The View From Centercourt

Ranking the Top 10 Large & Small: 2024 Season - Week 2

 

Large Schools

1. Timon (AA) - Jaiden Harrison became the newest member of WNY's illustrious 2K Club, reaching the milestone in a rout over visiting Maritime.  This week brings road trips to Lackawanna and Pioneer. 

2. Health Sciences (AA2) - Opened the season with a win in a packed house at St. Joe's on Friday.  The Falcons take on Middle College Tuesday night, ahead of the opening round of the Live Like Luca Tournament at St. Francis, where they open with Williamsville East.

3. Canisius (AA) - An 18-point win over Cathedral Prep makes it four straight victories to open the season for the Crusaders.  Their closest game so far was a 15-point win over Jamestown.  Friday is rivalry night at St. Joe's.

4. Niagara Falls (AAA) - Nick Estell scored 20 of his game-high 33 points in the second half to lead the Wolverines past Nichols on Friday, improving the team to 3–1 with a trip to North Carolina for a pair of games coming this week.

5. St. Joe's (AA) - Watched a two-point lead slip away with just over a minute left to play in their home opener against Health Sciences.  This Friday evening will be a truly special night on Kenmore Ave.

6. Jamestown (AA1) - I put my eyes on Jamestown for the first time this season and came away impressed watching their victory Park.  The team chemistry was noticeable and junior Jaydian Johnson has definitely brought his game up another level.

7. Orchard Park (AA1) - Like the Red Raiders above, Orchard Park also took on The Park School this week and earned a very similar victory, then defeated Vertus, 68-49, at Rocket Mortage Fieldhouse in Cleveland.  They face Cardinal O’Hara this week before opening against St. Mary’s at the Depew Tournament on Thursday.

8. Nichols (AA) - Coming off a 44-point win against City Honors, the Vikings got clipped at home by Niagara Falls on a Friday night battle.  Another tough matchup comes this week when they travel to Main Street to face Amherst on Friday.

9. Williamsville East (AA2) - The Flames 4-1 start to the 2024 campaign includes the win over Clarence, and most recently, Williamsville North.  They’ll take a swing at the #2 large school when they take on Health Sciences at St. Francis on Wednesday.

10. Lancaster (AAA) - Wins at Park and O’Hara have the Legends off to a 4–0 start on the season with games at East Aurora and CSAT scheduled this week.

 

Small Schools

1. Randolph (C) - The defending state champions are 3–0 after cruising past Silver Creek by 31 points.  They visit Portville before wrapping up the week at home on Friday night against Allegany-Limestone.  

2. Salamanca (B2) - Following the season-opening loss by the Warriors, they found their mojo back in a big way during an 18-point victory over Williamsville South and followed it up by dropping Depew by 25 points Saturday at SUNY Fredonia.  They’ll need that mojo on hand when they visit Niagara Wheatfield this Thursday night.

3. Newfane (B1) - Earned a 27-point win at Maritime on Thursday night to improve to 4-1.  The Panthers host Emerson to begin the week and then travel to Albion to wrap it up.

4. Fredonia (B1) - Fell to Harbor Creek (PA) this weekend.  The Hillbillies look to get back on track heading into the holidays with games coming at Lake Shore and against Buffalo Arts.

5. Falconer (B2) - Picked up another win this week by 23 points at Sherman.  The Golden Falcons will host Cassadaga Valley & Maple Grove this week.

6. Westfield (C) - After earning a 9-point victory at Panama, the Wolverines made it three wins in three nights after rolling Frewsburg by 33 points, and then Southwestern by 14 to win the Westfield Tournament.  They face Clymer this week, and then get a rematch with Southwestern.

7. Akron (B1) - A 41-point victory against JFK, followed by a 28-point went over Albion has the Tigers off to a 4-0 start to the season.  The annual Jack Silvernail Tournament hosted by Akron tips this week.

8. Burgard (B1) - The Bulldogs are all over my radar and quite possibly not high enough on it.  Now 4–0 after following up an 18-point victory over MST Seneca with a 50-point shellacking of Emerson.  Trekwon Guilford has scored over 20 points in every game for Burgard this season, averaging 24.5 PPG.

9. Middle College (B1) - After knocking off I-Prep, the Kats were tripped up by Hutch Tech.  They'll head to Villa Maria to take on Health Sciences this Tuesday night and end the week with the game against East.

10. Eden (B2) - Another definite first for me in my high school basketball days, ranking Eden.  The Raiders are now 5–0 this season, most least recently delivering Tapestry a 29-point loss.  The team travels to Springville this week.

 

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5th Annual Centercourt Classic

 

The high school hoops season is in full swing here in WNY and we've already been treated to some great action in the month of December.  After you get past Christmas break, league action really heats up...it gets fans thinking about the playoffs and all those postseason-type matchups to come. 

 

Once again, we have an annual event just ahead of the win-or-go home madness that features those playoff-type battles between some of the area's top squads and it will set the tone for late February & March.

 

Announcing the lineup for the 5th Annual Centercourt Classic 

 

Back for a second straight season at Hamburg High School, 4111 Legion Drive in Hamburg, NY 

 

Friday, February 3rd

Hamburg (Girls) vs. Frontier (Girls) - 6 pm

Hamburg (Boys) vs. Frontier (Boys) - 7:45 pm

 

Saturday, February 4th

Williamsville East vs. Niagara Wheatfield - 12 pm

St. Joe's vs. Health Sciences - 1:45 pm

Nichols vs. Randolph - 3:30 pm

Timon vs. Jamestown - 5:15 pm

Canisius vs. Amherst - 7 pm

 

-centercourt

The 2022 All-Centercourt Team: The Best in WNY

 

The 2022 CC MVP

Declan Ryan

Canisius, Senior

20.6 PPG / 9.3 RPG / 3.1 APG / 0.7 BPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- CHSAA State Champion

- Manhattan Cup Champion

- Monsignor Martin Champion

- Player of the Year for All-Catholic

- MVP of Tom Keenan Memorial Tournament 

- Game MVP of CHSAA State Championship

- Game MVP at Centercourt Classic

- BK Classic All-Tournament

- Career-high 36 pts vs Albany Academy

- Grabbed 18 rebounds vs Albany Academy

- 33 pts, 20 boards, & 7 assists in a win at Timon

- Scored over 30 pts in 4 games

- Recorded 13 double-doubles

 

First Team All-Centercourt

Max Schneider

Williamsville East, Senior

27.1 PPG / 7.2 APG / 4.4 SPG / 2.3 RPG

- Three-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- ECIC II Champion

- Player of the Year for All-ECIC

- Player of the Year in ECIC II

- Game MVP at Centercourt Classic

Section VI Class A1 All-Tournament

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Centercourt Dime Dropper

- Led WNY in assists

- Season-high 44 pts in a win vs Lancaster

- Scored over 30 pts in 7 games

- Dished 14 dimes in a win at Iroquois

- Had 7 or more assists in 15 games

- Recorded 5 double-doubles

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

Shane Cercone

Canisius, Junior

19.9 PPG / 8.9 RPG / 2.3 APG / 0.8 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- CHSAA State Champion

- Manhattan Cup Champion

- Monsignor Martin Champion

- First Team All-Catholic

- BK Classic All-Tournament

- St. Pius All-Tournament

- All-Centercourt Defender

- Scored 31 in a win over Cathedral Prep

- Scored 31 in a win over Nichols

- Had 22 pts & 19 boards in a win at Nichols

- Recorded 11 double-doubles

- Double-doubles in 8 of last 10 games

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

Seth Joba

Orchard Park, Senior

17.2 PPG / 9.9 RPG / 4.0 BPG / 1.0 SPG

- Player of the Year in ECIC I

- First Team All-ECIC

- Section VI Class AA All-Tournament

- All-Centercourt Defender

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Led WNY in shot blocks

- Career-high 33 pts in a win at Sweet Home

- Blocked 8 shots in a win over Will North

- Had 16 rebounds vs Falls & Hamburg

- Grabbed 13 or more boards in 6 games

- Recorded 12 double-doubles

 

 

 

Massimo Moretti

St. Mary's, Senior

21.1 PPG / 14.2 RPG / 2.3 BPG / 1.3 APG

- CHSAA Class B State Champion

- First Team All-Catholic

- All-Cencourt Defender

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Career-high 34 pts & 28 boards vs Nichols

- Scored 30 pts with 15 boards vs. St. Joe's

- Scored 26 or more pts in 8 games

- Blocked 4 or more shots in 8 games

- Had 15 or more rebounds in 13 games

- Recorded 18 double-doubles

- Shot 44% on 37 made 3-pointers

 

 

 

 

Kevin Thompson

Timon, Senior

20.5 PPG / 7.2 RPG / 2.5 BPG / 2.1 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Manhattan Cup Finalist

- First Team All-Catholic

- All-Centercourt Defender

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Career-high 35 pts & 13 boards at St. Joe's

- Scored 24 or more pts in 9 games

- 32 pts, 16 boards, & 8 blks in a win vs Nichols

- Shot 6/9 from downtown in a win at Frannies

- Grabbed 11 or more rebounds in 6 games

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

 

 

 

Second Team All-Centercourt

Teddy McDuffie

Amherst, Senior

13.6 PPG / 14.2 RPG / 3.2 SPG / 1.7 APG

- Far West Region Class A Champion

- Section VI Class A Champion

- ECIC II Champion

- NYSPHAA Class A All-Tournament

- First Team All-ECIC

- First Team ECIC II

- Game MVP at Centercourt Classic

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Led WNY in rebounding

- Career-high 28 pts in a win at Iroquois

- Career-high 26 boards in a win vs Iroquois

- Had 5 games with 20 or more rebounds

- Recorded 18 double-doubles

 

Nick Moore

Amherst, Junior

16.6 / 5.7 RPG / 5.2 APG / 2.9 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Far West Region Class A Champion

- Section VI Class A Champion

- ECIC II Champion

- First Team All-ECIC

- Player of the Year in ECIC II

- Section VI Class A2 Tournament MVP

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Game MVP at the 290 Classic

- Game MVP at the Jolly Boys Showcase

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Centercourt Dime Dropper

- Season-high 26 pts in a win over Iroquois

- Grabbed 7 or more rebounds in 11 games

- Recorded 5 double-doubles

 

Justin Glover

St. Joe's, Senior

18.8 PPG / 5.8 APG / 4.7 RPG / 3.0 SPG

- Three-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- First Team All-Catholic

- All-Centercourt Defender 

- Game MVP at Centercourt Classic

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Centercourt Dime Dropper

- Career-high 31 pts in a win at Nichols

- Had 30 pts, 8 reb, & 7 asts in a win vs Tapestry

- Scored 29 pts & 11 asts in a win vs Holy Trinity

- Had 16 pts, 15 boards, & 9 dimes vs O'Hara

- Dished 7 or more assists in 8 games

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

 

Trey Kleitz

Iroquois, Senior

24.9 PPG / 6.9 RPG / 6.6 APG / 5.9 SPG

- Four-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- First Team All-ECIC

- First Team ECIC II

- Game MVP at Centercourt Classic

- All-Centercourt Defender

- Centercourt Dime Dropper

- Led WNY in steals

- Season-high 39 pts in a win vs Will South

- Grabbed 14 rebounds in a win at Maryvale

- Dished 13 assists in a win vs East Aurora

- Registered 13 steals in a win vs Pioneer

- Triple-double in a win vs Sweet Home

- Recorded 9 double-doubles

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

Jalen Duff

Nichols, Junior

24.3 PPG / 7.5 RPG / 6.0 APG / 1.7 SPG

- Four-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- First Team All-Catholic

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Centercourt Dime Dropper

- Led the MMA in scoring & assists

- Season-high 32 pts in a win vs St. Francis

- Scored over 30 pts in 6 games

- Had 7 or more assists in 7 games

- Grabbed 14 boards at Tapestry

- Triple-double in a win vs Timon

- Registered 4 double-doubles

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

 

 

Third Team All-Centercourt

Xander Fletcher

Niagara Wheatfield, Junior

16.7 PPG / 5.1 APG / 4.1 RPG / 2.0 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Section VI Class A1 Champion

- NFL Champion

- Player of the Year in NFL

- Game MVP at Centercourt Classic

- Section VI Class A1 All-Tournament

•   - Centercourt Dime Dropper

- Career-high 31 pts in a win at Lockport

- Scored 28 pts in a win at Ken East

- Scored 24 or more pts in 5 games

- Had 6 or more assists in 9 games

- Grabbed 6 or more boards in 8 games

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

Lucus Brown

Salamanca, Sophomore

21.2 PPG / 5.5 RPG / 3.9 SPG / 2.8 APG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Far West Region Class C Champion

- Section VI Class C Champion

- NYSPHAA Class C All-Tournament

- Section VI Class C Tournament MVP

- All-Centercourt Defender

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Season-high 37 pts in a win vs Portville

- Scored 32 pts & 15 boards in win vs Holland

- Had 5 or more steals in 6 games

- Averaged 29.3 pts over last 3 postseason games

 

 

 

LaMar Matthews

Tapestry, Senior

25.9 PPG / 5.8 RPG / 3.0 SPG / 1.5 APG

- Player of the Year for Charter Schools

- Section VI Class B2 All-Tournament

- Season-high 35 pts in a win over Bennett

- Scored over 30 pts in 7 games

- Scored 34 pts in a win at Sweet Home

- Scored 20 or more pts in 19 games

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jaiden Harrison

Timon, Sophomore

20.8 PPG / 4.9 RPG / 2.1 APG / 1.8 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Manhattan Cup Finalist

- Second Team All-Catholic

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Season-high 37 pts vs Orchard Park

- Scored over 30 pts in 6 games

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jakye Rainey

Nichols, Sophomore

24.1 PPG / 4.6 RPG / 2.3 SPG / 1.9 APG

- Second Team All-Catholic

- Game MVP at Centercourt Classic

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Led WNY in 3-pointers made (86)

- Career-high 44 pts vs St. Mary's

- Scored 36 pts in a win vs Cathedral Prep

- Scored over 30 pts in 8 games

- Drilled 8 treys vs Cathedral Prep

- Banged 6 or more treys in 6 games

- Shot 64% on 7 made 3's vs Niagara Falls

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth Team All-Centercourt

Solomon Jackson

St. Joe's, Senior

19.2 PPG / 7.9 RPG / 2.1 SPG / 1.5 APG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Second Team All-Catholic

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Career-high 30 pts in a win vs Nichols

- Scored 29 pts with 10 boards vs Timon 

- Had three games with 15 rebounds

- Recorded 7 double-doubles

 

 

 

 

 

 

TJ Robinson

Niagara Wheatfield, Senior

18.9 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 1.6 APG / 1.6 SPG

- Three-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Section VI Class A1 Champion

- NFL Champion

- First Team NFL

- Section VI Class A1 Tournament MVP

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Career-high 31 pts in a win at CSAT

- Scored over 30 pts in 2 games

- Had 29 pts & 10 boards at Lew-Port

- Sank 5 or more treys in 6 games

- Banged 74 treys on the season

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

Tyler Curran

Allegany-Limestone, Senior

18.2 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 4.1 APG / 1.9 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Far West Region Class B Champion

- Section VI Class B Champion

- First Team CCAA I West

- NYSPHAA Class B All-Tournament

- Section VI Class B2 Tournament MVP

- Season-high 34 pts & 13 boards vs Roy-Hart

- Triple-double in a win over Bennett

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trevin Boling

Tonawanda, Senior

33.0 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 2.9 APG / 2.6 SPG

- Player of the Year in ECIC IV

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Led WNY in scoring

- Team leader in pts, rebounds, & stls

- Season-high 44 pts in a win vs Eden

- Scored over 40 pts in 4 games

- Scored over 30 pts in 15 games

- Third in WNY with made 82 treys

- Had 7 or more boards in 8 games

- Recorded two double-doubles

- Career 2,000 point scorer

 

 

 

Bryant Rosa

Riverside, Senior

28.5 PPG / 4.3 APG / 4.1 RPG / 2.5 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Player of the Year in Yale Cup II

- Section VI Class B1 All-Tournament

- Season-high 41 pts in Class B1 Semifinal

- Scored over 30 pts in 12 games

- Scored 24 or more pts in 16 games

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fifth Team All-Centercourt

Nate Parker

CSAT, Senior

25.2 PPG / 6.0 RPG / 3.0 APG / 2.9 SPG

- First Team NFL

- Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament

- Career-high 37 pts in a win vs Ken East

- Had 30 pts & 10 boards vs Grand Island

- Scored over 30 pts in 6 games

- Grabbed 7 or more rebounds in 9 games

- Recorded 2 double-doubles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trey Drake

Jamestown, Junior

13.8 PPG / 5.5 RPG / 2.8 APG / 2.0 SPG

- Far West Region Class AA Champion

- Section VI Class AA Champion

- ECIC I Champion

- First Team ECIC I

- Second Team All-ECIC

- Game MVP at Centercourt Classic

- Section VI Class AA All-Tournament

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dominic McKenzie

Niagara Falls, Senior

16.3 PPG / 10.7 RPG / 2.2 SPG / 1.2 BPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- First Team NFL

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Season-high 28 pts in a win at Ken East

- Had 26 pts & 22 boards vs Rochester East

- Scored 26 pts or more in 4 games

- Grabbed 12 or more boards in 9 games

- Recorded 13 double-doubles

 

 

 

 

 

TJ Jacobs

Hutch-Tech, Senior

22.3 PPG / 12.2 RPG / 4.6 APG / 3.2 SPG

- Section VI Class A1 All-Tournament

- First Team Yale Cup I

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Career-high 40 pts in 3Q vs I-Prep

- Scored 37 pts in a win vs Bennett

- Had 36 pts & 19 boards vs Nichols

- Recorded 12 double-doubles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nick Whitfield

Fredonia, Senior

23.1 PPG / 9.3 RPG / 3.7 APG / 2.8 BPG / 1.5 SPG

- Player of the Year in CCAA I West

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Career-high 48 pts in a win at Dunkirk

- Scored over 30 pts in 5 games

- Grabbed 15 boards vs Southwestern

- Blocked 6 shots vs Global Concepts

- Had 5 or more assists in 6 games

- Recorded 11 double-doubles

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honorable Mention

Tapestry's Romeo Bell evolved over his four-year varsity career from a shoot first guard into a team-first baller capable from every position at both ends of the court.  He defended the post, pounded the boards, scored from anywhere, and delivered the slickest assists.  Off to play prep in Texas, Bell's well-rounded skill set has a future in college basketball.

 

 

 

Blake Frank - Franklinville, Senior

* First Team CCAA East

27.8 PPG / 5.3 RPG / 3.9 SPG / 2.3 APG

 

Caleb Chapman - City Honors, Senior

* First Team Yale Cup II

24.2 PPG / No other statistics were provided

 

Jasiah Jarocinski - Pioneer, Senior

* Player of the Year in ECIC III

23.1 PPG / 14.8 RPG / 4.9 APG

 

Jake Galley - Holland, Senior

* First Team ECIC IV

21.5 PPG / 4.4 RPG / 2.9 SPG / 1.7 APG

 

Aidan Kennedy - Southwestern, Senior

* First Team CCAA I West

20.9 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 3.7 APG / 2.7 SPG

 

Wayne Libby - Pine Valley, Senior

* Player of the Year in CCAA East

20.6 PPG / 5.7 RPG / 3.2 SPG / 2.1 APG

 

Darien Swanson - Westfield, Senior

* Player of the Year in CCAA II West

19.1 PPG / 7.0 APG / 6.3 RPG / 4.0 SPG / 1.6 BPG

 

Josh Schumaker - I-Prep, Senior

* First Team Yale Cup I

18.7 PPG / 6.1 RPG / 3.6 APG / 2.9 SPG

 

Aiden Petrie - Roy-Hart, Senior

* Player of the Year in Niagara-Orleans 

18.6 PPG / 8.1 RPG / 1.7 SPG / 1.5 APG / 1.1 BPG

 

Sean Hargrave - Ken West, Senior

* First Team Niagara Frontier League

17.2 PPG / 10.0 RPG / 2.2 APG / 1.5 SPG / 1.4 BPG

 

Romeo Bell - Tapestry, Senior

* First Team All-Charter

16.5 PPG / 7.9 RPG / 5.4 APG / 5.4 SPG

 

Anthony Borden - East, Senior

* First Team Yale Cup I

15.3 PPG / 7.0 RPG / 1.8 SPG / 1.3 APG

 

Chris Wright - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior

* Second Team All-Catholic

15.0 PPG / 12.1 RPG / 4.8 APG / 1.8 BPG / 1.7 SPG

 

Daniel Maku - Riverside, Senior

* First Team Yale Cup II

14.5 / 12.9 RPG / 3.7 APG / 1.7 SPG / 1.4 BPG

 

Joe Harrington - Lancaster, Senior

* First Team ECIC I 

14.5 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 2.1 APG / 1.6 BPG 

 

Gabe McCoy - Randolph, Senior

* Player of the Year in CCAA Central

14.1 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 2.3 BPG / 1.0 SPG

 

Zion James - Olean, Senior

* First Team CCAA I West

13.9 PPG / 6.1 RPG / 3.6 APG / 2.5 SPG

 

Alex Crescente - Orchard Park, Senior

* First Team ECIC I

13.6 PPG / 3.2 APG / 2.5 RPG / 2.5 SPG

 

Jahodd Martin - McKinley, Senior

* Player of the Year in Yale Cup I

13.4 PPG / 1.9 RPG / 1.7 APG / 0.7 SPG

 

Jaylen Butera - Jamestown, Senior

* First Team ECIC I

13.3 PPG / 4.8 RPG / 2.4 SPG / 1.6 APG

 

Kamdyn McClain - Olean, Senior

* MVP of Section VI Class B1 Tournament

12.8 PPG / 5.6 APG / 4.3 RPG / 3.1 SPG

 

Brendan Reid - St. Francis, Senior

* First Team All-Catholic

12.7 PPG / 8.7 RPG / 1.7 APG / 0.7 SPG

 

Jaral Farmer - Jamestown, Senior

* First Team ECIC I

11.3 PPG / 9.8 RPG / 2.1 APG / 1.8 SPG / 1.7 BPG

 

Eddie Cosgrove - Canisius, Senior

* MVP of the Manhattan Cup

8.6 PPG / 6.1 RPG / 2.4 APG / 0.6 SPG

 

Bobby Beilein - Lew-Port, Junior

* First Team Niagara Frontier League

19.2 PPG / 4.5 RPG / 2.8 APG / 1.6 SPG  / 1.0 BPG

 

Juilenn Celments - Lackawanna, Junior

* First Team ECIC IV

17.9 PPG / No other statistics were provided

 

Dorian Facen - Williamsville East, Junior

* First Team ECIC II

15.1 PPG / 6.0 RPG / 3.7 SPG / 2.3 APG

 

Andy Herrick - Salamanca, Junior

* First Team CCAA I West

12.9 PPG / 3.2 RPG / 2.2 APG / 1.4 SPG

 

Xavier Benton - Health Sciences, Junior

* First Team All-Charter

12.1 PPG / 6.0 APG / 2.6 SPG / 1.9 RPG

 

Luke Granto - Canisius, Junior

* First Team All-Catholic

6.6 PPG / 4.1 RPG / 3.4 APG / 1.2 SPG

 

Ray Cortes - Silver Creek, Sophomore

* First Team CCAA Central

25.1 PPG / 12.1 RPG / 3.4 SPG / 2.2 APG / 1.3 BPG

 

Jordan Alexander - Maryvale, Sophomore

* First Team ECIC III

21.8 PPG / 7.8 RPG / 2.8 SPG / 2.5 APG

 

Adam Chiacchia - Hamburg, Sophomore

* First Team ECIC I

 16.9 PPG / 7.7 RPG / 3.6 APG / 2.7 SPG / 1.5 BPG

 

Drew Hind - Randolph, Freshman

* Player of the Year in CCAA Central

16.4 PPG / 4.4 RPG / 4.3 APG / 2.6 SPG

 

Nakhyi Harris - Sweet Home, Freshman

* First Team ECIC II

13.2 PPG / 5.6 RPG / 2.6 APG / 1.9 SPG / 1.1 BPG

 

 

Centercourt 6th Man of the Year

Gary Johnson

Amherst, Senior

Just before Christmas at the Jolly Boys Showcase hosted by Amherst, Gary Johnson delivered one of the top highlights of the 2022 Season.  As he received a pass with three quarters of the court and three defenders already ahead of him, Johnson used a decisive burst of speed to blow past the three transitioning players and without breaking stride, soared above the rim, ripping a nasty two-handed tomahawk #BOOM.  It was an incredibly high-level play that I’ve seen very few times before over the years in a high school game.  The talent and chemistry of the Tigers gave them the luxury of bringing Johnson (9.3 PPG) off the bench and instantly creating mismatches at both ends of the floor.  Besides his ability to play above the rim and alter shots near the basket, Johnson also used his length and quickness to defend the perimeter, where opponents struggled to get a shot off against him.  He also displayed significant range and a soft touch when launching from downtown.  This award began following the 2012 season, which makes Gary Johnson the 11th recipient of of this honor.  Of the 10 players that came before him, none possessed the raw talent that he has.  Amherst basketball enjoyed its finest season in program history.  The role Johnson played helped accomplish that and earned him the 2022 Centercourt 6th Man of the Year.

 

 

All-Centercourt Defenders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Team

Shane Cercone - Canisius, Junior

Trey Kleitz - Iroquois, Senior

Beau Haubeil - Amherst, Senior

Kevin Thompson - Timon, Senior

Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Senior

 

Second Team

Hudson Kwiatkowski - Allegany-Limestone, Senior

Andrew Giardini - Allegany-Limestone, Junior

Luke Granto - Canisius, Junior

Seth Joba - Orchard Park, Senior

Massimo Moretti - St. Mary's

 

Third Team

Connor Schuster - Canisius, Senior

Taron Benton - Health Sciences, Senior

Ahmir Dunn - Amherst, Sophomore

Jaylen Butera - Jamestown, Senior

Jaral Farmer - Jamestown, Senior

 

Fourth Team

Lucus Brown - Salamanca, Sophomore

Carter Krawyczk - Lew-Port, Senior

Rod Brown - Niagara Falls, Senior

Kegan Mancabelli  - Orchard Park, Senior

Isaiah Odom - St. Joe's, Junior

 

 

Centercourt #BOOM Squad

Seth Joba - Orchard Park, Senior

Solomon Jackson - St. Joe's, Senior

TJ Jacobs - Hutch Tech, Senior

Nick Whitfield - Fredonia, Senior

Gary Johnson - Amherst, Senior

Teddy McDuffie - Amherst, Senior

Jordon Rivers - Lackawanna, Senior

Kevin Thompson - Timon, Senior

Garrett White - Clarence, Senior

Elijah Whitehead - McKinley, Senior

Sean Hargrave - Ken West, Senior

Massimo Moretti - St. Mary's, Senior

Dom McKenzie - Niagara Falls, Senior

Andre Stinson - Sweet Home, Senior

LaMar Matthews - Tapestry, Senior

Greg Sanders - CSAT, Senior

Jorden Bynes - CSAT, Senior

Dorian Facen - Williamsville East, Junior

Logan Reaska - St. Francis, Junior

Dylan Evans - Orchard Park, Junior

 

 

Centercourt Sniper Squad '3'

Jakye Rainey - Nichols, Junior

Jack DeRose - Olean, Junior

Trevin Boling - Tonawanda, Senior

Drew Hind - Randolph, Freshman

Nick Mogavero - Iroquois, Senior

TJ Robinson - Niagara Wheatfield, Senior

Bobby Beilein - Lew-Port, Junior

Carson Swanson - Westfield, Freshman

Blake Kopta - Clymer, Junior 

Nick Moore - Amherst, Junior

Lucus Brown - Salamanca, Sophomore

Max Schneider - Williamsville East, Senior

Jalen Duff - Nichols, Junior

Alex Crescente - Orchard Park, Senior

Jake Notaro - Williamsville East, Senior

Trey Drake - Jamestown, Junior

Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Senior

Jaiden Harrison - Timon, Sophomore

Evan Myers - Newfane, Junior

Brendan Reid - St. Francis, Senior

 

 

Centercourt Dime Droppers

Romeo Bell - Tapestry, Senior

Max Schneider - Williamsville East, Senior

Hayden Hoag - Salamanca, Senior

Jalen Duff - Nichols, Junior

Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Senior

Darien Swanson - Westfield, Senior

Trey Kelitz - Iroquois, Senior

Nick Moore - Amherst, Junior

Xander Fletcher - Niagara Wheatfield, Junior

Brady Gleason - Frontier, Senior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Centercourt Coach of the Year

Erik O'Bryan

Niagara Wheatfield

After the Falcons finished the pandemic-shortened 2021 regular season with a .500 record, they were forced to take to the road as the #5 seed in the Class A1 playoffs.   They began by claiming a win at Sweet Home and then went into undefeated McKinley, where they toppled the classification's top seed to reach the championship game played at host Hamburg.  Despite falling in the final, the sense of accomplishment and optimism both ran high.  The team had a pair of standouts back in Xander Fletcher and TJ Robinson, while the rest of the starting lineup was also comprised of underclassmen.

Right from the start, the 2022 season was different.  O’Bryan only had four nonleague games to work with and believing his group was special, he decided it was time to schedule a Monsignor Martin opponent to challenge his group.  He agreed to play Timon in the Cataract Classic, the team's season opener.  Fletcher began the campaign with a nagging injury that caused him to miss the game.  The Falcons lost handily in that first game.  When I spoke to O’Bryan following the loss, his perspective was right where it needed to be.  It began by acknowledging how good Timon was, without belaboring Fletcher's absence.  He believed facing a quality opponent on a big stage without their point guard forced everyone to step up to play an even bigger role, which would only make them better down the road.  That road ahead would turn out to be fantastic.  

Niagara Wheatfield went on to complete its best season in program history.  This included a pair of double digit win streaks and a pair of double-digit victories over defending league champion Niagara Falls.  They earned their first Niagara Frontier League championship in basketball, going undefeated in the process, while recording over 20 wins for the first time.  The school record 21st win in a season gave the Falcons their first Section VI basketball championship in 49 years.

What made this group special was the culture within the program, cultivated by O’Bryan and his staff.  Passionate, animated, emotional, and approachable, O’Bryan is the perfect mix of professional and fun.  Anytime he spoke of this team, he used the word love to describe his feelings for them.  An undeniable team chemistry shined when the team was at its best and a close bond within was evident in tight games as the players looked to pull each other closer, rather than turning against each other in times of adversity.  The family-like atmosphere surrounding Niagara Wheatfield Basketball was never more apparent than the night when the JV team won a thriller at the buzzer, only to be greeted by the entire varsity team who rushed the court in excitement to celebrate with them.

The historic regular season placed the Falcons right back in the Class A1 sectionals, this time as the hunted #1 seed.  The next three games would be the perfect culmination of team basketball.  It began by surviving a low-scoring quarterfinal thriller against a Ken West squad they had to beat for a third time.  In the semifinal at Buff State, the Falcons came out soaring and built a 19-point lead by halftime against Hutch-Tech.  However, by the start of the final frame, Tech had completely flipped the script, storming back to tie the game.  I remember watching Coach O’Bryan to see how he handled the situation.  For as excitable as he gets in so many situations, he’s a steadying, calming force when his team is up against it.  Despite Hutch-Tech owning the game's momentum, O’Bryan‘s team came back into focus and out executed the rest of the way.  

Niagara Wheatfield was back in the Class A1 Final, this time against Williamsville East, who ironically was coming off convincing victories over Hamburg & McKinley.  East had been ranked ahead of the Falcons for most of the season.  In the main event of Championship Saturday, the Falcons found themselves playing from behind for most of the first three and a half quarters of the game.  It was that same sideline presence from O’Bryan in crunch time as the Falcons methodically stayed within their game plan, turning control of the game to their advantage one possession at a time.  As the championship came down to the final possession, Williamsville East had the ball with Niagara Wheatfield leading by three.  O’Bryan held his composure under a deep breath one last time as a final three-point attempt was too well defended to tie the game.  With his family watching from the stands and the entire Niagara Wheatfield community helping to fill the arena, O’Bryan erupted in exultation.  The moment came exactly 22 years and one day after Erik felt a similar joy watching his legendary father, the late Archie O'Bryan, win a Section VI championship on the same floor with a group that he loved.  

Fletcher and Robinson remained standouts all season for the Falcons.  But to even the casual fan, players like Wyatt Cooper, Thomas Jesse, Shawn Watson, & Ty Kwitchoff were known commodities by the end of Buff State Week.  That's the mark a great leader and the reason Erik O'Bryan is the 2022 Centercourt Coach of the Year!

 

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Final Top 10 Rankings - 2022 Season

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (A) -  CHSAA Class A State Champions, Manhattan Cup Champions, Monsignor Martin Association Champions, 17-0 in WNY - 23-5

2. Jamestown (AA) - NYSPHAA Class AA Far West Region Champions, Section VI Class AA Champions, ECIC I Champions - 20-4

3. Amherst (A2) - NYSPHAA Class A Far West Region Champions, Section VI Class A Champions, ECIC II Co-Champions - 23-3

4. Niagara Wheatfield (A1) - Section VI Class A1 Champions, Niagara Frontier League Champions - 21-3

5. Williamsville East (A1) -Section VI Class A1 Finalists, ECIC II Co-Champions - 18-5

6. St. Joe's (A) - Finished second in the Monsignor Martin Association - 14-11

7. Health Sciences (A2) - Section VI Class A2 Finalists, Charter Cup Champions - 18-5

8. Niagara Falls (AA) - Section VI Class AA Finalists, Finished second in the Niagara Frontier League - 17-6

9. Orchard Park (AA) - Section VI Class AA Semifinalists, Finished second in ECIC I - 19-3

10. CSAT (A2) - Section VI Class A2 Semifinalists - 14-7

 

Small Schools

1. Timon (B) - Finished third in the Monsignor Martin Association, Manhattan Cup Finalists - 18-7

2. St. Mary's (B) - CHSAA Class B State Champions - 15-10

3. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - NYSPHAA Class B Far West Region Champions, Section VI Class B Champions - 19-8

4. Olean (B1) - Section VI Class B1 Champions, CCAA I West Champions - 21-3

5. Salamanca (C) - NYSPHAA Class C Far West Region Champions, Section VI Class C Champions - 17-8

6. Lackawanna (B1) -  Section VI Class B1 Finalists, ECIC IV Champions - 18-5

7. Randolph (C) - Section VI Class C Finalists, CCAA Central Champions - 20-2

8. Tapestry (B2) -  Section VI Class B2 Finalists - 14-9

9. Westfield (D) - Section VI Class D Champions, CCAA II West Champions - 22-2

10. Lew-Port (B1) - Section VI Class B1 Semifinalists - 14-9

 

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Manhattan Cup Playoffs - 2022

 

 

Quarterfinals - Tuessday, February 22nd

AT Higher Seed 

(5) St. Mary's 63, (4) Nichols 61

 

(2) St. Joe's 59,  (7) Cardinal O'Hara 52

(3) Timon 62, (6) St. Francis 60

 

Semifinals - Thursday, February 24rd

AT Higher Seed - 6 pm

(1) Canisius 83, (5) St  Mary’s 48

(3) Timon 76, (2) St. Joe’s 66

 

Manhattan Cup Finals - Sunday, February 27th

At Canisius HS - 1180 Delaware Ave - 3 pm

(1) Canisius 72, (3) Timon 40

 

2022 Manhattan Cup Champions - Canisius Crusaders

 

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NYSSWA State Rankings 2022 - Week 9

 

The ninth state rankings for the 2022 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Jamestown #17

 

Class A

Canisius #10

Amherst #18

 

Class B

Olean #4

Timon #15

St. Mary's #23

 

Class C

Randolph #6

 

Class D

Westfield #4

Clymer #9

Pine Valley #17

 

According to the rankings...

- No one checked the Canisius results when ranking the teams in NYS Class AA.  Jamestown sits one spot ahead of Aquinas at #17.  The Red Raiders lost to Canisius by double figures, while Aquinas defeated Canisius twice this season, once on Delaware Avenue.  Apparently all small potatoes in the grand scheme of things, as the rankings see Victor heading past both of them on the way to states this year. 

- Chaminade will win a CHSAA Class A state championship, but will need to travel to Buffalo and win at Canisius before hand.  They are currently ranked #4 in the state, while Canisius sits at #10.

- East High of Rochester defeated Health Sciences at the Centercourt Classic.  Amherst is projected to do the same in the upcoming postseason, as the Tigers are ranked one spot behind East High and NYS Class A at #18.

 

- The only public school from here to Syracuse ranked in NYS class B is the Olean Huskies.

- Despite slipping to #15 in NYS Class B, Timon is still the team to beat for a CHSAA state championship.  Unless of course, they reach the Manhattan Cup Final, which would take them out of contention and send a knockout tournament winner as the best representative for a Class B state championship push.

 

- Lyons will defeat Oakfield-Alabama in Section V to reach the Far West Regional against Randolph at Buff State, where they are projected to beat the Cardinals also.

 

- Avoca-Prattsburgh win’s the class D state championship going away.  On Wednesday night, they defeated Lyons, who entered the game as the #1 ranked team in NYS Class C.  Currently there could only be two teams in all of Class C better than A-P, according to the rankings, as Lyons is now at #3.  I actually made the trip out and had the pleasure of watching that game and will attest that in my opinion, Avoca-Prattsburgh has all the makings of a state champion.   Crown Point will need both a backslash & a hyphen, along with some Wheaties.

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

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Top 10 Rankings: 2022 Season - Week 9

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (A) - Wrapped up home court advantage for the postseason with a sweep of rival St. Joe’s, in a week that also included big wins over Nichols and St. Mary’s.  The Crusaders will tune up for the postseason at Health Sciences on Wednesday and head to Athol Springs to close out the regular season against St. Francis on Friday night.

2. Jamestown (AA) - Improved to 13–0 in ECIC I after winning a nailbiter against Lancaster on Saturday.  The Red Raiders can complete a perfect season in league play with a win against Clarence this week.

3. Orchard Park (AA) - Moved to 15–2 on the season with wins over Hamburg, Clarence, and Frontier last week.  The Quakers head to Will North for their final league game before finishing out the season against Cheektowaga and at Sweet Home.

4. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers earned another championship in ECIC II after beating Starpoint on Thursday.  They finish up the regular season against Clarence this coming Thursday, where a win would give Amherst 18 victories on the year.

5. St. Joe's (A) - Completed the season sweep of St. Francis on Thursday night, before falling to Canisius for a second time on Saturday afternoon.  Nichols visits Kenmore Avenue on Tuesday night and they travel to St. Mary’s on Friday, ahead of a Thursday night nonleaguer at Williamsville East.

6. Health Sciences (A2) - The Falcons will try to move their record to 16–3 with games against Bennett and BASCS, before taking on the #1 Crusaders in the regular season finale on Wednesday.

7. Williamsville East (A1) - Swept Sweet Home on Friday night to put themselves in great position to clinch a league championship in ECIC II with a win against West Seneca East this week.  The Flames close out the regular season by hosting St. Joe’s on Thursday night in a game that features a pair of First Team All-Centercourt selections and the two quickest guards in WNY.

8. Niagara Wheatfield (A1) - Clinched their first NFL championship on Friday with their second double-digit win over Niagara Falls this season.  The Falcons can make it an undefeated league championship title with wins a Ken West and Lew-Port to close out the regular season.

9. St. Francis (A) - A tough week for the Red Raiders saw them drop three straight heading into the final week of the regular season with games coming at Timon and against Canisius.

10. McKinley (A1) - Crushed Bennett on Tuesday night before a pair of games scheduled to follow were canceled .  The Macks are in the driver's seat for another Yale Cup championship if they are successful with a busy week ahead - at East on Monday and hosting I-Prep Wednesday.  Then on Thursday night they travel to Frontier, before an ambitious week ends with South Park visiting on Friday evening.

 

Small Schools

1. Olean (B1) - Clinched another league championship in CCAA I West last week and improved to 16–1 on the year.  They have a date with Wellsville on Monday before road games at Salamanca and Clarence to end the regular season.

2. Timon (B) - The Tigers routed Tapestry on Saturday to bounce back from a pair of lopsided losses to Canisius and St. Mary’s earlier in the week. They take on Frannies, Cardinal O’Hara, and Nichols this coming week.

3. Randolph (C) - Wins at Cassadaga Valley and Portville this week would give the Cardinals and undefeated league championship in CCAA Central.  Randolph has won its last seven games by an average margin of 33 points.

4. St. Mary's (B) - The Lancers racked up a pair of huge wins last week against St. Francis and Timon, before falling at Canisius on Sunday afternoon. They finish up the regular season with games at Cardinal O’Hara on Tuesday and hosting St. Joe’s on Friday, where they will look to avenge an earlier loss.

5. Lackawanna (B1) - Scored over 100 points for the sixth time this season in a 31-point win over Tonawanda, coming off of a 48-point win against Cleveland Hill.  The Steelers can earn an undefeated league title in ECIC IV if they beat JFK on Tuesday.

6. Tapestry (B2) - Back-to-back losses for Tapestry in games against Health Sciences and Timon last week.  The Thunderhawks will look for victories and momentum heading into the postseason when they take on Bennett and BASCS this week.

7. Nichols (B) - The Vikings have lost five straight & seven of their last eight following a home defeat to Cardinal O’Hara and a loss at Canisius.  They'll look to climb back into the win column with games at St. Joe’s and Timon to close out the regular season.

8. Lew-Port (B1) - The Lancers earned regular season sweeps over both North Tonawanda and Ken East last week and will look to do the same this week at Grand Island, before closing out against league champion Niagara Wheatfield.

9. Salamanca (C) - Back-to-back road losses for the Warriors at Allegany-Limestone and Olean followed a win at Dunkirk.  They have a rematch coming with Olean at their place on Wednesday and finish out by hosting Ellicottville Friday night.

10. Depew (B1) - Tough wins over East Aurora and Maryvale have the Wildcats set up for a league championship battle against Pioneer at their place on Wednesday night to decide the winner of ECIC III.

 

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Top 10 Rankings: 2022 Season - Week 8

 

Large Schools 

1. Canisius (A) 

2. Jamestown (AA) 

3. Orchard Park (AA)

4. Amherst (A2)

5. St. Joe's (A)

6. Health Sciences (A2)

7. St. Francis (A)

8. Williamsville East (A1)

9. Niagara Wheatfield (A1)

10. McKinley (A1)

 

Small Schools

1. Timon (B)

2. Olean (B1)

3. Randolph (C)

4. St. Mary's (B)

5. Nichols (B)

6. Lackawanna (B1)

7. Tapestry (B2)

8. Lew-Port (B1)

9. Salamanca (C)

10. Riverside (B1)

 

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Top Games of the Week: 1/31/22 - 2/6/22

 

Monday, January 31st

McKinley @ I-Prep - 6 pm

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

Nichols @ St. Francis - 7 pm 

 

Tuesday, February 1st

Ken West @ CSAT - 6:30 pm

Iroquois @ Williamsville East - 6:30 pm

 Salamanca @ Fredonia - 7:30 pm

Allegany-Limestone @ Olean - 7:30 pm

Sherman @ Panama - 7:30 pm

Clymer @ Westfield - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, February 2nd

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

Jamestown @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, February 3rd

Burgard @ Olmsted - 6 pm

CSAT @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Lew-Port @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

Nichols @ Timon - 6:30 pm

Cheektowaga @ Depew - 7 pm

Canisius @ Health Sciences - 7 pm

 

Friday, February 4th

Centercourt Classic at Hamburg HS

Iroquois vs. Niagara Wheatfield - 6 pm

Cardinal O'Hara vs. Hamburg - 7:45 pm

 

Saturday, February 5th

Centercourt Classic at Hamburg HS

Nichols vs. Niagara Falls - 12 pm

Williamsville East vs. Olean - 1:45 pm

St. Joe's vs. Amherst - 3:30 pm

Canisius vs. Jamestown - 5:15 pm

Health Sciences vs. East High (Rochester) - 7 pm

 

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NYSSWA State Rankings - Week 6

 

 

The sixth state rankings for the 2022 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Orchard Park #13

Jamestown #19

 

Class A

Canisius #14

 

Class B

Timon #5

Olean #7

Nichols #14

St. Mary's #21

 

Class C

Salamanca #8

Randolph #9

 

Class D

Westfield #5

Clymer #10

Panama #13

Pine Valley #18

 

According to the rankings...

- Orchard Park is up to #13 in NYS Class AA, one spot ahead of Aquinas, who had been previously unranked, but came crashing in all the way up to #14 after knocking off Canisius for a second time this season on Saturday.  One of the teams they jumped in the rankings was #19 Jamestown, who Orchard Park plays this week.

 

- Canisius falls spots to #14 in NYS Class A for losing to Aquinas who got rewarded for the win with the above mentioned poll crash!  Also, I believe during conversations this week about Class A rankings, it was suggested that St. Joes & Health Sciences were worthy of serious consideration and would be prime candidates for the magic of expanded rankings --- when they just add five teams to a classification (ranking 25 teams instead of 20).  And I also believe that to combat the suggestion of ranking those two good Class A teams (Joe's & Health), the committee used their magic to take teams away instead...reducing the number of teams ranked in Class AA to 20.  Well...22 I guess, because of the new magic that allows for three teams to be 'tied' for #20 in NYS Class AA.  Uh oh, it's magic!

 

- Nichols falls to #14 in NYS Class B from #5 (that's right, they got bumped to #5 last week after the rankings were released and originally had them at #9).  I know this all gets very convoluted.  And magical.  But anyway, Timon got sent back to #8 (not #9 where Nichols was when the rankings first came out, but #8) and Olean, the most steady hoops program in WNY, remained steady at #7 in NYS Class B.  You all with me still?   Ok, so Nichols loses to Class A (non-powers apparently) St.Joe's & Health and falls from #5 to #14.  Meanwhile, St. Mary's loses by 35 points to Timon (#8 and #5 in NYS Class B all in the same week) and stays at #21 in NYS Class B...because Class B still ranks 25 teams, the only Classification that ranks more than 20.  Except for Class AA which has ties & 22 teams.  And Class C, which also has ties, but only 21 teams.  :)

 

- Salamanca jumps two spots to #8 in NYS Class C, past Randolph who remains #9 in NYS Class C.  They fell behind Randolph in last week's rankings after losing to the Cardinals and both teams have won all their games since.  

 

- What sits smack dab in the middle of two hyphens?  Crown Point does!  After pointing out that Avoca-Prattsburgh was a hyphen and South Kortright/Andes was a backslash, the Avoca and Prattsburgh school districts were awarded a backslash in a formal ceremony at Tracy's house.  But let's keep the celebration brief, because there's a serious investigation pending...are Crown and Point in fact two different schools looking to provide opportunities to kids by combining to make one super power?  Hmmm.  Are they a backslash?  A hyphen?  Or just a traditional school district like the ones Section VI sends to the Far West Regionals in Class D?  More to come on this Crown Point.

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

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The sixth state rankings for the 2022 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Orchard Park #13

Jamestown #19

 

Class A

Canisius #14

 

Class B

Timon #5

Olean #7

Nichols #14

St. Mary's #21

 

Class C

Salamanca #8

Randolph #9

 

Class D

Westfield #5

Clymer #10

Panama #13

Pine Valley #18

 

According to the rankings...

- Orchard Park is up to #13 in NYS Class AA, one spot ahead of Aquinas, who had been previously unranked, but came crashing in all the way up to #14 after knocking off Canisius for a second time this season on Saturday.  One of the teams they jumped in the rankings was #19 Jamestown, who Orchard Park plays this week.

 

- Canisius falls spots to #14 in NYS Class A for losing to Aquinas who got rewarded for the win with the above mentioned poll crash!  Also, I believe during conversations this week about Class A rankings, it was suggested that St. Joes & Health Sciences were worthy of serious consideration and would be prime candidates for the magic of expanded rankings --- when they just add five teams to a classification (ranking 25 teams instead of 20).  And I also believe that to combat the suggestion of ranking those two good Class A teams (Joe's & Health), the committee used their magic to take teams away instead...reducing the number of teams ranked in Class AA to 20.  Well...22 I guess, because of the new magic that allows for three teams to be 'tied' for #20 in NYS Class AA.  Uh oh, it's magic!

 

- Nichols falls to #14 in NYS Class B from #5 (that's right, they got bumped to #5 last week after the rankings were released and originally had them at #9).  I know this all gets very convoluted.  And magical.  But anyway, Timon got sent back to #8 (not #9 where Nichols was when the rankings first came out, but #8) and Olean, the most steady hoops program in WNY, remained steady at #7 in NYS Class B.  You all with me still?   Ok, so Nichols loses to Class A (non-powers apparently) St.Joe's & Health and falls from #5 to #14.  Meanwhile, St. Mary's loses by 35 points to Timon (#8 and #5 in NYS Class B all in the same week) and stays at #21 in NYS Class B...because Class B still ranks 25 teams, the only Classification that ranks more than 20.  Except for Class AA which has ties & 22 teams.  And Class C, which also has ties, but only 21 teams.  :)

 

- Salamanca jumps two spots to #8 in NYS Class C, past Randolph who remains #9 in NYS Class C.  They fell behind Randolph in last week's rankings after losing to the Cardinals and both teams have won all their games since.  

 

- What sits smack dab in the middle of two hyphens?  Crown Point does!  After pointing out that Avoca-Prattsburgh was a hyphen and South Kortright/Andes was a backslash, the Avoca and Prattsburgh school districts were awarded a backslash in a formal ceremony at Tracy's house.  But let's keep the celebration brief, because there's a serious investigation pending...are Crown and Point in fact two different schools looking to provide opportunities to kids by combining to make one super power?  Hmmm.  Are they a backslash?  A hyphen?  Or just a traditional school district like the ones Section VI sends to the Far West Regionals in Class D?  More to come on this Crown Point.

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

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Top 10 Rankings: 2022 Season - Week 6

 

Large Schools 

1. Orchard Park (AA) -  Still unblemished at 9-0 after picking up wins over Frontier & Williamsville North last week and a three-game grind over five days is ahead, including two games against Top 10 large schools.  The Quakers start with Lancaster on Monday, then make the trip to Jamestown on Wednesday, and finish up the week against Niagara Wheatfield on Friday night.  

2. Canisius (A) -  The Crusaders slipped to 8-5 on the season, dropping their only contest of the week and second game of the season to Aquinas on Saturday afternoon.  St. Francis comes in on Tuesday night, and then a pair of road games finish the week with trips to Cardinal O'Hara & McQuaid.

3. St. Joe's (A) -  A pair of impressive road wins last week at St. Francis and at Nichols , along with a previous road win over Health Sciences has the Marauders movin on up.  At Frannies, they won by maintaining a lead and at Nichols, overcame a 20-point deficit.  On Tuesday they return home to host St. Mary's and then it's back to the road for an important rematch at Timon.

4. St. Francis (A) -  A tough start to the week for Frannies, losing in overtime to host Bishop Grimes in Syracuse.  It only got tougher from there with home losses to St. Joe's & Timon, which dropped the Red Raiders out of second place in the MMA.  A big win at Canisius on Tuesday night would turn their fortunes around faster than speeding 95 mph down the highway.

5. Health Sciences (A2) -  Big Health scored a big win at Nichols last week and did so in dominating fashion.  They did the same to Tapestry the week prior, and look like a team that's finding its chemistry.

6. Jamestown (AA) -   It feels like the Red Raiders improving to 9-1 on the season after three more wins last week against Williamsville North, Clarence, & Park is happening very quietly.  Well I sure hear the noise they're making and I'm well aware that the only loss of the season came by a point to Health Sciences.  Tied for first place in ECIC I, Jamestown can ditch the tie like it's time to dance at a reception with wins over Hamburg and undefeated Orchard Park this week.  They also head to Elmira on Friday evening.

7. Amherst (A2) -  A pair of lopsided wins over Starpoint & West Seneca East pushed the Tigers' mark to 10-2.  This week, they face Sweet Home who they beat by 11 points in round one, a rematch with West Seneca East, and then a Saturday afternoon tilt with Lockport.

8.  Williamsville East (A1) -   The Flames made it five straight wins after earning a tough victory at Sweet Home last week.  They'll need to win at Williamsville South and beat Starpoint this week to make it seven-in-a-row in their push for a league title.

9. Niagara Wheatfield (A1) -  Completed the season sweep of CSAT and now have a two-game lead in the NFL, where they are 8-0.  Home games with North Tonawanda & Lew-Port precede a duel with #1 Orchard Park on Friday night.

10. McKinley (A1) -   The Macks stayed in first place in Yale Cup I with wins over I-Prep & Hutch-Tech and are now 8-2 this season.  This week they host Riverside in a nonleague game and then it's back to division play, first visiting Middle College who pushed them in a three-point decision at McKinley back in December, and then hosting Bennett.

 

Small Schools

1. Timon (B) -   I generally stick to the results, which would normally mean Nichols' win over Timon in OT gets honored until the rematch.  However, since that game, the last two wins by the Tigers were too impressive to look past.  A 35-point walloping of St. Mary's and a catch fire & incinerate St. Francis during the final frame of a 22-point win was what convinced me.

2. Olean (B1) -  Moved their record to 10-0 on the season with a 21-point road win at Dunkirk - the ninth game out of ten played they've won by double figures.  Sole possession of first place in CCAA I West is on the line against Salamanca on Thursday night.  On Saturday, the Huskies host Class AA Hilton of Section V.

3. Nichols (B) -  Since knocking off Timon in overtime, the Vikings needed an extra session to win at O'Hara, before Health Sciences & St. Joe's came in and knocked them off last week.  They've missed the contributions of Parker Rey in the last three games and hope to get back on the winning track this week with two more home games, welcoming in Hutch-Tech and St. Mary's.

4. Randolph (C) -  Now 11-1 after a rout of Cassadaga Valley and a big win at Silver Creek.  The Cardinals head to Southwestern for a second battle with the Trojans and then host Gowanda this week.

5. Salamanca (C) -  Bounced back from the loss to Randolph by handing Allegany-Limestone a 22-point loss and then cruising past Depew by 28.  Thursday at Olean is a huge night for the Warriors, looking to earn the best win of the season and take control of CCAA I West.

6. St. Mary's (B) -   The Lancers took the sting of a bad loss at Timon out on Cardinal O'Hara, defeating the Hawks by 23 points.  A tough week on paper looms with road games at St. Joe's and Nichols ahead.

7. Lackawanna (B1) -  The highest scoring team in Section VI is now 7-4 after hanging 89 on Tonawanda & 103 on JFK.  The Steelers have scored over 100 points three times this season and they are very good.  If you are a pollster who is late to the party on this one, start driving fast and take chances!

8. Tapestry (B2) -  Win-loss-win for the Thunderhawks last week, rolling BASCS and then losing to Global Concepts, before a solid bounce back win over  Sweet Home.  They visit Cheektowaga on Friday hoping to up their record to 8-6 on the year.

9. Riverside (B1) - The Frontiers are 10-1 on the season, including wins over South Park and Lew-Port.  They have a big one coming at McKinley, a night after playing Emerson on Monday.  Then they'll go for the sweep against Olmsted on Friday night.

10. Lew-Port (B1) -  Took a tough home loss to Ken West on Friday, the only NFL team to beat them so far, which has happened twice.  The Lancers are staring down a brutal stretch with five straight games on the road coming up.  This week they visit Lockport and first place Niagara Wheatfield, then head to North Tonawanda where they'll face Williamsville South on Friday night.

 

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Top Games of the Week: 1/24/22 - 1/30/22

 

Monday, January 24th

Iroquois @ Sweet Home - 6:30 pm

Orchard Park @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

Hamburg @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 25th

Olmsted @ Burgard - 4:30 pm

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

Cardinal O'Hara @ Timon - 6:30 pm

Lew-Port @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Pioneer @ Maryvale - 6:30 pm

Riverside @ McKinley - 6:30 pm

St. Francis @ Canisius - 7 pm

Randolph @ Southwestern - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 26th

Sweet Home @ Amherst - 7:30 pm

Orchard Park @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

Williamsville East @ Willaimsville South - 7:30 pm

Hamburg @ Clarence - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 27th

City Honors @ Burgard - 4 pm

Lew-Port @ Niagara Wheatfield - 6:30 pm

Southwestern @ Allegany-Limestone - 7:30 pm

Salamanca @ Olean - 7:30 pm

Dunkirk @ Fredonia - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 21st

Riverside @ Olmsted - 6 pm

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

Jamestown @ Elmira - 7 pm

Cheektowaga @ Tapestry - 7 pm

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

Clarence @ Hamburg - 7:30 pm

NFL vs. ECIC Challenge at North Tonawanda

CSAT vs. Frontier - 5 pm

Lew-Port vs. Williamsville South - 6:30 pm

Niagara Wheatfield vs. Orchard Park - 8 pm

 

Saturday, January 22nd

Hilton @ Olean - 11 am

Hutch-Tech @ Middle College - 12:30 pm

Sherman @ Clymer - 3 pm

NFL vs. ECIC Challenge at North Tonawanda

Ken East vs. Depew - 12 pm

Lockport vs. Amherst - 1:30 pm

North Tonawanda vs. Iroquois - 3 pm

 

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NYSSWA State Rankings - Week 5

 

The fifth state rankings for the 2022 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Orchard Park #15

Jamestown #20

 

Class A

Canisius #10

St. Francis #20

 

Class B

Timon #5

Olean #7

Nichols #9

St. Mary's #21

 

Class C

Randolph #9

Salamanca #10

 

Class D

Westfield #5

Clymer #10

Panama #13

 

According to the rankings...

- The number of teams ranked in each class is arbitrary.  Class AA & Class B each have 25 teams ranked, while the other three classes only have 20 schools ranked.  It’s never quite consistent from year to year and often times in the past when the decisions get tough the rankings just get expanded to 30 teams in certain classifications or to 25 if they were at 20.  So for teams that have yet to bust into the rankings, be patient.  You never know when the rankings will magically expand.

 

- There are eight public school teams in the NYS Class AA Top 25 that remain undefeated, including Orchard Park and Victor from Section V.

 

- Canisius sits at #10 in NYS Class A, but still have two teams ahead of them in the CHSAA, meaning they would not be projected to win a state title.  St. Francis is the fifth ranked team in CHSAA Class A .

 

- Despite a most impressive string of wins for Nichols, the state rankings panel remains sold on Timon as not only the best Class B school from WNY, but also project for them to win the Class B state title in CHSAA.

 

- Olean is one of three public schools that remains undefeated in NYS Class B.  Lowville is another of those three schools.  Both teams own double-digit wins over Cardinal O’Hara this season.

- Not much separates the two best Class C teams from our area.  Randolph and Salamanca sit at #9 & #10 respectively in the NYS Class C state rankings.  The two have split a pair of meetings this season, with Randolph holding a slightly better point differential from the two games.  A third matchup between the two in March seems inevitable to me.  Interestingly, there are two teams from Section V ranked ahead of Randolph and Salamanca.  The Section VI Class C champion has advanced past the Section V champion in 7 of the last 10 Far West Regionals.

- Avoca and Prattsburgh combined talent to make one team and are listed with a hyphen (Avoca-Prattsburgh).  South Kortright and Andes did the same, but they use a backslash (South Kortright/Andes).  If they met in the Class D state final, it would be the first championship game in high school hoops that was also a final four...

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

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Top 10 Rankings: 2022 Season - Week 5

 

Large Schools 

1. Orchard Park (AA) -  One of two unbeatens left after improving to 7-0 with wins over Lancaster, Clarence, & Hamburg last week.  The Quakers look to stay in first place and keep the train rolling with games at Frontier and against Williamsville North this week.

2. Canisius (A) -  After earning an exciting win over St. Joe's, the Crusaders traveled to Erie for the BK Classic.  They came back with an 8-4 record overall after splitting games there, defeating host Cathedral Prep, before falling in the championship game to St. Edward.  They host Aquinas on Saturday afternoon in a rematch of an earlier loss.

3. St. Francis (A) -  Took down Cardinal O'Hara by 12 points to start the week, then beat St. Mary's in a thrilling finish that saw Logan Reaska score at the buzzer, before hopping a bus to Cuse to knock off Corcoran in round one of the Bishop Grimes MLK Tournament.  They'll look to keep bowling over the competition with three more opponents coming up this week, beginning with a tournament championship game and then visits from St. Joe's on Wednesday & Timon (and me) on Friday. 

4. St. Joe's (A) -  The Marauders need wins at St. Francis and at Nichols this week, after coming up short in a battle at Canisius on Wednesday.  No nights off! 

5. Health Sciences (A2) - The Falcons looked mostly dominant at their rivals from Tapestry on Friday night, winning their by 26 points.  They were even more impressive at the MLK Classic against East.  On Wednesday, they face a huge test at Nichols in a classic contrast of styles matchup.

6. Jamestown (AA) - The Red Raiders are tied for first place in ECIC I with OP after staying perfect in league play with wins over Lancaster and West Seneca West.  They'll be on the road this week with two long trips to Williamsville North & Clarence, before a Saturday night date with Park at JCC. 

7. Amherst (A2) -  Took a tough loss Williamsville East on Tuesday night before bouncing back with a big home win against Iroquois on Friday.  The Tigers go to work on another win streak this week, beginning at Starpoint and then hosting West Seneca East.

8.  Williamsville East (A1) - The Flames ended a five-year losing streak to Amherst on Tuesday, earning a 57-51 victory after outscoring the Tigers by 11 points in the final frame and limiting them to 4 points.  They are now tied for first place in ECIC II and to stay there, they'll need wins at Sweet Home and against West Seneca East this week.

9. Niagara Wheatfield (A1) -  Whether you're talking about the National Football League NFL or the Niagara Frontier League NFL, the phrase "since the merger" pops up when it's statistically relevant.  Well the Falcons have been very relevant this season and after knocking off Niagara Falls for the first time since before the Falls merger with LaSalle, they are all alone in first place.  A win over Ken West on Saturday kept them there.  Next up is top league contender Lew-Port, followed by another dangerous squad in CSAT.

10. McKinley (A1) - Saw their 19-game win streak in Yale Cup action come to an end with a 62-46 loss to South Park before rebounding with a 20-point win over Bishop Kearney at the MLK Classic.  The Macks face I-Prep & Hutch-Tech this week.

 

Small Schools

1. Nichols (B) -   Took down #1 Timon with a big comeback performance that lasted an extra session and then did the exact same thing at Cardinal O'Hara two nights later, to become the new top dog.  But it's far from lonely at the top as Health Sciences & St. Joe's will keep the Vikings company in another week of fun contests.

2. Olean (B1) -   The other unbeaten team in WNY, the 9-0 Huskies have now won 8 of those 9 games by double figures, with Fredonia & Southwestern the latest to fall victim.  They should have no trouble making it 9 of 10 and 10-0 when they travel to Dunkirk.

3. Timon (B) - Lost their second MMA game of the season at Nichols in an instant classic.  The Tigers look to get back into the win column with St. Mary's and league rival St. Francis up next.

4. Randolph (C) -  Lots of new varsity faces enjoying the same old success at Randolph, marked by outstanding defense.  An impressive finish to a tightly contested game throughout before a great crowd at Salamanca has the Cardinals sitting at 9-1 on the year.  Their next two games are against Cassadaga Valley and at Silver Creek.  

5. Tapestry (B2) - The Thunderhawks won handily against Maritime before their rivalry game with Health Sciences got away from them.  They'll tune up with charters BASCS & Global Concepts, ahead of a fun one with Sweet Home.

6. Salamanca (C) -  Won by 19 at Southwestern ahead of a 52-point trouncing of Dunkirk, before dropping an intense game with Randolph that raised over $7,000 for Cystic Fibrosis.  The Warriors next welcome in Allegany-Limestone and then face Chautauqua Lake in a game played at JCC.

7. Lew-Port (B1) - Made it six wins in their last seven games with victories over Grand Island & Niagara Falls last week.  There's now just two teams in the NFL that the Lancers haven't beaten - first place Niagara Wheatfield and the only league team with a win over Lew-Port...Ken West.  The Lancers face both of those opponents in a pivotal week ahead.

8. St. Mary's (B) -   Led for over three quarters against St. Francis before the lead slipped away late.  Life in the MMA is tough and maybe the toughest place to play is at Timon where they travel on Wednesday, before their first of two meetings against Cardinal O'Hara at home on Friday.

9. Lackawanna (B1) -   Made it back-to-back games scoring 100 points with a 64-point thumping of Eden.  Roadies with Tonawanda & JFK are next for the Steelers.

10. Westfield (D) -  A 52-point win over Falconer improved the Wolverines to 10-1 on the year.  Three more CCAA II West opponents ahead in Chautauqua Lake, Panama, and at Sherman.

 

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Top Games of the Week: 1/17/22 - 1/23/22

 

Tuesday, January 18th

Lancaster @ Hamburg - 7:30 pm

Jamestown @ Williamsville North - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 19th

Health Sciences @ Nichols - 6 pm

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

Pioneer @ Cheektowaga - 6:30 pm

Williamsville East @ Sweet Home - 6:30 pm

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

 

 

Thursday, January 20th

Olmsted @ City Honors - 6 pm

MST Seneca @ Riverside - 6 pm

Frontier @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

Williamsville North @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm

Allegany-Limestone @ Salamanca - 7:30 pm

Panama @ Westfield - 7:30 pm

Southwestern @ Fredonia - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 21st

St. Joe's @ Nichols - 4 pm

Hutch-Tech @ McKinley - 6 pm

Middle College @ South Park - 6 pm

Timon @ St. Francis - 6:30 pm

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

Ken West @ Lew-Port - 6:30 pm

Sweet Home @ Tapestry - 6:30 pm

Niagara Wheatfield @ CSAT - 7 pm

Depew @ Pioneer - 7 pm

Jamestown @ Clarence - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 22nd

Rochester East High at Niagara Falls - 2 pm

Aquinas @ Canisius - 3:30 pm

Westfield @ Sherman - 6 pm

Park vs. Jamestown * at JCC * - 7 pm

 

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NYSSWA State Rankings 2022 - Week 4

 

The fourth state rankings for the 2022 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Orchard Park #15

Niagara Falls #16

Jamestown #21

 

Class A

Canisius #10

Amherst #17

St. Francis #20

 

Class B

Timon #5

Olean #7

Nichols #9

Tapestry #23

 

Class C

Salamanca #7

Randolph #10

 

Class D

Westfield #5

Clymer #10

Panama #11

 

According to the rankings...

 

- The winner of Section VI Class AA is pegged to win the Far West Regional and advance to Glens Falls.  Victor holds the highest Class AA ranking from Section V and they currently sit behind both Orchard Park and Niagara Falls.  Lots of season to go, maybe Jamestown spoils the party for everybody.

 

- The gap between Section V and Section VI is glaring.  Pittsford Mendon is once again a Class A power in Rochester, currently unbeaten at 9-0 and the highest ranked public school in NYS Class A (#3).  Amherst is the highest ranked public in Class A from Section VI, checking in at #17 this week.  They've climbed six spots since debuting at #23 to start the season.

 

- Olean is a couple months away from an eighth trip to Glens Falls in the last two decades.  The Huskies sit at #7 in NYS Class B and other than Tapestry at #23, they are the only public school from here to Syracuse appearing in the rankings.

 

- A Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser in Salamanca on Saturday night at 6 pm will feature a nonleague battle between a pair of Top 10 teams in NYS Class C when the Warriors host Randolph.

 

- Remember all the conspiracy cries in 2018 when East was in Class D and Section VI had the D's?  East won a state championship that season, emerging as local champion in a season that featured three Class D powers from Section VI (Franklinville & Ellicottville also).   Where's that same energy now that perennial Section V Class D powers Avoca & Prattsburgh have combined teams and hold down the #1 spot in NYS Class D?  

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

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Top 10 Rankings: 2022 Season - Week 4

 

Large Schools 

1. Orchard Park (AA) - Improved to 4-0 on the season with a 45-point win over West Seneca West, heading into a big week in ECIC I with Lancaster, Clarence, & Hamburg on the schedule.

2. Canisius (A) -  Took care of business against Timon on Monday, jumping out to an early 17-point lead and then knocked off O'Hara two nights later, with both wins coming by double figures.  They'll welcome their rivals in on Wednesday night and then pack for Erie, with a weekend at the BK Classic ahead that starts with a battle against the event hosts from Cathedral Prep.

3. Amherst (A2) - After I predicted the Tigers wouldn't lose again in the regular season, they jumped all over Williamsville South, racing out to a 42-7 lead at halftime that included a 22-2 second quarter.  No more Battle of Main Street talk.  Amherst will look to sweep Williamsville East this week and then take their first of two with Iroquois.

4. St. Francis (A) -  Bounced back from a loss at Nichols on Friday night that felt like a kick in the gut, with a big road win at Syracuse CBA.  The Red Raiders are looking to get another win streak going with games against O'Hara, St. Mary's, and Corcoran this week.

5. St. Joe's (A) - Played in a pair of hard fought battles last week, dropping the best game I've watched this season to Timon on a '3' with three seconds left, before knocking off Health Sciences in overtime on Saturday.  It's rivalry week and the Marauders head into Canisius on Wednesday...a team they now own a win streak over.

6. Health Sciences (A2) - The Falcons lost their second game of the year on Saturday when St. Joe's clipped them in OT.  They'll look to get back on track against Global Concepts before a Friday night visit to rival Tapestry.  

7. Jamestown (AA) - Took down Frontier last week and look to do so again on Monday night.  The also have a date at Lancaster on Wednesday and a game with West Seneca West on Saturday afternoon.

8. Niagara Falls (AA) - Took the frustration of cancelations out on CSAT where they won on Saturday afternoon.  A battle for first place in the NFL is coming on Tuesday night when Niagara Wheatfield swings by the Cataract City.

9. McKinley (A1) - Defeated East in their only action last week.  They visit South Park this week and take on Bishop Kearney in the MLK Classic on Saturday at City Honors.

10. Niagara Wheatfield (A1) -  The Falcons improved to 5-0 in the NFL by shooting the lights out at Lockport, getting six 3-pointers apiece from TJ Robinson & Xander Fletcher.  The win sets up the biggest game of the early season in the NFL - a battle for first place with defending league & Class AA champion Niagara Falls.

 

Small Schools

1. Timon (B) - Took a loss at Canisius on Monday and were on the ropes in danger of dropping a third game in four contests at St. Joe’s, when Jaiden Harrison found Jacob Humphrey for a game-winning 3-pointer.  Not bad for a pair of sophomores.  The Tigers knocked off Bishop Grimes on Saturday and will look for a third straight victory when they visit Nichols on Tuesday night.

2. Olean (B1) - One of three remaining undefeated teams in WNY, the Huskies won for the second time at Allegany-Limestone on Thursday night.  Olean, who hasn't allowed an opponent over 58 points this season, can up their mark to 9-0 with wins over Fredonia & Southwestern this week. 

3. Nichols (B) - Despite a one-point loss at Tapestry in December, I'm sliding the Vikings up a spot after earning a double-digit win at St. Mary's and then defeating Top 5 large school St. Francis on Friday.  Nichols takes a swing at the #1 small school on Tuesday night in their gym when Timon rolls in. 

4. Tapestry (B2) - Earned a 20-point win at Medina last week to improve to 5-4 on the season with games against Maritime and rival Health Sciences coming up.

5. Salamanca (C) -  The Warriors made it five straight wins with their finest performance of the season - a 32-point win over previously ranked Fredonia.  They visit Southwestern and host Dunkirk this week, ahead of a big rematch with Randolph, where they'll try to raise their record to 9-1 while raising money for Cystic Fibrosis. 

6. St. Mary's (B) -  The Lancers took down Pembroke on the road last week, but found out first hand how explosive Nichols can be in a 19-point loss.  They have another tough opponent visiting this Thursday when St. Francis makes the trip to Lancaster.

7. Randolph (C) -  Rolled Portville by 39 points last week and then scored a big nonleague victory over Allegany-Limestone on Saturday night.  They visit Frewsburg this week and then get a rematch with the only team to beat them this season - Salamanca.

8. Lackawanna (B1) -  On Saturday afternoon, the Steelers kept the scoreboard operator busy by hanging 106 points on Holland.  Cleveland Hill & Eden visit this week.

9. Westfield (D) - The Wolverines are now 9-1 this season and the lone loss came at Olean to start the season.  They just took a trip to Buffalo last week and came home with a 25-point win over Burgard.

10. Riverside (B1) - The undefeated Frontiers own a victory at Lew-Port this season and that result looks stronger than ever with the recent success of the Lancers in NFL play (wins over Lockport, CSAT, & NT).  So welcome to my Top 10 Riverside.  They are at City Honors this Tuesday.

 

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Top Games of the Week: 1/10/22 - 1/16/22

 

Monday, January 10th

Olean @ Fredonia - 7:30 pm

Lancaster @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm

Jamestown @ Frontier - 7:30 pm

Salamanca @ Southwestern - 7:30 pm

Panama @ Clymer - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 11th

Riverside @ City Honors - 6 pm

Timon @ Nichols - 6:30 pm

Niagara Wheatfield @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

Amherst @ Williamsville East - 6:30 pm

Cardinal O'Hara @ St. Francis - 7 pm

Lockport @ Ken West - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 12th

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

Frontier @ Hamburg - 7:30 pm

Jamestown @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 13th

Nichols @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

St Francis @ St. Mary's - 7 pm

Fredonia @ Allegany-Limestone - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 14th

Ken West @ Niagara Wheatfield - 6:30 pm

Health Sciences @ Tapestry - 7 pm

Hamburg @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 15th

Lancaster @ Clarence - 11:30 am

McKinley vs. Bishop Kearney ** at City Honors - 3:30

Randolph @ Salamanca - 6 pm

 

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Top 10 Rankings: 2022 Season - Week 3

 

Large Schools 

1. Orchard Park (AA) - I didn't even have these guys ranked in the preseason.  But after watching them win at Amherst and at Timon, along with knocking off previously unbeaten St. Mary's, the Quakers jumped in my elevator and said "Going up"!  So I told them once they reached the penthouse to go ahead and look around, but don't unpack until you win at Jamestown - coming up this Friday night.

2. St. Francis (A) - While you were busy jamming to jingle bells & slugging egg nog, the Red Raiders were piling up five straight wins (McKinley, Lackawanna, Will East, Health Sciences, & McQuaid).  Health had been #1 in the last rankings and McQuaid just beat Aquinas, who had just beat Canisius & St. Joe's.  They visit Nichols on Friday night, where a win makes it six in-a-row and a loss makes this ranking seem like a Hoak's! 

3. Canisius (A) - After earning a nine-point win at Nichols before break, the Crusaders went 1-2 in three games at the St. Pius Tournament, where they entered as the defending champs.  A big one to open the New Year looms when Timon visits on Monday, along with games against O'Hara & St. Mary's later in the week.

4. Amherst (A2) - I really like the Tigers this season and believe they will only get better over the next couple months.  The only loss in the first seven games came at the hands of Orchard Park, who is currently exploring the penthouse.  So I feel like a bold prediction is an order… Amherst doesn’t lose another game in the regular season and makes its deepest postseason run since Chris Kensy took over the program. 

5. Health Sciences (A2) -  After a great start to the season, the Grinch came along and put a lid on the baskets in Athol Springs where Health was shooting.  In consecutive games at the St. Francis Tournament, the Falcons scored 35 points and 42 points, along with dropping their first of the season to the host Red Raiders.

6. Jamestown (AA) -  Began the season 1–0 in ECIC I with a win at Hamburg before Christmas.  Two more league games await this week with visits from Frontier and #1 Orchard Park.

7. St. Joe's (A) -  After dropping three straight games (McQuaid, Aquinas, & Syracuse CBA) the Marauders face a pivotal matchup on Wednesday night when Timon visits Kenmore Avenue.

8. Niagara Falls (AA) -  A visit from Grand Island will end an extended layoff for the Wolverines, ahead of a big Friday night battle at CSAT.

9. McKinley (A1) -  After losing their first of the season to St. Francis, the Macks rebounded nicely with an 18-point win over Williamsville North. They host East and Bennett this week.

10. Niagara Wheatfield (A1) -  The Falcons have won five straight games and have a 4–0 record in the NFL.  They will be tested on Tuesday night in a visit to Lockport.

 

Small Schools

1. Timon (B) -   After collecting some small school wins to begin the year, the Tigers took their first loss of the season in an exciting battle against Orchard Park.  The competition now remains as real as it gets to start the New Year, with consecutive trips to Canisius and St. Joe’s coming up this week.

2. Olean (B1) -  Undefeated through their first six games of the season, the Huskies begin league play with a big one at Allegany-Limestone this week.

3. Tapestry (B2) -  Defeated Cardinal O’Hara right before Christmas, giving them a 2-0 record against Top 10 small schools.  The Thunderhawks host Medina on Monday.

4. Nichols (B) -  Coming off a home loss to Canisius, the Vikings look to snap a two-game skid when they head to St. Mary’s on Wednesday night, before hosting the red hot Red Raiders from St. Francis on Friday.

5. St. Mary's (B) -  The Lancers visit Pembroke this week, ahead of league play starting up, where they will host Nichols and then visit Canisius. They suffered their first loss of the year prior to Christmas at Orchard Park.

6. Cardinal O'Hara (B) -  The Hawks traveled over break and took losses to Lowville and Auburn.  Jumping back into the win column looks to be a daunting task this week with Canisius, St. Joe’s, and Bishop Ludden all waiting for them.

7. Lackawanna (B1) -  After playing a brutal December schedule designed to toughen them up, the Steelers are more than ready to start the New Year and league play in ECIC IV.   Here’s another prediction and I won’t even call it a bold one…Lackawanna doesn’t lose another game in the regular season.

8. Salamanca (C) -  Four consecutive wins for the Warriors include a big one at Randolph in a game they led throughout.  They play in one of the toughest leagues in WNY (CCAA I West) and first up in division is a visit from Fredonia on Thursday.

9. Randolph (C) - The Cardinals bounced back from their first loss of the season to Salamanca with a 30-point win over Ellicottville.  They have a huge nonleague game coming up on Saturday when Allegany-Limestone makes the trip.

10. Fredonia (B2) -  The Hillbillies, who have only lost at St. Mary’s, put their four-game win streak on the line when they travel to Salamanca on Thursday night.

 

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Top Games of the Week: 1/3/22 - 1/9/22

 

Monday, January 3rd

Timon @ Canisius - 6:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 4th

Westfield @ Burgard - 6 pm

Maryvale @ Iroquois - 6:30 pm

Niagara Wheatfield @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Hamburg @ Clarence - 7:30 pm

Frontier @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 5th

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

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

 

Thursday, January 6th

Bennett @ McKinley - 6 pm

Fredonia @ Salamanca - 7:30 pm

Olean @ Allegany-Limestone - 7:30 pm

Sherman @ Clymer - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 7th

St. Francis @ Nichols - 6 pm

Burgard @ Riverside - 6 pm

Niagara Falls @ CSAT - 6:30 pm

St. Mary's @ Canisius - 7 pm

Orchard Park @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

Williamsville South @ Amherst - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 8th

Williamsville East @ Iroquois - 12 pm

Lancaster @ Lockport - 2:30 pm

St. Joe's @ Health Sciences - 4:30 pm

Allegany-Limestone @ Randolph - 5 pm

 

-centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings 2022 - Week 1

 

The first state rankings for the 2022 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Jamestown #19

Niagara Falls #21

 

Class A

Canisius #6

Health Sciences #8

St. Joe's #20

Amherst #23

 

Class B

Timon #1

Olean #8

Tapestry #14

Nichols #17

St. Mary's #20

 

Class C

Randolph #3

Salamanca #11

 

Class D

Westfield #8

Clymer #9

Panama #16

 

According to the rankings...

 

- Timon first wins the CHSAA Class B State Championship, and then wins the NYS Class B Federation Championship! 

--- Unless they reach the Manhattan Cup championship game and lose, in which case their season would be over.

----- Then the winner of the Class B Knockout Tournament, (Nichols according to the rankings), would win the CHSAA Class B State Championship, before losing in the NYS Federation Tournament of Champions.

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

-centercourt

Top 10 Rankings: 2022 Season - Week 2

 

Large Schools

1. Health Sciences (A2) - The Falcons are now 4-0 on the season after earning a huge win in Jamestown Saturday night and earning the championship of the United Way Tournament.

2. Canisius (A) - Fell to 2-1 on the season Saturday afternoon in a loss at Aquinas.  The first MMA game of the season tips on Tuesday night when the Crusaders visit Nichols.

3. St. Joe's (A) - Like their rivals on Delaware Avenue, the Marauders dropped one in Rochester at McQuaid on Saturday.  They host the team that just defeated Canisius on Wednesday night when Aquinas visits.

4. Niagara Falls (AA) - After escaping with a one-point win over Ken West last week, the Wolverines got their mojo back in a win over North Tonawanda.  They play at Lew-Port on Tuesday.

5. Jamestown (AA) - The Red Raiders opened their season Friday with a big win over Southwestern in the United Way Tournament, before falling to Health Sciences Saturday night in a game they led most of the way.  They travel to Hamburg on Wednesday night for their league opener.

6. Orchard Park (AA) - I love a good surprise and the Quakers sure gave me one on Wednesday when I watched them beat Amherst.  Not only are they a Top 10 squad, this OP team is led by one of the most talented players in our area, Seth Joba, a name everyone should expect to hear plenty more of as the season progresses.

7. Amherst (A2) - Fell to Orchard Park on Wednesday night, before rebounding with a 13-point win over Williamsville East, the 200th career coaching victory for Chris Kensy.   The Tigers visit Sweet Home and host Ken West in the Jolly Boys Showcase this week.

8. St. Francis (A) -  After a week off, the Red Raiders head into McKinley on Tuesday night and then host Lackawanna Thursday.  

9. McKinley (A1) - Off to a 4-0 start, including last weeks pair of Yale Cup wins over Hutch Tech & Middle College.  A great nonleague matchup is on tap Tuesday night when they host St. Francis.

10. Niagara Wheatfield (A1) - After earning a pair of Niagara Frontier League wins last week over North Tonawanda and Kenmore East, the Falcons will look to make it five straight victories and three straight in league when they cross over the Grand Island Bridge on Tuesday.

 

Small Schools

1. Timon (B) -  Now 5-0 on the season and still no game closer than 23 points.  The Tigers should face their first test of the season on Wednesday night when Orchard Park visits.  

2. Tapestry (B2) - A pair of wins for the Thunderhawks last week over Nichols and Hutch-Tech.  They hope to keep the momentum going in what should be a great game at O'Hara on Tuesday night.

3. Nichols (B) - Suffered their first loss of the season in a thriller at Tapestry and now face the task of beating Canisius on Tuesday to avoid dropping to straight.  

4. Olean (B1) - Winners of the Olean Tip-Off Tournament & now the Joe DeCerbo Memorial Tournament after defeating Bradford & Allegany-Limestone this weekend.  Toss in a win at Cardinal O'Hara and the Huskies are 5-0.

5. St. Mary's (B) - The Lancers are 7-0 and champs of the Depew Tournament following three more victories last week.  Their undefeated status faces a big challenge on Tuesday at Orchard Park.  

6. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - Won in resounding fashion at Medina before splitting a pair of games in Jamestown over the weekend, falling to Heath Sciences the night before a bounce back win over Southwestern. 

7. Lackawanna (B1) - Champions of the Hamburg Lions Club Tournament after defeating the hosts from Frontier (who had just beat Hamburg).  The Steelers host Eden on Tuesday and then travel to St. Francis on Thursday night. 

8. Salamanca (C) - Wins over Portville and Ellicottville earned the Warriors the championship of the Joe DeCerbo Tournament over the weekend.  A win over Springville this week would give them three straight victories heading into Christmas. 

9. Randolph (C) - Knocked off Ellicottville by 20 and Silver Creek by 30 last week.  Next up for the Cardinals is Springville.

10. Fredonia (B2) - Moved to 3-1 on the season with wins over Springville and Harbor Creek.  They'll host Gowanda this week, open some presents over the weekend, and then start getting ready for a seven game stretch that will tell us a lot about where they're at. 

 

No rankings next weekend, they return right after the New Year.  Merry Christmas!!

 

-centercourt

Top 10 Rankings: 2022 Season - Week 1

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (A) - On Saturday afternoon the Crusaders put their depth on display, while Declan Ryan put his dominance on display.  Defeating Albany Academy makes them the area's number one team until someone knocks them off.

2. Health Sciences (A2) - The Falcons have been on pause, so I haven’t seen them in action yet, but they schedule everybody so there will be plenty to go on soon enough.  They head to the United Way Tournament in Jamestown this weekend.

3. St. Joe's (A) - Split a pair of games against the competition in Long Island this past weekend, after trouncing Tapestry to start the week.

4. Niagara Falls (AA) - We will learn more about the Wolverines in the coming weeks, but for now taking St. Joe’s to the end places them close behind the Marauders.

5. Jamestown (AA) - The Red Raiders haven’t even played yet and I already like them more this week than I did last week.  Their season tips this Friday against Southwestern in the United Way Tournament.

6. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers have three big wins to start the season over East, Lancaster, and Maryvale.  They will look to make it four straight on Tuesday night when Orchard Park visits.

7. St. Francis (A) - Used a big fourth-quarter to pull away from Tapestry in a competitive game last week, before a trip to Long Island yielded a pair of losses.  The Red Raiders will take the week to rest up.

8. McKinley (A1) - They also pulled away from Tapestry in the fourth quarter of a competitive game, winning by a slightly smaller margin than St. Francis did.  League action begins for the Macks this week with games against Hutch Tech & Middle College.

9. Hamburg (A1) - Split a pair of games in Long Island over the weekend heading into the Hamburg Lions Club Tournament, where they will face Frontier in round one.

10. Niagara Wheatfield (A1) - After a win in Wilson on Tuesday, the Falcons earned a solid victory to begin their league schedule on Friday night over CSAT.  Tuesday they head to North Tonawanda.

 

Small Schools

1. Timon (B) - The Tigers have begun the season 3-0 with all three wins coming by at 23 least points.

2. Nichols (B) - A team rarely has more than one player score 30 plus in a game over the course of the season.  In just four games, all wins, the Vikings have already had three players do it.  This team could be a real threat in the MMA.

3. Olean (B1) - Tough and disciplined, a defensive minded team, great ball movement, multiple shooters… Stop me when you’ve heard all of this before.  Another 3-0 record to begin the season.

4. St. Mary's (B) - Already out to a 4-0 mark and the two closest games were nine point wins over Iroquois and Williamsville North.

5. Tapestry (B2) - Taking some early season lumps in the win/loss column due to strength of schedule, but the Thunderhawks went toe-to-toe with McKinley at Mack High and I’m not sure how many schools would do the same that are ranked below them.

6. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - Fell behind early on Friday night against Olean and couldn’t make the run they needed to take a lead.  The Hawks visit defending Section VI champion Medina on Tuesday, before a weekend in Jamestown for the United Way Tournament where they open with Health Sciences.

7. Salamanca (C) - One of several teams that literally got blown out on Saturday when the wind canceled their contest.  So far the Warriors only action was a 50+ point win over Chautauqua Lake.  They will take a swing at number one on Wednesday when Timon pays them a visit.

8. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - The Gators took a swing at Timon and lost by 23, but came back with a nine-point win over Wellsville two nights later.  A date with Pioneer proceeds a weekend tournament with the first round matchup against Otto-Eldred.

9. Randolph (C) - The Cardinals were pushed to the end in their season opener against Southwestern.  On Monday night, they visit defending Section VI champion Ellicottville before hosting Silver Creek on Friday.

10. Fredonia (B2) - Rebounded nicely from a loss at St. Mary's by taking care of business against Global Concepts.  They host Springville on Tuesday and then take on Harbor Creek this Saturday.

 

-centercourt

Season Preview: 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2022 Preview contains:

- Commentary

- What's New

- Player Movement

- Returning 2021 All-Centercourt Players

- 20 Players to watch in 2022

- A League-by-League look at returning All-League selections

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

- Coaching Changes

- Classification Changes

- Preseason Top 10 Large & Small Schools

- Predictions

 

Commentary

The finish to the 2020 season and the start of the 2021 season had something in common - blindsides.  Three nights prior to the March 2020 shut downs, I was watching games at Buff State.  One week prior to the start of the 2021 season, I was sitting on my couch, watching college basketball games played in empty arenas, with no real optimism of high school sports being played in the near future.  

The end of 2020 quite simply felt like we were robbed.  There was just no opportunity to further the championship aspirations that our winning teams had.  Then, after nearly a year of mandates and restrictions, the 2021 season initially felt like a gift.  Coaches and players were just grateful for any sense of normalcy and the opportunity to compete.  But the reality is, the 2021 season allowed for even less of a regular season, and an even shorter postseason.  Initially, no fans were allowed, which was amended to a pair of family members per player for the last few weeks.

The 2021 season was truly unlike any other.  No tournaments or major events, and no state rankings, because the only thing that mattered was how you stacked up in your own area.  The photos commemorating the season show players wearing chin straps, with bleachers that were never pulled out in the background.  And not a single repeat champion in any of the nine classifications in Section VI or in the Manhattan Cup, which has never happened in my 17 years on the scene. 

But on the positive side of things, some teams had an opportunity to win their final game on their home court.  The very best pictures that came out of last season are the ones of players cutting down the nets - something I had never seen before in high school basketball, and it was really cool!  Much was made early in the pandemic of heroes, usually referring to healthcare workers or those who are still getting to work when most of the world was shut down.  Well in the high school basketball world last year, I felt like the AD's & coaches were heroes.  Administrators scrambled to put a schedule together and make everything work.  The coaches demonstrated just how much they cared about their players and how dedicated they were to coaching the sport.  And one thing I can testify to from the 49 games I was able to witness in person, along with countless live streams I watched from home, the product on the court wasn’t compromised.  It was still basketball and the kids played their butts off!  To all the coaches, players, and administrators who made last season possible, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you.

Having seen only about a third of the action I'd normally get to last year, and being forced to pick which championship game I would attend instead of seeing them all, my grasp of the high school basketball world isn’t what it normally is at this time of year.  This is the latest I’ve ever produced a season preview, due at least in part, to the feeling that I’m shooting with my back to the basket.  So if I didn’t predict your team to win anything, that might be a good thing.

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

 

What's New ??

- Fans are back!  Events are back!!  Even state playoffs are back!!!

- The Centercourt Classic lineup for this season is bigger & better than ever.  The annual event is scheduled for February 4th & 5th at Hamburg High School.

- Regionals return to Buffalo for the first time since 2018!!  The 2020 season ended unceremoniously one day before Buff State was set to host 5 Far West Regional games and 2021 was a condensed seven-week season ending with sectional championships.

- The Manhattan Cup is once again a single tournament with one champion and games will be hosted by the higher seed.  The winner represents our area in the CHSAA Class A state playoffs.  A  Class B representative will also be determined via a knock out tournament as Class B teams in the Manhattan Cup Tournament are eliminated.  The caveat being, if a Class B teams reaches the Manhattan Cup Final, they would then face a win-or-go-home scenario. 

- Tapestry receives the charter school bump.  For the first time, the Thunderhawks will compete in Class B, despite having Class C BEDS numbers.  Health Sciences, the first Section VI charter school to be moved up in classification, originally from Class B2 to Class A2, and then all the way up to Class AA last year, returns to Class A2 for the 2022 campaign.

- Class B returns to its usual B1 & B2, after adding a Class B3 for the 2021 season.  Class C loses its traditional C1/C2 split this season and will crown a single champion among the 17 teams on JCC Friday in March, with no Class C crossover game.

 - The Lafayette Violets will not field a team this season.  The talent pool has merged with the Riverside Frontiers, leaving seven teams in Yale Cup II.

- After winning Class A1 a season ago, Hamburg moves into ECIC I, joining West Seneca West as the only Class A1 teams competing against the Class AA squads of that division.

- Iroquois joins ECIC II this season, after earning a league crown in ECIC III last year.

- Tonawanda returns to ECIC IV after one season in ECIC III.

- Springville returns to ECIC III after winning ECIC IV last season.

- The league formerly known as CCAA I East will now be called CCAA Central.  CCAA II East is now just CCAA East.  CCAA West I and CCAA West II are still leagues.  

- Maple Grove & Cassadaga Valley join CCAA Central from CCAA II West. 

- Chautauqua Lake slides into CCAA II West after a year in CCAA I East (now CCAA Central).

- Global Concepts & BASCS are both back in the fold after a year without them.

- After exiting the MMA following the 2019 season and competing as a NYSAIS Class A (Independent) for two seasons, head coach Rich Jacobs (2018 Centercourt Coach of the Year) and AD Marcus Hutchins have both resigned.  The Park School now returns to the IAC (New Life Christian, Stanley G Falk, Gow, CCA, etc) for the first time since 2013.

 

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

 

Player Movement

Key Transfers

Jaiden Harrison:  West Seneca East ----> Timon

Malachi Parker:  Cheektowaga ----> Timon

Jacob Humphrey:  Cheektowaga ----> Timon

Jimmie Green:  Cardinal O'Hara ----> Health Sciences

Tyreke Hopkins:  CSAT ----> Health Sciences

Kydale Staten:  Cheektowaga ----> Health Sciences

Jalen Duff:  Lew-Port ----> Nichols

Parker Rey:  Orchard Park ----> Nichols

Luke Granto:  North Tonawanda ----> Canisius

Johnny Esposito:  Niagara Falls ----> Canisius

Rod Brown:  Sweet Home ----> Niagara Falls

Nicco DiGiulio:  St. Joe's ----> Williamsville South

Massimo Moretti:  Italy ----> St. Mary's

 

Early Prep School Departures

Josh Haskell - St. Joe's

Kamar Goudelock - Timon

Massai Graham - Tapestry

Dom Phillips - East Aurora 

 

Returning Studs

Joe Harrington (Lancaster) & Nick Whitfield (Fredonia) are back after missing their junior seasons (2021) due to injury.  Gabe McCoy (Randolph) returns to the team after playing his junior season in Florida.

 

** 2021 All-Centercourt Defender Brady Kustra of Hamburg suffered a football injury that will force him to miss his senior hoops season **

 

The Players

***  8 of the top 25 players from the 2021 All-Centercourt Team return to the WNY high school hoops scene, along with 13 players that received Honorable Mentions following last season.  

 

Returning First Teamers

Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

14.1 PPG

7.2 APG

4.6 RPG

2.1 SPG

The four year starter and WNY assist leader in 2021 picked up a D2 offer from Daemen in the offseason after leading the Marauders to their first Manhattan Cup in 13 years.  The All-Centercourt Defender and quickest player in WNY consistently produces against the best teams in the area.

 

 

 

Max Schneider - Williamsville East, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

30.4 PPG

7.2 APG

2.7 SPG

1.9 RPG

After a two-week Covid pause during a seven-game season, he went on an absolute tear while playing back-to-backs and Sunday mornings.  The 2021 WNY scoring leader is only the 2nd player along with Dom Welch to average 30 plus points per game in Class A in over a decade.

 

 

 

 

Returning Second Teamer

Trey Kleitz - Iroquois, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

26.5 PPG

7.3 APG

6.3 SPG

6.0 RPG

Does everything on the hardwood for Iroquois at both ends, stuffing the stat sheet while providing a great example of sportsmanship & leadership.  Set the WNY record for TD passes in a season while leading the Chiefs to consecutive Section VI title games on the gridiron.

 

 

 

 

Returning Third Teamers

Jalen Duff - Nichols, Junior

Sophomore Season Stats:

28.3 PPG

5.0 RPG

3.8 APG

2.0 SPG

A proven scorer with over 1,000 already, Duff is always working and his game continues to flourish.  His combination of shooting, body & ball control, and understanding of the game has him ready to lead the Vikings in the MMA.

 

 

 

 

Xander Fletcher - Niagara Wheatfield, Junior

Sophomore Season Stats:

20.3 PPG

4.8 APG

4.7 RPG

2.8 SPG

Handles the ball like it's on a string, sets up himself & his teammates for easy money, and knocks down shots.  His defensive timing forces turnovers and gets the transition game going for the Falcons.

 

 

 

 

 

Returning Fourth Teamers

Jaiden Harrison - Timon, Sophomore

Junior Season Stats:

21.6 PPG

8.7 RPG

3.3 APG

1.8 SPG

A special talent and future D1 baller who played three varsity seasons at West Seneca East, arrives to keep the Tigers in the Manhattan Cup championship chase.  That WNY scoring record is in big trouble come 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

Declan Ryan - Canisius, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

15.7 PPG

7.9 RPG

1.2 APG

0.5 BPG

0.5 SPG

Looked dominant early om in the 2021 season before suffering an injury on a hustle play.  Outstanding hands & footwork in the paint and an automatic finisher.

 

 

 

 

Returning Fifth Teamer

Bryant Rosa - Riverside, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

24.5 PPG

4.2 APG

2.3 SPG

1.8 RPG

This BPS baller has flown under the radar despite All-State honors as a sophomore and leading the Frontiers to a league title & a sectional championship game appearance in 2021.  A polished player offensively with a great shot.

 

 

 

 

 

Returning 2021 Honorable Mentions

Trevin Boling - Tonawanda, Senior

29.9 PPG / 4.1 RPG / 1.4 APG / 1.3 SPG - as a junior

 

Caleb Chapman - City Honors, Senior

20.1 PPG / 7.9 RPG / 4.1 APG / 3.6 SPG - as a junior

 

TJ Robinson - Niagara Wheatfield, Senior

19.8 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 1.9 APG / 1.6 SPG - as a junior

 

Tyler Curran - Allegany-Limestone, Senior

18.2 PPG / 3.7 RPG / 3.3 APG / 2.2 SPG - as a junior

 

Romeo Bell - Tapestry, Senior

13.8 PPG / 5.5 RPG / 4.8 APG / 3.5 SPG - as a junior

 

Dominic McKenzie - Niagara Falls, Senior

13.6 PPG / 9.3 RPG / 1.3 SPG / 1.0 BPG - as a junior

 

Benjamin Bill - Hamburg, Senior

13.2 PPG / 8.0 RPG / 2.6 BPG / 2.1 APG / 1.1 SPG - as a junior

 

Kevin Thompson - Timon, Senior

12.5 PPG / 5.4 RPG / 1.1 APG / 1.6 SPG / 2.6 BPG - as a junior

 

Jimmie Green - Health Sciences, Senior

12.5 PPG / 6.4 RPG / 2.6 APG / 1.8 SPG / 1.3 BPG - as a junior

 

Solomon Jackson - St. Joe's, Senior

10.1 PPG / 5.5 RPG / 2.1 APG / 0.9 SPG - as a junior

 

Nick Moore - Amherst, Junior

13.4 PPG / 4.8 RPG / 3.3 APG / 2.1 SPG - as a sophomore

 

Lucas Brown - Salamanca, Sophomore

18.3 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 2.4 APG / 2.1 SPG - as a freshman

 

Adam Chiacchia - Hamburg, Sophomore

12.2 PPG / 9.2 RPG / 2.9 APG / 1.8 SPG / 1.3 BPG - as a freshman

 

20 Players to Watch

Here's 20 players not mentioned anywhere above that will be difference makers in 2022

Seth Joba - Orchard Park, Senior

Chris Wright - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior

Lamar Matthews - Tapestry, Senior

Aidan Kennedy - Southwestern, Senior

Zion James - Olean, Senior

Nate Parker - CSAT, Senior 

Teddy McDuffie - Amherst, Senior

Brendan Reid - St. Francis, Senior

Rod Brown - Niagara Falls, Senior

Tyreke Hopkins - Health Sciences, Senior

Nick Mogavero - Iroquois, Senior

Elijah Whitehead - McKinley, Senior

Dan Maku - Riverside, Senior

Darien Swanson - Westfield, Senior

Jasiah Jerocinski - Pioneer, Senior

Rashard Perry - Bennett, Junior

Dorian Facen - Williamsville East, Junior

Luke Granto - Canisius, Junior

Parker Rey - Nichols, Sophomore

Drew Hind - Randolph, Freshman

 

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

 

League-By-League:  Returning All-League Talent 

 

Monsignor Martin Association

 

Large Schools - CLASS A

Canisius - Declan Ryan

St. Joe's -  Justin Glover

St. Francis 

 

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

 

Small Schools - CLASS B

Timon - Kevin Thompson

Cardinal O'Hara - Christopher Wright

 Nichols 

 St. Mary's 

 

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

 

Section VI

 

Charter Schools

Health Sciences - Nasir West

Tapestry -  Lamar Matthews, Romeo Bell  

Maritime

Global Concepts

BASCS

 

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

 

YALE CUP I

McKinley - Elijah Whitehead, Jahood Martin

South Park -  Javany Rivera

Middle College - Amir Marble, Zamar Ashford

Bennett - Lebrun Northington, Rashard Perry

East - 

Hutch-Tech - TJ Jacobs

I-Prep - Daryl Allen, Angel Serrano

 

******

 

YALE CUP II

Riverside - Bryant Rosa, Dan Maku, Desimon Elston

Olmsted - Ezekiel Alexander, Myrie Harris, Ricky Shanklin

MST Seneca -  Nassir Williams, Marcelino Long

City Honors - Caleb Chapman

Buffalo Arts - Jordan Rodgers

Emerson - Hassan Muktar

Burgard 

 

 ***********************************

 

ECIC I

Jamestown -  Trey Drake, Jaylen Butera

Hamburg - Benjamin Bill, Adam Chiachia, Evan Chaffee

Orchard Park - Seth Joba, Keegan Mancabelli

Lancaster -  Joe Harrington

Frontier 

Clarence 

Williamsville North 

West Seneca West 

 

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

 

ECIC II

Amherst -  Nick Moore, Gary Johnson

Williamsville East -  Max Schneider 

Iroquois - Trey Kleitz

Sweet Home - Diar Fleming

Williamsville South  

West Seneca East 

Starpoint 

 

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

 

ECIC III

East Aurora - Ryan Esminger

Pioneer - Jasiah Jerocinski

Cheektowaga 

Lake Shore  

Maryvale 

Depew  

Springville

 

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

 

ECIC IV

Lackawanna -  Julienn Clements, Archie Saeed, Ashlin Alexander

Alden - John Watson, Walker Wrest

Tonawanda - Trevin Boling 

Cleveland Hill - Jordan Mann

JFK -  Jacob Krotz

Holland - Jake Gailey

Eden

 

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

 

Niagara Frontier League

Niagara Wheatfield -  TJ Robinson, Xander Fletcher 

Niagara Falls - Dom McKenzie

Kenmore West - Sean Hargrave

CSAT - Nate Parker

Lew-Port - Bobby Beilein

North Tonawanda  

Lockport  

Kenmore East  

Grand Island 

 

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

 

Niagara-Orleans

Medina -  Jarin Rhim, Joe Checchini

Roy-Hart - Aiden Petrie, Gavyn Boyle

Albion - Jahmeek Riley

Barker -  Brad Cantrell

Newfane 

Akron  

Wilson 

 

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

 

CCAA I West 

Olean - Zion James, Kamdyn McClain

Fredonia -  Nick Whitfield, Ethan Fry

Allegany-Limestone -  Tyler Curran, Anthony DeCapua

Dunkirk - Timothy Brown, A'Marion Tell 

Salamanca - Lucas Brown 

Southwestern -  Aidan Kennedy

 

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

 

CCAA Central

Randolph - Jaiden Huntington, Drew Hind

Cassadaga Valley -  Wyatt Harrington, Braden Lebaron

Frewsburg - Zach Winters, Connor Murray, Zach Carr

Maple Grove - Tucker Fenton

Portville - Maxx Yehl

Silver Creek - Matt Woleben

Gowanda - John Ondus

 

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

 

CCAA II West 

Westfield -  Darien Swanson, Ethan Weingart, Cole Holland

Sherman - Gerald Carris, Elijah Kioko

Panama -  Cooper Brown, Carter Brink, Gabe Roth

Clymer -  Austin White, Micah Willink

Brocton  

Falconer 

Chautauqua Lake

 

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

 

CCAA II East 

Cattaraugus-Little Valley - Josh Halterman, Johnny Visnesky

Pine Valley - Kordell Oakes, Bryce Sercu, Wayne Libby

Franklinville -  Blake Frank, Connor Terwilliger

North Collins -  Chris Smith

Ellicottville -  Logan Grinols  

Forestville 

 

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

 

Teams with New Coaches (17)

 

Nichols - Matt Bradshaw

St. Mary's - Ryan Gallo

Cheektowaga - Demario Rhodes

West Seneca West - Reuben Owens

Maritime - Donjuan Tyson

Tonawanda - Rod Middleton

City Honors - Demario Badger

Lew-Port - Pat Krawczyk

Westfield - Nolan Swanson

Cassadaga Valley - Greg Frank

Falconer - Jordan Goold 

 Forestville - Tom Dempsey

Holland - Matt Krotz

JFK - Sean McCowan

Portville - Josh Brooks

Springville - Chris Matthewson

BASCS - Chris Castleberry

 

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

 

Classification Changes (17)

 

Lockport moves down from Class AA to Class A1

Williamsville East moves up from Class A2 to Class A1

Health Sciences moves down from Class AA to Class A2

Emerson moves up from Class B1 to Class A2

Lew-Port moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

Middle College moves up from Class C1 to Class B1

Riverside moves up from Class C1 to Class B1

Burgard moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

Depew moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

Lackawanna moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

Tonawanda moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

Springville moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

Bennett moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Tapestry moves up from Class C1 to Class B2

Wilson moves down from Class B2 to Class C

Ellicottville moves down from Class C2 to Class D

Westfield moves down from Class C2 to Class D

 

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

 

Preseason Rankings

**  Seven of the 10 teams that appeared in the 2021 Preseason Large School Rankings were Top 10 teams when the season ended, and I was 8 of 10 predicting Top 10 small schools in 2021

 

Large Schools

1. Health Sciences

2. Canisius

3. St. Joe's

4. Niagara Falls

5. Jamestown

6. Hamburg

7. Amherst

8. St. Francis

9. Niagara Wheatfield

10. CSAT

 

Small Schools

1. Timon

2. Nichols

3. Olean

4. Bennett

5. Randolph

6. St. Mary's

7. Cardinal O'Hara

8. Tapestry

9. Allegany-Limestone

10. Salamanca

 

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

 

Predictions

 

MMA - Canisius

Yale Cup I - McKinley

Yale Cup II - Riverside

ECIC I - Jamestown

ECIC II - Amherst

ECIC III - Pioneer

ECIC IV - Lackawanna

NFL - Niagara Falls

N-O - Medina

CCAA I West - Olean

CCAA II West - Westfield

CCAA Central - Randolph 

CCAA East - Ellicottville

 

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

 

I only predicted 3 of the 10 champions correctly in 2021 (Bennett, Fredonia, & Tapestry) - I blame the shutdown

 

Manhattan Cup

It's getting bad.  The swami I am not when predicting the Manhattan Cup winner.  In the last nine years, I've only gotten it right twice.  

** Timon **

 

Class AA 

Final Four:  

Niagara Falls, Orchard Park, Jamestown, & Lancaster

** Niagara Falls **

 

Class A1 

Final Four:

McKinley, Ken West, Hamburg, & Niagara Wheatfield

** Hamburg **

 

Class A2  

Final Four:  

Amherst, Health Sciences, Iroquois, & CSAT

** Health Sciences **

 

Class B1 

Final Four:  

Olean, Lackawanna, Lew-Port, & Riverside

** Olean **

 

Class B2 

Final Four:

Tapestry, Allegany-Limestone, Bennett, & Fredonia

** Bennett **

 

Class C

Final Four:

Randolph, Salamanca, Global Concepts, & MST Seneca

** Randolph **

 

Class D

Final Four to reach JCC:  

Sherman, Ellicottville, Westfield, & Clymer

** Westfield **

 

-centercourt

The 2021 All-Centercourt Team: The Best in WNY

 

The 2021 CC MVP

Jalen Bradberry

Niagara Falls

Senior

24.2 PPG

6.7 RPG

6.0 APG

2.3 SPG

Class AA Champion

NFL Champion

NFL Player of the Year

(Photo: The Buffalo News)

 

First Team All-Centercourt

Jaden Slaughter

St. Joe's

Senior

20.5 PPG

6.4 RPG

4.7 APG

2.1 SPG

Manhattan Cup Champion

Manhattan Cup MVP

First Team All-Catholic

(Photo: Andrew Miller)

 

Jamyier Patton

Timon

Senior

24.5 PPG

4.5 RPG

3.3 SPG

2.9 APG

Manhattan Cup Finalist

 All-Catholic Player of the Year

(Photo: Tom Burns)

 

 

Justin Glover

St. Joe's

Junior

14.1 PPG

7.2 APG

4.6 RPG

2.1 SPG

Manhattan Cup Champion

First Team All-Catholic

(Photo: Andrew Miller)

 

 

Max Schneider

Williamsville East

Junior

30.4 PPG

7.2 APG

2.7 SPG

1.9 RPG

ECIC II Player of the Year

First Team All-ECIC

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

JaVaughn Jones

Health Sciences

Senior

23.8 PPG

8.1 RPG

6.8 APG

4.9 SPG

2.6 BPG

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

 

 

Second Team All-Centercourt

Trey Kleitz

Iroquois

Junior

26.5 PPG

7.3 APG

6.3 SPG

6.0 RPG

All-ECIC Player of the Year

ECIC III Player of the Year

ECIC III Champion

(Photo: Renea Lauck)

 

Keonjay Carter

Park

Senior

22.9 PPG

7.6 RPG

2.2 APG

1.1 SPG

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

 

Jason Brooks

Olean

Senior

21.8 PPG

4.4 APG

4.0 RPG

2.6 SPG

CCAA I West Player of the Year

CCAA I West Champion

 

 

 

Peyton Consigli

St. Francis

Senior

19.9 PPG

7.3 RPG

3.1 APG

1.1 SPG

First Team All-Catholic

 

 

 

 

Caleb Hutchins

Park

Senior

14.8 PPG

10.5 RPG

3.0 APG

1.9 SPG

1.6 BPG

 

 

 

 

 

Third Team All-Centercourt

Kamar Goudelock

Timon

Junior

16.9 PPG

4.3 RPG

2.7 APG

2.3 SPG

Manhattan Cup Finalist

First Team All-Catholic

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

Jalen Duff

Lew-Port

Sophomore

28.3 PPG

5.0 RPG

3.8 APG

2.0 SPG

First Team NFL

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

 

Xander Fletcher

Niagara Wheatfield

Sophomore

20.3 PPG

4.8 APG

4.7 RPG

2.8 SPG

First Team NFL

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

 

Tyler Putney

Fredonia

Senior

20.2 PPG

8.2 RPG

2.8 APG

1.4 SPG

0.7 BPG

Section VI Class B3 Champion

First Team CCAA I West

(Photo: Scott Kindberg/Observer)

 

Josh Haskell

St. Joe's

Junior

13.4 PPG

4.4 RPG

2.1 APG

1.4 SPG

Manhattan Cup Champion

Second Team All-Catholic

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

 

Fourth Team All-Centercourt

Max Dowling

Canisius

Senior

12.8 PPG

7.9 RPG

2.1 APG

1.0 BPG

0.6 SPG

Second Team All-Catholic

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

Declan Ryan

Canisius

Junior

15.7 PPG

7.9 RPG

1.2 APG

0.5 SPG

0.5 BPG

First Team All-Catholic

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

Damario James

Bennett

Senior

17.6 PPG

4.1 APG

2.1 SPG

1.9 APG

Section VI Class B1 Champion

First Team Yale Cup 

(Photo: Harry Scull)

 

 

Tariq Eubanks

Tapestry

Senior

12.9 PPG

10.1 APG

7.1 SPG

3.7 RPG

Section VI Class C1 Champion

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

 

Jaiden Harrison

West Seneca East

Freshman

21.6 PPG

8.7 RPG

3.3 APG

1.8 SPG

First Team All-ECIC

First Team ECIC II

(Photo: West Seneca Bee)

 

 

 

Fifth Team All-Centercourt

Massai Graham

Tapestry

Junior

16.1 PPG

11.2 RPG

3.3 BPG

2.3 APG

Section VI Class C1 Champion

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Zach Ianello

Clarence

Senior

15.3 PPG

3.0 RPG

1.9 APG

1.0 SPG

ECIC I Player of the Year

First Team All-ECIC

 

 

 

Tyler Chinn

Medina

Senior

17.8 PPG

5.4 APG

5.0 RPG

4.7 SPG

Section VI Class B2 Champion

Niagara-Orleans Champion

N-O Player of the Year

(Photo: Orleans Hub)

 

Bryant Rosa

Riverside

Junior

24.5 PPG

4.2 APG

2.3 SPG

1.8 RPG

Yale Cup II Champion

Yale Cup II Player of the Year

 

 

 

Bush Rieang

McKinley

Senior

16.4 PPG

5.0 APG

2.0 SPG

Yale Cup I Champion

Yale Cup I Player of the Year

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

 

 

Honorable Mention

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Springville's Austin Boies was the ECIC IV Player of the Year and a First Team All-ECIC selection, leading the Griffins to an ECIC IV Championship / Photo: Harry Scull)

 

Austin Boies - Springville, Senior

* ECIC IV Player of the Year

24.4 PPG / 8.6 RPG / 4.5 SPG / 2.5 APG

 

Javier West - Forestville, Senior

* First Team CCAA II East

23.9 PPG / 7.8 RPG / 4.6 SPG / 2.0 APG

 

Christian Pagano - Depew, Senior

* First Team ECIC III

20.6 PPG / 4.5 RPG / 2.5 APG / 1.8 SPG / 0.8 BPG

 

Imario Douglas - Lockport, Senior

* First Team NFL

20.3 PPG / 8.7 RPG / 2.2 SPG

 

Jerrold Skillon - Bennett, Senior

* First Team Yale Cup I

18.7 PPG / 6.3 RPG / 1.5 APG / 1.0 SPG

 

Anthony Smith - Middle College, Senior

* First Team Yale Cup I

18.2 PPG / 16.6 RPG / 3.2 BPG / 1.8 SPG

 

Wally Wisniewski - North Tonawanda, Senior

* First Team NFL

17.1 PPG / 5.6 RPG / 3.8 SPG / 1.8 APG / 1.2 BPG

 

Hunter Wassink - Clymer, Senior

* CCAA II West Player of the Year

17.1 PPG / 3.7 APG / 3.7 RPG / 1.8 SPG

 

Lief Jimerson - Ellicottville, Senior

* First Team CCAA II East

16.8 PPG / 3.5 SPG / 3.1 RPG / 2.6 APG

 

Jaiden Green - East, Senior

* First Team Yale Cup I

15.6 PPG / 11.7 RPG / 2.4 SPG / 2.3 APG / 1.5 BPG

 

Zech Franklin - Iroquois, Senior

* First Team ECIC III

14.8 PPG / 11.7 RPG / 4.5 BPG / 2.0 SPG

 

Jackson Jerebko - Lancaster, Senior

* First Team ECIC I

14.5 PPG / 6.5 RPG / 2.1 APG / 1.2 SPG

 

Des Davis - Park, Senior

14.5 PPG / 8.7 RPG / 3.0 APG / 2.5 SPG

 

Brian Fry - Medina, Senior

* First Team N-O

13.7 PPG / 8.3 RPG / 4.2 APG / 2.9 SPG

 

Elijah Rojas - Jamestown, Senior

* First Team ECIC I

13.7 PPG / 4.5 APG / 2.9 RPG / 2.6 SPG

 

Amiel Collins - St. Francis, Senior

* Second Team All-Catholic

13.6 PPG / 3.6 RPG / 2.3 APG / 1.4 SPG / 1.1 BPG

 

Nevada Eldridge - Cheektowaga, Senior

* First Team ECIC III

13.5 PPG / 8.8 RPG / 1.6 APG / 1.0 BPG

 

Brandon Okie - Frontier, Senior

* First Team ECIC I

13.3 PPG / 9.6 RPG / 1.9 APG / 0.9 SPG

 

Jeremy Foltz - Newfane, Senior

* First Team N-O

12.8 PPG / 4.3 APG / 2.5 SPG / 1.6 RPG

 

Keonte Brown - Cheektowaga, Senior

* First Team ECIC III

12.4 PPG / 6.1 RPG / 4.1 APG / 3.0 SPG

 

Clayton Rowland - Ellicottville, Senior

* CCAA II East Player of the Year

12.0 PPG / 12.2 RPG / 5.2 APG / 3.2 SPG

 

Trevin Boling - Tonawanda, Junior

* First Team ECIC III

29.9 PPG / 4.1 RPG / 1.4 APG / 1.3 SPG

 

Caleb Chapman - City Honors, Junior

* First Team Yale Cup II

20.1 PPG / 7.9 RPG / 4.1 APG / 3.6 SPG

 

TJ Robinson - Niagara Wheatfield, Junior

* First Team NFL

19.8 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 1.9 APG / 1.6 SPG

 

Tyler Curran - Allegany-Limestone, Junior

* First Team CCAA I West

18.2 PPG / 3.7 RPG / 3.3 APG / 2.2 SPG 

 

Dom Phillips - East Aurora, Junior

* First Team ECIC III

14.9 PPG / 3.5 RPG / 2.5 APG / 2.5 SPG

 

Romeo Bell - Tapestry, Junior

13.8 PPG / 5.5 RPG / 4.8 APG / 3.5 SPG

 

Dominic McKenzie - Niagara Falls, Junior

* Second Team NFL

13.6 PPG / 9.3 RPG / 1.3 SPG / 1.0 BPG 

 

Benjamin Bill - Hamburg, Junior

* First Team ECIC II

13.2 PPG / 8.0 RPG / 2.6 BPG / 2.1 APG / 1.1 SPG

 

Kevin Thompson - Timon, Junior

* Second Team All-Catholic

12.5 PPG / 5.4 RPG / 1.1 APG / 1.6 SPG / 2.6 BPG

 

Jimmie Green - Cardinal O'Hara, Junior

* Honorable Mention All-Catholic

12.5 PPG / 6.4 RPG / 2.6 APG / 1.8 SPG / 1.3 BPG

 

Solomon Jackson - St. Joe's, Junior

* Second Team All-Catholic

10.1 PPG / 5.5 RPG / 2.1 APG / 0.9 SPG

 

Nick Moore - Amherst, Sophomore

* First Team ECIC II

13.4 PPG / 4.8 RPG / 3.3 APG / 2.1 SPG

 

Lucas Brown - Salamanca, Freshman 

* First Team CCAA I West

18.3 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 2.4 APG / 2.1 SPG

 

Adam Chiacchia - Hamburg, Freshman

* Second Team ECIC II

12.2 PPG / 9.2 RPG / 2.9 APG / 1.8 SPG / 1.3 BPG

 

Sixth Man of the Year
Jack Harper - Hamburg, Senior

As a senior and captain of a team that rolled out five underclassmen in its starting lineup, Jack Harper was a true team leader for the Hamburg Bulldogs.  The body language and energy he displayed, whether waiting to hear his number called for the first time, sprinting back after a made shot, or checking back out of the game remained constant and spoke to the team first concept that his senior leadership helped instill.  His consistent contributions on the court were a key reason the Bulldogs won championships in both Section VI Class A1 and in ECIC II.  The team always got a spark when he entered the game and there wasn't a more focused player on the floor.  Harper rebounded, defended, and fit perfectly into the offense, where he never failed to deliver some big shots and timely scoring.  

 

All-Centercourt Defenders

First Team

Jesse Hawkins - Cheektowaga, Senior

Malachi Williams - Niagara Falls, Senior

Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Junior

Shane Cercone - Canisius, Sophomore

Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry, Senior

 

Second Team

Brady Kustra - Hamburg, Junior

Benjamin Bill - Hamburg, Junior

JaVaughn Jones - Health Sciences, Senior

Luke Granto - North Tonawanda, Sophomore

Caleb Hutchins - Park, Senior

 

Third Team

Brian Fry - Medina, Senior

Kevin Thompson - Timon, Junior

Zion James - Olean, Junior

Zech Franklin - Iroquois, Junior

Jaylen Butera - Jamestown, Junior

 

Centercourt #BOOM Squad

Anthony Smith - Middle College, Senior

Massai Graham - Tapestry, Junior

Caleb Hutchins - Park, Senior

Oliver Ngarikiyintwari - Hutch Tech, Senior

TJ Jacobs - Hutch Tech, Junior

Elijah Whitehead - McKinley, Junior

Wally Wisniewski - North Tonawanda, Senior

Gary Johnson - Amherst, Junior

Jaden Slaughter - St. Joe's, Senior

Jalen Bradberry - Niagara Falls, Senior

Jerrold Skillon - Bennett, Senior

Jaiden Green - East, Senior

Greg Sanders - CSAT, Junior

Austin Boies - Springville, Senior

Jimmie Green - Cardinal O'Hara, Junior

 

Centercourt Coach of the Year

John Reinholz - Hamburg

In 2014, the Manhattan Cup playoffs appeared to be a mere formality.  A loaded Canisius team led by sophomore standout Howard Washington had spent the regular season destroying the local competition - so much so, that the closest regular season game against a WNY opponent for the Crusaders had been a 12-point win over Park.  No one was touching Canisius, because not only had no team come close, but the first two rounds of the playoffs ran through Delaware Avenue as home games for Canisius.

John Reinholz was the head coach at Nichols in 2014 and despite entering the postseason as the #5 seed in the Manhattan Cup playoffs, the Vikings had been competitive in a regular season visit to Canisius, losing there by 13 points, and had been a steadily improving squad with talented underclassmen.  After a win in the quarterfinals, Reinholz's squad faced that "mere formality", go lose at Canisius and try to keep it respectable.  Instead, Nichols sent shock waves throughout WNY on a Wednesday night in late February and soon had an arena watching Section VI playoffs at Buff State busy refreshing their phones for updates.  A seven-point win that night by Nichols sent them to the championship game, where they hoisted the hardware with a win over Timon.  Two seasons later, Reinholz won a second championship at Nichols, before resigning as head coach.

After a season away from the boys varsity ranks, he was back behind the bench.  This time, Reinholz was the man at Hamburg - much closer to his home in Orchard Park, but not exactly an annual championship program.  The Bulldogs played in ECIC II, a league recently dominated by Williamsville & Amherst, and it had been 64 years since the last Section VI championship.  That was all about to change.

His fourth season at Hamburg, the 2021 campaign that no one ever even knew for sure if we'd see, the team made history.  Starting five underclassmen, including a freshman, the Bulldogs quickly got off to a 5-1 start and ended the season by winning 9 of their last 10 games.  They won the ECIC II title outright and headed into the Section VI postseason as the #2 seed in the Class A1 bracket.

After a win in the quarterfinals over Hutch Tech, the Bulldogs faced an opponent that had recently ended its own long sectional drought in 2017 and played a similar defensive style in North Tonawanda.  That night I attended a different playoff game in the city, but was so fascinated by the NT at Hamburg game that I powered my phone off for the ride home and stayed away from Twitter for the evening -- so I could watch the game on Youtube from start to finish without knowing the result prior.  What unfolded on my big screen was a classic that went to overtime and came down to the game's final possession.  A gutsy lob play that snuck Evan Chaffee behind NT's zone where he took a perfect lob pass from Adam Chiacchia for the game-winner left my jaw dropped towards my chest for a couple minutes.  Then I powered my phone back on at 10:27 pm to text Coach Reinholz and commend him for going back to a call that I watched fail to the opposite side earlier that half.

The Class A1 championship game brought Niagara Wheatfield to Hamburg, where after a close opening quarter, the Bulldogs seized control and earned the title in convincing fashion, ending a 68-year drought in Section VI.  The team was exceptionally cohesive at both ends of the floor.  There was a team commitment at the defensive end and deliberate group that methodically executed at the offensive end.  Some of the best interior passing against a zone I've watched in local high school ball.  All while the man behind the Hamburg bench calmly orchestrated it all.  

Following his team's final victory, Reinholz patiently answered question after question for the media until his players couldn't take it anymore.  "Sorry to interrupt," one of his assistants finally approached and said, "the boys really want you in the locker room to celebrate!"  

It was a most fitting finale to the 2021 season for the Centercourt Coach of the Year!

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2021 - Season Finale

(St. Joe's & Timon finish on top in the final 2021 rankings / Photo: John Hickey)

 

Large Schools

1. St. Joe's (A) - Monsignor Martin Association & Manhattan Cup Champions - 16-1

2. Niagara Falls (AA) - Section VI Class AA & NFL Champions - 19-1

3. Canisius (A) - Manhattan Cup Semifinalist - 13-4

4. Park (A) - NYS Assocoiation Independent Schools - 11-3

5. Hamburg (A1) - ECIC II & Section VI Class A1 Champions - 14-4

6. Cheektowaga (A2) - ECIC III & Section VI Class A2 Champions - 14-3

7. St. Francis (AA) - Manhattan Cup Semifinalist - 8-8

8. Clarence (AA) - Section VI Class AA Finalist - 12-6

9. Jamestown (AA) - ECIC I Champions & Section VI Class AA Finalist - 14-3

10. North Tonawanda (A1) - Section VI Class A1 Semifinalist - 7-5

 

Small Schools

1. Timon (B) - Manhattan Cup Finalist - 12-3

2. Bennett (B1) - Section VI Class B1 Champions - 12-3

3. Olean (B1) - CCAA I West Champions & Section VI Class B1 Finalist - 12-5

4. Tapestry (C1) - Charter Cup & Section VI Class C1 Champions - 9-5

5. Medina (B2) - Niagara-Orleans & Section VI Class B2 Champions - 14-1

6. Fredonia (B3) - Section VI Class B3 Champions - 11-6

7. Ellicottville (C2) - CCAA II East & Section VI Class C2 Champions - 15-2

8. Clymer (D) - CCAA II West & Section VI Class D Champions - 15-1

9. Newfane (B2) - Section VI Class B2 Finalist - 12-4

10. Southwestern (B3) - Won last four regular season games over Dunkirk, Fredonia, Salamanca, & Allegany-Limestone by an average margin of 16.8 pts.  Swept Fredonia & defeated Olean.  However, a Covid pause ended its postseason opportunity - 9-3

 

-centercourt

Manhattan Cup Playoffs - 2021

 

Quarterfinals - Tuesday, March 16th

(4) St. Francis 75, (5) Cardinal O'Hara 68

 

(2) Timon 75, (7) St. Mary's 56

(3) Canisius 75, (6) Nichols 57

 

Semifinals - Thursday, March 18th

(1) St. Joe's 76, (4) St. Francis 54

(2) Timon 62, (3) Canisius 56

 

Final - Saturday, March 20th

(1) St. Joe's 78, (2) Timon 67

 

2021 Manhattan Cup Champions - St. Joe's Marauders

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2021 - Week 4

(Rashard Perry & Bennett are going to be a problem in Class B1 / Photo: Harry Scull)

 

Large Schools

1. St. Joe's (A) - The #1 seed in the Manhattan Cup playoffs draws the St. Francis/O'Hara winner on their floor Thursday night.  The Marauders swept both in the regular season and if they win on Thursday, they'll host the Manhattan Cup on Saturday.  Crazy that next week at this time, the season is already over in the MMA.  

2. Canisius (A) - Friday night's loss to Timon means they'll need to win a rematch in South Buffalo, regarded as one of, if not the toughest place to win in WNY....if they can beat Nichols for a third time on Tuesday.  The last time Canisius entered the postseason and wasn't even one of the top two seeds was in 2017.  They won it all that year as the #4 seed.

3. Jamestown (AA) - Survived a big scare from Lancaster last week and are now winners of 10 straight games, with their lone loss coming at Canisius.  The regular season finishes up with a trip to Frontier and a visit from Fredonia.

4. Park (A) - The Pioneers took down Niagara Falls and Tapestry last week and have a rematch in their gym coming with the Thunderhawks, along with a game versus Health Sciences.

5. Niagara Falls (AA) - Now back-to-back champions of the NFL following a busy week that saw the Wolverines squeeze in four games, including wins over Tapestry, Lockport, & Ken West and their first loss of the year at Park.

6. McKinley (A1) - One of two remaining undefeated teams left in WNY, the Macks can guarantee at least a share of the Yale Cup trophy with a victory over South Park on Tuesday, and can win it outright by following it up with a sweep of East on Thursday.

7. St. Francis (A) - The Red Raiders are coming off a walloping of West Seneca East, scoring 90 points.  They'll need to avenge a close loss to O'Hara on Tuesday if they want another shot at St. Joe's, who dished them a devastating one-point loss at the start of March.

8. Clarence (AA) - Three straight wins for the Red Devils, including a shooting display vs North and a solid win over Lancaster.  Clarence hosts Maritime to wrap up the regular season on Tuesday.

9. Williamsville East (A2) - Took the rematch with Hamburg in convincing fashion on Sunday morning, following a close loss there on Friday to remain in a tie for first place in ECIC II with the Bulldogs.  Back-to-back games with Sweet Home await on Monday & Tuesday.  If they win them both, the Flames are at least co-league champs.

10. Lockport (AA) - Since getting waxed at home by Will East to start the season, the Lions only losses have come to Niagara Falls, and the rematch was much closer than the first contest.  It's time for the Lions to be mentioned among the area's top large schools.  They'll close out the regular season with a road trip to Amherst on Thursday.

 

Small Schools 

1. Timon (B) - WNY's top small school is the #2 seed in the Manhattan Cup playoffs after finishing a busy week off with a win at Canisius and finishing a regular season that also included a win over St. Joe's.  Pretty rare that the top small school owns wins over the top two large schools.  They host St. Mary's in the quarterfinals on Tuesday night.

2. Olean (B1) - These guys, you know?  Three straight losses to open the season and nothing but victories ever since.  They sat back and watched teams tied for first place in the league sort it out, before beating them both to claim sole possession of first place in the league.  I remember talking with head coach Tim Kolasinski as his Huskies warmed up for their season opener at Jamestown.  Because of the fast turn around finding out there would even be a season, he wasn't really sure what to expect from his group.  But by now, I think the expectations are the same constants that have existed at Olean since before I began my coverage - defense & a game on Championship Saturday.

3. Bennett (B1) - The Tigers pounded East over on Northampton right in front of my eyes.  They were not just physically tougher, they were mentally tougher in the most critical portion of the game.  The only losses for this team are to McKinley & East.  

4. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks are getting rewarded for losses because of the way they've competed against top area large schools.  After beating Health & Nichols, Tapestry has shown they can run with Park & Falls.  

5. East (B1) - I watched a talented East team for the first time on Saturday and was really impressed -- for a little over two quarters.  Then I was surprised with the way they responded to adversity on senior day.  Talent needs toughness to equal championships.  Without toughness, all you get are some great quotes from coach.

6. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - A pair of losses to finish the regular season for the Hawks to Health & Timon after a win over CSAT to begin the week.  They'll need to win at St. Francis on Tuesday night to keep the party going.

7. East Aurora (B1) - Three straight wins for the Blue Devils heading into the toughest part of their schedule - games against Iroquois & Cheektowaga and then on to the postseason in Class B1.

8. Clymer (D) - Two more wins this week for the now 12-0 Pirates came by an average margin of 28 points.  They escaped with a two-point win in their first meeting with Sherman, the only team to threaten them this season, who they face in a rematch on Tuesday.

9. Medina (B2) - The Mustangs are now 9-1 on the year and their last three wins have come over their top three opponents in league play - Akron, Albion, & Newfane.  Wins over Wilson & Roy-Hart this week will clinch a 6th league championship in seven seasons.

10. Depew (B2) - The Wildcats are 8-4 on the year and have only lost one time to a fellow small school, at East Aurora, a loss they avenged in the rematch.  The regular season finishes up for Depew with games against Lake Shore & Pioneer.

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2021 - Week 3

(Jalen 2K Bradberry & Falls are still undefeated / Photo: Harry Scull)

 

 

Large Schools

1. St. Joe's (A) - Monsignor Martin league champs for the first time since 2011 after sweeping Canisius for the first time since 2006.  After 14 games in 27 days, the regular season ends with the Marauders hosting Health Sciences on Wednesday, before getting a week off to prep for the Manhattan Cup semifinal, which they will host.

2. Canisius (A) - Following three routs over Nichols, O’Hara, and Health Sciences, the Crusaders got clipped at home by rival St. Joe’s on Sunday.  The loss sets up an important game on Friday against Timon, with home court playoff implications at stake.  Canisius will first host Cheektowaga this Tuesday.

3. Jamestown (AA) - Orchard Park interrupted a five-game streak of double-digit wins by getting within eight points of the Red Raiders on Tuesday.  So Jamestown made it 7 of its last 8 by double figures with big wins on Thursday & Saturday.  They visit Lancaster for a rematch on Monday.

4. Niagara Falls (AA) - Still undefeated on the season and winners of 21 straight games in the NFL, Jalen Bradberry joined Club 2K in a weekend drubbing of Maritime.  Get ready for this week - away games at Tapestry, Park, & Lockport, along with a home game vs Ken West.

5. Park (A) - Earned a convincing win at Aquinas before a fourth quarter rally left them stunned at St. Joe's.  An interesting week ahead - fascinating matchups with Niagara Falls coming in on Tuesday and a visit to Tapestry on Saturday.  They also face New Life Christian and Walsh this week.  Someone told me Walsh was undefeated this year.  Not after Friday. 

6. McKinley (A1) - One of two mystery teams in my Top 10.  The Macks are 7-0 and I know they had some very good players coming back.  But no one can get in to see them, or the teams they are beating.  Nothing to go on other than past history telling me an unbeaten in Yale Cup I is doing something very well.

7. St. Francis (A) - Picked up a pair of victories after losing the lead to St. Joe's with four seconds left on Monday night, but then dropped another on Sunday to O’Hara.  The Red Raiders have home games against Timon and West Seneca East coming this week.

8. Frontier (AA) - The Falcons are winners of five of their last six games, and the loss came at Jamestown.  Recent wins over Clarence & Lancaster, who both held spots in my Top 10 the last two weeks.

9. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers are part of a three-way tie for first place in ECIC II and have already swept the series with Williamsville East.  They'll look to do the same against Hamburg (also tied for 1st) on Monday and still have games against Sweet Home & Williamsville South later in the week.

10. Williamsville East (A2) - The third wheel in the ECIC II three-way, the Flames are coming off a pair of wins over South and have only lost to Amherst on the year, but are staring down an eight-game stretch over twelve days, beginning tomorrow, that includes back-to-backs against Hamburg.

 

Small Schools

1. Timon (B) - How good are these guys??  I think they're one of the top three teams in WNY and by the end of the season, we'll know the order.  Friday night's win over previously undefeated St. Joe's might read as an upset, but only based on the standings entering the game.  The same team that took Canisius to OT last year and then won the rematch, now boasts a the biggest win of this season.  Nichols, St. Francis, & O'Hara are all coming up this week before a visit to Canisius on Friday.  If the Tigers win out, they'll earn the #2 seed for the Manhattan Cup playoffs.

2. East (B1) - The other mystery team in my Top 10.  Only loss on the year was by five points against unbeaten McKinley to start the year.  So a serious question here...it's not safe for anyone to watch Yale Cup games, so what is the plan for the postseason?  Does it then become acceptable to be around others not associated with the BPS or are they opting out of sectionals?

3. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - Scored a big win over St. Francis on Sunday afternoon to rebound from a home loss at the hands of Nichols earlier in the week.  More fun ahead for the Hawks this week with CSAT, Timon, and Health Sciences on the docket.  

4. Tapestry (C1) - After six years of playing second fiddle in the Charter Cup, the Thunderhawks took Health Sciences to overtime and then knocked them off to earn a signature win.  Now we find out if they have another in them - Niagara Falls comes in on Monday, followed by a visit from Park later in the week.

5. Olean (B1) - Seven wins in a row for the Huskies, all by double figures.  Good old Olean, here they come.  They also own a 15-point win over the team sitting in first place in their league and could earn a share of first with two games at hand if they can sweep Allegany-Limestone on Tuesday night.

6. East Aurora (B1) - The Blue Devils slip down a bit after a loss in the rematch at Depew, but ECIC III is so competitive this year and the Wildcats are a huge part of that.  They remain in a three-way tie for first place in the league with games coming up this week against Lake Shore & Tonawanda.

7. Allegany-Limestone (B3) - The Gators gutted out another win in CCAA I West over Salamanca, who seems to be giving everyone a hard time, on Friday.  They host Olean on Tuesday night with a huge opportunity at hand - stay ahead of the Huskies in the league standings with a win, and they don't have to see them again in sectionals.  Bragging rights for the year over Olean is kind of a big deal in local basketball circles.

8. Clymer (D) - The Pirates are now 10-0 on the season and have defeated every team in their league at least once, led by Hunter Wassink who leads the team in points, assists, & steals.

9. Newfane (B2) - Took one on the chin to Akron to start the week, before winning a pair to remain in a tie for first place in the N-O.  They host Niagara Wheatfield on Tuesday and then head off to Medina, who they took the first matchup from, to settle first place in the league.

10. Medina (B2) - Earned the season sweep over a tough Akron team for their fourth straight victory.  The only loss on the season for the Mustangs is to Newfane and Thursday night will be for sole possession of first in the N-O, unless Albion has something to say about it when Medina heads there on Tuesday.

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2021 - Week 2

(East Aurora is 6-1 and tied for 1st in ECIC III /Photo: Harry Scull)

 

Large Schools

1. St. Joe's (A) - Rolling along with a 10-0 mark, the Marauders have an unbelievably challenging week ahead - road games at Canisius, Timon, & St. Francis, along with hosting Park.  

2. Canisius (A) - Passed a big test on Saturday with a road win at Timon in a game I heard many picking the Crusaders to lose.  They'll get a chance to avenge their lone loss of the season on Sunday when St. Joe's visits, two days after running with Health Sciences.

3. Jamestown (AA) - I've been told I'm too high on the Red Raiders.  Well let's see - they're 5-0 in Class AA, winning every game by double figures, beat Olean double digits, and hung 103 on West Seneca West in a 36-point rout. 

4. Niagara Falls (AA) - Don't look now, but the Wolverines improved to 6-0 after piling up three wins this week over Lew-Port, Ken East, & Grand Island, winning by an average margin of 34 points.  Four games coming up this week include CSAT, NT, and the first ever program meeting between Falls & Health Sciences.

5. Park (A) - Took down Health Sciences by 10 points on Thursday night, before falling to Rochester's East High on Saturday in a rematch of a thriller they won to start the season.  On Monday, the Pioneers have a rematch with Aquinas, another team they won the first tilt with, and then it's off to St. Joe's where they'll look to even the score with the Marauders.

6. St. Francis (A) - These guys were thoroughly impressive on Saturday in a 19-point win over Health Sciences - a game they led throughout.  The Red Raiders have a solid rotation led by the scoring of Peyton Consigli & Amiel Collins and the team's defensive play held the Falcons to just 41 points.  The rematch with league-leading St. Joe's comes on their home court Monday night.

7. McKinley (A1) - The Macks are on top in the Yale Cup with a 5-0 mark, winning four of those games by double figures.  

8. Health Sciences (AA) - Took a couple lumps this week - double figure losses at Frannies & Park, after winning their first four handily.  A huge litmus test awaits a team looking to fight their way out of a skid, when they face Niagara Falls on Monday in a possible Class AA postseason preview.  Then it's Tapestry & Canisius after that.  Tough week.

9. Clarence (AA) - Three straight wins for the Red Devils include one over the defending Class AA champs from Lancaster.  Frontier & OP await this week, ahead of a road trip rematch with first place Jamestown on Saturday.

10. Lancaster (AA) - The Legends rebounded from a home loss to Clarence with a narrow win over West Seneca West.  They'll need to be road warriors this week with games at Lew-Port, Frontier, & Orchard Park.

 

Small Schools

1. Timon (B) - The Tigers are 4-2, with the losses coming to Joe's & Canisius, and a recent 26-point win at O'Hara.  They're an easy #1 and I don't see that changing.  With only two games this week, Timon will have some time to practice ahead of a Friday night rematch with St. Joe's on their home floor.

2. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - If it drives you crazy that I rank a 3-4 team this high, consider this - the four losses were to Top 10 large schools, they own wins over Tapestry & Nichols (also much better than their record would indicate), and they I just watched them compete for four quarters at St. Joe's.  

3. East (B1) - After beginning the year with a five-point loss to McKinley, the Panthers are winners of four straight games and have already swept Middle College with a pair of big wins. 

4. East Aurora (B1) - Coming off a win over Depew and tied for first place in ECIC III, the Blue Devils have allowed an average of 39.3 points in their six wins.  They have rematches with Depew & Maryvale this week.

5. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks are 3-2 with losses to Health Sciences & O'Hara and have a rematch this week with Health, along with a fun Friday run with The Park School.

6. Newfane (B2) - Rolling along in the N-O, including a 20-point win over Medina. They'll face a tough test at Akron on Tuesday night, but I think this Panther squad has pieces in all the right places and will only get stronger.

7. Allegany-Limestone (B3) - Now in first place atop the tough CCAA I West, a league that includes Olean, Fredonia, Salamanca, and a strong Southwestern team that they just knocked off on Friday night.  The defending Class B2 champs have a standout in Tyler Curran and they play great team ball.

8. Clymer (D) - Time to reward the unbeatens, beginning with the Pirates who are 7-0 on the season and in first place in CCAA II West.

9. Springville (B2) - The Griffins are 5-0 with a difficult week ahead, beginning their first game vs. JFK on Monday, followed by tilts with Cleveland Hill, Lackawanna, & Holland, who they own wins over already.

10. Riverside (C1) - I haven't cast a Top 10 vote for the Frontiers since Ron Killinger was large & in charge at Riverside (they were once a dominant large school around these parts!).  But in rewarding the unbeatens, these guys have earned that distinction after taking sole possession of Yale Cup II with a win over City Honors, led by Bryant Rosa who is averaging 25.6 points per game.

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2021 - Week 1

(Jaden Slaughter & St. Joe's are WNY's new #1 /Photo: Andrew Miller)

 

Large Schools

1. St. Joe's (A) - An impressive start to the season for the high-powered Marauders - and then came Sunday.  St. Joe's win over Canisius ended a 20-game losing streak, but what was most telling was the 20-point lead they had for most of the second half.  

2. Canisius (A) - The Crusaders are looking up in the MMA standings at St. Joe's for the first time in a very long time.  They have games this week against St. Francis and at Timon and the league is once again a fun follow!

3. Jamestown (AA) - Fresh off a big win over the defending Class AA champs from Lancaster with their only loss coming at Canisius.

4. Park (A) - The Pioneers are 3-1, knocking off Rochester's East High, Leadership Academy, & Aquinas.  If those sound like annual Section V powers, it's because they have been for awhile.  Park's lone loss came against St. Joe's. 

5. Health Sciences (AA) - Earned a pair of solid wins over Tapestry & Ken West, heading into a week where they'll visit Park & St. Francis. 

6. Niagara Falls (AA) - The 3-0 Wolverines are a team in a similar plight as the Bucs were coming into the NFL season.  Falls has some players.  And now they have a hungry superstar added to the mix.  As chemistry continues to develop, I expect them to get a lot better as the year wears on.

7. Lancaster (AA) - The Legends were tripped up for the first time Saturday afternoon at Jamestown, after starting 3-0 including a win at Amherst.

8. McKinley (A1) - If you're following all the scores in the Yale Cup and comparing common opponents, the Macks look like the early trophy favorites.  I'm buying in.

9. Amherst (A2) - Already winners of five games and tied for first place in ECIC II, with their lone loss coming to Lancaster.

10. Sweet Home (A1) - A 3-0 start to the season for the Panthers with all wins coming by double figures.

 

Small Schools

1. Timon (B) - The Tigers are just 2-1 in this early part of the season, with the loss at St. Joe's by four points.  

2. East Aurora (B1) - A 5-0 start to the season has seen the Blue Devils already hold three opponents under 40 points.

3. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - The Hawks are 2-3 on the season, but the two losses came at the hands of St. Joe's, Canisius, & St. Francis.

4. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks bounced back from a loss to Health Sciences with a solid team victory over Maritime.

5. Southwestern (B3) - The Trojans are already 5-0 this season, including victories over Olean & Fredonia.

6. East (B1) - After losing to McKinley by five points, the Panthers bounced back with a double digit win over South Park.

7. Bennett (B1) - This season began for the Tigers with a resounding victory over Hutch-Tech, who just knocked off Middle College.

8. Middle College (C1) - The three-time defending Yale Cup champs also own a win over South Park, and have a big game coming up on Monday with East High.

9. Medina (B1) - A 3-0 start for the Mustangs includes a win over Akron, who had began the season with a 20-point win at Maryvale.

10. Ellicottville (C2) - The Eagles have dominated their division recently, and on Friday night, they went into Randolph and took a 48-40 win to start the year 3-0.

 

-centercourt

Season Preview: 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2021 Preview contains:

- Commentary

- What's New

- Returning 2020 All-Centercourt Players

- Player Watch List for 2021

- A League-by-League look at returning All-League selections

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

- Coaching Changes

- Classification Changes

- Preseason Top 10 Large & Small Schools

- Predictions

 

Commentary

For the first time in the 12 seasons I've been doing this, WNY has no reigning state champions entering this season.  So I'd like to start this preview off by taking some liberties and crowning a few squads from the 2020 season.  Relying on years of watching these teams throughout the year and then following them to the state & fed tournaments in late March, I think I have a decent gauge of what a state championship team looks like - and I've even predicted a few months in advance.  So when I look back on the 2020 season, we had four state champions, and you can't convince me otherwise.  I have clairvoyance and this is how it would have all gone down:

 

- After winning the game of the year in the Far West Regional at Buff State, a thriller between Health Sciences and Rochester's East High, the state tournament seemed like a mere formality to the Falcons -- especially after routing their opponent in the state semifinal in Glens Falls.  However, the state championship game was too close for comfort...that is until late in the fourth quarter when Jonezy went Jonezy, again, and took the game over.  Ty Parker lost his voice.  Daciare, Tyler, Jabari, & Deshaun were each given a key to the City of Buffalo upon their return home for being outstanding seniors.  And Major announced his retirement at the victory parade, but Ty overruled that decision.

 

- Middle College had some unfinished business to tend to from the 2019 season and headed to Glens Falls hell bent on winning one for Jakari Nettles, who had helped them get so close in 2019.  The weekend was reminiscent of the 2010 and 2016 seasons for the Kats.  They destroyed a pair of opponents, who never saw it coming, in the state tournament.  Parents of the losing teams in Class C wept and cried foul.  But it had been all too legit.  Jamond was too good.  Speedy was too quick.  Keith Brown & Keyunte Jones were too tough.  And Anthony Smith became the first player to shatter a backboard at Glens Falls.  

 

- Following an exhausting road trip to Long Island in the state semifinals, Canisius earned the right to come home and play for a state championship in Buffalo.  The combination of playing in their hometown, unbiased officiating (as opposed to Long Island), Coach Husband shaving his beard, and having Dewayne Vass - clearly the best player on the court that day -was more than the Crusaders even needed.  Though the scoreboard showed Canisius won by six points, they held a double figure lead most of the second half after a pair of backcourt steals by Shane Cercone ignited a late first half run that basically put the game away.  Joe Ciocca connected four straight times from long range at one point and Max Dowling had a double-double by halftime.

 

- Finally, Timon caused the CHSAA to launch an investigation, after winning a state title while starting four underclassmen.  Who is this General Jamyier Patton, they demanded to know, and how in the hell does he score like that in the paint amidst so many trees??  You're telling me Kamar Goudelock is only a sophomore, they asked?  With that handle, range, and moxy?  Hold up...Kevin Thompson is only a sophomore as well AND this Leo Camilloni (a junior) can shoot the '3'?  Well, needless to say, Coach Rowe remained his usual quiet self and was unavailable for comment during the investigation, which turned up no wrong doing.  Timon was indeed a state champion (they beat Canisius in the regular season for crying out loud!).  And you better believe they will repeat this year...

 

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What's New ??

- Two-time All-Centercourt First Team selection Roddy Gayle made the decision to transfer out of state, a few weeks after announcing his commitment to play for Ohio State in a couple years.  Greg Brooks has left the area after earning All-Centercourt Honorable Mention as a 7th grader at Maritime, and All-Centercourt Honorable Mention selection Gabe McCoy from Randolph also left the area.

- No fans at games (at least initially), no state playoffs, and no Federation Tournament

- All the major regular season events have been canceled, including tip-off & holiday tournaments, the Cataract Classic, the BSN Sports NFLvs. ECIC Challenge, the Pastor-Cooper Showcase, MLK Classic, and my baby, the Centercourt Classic (the 4th Annual would've been the best one yet)

- There will be no state rankings released during the 2021 regular season  

- All postseason games in WNY will be hosted by the higher seed, including the Section VI Championship games.  Championship Saturday is set for March 27th

- The Manhattan Cup this season will include all seven Monsignor Martin Association teams.  With no CHSAA state playoffs, there is no need to determine a Class B representative.  Only one teams will be crowned champion.  The Manhattan Cup Championship is set for Saturday, March 20th

- Despite its Class B BEDS' numbers, Health Sciences is once again moving up.  After being moved to Class A2 for the past two seasons, Section VI has bumped the Falcons up as high as they can go - Class AA.  Tapestry will continue to compete in Class C and Maritime stays in Class B

- Joining Health in Class AA will be Four-time All-Centercourt standout Jalen Bradberry, who returns to his hometown Niagara Falls for his senior season.  Bradberry will play for his father, Carlos, the new coach of the Wolverines.  Talk about bolstering a lineup...Class AA is going to be a blast this year

- Instead of every team receiving an automatic bid to the Sectionals, only the top eight teams from each classification will move on to the postseason this year

- Class B will break into three sections this season (adding B3), instead of the traditional Class B1 & B2.  As Class B is currently the largest classification in Section VI by 10 teams, this move will allow for an additional eight teams to qualify for the postseason

- Bennett moves up to Yale Cup I from Yale Cup II, while City Honors moves from Yale Cup I down to Yale Cup II

- Tonawanda joins ECIC III after competing in ECIC IV last season

- Springville moves from ECIC III to ECIC IV

- Salamanca and Chautauqua Lake are flipping divisions.  Salamanca joins CCAA I West, while Chautauqua Lake joins CCAA I East

- Global Concepts & BASCS both opted out of competition for the 2021 season

- I will provide the play-by-play for all St. Joe's home games this season, which can be heard on the game's live stream

 

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The Players

***  8 of the top 25 players from the 2020 All-Centercourt Team return to the WNY high school hoops scene, along with 15 players that received Honorable Mentions following last season.  

 

Reigning CC MVP

JaVaughn Jones - Health Sciences, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

20.6 PPG

7.4 RPG

7.3 APG

4.9 SPG

The epitome of a four-year floor general who takes over at both ends

** All-Centercourt Defender **

 

 

 

 

 

Returning First Teamer

Jalen Bradberry - Niagara Falls, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

19.7 PPG

3.2 APG

3.1 RPG

1.4 SPG

Enters the 2021 campaign needing 599 points to become WNY's all-time leading scorer

** Centercourt #BOOM Squad **

 

 

 

Returning Second Teamers

Jamyier Patton - Timon, Senior

Junior Season Stats

22.1 PPG

3.2 RPG

2.7 APG

2.7 SPG 

Slithers through defenders at the rim and finishes consistently, when he's not killing you from downtown

 

 

 

Jaden Slaughter - St. Joe's, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

18.1 PPG

5.3 RPG

2.7 APG

1.2 SPG

 A highly efficient and unselfish talent that is now 6-5.  He's smooth!

 

 

 

 

Returning Fourth Teamers

Demarri Jones - Jamestown, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

17.2 PPG

10.3 RPG

1.3 APG

1.3 SPG 

High intensity baller who routinely outworks opponents

 

 

 

 

Trey Kleitz - Iroquois, Junior

Sophomore Season Stats:

20.7 PPG

7.5 APG

5.7 SPG

2.8 RPG

 Two-sport standout with excellent court vision

 

 

 

 

Returning Fifth Teamers

Joe Harrington - Lancaster, Junior

Sophomore Season Stats

15.8 PPG

8.4 RPG

2.0 BPG

1.7 SPG

1.3 APG

Led the defending Class AA champs in scoring, rebounding, & blocks as a sophomore 

 

 

 

Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry, Senior

Junior Season Stats

13.3 PPG

7.3 APG

5.0 SPG

3.6 RPG

The combination of talent, quickness, and effort has made Mr. Excitement the straw that stirs the drink at Tapestry for three seasons

** All-Centercourt Defender **

 

 

Returning 2020 Honorable Mentions

Zach Ianello - Clarence, Senior

16.8 PPG / 4.0 APG / 2.0 SPG / 72 Made 3-pointers - as a junior

 

Tyler Putney, Fredonia, Senior

15.9 PPG / 8.0 RPG / 2.0 BPG / 1.8 APG / 1.1 SPG - as a junior

 

Peyton Consigli - St. Francis, Senior

14.6 PPG / 7.2 RPG / 1.7 APG / 1.4 SPG / 0.8 BPG - as a junior

 

Keonjay Carter - Park, Senior

14.3 PPG / 4.5 APG / 4.3 RPG / 1.0 SPG - as a junior

 

Joe Ciocca - Canisius, Senior

11.8 PPG / 1.9 RPG / 1.8 APG / 1.0 SPG - as a junior

 

Max Dowling - Canisius, Senior

11.0 PPG / 5.0 RPG / 0.9 SPG / 0.7 BPG - as a junior

 

TJ Robinson - Niagara Wheatfield, Junior

21.0 PPG / 4.3 RPG / 2.4 APG / 2.0 SPG - as a sophomore

 

Trevin Boling - Tonawanda, Junior

20.6 PPG / 2.3 RPG / 1.8 SPG / 1.6 APG - as a sophomore

 

Max Schneider - Williamsville East, Junior

16.5 PPG / 7.0 APG / 3.1 SPG / 2.3 RPG -  as a sophomore

 

Kamar Goudelock - Timon, Junior

16.3 PPG / 4.3 RPG / 2.8 APG / 2.8 SPG - as a sophomore

 

Massai Graham - Tapestry, Junior

14.3 PPG / 10.0 RPG / 2.9 BPG / 1.6 APG / 1.4 SPG - as a sophomore

 

Josh Haskell - St. Joe's, Junior

12.9 PPG / 3.8 RPG / 1.8 APG / 0.7 SPG - as a sophomore

 

Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Junior

10.7 PPG / 4.0 APG / 2.9 RPG / 1.4 SPG - as a sophomore

 

Jalen Duff - Lew-Port, Sophomore

17.5 PPG / 3.9 APG / 3.4 RPG / 1.5 SPG - as a freshman

 

Shane Cercone - Canisius, Sophomore

9.0 PPG / 5.7 RPG / 1.1 APG / 1.0 SPG - as a freshman

 

Player Watch List

SENIORS

Malik Jemison (Canisius), Hugh Purks (Nichols), Jesse Adamu (Nichols), Amiel Collins (St. Francis),  Jaden washington (Cardinal O'Hara), Jaiden Green (East), Anthony Smith (Middle College), Bush Rieang (McKinley), Koran Askia (McKinley), Chris Coleman (South Park), Mykell Hepburn (South Park), Damario James (Bennett), Jarold Skillon (Bennett), Jamai Jackson (Ken West), Martin Espinal (Hutch-Tech),  Jaylen Hearon (Maritime), Davon Scott (Bennett), Elijah Rojas (Jamestown), Simeon Leeper (Jamestown), Faybion Prather (Niagara Falls), Arien Robinson (Niagara Falls), Caleb Tillman (Niagara Falls), Conor Foley (Frontier), Jackson Jerebko (Lancaster), Dexter Brooks (Starpoint), Sam Walters (Starpoint), Christian Pagano (Depew), Nevada Eldridge (Cheektowaga), Austin Boies (Springville), Jeff Koch (Amherst), Andrew Dockery (Maryvale), Ian Moog (East Aurora), Colin Herzog (Lake Shore), Keith White (Lake Shore), Jason Brooks (Olean), Deuce Capen (Newfane), Sam Capen (Newfane), Adam Mietz (Akron), Javier West (Forestville), Caleb Hutchins (Park), Desmond Davis (Park), Logan Sionko (Grand Island), Jarod White (Salamanca), Lief Jimerson (Ellicottville), Clayton Rowland (Ellicottville), Logan Frank (Franklinville), John Swabik (Sherman), Wally Wisniewski (North Tonawanda), Seth Joba (Orchard Park)

 

JUNIORS

Declan Ryan (Canisius), Jimmie Green (Cardinal O'Hara), Chris Wright (Cardinal O'Hara), Lamar Matthews (Tapestry), Romeo Bell (Tapestry), Jahodd Martin (McKinley), Bryant Rosa (Riverside), Dom Phillips (East Aurora), Aidan Kennedy (Southwestern), Tyler Curran (Allegany-Limestone), Zion James (Olean), Logan Sionko (Grand Island), Sean Hargrave (Ken West), Dominic McKenzie (Niagara Falls), Jorden Bynes (CSAT), Teddy McDuffie (Amherst), Isaiah Jean-Pierre (Health Sciences), Jaylen Butera (Jamestown), Roderick Brown (Sweet Home), 

 

SOPHOMORES

Trey Drake (Jamestown), Nick Moore (Amherst), Xander Fletcher (Niagara Wheatfield), Luke Granto (North Tonawanda), Bobby Beilein (Lew-Port)

 

FRESHMEN

Jaiden Lewis (West Seneca East), Lucas Brown (Salamanca), Shawn Watson (Niagara Wheatfield), Jaiden Huntington (Randolph), Channing Francis (Lancaster)

 

8th GRADE

Drew Hind (Randolph)

 

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League-By-League:  Returning All-League Talent 

 

Monsignor Martin Association

 

Large Schools - CLASS A

 

Canisius - Max Dowling, Joe Ciocca 

St. Joe's -  Jaden Slaughter 

St. Francis - Peyton Consigli  

 

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Small Schools - CLASS B

 

Timon - Jamyier Patton, Kamar Goudelock 

 Nichols - Hugh Purks

Cardinal O'Hara 

 St. Mary's 

 

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Section VI

 

Charter Schools

Health Sciences -  JaVaughn Jones 

Tapestry -  Tariq Eubanks, Massai Graham, Romeo Bell  

Maritime - Jaylon Hearon, John Washington

 

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YALE CUP I

McKinley - Bush Rieang, Koran Askia, & Jahood Martin  

South Park -  Chris Coleman

Middle College - Anthony Smith 

Bennett - Damario James, Jerrold Skillon, Damone McClain, Jacob Pullins 

East - Jaiden Green, Anthony Oberlander

Hutch-Tech - Martin Espinal, Oliver Ngarikiyintwari, Kenneth Jacobs

Emerson - Lawrence Russell

 

 

******

 

YALE CUP II

MST Seneca -  Terrell Craig 

Buffalo Arts - Jordan Rodgers

Riverside - Bryant Rosa, Dan Maku

City Honors - Caleb Chapman

Burgard - Lafario Ross

I-Prep - Naesiah Woods

Lafayette - Kevin Calderon

Olmsted  

 

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ECIC I

Jamestown -  Demarri Jones, Elijah Rojas  

Lancaster -  Joe Harrington, Jackson Jerebko

Frontier - Brandon Okie, Conor Foley 

Clarence -  Zach Ianello 

Orchard Park 

Williamsville North 

West Seneca West 

 

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

 

ECIC II

Amherst -  Nick Moore

Williamsville East -  Max Schneider 

West Seneca East -  Jaiden Lewis 

Starpoint - Dexter Brooks

Sweet Home  

Williamsville South  

Hamburg 

 

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

 

ECIC III

Iroquois -  Trey Kleitz 

Cheektowaga - Nevada Eldridge, Keonte Brown

Depew -  Christian Pagano 

East Aurora -  Ian Moog, Dom Phillips

Lake Shore -   Noah Herzog, Keith White  

Maryvale - Andrew Dockery 

Tonawanda -  Trevin Boling, JJ Velazquez  

Pioneer  

 

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

 

ECIC IV

Springville -Austin Boies  

Lackawanna -  Jeremi'yhi Presley, AJ Turner 

Cleveland Hill -  Charlie Meredith

JFK -  Josh Knox  

Eden - Hunter Stetz

Alden - Matt Hay

Holland 

 

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

 

Niagara Frontier League

Niagara Wheatfield -  TJ Robinson, Xander Fletcher 

Lew-Port -  Jalen Duff  

Grand Island - Logan Sionko

Niagara Falls  

North Tonawanda  

Kenmore West  

Lockport  

CSAT  

Kenmore East  

 

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

 

Niagara-Orleans

Newfane -  Sam Capen, Michael Carmer 

Akron -  Adam Mietz, Mitchell Holtz, Jake Mazza  

Roy-Hart -  Gavyn Boyle, Tommy Ragonese, Rhett Goodwin 

Medina -  Brian Fry, Tyler Chinn, Jarin Rhim

Albion - Bailey Blanchard

Wilson -   Mike Miller

Barker -  Joey Brandt 

 

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

 

CCAA I West 

Olean - Jason Brooks, Zion James 

Fredonia -  Tyler Putney, Nick Whitfield 

Salamanca -  Jarod White, Lucas Brown 

Allegany-Limestone -  Tyler Curran 

Southwestern -  Aidan Kennedy,  Nate Johnson, Calvin Ricker

Dunkirk - Christian Ortiz 11, A'Marion Tell 

 

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

 

CCAA I East

Randolph - Ashton Bushey

Chautauqua Lake - Luke Waters 

Portville 

Silver Creek 

Falconer 

Gowanda 

 

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

 

CCAA II West 

Sherman -  John Swabik, Keith Gormley, Gerald Carris

Cassadaga Valley -  Wyatt Harrington, Braden Lebaron

Panama -  Connor Cooper 

Westfield -  Darien Swanson

Clymer -  Hunter Wassink

Brocton  

Maple Grove 

Falconer 

 

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

 

CCAA II East 

Ellicottville -  Clayton Rowland, Leif Jimerson, Wyatt Chudy, Logan Grinols  

Franklinville -   Logan Frank , Blake Frank  Matt Peters

North Collins -  Chris Smith, Mitchell Warsaw, Matthew Sweet

Cattaraugus-Little Valley -  Kordell Oakes, Josh Halterman, Gage Furl

Pine Valley -  Wayne Libby, Bryce Sercu, Cameron Hayes

Forestville -  Javier West

 

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

 

Teams with New Coaches (14)

 

Niagara Falls - Carlos Bradberry

Ken West - Ryan Hogan

Grand Island - Chris Simpson

South Park - Kyle Perla 

Middle College - Randy Rich

City Honors - Michael Mills

Medina - Eric Hellwig

Wilson - Rob Linhart

Barker - Jake Haight

Albion - Travis Downs

Tonawanda - Scott Foster

Rob Culver - Frewsburg

Robert Slisz - Pine Valley

Lucas Brawdy - Gowanda

 

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

 

Classification Changes (31)

 

Health Sciences moves up from Class A2 to Class AA

South Park moves up from Class A2 to Class A1

Williamsville East moves down from Class A1 to Class A2

Ken East moves down from Class A1 to Class A2

Iroquois moves up from Class B1 to Class A2

Lake Shore moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

Emerson moves down from Class A1 to Class B1

East moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

Depew moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Medina moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Burgard moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Lackawanna moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Tonawanda moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Springville moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Alden moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Lafayette moves down from Class A2 to Class B3

Eden moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Olmsted moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Fredonia moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Roy-Hart moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Maritime moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

JFK moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Southwestern moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Wilson moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Cleveland Hill moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Allegany-Limestone moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Salamanca moves up from Class C2 to Class C1

Riverside moves up from Class D to Class C1

Silver Creek moves down from Class C1 to Class C2

Cassadaga Valley moves down from Class C1 to Class C2

Franklinville moves down from Class C2 to Class D

 

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

 

Preseason Polls

**  Seven of the 10 teams that appeared in the 2020 Preseason Large School Poll were Top 10 teams when the season ended, and I was 8 of 10 predicting the Top 10 small schools in 2020

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius

2. Park

3. St. Joe's

4. Jamestown

5. Health Sciences

6. Niagara Falls

7. Lancaster

8. Amherst

9. South Park

10. McKinley

 

Small Schools

1. Timon

2. Tapestry

3. O'Hara

4. Middle College

5. Bennett

6. Newfane

7. Akron

8. East Aurora

9. Nichols

10. Randolph

 

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

 

Predictions

 

 MMA - Canisius

Yale Cup I - McKinley

Yale Cup II - Olmsted

ECIC I - Jamestown

ECIC II - Amherst

ECIC III - Cheektowaga

ECIC IV - Springville

NFL - Niagara Falls

N-O - Newfane

CCAA I West - Fredonia

CCAA I East - Randolph 

CCAA II West - Maple Grove

CCAA II East - Ellicottville

 

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

 

Manhattan Cup

Only twice in the last seven seasons, have I accurately predicted the winner and both times I got it right, I picked Canisius.  Well duh.  

** Canisius **

 

Class AA 

Final Four:  

Niagara Falls, Health Sciences, Jamestown, & Lancaster

** Jamestown **

 

Class A1 

Final Four:

McKinley, Ken West, South Park, & North Tonawanda

** South Park **

 

Class A2  

Final Four:  

Amherst, Cheektowaga, Williamsville East, & Lew-Port

** Amherst **

 

Class B1 

Final Four:  

Olean, Bennett, East Aurora, & East

** Bennett **

 

Class B2 

Final Four:

Newfane, Akron, Depew,  & Medina

** Newfane **

 

Class B3

Final Four:

Fredonia, Allegany-Limestone, Southwestern, & Maritime

** Fredonia **

 

Class C1

Final Four:

Tapestry, Middle College, Salamanca, & Riverside

** Tapestry **

 

Class C2

Final Four:

Randolph, Maple Grove, Holland, & Ellicottville

** Randolph **

 

Class D

Final Four to reach JCC:  

Sherman, Franklinville, Pine Valley, & Clymer

** Sherman **

 

-centercourt

The 2020 All-Centercourt Team: The Best in WNY

 

The 2020 CC MVP

JaVaughn Jones - Health Sciences, Junior

20.6 PPG / 7.4 RPG / 7.3 APG / 4.9 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Section VI Class A Champion

- MVP of the Section VI Class A2 Tournament

- MVP of the St. Francis Christmas Tournament

- Canisius College Tip-Off All-Tournament Team

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

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

- Scored over 20 points in 12 games

- Dished over 10 dimes in 10 games

- Recorded 13 double-doubles 

- Recorded 6 triple-doubles 

- Recorded 2 quadruple-doubles 

- Two-time All-Centercourt Defender

- Has scored 857 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

First Team All-Centercourt

Dewayne Vass - Canisius, Senior

16.5 PPG / 7.8 RPG / 4.7 APG / 2.5 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Manhattan Cup Champion

- Player of the Year in the MMA

- MVP of the Manhattan Cup

- MVP of the St. Pius Christmas Tournament

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

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

- Scored over 20 points in 8 games

- Recorded 8 double-doubles

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

- Grabbed over 10 rebounds in 8 games

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

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Scored 863 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Tyler Hind - Randolph, Senior

25.0 PPG / 6.1 APG / 5.3 RPG / 2.8 SPG 

- Four-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Section VI Class C2 Champion

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

- MVP of the Section VI Class C2 Tournament

- Tully Tip-Off Tournament MVP

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

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

- Scored over 30 points in 8 games

- Scored over 20 points in 21 games

- Team leader in assists with 147

- Led WNY in 3-pointers made with 105

- WNY record 400 career 3-pointers

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

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Roddy Gayle - Lew-Port, Sophomore

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

- Three-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Player of the Year in the NFL

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- Game MVP at the BSN Sports NFL/ECIC Challenge

- Scored a career-high 38 points twice in 2020

- Scored over 30 points in five games

- Scored over 20 points in 14 of 17 games

- Hauled in 20 rebounds vs. South Park

- Recorded 7 double-doubles

- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Career 1,000 point scorer

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Jalen Bradberry - Park, Junior

19.7 PPG / 3.2 APG / 3.1 RPG / 1.4 SPG

- Four-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- MVP of Brooklyn Post Invitational

- Scored a season-high 35 points vs Brooklyn Collegiate

- Scored over 30 points in 2 games

- Scored over 20 points in 10 games

- Scored 15 in the 4Q vs. Brooklyn Collegiate

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

- Connected from 3-point range 50 times

- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Has scored 1,780 career points

(Photo: Larry Scheur)

 

Jamond Jones - Middle College, Senior

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

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Section VI Class C Champion

- Player of the Year in Yale Cup I

- MVP of the Section VI Class C1 Tournament

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

- Made a school record 9 treys in Class C1 Semis

- Scored over 30 points in 5 games

- Averaged 30.3 PPG in the postseason

- Scored in double figures in all 23 games

- Connected from 3-point range 81 times

- Scored 1,247 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri) 

 

Second Team All-Centercourt

Jaemon Turner - Niagara Falls, Senior

21.1 PPG / 6.2 APG / 4.7 RPG / 2.9 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team Niagara Frontier League

- Game MVP in the Cataract Classic vs Amherst

- Game MVP in the Cataract Classic vs O'Hara

- Game MVP in the Bishop Kearney Showcase

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

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

- Scored over 25 points in 5 games

- Scored over 20 points in 12 games

- Scored 1,118 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Jamyier Patton - Timon, Junior

22.1 PPG / 3.2 RPG / 2.7 APG / 2.7 SPG 

- Woj Cup Champion

- MVP of the Woj Cup

- First Team All-Catholic

- Scored a career-high 38 points vs. Canisius

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

- Scored 27 & 8 boards in the Woj Cup Final

- Scored over 30 points in 3 games

- Scored over 20 points in 16 games

- Connected from 3-point range 59 times

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

 

 

Jaden Slaughter - St. Joe's, Junior

18.1 PPG / 5.3 RPG / 2.7 APG / 1.2 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team All-Catholic

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

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

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

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

- Scored over 20 points in 8 games

- Shot 58% from the field on the season

- Recorded 3 double-doubles

- Has scored 1,327 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Jaylen Stewart - Amherst, Senior

20.7 PPG / 5.5 RPG / 3.5 APG / 1.9 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Section VI Class A2 Finalist

- Player of the Year for All-ECIC

- Player of the Year in ECIC II

- Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

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

- Scored 32 points in a comeback win at Falls

- Scored over 30 points in 3 games

- Scored over 20 points in 11 games

- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Scored 1,048 career points

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Avion Harris - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior

17.7 PPG / 5.1 APG / 4.7 RPG / 3.7 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Player of the Year in the Monsignor Martin Association

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

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

- Scored over 20 points in 11 games

- Recorded a triple-double in a win at Timon

- Reached 3 straight MMA Championship games

- Finishes career with 282 steals

- Three-time All-Centercourt Defender

- Scored 1,017 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Third Team All-Centercourt

Daciare Riley - Health Sciences, Senior

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

- Section VI Class A Champion

- Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team

- MVP of the Canisius College Tip-Off Tournament

- St. Francis Christmas All-Tournament Team

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

- Scored over 20 points in 5 games

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

- Recorded 8 double-doubles 

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Has scored 542 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

John Orogun - Park, Senior

14.4 PPG / 13.1 RPG / 1.6 BPG / 0.4 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

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

- Scored over 20 points in 6 games

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

- Had over 10 rebounds in 17 games

- Recorded 14 double-doubles 

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

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- All-Centercourt Defender

(Photo: Larry Scheur)

 

 

Covi James - Olean, Senior

19.9 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 3.2 APG / 2.6 SPG

- Section VI Class B Champion

- First Team CCAA I West

- MVP of the Section VI Class B1 Tournament

- MVP of the Olean Tip-Off Tournament

- Joe DeCerbo Memorial All-Tournament Team

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

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

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

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

- Scored over 20 points in 12 games

- Recorded 3 double-doubles

- Had at least 5 steals in 5 games

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Cam Barmore - Panama, Senior

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

- Player of the Year in CCAA II West

- WNY's scoring leader in 2020

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

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

- Scored over 40 points in 2 games

- Scored over 30 points in 8 games

- Scored over 20 points in 19 games

- Recorded 19 double-doubles

- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

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

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Anthony Mack - South Park, Senior

20.7 PPG / 7.3 SPG / 6.7 APG / 4.1 RPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team Yale Cup I

- Clarence Holiday All-Tournament Team

- Scored a career-high 30 points at Tapestry

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

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

- Scored over 20 points in 13 games

- Had over 10 steals in 7 games

- Dishes over 10 assists in 5 games

- Recorded 5 triple-doubles & 2 double-doubles

- Three-time All-Centercourt Defender

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Fourth Team All-Centercourt

Demarri Jones - Jamestown, Junior

17.2 PPG / 10.3 RPG / 1.3 APG / 1.3 SPG 

- Player of the Year in ECIC I

- First Team All-ECIC

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- MVP of the United Way Tournament

- Olean Tip-Off All-Tournament Team

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

- Had 25 points & 19 boards vs. Olean

- Recorded 11 double-doubles

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

 

Michael DiGiulio - Williamsville South, Senior

25.0 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 3.7 SPG / 2.8 APG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team All-ECIC

- First Team ECIC II

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Game MVP at the BSN Sports NFL/ECIC Challenge

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

- Scored over 30 points in 4 games

- Scored over 25 points in 13 games

- Scored over 20 points in 20 games

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

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

- Scored 984 career points

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Cal Shifflet - Williamsville East, Senior

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

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team All-ECIC

- First Team ECIC II

- MVP of the Five Guys Tournyament

- MVP of the Lockport Rotary Tournament

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

- Scored over 30 points in 2 games 

- Scored over 20 points in 13 games

- Recorded 11 double-doubles

- Connected from 3-point range 50 times

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Scored 1,216 career points with 673 boards

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Trey Kleitz - Iroquois, Sophomore

20.7 PPG / 7.5 APG / 5.7 SPG / 2.8 RPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Player of the Year in ECIC III

- First Team All-ECIC

- Greg Martin Memorial All-Tournament Team

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

- Scored over 30 points in 5 games

- Scored over 30 points in 3 straight games

- Scored over 20 points in 13 games

- Set a school record with a 20-point quarter

- Recorded 9 double-doubles

- Has scored 735 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Casey Curran - Allegany-Limestone, Senior

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

- Section VI Class B2 Champion

- Player of the Year in CCAA I West

- MVP of the Section VI Class B2 Tournament

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

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

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

- Grabbed over 15 rebounds in 7 games

- Recorded 12 double-doubles & 1 triple-double

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

- Scored 833 career points

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Fifth Team All-Centercourt

Joe Harrington - Lancaster, Sophomore

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

- Section VI Class AA Champion 

- All-ECIC selection

- MVP of the Elmira Tournament

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

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

- Scored over 20 points in 6 games

- Scored in double figures in 19 games

- Recorded 9 double-doubles

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

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Breht Swiech - Williamsville North, Senior

18.0 PPG / 5.3 RPG / 2.1 APG / 1.7 SPG

- All-ECIC Selection

- First Team ECIC I

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Five Guys All-Tournament Team

- Scored a career-high 39 points vs OP

- Scored over 30 points in 2 games

- Scored over 20 points in 9 games

- Connected from 3-point range 59 times

- Shot 52% from the field on the season

- Scored 822 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Danny Carter - East, Senior

18.2 PPG / 5.0 RPG / 4.0 APG / 2.7 SPG 

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- First Team Yale Cup I

- Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

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

- Scored over 30 points in 2 games

- Scored over 20 points in 9 games

- Scored in double figures in 20 games

- Team leader in points, assists, & steals

- Scored 939 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Tariq Eubanks, Tapestry, Junior

13.3 PPG / 7.3 APG / 5.0 SPG / 3.6 RPG

- Three-Time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Class C1 Finalist

- First Team All-Charter

- Olean Tip-Off All-Tournament Team

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

- Scored over 20 points in 3 games

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

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

- Three-time All-Centercourt Defender

- Has scored 894 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Dante Moultrie - North Tonawanda, Senior

14.5 PPG / 4.9 RPG / 3.4 APG / 2.0 SPG

- Section VI Class A1 Champion 

- First Team Niagara Frontier League

- MVP of the Section VI Class A1 Tournament

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

- Scored 28 points in the Class A1 Championship

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

- Scored 763 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

 

 

 

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

Aidan Horan - Nichols, Senior

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

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team All-Catholic

- Kiski Showcase All-Tournament Team

- Scored a season-high 30 points vs. Tapestry

- Scored 28 points vs. Timon

- Scored over 20 points in 10 of 15 games

- Recorded 4 double-doubles

- Career 1,000 point scorer

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

 

 

Honorable Mention 

Lavarde Mance - Global Concepts, Senior

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

 

Xaier Mitchell - Maryvale, Senior

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

 

Caron Marshall - Cleveland Hill, Senior

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

 

Tyler Robinson - North Collins, Senior

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

 

Nick O'Neil - Amherst, Senior

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

 

Nate Ryniec - West Seneca West, Senior

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

 

Garrett Srock - Newfane, Senior

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

 

Tino Mancabelli - Orchard Park, Senior

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

 

Marciano Lamar - Olmsted, Senior

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

 

Jordan Cutter - North Tonawanda, Senior

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

 

Trent Cordone - West Seneca East, Senior

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

 

Devonte Prince, Middle College, Senior

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

 

Daesean Ashley - St. Joe's, Senior

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

 

Jon Nellis - Holland, Senior

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

 

Gus Napoleon - Allegany-Limestone, Senior

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

 

Jabari Spencer - Health Sciences, Senior

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

 

Tyler Smith - Health Sciences, Senior

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

 

Kaleb Steward - Randolph, Senior

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

 

Zach Ianello - Clarence, Junior

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

 

Tyler Putney, Fredonia, Junior

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

 

Peyton Consigli - St. Francis, Junior

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

 

Keonjay Carter - Park, Junior

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

 

Joe Ciocca - Canisius, Junior

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

 

Max Dowling - Canisius, Junior

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

 

TJ Robinson - Niagara Wheatfield, Sophomore

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

 

Trevin Boling - Tonawanda, Sophomore

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

 

Max Schneider - Williamsville East, Sophomore

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

 

Kamar Goudelock - Timon, Sophomore

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

 

Massai Graham - Tapestry, Sophomore

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

 

Josh Haskell - St. Joe's, Sophomore

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

 

Gabe McCoy - Randolph, Sophomore

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

 

Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Sophomore

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

 

Jalen Duff - Lew-Port, Freshman

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

 

Shane Cercone - Canisius, Freshman

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

 

Greg Brooks - Maritime, 7th Grade

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

 

Sixth Man of the Year

Eric Kegler - Canisius, Senior

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

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

 

All-Centercourt Defenders

First Team

Avion Harris - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior

Shane Cercone - Canisius, Freshman

JaVaughn Jones - Health Sciences, Junior

Daesean Ashley - St. Joe's, Senior

Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry, Junior

 

Second Team

Jabari Spencer - Health Sciences, Senior

Keyunte Jones - Middle College, Senior

John Orogun - Park, Senior

Noah Fox - North Tonawanda, Senior

Kaleb Steward - Randolph, Senior

 

Third Team

Keith Brown - Middle College, Senior

Ben Giardini - Allegany-Limestone, Senior

Anthony Mack - South Park, Senior

Gabe McCoy - Randolph, Sophomore

Kaleb Rybij - Fredonia, Senior

 

Centercourt #BOOM Squad

Massai Graham - Tapestry, Sophomore

Roddy Gayle - Lew-Port, Sophomore

Cam Barmore - Panama, Senior

Anthony Smith - Middle College, Junior

Nick Whitfield - Fredonia, Sophomore

John Orogun - Park, Senior

Jalen Bradberry - Park, Junior

Daciare Riley - Health Sciences, Senior

Deshaun Brown - Health Sciences, Senior

Tyler Smith - Health Sciences, Senior

Dewayne Vass - Canisius, Senior

Demarri Jones - Jamestown, Junior

Jaylen Stewart - Amherst, Senior

Cal Shifflet - Williamsville East, Senior

Jamond Jones - Middle college, Senior

 

Coach of the Year

John Otto, Lancaster

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2020 - Season Finale

(Middle College took the overall Class C title & the top spot in the final small school rankings / Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Large Schools

1. Health Sciences (A2) - The overall Class A Champions of Section VI - 23-1

2. Canisius (A) - The Manhattan Cup Champions - 23-3

3. Park (A) - Unbeaten in seven games against area teams - 18-6

4. St. Joe's (A) - Manhattan Cup Finalists - 20-6

5. Lancaster (AA) - Section VI Class AA Champions - 18-5

6. Amherst (A2) - Section VI Class A2 Finalists - 17-6

7. Niagara Falls (AA) - Niagara Frontier League Champions - 17-5

8. North Tonawanda (A1) - Section VI Class A1 Champions - 17-7

9. Orchard Park (AA) - Section VI Class AA Finalists - 16-7

10. Jamestown (AA) - ECIC I Champions - 15-7

 

Small Schools

1. Middle College (C1) - Overall Section VI Class C Champions - 18-6

2. Timon (B) - Woj Cup Champions - 17-9

3. Randolph (C2) - Section VI Class C2 Champions - 22-2

4. Olean (B1) - Overall Section VI Class B Champions - 19-6

5. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - Section VI Class B2 Champions - 19-5

6. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - Woj Cup Finalists - 10-16

7. Fredonia (B2) - Section VI Class B2 Semifinalists - 17-5

8. Tapestry (C1) - Section VI Class C1 Finalists - 16-7

9. Newfane (B2) - Section VI Class B2 Finalists - 16-7

10. Holland (C2) - Section VI Class C2 Finalists - 16-7

 

-centercourt

All-League Teams - 2020

 

MONSIGNOR MARTIN ASSOCIATION

Class A

Player of the Year:

Dewayne Vass - Canisius

 

All-Catholic

Max Dowling - Canisius

Joe Ciocca - Canisius

Jaden Slaughter - St. Joe's

Daesean Ashley - St. Joe's

Peyton Consigli - St. Francis

 

Class B

Player of the Year:

Avion Harris - Cardinal o'Hara

 

All-Catholic

Jamyier Patton - Timon

Kamar Goudelock - Timon

Aidan Horan - Nichols

Hugh Purks - Nichols

Luke Szablewski - St. Mary's

 

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

 

Charter Cup

Player of the Year:

JaVaughn Jones - Health Sciences

 

First Team

JaVaughn Jones - Health Sciences

Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry

Greg Brooks - Maritime

Daciare Riley - Health Sciences

Massai Graham - Tapestry

 

Second Team 

Jaylen Hearon - Maritime

Lavardi Mance - Global Concepts

Jabari Spencer - Health Sciences

Romeo Bell - Tapestry

Tyler Smith - Health Sciences

 

Third Team

Yeshua Lee - Health Sciences

Jesus Alvarez - Global Concepts

Carl Johnson - Tapestry

John Washington - Maritime

Deshaun Brown - Health Sciences

 

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

 

YALE CUP I

Player of the Year:

Jamond Jones - Middle College, 12

 

First Team

Anthony Mack - South Park, 12

Devonte Prince - Middle College, 12

Danny Carter - East - 12

David Hughes - East - 12

Bush Rieang - McKinley, 11

 

Second Team

Jeremy McKitchen - East - 12

Kevion Taylor - City Honors, 12

Jayson Armstead - South Park, 12

Martin Espinal - Hutch-Tech, 11

Jaiden Cottman - Middle College, 12

 

Third Team

Kenneth Jacobs - Hutch-Tech, 11

Jaiden Green - East, 11

Koran Askia - McKinley, 11

Anthony Smith - Middle College, 11

Trevaughn Jackson - Emerson, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Middle College:  Keith Brown 12, Keyunte Jones 12, Malik Meadows 12

South Park:  Davon White 12, Chris Coleman 11

East:  Dontaye Miller 12, Anthony Oberlander 11

McKinley:  Jahmal Lewis 12, Jesse Snow 12, Jahodd Martin 10

City Honors:  Jeremiah Chapman 12, Caleb Chapman 10

Hutch-Tech:  Aric Mott 12, Oliver Ngarikiyintwari 11

Emerson:  Daron Loder 12, Lawrence Russell 11

 

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

 

YALE CUP II

Player of the Year:

Marciano Lamar - Olmsted, 12

 

First Team

Damario James - Bennett, 11

Nolan Shephard - IPrep, 12

Jerrold Skillon - Bennett, 11

Jok Jok - IPrep, 12

DeVante Simmons - MST Seneca, 12

 

Second Team

Charles Slobert Buffalo Arts, 12

Bryant Rosa, Riverside, 10

Davon Scott - Bennett, 12

Renard Siders - Olmsted, 12

Dan Maku - Riverside, 10

 

Third Team

Lafario Ross - Burgard, 11

Kevin Maysonet - Lafayette, 12

Kane Gilliam - IPrep, 12

Damone McClain - Bennett, 11

DeVotie Pompey - MST Seneca, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Bennett:  Jacob Pullins 11

Olmsted:  Lawrence Jackson 12

IPrep:  Naesiah Woods 11

MST Seneca:  Terrell Craig 11

Buffalo Arts:  Jordan Rodgers 9

Lafayette:  Kevin Calderon, 11

 

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

 

All-ECIC

 

Player of the Year:

Jaylen Stewart - Amherst, 12

 

First Team

Jaylen Stewart - Amherst, 12

Demarri Jones - Jamestown, Junior

Cal Shifflet - Williamsville East, Senior

Trey Kleitz - Iroquois, Sophomore

Michael DiGiulio - Williamsville South, Senior

 

Second Team

Breht Swiech - Williamsville North, Senior

Tino Mancabelli - Orchard Park, Senior

Caron Marshall - Cleveland Hill, Senior

Joe Harrington - Lancaster, Sophomore

Nick O'Neil - Amhrest, Senior

 

Honorable Mention

Nate Ryniec - West Seneca West, Senior

Christian Pagano - Depew, Junior

Xaier Mitchell - Maryvale, Senior

Zach Ianello - Clarence, Junior

Max Schneider - Williamsville East, Sophomore

 

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

 

ECIC I

Player of the Year:

Demarri Jones - Jamestown, 11

 

First Team

Tino Mancabelli - Orchard Park, 12

Breht Swiech - Williamsville North, 12

Zach Ianello - Clarence, 11

Joe Harrington - Lancaster, 10

Nate Ryniec - West Seneca West, 12

 

Second Team

Scott Hopkins - Williamsville North, 12

Elijah Rojas - Jamestown, 11

Brad Fowler - Orchard Park, 12

Conor Foley - Frontier, 11

David Bass - Williamsville North, 12

Nate Hoellig - Frontier, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Lancaster:  GianLuca Fulciniti 12, Jackson Jerebko 11, Trevor Reformat 12

Orchard Park:  Ethan Swiatek 12, Chase Klein 12

West Seneca West:  Connor Schermerhorn 12, Zach Fahey 12

Frontier:  Brandon Okie 11

 

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

 

ECIC II

Player of the Year:

Jaylen Stewart - Amherst, 12

 

First Team

Cal Shifflet - Williamsville East, 12

Mike Digiulio - Williamsville South, 12

Nick O'Neil - Amherst, 12

Max Schneifer - Williamsville East, 10

Trent Cordone - West Seneca East, 12

 

Second Team

DaeQuan Hill - Sweet Home, 12

Jaiden Lewis - West Seneca East, 8

CJ Bradley - Starpoint, 12

Nate Severson - Hamburg, 12

Jamel Lucas - Sweet Home, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Amherst - Myles Cooper 12, Nick Moore 9

Williamsville East - Kevin Early 12

Williamsville South - Nicco DiGiulio 9

Hamburg - Max Haney 12

Starpoint - Dexter Brooks 11, Sam Walters 11, Joe Dell'Oso 12

 

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

 

ECIC III

Player of the Year:

Trey Kleitz - Iroquois, 10

 

First Team

Christian Pagano - Depew, 11

Xaier Mitchell - Maryvale, 12

Nevada Eldridge - Cheektowaga, 11

Will Covington - East Aurora, 12

Zach Evans - Lake Shore,12

Matt Matla - Iroquois, 12

 

Second Team

Austin Boies - Springville, 11

Matteo Duennebacke - East Aurora, 12

Nathan Kulesz - Depew, 12

Noah Herzog - Lake Shore, 11

Gavyn Mason - Pioneer, 12

Andrew Dockery - Maryvale, 11

Nick Bowen - Iroquois, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Depew:  PJ Burns 12, Davion March 12

Lake Shore:  Keith White 13

East Aurora:  Ian Moog 11, Dom Phillips 10

Cheektowaga:  Keonte Brown 11

Maryvale:  Deondre Rice 12

Pioneer:  Kaleb Phillips 12

 

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

 

ECIC IV

Player of the Year:

Caron Marshall - Cleveland Hill, 12

 

First Team

Trevin Boling - Tonawanda, 10

De'Marion Johnson - Lackawanna, 12

Jon Nellis - Holland, 12

Alan Suarez - JFK, 12

Kenny Avery - JFK, 12

 

Second Team

Hunter Stetz - Eden, 11

Matt Hay - Alden, 11

Noah Kirsch - Holland, 12

Charlie Meredith - Cleveland Hill, 11

JJ Velazquez - Tonawanda, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Holland:  Nolan Perry 12, Tyler Scheffler 12, Josh Ostrowski 12

JFK:  Josh Knox 11

Tonawanda:  David Perry 12

Eden:  Brandon Hallick 12

Lackawanna:  Jeremi'yhi Presley 11, AJ Turner 10

Cleveland Hill:  Jayden Krueger 12

 

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

 

Niagara Frontier League

Player of the Year:

Roddy Gayle - Lew-Port, 10

 

First Team

Jaemon Turner - Niagara Falls, 12

TJ Robinson - Niagara Wheatfield, 10

Dante Moultrie - North Tonawanda, 12

Jalen Duff  - Lew-Port, 9

Ceion McDowell - Lockport, 12

 

Second Team

Zac Boyes - Ken West, 12

Jordan Cutter - North Tonawanda, 12

Amari Gordon - Ken East, 12

Faybion Prather - Niagara Falls, 12

Xavier Alvarez - CSAT, 12

 

Third Team

Amir Morris - CSAT, 12

Noah Fox-Stoddard - North Tonawanda, 12

Logan Sionko - Grand Island, 11

Xander Fletcher - Niagara Wheatfield, 9

Pierre Gabart - CSAT, 12

 

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

 

Niagara-Orleans League

Player of the Year:

Garrett Srock - Newfane, 12

 

First Team

Luke Bradley - Wilson, 12

Adam Mietz - Akron, 11

Nate Sherman - Medina, 12

Deyonci Farley - Albion, 12

 

Second Team

Kevin Hillman - Albion, 12

Josh Everett - Newfane, 12

Tom Ragonese - Roy-Hart, 11

Tyler Chinn - Medina, 11

Sam Capen - Newfane, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Newfane:  Connor MacEvoy 12, Michael Carmer 11

Albion:  Liam Ward 12, Bailey Blanchard 11

Wilson:  Alex Martinez 12, Mike Miller 11, Brayden Thompson 12

Medina:  Brian Fry 11, Jarin Rhim 10

Akron:  Mitchell Holtz 11, Gage Willis 12, Jake Mazza 11

Roy-Hart: Rhett Goodwin 11, Gavyn Boyle 10, Reed Albee 12

Barker:  Joseph Brandt 11

 

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

 

CCAA I West

Player of the Year:

Casey Curran - Allegany-Limestone, 12

 

First Team

Covi James - Olean, 12

Jason Brooks - Olean, 11

Gus Napoleon - Allegany-Limestone, 12

Tyler Putney - Fredonia, 11

Nick Whitfield - Fredonia, 10

 

Second Team

Nate Adams - Chautauqua Lake, 12

Ben Giardini - Allegany-Limestone, 12

Aidan Kennedy - Southwestern 10

Kaleb Rybij - Fredonia, 12

Michael Wolfgang - Allegany-Limestone, 12

 

Honorable Mention 

Allegany-Limestone:  Tyler Curran 10

Fredonia:  Alec Schrader 12, Dominic Gullo 11

Olean:  Jah'Karee McClain 12, Dan Klein 12, Zion James 10

Southwestern:  Nate Johnson 11, Calvin Ricker 11

Dunkirk:  Christian Ortiz 11, A'Marion Tell 10

Chautauqua Lake:  Luke Waters 11

 

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

 

CCAA I East

Player of the Year:

Tyler Hind - Randolph, 12

 

First Team

Gabe McCoy - Randolph, 10

Jarod White - Salamanca 11

Kaleb Steward - Randolph, 12

Aaron George - Salamanca, 12

Dom Jamison - Silver Creek, 12

 

Second Team

Daslton Tabola  -Portville, 12

Lucas Brown - Salamanca, 8

Jeremy Wilcox - Silver Creek, 12

Jeremy Harford - Silver Creek, 12

Ashton Bushey - Randolph, 11

 

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

 

CCAA II West

Player of the Year:

Cam Barmore - Panama, 12

 

First Team

Ryan Jafarjian - Westfield, 12

Michael Johnson - Westfield, 12

Brad Nelson - Frewsburg, 12

Peter Auer - Maple Grove, 12

John Swabik - Sherman, 11

 

Second Team

Aaron Hair - Frewsburg, 12

Nathan Culbreth - Westfield, 12

Darius Jones - Maple Grove, 12

Justiss Hannold - Sherman, 12

Hunter Wassink - Clymer, 11

 

Honorable Mention 

Westfield:  Dylan Scriven 12, Darien Swanson 10

Panama:  Gerritt Hinsdale 12, Braden Cook 12, Connor Cooper 11

Maple Grove:  Tyler McPherson 12, Ayden Reagle 12

Sherman:  Keith Gormley 11, Gerald Carris 10

Frewsburg:  Peyton Hayes 12, Jameson Sposato 12

Cassadaga Valley:  Wyatt Harrington 10, Braden Lebaron 9

Brocton:  Michael Steward 12

 

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

 

CCAA II East

Player of the Year:

Tyler Robinson - North Collins, 12

 

First Team

Gavin Christian - Forestville, 12

Lief Jimerson - Ellicottville, 11

Clayton Rowland - Ellicottville, 11

Javier West - Forestville, 11

Logan Frank - Franklinville, 11

 

Second Team

Wyatt Chudy - Ellicottville, 11

Wayne Libby - Pine Valley, 10

Blake Frank - Franklinville, 10

Zach Wolfer - Franklinville, 12

Kordell Oakes - Cattaraugua-Little Valley, 10

 

Honorable Mention

Ellicottville:  Jordan Grinols 12, Logan Grinols 10, Niklas Logel 12

Forestville:  Jake Smith 12, Dalton Hastings 12

Franklinville:  Tyler Clear 12, Matt Peters 11

North Collins:  Chris Smith 10, Mitchell Warsaw 11, Matthew Sweet 9, Christian Loretto 12

Pine Valley:  Bryce Sercu 10, Cameron Hayes 11

Cattaraugua-Little Valley:  Josh Halterman 10, Gage Furl 10

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2020 - Week 12

(Sam Capen and Newfane crash the poll party after a big win over Maritime on Saturday)

 

Large Schools  

1. Health Sciences (A2) - The Falcons marched past West Seneca East on the final day of February to reach the Class A2 Semifinals, where they'll take on South Park at 7:45 pm on Thursday.

2. Canisius (A) - On Tuesday night, the Crusaders will play in the Manhattan Cup championship game for the 10th time in the last 12 years.

3. Park (A) - Falling to the #3 spot for now as the postseason that they aren't part of begins to unfold.  It's a difficult situation and I feel badly for the players & coaches who performed all season with the team.  But the postseason is special.  It elevates the status of the teams & players that climb the mountain and deserve to be rewarded for that success.

4. St. Joe's (A) - After reaching 20 wins for the first time since 2013, the Marauders will try to win the Manhattan Cup for the first time since 2008.

5. Niagara Falls (AA) - Made it past Frontier to once again return to Buff State, where they'll face a tough team from Lancaster on Tuesday night.  A five-peat is now two wins away.

6. Jamestown (AA) -  A third win on the season against Orchard Park is now needed to reach the Class AA Final after earning that in the quarterfinals over Clarence.

7. Orchard Park (AA) - A third straight season to Buff State for the Quakers after defeating Lockport and hoping to avoid a third straight loss to Jamestown for a date in the Class AA Final.

8. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers topped Williamsville South on Friday night for the third time and are once again a final four team in Class A2 where they'll take on a new face in the classification and an old face in the WNY postseason from East High on Thursday night.

9. Lancaster (AA) - The postseason begins with a trip to Williamsville North on Saturday.  The Legends defeated North by double figures in the most recent meeting between the two, but lost the first time the teams played in Williamsville.  Only one of them gets to Buff State.

10. Williamsville East (A1) - The #1 seed in Class A1 beat Hamburg for a third time on Friday night and now must defeat the two-time defending champions from West Seneca West to get back to Championship Saturday. 

 

Small Schools

1. Randolph (C2) - The Cardinals advanced back to the semifinals at JCC, where a third win on the season over Salamanca on Tuesday is needed for a fourth consecutive title game appearance.

2. Middle College (C1) - It's back to JCC for the Kats, where they were crowned in 2019 and looking to repeat in Class C1 as they face Chautauqua Lake in Monday's semifinal game.

3. Timon (B) - A strong start against St. Mary's made sure victory was never in doubt on Saturday night, advancing the Tigers to the Woj Cup Final to take on the defending champs.

 4. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - Still the champs and looking to stay that way, these Hawks have improved throughout the season and are a win over Timon, who they split with in the regular season, from repeating.

5. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - A quarterfinal rout sends the Gators back to Buff State to begin their title defense in Class B2 against CCAA I West for Fredonia on Tuesday.

6. Tapestry (C1) - Another team that reached the semifinals by way of rout, the Thunderhawks now face Silver Creek on Monday night at JCC, a team they've seen a few times before over the years.

7. Fredonia (B2) - It's tough to beat a team three times in a season and Fredonia is a tough team already without any clever cliches.  Expect Tuesday night's semifinal against Allegany-Limestone in Class B2 to be a battle.

8. Olean (B1) - I picked them as my sleeper in Class B1 and they proceeded to dump a bucket of water on anyone who was snoozing on the Huskies with a huge win at #2 seed Iroquois in the quarterfinals.  They now earn a rematch with Depew in Wednesday's semifinals, a team they defeated in the regular season.

9. Bennett (B1) - The Tigers are back at Buff State for the first time since 2011 after knocking off Medina in the quarterfinals and now face East Aurora in the Class B1 semifinals.

10. Newfane (B2) - The league champs from the N-O picked up a big win in the quarterfinals over a Maritime team that was playing great basketball.  The Panthers now have a chance to reach a Section VI title game for the third time in four seasons on Tuesday night, but will need to beat the top seed in Class B2 from Olmsted to make that happen.

 

-centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings 2020 - Week 11

 

The eleventh state rankings for the 2020 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Niagara Falls #27 

 

Class A

Park #5

Health Sciences #6

Canisius #8

St. Joe's #15

 

Class B

Timon #14 

Allegany-Limestone #15 

Fredonia #17

 

Class C

Randolph #2

Middle College #6 

Tapestry #11

Westfield #19

 

Class D

Panama #9

 

According to the rankings...

 

- The panel was expecting Niagara Falls to beat Lew-Port by more than six points on Wednesday night.  After completing Niagara Frontier League play undefeated and winning the championship game over the Lancers for their fifth consecutive victory to improve to 16-4 on the season, the Wolverines drop from #26 to #27 in NYS Class AA.  

 

- Equally unimpressive was Timon's 26-point win over Nichols to secure the #1 seed in the Woj Cup playoffs that begin on Saturday night.  The Tigers fell one spot in NYS Class B to #14.

 

- The hard-line approach from the panel at the NYSSWA rankings continued when it came time to review Allegany-Limestone this week as well.  A three-point win over Wellsville from Section V was also a punishable offense, sending the Gators down one spot in NYS Class B from #14 to #15.  

 

- It took a 21-point win over MST Seneca to gain mercy from the panel this week.  That's what Fredonia earned in its only game played last week, and while I suspect it was a difficult decision not to continue the trend of dropping WNY teams for winning, they left the Hillbillies alone at #17 in NYS Class B.  For now.

 

- Anything from a 26-point win to a 19-point loss got the same treatment by the panel for Timon, Falls, Allegany-Limestone, and now Tapestry.  After Tapestry lost its only game last week at Randolph by 19 points, they fell...you guessed it...one spot in NYS Class C from #10 to #11.  

 

- Chautauqua Lake finished the regular season 5-15 after beating NYS Class C #15 Westfield on Friday night.  So if a win drops you one spot...losing to a team in your class that finished with just five wins drops you four spots.  It's basic logic people, try to follow along.  Westfield is now #19 in NYS Class C.

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

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Poll Ballots 2020 - Week 11

(Jaemon Turner leads Falls to undefeated NFL Championship / Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Large Schools 

1. Park (A) - Following Buffalo News reports that the team was not included in postseason brackets released by the NYSAIS, the Pioneers defeated Global Concepts on Wednesday.  

2. Health Sciences (A2) - Awaiting the winner of West Seneca East/Lake Shore to begin postseason play in the Class A2 quarterfinals.

3. Canisius (A) - After a lopsided win over Nichols on senior night, the Crusaders have a couple weeks off with a bye straight to the Manhattan Cup championship game.

4. St. Joe's (A) - The Marauders return to action on Saturday night against St. Francis for the right to face Canisius for a third time.

5. Niagara Falls (AA) - The undefeated champions of the Niagara Frontier League took down Lew-Port for a second time on Wednesday and the four-time defending Section VI champs enter sectionals as the #1 seed in Class AA, where they will host Frontier on Saturday afternoon.

6. Jamestown (AA) - The champions of ECIC I earned the sweep over Orchard Park on Monday and will host Clarence for a third meeting between the two after earning the #2 seed in the Class AA bracket.

7. Orchard Park (AA) - Knocked off Lancaster to finish the regular season, following a second loss in less than a week to Jamestown two days prior.  The Quakers host Lockport in the Class AA sectionals on Saturday.

8. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers are once again champions of ECIC II and the #1 seed in Class A2, hosting either Cheektowaga or Williamsville South on Friday night.

9. Lew-Port (A2) - Finished the regular season 12-8 following a second loss on the season to Niagara Falls and now await the winner of South Park/Pioneer for a Saturday afternoon quarterfinal in Class A2.

10. Lancaster (AA) - The postseason begins with a trip to Williamsville North on Saturday.  The Legends defeated North by double figures in the most recent meeting between the two, but lost the first time the teams played in Williamsville.  Only one of them gets to Buff State.

 

Small Schools

1. Randolph (C2) -  The Cardinals are the heaviest favorites to win a Section VI title again this season and will get to work on that against the winner of Global Concepts/Franklinville on Friday, following a week that saw them beat Tapestry by 19 and Iroquois by 14.

2. Middle College (C1) - The Kats host Cattaraugus-Little Valley on Friday night, a team that hasn't won since December 19th.  Have mercy.

3. Timon (B) -  After defeating Nichols on Sunday night to finish the regular season, the Tigers are the top seed in the Woj Cup playoffs and face St. Mary's on Saturday.

 4. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - A third meeting with Nichols awaits the Hawks this Saturday night, for the right to return to the final where they won last season.

5. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - Finished the regular season with a win on Wednesday against Wellsville, and enter the Class B2 sectionals as the #2 seed.  They'll draw the winner of Akron/JFK.

6. Tapestry (C1) - The first postseason goal for the Thunderhawks, 14-6 on the season, is to win Class C1.  The process begins against Cassadaga Valley on Friday.

7. Fredonia (B2) - A couple big wins to end the regular season included an impressive 22-point victory over Ken West and a 21 point 'W' against MST Seneca.  Someone from Class B2 will have their hands full in Fredonia on Saturday.

8. Maritime (B2) -  Idle last week, so a friendly reminder that they only lost at Orchard Park by two points in their last game.  They begin the postseason against the winner of Southwestern/Eden, looking to advance to a battle at Newfane on Saturday.

9. Olean (B1) -  Four straight wins to finish the regular season, including Allegany-Limestone and East Aurora.  They'll host the Springville/Burgard winner for the right to take on Iroquois Saturday with a trip to Buff State at stake.

10. Bennett (B1) - Can't wait to see where the Tigers fit into the postseason mix in Class B1.  They are the top seed and begin on Saturday against either Medina or Tonawanda.

 

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Manhattan Cup / Woj Cup 2020

 

Woj Cup Semifinals - Saturday, February 29th

AT Canisius College - 5:45 pm & 7:15 pm

(1) Timon 73, (4) St. Mary's 48

(2) Cardinal O'Hara 69, (3) Nichols 60

 

Manhattan Cup Semifinal - Saturday, February 29th

AT Canisius College - 8:45 pm

(2) St. Joe's 60, (3) St. Francis 48

 

Woj Cup Final - Tuesday, March 3rd

AT Canisius College - 6 pm

(1) Timon 74, (2) Cardinal O'Hara 66

 

2020 Woj Cup Champions - Timon Tigers

 

Manhattan Cup Final - Tuesday, March 3rd

AT Canisius College - 8 pm

(1) Canisius 63, (2) St. Joe's 54

 

2020 Manhattan Cup Champions - Canisius Crusaders

 

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Brackets Central - 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class AA

Class A1

Class A2

Class B1

Class B2

Class C1

Class C2

Class D

Manhattan Cup 

Woj Cup  

 

Section VI All-Tournament Teams

The Schedule

Sectional Preview 2020

Buff State Week Viewing Guide

Centercourt Podcast

League Champions

 

Brackets 2018    

Brackets 2017    

Brackets 2016     

Brackets 2015     

Brackets 2014    

Brackets 2013     

Brackets 2012     

Brackets 2011

 

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NYSSWA State Rankings 2020 - Week 10

 

The tenth state rankings for the 2020 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Niagara Falls #26

 

Class A

Park #5

Health Sciences #6

Canisius #9

St. Joe's #16 

 

Class B

Timon #13

Allegany-Limestone #14

Fredonia #17

 

Class C

Randolph #2

Middle College #6 

Tapestry #10

Westfield #15

 

Class D

Panama #9

 

According to the rankings...

 

- While Niagara Falls has inched back closer to the Top 25 in NYS Class AA, holding down the magical #26 spot this week, ECIC I champion Jamestown still isn't even mentioned with honor among the small cluster of teams just outside the ranked 30.  And they should be.  So here's my plug - the team I picked to win ECIC I & Class AA back in November has won 10 of its last 11 games, and the loss came in an 11 am game after a two-hour bus ride.

 

- After heavy sanctions were placed on them for losing games in Florida, Albany Academy is finally ranked #1 in NYS Class A.  

 

- The Health Sciences loss by one-point at the buzzer to Park cost them the Class A regional.  Rochester East sits top spots ahead of Health now at #4 in NYS Class A and is the projected state final four rep from the Far West Region.  Rochester East is one of the six losses on Park's record, having defeated the Pioneers in OT on January 18th.

 

- Canisius is #9 in NYS Class A and remains the highest ranked team from the CHSAA, which has them winning a catholic state title.

 

- The same scenario applies for Timon, ranked #13 in NYS Class B and the projected to win a state title.

 

- Allegany-Limestone remains the highest ranked team in NYS Class B from the Far west Region, which has the Gators in line for a trip to Glens Falls.

 

- Randolph is ready for a state championship game in NYS Class C.  The Cardinals have now made it all the way up to #2 in NYS Class C.  They are now eight spots ahead of Tapestry in the state.  The Thunderhawks, who are ranked #10 in the state, visit Randolph tonight.

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

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Poll Ballots 2020 - Week 10

(Jonezy & Tariq / Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Large Schools

1. Park (A) - Went into Bennett on Friday and knocked off Middle College by 13 points.  The Pioneers finish up their season on Wednesday night at home after adding a game to their schedule against Global Concepts.

2. Health Sciences (A2) - Finished the regular season with a 19-1 mark after three more wins last week by double figures against O'Hara, St. Francis, and Tapestry.  

3. Canisius (A) - The Crusaders earned another sweep over St. Joe's to claim the top seed for the Manhattan Cup playoffs, which do not begin for nearly two weeks.  In the meanwhile, they'll get reacquainted with the Koessler Center court at Canisius College with a game against Aquinas on Monday, before completing the regular season at Nichols on Wednesday.

4. St. Joe's (A) - The Marauders finished the regular season with a 19-5 record and the #2 seed in the Manhattan Cup playoffs.  They'll have two weeks to prepare for a semifinal battle with St. Francis, for the right to take one last swing at Canisius.

5. Niagara Falls (AA) - Picked up wins over North Tonawanda & Niagara Wheatfield last week to stay unbeaten in the Niagara Frontier League, heading into Wednesday's game with Lew-Port.

6. Lew-Port (A2) - Avenged a loss to CSAT last week, before rolling past Bishop Kearney on Saturday afternoon.  They'll look to claim a second straight league championship when they face Falls on Wednesday night.

7. Jamestown (AA) - Wins over Orchard Park and Clarence last week have guaranteed the Red Raiders at least a share of the ECIC I league championship.  They won't have to share with anyone if they knock off Orchard Park on Monday afternoon.

8. Orchard Park (AA) - It all comes down to this week for OP.  The Quakers need wins at Jamestown on Monday and against Lancaster on Wednesday for gives them a share of the league title along with the Red Raiders.  A loss in either game hands Jamestown the ECIC I crown outright.

9. Lancaster (AA) - The Legends are 15-4 on the season after earning double-digit wins over Williamsville North & Frontier last week.  They finish up the regular season at Orchard Park on Wednesday night.

10. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers earned season sweeps over Williamsville East & Sweet Home last week and can finish the regular season with a 15-5 mark and an ECIC II league title with a home win against Hamburg on Wednesday.

 

Small Schools

1. Randolph (C2) - The undefeated league champs of CCAA I East are one of two teams from WNY with no area losses.  They wrap up the regular season with a pair of tough nonleague tests this week against Tapestry on Tuesday and Iroquois on Friday night.

2. Middle College (C1) - The Kats are now the first team to win three consecutive Yale Cup Trophies since the 60's and did so this season without a league loss!

3. Timon (B) - The Tigers lone Class B loss on the season came at the hands of O'Hara in the rematch, but the Tigers are the only team in the MMA to knock off Canisius.

4. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - The Hawks are hitting their stride at just the right time, as evidenced by wins over Timon, St. Francis, and Middle College in the last three weeks.

5. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks picked up a pair of double figure wins last week over CSAT & Global Concepts and will look to end the regular season with a bang on Tuesday night against top small school Randolph.

6. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - The champions of CCAA I West finish the regular season on Wednesday against Wellsville before gearing up for a run at another Class B2 title.

7. Fredonia (B2) - Finished second in league play behind the Gators and picked up an impressive win over NFL large school Ken West on Saturday afternoon by 22 points.  Fredonia finish 16-4 with a win over MST Seneca this week.

8. Maritime (B2) - After coming up just two points short in a loss at Orchard Park last week, the Commodores are the team no one in Class B2 wants to have to tangle with.

9. Olean (B1) - The Huskies quietly enter the postseason with a 14-6 record after finishing third in CCAA I West.  It looks like they'll be the 7th seed in Class B1 and I doubt there's a more dangerous 7th seed in WNY this year!

10. Bennett (B1) - The Yale Cup II champions have won seven straight games entering the postseason and ended league play this year in dominating fashion.

 

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NYSSWA State Rankings 2020 - Week 8

 

The eighth state rankings for the 2020 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Niagara Falls #30

 

Class A

Canisius #2

Health Sciences #3

Park #8 

St. Joe's #12 

 

Class B

Allegany-Limestone #14

Fredonia #15

 

Class C

Middle College #3 

Randolph #5 

Tapestry #10

Westfield #12 

 

Class D

Panama #8 

 

According to the rankings...

 

- There was nothing they could do to break that tie.  After multiple tie-breakers that included an intense bout of Rock-Paper-Scissors and a even a quick-draw western duel after 10 paces, Niagara Falls and Christ the King were still tied at the coveted #30 spot in NYS Class AA.  Rumors of a Pay-Per-View scrimmage between the two are flooding social media this morning.  Stay tuned.

 

- If St. Joe's beat Christ the King by 12 points, they would remain #12 in NYS Class A

 

- Randolph is thought of highly by the panel at its #5 spot in NYS Class C.  Allegany-Limestone only moved down three spots to #14 in NYS Class B for it's 10-point loss to the Cardinals.

 

- The name Olean still strikes fear into people.  On January 21st, Fredonia was ranked #20 in NYS Class B and two days later, they lost to Allegany-Limestone at home by 13 points.  They fell three spots to #23 in the January 28th rankings for that loss.  Then on January 30th, they defeated unranked Olean at home by 7 points and jump up eight spots to #15 in NYS Class B.  It might be an unprecedented jump in rankings for a win over an unranked team.  Next Halloween, don't say boo.  Say Olean.

 

- Timon needs a win over Olean.  The Tigers were #21 in NYS Class B, but after a one-point loss in the rematch to O'Hara, the team that went into Canisius and took them to overtime, is now unranked.

 

- Westfield's first loss of the season, 12-point loss to Frewsburg (who wasn't even a state Honorable Mention team), was a complete non-issue.  Westfield stayed right where they were, #12.  Frewsburg earned a mention out of the deal though.

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

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Poll Ballots 2020 - Week 8

(Gabe McCoy defends the paint for #2 small school Randolph)

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (A) - Downed O'Hara & St. Francis last week to stay unbeaten in WNY.  Tuesday night the Crusaders head to Timon - a team that pusjed them to overtime on their floor in round one.  Then on Saturday night, it's #2 vs. #3 in NYS Class A and #1 vs. #2 in the Buffalo News large school poll, as Canisius battles undefeated Health Sciences at Williamsville North in the Centercourt Classic.

2. Park (A) - After an entire month without a game in WNY, the Pioneers are back in action locally, as they face the undefeated Falcons from Health Sciences, who are ranked ahead of them in NYS Class A.  Then on Thursday night, Bishop Kearney visits.

3. Health Sciences (A2) - Stayed undefeated with a win over East last week, heading into the biggest week of the regular season for the Falcons.  Monday night they play at Park and then meet Canisius on Saturday night in the headliner of the Centercourt Classic at Williamsville North, 6:15 pm.  Big, big week for Health!

4. St. Joe's (A) - Coming off a big week that included victories over NYS Class AA Top 25 teams in UPrep and Niagara Falls.  They have home games against Nichols & St. Francis this week, ahead of a Centercourt Classic rematch with Lew-Port on Saturday at Williamsville North, 4:30 pm.

5. Niagara Falls (AA) - Defeated Lew-Port on Tuesday night to stay unbeaten in NFL play, before falling at St. Joe's on Friday night.  The Wolverines are at Ken West on Friday night and host Lockport on Saturday afternoon.

6. Amherst (A2) - Took Williamsville South down in a rout on Wednesday night and then needed overtime on Friday against West Seneca East to win their sixth in a row and stay unbeaten in ECIC II.

7. Lew-Port (A2) - The Lancers are hopeful for Roddy Gayle's return to the lineup and will look to end a three-game skid this week with league games against Grand Island and Ken East, before taking on St. Joe's on Saturday in the Centercourt Classic at Williamsville North.

8. Jamestown (AA) - The Red Raiders are now winners of five straight after defeating Lancaster & West Seneca West.  They travel to Frontier on Monday and then have a date with Williamsville North on Friday night in the Centercourt Classic.

9. Orchard Park (AA)  - Bounced back from a loss to Lancaster the week prior to avenge a loss to West Seneca West and then sweep Williamsville North in a hard fought battle on Friday night.  Games with Frontier & Clarence await the Quakers this week.

10. Williamsville North (AA) - A big week ahead for the Spartans with three home games.  On Monday night they host Cheektowaga.  Wednesday night is the championship game of the Five Guys Tournament that was postponed from late December, against district rival Williamsville East.  Then on Friday night, they host the Centercourt Classic and Jamestown.

 

Small Schools

1. Middle College (C1) - Stayed undefeated in Yale Cup I with wins over South Park & City Honors last week.  On Saturday afternoon, The Kats take on the defending CHSAA state champions from Cardinal O'Hara in the Centercourt Classic at Williamsville North, 2:45 pm.

2. Randolph (C2) - After gaining wins over Ellicottville & Salamanca last week, the Cardinals staked their claim as the top small school in the Southern Tier with a dominant defensive performance in a double figure win over Allegany-Limestone.  On Friday night, Randolph plays Iroquois in the Centercourt Classic at Williamsville North, in what should be a great game at 6 pm.

3. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - The Gators lost their first game against WNY competition at Randolph on Saturday.  They are unbeaten and in first place in CCAA I West, with a big rematch at Olean looming on Monday night.

4. Timon (B) - Fell by one point in the rematch with Cardinal O'Hara on Friday night.  This week the Tigers will try to make some noise when they host Canisius on Tuesday and then welcome in Nichols on Friday.

5. Tapestry (C1) - Bounced back against Global Concepts after a loss at Clarence earlier in the week.  Monday night, the Thunderhawks seek to even the score with Maritime.

6. Fredonia (B2) - Moved into sole possession of 2nd place in CCAA I West after a strong finish against Olean in a win that saw Tyler Putney can eight 3-pointers and score 30 points.  Fredonia is at Dunkirk on Monday and hosts Chautauqua Lake Thursday night.

7. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - Recent wins over Timon and Nichols, along with significant strides in rematches with Canisius & St. Joe's, have the Hawks back in the rankings.  A win on Monday night over St. Francis would be big, ahead of Thursday's rematch with St. Mary's.  On Saturday, O'Hara takes a swing at the top ranked small school in WNY when they face Middle College in the Centercourt Classic at Williamsville North.

8. Maritime (B2) - The Commodores are 8-1 in their last nine outings, heading into a big rematch on Monday night with Tapestry, who they defeated by two points on January 22nd.

9. Bennett (B1) - Won games over Buffalo Arts & I-Prep last week by 42 & 47 points!  The Tigers have three more Yale Cup II games this week, looking to stay in first place.

10. Olean (B1) - The Huskies couldn't hang on to their lead at Fredonia late in the fourth quarter on Thursday night and slipped into 3rd place in CCAA I West.  On Monday night, they host the team at the top of the division when neighboring rival Allegany-Limestone visits.

 

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NYSSWA State Rankings 2020 - Week 7

The seventh state rankings for the 2020 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Niagara Falls #23 

 

Class A

Canisius #2

Health Sciences #3

Park #8 

St. Joe's #12 

 

Class B

Allegany-Limestone #11 

Timon #21

Fredonia #23 

 

Class C

Middle College #3 

Randolph #5 

Tapestry #9 

Westfield #12 

 

Class D

Panama #8 

 

According to the rankings...

 

- They don't really believe their own rankings.  They don't really believe Canisius is #2, they think that's too high.  They don't really believe Albany Academy is #4, they think AA is even better than that.  There's really no other explanation, based on last week's results.  St. Joe's falls from #8 to #12 in NYS Class A for losing by four points at #2 Canisius.  Park falls just one spot, from #7 to #8 for losing by 21 points at #4 Albany Academy.   Think about that for a moment.  They don't believe their own rankings.  I'll bet if it was the other way around and Park only lost by 4 points at Albany Academy, they'd have stayed at #7 or even moved up.  If Albany Academy is thought of that highly (which they should be), then just rank them #1 already, because the way those results were handled lacks logic otherwise...according to the rankings!

 

- Niagara Falls is really ranked.  Now #23 in NYS Class AA, which is up from the 'feel good' #28 spot that doesn't even exist in Top 25 rankings or in the NYSSWA State Rankings when they debut each year.  I still don't understand the magic of expansive & inclusive rankings, but I guess I should just be happy Falls has officially cracked the Top 25, which I am.  Maybe I should expand the large school poll to 14 next week so I can include Will East, Will North, Lancaster, & Frannies.

 

- Allegany-Limestone is the 7th best public school in NYS Class B.

 

- It's now a Middle College vs. Randolph Class C crossover game that sends the Kats back to states, where they fall one round earlier than last season.  Tapestry dropped from the #2 spot in NYS Class C all the way to #9 and behind both Randolph (#5) and Middle College (#3).

 

- Section V has the D's.  Following Panama's second loss of the season at Maple Grove, the Panthers are no longer #1 in NYS Class D, falling all the way to #8.  That means no more state championship and not even a regional victory.  Section V's Avoca now has the highest ranked Class D team in the Far West Region.  My buddy Tracy may never let me live this one down if the rankings hold true in March.

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

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NYSSWA State Rankings 2020 - Week 6

The sixth state rankings for the 2020 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Niagara Falls #28

 

Class A

Canisius #2

Health Sciences #3

Park #7

St. Joe's #8

Lew-Port #27

 

Class B

Allegany-Limestone #14

Timon #19

Fredonia #20

 

Class C

Tapestry #2

Middle College #4

Randolph #6

Westfield #14

 

Class D

Panama #1

 

According to the rankings...

 

- It's a Niagara Falls vs. Orchard Park Class AA Final in Section VI this season.  The Wolverines moved up two spots this week in NYS Class AA to #28, while Orchard Park is the only other WNY Class AA team appearing in Honorable Mention.

 

- Timing is everything.  Albany Academy has moved back ahead of Park in NYS Class A because the Pioneers have the most recent loss between the two after falling at East High of Rochester on Saturday night.  That would take Park back out of the Federation Tournament as the AIS representative.

 

- Park's losses have rightfully been put into perspective.  They are the only team among the Top 10 with five losses on the season, and McQuaid is the only one that could be considered a bad loss.  The loss at NYS Class A #6 East (Rochester) has them tucked right behind them at #7.

 

- Half of the Top 8 teams in NYS Class A hail from WNY.  

 

- Saturday's 'Game of the Week' between Canisius & St. Joe's is a defacto CHSAA Class A state championship game, as they are the two highest ranked Class A catholic teams.

 

- WNY's Class B got a lot better in just one week.  We went from one team in the Top 20 (Allegany-Limestone was #20 last week) to three teams in the Top 20 this week. 

 

- Allegany-Limestone goes to Glens Falls in Class B, after defeating the Albion/Olean winner in the crossover, and Hornell in the Far West Regional.

 

- Timon is going to the Federation Tournament in Class B and will own the CHSAA state champion title currently held by defending champion O'Hara.

 

- It was a quiet week at the top in NYS Class C.  All four ranked ranked teams from WNY (Tapestry, Middle College, Randolph, & Westfield) remained in the same order within the top 14 teams.

 

- Panama will now draw Avoca in the Class D Far West Regional.

 

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

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Poll Ballots 2020 - Week 6

(Aidan Horan defends for Nichols)

 

Large Schools 

1. Canisius (A) - The Crusaders pulled out a win over visiting Niagara Falls on Saturday afternoon in a 32-minute battle!  Now they'll get visits from Timon on Monday and St. Mary's on Wednesday, ahead of this coming Saturday against rival St. Joe's.  Presale tickets only for that one.  Details in the 'Game of the Week' write up.

2. Park (A) - Completed a marathon stretch of games with a convincing win at Aquinas on Monday night, before falling in overtime at East High in Rochester on Saturday night.  

3. Health Sciences (A2) - One of two remaining undefeated teams in WNY will get their chance to prove they should be ranked higher soon enough with game against the teams above them still to come.  But the week ahead will be tough enough with South Park and Tapestry on the slate.

4. St. Joe's (A) - Picked up three league wins last week, all on the road, that including a survival victory at St. Francis that was pulled out in the final minute.  It's rivalry week for the Marauders, looking to snap a 17-game skid against Canisius on Saturday.  

5. Niagara Falls (AA) - The Wolverines were so close to knocking off the Crusaders on Saturday and held a lead for the majority of the game.  Falls is the lone unbeaten team in the Niagara Frontier League at 7-0 and have the week off to prepare for Lew-Port on Tuesday the 28th.

6. Lew-Port (A2) - Five straight double figure victories for the Lancers after knocking off North Tonawanda & Lockport last week.  There's a tough one coming up for them on Wednesday, when the #1 small school from Middle College pays a visit.

7. Orchard Park (AA) - The Quakers are tied in first place in ECIC I, coming off a 12-point win over Clarence.  They look to stay on top with a Saturday afternoon trip to Lancaster.

8. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers picked up wins on consecutive days over the weekend, winning a Friday night tilt against Sweet Home and then knocking off McKinley with a strong finish at the MLK Classic.  Their next opponent is the two-time defending Yale Cup champs from Middle College on Friday night in the feature game of Bob Hettler Showcase.

9. McKinley (A1) - Battled with Amherst all game on Saturday, before slipping late.  Two more big nonleague games await at the end of the coming week, with the Macks' annual meetings against Jamestown (Thursday on the road) and Williamsville North (Friday at the Bob Hettler Showcase).

10. CSAT (A2) - It's time to give the Eagles a little love.  They have just one league loss in the Niagara Frontier League and that came at Niagara Falls.  They also own wins over a pair of teams that defeated North Tonawanda - Batavia & Ken East.  Keep it going Senor Hoyos!

 

Small Schools 

1. Middle College (C1) - Picked up a pair of double-digit wins last week against East High and fellow Top 10 small school Nichols.  Now the Kats hit the road for a pair of games this week against Top 10 large schools, visiting Lew-Port on Wednesday and Amherst on Friday.

2. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks got a visit from one of the Section's better teams in Class C when Ellicottville came up on Wednesday and they beat them by 32 points!  They've got three fun ones coming this week with games at Bennett & Maritime and then a big one against Health Sciences, which will be played at Villa Maria on Saturday at 5:30 pm.

3. Randolph (C2) - The seven-game win streak by the Cardinals includes wins last week by 51 & 60 points.  The crazy part - 60 points isn't even their biggest win this year.

4. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - Speaking of dominating performances...I got my first look at the Gators on Saturday and they are legit.  Coming off 21 & 37 point victories last week, the Gators took Hutch-Tech down in the MLK Classic after winning the second quarter 30-0.  Thursday night, they travel to Fredonia for the rematch after scoring an important and decisive win in the first round.

5. Timon (B) - The Tigers stayed unbeaten against the Class B competition in the MMA with a strong second half at Nichols on Friday that led to a 16-point win.  After a MLK Day visit to Canisius, Timon hosts the rematch with St. Francis on Wednesday and welcomes in St. Mary's to finish the week on Friday.

6. Fredonia (B2) - Four straight wins for the Hillbillies, all by double figures, including a 41-point walloping of Southwestern that saw Tyler Putney connect on nine 3-pointers in a 40-point outburst.  A win on Thursday night against visiting Allegany-Limestone would pull them even with the Gators for first place in CCAA I West.

7. Nichols (B) - Fell to Timon & Middle College over the weekend, both teams that have held rank above the Vikings throughout the season.  They'll look to get back on track against Hutch-Tech on Tuesday, ahead of an important league game against Cardinal O'Hara on Saturday afternoon.

8. Westfield (C2) - Head coach Bob North earned his 400th career win last week in a win over Brocton and followed that up with #401 as the Wolverines survived a late-game rally attempt by Sherman to improve to 11-0 on the year.  

9. Maritime (B2) - The Commodores have no bad losses this season, but they did earn two more quality wins over the weekend, defeating both Williamsville South and Olmsted.  They play a measuring stick type of game against Tapestry on Wednesday, before an interesting matchup at Bennett on Friday night - a team they beat by five earlier in the season.

10. Albion (B1) - The Purple Eagles are alone in first place of the N-O League after knocking off Newfane & Roy-Hart last week to improve to 9-2 on the season.  They are one of seven teams left without a loss to another WNY team heading into their rematch at Medina on Friday night.

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2020 - Week 5

(Westfield stayed undefeated with a win at Panama on Friday / Photo: Harry Scull)

 

Large Schools 

1. Canisius (A) - Trounced O'Hara and scored a double figure victory at St. Francis last week to remain unbeaten against WNY competition.  This Saturday they'll host Class AA favorite Niagara Falls.

2. Park (A) - Played some nationally ranked grown men in a Toronto on Friday without John Orogun and suffered their worst loss in years.  However, the following night they defeated Boys & Girls of NYC who came in ranked #12 in NYS Class AA, for their best NYS win of the season, in a game they led throughout.  Sunday afternoon the Pioneers fell to Brooklyn Collegiate, ranked #6 in NYS Class AA.

3. Health Sciences (A2) - One of two remaining undefeated teams in WNY at 11-0 after rolling past Maritime & West Seneca West last week.  I'm thinking BASCS is in big trouble on Saturday.

4. St. Joe's (A) - Picked up a second 40-point win in their last three games at St. Mary's on Tuesday night.  The busy week ahead holds three road trips to Timon, Nichols, & St. Francis.

5. Niagara Falls (AA) - The Wolverines have won their last two NFL games by an average margin of 44 points heading into a game at Ken East on Tuesday.  Saturday afternoon at Canisius will be a great test for the Wolverines.

6. Lew-Port (A2) - Wins over Ken West & Niagara Wheatfield made it four in a row for the Lancers.  This week they host fellow Top 10 large school North Tonawanda, along with the team who made a splash at the BSN Sports NFL/ECIC Challenge in Lockport.

7. Orchard Park (AA) - The Quakers registered a big win at Williamsville North last week and followed it up with a 33-point thumping of Frontier.  They'll take to the road twice this week - on Tuesday at Clarence and a Friday night battle in Jamestown.

8. North Tonawanda (A1) - Improved to 4-1 in NFL play with their lone loss coming narrowly to first place Niagara Falls.  A big one awaits on Tuesday night when the Jacks get their one shot at Lew-Port.

9. McKinley (A1) - A disappointing week for Williamsville North made room for the Macks to get back into the Top 10, on the strength of their comeback win at East High.  Staying there will likely hinge on the outcome of Saturday's matchup with Amherst in the MLK Classic.

10. East (A2) - The Panthers rolled past City Honors and South Park last week, before dropping one to Middle College on Friday night.  The rematch with the Kats is Wednesday and it's basically a must-win for East's hopes at a Yale Cup title.  Saturday night they play Northstar Christian in the finale of the MLK Classic.

 

Small Schools

1. Middle College (C1) - Two big wins at McKinley and at East have the Kats sitting all alone in first place of Yale Cup I and eyeing a three-peat.  The rematch with East is Wednesday night and it's the 'Game of the Week'!  At the MLK Classic on Saturday afternoon, Middle College faces Nichols.

2. Tapestry (C1) - Three more wins last week, including an exciting tilt with South Park, has Tapestry (currently ahead of Middle College in the state rankings) out to a 7-1 start.  Another Class C team with just one loss visits the Thunderdome on Wednesday when 8-1 Ellicottville makes the trip north.

3. Randolph (C2) - Speaking of one-loss teams in Class C, how about what these Cardinals are doing?  A 7-1 start that boasts a tournament title, a 40-point win over CSAT (who has wins against Ken West & Batavia), and now a six-point win over Cardinal O'Hara (Who has wins over East & Amherst).  And the loss was on the road against NYS Class A #5 Rochester East in a game they were within a point during the second half.

4. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - The Gators are alone in first place in CCAA I West, the league they just entered.  The league that boasts recent Section VI champions Olean, Fredonia, & Chautauqua Lake.  And they happen to be the last three wins for the Gators!  They face Dunkirk & Southwestern in league action this week and make the trip to Buffalo on Saturday, playing in the MLK Classic against Hutch-Tech.

5. Timon (B) - Defeated Hutch-Tech on Tuesday night, before going into Cardinal O'Hara and taking a leg up on the Hawks in the MMA Class B race.  They try to take another one in Class B at Nichols on Friday, after a date with St. Joe's at home on Monday.

6. Fredonia (B2) - The Hillbillies scored a big "first time in a long time" win at Olean last week, and did so by double digits.  They also won big over rival Dunkirk.  They could make it four straight wins this week against Chautauqua Lake and Southwestern.

7. Nichols (B) - The Vikings didn't like seeing St. Mary's in my Top 10 when they weren't, so after knocking off Bennett and St. Francis, they won at St. Mary's by 20.  Big week!  Another one coming up with St. Joe's and Timon visiting.  You already have my attention with three straight wins.  Imagine if...

8. Olean (B1) - The Huskies are coming off a tough week that saw them fall behind in the league standings to two teams (Allegany-Limestone & Fredonia).  It's a very unfamiliar spot for the program and the response will be interesting.

9. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - A pair of six-point losses to teams they were ranked ahead of (Randolph & Timon) has the Hawks at their lowest point since 2016.  They're at St. Francis and at St. Mary's this week, looking for a much needed victory.

10. Westfield (C2) - The Wolverines are now just one of two undefeated teams left in WNY after knocking off NYS Class D #1 Panama on the road, and it's no accident.  This is a good team with balance throughout its starting lineup and I expect to see the winning continue.

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2020 - Week 3

(Max Schneider & the Williamsville East Flames are 8-1 this season)

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (A) - The Crusaders head into the championship game of the St. Pius Tournament with a 7-0 record after winning two games in Atlanta last week following a double-digit win over McQuaid.  They'll host Cathedral Prep and visit St. Mary's at the end of the week.

2. Park (A) - Improved to 8-2 with a second win at the Blue Star Invitational on Saturday to reach the championship game against Oldham County on Monday.  The Pioneers are back in Buffalo on Thursday night with a visit to Orchard Park. 

3. Health Sciences (A2) - The Falcons are off to their best start ever after winning the St. Francis Christmas Tournament to begin the 2020 season 8-0.  The Health is 3-0 vs. MMA teams, knocked off Middle College & Jamestown, and has won two tournaments already.  The next victim is BASCS on Saturday.

4. St. Joe's (A) - Greg Poland's return for the Marauders was an exciting one, as the big man scored the game-winning bucket with one second left at NYS Class A #12 Jamesville-DeWitt on Saturday.  St. Joe's hosts O'Hara on Friday and Syracuse CBA on Sunday.

5. McKinley (A1) - The Macks were idle over the holidays coming off an exciting week that sent them crashing the poll party.  The team returns to action on Friday against South Park.

6. Amherst (A2) - They were home for the holidays, but the Tigers will travel to Depew on Friday night to take on Lockport in the NFL / ECIC Challenge.

7. Niagara Falls (AA) - The Wolverines face their Class AA rivals from Jamestown in the NFL / ECIC Challenge at Depew on Saturday in the 'Game of the Week'!

8. Lew-Port (A2) - In the NFL / ECIC Challenge at Depew on Friday night, Lew-Port plays a nonleague game against Williamsville South.

9. Williamsville East (A1) - The Flames picked up a 22-point win over Olmsted at the Five Guys Tournament on Friday night to improve to 8-1 and have a date with Ken West in the NFL / ECIC Challenge at Depew on Saturday afternoon.

10. Williamsville North (AA) - Jamestown's loss to West Seneca East in the St. Francis Christmas Tournament opened the door for the Spartans to take a place in the Top 10 following a 6-0 start to the season.

 

Small Schools

1. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - Two losses at the Bishop Ludden Tournament has the Hawks on a three-game skid entering the New Year, and things aren't exactly getting easier with St. Joe's and Bishop Grimes awaiting next weekend.

2. Middle College (C1) - The extended break continues for the Kats this week, who haven't played a game since December 19th.

3. Olean (B1) - The Huskies defeated Pioneer by 13 points on Friday and head to Southwestern this Friday.

4. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks gotta be climbing the walls by now since they haven't played since December 7th.  Back in action on Monday afternoon with a visit from Nichols, before hosting Maple Grove on Saturday.

5. Iroquois (B1) - The Chiefs come off the holiday break with a home game against Sweet Home on Friday night.

6. Timon (B) - Wins over Lackawanna & Bennett made it four straight victories for the Tigers, who visit St. Francis on Friday and host Notre Dame on Sunday.

7. Fredonia (B2) - Wins over Lockport and South Park gave the Hillbillies a tournament championship at Clarence last week, heading into a big CCAA I West battle at Allegany-Limestone on Friday.

8. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - The Gators slip behind Fredonia following their second loss of the season to Owego Free Academy on Friday, before rebounding with a win over Susquehanna Valley.  Friday's game with the Hillbillies is a big one.

9. Randolph (C2) - Earned a comeback win in overtime against Southwestern to improve to 3-1 on the season with CSAT coming in to take on the Cardinals this Friday night.

10. St. Mary's (B) - After losing to Williamsville North on Friday night, the Lancers used a big second half to defeat Olmsted for their fifth win of the season.  Number six might have to wait a week, with St. Mary's only scheduled game this week against Canisius on Saturday.

 

-centercourt 

Poll Ballots 2020 - Week 2

(McKinley is 6-1 after picking up two big wins last week)

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (A) - These guys won their last two games by 42 and 32 points...over Lew-Port & Bishop Kearney.  The Kearney game was on the road!  They also have a 21-point win over McKinley and a 4-0 record.  They'll host McQuaid in a pre-holiday matinee on Monday, before taking to the friendly skies en route to Georgia for the three-game St. Pius Christmas Classic.

2. Park (A) - The Pioneers got back on track against Aquinas, surging past them behind a 19-point second half by Jalen Bradberry to win by 19 points.  At the Super 16 Showcase in NYC over the weekend, the team went 1-1, losing to Evangel Christian and then defeating Spring Valley.  Next up is three games in the Blue Star Holiday Invitational.

3. Health Sciences (A2) - The Falcons picked up a 67-point victory over Lackawanna in their only action last week.  They'll do battle with Jamestown for the first time on Friday in the St. Francis Christmas Tournament and have a game with either the hosts or West Seneca East the following day.

4. St. Joe's (A) - The Marauders dropped a game in North Carolina over the weekend and will make the trip to Syracuse to play Jamesville-DeWitt on Saturday.

5. McKinley (A1) - A big, big week for the Macks, earning a pair of attention-grabbing victories on consecutive days!  First they go into East and dominate the fourth quarter to comeback from 12 points down and then follow it up with a win over Cardinal O'Hara.  McKinley is now 6-1 and also has wins over St. Francis and Williamsville South, with the lone loss coming at Canisius.

6. Amherst (A2) - Finished strong against Hamburg to improve to 3-0 in ECIC II, before heading to North Carolina and splitting the two games they played on the extended road trip.

7. Niagara Falls (AA) - A busy week for Falls included wins over North Tonawanda, Niagara Wheatfield, and Bishop Kearney to make it six straight victories, before losing on Sunday to UPrep.

8. Lew-Port (A2) - Fell at home to CSAT by four points without Roddy Gayle in the lineup.  But upon his return three nights later, he dropped 33 points as they cruised past Kenmore East.

9. Williamsville East (A1) - The Flames are now 7-1 after earning wins over Niagara Wheatfield and Iroquois last week.  They get a chance to prove they're the best of the Williamsville teams in the Five Guys Tournament at North this week, or risk losing their poll spot and bragging rights to the undefeated Spartans!

10. Jamestown (AA) - Earned the United Way Tournament championship on Saturday with a resounding win over Fredonia.  The next tournament the Red Raiders play in could be a different story, as the team heads to Frannies on Friday to take on Health Sciences in the first round of the St. Francis Christmas Tournament.

 

Small Schools 

1. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - Picked up a second signature win in as many weeks by coming back on East from nine points down in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter in a game they trailed by as many as 18 points in the first half.  The Hawks are in the Bishop Ludden Tournament following Christmas.

2. Middle College (C1) - Well it looks like the Kats are finding their stride as the first month of the season nears an end.  A pair of Yale Cup I victories last week included holding City Honors to just 15 points, before bludgeoning Hutch-Tech by 59 points.  Both games were road wins.

3. Olean (B1) - Bounced back from a road loss at Section V Wellsville earlier in the week to clip Coudersport in round one of the Joe DeCerbo Memorial Tournament, before falling to Bradford in double overtime the following evening.

4. Tapestry (C1) - Not a lot to go on yet with the Thunderhawks just three games into the season, with their last game played on December 7th.  Double figure wins over Dunkirk & Southwestern, and a four-point loss to Jamestown, with another week off coming up.  Tapestry will have a busy couple months coming up and they're hoping March keeps them busy as well.

5. Iroquois (B1) - The Chiefs moved to 4-0 in ECIC III with convincing wins over Pioneer & Maryvale, before getting clipped in a nonleague battle with Top 10 large school Williamsville East on Friday.

6. Timon (B) - After falling to Orchard Park by the same margin Middle College did a couple weeks ago, the Tigers scored consecutive 24-point wins against Olmsted and Starpoint.  Over the break, Lackawanna visits on Monday the 23rd and they'll head to Bennett two days after Christmas.

7. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - Suffered their first loss of the season against Bradford in the Joe DeCerbo Memorial Tournament, but came back the following day to defeat Coudersport.  They'll travel east to play in a tournament at Onondaga Community College after Christmas.

8. Fredonia (B2) - Wins over CSAT early in the season and St. Mary's last week tell me the Hillbillies are a Top 10 small school, despite getting rolled by 29 points at the hands of Jamestown in the United Way Tournament.  Fredonia will face some nice competition in the Clarence Tournament that includes a game with Lockport and then the hosts or South Park.

9. Randolph (C2) - The Cardinals will look to bounce back against Southwestern on Friday after tasting defeat at Rochester East who is 8-0.

10. St. Mary's (B) - Tough call for me here on this last slot.  Considered undefeated Holland, but wins over Lackawanna, Olmsted, & North Collins don't speak loudly enough.  I considered undefeated Panama, who has three & four point wins over Chautauqua Lake -- but both Silver Creek & Westfield (twice) have beaten those Thunderbirds more handily.  I looked Salamanca's way after they knocked off Ellicottville, but comparing them to St. Mary's still had me leaning towards the Lancers.  St. Mary's just won the Depew Tournament, which included a big win over East Aurora.  I'm placing a higher premium on that over anything the other teams have to this point.  Also, St. Mary's lost to Fredonia by five, while Salamanca lost to Allegany-Limestone by 12.  Yes, I took that much time looking into this last spot and that's what I came up with.  Now St. Mary's gets to play at Williamsville North next in the Five Guys Tournament against a Class AA Spartans team that hasn't lost yet.

 

-centercourt