The View From Centercourt

The 2022 All-Centercourt Team: The Best in WNY

 

The 2022 CC MVP

Declan Ryan

Canisius, Senior

20.6 PPG / 9.3 RPG / 3.1 APG / 0.7 BPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- CHSAA State Champion

- Manhattan Cup Champion

- Monsignor Martin Champion

- Player of the Year for All-Catholic

- MVP of Tom Keenan Memorial Tournament 

- Game MVP of CHSAA State Championship

- Game MVP at Centercourt Classic

- BK Classic All-Tournament

- Career-high 36 pts vs Albany Academy

- Grabbed 18 rebounds vs Albany Academy

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

- Scored over 30 pts in 4 games

- Recorded 13 double-doubles

 

First Team All-Centercourt

Max Schneider

Williamsville East, Senior

27.1 PPG / 7.2 APG / 4.4 SPG / 2.3 RPG

- Three-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- ECIC II Champion

- Player of the Year for All-ECIC

- Player of the Year in ECIC II

- Game MVP at Centercourt Classic

Section VI Class A1 All-Tournament

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Centercourt Dime Dropper

- Led WNY in assists

- Season-high 44 pts in a win vs Lancaster

- Scored over 30 pts in 7 games

- Dished 14 dimes in a win at Iroquois

- Had 7 or more assists in 15 games

- Recorded 5 double-doubles

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

Shane Cercone

Canisius, Junior

19.9 PPG / 8.9 RPG / 2.3 APG / 0.8 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- CHSAA State Champion

- Manhattan Cup Champion

- Monsignor Martin Champion

- First Team All-Catholic

- BK Classic All-Tournament

- St. Pius All-Tournament

- All-Centercourt Defender

- Scored 31 in a win over Cathedral Prep

- Scored 31 in a win over Nichols

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

- Recorded 11 double-doubles

- Double-doubles in 8 of last 10 games

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

Seth Joba

Orchard Park, Senior

17.2 PPG / 9.9 RPG / 4.0 BPG / 1.0 SPG

- Player of the Year in ECIC I

- First Team All-ECIC

- Section VI Class AA All-Tournament

- All-Centercourt Defender

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Led WNY in shot blocks

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

- Blocked 8 shots in a win over Will North

- Had 16 rebounds vs Falls & Hamburg

- Grabbed 13 or more boards in 6 games

- Recorded 12 double-doubles

 

 

 

Massimo Moretti

St. Mary's, Senior

21.1 PPG / 14.2 RPG / 2.3 BPG / 1.3 APG

- CHSAA Class B State Champion

- First Team All-Catholic

- All-Cencourt Defender

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Career-high 34 pts & 28 boards vs Nichols

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

- Scored 26 or more pts in 8 games

- Blocked 4 or more shots in 8 games

- Had 15 or more rebounds in 13 games

- Recorded 18 double-doubles

- Shot 44% on 37 made 3-pointers

 

 

 

 

Kevin Thompson

Timon, Senior

20.5 PPG / 7.2 RPG / 2.5 BPG / 2.1 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Manhattan Cup Finalist

- First Team All-Catholic

- All-Centercourt Defender

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

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

- Scored 24 or more pts in 9 games

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

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

- Grabbed 11 or more rebounds in 6 games

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

 

 

 

Second Team All-Centercourt

Teddy McDuffie

Amherst, Senior

13.6 PPG / 14.2 RPG / 3.2 SPG / 1.7 APG

- Far West Region Class A Champion

- Section VI Class A Champion

- ECIC II Champion

- NYSPHAA Class A All-Tournament

- First Team All-ECIC

- First Team ECIC II

- Game MVP at Centercourt Classic

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Led WNY in rebounding

- Career-high 28 pts in a win at Iroquois

- Career-high 26 boards in a win vs Iroquois

- Had 5 games with 20 or more rebounds

- Recorded 18 double-doubles

 

Nick Moore

Amherst, Junior

16.6 / 5.7 RPG / 5.2 APG / 2.9 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Far West Region Class A Champion

- Section VI Class A Champion

- ECIC II Champion

- First Team All-ECIC

- Player of the Year in ECIC II

- Section VI Class A2 Tournament MVP

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Game MVP at the 290 Classic

- Game MVP at the Jolly Boys Showcase

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Centercourt Dime Dropper

- Season-high 26 pts in a win over Iroquois

- Grabbed 7 or more rebounds in 11 games

- Recorded 5 double-doubles

 

Justin Glover

St. Joe's, Senior

18.8 PPG / 5.8 APG / 4.7 RPG / 3.0 SPG

- Three-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- First Team All-Catholic

- All-Centercourt Defender 

- Game MVP at Centercourt Classic

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Centercourt Dime Dropper

- Career-high 31 pts in a win at Nichols

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

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

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

- Dished 7 or more assists in 8 games

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

 

Trey Kleitz

Iroquois, Senior

24.9 PPG / 6.9 RPG / 6.6 APG / 5.9 SPG

- Four-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- First Team All-ECIC

- First Team ECIC II

- Game MVP at Centercourt Classic

- All-Centercourt Defender

- Centercourt Dime Dropper

- Led WNY in steals

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

- Grabbed 14 rebounds in a win at Maryvale

- Dished 13 assists in a win vs East Aurora

- Registered 13 steals in a win vs Pioneer

- Triple-double in a win vs Sweet Home

- Recorded 9 double-doubles

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

Jalen Duff

Nichols, Junior

24.3 PPG / 7.5 RPG / 6.0 APG / 1.7 SPG

- Four-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- First Team All-Catholic

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Centercourt Dime Dropper

- Led the MMA in scoring & assists

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

- Scored over 30 pts in 6 games

- Had 7 or more assists in 7 games

- Grabbed 14 boards at Tapestry

- Triple-double in a win vs Timon

- Registered 4 double-doubles

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

 

 

Third Team All-Centercourt

Xander Fletcher

Niagara Wheatfield, Junior

16.7 PPG / 5.1 APG / 4.1 RPG / 2.0 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Section VI Class A1 Champion

- NFL Champion

- Player of the Year in NFL

- Game MVP at Centercourt Classic

- Section VI Class A1 All-Tournament

•   - Centercourt Dime Dropper

- Career-high 31 pts in a win at Lockport

- Scored 28 pts in a win at Ken East

- Scored 24 or more pts in 5 games

- Had 6 or more assists in 9 games

- Grabbed 6 or more boards in 8 games

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

Lucus Brown

Salamanca, Sophomore

21.2 PPG / 5.5 RPG / 3.9 SPG / 2.8 APG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Far West Region Class C Champion

- Section VI Class C Champion

- NYSPHAA Class C All-Tournament

- Section VI Class C Tournament MVP

- All-Centercourt Defender

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Season-high 37 pts in a win vs Portville

- Scored 32 pts & 15 boards in win vs Holland

- Had 5 or more steals in 6 games

- Averaged 29.3 pts over last 3 postseason games

 

 

 

LaMar Matthews

Tapestry, Senior

25.9 PPG / 5.8 RPG / 3.0 SPG / 1.5 APG

- Player of the Year for Charter Schools

- Section VI Class B2 All-Tournament

- Season-high 35 pts in a win over Bennett

- Scored over 30 pts in 7 games

- Scored 34 pts in a win at Sweet Home

- Scored 20 or more pts in 19 games

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jaiden Harrison

Timon, Sophomore

20.8 PPG / 4.9 RPG / 2.1 APG / 1.8 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Manhattan Cup Finalist

- Second Team All-Catholic

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Season-high 37 pts vs Orchard Park

- Scored over 30 pts in 6 games

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jakye Rainey

Nichols, Sophomore

24.1 PPG / 4.6 RPG / 2.3 SPG / 1.9 APG

- Second Team All-Catholic

- Game MVP at Centercourt Classic

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Led WNY in 3-pointers made (86)

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

- Scored 36 pts in a win vs Cathedral Prep

- Scored over 30 pts in 8 games

- Drilled 8 treys vs Cathedral Prep

- Banged 6 or more treys in 6 games

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

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth Team All-Centercourt

Solomon Jackson

St. Joe's, Senior

19.2 PPG / 7.9 RPG / 2.1 SPG / 1.5 APG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Second Team All-Catholic

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Career-high 30 pts in a win vs Nichols

- Scored 29 pts with 10 boards vs Timon 

- Had three games with 15 rebounds

- Recorded 7 double-doubles

 

 

 

 

 

 

TJ Robinson

Niagara Wheatfield, Senior

18.9 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 1.6 APG / 1.6 SPG

- Three-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Section VI Class A1 Champion

- NFL Champion

- First Team NFL

- Section VI Class A1 Tournament MVP

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Career-high 31 pts in a win at CSAT

- Scored over 30 pts in 2 games

- Had 29 pts & 10 boards at Lew-Port

- Sank 5 or more treys in 6 games

- Banged 74 treys on the season

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

Tyler Curran

Allegany-Limestone, Senior

18.2 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 4.1 APG / 1.9 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Far West Region Class B Champion

- Section VI Class B Champion

- First Team CCAA I West

- NYSPHAA Class B All-Tournament

- Section VI Class B2 Tournament MVP

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

- Triple-double in a win over Bennett

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trevin Boling

Tonawanda, Senior

33.0 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 2.9 APG / 2.6 SPG

- Player of the Year in ECIC IV

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

- Led WNY in scoring

- Team leader in pts, rebounds, & stls

- Season-high 44 pts in a win vs Eden

- Scored over 40 pts in 4 games

- Scored over 30 pts in 15 games

- Third in WNY with made 82 treys

- Had 7 or more boards in 8 games

- Recorded two double-doubles

- Career 2,000 point scorer

 

 

 

Bryant Rosa

Riverside, Senior

28.5 PPG / 4.3 APG / 4.1 RPG / 2.5 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Player of the Year in Yale Cup II

- Section VI Class B1 All-Tournament

- Season-high 41 pts in Class B1 Semifinal

- Scored over 30 pts in 12 games

- Scored 24 or more pts in 16 games

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fifth Team All-Centercourt

Nate Parker

CSAT, Senior

25.2 PPG / 6.0 RPG / 3.0 APG / 2.9 SPG

- First Team NFL

- Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament

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

- Had 30 pts & 10 boards vs Grand Island

- Scored over 30 pts in 6 games

- Grabbed 7 or more rebounds in 9 games

- Recorded 2 double-doubles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trey Drake

Jamestown, Junior

13.8 PPG / 5.5 RPG / 2.8 APG / 2.0 SPG

- Far West Region Class AA Champion

- Section VI Class AA Champion

- ECIC I Champion

- First Team ECIC I

- Second Team All-ECIC

- Game MVP at Centercourt Classic

- Section VI Class AA All-Tournament

- Centercourt Sniper Squad

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dominic McKenzie

Niagara Falls, Senior

16.3 PPG / 10.7 RPG / 2.2 SPG / 1.2 BPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- First Team NFL

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

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

- Had 26 pts & 22 boards vs Rochester East

- Scored 26 pts or more in 4 games

- Grabbed 12 or more boards in 9 games

- Recorded 13 double-doubles

 

 

 

 

 

TJ Jacobs

Hutch-Tech, Senior

22.3 PPG / 12.2 RPG / 4.6 APG / 3.2 SPG

- Section VI Class A1 All-Tournament

- First Team Yale Cup I

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

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

- Scored 37 pts in a win vs Bennett

- Had 36 pts & 19 boards vs Nichols

- Recorded 12 double-doubles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nick Whitfield

Fredonia, Senior

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

- Player of the Year in CCAA I West

- Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Career-high 48 pts in a win at Dunkirk

- Scored over 30 pts in 5 games

- Grabbed 15 boards vs Southwestern

- Blocked 6 shots vs Global Concepts

- Had 5 or more assists in 6 games

- Recorded 11 double-doubles

- Career 1,000 point scorer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honorable Mention

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

 

 

 

Blake Frank - Franklinville, Senior

* First Team CCAA East

27.8 PPG / 5.3 RPG / 3.9 SPG / 2.3 APG

 

Caleb Chapman - City Honors, Senior

* First Team Yale Cup II

24.2 PPG / No other statistics were provided

 

Jasiah Jarocinski - Pioneer, Senior

* Player of the Year in ECIC III

23.1 PPG / 14.8 RPG / 4.9 APG

 

Jake Galley - Holland, Senior

* First Team ECIC IV

21.5 PPG / 4.4 RPG / 2.9 SPG / 1.7 APG

 

Aidan Kennedy - Southwestern, Senior

* First Team CCAA I West

20.9 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 3.7 APG / 2.7 SPG

 

Wayne Libby - Pine Valley, Senior

* Player of the Year in CCAA East

20.6 PPG / 5.7 RPG / 3.2 SPG / 2.1 APG

 

Darien Swanson - Westfield, Senior

* Player of the Year in CCAA II West

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

 

Josh Schumaker - I-Prep, Senior

* First Team Yale Cup I

18.7 PPG / 6.1 RPG / 3.6 APG / 2.9 SPG

 

Aiden Petrie - Roy-Hart, Senior

* Player of the Year in Niagara-Orleans 

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

 

Sean Hargrave - Ken West, Senior

* First Team Niagara Frontier League

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

 

Romeo Bell - Tapestry, Senior

* First Team All-Charter

16.5 PPG / 7.9 RPG / 5.4 APG / 5.4 SPG

 

Anthony Borden - East, Senior

* First Team Yale Cup I

15.3 PPG / 7.0 RPG / 1.8 SPG / 1.3 APG

 

Chris Wright - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior

* Second Team All-Catholic

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

 

Daniel Maku - Riverside, Senior

* First Team Yale Cup II

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

 

Joe Harrington - Lancaster, Senior

* First Team ECIC I 

14.5 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 2.1 APG / 1.6 BPG 

 

Gabe McCoy - Randolph, Senior

* Player of the Year in CCAA Central

14.1 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 2.3 BPG / 1.0 SPG

 

Zion James - Olean, Senior

* First Team CCAA I West

13.9 PPG / 6.1 RPG / 3.6 APG / 2.5 SPG

 

Alex Crescente - Orchard Park, Senior

* First Team ECIC I

13.6 PPG / 3.2 APG / 2.5 RPG / 2.5 SPG

 

Jahodd Martin - McKinley, Senior

* Player of the Year in Yale Cup I

13.4 PPG / 1.9 RPG / 1.7 APG / 0.7 SPG

 

Jaylen Butera - Jamestown, Senior

* First Team ECIC I

13.3 PPG / 4.8 RPG / 2.4 SPG / 1.6 APG

 

Kamdyn McClain - Olean, Senior

* MVP of Section VI Class B1 Tournament

12.8 PPG / 5.6 APG / 4.3 RPG / 3.1 SPG

 

Brendan Reid - St. Francis, Senior

* First Team All-Catholic

12.7 PPG / 8.7 RPG / 1.7 APG / 0.7 SPG

 

Jaral Farmer - Jamestown, Senior

* First Team ECIC I

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

 

Eddie Cosgrove - Canisius, Senior

* MVP of the Manhattan Cup

8.6 PPG / 6.1 RPG / 2.4 APG / 0.6 SPG

 

Bobby Beilein - Lew-Port, Junior

* First Team Niagara Frontier League

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

 

Juilenn Celments - Lackawanna, Junior

* First Team ECIC IV

17.9 PPG / No other statistics were provided

 

Dorian Facen - Williamsville East, Junior

* First Team ECIC II

15.1 PPG / 6.0 RPG / 3.7 SPG / 2.3 APG

 

Andy Herrick - Salamanca, Junior

* First Team CCAA I West

12.9 PPG / 3.2 RPG / 2.2 APG / 1.4 SPG

 

Xavier Benton - Health Sciences, Junior

* First Team All-Charter

12.1 PPG / 6.0 APG / 2.6 SPG / 1.9 RPG

 

Luke Granto - Canisius, Junior

* First Team All-Catholic

6.6 PPG / 4.1 RPG / 3.4 APG / 1.2 SPG

 

Ray Cortes - Silver Creek, Sophomore

* First Team CCAA Central

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

 

Jordan Alexander - Maryvale, Sophomore

* First Team ECIC III

21.8 PPG / 7.8 RPG / 2.8 SPG / 2.5 APG

 

Adam Chiacchia - Hamburg, Sophomore

* First Team ECIC I

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

 

Drew Hind - Randolph, Freshman

* Player of the Year in CCAA Central

16.4 PPG / 4.4 RPG / 4.3 APG / 2.6 SPG

 

Nakhyi Harris - Sweet Home, Freshman

* First Team ECIC II

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

 

 

Centercourt 6th Man of the Year

Gary Johnson

Amherst, Senior

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

 

 

All-Centercourt Defenders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Team

Shane Cercone - Canisius, Junior

Trey Kleitz - Iroquois, Senior

Beau Haubeil - Amherst, Senior

Kevin Thompson - Timon, Senior

Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Senior

 

Second Team

Hudson Kwiatkowski - Allegany-Limestone, Senior

Andrew Giardini - Allegany-Limestone, Junior

Luke Granto - Canisius, Junior

Seth Joba - Orchard Park, Senior

Massimo Moretti - St. Mary's

 

Third Team

Connor Schuster - Canisius, Senior

Taron Benton - Health Sciences, Senior

Ahmir Dunn - Amherst, Sophomore

Jaylen Butera - Jamestown, Senior

Jaral Farmer - Jamestown, Senior

 

Fourth Team

Lucus Brown - Salamanca, Sophomore

Carter Krawyczk - Lew-Port, Senior

Rod Brown - Niagara Falls, Senior

Kegan Mancabelli  - Orchard Park, Senior

Isaiah Odom - St. Joe's, Junior

 

 

Centercourt #BOOM Squad

Seth Joba - Orchard Park, Senior

Solomon Jackson - St. Joe's, Senior

TJ Jacobs - Hutch Tech, Senior

Nick Whitfield - Fredonia, Senior

Gary Johnson - Amherst, Senior

Teddy McDuffie - Amherst, Senior

Jordon Rivers - Lackawanna, Senior

Kevin Thompson - Timon, Senior

Garrett White - Clarence, Senior

Elijah Whitehead - McKinley, Senior

Sean Hargrave - Ken West, Senior

Massimo Moretti - St. Mary's, Senior

Dom McKenzie - Niagara Falls, Senior

Andre Stinson - Sweet Home, Senior

LaMar Matthews - Tapestry, Senior

Greg Sanders - CSAT, Senior

Jorden Bynes - CSAT, Senior

Dorian Facen - Williamsville East, Junior

Logan Reaska - St. Francis, Junior

Dylan Evans - Orchard Park, Junior

 

 

Centercourt Sniper Squad '3'

Jakye Rainey - Nichols, Junior

Jack DeRose - Olean, Junior

Trevin Boling - Tonawanda, Senior

Drew Hind - Randolph, Freshman

Nick Mogavero - Iroquois, Senior

TJ Robinson - Niagara Wheatfield, Senior

Bobby Beilein - Lew-Port, Junior

Carson Swanson - Westfield, Freshman

Blake Kopta - Clymer, Junior 

Nick Moore - Amherst, Junior

Lucus Brown - Salamanca, Sophomore

Max Schneider - Williamsville East, Senior

Jalen Duff - Nichols, Junior

Alex Crescente - Orchard Park, Senior

Jake Notaro - Williamsville East, Senior

Trey Drake - Jamestown, Junior

Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Senior

Jaiden Harrison - Timon, Sophomore

Evan Myers - Newfane, Junior

Brendan Reid - St. Francis, Senior

 

 

Centercourt Dime Droppers

Romeo Bell - Tapestry, Senior

Max Schneider - Williamsville East, Senior

Hayden Hoag - Salamanca, Senior

Jalen Duff - Nichols, Junior

Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Senior

Darien Swanson - Westfield, Senior

Trey Kelitz - Iroquois, Senior

Nick Moore - Amherst, Junior

Xander Fletcher - Niagara Wheatfield, Junior

Brady Gleason - Frontier, Senior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Centercourt Coach of the Year

Erik O'Bryan

Niagara Wheatfield

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

-centercourt

Manhattan Cup Playoffs - 2022

 

 

Quarterfinals - Tuessday, February 22nd

AT Higher Seed 

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

 

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

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

 

Semifinals - Thursday, February 24rd

AT Higher Seed - 6 pm

(1) Canisius 83, (5) St  Mary’s 48

(3) Timon 76, (2) St. Joe’s 66

 

Manhattan Cup Finals - Sunday, February 27th

At Canisius HS - 1180 Delaware Ave - 3 pm

(1) Canisius 72, (3) Timon 40

 

2022 Manhattan Cup Champions - Canisius Crusaders

 

-centercourt

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

 

Monday, January 31st

McKinley @ I-Prep - 6 pm

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

Nichols @ St. Francis - 7 pm 

 

Tuesday, February 1st

Ken West @ CSAT - 6:30 pm

Iroquois @ Williamsville East - 6:30 pm

 Salamanca @ Fredonia - 7:30 pm

Allegany-Limestone @ Olean - 7:30 pm

Sherman @ Panama - 7:30 pm

Clymer @ Westfield - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, February 2nd

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

Jamestown @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, February 3rd

Burgard @ Olmsted - 6 pm

CSAT @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Lew-Port @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

Nichols @ Timon - 6:30 pm

Cheektowaga @ Depew - 7 pm

Canisius @ Health Sciences - 7 pm

 

Friday, February 4th

Centercourt Classic at Hamburg HS

Iroquois vs. Niagara Wheatfield - 6 pm

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

 

Saturday, February 5th

Centercourt Classic at Hamburg HS

Nichols vs. Niagara Falls - 12 pm

Williamsville East vs. Olean - 1:45 pm

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

Canisius vs. Jamestown - 5:15 pm

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

 

-centercourt

The 4th Annual Centercourt Classic

 

 

Hosted by Hamburg High School at 4111 Legion Drive in Hamburg, NY

 

Friday, February 4th

 

Iroquois vs Niagara Wheatfield - 6 pm

Hamburg vs Cardinal O’Hara - 7:45 pm

 

Saturday, February 5th

 

Niagara Falls vs Nichols - 12 pm

Williamsville East vs Olean - 1:45 pm

St. Joes vs Amherst - 3:30 pm

Canisius vs Jamestown - 5:15 pm

Health Sciences vs Rochester East - 7 pm

 

-centercourt

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

 

Monday, January 24th

Iroquois @ Sweet Home - 6:30 pm

Orchard Park @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

Hamburg @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 25th

Olmsted @ Burgard - 4:30 pm

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

Cardinal O'Hara @ Timon - 6:30 pm

Lew-Port @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Pioneer @ Maryvale - 6:30 pm

Riverside @ McKinley - 6:30 pm

St. Francis @ Canisius - 7 pm

Randolph @ Southwestern - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 26th

Sweet Home @ Amherst - 7:30 pm

Orchard Park @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

Williamsville East @ Willaimsville South - 7:30 pm

Hamburg @ Clarence - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 27th

City Honors @ Burgard - 4 pm

Lew-Port @ Niagara Wheatfield - 6:30 pm

Southwestern @ Allegany-Limestone - 7:30 pm

Salamanca @ Olean - 7:30 pm

Dunkirk @ Fredonia - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 21st

Riverside @ Olmsted - 6 pm

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

Jamestown @ Elmira - 7 pm

Cheektowaga @ Tapestry - 7 pm

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

Clarence @ Hamburg - 7:30 pm

NFL vs. ECIC Challenge at North Tonawanda

CSAT vs. Frontier - 5 pm

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

Niagara Wheatfield vs. Orchard Park - 8 pm

 

Saturday, January 22nd

Hilton @ Olean - 11 am

Hutch-Tech @ Middle College - 12:30 pm

Sherman @ Clymer - 3 pm

NFL vs. ECIC Challenge at North Tonawanda

Ken East vs. Depew - 12 pm

Lockport vs. Amherst - 1:30 pm

North Tonawanda vs. Iroquois - 3 pm

 

-centercourt

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

 

Monday, January 10th

Olean @ Fredonia - 7:30 pm

Lancaster @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm

Jamestown @ Frontier - 7:30 pm

Salamanca @ Southwestern - 7:30 pm

Panama @ Clymer - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 11th

Riverside @ City Honors - 6 pm

Timon @ Nichols - 6:30 pm

Niagara Wheatfield @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

Amherst @ Williamsville East - 6:30 pm

Cardinal O'Hara @ St. Francis - 7 pm

Lockport @ Ken West - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 12th

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

Frontier @ Hamburg - 7:30 pm

Jamestown @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 13th

Nichols @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

St Francis @ St. Mary's - 7 pm

Fredonia @ Allegany-Limestone - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 14th

Ken West @ Niagara Wheatfield - 6:30 pm

Health Sciences @ Tapestry - 7 pm

Hamburg @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 15th

Lancaster @ Clarence - 11:30 am

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

Randolph @ Salamanca - 6 pm

 

-centercourt

Top 10 Rankings: 2022 Season - Week 3

 

Large Schools 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

-centercourt

Top 10 Rankings: 2022 Season - Week 2

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

-centercourt

Top 10 Rankings: 2022 Season - Week 1

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

-centercourt

Season Preview: 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2022 Preview contains:

- Commentary

- What's New

- Player Movement

- Returning 2021 All-Centercourt Players

- 20 Players to watch in 2022

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

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

- Coaching Changes

- Classification Changes

- Preseason Top 10 Large & Small Schools

- Predictions

 

Commentary

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

What's New ??

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

Player Movement

Key Transfers

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

Malachi Parker:  Cheektowaga ----> Timon

Jacob Humphrey:  Cheektowaga ----> Timon

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

Tyreke Hopkins:  CSAT ----> Health Sciences

Kydale Staten:  Cheektowaga ----> Health Sciences

Jalen Duff:  Lew-Port ----> Nichols

Parker Rey:  Orchard Park ----> Nichols

Luke Granto:  North Tonawanda ----> Canisius

Johnny Esposito:  Niagara Falls ----> Canisius

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

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

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

 

Early Prep School Departures

Josh Haskell - St. Joe's

Kamar Goudelock - Timon

Massai Graham - Tapestry

Dom Phillips - East Aurora 

 

Returning Studs

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

 

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

 

The Players

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

 

Returning First Teamers

Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

14.1 PPG

7.2 APG

4.6 RPG

2.1 SPG

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

 

 

 

Max Schneider - Williamsville East, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

30.4 PPG

7.2 APG

2.7 SPG

1.9 RPG

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

 

 

 

 

Returning Second Teamer

Trey Kleitz - Iroquois, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

26.5 PPG

7.3 APG

6.3 SPG

6.0 RPG

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

 

 

 

 

Returning Third Teamers

Jalen Duff - Nichols, Junior

Sophomore Season Stats:

28.3 PPG

5.0 RPG

3.8 APG

2.0 SPG

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

 

 

 

 

Xander Fletcher - Niagara Wheatfield, Junior

Sophomore Season Stats:

20.3 PPG

4.8 APG

4.7 RPG

2.8 SPG

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

 

 

 

 

 

Returning Fourth Teamers

Jaiden Harrison - Timon, Sophomore

Junior Season Stats:

21.6 PPG

8.7 RPG

3.3 APG

1.8 SPG

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

 

 

 

 

 

Declan Ryan - Canisius, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

15.7 PPG

7.9 RPG

1.2 APG

0.5 BPG

0.5 SPG

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

 

 

 

 

Returning Fifth Teamer

Bryant Rosa - Riverside, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

24.5 PPG

4.2 APG

2.3 SPG

1.8 RPG

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

 

 

 

 

 

Returning 2021 Honorable Mentions

Trevin Boling - Tonawanda, Senior

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

 

Caleb Chapman - City Honors, Senior

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

 

TJ Robinson - Niagara Wheatfield, Senior

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

 

Tyler Curran - Allegany-Limestone, Senior

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

 

Romeo Bell - Tapestry, Senior

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

 

Dominic McKenzie - Niagara Falls, Senior

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

 

Benjamin Bill - Hamburg, Senior

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

 

Kevin Thompson - Timon, Senior

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

 

Jimmie Green - Health Sciences, Senior

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

 

Solomon Jackson - St. Joe's, Senior

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

 

Nick Moore - Amherst, Junior

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

 

Lucas Brown - Salamanca, Sophomore

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

 

Adam Chiacchia - Hamburg, Sophomore

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

 

20 Players to Watch

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

Seth Joba - Orchard Park, Senior

Chris Wright - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior

Lamar Matthews - Tapestry, Senior

Aidan Kennedy - Southwestern, Senior

Zion James - Olean, Senior

Nate Parker - CSAT, Senior 

Teddy McDuffie - Amherst, Senior

Brendan Reid - St. Francis, Senior

Rod Brown - Niagara Falls, Senior

Tyreke Hopkins - Health Sciences, Senior

Nick Mogavero - Iroquois, Senior

Elijah Whitehead - McKinley, Senior

Dan Maku - Riverside, Senior

Darien Swanson - Westfield, Senior

Jasiah Jerocinski - Pioneer, Senior

Rashard Perry - Bennett, Junior

Dorian Facen - Williamsville East, Junior

Luke Granto - Canisius, Junior

Parker Rey - Nichols, Sophomore

Drew Hind - Randolph, Freshman

 

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

 

League-By-League:  Returning All-League Talent 

 

Monsignor Martin Association

 

Large Schools - CLASS A

Canisius - Declan Ryan

St. Joe's -  Justin Glover

St. Francis 

 

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

 

Small Schools - CLASS B

Timon - Kevin Thompson

Cardinal O'Hara - Christopher Wright

 Nichols 

 St. Mary's 

 

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

 

Section VI

 

Charter Schools

Health Sciences - Nasir West

Tapestry -  Lamar Matthews, Romeo Bell  

Maritime

Global Concepts

BASCS

 

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

 

YALE CUP I

McKinley - Elijah Whitehead, Jahood Martin

South Park -  Javany Rivera

Middle College - Amir Marble, Zamar Ashford

Bennett - Lebrun Northington, Rashard Perry

East - 

Hutch-Tech - TJ Jacobs

I-Prep - Daryl Allen, Angel Serrano

 

******

 

YALE CUP II

Riverside - Bryant Rosa, Dan Maku, Desimon Elston

Olmsted - Ezekiel Alexander, Myrie Harris, Ricky Shanklin

MST Seneca -  Nassir Williams, Marcelino Long

City Honors - Caleb Chapman

Buffalo Arts - Jordan Rodgers

Emerson - Hassan Muktar

Burgard 

 

 ***********************************

 

ECIC I

Jamestown -  Trey Drake, Jaylen Butera

Hamburg - Benjamin Bill, Adam Chiachia, Evan Chaffee

Orchard Park - Seth Joba, Keegan Mancabelli

Lancaster -  Joe Harrington

Frontier 

Clarence 

Williamsville North 

West Seneca West 

 

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

 

ECIC II

Amherst -  Nick Moore, Gary Johnson

Williamsville East -  Max Schneider 

Iroquois - Trey Kleitz

Sweet Home - Diar Fleming

Williamsville South  

West Seneca East 

Starpoint 

 

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

 

ECIC III

East Aurora - Ryan Esminger

Pioneer - Jasiah Jerocinski

Cheektowaga 

Lake Shore  

Maryvale 

Depew  

Springville

 

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

 

ECIC IV

Lackawanna -  Julienn Clements, Archie Saeed, Ashlin Alexander

Alden - John Watson, Walker Wrest

Tonawanda - Trevin Boling 

Cleveland Hill - Jordan Mann

JFK -  Jacob Krotz

Holland - Jake Gailey

Eden

 

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

 

Niagara Frontier League

Niagara Wheatfield -  TJ Robinson, Xander Fletcher 

Niagara Falls - Dom McKenzie

Kenmore West - Sean Hargrave

CSAT - Nate Parker

Lew-Port - Bobby Beilein

North Tonawanda  

Lockport  

Kenmore East  

Grand Island 

 

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

 

Niagara-Orleans

Medina -  Jarin Rhim, Joe Checchini

Roy-Hart - Aiden Petrie, Gavyn Boyle

Albion - Jahmeek Riley

Barker -  Brad Cantrell

Newfane 

Akron  

Wilson 

 

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

 

CCAA I West 

Olean - Zion James, Kamdyn McClain

Fredonia -  Nick Whitfield, Ethan Fry

Allegany-Limestone -  Tyler Curran, Anthony DeCapua

Dunkirk - Timothy Brown, A'Marion Tell 

Salamanca - Lucas Brown 

Southwestern -  Aidan Kennedy

 

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

 

CCAA Central

Randolph - Jaiden Huntington, Drew Hind

Cassadaga Valley -  Wyatt Harrington, Braden Lebaron

Frewsburg - Zach Winters, Connor Murray, Zach Carr

Maple Grove - Tucker Fenton

Portville - Maxx Yehl

Silver Creek - Matt Woleben

Gowanda - John Ondus

 

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

 

CCAA II West 

Westfield -  Darien Swanson, Ethan Weingart, Cole Holland

Sherman - Gerald Carris, Elijah Kioko

Panama -  Cooper Brown, Carter Brink, Gabe Roth

Clymer -  Austin White, Micah Willink

Brocton  

Falconer 

Chautauqua Lake

 

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

 

CCAA II East 

Cattaraugus-Little Valley - Josh Halterman, Johnny Visnesky

Pine Valley - Kordell Oakes, Bryce Sercu, Wayne Libby

Franklinville -  Blake Frank, Connor Terwilliger

North Collins -  Chris Smith

Ellicottville -  Logan Grinols  

Forestville 

 

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

 

Teams with New Coaches (17)

 

Nichols - Matt Bradshaw

St. Mary's - Ryan Gallo

Cheektowaga - Demario Rhodes

West Seneca West - Reuben Owens

Maritime - Donjuan Tyson

Tonawanda - Rod Middleton

City Honors - Demario Badger

Lew-Port - Pat Krawczyk

Westfield - Nolan Swanson

Cassadaga Valley - Greg Frank

Falconer - Jordan Goold 

 Forestville - Tom Dempsey

Holland - Matt Krotz

JFK - Sean McCowan

Portville - Josh Brooks

Springville - Chris Matthewson

BASCS - Chris Castleberry

 

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

 

Classification Changes (17)

 

Lockport moves down from Class AA to Class A1

Williamsville East moves up from Class A2 to Class A1

Health Sciences moves down from Class AA to Class A2

Emerson moves up from Class B1 to Class A2

Lew-Port moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

Middle College moves up from Class C1 to Class B1

Riverside moves up from Class C1 to Class B1

Burgard moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

Depew moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

Lackawanna moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

Tonawanda moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

Springville moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

Bennett moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Tapestry moves up from Class C1 to Class B2

Wilson moves down from Class B2 to Class C

Ellicottville moves down from Class C2 to Class D

Westfield moves down from Class C2 to Class D

 

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

 

Preseason Rankings

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

 

Large Schools

1. Health Sciences

2. Canisius

3. St. Joe's

4. Niagara Falls

5. Jamestown

6. Hamburg

7. Amherst

8. St. Francis

9. Niagara Wheatfield

10. CSAT

 

Small Schools

1. Timon

2. Nichols

3. Olean

4. Bennett

5. Randolph

6. St. Mary's

7. Cardinal O'Hara

8. Tapestry

9. Allegany-Limestone

10. Salamanca

 

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

 

Predictions

 

MMA - Canisius

Yale Cup I - McKinley

Yale Cup II - Riverside

ECIC I - Jamestown

ECIC II - Amherst

ECIC III - Pioneer

ECIC IV - Lackawanna

NFL - Niagara Falls

N-O - Medina

CCAA I West - Olean

CCAA II West - Westfield

CCAA Central - Randolph 

CCAA East - Ellicottville

 

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

 

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

 

Manhattan Cup

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

** Timon **

 

Class AA 

Final Four:  

Niagara Falls, Orchard Park, Jamestown, & Lancaster

** Niagara Falls **

 

Class A1 

Final Four:

McKinley, Ken West, Hamburg, & Niagara Wheatfield

** Hamburg **

 

Class A2  

Final Four:  

Amherst, Health Sciences, Iroquois, & CSAT

** Health Sciences **

 

Class B1 

Final Four:  

Olean, Lackawanna, Lew-Port, & Riverside

** Olean **

 

Class B2 

Final Four:

Tapestry, Allegany-Limestone, Bennett, & Fredonia

** Bennett **

 

Class C

Final Four:

Randolph, Salamanca, Global Concepts, & MST Seneca

** Randolph **

 

Class D

Final Four to reach JCC:  

Sherman, Ellicottville, Westfield, & Clymer

** Westfield **

 

-centercourt

The 2021 All-Centercourt Team: The Best in WNY

 

The 2021 CC MVP

Jalen Bradberry

Niagara Falls

Senior

24.2 PPG

6.7 RPG

6.0 APG

2.3 SPG

Class AA Champion

NFL Champion

NFL Player of the Year

(Photo: The Buffalo News)

 

First Team All-Centercourt

Jaden Slaughter

St. Joe's

Senior

20.5 PPG

6.4 RPG

4.7 APG

2.1 SPG

Manhattan Cup Champion

Manhattan Cup MVP

First Team All-Catholic

(Photo: Andrew Miller)

 

Jamyier Patton

Timon

Senior

24.5 PPG

4.5 RPG

3.3 SPG

2.9 APG

Manhattan Cup Finalist

 All-Catholic Player of the Year

(Photo: Tom Burns)

 

 

Justin Glover

St. Joe's

Junior

14.1 PPG

7.2 APG

4.6 RPG

2.1 SPG

Manhattan Cup Champion

First Team All-Catholic

(Photo: Andrew Miller)

 

 

Max Schneider

Williamsville East

Junior

30.4 PPG

7.2 APG

2.7 SPG

1.9 RPG

ECIC II Player of the Year

First Team All-ECIC

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

JaVaughn Jones

Health Sciences

Senior

23.8 PPG

8.1 RPG

6.8 APG

4.9 SPG

2.6 BPG

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

 

 

Second Team All-Centercourt

Trey Kleitz

Iroquois

Junior

26.5 PPG

7.3 APG

6.3 SPG

6.0 RPG

All-ECIC Player of the Year

ECIC III Player of the Year

ECIC III Champion

(Photo: Renea Lauck)

 

Keonjay Carter

Park

Senior

22.9 PPG

7.6 RPG

2.2 APG

1.1 SPG

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

 

Jason Brooks

Olean

Senior

21.8 PPG

4.4 APG

4.0 RPG

2.6 SPG

CCAA I West Player of the Year

CCAA I West Champion

 

 

 

Peyton Consigli

St. Francis

Senior

19.9 PPG

7.3 RPG

3.1 APG

1.1 SPG

First Team All-Catholic

 

 

 

 

Caleb Hutchins

Park

Senior

14.8 PPG

10.5 RPG

3.0 APG

1.9 SPG

1.6 BPG

 

 

 

 

 

Third Team All-Centercourt

Kamar Goudelock

Timon

Junior

16.9 PPG

4.3 RPG

2.7 APG

2.3 SPG

Manhattan Cup Finalist

First Team All-Catholic

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

Jalen Duff

Lew-Port

Sophomore

28.3 PPG

5.0 RPG

3.8 APG

2.0 SPG

First Team NFL

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

 

Xander Fletcher

Niagara Wheatfield

Sophomore

20.3 PPG

4.8 APG

4.7 RPG

2.8 SPG

First Team NFL

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

 

Tyler Putney

Fredonia

Senior

20.2 PPG

8.2 RPG

2.8 APG

1.4 SPG

0.7 BPG

Section VI Class B3 Champion

First Team CCAA I West

(Photo: Scott Kindberg/Observer)

 

Josh Haskell

St. Joe's

Junior

13.4 PPG

4.4 RPG

2.1 APG

1.4 SPG

Manhattan Cup Champion

Second Team All-Catholic

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

 

Fourth Team All-Centercourt

Max Dowling

Canisius

Senior

12.8 PPG

7.9 RPG

2.1 APG

1.0 BPG

0.6 SPG

Second Team All-Catholic

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

Declan Ryan

Canisius

Junior

15.7 PPG

7.9 RPG

1.2 APG

0.5 SPG

0.5 BPG

First Team All-Catholic

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

Damario James

Bennett

Senior

17.6 PPG

4.1 APG

2.1 SPG

1.9 APG

Section VI Class B1 Champion

First Team Yale Cup 

(Photo: Harry Scull)

 

 

Tariq Eubanks

Tapestry

Senior

12.9 PPG

10.1 APG

7.1 SPG

3.7 RPG

Section VI Class C1 Champion

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

 

Jaiden Harrison

West Seneca East

Freshman

21.6 PPG

8.7 RPG

3.3 APG

1.8 SPG

First Team All-ECIC

First Team ECIC II

(Photo: West Seneca Bee)

 

 

 

Fifth Team All-Centercourt

Massai Graham

Tapestry

Junior

16.1 PPG

11.2 RPG

3.3 BPG

2.3 APG

Section VI Class C1 Champion

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Zach Ianello

Clarence

Senior

15.3 PPG

3.0 RPG

1.9 APG

1.0 SPG

ECIC I Player of the Year

First Team All-ECIC

 

 

 

Tyler Chinn

Medina

Senior

17.8 PPG

5.4 APG

5.0 RPG

4.7 SPG

Section VI Class B2 Champion

Niagara-Orleans Champion

N-O Player of the Year

(Photo: Orleans Hub)

 

Bryant Rosa

Riverside

Junior

24.5 PPG

4.2 APG

2.3 SPG

1.8 RPG

Yale Cup II Champion

Yale Cup II Player of the Year

 

 

 

Bush Rieang

McKinley

Senior

16.4 PPG

5.0 APG

2.0 SPG

Yale Cup I Champion

Yale Cup I Player of the Year

(Photo: Buffalo News)

 

 

 

 

Honorable Mention

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Austin Boies - Springville, Senior

* ECIC IV Player of the Year

24.4 PPG / 8.6 RPG / 4.5 SPG / 2.5 APG

 

Javier West - Forestville, Senior

* First Team CCAA II East

23.9 PPG / 7.8 RPG / 4.6 SPG / 2.0 APG

 

Christian Pagano - Depew, Senior

* First Team ECIC III

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

 

Imario Douglas - Lockport, Senior

* First Team NFL

20.3 PPG / 8.7 RPG / 2.2 SPG

 

Jerrold Skillon - Bennett, Senior

* First Team Yale Cup I

18.7 PPG / 6.3 RPG / 1.5 APG / 1.0 SPG

 

Anthony Smith - Middle College, Senior

* First Team Yale Cup I

18.2 PPG / 16.6 RPG / 3.2 BPG / 1.8 SPG

 

Wally Wisniewski - North Tonawanda, Senior

* First Team NFL

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

 

Hunter Wassink - Clymer, Senior

* CCAA II West Player of the Year

17.1 PPG / 3.7 APG / 3.7 RPG / 1.8 SPG

 

Lief Jimerson - Ellicottville, Senior

* First Team CCAA II East

16.8 PPG / 3.5 SPG / 3.1 RPG / 2.6 APG

 

Jaiden Green - East, Senior

* First Team Yale Cup I

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

 

Zech Franklin - Iroquois, Senior

* First Team ECIC III

14.8 PPG / 11.7 RPG / 4.5 BPG / 2.0 SPG

 

Jackson Jerebko - Lancaster, Senior

* First Team ECIC I

14.5 PPG / 6.5 RPG / 2.1 APG / 1.2 SPG

 

Des Davis - Park, Senior

14.5 PPG / 8.7 RPG / 3.0 APG / 2.5 SPG

 

Brian Fry - Medina, Senior

* First Team N-O

13.7 PPG / 8.3 RPG / 4.2 APG / 2.9 SPG

 

Elijah Rojas - Jamestown, Senior

* First Team ECIC I

13.7 PPG / 4.5 APG / 2.9 RPG / 2.6 SPG

 

Amiel Collins - St. Francis, Senior

* Second Team All-Catholic

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

 

Nevada Eldridge - Cheektowaga, Senior

* First Team ECIC III

13.5 PPG / 8.8 RPG / 1.6 APG / 1.0 BPG

 

Brandon Okie - Frontier, Senior

* First Team ECIC I

13.3 PPG / 9.6 RPG / 1.9 APG / 0.9 SPG

 

Jeremy Foltz - Newfane, Senior

* First Team N-O

12.8 PPG / 4.3 APG / 2.5 SPG / 1.6 RPG

 

Keonte Brown - Cheektowaga, Senior

* First Team ECIC III

12.4 PPG / 6.1 RPG / 4.1 APG / 3.0 SPG

 

Clayton Rowland - Ellicottville, Senior

* CCAA II East Player of the Year

12.0 PPG / 12.2 RPG / 5.2 APG / 3.2 SPG

 

Trevin Boling - Tonawanda, Junior

* First Team ECIC III

29.9 PPG / 4.1 RPG / 1.4 APG / 1.3 SPG

 

Caleb Chapman - City Honors, Junior

* First Team Yale Cup II

20.1 PPG / 7.9 RPG / 4.1 APG / 3.6 SPG

 

TJ Robinson - Niagara Wheatfield, Junior

* First Team NFL

19.8 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 1.9 APG / 1.6 SPG

 

Tyler Curran - Allegany-Limestone, Junior

* First Team CCAA I West

18.2 PPG / 3.7 RPG / 3.3 APG / 2.2 SPG 

 

Dom Phillips - East Aurora, Junior

* First Team ECIC III

14.9 PPG / 3.5 RPG / 2.5 APG / 2.5 SPG

 

Romeo Bell - Tapestry, Junior

13.8 PPG / 5.5 RPG / 4.8 APG / 3.5 SPG

 

Dominic McKenzie - Niagara Falls, Junior

* Second Team NFL

13.6 PPG / 9.3 RPG / 1.3 SPG / 1.0 BPG 

 

Benjamin Bill - Hamburg, Junior

* First Team ECIC II

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

 

Kevin Thompson - Timon, Junior

* Second Team All-Catholic

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

 

Jimmie Green - Cardinal O'Hara, Junior

* Honorable Mention All-Catholic

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

 

Solomon Jackson - St. Joe's, Junior

* Second Team All-Catholic

10.1 PPG / 5.5 RPG / 2.1 APG / 0.9 SPG

 

Nick Moore - Amherst, Sophomore

* First Team ECIC II

13.4 PPG / 4.8 RPG / 3.3 APG / 2.1 SPG

 

Lucas Brown - Salamanca, Freshman 

* First Team CCAA I West

18.3 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 2.4 APG / 2.1 SPG

 

Adam Chiacchia - Hamburg, Freshman

* Second Team ECIC II

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

 

Sixth Man of the Year
Jack Harper - Hamburg, Senior

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

 

All-Centercourt Defenders

First Team

Jesse Hawkins - Cheektowaga, Senior

Malachi Williams - Niagara Falls, Senior

Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Junior

Shane Cercone - Canisius, Sophomore

Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry, Senior

 

Second Team

Brady Kustra - Hamburg, Junior

Benjamin Bill - Hamburg, Junior

JaVaughn Jones - Health Sciences, Senior

Luke Granto - North Tonawanda, Sophomore

Caleb Hutchins - Park, Senior

 

Third Team

Brian Fry - Medina, Senior

Kevin Thompson - Timon, Junior

Zion James - Olean, Junior

Zech Franklin - Iroquois, Junior

Jaylen Butera - Jamestown, Junior

 

Centercourt #BOOM Squad

Anthony Smith - Middle College, Senior

Massai Graham - Tapestry, Junior

Caleb Hutchins - Park, Senior

Oliver Ngarikiyintwari - Hutch Tech, Senior

TJ Jacobs - Hutch Tech, Junior

Elijah Whitehead - McKinley, Junior

Wally Wisniewski - North Tonawanda, Senior

Gary Johnson - Amherst, Junior

Jaden Slaughter - St. Joe's, Senior

Jalen Bradberry - Niagara Falls, Senior

Jerrold Skillon - Bennett, Senior

Jaiden Green - East, Senior

Greg Sanders - CSAT, Junior

Austin Boies - Springville, Senior

Jimmie Green - Cardinal O'Hara, Junior

 

Centercourt Coach of the Year

John Reinholz - Hamburg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Poll Ballots 2021 - Season Finale

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

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Poll Ballots 2021 - Week 5

(Manhattan Cup Finalist Timon remains the top ranked WNY small school / Photo: John Hickey)

 

Large Schools

1. St. Joe's (A) - They never trailed in the second half and led by as many as 14 points in the Manhattan Cup championship game, ending the Cup drought on Kenmore Avenue and cutting the nets down on their way out.

2. Canisius (A) - Without Declan Ryan in the lineup, the Crusaders still took a late lead at Timon in the Manhattan Cup semifinals, before seeing their season come to an end.  Only losses on the year came from St. Joe's & Timon and the resume includes a nine-point victory over Jamestown & a 30-point rout of Health Sciences.

3. Park (A) - Handed Health Sciences a 13-point loss and followed it up with a 16-point win over Tapestry on Thursday night, as Keonjay Carter joined the 1,000 point club.

4. Niagara Falls (AA) - Falls Way included three more wins last week and a whole lot of points.  After ringing up 86 in a win over Niagara Wheatfield, the Wolverines hung 103 on Lew-Port in a 35-point road rout, before closing down the regular season with a 55-41 win at Sweet Home.  Their championship run now begins with a game against Orchard Park on Monday.

5. Jamestown (AA) - Got clipped at the buzzer by Frontier for their lone league loss earlier in the week, before bouncing back with a win over Fredonia.  The defending Class A champions from Health Sciences arrive in Jamestown on Monday night to kick off the Class AA Tournament.

6. McKinley (A1) - The last undefeated team in WNY is now just three wins away from a perfect championship season after handling East in their rematch and winning the Yale Cup.  

7. St. Francis (A) - There was a lot to like about the Red Raiders this season, who would caused a restless night of sleep for any Section VI coach if they had to face them in the postseason.  Particularly, I was impressed with the play of three seniors from Frannies.  Aidan Brunner turned into a true impact player, Amiel Collins was a dependable scorer & leader for the team and a focus for opposing coaches to plan for, and Peyton Consigli became an elite high school player in all phases.

8. Hamburg (A1) - The ECIC II champions finished the regular season with a victory at Frontier, where the Falcons had just downed Jamestown in the game prior.  The Bulldogs begin postseason play by hosting Hutch Tech in Class A1 and hope to end up being the squad that ends McKinley's dream season while winning another type of championship.

9. Williamsville East (A2) - Winners in four of their last five games, including a thriller in double OT over Olean on Friday night to drop an exclamation point on the regular season.  Also dropping that night were points by Max Schneider - matching the WNY season-high 46 in the victory.

10. Lockport (AA) - A 14-point win at Lew-Port, followed by a four-point nonleague victory at Amherst send the #3 seed Lions into the Class AA Tournament winners of 9 of their last 10 games.  The postseason begins for them with a visit from defending Section VI champion Lancaster.

 

Small Schools

1. Timon (B) - Added another win over Canisius to an already phenomenal resume for a small school and then battled all the way to the end in the Manhattan Cup championship.  Kamar Goudelock made some shots in that last game that can only be described as awesome baby!

2. Olean (B1) - The CCAA I West champs saw their 10-game win streak snapped on a Friday night road trip at Williamsville East in double overtime.  That might be all it takes to fire up the Huskies in their quest to win a 13th Section VI title in 15 seasons.  That journey begins with a rematch of the 2020 Class B1 Final against East Aurora on Tuesday.

3. Bennett (B1) - Big wins last week over IPrep & Middle College send the Tigers into the postseason on  a seven-game win streak after finishing tied for second place in Yale Cup I.  Maryvale visits Main Street on Tuesday night.

4. Tapestry (C1) - After a season that saw the Thunderhawks play the likes of Park, Falls, O'Hara, & Nichols, they're three wins away from their third Section VI crown in program history.  The biggest obstacle in the Class C1 field might be Salamanca, who arrives in Buffalo on Tuesday night.

5. East (B1) - Losses in two of their last three games, with the win coming by one point over Hutch Tech, after winning eight straight games.  The Panthers will seek a return to the win column when they host Albion on Tuesday night, looking to advance to face the Olean/East Aurora winner.

6. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - The end of the road came for the Hawks on Wednesday night in Athol Springs, where they fell to St. Francis in the Manhattan Cup quarterfinals.  

7. Medina (B2) - With yet another N-O title in hand (the sixth in the last seven years), the Mustangs take their eight-game win streak and #1 seed in Class B2 into the postseason, which starts with a quarterfinal against Alden.

8. Southwestern (B3) - Winners of four straight games heading into the postseason, including victories over Fredonia, Allegany-Limestone, & Salamanca.  The Trojans are the hottest team in the Class B3 bracket with recent wins over a pair of the contenders.  They host Cleveland Hill on Monday in a Class A3 quarterfinal.

9. East Aurora (B1) - A very good small school that plays in a league with a couple tough teams from Class A2 in Cheektowaga & Iroquois.  Both of them knocked off the Blue Devils in the final week of the regular season, setting up a tough first round sectional draw in Class B1 -- a trip to Olean.

10. Clymer (D) - Suffered their first loss of the year at the hands of Sherman, who they split with in the regular season.  Still, the Pirates are league champions and the top seed entering the Section VI Class D Tournament and ended the regular season by taking Chautauqua Lake, who owns a win over Randolph, apart in a nonleague game.

 

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Manhattan Cup Playoffs - 2021

 

Quarterfinals - Tuesday, March 16th

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

 

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

(3) Canisius 75, (6) Nichols 57

 

Semifinals - Thursday, March 18th

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

(2) Timon 62, (3) Canisius 56

 

Final - Saturday, March 20th

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

 

2021 Manhattan Cup Champions - St. Joe's Marauders

 

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Poll Ballots 2021 - Week 4

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

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Poll Ballots 2021 - Week 3

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

 

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Poll Ballots 2021 - Week 2

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

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Poll Ballots 2021 - Week 1

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

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

-centercourt

Season Preview: 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2021 Preview contains:

- Commentary

- What's New

- Returning 2020 All-Centercourt Players

- Player Watch List for 2021

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

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

- Coaching Changes

- Classification Changes

- Preseason Top 10 Large & Small Schools

- Predictions

 

Commentary

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

What's New ??

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Springville moves from ECIC III to ECIC IV

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

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

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

 

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

 

The Players

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

 

Reigning CC MVP

JaVaughn Jones - Health Sciences, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

20.6 PPG

7.4 RPG

7.3 APG

4.9 SPG

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

** All-Centercourt Defender **

 

 

 

 

 

Returning First Teamer

Jalen Bradberry - Niagara Falls, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

19.7 PPG

3.2 APG

3.1 RPG

1.4 SPG

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

** Centercourt #BOOM Squad **

 

 

 

Returning Second Teamers

Jamyier Patton - Timon, Senior

Junior Season Stats

22.1 PPG

3.2 RPG

2.7 APG

2.7 SPG 

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

 

 

 

Jaden Slaughter - St. Joe's, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

18.1 PPG

5.3 RPG

2.7 APG

1.2 SPG

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

 

 

 

 

Returning Fourth Teamers

Demarri Jones - Jamestown, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

17.2 PPG

10.3 RPG

1.3 APG

1.3 SPG 

High intensity baller who routinely outworks opponents

 

 

 

 

Trey Kleitz - Iroquois, Junior

Sophomore Season Stats:

20.7 PPG

7.5 APG

5.7 SPG

2.8 RPG

 Two-sport standout with excellent court vision

 

 

 

 

Returning Fifth Teamers

Joe Harrington - Lancaster, Junior

Sophomore Season Stats

15.8 PPG

8.4 RPG

2.0 BPG

1.7 SPG

1.3 APG

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

 

 

 

Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry, Senior

Junior Season Stats

13.3 PPG

7.3 APG

5.0 SPG

3.6 RPG

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

** All-Centercourt Defender **

 

 

Returning 2020 Honorable Mentions

Zach Ianello - Clarence, Senior

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

 

Tyler Putney, Fredonia, Senior

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

 

Peyton Consigli - St. Francis, Senior

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

 

Keonjay Carter - Park, Senior

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

 

Joe Ciocca - Canisius, Senior

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

 

Max Dowling - Canisius, Senior

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

 

TJ Robinson - Niagara Wheatfield, Junior

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

 

Trevin Boling - Tonawanda, Junior

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

 

Max Schneider - Williamsville East, Junior

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

 

Kamar Goudelock - Timon, Junior

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

 

Massai Graham - Tapestry, Junior

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

 

Josh Haskell - St. Joe's, Junior

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

 

Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Junior

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

 

Jalen Duff - Lew-Port, Sophomore

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

 

Shane Cercone - Canisius, Sophomore

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

 

Player Watch List

SENIORS

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

 

JUNIORS

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

 

SOPHOMORES

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

 

FRESHMEN

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

 

8th GRADE

Drew Hind (Randolph)

 

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

 

League-By-League:  Returning All-League Talent 

 

Monsignor Martin Association

 

Large Schools - CLASS A

 

Canisius - Max Dowling, Joe Ciocca 

St. Joe's -  Jaden Slaughter 

St. Francis - Peyton Consigli  

 

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

 

Small Schools - CLASS B

 

Timon - Jamyier Patton, Kamar Goudelock 

 Nichols - Hugh Purks

Cardinal O'Hara 

 St. Mary's 

 

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

 

Section VI

 

Charter Schools

Health Sciences -  JaVaughn Jones 

Tapestry -  Tariq Eubanks, Massai Graham, Romeo Bell  

Maritime - Jaylon Hearon, John Washington

 

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

 

YALE CUP I

McKinley - Bush Rieang, Koran Askia, & Jahood Martin  

South Park -  Chris Coleman

Middle College - Anthony Smith 

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

East - Jaiden Green, Anthony Oberlander

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

Emerson - Lawrence Russell

 

 

******

 

YALE CUP II

MST Seneca -  Terrell Craig 

Buffalo Arts - Jordan Rodgers

Riverside - Bryant Rosa, Dan Maku

City Honors - Caleb Chapman

Burgard - Lafario Ross

I-Prep - Naesiah Woods

Lafayette - Kevin Calderon

Olmsted  

 

 ***********************************

 

ECIC I

Jamestown -  Demarri Jones, Elijah Rojas  

Lancaster -  Joe Harrington, Jackson Jerebko

Frontier - Brandon Okie, Conor Foley 

Clarence -  Zach Ianello 

Orchard Park 

Williamsville North 

West Seneca West 

 

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

 

ECIC II

Amherst -  Nick Moore

Williamsville East -  Max Schneider 

West Seneca East -  Jaiden Lewis 

Starpoint - Dexter Brooks

Sweet Home  

Williamsville South  

Hamburg 

 

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

 

ECIC III

Iroquois -  Trey Kleitz 

Cheektowaga - Nevada Eldridge, Keonte Brown

Depew -  Christian Pagano 

East Aurora -  Ian Moog, Dom Phillips

Lake Shore -   Noah Herzog, Keith White  

Maryvale - Andrew Dockery 

Tonawanda -  Trevin Boling, JJ Velazquez  

Pioneer  

 

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

 

ECIC IV

Springville -Austin Boies  

Lackawanna -  Jeremi'yhi Presley, AJ Turner 

Cleveland Hill -  Charlie Meredith

JFK -  Josh Knox  

Eden - Hunter Stetz

Alden - Matt Hay

Holland 

 

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

 

Niagara Frontier League

Niagara Wheatfield -  TJ Robinson, Xander Fletcher 

Lew-Port -  Jalen Duff  

Grand Island - Logan Sionko

Niagara Falls  

North Tonawanda  

Kenmore West  

Lockport  

CSAT  

Kenmore East  

 

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

 

Niagara-Orleans

Newfane -  Sam Capen, Michael Carmer 

Akron -  Adam Mietz, Mitchell Holtz, Jake Mazza  

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

Medina -  Brian Fry, Tyler Chinn, Jarin Rhim

Albion - Bailey Blanchard

Wilson -   Mike Miller

Barker -  Joey Brandt 

 

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

 

CCAA I West 

Olean - Jason Brooks, Zion James 

Fredonia -  Tyler Putney, Nick Whitfield 

Salamanca -  Jarod White, Lucas Brown 

Allegany-Limestone -  Tyler Curran 

Southwestern -  Aidan Kennedy,  Nate Johnson, Calvin Ricker

Dunkirk - Christian Ortiz 11, A'Marion Tell 

 

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

 

CCAA I East

Randolph - Ashton Bushey

Chautauqua Lake - Luke Waters 

Portville 

Silver Creek 

Falconer 

Gowanda 

 

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

 

CCAA II West 

Sherman -  John Swabik, Keith Gormley, Gerald Carris

Cassadaga Valley -  Wyatt Harrington, Braden Lebaron

Panama -  Connor Cooper 

Westfield -  Darien Swanson

Clymer -  Hunter Wassink

Brocton  

Maple Grove 

Falconer 

 

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

 

CCAA II East 

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

Franklinville -   Logan Frank , Blake Frank  Matt Peters

North Collins -  Chris Smith, Mitchell Warsaw, Matthew Sweet

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

Pine Valley -  Wayne Libby, Bryce Sercu, Cameron Hayes

Forestville -  Javier West

 

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

 

Teams with New Coaches (14)

 

Niagara Falls - Carlos Bradberry

Ken West - Ryan Hogan

Grand Island - Chris Simpson

South Park - Kyle Perla 

Middle College - Randy Rich

City Honors - Michael Mills

Medina - Eric Hellwig

Wilson - Rob Linhart

Barker - Jake Haight

Albion - Travis Downs

Tonawanda - Scott Foster

Rob Culver - Frewsburg

Robert Slisz - Pine Valley

Lucas Brawdy - Gowanda

 

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

 

Classification Changes (31)

 

Health Sciences moves up from Class A2 to Class AA

South Park moves up from Class A2 to Class A1

Williamsville East moves down from Class A1 to Class A2

Ken East moves down from Class A1 to Class A2

Iroquois moves up from Class B1 to Class A2

Lake Shore moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

Emerson moves down from Class A1 to Class B1

East moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

Depew moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Medina moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Burgard moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Lackawanna moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Tonawanda moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Springville moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Alden moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Lafayette moves down from Class A2 to Class B3

Eden moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Olmsted moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Fredonia moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Roy-Hart moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Maritime moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

JFK moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Southwestern moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Wilson moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Cleveland Hill moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Allegany-Limestone moves down from Class B2 to Class B3

Salamanca moves up from Class C2 to Class C1

Riverside moves up from Class D to Class C1

Silver Creek moves down from Class C1 to Class C2

Cassadaga Valley moves down from Class C1 to Class C2

Franklinville moves down from Class C2 to Class D

 

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

 

Preseason Polls

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

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius

2. Park

3. St. Joe's

4. Jamestown

5. Health Sciences

6. Niagara Falls

7. Lancaster

8. Amherst

9. South Park

10. McKinley

 

Small Schools

1. Timon

2. Tapestry

3. O'Hara

4. Middle College

5. Bennett

6. Newfane

7. Akron

8. East Aurora

9. Nichols

10. Randolph

 

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

 

Predictions

 

 MMA - Canisius

Yale Cup I - McKinley

Yale Cup II - Olmsted

ECIC I - Jamestown

ECIC II - Amherst

ECIC III - Cheektowaga

ECIC IV - Springville

NFL - Niagara Falls

N-O - Newfane

CCAA I West - Fredonia

CCAA I East - Randolph 

CCAA II West - Maple Grove

CCAA II East - Ellicottville

 

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

 

Manhattan Cup

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

** Canisius **

 

Class AA 

Final Four:  

Niagara Falls, Health Sciences, Jamestown, & Lancaster

** Jamestown **

 

Class A1 

Final Four:

McKinley, Ken West, South Park, & North Tonawanda

** South Park **

 

Class A2  

Final Four:  

Amherst, Cheektowaga, Williamsville East, & Lew-Port

** Amherst **

 

Class B1 

Final Four:  

Olean, Bennett, East Aurora, & East

** Bennett **

 

Class B2 

Final Four:

Newfane, Akron, Depew,  & Medina

** Newfane **

 

Class B3

Final Four:

Fredonia, Allegany-Limestone, Southwestern, & Maritime

** Fredonia **

 

Class C1

Final Four:

Tapestry, Middle College, Salamanca, & Riverside

** Tapestry **

 

Class C2

Final Four:

Randolph, Maple Grove, Holland, & Ellicottville

** Randolph **

 

Class D

Final Four to reach JCC:  

Sherman, Franklinville, Pine Valley, & Clymer

** Sherman **

 

-centercourt

The 2020 All-Centercourt Team: The Best in WNY

 

The 2020 CC MVP

JaVaughn Jones - Health Sciences, Junior

20.6 PPG / 7.4 RPG / 7.3 APG / 4.9 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Section VI Class A Champion

- MVP of the Section VI Class A2 Tournament

- MVP of the St. Francis Christmas Tournament

- Canisius College Tip-Off All-Tournament Team

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

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

- Scored over 20 points in 12 games

- Dished over 10 dimes in 10 games

- Recorded 13 double-doubles 

- Recorded 6 triple-doubles 

- Recorded 2 quadruple-doubles 

- Two-time All-Centercourt Defender

- Has scored 857 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

First Team All-Centercourt

Dewayne Vass - Canisius, Senior

16.5 PPG / 7.8 RPG / 4.7 APG / 2.5 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Manhattan Cup Champion

- Player of the Year in the MMA

- MVP of the Manhattan Cup

- MVP of the St. Pius Christmas Tournament

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

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

- Scored over 20 points in 8 games

- Recorded 8 double-doubles

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

- Grabbed over 10 rebounds in 8 games

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

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Scored 863 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Tyler Hind - Randolph, Senior

25.0 PPG / 6.1 APG / 5.3 RPG / 2.8 SPG 

- Four-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Section VI Class C2 Champion

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

- MVP of the Section VI Class C2 Tournament

- Tully Tip-Off Tournament MVP

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

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

- Scored over 30 points in 8 games

- Scored over 20 points in 21 games

- Team leader in assists with 147

- Led WNY in 3-pointers made with 105

- WNY record 400 career 3-pointers

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

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Roddy Gayle - Lew-Port, Sophomore

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

- Three-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Player of the Year in the NFL

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- Game MVP at the BSN Sports NFL/ECIC Challenge

- Scored a career-high 38 points twice in 2020

- Scored over 30 points in five games

- Scored over 20 points in 14 of 17 games

- Hauled in 20 rebounds vs. South Park

- Recorded 7 double-doubles

- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Career 1,000 point scorer

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Jalen Bradberry - Park, Junior

19.7 PPG / 3.2 APG / 3.1 RPG / 1.4 SPG

- Four-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- MVP of Brooklyn Post Invitational

- Scored a season-high 35 points vs Brooklyn Collegiate

- Scored over 30 points in 2 games

- Scored over 20 points in 10 games

- Scored 15 in the 4Q vs. Brooklyn Collegiate

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

- Connected from 3-point range 50 times

- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Has scored 1,780 career points

(Photo: Larry Scheur)

 

Jamond Jones - Middle College, Senior

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

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Section VI Class C Champion

- Player of the Year in Yale Cup I

- MVP of the Section VI Class C1 Tournament

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

- Made a school record 9 treys in Class C1 Semis

- Scored over 30 points in 5 games

- Averaged 30.3 PPG in the postseason

- Scored in double figures in all 23 games

- Connected from 3-point range 81 times

- Scored 1,247 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri) 

 

Second Team All-Centercourt

Jaemon Turner - Niagara Falls, Senior

21.1 PPG / 6.2 APG / 4.7 RPG / 2.9 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team Niagara Frontier League

- Game MVP in the Cataract Classic vs Amherst

- Game MVP in the Cataract Classic vs O'Hara

- Game MVP in the Bishop Kearney Showcase

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

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

- Scored over 25 points in 5 games

- Scored over 20 points in 12 games

- Scored 1,118 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Jamyier Patton - Timon, Junior

22.1 PPG / 3.2 RPG / 2.7 APG / 2.7 SPG 

- Woj Cup Champion

- MVP of the Woj Cup

- First Team All-Catholic

- Scored a career-high 38 points vs. Canisius

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

- Scored 27 & 8 boards in the Woj Cup Final

- Scored over 30 points in 3 games

- Scored over 20 points in 16 games

- Connected from 3-point range 59 times

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

 

 

Jaden Slaughter - St. Joe's, Junior

18.1 PPG / 5.3 RPG / 2.7 APG / 1.2 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team All-Catholic

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

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

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

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

- Scored over 20 points in 8 games

- Shot 58% from the field on the season

- Recorded 3 double-doubles

- Has scored 1,327 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Jaylen Stewart - Amherst, Senior

20.7 PPG / 5.5 RPG / 3.5 APG / 1.9 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Section VI Class A2 Finalist

- Player of the Year for All-ECIC

- Player of the Year in ECIC II

- Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

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

- Scored 32 points in a comeback win at Falls

- Scored over 30 points in 3 games

- Scored over 20 points in 11 games

- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Scored 1,048 career points

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Avion Harris - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior

17.7 PPG / 5.1 APG / 4.7 RPG / 3.7 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Player of the Year in the Monsignor Martin Association

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

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

- Scored over 20 points in 11 games

- Recorded a triple-double in a win at Timon

- Reached 3 straight MMA Championship games

- Finishes career with 282 steals

- Three-time All-Centercourt Defender

- Scored 1,017 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Third Team All-Centercourt

Daciare Riley - Health Sciences, Senior

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

- Section VI Class A Champion

- Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team

- MVP of the Canisius College Tip-Off Tournament

- St. Francis Christmas All-Tournament Team

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

- Scored over 20 points in 5 games

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

- Recorded 8 double-doubles 

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Has scored 542 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

John Orogun - Park, Senior

14.4 PPG / 13.1 RPG / 1.6 BPG / 0.4 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

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

- Scored over 20 points in 6 games

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

- Had over 10 rebounds in 17 games

- Recorded 14 double-doubles 

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

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- All-Centercourt Defender

(Photo: Larry Scheur)

 

 

Covi James - Olean, Senior

19.9 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 3.2 APG / 2.6 SPG

- Section VI Class B Champion

- First Team CCAA I West

- MVP of the Section VI Class B1 Tournament

- MVP of the Olean Tip-Off Tournament

- Joe DeCerbo Memorial All-Tournament Team

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

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

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

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

- Scored over 20 points in 12 games

- Recorded 3 double-doubles

- Had at least 5 steals in 5 games

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Cam Barmore - Panama, Senior

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

- Player of the Year in CCAA II West

- WNY's scoring leader in 2020

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

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

- Scored over 40 points in 2 games

- Scored over 30 points in 8 games

- Scored over 20 points in 19 games

- Recorded 19 double-doubles

- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

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

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Anthony Mack - South Park, Senior

20.7 PPG / 7.3 SPG / 6.7 APG / 4.1 RPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team Yale Cup I

- Clarence Holiday All-Tournament Team

- Scored a career-high 30 points at Tapestry

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

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

- Scored over 20 points in 13 games

- Had over 10 steals in 7 games

- Dishes over 10 assists in 5 games

- Recorded 5 triple-doubles & 2 double-doubles

- Three-time All-Centercourt Defender

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Fourth Team All-Centercourt

Demarri Jones - Jamestown, Junior

17.2 PPG / 10.3 RPG / 1.3 APG / 1.3 SPG 

- Player of the Year in ECIC I

- First Team All-ECIC

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- MVP of the United Way Tournament

- Olean Tip-Off All-Tournament Team

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

- Had 25 points & 19 boards vs. Olean

- Recorded 11 double-doubles

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

 

Michael DiGiulio - Williamsville South, Senior

25.0 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 3.7 SPG / 2.8 APG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team All-ECIC

- First Team ECIC II

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Game MVP at the BSN Sports NFL/ECIC Challenge

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

- Scored over 30 points in 4 games

- Scored over 25 points in 13 games

- Scored over 20 points in 20 games

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

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

- Scored 984 career points

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Cal Shifflet - Williamsville East, Senior

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

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team All-ECIC

- First Team ECIC II

- MVP of the Five Guys Tournyament

- MVP of the Lockport Rotary Tournament

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

- Scored over 30 points in 2 games 

- Scored over 20 points in 13 games

- Recorded 11 double-doubles

- Connected from 3-point range 50 times

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Scored 1,216 career points with 673 boards

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Trey Kleitz - Iroquois, Sophomore

20.7 PPG / 7.5 APG / 5.7 SPG / 2.8 RPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- Player of the Year in ECIC III

- First Team All-ECIC

- Greg Martin Memorial All-Tournament Team

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

- Scored over 30 points in 5 games

- Scored over 30 points in 3 straight games

- Scored over 20 points in 13 games

- Set a school record with a 20-point quarter

- Recorded 9 double-doubles

- Has scored 735 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Casey Curran - Allegany-Limestone, Senior

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

- Section VI Class B2 Champion

- Player of the Year in CCAA I West

- MVP of the Section VI Class B2 Tournament

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

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

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

- Grabbed over 15 rebounds in 7 games

- Recorded 12 double-doubles & 1 triple-double

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

- Scored 833 career points

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Fifth Team All-Centercourt

Joe Harrington - Lancaster, Sophomore

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

- Section VI Class AA Champion 

- All-ECIC selection

- MVP of the Elmira Tournament

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

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

- Scored over 20 points in 6 games

- Scored in double figures in 19 games

- Recorded 9 double-doubles

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

(Photo: Harry Scull, TBN)

 

Breht Swiech - Williamsville North, Senior

18.0 PPG / 5.3 RPG / 2.1 APG / 1.7 SPG

- All-ECIC Selection

- First Team ECIC I

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Five Guys All-Tournament Team

- Scored a career-high 39 points vs OP

- Scored over 30 points in 2 games

- Scored over 20 points in 9 games

- Connected from 3-point range 59 times

- Shot 52% from the field on the season

- Scored 822 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Danny Carter - East, Senior

18.2 PPG / 5.0 RPG / 4.0 APG / 2.7 SPG 

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- First Team Yale Cup I

- Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

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

- Scored over 30 points in 2 games

- Scored over 20 points in 9 games

- Scored in double figures in 20 games

- Team leader in points, assists, & steals

- Scored 939 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Tariq Eubanks, Tapestry, Junior

13.3 PPG / 7.3 APG / 5.0 SPG / 3.6 RPG

- Three-Time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Class C1 Finalist

- First Team All-Charter

- Olean Tip-Off All-Tournament Team

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

- Scored over 20 points in 3 games

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

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

- Three-time All-Centercourt Defender

- Has scored 894 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Dante Moultrie - North Tonawanda, Senior

14.5 PPG / 4.9 RPG / 3.4 APG / 2.0 SPG

- Section VI Class A1 Champion 

- First Team Niagara Frontier League

- MVP of the Section VI Class A1 Tournament

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

- Scored 28 points in the Class A1 Championship

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

- Scored 763 career points

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

 

 

 

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

Aidan Horan - Nichols, Senior

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

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 Selection

- First Team All-Catholic

- Kiski Showcase All-Tournament Team

- Scored a season-high 30 points vs. Tapestry

- Scored 28 points vs. Timon

- Scored over 20 points in 10 of 15 games

- Recorded 4 double-doubles

- Career 1,000 point scorer

(Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

 

 

Honorable Mention 

Lavarde Mance - Global Concepts, Senior

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

 

Xaier Mitchell - Maryvale, Senior

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

 

Caron Marshall - Cleveland Hill, Senior

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

 

Tyler Robinson - North Collins, Senior

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

 

Nick O'Neil - Amherst, Senior

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

 

Nate Ryniec - West Seneca West, Senior

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

 

Garrett Srock - Newfane, Senior

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

 

Tino Mancabelli - Orchard Park, Senior

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

 

Marciano Lamar - Olmsted, Senior

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

 

Jordan Cutter - North Tonawanda, Senior

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

 

Trent Cordone - West Seneca East, Senior

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

 

Devonte Prince, Middle College, Senior

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

 

Daesean Ashley - St. Joe's, Senior

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

 

Jon Nellis - Holland, Senior

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

 

Gus Napoleon - Allegany-Limestone, Senior

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

 

Jabari Spencer - Health Sciences, Senior

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

 

Tyler Smith - Health Sciences, Senior

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

 

Kaleb Steward - Randolph, Senior

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

 

Zach Ianello - Clarence, Junior

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

 

Tyler Putney, Fredonia, Junior

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

 

Peyton Consigli - St. Francis, Junior

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

 

Keonjay Carter - Park, Junior

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

 

Joe Ciocca - Canisius, Junior

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

 

Max Dowling - Canisius, Junior

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

 

TJ Robinson - Niagara Wheatfield, Sophomore

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

 

Trevin Boling - Tonawanda, Sophomore

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

 

Max Schneider - Williamsville East, Sophomore

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

 

Kamar Goudelock - Timon, Sophomore

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

 

Massai Graham - Tapestry, Sophomore

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

 

Josh Haskell - St. Joe's, Sophomore

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

 

Gabe McCoy - Randolph, Sophomore

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

 

Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Sophomore

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

 

Jalen Duff - Lew-Port, Freshman

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

 

Shane Cercone - Canisius, Freshman

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

 

Greg Brooks - Maritime, 7th Grade

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

 

Sixth Man of the Year

Eric Kegler - Canisius, Senior

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

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

 

All-Centercourt Defenders

First Team

Avion Harris - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior

Shane Cercone - Canisius, Freshman

JaVaughn Jones - Health Sciences, Junior

Daesean Ashley - St. Joe's, Senior

Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry, Junior

 

Second Team

Jabari Spencer - Health Sciences, Senior

Keyunte Jones - Middle College, Senior

John Orogun - Park, Senior

Noah Fox - North Tonawanda, Senior

Kaleb Steward - Randolph, Senior

 

Third Team

Keith Brown - Middle College, Senior

Ben Giardini - Allegany-Limestone, Senior

Anthony Mack - South Park, Senior

Gabe McCoy - Randolph, Sophomore

Kaleb Rybij - Fredonia, Senior

 

Centercourt #BOOM Squad

Massai Graham - Tapestry, Sophomore

Roddy Gayle - Lew-Port, Sophomore

Cam Barmore - Panama, Senior

Anthony Smith - Middle College, Junior

Nick Whitfield - Fredonia, Sophomore

John Orogun - Park, Senior

Jalen Bradberry - Park, Junior

Daciare Riley - Health Sciences, Senior

Deshaun Brown - Health Sciences, Senior

Tyler Smith - Health Sciences, Senior

Dewayne Vass - Canisius, Senior

Demarri Jones - Jamestown, Junior

Jaylen Stewart - Amherst, Senior

Cal Shifflet - Williamsville East, Senior

Jamond Jones - Middle college, Senior

 

Coach of the Year

John Otto, Lancaster

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2020 - Season Finale

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

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

-centercourt

All-League Teams - 2020

 

MONSIGNOR MARTIN ASSOCIATION

Class A

Player of the Year:

Dewayne Vass - Canisius

 

All-Catholic

Max Dowling - Canisius

Joe Ciocca - Canisius

Jaden Slaughter - St. Joe's

Daesean Ashley - St. Joe's

Peyton Consigli - St. Francis

 

Class B

Player of the Year:

Avion Harris - Cardinal o'Hara

 

All-Catholic

Jamyier Patton - Timon

Kamar Goudelock - Timon

Aidan Horan - Nichols

Hugh Purks - Nichols

Luke Szablewski - St. Mary's

 

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

 

Charter Cup

Player of the Year:

JaVaughn Jones - Health Sciences

 

First Team

JaVaughn Jones - Health Sciences

Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry

Greg Brooks - Maritime

Daciare Riley - Health Sciences

Massai Graham - Tapestry

 

Second Team 

Jaylen Hearon - Maritime

Lavardi Mance - Global Concepts

Jabari Spencer - Health Sciences

Romeo Bell - Tapestry

Tyler Smith - Health Sciences

 

Third Team

Yeshua Lee - Health Sciences

Jesus Alvarez - Global Concepts

Carl Johnson - Tapestry

John Washington - Maritime

Deshaun Brown - Health Sciences

 

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

 

YALE CUP I

Player of the Year:

Jamond Jones - Middle College, 12

 

First Team

Anthony Mack - South Park, 12

Devonte Prince - Middle College, 12

Danny Carter - East - 12

David Hughes - East - 12

Bush Rieang - McKinley, 11

 

Second Team

Jeremy McKitchen - East - 12

Kevion Taylor - City Honors, 12

Jayson Armstead - South Park, 12

Martin Espinal - Hutch-Tech, 11

Jaiden Cottman - Middle College, 12

 

Third Team

Kenneth Jacobs - Hutch-Tech, 11

Jaiden Green - East, 11

Koran Askia - McKinley, 11

Anthony Smith - Middle College, 11

Trevaughn Jackson - Emerson, 12

 

Honorable Mention

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

South Park:  Davon White 12, Chris Coleman 11

East:  Dontaye Miller 12, Anthony Oberlander 11

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

City Honors:  Jeremiah Chapman 12, Caleb Chapman 10

Hutch-Tech:  Aric Mott 12, Oliver Ngarikiyintwari 11

Emerson:  Daron Loder 12, Lawrence Russell 11

 

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

 

YALE CUP II

Player of the Year:

Marciano Lamar - Olmsted, 12

 

First Team

Damario James - Bennett, 11

Nolan Shephard - IPrep, 12

Jerrold Skillon - Bennett, 11

Jok Jok - IPrep, 12

DeVante Simmons - MST Seneca, 12

 

Second Team

Charles Slobert Buffalo Arts, 12

Bryant Rosa, Riverside, 10

Davon Scott - Bennett, 12

Renard Siders - Olmsted, 12

Dan Maku - Riverside, 10

 

Third Team

Lafario Ross - Burgard, 11

Kevin Maysonet - Lafayette, 12

Kane Gilliam - IPrep, 12

Damone McClain - Bennett, 11

DeVotie Pompey - MST Seneca, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Bennett:  Jacob Pullins 11

Olmsted:  Lawrence Jackson 12

IPrep:  Naesiah Woods 11

MST Seneca:  Terrell Craig 11

Buffalo Arts:  Jordan Rodgers 9

Lafayette:  Kevin Calderon, 11

 

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

 

All-ECIC

 

Player of the Year:

Jaylen Stewart - Amherst, 12

 

First Team

Jaylen Stewart - Amherst, 12

Demarri Jones - Jamestown, Junior

Cal Shifflet - Williamsville East, Senior

Trey Kleitz - Iroquois, Sophomore

Michael DiGiulio - Williamsville South, Senior

 

Second Team

Breht Swiech - Williamsville North, Senior

Tino Mancabelli - Orchard Park, Senior

Caron Marshall - Cleveland Hill, Senior

Joe Harrington - Lancaster, Sophomore

Nick O'Neil - Amhrest, Senior

 

Honorable Mention

Nate Ryniec - West Seneca West, Senior

Christian Pagano - Depew, Junior

Xaier Mitchell - Maryvale, Senior

Zach Ianello - Clarence, Junior

Max Schneider - Williamsville East, Sophomore

 

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

 

ECIC I

Player of the Year:

Demarri Jones - Jamestown, 11

 

First Team

Tino Mancabelli - Orchard Park, 12

Breht Swiech - Williamsville North, 12

Zach Ianello - Clarence, 11

Joe Harrington - Lancaster, 10

Nate Ryniec - West Seneca West, 12

 

Second Team

Scott Hopkins - Williamsville North, 12

Elijah Rojas - Jamestown, 11

Brad Fowler - Orchard Park, 12

Conor Foley - Frontier, 11

David Bass - Williamsville North, 12

Nate Hoellig - Frontier, 12

 

Honorable Mention

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

Orchard Park:  Ethan Swiatek 12, Chase Klein 12

West Seneca West:  Connor Schermerhorn 12, Zach Fahey 12

Frontier:  Brandon Okie 11

 

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

 

ECIC II

Player of the Year:

Jaylen Stewart - Amherst, 12

 

First Team

Cal Shifflet - Williamsville East, 12

Mike Digiulio - Williamsville South, 12

Nick O'Neil - Amherst, 12

Max Schneifer - Williamsville East, 10

Trent Cordone - West Seneca East, 12

 

Second Team

DaeQuan Hill - Sweet Home, 12

Jaiden Lewis - West Seneca East, 8

CJ Bradley - Starpoint, 12

Nate Severson - Hamburg, 12

Jamel Lucas - Sweet Home, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Amherst - Myles Cooper 12, Nick Moore 9

Williamsville East - Kevin Early 12

Williamsville South - Nicco DiGiulio 9

Hamburg - Max Haney 12

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

 

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

 

ECIC III

Player of the Year:

Trey Kleitz - Iroquois, 10

 

First Team

Christian Pagano - Depew, 11

Xaier Mitchell - Maryvale, 12

Nevada Eldridge - Cheektowaga, 11

Will Covington - East Aurora, 12

Zach Evans - Lake Shore,12

Matt Matla - Iroquois, 12

 

Second Team

Austin Boies - Springville, 11

Matteo Duennebacke - East Aurora, 12

Nathan Kulesz - Depew, 12

Noah Herzog - Lake Shore, 11

Gavyn Mason - Pioneer, 12

Andrew Dockery - Maryvale, 11

Nick Bowen - Iroquois, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Depew:  PJ Burns 12, Davion March 12

Lake Shore:  Keith White 13

East Aurora:  Ian Moog 11, Dom Phillips 10

Cheektowaga:  Keonte Brown 11

Maryvale:  Deondre Rice 12

Pioneer:  Kaleb Phillips 12

 

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

 

ECIC IV

Player of the Year:

Caron Marshall - Cleveland Hill, 12

 

First Team

Trevin Boling - Tonawanda, 10

De'Marion Johnson - Lackawanna, 12

Jon Nellis - Holland, 12

Alan Suarez - JFK, 12

Kenny Avery - JFK, 12

 

Second Team

Hunter Stetz - Eden, 11

Matt Hay - Alden, 11

Noah Kirsch - Holland, 12

Charlie Meredith - Cleveland Hill, 11

JJ Velazquez - Tonawanda, 11

 

Honorable Mention

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

JFK:  Josh Knox 11

Tonawanda:  David Perry 12

Eden:  Brandon Hallick 12

Lackawanna:  Jeremi'yhi Presley 11, AJ Turner 10

Cleveland Hill:  Jayden Krueger 12

 

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

 

Niagara Frontier League

Player of the Year:

Roddy Gayle - Lew-Port, 10

 

First Team

Jaemon Turner - Niagara Falls, 12

TJ Robinson - Niagara Wheatfield, 10

Dante Moultrie - North Tonawanda, 12

Jalen Duff  - Lew-Port, 9

Ceion McDowell - Lockport, 12

 

Second Team

Zac Boyes - Ken West, 12

Jordan Cutter - North Tonawanda, 12

Amari Gordon - Ken East, 12

Faybion Prather - Niagara Falls, 12

Xavier Alvarez - CSAT, 12

 

Third Team

Amir Morris - CSAT, 12

Noah Fox-Stoddard - North Tonawanda, 12

Logan Sionko - Grand Island, 11

Xander Fletcher - Niagara Wheatfield, 9

Pierre Gabart - CSAT, 12

 

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

 

Niagara-Orleans League

Player of the Year:

Garrett Srock - Newfane, 12

 

First Team

Luke Bradley - Wilson, 12

Adam Mietz - Akron, 11

Nate Sherman - Medina, 12

Deyonci Farley - Albion, 12

 

Second Team

Kevin Hillman - Albion, 12

Josh Everett - Newfane, 12

Tom Ragonese - Roy-Hart, 11

Tyler Chinn - Medina, 11

Sam Capen - Newfane, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Newfane:  Connor MacEvoy 12, Michael Carmer 11

Albion:  Liam Ward 12, Bailey Blanchard 11

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

Medina:  Brian Fry 11, Jarin Rhim 10

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

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

Barker:  Joseph Brandt 11

 

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

 

CCAA I West

Player of the Year:

Casey Curran - Allegany-Limestone, 12

 

First Team

Covi James - Olean, 12

Jason Brooks - Olean, 11

Gus Napoleon - Allegany-Limestone, 12

Tyler Putney - Fredonia, 11

Nick Whitfield - Fredonia, 10

 

Second Team

Nate Adams - Chautauqua Lake, 12

Ben Giardini - Allegany-Limestone, 12

Aidan Kennedy - Southwestern 10

Kaleb Rybij - Fredonia, 12

Michael Wolfgang - Allegany-Limestone, 12

 

Honorable Mention 

Allegany-Limestone:  Tyler Curran 10

Fredonia:  Alec Schrader 12, Dominic Gullo 11

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

Southwestern:  Nate Johnson 11, Calvin Ricker 11

Dunkirk:  Christian Ortiz 11, A'Marion Tell 10

Chautauqua Lake:  Luke Waters 11

 

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

 

CCAA I East

Player of the Year:

Tyler Hind - Randolph, 12

 

First Team

Gabe McCoy - Randolph, 10

Jarod White - Salamanca 11

Kaleb Steward - Randolph, 12

Aaron George - Salamanca, 12

Dom Jamison - Silver Creek, 12

 

Second Team

Daslton Tabola  -Portville, 12

Lucas Brown - Salamanca, 8

Jeremy Wilcox - Silver Creek, 12

Jeremy Harford - Silver Creek, 12

Ashton Bushey - Randolph, 11

 

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

 

CCAA II West

Player of the Year:

Cam Barmore - Panama, 12

 

First Team

Ryan Jafarjian - Westfield, 12

Michael Johnson - Westfield, 12

Brad Nelson - Frewsburg, 12

Peter Auer - Maple Grove, 12

John Swabik - Sherman, 11

 

Second Team

Aaron Hair - Frewsburg, 12

Nathan Culbreth - Westfield, 12

Darius Jones - Maple Grove, 12

Justiss Hannold - Sherman, 12

Hunter Wassink - Clymer, 11

 

Honorable Mention 

Westfield:  Dylan Scriven 12, Darien Swanson 10

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

Maple Grove:  Tyler McPherson 12, Ayden Reagle 12

Sherman:  Keith Gormley 11, Gerald Carris 10

Frewsburg:  Peyton Hayes 12, Jameson Sposato 12

Cassadaga Valley:  Wyatt Harrington 10, Braden Lebaron 9

Brocton:  Michael Steward 12

 

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

 

CCAA II East

Player of the Year:

Tyler Robinson - North Collins, 12

 

First Team

Gavin Christian - Forestville, 12

Lief Jimerson - Ellicottville, 11

Clayton Rowland - Ellicottville, 11

Javier West - Forestville, 11

Logan Frank - Franklinville, 11

 

Second Team

Wyatt Chudy - Ellicottville, 11

Wayne Libby - Pine Valley, 10

Blake Frank - Franklinville, 10

Zach Wolfer - Franklinville, 12

Kordell Oakes - Cattaraugua-Little Valley, 10

 

Honorable Mention

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

Forestville:  Jake Smith 12, Dalton Hastings 12

Franklinville:  Tyler Clear 12, Matt Peters 11

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

Pine Valley:  Bryce Sercu 10, Cameron Hayes 11

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

 

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Poll Ballots 2020 - Week 12

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

 

Large Schools  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Poll Ballots 2020 - Week 11

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

 

Large Schools 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Manhattan Cup / Woj Cup 2020

 

Woj Cup Semifinals - Saturday, February 29th

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

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

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

 

Manhattan Cup Semifinal - Saturday, February 29th

AT Canisius College - 8:45 pm

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

 

Woj Cup Final - Tuesday, March 3rd

AT Canisius College - 6 pm

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

 

2020 Woj Cup Champions - Timon Tigers

 

Manhattan Cup Final - Tuesday, March 3rd

AT Canisius College - 8 pm

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

 

2020 Manhattan Cup Champions - Canisius Crusaders

 

- centercourt

Brackets Central - 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class AA

Class A1

Class A2

Class B1

Class B2

Class C1

Class C2

Class D

Manhattan Cup 

Woj Cup  

 

Section VI All-Tournament Teams

The Schedule

Sectional Preview 2020

Buff State Week Viewing Guide

Centercourt Podcast

League Champions

 

Brackets 2018    

Brackets 2017    

Brackets 2016     

Brackets 2015     

Brackets 2014    

Brackets 2013     

Brackets 2012     

Brackets 2011

 

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NYSSWA State Rankings 2020 - Week 10

 

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

 

Class AA

Niagara Falls #26

 

Class A

Park #5

Health Sciences #6

Canisius #9

St. Joe's #16 

 

Class B

Timon #13

Allegany-Limestone #14

Fredonia #17

 

Class C

Randolph #2

Middle College #6 

Tapestry #10

Westfield #15

 

Class D

Panama #9

 

According to the rankings...

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

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Poll Ballots 2020 - Week 10

(Jonezy & Tariq / Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Previewing the 3rd Annual Centercourt Classic

 

The 3rd Annual Centercourt Classic is Saturday, February 8th at Williamsville North High School.  

 

Unfortunately, due to weather, Randolph and Iroquois will not play their game at North as part of the event.  It will be rescheduled, with the date and location to be determined. 

 

Also due to weather, Jamestown is unable to make the trip to play North on Friday night and the game has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 8th at 11 am. 

 

The gymnasium will not be cleared after any games.  There are no presale tickets.  The Williamsville North Basketball Booster Club will provide a full line of concessions throughout all games at the event.  And as always, parking is free!

 

The IAABO Board 53 is providing the event with a third official for all games, which is outstanding on their part!  Every big game in the postseason uses a three-man crew and it serves the game better.

 

Saturday, February 8th

6:15 pm

Canisius Crusaders

vs.    

Health Sciences Falcons

- Canisius is the #1 ranked large school in WNY and #2 in NYS Class A.  The Crusaders are in first place in the Monsignor Martin Association.  They've reached the Manhattan Cup Final in 12 of the last 15 seasons, winning 8 championships.  Canisius is led by Third Team 2019 All-Centercourt selection Dewayne Vass. Eric Kegler will be appearing in his third consecutive Centercourt Classic  

 

- Health is the #2 ranked large school in WNY and #3 in NYS Class A.  The Falcons have the best record in WNY at 15-1.  They reached the NYSPHAA Class B Final Four in back-to-back seasons, prior to being moved up to Class A2 last season.  Health Sciences is led by Javaughn Jones, who averages 18 points and 8 assists per game.  Jonezy will be appearing in his third consecutive Centercourt Classic  

 

4:30 pm

St. Joe's Marauders

vs.

Lew-Port Lancers

- St. Joe's is the #3 ranked large school in WNY and #12 in NYS Class A.  The Marauders are in first place in the Monsignor Martin Association.  They lost in overtime of the Manhattan Cup playoffs to eventual CHSAA state champion Park in 2019.  The Marauders are led by Fifth Team 2019 All-Centercourt selection Jaden Slaughter, who averages 18.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

 

- Lew-Port is the #7 ranked large school in WNY.  The Lancers are in second place in the Niagara Frontier League.  They are the defending Section VI Class A champions.  The Lancers are led by First Team 2019 All-Centercourt & Second Team All-State selection Roddy Gayle, who is averaging 29 points & 10 rebounds per game.

 

2:45 pm

Middle College Kats

vs. 

Cardinal O'Hara Hawks

- Middle College is the #1 ranked small school in WNY and #3 in NYS Class C.  The Kats are the two-time defending Yale Cup champions and are in first place again this season.  They reached the NYSPHAA Class C state championship game in 2019.  The Kats are led by Second Team All-State & Fourth Team 2019 All-Centercourt selection Jamond Jones, who is averaging 21 points per game.

 

- O'Hara is the #7 ranked small school in WNY.  The Hawks are in third place in the Monsignor Martin Association.  They are the defending CHSAA Class B state champions.  O'Hara is led by 2019 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention selection Avion Harris, who is averaging 16.1 points and 5.1 assists per game.

 

1:00 pm

East High Panthers

vs.

Nichols Vikings

- East has been a ranked large school this season.  The Panthers are in third place in Yale Cup I.  They won the NYSPHAA Class D state championship in 2018.  East is led by 2019 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention selection Danny Carter, who is averaging 17.7 points per game.

 

- Nichols has been a ranked small school this season.  The Vikings are in sixth place in the Monsignor Martin Association.  They reached the CHSAA Class B state championship game in 2016, after consecutive appearances in the Manhattan Cup Final, where they were champions in 2014.  Nichols is led by junior guard Hugh Purks, who averages 14.1 points per game.

 

11:00 am

Williamsville North Spartans

vs.

Jamestown Red Raiders 

- North has been a ranked large school this season and currently ranked #10 by Centercourt.  The Spartans are in third place in ECIC I.  They reached the Section VI Class AA Final at Buff State in 2018 and 2019.  North is led by Breht Swiech, who averages 19.6 points per game and shoots 50% from downtown.

 

Jamestown is the #8 ranked large school in WNY.  The Red Raiders are in first place in ECIC I.  They've reached Buff State in Class AA in 13 of the last 14 seasons, winning 5 Section VI Class AA titles during that span.  Jamestown starts five underclassmen, led by Demarri Jones, who averages 16.7 points & 9 rebounds per game.

 

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

 

A new date & location to be determined

Randolph Cardinals

vs.

Iroquois Chiefs  

- Randolph is the #2 ranked WNY small schools and #5 in NYS Class C.  The Cardinals are in first place in CCAA I East and undefeated in WNY.  They have reached three consecutive Section VI Finals, earning championships in 2017 & 2019.  Randolph is led by 2019 First Team All-State & Second Team All-Centercourt selection Tyler Hind, a 2,000 point scorer and the all-time WNY leader in 3-pointers made.  

 

- Iroquois has been ranked this season and entered the 2020 season as the Class B1 favorite.  The Chiefs are in first place in ECIC III.  They reached the final four at Buff State in Class A2 the last two seasons.  Iroquois is led by 2019 All-Centercourt Honorable Mention guard Trey Kleitz, who is averaging 22 points and 6.9 assists per game.

 

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Poll Ballots 2020 - Week 8

(Gabe McCoy defends the paint for #2 small school Randolph)

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (A) - Downed O'Hara & St. Francis last week to stay unbeaten in WNY.  Tuesday night the Crusaders head to Timon - a team that pusjed them to overtime on their floor in round one.  Then on Saturday night, it's #2 vs. #3 in NYS Class A and #1 vs. #2 in the Buffalo News large school poll, as Canisius battles undefeated Health Sciences at Williamsville North in the Centercourt Classic.

2. Park (A) - After an entire month without a game in WNY, the Pioneers are back in action locally, as they face the undefeated Falcons from Health Sciences, who are ranked ahead of them in NYS Class A.  Then on Thursday night, Bishop Kearney visits.

3. Health Sciences (A2) - Stayed undefeated with a win over East last week, heading into the biggest week of the regular season for the Falcons.  Monday night they play at Park and then meet Canisius on Saturday night in the headliner of the Centercourt Classic at Williamsville North, 6:15 pm.  Big, big week for Health!

4. St. Joe's (A) - Coming off a big week that included victories over NYS Class AA Top 25 teams in UPrep and Niagara Falls.  They have home games against Nichols & St. Francis this week, ahead of a Centercourt Classic rematch with Lew-Port on Saturday at Williamsville North, 4:30 pm.

5. Niagara Falls (AA) - Defeated Lew-Port on Tuesday night to stay unbeaten in NFL play, before falling at St. Joe's on Friday night.  The Wolverines are at Ken West on Friday night and host Lockport on Saturday afternoon.

6. Amherst (A2) - Took Williamsville South down in a rout on Wednesday night and then needed overtime on Friday against West Seneca East to win their sixth in a row and stay unbeaten in ECIC II.

7. Lew-Port (A2) - The Lancers are hopeful for Roddy Gayle's return to the lineup and will look to end a three-game skid this week with league games against Grand Island and Ken East, before taking on St. Joe's on Saturday in the Centercourt Classic at Williamsville North.

8. Jamestown (AA) - The Red Raiders are now winners of five straight after defeating Lancaster & West Seneca West.  They travel to Frontier on Monday and then have a date with Williamsville North on Friday night in the Centercourt Classic.

9. Orchard Park (AA)  - Bounced back from a loss to Lancaster the week prior to avenge a loss to West Seneca West and then sweep Williamsville North in a hard fought battle on Friday night.  Games with Frontier & Clarence await the Quakers this week.

10. Williamsville North (AA) - A big week ahead for the Spartans with three home games.  On Monday night they host Cheektowaga.  Wednesday night is the championship game of the Five Guys Tournament that was postponed from late December, against district rival Williamsville East.  Then on Friday night, they host the Centercourt Classic and Jamestown.

 

Small Schools

1. Middle College (C1) - Stayed undefeated in Yale Cup I with wins over South Park & City Honors last week.  On Saturday afternoon, The Kats take on the defending CHSAA state champions from Cardinal O'Hara in the Centercourt Classic at Williamsville North, 2:45 pm.

2. Randolph (C2) - After gaining wins over Ellicottville & Salamanca last week, the Cardinals staked their claim as the top small school in the Southern Tier with a dominant defensive performance in a double figure win over Allegany-Limestone.  On Friday night, Randolph plays Iroquois in the Centercourt Classic at Williamsville North, in what should be a great game at 6 pm.

3. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - The Gators lost their first game against WNY competition at Randolph on Saturday.  They are unbeaten and in first place in CCAA I West, with a big rematch at Olean looming on Monday night.

4. Timon (B) - Fell by one point in the rematch with Cardinal O'Hara on Friday night.  This week the Tigers will try to make some noise when they host Canisius on Tuesday and then welcome in Nichols on Friday.

5. Tapestry (C1) - Bounced back against Global Concepts after a loss at Clarence earlier in the week.  Monday night, the Thunderhawks seek to even the score with Maritime.

6. Fredonia (B2) - Moved into sole possession of 2nd place in CCAA I West after a strong finish against Olean in a win that saw Tyler Putney can eight 3-pointers and score 30 points.  Fredonia is at Dunkirk on Monday and hosts Chautauqua Lake Thursday night.

7. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - Recent wins over Timon and Nichols, along with significant strides in rematches with Canisius & St. Joe's, have the Hawks back in the rankings.  A win on Monday night over St. Francis would be big, ahead of Thursday's rematch with St. Mary's.  On Saturday, O'Hara takes a swing at the top ranked small school in WNY when they face Middle College in the Centercourt Classic at Williamsville North.

8. Maritime (B2) - The Commodores are 8-1 in their last nine outings, heading into a big rematch on Monday night with Tapestry, who they defeated by two points on January 22nd.

9. Bennett (B1) - Won games over Buffalo Arts & I-Prep last week by 42 & 47 points!  The Tigers have three more Yale Cup II games this week, looking to stay in first place.

10. Olean (B1) - The Huskies couldn't hang on to their lead at Fredonia late in the fourth quarter on Thursday night and slipped into 3rd place in CCAA I West.  On Monday night, they host the team at the top of the division when neighboring rival Allegany-Limestone visits.

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2020 - Week 6

(Aidan Horan defends for Nichols)

 

Large Schools 

1. Canisius (A) - The Crusaders pulled out a win over visiting Niagara Falls on Saturday afternoon in a 32-minute battle!  Now they'll get visits from Timon on Monday and St. Mary's on Wednesday, ahead of this coming Saturday against rival St. Joe's.  Presale tickets only for that one.  Details in the 'Game of the Week' write up.

2. Park (A) - Completed a marathon stretch of games with a convincing win at Aquinas on Monday night, before falling in overtime at East High in Rochester on Saturday night.  

3. Health Sciences (A2) - One of two remaining undefeated teams in WNY will get their chance to prove they should be ranked higher soon enough with game against the teams above them still to come.  But the week ahead will be tough enough with South Park and Tapestry on the slate.

4. St. Joe's (A) - Picked up three league wins last week, all on the road, that including a survival victory at St. Francis that was pulled out in the final minute.  It's rivalry week for the Marauders, looking to snap a 17-game skid against Canisius on Saturday.  

5. Niagara Falls (AA) - The Wolverines were so close to knocking off the Crusaders on Saturday and held a lead for the majority of the game.  Falls is the lone unbeaten team in the Niagara Frontier League at 7-0 and have the week off to prepare for Lew-Port on Tuesday the 28th.

6. Lew-Port (A2) - Five straight double figure victories for the Lancers after knocking off North Tonawanda & Lockport last week.  There's a tough one coming up for them on Wednesday, when the #1 small school from Middle College pays a visit.

7. Orchard Park (AA) - The Quakers are tied in first place in ECIC I, coming off a 12-point win over Clarence.  They look to stay on top with a Saturday afternoon trip to Lancaster.

8. Amherst (A2) - The Tigers picked up wins on consecutive days over the weekend, winning a Friday night tilt against Sweet Home and then knocking off McKinley with a strong finish at the MLK Classic.  Their next opponent is the two-time defending Yale Cup champs from Middle College on Friday night in the feature game of Bob Hettler Showcase.

9. McKinley (A1) - Battled with Amherst all game on Saturday, before slipping late.  Two more big nonleague games await at the end of the coming week, with the Macks' annual meetings against Jamestown (Thursday on the road) and Williamsville North (Friday at the Bob Hettler Showcase).

10. CSAT (A2) - It's time to give the Eagles a little love.  They have just one league loss in the Niagara Frontier League and that came at Niagara Falls.  They also own wins over a pair of teams that defeated North Tonawanda - Batavia & Ken East.  Keep it going Senor Hoyos!

 

Small Schools 

1. Middle College (C1) - Picked up a pair of double-digit wins last week against East High and fellow Top 10 small school Nichols.  Now the Kats hit the road for a pair of games this week against Top 10 large schools, visiting Lew-Port on Wednesday and Amherst on Friday.

2. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks got a visit from one of the Section's better teams in Class C when Ellicottville came up on Wednesday and they beat them by 32 points!  They've got three fun ones coming this week with games at Bennett & Maritime and then a big one against Health Sciences, which will be played at Villa Maria on Saturday at 5:30 pm.

3. Randolph (C2) - The seven-game win streak by the Cardinals includes wins last week by 51 & 60 points.  The crazy part - 60 points isn't even their biggest win this year.

4. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - Speaking of dominating performances...I got my first look at the Gators on Saturday and they are legit.  Coming off 21 & 37 point victories last week, the Gators took Hutch-Tech down in the MLK Classic after winning the second quarter 30-0.  Thursday night, they travel to Fredonia for the rematch after scoring an important and decisive win in the first round.

5. Timon (B) - The Tigers stayed unbeaten against the Class B competition in the MMA with a strong second half at Nichols on Friday that led to a 16-point win.  After a MLK Day visit to Canisius, Timon hosts the rematch with St. Francis on Wednesday and welcomes in St. Mary's to finish the week on Friday.

6. Fredonia (B2) - Four straight wins for the Hillbillies, all by double figures, including a 41-point walloping of Southwestern that saw Tyler Putney connect on nine 3-pointers in a 40-point outburst.  A win on Thursday night against visiting Allegany-Limestone would pull them even with the Gators for first place in CCAA I West.

7. Nichols (B) - Fell to Timon & Middle College over the weekend, both teams that have held rank above the Vikings throughout the season.  They'll look to get back on track against Hutch-Tech on Tuesday, ahead of an important league game against Cardinal O'Hara on Saturday afternoon.

8. Westfield (C2) - Head coach Bob North earned his 400th career win last week in a win over Brocton and followed that up with #401 as the Wolverines survived a late-game rally attempt by Sherman to improve to 11-0 on the year.  

9. Maritime (B2) - The Commodores have no bad losses this season, but they did earn two more quality wins over the weekend, defeating both Williamsville South and Olmsted.  They play a measuring stick type of game against Tapestry on Wednesday, before an interesting matchup at Bennett on Friday night - a team they beat by five earlier in the season.

10. Albion (B1) - The Purple Eagles are alone in first place of the N-O League after knocking off Newfane & Roy-Hart last week to improve to 9-2 on the season.  They are one of seven teams left without a loss to another WNY team heading into their rematch at Medina on Friday night.

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2020 - Week 5

(Westfield stayed undefeated with a win at Panama on Friday / Photo: Harry Scull)

 

Large Schools 

1. Canisius (A) - Trounced O'Hara and scored a double figure victory at St. Francis last week to remain unbeaten against WNY competition.  This Saturday they'll host Class AA favorite Niagara Falls.

2. Park (A) - Played some nationally ranked grown men in a Toronto on Friday without John Orogun and suffered their worst loss in years.  However, the following night they defeated Boys & Girls of NYC who came in ranked #12 in NYS Class AA, for their best NYS win of the season, in a game they led throughout.  Sunday afternoon the Pioneers fell to Brooklyn Collegiate, ranked #6 in NYS Class AA.

3. Health Sciences (A2) - One of two remaining undefeated teams in WNY at 11-0 after rolling past Maritime & West Seneca West last week.  I'm thinking BASCS is in big trouble on Saturday.

4. St. Joe's (A) - Picked up a second 40-point win in their last three games at St. Mary's on Tuesday night.  The busy week ahead holds three road trips to Timon, Nichols, & St. Francis.

5. Niagara Falls (AA) - The Wolverines have won their last two NFL games by an average margin of 44 points heading into a game at Ken East on Tuesday.  Saturday afternoon at Canisius will be a great test for the Wolverines.

6. Lew-Port (A2) - Wins over Ken West & Niagara Wheatfield made it four in a row for the Lancers.  This week they host fellow Top 10 large school North Tonawanda, along with the team who made a splash at the BSN Sports NFL/ECIC Challenge in Lockport.

7. Orchard Park (AA) - The Quakers registered a big win at Williamsville North last week and followed it up with a 33-point thumping of Frontier.  They'll take to the road twice this week - on Tuesday at Clarence and a Friday night battle in Jamestown.

8. North Tonawanda (A1) - Improved to 4-1 in NFL play with their lone loss coming narrowly to first place Niagara Falls.  A big one awaits on Tuesday night when the Jacks get their one shot at Lew-Port.

9. McKinley (A1) - A disappointing week for Williamsville North made room for the Macks to get back into the Top 10, on the strength of their comeback win at East High.  Staying there will likely hinge on the outcome of Saturday's matchup with Amherst in the MLK Classic.

10. East (A2) - The Panthers rolled past City Honors and South Park last week, before dropping one to Middle College on Friday night.  The rematch with the Kats is Wednesday and it's basically a must-win for East's hopes at a Yale Cup title.  Saturday night they play Northstar Christian in the finale of the MLK Classic.

 

Small Schools

1. Middle College (C1) - Two big wins at McKinley and at East have the Kats sitting all alone in first place of Yale Cup I and eyeing a three-peat.  The rematch with East is Wednesday night and it's the 'Game of the Week'!  At the MLK Classic on Saturday afternoon, Middle College faces Nichols.

2. Tapestry (C1) - Three more wins last week, including an exciting tilt with South Park, has Tapestry (currently ahead of Middle College in the state rankings) out to a 7-1 start.  Another Class C team with just one loss visits the Thunderdome on Wednesday when 8-1 Ellicottville makes the trip north.

3. Randolph (C2) - Speaking of one-loss teams in Class C, how about what these Cardinals are doing?  A 7-1 start that boasts a tournament title, a 40-point win over CSAT (who has wins against Ken West & Batavia), and now a six-point win over Cardinal O'Hara (Who has wins over East & Amherst).  And the loss was on the road against NYS Class A #5 Rochester East in a game they were within a point during the second half.

4. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - The Gators are alone in first place in CCAA I West, the league they just entered.  The league that boasts recent Section VI champions Olean, Fredonia, & Chautauqua Lake.  And they happen to be the last three wins for the Gators!  They face Dunkirk & Southwestern in league action this week and make the trip to Buffalo on Saturday, playing in the MLK Classic against Hutch-Tech.

5. Timon (B) - Defeated Hutch-Tech on Tuesday night, before going into Cardinal O'Hara and taking a leg up on the Hawks in the MMA Class B race.  They try to take another one in Class B at Nichols on Friday, after a date with St. Joe's at home on Monday.

6. Fredonia (B2) - The Hillbillies scored a big "first time in a long time" win at Olean last week, and did so by double digits.  They also won big over rival Dunkirk.  They could make it four straight wins this week against Chautauqua Lake and Southwestern.

7. Nichols (B) - The Vikings didn't like seeing St. Mary's in my Top 10 when they weren't, so after knocking off Bennett and St. Francis, they won at St. Mary's by 20.  Big week!  Another one coming up with St. Joe's and Timon visiting.  You already have my attention with three straight wins.  Imagine if...

8. Olean (B1) - The Huskies are coming off a tough week that saw them fall behind in the league standings to two teams (Allegany-Limestone & Fredonia).  It's a very unfamiliar spot for the program and the response will be interesting.

9. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - A pair of six-point losses to teams they were ranked ahead of (Randolph & Timon) has the Hawks at their lowest point since 2016.  They're at St. Francis and at St. Mary's this week, looking for a much needed victory.

10. Westfield (C2) - The Wolverines are now just one of two undefeated teams left in WNY after knocking off NYS Class D #1 Panama on the road, and it's no accident.  This is a good team with balance throughout its starting lineup and I expect to see the winning continue.

 

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NYSSWA State Rankings 2020 - Week 3

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

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A

Park #1

Canisius #2

Health Sciences #4

St. Joe's #12

McKinley #21

 

Class B

Cardinal O'Hara #20

Olean #21

Allegany-Limestone #23

 

Class C

Tapestry #2

Middle College #4

Randolph #7

Westfield #19

 

Class D

Panama #1

 

According to the rankings...

 

- WNY has 3 of the Top 4 teams in NYS Class A, 3 of the Top 7 teams in NYS Class C, and the best team in NYS Class D.

 

- WNY wins state titles in NYSPHAA Class A & Class D and CHSAA Class A, while losing state title games in NYSPHAA Class C and CHSAA Class B.  And we win the Fed in Class A

 

- UPrep continues to celebrates its Far West Regional title as the only NYS Class AA team from Section V or Section V to appear in the Top 30

 

- Williamsville North's 6-0 start doesn't even warrant an Honorable Mention in Class AA.  However CSAT's 6-1 start with a 4-1 record against teams in Class B got them an Honorable Mention in Class A, along with the likes of Amherst, Will East, & North Tonawanda.

 

- St. Joe's is now the fourth best catholic team in NYS Class A after knocking off Jamesville-DeWitt and taking over their #12 spot in the state rankings - a six-spot jump from #18.

 

- Salesian knocks off the defending CHSAA Class B state champions from Cardinal O'Hara this year

 

- Olean goes back to states this season in Glens Falls.  The Huskies are the highest ranked team from the Far West Region in NYS Class B.

 

- Allegany-Limestone's loss to unranked Owego Academy last week was more than covered by a win over unranked Susquehanna Valley the following day, as the Gators moved up two spots in the NYS Class B rankings

 

- Westfield, now the #19 team in NYS Class C, takes on Randolph for the Class C2 title at JCC.

 

- Panama graduates three starters from the team that lost in the 2019 NYSPHAA Class D state semifinal, but returns the following season to win the state title in 2020.  The Panthers now sit atop the NYS Class D state rankings.

 

- Losing by 21 points at Salamanca and by 15 points at Sherman is one thing.  But a three-point loss at JCC to Pine Valley in unacceptable, as Clymer found out. The Pirates were a two-loss team sitting at the #11 spot in NYS Class D last week, but the Pine Valley result got them bounced out completely.  Not even an Honorable Mention.

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2020 - Week 3

(Max Schneider & the Williamsville East Flames are 8-1 this season)

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (A) - The Crusaders head into the championship game of the St. Pius Tournament with a 7-0 record after winning two games in Atlanta last week following a double-digit win over McQuaid.  They'll host Cathedral Prep and visit St. Mary's at the end of the week.

2. Park (A) - Improved to 8-2 with a second win at the Blue Star Invitational on Saturday to reach the championship game against Oldham County on Monday.  The Pioneers are back in Buffalo on Thursday night with a visit to Orchard Park. 

3. Health Sciences (A2) - The Falcons are off to their best start ever after winning the St. Francis Christmas Tournament to begin the 2020 season 8-0.  The Health is 3-0 vs. MMA teams, knocked off Middle College & Jamestown, and has won two tournaments already.  The next victim is BASCS on Saturday.

4. St. Joe's (A) - Greg Poland's return for the Marauders was an exciting one, as the big man scored the game-winning bucket with one second left at NYS Class A #12 Jamesville-DeWitt on Saturday.  St. Joe's hosts O'Hara on Friday and Syracuse CBA on Sunday.

5. McKinley (A1) - The Macks were idle over the holidays coming off an exciting week that sent them crashing the poll party.  The team returns to action on Friday against South Park.

6. Amherst (A2) - They were home for the holidays, but the Tigers will travel to Depew on Friday night to take on Lockport in the NFL / ECIC Challenge.

7. Niagara Falls (AA) - The Wolverines face their Class AA rivals from Jamestown in the NFL / ECIC Challenge at Depew on Saturday in the 'Game of the Week'!

8. Lew-Port (A2) - In the NFL / ECIC Challenge at Depew on Friday night, Lew-Port plays a nonleague game against Williamsville South.

9. Williamsville East (A1) - The Flames picked up a 22-point win over Olmsted at the Five Guys Tournament on Friday night to improve to 8-1 and have a date with Ken West in the NFL / ECIC Challenge at Depew on Saturday afternoon.

10. Williamsville North (AA) - Jamestown's loss to West Seneca East in the St. Francis Christmas Tournament opened the door for the Spartans to take a place in the Top 10 following a 6-0 start to the season.

 

Small Schools

1. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - Two losses at the Bishop Ludden Tournament has the Hawks on a three-game skid entering the New Year, and things aren't exactly getting easier with St. Joe's and Bishop Grimes awaiting next weekend.

2. Middle College (C1) - The extended break continues for the Kats this week, who haven't played a game since December 19th.

3. Olean (B1) - The Huskies defeated Pioneer by 13 points on Friday and head to Southwestern this Friday.

4. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks gotta be climbing the walls by now since they haven't played since December 7th.  Back in action on Monday afternoon with a visit from Nichols, before hosting Maple Grove on Saturday.

5. Iroquois (B1) - The Chiefs come off the holiday break with a home game against Sweet Home on Friday night.

6. Timon (B) - Wins over Lackawanna & Bennett made it four straight victories for the Tigers, who visit St. Francis on Friday and host Notre Dame on Sunday.

7. Fredonia (B2) - Wins over Lockport and South Park gave the Hillbillies a tournament championship at Clarence last week, heading into a big CCAA I West battle at Allegany-Limestone on Friday.

8. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - The Gators slip behind Fredonia following their second loss of the season to Owego Free Academy on Friday, before rebounding with a win over Susquehanna Valley.  Friday's game with the Hillbillies is a big one.

9. Randolph (C2) - Earned a comeback win in overtime against Southwestern to improve to 3-1 on the season with CSAT coming in to take on the Cardinals this Friday night.

10. St. Mary's (B) - After losing to Williamsville North on Friday night, the Lancers used a big second half to defeat Olmsted for their fifth win of the season.  Number six might have to wait a week, with St. Mary's only scheduled game this week against Canisius on Saturday.

 

-centercourt 

NYSSWA State Rankings 2020 - Week 2

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

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A

Park #1

Canisius #2

Health Sciences #4

St. Joe's #18

McKinley #23

 

Class B

Cardinal O'Hara #9

Olean #22

Allegany-Limestone #25

 

Class C

Tapestry #2

Middle College #5

Randolph #8

 

Class D

Panama #2

Clymer #11

 

According to the rankings...

 

- We have a winner!  Last week, it was unclear if the Far West Region would even send a team to Glens Falls in Class AA because there were no teams from that region even represented in the Top 25.  Well thanks to the ever expanding rankings, it is now clear that UPrep is the big winner after the rankings went to a Top 30 after week one, and UPrep was quick to snatch up the coveted #29 slot.

 

- Park and Canisius will play.  Thanks to a talent-rich Florida Tournament that Albany Academy picked up its first three losses of the season in, the Cadets plummeted to #10 in the Class A state rankings.  Losses are not looked upon  kindly, especially three of them.  You can get away with one...or even two, as Park found out when it lost its second game of the season on Saturday and then moved up to #1 in NYS Class A.  Right behind them though, Canisius.  The Crusaders improved to 5-0 with a double figure win over McQuaid, one of Park's two losses, and they are now the #2 team in NYS Class A.  So basically, Park & Canisius have a date in Fordham on March 29th...but it gets better...

 

- Either Park or Canisius will have to first defeat NYSPHAA state champion Health Sciences, now the #4 team in NYS Class A and the highest ranked team in the public school tournament.  That's THREE teams from WNY in the Federation Tournament from Class A.  They should all do lunch while in the area together.

 

- The best way to lose is in North Carolina.  It worked well for St. Joe's, who jumped up to #18 in NYS Class A after losing its only game of the week.  Reports have the team currently looking into possible games in Raleigh late in January.

 

- McKinley knocks off Williamsville East in the Class A1 Final, before losing to Health Sciences in the Class A crossover -- the first ever meeting between the two programs.

 

- Cardinal O'Hara's loss to McKinley didn't happen according to the rankings.  But according to the records, it did.  The Hawks are now 2-2, but remain locked in at the #9 spot in NYS Class B.

 

- Allegany-Limestone's loss to Bradford did happen according to the rankings.  Bradford is a large school program from PA and knocked off Olean in double OT on Sunday night, but beating Allegany-Limestone the night prior caused the Gators to fall two spots to #25.

 

- Tapestry isn't just going to Glens Falls - they are now playing for a state championship thanks to its #2 Class C ranking in NYS.

 

- Last week, I suggested the Class C rankings could magically expand to 20 teams from 15 teams.  Well, I hope you all believe in magic.  Poof...20 teams!  However, despite the expansion, no love for Holland and its 4-0 record.  Last week, Ellicottville was ranked at 3-0 (a loss to Salamanca on Sunday night knocked them out of the rankings).  A 3-0 record is impressive if you're Ellicottville.   But 4-0 you ask -- not so much if you're Holland I guess. 

 

- Losing by 15 points to unranked opponents in the same classification is no biggie.  Somehow, someway, Clymer is still ranked #11 in NYS Class D.  This despite falling to 3-2 after a 15-point loss to unranked Sherman.  They are the only two-loss team in the now expanded-to-20-teams Class D rankings.  

 

- Pirates & Pioneers > Dutchmen

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

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Poll Ballots 2020 - Week 2

(McKinley is 6-1 after picking up two big wins last week)

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (A) - These guys won their last two games by 42 and 32 points...over Lew-Port & Bishop Kearney.  The Kearney game was on the road!  They also have a 21-point win over McKinley and a 4-0 record.  They'll host McQuaid in a pre-holiday matinee on Monday, before taking to the friendly skies en route to Georgia for the three-game St. Pius Christmas Classic.

2. Park (A) - The Pioneers got back on track against Aquinas, surging past them behind a 19-point second half by Jalen Bradberry to win by 19 points.  At the Super 16 Showcase in NYC over the weekend, the team went 1-1, losing to Evangel Christian and then defeating Spring Valley.  Next up is three games in the Blue Star Holiday Invitational.

3. Health Sciences (A2) - The Falcons picked up a 67-point victory over Lackawanna in their only action last week.  They'll do battle with Jamestown for the first time on Friday in the St. Francis Christmas Tournament and have a game with either the hosts or West Seneca East the following day.

4. St. Joe's (A) - The Marauders dropped a game in North Carolina over the weekend and will make the trip to Syracuse to play Jamesville-DeWitt on Saturday.

5. McKinley (A1) - A big, big week for the Macks, earning a pair of attention-grabbing victories on consecutive days!  First they go into East and dominate the fourth quarter to comeback from 12 points down and then follow it up with a win over Cardinal O'Hara.  McKinley is now 6-1 and also has wins over St. Francis and Williamsville South, with the lone loss coming at Canisius.

6. Amherst (A2) - Finished strong against Hamburg to improve to 3-0 in ECIC II, before heading to North Carolina and splitting the two games they played on the extended road trip.

7. Niagara Falls (AA) - A busy week for Falls included wins over North Tonawanda, Niagara Wheatfield, and Bishop Kearney to make it six straight victories, before losing on Sunday to UPrep.

8. Lew-Port (A2) - Fell at home to CSAT by four points without Roddy Gayle in the lineup.  But upon his return three nights later, he dropped 33 points as they cruised past Kenmore East.

9. Williamsville East (A1) - The Flames are now 7-1 after earning wins over Niagara Wheatfield and Iroquois last week.  They get a chance to prove they're the best of the Williamsville teams in the Five Guys Tournament at North this week, or risk losing their poll spot and bragging rights to the undefeated Spartans!

10. Jamestown (AA) - Earned the United Way Tournament championship on Saturday with a resounding win over Fredonia.  The next tournament the Red Raiders play in could be a different story, as the team heads to Frannies on Friday to take on Health Sciences in the first round of the St. Francis Christmas Tournament.

 

Small Schools 

1. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - Picked up a second signature win in as many weeks by coming back on East from nine points down in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter in a game they trailed by as many as 18 points in the first half.  The Hawks are in the Bishop Ludden Tournament following Christmas.

2. Middle College (C1) - Well it looks like the Kats are finding their stride as the first month of the season nears an end.  A pair of Yale Cup I victories last week included holding City Honors to just 15 points, before bludgeoning Hutch-Tech by 59 points.  Both games were road wins.

3. Olean (B1) - Bounced back from a road loss at Section V Wellsville earlier in the week to clip Coudersport in round one of the Joe DeCerbo Memorial Tournament, before falling to Bradford in double overtime the following evening.

4. Tapestry (C1) - Not a lot to go on yet with the Thunderhawks just three games into the season, with their last game played on December 7th.  Double figure wins over Dunkirk & Southwestern, and a four-point loss to Jamestown, with another week off coming up.  Tapestry will have a busy couple months coming up and they're hoping March keeps them busy as well.

5. Iroquois (B1) - The Chiefs moved to 4-0 in ECIC III with convincing wins over Pioneer & Maryvale, before getting clipped in a nonleague battle with Top 10 large school Williamsville East on Friday.

6. Timon (B) - After falling to Orchard Park by the same margin Middle College did a couple weeks ago, the Tigers scored consecutive 24-point wins against Olmsted and Starpoint.  Over the break, Lackawanna visits on Monday the 23rd and they'll head to Bennett two days after Christmas.

7. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - Suffered their first loss of the season against Bradford in the Joe DeCerbo Memorial Tournament, but came back the following day to defeat Coudersport.  They'll travel east to play in a tournament at Onondaga Community College after Christmas.

8. Fredonia (B2) - Wins over CSAT early in the season and St. Mary's last week tell me the Hillbillies are a Top 10 small school, despite getting rolled by 29 points at the hands of Jamestown in the United Way Tournament.  Fredonia will face some nice competition in the Clarence Tournament that includes a game with Lockport and then the hosts or South Park.

9. Randolph (C2) - The Cardinals will look to bounce back against Southwestern on Friday after tasting defeat at Rochester East who is 8-0.

10. St. Mary's (B) - Tough call for me here on this last slot.  Considered undefeated Holland, but wins over Lackawanna, Olmsted, & North Collins don't speak loudly enough.  I considered undefeated Panama, who has three & four point wins over Chautauqua Lake -- but both Silver Creek & Westfield (twice) have beaten those Thunderbirds more handily.  I looked Salamanca's way after they knocked off Ellicottville, but comparing them to St. Mary's still had me leaning towards the Lancers.  St. Mary's just won the Depew Tournament, which included a big win over East Aurora.  I'm placing a higher premium on that over anything the other teams have to this point.  Also, St. Mary's lost to Fredonia by five, while Salamanca lost to Allegany-Limestone by 12.  Yes, I took that much time looking into this last spot and that's what I came up with.  Now St. Mary's gets to play at Williamsville North next in the Five Guys Tournament against a Class AA Spartans team that hasn't lost yet.

 

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NYSSWA State Rankings 2020 - Week 1

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

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A

Park #2

Canisius #3

Health Sciences #5

St. Joe's #22

East #24

 

Class B

Cardinal O'Hara #9

Olean #11

Allegany-Limestone #23

 

Class C

Tapestry #3

Middle College #6

Randolph #7

Ellicottville #15

 

Class D

Panama #2

Clymer #8

 

According to the rankings...

 

- The Class AA Far West Regional won't be of much interest to the rest of the state.  No teams from Section VI or Section V even cracked the Top 25 in the opening rankings, although Rochester does have five AA teams in Honorable Mention.  There are only nine public schools outside of NYC  in the Class AA Top 25.

 

- The difference between Class AA and Class A must be pretty significant.  Park's loss to a non-Top 25 Class AA team at McQuaid on Friday night was basically viewed as a non-story and had no impact on the rankings.  The Pioneers remained in the same #2 spot they'd have been in if they'd won - behind the defending Federation champs from Albany Academy, who they'll face in the postseason in a one-game playoff for the right to reach the Federation Tournament as the NYSAIS representative.

 

- The #2 and #3 teams in NYS Class A will not play each other twice this year.  Or even once.  Unless it's for the Class A Federation title.  

 

- The good news is, the #5 team in NYS Class A will play #2 and #3.  Health Sciences debuts in the 2020 state rankings higher than they've ever been ranked in just its second year competing as a Class A school.  

 

- St. Joe's is back in the state rankings for the first time in a long time at #22 with losses to the #5 and #8 teams in Class A (Health & Holy Trinity) keeping them from an even higher spot.

 

- East is good at any level.  The Panthers, who have won state titles in Class C & Class D, are a Class A school once again and a Top 25 one at that.  And according to these rankings, it's an East vs. Health Sciences Class A2 Final at Buff State.

 

- The two best Class B squads from WNY are the same ones from last season, just a little farther down the pecking order to begin the year.  O'Hara & Olean (#9 & #11 respectively) were top 5 Class B schools all season in 2019.

 

- Allegany-Limestone wins Class B2 this season - they are the only team from that classification and considered better than the likes of Iroquois, East Aurora, Timon, and Fredonia by the state.  

 

- Tapestry is going to Glens Falls!  The Thunderhawks are the highest ranked team from the western region of the state.  

 

- Holland's 16-point win over Olmsted wasn't that impressive.  Despite a 3-0 start that includes the before mentioned victory, the Dutchmen didn't crack the top 15.  It doesn't mean they won't be ranked later on though - at some point expect the state rankings to magically expand to 20 teams in Class C.  For now, only 15 teams are worthy, including the 4-0 Eagles from Ellicottville, who visit Tapestry on Wednesday.

 

- Panama gets one game closer to heartbreak.  The Panthers reached the Class D state semifinal in 2019, but with their #2 ranking to start this season, Panama is now in line to lose the state championship game to defending champion Harrisville.

 

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

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Poll Ballots 2020 - Week 1

(Avion Harris led O'Hara to the biggest win of any small school this season on Friday night over Amherst / Photo: Shawn Turri)

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (A) - Coming off of a week in WNY Hoops with some overtime surprises & upsets, the Crusaders began their season with three straight wins.  Those included dominant performances against McKinley & Lew-Port, along with a win over CHSAA  Class AA Holy Cross.  I now it's early.  I know Roddy Gayle leaving the game after one quarter makes things difficult to gauge.  But my eyes watched a team that's as good as I've seen so far this year - one that's earned a high regard and has no blemishes on its record yet.

2. Park (A) - I'll be very interested to see where this team lands in the Buffalo News poll when the votes from multiple opinions are tallied.  I struggled with moving the Pioneers from the top spot because the scorebook I reviewed from the overtime loss at McQuaid was very unusual.  The Park team I've watched the past couple seasons and in a few games this year isn't hyper-physical on defense.  The foul discrepancy in the game had Park attempting 22 free throws to McQuaid's 50 attempts.  However, if I begin qualifying a loss for every team that loses a close game, it opens a new can of worms.  Teams deal with several variables in losses, including injuries, ineligibility, and fatigue.  There's plenty of season to determine who deserves the top spot and even though Canisius & Park do not play this year, they'll have common opponents like Aquinas, who visits Park on Monday night.

3. Health Sciences (A2) - If you listened to the Centercourt Podcast this week, you know how big I am on this year's version of the Falcons - to me the best Health team from top-to-bottom they've had.  I thought about them for #1 and then had this thought:  The Falcons have never defeated Canisius or Park and will get a chance to do both this season, so I'll let them earn it.

4. St. Joe's (A) - The Marauders have a win over McQuaid on their resume and added a double-overtime victory at Aquinas to that last week.  They also have losses to Health Sciences and Holy Trinity.  To me, this is clearly one of the top teams in the area and I think #4 is appropriate at this point.

5. East (A2) - The Panthers are 4-0 with wins over South Park, Iroquois, Hutch-Tech, & Frontier all by double figures and by an average margin of 20 points.  They'll look to keep the good times rolling with games at O'Hara and against McKinley this week.

6. Lew-Port (A2) - Roddy Gayle's rolled ankle took the luster off the big matchup at Canisius on Saturday, playing just under one quarter of the game.  The night before with him in the lineup, they knocked off a tough Regis team in the Keenan Classic.  Games with CSAT and Kenmore East this week are the only ones on the schedule for the Lancers until after the New Year.

7. Amherst (A2) - After knocking off Williamsville South with a strong second half on Wednesday, the Tigers came out on the wrong side of an overtime battle against Cardinal O'Hara on Friday night.  They're scheduled to play their home opener against Hamburg on Tuesday.

8. Niagara Falls (AA) -  Since losing to Amherst on opening night, Falls has been full throttle with three straight 30-point wins over O'Hara, Ken West, & Lockport.  They should find a worthy opponent at the Lumberyard on Tuesday when they visit North Tonawanda.

9. Williamsville East (A1) - The Flames' trip to Olean on Tuesday was a historic one as they ended the 80-game home winning streak of the Huskies that had spanned just over eight years.  The nine-point win there was the smallest margin of victory the team has enjoyed in their 5-1 start, with the other four all by double-digits.  They host Niagara Wheatfield on Monday and visit Iroquois on Friday night.

10. Jamestown (AA) - Picked up a tough win on the road at Lancaster on Thursday night to improve to 3-1.  Southwestern visits Jamestown on Friday night for a first round matchup in the United Way Tournament.

 

Small Schools

1. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - Had the Hawks here in the preseason and then dropped them down after a lopsided loss at Niagara Falls.  However, last week they took a very good Amherst team down which tells me they are much closer to the team I thought they were coming into the season.

2. Olean (B1) - No shame in losing to a Williamsville East team that I think could win Class A1, but I did slide them down one spot after O'Hara knocked off the same Amherst team that beat Will East.  The Huskies are now 3-1 after winning at Depew on Saturday, led by a 34-point showing from Covi James.   They are at Wellsville on Tuesday night.

3. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks have played all Southern Tier schools in their 2-1 start, with the lone loss coming to Jamestown and the wins coming convincingly over Dunkirk & Southwestern.  On Wednesday night they host another team from the CCAA, the unbeaten Eagles from Ellicottville.

4. Middle College (C1) - After some tough losses against top competition, the Kats picked up a big overtime over South Park last week.  Two more league games are scheduled this week, both away games at City Honors and Hutch-Tech.

5. Iroquois (B1) - A fast start by the Chiefs on Friday night that included six 3-pointers by sophomore Trey Kleitz in the first nine minutes, was enough to propel the team to a close win over division rival East Aurora.  The next big ECIC III test comes Wednesday at Maryvale, before finishing out the week with a visit from top 10 large school Williamsville East.

6. East Aurora (B1) - Tucking the Blue Devils in right behind Iroquois after they were the tougher team in the second half of a three-point loss at Iroquois and had a chance to take it late.  EA is a smart and balanced team that comes hard, with a big man in Ian Moog that they look to for consistent inside production.

7. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - In a 12-point victory, the Gators improved to 3-0 and handed Salamanca its first loss of the season.  They'll play in the Joe DeCerbo Memorial Tournament at St. Bonaventure against Bradford on Saturday, with a game against Olean or Coudersport the following day.

8. Fredonia (B2) - The Hillbillies are at St. Mary's on Tuesday and in the United Way Tournament at Jamestown over the weekend, beginning with a game against BASCS and hoping for a shot at the tournament hosts.

9. Timon (B) - After traveling to Rochester to face Class AA UPrep on Monday and only losing by 18, the Tigers took down an Australian team in South Buffalo on Friday.  Good win mate.

10. Randolph (C2) - In their first action of the season, the Cardinals traveled a distance to play in the Tully Tournament, knocking off the host school and then Moravia to win the championship behind tourney MVP Tyler Hind.  They'll take another long roadie this weekend to face East Rochester in the Bishop Kearney Showcase.

 

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Poll Ballots 2020 - Warming Up

(Health Sciences is 4-0 to start the season / Photo: Harry Scull,BuffNews)

 

Large Schools

1. Park (A) - The Pioneers are off and rolling once again, starting the 2020 campaign with four consecutive victories over UPrep, Middle College, Lew-Port, and South Park.  Monday night they make the trip to McQuaid, the two-time defending Class AA champions from Section V.

2. Canisius (A) - The bleachers get pulled out on Delaware Avenue for the first this season as the Crusaders open their season against McKinley (2-0 with wins over St. Francis & Will South),  on Tuesday, along with games on Friday & Saturday against Holy Cross & Lew-Port as part of the Keenan Classic at Canisius.

3. Health Sciences (A2) - The Falcons are already 4-0 on the year and champions of the Canisius College Tournament after scoring a pair of big wins over St. Joe's & Middle College.  This year's version of the Health might be the best one yet - a deep team with lots of size & chemistry, and a floor general in Javaughn Jones that makes it all go.

4. Lew-Port (A2) - The Lancers led Park by a point at halftime, before a 21-2 third quarter run derailed any chance they had.  They'll look to enter the win column on Tuesday at Grand Island before heading to Canisius this weekend.

5. St. Joe's - Opened the year with a 13-point comeback win over McQuaid and followed that up with an impressive 11-point win over Orchard Park, before falling to Health Sciences on Saturday night.  The Marauders are off to Aquinas on Tuesday night and host St. Dominic & Holy Trinity over the weekend.

6. Amherst (A2) - After cruising past Williamsville East by 18 points to flex its early season ECIC II muscles, Amherst got off to a rocky start at Niagara Falls on Friday night, before some halftime adjustments, along with the scoring tandem of Jaylen Stewart & Nick O'Neil, carried the Tigers to a dramatic 16-point comeback victory.  

7. East (A2) - The 3-0 start for East includes three double-digit wins over South Park, Frontier, & Iroquois.  On Wednesday they host Middle College in a December battle with potential Yale Cup Trophy implications.

8. Niagara Falls (AA) - The Wolverines rebounded nicely from their loss to Amherst with a rout of defending CHSAA Class B state champion Cardinal O'Hara on Saturday, behind a 39-point eruption from Jaemon Turner.  NFL play opens this week with a visit from Ken West and a trip to Lockport.

9. Orchard Park (AA) - Unranked in the preseason, but owners of a 17-point statement win over Class C state finalist Middle College on Saturday night and the #8 spot in this week's rankings.  The Quakers open league play this week with a visit from West Seneca West.

10. Williamsville East (A1) - All four of the Flames' games have been routs to start the season.  Will East rolled past the likes of Starpoint, Newfane, and Clarence, but found themselves on the wrong end of things in their home opener versus Amherst.  They visit West Seneca East on Thursday, but will first look to make history with a trip to Olean on Tuesday night.

 

Small Schools

1. Olean (B1) - Time for Court to come correct!  The Huskies go from unranked by me in the preseason, to their rightful spot atop the small school poll, after extending their home winning streak to 80 games with a thrilling overtime win over Jamestown - due in large part to a 46-point outburst by Covi James.  I didn't even have Covi James on my preseason Player Watch List and if I wasn't my own boss, I'd fire me for both the rankings and the list!  All I can do now is place Olean in the top spot and implore you to please WATCH COVI JAMES...I know I can't wait to!  Olean hosts Class A1 favorite Will East on Tuesday and visits Depew on Saturday.

2. Middle College (C1) - Despite the 1-3 start to the season, I'll keep the Kats here where I think they belong because I don't think there's another small school that would have faired any better against Park, Health, and Orchard Park, with the possible exceptions of Olean and Tapestry.  Yale Cup action really heats up for Middle College this week with a trip to East and a date with South Park.

3. Tapestry (C1) - Lost by just four points to Jamestown over the weekend, before rebounding with a win over Southwestern.  The Thunderhawks will certainly have a chance to move up from number three this season.  If it seems like Tapestry & Middle College are on a collision course for a meeting in the postseason in Class C1, that's because they are.  Book it.

4. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - The Hawks led at Niagara Falls at halftime on Saturday night, before the Wolverines chewed their wings off.  O'Hara doesn't schedule any cupcakes, so they'll have several chances to redeem themselves this season, beginning with a trip into the Amherst Jungle to face a Tigers squad who beat Falls the night before the Hawks lost there.

5. Iroquois (B1) - After a tough one-point tournament championship game loss to Ken East the night prior, the Chiefs faced East the following afternoon and fell for the second straight game.  Despite the losses, Iroquois looks like a very tough out in ECIC III & Class B1 and face a huge test in both when East Aurora comes calling on Friday night.

6. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - The Gators have started 1-0 heading into a week with visits from Pioneer on Monday and undefeated Salamanca this Wednesday.

7. East Aurora (B1) - The Class B1 Semifinalists from 2019 open their season with a home game against Roy-Hart Tuesday night, before focusing on a huge early season league battle at Iroquois that should bear major implications on how the ECIC III race is won.

8. Fredonia (B2) - The Hillbillies are 2-0 to start the year, including a win over CSAT in their season opener on Wednesday.  Fredonia travels to Harborcreek on Tuesday and hosts BASCS on Thursday.

9. Timon (B) - Two lopsided wins to begin the season over Global concepts and City Honors had the Tigers ready to compete with Williamsville North on Saturday, which they did in a six-point loss.  They face an extremely athletic opponent in Section V power UPrep on the road Monday night.

10. Randolph (C2) - The defending champions of Class C2 open their season on Wednesday night when they host CSAT.

 

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The 3rd Annual Centercourt Classic

 

With high school basketball right around the corner, it's once again almost time for tip-off tournaments, classics, challenges, and all-day showcases that drive the early portion of every season.  Once you get past the New Year, league action really heats up and gets fans thinking about the playoffs and all those postseason-type matchups to come.  Fortunately, there's an annual event just ahead of the win-or-go home madness that features those playoff-type battles between some of the area's top squads to set the tone for late February & March.

 

Announcing the lineup for the 3rd Annual Centercourt Classic to be held at Williamsville North High School on Hopkins Road in 2020!

 

Friday, February 7th

Randolph Cardinals  vs.  Iroquois Chiefs  -  6 pm

Williamsville North Spartans  vs.  Jamestown Red Raiders  -  7:30 pm

 

Saturday, February 8th

East Panthers  vs.  Nichols Vikings  -  1 pm

Middle College Kats  vs.  Cardinal O'Hara Hawks  -  2:45 pm

Lew-Port Lancers  vs.  St. Joe's Marauders  -  4:30 pm

Health Sciences Falcons  vs.  Canisius Crusaders  -  6:15 pm

 

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The 2019 All-Centercourt Team: The Best in WNY

 

The 2019 CC MVP

Noah Hutchins - Park, Senior

20.6 PPG / 5.5 APG / 5.0 RPG / 2.4 SPG 

- Four-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- CHSAA Class A State Champion

- McDonald's All-American Nominee

- All-Catholic Player of the Year

- Manhattan Cup MVP

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Cotton King Classic All-Tournament Team

- Scored a career-high 37 points vs. Long Beach Poly

- Scored 31 points in CHSAA state semifinal win

- Scored over 20 points in 14 games

- Three-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Three-time All-Centercourt Defender

- Scored 1,309 career points

(Photo Courtesy: Larry Scheur)

 

First Team All-Centercourt

Roddy Gayle - Lew-Port, Freshman

22.0 PPG / 8.9 RPG / 3.7 APG / 2.4 SPG / 1.1 BPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

 -Section VI Class A Champion

- Player of the Year in the NFL

- MVP of the Section VI Class A2 Tournament

- MVP of the Jim Walker Tournament

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Scored a career-high 33 points in a win over St. Joe's

- Scored over 30 points in 3 games

- Scored 29 points in 4 games & over 20 in 14 games

- Recorded 11 double-doubles on the season

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)

 

Willie Lightfoot - Niagara Falls, Freshman

17.9 PPG / 5.3 APG / 3.1 RPG / 1.7 SPG

- NYSPHAA Class AA Regional Champion

- First Team All-NFL

- MVP of the Section VI Class AA Tournament

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Game MVP at the Pepinos Classic

- Scored the last 20 points & '3' to force OT in Class AA Final

- Scored a career-high 39 points in a win over North

- Scored 32 points in Far West Regional win over McQuaid

- Scored 19 points with 12 assists in a win over Aquinas

- Scored over 30 points in 3 games

- Scored over 20 points in 6 games

- All-Centercourt Defender

(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)

 

Justin Hemphill - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior

15.4 PPG / 10.4 RPG / 5.8 APG / 3.2 SPG /  1.7 BPG

- Three-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- CHSAA Class B State Champion

- First Team All-Catholic

- NYS Federation All-Tournament Team

- STOP-DWI (Seton Catholic) All-Tournament Team

- Ken-Ton Holiday Classic All-Tournament Team

- Game MVP of Battle at the Border

- Scored a career-high 43 points in a win over Timon

- Recorded 13 double-doubles  &  one triple-double

- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Winningest player in Cardinal O'Hara history (62 wins)

- School records for career points (1,676)  &  career rebounds (1,138)

(Photo Courtesy : Buffalo News)

 

Mike Schmidt - Olean, Senior

14.2 PPG / 8.7 APG / 5.5 RPG / 2.9 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- NYSPHAA Class B Regional Champion

- Player of the Year in CCAA West I

- MVP of the Section VI Class B1 Tournament

- MVP of the Olean Tip-Off Tournament

- NYSPHAA Class B All-Tournament Team

- IAABO All-Tournament Team

- Scored over 20 points in 8 games

- Registered 8 double-doubles on the season

- Dropped a season-high 15 assists in a win over Maple Grove

- Dished a school record 639 career assists

- Scored 1,107 career points 

(Photo Courtesy: Olean Times Herald)

 

Quentin Nnagbo - Park, Senior

14.0 PPG / 9.6 RPG / 2.1 BPG / 0.7 APG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- CHSAA Class A State Champion

- First Team All-Catholic 

- Federation All-Tournament Team

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- Scored 24 points & 18 boards in win over Irondequoit

- Scored 17 points & 14 boards in win over Niagara Falls

- Scored over 20 points in 4 games

 - Grabbed over 10 rebounds in 15 games

- Recorded 12 double-doubles

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

(Photo Courtesy: Larry Scheur)

 

Second Team All-Centercourt

Jalen Bradberry - Niagara Falls, Sophomore

19.4 PPG / 3.2 APG / 3.1 RPG / 1.0 SPG

- Three-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- NYSPHAA Class AA Regional Champion

- First Team All-NFL

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic

- Scored a career-high 40 points in a win over Ken East

- Scored 35 points in a win over North Tonawanda

- Scored over 20 points in 10 games

- Connected 64 times from 3-point range

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Has scored 1,326 career points 

(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)

 

Adrian Baugh - West Seneca West, Senior

23.5 PPG / 9.6 RPG / 4.9 BPG / 3.0 APG / 1.7 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Section VI Class A1 Champion

- First Team All-ECIC

- First Team All-ECIC I

- MVP of the Section VI Class A1 Tournament

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- West Seneca Holiday All-Tournament Team

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

- Scored over 30 points in 5 games 

- Scored over 20 points in 15 games 

- Registered 9 double-doubles on the season

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Scored 1,172 career points

(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)

 

Jermaine Haynes - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior

17.0 PPG / 3.9 RPG / 2.8 APG / 1.9 SPG

- CHSAA Class B State Champion

- All-Catholic Player of the Year in Class B

- Game MVP of the Manhattan Cup

- MVP of the Ken-Ton Holiday Classic

- Ken-Ton Holiday Classic All-Tournament Team

- Scored a career-high 41 points in a win over Ken East

- Scored over 20 points in 8 games

- Scored a game-high 18 points in state championship win

- Ranks 5th in school history with 1,190 career points

(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)

 

Malik Brooks - Lockport, Senior

25.5 PPG / 9.4 RPG / 3.2 APG / 2.1 SPG

- First Team All-NFL

- Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team

- MVP of the Lockport Rotary Tournament

- Clarence Holiday All-Tournament Team

- Scored a career-high 39 & 14 boards in a win over Ken East

- Scored 38 points & 16 boards in a win over Grand Island

- Scored over 38 points in 3 games & over 30 5 times

- Scored over 20 points in 18 games

- Recorded 14 double-doubles on the season

- All-Centercourt Defender

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Scored 1,046 career points

(Photo: centercourt)

 

Tyler Hind - Randolph, Junior

24.4 PPG / 6.7 APG / 5.7 RPG / 2.6 SPG

- Three-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Section VI Class C2 Champion

- Player of the Year in CCAA I East

- MVP of the Section VI Class C2 Tournament

- MVP of the Franklinville Tournament

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- Randolph Holiday All-Tournament Team

- Scored 38 points in Class C2 Championship win

- Scored over 30 points in 7 games (3 playoff games)

- Scored over 20 points in 17 games

- Connected 91 times from 3-point range (294 career)

- Became Randolph's all-time scoring leader in 3 seasons

- Has scored 1,645 career points 

(Photo Courtesy: Post Journal)

 

Third Team All-Centercourt

Dewayne Vass - Canisius, Junior

14.6 PPG / 5.8 RPG / 3.5 APG / 2.7 SPG 

- Manhattan Cup Finalist

- First Team All-Catholic

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- St. Pius Christmas Classic All-Tournament Team

- Tom Keenan Memorial All-Tournament Team

- Scored a career-high 30 points in a win over Tampa Jesuit

- Scored 22 points on 10/14 shooting in a win at St. Joe's

- Scored over 20 points in five games

- Team leader in points, assists, & rebounds

(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)

 

Jacob Belote - Williamsville North, Senior

17.9 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 3.9 APG / 2.7 SPG

- Section VI Class AA Finalist

- First Team All-ECIC

- First Team All-ECIC I

- MVP of the 5 Guys Tournament

- Game MVP at the Jolly Boys Showcase

- Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team

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

- Scored over 20 points in 9 games

(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)

 

 

   Mason Goodridge - Springville, Senior

26.4 PPG / 3.1 SPG / 2.5 APG / 2.5 RPG

- Three-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

 -First Team All-ECIC

- Player of the Year in ECIC IV

- The leading scorer in WNY

- Scored a career-high 41 points in a win over Lackawanna

- Scored over 30 points in 8 games

- Scored over 20 points in 18 games

- Shot 85% from the charity stripe

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

- Scored a school record 1,478 career points

(Photo Courtesy: Harry Scull)

 

Cal Schifflet - Williamsville East, Junior

20.1 PPG / 12.3 RPG / 3.5 BPG / 2.8 APG / 1.5 SPG

- Section VI Class A1 Finalist

- First Team All-ECIC II

- Section VI Class A1 All-Tournament Team

- Scored 38 points & 11 boards vs. West Seneca East

- Scored over 30 points in 3 games

- Scored over 20 points in 11 games

- Had 16 or more rebounds in 7 games

- Scored 19 with 16 boards & 10 blocks vs. Iroquois

- Recorded 20 double-doubles on the season

- Led Section VI in blocked shots (84)

(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)

 

Trent Scott - Lew-Port, Senior

18.6 PPG / 3.6 RPG / 2.8 APG / 1.4 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Section VI Class A Champion

- First Team All-NFL

- Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team

- Jim Walker All-Tournament Team

- Scored game-winner as time expired in A2 quarterfinal

- Scored a season-high 31 points in a win over Ken East

- Scored over 20 points in 8 games

- Career 1,000 point scorer

(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)

 

Fourth Team All-Centercourt

Chris Stineman - Nichols, Senior

15.2 PPG / 9.8 RPG / 3.7 BPG / 2.1 APG / 1.2 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- First Team All-Catholic

- Jim Walker All-Tournament Team

- Scored a career-high 29 points at Lew-Port

- Scored over 20 points in 6 games

- Registered two triple-double performances on the year

- Recorded 11 double-doubles on the season

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

(Photo Courtesy:  Buffalo News)

 

 

River Reinhardt - Clarence, Senior  

21.5 PPG / 4.2 APG / 3.7 RPG / 2.3 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Player of the Year for All-ECIC

- Player of the Year in ECIC I

- MVP of the Clarence Holiday Tournament

- Scored a career-high 34 points in a win at West Seneca West

- Scored 32 points in 23 minutes in a win over Cheektowaga

- Scored over 20 points in 11 games 

- Shot 47.8% FG  &  45.1 % from 3-point range

- Ranks third in school history with 973 career points 

(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)

 

Jamond Jones - Middle College, Junior

17.0 PPG / 4.9 APG / 3.2 RPG / 1.7 SPG

- NYSPHAA Class C State Finalist

- Player of the Year in the Yale Cup

- MVP of the Section VI Class C Tournament

- Scored 29 points & 4 dimes in Yale Cup clincher vs South Park

- Had 23 points & 7 assists to end Lake George's 54-game win streak

- Scored 29 points in 3 games

- Scored over 20 points in 9 games

(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)

 

 

 

Lucas Theisen - St. Francis, Senior

14.6 PPG / 9.5 RPG / 2.9 APG / 1.5 SPG / 1.2 BPG

- First Team All-Catholic

- MVP of the St. Francis Christmas Tournament

- Scored a season-high 22 points vs. Canisius

- Scored over 20 points in 3 games

- Had 11 points, 10 boards, & 10 assists at Park

- Recorded 14 double-doubles on the season

- Two-time All-Centercourt Defender

(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)

 

 

 

 

 

Matt Droney - Olean, Senior

14.5 PPG / 8.5 RPG / 1.3 APG / 1.2 SPG / 1.0 BPG

- NYSPHAA Class B Regional Champion 

- First Team CCAA I West

- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic

- MVP of the IAABO Tournament

- Section VI Class B1 All-Tournament Team

- Olean Tip-Off All-Tournament Team

- Scored a career-high 27 points in IAABO Tournament

- Grabbed 15 rebounds in a win over Williamsville East

- Scored over 20 points in 6 games

- Registered 10 double-doubles on the season

(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)

 

Fifth Team All-Centercourt

Dorian Plummer - Tapestry, Senior

22.0 PPG / 7.6 RPG / 4.5 SPG / 3.5 APG 

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Section VI Class C1 Finalist

- Player of the Year in Charter Cup

- Section VI Class C All-Tournament Team

- Olean Tip-Off All-Tournament Team

- Maple Grove All-Tournament Team 

- Scored a career-high 36 points in 2 games

- Scored over 30 points in 4 games

- Scored over 20 points in 16 games

- Recorded 1 triple-double & 7 double-doubles

- Ranks second in school history with 1,088 career points

(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)

 

Haakim Siner - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior

11.6 PPG / 7.9 RPG / 3.8 APG / 1.8 SPG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- CHSAA Class B State Champion

- NYS Federation All-Tournament Team

- STOP-DWI All-Tournament Team

- Scored a season-high 27 points with 7 treys in a win at St. Joe's

- Had career-high 19 rebounds in a win over UPrep

- Recorded 15-rebound double-doubles in wins over Canisius & Seton Catholic

- Scored a team-high 20 points in the Federation Championship

- All-Centercourt Defender

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)

 

Jakari Nettles - Middle College, Senior

13.6 PPG / 9.9 RPG / 1.5 BPG / 1.1 APG / 1.1 SPG

- NYSPHAA Class C State Finalist

- First Team Yale Cup I

- NYSPHAA Class C All-Tournament Team

- Game MVP at Jolly Boys Showcase

- Had 23 points & 23 rebounds in Far West Regional comeback win

- Had 23 points & 18 rebounds in a win over Hutch-Tech

- Recorded 16 double-doubles on the season

- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad

(Photo Courtesy:  Buffalo News)

 

 

Jaden Slaughter - City Honors, Sophomore

22.0 PPG / 6.3 RPG / 3.0 SPG / 2.8 APG / 1.0 BPG

- Section VI Class B1 Finalist

- Player of the Year in Yale Cup II

- Section VI Class B1 All-Tournament Team

- Depew Holiday All-Tournament Team

- Scored a career-high 36 points in a win over Bennett

- Scored 35 points in a win over Riverside

- Had 25 points with 8 boards & 7 steals vs Arts

- Had 8 assists & 8 steals in a win over Olmsted

- Scored over 20 points in 13 games

- Has scored 993 career points

(Photo Courtesy: Harry Scull)

Zamari Mitchell - West Seneca East, Senior

20.6 PPG / 5.8 RPG / 3.8 SPG / 3.5 APG

- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection

- Player of the Year in ECIC II

- First Team All-ECIC

- West Seneca Holiday All-Tournament Team

- Scored a season-high 34 points in a win at Will East

- Had 25 points, 11 boards, & 10 steals at Frontier

- Scored over 20 points in 11 games

- Holds school record for 3-pointers made (175)

- Holds school record for steals (234)

- Scored a school record 1,257 career points

(Photo: centercourt)

 

Honorable Mention

Brady Woleben - Silver Creek, Senior

23.4 PPG / 12.7 RPG / 1.8 SPG / 1.8 BPG / 1.2 APG - First Team CCAA I East

 

Noah Grabar - Lackawanna, Senior

22.2 PPG / 3.0 APG / 2.0 RPG / 1.0 SPG - First Team ECIC IV

 

Jakob Jerebko - Lancaster, Senior

21.4 PPG / 9.1 RPG / 3.1 APG / 2.0 SPG - First Team ECIC I

 

Torree Cheatham - Lockport, Senior

20.5 PPG / 4.5 RPG / 2.3 APG / 2.0 SPG - Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team

 

Earl Howard - MST Seneca, Senior

19.9 PPG / 8.5 RPG / 4.5 APG / 2.5 SPG - First Team Yale Cup II

 

Tahron Goudelock - Timon, Senior

19.0 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 3.0 APG / 2.4 SPG - First Team All-Catholic

 

Brady O'Brien - St. Mary's, Senior

17.9 PPG / 7.0 RPG / 1.7 APG / 1.4 SPG - First Team All-Catholic

 

Nate Wereski - Orchard Park, Senior

16.7 PPG / 5.3 RPG / 3.0 APG / 2.3 SPG / 1.0 BPG - First Team ECIC I

 

Tysheen Lott - Health Sciences, Senior

16.6 PPG / 4.8 RPG / 3.5 SPG / 2.6 SPG / 1.3 BPG - Offensive POY in Charter Cup

 

Kam Briggs - Health Sciences, Senior

16.1 PPG / 3.1 SPG / 2.2 RPG / 1.7 APG - Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60

 

Evan John - Sweet Home, Senior

15.5 PPG / 3.3 RPG / 2.8 APG / 1.0 SPG - First Team ECIC II

 

Noah Denz - East Aurora, Senior

15.4 PPG / 8.8 RPG / 2.5 APG / 2.3 BPG - First Team ECIC III 

 

Maurice Robertson - West Seneca West, Senior

14.6 PPG / 8.1 RPG / 6.0 APG / 1.8 SPG - Led WNY with 5 triple-doubles

 

Devin Degree - Williamsville South, Senior

14.3 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 3.8 APG / 1.3 SPG - First Team ECIC I

 

Sam Flanders - Allegany-Limestone, Senior

14.1 PPG / 6.1 APG / 3.4 RPG / 3.2 SPG - First Team CCAA I East

 

Josiah Harris - Niagara Falls, Senior

12.2 PPG / 3.1 APG / 1.6 RPG / 1.1 SPG - Shot 45% on 82 three-pointers made

 

Jake Mullen - Amherst, Senior

11.1 PPG / 5.7 RPG / 4.1 APG / 1.5 SPG - Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team

 

Justin Poumpey - St. Francis, Senior

8.5 PPG / 5.7 RPG / 4.7 APG / 1.9 SPG - First Team All-Catholic

 

Jonathan Abaya - Williamsville North, Senior

7.5 PPG / 9.5 RPG / 4.1 BPG / 2.0 APG / 1.5 SPG - Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team

 

Josh Bihler - Olean, Senior

7.4 PPG / 5.0 RPG / 1.6 SPG / 1.4 APG - All-Centercourt Defender

 

Cam Barmore - Panama, Junior

20.6 PPG / 13.6 RPG / 2.4 BPG / 2.1 APG / 2.0 SPG - Player of the Year CCAA II West

 

Anthony Mack - South Park, Junior

18.8 PPG / 4.1 APG / 3.9 SPG / 2.7 RPG - First Team Yale Cup

 

Mike DiGiulio - Williamsville South, Junior

18.0 PPG / 2.7 APG / 2.7 RPG / 1.8 SPG - First Team ECIC II

 

Danny Carter - East, Junior

17.1 PPG / 6.3 RPG / 4.6 APG / 3.6 SPG - First Team Yale Cup

 

Jaylen Stewart - Amherst, Junior

15.7 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 2.8 APG / 2.1 SPG - First Team ECIC II

 

Aidan Horan - Nichols, Junior

14.0 PPG / 8.7 RPG / 4.5 APG / 3.1 BPG / 2.2 SPG - First Team All-Catholic

 

Avion Harris - Cardinal O'Hara, Junior

13.6 PPG / 4.4 RPG / 4.2 SPG / 4.0 APG - All-Centercourt Defender

 

Jaemon Turner - Niagara Falls, Junior

11.1 PPG / 3.6 APG / 2.9 RPG / 2.4 SPG - Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team

 

Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry, Sophomore

15.5 PPG / 5.7 APG / 4.8 SPG / 3.2 RPG - First Team All-Charter

 

Javaughn Jones - Health Sciences, Sophomore

14.4 PPG / 7.0 APG / 5.7 RPG / 5.2 SPG - First Team Charter Cup

 

Keonjay Carter - Park, Sophomore

12.4 PPG / 2.9 RPG / 2.1 APG / 0.7 SPG - CHSAA State Champion

 

Josh Haskell - Franklinville, Freshman

21.0 PPG / 3.8 RPG / 3.4 APG / 1.4 SPG - Player of the Year CCAA II East

 

Trey Kleitz - Iroquois, Freshman

10.4 PPG / 9.3 APG / 3.3 RPG / 2.8 SPG - First Team ECIC III

 

Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Freshman

10.2 PPG / 4.4 APG / 2.4 SPG / 2.3 RPG - Team leader in assists, steals, & 3-point %

 

Jalen Duff - Lew-Port, 8th Grade

11.6 PPG / 2.6 RPG / 2.4 APG / 2.4 SPG  - Leading 8th grade varsity scorer in WNY

 

Sixth Man of the Year

Alex Weakfall - Olean, Senior

5.8 PPG / 1.9 APG / 1.3 SPG / 1.3 RPG

When Olean turned to its bench for the first substitution of the game, they didn't miss a beat.  Alex Weakfall's impact on the game was always immediate - whether striking from long range, ripping one from the opposing team, or sparking the team & the crowd with his defensive energy.  Weakfall's heady play and constant intensity were a perfect fit for a Husky's program that demanded excellence.  In his lone start of the season while filling in for injured starter Josh Bihler, he scored 7 points in the game's opening 25 seconds on a trey and consecutive steals & scores, forcing a Newfane timeout in the Class B1 quarterfinals.  He finished that game with 15 points and six steals to help Olean advance, before returning to the role he helped the team thrive in en route to 24 consecutive wins by double figures.  (Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)

 

All-Centercourt Defenders

First Team

Willie Lightfoot - Niagara Falls, Freshman

Avion Harris - Cardinal O'Hara, Junior

Lucas Theisen - St. Francis, Senior

Joe Jamison - Canisius, Senior

Jai'den Dunn - Park, Senior

 

Second Team

Noah Hutchins - Park, Senior

Josh Bihler - Olean, Senior

Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry, Sophomore

Haakim Siner - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior

Justin Poumpey - St. Francis, Senior

 

Third Team

Anthony Mack - South Park, Junior

Devonte Prince - Middle College, Junior

Keyunte Jones - Middle College, Junior

Malik Brooks - Lockport, Senior

Javaughn Jones - Health Sciences, Sophomore

 

Centercourt #BOOM Squad

Noah Hutchins - Park, Senior

Roddy Gayle - Lew-Port, Freshman

Justin Hemphill - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior

Quentin Nnagbo - Park, Senior

Cam Barmore - Panama, Junior

Malik Brooks - Lockport, Senior

Jalen Bradberry - Niagara Falls, Sophomore

Mason Goodridge - Springville, Senior

Chris Stineman - Nichols, Senior

Aidan Horan - Nichols, Junior

Adrian Baugh - West Seneca West, Senior

Lamont Pulliam - Bennett, Sophomore

Jaylen Stewart - Amherst, Junior

Jakari Nettles - Middle College, Senior

Haakim Siner - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior

 

Coach of the Year

Tony Pulvirenti - Cardinal O'Hara

 

-centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings - Week 7

 

The state rankings have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below is my weekly post for the 2019 the season and the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Niagara Falls #7

Honorable Mention:  Williamsville North

 

Class A 

Park #1

Lew-Port #18

Honorable Mention:  South Park, St. Francis, St. Joe's, Canisius, Amherst, & Sweet Home

 

Class B

Olean #1

Cardinal O'Hara #3

Allegany-Limestone #15

Southwestern #21

Honorable Mention:  Nichols, Fredonia, Medina, & Wilson

 

Class C 

Tapestry #6

East #16

Middle College #17

Randolph #18

Honorable Mention: Silver Creek, BASCS, & Salamanca

 

Class D

No teams ranked

Honorable Mention:  Clymer & Panama

 

******** According to the rankings above........

 

- In NYS Class AA, Niagara Falls moves up one spot to #8.  There are now only three public schools ahead of the Wolverines and the highest ranked team from Section V is McQuaid at #15.  

 

- The Park School is once again the top ranked team in NYS Class A.  Albany Academy comes in at #2, the team the Pioneers defeated to win the 2018 Federation Championship.  Park travels to face those Cadets this Sunday. 

 

- Lew-Port falls all the way from #10 to #18 in NYS Class A, following the Lancers first loss of the season at the hands of Niagara Falls - a pretty harsh punishment, in my opinion.  The Lancers remain the only Section VI public school to be ranked from Class A, while Section V has three teams ahead of them and two teams behind.

 

- Olean and Cardinal O'Hara remain ranked #1 and #3 respectively in NYS Class B.  They are two of 18 teams in the state that remain undefeated.  Schalmont from Section II, who is the team between them, ranked #2 in NYS Class B, is also unbeaten.

 

- Allegany-Limestone moves up two spots in NYS Class B to #15.  The Gators face #25 ranked Wellsville of Section V this week.

 

- Despite a 36-point loss to Olean, Southwestern managed to move up one spot to #21 in NYS Class B.  Imagine the jump the Trojans would've made had they only lost by 22 points...

 

- Meanwhile, East fell back two places to #16 in NYS Class C, following a road loss at NYS Class A #8 Northstar Christian from Section V.  Gimme a break here, the Panthers were leading after three quarters against a top 10 team two classes higher than them.  If anything, they should've moved up.  I'm beginning to see traces of hamster activity.

 

- No seriously, you can tell there's been hamsters around here -- Randolph won two games last week and Middle College lost, yet the two flipped places with the Kats moving ahead of Randolph.  

 

For complete State Rankings, visit NYSSWA rankings page by clicking HERE

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2019 - Week 5

(Photo: Harry Scull,Buff News)

 

Large Schools

1. Park (MMA) - Survived a scare at Nichols last week to stay unbeaten against WNY competition.  Friday night the Pioneers host Lew-Port, and on Sunday they'll get a rematch of the 2018 Class A Federation Championship game when they travel to play Albany Academy in a showcase game that likely features the top two ranked teams in NYS Class A. 

2. Niagara Falls (NFL) - Still the kings of Niagara County, Falls dished Lew-Port its first loss of the season by 18 points for an eighth consecutive victory. 

3. St. Francis (MMA) - Picked up a nice win over St. Joe's on Monday to set up a "Game of the Week' visit to Delaware Avenue on Thursday night. 

4. Canisius (MMA) - The Crusaders were the tougher team in the second half of their win over the Marauders Saturday afternoon.  Thursday night's game against St. Francis is a big one. 

5. Lew-Port (A2) - After suffering their first loss of the season, the Lancers schedule doesn't get any easier this week... Cardinal O'Hara on Tuesday and at Park Friday night!

6. Williamsville North (AA) - Brought their brooms to West Seneca West last week to complete the season sweep over the defending league champs in a game they led by as many as 22 points, two nights after knocking off Sweet Home by eight points.  

7. South Park (A2) - The Sparks got out with a two-point win over Emerson last week and will have to do it all over again on the road this Thursday.

8. Amherst (A2) - Avenged their loss to West Seneca East and moved into sole possession of first place in ECIC II.  A pair of tough games coming up this week for the Tigers on back-to-back nights with road trips to Sweet Home and Lockport. 

9. Health Sciences (A2) - On Friday night the Falcons visit Middle College, a team they've knocked out of the playoffs the past two seasons. 

10. St. Joe's (MMA) - Coming off a tough loss to their rivals, the Marauders have a challenging weekend ahead with games against Cardinal O'Hara and Aquinas. 

 

Small Schools 

1. Olean (B1) - Took the #8 small school in WNY, Southwestern, out by 36 points to improve to 13-0.

2. Cardinal O'Hara (MMA) - O'Hara is on a mission and taking no prisoners!!  Trailing at halftime, the Hawks threw it into high gear in the second half at St. Francis on Wednesday for an impressive victory that keeps the team undefeated.  Tuesday's game at Lew-Port should be a lot of fun and Friday's trip to St. Joe's will give the team an opponent with some size in the paint.

3. Nichols (MMA) - They beat Health Sciences, who beat Tapestry.  They beat East, who beat Middle College.  And they almost shocked Park on Tuesday night.  I know the Vikings have some losses, but none to teams ranked below them. 

4. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks won big over Maritime last week and face a huge test on Wednesday with a game at Cardinal O'Hara.

5. East (C1) - The Panthers led after three quarters on the road at Northstar Christian, who is a top 10 team in NYS Class A.  

6. Middle College (C1) - The Kats are at Timon on Monday afternoon for what will have to serve WNY as this year's MLK Classic, before hosting Health on Friday night. 

7. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - Moved to 10-1 on the season, winning a surprisingly defensive battle against high-scoring Silver Creek.  The Gators visit Wellsville, one of Section V's toughest teams from Class B, on Tuesday.

8. Southwestern (B2) - Bounced back from the Olean loss to beat Chautauqua Lake and improve to 11-3 on the year.

9. Randolph (C2) - The Cardinals make the trip to Silver Creek this week, a team they edged by two points earlier this year.

10. Medina (B1) - The Mustangs are now in sole possession of first place in the N-O, after earning a big 20-point win over Wilson, a team who swept the defending league champion Mustangs last year.

 

-centercourt

Top Games of the Week: 1/14/19 -- 1/20/19

(Willie Lightfoot & Roddy Gayle wait to be announced as 8th grade starters for Falls before the 2018 Class AA Final/Photo: Harry Scull)

 

Monday, January 14th

St. Joe's @ St. Francis - 7 pm

Maritime @ BASCS - 7 pm

West Seneca West @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 15th

City Honors @ Olmsted - 6 pm

Maryvale @ Amherst - 6 pm

Lew-Port @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Lake Shore @ Williamsville East - 6:30 pm

Springville @ Cheektowaga - 6:30 pm

Sweet Home @ Williamsville North - 7 pm

West Seneca East @ Frontier - 7 pm

Lackawanna @ Williamsville South - 7:30 pm

Olean @ Southwestern - 7:30 pm

Jamestown @ Fredonia - 7:30 pm

Salamanca @ Allegany-Limestone - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 16th

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

Tapestry @ Maritime - 6:30 pm

Lancaster @ Clarence - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 17th

Hutch Tech @ City Honors - 6 pm

Williamsville North @ West Seneca West - 6:30 pm

Lake Shore @ Iroquois - 6:30 pm

Lackawanna @ Springville - 6:30 pm

East @ Northstar Christian - 7 pm

Nichols @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 18th

Wilson @ Medina - 6:30 pm

Niagara Falls @ Lew-Port - 7 pm

Jamestown @ Frontier - 7 pm

Randolph @ Salamanca - 7:30 pm

Allegany-Limestone @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm

West Seneca East @ Amherst - 7:30 pm

MLK Classic at City Honors

City Honors vs. JFK - 4:30 pm

I-Prep vs. Maritime - 6 pm

 

Saturday, January 19th

Canisius @ St. Joe's - 2:30 pm

MLK Classic at City Honors

McKinley vs. Amherst - 2 pm

East vs. Health Sciences - 3:30 pm

Middle College vs. North Tonawanda - 5:45 pm

 

Sunday, January 20th

MLK Classic at Bishop Grimes

St. Francis vs. Mekeel Christian - 6:30 pm

 

* Game of the Week - Niagara Falls @ Lew-Port on Friday, January 18th

 Was there ever even a question?  The game that Falls' fans have been waiting for since the summer has almost arrived!

 For the first time in a very long time, two of WNY's top five large schools hail from Niagara County.  While Niagara Falls has won three consecutive Section VI titles in Class AA and always occupies an annual spot near the top  of the large school rankings, Lew-Port is one of the smallest large schools in the area and hasn't won a sectional title since 1978.  But the most significant transfer in my time covering hoops just might change that.

After averaging over 12 points per game as an eighth grader for Niagara Falls and helping lead the team to the Class AA Regional, Roddy Gayle transferred to Lew-Port over the summer.  Now a freshman sensation in WNY high school basketball, Gayle has teamed with some very talented players who were already at Lew-Port.  Trent Scott earned All-Centercourt Honorable Mention as a junior last season for the Lancers, eighth grader Jalen Duff has played like a veteran in the back court, and senior Zach Claybourne has been very productive for the team. 

 Gayle's departure would have left Falls with just one young prodigy in Willie Lightfoot, who also starred as an eighth grader at NFHS -- except for the return home by a third young prodigy from Niagara Falls. 

 When Niagara Catholic closed it's doors, 2018 Third Team All-Centercourt pick and Manhattan Cup MVP Jalen Bradberry returned to his home school.  Bradberry has teamed with Lightfoot, along with seniors Josiah Harris & Moran Montgomery, to make this version of Falls an exciting brand of basketball that features shooting, speed, & pressure.  The Wolverines are capable of overwhelming opponents when they start turning teams over, then running & scoring in transition.

 The Wolverines and the Lancers are currently tied for first place in the NFL, both undefeated in league play.  Lew-Port is also one of just three teams in WNY with an overall record that's unblemished, sitting at 11-0.  Both teams are averaging 82 points per game (11  points above the next highest scoring Section VI team), with Falls allowing 53 points per game and the Lancers giving up 57 per outing. 

While Gayle, Bradberry, and Lightfoot were supposed to be the next big thing together at Niagara Falls, instead we have something else to look forward to.  There's a lot of pride among these three friends and both teams are ready to make a statement.  Whatever happens Friday night, it's going to be awesome!  It's the 'Game of the Week' - Cataract City-style!

 

-centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings 2019 - Week 3

 

The state rankings have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below is my third post for the 2019 the season and the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Niagara Falls #9

Honorable Mention:  Williamsville North & Clarence

 

Class A 

Park #2

Lew-Port #12

St. Francis #18

South Park #21

Honorable Mention:  Canisius, West Seneca East, Health Sciences, Amherst, & Timon

 

Class B

Olean #1

Cardinal O'Hara #3

Allegany-Limestone #21

Southwestern #24

Honorable Mention:  Medina, Fredonia, & Wilson

 

Class C 

Tapestry #9

East #14

Middle College #16

Randolph #17

Honorable Mention: Silver Creek, BASCS, & Salamanca

 

Class D

No teams ranked

Honorable Mention:  Forestville 

 

******** According to the rankings above........

 

- Niagara Falls is up to #9 in NYS Class AA. There are only two public schools in the state ranked above the Wolverines, and none of them are from the Far West Region. Falls has moved ahead of McQuaid, a team they lost to on the road in December.

 

- Park was moved back to #2 in NYS Class A after its out-of-state loss over the break.  The Pioneers remain the highest ranked private school in their classification, which makes them the favorite to repeat a state champions and return to the Federation Tournament. 

 

- Lew-Port has risen to #12 in NYS Class A, however, there are two public schools from Section V ranked ahead of the Lancers, so the state has their season ending at regionals.

 

- St. Francis came in #18 in NYS Class A, but the rankings were composed before they lost in Syracuse to Bishop Ludden.  Depending on how this week goes for them with games at Park and against Timon, the Red Raiders could either shoot up the rankings or fall flat out.  

 

- Similarly, South Park (#21 in NYS Class A) could find themselves unranked if they lose at Middle College on Tuesday. 

 

- Olean is now #1 in NYS Class B, while Cardinal O'Hara moved up to #3. Both teams are 10-0 and favored to win state championships. The Hawks are such heavy favorites, they are the only private school that's even ranked in NYS Class B. 

 

- East's win over Middle College caused a major shake up in the NYS Class C rankings. The loss dropped the Kats from #3 to #16, while East moved ahead of them to number #13.  Tapestry is now our highest ranked team in the classification at #9. 

 

- At least Forestville was able to garner an Honorable Mention for us in Class D. 

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2019 - Week 3

(Zamari Mitchell & the West Seneca East Trojans are 7-1 on the season)

 

Large Schools

1. Park (MMA) - This is where the season gets fun.  A big week ahead for the Pioneers with home games against St. Francis and McQuaid on Tuesday & Thursday, and a trip to Canisius Saturday afternoon. 

 

2. Lew-Port (A2) - The only undefeated large school left in WNY is still a week away from the part of their schedule where the rubber meets the road, but could be tested by North Tonawanda's 2-3 zone on Tuesday. 

 

3. Niagara Falls (AA) -  Winners of four straight games by an average margin of 33 points, the Wolverines look to extend the streak to seven with three more NFL games coming up this week, including a visit from Lockport on Saturday. 

 

4. St. Francis (MMA) - Two years ago, the Red Raiders went into Park and knocked off the number one ranked team in NYS Class A. On Tuesday night they visit the Pioneers, currently ranked #2 in NYS Class A. 

 

5. Canisius (MMA) - The Crusaders found themselves in a battle Thursday night at Timon and came away with a one-point victory that was good for number 300 in Kyle Husband's coaching career.  However, win number 301 evaded him in the team's loss at Aquinas on Saturday.  

 

6. South Park (A2) - The Sparks only loss of the season was at Canisius on December 8th. They'll take a six game winning streak into their game at Middle College on Tuesday. 

 

7. Williamsville North (AA) - Followed an 18-point win over Williamsville East with a 23-point victory against Jamestown.  The Spartans visit Orchard Park on Tuesday.

 

8. West Seneca East (A1) - Coming off a 15-point win over Williamsville East, the Trojans can make it six in a row if they get past Sweet Home and Hamburg this week. 

 

9. Health Sciences (A2) - The Falcons won a battle on Saturday afternoon against Tapestry. They'll be in for another one on Tuesday at Amherst and also take a couple swings at BASCS this week.

 

10. Amherst (A2) - Tied for first place in ECIC  II with West Seneca East, the Tigers scored a convincing win at Williamsville South on Friday night.  A win against Health Sciences on Tuesday would be their first against a ranked team. 

 

 

Small Schools

 

1. Olean (B1) - Knocked off Allegany-Limestone by 16 points to earn a tournament championship over the break and beat Fredonia by 19 on Friday. 

 

2. Cardinal O'Hara (MMA) -  Opened league play with 31 and 47 point victories over teams they'll compete for a title against. Tuesday night they host Timon.

 

3. Nichols (MMA) - The Vikings have wins over Health Sciences and East to earn this spot.  They'll face St. Mary's and St. Joe's this week.

 

4. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks win streak ended at the hands of Health Sciences on Saturday. They'll look to get back on track against Global Concepts this week. 

 

5. East (C1) - Five wins in a row for the defending state champs, including a big one over league rival Middle College on Friday. 

 

6. Middle College (C1) - The Kats could move into a tie for first place in the Yale Cup with a win over South Park on Tuesday. 

 

7. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - The Gators are 6-1, with five of those wins by way of blowout and the other by nine points.  Their lone loss was against Olean. 

 

8. Southwestern (B2) - The Trojans now have two wins over to top 10 small schools. They beat Tapestry in early December and won at Randolph over break. 

 

9. Randolph (C1) - The Cardinals have played consecutive 50-48 home games, losing to Southwestern and beating Silver Creek.  Friday's home game against the Gators is the 'Game of the Week'!

 

10. Medina (B1) - The Mustangs improved to 8-1 with a win at Newfane on Friday.  Their only loss on the season was at Tapestry.  

 

 

-centercourt

Top Games of the Week: 12/31/18 - 1/6/19

(Mike DiGiulio and the South Billies host the Game of the Week / Photo: Harry Scull,Buff News)

 

Wednesday, January 2nd 

Hutch Tech @ Grand Island - 6:30 pm

Sweet Home @ Williamsville South - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 3rd

Nichols @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

Williamsville East @ West Seneca East - 6:30 pm

Medina @ Newfane - 6:30 pm

Orchard Park @ Frontier - 7 pm

West Seneca West @ Clarence - 7:30 pm

Jamestown @ Williamsville North - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 4th

McKinley @ South Park - 6 pm

Middle College @ East - 6 pm

Amherst @ Williamsville South - 7:30 pm

Fredonia @ Olean - 7:30 pm

Franklinville @ Ellicottville - 7:30 pm

Silver Creek @ Randolph - 7:30 pm

Westfield @ Panama - 7:30 pm

Maple Grove @ Chautauqua Lake - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 5th

Health Sciences @ Tapestry - 3 pm

Canisius @ Aquinas - 3:30 pm

 

Sunday, January 6th

At Christian Brothers Academy (Syracuse)

St. Francis vs. Bishop Ludden - 1:45 pm

Timon vs. Bishop Grimes - 3:30 pm

St. Joe's @ Christian Brothers Academy - 5:15 pm

 

* Game of the Week -  Amherst at Williamsville South on Friday, January 4th

In 2016, Williamsville South and Amherst were top five large schools in WNY and spent the season on a collision course to meet in the overall Class A Final at Buff State.  When the big game finally came to fruition, large student sections from both schools filled the baseline bleachers at the Buff State Sports Arena and infused the place with a little something extra. Not only was the winning team to advance to regionals, but there was also a matter of geographic pride on the line.  Separated by just 2.3 miles on Route 5 in Buffalo, this was dubbed the Battle of Main Street. 

 

Led by the Dolan brothers, the Billies won the big game on the big stage by 10 points over a Tigers squad that boasted TC Brown and Amadi Ikpeze, en route to the team's only trip to Glens Falls in program history.  The following season, divisional realignments in ECIC landed Amherst in the same league as South and the Battle of Main Street became an annual two-game series & an instant rivalry.  

 

In 2017, South gave up its home court advantage to play the first round across the street from the home of the Tigers at Daemen College.  The Billies would score a thrilling win before an overflow crowd that evening.  However in round two, it was Amherst's turn to grant fans the privilege of chanting "We own Main Street", as the Tigers controlled the game and won by 10 points at home.

 

During Greg Dolan's CC MVP campaign in 2018, Williamsville South was a clear cut above a young Amherst team and took a pair of lopsided decisions, to give the Billies a 4-1 advantage in 'The Battle' since 2016. 

 

Early indications from the games played so far in the 2019 season have ECIC II being a battle royale, with several teams having the horses and belief that they can win the league. Amherst and Williamsville South are both once again right in the mix.  The Tigers will enter the game with a 3-1 league record, while the Billies come in 2-1.  Amherst's loss came at the hands of West Seneca East, who Williamsville South defeated.  The Billies league loss was by 10 points to Hamburg, who the Tigers trounced by 30 points. 

 

While it's hard to make sense of those results, it might be harder to find a parking spot and a seat if you get there late on Friday.  It's the first 2019 'Game of the Week', Main Street style!

 

 

-centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings 2019 - Week 2

 

The second state rankings for the 2019 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Niagara Falls #14

Honorable Mention:  Williamsville North & Frontier

 

Class A 

Park #1

St. Francis #8

Canisius #11

Lew-Port #20

Honorable Mention:  Health Sciences, South Park, West Seneca West, Williamsville South, Timon

 

Class B

Olean #2

Cardinal O'Hara #4

Nichols #14

Allegany-Limestone #23

Honorable Mention:  Southwestern, City Honors, Medina, MST Seneca

 

Class C 

Middle College #2

Randolph #4

Tapestry #10

Honorable Mention:  East, Maple Grove, Silver Creek, Chautauqua Lake, & BASCS

 

Class D

No teams ranked ( But we sure had the D's in 2018 ! )

Honorable Mention:  Forestville, Brocton, & Sherman

 

******** According to the rankings above........

 

- McQuaid's loss to Canisius caused them to slip a few spots back in NYS Class AA.  A few days later, Niagara Falls made the same road trip to McQuaid and came up short in overtime, so the Wolverines now sit at #14 in NYS Class AA.

 

 

- The state rankings do not honor results after noon on Sundays.  My guess is St. Francis stays ahead of Canisius for that reason.  Frannies lost on the road against Holy Trinity, who is unranked in NYS Class A, over the weekend.

 

 

- The Crusaders jump up seven spots in NYS Class A to #11 thanks to their road win at McQuaid. 

 

 

- Lew-Port moved up one spot in NYS Class A to #20, the only ranked public school from Section VI in their classification.  Not bad for a school starting an eighth grader and a freshman. 

 

 

- Olean and Cardinal O'Hara both climb one spot in NYS Class B, to #2 and #4 respectively.  On Wednesday night, there's a big NYS game played in Tonawanda when Canisius visits O'Hara. 

 

 

- O'Hara's main competition for the Class B Manhattan Cup, the Nichols Vikings, are now up for spots in NYS Class B to #14. 

 

 

- Allegany-Limestone is the only local team from Class B2 in the state rankings. The Gators moved up two spots to #23.

 

 

- In NYS Class C, even though Randolph sits out #4,  the loss at Tapestry (#10) last night will certainly change that by next week.   

 

 

- Middle College remains ranked #2 in the state in NYS Class C.  Another big game in NYS is coming this Friday night when the Kats host O'Hara. 

 

 

- My how the mighty have fallen.  We no longer have any teams ranked in NYS Class D, but man last year was sure fun.  The top ranked team is Harrisville, who East annihilated in the state semifinal last year.  Following that game their coach had a bitter quote about East, so I doubt the universe allows them to break through and want to state championship this year.

 

 

- Last thing, why do the state rankings refer to every team in the vicinity of the city as "Buffalo"??  Like Buffalo Health Sciences for example?  Or Buffalo South Park? Buffalo Timon?  Buffalo City Honors? Buffalo Park School?  Buffalo Canisius?    This is a serious question - could there be that many Health Sciences & City Honors in the state?  I don't notice another area or section that has a city dropped in front of every school name for distinction.  I'm not down with it.  Trust me, the rest of the state knows Park & Canisius hail from Buffalo!

 

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2019 - Week 2

(Justin Poumpey & Amiel Collins defending for St. Francis)

 

Large Schools

1. Park (MMA) - The Pioneers are now 3-0 and a clear cut above the competition in WNY from what I've seen, and what I've seen is a team playing a great brand of basketball.  No games for the team this week. 

 

2. Canisius (MMA) - It's not even January yet, but with five new starters, the Crusaders have already worked their way up to #2 on my ballot.  A road win at McQuaid, where Falls lost in OT and St. Joe's lost by 35 was all it took. 

 

3. Niagara Falls (AA) - Took a tough loss at McQuaid over the weekend, a team they will have to figure out how to get past when March rolls around.

 

4. St. Francis (MMA) - The Red Raiders knocked off West Seneca West during the week, before taking their first loss at Holy Trinity on Sunday.  Now 3-1, St. Francis hosts its Christmas Tournament this weekend, with a possible date with Health Sciences looming on Saturday. 

 

5. Williamsville North (AA) - After taking care of West Seneca West on Tuesday, the Spartans needed overtime to get past Frontier on Friday night and stay undefeated.  They host Clarence & Lancaster this week.

 

6. Lew-Port (A2) - Back-to-back 96-point outings for the Lancers, who are now 6-0.  But defense wins championships and the Lancers allowed 84 points at Kenmore East on Friday, something I'm sure they discussed at practice on Saturday.

 

7. South Park (A2) - Remained unbeaten in the Yale Cup after collecting wins over East and Burgard during the week.  Hutch-Tech and Emerson are on the slate for this week.

 

8. Health Sciences (A2) - Earned a win at St. Joe's during the week, before falling in an overtime thriller against O'Hara at the ADPRO Challenge, the type of loss that actually makes your stock rise.  A potential match up against St. Francis this Saturday would be a lot of fun. 

 

9. Frontier (AA) - The Falcons were unbeaten on the year before Williamsville North edged them by three points in overtime on Friday night.  Two very tough matchups coming up this week at Cardinal O'Hara and hosting West Seneca West. 

 

10. West Seneca West (A1) - The Indians took losses to Williamsville North and St. Francis during the week, before earning their first win of the year against Lockport on Saturday.  West has a pair of ECIC I games this week against Orchard Park and Frontier. 

 

 

Small Schools 

1. Olean (B1) - Earned a 32-point road win at Maryvale and a 40-point home victory over Chautauqua Lake last week.

 

2. Cardinal O'Hara (MMA) - In the best game I've seen so far this season, the Hawks took down Health Sciences in overtime.  The grind is just getting started for O'Hara, with home games against Frontier & Canisius, along with a trip to Middle College coming up before break. 

 

3. Middle College (C1) - The Kats are 4-0 heading into games against a Burgard and Cardinal O'Hara this week. 

 

4. Nichols (MMA) - The Vikings are 3-1 after hammering Newfane during the week, and get a chance to avenge their lone loss on Friday when Lew-Port visits. 

 

5. Randolph (C2) - The Cardinals won the Rick Hughes Memorial Tournament at Franklinville over the weekend that included the hosts, Iroquois, and Pioneer.  They'll put their undefeated record on the line Monday night at Tapestry in a rematch of the 2018 Class C Final. 

 

6. Allegany-Limestone (B2) - The Gators, who won by 17 points at Pioneer on Tuesday, head to Genesee Valley this week. 

 

7. Southwestern (B2) - The Trojans face Maple Grove & Fredonia this week, after earning a 23-point victory at Chautauqua Lake on Tuesday. 

 

8. City Honors (B1) - Took the early leg up in Yale Cup II with a thrilling last second win over rival MST Seneca on a 3-pointer at the buzzer by Kevion Taylor.  The Centaurs compete in the Depew Tournament this week. 

 

9. Tapestry (C1) - Picked up their fourth straight win over Medina and did so convincingly.  Big home game Monday night with the Randolph in town, which will be followed by a visit to Ellicottiville. 

 

10. Medina (B1) - The Mustangs are 4-1, which includes wins over Kenmore East, Grand Island, and BASCS.  Their lone loss was at Tapestry.

 

 

-centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings 2019 - Week 1

 

The first state rankings for the 2019 the season have been released by the NYSSWA.  Below are the WNY teams that made the cut:

 

Class AA

Niagara Falls #9

Honorable Mention:  Williamsville North & Clarence

 

Class A 

Park #1

St. Francis #11

Canisius #18

Lew-Port #21

Honorable Mention:  Health Sciences, South Park, West Seneca West, Williamsville South 

 

Class B

Olean #3

Cardinal O'Hara #5

Nichols #18

Allegany-Limestone #25

Honorable Mention:  Southwestern, City Honors, Medina

 

Class C 

Middle College #2

Randolph #4

Tapestry #11

Chautauqua Lake #17

Honorable Mention:  East, Maple Grove, Silver Creek

 

Class D

Brocton #13

Honorable Mention:  Panama, Forestville, Sherman

 

******** According to the rankings above........

 

 

- Niagara Falls is the third highest ranked public school in NYS Class AA.  Unfortunately for the Wolverines, McQuaid (Section V) is the second highest ranked public school, so the streak of not getting past regionals since 2009 is projected to continue.  Falls could change that ranking this weekend with a win on Saturday...at McQuaid.

 

- Park's #1 ranking in NYS Class A means the Pioneers are the favorites to win the Fed for a second consecutive season.  If that happens, they would need to rename a portion of Harlem to Clutchins Ave.

 

- Lew-Port is the highest ranked public school from Section VI in NYS Class A.  The Lancers are projected to reach the regional and fall to Pittsford Mendon, the highest ranked Class A public in the state. 

 

- The fine folks who compile the state rankings are projecting the same thing that I spoke of in the season preview.  The Class B rankings show Olean is the highest ranked public school in NYS, while Cardinal O'Hara holds down the same honor among private schools.  That predicts both teams to win state titles and play in the Federation Tournament. 

 

- The highest ranked Section V team in NYS Class B is Wellsville, who Olean has already defeated this year.

 

- Middle College makes its debut at #2 in NYS Class C after moving down to that classification from Class B, where they've been the past two seasons.  The Kats have enjoyed much success at the state level in Class C, playing in four state championship games, while winning two of them since 2010.  Their #2 ranking projects them to play for another this season. 

 

- In Class D, well, it was fun while it lasted. I'm talking about last season when we clearly 'Had The D's'.  Equally enjoyable of course, was the absurd reaction I got from some deep-woods moonshine distillers for saying that.  I was right, as East crushed Section V in the regional and went on to win a state championship.  Section VI finished with three of the top five teams ranked in New York State Class D, while Section V had zero in the top five.  Brocton has debuted as the highest ranked team from Section VI this season at #13, but there are three teams from Section V ranked ahead of them, and I'm currently OK with that.

 

- I'm including Honorable Mentions in this thread this season, which is where I'll also list teams ranked in places that don't currently exist.  What I mean is, every season the rankings get expanded at some point.  So as an example, Class AA would suddenly rank a top 30 instead of 25.  I think that's a watered down & lame approach.  There's currently a top 25 in Class AA, A, & B.  A top 20 in Class C and a top 15 in Class D.  That's what I'm sticking with.  No participation trophies.

 

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings

 

-centercourt