The View From Centercourt

Poll Ballots - 2016 - Week 10

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

 

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

 

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

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Brackets Central - 2016

 

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

 

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

 

Buff State Week Viewing Guide

 Sectional Preview - 2016

Manhattan Cup

Class AA Bracket

Class A1 Bracket

Class A2 Bracket

Class B1 Bracket

Class B2 Bracket

Class C1 Bracket

Class C2 Bracket

Class D Bracket 

 

Olean Huskies - Undefeated State Champs

Middle College Kats - 2016 State Champs

South falls short in Glens Falls

Olean's on the brink of history

Middle College now one win away

Panama unable to finish at Glens Falls

Far West Regionals - 2016

Crossover Tuesday

Manhattan Cup Finals - 2016

Section VI All-Tournament Teams - 2016

Championship Saturday

JCC Friday - 2016

Olean & East Aurora are on to the B1 Final

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

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

Class A2 Semifinals: Lew-Port & Amherst advance

Manhattan cup Play-in games

Walsh wraps up division title

Lancaster is going back to Buff State

Newfane advances to quarterfinals

State Rankings heading into postseason

Poll Ballots - Week 10

  

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Poll Ballots - 2016 - Week 9

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

 

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

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

Monday, February 8th

Park @ Aquinas - 6:30 pm

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

Williamsville North @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

East Aurora @ Batavia - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, February 9th

East @ South Park - 6 pm

Wilson @ Roy-Hart - 6 pm

Barker @ Newfane - 6:30 pm

Timon @ Canisius - 7 pm

Kenmore West @ Lew-Port - 7 pm

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

Fredonia @ Southwestern - 7:30 pm

Silver Creek @ Gowanda - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, February 10th

Emerson @ MST Seneca - 6 pm

Cleveland Hill @ Tonawanda - 6:30 pm

Lancaster @ Williamsville North - 7:30 pm

Cheektowaga @ Maryvale - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, February 11th

McKinley @ Middle College - 6 pm

Barker @ Roy-Hart - 6 pm

Kenmore West @ Cheektowaga - 6:30 pm

Wilson @ Newfane - 6:30 pm

Jamestown @ Amherst - 7:30 pm

Starpoint @ Williamsville South - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, February 12th

Cardinal O'Hara @ Nichols - 6:30 pm

Portville @ Silver Creek - 6:30 pm

Canisisu @ St. Joe's - 7 pm

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

Gowanda @ Randolph - 7:30 pm

Panama @ Sherman - 7:30 pm

Lancaster @ Health Sciences - 7:30 pm

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Hutchins seals what the big guys started in Park's win

(Kyle Harris of Park drives when Timon's Juston Johnson defends / Photo by Larry Scheur)

 

Rarely do you see a high school basketball team that boasts the size that Park has.  With three of its players listed at 6-7 or taller, the Pioneers are intimidating enough as they warm up.  However, even with all that size, Park also has major talent at the guard position which they tend to rely more upon.  But on Friday night at Timon, the Pioneers rolled out its three tallest players in the starting lineup, and they were even more intimidating in real time.

 

Park bounced back from its second loss of the season on Wednesday at Canisius, to defeat Timon, 72-57.  The two teams appear to be on track to meet again in the semifinals of the MMA playoffs in Class A.

 

"I think they made a huge impact," Park coach Michael Battaglia said of inserting his three biggest players into his starting lineup.  "They're just starting to learn to work together.  They're really tough kids, they both work hard in practice, and they're really getting better by the game."

 

Chris Efreteui, the team's 7-foot center, played his best game of the season for the Pioneers in the victory, registering 10 points, 17 rebounds, and eight blocks.  His front court mate, 6-8 sophomore Joe Jones added 13 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks.  Jordan Nwora, the team's 6-7 forward and leading scorer who was recently offered by Pitt, also collected a double-double.  Along with Nwora's game-high 28 points, he hauled in 11 rebounds.  The three players spread out along the baseline in Park's 2-3 zone were able to contest Timon's perimeter shots all game, while keeping the paint secure and ripping down every missed shot that wasn't blocked first.

 

"I think that was the biggest difference in this game," said Timon coach Des Randall.  "For them to throw both 'bigs' and play that much, it changed the game plan for us."

 

Coming up with a game plan to attack that much size is no easy task, regardless of how much time you have to prepare.  

 

"We talked about going at them and getting them off their feet, but it's still hard - when you've got two 6-8+ players, it's tough," Randall said.

 

Early on, the Tigers were able to keep pace with their shooting from the perimeter.  Timon banged three 3-pointers in the first eight minutes, two from Quinton Lamar (team-high 17 points) and another from William Lamar, and only trailed by four after one quarter.

 

Park got scoring from all five starters in the first four minutes of the second quarter, including treys from Nwora and Kyle Harris, during a 14-4 run.  Midway through the frame, Park's point guard, Noah Hutchins, picked up his third foul which forced him to the bench with his team leading 32-18.

 

"I'm uncomfortable with him on the bench," said Battaglia. "My coaches have to remind me that's the appropriate thing to do, because if it was just me, I'd let him play."

 

Despite not having their floor general, the Pioneers were able to maintain their lead heading into halftime, thanks in part to a three-point play from Nwora that came 43 seconds before intermission.

 

Tim Payne came off the bench for Timon and had a big third quarter for the Tigers, scoring all nine of his points in the stanza.  Despite his play, Timon could still only trim its deficit by two points, as Efreteui & Jones combined for nine points for Park and continued their strong interior play.

 

Timon finally made a run in the fourth quarter, as the Pioneers' scoring went stale.  The Tigers held Park without a field goal for four minutes.  A three-point play from Davion Warren (11 points), followed by a 3-pointer from freshman Juston Johnson capped a 10-3 run that cut Park's lead to 54-49, with just four minutes to play.

 

But just as the Timon fans were coming alive and you could sense the momentum swinging in the Tigers' favor, Hutchins asserted himself for Park.  The freshman guard who had been forced to the bench earlier in foul trouble, scored three consecutive baskets with one coming off his own steal, to accumulate six points in 59 seconds and restore a double-digit lead for his team.  His play in that moment gave his squad a spark that allowed them to close the game on an 18-8 run and leave with the win.

 

"I think they weren't as deep tonight and at that point, we were starting to wear them down," said Randall.  "The funny part about that, with Noah being in foul trouble, he wasn't out there a lot and he didn't get worn down.  He comes in with that energy and makes those three great plays - you have a guy who by default was sitting and he's got something left in the tank and he showed up, big plays by him."

 

Battaglia was just happy to have his trusted ball handler back in the game's crucial moments.

 

"He plays his best in big games, he's outstanding," Battaglia said.  "I certainly didn't teach him any of that, that's for sure."

 

"I just do anything I can to help my team to win,"  said Hutchins.  "I was struggling at the start and I didn't get a chance to do a lot because I got in foul trouble, so when that opportunity came, I took it."

 

Park travels to Aquinas on Monday night for a nonleague battle between two of the state's top teams, while Timon has another big MMA game coming up when they visit Canisius on Tuesday night.

 

Point Totals

Park:  Jordan Nwora 28, Joe Jones 13, Kyle Harris 11, Chris Efreteui 10, Noah Hutchins 10

Timon:  Quinton Lamar 17, Davion Warren 11, Tim Payne 9, Joe Harrison 7, William Lamar 6, Juston Johnson 6, PJ Lancaster 1

 

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NFHS to host 'Battle at the Border'

                                 VS.

 

 

 

                               

 

 

 In 1980, The United States national team needed a "miracle on ice" to defeat the Soviet Union national team during the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.  When you look at the talent that Niagara Falls coach Sal Constantino is bringing in to the country from Canada to play in the first 'Battle at the Border' hosted by Niagara Falls High School, their opponents from this area of New York may need a miracle on the hardwood to pull out a victory at the event.  If you're a fan of high level high school basketball, or if you want to see some guys play in person before seeing them on your TV playing at the Division I level, then you won't want to miss this event coming up on Saturday, February 6th.  

 

Below is the three-game schedule:

 

 

Saturday, February 6, 2016

 

 

Timon (11-7) vs. Sir Allan MacNab (25-9)  -  3 pm

 

- Sir Allan MacNab from Hamilton has one of Canada's top freshmen in the 6-6 Tre Edwards.  

 

- Timon enters the game as one of the hottest teams in WNY, winning 7 of its last 10 games.  The Tigers are a deep and balanced team that has been a top 10 WNY large school all season, led by senior Quinton Lamar & junior Davion Warren.

 

 

Aquinas (16-2) vs. Vaughan (27-2)  -  4:30 pm

 

- Vaughan is led by sophomore Andrew Nembhard, a high level Division I prospect who has received interest from such schools as Michigan, Syracuse, & Duke. He will transfer to 2015 HS National Champion Montverde Academy next season, where he will replace WNY native and former Canisius Crusader, Howard Washington (2014 Second Team All-Centercourt) at point guard as he moves onto Butler.  Vaughan also boasts Oshane Taylor Douglas,  who is getting MAAC level interest. Vaughan is currently ranked #1 in Canada.  Vaughan's only losses were to Father Henry Carr.

 

- Aquinas enters the game on Saturday as the #8 ranked team in NYS Class AA.  The Lil Irish are led by senior point guard Earnest Edwards, who is averaging 16.3 points per game and has signed to play football at Maine in the fall of 2016.  Aquinas also has three other players who average double figure scoring in Jalen Pickett, David Vito, & Jason Hawkes.  Jamir Jones, who will play football at Notre Dame in the fall of 2016, gives the Lil Irish a strong presence inside.  Aquinas' only losses this season came at the hands of Canisius, the defending NYS Federation Champion who is ranked #2 in NYS Class A.

 

 

Niagara Falls (12-5) vs. Father Henry Carr (25-1)  -  6 pm

 

- Father Henry Carr  is led by 6-7 inside/outside threat, Shamar Bailey, who will attend JUCO next year, but is projected as a mid major Division I recruit.  The team also has four other Division I prospects in Shae Brown (interest from Binghamton & Vermont), Mychael Paulo (interest from Columbia), and John Akende (interest from Niagara).  Father Henry Carr's only loss this season was to Vaugha.

 

- Niagara Falls is led by senior Breon Harris, who is one of WNY's very best defenders.  Junior point guard Qeyion Williams has enjoyed his best varsity season and has come through in some key spots for the Wolverines this season.  Sophomore Syquan Ralands is an aggressive inside player for Falls with a high motor.  The Wolverines have been a top 10 large school in WNY all season and just clinched the division title in the NFL.

 

 

Niagara Falls High School is located at  4455 Porter Rd, Niagara Falls, NY 14305  -  Admission is $5

 

 

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Poll Ballots - 2016 - Week 8

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

 

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

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

Monday, February 1st

Olmsted @ I-Prep - 6 pm

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

 

Tuesday, February 2nd

McKinley @ East - 6 pm

Medina @ Wilson - 6 pm

Lew-Port @ Niagara Wheatfield - 6:30 pm

Niagara Falls @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Kenmore West @ North Tonawanda - 7 pm

Jamestown @ Williamsville North - 7:30 pm

Lancaster @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm

Cheektowaga @ East Aurora - 7:30 pm

Randolph @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, February 3rd

MST Seneca @ Olmsted - 6 pm

Park @ Canisius - 6 pm

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

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

St. Francis @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

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

 

Thursday, February 4th

South Park @ McKinley - 6 pm

Newfane @ Roy-Hart - 6:30 pm

Chautauqua Lake @ Panama - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, February 5th

Olmsted @ Emerson - 6 pm

Park @ Timon - 6:30 pm

Niagara Wheatfield @ Grand Island - 6:30 pm

Lockport @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Lew-Port @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

Olean @ Fredonia - 7 pm

East Aurora @ Maryvale - 7:30 pm

Pine Valley @ Franklinville - 7:30 pm

Randolph @ Portville - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, February 6th

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

Cathedral Prep @ Canisius - 3 pm

Jamestown @ Leadership Academy - 4 pm

Battle at the Border at Niagara Falls HS

Timon vs. Sir Allan MacNab - 3 pm

Aquinas vs. Vaughn - 4:45 pm

Niagara Falls vs. Henry Carr - 6:30 pm

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Poll Ballots - 2016 - Week 7

 

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

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (MMA) - They're now a unanimous number one after winning the first round of the Park series.  For the Crusaders, things are just starting to heat up.  They host #2 small school Walsh on Tuesday, Aquinas (#6 in NYS Class AA) on Thursday, and face Greece Athena (#6 in NYS Class A) in Rochester on Saturday.  Like I said last year - these guys play everybody.

2. Park (MMA) - They get a few days to stew over their first loss after Canisius ended the 17-game winning streak, before hosting St. Francis on Friday night.

3. Amherst (A2) - I spent my Friday evening watching the Tigers, and they're every bit as impressive as I imagined they could be with the team they have this season.  Sweet Home & East Aurora visit the Jungle this week.

4. Williamsville South (A1) - After falling behind 17-3 at the start on Friday, the Billies settled in and won an intense league battle on the road against their top challenger in ECIC II, Starpoint.

5. McKinley (A1) - Hit the century mark for the fourth time this season, in another lopsided win in the city.  Burgard is up next for the Macks.

6. Niagara Falls (AA) - Won their seventh straight, but barely.  A one-point win over Grand Island raised some eyebrows and shows how wide open the Class AA race could be this season.

7. Timon (MMA) - Defeated St. Mary's on Friday for their sixth win in nine games. The Tigers last three losses - Canisius, Aquinas, & Park.

8. Williamsville North (AA) - Sitting pretty atop the ECIC I standings, after sweeping Orchard Park last week.  The Lancaster/Jamestown game on Monday night will be of great interest to North - they might actually cheer for the Red Raiders (or just quietly hope they win).

9. Jamestown (AA) - Speaking of the Red Raiders, they visit Lancaster tonight in the 'Game of the Week'.  After dropping the first round to both Lancaster and North, Jamestown needs a win against the Legends to stay in the race for a league title.

10. Cheektowaga (A2) - In the same week, the Warriors found themselves on each end of a rout.  After putting one on St. Joe's on Monday, they took their lumps at Amherst on Friday night.  They host Maryvale & Springville this week, before a weekend game in Rochester against West Irondequoit.

 

Small Schools

1. Olean (B1) - Dunkirk has size, talent, and athleticism.  The Huskies beat them by 18 points more than they scored, in a 90-36 thrashing.  Southwestern and Williamsville East are scheduled this week.  They're sitting at 14-0 right now, and 11 more wins...

2. Walsh (MMA) - They put it to St. Mary's on Tuesday night, beating the Lancers by 16 and even played Park to a four-point game at their place. There may not be a bigger home court advantage in WNY.  I'll be at Canisius tomorrow night to see if Walsh can compete with the Crusaders on the road (they played the eventual Class A Fed champs to a 10-point game at their place last season).

3. St. Mary's (MMA) - Coming off a week that saw them go 1-2 with losses at Timon & Walsh.  The Lancers will have to get back on track with a pair of road games this week at O'Hara and at St. Joe's.

4. Health Sciences (B2) - The Falcons have their mojo back and then some, after a week that saw them drop double figure losses on a pair of respected opponents.  Health Sciences beat South Park by 15 points and then rocked Tapestry by 25.

5. Middle College (C2) - The Kats also hammered South Park last week with a 22-point win, and then completed the sweep of East when Gary Foster hit the game-winner with seven seconds left.  

6. East Aurora (B1) - Winners of five straight, the Blue Devils just keep creeping up my ballot.  They'll skyrocket up if they can win at Amherst Friday night.  They gave the Tigers their closest league game of the season in the first meeting between the two.

7. Niagara Catholic (MMA) - Double-digit wins for the Patriots in their last two, which were both league games, as they knocked off Cardinal O'Hara & Nichols.

8. Fredonia (B2) - Coming off a pair of blowout wins over Maple Grove and Oracle, heading into Friday's home game with Chautauqua Lake.

9. Cardinal O'Hara (MMA) - Knocked off Nichols by 13 points last week, and followed that up with a win over Cleveland Hill over the weekend.  The Hawks had a one-point loss to the team above them on my ballot, Fredonia.

10. East (C1) - The Panthers had another close loss to Middle College on Friday night, dropping a two-point decision in the final seconds.  But the same Panthers just lost to Burgard, which indicates the young squad at East hasn't figured out how to play consistently yet.  If that doesn't change, the streak of six consecutive sectional titles for the school will come to an end this season.

 

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Top Game of the Week: 1/24/16 -- 1/30/16

(Alex Damiani and Lancaster host Jamestown on Monday / Photo by Mark Mulville)

 

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

 

Monday, January 25th

Burgard @ Grand Island - 6:30 pm

Jamestown @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

Cleveland Hill @ Depew - 7:30 pm

Silver Creek @ Randolph - 7:30 pm

Portville @ Franklinville - 7:30 pm

Chautauqua Lake @ Pine Valley - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 26th

Walsh @ Canisius - 6:30 pm

Rochester East @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Tapestry @ Grand Island - 6:30 pm

Southwestern @ Gowanda - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 27th

Pine Valley @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 28th

Health Sciences @ Timon - 6:30 pm

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

Roy-Hart @ Medina - 6:30 pm

Aquinas @ Canisius - 7 pm

 

Friday, January 29th

Cardinal O'Hara @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

North Tonawanda @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

East Aurora @ Amherst - 6:30 pm

Lockport @ Lew-Port - 7 pm

Cleveland Hill @ Alden - 7 pm

Niagara Catholic @ Nichols - 7:30 pm

Chautauqua Lake @ Fredonia - 7:30 pm

Allegany-Limestone @ Randolph - 7:30 pm

Gowanda @ Portville - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 30th

St. Mary's @ St. Joe's - 2 pm

Tapestry @ Health Sciences - 2:30 pm

Niagara Falls @ Bishop Kearney - 3 pm

RAP Classic at Aquinas

East Aurora vs. Livonia - 2 pm

Cheektowaga vs. West Irondequoit - 3:45 pm

Canisius vs. Greece Athena - 5:30 pm

Aquinas vs. Rush-Henrietta - 7:15 pm

 

Game of the Week - Jamestown @ Lancaster on Monday, January 25th

- On December 10, 2015, Lancaster won in Jamestown for the first time since Ben Drake took over as head coach of the Red Raiders in 1998.  It was also the first league loss Jamestown had suffered in 17 games.  Being that it was the league opener for the Red Raiders, they were suddenly 0-1 in ECIC I to start the season - something I cannot remember happening before then.

Meanwhile, the win for Lancaster propelled them to a 3-0 start in the league and a 7-0 start overall.  The Legends spent a couple weeks as a ranked large school in WNY, while Jamestown was uncharacteristically on the outside, looking in on the top 10 this season.

Coming into this game, Lancaster has a 9-4 mark overall, and a 5-1 record in league after an earlier loss to Orchard Park.  Jamestown has improved to 8-4 overall and is 5-2 in ECIC I after getting tripped up by league-leading Williamsville North, following the Lancaster loss.

While North is undefeated in ECIC I, there are still plenty of games that could effect the outcome of the league race, and this is definitely one of those games.  Lancaster is just one game behind North, and still has both its games against the Spartans coming up.  A win for Jamestown keeps the Red Raiders in contention for the league crown as well, with a rematch at North still upcoming in February.

Also impacted in this game will be the sectional seeding points.  Both teams compete in Class AA and the result of this game will help determine where the two get seeded and could be the difference between a home game & a road game in the Section VI quarterfinals.

When the Legends defeated Jamestown in December, it ended a 36-game winning streak the Red Raiders had held against Lancaster.  After Monday night, either Jamestown will have begun a new streak, or Lancaster will be boasting a 2-game streak against the defending ECIC I & Class AA champs.

 

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Park welcomes Jones back to starting lineup in win over Timon

(Park's 6-8 sophomore, Joe Jones, has returned for the Pioneers / Photo by Larry Scheur)

 

Park got off to an 11-0 start this season and is the top ranked team from Class A in NYS, according to the NYSSWA rankings.  They have talented players at every position, and a lot of size.  How much size? The Pioneers have been rolling out four starters over 6-feet tall:  6-2, 6-2, 6-4, & 6-6.  The first player off the bench (Chris Efreteui) stands 7-feet tall.  If all of that doesn't sound imposing enough, the Pioneers lineup got even larger and more talented last night, when 6-8 sophomore Joe Jones made his return to Park's starting unit.

 

The Pioneers got double figure scoring from all five starters and never trailed, defeating Timon, 75-65.  The Pioneers moved their record to 12-0 on the season, improving the state's second longest winning streak to 17 games, while Timon moves to 7-6 on the year.

 

"Joe is such a talent that he earned his place back in the starting lineup very quickly," Park coach Michael Battaglia said of Jones.  "I think that before Jones' return, Chris Efreteui was playing really well."  

 

The combination of the two, whether in the game at the same time or separately, made life in the paint miserable for the Tigers all evening.  Timon was unable to get clean looks at the basket from the interior, with Jones swatting away seven attempts in his vicinity.  

 

Despite the disadvantage in size, it was the Tigers who played with more passion throughout and even had the edge on the boards.  While Park always maintained it lead, they were never able to pull away, as Timon kept fighting and making runs.  The Pioneers took a 14-point lead in the second quarter that was cut to nine before halftime.  In the third quarter, Timon got within three points, and after falling behind by 22 points in the final stanza, they kept battling until the final buzzer to make it just a 10-point loss on the scoreboard.  To Park's credit, they seem to know just when to turn it on in games and rely on offensive firepower to score in bunches - something they do better than any team around.

 

"I don't like that about them, because were going to get burned sooner or later, but I think it's true," Battaglia agreed.  "We got up by 20, that's it, that was enough for them and they were ready to call it quits - Timon didn't call it quits."

 

After the Park lead was reduced to 38-35 in the third quarter, an 8-0 run in 56 seconds quickly restored its sizable advantage, thanks to 3-pointers from Noah Hutchins and Kyle Harris, along with a bucket from Hunter Anderson.  After taking a 50-38 lead into the final frame, the Pioneers got the fourth quarter started with a 16-6 run to push their lead to the largest of the contest, 66-44.  The final charge included a stretch of three treys and 11 points in 90 seconds from Park, with Jordan Nwora drilling a pair from downtown, Anderson connecting from long range, and Harris laying one in. Nwora, who just picked up his first offer from an ACC school in Pitt, scored 11 points in the final eight minutes.

 

Nwora, Anderson, and Harris all scored 17 points in the game for Park, while Hutchins scored 14 points and Jones added 10 points in his first start.  Anderson added seven rebounds and seven assists.

 

Timon was led by a game-high 21 points from Joe Harrison and got a strong performance from Davion Warren, who drew praise from the Park coach.

 

"I was impressed with that one kid," Battaglia said as he tried to think of his name.  

 

"Davion Warren?" I asked.  "The kid who was trying to guard Joe Jones inside?"

 

"We were trying to guard him," said Battaglia.  "I don't know how many points he had (20), but he's gotten a lot better."

 

William Lamar chipped in 12 points for Timon.  The Tigers' leading scorer Quinton Lamar, was battling the flu and pushed through what he could, totaling five points in limited action.

 

Point Totals:

Park:  Jordan Nwora 17, Huntwer Anderson 17, Kyle Harris 17, Noah Hutchins 14, Joe Jones 10

Timon:  Joe Harrison 21, Davion Warren 20, William Lamar 12, Hunter Lancaster 6, Quinton Lamar 5, PJ Lancaster 1

 

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Poll Ballots - 2016 - Week 6

 (Takal Molson & #2 St. Mary's have a key game at #3 Walsh on Tuesday / Photo by Harry Scull)

 

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

 

Large Schools

1. Park (MMA) - Winners of 16 straight games after routing McDowell (PA) over the weekend.  Timon visits on Tuesday night, and then it's time for the 'Game of the Week' in NYS on Saturday at 3 pm against the defending champs.

2. Canisius (MMA) - The Crusaders beat McKinley on Saturday by the same 26-point margin that they knocked Niagara Catholic off with earlier in the week.  They'll get a week off to think about the game that will end any debate over who should be #1 in WNY, or NYS for that matter.

3. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers have won their first six league games in ECIC III by an average margin of 31 points per game.  One of the only teams to get within shouting distance was Cheektowaga (16-point win), who visits on Friday night.

4. Williamsville South (A1) - Moved up one spot on my ballot, back to where I started them, after their game with Canisius was significantly closer than McKinley's was.  Through seven games, the Billies have won against their competition from ECIC II by an average margin of 29 points per game.  South travels to Starpoint on Friday, the team that should be its toughest obstacle to an unbeaten league mark.

5. McKinley (A1) - In 2013, the Macks lost handily to Canisius at the MLK Classic.  That year, they went on to win the NYSPHAA State Championship in Class A.  McKinley should come away from Saturday with more determination than ever, not a good thing for its upcoming opponents.  The Macks, who are averaging 39-point wins over Yale Cup I teams, draw Hutch-Tech & Burgard this week, teams they've already beaten by 69 & 61 points respectively.

6. Niagara Falls (AA) - Handled their business like pros on Friday night with a 24-point win at Kenmore West, to take a two-game lead on all competition in the NFL.  Falls is the lone undefeated team in their league, heading into games against Kenmore East & Grand Island this week.

7. Timon (MMA) - Speaking of handling their business, the Tigers went into St. Joe's on Friday and came away with a 19-point league win.  Timon seems to have turned the corner, as it has now won five of its last seven, with losses coming to Canisius by one and Aquinas by seven.  Big game Tuesday night at Park.

8. Williamsville North (AA) - The Spartans host Orchard Park on Tuesday and can take a three-game lead on the Quakers in the ECIC I standings with a victory.  North is the lone unbeaten team from their league.

9. St. Joe's (MMA) - Won big (40 points) at Cardinal O'Hara on Tuesday night, and played well in the first half on Friday against Timon, before crumbling late.  The Marauders need a win streak and are looking to start with the three games ahead this week - Cheektowaga on Monday, at Kenmore West on Wednesday, and an important game at St. Francis on Friday.

10. Jamestown (AA) - Well look who it is, remember these guys?  After ruling Class AA the past three seasons, the Red Raiders dipped a bit this year and haven't made it on to this ballot before this weekend.  After a convincing win over Orchard Park on Saturday night and several teams trying to fit into this final slot, I went with Jamestown, who has a winning reputation and an outstanding player in James Rojas.

 

Small Schools 

1. Olean (B1) - Beat Maryvale on Saturday by more points (35) than they allowed (32).  The Huskies are now 13-0 and just 12 wins away from that December 13th prediction.

2. St. Mary's (MMA) - A near 40-point win over Nichols on Friday night saw Takal Molson reach the 1,000 point mark for his career.  The Lancers have a key league game on Tuesday night at Walsh - never an easy place to win.

3. Walsh (MMA) - After just a four-point home loss to Park, the Eagles are ready to prove that they are the best of the MMA Class B schools, when they host St. Mary's on Tuesday night.

4. Health Sciences (B2) - The Falcons picked up a solid win at South Park on Friday - a team that had just won at East.  This week Health Sciences visits Tapestry, its chief competition for the Charter Cup.

5. Middle College (C2) - The Kats looked like they've finally turned the corner and have started playing like the state championship team I predicted they would be.  An overtime loss at McKinley was followed up by a strong second half performance and win over Cheektowaga in the MLK Classic.

6. East (C1) - After watching a game-winning 3-pointer fall for South Park, the steaming Panthers took out their frustrations on Riverside and Sweet Home.  They get a rematch with Middle College this Friday, a team they only lost to by one point in their first meeting.

7. East Aurora (B1) - The Blue Devils will look to extend to a five-game win streak when they face Depew and Pioneer this week in ECIC III.

8. Fredonia (B2) - The Hillbillies should get back in the win column with games coming up this week against Oracle & Maple Grove, after suffering their first unexpected loss of the season at home to Southwestern on Saturday night.

9. Cardinal O'Hara (MMA) - The Hawks put themselves on the map after coming back from a double-figure deficit on Friday night, to beat Tapestry.  We'll find out if they're for real this week, with games coming up against Niagara Catholic, Nichols, and Cleveland Hill.

10. Tapestry (C1) - After pulling out close games recently against Roy-Hart & Randolph, the Thunderhawks got tripped up by Cardinal O'Hara on Friday.  A win over visiting Health Sciences on Tuesday would make everything better.

 

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Top Games of the Week: 1/17/16 -- 1/23/16

(Round 1 is almost here - Canisius at Park on Saturday, January 23rd / Photo by Buffalo News)

 

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

 

Monday, January 18th

Cheektowaga @ St. Joe's - 4:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 19th

Health Sciences @ Tapestry - 6 pm

Timon @ Park - 6:30 pm

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

Medina @ Newfane - 6:30 pm

Niagara Catholic @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

North Tonawanda @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Niagara Wheatfield @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Gowanda @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 20th

Middle College @ South Park - 6 pm

St. Joe's @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Orchard Park @ Williamsville North - 7:30 pm

Chautauqua Lake @ Southwestern - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 21st

Silver Creek @ Portville - 6:30 pm

Nichols @ Niagara Catholic - 7:30 pm

Randolph @ Gowanda - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 22nd

East @ Middle College - 6 pm 

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

Nichols @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

Lockport @ Niagara Wheatfield - 6:30 pm

Williamsville South @ Starpoint - 7 pm

Lew-Port @ North Tonawanda - 7 pm

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

Jamestown @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm

Cheektowaga @ Amherst - 7:30 pm

Southwestern @ Dunkirk - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 23rd

Cardinal O'Hara @ Cleveland Hill - 1:30 pm

Canisius @ Park - 3 pm

 

Game of the Week - Canisius @ Park on Saturday, January 23rd

- This weekend, the hottest ticket in town will be admission into The Park School on Harlem Road in Amherst on Saturday afternoon.  I can't remember a more highly anticipated regular season matchup in this area in my time of following high school hoops, and for good reason.  This game offers everything you could want out of a big time high school game.

Canisius & Park are the two top ranked large schools in WNY, and considered by most to be in their own tier of the top ten.  Both teams have compiled several wins over the best teams from this area already.  Canisius has beaten the likes of Aquinas, Williamsville South, McKinley, Timon, & St. Joe's.  Park owns wins over Amherst, Niagara Falls, St. Mary's, Middle College, St. Joe's, & Starpoint.  Both teams have beaten Bishop Kearney.

Last season, both teams reached the pinnacle of success for their respective classifications - NYS Federation Championships.  Canisius finished its 2015 season off by claiming the ultimate prize in Class A, while the Pioneers did the same thing in Class B, on the same weekend, one day after they watched and cheered the Crusaders on to victory.  It was likely the last time they will ever root for a Canisius victory.  While Park finished the year as the #1 ranked team in NYS Class B and Canisius earned the same distinction from Class A, the Pioneers moved up to Class A this season.  

Now that Park is in Class A with the Crusaders, both share space in the NYS rankings together.  Park has been the state's top ranked team in Class A all season, while Canisius is expected to be sitting at #3 when the new state rankings are released tomorrow.  With #1 vs. #3 getting it on in Class A this Saturday, Canisius @ Park is not only the 'Game of the Week' in WNY, we are talking about the biggest game in the entire Empire State.  Best of all, it should only be the first of an epic trilogy this season.

If you find yourself on the outside looking in this Saturday afternoon, I think you know where you can find updates.

 

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Poll Ballots - 2016 - Week 5

 

 (Niagara Catholic won a loose ball scramble for the last spot on my ballot this week / Photo by Buffalo News)

 

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

 

Large Schools

1. Park (MMA) - Coming off double-digit victories over St. Joe's & St. Mary's, heading into a week where they'll visit Walsh on Tuesday, host St. Francis Thursday, and travel to Erie for a MLK tournament over the weekend.

2. Canisius (MMA) - After getting pushed at Timon, needing to score the last four points over the final 36 seconds to pull it out, the Crusaders could do no wrong in a rout of St. Joe's on Friday.  After a game with Niagara Catholic this week, Canisius faces McKinley in the 'Game of the Week' at the MLK Classic this Saturday.

3. Amherst (A2) - We've already reached the point in the season where the remaining regular season games should all see the Tigers as heavy favorites, based on where Amherst has been in the polls this season, who they've already beaten, and where they have their sites set on reaching.  

4. McKinley (A1) - The week is finally here when we'll get a real gauge of where the Macks are at.  While they've been crushing teams by 32.7 points per game, they've only played one team ranked between the large & small school poll - East at their place.  Middle College visits on Wednesday, before the big game on Saturday against Canisius.

5. Williamsville South (A1) - Picked up a pair of league wins this week in ECIC II, but lost over the weekend by 20 at Aquinas - a team that has beaten Lockport by 46, Timon by 40, & at St. Joe's by 21.

6. Niagara Falls (AA) - Rolled over Lockport down the stretch last week to move into first place in the NFL standings.  Will look to sweep the season series against Kenmore West this week.

7. Timon (MMA) - Since losing to Starpoint by three at the ADPRO Challenge, the Tigers have played like a top ten team in wins over Williamsville North, North Tonawanda, & St. Francis, along with giving Canisius its closest local game this season.  They'll get another shot at Aquinas on their court this week, and visit St. Joe's on Friday night in what is always a great matchup.  

8. St. Joe's (MMA) - Games against Cardinal O'Hara, Wlash, and Timon await the Marauders this week, which should seem like a sharp contrast to road games at Park & Canisius from last week.

9. Kenmore West (AA) - Look who's debuting in the poll this week.  There's a lot to like about the Blue Devils team that is buying in, especially the way they handled their business at Lockport on Friday.  Huge game at home with Niagara Falls this week - they'll need a win for any realistic hope of earning a share of the NFL crown.

10. Williamsville North (AA) - The Spartans have no bad losses this season, but do have wins at Jamestown and Orchard Park, which have North sitting in first place in ECIC I.  If they can win Tuesday night's game at Lancaster, they will have beaten the top three teams in their league on the road.

 

Small Schools

1. Olean (B1) - Got my first look at Olean this week, then took a second look two nights later.  After 400 miles, I can say they are talented, but it's their team chemistry that will carry them to Glens Falls if they maximize their potential.  I haven't seen a team that moves the ball better this year.  They picked up wins over Fredonia and Jamestown last week, and will host Maryvale on Saturday.

2. St. Mary's (MMA) - I was planning on moving Walsh up to number two in the event that St. Mary's knocked off last week's number two, Health Sciences.  But after witnessing the way the Lancers did the Falcons, and then competing with Park two nights later, St. Mary's deserved this spot.

3. Walsh (MMA) - The Eagles took care of Nichols handily last week, and then got out of North Tonawanda with a win on Saturday afternoon.  There's been some spirited debate in Olean this season as to who the best small school is in that city, as Walsh feels they could beat the Huskies, given the opportunity.  They host Park tonight, visit St. Joe's on Wednesday, and host Niagara Catholic on Friday.  For what it's worth, I think the Huskies would be 2-1 over that three game stretch.

4. Health Sciences (B2) - A heavy dose of reality was just what Falcons' coach Ty Parker was looking for this season when he designed his schedule, and that's what Health Sciences got in road games at Park & St. Mary's.  The challenges continue this week, when the Falcons play at South Park.

5. Middle College (C2) - The Kats hopes of winning the Yale Cup this season will go through McKinley, and Round One is this Wednesday night at Mack High.  Middle College also plays Cheektowaga on Saturday in the MLK Classic, which should hold a high entertainment value.

6. East (C1) - After a pair a lopsided league wins last week over Hutch-Tech & Bennett, the Panthers host South Park tonight in a very intriguing Yale Cup I game.  They will be over .500 after this week's games, and maybe just maybe, the comical state rankings will include them among the top schools in Class C.

7. East Aurora (B1) - Dropped a close game at Cheektowaga this week, but bounced back nicely with a win over Maryvale.  The Blue Devils face more large schools than small schools in their schedule.

8. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks won an exciting game against Randolph at the United Way Showcase in Jamestown over the weekend, the second time they've beaten the Cardinals this season.  They host Cardinal O'Hara on Friday night in what should be a battle.

9. Fredonia (B2) - The Hillbillies showed on Thursday night at Olean that they can be in any game, thanks to the way they defend and play together.  They pushed the Huskies to their closest game of the season and then held Silver Creek to a season-low 34 points on Saturday.

10. Niagara Catholic (MMA) - I was regretful for not voting Niagara Catholic in last week, after realizing that they had beaten the same Harborcreek team that Fredonia lost to.  I looked closely at last week's results and decided to find room for both Fredonia & Niagara Catholic, but gave the Hillbillies the edge, coming off a better showing at Olean than the Patriots had in a loss to St. Francis.  I was the only pollster to throw Niagara Catholic a bone this week, and with games against Canisius, St. Mary's, & Walsh coming up, they'll probably need a win in at least one of those to remain here next week.

 

-centercourt

 

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

(Canisius vs McKinley at the MLK Classic / Photo by James McCoy)

 

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

 

Monday, January 11th

South Park @ East - 6 pm

Park @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

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

Dunkirk @ Chautauqua Lake - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 12th

MST Seneca @ Emerson - 6 pm

Roy-Hart @ Wilson - 6 pm

Maryvale @ Cheektowaga - 6:30 pm

Lew-Port @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Williamsville North @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 13th

Middle College @ McKinley - 6 pm

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

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

 

Friday, January 15th

Health Sciences @ South Park - 6 pm

Niagara Catholic @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

Dunkirk @ St. Francis - 6:30 pm

Newfane @ Wilson - 6:30 pm

Cardinal O'Hara @ Tapestry - 6:30 pm

North Tonawanda @ Niagara Wheatfield - 6:30 pm

Niagara Falls @ Kenmore West - 7 pm

Timon @ St. Joe's - 7 pm

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

 

Saturday, January 16th

Maryvale @ Olean - 2:30 pm

Orchard Park @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

MLK Classic at City Honors

East vs. Sweet Home - 11 am

Middle College vs. Cheektowaga - 12:30 pm

McKinley vs. Canisius - 3:15 pm

 

Game of the Week - Canisius vs. McKinley on Saturday, January 16th at the MLK Classic

- The annual MLK Classic main event was never better than the 'Game of the Year' candidate that the Macks & Crusaders played last season.  With the two local heavyweights once again among the few elite programs in the area, there's no reason to think this year's MLK Classic feature game will be anything less than spectacular.

The Macks are in need of a competitive game, and Canisius should be just the team to give them that and more.  McKinley's closest game this season was a 15-point win in its opener against St. Francis.  That game and a 16-point win over Williamsville North are the only games the Macks have won by less than 24 points, as they've averaged an astounding 32.7 point margin of victory through nine games.

The Crusaders are coming off a 36-point win over top ten large school St. Joe's, and have only lost one game - the championship game of an eight-team National Jesuit Tournament, to Geaorgetown Prep of Maryland.  Cansisus' conquests this season already include wins over Aquinas, Bishop Kearney, and Williamsville South - the team that ended McKinley's season last year.  

Plan on arriving early if you don't want to be forced to stand all game, or even worse, not get in.  This marquee matchup packs them in every season, and for good reason - these two get after it.  Canisius & McKinley have both been top five large schools in WNY now for the better part of a decade and both have won state championships since 2013.  There's no other way I'd want to celebrate Martin Luther King weekend, than to watch the Crusaders and Macks battle for 32 minutes...or 36...or 40...or 44...hey, Mr. King could dream, and so can I.

 

-centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings - Week 4 - 2016

 

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

 

They have this "We do not rank teams below .500 policy".  I have never agreed with this policy, because if you really want to the best 25 teams in a classification represented in a somewhat accurate order, simply looking at records and standings will be very misleading.  But whatever right?  Policy is policy, thus teams like Middle College & East, who we all know are among the top 20 teams in NYS Class C (more likely top 10 for both) have to wait until they collect a bunch of lopsided league wins to counteract losses to highly ranked large schools from December's nonleague schedule.  Basically, punishing teams for creating and playing a challenging schedule designed make the team better.  But like I said, policy is policy, and as long as they stay consistent with that, we'll live with it.

But once you become inconsistent with your own policy, you quickly lose credibility.  That's what I've caught the state rankings doing this week, and that inconsistency makes a mockery of the same rankings in other classifications.  Here's what I discovered:

Mount Vernon had been #14 in NYS Class AA last week with a record of 1-1.  After collecting one win and two losses, with the second loss to Green Tech (#19 in NYS Class AA), Mount Vernon's record dropped to 2-3.  But it didn't drop them out of the state rankings - instead, you will find Mount Vernon sitting at #24 this week in NYS Class AA with a 2-3 record.  

Let me guess - you're confident Mount Vernon is in fact a top 25 team in Class AA and feel that a heavy front-loaded schedule is responsible for the sub .500 record, but come postseason time, Mount Vernon will be right there in the mix??  And they are undoubtedly better than other teams you could have put in the #24 spot that Lockport (with a 7-2 record) occupied last week, right??  

Well, I would agree 100%.  Mount Vernon should be ranked.  They are a top 25 team in Class AA. Duh!!!  But you can't just decided that in this particular case, an exception is warranted.  Stick to your inane, stupid, illogical policy that if you are below .500, you couldn't possibly be a team deserving of rank.  Let's not try getting it right this week just because it's 'Big Bad Mount Vernon'.  Instead, stand up and proudly exclaim "We do not believe Mount Vernon is a top 25 team at this time.  The sluggish 2-3 start suggests that Mount Vernon is no longer a top 25 power, at least not at this time.  This is our policy."

If it makes sense to the state rankings panel that Middle College is not one of the best 20 Class C teams in this state because they lost to Park and UPrep, then stay consistent.  If East (who just beat Class AA #24 Lockport) is to receive no consideration as a top 20 team in Class C because they have losses to the likes of Bishop Kearney, Edison Tech, McKinley, Timon, & Middle College before getting to eat up the cupcakes on its schedule, then don't make exceptions for other teams.  Lots of teams are worthy of the exception granted to Mount Vernon.

 

Class AA

No Teams Ranked

 

Class A 

Park #1

Canisius #4

Amherst #13

McKinley #16

Williamsville South #24

 

 Class B

Olean #1

Walsh #6

St. Mary's #15

Health Sciences #20

 

 Class C 

Tapestry #5

 

 Class D

Franklinville #10

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

- Lockport's consecutive losses to Aquinas & East got them dropped from the rankings in Class AA.

 

- Amherst bumped up five spots, from #18 to #13 in NYS Class A, after winning the Anthony Parlato Memorial Tournament.

 

- Williamsville South, who had been #20 in NYS Class A, falls to #24 after traveling to NYC and losing at Chaminade, who was ranked #9 in NYS Class A.  If South was Mount Vernon, they may have moved into the top 10 for that loss...

 

- McKinley moves up seven spots in NYS Class A, from #23 to #16, following wins over Nichols & Cheektowaga.

 

- Franklinville slid four spots to #10 in NYS Class D after suffering its first loss of the season.

 

For the complete NYSSWA rankings, click here.

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots - 2016 - Week 4

(JaQuoine Fogan & Tapestry are state-ranked and #8 on my small school ballot / Photo by Mark Mulville)

 

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

 

Large

1. Park (MMA) - Once again in a double overtime victory over Bishop Kearney, the Pioneers were able to flip a switch in the game's crucial minutes and take over.  Park will look to extend its winning streak to 14 games by week's end, hosting St. Joe's on Tuesday and visiting St. Mary's Friday night.

2. Canisius (MMA) - Reached the championship game of an eight-team National Jesuit Tournament in NYC over break, where their state-leading 16-game winning streak game to an end at the hands of Maryland's Georgetown Prep.  This week, its personal for the Crusaders - they visit Timon and former assistant coach Des Randall on Tuesday, before hosting their rivals (SJCI) on Friday night.

3. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers also went to NYC over the break, and won the Anthony Parlato Memorial Tournament, defeating both East Islip and Center Moriches by double figures, with TC Brown named Tournament MVP.  

4. McKinley (A1) - In its second year of existence, the Macks won a second McKinley Tournament handily, running past Nichols and Cheektowaga as Kesean Fisher earned MVP honors.  

5. Williamsville South (A1) - Another area team that went to NYC over break, the Billies scored an exciting win over Westbury on a game-winning 3-pointer from Graham Dolan, before falling to Chaminade in the final.  

6. Lockport (AA) - Someone forgot to wish the Lions Happy Holidays, because the break was not kind to previously unbeaten Lockport.  After a 40-point loss to Aquinas, the Lions fell to East the following night in the consolation game.  Based on their double figure wins over St. Joe's and Starpoint, I left them here for another week, until we see how they fare in the 'Game of the Week' at Niagara Falls on Tuesday.

7. St. Joe's (MMA) - Knocked off Starpoint on Wednesday to earn its second top 10 win of the season, heading into a huge week...at Park on Tuesday and at Canisius on Friday.  Jeesh!

8. Niagara Falls (AA) - After 17 days off, the Wolverines will take the court against Lockport on Tuesday night in the 'Game of the Week'.  The winner will take sole possession of first place in the NFL.

9. Starpoint (A2) - Despite losing at St. Joe's on Wednesday night, the Spartans looked like they'd shaken off whatever was ailing them during the "Lockport incident".  With only league games remaining, Starpoint will focus on going after the ECIC II title - something they'll need to take from Williamsville South.

10. Timon (MMA) - Brought the Tigers back onto my ballot after seeing them cruise past North Tonawanda on Tuesday night, and carefully analyzing the results we have to date.  Timon owns a win at Bishop Kearney, a season-opening win over East, and defeated Williamsville North. Those wins top the best wins from the next two schools in consideration - Lancaster (Jamestown, South Park, Tapestry, Nichols) or Kenmore West (Nichols, O'Hara, Niagara Wheatfield).

 

Small Schools

1. Olean (B1) - Had no problem winning the IAABO Tournament last week, mowing through Bradford and Warren in the process.  Two of its biggest games left before sectionals are this week, as the Huskies host Fredonia on Thursday and visit Jamestown on Saturday.  

2. Health Sciences (B2) - Have been idle since knocking off Middle College to take the #2 spot on my ballot, but return to action tonight against BASCS.  On Wednesday night, the Falcons fly into St. Mary's for a showdown.

3. Walsh (MMA) - The Eagles finally lost their first game to Coudersport in a Holiday Tournament.  They will look to get back on track during a pair of road trips this week - at Nichols in a toip 10 small school battle on Tuesday, and at North Tonawanda on Saturday.

4. Middle College (C1) - Back in action for the first time this week since losing to Health Sciences.  The Kats host Riverside on Tuesday and are at Burgard on Thursday.

5. East (C1) - Last week I was defending having the Panthers at #6 with a 1-5 record.  This week, I moved them up a spot after beating Lockport - the #6 large school that entered the week as the only team from WNY ranked by the state in Class AA.  

6. St. Mary's (MMA) - After winning the Depew Tournament prior to break, the Lancers added another tournament trophy to the case, hoisting the hardware at the Five Guys Tournament after defeating Global Concepts & Williamsville North on consecutive nights.  Host Cardinal O'Hara on Tuesday, before Health Sciences arrives on Wednesday for a small school showdown.

7. East Aurora (B1) - The Blue Devils start the New Year off with a pair of tough league games in ECIC III against large schools, that should be very competitive.  On Wednesday they'll visit Cheektowaga, then host Maryvale on Friday.

8. Tapestry (C1) - Survived a scare from visiting Roy-Hart on Wednesday, escaping with a 56-53 win.  Host WNY Maritime tonight, before a trip to Jamestown on Saturday for a rematch with Randolph, who the Thunderhawks beat by five early in December.

9. Nichols (MMA) - Got to experience McKinley's pressure first hand last week, before bouncing back with a win over MST Seneca the following day.  A win over visiting Walsh on Tuesday night would be major.

10. Fredonia (B2) - The Hillbillies debut in this spot after winning the Clarence Tournament last week, and Franklinville falling to Chautauqua Lake - a team Fredonia has beaten already.  However, I didn't catch something until after it was too late, that may have changed who occupied this spot.  One of Fredonia's losses was to Harborcreek by 14 points, a team Niagara Catholic just beat.  Fredonia faces Dunkirk, Olean, & Silver Creek this week, while Niagara Catholic visits St. Francis.  I will monitor results closely and re-assess over the weekend.

 

-centercourt

Top Games of the Week: 1/3/16 -- 1/9/16

(Andrew Austin leads Lockport into Niagara Falls on Tuesday for the 'Game of the Week' / Photo by Lockport Star)

 

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

 

Monday, January 4th

Dunkirk @ Fredonia - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 5th

McKinley @ South Park - 6 pm

Walsh @ Nichols - 6:30 pm

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

North Tonawanda @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Lockport @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

Canisius @ Timon - 6:30 pm

Niagara Catholic @ St. Francis - 7 pm

 

Wednesday, January 6th

Olmsted @ MST Seneca - 6 pm

I-Prep @ Emerson - 6 pm

East Aurora @ Cheektowaga - 6:30 pm

Willaimsville North @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

Orchard Park @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

Health Sciences @ St. Mary's - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 7th

Fredonia @ Olean - 7:30 pm

Salamanca @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 8th

Emerson @ Olmsted - 6 pm

Roy-Hart @ Newfane - 6:30 pm

Kenmore West @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Alden @ Tonawanda - 6:30 pm

St. Joe's @ Canisius - 7 pm

Medina @ Albion - 7 pm

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

Maryvale @ East Aurora - 7:30 pm

United Way Showcase at Jamestown HS

Tapestry vs. Randolph - 6 pm

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

 

Saturday, January 9th

Willaimsville South @ Aquinas - 2:30 pm

United Way Showcase at Jamestown HS

Dunkirk vs. Bennett - 12:30 pm

Fredonia vs. Silver Creek - 2:15 pm

Maple Grove vs. Panama - 4 pm

Sherman vs. Randolph - 5:45 pm

Olean vs. Jamestown - 7:30 pm

 

Game of the Week - Lockport @ Niagara Falls on Tuesday, January 5th

- In 2014 after getting hit hard by graduation, Niagara Falls rolled out a lineup of fresh-faced underclassmen that would carry them over the next three seasons.  That same year, Lockport boasted a senior-laden unit that would share league title honors in the NFL with Kenmore West.  That Lions team was the first to ever sweep the Wolverines in a season and wound up advancing to Buffalo State for the Class AA semifinals.

Last season, it was Lockport that turned to a new group in its rotation, while a year of seasoning had helped the young Wolverines to get back on top of the NFL, sharing league crown honors with North Tonawanda.  Niagara Falls returned to Buffalo State in Class AA last season and advanced to the sectional championship.

Entering this season, Niagara Falls came in with its best group since 2013 and were the preseason favorites to win both the NFL and Class AA.  The Wolverines second game of the season was against Park, the top-ranked Class A team in NYS, a game they only lost by two points.  That same night, Lockport caught the attention of area hoop followers with a 13-point win over St. Joe's.

Since that night, both Falls & Lockport have won all their league games.  But it was some nonleague results that really set the stage for the Game of the Week.  Starpoint played a game at Park and only lost by three points.  They followed that up with a win over Timon.  Then just three days later, the highly-regarded Spartans traveled to Lockport, and got thumped by 30 points.  That same week, Niagara Falls coughed up a late lead at the ADPRO Challenge and lost to the same St. Joe's team that the Lions beat.

Suddenly, Lockport was the only team from WNY ranked by NYS in Class AA and also moved ahead of Niagara Falls in the local large school poll.  The question that then arose - is Lockport now the favorite to win the NFL and Class AA this year? Maybe so, but I'm not making any proclamations just yet.  The Lions suffered their first loss of the season to Aquinas over the break in a complete rout, and followed it up with a loss the next night to small school East of the Yale Cup.  

Is Lockport back sliding or was it just a holiday slump?  Is Niagara Falls still the team to beat after allowing the St. Joe's comeback?  Thankfully we have the 'Game of the Week' to sort it all out, where I will be front & center(court) for - and yes, the winner will be the favorites in both the league and the section.

 

-centercourt

2015 ADPRO Public/Private Challenge: Saturday Recap

 

Canisius 66, Williamsville South 50

The Crusaders outscored the Billies, 37-16, in the second and third quarters, to remain undefeated at 4-0 on the season.  Stafford Trueheart led the way with a game-high 24 points, while Madut Ayiy scored 13 points.  Canisius fell behind in the early going, as South came out with more energy and found open perimeter shots at the start.  However, midway through the second frame, the Crusaders grabbed the lead for good and then poured it on to start the second half by scoring 16 unanswered points during one stretch.

 

"We played with a heck of a lot more intensity than we did in the first quarter," Canisius coach Kyle Husband said of his team's response after a slow start.

 

The size the Billies gave up to Canisius also became glaringly obvious as the game wore on, with South unable to find scoring in the paint.

 

"Our length can really create a lot of problems for other teams, especially for teams that don't have nearly as much size as we do - like South,"  Husband said.

 

South coach Gabe Michael echoed the same sentiments. 

 

"They did a nice job and contested everything"  Michael said.  "It's tough for us to play against big guys, because we don't have any."

 

Michael also expected a better offensive showing, and more success against the pressure brought by Canisius.

 

 "We were bad offensively for most of the game," he said.  "I thought we let their press get to us, which I never thought would happen."

 

Point Totals

Canisius:  Stafford Trueheart 24, Madut Ayiy 13, Will Atkinson 11, Jayce Johnson 5, Charles Hart 3, Jerimiah Wagstaff 3, Andrew Schake 2

Williamsville South:  Greg Dolan 18, Myles Hall 18, Jordan Buell 8, Graham Dolan 6

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

 

Starpoint 65, Timon 62

The Spartans never trailed in the first half, as Brock Kroening was on fire, scoring 18 of his game-high 27 points in the half.  Davion Warren scored with 3:40 remaining in the third quarter to give Timon its first lead, which seemed to provide a spark for the team.  The Tigers had built a seven-point lead with just three minutes to play, before a bucket from Kroening ignited a 12-2 finish for the Spartans, including the go-ahead basket - a trey that became a four-point play by Adam Lasal with 1:04 left.

 

Point Totals

Starpoint:  Brock Kroening 27, Christian Nodine 16, Adam Lasal 12, Garrett Longwell 6, Ben Walters 4

Timon:  Quinton Lamar 17, Joe Harrison 11, William Lamar 9, Davion Warren 9, Tyler Ringwood 9, Juston Johnson 5, Hunter Lancaster 2

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

 

Jamestown 67, St. Mary's 56

 The Lancers scored eight straight points in the middle of the third quarter to take a 39-35 lead over Jamestown.  But the Red Raiders answered with a 22-4 burst over the next six minutes that included four 3-pointers from Tyler Hind, the team's starting 8th grade point guard.  The run pushed the Jamestown lead to 57-43, and St. Mary's never recovered.  James Rojas scored a 2015 ADPRO Challenge high 30 points in the victory. 

 

Point Totals

Jamestown:  James Rojas 30, Zacc Kinsey 14, Tyler Hind 12, Noah Johnson 6, Luke Kindberg 5

St. Mary's:  Tak Molson 20, Kayson Hill 12, Cam Dunning 10, Joseph Stoj 5, Eric Brown 4, Matt Ciezki 3, Christian Szablewski 2

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

 

 

Walsh 62, Maryvale 54

After trailing the entire second quarter, Walsh drilled consecutive 3-pointers (Noah Watson & Christian Churakos) to take the lead at the start of the second half, and they never gave it up the rest of the way.  The game featured an entertaining battle of underclassmen point guards, Tavien Kemp of Walsh (game-high 26 points) and Ray Blackwell (team-high 19 points).  The win kept an unbeaten season intact for the Eagles.

 

Point Totals

Walsh:  Tavien Kemp 26, Adam Moore 12, Christian Churakos 9, Latrell Butler-Kemp 8, Noah Watson 7

Maryvale:  Ray Blackwell 19, Ted York-Brown 15, Floyd Remley 8, Brian Sullivan 4, Marcus Ford 3, Drew Crombie 3, Dylan Casey 2

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

 

Fredonia 49, Cardinal O'Hara 48

Trailing by four points late in the game, Jarod Burmaster canned a long-range bomb to get Fredonia within a point.  Patrick Moore's two free throws with 28 seconds left gave the Hillbillies a one-point lead, but the Hawks still had plenty of time to take the potential game-winner.  O'Hara got a good look at the basket , from a good spot on the floor, but the shot rimmed out with just five seconds left and Fredonia rebounded, drew a foul, and secured the win.

 

Point Totals

Fredonia:  Patrick Moore 20, Jarod Burmaster 8, Jovany Ruiz 8, Eric Swoyer 6, Michael Pucci 4, Lucas Voss 3

O'Hara:  Stephen Boyd 12, Nasir Benton 9, Charles Debose 8, Justin Hemphill 8, Rene Velazquez 6, Deamontae Riley 5

 

-centercourt

 

Schedule for the ADPRO Challenge

The annual ADPRO Public/Private Challenge tips this afternoon at Depew High School.  The three-day, 11-game event pairs the 10 schools from the Monsignor Martin Association, along with a small independent catholic school from Williamsville, against 11 public schools from various leagues throughout Section VI.  

 

The event was originated by former St. Mary's AD/Coach Kevin Kelleher and ADPRO Senior vice president & former Sweet Home coach Paul Schintzius and started out as the ECIC / MMA Challenge.  Current Canisius HS Coach and ADPRO employee Kyle Husband, has since taken over the administration of the Challenge.  Since it's inception, the event has grown, now billed as the "Public/Private Challenge" as it expanded past just the ECIC to include teams from all over WNY.   St. Mary's hosted the Challenge for years, before the event took on a different format which would see it held at a different host school each season.  Two years ago, Canisius held the Challenge, while St. Joe's hosted last season.

 

Below is the complete three-day schedule, and as you will notice, it includes multiple games that will impact Large & Small School Poll votes and be talked about for the rest of the season.  The feature games on Friday & Saturday alone, pair up 'Top 5' Large Schools.

 Thursday, December 17th

Holland (ECIC IV) vs. CCA (IAC) - 4:30 pm

Kenmore West (NFL) vs. Nichols (MMA-B) - 6:15 pm

Niagara Falls (NFL) vs. St. Joe's (MMA-A) - 8 pm

 

Friday, December 18th

Newfane (N-O) vs. Niagara Catholic (MMA-B) - 4:30 pm

Depew (ECIC III) vs. St. Francis (MMA-A) - 6:15 pm

Amherst (ECIC III) vs. Park (MMA-A) - 8 pm

 

Saturday, December 19th

Fredonia (CCAA I West) vs. Cardinal O'Hara (MMA-B) - 12 pm

Maryvale (ECIC III) vs. Walsh (MMA-B) - 1:45 pm

Jamestown (ECIC I) vs. St. Mary's (MMA-B) - 3:30 pm

 Starpoint (ECIC II) vs. Timon (MMA-A) - 5:15 pm

Williamsville South (ECIC II) vs. Canisius (MMA-B) - 7 pm

 

** Admission is $5/per day.  Concessions will be available.

 

-centercourt

 

Poll Ballots - 2016 - Week 1

(Park starts at the top of my ballot, will have everyone gunning for them this season)

 

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

 

Large Schools

1. Park (MMA) - Two years ago, the Pioneers were #8 on my small school ballot in Week 1.  Last season, they were the #1 small school on my ballot from start to finish.  Now, with a bump up to Class A, they're starting out again in the pole position, only this time with the large schools.  Let's see where they finish.

2. Canisius (MMA) - If it turns out that I was wrong to start the defending NYS Class A Federation Champions ranked a spot behind Park, a plea of insanity may hold up as a credible defense.  I just may be nuts to pick against the Crusaders, it certainly felt weird typing a '2' in front of the name.

3. Amherst (A2) - Started the season out by winning the Bob Hetler Classic, again, then followed it up with a major nonleague win over Bishop Kearney.  If you still need more convincing, the Tigers also won at Cheektowaga already and by double figures, for a big leg up in ECIC III.  They'll get a chance to really make a statement on Friday night when they play Park in the ADPRO Public/Private Challenge at Depew.

4. Niagara Falls (AA) - Easily the best Falls team since Jermaine Crumpton, now providing valuable minutes for Canisius College, graduated.  There's a lot to like about the Wolverines, particularly their backcourt of Breon Harris & Qeyion Williams.  They face another team with strong guard play when they take the court against St. Joe's on Thursday night at the ADPRO Public/Private Challenge.

5. Williamsville South (A1) - Here's another team with an outstanding backcourt (Greg Dolan & Myles Hall) that will be tough to keep from repeating last season's successes.  The Billies have a pair of big games this week, hosting Cheektowaga on Thursday night and drawing Canisius in the headliner of the ADPRO Public/Private Challenge on Saturday night.

6. McKinley (A1) - If the Macks earn a pair of league wins this week over Hutch-Tech & Burgard, they'll be 4-0 when Williamsville North arrives on Friday night for their annual nonleague tilt.

7. Timon (MMA) - The Tigers went on the road Friday night and came home from Bishop Kearney with a come-from-behind victory.  They head back out to Rochester on Thursday night to visit Aquinas, before a Saturday matinee with Starpoint at the ADPRO Public/Private Challenge.

8. Lancaster (AA) - Hail to the...Legends as they're now called.  Ding-dong, the streak is dead, after Lancaster travels to Jamestown and snaps a 36-game skip versus the Red Raiders.  Victories over Dunkirk, Nichols, & South Park as well have the Legends off to a 4-0 start and believing this could be their year.

9. Starpoint (A2) - I was high on the Spartans coming into the season and remain there after they started 1-2, losing their first two games to Vaughan & Park (Niagara Falls began its season the exact same way).  Remember, Starpoint returns five of its top seven from last season, when they split with South and lost to Olean at sectionals.

10. Williamsville North (AA) - Looked great for three quarters in a win over Cheektowaga and for two quarters in a loss at South.  When they're on, they're easilty a top 10 team.  But the Spartans play too many good teams this season to remain in the poll on reputation, and as early as this week, we'll know even more about North.  They travel to Orchard Park on Tuesday and visit McKinley Friday.

 

Small Schools 

1. Olean (B1) - Seriously, how mad is the rest of Class B that these guys had the numbers to move back down?  I don't know the exact answer, but when I go back as far as 2007, I can offer this incredible statistic:  when Olean is in Class B, they advance to regionals. I don't expect this season to be any different, and in fact, I've never been more sure that a team will be representing Section VI in the Class B regionals.

2. Middle College (C2) - With all five starters back for the team that advanced to the regionals in Class C a year ago, the Kats are on a state championship or bust mission and looking to snag another Yale Cup along the way.

3. St. Mary's (MMA) - Opened their season with a victory over Tapestry and never trailed in the game, despite lacking the same energy as their opponent.

4. Walsh (MMA) - Traveled to Lew-Port this weekend and put one on the Lancers.  I'll get my first look at the Eagles on Saturday at the ADPRO Public/Private Challenge, when they face Maryvale.

5. East (C1) - Haven't played since their season-opening loss to Timon at the Pastor-Cooper Showcase.  League play begins this week for the Panthers, hosting Burgard on Tuesday and Middle College on Thursday.

6. Health Sciences (B2) - Falcons will roll down Harlem Road today and arrive at Park with a 4-0 record.  If they leave with a 5-0 record, they'll be flying up on this ballot.

7. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks, who play at Medina tomorrow, are 3-1, with the loss coming to St. Mary's.  Knocked off Randolph over the weekend.

8. Nichols (MMA) - The Vikings have already registered 20+ point wins over both Cleveland Hill and Medina, and competed with an upstart Lancaster team.  Very interesting game coming up on Thursday when they draw Kenmore West at the ADPRO Public/Private Challenge.

9. East Aurora (B1) - Three blowouts to start the year for East Aurora, except the Blue Devils were on the wrong end of one of them in a loss at Olean.  We'll see how the season shakes out, but I'm thinking that may have been a Class B1 final preview between the Blue Devils & Huskies.

10. Silver Creek (C2) - The Black Knights get this final spot after four straight Section VI Finals appearances and a pair of lopsided wins to start the season.  We'll know a lot more about Silver Creek by week's end, after they travel to Cardinal O'Hara on Thursday night.

 

-centercourt

Pastor-Cooper Showcase recap

(Jordan Nwora turned in a Showcase-high 32 point/17 rebound performance in Park's win over Middle College. Photo by Larry Scheur)

 

Park 79, Middle College 64

Ethan Cottrell got the 2016 Park season started in style, throwing down a contested one-handed slam & converting the And1 to open the game's scoring.  The play would set the tone for a heavyweight Showcase finale between two teams with state championship aspirations this season.  Park never trailed in the contest, thanks to a 21-point first half Jordan Nwora, who made it look easy on his way to a 32 point & 17 rebound performance.  The Pioneers were without Joe Jones, who will miss a couple weeks due to injury, while the Kats did not have the services of point guard Amir Jemes.

Game MVP - Jordan Nwora

Point Totals

Park:  Jordan Nwora 32, Kyle Harris 17, Ethan Cottrell 10, Noah Hutchins 9

Middle College:  Fred Foster 24, Billy Rivera 14, Brian Johnson 10, Jojo Staton 9

 

McKinley 67, St. Francis 52

The Macks opened came right out of the opening tip with their usual trademark speed, intensity, & pressure defense, which often takes teams some time to adjust to.  The Red Raiders fell behind by 10 points in the opening quarter, scoring just four points, and were never able to recover.  McKinley led by as many as 16 points and never let St. Francis get closer than eight points (which only happened one time) the rest of the way.  The Macks started five seniors and looked every bit the part of the McKinley basketball teams that WNY has enjoyed and respected during head coach Zaire Dorsey's tenure.  Keyon Johnson, who was injured much of last season, showed a great touch from the perimeter, while Kesean Fisher looked explosive when attacking the basket.

For the Red Raiders, freshman point guard Julian Cunningham is going to be a star.  He was smooth handling the ball, strong near the basket, and showed a poise well beyond his years.  Senior John Steven Zhu and sophomore Bo Sireika are both high effort players, who kept attacking all game and never allowed McKinley to run away with the game.

Game MVP - Keyon Johnson

Point Totals

McKinley:  Keyon Johnson 16, Shaquan Jones 13, Avius Outlaw 11, Raquan Goree 8

St. Francis:  John Steven Zhu 16, Julian Cunningham 13

 

St. Mary's 68, Tapestry 63

The most competitive boys game of the Showcase was between these two top 10 small schools.  While the Lancers never trailed in the game and led by as many as nine points on two different occasions, most of the game saw the score separated by just two to four points.  Standouts Takal Molson (St. Mary's) and JaQuoine Fogan (Tapestry) each took center stage for their team and at one point, combined to score 16 straight points in the game, with Fogan canning three straight triples.  Cam Dunning ran the floor well for the Lancers picked up some points in transition, which was important as Tapestry kept up the pressure all game, which kept the pace moving swiftly.  

Game MVP - Takal Molson

Point Totals

St. Mary's:  Takal Molson 24, Cam Dunning 14, Joseph Stoj 8, Kayson Hill 7

Tapestry:  JaQuoine Fogan 22, Christian Russell 14, Khoron Burton-Ferguson 8

 

Timon 89, East 54

The Tigers had their talent and depth on full display, as new head coach Des Randall opened his coaching career with a victory over an East team that has won six consecutive titles in Section VI.  Timon methodically built a double digit lead before halftime and continued to pour increase its advantage throughout the second half.  Joe Harrison was consistent all game and hurt the Panthers with both his shooter's touch and energy.  The additions of freshman point guard Juston Johnson, who transferred from West Seneca West after playing varsity there as an eighth grader and Davion Warren from McKinley, allowed Timon to bring junior William Lamar off the bench after starting for two seasons as the floor general.  His presence in the game was immediately felt upon checking in, scoring a team-high six points in the opening quarter.  The Panthers were typically tough-minded and scrappy, but they are a young squad with just two seniors, and were without one of their top talents in sophomore Moses Hughes.  

Game MVP - Joe Harrison

Point Totals

Timon:  Joe Harrison 21, Davion Warren 19, Quinton Lamar 17, William Lamar 12

East:  Willard Anderson 16, Takeylo Burts 11

 

Kenmore West 65, Depew 39

The Blue Devils were fired up to start their season and jumped all over Depew in the early going.  Before the Wildcats were even able to settle in and deal with the defensive pressure, Kenmore West had raced out to a 31-12 lead in the first 13 minutes, that included four breakaway dunks from Aaron Tucker - three of which he produced off his own steal.  Depew found its shot to start the second half, connecting on three treys to open the scoring, two from Ryan Guay and the other from sophomore Chad Biersbach.  The Wildcats cut the deficit to 15 points, but junior Tyler Aquilina, who had a good all-round performance for the Blue Devils, scored nine of his 14 points in the second part of the third quarter to re-establish Kenmore West's sizable lead, making it 49-29 heading into the fourth.

Game MVP - Tyler Aquilina

Point Totals

Kenmore West:  Tyler Aquilina 14, Aaron Tucker 14, Tal James 11

Depew:  Ryan Guay 10, Matt Poblocki 8, Jakob Grant 8

 

West Seneca East 66, Olmsted 53

The Trojans got 13 first half points from senior guard Ed Radka, along with three treys from Dan Picciano, as they built a 20-point lead on the Owls, leading 42-22 at the break.  Olmsted turned up its intensity to start the second half and looked like they wanted to play defense, resulting in a comeback of sorts, as they were able to get back within three points in the third quarter.  However, thanks to the all around play and hustle of Dominic Farszmil and good decision making of seniors Radka, Picciano, and Jake Klubek, West Seneca East absorbed the Owl's best shot and then closed out the game in the fourth quarter.

Game MVP - Dominic Farszmil

Point Totals

West Seneca East:  Ed Radka 22, Dan Picciano 15, Dominic Farszmil 10

Olmsted:  Brandon Roach 17, Christian Barnes 12, Master Radford 8

 

**Tournament director Paul Santora was delighted to be able to present the David Cooper Memorial Scholarship to West Seneca East's Ed Radka, who Santora said was a very well deserving recipient for the award and a great kid.  Santora took over as tournament director following the unexpected and sudden passing of his brother-in-law, David Cooper three years ago.

 

 

-centercourt

The Polls

 

Links to every poll since the 2011 season:

 

2016 Season

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Final Poll

 

2015 Season

Getting warmed up

Merry Christmas

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5 

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Final Poll

 

2014 Season

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4 

Week 5 

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Final Poll

 

2013 Season

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4 

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Final Poll

 

2012 Season

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Final Poll

 

2011 Season

Week 1 

Week 2 

Week 3 

Week 4 

Week 5 

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10

Final Poll 

 

-centercourt

Season Preview: 2015-2016

 (Park & Canisius will once again be elite WNY programs, following a season where both won State & Federation titles /Photo by Dave DeLuca)

 

The 2015-2016 Pre-View From Centercourt contains:

 - What's New

- Returning 2015 All-Centercourt Players

- Player Watch List for 2015-2016

- A League-by-League look at the teams

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

- Coaching Changes

- Classification Changes

- Preseason Top 10 Large & Small Schools

- Predictions 

 

What's New

- Coaches.  All sorts of new coaches.  The largest coaching turnover I've ever witnessed.  In all, of the 103 teams between Section VI & the MMA, 22 of them have a new head coach this season.

 

- Section VI teams are finally back to playing a 20-game regular season.

 

- With the way Easter falls this year, the season will end a week earlier than normal.

 

- The Canisius/St. Joe's rivalry returns to a home-court advantage format, after playing the big games at the Canisius College Koessler Center the past couple seasons to accommodate the masses.  Get there early.

 

- Middle College will play its home games at Bennett this season.  The Kats had been hosting home games at ECC since 2010.

 

- After winning the Class B Federation Championship last season, Park will move up and compete with the big dogs in the CHSAA's Class A, while Nichols will return to Class B after playing up a year ago.

 

- It wouldn't be a season preview without some divisional realignments in the CCAA :  Maple Grove & Cassadaga Valley flip leagues, with the Red Dragons joining CCAA I West, while the Cougars move to CCAA II West.  In the East, Cattaraugus/Little Valley leaves Division I to compete in II.

 

- West Valley will not field a team this season.  Students from the school have the option to play for Ellicottville.

 

- This season, the Class A1 semifinals will be split up between the Tuesday & Wednesday nights of Buffalo State week, with the Class AA semis and then the Class B2 semis played prior to each A1 semifinal.  That means the Class A2 semifinals are Monday night, leaving the Class B1 semifinals for Thursday night.  

 

- Far West Regionals are back at Buff State this year.

 

- Niagara Falls HS will host a "Battle at the Border" in February, featuring three of Canada's top teams playing Timon, Aquinas, and the host Wolverines.

 

- Depew will host this season's ADPRO Public/Private Challenge from December 17th-19th.

 

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

 

The Players

*** Seven of the top 15 players from the 2015 All-Centercourt Team return to the WNY high school hoops scene, along with another 10 players that received Honorable Mentions following last season.   

 

Returning 2015 1st Teamers

Stafford Trueheart - Canisius, Senior

   * 16.5 PPG  /  10.0 RPG  /  2.8 BPG  /  1.0 APG *  

     * as a junior

 - After leading the Crusaders to a story book season that included Manhattan Cup, State, and Federation Championships in Class A, the best Canisius big man in the last 20 years is back for his fourth and final varsity season.  Quick, agile, and very instinctual, he's a complete game changer against the areas top competition.  Already offered by Sienna, Trueheart will look to close out his career by keeping the Crusaders on top. (Photo by Buffalo News)

Jordan Nwora - Park, Senior

* 21.5 PPG  /  6.5 RPG  /  2.4 SPG  /  1.4 APG *

     * as a junior

-  After transferring from Amherst following his sophomore campaign, Nwora exceeded all expectations in a breakout junior season, leading the Pioneers to a Federation Championship in Class B.  He became an elite scorer and is equally dangerous in half court sets and in transition.  With multiple Division I offers already on the table (South Florida, Long Beach State, Fordham, & UB), the ceiling is high for a 6-7 wing that is still improving.  He'll look to lead his team back to the successes they enjoyed last season, only this season, they'll attempt to win it all in Class A.

 

 Returning 2015 Second Teamer

  Dominick Welch - Cheektowaga, Junior

* 21.6 PPG/12.5 RPG/2.7 BPG /2.6 APG/1.7 SPG *

            * as a sophomore

-  The best bargain going in WNY is a two dollar game ticket to watch this guy play for 32 minutes.  Entering his junior season, he has already scored 1,000 career points, and even more impressive, has over 800 rebounds already.  The scary part is that he's just now starting to compete against kids his own age.  Iona, Canisius, & UB have all made offers to the explosive forward who can do anything and everything on the court.  (Photo by Nick LoVerde)

 

Returning 2015 Third Teamers

Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, Sophomore

* 13.0 PPG / 5.2 APG /4.0 RPG / 3.4 SPG *

            * as a freshman

-  One of the most impressive statistics from a season ago was his turnover total after 24 starts.  As a freshman point guard that played every crucial minute for the Billies, including two sectional title games and a regional final, he only committed 38 turnovers.  That kind of poise and decision making not only makes his team better - it's already landed him an offer from Canisius, which came during his freshman year.   (Photo by Harry Scull)

Takal Molson - St. Mary's, Senior 

* 19 .2 PPG /7.1 RPG  /2.3 APG  /2.2 SPG /1.1 BPG *

                   * as a junior

-  In my time covering high school basketball, I've never seen a better player in a Lancers uniform.  Shows raw talent and athletic ability, but it's his feel for the game, ease handling the ball, and smooth shot from all ranges that separates him. He'll be relied upon heavily to be a leader this season, which will be necessary for St. Mary's to win the Class B Manhattan Cup and beyond.

TC Brown - Amherst, Senior    

* 20.1 PPG  /  6.2 RPG  /  4.3 APG  /  3.0 SPG *

     * as a junior

- One of the most competitive players in the area who wants the ball in his hands, is fearless in crunch time, and always believes his team will win.  Led the Tigers to a third ECIC III title and sectional final in as many varsity seasons. Has his sights set on leading Amherst to its best season in school history - one that would include a trip to Glens Falls. (Photo by Buffalo News)

Gary Foster - Middle College, Senior

* 18.3 PPG /11.7 RPG  /3.0 BPG  /2.8 APG  /2.4 SPG *

                       * as a junior

 - The standout talent on a very deep Kats team.  A strong and intense player who is feisty inside, but has a great touch to his mid range game.  After leading Middle College to the Class C regionals last year, he's ready to take the Kats to Glens Falls in search of a state title after starting for the South Park football team that made a run all the way to the state championship game. (Photo by Expressed Images)

 

 

 

Returning 2015 Honorable Mentions

Maceo Jack - Sr., Williamsville North -  18.7 PPG  /  6.2 RPG  /  1.6 APG  /  1.1 SPG  as a junior

Jojo Staton - Sr., Middle College -   17.2 PPG  /  1.9 APG  /  1.7 SPG  /  1.7 RPG   as a junior

Terrell Ford - Sr., Kenmore West -   16.7 PPG  /  7.8 RPG  /  2.9 SPG  /  2.0 APG   as a junior

JaQuoine Fogan - Sr., Tapestry -   16.2 PPG  /  2.9 SPG  /  1.7 RPG  /  1.7 APG   as a junior

Christian Nodine - Sr., Starpoint -   15.4 PPG  /  9.0 RPG  /  2.9 APG  /  1.5 SPG    as a junior 

Davon Gant - Sr., I-Prep -  15.0 PPG  /  10.3 RPG  /  3.2 BPG  /  2.7 APG  /  1.2 SPG   as a junior

Brock Kroening - Sr., Starpoint -  14.4 PPG  /  9.7 RPG  /  1.3 APG  /  1.0 SPG   as a junior

Kyle Harris - Sr., Park -   10.6 PPG  /  3.6 APG  /  3.1 RPG  /  1.4 SPG   as a junior

Hunter Anderson - Sr., Park -   9.6 PPG  /  5.5 RPG  /  1.6 APG  /  1.5 SPG   as a junior

Justin Jones - Sr., Canisius -   8.0 PPG  /  6.0 RPG  /  2.0 APG  /  2.0 SPG   as a junior

 

Player Watch List:

 Joe Jones - 10 (Park),  Amadi Ikpeze - 12 (Amherst), Quinton Lamar - 12 (Timon), Madut Ayiy - 12 (Canisius), Nick Motley - 12 (St. Joe's), Grant Beyer - 12 (St. Joe's), Shaquan Jones - 12 (McKinley), Willard Anderson - 10 (East), Sean Hill - 12 (Williamsville North), Breon Harris - 12 (Niagara Falls), Isaiah Thomas - 12 (Dunkirk), Tavien Kemp - 11 (Walsh), Jake Cavana - 12 (Olean), Ben Eckstrom - 11 (Olean), Christian Snell - 10 (Alden), Jenard Jackson - 12 (Lew-Port), Kelly Brown - 12 (Lockport), Tyron Lott - 10 (Health Sciences), Graham Dolan - 12 (Williamsville South), Qeyion Williams - 11 (Niagara Falls), James Rojas - 11 (Jamestown), Charles Lamar - 11 (Niagara Falls), Brandon Roach - 12 (Olmsted), Michael Simpson - 12 (Emerson), Chad Biersbach - 10 (Depew), Shakur Harris - 12 (South Park), Andy Xaspos - 12 (Roy-Hart), Nathan Nielson - 12 (Niagara Wheatfield), Jaylin Cooper - 10 (Medina), Justin Morgan - 12 (Medina), Ryan Bradley - 10 (Wilson), Gates Abrams - 12 (Akron), Nate Luckman - 11 (Barker), Patrick Moore - 12 (Fredonia), Josh Eddy - 12 (Panama), Chris Robson - 11 (Sherman), Trevon Thompson - 12 (Silver Creek), Nate Brawdy - 10 (Gowanda)

 

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

 League-By-League 

Monsignor Martin Association

 

 

 

Large Schools - CLASS A

  Canisius capped off years of local dominance by winning the state's highest honor in Class A, a Federation Championship.  The Crusaders will continue to be elite and return 1st Team All-Centercourt standout Stafford Trueheart.  After winning a Federation title in Class B one day after the Crusaders were crowned, Park moves up to Class A.  The Pioneers return three starters, including 1st Team All-Centercourt pick Jordan Nwora, who is already stock piling D-I offers.  Timon has plenty back from last year's dangerous top ten team, along with a pair of key additions and former Crusader assistant, Des Randall, taking over as head coach.  St. Joe's should have one of the best backcourts in WNY with guards Nick Motley & Naseer Jackson, along with all-around threat Grant Beyer.  St. Francis has a very young team, but many are returning and hoping to build on last season's finish.  The Red Raiders will hand the reins over to freshman point guard Julian Cunningham, cousin of Howard Washington Jr.

***

Canisius:  Stafford Trueheart - 12, Justin Jones - 12, Madut Ayiy - 12, Will Atkinson - 12, Andrew Schake - 12, Charles Hart - 12, Colby Multrie - 11, Jayce Johnson - 10

Park:  Jordan Nwora - 12, Kyle Harris - 12,, Tony Ugboma - 12, Ethan Cotrell - 12, Mariano Baldon - 12,  Hunter Anderson - 12, Joe Jones - 10, Brandon Smith - 10, Marques Lowe - 10, Chris Efretuei - 10, Noah Hutchins - 9, Jordan Gompah - 9

Timon:  Quinton Lamar - 12, Paul Lancaster Jr - 12, Benny Yu - 12, Hunter Lancaster - 12, Tyler Ringwood - 12, Joe Harrison - 11, William Lamar - 11, Davion Warren - 11, Cameron Lamar - 11, Timothy Payne - 11, Jacob Mazurkiewicz - 11, Juston Johnson - 9, Hakeem Humphrey - 9, Adrian Baugh - 9

St. Joe's:   Grant Beyer - 12, Anthony Brophy - 12, Nick Motley - 12, Jordan Jenneve - 12, Naseer Jackson - 11, Mike Motley - 11, Mike Telesco - 11, Hunter Dimitroff - 11, Brad Allan - 11, Razihque Sullivan - 11, Caleb Cockrell - 11, Jack Capen - 10, Chris Stineman - 9

St. Francis:  John Steven Zhu - 12, Roburt Welch - 11, Sean Taggart - 11, Cody Smith - 11, Michael Casciano - 11, Bo Sireika - 10, Owen Woyshner - 10, Josh Palmer - 10, Julian Cunningham - 9

 

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

 

Small Schools - CLASS B 

 St. Mary's is young, lacks size, and is limited on varsity game experience.  What the Lancers do have is returning 3rd Team All-Centercourt selection Takal Molson, and if he embraces the leadership role that will be asked of him, they'd be my pick to win the Class B Manhattan Cup.  Niagara Catholic returns five of its top six players from last year's team, led by seniors Elijah Griggs, Jaceary Menes, & Zach Socha.  Sophomores Imean Davis and Nick Krupp will be important contributors in their second varsity season, while freshman Jaden Turner is expected to be an excellent addition to the backcourt for the Patriots.  Nichols has just three returning varsity players who were part of last year's team that beat Timon in the Class A semifinals before losing a two-point heart breaker to Canisius.  Back in Class B this season, the Vikings will be led by underclassmen Will Johnson & Marcellus Cooper.  Walsh has three starters back, including dynamic point guard, Tavien Kemp.  Cardinal O'Hara looks to improve from its 2-11 league mark last season.  The Hawks bring back a lot, returning eight players led by Nasir Benton and Charles Debose.

 ***

St. Mary's:   Takal Molson - 12, Kayson Hill - 12, Cam Dunning - 12, Joseph Stoj - 12, Daquan Hunt - 11, Colin Tyka - 11,  Kalial White - 11, Jaquari Woods - 11, Eric Brown - 10, Matt Ciezski - 10, Christian Schableski - 10

Niagara Catholic:  Elijah Griggs - 12, Jaceary Menes - 12, Zach Socha - 12, Noah Freeburger - 12, Imean Davis - 10, Nick Krupp - 10, Jaden Turner - 9

Archbishop Walsh:  Adam Moore - 12,  Christian Churakos - 12, Dom Ambroselli - 12, Tavian Kemp - 11, Noah Watson - 11, Jose Ortiz - 11, Latrell Butler Kemp - 10, Steven Watson - 9, George Lowry - 9, Cameron Kitchen-Perez - 9

Nichols:  Ted Roach - 12, Michael Hafner - 12, Brandon Rivers - 12, Luke Meyer - 12, Ed Halady - 12, Will Johnson - 11, Paul Brinson - 11, Maxwell Hall - 11, Myles Hervey - 11, Harrison Serotte - 11, Marcellus Cooper - 10, TJ Banaszak - 10

Cardinal O'Hara:  Charles Debose - 12, Curtis Johnson - 12, Ryan Hughes - 11, PJ Parker - 11, Deamontae Riley - 11, Rene Velazquez - 11, Cliff Zeigler - 11, Michon Dudley - 10, Nasir Benton-10, Mike Clark - 10, Elysee Hirwa - 10, Stephen Boyd - 9,  Justin Hemphill - 9

 

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Section VI

 

 

 

YALE CUP I

 With six of its top seven players back at Middle College, including 3rd Team All-Centercourt forward Fred Foster & Honorable Mention pick Jojo Staton, it's quite simply a state championship or bust season for the Kats.  Put me on record as predicting it happens, along with a third Yale Cup championship since  2010.  McKinley has a solid core of tenacious seniors that played a large role in the Macks winning the Yale Cup last season, led by Shaquan Jones.  East will be led by sophomore Willard Anderson, who started for the team's Class B championship team as a freshman. The Panthers look to reach a sectional title game for the seventh straight year.  Fresh off a run to the state championship in football, the pride of the city, South Park, will look to carry that momentum onto the court, led by Shakur Harris.   Burgard is coming off its best season since 2006 and returns team captain Isaiah Jamison.

***

Middle College:  Joseph Staton - 12, Gary Foster - 12, Billy Rivera - 12, Amir Jemes - 12, Brian Johnson - 12, Loronzo Truitt - 12, Claudius Thomas - 12, Terrell Jackson - 12, Dion Watkins - 12, Tyshawn Silas - 11, William Huitt - 11, Keaontea Townsend - 11, Nader Ngoopas Kompany - 10, Nathyia Jackson - 10, Hakeem Dobbins - 10, Azyion Clemons - 10

McKinley: Shaquan Jones - 12, Keyon Johnson - 12, Bruce Booker-12, Kesean Fisher-12, Raquan Goree-12

East:  Takeyo Burts - 11, Takeyo Burts-11, Romello Cox - 11, Jerimah Barney-11, Moses Hughes - 10, Willard Anderson - 10

South Park :  David Thomas - 12, Tony Robinson - 12, Daryl Moore - 12, Tyree Brown - 12, Mike McDonald - 12, Austin Neal - 12, Jaelin Watson - 12, Ellijah Winston - 11, Shakur Harris- 11, Raymond  Mushat - 10, Jeremiah Sanders - 10, Elijah Lewis - 9, David Stroud - 9

Riverside: Romero Gardner - 12, Jamal Wardlaw - 12, Alexander Johnson - 12, Asuquo "Junior" Efiong - 12

Burgard:  Isaiah Jamison - 12, Cordell Cain - 12, Keeane McCulley - 12, Diamond Allen - 12, Sharahem Austin - 12, Zion Hall - 11

Hutch-Tech

Bennett

 

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YALE CUP II

After a run to the state semifinals in Class D, which ended in a devastating loss after leading by double figures, I-Prep remains the team to beat in Yale Cup II.  The Presidents return three starters, including standout Davon Gant (6-5), along with their sixth man, as they move up in Class to B2. Olmsted has a talented trio in Brandon Roach, Daniel Reid, & Naseem Baynes and has its sights set on dethroning I-Prep. City Honors returns two starter from last years team, Ryan Langhorne & Amir Radford, and hope to rebuild its roster through valuable experience this season.  MST Seneca wants to have balanced scoring & solid defense, and will need to work hard all game. The Indians are pleasantly surprised with some underclassmen additions and also return team leaders in rebounds, blocks, & steals. DaVinci has three players back from the team that turned the corner last year under head coach Karl Maggiore, including a win over the Class D champ, I-Prep.

***

I-Prep:  Jeffrey Townsel - 12, Davon Gant - 12, Daniel Santiago - 12, Zack Bashir - 12, Will Turner - 12

Olmsted: Brandon Roach - 12, Anthony Mendrysa - 12, Christian Barnes - 12, Kaelan Clouser - 12, Daniel Reid - 11, Naseem Baynes - 11, Abbas Abajobir - 11, Drew Hough - 11, Austin Parham - 11, Master Radford - 10, Gabriel Johnson - 10 

City Honors: Ryan Langhorne - 12, Andrew Hoenig - 12, Joe Alessi - 12, Jaylen Keith - 12, Sam Battaglia - 11,  Talon Moody - 11, Brendan Bulluck - 10, Amir Radford - 9

Lafayette: Miyaga Miyaga - 12, Eugenio Viera - 12, Cesar Medina - 11, Jerrery Felix - 11, Giovanny Carrasquillo Vargas - 11, Antwaine Woodard - 11, Nick Houston - 11, Amari Guilford - 10, Noah Miranda - 10, Kenneth Grimes - 10, Andre Reynolds - 9, Deshawn Elliott - 9, Shawndale Sanders - 9

MST Seneca:  Kehri Kirk -12, Keyonte Gayles -12, Alfonce Oyoyo -12, Jermaine Jemison -12, Dom Prince -11, David Anderson -11, Davon Jones -11, Solomom Jones -11, Steven Swaggard -11, Dayshone King -11, Diallo Gray -10, Earl Howard - 9

DaVinci:  Andrew Mertz - 12, Warren Richardson - 12, Hassan Ellis - 12

Emerson: Jason Dowell - 12, Justin Acker - 12, Jeremy Sims - 12, Julian Love - 12, Donald Morrow - 12, Dimitrius Simmons - 11, Anthony Hunter - 11, Tyreek Edwards - 11, Semir Smith - 11, Dayon Rice - 11, Brandon Lamar - 11

Buffalo Arts

 

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ECIC I

Williamsville North has the league's best player in Maceo Jack and an excellent floor general in Sean Hill.  Couple that with the talent that moves up from a strong JV squad, and the Spartans look like the team to beat in ECIC I.  Jamestown enters as the defending league and Class AA champs and welcome back a pair of starters from last year, in Zacc Kinsey and James Rojas. Lancaster has a quality core of seniors in Collin Murray, Alex Damiani, & Alex Konst, who saw extended action last season, and should be ready to make a push for a league title. Clarence returns only one starter, Adam Southern,  but adds three athletic seniors who did not play as juniors.  Jake Randall and Jake Ireland, who both gained valuable varsity experience last year as sophomores will be counted on as juniors.  Orchard Park has a new coach in Jim Gibson and eight returning seniors, led by Philip Marks & Kevin Looney.  

***

Williamsville North:  Maceo Jack - 12, Sean Hill - 12, Nick Maranto - 12, Nick Konotopskyj - 12, Matt Winkler - 11, Willie Sturgis III - 11, Jairus Huggins - 11, Connor Kelly - 11, Anthony Maniscalco - 11

Jamestown: Zacc Kinsey - 12, Jeremy Lockett - 12, Luke Kindberg - 12, Noah Johnson - 12, Aaron Watson - 12, Jesus Rodriguez - 12, James Rojas - 11

Lancaster:  Alex Damiani - 12, Collin Murray - 12, Alex Konst - 12, Danny Speyer - 12, Joe Powers - 12, Sean Gill - 12, Collin Reformat - 11, Connor Duck - 11, Noah Speyer - 11, Tim Molik - 11

Clarence: Adam Southern - 12, Spencer Dimitroff - 12, Anthony Olivieri - 12, Jake Ireland - 11, Jake Randall - 11, , Jon Trapp - 11

Orchard Park:  Dan Freilicher - 12, Philip Marks - 12, Wes Seigner - 12, Max Cerone - 12, Kevin Looney - 12, Bryan Somerville - 12, Hunter Harris - 12, Chris Liberatore - 12, Joe Losardo - 12, Ben Wereski - 12, Adam Frick - 12, Nate Burnard - 12, Dan Anderson - 11, Dylan Anderson - 11, Dan Olejniczak - 11, Dan Kubik - 11

West Seneca West:  Ben Hutton  - 12 

Frontier

 

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ECIC II

 After winning the league and advancing to the regionals in Class A last season, Williamsville South has six players back from its eight man rotation.  Once again, the Billies lined up a difficult nonleague schedule to prepare for another postseason run, but will open their season without two of their key pieces as they recover from injury. Starpoint became a major player in the local hoops scene in 2015, splitting with South in league and reaching Buff State in Class A2.  The Spartans expectations are high coming into this season, with three key starters back, including a pair of All-Centercourt Honorable Mentions - Christian Nodine & Brock Kroening.  RJ Killinger takes over as head coach at Williamsville East, and inherits a balanced Flames team with five sophomores.    West Seneca East had its first winning season in 20 years last season.  The Trojans think they can make it two straight, and hope to add a trip to Buff State to this year's accomplishments.  Hamburg will look to Ryan Dils and sophomore Jacob Genzel for offensive production and leadership, as the Bulldogs will be without three-year starter Brendan Ryan for much of the season as he recovers from off-season shoulder surgery.   Iroquois has three starters back and will look for quickness and athleticism to key their 2015-16 campaign.   Lake Shore returns nine seniors this year and they bring a lot of experience.  Collin Fiutko, who was out with a torn ACL last year, he will be a big boost for a team that returns four out of five starters from last year.  Sweet Home will be a very young and energetic group, focused on implementing climate and culture.

***

Williamsville South:   Graham Dolan - 12, Matt Foster - 12, Myles Hall - 12, Jordan Buell - 12, Ryan Philips - 12, Luke Corona - 12, Owen Maley - 12, David Akanonu - 12, Christopher Nelson - 11, Adam Braniecki - 11, Greg Dolan - 10, Cody Sanford - 10, Josh Foster - 10, Anthony Lombardo - 10

Starpoint:  Brock Kroening - 12, Christian Nodine - 12, Ben Walters - 12, Garrett Longwell - 12, Chad Lang - 12, Hudson Earl - 12, Victor Bugenhagen - 12, Adam Lasal - 11, David Clemons - 11, Derek Clemons - 11, Jeremy Arnold - 11, Hunter Lemieux

West Seneca East:  Ed Radka - 12, Dan Picciano - 12,  Jake Klubek - 12,  Jared Kania - 12, Nick Streczywilk - 12, Anthony Roncone - 11, Justin Gospodarski - 11, Dominic Farszmil - 11, Ryan Jasinski - 11, Alec Schreckengost -11

Hamburg:  Brendan Ryan - 12, Ryan Dils - 12, Sean DeLellis - 12, Ian Chavanne - 12, Jeffery Salerno - 12, Dan Henry - 12, Patrick Hart - 11, Devon Crowley - 11, Jack Lacina - 11, Kevin Mahoney - 11, Lucas Winslow - 11, Jacob Genzel - 10, Mark Henry - 10

Iroquois:  Joe Bowen - 12, Dominic Allen - 12, James Carlin - 12, Jack Edwards - 11, Matt Whalen - 11, Daniel Quinn - 11, Will Williams - 11, Tyler Tait - 10, Andrew Hetzendorfer - 10, Chris Perillo - 10, S. Zachary Popovski - 10

Williamsville East:  Alex Pieri - 12, Mike Poturalski - 12, Mike Shanahan - 12, Alex Grano - 12, Kyle Gruber - 12, Andrew Kleinmann - 11, Drew Butler - 11, Matt Gelder - 11, Jonathan Spina - 11, Sean Keenan - 10, Cameron Williams - 10, Connor Williams - 10, Nicholas Kieffer - 10, Daniel Doyle - 10

Sweet Home: Kyle Tirone - 12, Jacob Serrano - 12, Melvin Williams - 11, Cameron Gates - 11, Luke Poppogallo - 11, Darryl Barrons - 11, Kelsey Lash - 11, Titus Fairclough - 11, Stephon Trueheart - 10, Ryan Harris - 10, Tahron Goudelock - 9, Evan John - 9

Lake Shore:  Mike Braeuner - 12, AJ Bergum - 12, Collin Fiutko - 12, Cory Fiutko - 12, Joe Friedhoff - 12, Ron John - 12, Nate Myers - 12, Kyle Wishman - 12, Ayden Jimmerson - 12, Andrew McDonaugh - 11, Brave Williams - 11, Eric Senior - 11

 

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ECIC III

If ever there was a preseason when Amherst was to believe 'this is our year', it would be this year.  With three-year starter and 3rd Team All-Centercourt star TC Brown leading the charge, St. Bonaventure commit Amadi Ikpeze patrolling the paint, and an excellent supporting cast (including Hutch-Tech transfer Jaylin Rose), the Tigers should have expectations of playing basketball in March.  If there's a team that'll play spoiler to Amherst, it'll be Cheektowaga.  The Warriors have rich recent history with the Tigers, that includes six classic battles in the last two seasons.  All-Centercourt 2nd Teamer, Dominick Welch, enters his junior season as a 1,000 point scorer and is already one of the best I've ever covered. He'll team with fellow juniors, Stephan Parker and Adrian Baugh in a quest for a second sectional crown in three years.  Maryvale should have one of its best teams in recent seasons, coming off a sectional final apppearance in Class B1.  The Flyers bring back one of last year's captains in Drew Crombie, along with talented underclassmen Ted York-Brown and Ray Blackwell.  Four out of five starters return to East Aurora, with three still being underclassmen.  Depew will focus on limiting turnovers and ball movement to find good shots.  The Wildcats need a another big step forward from sophomore Chad Biersbach, who averaged 10 per game as a freshman.  Pioneer has a new coach in Keith Junik but will rely on a very talented group of seniors to play traditional pioneer basketball.  Solid defense, hustle, and timely baskets will be the keys to victories in a very deep ECIC III.  Greg Miller takes over coaching duties at Springville and will look for a big season from senior Kyle Warner.

***

Amherst:  TC Brown - 12,  Amadi Ikpeze - 12,  Nick Foster - 12,   Rory Walsh - 12, Sean Andrews - 12, Nathan Woldu - 12, Da'Shawn Hines - 12, Sean Gibson - 12, Jake Maley - 12, Caleb Moore - 12, Jaylin Rose - 11, Jordan Barr - 11, Richard Kay - 11, Michael Walsh - 11, Will Alfieri - 11, Jake Funderburk - 11, Brian Fulford - 11

Cheektowaga:  Keith Weekly - 12, Dominick Welch - 11,  Adrian Baugh - 11, Stephan Parker - 11, Vaughn Burdette - 11, Alex Bryant - 10

Maryvale: Drew Crombie - 12, Marcus Ford - 12, Floyd Remley - 12,  Mike Ferguson - 12, Kwaine Davis - 12, Travon Spencer - 12, Ted York-Brown - 11, Ray Blackwell - 10

East Aurora:  Noah Thompson - 12, Cal Dis - 12, Josh Denz - 11, Nick Montgomery - 11, Joe Montgomery - 11, Cal McTigue - 11

Depew:  Jakob Grant - 12, Ryan Guay - 12, Matt Pablocki - 12, Eric Jarrett - 11, Jacob Mlodozeniec - 11, John Mietus - 11, Tyler Biersbach - 11, Chad Biersbach - 10

Pioneer:  Kyle Eigenbrod - 12, Jake Hyman - 12, Tyler Schick - 12, Zach Fronckowiak - 12, Caleb Sayvone - 12, Dominic Sayvone - 12, Austin Kossow - 12, Ravo Root - 12, Josh Foley - 12, Josh Taylor - 11, Hunter Witt - 11, Ben Kazmarek - 11, Kyle Burley - 10

Springville: Kyle Warner - 12, Parker Rice - 12,  Colin DeWitt - 12, Justin Morley - 12, Jimmy Schearer - 12, Matt Hartman - 12, Patrick Hannon - 12, John Domes - 11, Greg Cooney - 11, Austin Coon - 11, Connor O'Brien - 11, Zach Heary - 11

 

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ECIC IV

Cleveland Hill won a third straight league title last season, going unbeaten in ECIC IV.  They will attempt to pressure the opposition with solid defense, while balance between the perimeter shooting and post play is expected offensively.  Alden returns four starters, which include its two leading scorers & its top rebounder. JFK hopes to gain some seasoning quickly, with just three returning players and a very young team.  Holland has three starters back and will look to get the ball inside, as the Dutchmen's strength will be in the post.  First-year head coach, Benjamin Kopp, looks to rejuvenate the hoops program at Eden, where its eight-man roster includes just two seniors.  Lackawanna will carry five sophomores on its roster, including the talented Smith twins.  Tonawanda has a balance of seniors and underclassmen, led by Justin Holevinski, Cody Diaz, & Tyler Stapf.

 ***

Alden:  Dylan Riddoch - 12, Jordan Stockweather - 12, Conrad Boucher - 11, Jacob Fusco - 11, Gabe Kozak - 11, Christian Snell - 10, Riley Pastuszynski - 10

Cleveland Hill:  Ramah Lassiter - 12, Nick Gamble - 12, Daytwon Burney - 12, Rodney White - 12, Paul Majorowski - 12, Tyshawn Johnson - 12, Khalil Springs - 12, J'Son James - 11,  Chase Johnson - 11, Tyler Phillips - 11, Paul Woodward - 11, Cameron Oliver - 11

Holland:  EJ Staniszewski - 12, Laine Husman - 12, Cody Slocum - 12, AJ Perlino - 12, Jacob Ratajczak - 12, Jedrek Rahn - 11, Logan Pfister - 11, Coan Relyea - 11, Pierce Gardon - 11

JFK:  Kenai Jordan - 12, Stephon Parks - 12, Lexus Pollard - 11, Thomas Isbrandt - 11, Brandon Kohl - 11, Dalton Fischer - 11, Jordan Synder - 10, Kell-Vonta Harris - 10

Eden:  Drew Palmerton - 12, Shane Martinez - 12, Jason Porter - 11, Mitch Olds - 11, Joe LoTempio - 11, Gordon Grieble - 11, Andrew Bialy - 11, Griffin Gill - 10

Lackawana:  Nedjib Karagic - 12, Zaidin Mohsin - 12, Kejuan Harmon - 12, Malik Taylor - 12, Marquez Lofton - 11, Chris Hopkins - 11, Devon Feaster - 11, Jaevon Nelson - 11, Fred Hanyon - 11, Jordan Pacillo - 11, London Smith - 10, Noble Smith - 10, Khalil Horton - 10, Carlton Threeths - 10, Bekric Harris - 10

Tonawanda:  Cody Diaz - 12, Tyler Stapf - 12, Jordan Ulett - 12, Marshall Marsh - 12, Justin Holevinski - 12, Bryce Pieszala - 12, Zack Stapf - 11, Trey Lilly - 11, Nick Bitter - 11, Adam Haentges - 11, Charles Moore - 11, Collin Smith - 11, Henry Palermo - 10

 

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Niagara Frontier League

Niagara Falls looks ready to strike fear into league opponents again, as used to be commonplace during the Wolverines NFL dominance in the years that followed the merger.  NFHS has its best team since 2013, and most have been together for three seasons now.  They feature an elite defender in Breon Harris and play a brutally difficult nonleague schedule.   Kenmore West may have the league's most athletic player in Terrell Ford, while junior Tyler Aquilina has good game instincts and a great touch from the perimeter.   North Tonawanda graduated some key pieces from last season's NFL champion & A1 finalist unit, but retools thanks impart from a JV team that finished 15-3 in 2015.  Last season, Grand Island won its first sectional game since 2008.  The Vikings look to keep the momentum going with a deep squad, led by returning starter Joe Kulikowski.  Lockport returns six players from last season, led by Kelly Brown.  Niagara Wheatfield will put the ball in the hands of senior leader and point guard, Nathan Nielson, and look for an even bigger contribution this year from 6-5 wing Denzel Fuller.  At Kenmore East, the Bulldogs have the talent to compete in the NFL and hope to put it all together this season.  Lew-Port will again be competitive in league play, led by senior Jenard Jackson.

 ***

Niagara Falls:  Breon Harris - 12, Daquan Hubbard - 12, Devin Sanders - 11, Tyler Sanders - 11, Charles Lamar - 11, Qeyion Williams - 11, Jhamir Isom - 11, Marques Miller - 10,  Syquan Ralands - 10

Kenmore West: Terrell Ford - 12, Aaron Tucker - 12, Jason Taylor - 12, Rob Kirsits - 12, Tyler Aquilina - 11, Tal James - 11, Kyle Laplante - 11

Lockport:  Lavette Warren - 12, Andrew Austin - 12, Kelly Brown - 12, Dakota Wiley - 11, Cordell McDowell - 11

Grand Island:   Kyle Burns - 12, Joe Kulikowski - 12, Garrett Robinson - 11, Jerry Wilkes - 11, JB Wilkes - 11,  Cam Sionko - 9

North Tonawanda:  Jacob Lemke - 12, Nick Krauss - 12, Alex Quinn - 11, Brandon Casterline - 11,  Zack Woodard - 11, Trevor Book - 10

Niagara Wheatfield:  Nathan Nielson - 12,  Denzel Fuller - 12,   Austin Wangler - 12, Tom Watroba - 12, Phillip Bassham - 11, Noah Klettke - 11, Emilio Tripp - 11, Jaeger Martino - 11, Matt Gibson - 11, Peter Mulcahy - 11, Cade Mangan - 11, Anthony Ruffino - 10

Lew-Port: Jenard Jackson - 12, Donald Allender - 12, Dominic Lindhurst - 12, Nathan Nashwinter - 12, Jeremy Saunders - 11, Dylan Milbrand - 11, Dawson Bailey - 11, Liam Brennan - 11, Gabe Colangelo - 11, Steve Mansour - 11, William Duff - 10, Joseph Power - 9

Kenmore East:  Jon Donoghue - 12, Dylan Leith - 12, Anthony Luparello - 12, Nick Rice - 12, Konner Flynn - 11, Tyler Horn - 11, Ryan Moccio - 11, Ryan Williams - 11, Kahlil O'Neil - 10, Tyler Everett - 10, Nathan Murdie - 9, D'Anzo Young - 9 

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Niagara-Orleans

 Medina has its deepest unit in recent years, ranging from seniors to freshmen, with a sophomore (Jalin Cooper) poised for a breakout season.  Wilson needs to replace five starters from the team that pushed Fredonia at Buff State last March, but has a bright future with sophomore Ryan Bradley.  Newfane will be young, carrying six sophomores.  The Panthers do have a pair of starters back, along with three seniors with court experience.  Barker has just three players back, but one is the team's scoring leader - junior Nate Luckman.  Under first year head coach Josh Kraft, the Raiders will look to work hard and earn a reputation for consistent toughness.  CSAT should possess a nice combination of experience and talent, returning six players in its bid to win a second N-O title after taking the crown in 2013.  Roy-Hart returns four starters, including Andy Xapsos, a 1st Team All-League selection who led the Rams with 17.9 ppg last season.  Akron returns Gates Abrams, who opposing defenses will look to locate every trip down the court, following a junior season that saw him knock down 59 treys.  Albion didn't win the league last season, but ended the year with the most storied season of all the N-O teams, winning section title in Class B1.

***

Medina:   Dylan Lewis - 12, Jared Zinkievich - 12, Tyler Ames - 12, Brad McPherson - 12, Justin Morgan - 12, Tyrellis Atkins - Junior - 11, Michael Cardone - 11, Darryl Haynes 11, Tyler Howard - 11, Jalin Cooper - 10, Mason Lewis - 10, Ronnie Koonce - 9, Johnny Salone - 9, Izaiah Rhim - 9

CSAT:  Juan Verdejo - 12, Savio Serrano - 12, Myron Banks - 12, Jahleel Burks - 12, Navi Rodriquez - 12, Damire Grant - 12, Marcus Mccloud - 12, Darius Carson - 11, Camron Scott Williams - 11, , James Stephens - 10

Newfane:  Chad Gilson - 12, David Krull - 12, Nick Schultz - 12, Zach Lajoie - 12, Connor Duncan - 12, Albert Kramp - 11, Nick Perry - 11, Matt Vogt - 11, Calib Russell - 11, Max Weber - 10, Kyle Devogal - 10, Chad Dunbar - 10, Connor Hill - 10, Brandon Gross - 10, Drew Boudeman - 10

Wilson:   Alex Fox - 12, Andrew Eames - 12, John Carney - 12, Jordan Stoelting - 12, Steve Lewis - 11, Steve Lyman - 11, Jonah Miller - 11, Connor Seeley - 11, Kevin Skavinsky - 11, Kyle Wiesinger - 11, Michael Pazik - 11, Ryan Bradley - 10

Roy-Hart: Andy Xapsos - 12,  Ben Maynard - 12, Justin Heschke - 12, Chris Anderson - 12,   Zack Srock - 12, Austin Dodge - 12, DJ Davis - 11, Eric Fitch - 11, Tim Moriarity - 11, Justin Czaja - 11, Paul Ragonese - 11, Cam Meadows - 11, Brandon Hess - 11, Austin Walker - 11, Matt Borel - 10

Barker:  Michael Snell - 12, Kyle Secore - 12, Jared Ginther - 12, Nathan Luckman - 11, Jake Arnold - 11, Eddie Wasnock - 11, Kyle Moeller - 11, Shawn Callaghan - 11, Devon Mangan - 11

Akron: Gates Abrams - 12, Lee Abrams - 12, Jake Burns - 12, Kingsley Jonathan - 12, Ryan Akin - 11, Elias Johnson - 11, Austin Ladd - 11, Weylon Abrams - 10, Owen Hill - 10, Derek Holtz - 10, Nelson Logan - 10

Albion:  Brady Meakin - 12, Tyler Rotoli - 12, Manwell Taylor - 12, Evan Pappalardo - 12, Scott Daniels - 12, Tommy Mattison - 11, Kory Reynolds - 11, Chase Hall - 11, Lamar Chambers - 11, Jacob Buzard - 11, Tanner Ferris - 11

 

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CCAA I West 

Olean has four players back who saw extended court time last year, including three starters, from its Class A2 title team.  The Huskies have moved down to Class B1 and are eyeing another season that extends into March.  Fredonia returns Patrick Moore and Jarod Burmaster, both starters for the Hillbillies Class B2 finalist team of a year ago.  Dunkirk will be long and athletic and returns nearly all of its scoring from last year.  Look for the Marauders to compete with Olean for both league and sectional titles, while being one of the area's more exciting teams to watch.  Chautauqua Lake is a young team in a tough league, but they do return four starters, looking to catch some attention this year.  At Falconer, Jamie Glatz takes over behind the bench, while Southwestern looks to improve under new head coach Mark Sleggs.  

***

Olean:  Jake Cavana - 12, Derek Schmidt - 12, Elijah Ramadhan - 12, Malakye Wofford - 12, Zack Ryan - 12, Ben Eckstrom - 11, Monty Shoemaker - 11, , Luke Rogers - 11, Derek Dandrea - 11, Dell Butler - 11, Joe Jedrosko - 11, Dylan Spencer - 11, Mike Schmidt - 9

 Dunkirk:  Isaiah Thomas - 12, Rashad Brown - 12, Chad Butts - 12, Kobe DeJesus - 12, Davonte Grayson - 12, Tyreek Buchanon Ruiz - 11, Shamon Stewart - 11, Evon Hernandez - 11, Caleb Rasmus - 11, Seth Rasmus - 11, Jarrett Waclawski - 11, Juan Damas - 10, Devaun Farnham DeJesus - 10

Fredonia:  Patrick Moore - 12, Jared Burmaster - 12, Eric Swoyer - 12, Jovany Ruiz - 12, Michael Pucci - 12

Chautauqua Lake:  Carter Davidson - 12,  Michael Lysek - 12, Aaron Swan - 11, Devin Pope - 10, Tyler Meredith - 11, Nate Hammond - 11, Joel Vinciguerra - 11, Bryce Bentley - 11, Collin Sargent - 11

Southwestern:  Ben Burk - 12, Nick Cooper - 12,  Brendan Kennedy - 12, Jake Brecht - 12, Niko Pannes - 11, Alex Card - 9, Faizan Munir - 9

Falconer:  Tavon Fisher - 12, Ryan DePietro - 12, Brandon Curtis - 12,  Sean Nord - 12, Trevor Dykstra - 12, Justin Boedecker - 12, Nick Bollman - 12, Chase Teboe - 11, Brandon Luke - 11, Hunter Blue - 11

Maple Grove:   Matt Roach - 12, Pat Nelson - 12,  Mitch Sandberg - 12, Jeff Clauson - 12

 

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CCAA I EAST 

   Silver Creek has played in four straight Section VI championship games, and is optimistic they can keep the streak alive.  Look for "Chill Showtime" to keep the ball moving rapidly with a whole new cast from the team that ran all ther way to states in 2013.   Allegany-Limestone will challenge for the league hardware with seven players from its rotation back on the court, four of which started for the Gators in 2015.  Ike Morrison is the new head coach at Randolph, where the Cardinals are coming off back-to-back sectional final appearances.  Portville returns a pair of starters and welcomes in a young crop of talent from a JV squad that finished 17-2.  Gowanda will be led by Carter Benton & sophomore Nate Brawdy.  Salamanca fields a deep 15-man roster with 10 juniors.  The Warriors will try to win with all around solid team defense and look to run the floor to take control of games early.

***

Silver Creek:  Trevon Thompson - 12, Heron Snow - 12, Jacob Lewis - 12,  Chris Williams - 11, Chase Scanlan - 10, Bryce Shomper - 10, Tom Galfo - 10

Randolph:  Mason Bosley - 12, Tyler Stahley - 12,  Jarrett Lecceadone - 11,  Jake Beaver - 11, Nick Martonis - 11,  Ryan Shipperd - 11, John Ling - 11, Kaleb Frink - 11, Sam Jacoby - 11, Andrew Bernard - 9

Allegany-Limeston: Cole Davis - 12, Bailey Higby - 12, Brad McAfee - 12, Brad Reed - 12, Zach Hemphill - 11, Austin Dziennik - 12, Tyler Hines - 12,  Jordan Moore - 11, Mike McMullen - 11, Marcus Grove - 11

 Portville:  Nick Gehm - 12, Sean Harris - 12,  Noah Bartholomew - 12, Alek Gonzalez - 12, James Constanza - 12, Ron Lott - 11, Colin Kloc - 11, Nick Stein - 11, Donovan Gayton - 11, Jaeden Harris - 10, Jonah Watkins - 10

Gowanda:    Carter Benton - 12,  Shaun Irwin - 12, Adam John - 12, Leland John - 12, Joe Kruszka - 12, Kevin Stapleton - 12, Nate Brawdy - 10, Ryan John - 10, Dakota Perdue - 9

Salamanca:   Tate Reynolds - 12, Marcus Cooper - 12,  Luke Zurat - 12, Dylan Schwartz - 12, Zeus Enriquez - 11, Marc Canella - 11, Mike Collins - 11, Jake DeKay - 11, Derek McClure - 11, Zach Simsick - 11, Nelson Rivera - 11, Xander Edstrom - 11, Darcey Redeye - 11, Chandler Armstrong - 11, Hercules Rasha - 10

 

 

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CCAA II West 

Panama is ready to make some noise and go after a Class D title, with four starters back from a team that finished 16-5 and only lost to Glens Falls qualifier, I-Prep, in the sectional semifinals by four points.  Sherman lacks experience beyond Chris Robson & Kolby Parks, but the Wildcats run to three straight Class D Championship games suggests they'll be back in the mix again this season.  Clymer returns three of its top players from a season ago, the only seniors on the team, to compete in a deep league.  

***

Panama:    Jack Payne - 12,  Josh Odell - 12,   Josh Eddy - 12, Chris Blose - 12, Jarrett Yuchnitz - 12, Tanner Newman - 12, Cody Hadley - 12, Nolan Eggleston - 11, Dylan Marsh - 11, Tristen Frye - 11, Lucas Golden - 11, Anthony Frangione - 11

 Sherman:  Sam Vanvelkenburg - 12, Kyle Rhebergen - 12, Alex Foti - 12, Hunter Wynn - 12, Chris Robson - 11,  Kolby Parks - 11, Kyle Carpenter - 11, Mike Delcamp - 11, Ty Prarom - 11, Korey Ayers - 11, Johnny Mendoza - 11, Brandon Nickerson - 11, Jared Gleason - 10

Clymer:  Adam Honey - 12, Dylan Neckers - 11, Josh Summers - 12, Dylan Davis - 11, Justin Svetz - 11, Josh Van Earden - 11, Henry Sullivan - 11, Dan Gustafson - 11, Colt Miller - 11, James Wade - 11, Mackenzie Bestine - 11, Dustin Neckers - 10

Westfield:   Trevor North - 12,  Joe Quagliana - 12, Jon Wilson - 12, Greg Schroeder - 12, Luke Haskin - 12, David Grayson - 11, Eric Fermier - 11, Mike Poletto - 11, Max Bates - 11

Cassadaga Valley: Shane Parsons - 12,  Tyler Simpson - 12, James Cornelius - 12

Brocton:  Aaron Riforgiato - 12 

Frewsburg

 

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CCAA II East 

 Expectations are high in Ellicottville, where they bring back plenty of talent and have just one player new to the varsity level.   After an eight-win season last year, Pine Valley's team this season will be balanced, bigger, and more athletic.  Franklinville will start a pair of sophomores this season, along with three seniors - two of which were 2nd Team All-League last year.

***

Ellicottville:   Cole Lapi - 12, Cameron Eddy - 12, Robert Sawicki - 12, Matt Proctor - 12, Cameron Miller - 12, Justin Summers - 12, Tom Easton - 12, Austin Whitmer - 11, Chad Boldt - 11, Austin Gronols - 10, Griffin Chuddy - 10, Elliot Bowen - 10

Pine Valley: Kilian Abers- 12, Elijah Hall- 12, Richard Tabak- 12, Dylan Chase-11, Gilberto Ortiz- 11, Austin Butcher -11,  Trent Mihalko- 10

Cattaraugus/Little Valley:  Hunter Baker - 12, Caleb Hibit - 12, Devon Parmenter - 12, Alex Perkins - 12, Anthony Bernardi - 12, Kellen Martin - 11

Franklinville:  Dawson Bielecki - 12, Jordan Milks - 12, Wil Bays - 12, Drew Jackson - 11, Isaac Kopp - 10, Sam Erickson - 10

Forestville: Jackson Egan - 12, Tyler Spears - 12, Andrew Deszcz - 12, Derek Catalano - 12

North Collins

 

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 Charter Schools

 Tapestry graduated nine players from its Class C1 championship squad, but the cupboard isn't bare.  The Thunderhawks have athletes all over the court and love to play aggressively on both ends.  Health Sciences added Jaylen Prophet from McKinley, a new head coach in former assistant Ty Parker, and brings back a depth of talent to make a run with in Class B2.  At Oracle, Dave Hardy takes over and inherits a strong program with plenty returning.   Maritime has four players back, including senior captain Mario Washington.  The Commodores are exited about the talent they have found in newcomer James Baker, also a senior captain for the team.  Buffalo Science is young and hungry, with just two starters back.  Global Concepts has a new coach in Chuck Mancabelli and just three seniors, led by Fabian Pierce.

***

Health Sciences:    Jaylen Prophet - 12, Amarri Funderburk - 12, Ja'Hod Robinson - 12, Carson Wiseman - 12, Bobby Oliver - 12, Wize Threats - 11, Amon Smith - 11, Travonte Smith - 11, Jaquan Renfro - 11, Antwon Stuart - 11, Tyron Lott - 10, Davonte Gaines - 10, Kameron Briggs - 9

 Tapestry:  JaQuoine Fogan - 12, DaVonte Cunningham - 12, Khoron Burton-Ferguson - 12, Amir Hennegan - 12, Dominic Moore - 12, Camren Hatten - 12, Tyler Henderson - 12, Anthony Wiley - 12, Paitwan Jenifer - 11, Allen McDuffie - 11, Christian Russell - 11, Jaylin Curry - 11, Marquise Jones - 11, Kyree Edwards - 11, Che Brown - 11, Rogerick Arrington - 10

Oracle:   Kenny White - 12, Rakim Graves - 12, Darius Embry - 12,   Jamal Woods - 12, Damani Washington - 12, Khalid Ross - 12, Amani Wallel - 12, Ziere Rodolph - 12,  Shakur Bridges - 11, Cheron Wilson - 11, David Edwards - 11, Samuel Rosenthal - 11, Joseph Perez - 10, Gary Marshall - 10

Buffalo Science:  Lauren Killian - 12, David Harris - 12, Roland Taylor - 12, Adrian Hester - 12, Jiuan Jones - 12, Julian Johnson - 11, Georges Cortes - 11, JaQuez McMullin - 11, Deonte Brown - 11, ,   Jamien Eutsey - 11, Lahai Suliman - 11, Jovante Davis - 11, JaQuan Wingard - 10, Josh Workman - 10, Amar Wood-Wiley - 10, Julian Allen - 10

WNY Maritime:  James Baker - 12, Mario Washington - 12, Tyler King - 12, Malik Saunders - 12, Spencer Rhyans - 12Sean Burks - 11, Da-jon Sharp - 11, Ryan Davis - 11, Jeremy Jackson - 11, Jorge Mercado - 11, Josiah Hall - 10, Ray Rich - 10, Ke'Sean Weston - 10, Elijah Smith - 9

Global Concepts:  Lincoln Billingslea - 12, Fabian Pierce - 12, Rashawn Anderson - 12, Jajuan Billingslea - 11, Lamiere Burrough - 11, Dwight Dilbert - 11, Brandon Parker - 11, Josh Kysocki - 11, Darell Elliott - 11, Anthony Florez - 11, Donovan Vuallance - 10, George Taylor - 10

 

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Teams with New Coaches

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Ron Killinger Sr (above) retired after 13 seasons coaching in the Yale Cup at Riverside & South Park, while his son, RJ Killinger, got his 1st varsity head coaching position at Williamsville East)

 

Des Randall - Timon

Ty Parker - Health Sciences

Brandon Woods - Sweet Home

RJ Killinger - Williamsville East

Kevin Shadle - Lackawanna

Peter Hudecki - South Park

Doug Ratka - Clarence

Jim Gibson - Orchard Park

Andy Bush - Olmsted

Dave Hardy - Oracle

Ike Morrison - Randolph

Andy Jacobs - Iroquois

Josh Schauman - Cassadaga Valley 

Tim Buckenmeyer - Holland

Keith Junik - Pioneer

Josh Kraft - Barker

Mark Sleggs - Southwestern

Jamie Glatz - Falconer

Benjamin Kopp - Eden

Greg Miller - Springville

Jan Warren - North Collins

Chuck Mancabelli - Global Concepts

 

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Classification Changes

West Seneca East moves up from Class A2 to Class A1

Kenmore East moves down from Class A1 to Class A2

Maryvale moves up from Class B1 to Class A2

Olean moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

Dunkirk moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

CSAT moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

I-Prep moves up from Class D to Class B2

Gowanda moves up from Class C1 to Class B2

MST Seneca moves up from Class C2 to Class B2

Bennett moves down from Class B1 to Class C1

Buffalo Arts moves down from Class B1 to Class C1

East moves down from Class B2 to Class C1

Cleveland Hill moves down from Class B2 to Class C1

Olmsted moves up from Class C2 to Class C1

Silver Creek moves down from Class C1 to Class C2

Barker moves down from Class C1 to Class C2

Cattaraugus/Little Valley moves down from Class C1 to Class C2

Maple Grove moves up from Class D to Class C2

Franklinville moves down from Class C2 to Class D

 

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Preseason Polls

Large Schools

1. Park (MMA)

2. Canisius (MMA)

3. Amherst (A2)

4. Niagara Falls (AA) 

5. Williamsville South (A1)

6. Timon (MMA)

7. St. Joe's (MMA)

8. McKinley (A1)

9. Williamsville North (AA)

10. Cheektowaga (A2)

 

Small Schools

1. Olean (B1)

2. Middle College (C2)

3. St. Mary's (MMA)

4. East (C1)

 5. Health Sciences (B2)

6. I-Prep (B2)

7. Tapestry (C1)

8. Dunkirk (B1)

9. Silver Creek (C2)

10. East Aurora (B1)

 

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Predictions

MMA Class A - Park

MMA Class B - St. Mary's

Yale Cup I - Middle College

Yale Cup II - I-Prep

ECIC I - Williamsville North

ECIC II - Williamsville South

ECIC III - Amherst

ECIC IV - Alden

NFL - Niagara Falls

N-O - Medina

CCAA I West - Olean

CCAA I East - Silver Creek

CCAA II West - Panama

CCAA II East - Ellicottville

Charters:  Health Sciences

 

Manhattan Cup (A) -  Park

Manhattan Cup (B) - St. Mary's

Class AA  -  Niagara Falls

Class A1  -  Williamsville South

Class A2  -  Amherst

Class B1  -  Olean

Class B2  -  Health Sciences

Class C1  -  East

Class C2  -  Middle College

Class D  -  Panama

 

- Amherst & Olean both make it to Glens Falls.

- Middle College makes it to Glens Falls, where they win a Class C State Championship. 

 

-centercourt

The Schedule: 2015-2016 Season

  (Williamsville South & Olean both look to repeat as Section VI champs/ Photo by Harry Scull)

                

****** To see the new schedule for the 2017 season, click HERE ******

-centercourt

The 2015 All-Centercourt Team: The Best in WNY

 

First Team All-Centercourt

LaTerrance Reed - Canisius, Senior

16.7 PPG  /  3.0 RPG  /  3.0 APG  /  2.0 SPG

Moves up from the 2014 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention.  Exuded passion and pride for both the game of basketball and his school.  Sharp-shooter from the perimeter that heats up in a flash.  Quick and decisive with the ball.  Attacks the basket aggressively and finishes.  Delivers in the clutch.  Intense man-to-man defender.  Guided Canisius to an undefeated regular season in the Monsignor Martin, where he was named league Player of the Year in Class A.  Took the top-seeded Crusaders to a Manhattan Cup Championship.  Led Canisius to its first CHSAA State Championship in Class A, where he was named MVP after his 28 point performance.  Named MVP of the NYS Class A Federation Tournament after leading his team to the championship. Scored over 20 points 12 times, with eight of those coming after February 1st.  Shot 60% from 3-point land in the postseason.  The 2015 CC MVP.  (Photo by James McCoy)

 

Zack Panebianco - Jamestown, Senior

21.2 PPG  /  3.9 APG  /  3.0 RPG  /  2.2 SPG

A 1st Team All-Centercourt selection for the second consecutive season.  There was no player in WNY that played bigger, better, or more consistently in the clutch.  Always even-keeled, regardless of the circumstances.  Strong going to the basket, deadly on mid range jumpers, and seemingly in range from everywhere on the court.  Thrived against defenses designed specifically to stop him and always made it rain threes.  Led the Red Raiders to a third straight Class AA title and the #2 large school ranking in WNY.  Was named All-ECIC Player of the Year and repeated as ECIC I Player of the Year.  Selected as MVP of the Section VI Class AA tournament.  Awarded game MVP following Jamestown's win over Olean in the United Way Showcase.  Scored over 25 eight times, but was always at his best in big games - scored 33 vs Class A2 finalist Amherst, scored 31 on the road against the top two teams in Rochester (Greece Athena & Aquinas), and scored a game-high 26 vs. Canisius.  Jamestown's all-time 3-point leader (178) and is third all-time in scoring & assists.  Career 1,000 point scorer.  (Photo by Cameron Hurst)

 

Stafford Trueheart - Canisius, Junior

 16.5 PPG  /  10.0 RPG  /  2.8 BPG  /  1.0 APG

Moves up from the 2014 All-Centercourt Second Team.  Athletic and agile big man that soars.  Excellent in transition.  Fundamentally sound and very aggressive inside.  Controls opponents' inside game with his shot blocking. WNY's most frequent dunker.  Led Canisius to the top seed in the Manhattan Cup playoffs after an unbeaten regular season in the Monsignor Martin.  Was voted All-Catholic in Class A.  Selected as Second Team All-Centercourt Defender.  First Team Centercourt #BOOM Squad.  Manhattan Cup Champion.  Advanced Canisius to the CHSAA state championship game after scoring 28 points and grabbing 13 boards vs. Chaminade in the CHSAA state semifinal.  Scored 19 points for the state champion Crusaders in a win over Scotia-Glenville to snap its 53-game winning streak in the Class A Federation semifinals.  NYS Class A Federation champion, where he was named to the All-Tournament team.  Scored over 20 points 11 times.  Logged 15 double-doubles, including a 24 point, 21 rebound performance in a win over Bishop Kearney.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo by Buffalo News)

Percy Bryant - East, Senior

22.2 PPG  /  3.5 SPG  /  3.5 RPG  /  2.8 APG

Moves up from the 2014 All-Centercourt Fourth Team.  Has the ability to move with the ball faster than most move without it.  Fearlessly attacks the rim and finishes in traffic using his right or left.  Added a consistent perimeter shot to his repertoire that made him near impossible to defend.  His quickness, toughness, and endurance were unparalleled.  Played at an elite level despite battling injury.  Led East to a third straight Section VI title and its first regional appearance since 2011.  Was voted Yale Cup I Player of the Year.  Chosen as MVP of the Section VI Class B2 Tournament.  Named to the Aquinas All-Tournament Team and was Player of the Game at the Pastor-Cooper Showcase.  Selected as Second Team All-Centercourt Defender.  Scored a career-high 34 points on two separate occasions and went over 30 points seven times on the year.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo by Buffalo News)

 

 Jordan Nwora - Park, Junior

21.5 PPG /6.5 RPG / 2.4 SPG / 1.4 APG

A sniper from long range that gets his shot off extremely quick.  Scores in bunches.  Uses his size (6-7) to shoot unaltered over defenders.  Moves very well without the ball.  Runs the floor in transition as well as any big man in WNY.  Can put the ball on the floor and finish at the rim.  Led Park to the NYS Class B Federation Championship and the CHSAA Class B State Championship.  Selected as Federation Tournament MVP.  Led Park to the Class B Manhattan Cup.  Earned Player of the Year honors in the Monsignor Martin's Class B.  Selected as MVP of the Class B Manhattan Cup playoffs.  Game MVP at Cataract City Classic.  Led WNY in 3-pointers made with 89.  Scored a career-high 33 points in a win over Niagara Catholic.  Scored over 20 points in 12 games and had 25 or more in seven games. (Photo by James McCoy)

 

*****

 

Second Team All-Centercourt

Dom Welch - Cheektowaga, Sophomore

21.6 PPG/12.5 RPG/2.7 BPG /2.6 APG/1.7 SPG

Moves up from the 2014 All-Centercourt Fifth Team.  The most Division 1-ready sophomore WNY has seen since Will Regan, thanks to his combination of size, coordination, and skill set.  Soars above the rim nightly to deliver highlight dunks.  Relentless rebounder and shot blocker.  Handles the ball well in transition and can knock it down from the perimeter.  Led the Warriors back to Buff State in Class A2.  Selected to the Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team.  Voted to both First Team All-ECIC and First Team ECIC III.  First Team Centercourt #BOOM Squad.  Scored a career-high 34 points in a win at I-Prep.  Collected a season-high 21 boards against Amherst.  Logged 17 double-doubles.  Scored over 25 points seven times, and grabbed 15 or more rebounds seven times.  Was the All-Bee POY.  Career 1,000 point scorer - a milestone reached in just his sophomore season.  (Photo by Nick LoVerde)

 

Bill Brooks - Silver Creek, Senior

21.0 PPG /10.1 RPG /5.9 BPG/4.2 APG  /3.0 SPG

Moves up from the 2014 All-Centercourt Third Team.  A selfless 6-8 big man with the coordination of a skilled point guard.   Mastered the lost art of using the backboard.  Can bring the ball up against the press and shoot the '3' when not dominating the post.  Has some of the best court vision and passing of any player in WNY.  Led Silver Creek to the league title in CCAA I East, the top seed in Class C1, and a fourth consecutive Section VI title game.  Voted CCAA I East Player of the Year.  Selected to the Section VI Class C1 All-Tournament Team.  Scored a season-high 36 points as part of a triple-double performance in a win over O'Hara and had 23 rebounds in a win over Maple Grove.  Scored over 28 points four times, had at least 15 rebounds in nine games, blocked seven or more shots in nine games, and had at least five steals in four games.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo by Expressed Images)

 

Devin Morris - McKinley, Senior

19.0 PPG /9.0 RPG  /4.0 APG  /3.0 SPG  

Moves up from the 2014 All-Centercourt Fifth Team.  Took his game to another level after already establishing himself as the go-to scorer for the Macks.  Deep shooting range and very accurate from the perimeter even when guarded.  Mastered the floater in the lane.  Got to the basket with ease and could hang in the air until he was able to finish.  Wanted the ball in his hands in crunch time. Solid defender with very good instincts.  Led the Macks to an undefeated record in the city and brought the Yale Cup back to Mack High.  Voted Player of the Year in Yale Cup I.  Helped advance McKinley to Buff State for a 16th consecutive season and was selected to the Section VI All-Tournament Team in Class A1.  MVP of the McKinley Tournament.  Scored a career-high 33 points in a win over East and had 30 against East Aurora.  Went over 20 points in 12 games, including a game-high 26 against Canisius.  Recorded 15 double-doubles and was the team-high scorer in 15 of 21 games for the Macks.  (Photo by Buffalo News)

 

Chris Miner - Nichols, Senior

14.8 PPG/11.7 PPG /1.5 APG /1.5 BPG /0.7 SPG

Moves up from the 2014 All-Centercourt Third Team.  Led the massive Vikings' front line in rebounding for a third straight season and was second in scoring.  The most consistent player on a talented Nichols team.  A true post player that always used his size as an advantage.  Helped lead the Vikings back to the Manhattan Cup Final.  Voted All-Catholic in Class A. Scored a season-high 27 points in a win over Tapestry.  Recorded 16 double-doubles and scored over 20 points seven times.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo by Buffalo News)

 

Cam Lewis - Nichols, Senior

15.7 PPG/8.8 RPG/1.2 APG/1.0 SPG /0.7 BPG

 Moves up from the 2014 All-Centercourt Third Team.  The leading scorer and second leading rebounder for the Vikings.  Wants the ball in his hands.  Can take an entry pass in the paint or come out for the ball and work his way back inside.  Improved his perimeter shooting and became a legitimate 3-point threat.  A good ball handler who used length to his advantage shielding defenders.  Helped lead Nichols back to the Manhattan Cup Final.  Voted All-Catholic in Class A.   Scored a season-high 26 points against Canisius.  Recorded 17 double-doubles and scored over 20 points six times.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo by Buffalo News)

 

 *****

 Third Team All-Centercourt

TC Brown - Amherst, Junior

20.1 PPG  /  6.2 RPG  /  4.3 APG  /  3.0 SPG

Moves up from the 2014 All-Centercourt Fifth Team.  Great instincts and skill set makes him one the most well-rounded players in WNY.  Can drive, pull up from mid-range, or hit the trey.  Can create his own shot.  Excellent court vision.  Tremendous free throw shooter.  Scored the game-winner against Cheektowaga twice this season, including a drive to advance the tigers to the Class A2 Final.  Led Amherst to a third ECIC III title and sectional final in as many varsity seasons.  Voted 1st Team All-ECIC and POY in ECIC III.  Selected to the Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team.  Chosen for Jolly Boys All-Tournament Team.  Selected as MVP of the Bob Hettler Tip-Off Classic. (Photo by Harry Scull)

 

Gary Foster - Middle College, Junior

18.3 PPG  /  11.7 RPG  /  3.0 BPG  /  2.8 APG  /  2.4 SPG 

Explosive leaper with the most powerful finishes in WNY.  May shatter a backboard before his prep days are over.  Relentless rebounder.  Shows a soft touch around the basket.  Uses his elevation and touch to drain mid-range jumpers.  Led Middle College to the top seed in Class C2, where they advanced to the Far West Regionals in Class C after the Kats won the overall Class C title in Section VI.  Voted to 1st Team in Yale Cup I.  Selected as MVP of the Section VI Tournament in Class C2. First Team Centercourt #BOOM Squad.  (Photo by Harry Scull)

 

Takal Molson - St. Mary's, Junior

19.2 PPG  /  7.1 RPG  /  2.3 APG  /  2.2 SPG  /  1.1 BPG

The do-it-all leader of the Lancers who makes it all look easy and effortless.  Showed off the area's most deadly mid-range game.  Knows when to assert himself and is very difficult to stop when he looks to score.  Accurate from the perimeter, but equally effective driving to the basket and finishing.  Explosive leaper with some spectacular rim-rocking finishes.  Led St. Mary's to the Manhattan Cup championship game in Class B.  Voted to All-Catholic in Class B.  Named game MVP at the Pastor-Cooper Showcase.  Awarded MVP of the Depew Tournament.  Made the Five Guys All-Tournament Team.  Second Team Centercourt #BOOM Squad.  Scored a career-high 38 points against both Nichols and Cardinal O'Hara.  Had four games with over 30 points.  Registered eight double-doubles.  Team leader in scoring, steals, & blocks, and second in rebounding.  (Photo by Buffalo News)

 

Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, Freshman

13.0 PPG  /  5.2 APG  /  4.0 RPG  /  3.4 SPG  

The best pure point guard in WNY.  A savvy floor general who was trusted with the majority of play calling as a freshman.  His one of the highest basketball IQs of any player in WNY, regardless of age.  A pass-first facilitator that made his teammates better.   Demonstrates good body control when going to the basket.  Excellent defender who commonly strips his opponent and heads the other way for two.  Had 10 steals in a win at Iroquois.  Recorded a triple-double in a win over Lake Shore.  Had just 38 turnovers all season (24 starts).  Led the Billies to the outright title in ECIC II.  Was selected to the Section VI Class A1 All-Tournament Team after leading South to a sectional title.  Guided his team to an overall Section VI Class A title and to the Far West Regionals.  Voted 1st Team ECIC II.  Already has a Division I scholarship offer from Canisius College. (Photo by Buffalo News)

 

Josh Huffman - Canisius, Senior

10.0 PPG / 3.0 APG  /  4.0 RPG  /  3.0 SPG  

The 2014 Centercourt Sixth Man of the Year became an invaluable piece of the championship puzzle for Canisius this season.  A lock down defender and the very best one in WNY.  Tough as nails, both physically and mentally.  Smart and patient facilitator on offense.  Lights out with his jumper from mid range.  Able to get to the basket and was good at drawing contact once there.  Selected as First Team All-Centercourt Defender.  Helped Canisius to an undefeated regular season in the Monsignor Martin.  Tom Keenan Memorial tournament MVP.  Chosen as MVP following the Crusaders' Manhattan Cup Championship.  CHSAA State Champion.  Named to the All-Tournament team following Canisius' Class A NYS Federation Championship. Averaged 14.6 points in Canisius' final five contests, all elimination championship games. (Photo by James McCoy)

 

*****

F0urth Team All-Centercourt

Derek Cheatom - Park, Senior

 10.7 PPG  /  6.2 RPG  /  3.0 APG  /  2.2 SPG  /  1.3 BPG

Moves up from 2014 All-Centercourt Team's Honorable Mention.  The quiet team leader of the Pioneers and the ultimate glue guy.  One of the area's most selfless players who always put team success first.  A high-motor player that was always focused on the court.  Has a college basketball skill set and is capable of doing everything.  A very active zone defender and a lock down man defender.  Helped lead Park to the Class B Manhattan Cup, the Class B CHSAA State Championship, and the NYS Class B Federation Championship.  Earned All-Tournament Team honors following the Federation title.  Selected to 1st Team All-Catholic in Class B.  Selected as First Team All-Centercourt Defender.  Had three double-doubles. (Photo by James McCoy)

 

Chris Woodard - North Tonawanda, Senior

13.5 PPG  /  9.7 RPG  /  4.5 SPG  /  3.5 APG  /  1.9 BPG

Athletic big man (6-4) who keyed the best zone defense in Section VI.  Beat defenders around the basket with a combination of strength and finesse.  Enjoyed one of the best seasons ever turned by a player at North Tonawanda.  Winner of the 2015 Niagara PAL Male Athlete of the Year.  Voted 1st Team NFL after receiving the top vote from five of seven opposing coaches.  Led the Jacks to a share of the NFL title and the top seed in Class A1.  Selected to the Section VI All-Tournament Team in Class A1.  Selected as First Team All-Centercourt Defender.  Led his team in scoring (shooting 55%), assists, rebounds, steals, and deflections (131).  His 100 steals broke the school record and he finishes his career as North Tonawanda 2nd in steals, 4th in rebounding, and 9th in scoring.  (Photo by Harry Scull)

 

Stephen Carlson - Jamestown, Senior

14.3 PPG  /  8.4 RPG  /  1.4 BPG  /  1.4 SPG

Followed up his Connolly Cup award as WNY's top football player with an exceptional hoops season.  The most improved player in WNY from last season.  Strong presence in the paint that routinely outworked his opponents.  Led the Red Raiders in rebounding and blocked shots.  Added a polished set of post moves to his game this season.  Regularly threw down dunks when the lob play was run for him.  Voted 1st Team ECIC I and 2nd Team All-ECIC.  Helped lead Jamestown to an undefeated ECIC I championship, the top seed in Class AA and a third sectional title in as many seasons.  Selected to the Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team.  Awarded Game MVP in both of Jamestown's Untied Way Showcase contests.  Second Team Centercourt #BOOM Squad. Had nine double-doubles on the season, including both games against league rival Williamsville North.  Scored a season-high 23 points in a double-double winning performance over Olean.  Finishes career with 456 rebounds. (Photo by Harry Scull)

 

Sam Castronova - Williamsville South, Senior

15.5 PPG  /  5.1 RPG  /  3.3 APG  /  1.9 SPG  /  0.8 BPG

Moves up from the 2014 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention.  A classic team leader with an outstanding court demeanor.  Deceptively athletic and strong.  Smooth in transition.  Excellent perimeter shooter that always provided the Billies with timely scoring.  Improved his defense considerably from last season.  Guided South to a league title in ECIC II and was voted 1st Team A-ECIC and 1st Team ECIC I.  Led South to the Far West Regionals after winning the overall Class A championship.  Was selected as MVP of the Section VI Class A1 Tournament.  Made the Jolly Boys All-Tournament Team.  Career 1,000 point scorer. (Photo by Buffalo News)

 

Xavier Maye - I-Prep, Senior  

 18.3 PPG  /  10.0 RPG  /  1.0 BPG  /  0.5 SPG  

A dominant force inside the paint for the Presidents.  Grabs every rebound in his vicinity.  Goes up strong with the ball and stays with the play until his team scores.  Can step out and hit from the perimeter.  Runs the floor well and finishes on the break.  Guided the Presidents to the league title in Yale Cup II.  Voted Yale Cup II Player of the Year.  Helped his team earn the top seed in Class D.  Led I-Prep to the Section VI Class D title.  Was selected as MVP of the Section VI Class D Tournament.  Was chosen by the Buffalo News as the MVP of Championship Week, after his 27 points and 15 boards in the final.  Followed that up with 20 points and 15 rebounds in a Far West Regional victory to advance his squad to Glens Falls.  (Photo by Post Star)

 

*****

 Fifth Team All-Centercourt

Kordell Holness-Lightbody - St. Francis, Senior

22.5 PPG  /  4.9 RPG  /  3.1 APG  /  1.7 SPG  / 0.5 BPG

Moves up from the 2014 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention.  A dynamic scorer who can hurt you in a variety of ways from all over the court.  Excellent passer adept at locating the open man when the double team came.  Thrived despite being the focus of every opposing defense he faced.  Led the Red Raiders in scoring, assists, deflections, and steals.  Scored a career-high 40 points against West Seneca East.  Scored over 30 points on five different occasions and went over 20 points in nine games.  The leading scorer in the Monsignor Martin's Class A while shooting 47 % from the field.  An All-Catholic selection in Class A.   Was the Hamburg Sun POY.  Career 1,000 point scorer in just two varsity seasons.  (Photo by Gerald Gorczyca)

 

Kyle Bradley - Wilson, Senior

21.6 PPG  /  7.8 RPG  /  1.9 SPG  /  1.4 APG  /  1.0 BPG

A classic scorer with a sound fundamental style.  A throw back player who will pull up and beat you from mid range and could use the glass.  Displayed strong moves to work his way into and through the paint.  Could create his own shot and made contested shots from the perimeter.  Voted 1st Team N-O, leading player voting in that league.  Led Wilson to the N-O league crown.  Selected to the Section VI Class B2 All-Tournament Team.  Scored over 20 points in 12 games and reached 30 points in three games, including the 'Kyle Bradley Show' against Fredonia, where 21 of his points came in the 2nd half of the Class B2 semifinal.  Was the Niagara Gazette and Lockport Star POY. (Photo by Ed Goodnight)

 

Dylan Lambert - Williamsville North, Senior

20.2 PPG  /  4.6 RPG  /  2.1 APG  /  1.9 SPG  /  0.5 BPG

 A natural 3-point shooter with a quick release.  Very good with the show & go, slashing through a defense on his way to the hole.  Can transition from scorer to passer.  Handled the ball well and showed good court sense.  A high-riser who could put it down on the break.  Became a team leader for the Spartans this season.  Led Williamsville North to a top 10 large school ranking all season and an appearance at Buff State in Class AA.  Chosen as team MVP after leading the Spartans in scoring & blocks and finishing second in assists & steals.  Selected as the MVP of the Five Guys Tournament.  Scored over 20 points nine times, including three games over 30 points, while shooting 58%.

 

Randy Golda - Park, Senior

12.5 PPG  /  8.2 RPG  /  2.2 APG  /  1.9 SPG  /  1.5 BPG  

A well-rounded player who was dominant in the paint.  Aggressive rebounder on both ends.  Attacked interior defenses as well as any player in WNY.  Masterful at taking the ball in the high post and knifing through the defenses to get to the basket.  Very good post defender.  All-Catholic Selection in Class B.  Preserved the Pioneers Federation semifinal win over Westhill by blocking the potential game-winning shot.  Helped lead Park to a NYS Federation title in Class B, where he was named to the All-Tournament team. (Photo by James McCoy)

 

Zak Ciezki - Cheektowaga, Senior

16.0 PPG  /  6.3 RPG  /  3.1 APG 

 Combines a non-chalant demeanor with a flashy brand of basketball that made him a fan favorite at Cheektowaga.  Very athletic and strong.  Can run the point or play on the wing and does many things well.  Sees the floor better than most and finds the open man.  Seems to have an innate feel for the game and has excellent body control.  An unorthodoxed but very effective 3-point shooter, who never met an off-balance 3-pointer he didn't like, while rarely spotting up.  One of the area's best at creating his own shot.  Voted 1st Team ECIC III  and 2nd Team All-ECIC.  Helped lead the Warriors back to Buff State in Class A2.  Finishes his career with the school-record for 3-pointers made with 172, putting him in WNY's top 10.  Career 1,000 point scorer.  (Photo by Harry Scull)

 

*****

 Honorable Mention

Donel Cathcart - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior

22.6 PPG  /  8.1 RPG  /  2.6 SPG  /  1.9 APG  /  0.7 BPG  -  All Catholic selection in Class B

 

Jay Bergmann - Frontier, Senior

21.8 PPG  /  6.0 APG  /  5.0 RPG  /  2.0 SPG  -  1st Team ECIC I

 

Clay Lewis - Holland, Senior

 21.6 PPG  /  6.3 RPG  /  3.3 APG  /  3.1 SPG  -  Player of the Year - ECIC IV  -  1st Team All ECIC

 

Cody Johnson - Cassadaga Valley, Senior

 21.5 PPG  /  12.8 RPG  /  2.4 BPG  /  1.5 SPG  - 1st Team CCAA I West - 39 pts & 20 reb vs Falconer

 

Fred Searles - Global Concepts, Senior

20.8 PPG  /  9.7 RPG  /  3.1 SPG  /  2.5 APG  -  Player of the Year in Charter Schools

 

Nick Parucki - West Seneca East, Senior

20.8 PPG  /  10.1 RPG  /  2.5 BPG  /  1.7 APG  -  Player of the Year in ECIC II - 1st Team All-ECIC

 

Matt Cieslik - City Honors, Senior

19.7 PPG  /  5.8 RPG  /  2.3 SPG  /  2.1 APG  -  1st Team Yale Cup II

 

DeJuan Owens - Tapestry, Senior

19.3 PPG  /  7.0 RPG  /  1.8 SPG  / 1.0 BPG  - 1st Team All-Charter- Class C1 All-Tournament Team

 

Nicholas Clough - Williamsville East, Senior

19.1 PPG  /  6.4 RPG  /  1.9 APG  /  1.9 SPG  -  2nd Team ECIC II

 

Joey Braniecki - JFK, Senior

19.1 PPG  /  7.9 RPG  /  3.8 BPG  /  1.3 APG  /  1.0 SPG  -  1st Team ECIC IV 

 

Craig Paige - Lew-Port, Senior

19.0 PPG  /  8.0 RPG  /  3.0 SPG  -  1st Team NFL - Career high 39 points vs. Ken West

 

Bryce Morrison - Randolph, Senior

 19.0 PPG  /  6.0 RPG  /  5.0 APG  /  2.9 SPG  /  2.3 BPG  -  1st Team CCAA I East

 

John Piper - Fredonia, Senior

18.5 PPG  /  3.1 RPG  /  1.7 APG  /  1.7 SPG -   Player of the Year in CCAA I West

 

Dylan Granger - Pine Valley, Senior

18.1 PPG  /  7.1 RPG  /  3.5 APG  /  2.5 SPG  /  0.5 BPG  -  CCAA II East Player of the Year

 

Graham Soffel - Maple Grove, Senior

16.8 PPG  /  7.3 RPG  /  3.6 SPG  /  3.4 APG  /  0.3 BPG  -  Player of the Year in CCAA II West

 

Cort Williams - Williamsville East, Senior

16.6 PPG  /  9.7 RPG  /  2.3 APG  /  1.5 SPG  /  1.0 BPG  -  1st Team ECIC II - 2nd Team All-ECIC

 

Terrance James - I-Prep, Senior

16.0 PPG  /  5.2 APG  /  1.0 SPG  /  0.5 BPG  -  1st Team Yale Cup II 

 

Derick Simpson - Timon, Senior

 14.0 PPG  /  10.1 RPG  /  2.0 SPG  /  1.5 BPG  /  1.2 APG  -  All Catholic selection in Class A

 

 Tanner Schmit - Nichols, Senior

13.4 PPG  /  7.6 RPG  /  2.0 BPG  /  0.8 APG  /  0.7 SPG  -  Commited to D1 Central Arkansas 

 

Cam Voss - Fredonia, Senior

13.0 PPG  /  9.4 RPG  /  2.4 SPG  /  1.4 APG  /  1.3 BPG   -  1st Team CCAA I West

 

Chucky Martin - Olean, Senior

12.3 PPG  /  7.3 RPG  /  1.4 SPG  /  1.0 APG  -  1st Team CCAA I West

 

Juwan Tolliver - McKinley, Senior

 10.0 PPG  /  5.0 APG  /  4.0 RPG  /  1.0 BPG  -  1st Team Yale Cup I

 

Jermaine Hairston - Cleveland Hill, Senior

12.3 PPG  /  7.9 RPG  /  1.6 SPG  /  1.3 APG  -  1st Team ECIC IV - Class B2 All-Tournament Team

 

Marcell Davis - St. Joe's, Senior

11.6 PPG  /  7.3 RPG  /  2.2 SPG  /  1.2 BPG  /  0.7 APG  -  All-Catholic selection in Class A

 

Dorian Billups - Amherst, Senior

10.3 PPG  /  6.8 RPG  /  3.7 APG  /  2.8 SPG  -  1st Team ECIC III

 

Maceo Jack - Williamsville North, Junior

18.7 PPG  /  6.2 RPG  /  1.6 APG  /  1.1 SPG  -  1st Team ECIC I  -  Class AA All-Tournament Team

 

Jojo Staton - Middle College, Junior

17.2 PPG  /  1.9 APG  /  1.7 SPG  /  1.7 RPG  -  1st Team Yale Cup I - Class C2 All-Tournament Team

 

Terrell Ford - Kenmore West, Junior

16.7 PPG  /  7.8 RPG  /  2.9 SPG  /  2.0 APG  -  1st Team NFL  - Career-High 32 pts vs Lew-Port

 

JaQuoine Fogan - Tapestry, Junior

16.2 PPG  /  2.9 SPG  /  1.7 RPG  /  1.7 APG  -  MVP of Section VI Class C1 Tournament

 

Christian Nodine - Starpoint, Junior

15.4 PPG  /  9.0 RPG  /  2.9 APG  /  1.5 SPG  /  0.9 BPG   - 1st Team ECIC II - Class A2 All-Tournament Team

 

Davon Gant - I-Prep, Junior

15.0 PPG  /  10.3 RPG  /  3.2 BPG  /  2.7 APG  /  1.2 SPG  -  27 pts, 19 reb, 9 blks at regionals

 

Brock Kroening - Starpoint, Junior

14.4 PPG  /  9.7 RPG  /  1.3 APG  /  1.0 SPG  /  0.8 BPG  -  2nd Team ECIC II - 11 double-doubles

 

Kyle Harris - Park, Junior

10.6 PPG  /  3.6 APG  /  3.1 RPG  /  1.4 SPG  -  Started for NYS Class B Federation Champion

 

Hunter Anderson - Park, Junior

9.6 PPG  /  5.5 RPG  /  1.6 APG  /  1.5 SPG  -  Started for NYS Class B Federation Champion

 

Justin Jones - Canisius, Junior 

8.0 PPG  /  6.0 RPG  /  2.0 APG  /  2.0 SPG  -  Started for NYS Class A Federation Champion

 

*******

 

Coach of the Year 

Kyle Husband, Canisius

 

Sixth Man of the Year

Myles Hall, Williamsville South

 

All-Centercourt Defenders

First Team

Josh Huffman - Canisius, Senior

Chris Woodard - North Tonawanda, Senior

Graham Dolan - Williamsville South, Junior

Derek Cheatom - Park, Senior

Shaquan Jones - McKinley, Junior

 

Second Team 

Breon Harris - Niagara Falls, Junior

Percy Bryant - East, Senior

Stafford Trueheart - Canisius, Junior

Devon Camel - Cheektowaga, Senior

Terrell Ford - Kenmore West, Junior

 

*******

 

Centercourt #BOOM Squad

First Team

Dominick Welch - Cheektowaga, Sophomore

Stafford Trueheart - Canisius, Junior

Fred Foster - Middle College, Junior

Isaac Hilyer - Portville, Senior

Joey Branecki - JFK, Senior

 

Second Team

Takal Molson - St. Mary's, Junior

Maceo Jack - Williamsville North, Junior

Derick Simpson - Timon, Senior

Tanner Schmit - Nichols, Senior

Stephen Carlson - Jamestown, Senior

 

 

 -centercourt

Poll Ballots - 2015 - Season Finale

(Stafford Trueheart & LT Reed led the best Canisius team of all-time. / Photo by James McCoy)

 

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

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (MMA) - The Crusaders, who have been dominant in the local scene now for the better part of a decade, reached the pinnacle of success this season by claiming the Federation Championship in Class A.  It puts them in extremely rare company, joining Niagara Falls (AA in 2005) and Nichols (A in 2010) as the only local large schools to win the Federation.  Canisius, like the 2005 Falls team, was undefeated against competition from WNY along the way.

2. Jamestown (AA) - The only area team to beat the Red Raiders was Canisius in December.  Nearly returned to Glens Falls in Class AA after pushing an undefeated and significantly deeper Aquinas team to the brink in regionals.  Also came within a last second shot of beating Class A state finalist Greece Athena.  Easily the best Class AA public school from the Far West Region of NY State.

3. Williamsville South (A1) - After winning ECIC II, the Billies advanced to the Class A regionals for just the second time in program history, and did so with just two seniors in their rotation and a freshman point guard leading the way.

4. Nichols (MMA) - The Vikings opened their season with a win over McKinley and saw their season end when eventual Federation Champion Canisius pulled out a thrilling last second victory in the Manhattan Cup Final.  Along the way, Nichols & Canisius were the only local teams to earn a victory over Class B Federation Champion Park.

5. McKinley (A1) - The Macks were undefeated Yale Cup champs and returned to Buff State for a 16th consecutive season.  At the MLK Classic, McKinley stood toe-to-toe with eventual Federation Champs Canisius, before the Crusaders took their first lead in the game with just 10.4 seconds remaining.

6. Olean (A2) - Proved what an elite program they were, from the coaches to the players, winning Class A2 this season, after graduating five starters from a Class B state finalist team the season prior.  Wins over Amherst, Fredonia, and Starpoint highlighted the Huskies' season.

7. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers won ECIC III and advanced to the Class A2 title game for a fourth consecutive season.  Only losses were to Aquinas, Jamestown, & Olean.

8. Timon (MMA) - These Tigers had a season that included wins over Nichols, Niagara Falls, Fredonia, St. Mary's, & North Tonawanda.  They also went right down to the wire in all three games played against both the Class A & Class B Federation Champions, Canisius & Park.

9. Niagara Falls (AA) - The Wolverines took another step forward with their young team, earning a share of the NFL title and advancing to the Class AA sectional championship game.

10. Williamsville North (AA) - After opening the season with a win against Timon, the Spartans finished second in ECIC I and made it to the semifinals in Class AA, following a season that included close losses to Jamestown, Williamsville South, McKinley, & Niagara Falls.

 

Small Schools

1. Park (MMA) - I began the season by suggesting this could be the team that kept Westhill from repeating as Class B Federation Champions.  After winning the Class B Manhattan Cup and the Class B CHSAA State Championship, the Pioneers did just that, and then brought the Federation title back to Buffalo.

2. East (B2) - Once again, the Panthers were at their best when the season mattered most, and repeated as Section VI champs in Class B2.  East took McKinley to the final buzzer in a pair of contests, split with overall Class C champ, Middle College, and missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer at regionals that would have sent them to Glens Falls.

3. Fredonia (B2) - One of the best seasons in program history included a share of the CCAA I West title after knocking off Olean, a win at St. Mary's, and a return to the Class B2 Final, where the Hillbillies came up just short against East.  

4. St. Mary's (MMA) - The runner's up for the Class B Manhattan Cup had victories over St. Joe's & Lancaster, along with a 19-point win over Middle College.

5. Middle College (C2) - The Kats won their 5th Section VI title in seven seasons and advanced to regionals for a fourth time.  Their season included a split with East, along with wins over Tapestry, Burgard, Lancaster, & Randolph.

6. I-Prep (D) - The only Section VI team to advance to Glens Falls this season.  After winning Yale Cup II, the Presidents spoiled an undefeated season for Sherman to win Class D and then built a large lead in regionals and hung on to qualify for states.  Let a double-digit lead slip away in the state semifinal and lost a heart breaker that kept them from playing for a state championship.

7. Tapestry (C1) - Won their first Section VI crown in school history, claiming the prize in Class C1 after earning a share for first in the Charter league by splitting with Health Sciences.

8. Silver Creek (C1) - The champions of CCAA I East made it to a fourth straight sectional title game and had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer.

9. Wilson (B2) - The Lakemen won the N-O and advanced to Buff State with a 17-3 record, where they nearly pulled off the upset over Fredonia.

10. Walsh (MMA) - The final spot on this ballot goes to the Eagles, who lost a few head scratchers, but also won games over Nichols, Timon, and St. Mary's during the season - something no other small school can lay claim to.

 

-centercourt

All-League Teams - 2015

 

 

MONSIGNOR MARTIN ASSOCIATION

Class A

Player of the Year:

LaTerrance Reed - Canisius, 12

 

All-Catholic

Stafford Trueheart - Canisius, 11

Chris Miner - Nichols, 12

Cam Lewis - Nichols, 12

Marcell Davis - St. Joe's, 12

Kordell Holness-Lightbody, St. Francis, 12

Derick Simpson - Timon, 12

 

Class B

Player of the Year:

Jordan Nwora - Park, 11

 

All-Catholic

Takal Molson - St. Mary's, 11

Derek Cheatom - Park, 12

Randy Golda - Park, 12

Buzz Watson - Walsh, 12

Tavien Kemp - Walsh, 10

Donel Cathcart - Cardinal O'Hara, 12

Sean Wilson - St. Mary's, 12

 

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

 

YALE CUP I

Co-Players of the Year:

Percy Bryant - East, 12 / Devin Morris - McKinley, 12

 

First Team

Juwan Tolliver - McKinley, 12

Shaquan Jones - McKinley, 11

Fred Foster - Middle College, 11

JoJo Staton - Middle College, 11

 

Second Team

Damone Brown - East, 12

Amir Jemes - Middle College, 11

Brian Johnson - Middle College, 11

Isaiah Jamison - Burgard, 11

Jovell Littlejohn - East, 12

 

Third Team

Keyshawn Ridgeway - McKinley, 12

Dion Morrison - East, 12

Shakur Harris - South Park, 10

Jaylen Hall - Burgard, 12

Dante Campbell - Hutch-Tech, 12

 

Honorable Mention

 McKinley:  Bruce Booker - 11, Keyon Johnson - 11, Kesean Fisher - 11, Jaylen Prophet - 11

East:  Willard Anderson - 9, Malik Doughty - 12, Jamil Reynolds - 12, Daquan Williams - 12

Middle College:  Isaiah Jenkins - 12, Billy Rivera - 11, Lorenzo Truitt - 11

Burgard:  Rodderick Morrow - 12, Emmanuel Moss - 12

South Park:  James Baker - 11

Riverside:  Alexander Johnson - 11, Damone McNamee - 12

Bennett:  Jose Rivera - 11, Alex Lofton - 12

Hutch-Tech:  Josh Bonilla - 12, Jaylen Rose - 11

 

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

 

YALE CUP II

Player of the Year:

Xavier Maye - I-Prep, 12

 

First Team

Terrance James - I-Prep, 12

Michael Simpson - Emerson, 11

Aaron Woods - Buffalo Arts, 12

Matt Cieslik - City Honors, 12

Brandon Roach - Olmsted, 11

Kyle Davis - DaVinci, 12

 

Second Team

Davon Gant - I-Prep, 11

JeQuan Wilson - MST Seneca, 11

Dominic Prince - MST Seneca, 10

Demetrius Brown - Buffalo Arts, 11

Jason Dowell - Emerson, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Lafayatte:  Julio Muriel - 12

MST Seneca:  Alfonse Oyoyo - 11, David Anderson - 10

Emerson:  Justin Acker - 11

Olmsted:  Dan Reid - 10

City Honors:  Jordahn Summers - 12, Ryan Langhorne - 11, Amir Radford - 8

DaVinci:  Mike Horton - 10, Devonte Robinson - 12

 

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

 

ALL-ECIC

Player of the Year:

Zack Panebianco - Jamestown, 12

 

First Team

Zack Panebianco - Jamestown, 12

TC Brown - Amherst, 11

Dominick Welch - Cheektowaga, 10

Clay Lewis - Holland, 12

Sam Castronova - Williamsville South, 12

Nick Parucki - West Seneca East, 12

 

Second Team

Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, 9

Dylan Lambert - Williamsville North, 12

Zak Ciezki - Cheektowaga, 12

Cort Williams - Williamsville East, 12

Stephen Carlson - Jamestown, 12

Maceo Jack - Williamsville North, 11

 

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

 

ECIC I

Player of the Year:

Zack Panebianco - Jamestown, 12

 

First Team

Stephen Carlson - Jamestown, 12

Dylan Lambert - Williamsville North, 12

Maceo Jack - Williamsville North, 12

Jay Bergmann - Frontier, 12

Matt Sadowy - Clarence, 12

 

Second Team

Tyler Lis - Lancaster, 12

Alex Konst - Lancaster - 11

Frank Borzillieri - West Seneca West, 12

Sean Hill - Williamsville North, 11

Bryan Pulli - Clarence, 12

 

 Honorable Mention

Frontier:  David Estrada - 12, Jake Gleason - 12

Orchard Park:  Dan Freilicher - 11

Jamestown:  Zacc Kinsey - 11

 

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

 

ECIC II

Player of the Year:

Nick Parucki - West Seneca East 12

 

First Team

Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, 9

Sam Castronova - Williamsville South, 12

Christian Nodine - Starpoint, 11

Cort Williams - Williamsville East, 12

 

Second Team

Nicholas Clough - Williamsville East, 12

Brock Kroening - Starpoint, 11

Jordan Heine - Sweet Home, 12

Ben Walters - Starpoint, 11

Brendan Ryan - Hamburg, 11

 

 Honorable Mention

Williamsville South:  Graham Dolan - 11, Matt Foster - 11

Sweet Home:  Brandon Smiley - 12

Hamburg:  Caleb Wood - 12

West Seneca East:  Ed Radka - 11, Matt Kumro - 12

Iroquois:  Zach Emer - 12, Lucas Tait - 12

 

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

 

ECIC III

Player of the Year:

TC Brown - Amherst, 11

 

First Team

Zak Cieszki - Cheektowaga, 12

Dominik Welch - Cheektowaga, 10

Dorian Billups - Amherst, 12

Darien Lowe - Amherst, 12

Collin Gemerek - Depew, 12

 

Second Team

Noah Thompson - East Aurora, 11

Amadi Ikpeze - Amherst, 11

Mike Kelleher - Maryvale, 12

Vince Nourse - Pioneer, 12

Kyle Warner - Springville, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Depew:  Tyler Anna - 12, Dylan Sekuterski - 12, Chad Biersbach - 9

Cheektowaga:  Patrick Plummer - 12, Devon Camel - 12

East Aurora:  Mike Coatsworth - 12

Maryvale:  Ray Blackwell - 9

 

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

 

ECIC IV

Player of the Year:

Clay Lewis - Holland, 12

 

First Team

Jeremiah Jones - Lackawanna, 12

Joe Braniecki - JFK, 12

Anthony Sullivan - Cleveland Hill, 12

Larry Fields - Lackawanna, 12

Jermaine Hairston - Cleveland Hill, 12

Tristan Boling - Tonawanda, 12

 

Second Team

Rodney White - Cleveland Hill, 11

Jordan Stockweather - Alden, 11

Christian Snell - Alden, 9

Cale Byczkowski - JFK, 12

AJ Perlino - Holland, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Alden:  Dylan Riddoch - 11

Holland:  Matt Farrant - 12, EJ Staniszewski - 11

JFK:  Brendan Fox - 12

Lackawanna:  Jaelin Watson - 11, Darius Cleveland - 12

Tonawanda:  Cody Diaz - 11, Larenz Jefferson - 12

 

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

 

NIAGARA FRONTIER LEAGUE

First  Team

Chris Woodard - North Tonawanda, 12

Craig Paige - Lew-Port, 12

Jenard Jackson - Lew-Port, 11

Terrell Ford - Kenmore West, 11

Kelly Brown - Lockport, 11

 

Second Team

Breon Harris - Niagara Falls, 11

Nathan Nielson - Niagara Wheatfield, 11

Joe Kulikowski - Grand Island, 11

Qeyion Williams - Niagara Falls, 11

Ryan Gilbert - North Tonawanda, 11

 

Third Team

Mikey Bermudez - Niagara Falls, 12

Colin Carrey - Grand Island, 12

Trent White - Kenmore West, 12

Nathan Williams - Niagara Wheatfield, 12

Adam McNeill - North Tonawanda, 12

 

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

 

NIAGARA-ORLEANS

First Team

Kyle Bradley - Wilson, 12

Jason Hellwig - Medina, 12

Dylanta Carson - CSAT, 12

Andy Xaspos - Roy-Hart, 11

Gates Abrams - Akron, 11

 

Second Team

Evan Shank - Wilson, 12

Chris Sweeney - Barker, 12

Clayton Stanton - Albion, 12

Kyle Burdick - Newfane, 12

Justin Morgan - Medina, 11

 

 Honorable Mention

Albion:  Desmond Blackmon - 12, Manny Thompson - 12, Austin Lloyd - 12, Alex Bison - 12, Tommy Mattison - 10

Barker:  Nate Luckman - 10, Tom Callaghan - 12

Roy-Hart:  Chris Anderson - 11, Nelson Andrade - 12

 

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

 

CCAA I WEST

Player of the Year:

John Piper - Fredonia, 12

 

First Team

Cam Voss - Fredonia, 12

Cody Johnson - Cassadaga Valley, 12

Patrick Moore - Fredonia, 11

Chucky Martin - Olean, 12

Isaiah Thomas - Dunkirk, 11

 

Second Team

Elijah Ramadhan - Olean, 11

Jake Cavana - Olean, 11

Ben Eckstrom - Olean, 10

Shamon Stewart - Dunkirk, 10

Ben Burk - Southwestern, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Chautauqua Lake:  Carter Davidson - 11, Aaron Swan - 10

Fredonia:  Jarod Burmaster - 11

Olean:  Connor Prizel - 12

Falconer:  Sean Nord - 11, Ryan DePietro - 11

Dunkirk:  Rashad Brown - 11, Richard Pickens - 12

 

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

 

CCAA II WEST

Player of the Year:

Graham Soffel - Maple Grove, 12

 

First Team

Jake Card - Sherman, 12

Nathan Ottaway - Sherman, 12

Liam Tennies - Westfield, 12

Josh Eddy - Panama, 11

Chris Robson - Sherman, 10

 

Second Team

Tanner Dahl - Westfield, 12

Matt Hair - Frewsburg, 11

Jake Card - Sherman, 11

Chris Blose - Panama, 11

Cordell O'Brien - Frewsburg, 10

Josh Odell - Panama, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Panama:  Jack Payne - 11

Sherman:  Jeremy Cole - 12, Stephen Walczak - 12, Kolby Parks - 10

Clymer:  Adam Honey - 11, Josh Summers - 11, Jared Dunnewold - 12, Dylan Neckers - 11, Evan Legters - 12

Brocton:  Aaron Rifigiato - 10, Bryan Graves - 12

Frewsburg:  Kole Brink - 11

Westfield:  Trevor North - 11

Maple Grove:  Pat Nelson - 11

 

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

 

CCAA I EAST

Player of the Year:

 Bill Brooks - Silver Creek, 11

 

First Team

Bryce Morrison - Randolph, 12

Trevon Thompson - Silver Creek, 11

Isaac Hilyer  - Portville, 12

Jared Fish - Salamanca, 12

Tyler Siperek - Salamanca, 12

Cole Davis - Allegany-Limestone, 11

 

Second Team

Mason Bosley - Randolph, 12

Connor Gates - Silver Creek, 11

Andy Crandall - Salamanca, 12

Nate Brawdy - Gowanda, 9

Randy Jimerson - Gowanda, 12

Dominic Conroy - Allegany-Limestone, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Portville:  Zach Ewings - 12, Andrew Sarber - 12

Cattaraugus/Little Valley:  Darnell Pritchard - 12

Silver Creek:  Sherman Williams - 12

Gowanda:  Les Young - 12

Randolph:  Derek Young - 12

Salamanca:  Austin Elliott - 12

Allegany-Limestone:  Bailey Higby - 11

 

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

 

CCAA II EAST

Player of the Year:

Dylan Granger - Pine Valley, 12

 

First Team

Phalla Musall - Ellicottville, 12

Logan Youngberg - Forestville, 12

Caleb Makuch - Forestville, 12

Elliott Bowen - Ellicottville, 9

Ben Erickson - Franklinville, 12

Dylan Granger - Pine Valley, 12

 

Second Team

Dylan Szumigala - Forestville, 11

Dawson Bielecki - Franklinville, 11

Jordan Milks - Franklinville, 11

Kilian Abers - PineValley, 11

Austin Grinols - Ellicottville, 9

Emil Erlandson - West Valley, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Forestville:  Ryan Forbes - 12, Jeff Van Vlack - 12

Franklinville:  Isaac Kopp - 9, Drew Jackson - 10, Wil Bays - 11, 

Ellicottville:  Jonas Hurlburt - 11, Cole Lapi - 11, Griffin Chudy - 9

Pine Valley:  Russell Hayes - 12

West Valley:  Patrick Enser - 12. Jared Ras - 12, Justin Summers - 11, Chad Boldt - 10

 

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

 

Charter Schools

Player of the Year:

Fred Searles - Global Concepts, 12

 

First Team

DeJuan Owens - Tapestry, 12

Tyrin Lott - Health Sciences, 9

Kenny White - Oracle, 11

Damon Glenn - Maritime, 12

Jordan Maxey - Tapestry, 12

 

Second Team

JaQuoine Fogan - Tapestry, 11

Kam Rashada - Health Sciences, 11

Naz Flood - Health Sciences, 12

Andre Bragg - Tapestry, 12

Fabian Pierce - Global Concepts, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Buffalo Science:  David Harris - 12

Oracle:  Shaundez Davis - 12, Shakur Bridges - 10

Global Concepts:  Dwight Dilbert - 10

Health Sciences:  Amarri Funderburk - 11

 

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Who deserves a spot on All-Centercourt?

 

The 2015 All-Centercourt Team & CC MVP will be published on Thursday, April 16th

 

** Link to Brackets Central ** 

 

You think it's easy to come up a top 60?  How about about separating it into a top 25 first? Give it shot. Five teams, with five players on each team, and another 35 players for honorable mention.

 

In about three weeks, the 5th Annual All-Centercourt team will be announced, honoring the top 60 seasons turned in by WNY high school players this year.  The selections are broken down into a first, second, third, fourth, & fifth team, with five players on each, along with 35 honorable mention selections.  There is also an award for the CC MVP (the WNY Player of the Year), Coach of the Year, and Sixth Man of the Year.

 

The top 60 may sound like a lot, but when you start putting names down on paper, the list fills quickly and inevitably some very good players get left off the list.  The main criteria I focus on is the 2014-2015 season, not what you did in the past, and not where you're going in the future...it's all about honoring the top 60 from this season.

 

Use the comments section below to tell us what your 5 teams would look like and maybe even why.  If you're really ambitious, try coming up with the entire team including the HM selections.  

 

Please keep all commentary appropriate when discussing high school athletes, and remember, it is lame to say someone does not belong on a team, without offering up who should be on one.  It might be even more lame to give only one or two teams.  Show us you've paid attention this season and provide all five teams.

 

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Poll Ballots - 2015 - Week 10

(It's championship week in WNY! / Photo by Dave DeLuca)

 

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

 

Large Schools

 1. Canisius (MMA) -  After a week off, the Crusaders handled St. Joe's for a third time this season, to advance to a sixth time in seven seasons.

2. Jamestown (AA) -  The Red Raiders made it back to Buff State with ease, seeking their fifth Class AA title in six seasons.

3. McKinley (A1) -   The Macks streak of advancing to Buff State has now reached 16 straight years.  

4. Amherst (A2) -  Semifinal of the week, Part 1, involves these Tigers, who take on Cheektowaga on Thursday night.  Amherst will need to do the Warriors the same way they were done last season.  Those two really love each other.

5. Williamsvillle South (A1) -  Semifinal of the week, Part 2, tips tonight. South vs. McKinley, which has become an annual rivalry at Buff State, should give us everything you could want out of a high school basketball game.  I'm going to try to get a good seat for it.

6. Williamsville North (AA) -  The Spartans play in a semifinal game that I'd love to see, but one I'll be missing.  North battles Niagara Falls on Wednesday, at the same time the team just below them on my ballot plays for the Manhattan Cup championship.  Semifinal vs. final...priorities.  I'll  never understand why these games have to conflict.

7. Nichols (MMA) -  In the tweet of the week, the Nichols student section, Gang Green, congratulated Canisius on reaching its first Manhattan Cup Final since 2013.   It's definitely fitting that these two play one more time this season with some big stakes at hand.

8. Timon (MMA) -   Saw their season end at the hands of Nichols yesterday after a brief fourth quarter lead got away, preventing them from a third straight appearance in the Manhattan Cup Final.

9. St. Joe's (MMA) -  The Marauders drew the short straw and had to take on Canisius in the semifinals.  They did beat the teams they're sandwiched between on my ballot, along with Nichols, all on the road.

10. Starpoint (A2) -  Back at Buff State for the first time since 2003, where they'll face Olean, a team that's made a lot of memories in that sports arena over the past several seasons.

 

Small Schools

1. Park (MMA) -  They got Niagara Catholic's best shot on Sunday, and they'll get the best St. Mary's has to offer on Wednesday night.  The key for the Pioneers is to play at their best.  When they are at their best, they are at another level from the other small schools.

2. Fredonia (B2) -  Got quite the scare from Lackawanna on Friday, but survived to return to Buff State in their quest to win a sectional title.  They'll need to get past a fiesty Wilson team first, for a shot at either East or Cleveland Hill.

3. St. Mary's (MMA) -   The Lancers, who have been the best small school in the MMA for years, are fittingly playing in the first ever Class B Manhattan Cup championship game.  They'll have something in store for the Pioneers.

4. Middle College (C2) -   The Kats have the horses to get back to Glens Falls in Class C, and they'll begin that process this week as they go after a fourth straight Section VI crown.

5. Silver Creek (C1) -  The Black Knights return to JCC for a fourth straight year, where they're the #1 seed in Class C1 after winning their division.

6. East (B2) - Took care of a good Health Sciences team in the quarterfinals to get back to Buff State.  The Panthers face Cleveland Hill on Tuesday, who they beat in the title game last year.

7. Sherman (D) -  The only undefeated team in WNY and one of three teams  in a quest to win a third straight Section VI crown.

8. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks had the largest margin of victory of any Section VI team in Friday's quarterfinals.  Now they'll need to win a second game in the Southern Tier against Salamanca for a shot at the title in Class C1 on Friday night.

9. Walsh (MMA) - I brought the Eagles back onto my ballot this week on the strength of road wins over Timon and St. Mary's, a home win over Nichols, and taking Starpoint to overtime.  Their season might be over, but no other non-Park small school has those type of credentials.

10. Burgard (B1) -  The Bulldogs are the #1 seed in Class B1 and have made it to Buff State.  That was good enough for me.  Can't wait to see their return for the first time since 2006.

 

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Manhattan Cup Semifinals - 2015

 

The Manhattan Cup Finals are set:

Wednesday, March 4th - 7 & 8:45 pm

Class B Final:  (1) Park vs. (2) St. Mary's

Class A Final:  (1) Canisius vs. (2) Nichols

Click here to see the Manhattan Cup Playoff Bracket

Below are recaps of each semifinal game:

 

Nichols 66, Timon 61

In a rematch of last year's championship game, the Vikings got a game-high 25 points from Chris Miner, who was a force inside the paint all game, to advance to the Manhattan Cup Final for the sixth time in nine seasons.

Timon led the entire first quarter, taking a 20-15 advantage after one.  The second quarter saw seven lead changes, before Nichols took a 33-30 lead into halftime.  After staying in front the entire way in the third frame, Nichols slipped behind Timon on the scoreboard once again with 4:40 remaining, following seven straight Tiger points.  A minute later, Timon increased its lead to two points, before Nichols closed the game by scoring the final eight points to advance to the final.

Cam Lewis added 16 points for Nichols in the win.

Joe Harrison led Timon with 16 points, while Claudious Modi and Quinton Lamar each scored 12 points.

 

Canisius 69, St. Joe's 43

For the sixth time in seven seasons, Canisius will play in the Manhattan Cup final.  The Crusaders jumped out to a 6-0 lead and never trailed in the game, on their way to a third victory this season over their rivals.

Stafford Trueheart scored 15 of his game-high 21 points in the first half as Canisius took a 14-point lead to the break.  The junior big man had a pair of dunks in the game, one flushed off a lob from LaTerrance Reed, and the other being a two-handed slam coming in traffic.

The Marauders were able to get within eight points of Canisius twice in the third quarter, but that would be the closest the game was at any point in the second half.

Justin Jones scored 14 points for Canisius and LaTerrance Reed added 12 points.

Nick Motley and Grant Beyer each scored 11 points for the Marauders, while Jack Scaglione finished his playing days at St. Joe's with eight points.

 

St. Mary's 59, Walsh 49

 Takal Molson scored 10 of his game-high 31 points in the fourth quarter, to keep an upset-minded Walsh team from taking any leads when they were threatening in the final stanza.  The opening quarter was back-and-forth, but Molson scored the final basket to give his team a lead they would never relinquish.

The Eagles struck from downtown nine times over the first three quarters, but cooled off at the end, as they missed all 3-point attempts in the final stanza.

After Tavian Kemp converted a three-point play with 1:29 left in the game to get Walsh within one, 50-49, the Lancers closed out the contest on a 9-0 run.

Kemp finished with a team-high 21 points, while Christian Churakos added 11 points in the loss.

 

Park 57, Niagara Catholic 49

Jordan Nwora scored 11 of his game-high 26 points in the opening quarter to get the Pioneers off to a 20-11 lead on Niagara Catholic.  The Patriots managed to play Park even for the rest of the game, but were never able to make up the early deficit from the opening stanza.  The closest Niagara Catholic got the rest of the way was within five points in the second quarter, but also never trailed by more than 15 points at any time.

Jake Socha scored all 12 of Niagara Catholic's 2nd quarter points, en route to a team-high 23-point game.  The senior big man was instrumental in keeping his team around all game with solid rebounding, defending, and interior passing.  Jaceary Menes scored eight of his 13 points in the fourth quarter, including a couple deep treys.

Kyle Harris scored 13 points and Derek Cheatom added 11 points for Park in the win.

 

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Brackets Central - 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below are links to each bracket, along with some other postseason-related content:

 

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

 

 Manhattan Cup Playoffs

Class AA Bracket

Class A1 Bracket

Class A2 Bracket

Class B1 Bracket

Class B2 Bracket

Class C1 Bracket

Class C2 Bracket

Class D Bracket 

 

Far West Regional - 2015

Section VI All-Tournament Teams

All-League from every league - 2015

Schedule of remaining postseason games

Crossover Tuesday at Buff State

Championship Saturday - 2015 (with video)

JCC Friday - 2015

Crusaders advance to the CHSAA state championship

Canisius wins the Manhattan Cup

Park wins Class B Manhattan Cup

Amherst & Olean win Class A2 semifinals, will meet up in final

Class A1 semifinals: South & NT advance

Buff State Tuesday: East, Fredonia, & Jamestown march on

Buff State Week Viewing Guide

Manhattan Cup Semifinals Recap

Sectional Preview

Manhattan Cup Play-in games

Maryvale advances

Cheektowaga is going back to Buff State

My Poll Ballots heading into championship week

 Final regular season standings

WHO DESERVES A SPOT ON ALL-CENTERCOURT?

 

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Poll Ballots - 2015 - Week 9

(#1 Canisius vs. #1 Park was a treat for WNY fans / Photo by Dave DeLuca)

 

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

 

Large Schools

 1. Canisius (MMA) - Another year of the Crusaders cruising through the regular season without a single loss to another team from WNY, although they received several more challenges this season than last.  Maybe that will serve them well in the Manhattan Cup playoffs.  

2. Jamestown (AA) - The only team the Red Raiders lost to from WNY is the above mentioned Crusaders.  They are once again the top seed in Class AA after completing an unbeaten season in ECIC I.

3. McKinley (A1) -   The undefeated Yale Cup champions will have had eight days off when they host Hamburg on Friday night.   

4. Amherst (A2) -  The Tigers get the winner of Pioneer/Iroquois on Friday night after running the table in ECIC II and grabbing the top seed in Class A2.

5. Williamsvillle South (A1) -  The Billies hit a serious speed bump on their way to an undefeated season in ECIC II and the top seed in Class A1 - Starpoint.  The Spartans went into South last week and played spoiler, setting up a potential semifinal game between the Billies and McKinley at Buff State.

6. Williamsville North (AA) -  The Spartans played outstanding defense on Thursday against Jamestown, but the Red Raiders defended just as well in a low scoring dogfight.  The result sets up the annual quarterfinal matchup between North & Ken West, if the Blue Devils can knock off Orchard Park.

7. Nichols (MMA) -  After all their ups & downs this season, the Vikings end up as the number two seed in the Manhattan Cup playoffs, needing a wins over Timon & the Canisius/St. Joe's winner to repeat as the champs. A little de javu?

8. Timon (MMA) -    The Tigers home loss to Walsh was a surprise, but maybe the attention-grabber the Tigers needed prior to playoffs.  They have the talent to win the Cup, but their lack of consistency prevents them from getting over the hump.

9. St. Joe's (MMA) -  Another team that dropped its regular season finale to a small school - the Marauders loss at St. Mary's seemed to be an afterthought as they blew the roof off the fieldhouse during the second quarter of their play-in win over St. Francis.

10. Starpoint (A2) - The Spartans return to my ballot for going into Williamsville South and winning last week, the type of signature win that no other team vying for this spot can lay claim to.  

 

Small Schools

1. Park (MMA) -  The Pioneers showed they belonged on the same court as Canisius, something we all suspected.  Their fate is in their hands at this point.  they won't see another opponent of Canisius' caliber until the Class B Federation if they can get there.  If they don't get there, it's nothing short of a disappointment.

2. Fredonia (B2) -  I went to the Hillbillies' game against East last week and just watched. No tweeting updates and no notebook, I just took it all in.  I left that night saying not only did I expect Fredonia to win the overall Class B title, but I now like its chances in regionals.  They remind me of the Class B teams from Section 10 I see at Glens Falls each year (Potsdam, OFA, etc).  These guys are legit and have no holes.  Last three wins: at St. Mary's, Olean (snapping a 40-game losing streak), and East.

3. St. Mary's (MMA) -  Ended their year on a high note, beating St. Joe's.  Now they'll need to avenge a recent loss to Walsh to force a third meeting with Park for the Class B Manhattan Cup.

4. Middle College (C2) -  They had McKinley on the ropes last week, leading by 10 points in the third quarter, before the Macks came storming back.  They rebounded with a two-point win over Bennett heading into sectionals.  The Kats are heavy favorites to win the prize in Class C2, beginning on Friday against either Olmsted or Buffalo Science.

5. Silver Creek (C1) -   The Black Knights took  the CCAA I East title and secured the top seed in Class C1, where they'll host the Gowanda/Cassadaga Valley winner on Friday looking to get back to JCC for a fifth straight season.

6. East (B2) -  The Panthers got a first hand look at how difficult it will be to win Class B2 this year when they traveled to Fredonia last week.  They were without Jovell Littlejohn and didn't look like the team that beat Middle College or nearly beat McKinley twice, but they've got a lot to figure out in order to repeat as sectional champs.  If they can win against Southwestern or Oracle on Wednesday, they'll have to get through Health Sciences in the quarterfinals.

7. Sherman (D) -   After ripping through the season with an undefeated record, the prize for the Wildcats is a potential quarterfinal against Maple Grove, a team I'd never want to face in the postseason.

8. Health Sciences (B2) - The Falcons took the rematch with Tapestry and then proceeded to get past Global Concepts in a closer-than-expected result to finish the regular season.  Friday night, they'll look to get back to Buff State when they play East at Nichols in the B2 quarterfinals.

9. Tapestry (C1) -   After dropping a heart-breaker to Health Sciences, the Thunderhawks traveled to Salamanca and knocked the Warriors off, a team they'll likely play again next week at JCC in the Class C1 semifinals.

10. Cleveland Hill (B2) - The undefeated champs of ECIC IV are the top seed in Class B2 after losing just once in their last 16 games, at St. Mary's.

 

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Manhattan Cup Playoffs - 2015

 

 

Play-in Games - Sunday, February 22nd

AT St. Mary's HS - 1 pm & 2:45 pm

Class B - Niagara Catholic 65, Cardinal O'Hara 59

Class A - St. Joe's 74, St. Francis 48

 

 Semifinals - Sunday, March 1st 

AT CANISIUS COLLEGE KOESSLER CENTER

Class B

(1) Park 57, (4) Niagara Catholic 49

(2) St. Mary's 59, (3) Walsh 49

Class A

(1) Canisius 69, (4) St. Joe's 43

(2) Nichols 66, (3) Timon 61

 

Manhattan Cup Finals - Wednesday, March 4th

AT CANISIUS COLLEGE KOESSLER CENTER

 Class B Final - 7 pm

 (1) Park 69,  (2) St. Mary's 55

 

Class A Final - 8:45 pm

(1) Canisius 55, (2) Nichols 53

 

2015 Manhattan Cup Champions - Canisius Crusaders

2015 Class B Manhattan Cup Champs - Park Pioneers

 

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Poll Ballots - 2015 - Week 8

(John Piper & #2 small school Fredonia host Olean & East this week /Photo: Dunkirk Observer)

 

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

 

Large Schools

 1. Canisius (MMA) -  Only the highly anticipated showdown with top ranked small school, Park, stands in the way of the Crusaders finishing a third straight season as undefeated regular season champs of the MMA. Regardless of Tuesday's result, Canisius will be the top seed in the Manhattan Cup playoffs for Class A.

2. Jamestown (AA) -  Winners of four straight since the Greece Athena loss, they face their top two competitors in ECIC I this week, Lancaster & Will North, looking to finish as unbeaten league champs & the top seed in Class AA.

3. McKinley (A1) -   The Macks have taken six straight since their epic battle with Canisius at the MLK Classic, including wins over East & Middle College, to keep their city mark unblemished.  A rematch with the Kats at ECC this Wednesday is all that stands in the way of McKinley being undefeated Yale Cup champs.

4. Williamsvillle South (A1) -  The Billies streak has reached 10 games, with their only loss coming Far West Region Class AA favorite, Aquinas.  Starpoint & Lake Shore remain this week, and winning both makes the Billies the top seed in Class A1.

5. Amherst (A2) -   The Tigers finish up this week against Springville & Depew, and it looks very likely they too will run the table in league and secure the top seed in Class A2.

6. Williamsville North (AA) -  The Spartans are in the hunt for the ECIC I crown, but they'll need to win out to get it, which includes games this week against Lamcaster, West Seneca West, and Jamestown.

7. Nichols (MMA) -  In the tightly bunched MMA large school ranks, I gave the Vikings the nod over Timon & St. Joe's (all three split with each other this season) because they have a pair of wins that are as signature as they get in WNY - McKinley & Park.

8. Timon (MMA) -   At this point, it seems crazy that I can only rank these guys at #8 after the way they've played recently, but losses to Williamsville South & North keep them behind those two, and their more recent win over Nichols was overshadowed by the Vikings beating Park, who Timon fell to in a great game on Sunday.

9. St. Joe's (MMA) -  After a brutal five-game stretch, that saw losses to Canisius, Park, & Timon, before a great pair of wins over Nichols & Bishop Kearney, I put them here only because Timon won the more recent meeting.  It's crazy that between Nichols, Timon, & Joe's, one of them could have to face St. Francis in a play-in game to arrive in the newly restructured Manhattan Cup tournament.

10. Olean (A2) - The only thing left for the Huskies before a run at the Class A2 title is a date at Fredonia on Tuesday for a chance to close out the regular season as undefeated champs of CCAA I West.  A loss would force Olean to share the title with the Hillbillies.

 

Small Schools

1. Park (MMA) -  The Pioneers finally got tripped up by a local team - the same one that tripped the Crusaders last season - Nichols.  With the Canisius game looming tomorrow, that loss was either a sign of things to come or just what they needed to avoid a let down in the coming weeks.

2. Fredonia (B2) -  Talk about a back-loaded finish to  the regular season - the Hillbillies won at #3 St. Mary's last week, and now on back-to-back nights this week, host Olean for the league title and East in what could be a Class B2 final preview.

3. East (B2) - With coach Starling Bryant's 304th victory secured and the city schedule in the books, the Panthers finish up with fun nonleaguers at Cheektowaga & Fredonia this week.

4. St. Mary's (MMA) -   The Lancers slide down a spot this week, not so much for the loss to Fredonia, but for the one the night prior at home to Walsh.  Then yesterday, the Lancers forgot to show up on Delaware Ave and suffered a lopsided loss at the hands of Canisius.  All season, they've looked like a clear number two in the MMA's Class B, but heading into the postseason, St. Mary's players need to bring passion back to the court.  The last chance to get right is at home against a St. Joe's team that is playing really well.

5. Middle College (C2) -  The Kats stay behind the Lancers because they lost to them by 19 points to start the year, but a win against McKinley this week, or another run in the postseason could get me to look right past that one.

6. Silver Creek (C1) -  I moved the Black Knights up two spots this week after their thrilling double overtime victory over Salamanca to set them up for the title in CCAA I East.  If they beat Allegany-Limestone again this week, they'll ride a 10-game win streak into sectionals.

7. Sherman (D) -  The regular season is over for them, 19-0.  Now they're three wins away from a third straight Class D title, a result we'll have to wait until March 6th for.

8. Salamanca (C1) -   The Warriors showed a lot in their loss at Silver Creek.  Down 22 points in the second quarter and down 10 points heading into the fourth, they just kept coming.  Now they'll carry the sting of that loss into sectional play - look out Class C1.

9. Tapestry (C1) -  The Thunderhawks finish the regular season with a pair of huge games - against Health Sciences for the Charter Cup and at Salamanca - a team they could see again in the Class C1 sectionals.

10. Health Sciences (B2) -  Next week at this time, the Falcons will either have moved up on this ballot, or fallen off of it.  Lots & lots of talent at Health Sciences - they will make Class B2 interesting.

 

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Canisius looks to Trueheart at the finish

(Justin Jones finishes an open look under the basket for Canisius)

 

To modify a quote from the great Marv Levy, and apply it to high school basketball in WNY last night - when it's too cold for everyone else, it's just right for Canisius & Timon.  On a typically cold night in Buffalo, when the entire region cancelled school & athletic contests, the two Monsignor Martin foes forged ahead with their scheduled duel, and heated things up South Buffalo.

 

Stafford Trueheart scored 26 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and took matters into his own hands  in the crucial final minutes, leading the Crusaders to a 73-66 victory at Timon.  The win improves Canisius to 11-0 in the MMA, now just two games away from completing league play unscathed for a third straight season.

 

Out of all the competitive league games the Crusaders have played this season, last night's win at Timon was the most they've been pushed by a MMA team.

 

"That's a really good basketball team and they keep getting better", Canisius coach Kyle Husband said.

 

In a good old fashioned dog fight, the teams took turns going at each other for three quarters, with the lead changing 14 times, while being tied another seven times.  The intensity on the court was matched by the students bunched up near each end line representing the two schools, particularly Timon's student section, many of which were draped in sheets as part of a toga theme.  A near full auditorium at Timon made plenty of noise, with fans for both teams having plenty to cheer about.

 

"This might be the best atmosphere in WNY", Husband said.  "Some people love it, some people hate it.  I love it".

 

In the fourth quarter, Canisius built the largest lead either team enjoyed on the evening, a 57-49 advantage with 6:17 remaining.  That's when the stars came out. 

 

The first player to step up was the Tigers' Derick Simpson.  Already sitting on 18 points in the game, Simpson scored the next six points to get his team back within two, 57-55, near the five minute mark.  As the clock ticked under three minutes left in the game, Timon got a pair of free throws from sophomore Joe Harrison, tying things up at 61-61.  It would be the last stand for the Tigers.

 

Trueheart took his turn to shine when his team needed him most, scoring eight of his 26 points over the game's final 2:50, converting timely buckets in the paint and sinking his free throws.  Canisius closed the game with a 12-5 spurt to seal the win.

 

"Stafford's played probably five games now where he's really taken that next step, and he did that again tonight", said Husband.

 

LaTerrance Reed finished with 12 points in the win for Canisius, while Josh Huffman and Justin Jones each scored 10 points.

 

Simpson ended the evening with a game-high 28 points for Timon, with 13 of those coming in the final stanza.  Harrison added 16 points for the Tigers.

 

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Poll Ballots - 2015 - Week 7

(Timon first played its way onto my ballot & now they're climbing / Photo by Buffalo News)

 

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

 

Large Schools

 1. Canisius (MMA) -  Swept the regular season series against Nichols to remain unbeaten in the MMA.  Fell at Cathedral Prep on Thursday, a team Aquinas just beat.  The Crusaders visit Section V's Class AA favorite, undefeated Aquinas, tomorrow night.

2. Jamestown (AA) -  The Red Raiders have made it through the entire ECIC I, with their closest game being a 15-point victory over Lancaster.  After the loss to Canisius in December, they have faced four ranked large schools & beat all four - St. Joe's by 16, Olean by 15, Amherst by 10, & North by 16.

3. McKinley (A1) -  The Macks are at East High tomorrow night with plenty at stake.  McKinley basically clinches Yale Cup I with a win.  Round one went to the Macks, a 73-70 win over the visiting Panthers.

4. Williamsvillle South (A1) -  The Billies have rolled through ECIC II and have to have their eye on the postseason at this point.  Their only loss was to Aquinas back in late December - a team that reminds me somewhat of McKinley. Hmm.

5. Amherst (A2) -  The Tigers are three wins from finishing the season undefeated in ECIC III, and then it'll be time to begin the mission of reclaiming that Class A2 title.

6. Williamsville North (AA) - The Spartans have rolled in every victory this season - they haven't won a game by less than 16 points.  Their only three losses all came to teams above them on this ballot - Jamestown, McKinley, & South.

7. Timon (MMA) -  After a season-opening loss to Williamsville North, the Tigers have climbed into the poll and are now tucked right behind the Spartans on my ballot and in the News poll.  Glad to see everyone got my "vote for Timon" invitation.

8. Nichols (MMA) - The Vikings are coming off a tough week, with a pair of losses at Canisius & Timon.  This week, Nichols hosts St. Joe's & Park.  Last year, they beat Park at home on February 15th, part of a seven-game winning streak on its way to the Manhattan Cup.  

 9. St. Joe's (MMA) -   Looking at the Marauders schedule, they're amidst a five-game stretch of Park, Canisius, Timon, Bishop Kearney, & Nichols.  They also scheduled games at Jamestown & at Aquinas, and faced Henninger & Jamesville DeWitt in Syracuse.  It's a good thing that team has grit.

10. Olean (A2) - They continue to win their league games, but haven't been lighting the world on fire in the process.  I don't see this as a team that's going to bury the competition like last year's bunch was capable of, but this team is more than capable of winning Class A2 this season.

 

Small Schools

1. Park (MMA) -   The Pioneers are winners of 14 straight games, with four more on tap for this week, including a pair of tests against ranked large schools, Nichols & Timon.

2. Fredonia (B2) -  The Hillbillies outscored Cardinal O'Hara, 56-14, in the second half of their 81-38 win on Saturday.  They'll face another MMA opponent on Wednesday night when they visit the team I have one spot below them - St. Mary's.

3. St. Mary's (MMA) -   Trailed the mighty Park School by just three points heading into the fourth quarter on Wednesday night, before falling by 11.  This week, they face a rematch with Walsh, who they clipped at the buzzer in round one, host Fredonia for a great matchup of top small schools, and then head into Canisius for a Sunday matinee.  

4. East (B2) -  The Panthers will look to hand McKinley its first loss in the city this season on Tuesday, while looking to make Starling Bryant the all-time winningest coach in the city.

5. Middle College (C2) -   The Kats took their loss against McKinley out on Riverside this week, crushing the Frontiers by 37 points.  The next two that will try to stand in Middle College's way are Hutch-Tech & South Park this week.

6. Sherman (D) -  Just two wins away from an undefeated regular season.  The only real obstacle could be Maple Grove, who the Wildcats host tomorrow.  But just a few weeks ago, Sherman went there and won by 17 points.

 7. Salamanca (C1) -   The Warriors got Jared Fish back in their lineup, but fell to Cuba Rushford last week, a team they opened the season with a victory against.  This is a huge week for them, starting tonight with a rematch against Randolph, who beat the Warriors once already, and then a trip to Silver Creek on Thursday.

8. Silver Creek (C1) -  The Black Knights find themselves in the position of controlling their own destiny.  If they win out, they are champions of CCAA I East.  That means they'll need to avenge a loss to Salamanca on Thursday night in the 'Game of the Week'.

 9. Tapestry (C1) -  We're going to learn a lot about the Thunderhawks very soon.  Wednesday night, they face Global Concepts, Friday they play Health Sciences, and next week, they travel to Salamanca.

10. Health Sciences (B2) - The Falcons have won eight straight games, and those have come by an average margin of 36 points.  However, they haven't faced the most grueling schedule by any means.  Friday night, the Charter Cup will be on the line, when Health Sciences looks to avenge its only charter loss this season against Tapestry.

 

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Top games of the week ending 2/15/15

(Trevon Thompson & Silver Creek are eager for Salamanca's visit on Thursday)

 

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

 

Monday, February 9th

Cheektowaga @ I-Prep - 5:30 pm

Randolph @ Salamanca - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, February 10th

McKinley @ East - 5:30 pm

Wilson @ Medina - 6:30 pm

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

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

Lockport @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

Niagara Wheatfield @ Lew-Port - 6:30 pm

North Tonawanda @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Canisius @ Aquinas - 7 pm

Cleveland Hill @ JFK - 7 pm

West Seneca East @ Williamsville East - 7:30 pm

Maple Grove @ Sherman - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, February 11th

Bishop Kearney @ St. Joe's - 7 pm

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

 

Thursday, February 12th

Park @ Nichols - 6 pm

Salamanca @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, February 13th

Niagara Catholic @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

Kenmore West @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Niagara Falls @ Lew-Port - 6:30 pm

Canisius @ Timon - 6:30 pm

Williamsville East @ Starpoint - 7:30 pm

Lancaster @ Williamsville North - 7:30 pm

Tapestry @ Health Sciences - 7:30 pm

 

Sunday, February 15th

Timon @ Park - 2 pm

Cardinal O'Hara @ Walsh - 2 pm

St. Francis @ Nichols - 3:30 pm

Niagara Catholic @ St. Joe's - 3:30 pm 

St. Mary's @ Canisius - 4 pm

 

Game of the Week - Salamanca @ Silver Creek on Thursday, February 12th

- Since the start of the season, I've been beating the drum for CCAA I East, saying how competitive the league would be this year.  After Thursday night's big game, we should know who will emerge as the this year's division champs.  As of today, Salamanca & Silver Creek have identical 8-1 records in CCAA I East.

The two teams have plenty in common.  Both are class C1 schools that expect to contend for a sectional title this season, after both reached the sectional semifinals last year (Silver Creek went a game farther, reaching the sectional final).  Each team is led by a young, enthusiastic coach.  The two best big men in the CCAA leagues play for these two:  Bill Brooks of Silver Creek & Jared Fish of Salamanca.  Brooks was a 2014 All-Centercourt 3rd Team selection, while Fish was HM in '14.  And both teams have won this season, despite missing a key starter due to injury.  Fish missed a few weeks with an ankle injury, while the Black Knights were without second leading scorer, Trevon Thompson, for several games.  Both are healthy now and should start on Thursday.

Silver Creek's lone league loss came at Salamanca on January 16th, by 13 points. Both Fish and Thompson missed that game.  Salamanca's league loss came at Randolph on January 13th, a team the Black Knights have already swept.  Prior to arriving at Silver Creek on Thursday, the Warriors will try to avenge the loss at Randolph when they host the Cardinals on Monday night.  Even if Salamanca losses a second time to Randolph, a win at Silver Creek would keep them tied for first place.  But if Silver Creek wins on Thursday, they are alone at the top of CCAA I East.

Neither team is lacking for confidence coming in to this game, and both feel they are the better squad and this is their year.  On Thusday we will find out if the recent success Silver Creek is enjoying is due to them taking the next step, or if Salamanca really does have the Black Knights' number and are a cut above the competitive CCAA I East.  

 

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Lamar seals win for Timon

(Timon's Derick Simpson heads to the basket where he dropped the #BOOM)

 

There are a lot of cliches in basketball that are intended to apply to winning.  Live & die by the '3'.  The team that starts out hot.  It's not how you start, it's how you finish.  Win with defense.  Pound it inside.  Attack the basket.  When we're on from the perimeter...etc.  All have there place and are true under the right circumstances.  Last night Timon visited St. Joe's, and after a slow start, took command of the game.  But the Marauders kept battling and refused to go away, making it a thriller at the end.  So what cliche did this one come down to from my perspective?  Games are won & lost at the free throw line.

 

Sophomore point guard William Lamar scored a game-high 29 points, including a 12/13 performance from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter, to lead the Tigers to a 84-79 at St. Joe's.  

 

It was the Marauders that came flying out of the gates early on, hitting three consecutive treys (Jack Scaglione, Grant Beyer, & Naseer Jackson) in the first three minutes and building a quick double figure lead in the opening quarter.  Junior guard Nick Motley scored nine points in the latter portion of the stanza over a span of 1:34, helping St. Joe's to build a  24-14 lead, before Joe Harrison canned a '3' for the Tigers, making it 24-14 in favor of the Marauders after one.

 

When the Tigers came out for the second quarter, they looked like a completely different team - much more aggressive on the offensive end, which sparked their defensive intensity.  Timon started the quarter with a pair of three-point plays (William Lamar & Derick Simpson) and followed it up with a '3' from Lamar.  The Tigers yielded just three Marauder points over the quarter's first five minutes, a trey from Scaglione, while pouring on the offense.  Timon came all the way back and took a 31-29 lead before the Marauders finally scored again - another Scaglione 3-pointer.  Just before halftime, Simpson scored to give the Tigers a 39-37 lead heading into the intermission.

 

"We started playing our style - attacking and finishing at the rim", Timon coach Joe Mihalics said.  "We didn't do that at the beginning, so we spotted them some points".

 

The Tigers continued to dictate the tempo in the third quarter, attacking the basket and winning the transition game.  Leading by six points at the seconds ticked down to end the third quarter, Timon's Simpson heaved one from half court as he went to the ground.  From his seat on the hardwood, he watched his shot bank in, good for 3 points and a 57-48 Tigers lead after three quarters.

 

Just over a minute into the final stanza, Timon had stretched its lead to 65-49, and looked like they we going for the kill. However, the Marauders had other ideas, and too much pride to wave the white flag.

 

"They battle", Mihalics said.  "He (St. Joe's coach Mark Simon) always gets them to play to the end and they just keep coming".

 

Battle they did.  St. Joe's used a full court trap, which turned things into a track meet, but also allowed them to chip away at the deficit.  With 3:47 remaining, Timon still led by 11 points.  The Marauders used a 15-4 run to come all the way back, tying the game at 79-79, with under a minute to play on a bucket from Jackson, after Motley had canned a '3' on the previous possession.

 

But as I wrote in the onset, it was free throws that ultimately made the difference.  With the game on the line, it was Lamar who scored the game's final five points to ice things, while shooting over 90% from the line in crunch time.  Conversely, the Marauders were going one for two on most trips to the stripe at the end, going 8/15 down the stretch, which negated an otherwise inspiring comeback.

 

"It's a learning process for us playing with that lead", Mihalics said.  "We need to mature a little, that's a point of emphasis because I expect us to be winning games at the end and we need to learn how to handle that".

 

As for Lamar's performance - two 3-pointers, 29 points, 15/18 from the FT line in the game & 12/13 in the final stanza, Mihalics knew exactly who he wanted handling the ball at the end.

 

"He's been our best free throw shooter all year", said Mihalics.  "He gets to the line more than anyone on our team as a point guard - he goes hard to the hole".

 

Simpson finished the game with 19 points for Timon, Joe Harrison scored 18 points, and Quinton Lamar added 12 points.

 

Motley scored a team-high 24 points for St. Joe's, Scaglione scored 15 points, Marcell Davis added 13 points, while Beyer & Jackson finished with 11 & 10 points respectively.

 

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Poll Ballots -2015 - Week 6

(Justin Jones has helped keep Canisius at #1 all season.  Photo by Elliott Jerge)

 

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

 

Large Schools

 1. Canisius (MMA) -  Have occupied this spot the entire season so far.  Completed the regular season sweep over St. Joe's with an 11-point win on Saturday afternoon, to remain unbeaten in the MMA.  This week presents a pair of huge tasks.  First, there's Nichols at home tonight, the same team and place the Crusaders last lost to a MMA opponent.  Then Canisius travels to face Cathedral Prep on Thursday, an outstanding and well-coached team.

2. Jamestown (AA) -   After taking care of visiting Amherst on Tuesday night, the Red Raiders fell to Greece Athena (ranked #3 in NYS Class A) in a thrilling regional final rematch at the RAP Classic.  The 2014 CC MVP, Zack Panebianco was sensational in both games, dropping over 30 in each contest.  Jamestown's showing in that game, along with owning wins over three ranked large schools (Amherst, Olean & St. Joe's) gets them this spot.

3. McKinley (A1) - Stayed undefeated in Yale Cup I after pulling out an exciting win against Middle College on Thursday.  The Macks own a win over Williamsville North from the start of the season, but won't face another ranked large school until sectionals.  Only losses on the season for McKinley are Nichols & Canisius, who happen to play tonight.

4. Williamsvillle South (A1) -  The Billies played two more ECIC II opponents this week and continued to roll.  South hasn't won a league game by less than 12 points this season.

5. Amherst (A2) -  After falling at Jamestown by 10, the Tigers got back into the win column with blowout wins over Pioneer and Sweet Home.

6. Williamsville North (AA) -  The Spartans beat Bennett by more points (33) than the Tigers scored (31).  Visit Clarence tonight, but the big one comes this Friday night when North will look to make a big statement at Jamestown in the 'Game of the Week'.

7. Nichols (MMA) -  The Vikings return to the place where it all happened tonight.  In the MMA semifinals last season, Nichols went into Canisius and shocked the WNY basketball world by beating the Crusaders.  They went on to win the Manhattan Cup in the next game against Timon.  But I think we all remember what happened on January 6th, when Canisius went to Nichols looking for revenge.  The Vikings do not want to be defined by that loss and are eager to show that last year was no fluke, but that the first meeting this year was.  Tonight is huge!

8. Olean (A2) -  The Huskies chance to basically clinch CCAA I West was delayed, when Olean's school closing postponed its visit to Fredonia last night.  The game against the Hillbillies will be their last test until sectionals roll around.

 9. St. Joe's (MMA) -  The Marauders are coming off of a fun week - games against Park & Canisius.  St. Joe's competed well against what may be the two best teams in WNY and will be a dangerous team to face in the Manhattan Cup playoffs.  Wednesday night, St. Joe's hosts the team I have below them on this ballot...

10. Timon (MMA) -  The Tigers backed up the vote of confidence I gave them last week after watching them battle with Canisius, by putting one on visiting Niagara Falls.  The pollsters still went with North Tonawanda, who needed overtime to beat Falls and who lost to Timon.  I guess the other pollsters have their own illogical reasoning.  Tomorrow night should be a fun game between Timon & St. Joe's, two teams who have looked very even this year.

 

Small Schools

1. Park (MMA) -  Put on quite the display at St. Joe's Wednesday night and then routed Niagara Catholic on Friday.  The Pioneers are at St. Mary's tomorrow and host Walsh on Saturday.

2. Fredonia (B2) -  They'll have to wait a couple more weeks for the big showdown with Olean.  In the meanwhile, they get Dunkirk this week and host Cardinal O'Hara on Saturday.

3. St. Mary's (MMA) -  Got a 38-point performance from Takal Molson in a loss at Nichols last week.  The Lancers would love to steal one from Park, easier said than done, when they host the Pioneers tomorrow.

4. East (B2) - Haven't played since win over Middle College.  Back on the hardwood this week, hosting Bennett and at South Park.

5. Middle College (C2) - The Kats have dropped two of their last three, but neither were bad losses (East & McKinley).  The win over Lancaster was a solid one, as Middle College came back in the game to force overtime and pull it out in the extra session.  

6. Sherman (D) - The Wildcats are 16-0 and appear well on their way to an undefeated regular season, after losing just one game prior to Glens Falls last year.

 7. Salamanca (C1) -  The injury reports on Twitter suggest Jared Fish is back in practice, getting some limited work in.  They'll need him for a back-loaded schedule that includes:  Cuba-Rushford, Silver Creek, Randolph, Portville, & Tapestry.

8. Silver Creek (C1) -   The Black Knights have won five straight since falling at Salamanca, including taking a pair against Randolph and trouncing Maple Grove.

9. Randolph (C2) -  The Cardinals hang on to this spot, despite falling again to Silver Creek, because of their head-to-head win over Tapestry and for being the only team to beat Salamanca in CCAA I East so far.

10. Tapestry (C1) -  Picked up a nice win and a whole bunch of sectional power points against Class A Grand Island.  

 

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Top games of the week ending 2/8/15

 (Zack Panebianco shoots a free throw against ECIC I rival Will North. Photo by Cameron Hurst)

 

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

 

Tuesday, February 3rd

Nichols @ Canisius - 6:30 pm

North Tonawanda @ Lew-Port - 6:30 pm

Niagara Wheatfield @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

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

West Seneca East @ Sweet Home - 6:30 pm

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

 

Wednesday, February 4th

Timon @ St. Joe's - 7 pm

 

Thursday, February 5th

Hamburg @ West Seneca East - 7:30 pm

Allegany-Limestone @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm

Canisius @ Cathedral Prep - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, February 6th

Lew-Port @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Niagara Falls @ North Tonawanda - 6:30 pm

Nichols @ Timon - 6:30 pm

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

Williamsville North @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, February 7th

Henry Carr @ Niagara Falls - 1 pm

Cardinal O'Hara @ Fredonia - 3 pm

 

Game of the Week - Williamsville North @ Jamestown on Friday, February 6th

- There's all kind of things at stake as these two get together on the first Friday night of February.

For starters, both teams are indefeated in ECIC I, making this a game for first place in the league.  In the competitive league of all Class AA schools, these two have been a cut above the rest against the others all season, and thanks to a snow storm postponing the first scheduled meeting in January, both teams have had a chance to knock everyone else in league off already.

This is also a huge game in the realm of how the seeding will shake out in the upcoming sectionals a month from now.  The schools are not only the class of ECIC I, but also viewed as the two best teams in Class AA.  The winner will have a leg up on securing the top seed.

The Spartans and Red Raiders are currently the only two teams from Class AA ranked in the large school poll.  North will enter as the #6 team, while Jamestown will come in as #3.  Regardless of who wins, the game could have poll implications.  The Spartans sit one spot behind Amherst, who is ranked #5.  The Tigers just made the trip to Jamestown and lost by 10 points.  Even in a loss, North could move past Amherst in the poll with a better showing, although I'm sure they aren't concerned with moral victories at the moment.

 Every season this series tends to produce some classics, and here's hoping for more of the same.  It's the first of two regular season meetings, and chances are, it could be the first of three games between them this season.  See you in Jamestown on Friday for the 'Game of the Week'.

 

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Random Smatterings Dos

(McKinley & South could play earlier than anticipated. Photo by Buffalo News)

 

- Fans who have been checking the polls, reading box scores, or actually getting out to the games, and drooling about the potential of McKinley/Williamsville South sectional final in Class A1 might get that matchup much sooner than expected.  Based on the way sectional power points are shaking out, it looks like they would be on course to meet up in the semifinals instead.  Furthermore, that would be played on the first night of Buff State week.

 

- 20 games are back!!!  The NYSPHAA voted to approve the maximum number of varsity contests inceasing back to 20 games.  The vote passed by a 20-2 margin.  This means more nonleague games and the potential for many more high profile games between the area's top programs.  I will be throwing out plenty of suggestions.

 

- In CCAA I East, Salamanca beat Silver Creek, but lost to Randolph.  Randolph beat Salamanca, but lost to Silver Creek.  Silver Creek hosts Salamanca on February 12th in a game that could decide the league champ.  I think tip should be moved to 8 pm that night, so I can catch it all after the Nichols/Park game that night (6 pm tip).

 

- Most impressive about Salamanca & Silver Creek being tied for first place in the competitive CCAA I East - both have had to win with key starters missing extended time due to ankle injuries, Jared Fish for the Warriors and Trevon Thompson for the Black Knights.

 

- Cheektowaga's Zak Ciezki, Silver Creek's Bill Brooks, and Williamsville East's Nicholas Clough are all recent additions to the 1,000 point club.

 

- How about this stat line from Silver Creek's Bill Brooks:  20 points, 23 rebounds, 10 blocks, & five assists in a 74-33 win against Maple Grove.  

 

- To the best of my knowledge, the season-high for points scored in a game in WNY is 40, scored by St. Francis' Kordell Holness-Lightbody and Health Sciences' Tyron Lott.  Cody Johnson of Cassadaga Valley and Craig Paige of Lew-Port have both turned in 39-point games, and Takal Molson of St. Mary's scored 38 points last night.

 

- The above mentioned Tyron Lott scored 40 points coming off of a 35-point night.  He's a freshman.

 

- On the last day of January, I'll try to predict the four team that will arrive at Buffalo State in March for the Class B1 semifinals:

Depew, Burgard, Albion, & East Aurora

 

- Unfortunately, the Manhattan Cup Finals at Canisius College are the same night as the Class B1 semifinals and one of the Class AA finals at Buffalo State.

 

- East Aurora has been a pretty scrappy team this season, considering its lineup has been almost exclusively underclassmen and its senior scoring leader, Mike Coatsworth, is out for the season with an injury.

 

- Speaking of season-ending injuries, St. Joe's lost senior starting center Ed Tabone last week to a broken wrist.

 

- Two MMA teams hoping for a boost from returning big men - Canisius & Timon.  The Crusaders have been winning without TJ Wheatley, as he takes his time taking visits and making the right choice about where he'll attend college to play D1 football next year.  Timon awaits the return of Tyree Coble, who will provide some needed size for the Tigers.  Coble started for Timon last year.

 

- In the crazy NFL, once ruled by Niagara Falls, the one team that has yet to falter is North Tonawanda.  They survived a scare from Ken West and needed overtime to get past Falls, but the Lumberjacks are the league's lone unbeaten.

 

- Wilson, who saw its streak of six straight appearances at Buff State end two seasons ago, is unbeaten in the N-O and appears to be a school with a good chance to get back to the dance.

 

- Health Sciences threw 117 points on the scoreboard in a win, the most I've seen scored in WNY in years.  The Falcons' leading scorer that night equaled the total scored by the opposition (35 pts).

 

- Lew-Port has scored over 80 points in five wins this season.  I'm hoping that scoring punch arrives at Buff State in a month from now so we can all see it.

 

- Student sections are on the rise everywhere and it makes high school basketball environments so much better.  

 

- The entire Lancaster basketball team, including the coach, shaved their heads for Bald for Bucks, a cancer fundraiser.

 

-centercourt

2015 WNY postseason schedule

  

 

Monday, February 23, 2015

MMA #4 seed vs. #5 seed play-in games at a neutral HS

Class B - 6 pm

Class A - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Sectionals - Round One

 

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Sectionals - Round Two

 

Friday, February 27, 2015

Sectionals - Quarterfinals

 

Sunday, March 1, 2015

MMA semifinals @ Canisius College

Class B - 9:30 am & 11:15 am

Class A - 1 pm & 2:45 pm

 

Monday, March 2, 2015

Class A1 Semifinals @ Buff State - 6 & 7:45 pm

Class C1 Semifinals @ JCC - 5:15 & 6:45 pm

Class D Semifinal @ JCC - 8:15 pm

 

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Class B2 Semifinals @ Buff State - 5:15 & 6:45 pm

Class AA Semifinal @ Buff State - 8:15 pm

Class C2 Semifinals @ JCC - 5:15 & 6:45 pm

Class D Semifinal @ JCC - 8:15 pm

 

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Class B Manhattan Cup Final @ Canisius College -6 pm

Class A Manhattan Cup Final @ Canisius College - 7:45 pm

Class B1 Semifinals @ Buff State - 5:15 & 6:45 pm

Class AA Semifinal @ Buff State - 8:15 pm

 

 Thursday, March 5, 2015

Class A2 Semifinals @ Buff State - 6 & 7:45 pm

 

Friday, March 6, 2015

Section VI Championships @ JCC

Class D - 5:15 pm

Class C2 - 6:45 pm

Class C1 - 8:15 pm

 

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Section VI Championships @ Buff State

Class B2 - 12 pm

Class B1 - 1:45 pm

Class A2 - 3:30 pm

Class A1 - 6:30 pm

Class AA - 8:15 pm

 

Sunday, March 8, 2015

CHSAA Class A state semifinal @ Niagara University - 1 pm

 

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Regional Qualifiers @ Buff State

Class C1 vs. C2 - 5:15 pm

Class B1 vs B2 - 6:45 pm

Class A1 vs. A2 - 8:15 pm

 

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Far West Regionals (Section VI vs. Section V) - Site TBD in Rochester

Class D - 12 pm

Class C - 1:45 pm

Class B - 3:30 pm

Class A - 6:30 pm

Class AA - 8:15 pm

 

-centercourt

Timon too much for Falls

 

Niagara Falls had been a ranked top ten large school all season, until late last week when the Wolverines dropped their first league game to unranked Kenmore West.  On Saturday afternoon, I watched Timon battle at Canisius, leading at different points in the fourth quarter there.  Based on that showing and wins the Tigers owned over North Tonawanda, St. Mary's, & Fredonia, I voted for the Tigers in the poll this week, and was the only pollster to do so.  Last night, Timon hosted Falls, the team they replaced on my ballot, and by the second half the Tigers made that look like a good call.

 

Timon picked its spots well against the Niagara Falls pressure and behind a big surge in the middle of the game, put the visiting Wolverines away handily, 71-56.  It was the second straight loss for Falls, who is back in action tonight for a key first place battle at home against North Tonawanda.

 

The game was loaded with whistles, a total of 50 fouls were called in the game and a combined 77 free throws were attempted.  Timon opened the game in a 2-3, while Falls used tight man pressure.  The Wolverines struggled to attack the zone early, managing just one field goal in the opening quarter and relying on free throws to generate the rest of their points.  The pressure Niagara Falls applied defensively also produced several foul calls.  In the first half, 18 of Timon's 31 points came from the charity stripe.

 

Qeyion Williams scored a pair of buckets for the Wolverines late in the second quarter to tie the game at 20, prompting a timeout from the Tigers.  Timon came out of the sideline huddle to close the half on an 11-0 run over the final 1:40, punctuated by a 3-pointer from William Lamar that caught the front of the rim and took a friendly turn towards the cylinder, giving the Tigers a 31-20 lead at the intermission.

 

"It was nice getting that lead before half", Timon head coach Joe Mihalics said.  "We had some shots at the rim that didn't go in for us - it seemed like that last stretch, they started going in".

 

Timon came out for the third quarter and picked up right where they'd left off.  An 8-1 run to begin the second half pushed the Tigers' advantage to 39-21, after the teams had been even at 20 just our minutes of game time earlier.  Sophomore sniper Joe Harrison ended the third quarter with a pair of 3-pointers to cap a 22-10 quarter for Timon and push the lead to 53-30.  Another trey early in the fourth quarter and a basket from Claudious Modi gave Timon its largest lead of the game, 60-36.

 

"We had some size on them and that hurt them, although they fight - Sal (Constantino) does a great job with them", Mihalics said.  "Full court pressing to try to bring the tempo up, I think our guys really handled that well".

 

Quinton Lamar finished with a game-high 21 points, with many of those coming when he drove to the basket.  Lamar showed good instincts and seemed to recognize any time he had a path to the hoop.

 

"I want our guys to attack and pick the right time to go", Mihalics said.  "Tonight when they're attacking us like that full court, we had angles and lanes to the basket in transition and our guys took those and did finish".

 

Harrison scored 14 points for the Tigers, William Lamar added 13 points, and Derick Simpson added nine points.

 

Qeyion Williams led Niagara Falls with 16 points, while Devin Scarborough scored 14 points.

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots - 2015 - Week 5

(Timon made its case for a spot on my ballot with a strong showing at Canisius Saturday)

 

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

 

Large Schools

 1. Canisius (MMA) -  They keep on winning, but it doesn't look the same as it did to start the season.  The Crusaders looked better than last year's team in their win over Nichols, but since then, they haven't played with that same fire.

2. McKinley (A1) - The Macks won a pair of league games this week against Riverside & Burgard by a combined 97 points.  Their win over Burgard was by 42 points, the same Bulldogs team that beat East.

3. Jamestown (AA) -  Blew past Lancaster in the second half behind a big performance from Zack Panebianco, to remain unbeaten in ECIC I.  The Red Raiders have some big games coming up, beginning this week, as they host Amherst Tuesday night, before a regional rematch with Greece Athena in the RAP showcase at Aquinas on Saturday.

4. Williamsvillle South (A1) -  Now in sole possession of first place in ECIC II after winning at Starpoint last week, the Billies haven't had a league opponent get closer than 12 points.

5. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers improved to 10-1 on the season, but more importantly earned the sweep over Cheektowaga on Friday to put them in line for a fourth straight ECIC III title.  The Tigers could make a big splash in the WNY large school scene if they earn a road win at #3 Jamestown tomorrow night.

6. Williamsville North (AA) - The Spartans are now 9-2, with their only losses coming at the start of the season in back-to-back games against McKinley & Will South.  They've scored 171 points in their last two games, and Dylan Lambert has scored over 30 points in two of his last three games.

7. Nichols (MMA) - Wins over Timon & Niagara Catholic last week moved the Vikings into second place in the MMA Class A, behind Canisius.  Three games scheduled for this week - at St. Francis & O'Hara, then hosting St. Mary's on Friday.

8. Olean (A2) -  Head coach Jeff Anastasia picked up his 500th career coaching win on Thursday night, when the Huskies win at Dunkirk to remain unbeaten in CCAA I West.

 9. St. Joe's (MMA) -  Won by 12 at Walsh on Sunday and followed it up with a 10-point win over St. Francis Friday night.  Unfortunately, Ed Tabone, the starting big man for the Marauders, was lost for the season when he suffered a broken wrist in the win.

10. Timon (MMA) - Niagara Falls losing to Kenmore West opened up a spot on my ballot, and it went to the Tigers.  The pollsters voted North Tonawanda into the poll, and the Lumberjacks made it all the way to #8.  They most have forgotten that Timon beat them, and also owns wins over the #2 & #3 small schools, St. Mary's & Fredonia.  I watched Timon lead at Canisius during the 4th quarter on Saturday.  I'll find out tonight if they deserved this spot over Falls, or if the Wolverines should have dropped to #10, as Timon hosts NFHS in what should be an entertaining nonleague game.

 

Small Schools

1. Park (MMA) -  Knocked off a good team handily when they won at Rochester's East High on Monday and then surged ahead of St. Mary's with a 25-10 fourth quarter, in an 81-54 victory over St. Mary's.  Road trips to Walsh & St. Joe's loom this week, before hosting Niagara Catholic on Friday.

2. Fredonia (B2) - No problem for the Hillbillies keeping themselves a game behind Olean in the CCAA I West race, as they knocked off a pair of league opponents by a combined 75 points last week.

3. St. Mary's (MMA) -  Hammered Niagara Catholic on Tuesday, before suffering the same fate late at Park on Friday.  Rebounded with a win over Clarence on Saturday afternoon.  Friday night the Lancers are at Nichols, a team they've defeated four straight times.

4. East (B2) - A dominant second half for the Panthers erased a 15-point deficit and produced a seven-point win over Middle College, who had beaten them at the buzzer in December.  East also nearly took the Macks to OT, the team the Kats visit on Thursday.

5. Middle College (C2) - The Kats will look to bounce back from the East loss when they visit Lancaster for a nonleague game tomorrow night, before visiting McKinley on Thursday for the 'Game of the Week'.

6. Sherman (D) - Earned a second win this season over Panama on Friday, this time by 12 points.  Panama is the only other Class D team ranked in the state from Section VI besides Sherman.

 7. Salamanca (C1) -  The Warriors host Allegany-Limestone this week and look to remain in first place in CCAA I East.  Salamanca has been getting it done without the services of 6-7 Jared Fish, a 2014 All-Centercourt HM, for weeks now, as he recovers from an ankle injury.

8. Silver Creek (C1) -  Bill Brooks became the 5th player in program history to score 1,000 career points in his team's win over Westfield on Thursday.  The Black Knights gutted out a 38-34 win at Randolph on Tuesday with Brooks fouled out and Trevon Thompson missing the game due to injury, thanks in part to the defensive contributions of freshman Chase Scanlan.

9. Randolph (C2) -  The Cardinals handed Salamanca its only league loss earlier in the year, but slip to second place in CCAA I East after dropping a close one to Silver Creek because of the loss to Allegany-Limestone from earlier in the season.

10. Tapestry (C1) -  The 8-2 Thunderhawks host Grand Island on Wednesday, looking to gain some Class A power points for sectionals.

 

-centercourt

Top games of the week ending 2/1/15

(Jamestown faces Athena in a rematch of last year's Class AA regional. Photo by Scott Kindberg)

 

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

 

Monday, January 26th

Niagara Falls @ Timon - 6:30 pm

Park @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

Maple Grove @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 27th

North Tonawanda @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

Amherst @ Jamestown - 7 pm

Lew-Port @ Niagara Catholic - 7 pm

 

Wednesday, January 28th

Grand Island @ Tapestry - 6 pm

Timon @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Park @ St. Joe's - 7 pm

JFL @ West Seneca West - 7:30 pm

Randolph @ Portville - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 29th

Middle College @ McKinley - 6 pm

Canisius @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

Allegany-Limestone @ Salamanca - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 30th

Lockport @ North Tonawanda - 6:30 pm

Williamsville North @ Bennett - 6:30 pm

Sweet Home @ Starpoint - 7 pm

JFK @ Lackawanna - 7 pm

Depew @ Maryvale - 7:30 pm

Panama @ Maple Grove - 7:30 pm

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

 

Saturday, January 31st

St. Joe's vs. Canisius - 1 pm **at Canisius College

Randolph @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm

RAP Showcase at Aquinas

Cardinal O'Hara vs. Charlotte - 12 pm

Jamestown vs. Greece Athena - 6:45 pm

 

Game of the Week - Middle College at McKinley on Thursday, January 29th

This game was originally supposed to be played on January 9th, but was postponed.

- After breaking the Yale Cup winning streak by winning 33 straight games against its competition from the Buffalo Public Schools, McKinley saw its run end at the hands of Middle College on January 31, 2014.  The Kats proceeded to go into Mack High a week later and defeat McKinley for a second time and went on to win the Yale Cup.

McKinley would go on to win a third straight Section VI title in Class A1, while Middle College also earned a third straight Section VI crown, and made it all the way to the NYSPHAA Class C state championship game.

Once again this season, the two programs are considered elite in both the city and in their respective classifications in the section.  The two games played between these annual powers will likely determine this year's Yale Cup champion just like a season ago.  The Kats  have already faced East twice and split with them.  The Macks defeated East in their first meeting with the Panthers and will enter the game unbeaten in the city.  A win on Thursday for the Kats is crucial to their chances of repeating as Yale Cup champions, as they will enter a game behind McKinley in Yale Cup I.  A win for McKinley would have them well on their way to a returning to the status of Yale Cup Champs, and re-establish them as the city's top program.

As of now, McKinley is the #2 ranked large school in WNY, while Middle College is ranked #3 among WNY small schools.

 

Since the above game is a repeat from weeks earlier:

 

Game of the Week II - Jamestown vs. Greece Athena on Sat., January 31st

- Last season, Greece Athena spent the season as the favorite to win Class AA in Section V, and were also viewed as the team that would advance to Glens Falls to represent the Far West Region (Sections V & VI).  The Trojans did capture the Class AA crown in Rochester, but Jamestown had other plans for who would be making the trip to Glens.

In a memorable championship game performance, Zack Panebianco took over for the Red Raiders and put the team on his back, enroute to a 34-point performance that helped advance his team all the way to the Class AA state title game.

This year, both teams from that regional game brought back four starters and are once again favorites to win their respective sections.  One big change, Greece Athena is now in Class A, meaning there is no chance of the two meeting up in the postseason.  Luckily, good teams get invited to showcases like the one held at Aquinas, and we'll get to see these two go at it once more.  A rematch of last year's Class AA regional with eight of ten starters back?  That's gotta be 'Game of the Week' material.

 

-centercourt

Top games of the week ending 1/25/15

(Amherst vs. Cheektowaga will be epic...again.  Photo by Nick LoVerde)

 

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

 

Monday, January 19th

East vs. Franklin @ Monroe CC

Park @ Rochester East - 6:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 20th

Timon @ Nichols - 6:30 pm

Kenmore West @ Lew-Port - 6:30 pm

Williamsville South @ Starpoint - 7 pm

Walsh @ St. Francis - 7 pm

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

Jamestown @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

Silver Creek @ Randolph - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 21st

DaVinci @ Olmsted - 5:30 pm

I-Prep @ MST Seneca - 5:30 pm

Buffalo Arts @ Emerson - 5:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 22nd

 Middle College @ East - 5:30 pm

Oracle @ Tapestry - 6 pm

Lackawanna @ Cleveland Hill - 6:30 pm

West Seneca East @ Starpoint - 7 pm

Depew @ East Aurora - 7:30 pm

Chautauqua Lake @ Cassadaga Valley - 7:30 pm

Frontier @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

Portville @ Allegany-Limestone - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 23rd

I-Prep @ Olmsted - 5:30 pm

Emerson @ MST Seneca - 5:30 pm

City Honors @ Buffalo Arts - 5:30 pm

UPrep @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

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

Kenmore West @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

Wilson @ Newfane - 6:30 pm

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

Cheektowaga @ Amherst - 7:30 pm

Sherman @ Panama - 7:30 pm

Nichols @ Niagara Catholic - 7:30 pm

Portville @ Allegany-Limestone - 7:30 pm

 

 Saturday, January 24th

West Seneca East @ West Seneca West - 3:30 pm

Timon @ Canisius - 4 pm

 

 Game of the Week - Cheektowaga @ Amherst on Friday, January 23rd

- A late January game on a Friday night, between the two best teams in the league, who have developed an exciting and competitive rivalry.  The game that may decide if ECIC III is a shared title or if it's owned outright.  A game critical to the Class A2 seedings for sectionals a month from now.  The Game of the Week.

Back in mid December, round one at Cheektowaga was a wild & epic affair.  The game wasn't decided until TC Brown's contested 3-point attempt from straight away went in off the glass as the final buzzer rang.  It managed to live up to a lot of preseason hype that was generated from a triad of encounters from the season prior, a year that seriously fueled this burgeoning rivalry.  It doesn't hurt that both of these teams have players either.

Last season, Amherst won the league for a third straight time.  However it was Cheektowaga who advanced farther in sectionals, ending the Tigers season in a wild overtime affair to win the Class A2 title - the first in Warrior history.  It was also the third straight win over Amherst for the Warriors, who had knocked the league champs off twice in the regular season as well.

Most of the faces from last season are back for both teams.  Over the last four games in this series, these guys have become quite familiar with each other.  Cheektowaga's Dominick Welch and Amherst's TC Brown are returning 5th Team All-Centercourt selections.  Zak Ciezki of the Warriors was All-Centercourt HM and just eclipsed the 1,000 point scoring mark for his career last week.  

The atmosphere at the Jungle in Amherst will be as good as it gets on Friday.  Tiger fans will be loud, both teams will be proud, and I'll be at the center of it all.  Literally.

 

-centercourt

Top games of the week ending 1/18/15

(Freshman Joe Jones & the Park Pioneers invade Canisius on Tuesday. Photo by Buffalo News)

 

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

 

Monday, January 12th

Walsh @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

Sherman @ Maple Grove - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 13th

Park @ Canisius - 6:30 pm

Medina @ Wilson - 6:30 pm

Niagara Falls @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Williamsville South @ Sweet Home - 6:30 pm

Kenmore West @ North Tonawanda - 7 pm

Williamsville East @ West Seneca East - 7:30 pm

Portville @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 14th

Timon @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

St. Joe's @ Starpoint - 7 pm

 

Thursday, January 15th

Tapestry @ Randolph - 7 pm

Clymer @ Sherman - 7:30 pm

Cleveland Hill @ St. Mary's - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 16th

Lew-Port @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

Lockport @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Nichols @ St. Joe's - 7 pm

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

Starpoint @ Williamsville East - 7:30 pm

Iroquois @ West Seneca East - 7:30 pm

Williamsville North @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

Silver Creek @ Salamanca - 7:30 pm

MLK Classic **at City Honors

City Honors vs. Health Sciences - 4:30 pm

I-Prep vs. Maritime - 6 pm

Middle College vs. St. Francis - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 17th

MLK Classic **at City Honors

Olmsted vs. Sherman - 11 am

Riverside vs. East Aurora - 12:30 pm

Hutch-Tech vs. Sweet Home - 2 pm

McKinley vs. Canisius - 5:15 pm

 

Game of the Week - Park @ Canisius on Tuesday, January 13th

- Two years ago, before I was aware of the influx of talent making its way to The Park School, a respected coach said to me, "I'm going to tell you right now, Park could win the Monsignor Martin".  At the time I laughed, literally, and thought of it as one of the more outlandish things I'd heard someone say to me with a straight face.   I'm no longer laughing.  These days, I'm the one saying that same thing to others.

The Park Pioneers will enter the game as WNY's top ranked small school, while Canisius, who needs no introduction in local high school hoop circles, is the top ranked large school and regarded as the benchmark program of the area.  This season, the Crusaders have already defeated the #2 large school and Class AA finalist from last season, Jamestown, along with turning in a resounding victory over the defending Manhattan Cup champs, Nichols.  

Meanwhile, Park has been wowing crowds on hand to witness the display they put on during games, and those who have yet to see them in person have done a double take when checking box scores.  Of the seven area teams the Pioneers have faced this season, none have gotten closer than 20 points, and only Lew-Port even competed, yet still trailed by 15 points through three quarters.  Park's seven wins have come by an average of 37.5 points.  The Pioneers hold the season-high for points in a game with 105, scored in a 59-point win over Hutch-Tech.

The two schools have only one prior meeting to look back at, a 12-point win for Canisius at Park last season.   While there is a growing sentiment that this year's Crusader squad may be even better than last's years buzz saw,  there is little debate when comparing last season to this year's version of the Pioneers - they have significantly upgraded.  Most notably, Park added 6-7 Jordan Nwora from Amherst, an inside/outside threat, and Joe Jones, a 6-8 freshman who mans the middle and gives them a legitimate post presence.

With the change in format to the Manhattan Cup playoffs, both teams will have a chance to compete for CHSAA state championships - Canisius in Class A and Park in Class B - if they can emerge as the champions of the MMA.  But there is no chance that these two cross paths in the postseason and there will be no rematch this year.  The winner of this game will be considered the best in WNY, which made this game an easy choice for the Game of the Week.

 

-centercourt

Top games of the week ending 1/11/15

(Middle College at McKinley on 2/8/14. Photo by John Hickey/Buffalo News)

 

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

 

Monday, January 5th

Bennett @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm

Panama @ Clymer - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 6th

Canisius @ Nichols - 6:30 pm

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

Maryvale @ Cheektowaga - 6:30 pm

St. Joe's @ Timon - 7 pm

Lew-Port @ North Tonawanda - 7 pm

Fredonia @ Olean - 7:30 pm

Sweet Home @ West Seneca East - 7:30 pm

Allegany-Limestone @ Randolph - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 7th

East @ McKinley - 6 pm

 

Thursday, January 8th

Cleveland Hill @ Tonawanda - 6:30 pm

Iroquois @ Starpoint - 7 pm

Amherst @ Maryvale - 7:30 pm

Jamestown @ Williamsville North - 7:30 pm

Williamsville East @ Williamsville South - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 9th

Middle College @ McKinley - 6 pm

Lockport @ Lew-Port - 6:30 pm

North Tonawanda @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

Walsh @ Park - 6:30 pm

Amherst @ Sweet Home - 7 pm

Silver Creek @ Allegany-Limestone - 7:30 pm

Randolph @ Portville - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 10th

Canisius @ St. Joe's - 2 pm

Niagara Falls @ Aquinas - 5 pm

 

Game of the Week - Middle College @ McKinley on Friday, January 9th

- After breaking the Yale Cup winning streak by winning 33 straight games against its competition from the Buffalo Public Schools, McKinley saw its run end at the hands of Middle College on January 31, 2014.  The Kats proceeded to go into Mack High a week later and defeat McKinley for a second time and went on to win the Yale Cup.

McKinley would go on to win a third straight Section VI title in Class A1, while Middle College also earned a third straight Section VI crown, and made it all the way to the NYSPHAA Class C state championship game.

Once again this season, the two programs are considered elite in both the city and in their respective classifications in the section.  The two games played between these annual powers will likely determine this year's Yale Cup champion just like a season ago.  The Kats already own a victory over East, the only other team likely to challenge these two in the city, who McKinley hosts prior to facing the Kats, on Wednesday.  A win on Friday for the Kats would have them well on their way to a repeat, while a McKinley victory would establish a clear pecking order of the city's top programs.

As of now, McKinley is the #4 ranked large school in WNY, while Middle College is ranked #4 among WNY small schools.

 

-centercourt

Timon & Iroquois advance at Clarence Holiday Tournament

(Timon vs. Fredonia at the Clarence Holiday Tournament)

 

The 19th Annual Clarence Holiday Tournament, presented by the Clarence Basketball Boosters, tipped yesterday.  The tournament features the host school, Clarence, along with Iroquois, Timon, and Fredonia.  The first round matchups saw #3 ranked WNY small school, Fredonia take on MMA large school Timon, followed by Iroquois of ECIC II facing Clarence of ECIC I.

 

Timon 58, Fredonia 45

The Hillbilles came in with an unblemished record (4-0), and had a 6-4 lead early in the first quarter against back-to-back Manhattan Cup finalist, Timon.  However, the Tigers finished the opening stanza on an 11-0 run to take a 15-6 lead and never trailed the rest of the way.  Timon's pressure gave Fredonia trouble in the early going, which to some unsettled sets offensively and allowed the Tigers to build the early advantage that forced the Hillbillies to play catchup.

 

Fredonia had made it a four-point game at the break, but Timon quickly regained a double figure lead in the third quarter.  The Hillbillies ended the third on a 14-4 run, led by nine points from John Piper, and managed to make it a one-point game, 39-38, with just eight minutes remaining.

 

A free throw from Fredonia's Eric Swoyer tied the game at 39 apiece to start the fourth quarter, before a 12-3 surge from the Tigers put the game away.  A bucket from William Lamar got the run started, followed by a trey from Joe Harrison.  Lamar also converted a three-point play during Timon's push to put the game away.

 

Fredonia was without junior standout Patrick Moore, who was suffering from the flu, while Timon's Tyler Ringwood was injured and did not dress.

 

Derick Simpson finished with a team-high 15 points, Quinton Lamar scored 14 points, and William Lamar added 12 points.

 

Piper scored a game-high 28 points to lead Fredonia.

 

Iroquois 67, Clarence 58

Clarence jumped out to a 6-2 lead and held an advantage once more after a 3-pointer from Hunter Harris made the score 9-8, but a 13-3 finish to the first quarter by Iroquois would prove to be too much for Clarence to overcome.  The Chiefs got 11 points from an energetic Joe Bowen in the quarter to set the tone early.

 

Back-to-back scores late in the second quarter from the Red Devils' David Cumminskey brought his squad back to within three points, 25-22, but Clarence would never get any closer the rest of the way.  Lucas Tait and Kyle Seifert both had strong finishes to the game for Iroquois, who did an excellent job executing their offense against the Red Devils, leading to high percentage shots.

 

Clarence trailed by as many as 16 points in the fourth quarter, but strung together a spirited rally late and managed to pull within six points, trailing 55-49.  Seifert was able to put an end to any thoughts of a comeback the Red Devils were having when he buried a '3' from the right side for Iroquois, giving them the nine-point advantage they would finish with.

 

Tait scored 20 points to lead Iroquois, Bowen scored 15 points, Seifert added 14 points, and Coyote Sokoloski chipped in 10 points.

 

David Cummiskey led the Red Devils with 16 points, while Matt Sadowy added nine points.

 

- A new tournament champion will be crowned tonight, as Clarence entered as the two-time defending champs.

- Fredonia entered as the only team in the tournament that returned players who had previously been selected to Clarence's All-Tournament team.  Cam Voss made the All-Tournament last season, and John Piper was selected as a sophomore for Fredonia in December of 2012.

- Recent Tournament MVPs include:  Bryan Jost (Clarence) 2013, Ryan Funk (Clarence) 2012, Conner Keenan (Will East) 2011, Tyler Funk (Clarence) 2010, and David Hill (Clarence) 2009.

- Another notable Tournament MVP from a few seasons back is now former Bills WR Mike Williams (Riverside) in 2005.

 

-centercourt