The View From Centercourt

Sectional Preview - 2017

(Monty Shoemaker & the Olean Huskies enter sectionals on a 14-game win streak / Photo: Olean Times Herald)
 

 The Section VI postseason begins Tuesday night with seven First Round matchups.  The winner moves on to participate in the Pre-Quarterfinal round on Wednesday night at 7 pm.  On Friday, 32 Quarterfinal games will decide which teams move on to Buffalo State and JCC for the semifinals.

 

Below I take a look at some of the best matchups we could potentially see in the pre-quarterfinals, quarterfinals, semifinals, and even the championship games, along with sleepers, some winning streaks, and predictions.

 

** Please note that many of the games below are based on my predictions of who will win in prior rounds 

 

Most exciting brackets, top to bottom:

8. C1

7. D

6. C2

5. A1

4. B1

3. B2

2. AA

1. A2

- The Class A2 bracket is awesome for several reasons.  Amherst has been the highest ranked from that bunch all year and are the only local public school to knock off Williamsville South since 2015.  Cheektowaga has Dom Welch leading the Warriors and chasing the all-time scoring record, which very well could happen under the bright lights at Buff State.  South Park won the Yale Cup, which gives them a 70% chance of winning a Section VI crown based on past history.  Olean is the defending Class B state champion with the area's all-time winningest Hall of Fame coach and they just beat Timon by 10. Maryvale owns a win over Olean this season.  

 

Sleepers from each bracket

AA - Niagara Falls:  They are the #5 seed, so the Wolverines would qualify under this category.  Despite finishing 4th in the NFL, Falls is more than capable of winning the whole thing.  They've defeated the likes of UPrep, Kenmore West, Lockport, & North Tonawanda this season, along with going to overtime against Park.

A1 - Sweet Home:  The Panthers are still young, but have a win over Williamsville North this season and have shown the ability to hang with a couple large school top 10 teams...this month they only lost by five to both Amherst & Kenmore West.

A2 - Maryvale:  They were my sleeper in this bracket last year also.  The fact that the Flyers are one of two teams to defeat Olean this season, who they visit in the Quarterfinal Round this Friday night, says it all.

B1 - Dunkirk:  The #5 seed has been all over the place this season, but when they're on...look out.  A quarterfinal win at Springville would have them facing East Aurora in the semifinals at Buff State.  I'm willing to bet the Marauders are the one team East Aurora had hoped to avoid until the final.

B2 - Wilson:  The Lakemen are the classic team that will make you pay for not showing up...or sleeping on them.  They knocked off Niagara Wheatfield this season and also played Medina within four points.

C1 - Allegany-Limestone:  The Gators have improved after dropping their first four games to start the season.  They competed with Nichols in a nonleague contest, knocked off Wellsville late in the year, and spent the regular season taking their licks in CCAA I East.  They can hang with the rest in this bracket.

C2 - Maple Grove:  The Red Dragons just beat Dunkirk a week ago, swept Fredonia, knocked off Clymer (top seed in Class D), and have been to Glens Falls three times in the last decade, with two state titles.

D - Pine Valley:  The Class D bracket only has six teams.  I'll go out on a limb and make the #6 seed Panthers my sleeper.  

 

Top 10 Pre-Quarterfinal Games (Wednesday, February 22nd)

10. Iroquois @ Starpoint

9. Silver Creek @ Global Concepts

8. Frontier @ Orchard Park

7. Fredonia @ I-Prep

6. CSAT/Riverside @ Depew

5. Roy-Hart @ Lafayette

4. Alden @ Burgard *at MST Seneca

3. JFK @ Gowanda

2. Lake Shore @ Pioneer

1. Niagara Wheatfield @ Clarence 

 

Top 10 Quarterfinal Games (Friday, February 24th)

10. West Seneca East @ McKinley

9. Barker @ Holland

8. Maryvale @ Olean

7. Allegany-Limestone @ Salamanca

6. Wilson @ Lackawanna

5. Burgard @ East Aurora

4. Sweet Home @ Grand Island

3. Maple Grove @ Frewsburg

2. Middle College vs. Health Sciences *at Daemen

1. Niagara Falls @ Loclport

 

Most Exciting Potential Semifinals

8. Olmsted vs. Lackawanna (B2)

7. East Aurora vs. Dunkirk (B1)

6. Health Sciences vs. Medina (B2)

5. Ellicottville vs. Franklinville (D)

4. Kenmore West vs. Lancaster (AA)

3. Jamestown vs. Niagara Falls/Lockport

2. Olean vs. Amherst (A2)

1. Cheektowaga vs. South Park (A2)

 

Most Exciting Championship Games

5. Class B2

4. Class A1

3. Class AA

2. Class C2

1. Class A2

 

Winning streaks heading into sectionals

Olean - 14  (and 16 of last 17)

Medina - 13  (and 15 of last 16)

MST Seneca - 10  (and 12 of last 13)

South Park - 10

Randolph - 9  (and 12 of last 13)

Kenmore West 8  (and 11 of last 12)

East Aurora - 7  (and 11 of last 12)

Clymer - 7  (and 11 of last 12)

Franklinville - 6  (and 12 of last 13)

Lockport - 6  (and 7 of last 8)

Springville - 6

 * Olmsted has won 15 of its last 16

 * Amherst has won 14 of its last 15

 * Frewsburg has won 13 of its last 14

 * Ellicottville has won 10 of its last 11

 * Williamsville South has won 8 of its last 9

 

Predictions

AA - Niagara Falls

A1 - Williamsville South

A2 - Olean

B1 - East Aurora

B2 - Health Sciences

C1 - Chautauqua Lake

C2 - East

D - Franklinville

 

-centercourt

Brackets Central - 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buff State Week Viewing Guide

Sectional Preview

The Schedule

 

Manhattan Cup

Class AA Bracket

Class A1 Bracket

Class A2 Bracket

Class B1 Bracket

Class B2 Bracket

Class C1 Bracket

Class C2 Bracket

Class D Bracket 

 

Far West Regionals 2017

Section VI 2017 All-Tournament Teams 

Crossover Tuesday 

Championship Saturday

JCC Friday

Class AA Semifinals

Class A1 Semifinals

Class A2 Semifinals

Class B1 Semifinals

Class B2 Semifinals

Manhattan Cup Semifinals

Niagara Falls is headed back to Buff State

Clarence beats Niagara Wheatfield in Pre-Quarterfinal

Poll Ballots - Week 10

 

Brackets Central 2016

Brackets Central 2015 

Brackets Central 2014 

Brackets Central 2013 

Brackets Central 2012 

Brackets Central 2011

 

- centercourt

Class C1 & C2 Brackets - 2017 Sectionals

 

Class C1

 

Quarterfinals - Friday, February 24th

(1) Chautauqua Lake 73, (8) Cassadaga Valley 54

(5) Allegany-Limestone 57, (4) Salamanca 38

 

(2) Cleveland Hill 67, (7) WNY Maritime 54

(6) Portville 66, (3) Tapestry 60

 

 Semifinals - Monday, February 27th

AT JCC - 5:15 pm & 6:45 pm

 (1) Chautauqua Lake 72, (5) Allegany-Limestone 57

(2) Cleveland Hill 46, (6) Portville 35

 

 Final - Friday, March 3rd

AT JCC - 8:15 pm

 (1) Chautauqua Lake 68, (2) Cleveland Hill 62

 

2017 Section VI Class C1 Champions - Chautauqua Lake Thunderbirds

 

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

 

Class C2

Pre-Quarterfinal - Wednesday, February 22nd

(8) Westfield 62, (9) BASCS 59

(7) Global Concepts 56, (10) Silver Creek 48

 

Quarterfinals - Friday, February 24th

(1) Randolph 70, (8) Westfield 25

(4) Frewsburg 49, (5) Maple Grove 47

 

(2) East 81, (7) Global Concepts 57

(6) Barker 58, (3) Holland 51

 

Semifinals - Tuesday, February 28th

AT JCC - 5:15 pm & 6:45 pm

 (1) Randolph 51, (4) Frewsburg 37

(2) East 86, (6) Barker 40

 

Final - Friday, March 3rd

AT JCC - 7:00 pm

 (1) Randolph 51, (2) East 42

 

2017 Section VI Class C2 Champions - Randolph Cardinals

 

- centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings 2017 - Week 10

 

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

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A 

Williamsville South #7

St. Francis #10

Park #11

Olean #23

Timon #24

Amherst #25

 

Class B

East Aurora #15

Health Sciences #22

 

Class C 

Chautauqua Lake #13

East #11

Randolph #18

 

Class D

Franklinville #7

Ellicottville #8

Sherman #15

 

** According to the rankings...

 

- Great news out of Class AA.  Just kidding, still no teams ranked.  Rochester has two of the top four ranked public schools in NYS though - Fairport & UPrep.

 

- Williamsville South is once again the highest ranked Class A team from our area in NYS, following Park's loss at St. Francis.

 

- The Red Raiders moved up three spots to #10, while Park dropped down four spots to #11 in NYS Class A, following Friday night's results.

 

- Olean makes its debut in the Class A state rankings at #23, following a win over Timon on Saturday.  The Tigers slip from #20 to #24.

 

- Amherst won, but slid back from #24 to #25 in NYS Class A, presumably to make room for Olean.  That makes the Huskies the highest ranked team in the state from Class A2 in Section VI.

 

- The rough stretch for Middle College where they lost three of four caused them to be bounced from the NYS Class B rankings.

 

- East is back ahead of Chautauqua Lake at #11 in NYS Class C.  The Thunderbirds were all the way up to #3, but fall to #13 after losing to Dunkirk.

 

- Randolph took a nice bump in NYS Class C, from #25 to #18 this week.

 

- Franklinville & Ellicottville trade order in NYS Class D after the Panthers picked up a win over the Eagles last week.

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings.

 

- centercourt

Poll Ballots 2017 - Week 8

(Medina hasn't lost a game in 2017, winning 11 straight games)

 

Large Schools

1. Williamsville South (A1) - I took much time to deliberate on my first & second place vote this week.  I knew the pollsters would keep Frannies #1 and was certainly encouraged to follow suit by more than one person prior to leaving St. Francis on Friday night.  So here comes another long-winded explanation that makes perfect sense to me, but apparently not the majority.  

South & St. Francis are very similar to each other, both stylistically and in the resumes the two have built this season:

Both lost winnable nonleague games - South to Aquinas and Frannies to Bishop Grimes.  

Both split a two-game series with a team in its league - South with #4 Amherst and St. Francis with #7 Canisius.

Both beat Timon - South won by six at Timon and St. Francis won by seven at home.

Both beat a team the other lost to - South beat UPrep (UPrep won by 10 at St. Francis) and St. Francis beat Park twice (Park beat South at home by six)

Now if the only criteria to be #1 is beating Park, then the Red Raiders' two games over the Pioneers would qualify.  I see it differently.  Maybe because I've watched Park falter in three of its last four against ranked large schools.  Maybe because I watched South build a 20-point lead against the same Pioneers.  

But mainly because if we are going to have two teams ranked ahead Park and those two teams are South and St. Francis, there is a head-to-head result that has to be considered.  In between Frannies' wins over Park, South won at St. Francis by 14 points.  I went back and looked over how that game went down (article here).  The Billies led by 15 at half, the game never got closer than six in the second half, and South led by double figures the entire fourth quarter.  In a season of epic battles and finishes, that game really wasn't one of them.

2. St. Francis (MMA) - see above.  If it's any consolation, I'll remind you that I was one of three that correctly made you #1 when you beat Park the first time and spent two weeks defending that it wasn't a fluke, until you did it again.  Hopefully you guys still get me something for Valentine's Day tomorrow when I cover your game at Timon.  If not, I will understand.

3. Park (MMA) - Four losses on the season by a combined 11 points, with every one of them occurring in overtime.  The Pioneers have played a total of six extra sessions on the season  -three against St. Francis, one with Timon, another vs. Mount St. Michael, and the only game they won in OT at Niagara Falls to start the season.

4. Olean (A2) - Heading into the weekend, I hadn't cast a large school vote for the Huskies all season, despite them being a defending state champion with a 16-2 record, on a 12-game win streak.  On Saturday morning, I explained why on the radio - the only large school they had faced on the season was Maryvale, an overtime game they lost in December.  They were hosting Timon a few hours after those remarks, and I also said if they could beat the Tigers, they'd certainly be on my ballot.  After leading Timon the whole way and handing them their 2nd biggest loss of the season (by 10 points), here they are.  Clearly my poll logic should not apply to teams coached by Hall of Famers, legends or wizards.

5. Timon (MMA) - The Tigers have been very busy.  Since knocking off Park in overtime, Timon played five games in eight days, earning wins over North, Joe's, & Nichols, while dropping road games at Aquinas & Olean.  Hopefully they rest up, because the biggest week of the season so far is here:  hosting first place St. Francis on Tuesday and visiting the defending champs (Canisiuis) on Friday.

6. Amherst (A2) - Only action last week was a 13-point win in the second round of league play with West Seneca East.  The Tigers earn at least a share of the ECIC II title with a win at Hamburg this Tuesday.

7. Canisius (MMA) - The Crusaders followed up a 72-44 loss at Park with a 72-49 win against St. Joe's.  Will tune up at Aquinas on Tuesday night, before hosting Timon on Friday.  If the Tigers lose at St. Francis and Canisius also beats them, the Crusaders could move up out of fourth place in the Manhattan Cup seedings.

8. Kenmore West (AA) - Don't look now, but the Blue Devils are winners in 10 of their last 11 games.  They finish up the regular season against Niagara Wheatfield on Wednesday before the Class AA sectionals begin.

9. South Park (A2) - The Sparks finish off the regular season with a bang, visiting Middle College on Monday and hosting East on Thursday.  If they win out, the Yale Cup goes to South Park for the first time since...

10. Jamestown (AA) - After winning an overtime nail-biter against Lancaster last Tuesday, the Red Raiders will look for an outright ECIC I crown when they face Lancaster in the 'Game of the Week' rematch on Monday night.

 

Small Schools

1. East Aurora (B1) - Edged Lake Shore last week following a convincing win over Pioneer.  After hosting Batavia on Monday, the Blue Devils will look to guarantee at least a share of the ECIC III crown with a win at Maryvale on Wednesday.

2. Health Sciences (B2) - Completed their regular season with a 91-point win over Oracle, that included a 50-point outing from Davonte Gaines.  Now they bide their time until the playoffs start.

3. Cardinal O'Hara (MMA) - Who wins games at Walsh?  Well, besides Canisius, the Hawks are the only team to accomplish that this season.  Still owners of the best record among MMA Class B competition.

4. East (C2) - Added a pair of wins last week against top 10 small schools Middle College & Burgard.  If the Panthers win out this week (at McKinley & at South Park) the Yale Cup returns to Northampton for the first time since 2011.

5. St. Mary's (MMA) - Three wins last week (CCA, Niagara Catholic, & Starpoint) heading into a huge week.  It begins with a Valentine's Day love affair with Walsh, followed by games with Nichols & North Tonawanda.

6. Middle College (B2) - The Kats have dropped three of their last four since topping Health Sciences, but two of those losses came to the teams contending for the Yale Cup - East & South Park.  Middle College swept the season series with the team just below them on my ballot, Burgard.

7. Burgard (B1) - Suffered the same East & South Park losses as Middle College last week, though the East defeat was nearly a major triumph...a one-point loss.  The Bulldogs own a pair of wins over Franklinville and a big win at Medina in December.

8. Medina (B2) - Speaking of Medina...welcome to my ballot.  Owners of the second longest win streak in Section VI at 11 games and seemingly getting better every game.  Only three wins during the Mustangs' streak have come by less than double figures.

9. Franklinville (D) - Avenged a home loss to Ellicottville by taking the rematch on the road.  The strength of the win over Chautauqua Lake this season gives them a slight edge over the Eagles in this poll setting.

10. Chautauqua Lake (C1) - Very likely saw their chances of sharing the CCAA I West crown with Olean get squandered when they fell at Dunkirk last week.  That means some angry Thunderbirds will be taking flight in the Class C1 sectionals soon.

 

- centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings 2017 - Week 9

 

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

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A 

Park #7

Williamsville South #9

St. Francis #13

Timon #20

Amherst #24

 

Class B

East Aurora #16  

Middle College #23

Health Sciences #24

 

Class C 

Chautauqua Lake #3     

East #13

Randolph #25

 

Class D

Ellicottville #6 

Franklinville #8

Sherman #19     

 

** According to the rankings...

 

- Not a lot to comment on this week, as not much changed since the last rankings came out a week ago.

 

- Something I noticed in the Class AA rankings.  Aquinas has recently hosted the top two ranked NYSPHAA schools in Class AA, Fairport & Bishop Ludden.  While the Lil Irish struggled big time against Fairport, they only lost to Bishop Ludden by two points.  The fourth ranked NYSPHAA team is UPrep, who Williamsville South defeated.  So even though WNY doesn't have any Class AA teams ranked, on a whole, I think the best from our area stack up nicely against the best NYSPHAA teams in the state.

 

- Park dropped from #4 to #7 in NYS Class A, while Timon moved up from #25 to #20, following the Tigers' overtime victory on Friday night.

 

- Williamsville South slipped back two spots in Class A, from #7 to #9,  for the loss to Aquinas.  Meanwhile, St. Francis, who now sits at the top of the local poll in WNY, inched up one spot to #13 in NYS Class A.

 

- Amherst has finally made it out of Honorable Mention in Class A, landing at #24 in the rankings.  All it took was a five-point win over Sweet Home. 

 

- A couple weeks ago, I pointed out that Section V had teams ranked ahead of Section VI in every classification, with the exception of Class B.  Well, that's no longer the case.  When Health Sciences lost to Middle College, they plummeted in the Class B rankings.  Rochester's Early College is now the highest ranked team from NYS's Far West Region in Class B, indicating a potential sweep at regionals this year.  For what it's worth, Health Sciences defeated Early College in a head-to-head meeting in late December.

 

- Three of the top four teams ranked in NYS Class C are from the Far West Region, with one of them being Chautauqua Lake at #3.

 

- Defeating McKinley doesn't carry the weight it used to.  The Macks, a Class A team that won a state championship in 2013, were defeated by East last week.  The Panthers moved up from #14 to #13 in NYS Class C as a result.

 

- Randolph is now up to #21 in NYS Class C.

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings.

 

- centercourt

Poll Ballots 2017 - Week 7

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

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

- centercourt

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

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

 

Monday, February 6th

Middle College @ East - 6 pm

South Park @ Burgard - 6 pm

MST Seneca @ Olmsted - 6 pm

Gowanda @ Randolph - 7:30 pm

Salamanca @ Allegany-Limestone - 7:30 pm

Franklinville @ Ellicottville - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, February 7th

Canisius @ Park - 6:30 pm

Cheektowaga @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Niagara Falls @ Grand Island - 6:30 pm

Wilson @ Medina - 6:30 pm

Lancaster @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, February 8th

Sweet Home @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Timon @ Aquinas - 7 pm

Nichols @ Niagara Catholic - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, February 9th

East @ Burgard - 4:30 pm

McKinley @ Middle College - 6 pm

Newfane @ Medina - 6:30 pm

Chautauqua Lake @ Dunkirk - 7:30 pm

Salamanca @ Gowanda - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, February 10th

Tapestry @ I-Prep - 6 pm

Park @ St. Francis - 6:30 pm

Cardinal O'Hara @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

Grand Island @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Cleveland Hill @ Lackawanna - 6:30 pm

St. Joe's @ Canisius - 7 pm

Lancaster @ Williamsville North - 7:30 pm

Maryvale @ Depew - 7:30 pm

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

 

Saturday, February 11th

Timon @ Olean - 2:30 pm

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

- centercourt

 

NYSSWA State Rankings 2017 - Week 8

 

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

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A 

Park #4

Williamsville South #7

St. Francis #14

Timon #25

 

Class B

East Aurora #16  

Middle College #23

Health Sciences #25

 

Class C 

Chautauqua Lake #3     

East #14

Randolph #25

 

Class D

Ellicottville #6 

Franklinville #11

Sherman #19     

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

- They agree with me about Fairport.  After seeing them dismantle Aquinas on Saturday night, I tweeted that Fairport was the best team in the Far West Region.  The Red Raiders are ranked #5 in NYS Class AA this week and they are the state's highest ranked public school.

 

- We still have no teams from Class AA ranked and you won't hear making the case for anyone this season.

 

- Park is inching back up in the rankings.  The Pioneers have been #1 this season in Class A, but fell to #5 after losing to St. Francis.  They are currently #4.

 

- Williamsville South jumps from #16 to #7 after a big week that included wins over St. Francis and UPrep.  I think it should have been higher.  You jump to at least #12 just for beating St. Francis, who was holding that spot.  Then the win in Rochester against the team that was #5 in NYS Class AA would, in theory, get you an even more significant boost. Had they not lost at Amherst when they were ranked #7, they'd probably sit ahead of Park right now.

 

- St. Francis dropped two spots in NYS Class A to #14 for losing to South and beating Timon in the same week.  They should have just stayed at #12 in my opinion.

 

- Timon didn't get punished much for the loss at St. Francis.  They fell from #22 to #25 in NYS Class A.  Hopefully that's a sign that people are coming around on Frannies, who I'll continue to defend as a very legitimate team.

 

- Amherst continues to be mentioned with honor in the state, but nothing else.  I don't think the Tigers get in until Timon moves back up in the rankings or suffers a really bad loss.

 

- East Aurora surged ahead in the state rankings this week, from #24 to #16 in NYS Class B, on the strength of that 16-point win over Depew.  I think.

 

- For Middle College, beating the state's #8 ranked team, Health Sciences, who has been in the top 10 all season in Class B, got you...#23.  Clearly that one is viewed more negatively towards Health Sciences.  The Falcons' free fall in the rankings has them barely hanging on at #25 in NYS Class B.  So more of a punishment to the Falcons than a reward for the Kats.

 

- Randolph has cracked the state rankings in Class C and deservedly so.  The Cardinals (#25) have won 10 of their last 12 games, and the losses came to Grand Island and East.  

 

- Franklinville largely got a pass for its road loss at Burgard last Friday and only dropped two spots to #11 in NYS Class D.  I think that sounds about right - long drive to a Yale Cup gym against a good team two classes higher.  Not a bad loss.

 

Click HERE for complete NYSSWA State Rankings.

 

- centercourt

Poll Ballots 2017 - Week 6

(Health Sciences & Middle College are now both top 3 small schools)

 

Large Schools

1. Park (MMA) - The Pioneers return to the top spot this week.  Walsh & St. Mary's visit Harlem Road during the week, before Park makes a Friday night trip to South Buffalo for its rematch with Timon.

2. Williamsville South (A1) - Followed a big win at St. Francis on Tuesday night, with a great showing in Rochester against NYS Class AA top five UPrep.  The Billies were the better team throughout and never trailed over the final five minutes, behind a 16-point fourth quarter from Greg Dolan.  Two more big games this week with Jamestown & defending Class AA state champion Aquinas coming to town.

3. St. Francis (MMA) - If not for the loss to Williamsville South on Tuesday, the Red Raiders are still #1.  They led for the final three quarters against Timon and were the aggressors all night.  If you're a non-believer in this team and waiting for them to 'come back to reality', my advice is don't hold your breath.  With wins over Cathedral Prep, Park, Timon, & Health Sciences, along with 30+ point wins over Dunkirk & Cardinal O'Hara, they are for real.  They host Canisius on Friday night and I expect to see them still in first place in the MMA next week at this time.

4. Timon (MMA) - To my fellow pollsters, a friendly reminder of some earlier results this season.  They have three local losses to the three teams above them on my ballot (Park, South, & Frannies).  The Tigers beat Amherst & Canisius, along with a win over Bishop Kearney, who Canisius also just beat on Friday.  Yet for some reason that lacks any sort of logic that I'd be able to follow, Timon has fallen behind Canisius & Amherst in the Buffalo News poll.  Again I ask - why even play the games? St. Mary's, O'Hara, and Park are on the slate this week.  

5. Canisius (MMA) - Dropped the hammer on the Lancers Wednesday night and then won an exciting game on Friday night over visiting Bishop Kearney.  The Crusaders have games with Nichols and Niagara Catholic during the week, before a Friday night showdown at St. Francis, where they'll attempt to knock the Red Raiders out of first place and avoid a third league loss.

6. Amherst (A2) - Had a productive trip to Jamestown on Tuesday night, which is never an easy place to leave with a win.  Then the team got a great experience over the weekend in Toronto that included taking in a Raptors game.  Just four league games remain for the Tigers until the sectionals begin.

7. North Tonawanda (A1) - The Jacks are now alone in first place in the NFL after Falls lost its third league game to Lockport over the weekend.  Now to stay there, North Tonawanda will need to avenge an earlier 13-point home loss to Lockport on Tuesday night to stay there.  

8. McKinley (A1) - The Macks are coming off a light week and staring down a pivotal point in the season.  Two teams currently tied for first place in Yale Cup I, East and South Park, await a visit from McKinley this week.

9. Jamestown (AA) - James Rojas scored hos 1,000th point in a win over Clarence on Friday.  The Red Raiders have a tough road trip to Williamsville South on Tuesday night that will feature a pair of the area's premier talents.

10. Kenmore West (AA) - The Blue Devils are taking their turn making an appearance on my ballot - the fourth team from the NFL to get a vote here this season.  They just knocked Niagara Falls, who I had #7 last week, out of first place.  They've swept the season series with Lockport already.  If Ken West takes care of business this week and gets help from Lockport against NT, they will be in a tie for first in the league.

 

Small Schools

1. East Aurora (B1) - For the first time since the preseason, the Blue Devils are on top in the small school ranks.  They handled Depew on Friday in a 16-point win and will turn around and face them again at home this week in their only scheduled game.

2. Middle College (B2) - Recent wins over East and Health Sciences have the Kats back in a familiar spot.  Middle College spent the entire season at #2 last year, right behind Olean.  They are a young team that seems to improve every time they take the floor.  They will battle at South Park tonight, with the winner staying in first place in Yale Cup I.

3. Health Sciences (B2) - Suffered back-to-back losses for the first time all season in games against Timon & Middle College last week.  As coach Ty Parker said "You have to lose to learn how to win."  The speed bump heading into February might be the best thing for the Falcons, who face Tapestry this week.

4. Chautauqua Lake (C1) - The Thunderbirds have followed a heart-breaking loss at the buzzer in Olean with a pair of lopsided victories.  Look for more of the same this week with games against Panama & Maple Grove.

5. Ellicottville (D) - Remember, these Eagles missed a pair of free throws at the end of the game that would have lifted them to a win over Chautauqua Lake this season.  Will look to extend their winning streak to eight games after this week, with games against Pine Valley & North Collins.

6. Cardinal O'Hara (MMA) - Lost at St. Mary's in the rematch on Friday night, ending a six-game winning streak.  They host Timon on Wednesday night and are hoping to send some shock waves throughout WNY.

7. St. Mary's (MMA) - I kept them right behind the Hawks, despite winning the more recent meeting, after flipping a coin.  Kidding - I looked no farther than the fact that O'Hara won its game vs St. Mary's by a larger margin (22 vs 13) and that the Lancers lost at home to Walsh, who the Hawks beat by 15.

8. East (C2) - The Panthers swept Burgard and took it to South Park already this season.  Monday's 'Game of the Week' against McKinley will decide if they can stay in first place in Yale Cup I.

9. Burgard (B1) - I finally get to rank the Bulldogs.  They have no bad losses this season, but do have some pretty good wins, most recently a two-point victory over Franklinville on Friday night.  It was Burgard's second win over the Panthers this season and they also own wins over McKinley & Medina.

10. Franklinville (D) - I kept the Panthers right behind Burgard because they missed a potential game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer.  

 

- centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings 2017 - Week 7

 

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

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A 

Park #5    

St. Francis #12

Williamsville South #16   

Timon #22   

 

Class B

Health Sciences #8    

East Aurora #24     

Cardinal O'Hara #25

 

Class C 

Chautauqua Lake #3     

East #18         

 

Class D

Ellicottville #6 

Franklinville #9 

Sherman #19     

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Click HERE to see the complete NYSSWA State Rankings.

 

- centercourt

Poll Ballots 2017 - Week 5

(Cardinal O'Hara has been all over its opponents during a six-game win streak)

 

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

 

Large Schools

1. St. Francis (MMA) - If the Red Raiders don't deserve this spot for winning on the road against the top ranked team in NYS Class A, what else would they have to do?  Yes, they lost AT Canisius, who Park beat handily.  But that's their only local loss.  Park has only one local loss also and it happened at home.  I'll never understand the logic behind pollsters voting Park ahead of St. Francis this week. Maybe things change in the coming weeks. Maybe things change on Friday night when Timon visits the Red Raiders.  But this week, St. Francis deserves #1.  Otherwise, why even play the game?

2. Park (MMA) - During a recent stretch of big games, I saw a lot of Park.  Watched them against Canisius, Timon, South, & St. Francis in the last two weeks.  My takeaway is they need to stay motivated and play consistent.  They were so motivated to win at Canisius that they played a consistent game, as in two halves.  Their last three games were a tale of two halves.  

Here's the portion of the poll where you have to decide which loss or losses you're going to look past.  South just went into Amherst on Friday night and lost, yet remain here, three spots ahead of the Tigers.  Here's the explanation:  South and Amherst split this year.  The Billies won on a neutral court and Amherst won at home.  South won at Timon, who beat Amherst by 19.  Placing Amherst ahead of South would mean they would be two spots behind Timon after winning there.  Unless you put both ahead of Timon which doesn't jive when Amherst lost big to them.  The easiest way to approach this in my mind was to call the season split a wash and look at the common opponent, Timon.  Plus, the next two weeks could sort a lot more out because of the opponents South is about to face.

3. Williamsville South (A1) - The loss at Amherst was not the way the Billies wanted to start the five-game grind they just embarked upon.  The next four games: at St. Francis on Tuesday, then travel to Rochester to play UPrep, followed by Jamestown, & Aquinas next week.

4. Timon (MMA) - Had a great showing in Rochester against UPrep over the weekend, losing a five-point game to a top five NYS Class AA team that is loaded.  Big week ahead with a visit from #1 WNY small school Health Sciences, followed by a trip to St. Francis.

5. Canisius (MMA) - The Crusaders follow an idle week with a trip to Walsh on Monday, and then host St. Mary's & Bishop Kearney.

6. Amherst (A2) - I considered #5 for the Tigers, because no movement in the poll after a big win over Will South didn't seem right.  But that would have put them ahead of Canisius, which doesn't work because they are the only WNY team to beat St. Francis.  Regardless, Amherst is cruising right now with nine straight wins, including NT, McKinley, & South.  They'll look to add another to the win column in a trip to Jamestown on Tuesday.

7. Niagara Falls (AA) - The Wolverines got up big and then hung on to avenge an earlier loss to North Tonawanda.  Back in a tie for first place in the NFL, Falls is at Kenmore West on Friday.

8. North Tonawanda (A1) - The loss at Falls was the first for the Jacks this month.  They remain tied for first place in the NFL with Falls heading into a Friday night game with Niagara Wheatfield.

9. McKinley (A1) - I haven't cast a vote for the Macks all season, but after watching wins over Jamestown and Middle College, I felt like they were due.  They seem to be a team that is steadily improving and finding the right mix to play on the court.  Not good news for opponents in Yale Cup I or Class A1.

10. Jamestown (AA) - Bounced back from an overtime defeat at McKinley to take a pair of games over Frontier to keep pace with Lancaster at the top of ECIC I.  Amherst & Clarence come to time this week, before a trip to Rochester on Saturday to face Irondequoit, #6 in NYS Class A.

 

Small Schools

1. Health Sciences (B2) - After rolling their last three opponents, the Falcons are ready for a battle.  They should get a couple of those this week with road games at Timon on Tuesday and at Middle College on Thursday.

2. East Aurora (B1) - Rebounded from a loss at Cheektowaga last week with a win over Starpoint.  The Blue Devils are off until Friday when they travel to Depew..

3. Cardinal O'Hara (MMA) - The Hawks made it through the first round of play against the competition in MMA Class B without a loss.  More impressive is that only Nichols got within single digits of O'Hara in a nine-point loss.

4. Chautauqua Lake (C1) - The Thunderbirds were a 'Monty Shoemaker 3-pointer at the buzzer' away from sweeping the season series with Olean in CCAA I West.  Junior Devin Pope joined the 1,000-point fraternity last week.

5. Ellicottville (D) - Winners of five straight and all were league wins.  They have taken the last four wins by an average margin of 23 points.

6. Franklinville (D) - The Panthers face a pair of tests this week against teams that own quality wins this season.  Monday they are at Pioneer, who just defeated Depew by nine.  Then on Friday night, they travel to Burgard, who beat McKinley by six on January 11th.

7. Dunkirk (B1) - In their last two wins, the Marauders have scored 208 points, eclipsing 100 in both games, and the combined margin of victory was 121 points.  Clearly a team in need of a challenge.  As luck would have it, they're at Olean tonight.  The Huskies haven't lost a home game since 2011.

8. St. Mary's (MMA) - Solid week for the Lancers, picking up wins over St. Joe's & CCA, before taking an exciting rivalry game with Lancaster at the buzzer.  I tucked them right behind Dunkirk, who had a slightly less dramatic win over Lancaster this season on the road.

9. Middle College (B2) - Remained in first place in Yale Cup I, despite losing at McKinley, because they knocked East off.  The Kats head to Burgard on Monday night and then bring in the #1 small school in WNY, Health Sciences, on Thursday night.

10. East (C2) - They've been as high as #2 on my ballot, but two losses in their last three games in which they blew double figure leads is the reason for the free fall.  Better bring it on Tuesday - McKinley comes in looking to knock another team out of first place in Yale Cup I.

 

- centercourt

Poll Ballots 2017 - Week 4

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

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

- centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings 2017 - Week 5

 

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

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A 

Park #1

Williamsville South #7

St. Francis #14

Timon #22

 

Class B

Health Sciences #6

Walsh #15

Dunkirk #19

East Aurora #24

 

Class C 

East #10

Chautauqua Lake #11

 

Class D

Ellicottville #7

Franklinville #10

Sherman #13

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

Click HERE for the complete NYSSWA State Rankings.

 

- centercourt

Poll Ballots 2017 - Week 3

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

 

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

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

- centercourt

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

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

 

Monday, January 9th

South Park @ East - 6 pm

 

Tuesday, January 10th

Medina @ Wilson - 6 pm

Park @ Canisius - 6:30 pm

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

Walsh @ Nichols - 6:30 pm

Niagara Falls @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Lackawanna @ Cleveland Hill - 6:30 pm

Health Sciences @ St. Francis - 7 pm

Newfane @ Barker - 7 pm

Williamsville North @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

Depew @ Maryvale - 7:30 pm

Olean @ Fredonia - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 11th

Burgard @ McKinley - 6 pm

 St. Mary's @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 12th

Williamsville South @ Park - 6:30 pm

St. Francis @ Canisius - 6:30 pm

 MST Seneca @ BASCS - 7 pm

 

Friday, January 13th

Health Sciences @ Burgard - 6 pm

Grand Island @ North Tonawanda - 7 pm

Medina @ Newfane - 7 pm

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

Williamsville North @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

Maryvale @ East Aurora - 7:30 pm

Randolph @ Gowanda - 7:30 pm

Dunkirk @ Chautauqua Lake - 7:30 pm

 

 

Saturday, January 14th

Tapestry @ Health Sciences - 2:30 pm

MLK Classic at City Honors HS

Sweet Home vs. Olmsted - 12 pm

Middle College vs. Canisius - 1:45 pm

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

McKinley vs. Amherst - 6:15 pm

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

- centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings 2017 - Week 4

 

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

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A 

Park #1

Williamsville South #8

Timon #14

St. Francis #16

 

Class B

Health Sciences #6

St. Mary's #16

Dunkirk #19

Lackawanna #20

 

Class C 

East #11

Chautauqua Lake #12

 

Class D

Franklinville #9

Ellicottville #11

Sherman #13

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

- The mighty have fallen.  The back-to-back CHSAA state champions are no longer considered a top 25 team in NYS Class A, after occupying the top spot there this season.  The loss to Horseheads, coming off of two losses, was a crippler in the state's eyes.

 

- Meanwhile, there's a new #1 in NYS Class A - the Park Pioneers.  If they win both of their games next week, they should still be #1 heading into their game at Canisius, which would only fuel the fire on Delaware Avenue.  Man, the MMA is going to be fun this season.

 

- It seems there's no guarantee that Park winning both games this week keeps them at #1 in NYS Class A.  There are a pair of instances this week where teams from Section VI were literally leapfrogged by other teams from last week's rankings, despite not losing a game.  Williamsville South remained #8 as they were ranked last week in Class A, but saw Irondequoit of Section V move ahead of them in the state rankings.  So according to the rankings, the Billies no longer face Elmont and the bearded coach in the state semifinal.  They now lose the regional to Irondequoit.

 

- Meanwhile, Health Sciences scores a big win over Early College at the I-90 Showcase, a team that came in ranked in NYS B, but falls a spot from #5 to #6 in NYS Class B.  Westhill jumped ahead of the Falcons in the state poll, which bumped them back.  It appears Westhill won the Syracuse CBA Tournament over break, which I'm assuming had to be a major accomplishment to see them shimmy up the rankings like that.

 

- The Lancers of St. Mary's made a big splash into the NYS Class B rankings, going from unranked to #16, for beating Williamsville North & Williamsville East at the Five Guys Tournament.

 

- Dunkirk dipped four spots in NYS Class B for losing to Rochester SOTA.  However, East Aurora was dropped altogether, going from #6 in NYS Class B to out of the top 25, following its loss to unranked Newark.  Not sure why Newark still isn't ranked, especially after traveling to Buffalo and knocking off the #6 team in the state.  They passed the eye test from me with flying colors, and I still believe East Aurora is a top 25 Class B team in the state.

 

- Chautauqua Lake's loss to Franklinville was slightly more punishable than East's loss to Clyde Savannah.  The Thunderbirds fall from #2 to #12 in NYS Class C, while East went from #4 to #11, and now sits one slot ahead of Chautauqua Lake.

 

- Franklinville was rewarded for its win and is now state ranked, something I've suggested for a couple weeks.  The Panthers IAABO Tournament championship landed them at #9 in NYS Class D.  However, still not as high as Ellicottville was ranked in Class D last week. 

 

- Ellicottville's loss to Randolph caused them to fall from #5 in NYS Class D to #11.  The Eagles defeating Sherman the day before dropped them to #13 in the state from #7.

 

Click HERE for the complete NYSSWA State Rankings.

 

- centercourt

Poll Ballots - 2017 - Happy New Year!

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

 

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

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

- centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings 2017 - Week 3

 

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

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A 

Park #2

Canisius #3

Williamsville South #8

Timon #23

St. Francis #24

 

 Class B

Health Sciences #5

East Aurora #6

Dunkirk #15

Lackawanna #21

 

Class C 

Chautauqua Lake #2

East #4

 

Class D

Ellicottville #5

Sherman #7

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

- The news in Class AA is even more bleak than last week.  Section V now has four teams ranked from the state's highest classification:  Fairport, Aquinas, UPrep, & Bishop Kearney.  Three of those teams have losses to our teams.  Aquinas fell to Canisius, UPrep lost at Falls, and Bishop Kearney lost at Timon.  However, I still can't bring myself to disagree with this.  The team from Section VI that warrants the most consideration for a ranking is Niagara Falls.  But the top results supporting the Wolverines being ranked happened at home to start the season - taking Park to OT and beating UPrep.  Since then, they lost the rematch to UPrep, lost to Rochester East, and lost at NT.

 

- Park is your new CHSAA state champion, thanks to Cathedral Prep.  Canisius made the trip to Erie, PA and lost to the Ramblers, which dropped them to #3 behind Park.  For some reason, Byram Hills jumped Park and landed at #1 in NYS Class A, so I must assume they will knock the Pioneers off in the Federation Tournament.

 

- Williamsville South loses in the Class A state semifinal to Elmont.  The Billies are ranked 3rd among public schools in NYS and are presently projected to face the defending state champions, who are coached by a man with a serious beard.

 

- Timon remained #23 in NYS Class A despite its loss to Williamsville South.  I applaud the decision to not drop the Tigers, who are a top 25 team in Class A all day.

 

- St. Francis is now state ranked!  I can't remember ever seeing this in my time on the scene, which dates back to the 2008 season.  The Red Raiders deserve it and are more than worthy of their slot right next to Timon.

 

- Health Sciences takes on Glens Falls (in Binghamton) for the NYSPHAA Class B state championship.  Remember, this is not a prediction, but according to the rankings - they are the second highest ranked public school in NYS.  I'd love to see the Falcons join me in Binghamton this year.  They face Rochester's Early College, ranked #16 in NYS Class B, on Thursday night at Villa Maria College in the I-90 Showcase.

 

- The weird development of the week in the state rankings occured in the latter portion on the Class B rankings.  Dunkirk jumped from #22 to #15.  Lackawanna fell from #17 to #21.  Dunkirk won one game last week, while Lackawanna won two games.  Neither team lost.  Hmmm.

 

- It's Chautauqua Lake vs. Waterville for the NYS Class C state championship.  The Thunderbirds are up to #2 in the state.  I'm curious to see which approach they take in the Class C crossover against East - attempt to score 122 points or dig in defensively.  

 

- In Class D, Ellicottville & Sherman are battling for the right to lose to Avoca, now #1 in NYS, in the Far West Regional.  Still no love for Franklinville in the Class D top 20.  I'm telling you, they're good and should be ranked.  They have a potential meeting with Chautauqua Lake on Friday if both teams win first round matchups in the IAABO Tournament.

 

- Did anyone notice how North Tonawanda, who owns wins over Niagara Falls and Health Sciences, got dropped like they were hot from the Class A rankings after losing to Lockport?  The Jacks potential matchup at Amherst on Friday would be a fascinating battle of teams with some big strong athletes and battles in the paint for rebounds would not be for the faint of heart.

 

- This has to be the first time since 2009 that Middle College hasn't cracked the state rankings by now.  I know they're now in Class B and I'm not trying to make the case for them.  Just found it interesting.  Don't count them out, history is on their side.

 

Click HERE for the complete NYSSWA State Rankings.

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2017 - Merry Christmas

 

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

 

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

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

- centercourt

Chautauqua Lake finally beats Olean

(Chautauqua Lake's Tyler Meredith draws a foul on the way up)

 

Last February, Chautauqua Lake earned a signature win in the postseason, advancing past East High in the Section VI quarterfinals to earn a trip to JCC.  While the Thunderbirds season ultimately ended with a narrow loss in the Class C1 Final, expectations of returning to that game and winning it ran high coming into this season with four returning starters.  But in preparation of the postseason comes a regular season filled with challenges.  

 

Chautauqua Lake is the second smallest team in its league, CCAA I West, and its bigger competition certainly comes with some impressive credentials.  For starters, three teams in the league are classified in B1, two sizes up from the Thunderbirds.  That includes defending Section VI champion Fredonia, and Dunkirk, currently ranked 22nd in NYS Class B.  Then there's Olean, with a list of credentials over the past 10 seasons that are so big, a separate bus is required to transport them.  Nine Section VI titles with eight advancements to regionals, five trips to Glens Falls, three state championship game appearances, and two state tiles, including last season when they raised their NYSPHAA state plaque with a perfect 27-0 mark.  This season, the Huskies are in Class A2 and the only large school in any of the CCAA leagues.  Sprinkle in the fun fact that Coach Mike Putney's Thunderbirds had never defeated Olean and you have all the makings for a special night in Mayville.

 

Behind a game-high 25 points from junior Devin Pope, Chautauqua Lake validated its #3 ranking in NYS Class C with a historic come-from-behind victory against the big dogs of the Southern Tier, defeating the visiting Huskies, 58-57.  Chautauqua Lake improves to 6-0 on the season and 2-0 against the stiff competition in CCAA I West.

 

"The only way you're going to get better is to play teams like that," Chautauqua Lake coach Mike Putney explained.  "Win or lose, it makes you better, it's what takes you farther in our school history."

 

The Thunderbirds are now just the second team to defeat Olean in league play dating back to the 2011 season.  They are also the first Class C school to knock off the Huskies since December 3, 2010.

 

"We've been striving for this ever since they came into our league," said Pope.  "We have a lot of high expectations for ourselves - they're a great team."

 

 "These kids at Chautauqua Lake have worked their butts off hard," Putney said.  "They wanted this game, they knew this was a huge game, and they knew in order to make noise we had to face big competition like this."

 

The Thunderbirds showed no fear of the storied program in the early going, as Tyler Meredith opened the game by draining a 3-pointer.  Teammate Aaron Swan (14 points) followed with one of his own from downtown shortly after, giving Chautauqua Lake an early spark.  Consecutive scores from Pope had the Thunderbirds leading 13-6 five minutes into the game.

 

A 7-0 finish to the first quarter for Olean capped by one of Monty Shoemaker's four 3-pointers in the game evened the score at 15-15.  The late quarter surge was part of what would be a 23-7 run in the game for the Huskies that gave them a 29-20 lead, as they seemingly scored at will against the 2-3 zone of Chautauqua Lake.  Shoemaker scored 14 of his team-high 24 points in the second quarter as Olean zipped the ball around to find open looks or move the Thunderbirds' defense to open space in the lane to attack.

 

A switch to man-to-man defense coming out of halftime by Chautauqua Lake returned the game to more of a possession-by-possession battle.  The Huskies managed to extend their eight-point halftime lead to 11 points during the third quarter, before Swan registered the stanza's final score for the Thunderbirds - a trifecta that made it 45-37 heading into the fourth quarter.

 

A pair of quick steals to begin the final frame were converted into breakaway layups by Pope and Kyler Majka for Chautauqua Lake, and suddenly the game had a different look and feel to it, with Olean's lead cut to 45-41, and the sense that momentum was shifting.  

 

Pope fed off that momentum and created even more for his team in the defensive end.  On two straight series, the junior rose up in the paint to swat away perfectly timed rejections.  He added a third big block later in the quarter for the Thunderbirds, who started using screens to get to the basket midway through the fourth quarter.  Nate Hammond and Pope each drew contact and converted free throws for Chautauqua Lake, followed by the game-tying bucket from Pope at the 4:18 mark to make it 50-50.

 

"These guys can get to the basket if our role players step up and give us the screens," said Putney.  "We need guys to be able to set screens and they were able to do it."

 

A score from Mike Schmidt briefly restored the Olean lead before Pope, who scored 12 of his 25 points in the last stanza, tied things up again.  As the game moved under three minutes, Meredith broke away before the Olean defense could get back to give his team its first lead since the opening quarter.  Less than 30 seconds later, he did it again to make it 56-52 in favor of the home team after an 11-2 run.  With the Chautauqua Lake fans fully grasping the magnitude of the moment, the atmosphere became electric.

 

"Just a great game to be at," said Pope.  "I don't know if I've ever been in a better game than this."

 

Shoemaker drilled his last '3' of night with 28 seconds left, pulling Olean within a point, 56-55.  The Huskies called a timeout as soon as the shot dropped to set up their press, in hopes of creating a turnover and escaping with the win.  Instead, Swan took the inbounds pass from Pope and reversed direction along the baseline as Meredith made one last dash in the other direction.  Swan lobbed a beautiful fullcourt pass over the defense and found him in stride for the basket that would seal the game for Chautauqua Lake.

 

"All the hard work we've put in, we were able to keep the pressure up," an elated Pope said of his team's strong finish.

 

After going through the handshake line, the Thunderbirds took a moment to join the fans and rejoice in their accomplishment.  Meanwhile, Coach Putney stood with his assistant coaches by the Chautauqua Lake bench and took it all in with a delighted look on his face that spoke volumes of how much the moment meant.  But as he explained following the game, his hope is that the experince of such an important win leads to even bigger ones when the postseason arrives.

 

"Olean is a great team, they've won a lot games and not by fluke," said Putney.  "They have a great coach, they have a great program.  Would the division be nice, yeah, but we play for beyond that.  What we really strive for is going on in the playoffs."

 

Olean    15 - 20 - 10 - 12 = 57

C.Lake  15 - 12 - 10 - 21 = 58

 

Point Totals

C.Lake:  Devin Pope 25, Aaron Swan 14, Tyler Meredith 9, Nate Hammond 5, Kyler Majka 3, Joel Vinciguerra 2

Olean:  Monty Shoemaker 24, Matt Droney 14, Mike Schmidt 9, Thomas Klein 4, Josh Bihler 2, Tristen Synder 2, Luke Rogers 2

 

- centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings 2017 - Week 2

 

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

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A 

Canisius #1

Park #2

Williamsville South #8

Timon #23

 

 Class B

Health Sciences #7

East Aurora #8

Lackawanna #17

Dunkirk #22

 

 Class C 

Chautauqua Lake #3

East #7

Silver Creek #11

Barker #18

 

 Class D

Ellicottville #6

Sherman #8

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

- There are now at least three teams fro Section V ahead of Section VI in Class AA.  Fairport (9), Aquinas (19), & UPrep (25) are in ranked in NYS Class AA.  Niagara Falls has split with UPrep this season, with the loss coming this past weekend.  

 

- Canisius returns to the Class A Fed Final and wins it for a second time in three seasons.  The Crusaders are now the number one ranked team in NYS Class A.  They moved to #1 due to Albany Academy, the defending Fed champs, losing a pair of out-of-state games.  Canisius has started five juniors in their last two wins, so I guess we can go ahead and crown them for next season too.  In all seriousness, I don't understand what losing games out-of-state has to do with NYS rankings.  No offense intended to the boys from Delaware Avenue, but I suspect they would have gotten the same results as Albany Academy had they played those same two games.

 

- Williamsville South is now NYS Class A #8 (previously #9), while Timon climbed up two spots to #23.  This transpired after a week in which both faced Amherst.  South came back from six points down to force OT and take the win.  Timon beat Amherst by 19 and trailed for one possession in the first quarter.  The Billies travel to South Buffalo on Thursday night to battle Timon.  The state's early line has South -8.5.

 

- St. Francis isn't getting any love on the state level yet.  Some advice for the Red Raiders - try flirting with Neil Kerr.  Tell him you really like his hair or his sense of style.  Everyone likes a compliment...bound to get you the love you deserve.

 

- Cheektowaga debuted at #14 in NYS Class A last week and then was dropped from the rankings following the loss to Park.

 

- Four of the top seven teams in NYS Class C are from the Far West Region.  East Rochester (#2) & Northstar Christian (#4) from Section V and Chautauqua Lake (#3) & East (#7) from Section VI. 

 

- Silver Creek has quietly improved to 5-0 on the season and sits at #11 in NYS Class C.

 

- Barker fell three spots in NYS Class C for losing to Lyndonville, an unranked Class D team from Section V.  Something has to give here.  Either Barker should have fallen harder, or Lyndonville should be ranked in NYS Class D.  Lyndonville is 3-1, with two wins over teams in Class B and the third over a state-ranked Class C team on the road (Barker).  They lost to Elba, who is 4-0 and also unranked in NYS Class D.  The only other working theory could be that Class D is largely considered stronger as a whole than Class C this season.

 

- Staying on the Class C rankings, I say it's time to throw Randolph a bone.  The Cardinals have two losses, to Ellicottville and Franklinville.  They also own a recent win over South Park.  Even though the Sparks are clearly not the team I thought they were, that's still an impressive win for Randolph.  And those two losses are not bad ones - by now, you should all know I'm high on Ellicottville.  As for Franklinville...see below.

 

- Franklinville went from NYS Class D #19 to unranked for losing by three points at Walsh. Dropping a team from Class D rankings for losing to an undefeated Class B team sure sounds like crazy talk to me.  I have no doubt that Franklinville will be in the final Class D state rankings this season, so I encourage the panel to come around on them soon.  They are good.

 

Click HERE for the complete NYSSWA State Rankings.

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2017 - Week 2

(Brandon Smith drives for Park, a team that's looked ferocious in their last two wins/Photo: Larry Scheur)

 

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

 

** After this, the polls will take a two-week hiatus over the holiday break and resume again on Monday, January 8th.

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (MMA) - The Crusaders are off to a 3-0 start with wins over Cheektowaga, Aquinas, and Jamestown.  Until the Crusaders lose to a team from WNY, they will own this place on my ballot.  The last time that happened was February 26, 2014.

2. Park (MMA) - Holy Moses, these guys have looked entirely formidable in their last two wins over East & Cheektowaga.  They actually doubled the Warriors point total at the ADPRO Challenge, winning 98-49.  I'm still keeping them here until they earn that top spot from Canisius, who they've never defeated.

3. Timon (MMA) - Meanwhile, there's another team eyeing the top of this ballot.  The Tigers have started their season with wins over Bishop Kearney & Amherst and have already shown they can win a shootout or a defensive grind.  Love the MMA large school race this season.

4. Williamsville South (A1) - Found themselves in an unfamiliar position on Monday against Amherst - trailing much of a close game against a local team.  In the end, they found a way to rally from a six-point deficit, force overtime, and pull out the win.  After hosting West Seneca East on Tuesday, they travel to timon for a pre-holiday special on Thursday night.  That's a battle of top ten teams I won't be missing.  After the break, there's a January 3rd game at Cheektowaga that will feature Dolan vs. Welch.  There's another game you can count me in for.

5. St. Francis (MMA) - Playing as a team and getting balanced contributions from their key players, the Red Raiders are legitimate. Ask Dunkirk, West Seneca East, Kenmore West, or any team preparing to face them.  Like I said, love the competitiveness of the MMA league this season.

6. North Tonawanda (A1) - After wins over Health Sciences & Niagara Falls, the Jacks stumbled big time at home against Lockport.  I'm keeping them ahead of Falls because they beat them, but the next head-scratching result won't receive that same consideration.  Lockport isn't ready for the poll yet with loses to St. Joe's & Kenmore West already.  It's still December, so lots to sort out.  

7. Niagara Falls (AA) - The Wolverines are tough to gauge in this setting.  They took Park to OT, split with UPrep, and defeated Kenmore West, with the lone local loss coming at North Tonawanda.  They dropped a pair of games over the weekend in Rochester, with the second loss coming after the votes were cast.  Really not sure what to make of Falls.  When they're not playing teams from their league (NFL), most of their games are against Rochester and Canada

8. McKinley (A1) - Only two games played this season, wins over Kenmore West and Emerson.  Relying on the eye test for the Macks, which tells me they definitely belong in the top 10.  I wish they played against Niagara Falls. Who wouldn't want to see that one?

9. Jamestown (AA) - I didn't have them ranked last week.  Then I saw them play against Canisius over the weekend, which was enough for me to view them as a top 10 team.  

10. Maryvale (A2) - Overtime wins over Olean and Nichols are what we have to go on at this point. If they had played Cheektowaga last week (snowed out), we'd know a lot more.  If you're not busy on Friday night, there will be a great episode of Family Feud at 6 pm on Main Street - Maryvale at Amherst, aka Kensy vs. Kensy.

 

Small Schools 

1. Health Sciences (B2) - Already 6-1 and the only team to hang 100 points on someone (112-68 over Global Concepts).  The Falcons have the cruise control set at a high rate of speed right now and are hoping there's no one waiting with a radar on the other side of the hill.

2. East (C2) - I took the Panthers up to number two on my ballot after their 20-point win over Riverside and watching Amherst take South to overtime last week, a team East got within two points of at the Cataract Classic.

3. East Aurora (B1) - I came into the season very high on the Blue Devils and I still am...but, they need to get out of the every-other-game mode they are in.  Big win over Hornell, big loss to Olean.  Big win over Pioneer, two-point win over Starpoint (who Niagara Catholic just beat).  Then they win their tournament over the weekend, dropping Orchard Park convincingly in the final.  If this is truly East Aurora's year, they need to be more consistent. At their best, they might be the Class B regional representative.  

4. Dunkirk (B1) - It seems like I'm higher on this team than other pollsters.  For me, winning at Lancaster and then turning around and pushing Health Sciences to the brink said a lot.  I know they got rolled at St. Francis, but as I've written already this year - this isn't your big brother's St. Francis team.  

5. Lackawanna (B2) - The Steelers are 3-0 with three wins by double figures, including the win over Hamburg.  I think they improve to 5-0 with the same substantial winning trend continuing over the next two weeks, setting up a nice game on January 3rd against East Aurora.

6. Nichols (MMA) - I've had a chance to see the Vikings twice now, most recently against Maryvale in an overtime loss.  I have also seen three of the four teams below them on this ballot.  They have the right pieces in the right places and I think they only get better from here.

7. St. Mary's (MMA) - Welcome to my ballot Lancers.  You beat Fredonia, who beat Gowanda (who I was ranking) and followed it up with a win over West Seneca East - a game they led by 24 points at one point.  St. Mary's is much better than I had them pegged to be in the preseason.  We will find out much more about them after they compete in the Depew Tournament and the Five Guys Tournament at Will North over the next two weeks.

8. Chautauqua Lake (C1) - The Thunderbirds are 5-0 and that start includes an exciting road win at Ellicottville.  Tomorrow night I making the trip to Mayville to watch them host league favorite Olean, who they've never beaten.

9. Ellicottville (D) - Came off a tough one-point loss to Chautauqua Lake to go on the road the following night and take care of business at Gowanda.  They start five underclassmen who play like seniors.  The Eagles host Portville this week and face Sherman in the first round of the Randolph Tournament over break.

10. Cardinal O'Hara (MMA) - I slid the Hawks down a few spots from last week after getting to see them, Nichols and St. Mary's over a three-day stretch.  O'Hara is loaded with talent, but also young.  In a six-point win over Newfane, they trailed much of the game.  When they find consistency and play for 32 minutes (also see third quarter against Health Sciences), they will be as dangerous as any team in MMA-B.

 

-centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings 2017 - Week 1

 

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

 

Class AA

No teams ranked

 

Class A 

Canisius #2

Park #3

Williamsville South #9

Cheektowaga #14

North Tonawanda #20

Timon #25

 

 Class B

Health Sciences #9

East Aurora #10

Dunkirk #20

Lackawanna #23

 

 Class C 

Chautauqua Lake #3

East #7

Silver Creek #12

Barker #15

 

 Class D

 Ellicottville #6

Sherman #8

Franklinville #19

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

- For a second straight season, Section VI Class AA isn't getting much love on the state level.  No arguments from me on this one yet.  Section V has a pair of teams ranked, Fairport is #13 and Aquinas is #22.  Canisius just defeated Aquinas over the weekend.  Niagara Falls, who I consider the front runner of our Class AA, faces them on Thursday night at the ADPRO Challenge.  

 

- Canisius & Park are back in a familiar position.  They are the top two ranked teams in the CHSAA, meaning the Manhattan Cup winner would also be the favorite to win a catholic state title.

 

- Williamsville South is favored to emerge as the overall Class A champ for a third straight season, but pegged to drop the regional to Rochester East.  When I saw Rochester East as Section V's highest ranked team, I began looking to see where UPrep was ranked.  What I discovered was, UPrep has been bumped to Class AA by Section V.  Good call!

 

- The state rankings are high on Cheektowaga, debuting at #14 in the state's Class A. It's rare to see them look past record (1-2), which I'm fine with.  The Warriors are at Maryvale this Wednesday.  Their big debut sets up an opening for Flyers if they can knock off Cheektowaga like they did in last season's quarterfinals, after starting the season 2-0 and defeating Olean.

 

- Health Sciences and East Aurora are the two highest ranked teams in the Far West Region.  That would mean the Class B crossover game would also be a ticket to Glens Falls...err...Binghamton.  (Going to take awhile to train the brain that Glens Falls no longer equals NYSPHAA state championships).  Hornell is Section V's highest ranked team in Class B and East Aurora opened its season with a win over them.

 

- Chautauqua Lake and East are predicted to face off in the overall Class C Final.  However, East Rochester of Section V is ranked #2 in Class C, ahead of both teams.  History suggests that the Section VI winner beating the Section V winner in Class C is about as sure a thing as Olean advancing to the regional when they are in Class B.  The last time Section VI didn't send its Class C sectional champion to the state final four was in 2009.  That was so long ago that, to put in perspective, 2009 was the year Kyle Husband won his first Manhattan Cup at Canisius.  My apologies to the Bombers of East Rochester, but I like what history is telling me and think Section VI keeps that streak going for at least a couple more years.

 

- Section VI has three Class D teams ranked in the state. As is always the case, Rochester's highest ranked Class D team is a private school (CG Finney this season).  One of my favorite parts of the season is watching our Class D winner knock off what should be a Class B private school team, masquerading as a Class D public school.  It makes for a great start to Regional Saturday.  

 

Click HERE for the complete NYSSWA State Rankings.

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots 2017 - Week 1

(Jayce Johnson & Canisius are at the top of my opening Poll Ballot) 

 

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

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (MMA) - In the Season Preview, I said I'd learned my lesson and was done picking against the Crusaders.  Then I watched them twice this weekend, including a win over defending Class AA state champion Aquinas.  Different players stepped up in each game for Canisius.  They take on Jamestown this Saturday night in the ADPRO Challenge finale.

2. Park (MMA) - After grinding one out in an overtime win at Niagara Falls, the Pioneers looked like a well-oiled machine in a rout of East at the Pastor-Cooper Showcase.  Imagine the talent that will be on the floor when they face Dom Welch & Cheektowaga this Saturday at the ADPRO Challenge.

3. Timon (MMA) - The Tigers open their season at home tomorrow night against Bishop Kearney.  With all they have back, along with the addition of Master Radford playing next to Davion Warren in the paint, this could be the best Timon team in a while.

4. Williamsville South (A1) - I've had a lot of people telling me the Billies wouldn't be as good this season because they lost such a strong senior class.  I've been disagreeing with that sentiment.  Greg Dolan is like having three starters back and you know he's taking another big step forward from sophomore to junior season.  And his supporting cast is way more talented than skeptical fans realize.  We learn a lot more about the Billies tonight, off to a 2-0 start, and giving up their home game in the 'Battle of Main Street' to take on Amherst at Daemen.

5. North Tonawanda (A1) - One coach calls this the greatest NT team of all-time.  Time will tell, but a 3-0 start includes wins over Niagara Falls and Health Sciences.  They have size, chemistry, depth, and talent.  This group is fired up early and believing in itself.  And that defense...

6. Niagara Falls (AA) - Oh those Wolverines.  They take Park to overtime one night before a thrilling comeback win over completely loaded UPrep squad.  Then they head to the Lumber Yard in North Tonawanda and score 37 points.  I like this Falls team a lot, but they have to be the same team on the road.  Over the last four minutes at NT, they looked like the team I watched for 65 minutes at the Cataract City Classic last weekend (they played a total of 68 minutes last weekend, but stumbled for the first three minutes of the game against UPrep and then snapped out of it).  

7. St. Francis (MMA) - After Orchard Park won its first two games of the season by a combined 75 points, the Red Raiders smacked them by 34 points.  Then they took a West Seneca East team that owns a double-digit win over South Park, down by 48 points.  This seems to be the one team people are sleeping on the most.  Time to wake up, this is the best St. Francis team in the last 10 years.

8. Cheektowaga (A2) - The Warriors are playing a nonleague schedule that is beyond ambitious.  But early on, they found out they can hang with the likes of Class AA Bishop Kearney and perennial WNY powerhouse Canisius.  Then they knocked off Nazareth on Saturday by putting a solid 32 minutes together and getting a great game out of Vaughn Burdette.  The Warriors have been bringing the defensive intensity, getting some solid play from Adrian Baugh, and then there's this other kid who's pretty good for them too.

9. McKinley (A1) - Returning only Davonti Wardlaw to their starting lineup, the Macks took down a Kenmore West team with a very talented and experienced backcourt.  The team has some things to work on, but they are easily correctable.  As you would expect from a McKinley team, there was no lack of effort.  The Macks have gone undefeated in the Yale Cup for two straight seasons and I didn't pick them to win their league this season because, well, I'm an idiot.

10. Maryvale (A2) - I wrote in the Season Preview that I could see them spending some time in the large school poll this season.  Hey look, I was right.  The Flyers' win over Olean to start their season could be the start of something special.  Ray Blackwell played a big time game, but several players on that team made the big plays late in regulation and overtime. Remember, this is the team that kept Cheektowaga from reaching Buff State last season.  And it just so happens that they host the Warriors this Wednesday night.  

 

Small Schools 

1. Health Sciences (B2) - With the way the Falcons have started their season, they absolutely deserve this spot.  They beat a Dunkirk team that was beyond impressive in its win at Lancaster.  They blew out Cardinal O'Hara, and I don't think another small school could do that.  But most impressive may be the way they battled at North Tonawanda on Wednesday.

2. East Aurora (B1) - The Blue Devils have every reason to believe this is their season, despite being dealt a huge dose of humility from Olean in a 21-point loss.  I think they got caught in a barrage of momentum created by a defending state championship Huskies team playing in front of a home crowd and couldn't dig out of a first half hole.  They should have a game against Orchard Park coming up this Saturday if both teams advance in the Southtowns Tournament at EA.

3. Dunkirk (B1) - If you want to attribute Dunkirk's early success to a championship mentality created by the football team, that's fine.  But when I watched them, my take was these guys are really good and play their butts off.  The Marauders have a very intriguing matchup at St. Francis tomorrow night.

4. East (C2) - The Panthers haven't shown a lot of depth yet this season, but the guys who take the court for East make them the team to beat in Section VI Class C.  They stood toe-to-toe with Amherst in the Cataract City Classic and I think they'll make some noise in Yale Cup I as well, a league that will have them hardened for the postseason.

5. Lackawanna (B2) - The Steelers just dealt Alden a 44-point loss, winning by more points than they allowed.  That win followed a Hamburg Lions Club Tournament championship win over a good Hamburg team.  Keep an eye on these guys, who I'm expecting will take an undefeated record into the New Year.

6. Cardinal O'Hara (MMA) - The Hawks are very young, but they have a lot of guys who can play.  Opening the season against Health Sciences who is not only sitting at the top of this ballot, but also had four games under its belt, was a tall order that got away from them at the start of the second half.  They face Newfane in the ADPRO Challenge this week, who is a team sitting just outside of this ballot with a win over MST Seneca (who beat Middle College).  It's the perfect "take care of business" game for a team that wants to know where they stand.

7. Gowanda (B2) - The only thing we have to go on at this point is a 30-point win over Roy-Hart, which really doesn't tell us much, considering the Rams' other three games were against Section V teams.  Still, I had the Panthers as favorites to win CCAA I East and see them as a Buff State team and a notch above the other Southern Tier small schools, with the exception of Dunkirk.  A visit from Ellicottville tomorrow night will answer some questions.

8. Burgard (B1) - For me, this is the surprise team of the early season.  The Bulldogs began their season with a difficult road win at Franklinville. Before you dimiss that one, consider they are a team that could be your Class D champions this year.  Then over the weekend, Burgard won at Medina by 18 points - more than Williamsville North beat the Mustangs by on a neutral court.

9. Chautauqua Lake (C1) - The Thunderbirds began their season with a pair of 30-point wins over Westfield & Frewsburg.  Remember, this is the team that lost the Class C1 Final to Olmsted by three at JCC in March.  If there were two of me, one of them would be watching them play Ellicottville tonight (the other will be at Daemen to watch Amherst vs. Will South tonight at 7:30 pm).

10. Ellicottville (D) - The Eagles are 3-0 and each win has come against Class C schools.  My trip to Ellicottville was the first game I covered this season, and I can attest, these guys are good.  The bad weather forces the Eagles to make up a tournament championship game tonight against Chautauqua Lake (#9 on my ballot), then turn around and play at Gowanda (#7 on my ballot) tomorrow night.

 

-centercourt

Classifications for the 2017 Season

                      

 

Class AA (10 Teams)                                                        

Niagara Falls - NFL                                                                     

Jamestown - ECIC I                                                              

Kenmore West - NFL                                                                 

Lancaster - ECIC I                                                                       

Frontier - ECIC I                                                                         

Willaimsville North - ECIC I                                                            

Niagara Wheatfield - NFL                                                          

Orchard Park - ECIC I                                                              

Lockport - NFL                                                                             

Clarence - ECIC I

 

Class A1 (10 Teams)                                                              

Williamsville South - ECIC II                                                   

McKinley - Yale Cup I                                                                

North Tonawanda - NFL                                                           

Hamburg - ECIC II                                                               

Grand Island - NFL                                                                   

West Seneca East - ECIC II                                                      

Sweet Home - ECIC II                                                               

Williamsville East - ECIC II                                                 

West Seneca West - ECIC I                                                      

Hutch-Tech - Yale Cup I  

 

Class A2 (11 Teams)

Amherst - ECIC II

South Park - Yale Cup

Cheektowaga - ECIC III

Olean - CCAA I West

Maryvale - ECIC III

Lew-Port – NFL

Starpoint - ECIC III

Lake Shore - ECIC III

Pioneer - ECIC III

Iroquois - ECIC II

Kenmore East - NFL

 

Class B1 (16 Teams)                                                            

East Aurora - ECIC III                                                    

Newfane - N-O                                                                     

MST Seneca - Yale Cup II                                                   

Depew - ECIC III                                                                      

Dunkirk - CCAA I West                                                          

Burgard - Yale Cup I                                                                

Riverside - Yale Cup I                                                              

CSAT - NFL                                                                             

Emerson - Yale Cup I                                                            

Alden - ECIC IV                                                                  

I-Prep - Yale Cup II                                                                 

Fredonia - CCAA I West                                                        

City Honors - Yale Cup II                                                    

Albion - N-O                                                                           

Tonawanda - ECIC IV                                                           

Springville - ECIC IV

 

Class B2 (15 Teams)

Health Sciences - Charter

Middle College - Yale Cup I

Medina - N-O

Gowanda - CCAA I East

Lackawanna - ECIC IV

Olmsted - Yale Cup II

JFK - ECIC IV

Wilson - N-O

Roy-Hart - N-O

Akron - N-O

Oracle - Charter

Southwestern - CCAA I West

Eden - ECIC IV

Buffalo Arts - Yale Cup II

Lafayette - Yale Cup II

                                                                  

Class C1 (10 Teams)                                                    

Chautauqua Lake - CCAA I West                                            

Cleveland Hill - ECIC IV                                                           

Portville - CCAA I East                                                      

Salamanca - CCAA I East                                                       

Allegany-Limestone - CCAA I East                                        

Maritime - Charter                                                                     

DaVinci - Yale Cup II                                                               

Tapestry - Charter                                                                  

Falconer - CCAA I West                                                           

Cassadaga Valley - CCAA II West

 

Class C2 (11 Teams)

East - Yale Cup I

Randolph - CCAA I East

Barker - N-O

Silver Creek - CCAA I East

Maple Grove - CCAA I West

BASCS - Charter

Cattaraugus/Little Valley - CCAA II East

Frewsburg - CCAA II West

Holland - ECIC IV

Global Concepts - Charter

Westfield - CCAA II West

 

Class D (9 Teams)

Ellicottville - CCAA II East

Sherman - CCAA II West

Franklinville - CCAA II East

Clymer - CCAA II West

Pine Valley - CCAA II East

Panama - CCAA II West

Forestville - CCAA II East 

Brocton - CCAA II West

North Collins - CCAA II East

 

Monsignor Martin Class A

Canisius

Park

Timon

St. Francis

St. Joe's

 

Monsignor Martin Class B

Nichols

Cardinal O'Hara

St. Mary's

Walsh

CCA

Niagara Catholic

 

-centercourt                

Season Preview: 2016-2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 The 2016-2017 Pre-View From Centercourt contains:

- Feature on Jeff Anastasia & Dominick Welch

- What's New

- Returning 2016 All-Centercourt Players

- Player Watch List for 2017

- A League-by-League look at the teams

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

- CoachingChanges

- Classification Changes

- Preseason Top 10 Large & Small Schools

- Predictions

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

What's New

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

- Six teams have changed leagues from last season:

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Players

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

Returning First Teamers
 Dominick Welch - Cheektowaga, Senior

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

 * as a junior

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


 Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, Junior

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

 * as a sophomore 

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

 

Returning Second Teamer

 James Rojas - Jamestown, Senior

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

 * as a junior

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

 

Returning Fourth Teamer

Tavien Kemp - Walsh, Senior

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

 * as a junior

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

 

 

Returning 2016 Honorable Mentions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Player Watch List:

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

 

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

 

League-By-League 

Monsignor Martin Association

Large Schools - CLASS A

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

Small Schools - CLASS B 

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

 ***

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Section VI

YALE CUP I

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emerson: no information provided by coach

Hutch-Tech: no information provided by coach

 

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YALE CUP II

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

***

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

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

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

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

Lafayette: no information provided by coach

DaVinci: no information provided by coach

Buffalo Arts: no information provided by coach

 

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ECIC I

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

West Seneca West: no information provided by coach

 

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ECIC II

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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ECIC III

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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ECIC IV

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

 ***

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

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

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

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

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

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

Holland: no information provided by coach

Eden: no information provided by coach

 

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Niagara Frontier League

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

 ***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kenmore East: no information provided by coach

 

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Niagara-Orleans

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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CCAA I West 

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

***

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

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

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

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

Maple Grove: no information provided by coach

 Southwestern: no information provided by coach

Falconer: no information provided by coach

 

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CCAA I East

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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CCAA II West 

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

***

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

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

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

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

Westfield: no information provided by coach

Frewsburg: no information provided by coach

Cassadaga Valley: no information provided by coach

 

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CCAA II East 

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Charter Schools

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

***

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

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

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

Tapestry: no information provided by coach

Maritime: no information provided by coach

Global Concepts: no information provided by coach

 

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Teams with New Coaches

Darren Fenn - Nichols

Michael Trzybinski - Alden

Don Baker - Barker

Jim Insley - Pioneer

Kevin Hind - Randolph

Geoff Hurley - Riverside

Adam Bennett - Salamanca

Aaron Emley - Southwestern

Matt Marinaro - West Seneca West

Brian Ellsworth - Maritime

Russ Barnes - Global Concepts

Jeff Liebner - Tapestry

Michael Ernst - Oracle

Gerald Briggs - BASCS

Randy Rakowski - Emerson

 

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Classification Changes

West Seneca West moves down from Class AA to Class A1

South Park moves down from Class A1 to Class A2

Olean moves up from Class B1 to Class A2

Riverside moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

Emerson moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

I-Prep moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

MST Seneca moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

Fredonia moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

Medina moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Lafayette moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Eden moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Buffalo Arts moves up from Class C1 to Class B2

Middle College moves up from Class C2 to Class B2

Olmsted moves up from Class C1 to Class B2

Falconer moves down from Class B2 to Class C1

DaVinci moves down from Class B2 to Class C1

Portville moves up from Class C2 to Class C1

East moves down from Class C1 to Class C2

Westfield moves up from Class D to Class C2

 

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Preseason Polls

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

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (MMA)

2. Park (MMA)

3. Niagara Falls (AA)

4. Timon (MMA)

5. Williamsville South (A1)

6. St. Francis (MMA)

7. South Park (A2)

8. Jamestown (AA)

9. Cheektowaga (A2)

10. McKinley (A1)

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

 

Small Schools

1. East Aurora

2. Health Sciences

3. Middle College

4. Medina

5. Cardinal O'Hara

6. East

7. Nichols

8. Gowanda

9. Newfane

10. Randolph

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

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Predictions

 

MMA Class A - Canisius

MMA Class B - Cardinal O'Hara

Yale Cup I - South Park

Yale Cup II - MST Seneca

ECIC I - Jamestown

ECIC II - Williamsville South

ECIC III - Cheektowaga

ECIC IV - Lackawanna

NFL - Niagara Falls

N-O - Medina

CCAA I West - Olean

CCAA I East - Gowanda

CCAA II West - Sherman

CCAA II East - Ellicottville

Charters - Health Sciences

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Manhattan Cup (A)

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

** Canisius **

 

Manhattan Cup (B)

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

** Nichols **

 

Class AA  

Final Four to reach Buffalo State:  

Niagara Falls, Jamestown, Kenmore West, & Lancaster

** Niagara Falls **

 

Class A1

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

** Williamsville South **

 

Class A2  

Final Four to reach Buffalo State:  

South Park, Cheektowaga, Olean, & Maryvale

** South Park **

 

Class B1

Final Four to reach Buffalo State:  

East Aurora, Newfane, MST Seneca, & Depew

** East Aurora **

 

Class B2

Final Four to reach Buffalo State:

Health Sciences, Middle College, Medina, & Gowanda

** Health Sciences **

 

Class C1  

Final Four to reach JCC:

Chautauqua Lake, Cleveland Hill, Portville, & Salamanca

** Chautauqua Lake **

 

Class C2  

Final Four to reach JCC:  

East, Randolph, Barker, & Maple Grove

** East **

 

Class D

Final Four to reach JCC:  

Ellicottville, Sherman, Franklinville, & Clymer

** Ellicottville **

 

-centercourt

The Schedule: 2016-2017 Season

CLICK HERE  FOR THE 2017-2018 SCHEDULE

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

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

 

Class B

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

Second Team:  Ben Eckstrom (Olean)

Third Team:  Tavien Kemp (Walsh)

Fifth Team:  Patrick Moore (Fredonia)

Eighth Team:  Jake Cavana (Olean)

Ninth Team:  Davon Gant  (I-Prep)

Tenth Team:  Nate Brawdy (Gowanda)

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

Thirteenth Team:  Marcellus Cooper (Nichols)

 

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

 

Class C

Player of the Year:  Gary Foster, Middle College

 

First Team:  JoJo Staton, Middle College

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

Third Team:  JaQuoine Fogan (Tapestry)

Fourth Team:  Trevon Thompson (Silver Creek)

Fifth Team:  Willard Anderson (East)

 

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

 

Class D

First Team:  Elliot Bowen (Ellicottville)

Second Team:  Chris Blose (Panama)

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

 

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

 

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

 

-centercourt

The 2016 All-Centercourt Team: The Best in WNY

 

First Team All-Centercourt

Stafford Trueheart - Canisius, Senior

20.8 PPG  /  10.5 RPG  /  2.7 APG  /  2.5 BPG

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

 

Dominick Welch - Cheektowaga, Junior

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

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

 

 
Jordan Nwora - Park, Senior

23.4 PPG  /  10.1 RPG  /  2.3 SPG  /  1.8 APG

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

 

Greg Dolan - Will South, Sophomore

18.2 PPG  /  7.7 RPG  /  6.0 APG  /  3.2 SPG

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

 

Gary Foster - Middle College, Senior

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

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

 

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

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

Takal Molson - Senior

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

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

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

Second Team All-Centercourt

Jernard Jackson - Lew-Port, Senior

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

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

 

TC Brown - Amherst, Senior

22.9 PPG  /  6.8 RPG  /  5.4 APG  /  4.3 SPG  

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

 

James Rojas - Jamestown, Junior

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

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

 

Maceo Jack - Williamsville North, Senior

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

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

 

Elijah Ramadhan - Olean, Senior

 14.3 PPG  /  9.5 RPG  /  3.7 APG  /  2.5 SPG

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

 

Third Team All-Centercourt

Amadi Ikpeze - Amherst, Senior

13.2 PPG  /  10.1 RPG  /  4.5 BPG  /  1.2 SPG

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

 

Christian Nodine - Starpoint, Senior

20.0 PPG  /  9.5 RPG  /  2.7 APG  /  1.5 SPG

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

 

Graham Dolan, Will South, Senior

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

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

 

Justin Jones - Canisius, Senior

10.8 PPG  /  5.7 RPG  /  3.4 APG  /  2.2 SPG

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

 

Ben Eckstrom - Olean, Junior

15.6 PPG  /  6.5 RPG  /  2.0 SPG  /  1.2 APG

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

 

 Fourth Team All-Centercourt

Tavien Kemp - Walsh, Junior

21.0 PPG  /  4.5 RPG  /  3.7 SPG  /  3.5 APG 

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

 

JoJo Staton - Middle College, Senior

18.8 PPG  /  2.6 APG  /  2.0 RPG  /  1.5 SPG

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

  

Patrick Moore - Fredonia, Senior

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

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

 

Shaquan Jones - McKinley, Senior

16.4 PPG  /  9.1 RPG  /  3.1 SPG  /  3.1 APG

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

 

Breon Harris - Niagara Falls, Senior

12.0 PPG  /  3.1 SPG  /  2.8 APG  /  2.1 RPG  

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

 

Fifth Team All-Centercourt

Brandon Roach - Olmsted, Senior

24.6 PPG  /  6.1 RPG  /  3.3 APG  /  2.8 SPG

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

 

Jake Cavana - Olean, Senior

10.0 PPG  /  3.0 APG  /  2.4 RPG  /  2.3 SPG

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

 

Madut Ayiy - Canisius, Senior

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

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

 

 

Quinton Lamar - Timon, Senior

16.4 PPG  /  5.0 RPG  /  2.9 APG  /  1.7 RPG   

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

 

 

Kyle Harris - Park, Senior

13.3 PPG  /  3.5 RPG  /  2.3 APG  /  1.4 SPG

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

 

Honorable Mention

Mason Bosley - Randolph, Senior

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

 

Trevon Thompson - Silver Creek, Senior

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

 

Davon Gant - I-Prep, Senior

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

 

Andy Xaspos - Roy-Hart, Senior

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

 

Jason Dowell - Emerson, Senior

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

 

JaQuoine Fogan - Tapestry, Senior

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

 

Ryan Dils - Hamburg, Senior

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

 

Avius Outlaw - McKinley, Senior

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

 

Chris Blose - Panama, Senior

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

 

Nathan Nielson - Niagara Wheatfield, Senior

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

 

Noah Thompson - East Aurora, Senior

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

 

Adam Moore - Walsh, Senior

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

 

Brock Kroening - Starpoint, Senior

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

 

Alex Konst - Lancaster, Senior

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

 

Josh Eddy - Panama, Senior

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

 

Keyon Johnson - McKinley, Senior

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

 

Jarod Burmaster - Fredonia, Senior 

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

 

Will Atkinson - Canisius, Senior

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

  

Hunter Anderson - Park, Senior

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

 

Sean Hill - Williamsville North, Senior

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

   

 Derek Schmidt - Olean, Senior

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

    

Chris Robson - Sherman, Junior

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

 

Shakus Harris - South Park, Junior

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

 

Will Johnson - Nichols, Junior

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

 

Christian Churakos - Walsh, Junior

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

 

Marcellus Cooper - Nichols, Junior

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

 

Qeyion Williams - Niagara Falls, Junior

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

 

Davion Warren - Timon, Junior

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

   

Nate Brawdy - Gowanda, Sophomore

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

 

Elliot Bowen - Ellicottville, Sophomore

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

 

Devin Pope - Chautauqua Lake, Sophomore

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

 

Willard Anderson - East, Sophomore

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

 

Jalin Cooper - Medina, Sophomore

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

   

Ray Blackwell - Maryvale, Sophomore

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

  

Noah Hutchins - Park, Freshman

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

 

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

 

Sixth Man of the Year

Jayce Johnson - Canisius, Sophomore

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

 

 

All-Centercourt Defenders

First Team

Breon Harris - Niagara Falls, Senior

Graham Dolan - Williamsville South, Senior

Shaquan Jones - McKinley, Senior

Derek Schmidt - Olean, Senior

Stafford Trueheart - Canisius, Senior

 

Second Team

Jake Cavana - Olean, Senior

Madut Ayiy - Canisius, Senior

Zacc Kinsey - Jamestown, Senior

Justin Jones - Canisius, Senior

Amir Jemes - Middle College, Senior

 

Third Team

Jake Lewis - Silver Creek, Senior

Nathan Woldu - Amherst, Senior

Jayce Johnson - Canisius, Sophomore

Patrick Moore - Fredonia, Senior

Nick Montgomery - East Aurora, Junior

 

Centercourt #BOOM Squad

First Team

Stafford Trueheart - Canisius, Senior

Dominick Welch - Cheektowaga, Junior

Gary Foster - Middle College, Senior

Maceo Jack - Williamsville North, Senior

Marcellus Cooper - Nichols, Sophomore

 

Second Team

Charles Lamar - Niagara Falls, Junior

Jordan Nwora - Park, Senior

Madut Ayiy - Canisius, Senior

Graham Dolan - Williamsville South, Senior

Amadi Ikpeze - Amherst, Senior

 

Coach of the Year

Jeff Anastasia, Olean

 

-centercourt

Poll Ballots - 2016 - Season Finale

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

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

 

Large Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Small Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

-centercourt

Section VI All-Tournament Teams - 2016

(South sophomore Greg Dolan led his team to another Section VI crown with an MVP performance / Photo by Harry Scull)

 

Section VI All-Tournament Teams are selected based on games played during the semifinal and championship rounds of sectionals, and do not include crossover or quarterfinal rounds.  Click here to see brackets from every section in NYS, including other All-Tournament teams.

 

Class AA

MVP - Qeyion Williams - Niagara Falls

 

Breon Harris - Niagara Falls

Syquan Ralands - Niagara Falls

James Rojas - Jamestown

Maceo Jack - Williamsville North

Alex Damiani - Lancaster

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

 

Class A1

MVP - Greg Dolan - Williamsville South

 

Graham Dolan - Williamsville South

Avius Outlaw - McKinley

Shaquan Jones - McKinley

Shakur Harris - South Park

Brendan Ryan - Hamburg

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

 

Class A2

MVP - Jernard Jackson - Lew-Port

 

Amadi Ikpeze - Amherst

TC Brown - Amherst

Christian Nodine - Starpoint

Brock Kroening - Starpoint

Floyd Remley - Maryvale

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

 

Class B1

MVP - Ben Eckstrom - Olean

 

Jake Cavana - Olean

Nick Montgomery - East Aurora

Noah Thompson - East Aurora

Jalin Cooper - Medina

Isaiah Thomas - Dunkirk

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

 

Class B2

MVP - Patrick Moore - Fredonia

 

Jarod Burmaster - Fredonia

Michael Pucci - Fredonia

Tyron Lott - Health Sciences

Davon Gant - I-Prep

Andy Xaspos - Roy-Hart

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

 

Class C1

MVP - Master Radford - Olmsted

 

Brandon Roach - Olmsted

Carter Davidson - Chautauqua Lake

Aaron Swan - Chautauqua Lake

JaQuoine Fogan - Tapestry

Bailey Higby - Allegany-Limestone

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

 

Class C2

MVP - Jojo Staton - Middle College

 

Gary Foster - Middle College

Trevon Thompson - Silver Creek

Brady Woeben - Silver Creek

Mason Bosley - Randolph

Nick Gehm - Portville

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

 

Class D

MVP - Chris Blose - Panama

 

Jack Payne - Panama

Josh Odell - Panama

Elliot Bowen - Ellicottville

Chris Robson - Sherman

Sam Erickson - Franklinville

 

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JCC Friday - 2016

(Panama celebrates winning the Section VI Class D title / Photo by James McCoy)

 

Olmsted 54, Chautauqua Lake 51

The Owls took the lead early in the first quarter and never trailed the rest of the way, to earn their first Section VI title in program history.  The champions of Class C1 will now face Middle College on Tuesday night at Buff State for the right to advance to the Class C Far West Regional.

 

Sophomore Master Radford was sensational, as Olmsted looked to him early and often, while he delivered 17 of his game-high 22 points in the first half to set the tone.  The Owls spaced the floor and did an excellent job moving the ball.  Senior scoring leader Brandon Roach distributed the ball and facilitated all evening, deferring to his teammates.  Christian Barnes came through with 12 points, including a pair of 3-pointers in the third quarter that were key to combating Chautauqua Lake's attempts to make a run.

 

First year head coach Andy Bush saw his team make tremendous strides over the course of the season after finishing second in Yale Cup II.

 

"We all had the same goal, not just winning but getting better each and every day," Bush said. "This is another step."

 

Chautauqua Lake's heart was also most impressive, as players like Aaron Swan, Carter Davidson, and Devin Pope left everything on the court for the Thunderbirds.  The team battled back from a double figure deficit to make it a one possession game several times in the final stanza and missed a 3-pointer in the final seconds that would have sent the game to overtime.

 

Point Totals

Olmsted:  Master Radford 22, Christian Barnes 12, Brandon Roach 9, Kaelan Clouser 7, Anthony Mendrysa 2, Austin Parham 2

Chautauqua Lake:  Aaron Swan 21, Carter Davidson 17, Devin Pope 10, Tyler Meredith 3

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

 

Middle College 68, Silver Creek 60

For the fifth consecutive season, and the sixth time in seven years, the Kats are Section VI champions.  Middle College will look to get back to the Far West Regional when it faces Olmsted on Tuesday in the overall Class C championship game.

 

Jojo Staton put on a show, dropping 29 points on the Black Knights in a championship game performance.  Billy Rivera added 17 points, including a key 3-pointer to give his team the lead back heading into the final stanza.

 

Silver Creek had gone ahead on the scoreboard after falling behind 30-13 in the second quarter.  The Black Knights used a 29-11 run to take the lead, led by an inspiring performance from freshman call-up Brady Woeben, who scored a team-high 15 points.  Senior Trevon Thompson also scored 15 points for the Black Knights, while Jake Lewis battled inside all evening, scoring eight points, grabbing key rebounds, and defending Gary Foster and Brian Johnson.  Chase Scanlan also hustled all over the court and did the little things for the Black Knights, who despite being out-matched, executed their game plan brilliantly and gave themselves a chance at the upset.

 

"I told him the better coach lost today," said Middle College coach Randy Rich, when asked what he said to Silver Creek coach Rob Genco in the handshake line.  The two coaches have faced each other in elimination games four times since 2012.

 

Rich was quick to credit the work put in by his athletes and deflected all praise to his assistant coaches, crediting them for having his team ready.

 

Point Totals

Middle College:  Jojo Staton 29, Billy Rivera 17, Gary Foster 7, Hakeem Dobbins 5, Brian Johnson 4, Lorenzo Truitt 4, Amir Jemes 2

Silver Creek:  Trevon Thompson 15, Brady Woeben 15, Chase Scanlan 13, Jake Lewis 8, Heron Snow 6, Chris Williams 3

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

 

Panama 56, Ellicottville 36

For the second time since 2012, the Panama Panthers are Section VI champions in Class D.  They will move on to the Far West Regional at Buff State on Saturday to face the Class D champ from Section V.  Panama is amidst a 20-game win streak, the second longest in WNY.

 

Chris Blose played like a senior, willing his way to the basket and finishing, turning in a game-high 19 points.  Jack Payne and Josh Odell were excellent contributors as well, finishing with 15 & 13 points respectively.  The senior laden Panthers' squad has weapons at every position and will be a tough out for any team moving forward.

 

"These guys are doing something special," said Panama coach Ed Nelson.  "They’re a lot of fun to coach."

 

While Panama's Chris Blose was the player of the game, Ellicottville sophomore Ellliot Bowen was as good as advertised.  The Eagles relied heavily on him throughout the game, as he showed solid footwork and poise in the paint.  His team will be in the mix the next two seasons based on his presence alone.

Point Totals

Panama: Chris Blose 19, Jack Payne 15, Josh Odell 13, Josh Eddy 4, Dylan Marsh 3, Jarett Yuchnitz 2

Ellicottville:  Elliot Bowen 18, Austin Grinols 6, Griffin Chudy 4, Cameron Eddy 3, Justin Summers 2, Chad Boldt 2, Tom Easton 1

 

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Brackets Central - 2016

 

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

 

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

 

Buff State Week Viewing Guide

 Sectional Preview - 2016

Manhattan Cup

Class AA Bracket

Class A1 Bracket

Class A2 Bracket

Class B1 Bracket

Class B2 Bracket

Class C1 Bracket

Class C2 Bracket

Class D Bracket 

 

Olean Huskies - Undefeated State Champs

Middle College Kats - 2016 State Champs

South falls short in Glens Falls

Olean's on the brink of history

Middle College now one win away

Panama unable to finish at Glens Falls

Far West Regionals - 2016

Crossover Tuesday

Manhattan Cup Finals - 2016

Section VI All-Tournament Teams - 2016

Championship Saturday

JCC Friday - 2016

Olean & East Aurora are on to the B1 Final

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

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

Class A2 Semifinals: Lew-Port & Amherst advance

Manhattan cup Play-in games

Walsh wraps up division title

Lancaster is going back to Buff State

Newfane advances to quarterfinals

State Rankings heading into postseason

Poll Ballots - Week 10

  

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Class C1 & C2 Brackets - 2016 Sectionals

 

Class C1

Pre-Quarterfinal - Wednesday, February 17th

(8) Allegany-Limestone 68, (9) Salamanca 47

(7) WNY Maritime 71, (10) Cassadaga Valley 54

 

Quarterfinals - Friday, February 19th

(8) Allegany-Limestone 52, (1) Cleveland Hill 39

(4) Chautauqua Lake 48, (5) East 47

 

(2) Olmsted 75, (7) WNY Maritime 32

(3) Tapestry 73, (6) Bennett 65

 

 Semifinals - Tuesday, February 23rd

AT JCC - 5:15 pm & 6:45 pm

(2) Olmsted 70, (3) Tapestry 64

(4) Chautauqua Lake 53, (8) Allegany-Limestone 41

 

 Final - Friday, February 26th

AT JCC - 8:15 pm

 (2) Olmsted 54, (4) Chautauqua Lake 51

 

2016 Section VI Class C1 Champions - Olmsted Owls

 

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

 Class C2

 

Pre-Quarterfinal - Wednesday, February 17th

(9) Global Concepts 79, (8) Buffalo Science 67

(7) Portville 62, (10) Maple Grove 56

 

Quarterfinals - Friday, February 27th

(1) Middle College 97, (9) Global Concepts 49

(4) Randolph 78, (5) Barker 35

 

(7) Portville 43, (2) Holland 36

(3) Silver Creek 58, (6) Frewsburg 50

 

Semifinals - Monday, February 22nd

AT JCC - 5:15 pm & 6:45 pm

(3) Silver Creek 58, (7) Portville 54

(1) Middle College 57, (4) Randolph 47

 

 Final - Friday, February 26th

AT JCC - 7:00 pm

(1) Middle College 68, (3) Silver Creek 60

 

2016 Section VI Class C2 Champions - Middle College Kats

 

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

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

 

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

 

Monday, February 1st

Olmsted @ I-Prep - 6 pm

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

 

Tuesday, February 2nd

McKinley @ East - 6 pm

Medina @ Wilson - 6 pm

Lew-Port @ Niagara Wheatfield - 6:30 pm

Niagara Falls @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Kenmore West @ North Tonawanda - 7 pm

Jamestown @ Williamsville North - 7:30 pm

Lancaster @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm

Cheektowaga @ East Aurora - 7:30 pm

Randolph @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, February 3rd

MST Seneca @ Olmsted - 6 pm

Park @ Canisius - 6 pm

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

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

St. Francis @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

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

 

Thursday, February 4th

South Park @ McKinley - 6 pm

Newfane @ Roy-Hart - 6:30 pm

Chautauqua Lake @ Panama - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, February 5th

Olmsted @ Emerson - 6 pm

Park @ Timon - 6:30 pm

Niagara Wheatfield @ Grand Island - 6:30 pm

Lockport @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Lew-Port @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

Olean @ Fredonia - 7 pm

East Aurora @ Maryvale - 7:30 pm

Pine Valley @ Franklinville - 7:30 pm

Randolph @ Portville - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, February 6th

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

Cathedral Prep @ Canisius - 3 pm

Jamestown @ Leadership Academy - 4 pm

Battle at the Border at Niagara Falls HS

Timon vs. Sir Allan MacNab - 3 pm

Aquinas vs. Vaughn - 4:45 pm

Niagara Falls vs. Henry Carr - 6:30 pm

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

-centercourt

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

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

 

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

 

Monday, January 25th

Burgard @ Grand Island - 6:30 pm

Jamestown @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

Cleveland Hill @ Depew - 7:30 pm

Silver Creek @ Randolph - 7:30 pm

Portville @ Franklinville - 7:30 pm

Chautauqua Lake @ Pine Valley - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 26th

Walsh @ Canisius - 6:30 pm

Rochester East @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Tapestry @ Grand Island - 6:30 pm

Southwestern @ Gowanda - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 27th

Pine Valley @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 28th

Health Sciences @ Timon - 6:30 pm

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

Roy-Hart @ Medina - 6:30 pm

Aquinas @ Canisius - 7 pm

 

Friday, January 29th

Cardinal O'Hara @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

North Tonawanda @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

East Aurora @ Amherst - 6:30 pm

Lockport @ Lew-Port - 7 pm

Cleveland Hill @ Alden - 7 pm

Niagara Catholic @ Nichols - 7:30 pm

Chautauqua Lake @ Fredonia - 7:30 pm

Allegany-Limestone @ Randolph - 7:30 pm

Gowanda @ Portville - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 30th

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

Tapestry @ Health Sciences - 2:30 pm

Niagara Falls @ Bishop Kearney - 3 pm

RAP Classic at Aquinas

East Aurora vs. Livonia - 2 pm

Cheektowaga vs. West Irondequoit - 3:45 pm

Canisius vs. Greece Athena - 5:30 pm

Aquinas vs. Rush-Henrietta - 7:15 pm

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

-centercourt

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

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

 

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

 

Monday, January 18th

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

 

Tuesday, January 19th

Health Sciences @ Tapestry - 6 pm

Timon @ Park - 6:30 pm

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

Medina @ Newfane - 6:30 pm

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

North Tonawanda @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

Niagara Wheatfield @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Gowanda @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 20th

Middle College @ South Park - 6 pm

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

Orchard Park @ Williamsville North - 7:30 pm

Chautauqua Lake @ Southwestern - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 21st

Silver Creek @ Portville - 6:30 pm

Nichols @ Niagara Catholic - 7:30 pm

Randolph @ Gowanda - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 22nd

East @ Middle College - 6 pm 

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

Nichols @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

Lockport @ Niagara Wheatfield - 6:30 pm

Williamsville South @ Starpoint - 7 pm

Lew-Port @ North Tonawanda - 7 pm

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

Jamestown @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm

Cheektowaga @ Amherst - 7:30 pm

Southwestern @ Dunkirk - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 23rd

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

Canisius @ Park - 3 pm

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

-centercourt

NYSSWA State Rankings - Week 5 - 2016

 

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

 

Class AA

No Teams Ranked

 

Class A 

Park #1

Canisius #4

Amherst #12

McKinley #15

Williamsville South #23

 

 Class B

Olean #1

Walsh #6

St. Mary's #17

Fredonia #22

Health Sciences #24

 

 Class C 

Middle College #8

Tapestry #10

Chautauqua Lake #18

 

 Class D

Franklinville #9

Panama #17

 

** According to the rankings... 

 

There's still at least three teams from Section V's Class AA that are better than any team in Section VI.  Fairport #6, Aquinas #9, and Rochester East #23 all sit in the top 25.  Fairport hosts Aquinas on Wednesday night in a likely Section V Class AA final preview.  

 

- Amherst, McKinley, & Williamsville South all moved up one spot in Class A, while Park & Canisius remained where they were (#1 & #4 respectively).

 

- It will be interesting/laughable to see how they handle the result of Saturday's game between #4 Canisius and #15 McKinley.

 

- Panama enters the Class D rankings at #17, the second Section VI team to be ranked along with Franklinville.

 

And now for the fun part...all of the illogical movement this week, starting with Class B:

 

• St. Mary's smashes Health Sciences (who had been #20 in NYS Class B) by 31 points and beats Cardinal O'Hara, then loses a competitive game to Park (#1 NYS Class A).  St. Mary's drops two spots!
• Meanwhile, Fredonia beats unranked Dunkirk & Silver Creek by 10 points each, then loses a competitive game to Olean (#1 NYS Class B).  Fredonia makes its first appearance in the rankings at #22. 

*** Am I missing something???  The results of St. Mary's & Fredonia are similar, but definitely more impressive from a Lancers perspective.  Both won two games and lost one to the number one team in the state.  The difference, St. Mary's beat a state ranked Class B team by 31 and lost to #1 in Class A.  The Hillbillies beat unranked teams, one in Class C, by 10 apiece, and lost to #1 in Class B.  I'm fine with Fredonia entering the rankings, but how in the world does Fredonia move up and St. Mary's move down???  By the way, Health Sciences dropped four spots for that 31 point loss (while St. Mary's, who beat them,  dropped two spots).

 

Now for Class C, and it just keeps getting better:

 

• Tapestry played just one game last week, a win over Randolph.  They had been #5 in NYS Class C.  Following the win over Randolph, Tapestry drops five spots to #10.  Let that one sink in for a moment.  It's going to sound even worse when you keep reading.
• Chautauqua Lake debuts in the Class C rankings at #18, coming off a victory over a two-win Maple Grove team.  Now I'm alright with Chautauqua Lake being ranked, but they shouldn't be in over Randolph.  Prior to Randolph's one-point loss to Tapestry on Saturday, Randolph beat Allegany-Limestone by 29.  Chautauqua Lake lost to Allegany-Limestone by 23.  So again, looking at Tapestry dropping five spots for beating Randolph, while Chautauqua Lakes debuts over Randolph, should have scratching your head pretty furiously by now!
• Then there's Middle College, who helps illustrate just how silly the approach to these state rankings is and why they should always be taken with a heavy dose of salt.  The Kats go from unranked to #8 and the highest ranked team from Section VI in Class C. 

 

** I'd have been fine with Middle College being ranked all along.  But instead, they wait for the record to get above .500 because they are not Mount Vernon.  Middle College beating Riverside and Burgard did nothing to show they were a top Class C team in the state, so waiting for a .500 record and then jumping a team from unranked to #8 is so stupid!  And they drop Tapestry, FIVE SPOTS, for winning.  

 

For complete NYSSWA State Rankings, click here.

 

 

-centercourt

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

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

 

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

 

Monday, January 11th

South Park @ East - 6 pm

Park @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

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

Dunkirk @ Chautauqua Lake - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 12th

MST Seneca @ Emerson - 6 pm

Roy-Hart @ Wilson - 6 pm

Maryvale @ Cheektowaga - 6:30 pm

Lew-Port @ Kenmore West - 6:30 pm

Williamsville North @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 13th

Middle College @ McKinley - 6 pm

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

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

 

Friday, January 15th

Health Sciences @ South Park - 6 pm

Niagara Catholic @ Walsh - 6:30 pm

Dunkirk @ St. Francis - 6:30 pm

Newfane @ Wilson - 6:30 pm

Cardinal O'Hara @ Tapestry - 6:30 pm

North Tonawanda @ Niagara Wheatfield - 6:30 pm

Niagara Falls @ Kenmore West - 7 pm

Timon @ St. Joe's - 7 pm

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

 

Saturday, January 16th

Maryvale @ Olean - 2:30 pm

Orchard Park @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

MLK Classic at City Honors

East vs. Sweet Home - 11 am

Middle College vs. Cheektowaga - 12:30 pm

McKinley vs. Canisius - 3:15 pm

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

-centercourt

All-League Teams - 2015

 

 

MONSIGNOR MARTIN ASSOCIATION

Class A

Player of the Year:

LaTerrance Reed - Canisius, 12

 

All-Catholic

Stafford Trueheart - Canisius, 11

Chris Miner - Nichols, 12

Cam Lewis - Nichols, 12

Marcell Davis - St. Joe's, 12

Kordell Holness-Lightbody, St. Francis, 12

Derick Simpson - Timon, 12

 

Class B

Player of the Year:

Jordan Nwora - Park, 11

 

All-Catholic

Takal Molson - St. Mary's, 11

Derek Cheatom - Park, 12

Randy Golda - Park, 12

Buzz Watson - Walsh, 12

Tavien Kemp - Walsh, 10

Donel Cathcart - Cardinal O'Hara, 12

Sean Wilson - St. Mary's, 12

 

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

 

YALE CUP I

Co-Players of the Year:

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

 

First Team

Juwan Tolliver - McKinley, 12

Shaquan Jones - McKinley, 11

Fred Foster - Middle College, 11

JoJo Staton - Middle College, 11

 

Second Team

Damone Brown - East, 12

Amir Jemes - Middle College, 11

Brian Johnson - Middle College, 11

Isaiah Jamison - Burgard, 11

Jovell Littlejohn - East, 12

 

Third Team

Keyshawn Ridgeway - McKinley, 12

Dion Morrison - East, 12

Shakur Harris - South Park, 10

Jaylen Hall - Burgard, 12

Dante Campbell - Hutch-Tech, 12

 

Honorable Mention

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

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

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

Burgard:  Rodderick Morrow - 12, Emmanuel Moss - 12

South Park:  James Baker - 11

Riverside:  Alexander Johnson - 11, Damone McNamee - 12

Bennett:  Jose Rivera - 11, Alex Lofton - 12

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

 

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

 

YALE CUP II

Player of the Year:

Xavier Maye - I-Prep, 12

 

First Team

Terrance James - I-Prep, 12

Michael Simpson - Emerson, 11

Aaron Woods - Buffalo Arts, 12

Matt Cieslik - City Honors, 12

Brandon Roach - Olmsted, 11

Kyle Davis - DaVinci, 12

 

Second Team

Davon Gant - I-Prep, 11

JeQuan Wilson - MST Seneca, 11

Dominic Prince - MST Seneca, 10

Demetrius Brown - Buffalo Arts, 11

Jason Dowell - Emerson, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Lafayatte:  Julio Muriel - 12

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

Emerson:  Justin Acker - 11

Olmsted:  Dan Reid - 10

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

DaVinci:  Mike Horton - 10, Devonte Robinson - 12

 

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

 

ALL-ECIC

Player of the Year:

Zack Panebianco - Jamestown, 12

 

First Team

Zack Panebianco - Jamestown, 12

TC Brown - Amherst, 11

Dominick Welch - Cheektowaga, 10

Clay Lewis - Holland, 12

Sam Castronova - Williamsville South, 12

Nick Parucki - West Seneca East, 12

 

Second Team

Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, 9

Dylan Lambert - Williamsville North, 12

Zak Ciezki - Cheektowaga, 12

Cort Williams - Williamsville East, 12

Stephen Carlson - Jamestown, 12

Maceo Jack - Williamsville North, 11

 

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

 

ECIC I

Player of the Year:

Zack Panebianco - Jamestown, 12

 

First Team

Stephen Carlson - Jamestown, 12

Dylan Lambert - Williamsville North, 12

Maceo Jack - Williamsville North, 12

Jay Bergmann - Frontier, 12

Matt Sadowy - Clarence, 12

 

Second Team

Tyler Lis - Lancaster, 12

Alex Konst - Lancaster - 11

Frank Borzillieri - West Seneca West, 12

Sean Hill - Williamsville North, 11

Bryan Pulli - Clarence, 12

 

 Honorable Mention

Frontier:  David Estrada - 12, Jake Gleason - 12

Orchard Park:  Dan Freilicher - 11

Jamestown:  Zacc Kinsey - 11

 

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

 

ECIC II

Player of the Year:

Nick Parucki - West Seneca East 12

 

First Team

Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, 9

Sam Castronova - Williamsville South, 12

Christian Nodine - Starpoint, 11

Cort Williams - Williamsville East, 12

 

Second Team

Nicholas Clough - Williamsville East, 12

Brock Kroening - Starpoint, 11

Jordan Heine - Sweet Home, 12

Ben Walters - Starpoint, 11

Brendan Ryan - Hamburg, 11

 

 Honorable Mention

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

Sweet Home:  Brandon Smiley - 12

Hamburg:  Caleb Wood - 12

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

Iroquois:  Zach Emer - 12, Lucas Tait - 12

 

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

 

ECIC III

Player of the Year:

TC Brown - Amherst, 11

 

First Team

Zak Cieszki - Cheektowaga, 12

Dominik Welch - Cheektowaga, 10

Dorian Billups - Amherst, 12

Darien Lowe - Amherst, 12

Collin Gemerek - Depew, 12

 

Second Team

Noah Thompson - East Aurora, 11

Amadi Ikpeze - Amherst, 11

Mike Kelleher - Maryvale, 12

Vince Nourse - Pioneer, 12

Kyle Warner - Springville, 12

 

Honorable Mention

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

Cheektowaga:  Patrick Plummer - 12, Devon Camel - 12

East Aurora:  Mike Coatsworth - 12

Maryvale:  Ray Blackwell - 9

 

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

 

ECIC IV

Player of the Year:

Clay Lewis - Holland, 12

 

First Team

Jeremiah Jones - Lackawanna, 12

Joe Braniecki - JFK, 12

Anthony Sullivan - Cleveland Hill, 12

Larry Fields - Lackawanna, 12

Jermaine Hairston - Cleveland Hill, 12

Tristan Boling - Tonawanda, 12

 

Second Team

Rodney White - Cleveland Hill, 11

Jordan Stockweather - Alden, 11

Christian Snell - Alden, 9

Cale Byczkowski - JFK, 12

AJ Perlino - Holland, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Alden:  Dylan Riddoch - 11

Holland:  Matt Farrant - 12, EJ Staniszewski - 11

JFK:  Brendan Fox - 12

Lackawanna:  Jaelin Watson - 11, Darius Cleveland - 12

Tonawanda:  Cody Diaz - 11, Larenz Jefferson - 12

 

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

 

NIAGARA FRONTIER LEAGUE

First  Team

Chris Woodard - North Tonawanda, 12

Craig Paige - Lew-Port, 12

Jenard Jackson - Lew-Port, 11

Terrell Ford - Kenmore West, 11

Kelly Brown - Lockport, 11

 

Second Team

Breon Harris - Niagara Falls, 11

Nathan Nielson - Niagara Wheatfield, 11

Joe Kulikowski - Grand Island, 11

Qeyion Williams - Niagara Falls, 11

Ryan Gilbert - North Tonawanda, 11

 

Third Team

Mikey Bermudez - Niagara Falls, 12

Colin Carrey - Grand Island, 12

Trent White - Kenmore West, 12

Nathan Williams - Niagara Wheatfield, 12

Adam McNeill - North Tonawanda, 12

 

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

 

NIAGARA-ORLEANS

First Team

Kyle Bradley - Wilson, 12

Jason Hellwig - Medina, 12

Dylanta Carson - CSAT, 12

Andy Xaspos - Roy-Hart, 11

Gates Abrams - Akron, 11

 

Second Team

Evan Shank - Wilson, 12

Chris Sweeney - Barker, 12

Clayton Stanton - Albion, 12

Kyle Burdick - Newfane, 12

Justin Morgan - Medina, 11

 

 Honorable Mention

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

Barker:  Nate Luckman - 10, Tom Callaghan - 12

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

 

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

 

CCAA I WEST

Player of the Year:

John Piper - Fredonia, 12

 

First Team

Cam Voss - Fredonia, 12

Cody Johnson - Cassadaga Valley, 12

Patrick Moore - Fredonia, 11

Chucky Martin - Olean, 12

Isaiah Thomas - Dunkirk, 11

 

Second Team

Elijah Ramadhan - Olean, 11

Jake Cavana - Olean, 11

Ben Eckstrom - Olean, 10

Shamon Stewart - Dunkirk, 10

Ben Burk - Southwestern, 11

 

Honorable Mention

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

Fredonia:  Jarod Burmaster - 11

Olean:  Connor Prizel - 12

Falconer:  Sean Nord - 11, Ryan DePietro - 11

Dunkirk:  Rashad Brown - 11, Richard Pickens - 12

 

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

 

CCAA II WEST

Player of the Year:

Graham Soffel - Maple Grove, 12

 

First Team

Jake Card - Sherman, 12

Nathan Ottaway - Sherman, 12

Liam Tennies - Westfield, 12

Josh Eddy - Panama, 11

Chris Robson - Sherman, 10

 

Second Team

Tanner Dahl - Westfield, 12

Matt Hair - Frewsburg, 11

Jake Card - Sherman, 11

Chris Blose - Panama, 11

Cordell O'Brien - Frewsburg, 10

Josh Odell - Panama, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Panama:  Jack Payne - 11

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

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

Brocton:  Aaron Rifigiato - 10, Bryan Graves - 12

Frewsburg:  Kole Brink - 11

Westfield:  Trevor North - 11

Maple Grove:  Pat Nelson - 11

 

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

 

CCAA I EAST

Player of the Year:

 Bill Brooks - Silver Creek, 11

 

First Team

Bryce Morrison - Randolph, 12

Trevon Thompson - Silver Creek, 11

Isaac Hilyer  - Portville, 12

Jared Fish - Salamanca, 12

Tyler Siperek - Salamanca, 12

Cole Davis - Allegany-Limestone, 11

 

Second Team

Mason Bosley - Randolph, 12

Connor Gates - Silver Creek, 11

Andy Crandall - Salamanca, 12

Nate Brawdy - Gowanda, 9

Randy Jimerson - Gowanda, 12

Dominic Conroy - Allegany-Limestone, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Portville:  Zach Ewings - 12, Andrew Sarber - 12

Cattaraugus/Little Valley:  Darnell Pritchard - 12

Silver Creek:  Sherman Williams - 12

Gowanda:  Les Young - 12

Randolph:  Derek Young - 12

Salamanca:  Austin Elliott - 12

Allegany-Limestone:  Bailey Higby - 11

 

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

 

CCAA II EAST

Player of the Year:

Dylan Granger - Pine Valley, 12

 

First Team

Phalla Musall - Ellicottville, 12

Logan Youngberg - Forestville, 12

Caleb Makuch - Forestville, 12

Elliott Bowen - Ellicottville, 9

Ben Erickson - Franklinville, 12

Dylan Granger - Pine Valley, 12

 

Second Team

Dylan Szumigala - Forestville, 11

Dawson Bielecki - Franklinville, 11

Jordan Milks - Franklinville, 11

Kilian Abers - PineValley, 11

Austin Grinols - Ellicottville, 9

Emil Erlandson - West Valley, 12

 

Honorable Mention

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

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

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

Pine Valley:  Russell Hayes - 12

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

 

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

 

Charter Schools

Player of the Year:

Fred Searles - Global Concepts, 12

 

First Team

DeJuan Owens - Tapestry, 12

Tyrin Lott - Health Sciences, 9

Kenny White - Oracle, 11

Damon Glenn - Maritime, 12

Jordan Maxey - Tapestry, 12

 

Second Team

JaQuoine Fogan - Tapestry, 11

Kam Rashada - Health Sciences, 11

Naz Flood - Health Sciences, 12

Andre Bragg - Tapestry, 12

Fabian Pierce - Global Concepts, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Buffalo Science:  David Harris - 12

Oracle:  Shaundez Davis - 12, Shakur Bridges - 10

Global Concepts:  Dwight Dilbert - 10

Health Sciences:  Amarri Funderburk - 11

 

-centercourt

Section VI All-Tournament Teams - 2015

 

Section VI All-Tournament Teams are selected based on games played during the semifinal and championship rounds of sectionals, and do not include crossover or quarterfinal rounds.

 

Click here to see All-Tournament Teams from other sections, or to view the playoff brackets fro every section in NYS.  You will also find the teams listed below while you are there.  This is a great site during the postseason for keeping track of things across the state.  I highly recommend bookmarking it or saving it to your favorites.

 

Class AA

MVP - Zack Panebianco - Jamestown

 

Stephen Carlson - Jamestown

Charles Lamar - Niagara Falls

Mikey Bermudez - Niagara Falls

Sean Hill - Williamsville North

Maceo Jack - Williamsville North

 

Character Awards:  Zack Panebianco (Jamestown)   &  Mikey Bermudez (Niagara Falls)

 

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

 

Class A1

MVP - Sam Castronova - Williamsville South

 

Greg Dolan - Williamsville South

Kam Varner - Williamsville South

Chris Woodard - North Tonawanda

Colby Moultrie - North Tonawanda

Juwan Tolliver - McKinley

 

Character Awards:   Sam Castronova (Williamsville South)  &   Adam McNeill - (North Tonwanda)

 

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

 

Class A2

MVP - Chucky Martin - Olean

 

Ben Eckstrom - Olean

Jake Cavana - Olean

TC Brown - Amherst

Dominick Welch - Cheektowaga

Christian Nodine - Starpoint

 

Character Awards:   Jake Cavana (Olean)   &  Darien Lowe (Amherst)

 

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

 

Class B1

MVP - Desmond Blackmon - Albion

 

Clayton Stanton - Albion

Mike Kelleher - Maryvale

Ted York-Brown - Maryvale

Zion Hall - Burgard

Jalin Cooper - Medina

 

Character Awards:  Clayton Stanton (Albion)  &  Mike Kelleher (Maryvale)

 

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

 

Class B2

MVP - Percy Bryant - East

 

Daquan Williams - East

John Piper - Fredonia

Cam Voss - Fredonia

Jermaine Hairston - Cleveland Hill

Kyle Bradley - Wilson

 

Character Awards:   Percy Bryant (East)  &  Cam Voss (Fredonia)

 

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

 

Class C1

MVP - JaQuoine Fogan - Tapestry

 

DeJuan Owens - Tapestry

Bill Brooks - Silver Creek

Jake Lewis - Silver Creek

Andy Crandall - Salamanca

Carter Davidson - Chautauqua Lake

 

Character Awards:  Jordan Maxey (Tapestry)  &  Sherman Williams (Silver Creek)

 

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

 

Class C2

MVP - Fred Foster - Middle College

 

JoJo Staton - Middle College

Mason Bosley - Randolph

Bryce Morrison - Randolph

Clay Lewis - Holland

Ben Erickson - Franklinville

 

Character Awards:  Brian Johnson (Middle College)  &  Jarrett Lecceadone (Randolph)

 

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

 

Class D

MVP - Xavier Maye - I-Prep

 

Terrance James - I-Prep

Chris Robson - Sherman

Jake Card - Sherman

Chris Blose - Panama

Tanner Dahl - Westfield

 

Character Awards:   Xavier Maye (I-Prep)  &  Chris Robson (Sherman)

 

-centercourt

 

Brackets Central - 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

 Manhattan Cup Playoffs

Class AA Bracket

Class A1 Bracket

Class A2 Bracket

Class B1 Bracket

Class B2 Bracket

Class C1 Bracket

Class C2 Bracket

Class D Bracket 

 

Far West Regional - 2015

Section VI All-Tournament Teams

All-League from every league - 2015

Schedule of remaining postseason games

Crossover Tuesday at Buff State

Championship Saturday - 2015 (with video)

JCC Friday - 2015

Crusaders advance to the CHSAA state championship

Canisius wins the Manhattan Cup

Park wins Class B Manhattan Cup

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

Class A1 semifinals: South & NT advance

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

Buff State Week Viewing Guide

Manhattan Cup Semifinals Recap

Sectional Preview

Manhattan Cup Play-in games

Maryvale advances

Cheektowaga is going back to Buff State

My Poll Ballots heading into championship week

 Final regular season standings

WHO DESERVES A SPOT ON ALL-CENTERCOURT?

 

-centercourt

Sectional Preview - 2015

(It's that time of year again - High School basketball sectionals / Photo by Dave DeLuca)

 

The Section VI postseason begins tonight with first round games, and the winners move on to participate in the pre-quarterfinal games played on Wednesday.  Friday night is when the action really kicks up, as 32 quarterfinal games will decide which teams move on to Buffalo State and JCC for the semifinals. 

 

Below I take a look at some of the best matchups we could potentially see in the pre-quarterfinals, quarterfinals, semifinals, and even the championship games, along with sleepers, some winning streaks, and predictions.

 

** Please note that many of the games below are based on my predictions of who will win in prior rounds 

 

Teams who opted out of sectionals:

- Falconer

- Cattaraugus Little Valley

 

Most exciting bracket

Class A2

 

Sleepers for each bracket:

Class AA - Kenmore West

Class A1 - Williamsville East

Class A2 - Lew-Port

Class B1 - East Aurora

Class B2 - Emerson

Class C1 - Chautauqua Lake

Class C2 - Global Concepts

Class D - Maple Grove

 

 

Top 10 Pre-Quarterfinal Games (Wednesday, 2/25)

10. Niagara Wheatfield @ Clarence

9. Orchard Park @ Kenmore West

8. Akron vs. CSAT

7. Buffalo Science @ Olmsted

6. Southwestern vs. East

5. Bennett @ Buffalo Arts

4. JFK @ Lackawanna

3. Maryvale @ City Honors

2. DaVinci vs. Emerson 

1. Riverside @ West Seneca East

 

Top 10 Quarterfinal Games (Friday, 2/27) 

10. Williamsville East @ Sweet Home

9. Lockport @ Lancaster

8. Frontier @ Niagara Falls

7. Maryvale @ Depew

6. East Aurora @ Albion

5. Maple Grove @ Sherman

4. Kenmore West @ Williamsville North

3. Emerson @ Wilson

2. East vs. Health Sciences *at Nichols

1. Lew-Port @ Cheektowaga

 

Most Exciting Potential Semifinals

6. Tapestry vs. Salamanca

5. East/Health Sciences vs. Cleveland Hill

4. Niagara Falls vs. Williamsville North

3. Starpoint vs. Olean

2. Lew-Port/Cheektowaga vs. Amherst

1. McKinley vs. Williamsville South

 

Most Exciting Potential Championship Games

5. Class AA Final

4. Class B2 Final

3. Class C1 Final

2. Class D Final

1. Class A2 Final

 

Win Streaks heading into sectionals

Sherman 19 

Health Sciences 12 

Fredonia 11 

Silver Creek 10

Cleveland Hill 8 

Cheektowaga 8

McKinley 7

Amherst 7

Jamestown 6

 

Predictions

Class AA - Jamestown

Class A1 - McKinley

Class A2 - Amherst

Class B1 - Depew

Class B2 - Fredonia

Class C1 - Silver Creek

Class C2 - Middle College

Class D - Sherman

 

-centercourt

Class C1 & C2 Bracket - 2015 Sectionals

 

Class C1

 

Pre-Quarterfinal - Wednesday, February 25th

(8) Gowanda 56, (9) Cassadaga Valley 46

 

Quarterfinals - Friday, February 27th

(1)  Silver Creek 60, (8) Gowanda 44

(4) Chautauqua Lake 48, (5) Allegany-Limestone 38

 

(2) Tapestry 81, (7) Barker 39

(3) Salamanca 73, (6) Maritime 38

 

Semifinals - Monday, March 2nd

AT JCC - 5:15 pm & 6:45 pm

(1) Silver Creek 61, (4) Chautauqua Lake 33

(2) Tapestry 67, (3) Salamanca 60

 

Final - Friday, March 6th

AT JCC - 8:30 pm

(2) Tapestry 64,  (1) Silver Creek 61 

 

2015 Section VI Class C1 Champions:

Tapestry Thunderhawks

 

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

 

Class C2

 

Pre-Quarterfinal - Wednesday, February 25th

(9) Buffalo Science 44, (8) Olmsted 41

 

(7) Portville 54, (10) Frewsburg 49

 

Quarterfinals - Friday, February 27th

(1) Middle College 84, (9) Buffalo Science 41

(4) Holland 71, (5) MST Seneca 46 

 

(2) Randolph 55, (7) Portville 32

(3) Franklinville 56, (6) Global Concepts 43

 

Semifinals - Tuesday, March 3rd

AT JCC - 5:15 pm & 6:45 pm

 (1) Middle College 57, (4) Holland 41

(2) Randolph 61, (3) Franklinville 41

 

Final - Friday, March 6th

AT JCC - 7:00 pm

(1) Middle College 63, (2) Randolph 43

 

2015 Section VI Class C2 Champions:

Middle College Kats

 

-centercourt

Top games of the week ending 1/25/15

(Amherst vs. Cheektowaga will be epic...again.  Photo by Nick LoVerde)

 

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

 

Monday, January 19th

East vs. Franklin @ Monroe CC

Park @ Rochester East - 6:30 pm

 

Tuesday, January 20th

Timon @ Nichols - 6:30 pm

Kenmore West @ Lew-Port - 6:30 pm

Williamsville South @ Starpoint - 7 pm

Walsh @ St. Francis - 7 pm

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

Jamestown @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

Silver Creek @ Randolph - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 21st

DaVinci @ Olmsted - 5:30 pm

I-Prep @ MST Seneca - 5:30 pm

Buffalo Arts @ Emerson - 5:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 22nd

 Middle College @ East - 5:30 pm

Oracle @ Tapestry - 6 pm

Lackawanna @ Cleveland Hill - 6:30 pm

West Seneca East @ Starpoint - 7 pm

Depew @ East Aurora - 7:30 pm

Chautauqua Lake @ Cassadaga Valley - 7:30 pm

Frontier @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm

Portville @ Allegany-Limestone - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 23rd

I-Prep @ Olmsted - 5:30 pm

Emerson @ MST Seneca - 5:30 pm

City Honors @ Buffalo Arts - 5:30 pm

UPrep @ Cardinal O'Hara - 6:30 pm

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

Kenmore West @ Niagara Falls - 6:30 pm

Wilson @ Newfane - 6:30 pm

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

Cheektowaga @ Amherst - 7:30 pm

Sherman @ Panama - 7:30 pm

Nichols @ Niagara Catholic - 7:30 pm

Portville @ Allegany-Limestone - 7:30 pm

 

 Saturday, January 24th

West Seneca East @ West Seneca West - 3:30 pm

Timon @ Canisius - 4 pm

 

 Game of the Week - Cheektowaga @ Amherst on Friday, January 23rd

- A late January game on a Friday night, between the two best teams in the league, who have developed an exciting and competitive rivalry.  The game that may decide if ECIC III is a shared title or if it's owned outright.  A game critical to the Class A2 seedings for sectionals a month from now.  The Game of the Week.

Back in mid December, round one at Cheektowaga was a wild & epic affair.  The game wasn't decided until TC Brown's contested 3-point attempt from straight away went in off the glass as the final buzzer rang.  It managed to live up to a lot of preseason hype that was generated from a triad of encounters from the season prior, a year that seriously fueled this burgeoning rivalry.  It doesn't hurt that both of these teams have players either.

Last season, Amherst won the league for a third straight time.  However it was Cheektowaga who advanced farther in sectionals, ending the Tigers season in a wild overtime affair to win the Class A2 title - the first in Warrior history.  It was also the third straight win over Amherst for the Warriors, who had knocked the league champs off twice in the regular season as well.

Most of the faces from last season are back for both teams.  Over the last four games in this series, these guys have become quite familiar with each other.  Cheektowaga's Dominick Welch and Amherst's TC Brown are returning 5th Team All-Centercourt selections.  Zak Ciezki of the Warriors was All-Centercourt HM and just eclipsed the 1,000 point scoring mark for his career last week.  

The atmosphere at the Jungle in Amherst will be as good as it gets on Friday.  Tiger fans will be loud, both teams will be proud, and I'll be at the center of it all.  Literally.

 

-centercourt

The Standings

 

* Overall record followed by league record

 

Yale Cup I

McKinley.................17-2  (12-0)

Middle College.........14-5  (9-3)

Burgard....................13-6  (9-3)

East.........................11-8  (8-4)

Bennett....................4-15  (3-9)

South Park...............6-12  (2-10)

Riverside..................5-14  (2-10)

Hutch-Tech..............3-16  (2-10)

 

 Yale Cup II

I-Prep.....................15-4  (11-1)

Emerson.................12-6  (8-4) 

MST Seneca............8-11  (7-5)

DaVinci...................8-6  (7-5)

City Honors............7-12  (6-6)

Buffalo Arts.............8-9  (6-6)

Olmsted..................7-12  (4-8)

Lafayette................0-18  (0-12)

 

ECIC I

Jamestown...........16-3  (12-0)

Will North............15-4  (10-2)

Lancaster...............11-8  (7-5)

Frontier.................10-8  (6-6)

Clarence...............5-14  (4-8)

Orchard Park..........6-13  (2-10)

W.Seneca West.......2-17  (1-11)

 

 ECIC II

Will South.............17-2  (13-1)

Starpoint..............16-3  (12-2)

Sweet Home...........10-9  (7-7)

Will East................9-10  (7-7)

Hamburg...............8-11  (6-8)

W.Seneca East.......10-9  (5-9)

Iroquois................7-12  (4-10)

 Lake Shore............4-18  (2-12)

 

ECIC III

Amherst............17-2  (12-0)

Cheektowaga.....15-4  (10-2)

Depew................10-9  (8-4)

East Aurora........8-11  (6-6)

Maryvale............9-10  (3-9)

Pioneer...............6-13  (3-9)

Springville..........3-15  (0-12)

 

 ECIC IV

Cleveland Hill............16-3  (12-0)

Lackawanna...............9-9  (9-3)

Holland......................9-10  (6-6)

Tonawanda................10-9  (6-6)

JFK.............................11-8  (6-6)

Alden.........................4-15  (3-9)

Eden..........................2-17  (0-12)

 

Niagara Frontier League

North Tonawanda...........15-4  (12-2)

Niagara Falls...................13-6  (12-2)

Lockport.........................11-8  (9-5)

Lew-Port.........................11-8  (8-6)

Kenmore West................7-12  (6-8)

Grand Island...................7-12  (5-9)

Niagara Wheatfield.........6-13  (4-10)

Kenmore East.................1-17  (0-14)

 

Niagara-Orleans

Wilson.................16-3  (13-1)

Medina................10-9  (10-4)

Akron..................11-9  (8-6)

CSAT...................10-7  (8-6)

Albion.................10-9  (8-6)

Newfane..............5-14  (4-10)

Roy-Hart.............6-13  (3-11)

Barker.................3-18  (2-12)

 

CCAA West I

Fredonia.......................17-2  (11-1)

Olean............................15-4  (11-1)

Dunkirk........................12-7  (8-4)

Southwestern................10-9  (5-7)

Chautauqua Lake..........5-14  (4-8)

Falconer.......................3-15  (2-10)

Cassadaga Valley..........6-14  (1-11)

 

CCAA East I

Silver Creek.......................17-2  (11-1)

Randolph..........................13-6  (10-2)

Salamanca.........................13-6  (9-3)

Portville............................12-7  (6-6)

Allegany-Limestone..........9-10  (4-8)

Gowanda...........................7-12  (2-10)

Catt Little/Valley...............2-17  (0-12)

 

 

CCAA West II

Sherman.......................19-0  (12-0)

Panama.........................15-4  (9-3)

Westfield.......................11-8 (8-4)

Maple Grove..................9-10  (7-5)

Frewsburg.....................4-15  (3-9)

Brocton.........................5-14  (2-10)

Clymer.........................5-14  (1-11)

 

 

 CCAA East II

Forestville.................12-7  (9-1)

Franklinville..............10-9  (8-2)

Ellicottville................12-7 (7-3)

Pine Valley................7-12  (3-7)

West Valley................8-11  (3-7)

North Collins.............0-18  (0-10)

 

Charter Schools 

Health Sciences...................16-3

Tapestry..............................15-3

Global Concepts...................10-9

Oracle..................................5-14

WNY Maritime.....................3-15

Buffalo Science.....................5-11

 

Monsignor Martin - Large Schools

Canisius.......................19-5  (13-0)

Nichols........................15-9  (8-5)

Timon.........................13-11  (7-6)

St. Joe's......................11-13  (7-6)

St. Francis....................5-19  (1-12)

 

Monsignor Martin - Small Schools

Park.............................17-3  (11-2)

St. Mary's....................15-9  (7-6)

Archbishop Walsh........14-10  (6-7)

Niagara Catholic...........10-13  (3-10)

Cardinal O'Hara............7-17   (2-11)

 

-centercourt

Season Preview: 2014-2015

 

(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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Classifications for 2014-2015

    Class AA   (11 Teams)                                           Monsignor Martin Class A 

    Jamestown - ECIC I                                                      Canisius 

    Niagara Falls - NFL                                                        Nichols 

    Kenmore West - NFL                                                    Timon 

    Lancaster - ECIC I                                                          St. Joe's 

    Clarence - ECIC I                                                           St. Francis 

    Williamsville North - ECIC I                                                 

    Lockport - NFL                                                               Monsignor Martin Class B

    Frontier - ECIC I                                                            Park

    West Seneca West - ECIC I                                       St. Mary's

    Orchard Park - ECIC I                                                 Cardinal O'Hara

    Niagara Wheatfield - NFL                                          Archbishop Walsh

                                                                                                  Niagara Catholic                                                                          

   

 Class A1 (10 Teams)                                   Class A2 (11 Teams)

 

    McKinley - Yale Cup I                                                 Amherst - ECIC III        

    Williamsville South - ECIC II                                  Cheektowaga - ECIC III

    Williamsville East - ECIC II                                      Lew-Port - NFL

    North Tonawanda - NFL                                            Olean - CCAA

    Sweet Home - ECIC II                                                 Iroquois - ECIC II

    Hutch-Tech - Yale Cup I                                            Riverside - Yale Cup I

    South Park - Yale Cup I                                              West Seneca East - ECIC II

    Grand Island - NFL                                                       Starpoint - ECIC II

    Hamburg - ECIC II                                                       Lake Shore - ECIC II

    Kenmore East - NFL                                                    Pioneer - ECIC III

                                                                                                  Dunkirk - CCAA                                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                              

    Class B1 (15 Teams)                                                 Class B2  (15 Teams)    

    Maryvale - ECIC III                                                       East - Yale Cup I

    East Aurora - ECIC III                                                  Fredonia - CCAA I West

    Depew - ECIC III                                                             Cleveland Hill - ECIC IV

    City Honors - Yale Cup II                                            Lackawanna - ECIC IV

    Tonawanda - ECIC IV                                                   Oracle - Charter

    Bennett - Yale Cup I                                                       Health Sciences - Charter

    Medina - N-O                                                                     CSAT - N-O

    Newfane - N-O                                                                  Wilson - N-O

    Burgard - Yale Cup I                                                       Emerson - Yale Cup II

    Alden - ECIC IV                                                                Falconer - CCAA West I

    Buffalo Arts - Yale Cup II                                             Roy-Hart - N-O

    Lafayette - Yale Cup II                                                   Southwestern - CCAA West I

    Albion - N-O                                                                       Akron - N-O

    Springville - ECIC III                                                     JFK - ECIC IV

    Eden - ECIC IV                                                                  DaVinci - Yale Cup II   

 

     

   Class C1 (10 Teams)                                                       Class C2 (10 Schools)

    Silver Creek - CCAA East I                                          Middle College - Yale Cup I

    Tapestry - Charter                                                          Olmsted - Yale Cup II

    Salamanca - CCAA East I                                             Randolph - CCAA East I

    Allegany-Limestone - CCAA East I                          Holland - ECIC IV

    Cassadaga Valley - CCAA West I                              MST Seneca - Yale Cup II

    Chautauqua Lake - CCAA West I                              Global Concepts - Charter

    Maritime - Charter                                                          Portville - CCAA East I

    Gowanda - CCAA East I                                                Franklinville - CCAA East II

    Barker - N-O                                                                      Frewsburg - CCAA West II

    Cattaraugus/Little Valley - CCAA West I             Buffalo Science - Charter

 

 

   Class D (12 Teams)

    Maple Grove - CCAA West II

    I-Prep - Yale Cup II

    Westfield - CCAA West II

    Sherman - CCAA West II

    Clymer - CCAA West II

    Panama - CCAA West II

    Pine Valley - CCAA East II

    Brocton - CCAA West II

    Ellicottville - CCAA East II

    West Valley - CCAA East II

    Forestville - CCAA East II

    North Collins - CCAA East II

 

    -centercourt

The Schedule - 2014-2015

 

Saturday, March 28th

NYS Federation Semifinals at SUNY Albany 

Class B:

Park vs. Westhill - 1 pm

Dwight vs.  Maspeth - 3 pm

 

Saturday, March 28th

NYS Federation Championships at SUNY Albany

Class A:

Canisius vs. Albany Academy - 5 pm

Class AA:

Wings Academy vs.  TBD - 9 pm

 

Sunday, March 29th

NYS Federation Championships at SUNY Albany

Class B:

4 pm

 

-centercourt