the most thrilling game of the year at Fredonia on Friday night.  The overtime win keeps the Huskies undefeated, ranked #1 in NYS Class B, and the top seed in Class B1.

2. Walsh (MMA) - After getting upset at home by St. Francis last week, the Eagles face a tough finish to the regular season, beginning this week with road trips to Niagara Catholic, St. Joe's, & the 'Game of the Week' at St. Mary's. 

3. St. Mary's (MMA) - The Lancers have had a great season and boast several quality wins along the way, but Friday's game against Walsh is the most important regular season game they play this year, especially after losing at their place in January.

4. Health Sciences (B2) - Finish the regular season against Class AA Lancaster on Friday night.  A regular season that includes wins over Middle College, South Park, and a sweep of Tapestry will earn the Falcons a home game in the sectional quarterfinals.  Only losses this season have come from ranked MMA schools Park, Timon, & St. Mary's.

5. Middle College (C2) - The Kats can claim a share of the Yale Cup with a win over McKinley on Thursday night.

6. Fredonia (B2) - The Hillbillies have no wins this season over any ranked teams, but claim this spot thanks to a pair of gritty showings against Olean, the only team to threaten the Huskies' undefeated season with a pair of single-digit losses.  They will look to avenge a home loss to Southwestern this week.

7. East (C1) - Another squad with no wins over ranked teams, but who has earned respect similar to how Fredonia has garnered it, with a pair of narrow losses to Middle College and nearly knocking off McKinley - the two schools playing for the Yale Cup.

8. Gowanda (B2) - The Panthers finally debut on my ballot after getting out to a 15-3 record and reaching the top of the standings in CCAA I East.  They'll deserve this spot if they close out the season with wins over Randolph and Silver Creek this week.

9. East Aurora (B1) - Losses in three of its last four games isn't an ideal way gear up for the postseason, but the Blue Devils still look like the best team in Class B1 after Olean.

10. Tapestry (C1) - Some pollsters went with Panama in this spot, whose only quality win came against Randolph - a team they then lost to four days later.  Tapestry also beat Randolph, twice, along with beating Medina, Roy-Hart, and Grand Island (who only lost to Niagara Falls by one point).

 

-centercourt

 

Top Games of the Week: 2/7/16 -- 2/13/16

(St. Mary's will host Walsh in the 'Game of the Week' )

 

Here's a list of what I think are the top games to follow this week:

 

Monday, February 8th

Park @ Aquinas - 6:30 pm

St. Mary's @ Cleveland Hill - 6:30 pm

Williamsville North @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

East Aurora @ Batavia - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, February 9th

East @ South Park - 6 pm

Wilson @ Roy-Hart - 6 pm

Barker @ Newfane - 6:30 pm

Timon @ Canisius - 7 pm

Kenmore West @ Lew-Port - 7 pm

St. Joe's @ St. Francis - 7 pm

Fredonia @ Southwestern - 7:30 pm

Silver Creek @ Gowanda - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, February 10th

Emerson @ MST Seneca - 6 pm

Cleveland Hill @ Tonawanda - 6:30 pm

Lancaster @ Williamsville North - 7:30 pm

Cheektowaga @ Maryvale - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, February 11th

McKinley @ Middle College - 6 pm

Barker @ Roy-Hart - 6 pm

Kenmore West @ Cheektowaga - 6:30 pm

Wilson @ Newfane - 6:30 pm

Jamestown @ Amherst - 7:30 pm

Starpoint @ Williamsville South - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, February 12th

Cardinal O'Hara @ Nichols - 6:30 pm

Portville @ Silver Creek - 6:30 pm

Canisisu @ St. Joe's - 7 pm

Walsh @ St. Mary's - 7:30 pm

Gowanda @ Randolph - 7:30 pm

Panama @ Sherman - 7:30 pm

Lancaster @ Health Sciences - 7:30 pm

 

Game of the Week - Walsh @ St. Mary's on Friday, February 12th

- The two teams that have occupied the #2 & #3 spots in the small school poll all season will get together on Friday night in my must see 'Game of the Week'.  While this could easily be a preview of the Manhattan Cup final for the Monsignor Martin Association's Class B, I can't wait that long to see these two - who feel no love loss for each other, get after it on the court.  Both are confident they have the better team.

St. Mary's got everyone's attention earlier in the season with a resounding victory over then #2 Health Sciences, who was fresh off a win at Middle College.  That win jumped the Lancers to #2 on my ballot, much to the dismay of Walsh, who felt they were not only better than the Lancers, but better than any small school, including #1 Olean.

The win over Health Sciences is just one of several quality wins for St. Mary's, who has quietly piled up quite an impressive resume this season.  The Lancers have wins over ranked schools like Williamsville North, Fredonia, Tapestry, and East Aurora.  They also own a 31-point win at St. Joe's, beat Section V Class A UPrep (who beat Timon & Middle College), and knocked off St. Francis (who just won at Walsh).  They have not lost to an unranked team.

The wins for Walsh this season have piled up consistently, though the quality of opponents on the nonleague side haven't measured up to the wins the Lancers have accumulated.  The Eagles' most notable nonleague wins this year came against Lew-Port & Maryvale.  Walsh does have one loss to an unranked team - the loss to St. Francis last week.

However, there's one result this year that trumps everything outlined above, and that's the head-to-head result from January 19th, when these two teams got together at Walsh.  That night, the Eagles won going away, taking a 63-47 victory.  That was the game that took Walsh to #2, where they've remained since.  

St. Mary's is eager to prove that they are better, and are confident that when the game is played in Lancaster, there will be a much different result.  Meanwhile, Walsh is doubtful that anything will change in a different venue.  To them, they've been the best small school in both Olean and WNY all season, and will be eager to get another crack at St. Mary's.  

And oh by the way, the result of this game should have a direct impact on the seedings heading into the playoffs.  It all sounds like 'Game of the Week' material to me. 

 

-centercourt

NYSSWA - Week 8 - 2016

 

The eighth state rankings for the 2016 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A 

Canisius #3

Park #4

Amherst #8

Williamsville South #14

McKinley #20

 

 Class B

Olean #1

Walsh #11

St. Mary's #16

Health Sciences #22

 

 Class C 

Middle College #9

Tapestry #16

 

 Class D

Panama #13

Franklinville #14

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

- Canisius beats #1 (Park) the week prior and moves up one spot from #3 to #2.  This week, they lost to #6 Greece Athena and slipped back to #3, as Athena took over the #2 spot.  

 

- Park slips to #4 in NYS Class A to make room for Greece Athena to get to #2 and continue to have Canisius (#3) ahead of Park as well.

 

I will make this rant very short...

 

 -Health Sciences falls three spots in NYS Class B for getting hammered at unranked Class A Timon by 35.  I guess I'm alright with that, but read below what happened to Walsh for losing to a ranked team in Class A by 15...

 

- Walsh loses on the road to NYS Class A #2 Canisius. The only other team in the state to beat the Eagles is Park.  Yet they drop Walsh FOUR spots in NYS Class B from #7 to #11.  What???  Do they put ANY thought into this stuff?  I feel like I'm on a hidden camera show as I'm typing this, and Neil Kerr, who heads these rankings, is about to come around the corner in his Mount Vernon T-Shirt and say "Gotcha!  You should have seen the look on your face when I said we dropped Walsh farther than Health Sciences for losing at Canisius!"

 

- Niagara Falls fell out of the rankings this after falling big at Bishop Kearney, also unranked in Class AA.

 

- Last week, Middle College hammered South Park by 20+ and completed the sweep of East, but lost to a team from PA, so they fell two spots in NYS Class C to #10.  This week, they move up to #9 after being idle all week.

 

For complete NYSSWA State Rankings, click here.

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots - 2016 - Week 8

(Fredonia's Patrick Moore defends Isaiah Thomas of Dunkirk / Photo by Ron Szott) 

 

As a pollster for the Buffalo News, I'm asked to send in my weekly ballots ranking the top ten large and small schools.  The polls are based on games played through Saturday of each week.  Here's a look at how I see them and some of the rationale used to get there.

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (MMA) - Quite the stretch of games for the Crusaders, when Walsh (not an easy team to beat) is considered your easiest game of the week.  After knocking off Aquinas for a second time this season, the Crusaders finally got tripped up by Greece Athena at the RAP Showcase.  The Trojans are led by Vermont commit Anthony Lamb, who was a one-man wrecking crew.  I think Canisius is the better team, but they definitely were not on Saturday night.  Oh look - the Park game is coming up again, and then Cathedral Prep visits on Saturday.  Did I mention these guys play everybody?

2. Park (MMA) - The Pioneers are ready for another 'Game of the Week' this Wednesday when they travel to what is sure to be a jam-packed Bernard J. Kennedy Field House to do battle with Canisius again.  A win will take their very best performance, but they better save something for Timon on Friday.

3. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers are a six-point loss to Park from being unbeaten.  They have won eight straight games by an average of 30.6 per game and only one of those wins was by less than 21 (a 16-point win).

4. Williamsville South (A1) - Speaking of big wins, the Billies put a 37-point shellacking on West Seneca East on Friday night.  Can you imagine if ECIC allowed me to re-align the divisions annually based on strength?  ECIC I this year would have been:  Amherst, South, North, Jamestown, Starpoint, Lancaster, Orchard Park, & Cheektowaga.  That would have been fun, huh?

5. McKinley (A1) - Beat Burgard by 36 last week, after crushing the Bulldogs by 61 on 12/17/15.  East & South Park will attempt to slow the Macks this week. Good luck to them.

6. Timon (MMA) - Really like the way the Tigers have been playing the last couple weeks.  They are taking care of business with convincing victories and have become very consistent with the way they are playing.  They host St. Joe's on Wednesday, and then get Park at their place on Friday night.  The Pioneers better hope they don't have a letdown in South Buffalo coming off the Canisius game, because I feel like the Tigers will be waiting to pounce. Pay attention to that one on Friday night!

7. Niagara Falls (AA) - I pushed Timon ahead of Falls this week, because the Wolverines are not doing what Timon is doing - handling the teams they should handle.  The one-point win over Grand Island and a 12-point win at home against North Tonawanda tells me the Wolverines are not playing at their highest level. When they are, I think they're the best in AA.  It's February now, time to find your identity.

8. Williamsville North (AA) - Winners of seven straight and alone in first place in ECIC I, but the grind of the league schedule is the three-game finale to the regular season.  Jamestown visits on Tuesday, before a pair with Lancaster next week.

9. Jamestown (AA) - After suffering losses in their first two home games in ECIC I (gasp), the Red Raiders can actually still lay claim to a title in ECIC I if they can win at North on Tuesday and get some help from Lancaster next week.  That Jamestown game at North draws me in every single season.

10. Starpoint (A2) - Time to breakdown the Spartans season and where my head is at.  Starpoint competed at Park this year and only lost there by three.  They also won a great game against Timon at the ADPRO Challenge.  But then they had that Lockport incident followed by a loss at St. Joe's. I don't know what was going on with the Spartans that week, clearly they weren't right (particularly at Lockport).  Obviously, Lockport and St. Joe's were different teams then, as both have veered way off the grid recently.  Last week I had Cheektowaga ranked #10 coming off a lopsided loss at Amherst. Then last week, the Warriors escape Maryvale at home by one, before losing to Irondequoit in a game I saw.  I'm going with my gut on this one, and saying that if the two played, I'd favor Starpoint.  Maybe, just maybe, I'll get to see them go at it during Buff State week in Class A2 and we can see what's up.

 

Small Schools

1. Olean (B1) - Improved to 16-0 after defeating Williamsville East by 35 points.  Only Williamsville South has that kind of margin of victory over the Flames this season.  Just one victory has been by single digits all season.

2. Walsh (MMA) - The Eagles took the sting of the Canisius loss out on Cardinal O'Hara, who they rolled by 23 points at their place.  Hosting St. Francis & Nichols this week.

3. St. Mary's (MMA) - After getting out of Cardinal O'Hara with a four-point win, the Lancers went into St. Joe's on Saturday and won all four quarters to hand the Marauders a crushing 31-point loss.  They will need wins over Niagara Catholic and Nichols this week to keep pace with Walsh in the MMA Class B race.

4. Health Sciences (B2) - Locked up the Charter Cup by sweeping Tapestry this season, winning the second round at their place on Saturday.  

5. Middle College (C2) - The Kats were idle last week.  They have games with Burgard, Bennett, and Riverside coming up this week. If they continue winning, they'll still have a shot at the Yale Cup.

6. East Aurora (B1) - The Blue Devils lost two games in two days last week, falling at Amherst on Friday and losing to Livonia at the RAP Showcase on Saturday.  I think the teams that beat them would also knock off the teams below them on this ballot.  EA has two tough, but winnable games coming up against Cheektowaga on Tuesday and at Maryvale on Friday.

7. Fredonia (B2) - Completed the sweep of Chautauqua Lake with a rout on Friday night.  A big week coming up for the Hillbillies has them visiting rival Dunkirk before hosting the undefeated Huskies from Olean on Friday night.

8. Cardinal O'Hara (MMA) - Three loses last week to teams I wasn't expecting the Hawks to beat.  I liked the way they kept the St. Mary's game close (four-point loss) and kept them here another week on the strength of the recent wins over Cleveland Hill, Nichols, and Tapestry.  They will need a win at Niagara Catholic on Wednesday to stay here - the Patriots just got whacked at Nichols last week.

9. East (C1) - The Panthers, like Middle College, were idle last week.  They host McKinley, Hutch-Tech, and Bennett this week.

10. Tapestry (C1) - I dropped Tapestry last week, but replaced Niagara Catholic (who lost to Timon & Nichols) by a combined 50 points last week) with them this week after they defeated Grand Island.  The Thunderhawks have a pair of games with Global Concepts this week.

 

-centercourt

 

Top Games of the Week: 1/31/16 -- 2/6/16

(Park and Canisius will battle again this Wednesday / Photo by James McCoy)

 

Here's a list of what I think are the top games to follow this week:

 

Monday, February 1st

Olmsted @ I-Prep - 6 pm

Niagara Catholic @ St. Mary's - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, February 2nd

McKinley @ East - 6 pm

Medina @ Wilson - 6 pm

Lew-Port @ Niagara Wheatfield - 6:30 pm

Niagara Falls @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Kenmore West @ North Tonawanda - 7 pm

Jamestown @ Williamsville North - 7:30 pm

Lancaster @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm

Cheektowaga @ East Aurora - 7:30 pm

Randolph @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, February 3rd

MST Seneca @ Olmsted - 6 pm

Park @ Canisius - 6 pm

St. Joe's @ Timon - 6:30 pm

St. Mary's @ Nichols - 6:30 pm

St. Francis @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

Cardinal O'Hara @ Niagara Catholic - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, February 4th

South Park @ McKinley - 6 pm

Newfane @ Roy-Hart - 6:30 pm

Chautauqua Lake @ Panama - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, February 5th

Olmsted @ Emerson - 6 pm

Park @ Timon - 6:30 pm

Niagara Wheatfield @ Grand Island - 6:30 pm

Lockport @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Lew-Port @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

Olean @ Fredonia - 7 pm

East Aurora @ Maryvale - 7:30 pm

Pine Valley @ Franklinville - 7:30 pm

Randolph @ Portville - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, February 6th

St. Joe's @ Bishop Kearney - 1:30 pm

Cathedral Prep @ Canisius - 3 pm

Jamestown @ Leadership Academy - 4 pm

Battle at the Border at Niagara Falls HS

Timon vs. Sir Allan MacNab - 3 pm

Aquinas vs. Vaughn - 4:45 pm

Niagara Falls vs. Henry Carr - 6:30 pm

 

Game of the Week - Park @ Canisius on Wednesday, February 3rd

- Yes, this was the 'Game of the Week' just two weeks ago.  But let's be honest, the Bernard J. Kennedy Field House is where everyone with a pulse for the local HS hoops scene will want to be on Wednesday night for the highly anticipated regular season rematch.  For most, it will be their first look at the two giants together on the same court this season.

Round One went to the Crusaders.  After Park got cooking early and flew out to a 13-point lead, the Crusaders dug in and nearly came all the way back before halftime.  As the second half wore on and Stafford Trueheart's big game performance kept getting bigger, Canisius took control and looked like the better team.  Park, who can generate instant offense better than anyone, didn't turn up soon enough and a desperation heave from behind half court to tie as the buzzer sounded was as close as they got at the end.

Since the first big game, the Crusaders have played three straight state ranked teams, defeating Walsh and Aquinas, before finally seeing its 22-game win streak against teams from NYS snapped by Greece Athena at the RAP Showcase on Saturday night.  They will have a chance to get right against Cardinal O'Hara on Monday, prior to the rematch with Park.

The Pioneers have only faced St. Francis since the first showdown, who they knocked off by nearly 50 points.  They'll attempt to tune up for the Crusaders with another contest against St. Francis on Monday, this time in their gym.

While the first battle of #1 vs. #2 was awesome because we finally got to watch the defending Federation Champions square off, the rematch will offer significantly more fanfare as the amount of spectators for this one will dramatically increase due to the venue.  I expect the basketball on the court to be equally entertaining to the show we were treated to on January 23rd, but for me, the view won't change.  I'll be right back in my usual spot at...

 

-centercourt

Walsh comes up short at Canisius

(Canisius fans celebrate another victory for the Crusaders / Photo by Elliott Jerge)

 

What a scene at Canisius last night with the Blue Crew out in full force on a Tuesday night.  

 

OK, that picture wasn't from last night.  Full disclosure - I forgot to snap a picture during the game.  The scene at Canisius High School last night was the complete opposite of that picture, mostly empty stands and a good atmosphere if you're looking to concentrate on a term paper.  With the Crusaders coming off the big game with Park and heading into Thursday night's battle of two of the best in the state when Aquinas visits, maybe the fans were saving themselves. But for Walsh, the #2 ranked small school in WNY, it was a big game - and in a losing effort, the Eagles showed why no team from WNY besides Cansisus & Park have been able to beat the tiny private school from Olean.

 

Canisius closed the second half strong and outscored Walsh by 10 points in the third quarter, to earn a 70-55 victory at the Bernard J. Kennedy field House on Tuesday night.  The win extends the Crusaders winning streak against WNY teams to 25 games, and wins against teams from NYS to 21 games.  

 

 "They're a really good team and extremely well coached," Canisius coach Kyle Husband said.  "Andy (Moore) does a terrific job with them, they run their offense better than most teams we'll play all year."

 

For the first 12 minutes of the game, Walsh stood toe-to-toe with the defending Class A Federation Champions and answered everything the Crusaders did with perfectly executed sets and big shots.  There were times in the early going when the Eagles were the aggressors, creating a few turnovers and going strong to the basket, despite being noticeably undersized by comparison to the length of Canisius.

 

During the opening quarter, the lead changed five times and the game was tied three times.  Walsh players move about offensively like they're all tied together - like for every movement one player makes, there's a reaction from another player.  Constant screening and flashing throughout well designed plays would continually result in an open look for the Eagles from the perimeter.  But it's not just the way they execute, these guys can shoot.  Four different Eagles banged 3-pointers in the first quarter, including Adam Moore, who took a feed from Tavien Kemp and drilled it from downtown to give Walsh a four-point advantage late in the opening frame.

 

"They really make it hard on our defense, especially in man, they way they cut, screen, and move is great," said Husband.

 

Moore tied the game, 14-14, from the line to end the opening quarter.  A 3-pointer from Christian Churakos gave Walsh the lead back to begin the 2nd quarter.  The lead changed six more times over the first four minutes of the second quarter, as Moore continued to work hard inside and find his to the charity stripe.  Had more of his shots been falling from the stripe, the game may have been tied at halftime.

 

"I think Moore had more free throws than our team combined," Husband said.  "He's crafty and smart, he does get people up, even though we're long and didn't go for as many pump fakes, he does a really good job of getting in the right cracks & seams and getting people in the air."

 

A traditional three-point play from Kemp on a lightning quick drive past his defender and off-balance finish at the rim, tied the game at 25-25.  From there, Canisius heated up from the perimeter and connected three times from long range over the last three minutes of the half.  Will Atkinson hit a pair during the stretch and Trueheart made the other, as part of an 11-4 finish to the half that gave Canisius a 36-29 lead at halftime.

 

The Crusaders quickly pushed their lead to double figures in the third quarter with a fast start.  Justin Jones (10 points) hit a trey to open the scoring, while Atkinson and Colby Moultrie also got in the act from beyond the arc.  The Canisius defense stepped its tempo up, playing faster and pressing more, allowing just two Walsh field goals in the frame.

 

"We came out with a little more energy in the second half than how we started the game," said Husband.  "We also extended our half court a little bit more and didn't let them get as many open looks - it seemed like every shot they took in the first half went down."

 

Atkinson, who scored a game-high 18 points on six treys, added two more 3-point bombs in the beginning of the fourth quarter for Canisius.  They led by 27 points before subbing out its main rotation midway through the final stanza.  Trueheart finished with 14 points, scored through three quarters, and Moultrie added 13 points in the game.  

 

For Moultrie, who playing his first season at Canisius after transferring from North Tonawanda after his sophomore campaign, his impact on the success of the Crusaders continues to become more noticeable with each game he plays, and he adjusts to a new system and new teammates. 

 

"He played harder, not as tentative, took good shots, pushed the ball, & worked hard on 'D'," Husband said of Moultrie's second half performance.  "He's got so much ability, I think when he lets it go and plays hard, I thought you saw what he could do in the second half."

 

Walsh got a team-high 16 points from Churakos, one of four players to reach double-digit scoring for the Eagles. Moore scored 13 points, Latrell Butler-Kemp added 13 points, and Tavien Kemp chipped in 10 points.

 

Point Totals

Canisius:  Will Atkinson 18, Stafford Trueheart 14, Colby Moultrie 13, Justin Jones 10, Chris Topper 6, Jerimiah Wagstaff 4, Madut Ayiy 2, Charles Hart 2, Patrick Weir 2

Walsh:  Christian Churakos 16, Adam Moore 14, Latrell Butler-Kemp 13, Tavien Kemp 10, Noah Watson 2

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots - 2016 - Week 7

 

 As a pollster for the Buffalo News, I'm asked to send in my weekly ballots ranking the top ten large and small schools.  The polls are based on games played through Saturday of each week.  Here's a look at how I see them and some of the rationale used to get there.

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (MMA) - They're now a unanimous number one after winning the first round of the Park series.  For the Crusaders, things are just starting to heat up.  They host #2 small school Walsh on Tuesday, Aquinas (#6 in NYS Class AA) on Thursday, and face Greece Athena (#6 in NYS Class A) in Rochester on Saturday.  Like I said last year - these guys play everybody.

2. Park (MMA) - They get a few days to stew over their first loss after Canisius ended the 17-game winning streak, before hosting St. Francis on Friday night.

3. Amherst (A2) - I spent my Friday evening watching the Tigers, and they're every bit as impressive as I imagined they could be with the team they have this season.  Sweet Home & East Aurora visit the Jungle this week.

4. Williamsville South (A1) - After falling behind 17-3 at the start on Friday, the Billies settled in and won an intense league battle on the road against their top challenger in ECIC II, Starpoint.

5. McKinley (A1) - Hit the century mark for the fourth time this season, in another lopsided win in the city.  Burgard is up next for the Macks.

6. Niagara Falls (AA) - Won their seventh straight, but barely.  A one-point win over Grand Island raised some eyebrows and shows how wide open the Class AA race could be this season.

7. Timon (MMA) - Defeated St. Mary's on Friday for their sixth win in nine games. The Tigers last three losses - Canisius, Aquinas, & Park.

8. Williamsville North (AA) - Sitting pretty atop the ECIC I standings, after sweeping Orchard Park last week.  The Lancaster/Jamestown game on Monday night will be of great interest to North - they might actually cheer for the Red Raiders (or just quietly hope they win).

9. Jamestown (AA) - Speaking of the Red Raiders, they visit Lancaster tonight in the 'Game of the Week'.  After dropping the first round to both Lancaster and North, Jamestown needs a win against the Legends to stay in the race for a league title.

10. Cheektowaga (A2) - In the same week, the Warriors found themselves on each end of a rout.  After putting one on St. Joe's on Monday, they took their lumps at Amherst on Friday night.  They host Maryvale & Springville this week, before a weekend game in Rochester against West Irondequoit.

 

Small Schools

1. Olean (B1) - Dunkirk has size, talent, and athleticism.  The Huskies beat them by 18 points more than they scored, in a 90-36 thrashing.  Southwestern and Williamsville East are scheduled this week.  They're sitting at 14-0 right now, and 11 more wins...

2. Walsh (MMA) - They put it to St. Mary's on Tuesday night, beating the Lancers by 16 and even played Park to a four-point game at their place. There may not be a bigger home court advantage in WNY.  I'll be at Canisius tomorrow night to see if Walsh can compete with the Crusaders on the road (they played the eventual Class A Fed champs to a 10-point game at their place last season).

3. St. Mary's (MMA) - Coming off a week that saw them go 1-2 with losses at Timon & Walsh.  The Lancers will have to get back on track with a pair of road games this week at O'Hara and at St. Joe's.

4. Health Sciences (B2) - The Falcons have their mojo back and then some, after a week that saw them drop double figure losses on a pair of respected opponents.  Health Sciences beat South Park by 15 points and then rocked Tapestry by 25.

5. Middle College (C2) - The Kats also hammered South Park last week with a 22-point win, and then completed the sweep of East when Gary Foster hit the game-winner with seven seconds left.  

6. East Aurora (B1) - Winners of five straight, the Blue Devils just keep creeping up my ballot.  They'll skyrocket up if they can win at Amherst Friday night.  They gave the Tigers their closest league game of the season in the first meeting between the two.

7. Niagara Catholic (MMA) - Double-digit wins for the Patriots in their last two, which were both league games, as they knocked off Cardinal O'Hara & Nichols.

8. Fredonia (B2) - Coming off a pair of blowout wins over Maple Grove and Oracle, heading into Friday's home game with Chautauqua Lake.

9. Cardinal O'Hara (MMA) - Knocked off Nichols by 13 points last week, and followed that up with a win over Cleveland Hill over the weekend.  The Hawks had a one-point loss to the team above them on my ballot, Fredonia.

10. East (C1) - The Panthers had another close loss to Middle College on Friday night, dropping a two-point decision in the final seconds.  But the same Panthers just lost to Burgard, which indicates the young squad at East hasn't figured out how to play consistently yet.  If that doesn't change, the streak of six consecutive sectional titles for the school will come to an end this season.

 

-centercourt

Top Game of the Week: 1/24/16 -- 1/30/16

(Alex Damiani and Lancaster host Jamestown on Monday / Photo by Mark Mulville)

 

Here's a list of what I think are the top games to follow this week:

 

Monday, January 25th

Burgard @ Grand Island - 6:30 pm

Jamestown @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

Cleveland Hill @ Depew - 7:30 pm

Silver Creek @ Randolph - 7:30 pm

Portville @ Franklinville - 7:30 pm

Chautauqua Lake @ Pine Valley - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 26th

Walsh @ Canisius - 6:30 pm

Rochester East @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Tapestry @ Grand Island - 6:30 pm

Southwestern @ Gowanda - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 27th

Pine Valley @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 28th

Health Sciences @ Timon - 6:30 pm

St. Mary's @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

Roy-Hart @ Medina - 6:30 pm

Aquinas @ Canisius - 7 pm

 

Friday, January 29th

Cardinal O'Hara @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

North Tonawanda @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

East Aurora @ Amherst - 6:30 pm

Lockport @ Lew-Port - 7 pm

Cleveland Hill @ Alden - 7 pm

Niagara Catholic @ Nichols - 7:30 pm

Chautauqua Lake @ Fredonia - 7:30 pm

Allegany-Limestone @ Randolph - 7:30 pm

Gowanda @ Portville - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 30th

St. Mary's @ St. Joe's - 2 pm

Tapestry @ Health Sciences - 2:30 pm

Niagara Falls @ Bishop Kearney - 3 pm

RAP Classic at Aquinas

East Aurora vs. Livonia - 2 pm

Cheektowaga vs. West Irondequoit - 3:45 pm

Canisius vs. Greece Athena - 5:30 pm

Aquinas vs. Rush-Henrietta - 7:15 pm

 

Game of the Week - Jamestown @ Lancaster on Monday, January 25th

- On December 10, 2015, Lancaster won in Jamestown for the first time since Ben Drake took over as head coach of the Red Raiders in 1998.  It was also the first league loss Jamestown had suffered in 17 games.  Being that it was the league opener for the Red Raiders, they were suddenly 0-1 in ECIC I to start the season - something I cannot remember happening before then.

Meanwhile, the win for Lancaster propelled them to a 3-0 start in the league and a 7-0 start overall.  The Legends spent a couple weeks as a ranked large school in WNY, while Jamestown was uncharacteristically on the outside, looking in on the top 10 this season.

Coming into this game, Lancaster has a 9-4 mark overall, and a 5-1 record in league after an earlier loss to Orchard Park.  Jamestown has improved to 8-4 overall and is 5-2 in ECIC I after getting tripped up by league-leading Williamsville North, following the Lancaster loss.

While North is undefeated in ECIC I, there are still plenty of games that could effect the outcome of the league race, and this is definitely one of those games.  Lancaster is just one game behind North, and still has both its games against the Spartans coming up.  A win for Jamestown keeps the Red Raiders in contention for the league crown as well, with a rematch at North still upcoming in February.

Also impacted in this game will be the sectional seeding points.  Both teams compete in Class AA and the result of this game will help determine where the two get seeded and could be the difference between a home game & a road game in the Section VI quarterfinals.

When the Legends defeated Jamestown in December, it ended a 36-game winning streak the Red Raiders had held against Lancaster.  After Monday night, either Jamestown will have begun a new streak, or Lancaster will be boasting a 2-game streak against the defending ECIC I & Class AA champs.

 

-centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings - Week 6 - 2016

 

The sixth state rankings for the 2016 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

No Teams Ranked

 

Class A 

Park #1

Canisius #3

Amherst #10

Williamsville South #19

McKinley #24

 

 Class B

Olean #1

Walsh #9

St. Mary's #15

Health Sciences #21

 

 Class C 

Middle College #8

Tapestry #15

Cleveland Hill #20

 

 Class D

Panama #16

Franklinville #18

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

- Consistent inconsistency is something to strive for.  Last week, Fairport (Section V) was all the way up to the #6 spot in NYS Class AA.  I could speculate as to how that ever happened in the first place, but instead I'll just say that there was never any chance Fairport was even the best team Section V, much less a top six team in NYS Class AA.  They ended up losing to Aquinas last week who had been #9, at home by double figures.  They follow that up by collapsing against unranked Edison Tech over the weekend.  That's two losses to Class AA teams from its own section in four days.  The result - Fairport stays in the state rankings, the top 20 even.  Remember, Tapestry dropped five spots last week for winning.  Remember, Section VI has no teams ranked in Class AA (not even Falls).  Remember, you drop spots in the poll for losing to the top team in a higher classification than you're in  (Class B St. Mary's fell two spots for losing to Class A #1 Park after smashing Class B & state ranked Health Sciences two days earlier).  

 

- Defending Class D State Champion Bridgehampton lost to Class C #1 Stony Brook, and fell one spot because of it.  This makes no sense to me, as I think it should be viewed as an expected loss - certainly not a bad loss.  I didn't think St. Mary's should drop for losing to Park for the same reason.  But in the name of being consistently inconsistent, the same Stony Brook team lost to #16 St. Anthony of Class A, and retained the #1 spot in Class C.  Wait, so it's OK to lose to #16 in Class A if you're #1 in Class C, but.....

 

- When Walsh, #6 in NYS Class B lost to NYS Class A #1 Park, they fall three spots to #9.  Consistently inconsistent!

 

- How about this one - Chautauqua Lake makes an appearance in the Class C state rankings last week, but got bounced right back out for losing to Class B #1 Olean. C'mon Chautauqua Lake, did you guys really think you'd get the Fairport treatment? You would need to lose games you had a much better chance of winning to get the Fairport treatment.  

 

- Besides Tapestry & Chautauqua Lake, Cleveland Hill is the latest Section VI Class C team that the state panel views as better than East.  Cleveland Hill debuts in the Class C state rankings this week at #20, while East continues to get snubbed.

 

- East Rochester and Northstar Christian are ranked #2 & #3 respectively in NYS Class C.  Middle College is ranked #8.  Raise your hand if you think Section V has two teams better than our best team in Class C.  The last time Section V beat Section VI in the Class C regionals was 2009.  Enjoy that inflated state ranking, reality check comes in March.

 

- McKinley's loss to Canisius knocked them down nine spots in Class A, from #15 to #24.  

 

- Tapestry fell five spots in NYS Class B for losing to Cardinal O'Hara.  Win or lose, Tapestry falls five spots per week. 

 

- Franklinville dropped nine spots in NYS Class D after losing to Pine Valley at the buzzer.

 

- Fredonia dropped out of the rankings in Class B following its home loss to Southwestern.

 

For complete NYSSWA State Rankings, click here.

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots - 2016 - Week 6

 (Takal Molson & #2 St. Mary's have a key game at #3 Walsh on Tuesday / Photo by Harry Scull)

 

As a pollster for the Buffalo News, I'm asked to send in my weekly ballots ranking the top ten large and small schools.  The polls are based on games played through Saturday of each week.  Here's a look at how I see them and some of the rationale used to get there.

 

Large Schools

1. Park (MMA) - Winners of 16 straight games after routing McDowell (PA) over the weekend.  Timon visits on Tuesday night, and then it's time for the 'Game of the Week' in NYS on Saturday at 3 pm against the defending champs.

2. Canisius (MMA) - The Crusaders beat McKinley on Saturday by the same 26-point margin that they knocked Niagara Catholic off with earlier in the week.  They'll get a week off to think about the game that will end any debate over who should be #1 in WNY, or NYS for that matter.

3. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers have won their first six league games in ECIC III by an average margin of 31 points per game.  One of the only teams to get within shouting distance was Cheektowaga (16-point win), who visits on Friday night.

4. Williamsville South (A1) - Moved up one spot on my ballot, back to where I started them, after their game with Canisius was significantly closer than McKinley's was.  Through seven games, the Billies have won against their competition from ECIC II by an average margin of 29 points per game.  South travels to Starpoint on Friday, the team that should be its toughest obstacle to an unbeaten league mark.

5. McKinley (A1) - In 2013, the Macks lost handily to Canisius at the MLK Classic.  That year, they went on to win the NYSPHAA State Championship in Class A.  McKinley should come away from Saturday with more determination than ever, not a good thing for its upcoming opponents.  The Macks, who are averaging 39-point wins over Yale Cup I teams, draw Hutch-Tech & Burgard this week, teams they've already beaten by 69 & 61 points respectively.

6. Niagara Falls (AA) - Handled their business like pros on Friday night with a 24-point win at Kenmore West, to take a two-game lead on all competition in the NFL.  Falls is the lone undefeated team in their league, heading into games against Kenmore East & Grand Island this week.

7. Timon (MMA) - Speaking of handling their business, the Tigers went into St. Joe's on Friday and came away with a 19-point league win.  Timon seems to have turned the corner, as it has now won five of its last seven, with losses coming to Canisius by one and Aquinas by seven.  Big game Tuesday night at Park.

8. Williamsville North (AA) - The Spartans host Orchard Park on Tuesday and can take a three-game lead on the Quakers in the ECIC I standings with a victory.  North is the lone unbeaten team from their league.

9. St. Joe's (MMA) - Won big (40 points) at Cardinal O'Hara on Tuesday night, and played well in the first half on Friday against Timon, before crumbling late.  The Marauders need a win streak and are looking to start with the three games ahead this week - Cheektowaga on Monday, at Kenmore West on Wednesday, and an important game at St. Francis on Friday.

10. Jamestown (AA) - Well look who it is, remember these guys?  After ruling Class AA the past three seasons, the Red Raiders dipped a bit this year and haven't made it on to this ballot before this weekend.  After a convincing win over Orchard Park on Saturday night and several teams trying to fit into this final slot, I went with Jamestown, who has a winning reputation and an outstanding player in James Rojas.

 

Small Schools 

1. Olean (B1) - Beat Maryvale on Saturday by more points (35) than they allowed (32).  The Huskies are now 13-0 and just 12 wins away from that December 13th prediction.

2. St. Mary's (MMA) - A near 40-point win over Nichols on Friday night saw Takal Molson reach the 1,000 point mark for his career.  The Lancers have a key league game on Tuesday night at Walsh - never an easy place to win.

3. Walsh (MMA) - After just a four-point home loss to Park, the Eagles are ready to prove that they are the best of the MMA Class B schools, when they host St. Mary's on Tuesday night.

4. Health Sciences (B2) - The Falcons picked up a solid win at South Park on Friday - a team that had just won at East.  This week Health Sciences visits Tapestry, its chief competition for the Charter Cup.

5. Middle College (C2) - The Kats looked like they've finally turned the corner and have started playing like the state championship team I predicted they would be.  An overtime loss at McKinley was followed up by a strong second half performance and win over Cheektowaga in the MLK Classic.

6. East (C1) - After watching a game-winning 3-pointer fall for South Park, the steaming Panthers took out their frustrations on Riverside and Sweet Home.  They get a rematch with Middle College this Friday, a team they only lost to by one point in their first meeting.

7. East Aurora (B1) - The Blue Devils will look to extend to a five-game win streak when they face Depew and Pioneer this week in ECIC III.

8. Fredonia (B2) - The Hillbillies should get back in the win column with games coming up this week against Oracle & Maple Grove, after suffering their first unexpected loss of the season at home to Southwestern on Saturday night.

9. Cardinal O'Hara (MMA) - The Hawks put themselves on the map after coming back from a double-figure deficit on Friday night, to beat Tapestry.  We'll find out if they're for real this week, with games coming up against Niagara Catholic, Nichols, and Cleveland Hill.

10. Tapestry (C1) - After pulling out close games recently against Roy-Hart & Randolph, the Thunderhawks got tripped up by Cardinal O'Hara on Friday.  A win over visiting Health Sciences on Tuesday would make everything better.

 

-centercourt

Top Games of the Week: 1/17/16 -- 1/23/16

(Round 1 is almost here - Canisius at Park on Saturday, January 23rd / Photo by Buffalo News)

 

Here's a list of what I think are the top games to follow this week:

 

Monday, January 18th

Cheektowaga @ St. Joe's - 4:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 19th

Health Sciences @ Tapestry - 6 pm

Timon @ Park - 6:30 pm

St. Mary's @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

Medina @ Newfane - 6:30 pm

Niagara Catholic @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

North Tonawanda @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Niagara Wheatfield @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Gowanda @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 20th

Middle College @ South Park - 6 pm

St. Joe's @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Orchard Park @ Williamsville North - 7:30 pm

Chautauqua Lake @ Southwestern - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 21st

Silver Creek @ Portville - 6:30 pm

Nichols @ Niagara Catholic - 7:30 pm

Randolph @ Gowanda - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 22nd

East @ Middle College - 6 pm 

St. Mary's @ Timon - 6:30 pm

Nichols @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

Lockport @ Niagara Wheatfield - 6:30 pm

Williamsville South @ Starpoint - 7 pm

Lew-Port @ North Tonawanda - 7 pm

St. Francis @ St. Joe's - 7 pm

Jamestown @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm

Cheektowaga @ Amherst - 7:30 pm

Southwestern @ Dunkirk - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 23rd

Cardinal O'Hara @ Cleveland Hill - 1:30 pm

Canisius @ Park - 3 pm

 

Game of the Week - Canisius @ Park on Saturday, January 23rd

- This weekend, the hottest ticket in town will be admission into The Park School on Harlem Road in Amherst on Saturday afternoon.  I can't remember a more highly anticipated regular season matchup in this area in my time of following high school hoops, and for good reason.  This game offers everything you could want out of a big time high school game.

Canisius & Park are the two top ranked large schools in WNY, and considered by most to be in their own tier of the top ten.  Both teams have compiled several wins over the best teams from this area already.  Canisius has beaten the likes of Aquinas, Williamsville South, McKinley, Timon, & St. Joe's.  Park owns wins over Amherst, Niagara Falls, St. Mary's, Middle College, St. Joe's, & Starpoint.  Both teams have beaten Bishop Kearney.

Last season, both teams reached the pinnacle of success for their respective classifications - NYS Federation Championships.  Canisius finished its 2015 season off by claiming the ultimate prize in Class A, while the Pioneers did the same thing in Class B, on the same weekend, one day after they watched and cheered the Crusaders on to victory.  It was likely the last time they will ever root for a Canisius victory.  While Park finished the year as the #1 ranked team in NYS Class B and Canisius earned the same distinction from Class A, the Pioneers moved up to Class A this season.  

Now that Park is in Class A with the Crusaders, both share space in the NYS rankings together.  Park has been the state's top ranked team in Class A all season, while Canisius is expected to be sitting at #3 when the new state rankings are released tomorrow.  With #1 vs. #3 getting it on in Class A this Saturday, Canisius @ Park is not only the 'Game of the Week' in WNY, we are talking about the biggest game in the entire Empire State.  Best of all, it should only be the first of an epic trilogy this season.

If you find yourself on the outside looking in this Saturday afternoon, I think you know where you can find updates.

 

-centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings - Week 5 - 2016

 

The fifth state rankings for the 2016 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

No Teams Ranked

 

Class A 

Park #1

Canisius #4

Amherst #12

McKinley #15

Williamsville South #23

 

 Class B

Olean #1

Walsh #6

St. Mary's #17

Fredonia #22

Health Sciences #24

 

 Class C 

Middle College #8

Tapestry #10

Chautauqua Lake #18

 

 Class D

Franklinville #9

Panama #17

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

There's still at least three teams from Section V's Class AA that are better than any team in Section VI.  Fairport #6, Aquinas #9, and Rochester East #23 all sit in the top 25.  Fairport hosts Aquinas on Wednesday night in a likely Section V Class AA final preview.  

 

- Amherst, McKinley, & Williamsville South all moved up one spot in Class A, while Park & Canisius remained where they were (#1 & #4 respectively).

 

- It will be interesting/laughable to see how they handle the result of Saturday's game between #4 Canisius and #15 McKinley.

 

- Panama enters the Class D rankings at #17, the second Section VI team to be ranked along with Franklinville.

 

And now for the fun part...all of the illogical movement this week, starting with Class B:

 

• St. Mary's smashes Health Sciences (who had been #20 in NYS Class B) by 31 points and beats Cardinal O'Hara, then loses a competitive game to Park (#1 NYS Class A).  St. Mary's drops two spots!
• Meanwhile, Fredonia beats unranked Dunkirk & Silver Creek by 10 points each, then loses a competitive game to Olean (#1 NYS Class B).  Fredonia makes its first appearance in the rankings at #22. 

*** Am I missing something???  The results of St. Mary's & Fredonia are similar, but definitely more impressive from a Lancers perspective.  Both won two games and lost one to the number one team in the state.  The difference, St. Mary's beat a state ranked Class B team by 31 and lost to #1 in Class A.  The Hillbillies beat unranked teams, one in Class C, by 10 apiece, and lost to #1 in Class B.  I'm fine with Fredonia entering the rankings, but how in the world does Fredonia move up and St. Mary's move down???  By the way, Health Sciences dropped four spots for that 31 point loss (while St. Mary's, who beat them,  dropped two spots).

 

Now for Class C, and it just keeps getting better:

 

• Tapestry played just one game last week, a win over Randolph.  They had been #5 in NYS Class C.  Following the win over Randolph, Tapestry drops five spots to #10.  Let that one sink in for a moment.  It's going to sound even worse when you keep reading.
• Chautauqua Lake debuts in the Class C rankings at #18, coming off a victory over a two-win Maple Grove team.  Now I'm alright with Chautauqua Lake being ranked, but they shouldn't be in over Randolph.  Prior to Randolph's one-point loss to Tapestry on Saturday, Randolph beat Allegany-Limestone by 29.  Chautauqua Lake lost to Allegany-Limestone by 23.  So again, looking at Tapestry dropping five spots for beating Randolph, while Chautauqua Lakes debuts over Randolph, should have scratching your head pretty furiously by now!
• Then there's Middle College, who helps illustrate just how silly the approach to these state rankings is and why they should always be taken with a heavy dose of salt.  The Kats go from unranked to #8 and the highest ranked team from Section VI in Class C. 

 

** I'd have been fine with Middle College being ranked all along.  But instead, they wait for the record to get above .500 because they are not Mount Vernon.  Middle College beating Riverside and Burgard did nothing to show they were a top Class C team in the state, so waiting for a .500 record and then jumping a team from unranked to #8 is so stupid!  And they drop Tapestry, FIVE SPOTS, for winning.  

 

For complete NYSSWA State Rankings, click here.

 

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots - 2016 - Week 5

 

 (Niagara Catholic won a loose ball scramble for the last spot on my ballot this week / Photo by Buffalo News)

 

 As a pollster for the Buffalo News, I'm asked to send in my weekly ballots ranking the top ten large and small schools.  The polls are based on games played through Saturday of each week.  Here's a look at how I see them and some of the rationale used to get there.

 

Large Schools

1. Park (MMA) - Coming off double-digit victories over St. Joe's & St. Mary's, heading into a week where they'll visit Walsh on Tuesday, host St. Francis Thursday, and travel to Erie for a MLK tournament over the weekend.

2. Canisius (MMA) - After getting pushed at Timon, needing to score the last four points over the final 36 seconds to pull it out, the Crusaders could do no wrong in a rout of St. Joe's on Friday.  After a game with Niagara Catholic this week, Canisius faces McKinley in the 'Game of the Week' at the MLK Classic this Saturday.

3. Amherst (A2) - We've already reached the point in the season where the remaining regular season games should all see the Tigers as heavy favorites, based on where Amherst has been in the polls this season, who they've already beaten, and where they have their sites set on reaching.  

4. McKinley (A1) - The week is finally here when we'll get a real gauge of where the Macks are at.  While they've been crushing teams by 32.7 points per game, they've only played one team ranked between the large & small school poll - East at their place.  Middle College visits on Wednesday, before the big game on Saturday against Canisius.

5. Williamsville South (A1) - Picked up a pair of league wins this week in ECIC II, but lost over the weekend by 20 at Aquinas - a team that has beaten Lockport by 46, Timon by 40, & at St. Joe's by 21.

6. Niagara Falls (AA) - Rolled over Lockport down the stretch last week to move into first place in the NFL standings.  Will look to sweep the season series against Kenmore West this week.

7. Timon (MMA) - Since losing to Starpoint by three at the ADPRO Challenge, the Tigers have played like a top ten team in wins over Williamsville North, North Tonawanda, & St. Francis, along with giving Canisius its closest local game this season.  They'll get another shot at Aquinas on their court this week, and visit St. Joe's on Friday night in what is always a great matchup.  

8. St. Joe's (MMA) - Games against Cardinal O'Hara, Wlash, and Timon await the Marauders this week, which should seem like a sharp contrast to road games at Park & Canisius from last week.

9. Kenmore West (AA) - Look who's debuting in the poll this week.  There's a lot to like about the Blue Devils team that is buying in, especially the way they handled their business at Lockport on Friday.  Huge game at home with Niagara Falls this week - they'll need a win for any realistic hope of earning a share of the NFL crown.

10. Williamsville North (AA) - The Spartans have no bad losses this season, but do have wins at Jamestown and Orchard Park, which have North sitting in first place in ECIC I.  If they can win Tuesday night's game at Lancaster, they will have beaten the top three teams in their league on the road.

 

Small Schools

1. Olean (B1) - Got my first look at Olean this week, then took a second look two nights later.  After 400 miles, I can say they are talented, but it's their team chemistry that will carry them to Glens Falls if they maximize their potential.  I haven't seen a team that moves the ball better this year.  They picked up wins over Fredonia and Jamestown last week, and will host Maryvale on Saturday.

2. St. Mary's (MMA) - I was planning on moving Walsh up to number two in the event that St. Mary's knocked off last week's number two, Health Sciences.  But after witnessing the way the Lancers did the Falcons, and then competing with Park two nights later, St. Mary's deserved this spot.

3. Walsh (MMA) - The Eagles took care of Nichols handily last week, and then got out of North Tonawanda with a win on Saturday afternoon.  There's been some spirited debate in Olean this season as to who the best small school is in that city, as Walsh feels they could beat the Huskies, given the opportunity.  They host Park tonight, visit St. Joe's on Wednesday, and host Niagara Catholic on Friday.  For what it's worth, I think the Huskies would be 2-1 over that three game stretch.

4. Health Sciences (B2) - A heavy dose of reality was just what Falcons' coach Ty Parker was looking for this season when he designed his schedule, and that's what Health Sciences got in road games at Park & St. Mary's.  The challenges continue this week, when the Falcons play at South Park.

5. Middle College (C2) - The Kats hopes of winning the Yale Cup this season will go through McKinley, and Round One is this Wednesday night at Mack High.  Middle College also plays Cheektowaga on Saturday in the MLK Classic, which should hold a high entertainment value.

6. East (C1) - After a pair a lopsided league wins last week over Hutch-Tech & Bennett, the Panthers host South Park tonight in a very intriguing Yale Cup I game.  They will be over .500 after this week's games, and maybe just maybe, the comical state rankings will include them among the top schools in Class C.

7. East Aurora (B1) - Dropped a close game at Cheektowaga this week, but bounced back nicely with a win over Maryvale.  The Blue Devils face more large schools than small schools in their schedule.

8. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks won an exciting game against Randolph at the United Way Showcase in Jamestown over the weekend, the second time they've beaten the Cardinals this season.  They host Cardinal O'Hara on Friday night in what should be a battle.

9. Fredonia (B2) - The Hillbillies showed on Thursday night at Olean that they can be in any game, thanks to the way they defend and play together.  They pushed the Huskies to their closest game of the season and then held Silver Creek to a season-low 34 points on Saturday.

10. Niagara Catholic (MMA) - I was regretful for not voting Niagara Catholic in last week, after realizing that they had beaten the same Harborcreek team that Fredonia lost to.  I looked closely at last week's results and decided to find room for both Fredonia & Niagara Catholic, but gave the Hillbillies the edge, coming off a better showing at Olean than the Patriots had in a loss to St. Francis.  I was the only pollster to throw Niagara Catholic a bone this week, and with games against Canisius, St. Mary's, & Walsh coming up, they'll probably need a win in at least one of those to remain here next week.

 

-centercourt

 

Top Games of the Week: 1/10/16 -- 1/16/16

(Canisius vs McKinley at the MLK Classic / Photo by James McCoy)

 

Here's a list of what I think are the top games to follow this week:

 

Monday, January 11th

South Park @ East - 6 pm

Park @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

St. Francis @ St. Mary's - 7:30 pm

Dunkirk @ Chautauqua Lake - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 12th

MST Seneca @ Emerson - 6 pm

Roy-Hart @ Wilson - 6 pm

Maryvale @ Cheektowaga - 6:30 pm

Lew-Port @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Williamsville North @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 13th

Middle College @ McKinley - 6 pm

Walsh @ St. Joe's - 6:30 pm

St. Mary's @ Niagara Catholic - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 15th

Health Sciences @ South Park - 6 pm

Niagara Catholic @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

Dunkirk @ St. Francis - 6:30 pm

Newfane @ Wilson - 6:30 pm

Cardinal O'Hara @ Tapestry - 6:30 pm

North Tonawanda @ Niagara Wheatfield - 6:30 pm

Niagara Falls @ Kenmore West - 7 pm

Timon @ St. Joe's - 7 pm

Nichols @ St. Mary's - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 16th

Maryvale @ Olean - 2:30 pm

Orchard Park @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

MLK Classic at City Honors

East vs. Sweet Home - 11 am

Middle College vs. Cheektowaga - 12:30 pm

McKinley vs. Canisius - 3:15 pm

 

Game of the Week - Canisius vs. McKinley on Saturday, January 16th at the MLK Classic

- The annual MLK Classic main event was never better than the 'Game of the Year' candidate that the Macks & Crusaders played last season.  With the two local heavyweights once again among the few elite programs in the area, there's no reason to think this year's MLK Classic feature game will be anything less than spectacular.

The Macks are in need of a competitive game, and Canisius should be just the team to give them that and more.  McKinley's closest game this season was a 15-point win in its opener against St. Francis.  That game and a 16-point win over Williamsville North are the only games the Macks have won by less than 24 points, as they've averaged an astounding 32.7 point margin of victory through nine games.

The Crusaders are coming off a 36-point win over top ten large school St. Joe's, and have only lost one game - the championship game of an eight-team National Jesuit Tournament, to Geaorgetown Prep of Maryland.  Cansisus' conquests this season already include wins over Aquinas, Bishop Kearney, and Williamsville South - the team that ended McKinley's season last year.  

Plan on arriving early if you don't want to be forced to stand all game, or even worse, not get in.  This marquee matchup packs them in every season, and for good reason - these two get after it.  Canisius & McKinley have both been top five large schools in WNY now for the better part of a decade and both have won state championships since 2013.  There's no other way I'd want to celebrate Martin Luther King weekend, than to watch the Crusaders and Macks battle for 32 minutes...or 36...or 40...or 44...hey, Mr. King could dream, and so can I.

 

-centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings - Week 4 - 2016

 

The fourth state rankings for the 2016 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

They have this "We do not rank teams below .500 policy".  I have never agreed with this policy, because if you really want to the best 25 teams in a classification represented in a somewhat accurate order, simply looking at records and standings will be very misleading.  But whatever right?  Policy is policy, thus teams like Middle College & East, who we all know are among the top 20 teams in NYS Class C (more likely top 10 for both) have to wait until they collect a bunch of lopsided league wins to counteract losses to highly ranked large schools from December's nonleague schedule.  Basically, punishing teams for creating and playing a challenging schedule designed make the team better.  But like I said, policy is policy, and as long as they stay consistent with that, we'll live with it.

But once you become inconsistent with your own policy, you quickly lose credibility.  That's what I've caught the state rankings doing this week, and that inconsistency makes a mockery of the same rankings in other classifications.  Here's what I discovered:

Mount Vernon had been #14 in NYS Class AA last week with a record of 1-1.  After collecting one win and two losses, with the second loss to Green Tech (#19 in NYS Class AA), Mount Vernon's record dropped to 2-3.  But it didn't drop them out of the state rankings - instead, you will find Mount Vernon sitting at #24 this week in NYS Class AA with a 2-3 record.  

Let me guess - you're confident Mount Vernon is in fact a top 25 team in Class AA and feel that a heavy front-loaded schedule is responsible for the sub .500 record, but come postseason time, Mount Vernon will be right there in the mix??  And they are undoubtedly better than other teams you could have put in the #24 spot that Lockport (with a 7-2 record) occupied last week, right??  

Well, I would agree 100%.  Mount Vernon should be ranked.  They are a top 25 team in Class AA. Duh!!!  But you can't just decided that in this particular case, an exception is warranted.  Stick to your inane, stupid, illogical policy that if you are below .500, you couldn't possibly be a team deserving of rank.  Let's not try getting it right this week just because it's 'Big Bad Mount Vernon'.  Instead, stand up and proudly exclaim "We do not believe Mount Vernon is a top 25 team at this time.  The sluggish 2-3 start suggests that Mount Vernon is no longer a top 25 power, at least not at this time.  This is our policy."

If it makes sense to the state rankings panel that Middle College is not one of the best 20 Class C teams in this state because they lost to Park and UPrep, then stay consistent.  If East (who just beat Class AA #24 Lockport) is to receive no consideration as a top 20 team in Class C because they have losses to the likes of Bishop Kearney, Edison Tech, McKinley, Timon, & Middle College before getting to eat up the cupcakes on its schedule, then don't make exceptions for other teams.  Lots of teams are worthy of the exception granted to Mount Vernon.

 

Class AA

No Teams Ranked

 

Class A 

Park #1

Canisius #4

Amherst #13

McKinley #16

Williamsville South #24

 

 Class B

Olean #1

Walsh #6

St. Mary's #15

Health Sciences #20

 

 Class C 

Tapestry #5

 

 Class D

Franklinville #10

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

- Lockport's consecutive losses to Aquinas & East got them dropped from the rankings in Class AA.

 

- Amherst bumped up five spots, from #18 to #13 in NYS Class A, after winning the Anthony Parlato Memorial Tournament.

 

- Williamsville South, who had been #20 in NYS Class A, falls to #24 after traveling to NYC and losing at Chaminade, who was ranked #9 in NYS Class A.  If South was Mount Vernon, they may have moved into the top 10 for that loss...

 

- McKinley moves up seven spots in NYS Class A, from #23 to #16, following wins over Nichols & Cheektowaga.

 

- Franklinville slid four spots to #10 in NYS Class D after suffering its first loss of the season.

 

For the complete NYSSWA rankings, click here.

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots - 2016 - Week 4

(JaQuoine Fogan & Tapestry are state-ranked and #8 on my small school ballot / Photo by Mark Mulville)

 

As a pollster for the Buffalo News, I'm asked to send in my weekly ballots ranking the top ten large and small schools.  The polls are based on games played through Saturday of each week.  Here's a look at how I see them and some of the rationale used to get there.

 

Large

1. Park (MMA) - Once again in a double overtime victory over Bishop Kearney, the Pioneers were able to flip a switch in the game's crucial minutes and take over.  Park will look to extend its winning streak to 14 games by week's end, hosting St. Joe's on Tuesday and visiting St. Mary's Friday night.

2. Canisius (MMA) - Reached the championship game of an eight-team National Jesuit Tournament in NYC over break, where their state-leading 16-game winning streak game to an end at the hands of Maryland's Georgetown Prep.  This week, its personal for the Crusaders - they visit Timon and former assistant coach Des Randall on Tuesday, before hosting their rivals (SJCI) on Friday night.

3. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers also went to NYC over the break, and won the Anthony Parlato Memorial Tournament, defeating both East Islip and Center Moriches by double figures, with TC Brown named Tournament MVP.  

4. McKinley (A1) - In its second year of existence, the Macks won a second McKinley Tournament handily, running past Nichols and Cheektowaga as Kesean Fisher earned MVP honors.  

5. Williamsville South (A1) - Another area team that went to NYC over break, the Billies scored an exciting win over Westbury on a game-winning 3-pointer from Graham Dolan, before falling to Chaminade in the final.  

6. Lockport (AA) - Someone forgot to wish the Lions Happy Holidays, because the break was not kind to previously unbeaten Lockport.  After a 40-point loss to Aquinas, the Lions fell to East the following night in the consolation game.  Based on their double figure wins over St. Joe's and Starpoint, I left them here for another week, until we see how they fare in the 'Game of the Week' at Niagara Falls on Tuesday.

7. St. Joe's (MMA) - Knocked off Starpoint on Wednesday to earn its second top 10 win of the season, heading into a huge week...at Park on Tuesday and at Canisius on Friday.  Jeesh!

8. Niagara Falls (AA) - After 17 days off, the Wolverines will take the court against Lockport on Tuesday night in the 'Game of the Week'.  The winner will take sole possession of first place in the NFL.

9. Starpoint (A2) - Despite losing at St. Joe's on Wednesday night, the Spartans looked like they'd shaken off whatever was ailing them during the "Lockport incident".  With only league games remaining, Starpoint will focus on going after the ECIC II title - something they'll need to take from Williamsville South.

10. Timon (MMA) - Brought the Tigers back onto my ballot after seeing them cruise past North Tonawanda on Tuesday night, and carefully analyzing the results we have to date.  Timon owns a win at Bishop Kearney, a season-opening win over East, and defeated Williamsville North. Those wins top the best wins from the next two schools in consideration - Lancaster (Jamestown, South Park, Tapestry, Nichols) or Kenmore West (Nichols, O'Hara, Niagara Wheatfield).

 

Small Schools

1. Olean (B1) - Had no problem winning the IAABO Tournament last week, mowing through Bradford and Warren in the process.  Two of its biggest games left before sectionals are this week, as the Huskies host Fredonia on Thursday and visit Jamestown on Saturday.  

2. Health Sciences (B2) - Have been idle since knocking off Middle College to take the #2 spot on my ballot, but return to action tonight against BASCS.  On Wednesday night, the Falcons fly into St. Mary's for a showdown.

3. Walsh (MMA) - The Eagles finally lost their first game to Coudersport in a Holiday Tournament.  They will look to get back on track during a pair of road trips this week - at Nichols in a toip 10 small school battle on Tuesday, and at North Tonawanda on Saturday.

4. Middle College (C1) - Back in action for the first time this week since losing to Health Sciences.  The Kats host Riverside on Tuesday and are at Burgard on Thursday.

5. East (C1) - Last week I was defending having the Panthers at #6 with a 1-5 record.  This week, I moved them up a spot after beating Lockport - the #6 large school that entered the week as the only team from WNY ranked by the state in Class AA.  

6. St. Mary's (MMA) - After winning the Depew Tournament prior to break, the Lancers added another tournament trophy to the case, hoisting the hardware at the Five Guys Tournament after defeating Global Concepts & Williamsville North on consecutive nights.  Host Cardinal O'Hara on Tuesday, before Health Sciences arrives on Wednesday for a small school showdown.

7. East Aurora (B1) - The Blue Devils start the New Year off with a pair of tough league games in ECIC III against large schools, that should be very competitive.  On Wednesday they'll visit Cheektowaga, then host Maryvale on Friday.

8. Tapestry (C1) - Survived a scare from visiting Roy-Hart on Wednesday, escaping with a 56-53 win.  Host WNY Maritime tonight, before a trip to Jamestown on Saturday for a rematch with Randolph, who the Thunderhawks beat by five early in December.

9. Nichols (MMA) - Got to experience McKinley's pressure first hand last week, before bouncing back with a win over MST Seneca the following day.  A win over visiting Walsh on Tuesday night would be major.

10. Fredonia (B2) - The Hillbillies debut in this spot after winning the Clarence Tournament last week, and Franklinville falling to Chautauqua Lake - a team Fredonia has beaten already.  However, I didn't catch something until after it was too late, that may have changed who occupied this spot.  One of Fredonia's losses was to Harborcreek by 14 points, a team Niagara Catholic just beat.  Fredonia faces Dunkirk, Olean, & Silver Creek this week, while Niagara Catholic visits St. Francis.  I will monitor results closely and re-assess over the weekend.

 

-centercourt