(Nichols celebrates its 2014 Manhattan Cup Championship. Photo by Buffalo News)
Below, in this year's version of the Pre-View From Centercourt, you will find:
- What's New
- Returning 2014 All-Centercourt Players
- Player Watch List for 2014-2015
- A League-by-League look at teams players
- Coaching Changes
- Classification Changes
- Predictions
What's New
- Section VI teams got one of their games back and are now eligible to play a 19-game regular season.
- The Manhattan Cup is now a tournament for the Class A teams only. The small schools in the MMA will now compete in a separate playoff, with the winner moving on in the CHSAA Class B postseason.
- Slight divisional realignments once again in the CCAA. Based on geography...no, based on school size...no, let's try geography again.
- Buffalo Science is back.
- Falconer & Frewsburg are once again separate programs, and face each other in Round One of the Frewsburg Tournament. Falconer's JV coach from last season, Dan Molfino, now leads the varsity squad at Frewsburg.
- Lake Shore moves back into ECIC II after playing in ECIC III last season.
- This season, the Class AA semifinals will be split up between the Tuesday & Wednesday nights of Buffalo State week, with the Class B2 semis and then the Class B1 semis played prior to each AA semifinal. That means the Class A1 semifinals are Monday night, leaving the Class A2 semifinals for Thursday night.
- JCC will squeeze all the magic of semifinal week into two nights. The Class C1 semifinals will preceed the first Class D semifinal on Monday, with the Class C2 semifinals preceeding the second Class D semifinal on Tuesday.
- Far West Regionals are in Rochester this year
- A master schedule for every WNY team, along with regularly updated standings will be available on this site all season.
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The Players
Nine of the top 25 players from the 2014 All-Centercourt teams return to the WNY high school hoops scene, along with another 14 players that received Honorable Mentions following last season. In addition, many others are primed to have breakout seasons, while the influx of talented underclassmen continues to surface at multiple schools throughout WNY.
Reigning Player of the Year & Returning 2014 1st Teamer
Zack Panebianco - Sr., Jamestown: 19.1 PPG / 4.1 APG / 3.5 RPG / 2.2 SPG as a junior
- Elite two-sport athlete and the reigning Centercourt Player of the Year who led the Red Raiders to the Class AA state title game last year. Deadly from outside, but equally effective knifing through defenses. Can score in bunches and is highly efficient on offense. Looks to lead the Red Raiders to a third consecutive Section VI crown - something that has never been achieved in program history.
Returning 2014 Second Teamer
Stafford Trueheart - Jr., Canisius: 13.0 PPG / 10.0 RPG / 4.5 BPG as a sophomore
- Already receiving offers as he enters his junior year. A polished big man with explosivness, touch around the rim, and outstanding anticipation. Has a summer home in "Lob City". Looks to get Canisius back to the status of Manhattan Cup champions and beyond.
Returning 2014 Third Teamers
Billy Brooks - Sr., Silver Creek: 19.1 PPG / 14.4 RPG / 6.7 BPG / 4.2 APG as a junior
- Will be getting looks from college coaches all season and turning the heads of local fans along the way. Completely alters the game for the Black Knights' opponents with his post presence. Led WNY in shots blocked as a junior and is also the best passing big man in the area. Look for even bigger strides this season as he assumes the leadership role for his team.
Cam Lewis - Sr., Nichols: 16.1 PPG / 7.7 RPG / 2.0 APG / 1.4 SPG as a junior
- A star with a skill set tailor made for the next level. At 6-8, Lewis is just as comfortable with the ball in his hands out on the perimeter as he is banging on the block down low. Was selected as Manhattan Cup MVP after his big game performances in the postseason. Already a career 1,000 point scorer.
Chris Miner - Sr., Nichols: 16.4 PPG / 12.9 RPG / 2.1 BPG / 1.8 SPG as a junior
- Uses his broad frame inside to out-muscle opponents for buckets and rebounds. A double-double machine who led the Manhattan Cup champs in both scoring and rebounding a season ago. Also already a career 1,000 point scorer.
Returning 2014 Fourth Teamer
Percy Bryant - Sr., East: 17.4 PPG / 6.2 APG / 4.7 SPG / 3.5 RPG as a junior
- An ultra-quick point guard with a masterful handle. Provides equal energy on the defensive end and creates countless turnovers. Led his team in both assists and steals last year, and may add scoring leader to that resume this season. When his shot is falling, he's practically unstoppable.
Returning 2014 Fifth Teamers
Dominick Welch - So., Cheektowaga: 19.5 PPG / 13.3 RPG / 3.6 BPG / 1.4 APG / 1.2 SPG as a freshman
- Led the Warriors to their first ever sectional crown as a freshman and averaged a double-double along the way. Can play all five positions and will hurt you from anywhere on the court - a special talent in this area. Will look to lead his team past Amherst in the division and then aim for a repeat in sectionals.
TC Brown - Jr., Amherst: 18.2 PPG / 6.0 RPG / 5.6 APG / 3.9 SPG as a sophomore
- Plays bigger than his size and older than his age. Competitive and highly confident leader for the Tigers. Looking to add a third ECIC III title to his resume in his third varsity season, and hopes to help return Amherst to the top of Class A2.
Devin Morris - Sr., McKinley: 15 PPG / 11 RPG / 2 BPG / 2 SPG as a junior
- Stands out on a deep Macks team. Moves fluidly with the ball and excels at getting his shot off in the face of the defense. Excellent shooter and rebounds well for his size, thanks to good instincts. Attempting to lead McKinley to a fourth straight Section VI title.
Returning 2014 Honorable Mentions
LaTerrance Reed - 12 (Canisius), Zak Cieski - 12 (Cheektowaga), Nicholas Clough - 12 (Williamsville East), Cort Williams - 12 (Williamsville East), Clay Lewis - 12 (Holland), Tanner Schmit - 12 (Nichols), Bryce Morrison - 12 (Randolph), Kordell Holness-Lightbody - 12 (St. Francis), Derick Simpson - 12 (Timon), Derek Cheatom - 12 (Timon), Sam Castronova - 12 (Williamsville South), Jared Fish - 12 (Salamanca), Cody Johnson - 12 (Cassadaga Valley), Brandon Roach - 11 (Olmsted)
Player Watch List: other names you'll hear from this season
Justin Jones - 11 (Canisius), Dorian Billups - 12 (Amherst), John Piper - 12 (Fredonia), JaQuoine Fogan - 11 (Tapestry), Greg Dolan - 9 (Williamsville South), Kam Varner - 12 (Williamsville South), Graham Dolan - 11 (Williamsville South), Maceo Jack - 11 (Williamsville North), William Lamar - 10 (Timon), Fred Foster - 11 (Middle College), Jordan Nwora - 11 (Park), Donell Cathcart - 12 (Cardinal O'Hara), Buzz Watson - 12 (Walsh), Qeyion Williams - 10 (Niagara Falls), Jaylin Rose - 11 (Hutch-Tech), Chris Woodard - 12 (North Tonawanda), Matt Cieslik - 12 (City Honors), Terrance James - 12 (I-Prep), Xavier Maye - 12 (I-Prep), Michael Simpson - 11 (Emerson), Jay Bergmann - 12 (Frontier), Christian Nodine - 11 (Starpoint), Nick Parucki - 12 (West Seneca East), Jordan Heine - 12 (Sweet Home), Tristan Boling - 12 (Tonawanda), Jermaine Hairston - 12 (Cleveland Hill), Craig Paige - 12 (Lew-Port), Jenard Jackson - 11 (Lew-Port), Kyle Bradley - 12 (Wilson), Jason Hellwig - 12 (Medina), Darius Carson - 10 (CSAT), Isaiah Thomas - 11 (Dunkirk), Patrick Moore - 11 (Fredonia), Tanner Dahl - 12 (Westfield), Fred Searles - 12 (Global Concepts), Corey Wiseman - 12 (Health Sciences)
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League-By-League
MONSIGNOR MARTIN CLASS A
The defending Manhattan Cup champs, Nichols, are back in a BIG way. Not only are three of its starters enormous (6-8, 6-7, 6-5), but they are also phenomenal basketball talents. Cam Lewis & Chris Miner are both career 1,000 point scorers entering their senior campaigns, while Tanner Schmit is already commited to play at the D1 level for Central Arkansas. Canisius lost the area's most highly touted player in Howard Washington to a transfer, but also benefited from the arrival of transfer Justin Jones from St. Joe's. With the size and athleticism of what returns, including Second Team All-Centercourt selection Stafford Trueheart and HM LaTerrance Reed, the Crusaders will continue to be one of the most dominant programs in WNY. Timon will focus on ball movement and defensive pressure in a bid to return to a third straight Manhattan Cup Final, with its goal being to win it this time. St. Joe's welcomes back eight players (seven seniors) and adds Grant Beyer from Williamsville South. With a deep bench and a focus on balance, the Marauders like their chances in the competitive and talent-rich MMA. St. Francis has its leading scorer and All-Centercourt HM returning, Kordell Holness-Lightbody. With Holness-Lightbody certain to be the focus of opposing defenses, the young Red Raider lineup will have to grow up quickly and contribute.
***
Nichols: Christopher Miner - 12, Cam Lewis - 12, Tanner Schmit - 12, Zach Serotte - 12, Ken Williams - 12, Steve Foley - 12, Ben Sendziak - 12, Will Johnson - 10, Marcellus Cooper - 9
Canisius: Stafford Trueheart - 11, LaTerrence Reed - 12, TJ Wheatley - 12, Josh Huffman - 12, Zachary Koch - 12, Andrew Heitzhaus - 12, Patrick Viola - 12, David Keil - 12, Patrick Crangle - 12, Justin Jones - 11
St. Joe's: Mathew Fritz - 12, Naseer Jackson - 10, Antonio Morreale - 12, John Scaglione - 12, David Maher - 12, Marcell Davis - 12, Edward Tabone Jr - 12, Grant Beyer - 11, Anthony Brophy - 11, Nick Motley - 11
Bishop Timon/St. Jude: Derick Simpson - 12, William Lamar - 10, Quinton Lamar - 11, Claudius Modi - 12, Hunter Lancaster - 11, Tyler Ringwood - 11, Joe Harrison - 10
St. Francis: Kordell Holness-Lightbody - 12, Bo Sireika - 9, Roburt Welch - 10, John Steven Zhu - 11, Cody Smith - 10, Isiah Utley - 11
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MONSIGNOR MARTIN CLASS B
Park brings back four starters and welcomes in Jordan Nwora from Amherst. The Pioneers will focus on more consistent pressure defensively, as they have the talent to win the league. If this new format had existed over the past several years, St. Mary's would have owned it. The Lancers look to continue their recent success with a brand new starting lineup, as they've done in the past. Tony Pulvirenti takes over the varsity reigns at Cardinal O'Hara after guiding the JV Hawks over the last three seasons. He'll have a young team with just one senior, but that didn't stop him from bulking up O'Hara's nonleague schedule. Walsh has a pair from the basketball-famed Moore family of Olean in head coach Andy and junior Adam. Combine that with the return of 6-6 senior Buzz Watson (18.5 ppg), along with an Olean transfer, and the Eagles should be contenders. Niagara Catholic's young team will look to grow under the leadership of a new coach with a pair of Class AA state championship game appearances on his resume, Giulio Colangelo.
***
Park: Derek Cheatom - 12, Randy Golda - 12, Jordan Nwora - 11, Kyle Harris - 11, Hunter Anderson - 11, Tony Ugboma - 11, Ethan Cotrell - 11, Joe Jones - 9
St. Mary's: Jake Concannon - 12, Takal Molson - 11, Sean Wilson - 12, Austin Oakes - 12, Mark O'Neill - 12, Chris Peete - 12, Kayson Hill - 11, Tony Robinson - 11, Jordan MacKinnon - 11, Cam Dunning - 11, Joseph Stoj - 11, Daquan Hunt - 10, Eric Brown - 9
Cardinal O'Hara: Donel Cathcart - 12, Charles Debose - 11, Clifford Ziegler - 10, William Turner - 11, Deamontae Riley - 10, Michon Dudley - 9
Archbishop Walsh: Adam Moore - 11, John "Buzz" Watson - 12, Noah Watson - 10, Christian Churakos - 10, Ethan Clarke - 12, Tavian Kemp - 10
Niagara Catholic: Elijah Griggs - 11, Jaceary Menes - 11, Jake Socha - 12, Zach Socha - 11, Connor Freeburger - 12
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YALE CUP I
McKinley has become the model of consistency for basketball programs in WNY. Do I even need to tell you what the Macks will look like this season? Fast, deep, and intense, are the first three words that come to mind. They bring back plenty from another defending Section VI championship team. Defending Yale Cup champion Middle College added one of the most athletically gifted players in all of WNY to its roster with the offseason addition of Park transfer Fred Foster (6-5). He, along with another always deep roster, will have the Kats eyeing another Yale Cup & another run at states in Class C. East has dynamic guard Percy Bryant back for his senior season and hopes to have O'Hara transfer Jovell Littlejohn ready to man the middle when the season tips. The Panthers also have some talented underclassmen that should rapidly improve throughout the year. South Park will rely on tempo and pressure defense, with no player on its roster over 6-feet tall. Riverside has a pair of starters back, and a good amount of depth competing for the remaining spots. Bennett & Burgard did not provide team information.
***
East: Damone Brown - 11, Percy Byrant - 11, Jovell Littlejohn - 11, Takeyo Burts - 10, Malik Doughty - 12, Willard Anderson - 9
McKinley: Devin Morris - 12, Shaquan Jones - 11, Keyon Johnson - 11, Juwan Tolliver - 12, Jaylen Prophet - 11
Riverside: Romero Gardner - 11, Tim Manney - 12, Jamal Wardlaw - 11, Alexander Johnson - 11, Asuquo "Junior" Efiong - 11, Roberto Rodriguez - 12, Mohammed Ali - 12, Claudio Olympio - 12, Jewimaer Toussaint - 12, Damone McNamee - 12
Middle College: Isaiah Jenkins - 12, Joseph Staton - 11, Fred Foster - 11, Billy Rivera - 11, Royce Burks - 12, Amir Jemes - 11, Brian Johnson - 11, Loronzo Truitt - 11, Claudius Thomas - 11, Dajon Johnson - 11, Dion Watkins - 11, Tyshawn Silas - 10, Nate Jackson - 9, Hakeem Dobbins - 9, Azyion Clemons - 9
Hutch-Tech: Jailyn Rose - 11
South Park : James Baker - 11, John Vallone - 12, D'Angelo Allen - 12, Shakur Harris - 10, Antonio Leonard - 12, Darrel Moore - 12, Mike McDonald - 12
Burgard
Bennett
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YALE CUP II
I-Prep has its sights set on a repeat in Yale Cup II and a run in the Class D sectionals this year, with three key pieces back from the undefeated league championship team of '14. City Honors will be a guard-oriented team, led by four-year varsity player, Matt Cieslik. Olmsted will have a formidible backcourt and one of the top players in the city in Brandon Roach, but lack size. Lafayette has a fill lineup of players this season, described as young, energetic, and optimistic, led by Jovanny Aviles-Vargas. Emerson, MST Seneca, Buffalo Arts, & DaVinci did not provide any information.
***
I-Prep: Xavier Maye - 12, Terrance James - 12, Jeffrey Townsel - 11, Davon Gant - 11
City Honors: Matt Cieslik - 12, Jordahn Summers - 12, John Seitz - 12, David Lippman - 12, Alfred Gary - 11, Caleb Lee - 12
Olmsted: Brandon Roach - 11, Dan Reid - 10, Athan Kaudeyr - 12, Anthony Mendrysa - 11, Austin Carter - 12
Lafayette: Jovanny Aviles-Vargas - 12, Christian Tarado-Suarez - 10, Erik Aponte - 9, Cesar Medina - 10, Justin Galvin - 11, Miyaga Miyaga - 11, Demetrius White-Zinermon - 9, Daniel Gonzales - 11, Abdi Malako - 11, Stephan Thomas - 10, Julio Muriel - 12, Eugenio Vira - 11, Derek Ramdhansingh - 12, Luis Plaza - 10
Emerson: Michael Simpson - 11, Jason Dowell - 11
MST Seneca
Buffalo Arts
DaVinci
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ECIC I
Three teams (Jamestown, Clarence, & Williamsville North) all shared the league title a season ago, so the Red Raiders settled things by advancing far past the others in the postseason - all the way to the Class AA state championship game. Jamestown will be a step behind to start the season thanks to the success of the football team, but after the way Zack Panebianco finished the season last year, they shouldn't be overly concerned. Lancaster should have its best and most balanced unit in several seasons. The Redskins showed flashes last year with a very young team, and now they'll have eight players with a lot of varsity experience. Clarence graduated all five starters from its Class AA finalist team, but does have a pair of returning players who saw considerable action. Williamsville North will look different without Sterling Taplin in the starting lineup for the first time in five seasons, but the Spartans have no shortage of talent or experience, and will challenge for the top spot in ECIC I once again. Orchard Park fields a young, defensive-minded team with three returnees. Frontier & West Seneca West did not provide team information.
***
Jamestown: Zack Panebianco - 12, Stephen Carlson - 12, Zacc Kinsey - 11, Ben Larson - 12
Lancaster: Tyler Lis - 12, Griffin O'Brien - 12, Alex Damiani - 11, Collin Murray - 11, Alex Konst - 11, Andy Fellner - 12, Matt Devic - 12, LG Castillo - 10
Williamsville North: George Attea - 12, Maceo Jack - 11, Sean Hill - 11, Dylan Lambert - 12, Tim Kreuze - 12, Chad Steinwachs - 12, Sam Cimato - 12, Nick Maranto - 11, Jeff Calderon - 12
Clarence: Matt Sadowy - 12, Kyle Stevens - 12, Dave Cummisky - 12, Bryan Pulli - 12, Hunter Harris - 12, Adam Southern - 11, Jake Ireland - 10, Jake Randall - 10
Orchard Park: Kevin Goltz - 12, Jake Heath - 12, Dan Freilicher - 11, Phil Marks - 11, Wes Seigner - 11, Max Cerone - 11, Kevin Looney - 11, Bryan Somerville - 11, Hunter Harris - 11, Chris Liberatore - 11
West Seneca West: Frank Borzillieri - 12, DJ Ulmer – 12, Ben Hutton - 11, Lou DiChristopher - 12
Frontier
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ECIC II
Williamsville South has plenty of pieces back from last year's team that fell short of finishing off McKinley in the Class A1 final last season. The Billies have talent everywhere and will focus on cohesiveness and team-first basketball. Williamsville East will play uptempo and look for mismatches. The Flames should find plenty, with a pair of returning All-Centercourt HM selections and four-year varsity players back in Cort Williams and Nicholas Clough. Sweet Home will be an experienced and athletic team, returning over 37 points per game from last season. Starpoint has its best team in recent seasons, and with a good mix of seniors and underclassmen. The Spartans have four starters back and should challenge the division's top squads. West Seneca East may have the most experienced unit in the division, as last year's group was void of any seniors. Both co-captains, along with the school's all-time 3-point leader, are back for the Trojans. Hamburg returns four players that saw quality minutes during its run to the Class A1 semifinals last year. Couple that with some talented additions from their 16-win JV team, and the Bulldogs optimistic about making a return trip to Buffalo State. With just a single senior back, a young team, and a move up to ECIC II, Lake Shore hopes to rebuild its roster through valuable experience this season. After two straight successful campaigns, Iroquois will look to its five seniors for leadership and rely on size & athleticism.
***
Williamsville East: Cort Williams - 12, Nicholas Clough - 12, Kyle Williams - 12, Joe Adcock - 12, Greg Cook - 12, Alex Pieri - 11, Mike Garafalo - 12, Mike Poturalski - 11
Williamsville South: Sam Castronova - 12, Kam Varner - 12, Graham Dolan - 11, Greg Dolan - 9, Matt Foster - 11, Myles Hall - 11, Jordan Buell - 11, Dave Isselbaecher - 12, Ryan Phillips - 11, JP Rehak - 12
Iroquois: Zach Emer - 12, Coyote Sokolski - 12, Lucas Tait - 12, Kyle Seifert - 12, Joe Bowen - 11, Dominic Allen - 11, James Carlin - 11, Jack Edwards - 10, Matt Whalen - 10
Sweet Home: Jordan Heine - 11, Asa'd Myles - 12, Milton Zielger - 12, Brandon Smiley - 12, Jordan Evert - 12, Adrian Drake - 12, Josh Hammer - 12, Dylan McDuffie - 9
Hamburg: Joe DeGrood - 12, Brendan Ryan - 11, Kyle Munro - 12, Caleb Wood - 12, Mark Myles - 12, Doug Horbachewski - 12, Matt Snyder - 12, Ryan Dils - 11, Sean DeLellis - 11
West Seneca East: Matt Kumro - 12, Nick Parucki - 12, Ed Radka - 11, Dan Picciano - 11, DJ Schiersing - 12, Jake Klubek - 11, Dale Nicosia - 12, Evin Ksiezarczyk - 12, Jared Kania - 11, Anthony Roncone - 10, Justin Gospodarski - 10
Starpoint: Ian Emerick - 12, Dennis Held - 12, Eric Yaeger - 12, Brock Kroening - 11, Christian Nodine - 11, Ben Walters - 11, Adam Lasal - 10
Lake Shore: Andrew Bush - 12, Brandon Buchanon - 12, Alec Lezama - 12, Mike Braeuner - 11, Alec Bergum - 11, Collin Fiutko - 11, Cory Fiutko - 11, Joe Friedhoff - 11, Ron John - 11, Nate Myers - 11, Kyle Wishman - 11, Andrew McDonaugh - 10
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ECIC III
Amherst has claimed the last three league titles and have reason to believe they're the favorites to do it again. TC Brown leads a Tigers team that has confidence, size, and depth. Despite Amherst winning ECIC III last year, it was Cheektowaga who edged them out in the postseason after sweeping them in the regular season. The Warriors have nearly the entire squad back, including Dominick Welch & Zak Ciezki, and hope that by season's end, they'll have three more wins over Amherst. The future looks great at East Aurora, and if they are able to compete with the top teams in this league - look out. The Blue Devils have just one senior in their regular rotation, one that will include four sophomores. Springville hopes to get strong guard play on an inexperienced team that returns just one starter. Balance will be the theme at Maryvale after graduating its top three scorers. The Flyers will use as many as 12 players in their rotation and keep the energy level up. Depew will look to develop team chemistry and form an identity, after losing some key team leaders and significant size inside. The Wildcats could be a team that blossoms in the later half of the season.
***
Cheektowaga: Dominick Welch - 10, Zak Ciezki - 12, Patrick Plummer - 12, Khaya Dlodlo - 12, Drequon Trotter - 12, Devon Camel - 12, Hakiem Black - 12, Adrian Baugh - 10, Stephan Parker - 10
Amherst: Dorian Billups - 12, TC Brown - 11, Darien Lowe - 12, Amadi Ikpeze - 11, Nick Foster - 11, Nathan Russell-Webster - 12, Bryon Fowler - 12, Rory Walsh - 11, Sean Andrews - 11, Nathan Waldu - 11, Sean Gibson - 11, Jake Maley - 11, Da'Shawn Hines - 10, Jordan Barr - 10, Richard Kay - 10
East Aurora: Mike Coatsworth - 12, Noah Thompson - 11, Josh Denz - 10, Nick Montgomery - 10, Joe Montgomery - 10, Cal McTigue - 10
Depew: Tyler Anna - 12, Dylan Sekuterski - 12, Collin Gemerek - 12, Jakob Grant - 11, Ryan Guay - 11, Tyler Biersbach - 9
Maryvale: Drew Crombie - 11, Mike Kelleher - 12, Jeremia Pace - 12, Marcus Ford - 11, Eric Graham - 12, Floyd Remley - 11, Steve Mason - 12, Matt Mason - 12, Mike Ferguson - 11
Pioneer: Bryce Little - 12, Matt Haggerty - 12, Andrew Hyman - 12, Vince Nourse - 12, Ravo Root - 11, Caleb Sayvone - 11, Dominic Sayvone - 11
Springville: Kyle Crotty - 12, Devin Pazzuti - 12, Kyle Warner - 11, John Domes - 10, Parker Rice - 11, Pat Emmick - 12, Colin DeWitt - 11
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ECIC IV
After two straight division titles, expectations remain high at Cleveland Hill. Jermaine Hairston, who is one of six returning seniors for the Golden Eagles, is a prime candidate to have a breakout season. Lackawanna would like to end Cleveland Hill's league run and reclaim ECIC IV. The Steelers brought back all five starters to a team with nine seniors. JFK finished at the bottom of the league last season, but has all five starters back, including size (6-6 & 6-4) and high hopes coming into the year. Tonawanda has a pair of starters returning from the team that reached Buffalo State last season for the second time in four years. Alden will have a presence inside and versatility, but will need its young backcourt to get acclimated with the varsity level as the year wears on. Eden did not provide team information.
***
Cleveland Hill: Jermaine Hairston - 12, Anthony Sullivan - 12, Zach Lewandowski - 12, Ramah Lassiter - 11, Nick Gamble - 11
Lackawana: Larry Fields - 12, Jeremiah Jones - 12, Darius Cleveland - 12, Jaelin Watson - 11, Quinton Robinson - 12, Yousef Yahya - 12, Johan Santiago - 12
Tonawanda: Tristan Bolling - 12, Brandon Frye - 12, Larenz Jefferson - 12, Adrian Hall - 11, Cody Diaz - 11, Tyler Staff - 11
Holland: Clay Lewis - 12, JR Kline - 12, Matt Farant - 12, Cooper Rahn - 12, EJ Staniszewski - 11, Laine Husman - 11, Pierce Gardon - 10
JFK: Joe Braniecki - 12, Josh McMahon - 12, Cale Byczkowski - 12, Shawn McPhail - 12, Hunter Kowal - 12, Brendan Fox - 12, Aaron Urbanczyk - 12, Nathan Pazderski - 12, Lexus Pollard - 10, Aaron Poniwas - 12, Collin Snyder - 12
Alden: Austin Zelasko - 12, Dylan Riddoch - 11, Jordan Stockweather - 11, Conrad Boucher - 10, Christian Snell - 9, Brandon Bojt - 12
Eden
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Niagara Frontier League
Niagara Falls brings back nearly its entire team, including four starters. The Wolverines also welcome in sophomore point guard, Qeyion Williams, who transferred from Niagara Catholic, and should find themselves back in the company of WNY's elite teams. Kenmore West has just one starter back, along with its sixth man who'll now enter the starting lineup. They'll have to rely on athleticism and energy until experience is on their side. Lew-Port has a pair of playmakers back on a team that reached Buff State last season. The Lancers should make a return trip again this season, after making noise in the NFL first. North Tonawanda will once again be difficult to rebound against or score inside on, as the Jacks return three players who are 6-4 or taller, including the active double-double machine, Chris Woodard. Grand Island has improved its record over each of the past two seasons, and hopes to continue the trend with a deep rotation led by captain Colin Carrey. Lockport's senior laden Class AA semifinalist team from last season gave way to a young squad with just one senior and limited experience, who hope to improve as the season goes on. Niagara Wheatfield took its lumps during a winless season in NFL action last year, but now are back with all of its core players and a much more confident group. As always, Kenmore East did not provide any team information.
***
Niagara Falls: Devin Scarbourough - 12, Mikey Bermudez - 12, Breon Harris - 11, Devin Sanders - 10, Tyler Sanders - 10, Charles Lamar - 10, Jamal Harris - 12, Qeyion Williams - 10
Kenmore West: Terrell Ford - 11, Trent White - 12, Aaron Tucker - 11, Jason Taylor - 11, Mark Taylor - 11, DeAngelo Walker - 11
Grand Island: Colin Carrey - 12, Kyle Burns - 11, Joe Kulikowski - 11, Mark Montes - 12, Manny Montes - 11, Justin Figler - 12, Mike Podgorny - 12, Devin Brandon - 10, Colton Czajka - 12
North Tonawanda: Chris Woodard - 12, Donovin Book - 12, Adam McNeil - 12, Ryan Gilbert - 12, Ryan McDonough - 12, James Garavagli - 12, Drew Krantz - 12, Jacob Lemke - 11, Jacob Krauss - 11, Colby Moultrie - 10, Alex Quinn - 10, Brandon Casterline - 10
Niagara Wheatfield: Nathan Nielson - 11, Nathan Williams - 12, Denzel Fuller - 11, Justin Eaton - 12, Brandon Funderburk - 12, Ty Parmentier - 12, Ken Camidge - 12, Austin Wangler - 11
Lockport: Lavette Warren - 11, Andrew Austin - 11, Kelly Brown - 11, Dakota Wiley - 10
Lew-Port: Craig Paige - 12, Jenard Jackson - 11, Jacob Eoute - 12, Dane Parlato - 12, Jacob Rizzo - 12, Jordan Willard - 12, Colton Stallard - 12, Anthony Dipasquale - 12
Kenmore East:
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Niagara-Orleans
Newfane & Wilson each enjoyed a string of success over several seasons, which made the local rivalry between the two that much more intense. Both teams have returning players, expect to be compete for the league, and are looking forward to overflow crowds once again when they get together on the court. Medina likes its combination of returning talent and mental toughness, and expects to compete for the league crown. The Mustangs have beefed up their nonleague schedule to challenge this group. Barker returns five seniors - but just one starter from its unbeaten league championship team from last year. CSAT has a new coach, along with a pair of Carson brothers, which make the Eagles contenders for that reason alone. Roy-Hart welcomes first year head coach Joe Pawlak, who will look to put his own stamp on the Rams program, which he characterizes as an extremely hard working group. With just four players back and two of those coming off surgery, Akron will have some work to put in before they're completely up tp speed. The Tigers do have talented underclassmen and could be a dangerous team in the later half of the season.
***
Akron: Larson Sundown - 12, Caleb Martin - 12, Chaunce Hill - 12, Brendan Weirerheiser - 11
Newfane: Sam Watkins - 12, Kyle Guerriera - 12, Chad Gilson - 11, Kyle Burdick - 12, Tyler Jordan - 12, MaxWeber - 9, Al Kramp - 10, David Krull - 11, Nick Schultz - 11, Zach Lajoie - 11
CSAT: Dylanta Carson - 12, Bryan Locke - 12, Darius Carson - 10, Will Fletcher - 12, Jahleel Burks - 11
Medina: Jason Hellwig - 12, Dylan Lewis - 11, Aaron Feltz - 12, Brennan Zinkievich - 12, David Garrow - 12, Devonte Howard - 12, Jared Zinkievich - 11, Tyler Ames - 11, Dylan Lewis - 11, Brad McPherson - 11, Justin Morgan - 11, Jalin Cooper - 9
Barker: Chris Sweeney - 12, Sean Benoit - 12, Thomas Callaghan - 12, Tanner Gregorie - 12, Joshua Mead - 12, Tristan Payne - 12, Michael Snell - 11, Kyle Secor - 11, Nathan Luckman - 10
Roy-Hart: Andy Xapsos - 11, Sam White - 12, Nelson Andrade - 12, Bailey Hudson - 12, Aaron Metz - 12, Ben Maynard - 11, Justin Heschke - 11, Chris Anderson - 11, James DiLorenzo - 12, Zack Srock - 11, Austin Dodge - 11
Wilson: Evan Shank - 12, Kyle Bradley - 12, Zac Sarratori - 12, Joe Littere - 12, Jarret Johnston - 12, Adam Murray - 12, Alex Fox - 11, Andrew Eames - 11
Albion: Dez Blackmon - 12, Austin Loyd - 12, Emanuel Thompson - 12, Alex Bison - 12, Clayton Stanton - 12, Gary Moore - 12
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CCAA West I
Defending league champion, Fredonia, should be in great shape for another run this season. The Hillbillies will start five players who are 6-feet or taller and have a combined 13 years of varsity experience between them. Olean starts over after reaching the Class B state title game a year ago. The Huskies graduated five senior starters and return just two players who saw any action. Reining Centercourt Coach of the Year, Jeff Anastasia, will embrace the challenge and make household names out of the Huskies' players soon enough. Southwestern lost some of its size, but brings back three starters, accounting for much of its scoring. The Trojans will look to push the pace and wreak havoc on teams defensively. Rich Clifford is back behind the bench for another season at Cassadaga Valley and the veteran coach returns three starters, including 2014 All-Centercourt HM Cody Johnson (20.5 ppg). After two seasons coaching the JV team, Jack O'Brien takes over varsity duties at Dunkirk and will have some senior leadership, along with a trio of 6-3 juniors. Chautauqua Lake fields a young & passionate group that hopes league competition will prepare them for the playoffs. After being combined with Frewsburg in hoops a season ago, Falconer is back on its own, returning just four returning players, each with little varsity experience.
***
Fredonia: John Piper - 12, Cam Voss - 12, Anhel Epps - 12, Noah Voss - 12, Patrick Moore - 11
Olean: Connor Prizel - 12, Chucky Martin - 12, Blake Covert - 12, Colden Dwaileebe - 12, John Zamites - 12, Jake Cavana - 11, Derek Schmidt - 11, Levi Johnson - 11, Elijah Ramadhan - 11, Ben Eckstrom - 10
Southwestern: Pat Mogenhan - 12, Jack Carlson - 12, Mike Sandbloom - 12, Billy Johnston - 12, Ben Burk - 11, Brendan Kennedy - 11, Nick Cooper - 11, Niko Pannes - 10
Dunkirk: Isaiah Thomas - 11, Rashad Brown - 11, Chad Butts - 11, Shamron Stewart - 10, Richard Pickens - 12, Leroy Gilbert - 12, Gemaro Collazo - 12
Cassadaga Valley: Cody Johnson - 12, Chase Jones - 12, Shane Parsons - 11, Tony Mangine - 12, Jaquan Watts - 12, Jerimiah Jones - 12, Tyler Simpson - 11, James Cornelius - 11
Chautauqua Lake: Carter Davidson - 11, Michael Lysek - 11, Aaron Swan - 10, Devin Pope - 9, Tyler Meredith - 10, David Applegarth - 12, Erik Szymanowski - 12, Cody Latimer - 12, Ben Stahlsmith - 11
Falconer: Gavin Beaumont - 12, Chris Elderkin - 12, Andrew Ward - 12, Tavon Fisher - 11, Ryan DePietro - 11, Jackson Teboe - 11, Brandon Curtis - 11, Drew Beckerink - 12, Sean Nord - 11, Trevor Dykstra - 11, Tareek Hannold - 12, Colin Boutelle - 12, Manny Machado - 12, Dillon Johnson - 12, Sean Dudenhoffer - 12
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CCAA EAST I
Three of the seven teams in this league (Silver Creek, Randolph, Portville) have reached sectional title games in the last two years, and a fourth team (Salamanca) won its league last year. Needless to say, this should be one of the more competitive league races in WNY this season. Silver Creek looks forward to an above-the-rim season from 2014 3rd Team All-Centercourt selection Billy Brooks, but the Black Knights are even more excited about the energy and team commitment of their players at early season practices. Salamanca returns a talented tandem in its backcourt, along with 6-6 2014 All-Centercourt HM Jared Fish, who together, accounted for 40 ppg last year. Randolph, maybe Section VI's most storied football program ever, will again be a force on the court as well, once it gets its basketball legs under them. Portville returns two of its three leading scorers for first year head coach Bill Torrey to work with. Gowanda has athletes who can get up and down the floor, so transition offense will be key for the Panthers. Cattaraugus/Little Valley has just four seniors on its young team. Allegany-Limestone has a pair of starters back and will look to push the tempo and press.
***
Silver Creek: Billy Brooks - 12, Sherman Williams - 12, Connor Gates - 11, Trevon Thompson - 11, Chance Gates - 12, Chris Williams - 10, Heron Snow - 11, Jacob Lewis - 11, James Corbin - 12
Salamanca: Jared Fish - 12, Tyler Siperek - 12, Andrew Crandall - 12, Jake Dowdy - 12, Tate Reynolds - 11, Marcus Cooper - 11, Eric George - 12, Luke Zurat - 11, Zeus Enriquez - 10, Austin Elliott - 12
Randolph: Bryce Morrison - 12, Connor McAllister - 12, Mason Bosley - 11, Jarrett Lecceadone - 10, Derek Young - 12, Nick Carpenter - 12, Kyle Beaver - 12, Tyler Stahley - 11
Allegany-Limeston: Dom Conroy - 12, Cole Davis - 11, Bailey Higby - 11, Brad McAfee - 11, Brad Reed - 11, Zach Hemphill - 10, Austin Dziennik - 11, Tyler Hines - 11, Garrett Johnston - 12, TJ McMullen - 12
Gowanda: Jordan Young - 12, carter Benton - 11, Lucas Brawdy - 11, Randy Jimerson - 12, Les Young - 12
Portville: Zack Ewings - 12, Isaac Hilyer - 12, Andrew Sarber - 12, Nick Stein - 10, Nick Gehm - 11, Sean Harris - 11, Chase Swetland - 12
Cattaraugus Little Valley: DJ Steven - 12, Darnell Pritchard - 12, Kodie Skeels - 12, Kyle O'Donnell - 12, Hunter Baker - 11, Caleb Hibit - 11, Devon Parmenter - 11, Alex Perkins - 11, Anthony Bernardi - 11, Kellen Martin - 10
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CCAA West II
Panama reached the Class D final with a young team last season , but fell to Sherman. The Panthers have matured both mentally and physically, and should contend in league with a solid point guard, a sharp-shooter in Josh Odell, and 6-6 Josh Eddy inside. Westfield returns five players that contributed in 2014, including one of the league's best in Tanner Dahl. Sherman was hit hard by graduation following two consecutive Class D sectional championships, and will look to find a new identity with this year's team. Maple Grove will be very good, they always are. I can't tell you much else, because their very successful coach who's teams have received significant press from me over the years, never responds to email requests for information. The Red Dragons listed below were listed as underclassmen in the 2014 Section VI program. Brocton, Clymer, & Frewsburg did not send information.
***
Maple Grove: Graham Soffel - 12, Matt Roach - 11, Jonah Tanner - 12, Pat Nelson - 11, Nolan Knipe - 12, Mitch Sandberg - 11, Jeff Clauson - 11
Westfield: Tanner Dahl - 12, Liam Tennies - 12, Trevor North - 11, Nolan Hunt - 12, Steven DeMarco - 12, Joe Quagliana - 11, Jon Wilson - 11, Greg Schroeder - 11, Luke Haskin - 11
Panama: David O'Dell - 12, Greg Delahoy - 12, Jack Payne - 11, Chris Blose - 12, Josh Odell - 11, Dillon Mescall - 12, Josh Eddy - 11, Chris Blose - 11, Jarrett Yuchnitz - 11
Sherman: Jake Card - 12, Nathan Ottaway - 12, Jeremy Cole - 12, Stephen Walczak - 12, Chris Robson - 10, Jake Ames - 12, Kolby Parks - 10, Kyle Carpenter - 10, Sam Vanvelkenburg - 11, Kyle Rhebergen - 11
Brocton: Aaron Riforgiato - 11, Derek Walter - 12, Daultan Remington - 12
Clymer
Frewsburg
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CCAA East II
After finishing 9-1 in league action last season Forestville, returns six players and has its sights set on a repeat. Ellicottville will look to the dynamic Phalla Musall, a returning all-league selection, to guide a very young team. No other teams from this league had coaches respond with the requested team information. My apologies to the players in this league.
Ellicottville: Phalla Musall - 12, Calum Watt - 12, Austin Gronols - 9, Griffin Chuddy - 9, Elliot Bowen - 9, Cole Lapi - 11, Jonas Hurlburt - 11, Cameron Eddy - 11
Forestville: Caleb Makuch - 12, Dylan Szumigala - 12, Logan Youngberg - 12, Jeff VanVlack - 12, Ryan Forbes - 12, Chris Sheldon - 12, Jackson Egan - 11, Tyler Spears - 11, Andrew Deszcz - 11, Derek Catalano - 11
Pine Valley: Dylan Granger - 12, Russell Hayes - 12, Kilian Abers - 11
North Collins
West Valley
Franklinville
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Charter Schools
Tapestry enters the season as the favorite to win the Charter Cup and make serious noise come sectional time, thanks to returning nine seniors and junior scoring machine, JaQuoine Fogan. Oracle has length and quickness, and is excited about the potential growth of its young team with just three seniors back. Health Sciences is the defending Charter Cup champion and the third-year program will seek a repeat, despite graduating 12 seniors. Maritime has just one player back with varsity experience and will hand point guard duties over to a freshman. After a season with just a JV squad, Buffalo Science returns to varsity competition, hoping that developing chemistry and playing smart will result in some wins. Global Concepts will lean on the leadership and experience of returning First-Team All-Charter player Fred Searles.
***
Tapestry: JaQuoine Fogan - 11, DeJuan Owens - 12, Jordan Maxey - 12, DaVonte Cunningham - 11, Marques Perkins - 12, Jesus McClain - 12, Poshine Jenifer - 12, Andre Bragg - 12, Keith Littlejohn - 12, Joe Henderson - 12, Kaleb King - 12, Chemar Pilot - 12
Oracle: Shaundez Davis - 12, Kenny White - 11, Shakur Bridges - 10, Rakim Graves - 11, Darius Embry - 11, Andra Austin - 12, Jamal Woods - 11
Health Sciences: Malik Walker - 12, Nasir Flood - 12, Mikel Carr - 12, Dayquan Williams - 11, Tyquan Jordan - 11, Carson Wiseman - 11, Kam Rashada - 11, Tyrin Lott - 9
WNY Maritime: Damon Glenn - 12, Arkeil Gaskins - 12, DeQuan Sanders - 9
Global Concepts: Fred Searles - 12, Nick Moylan - 12, Lincoln Billingslea - 11, Fabian Pierce - 11
Buffalo Science: Joe Owens - 12, Neil squires - 12, Jazzmone Brown - 12, Abdullah Farah - 12, Aristotle Copeland - 12, Lauren Killian - 11, David Harris - 11, Roland Taylor - 11, Julian Johnson - 10, Georges Cortes - 10, JaQuez McMullin - 10, Deonte Brown - 10, Julian Allen - 9
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New Coaches
Giulio Colangelo - Niagara Catholic
Tony Pulvirenti - Cardinal O'Hara
Karl Maggiore - DaVinci
Pat Foster - Lafayette
Joe Pawlak - Roy-Hart
Jack O'Brien - Dunkirk
Bill Torrey - Portville
David Phiblad - Pine Valley
Camilo Hoyos - CSAT
Ben Ganschow - Buffalo Science
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Classification Changes
South Park moves up from Class A2 to Class A1
Starpoint moves down from Class A1 to Class A2
Iroquois moves down from Class A1 to Class A2
West Seneca East moves down from Class A1 to Class A2
East Aurora moves down from Class A2 to Class B1
Springville moves down from Class A2 to Class B1
Albion moves down from Class A2 to Class B1
Maryvale moves down from Class A2 to Class B1
Olean moves up from Class B1 to Class A2
Dunkirk moves up from Class B1 to Class A2
Fredonia moves down from Class B1 to Class B2
Falconer moves down from Class B1 to Class B2
City Honors moves up from Class B2 to Class B1
Fredonia moves up from Class B2 to Class B1
Falconer moves up from Class B2 to Class B1
Salamanca moves down from Class B2 to Class C1
Gowanda moves down from Class B2 to Class C1
Middle College moves down from Class C1 to Class C2
Holland moves down from Class C1 to Class C2
Portville moves down from Class C1 to Class C2
Maple Grove moves down from Class C2 to Class D
I-Prep moves down from Class C2 to Class D
Westfield moves down from Class C2 to Class D
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Predictions
MMA - Canisius
Yale Cup I - McKinley
Yale Cup II - I-Prep
ECIC I - Jamestown
ECIC II - Williamsville South
ECIC III - Cheektowaga
ECIC IV - Lackawanna
NFL - Niagara Falls
N-O - Wilson
CCAA I West - Fredonia
CCAA I East - Silver Creek
CCAA II West - Maple Grove
CCAA II East - Franklinville
Charters: Tapestry
Manhattan Cup: Nichols
Class AA: Jamestown
Class A1: McKinley
Class A2: Cheektowaga
Class B1: Depew
Class B2: East
Class C1: Silver Creek
Class C2: Middle College
Class D: Maple Grove
-centercourt
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