The View From Centercourt

Classifications for 2013 Season

 

Class AA                                                                      Class D                                                         

Lancaster                                                                         Panama                                                 

Niagara Falls                                                                  Pine Valley                                          

Lockport                                                                          Forestville

Clarence                                                                           Ellicottville

Frontier                                                                            North Collins

Orchard Park                                                                 Brocton

Jamestown                                                                      Sherman

Kenmore West                                                              Clymer

West Seneca West                                                       West Valley

Williamsville North                                                    Ripley

Niagara Wheatfield

 

Class A1                                                                       Class A2

North Tonawanda                                                       West Seneca East

Hamburg                                                                          Starpoint

Sweet Home                                                                    Iroquois

Williamsville East                                                        Riverside

McKinley                                                                         Lake Shore

Kenmore East                                                                South Park

Hutch-Tech                                                                    Amherst

Grand Island                                                                  Pioneer

Williamsville South                                                    Cheektowaga

                                                                                             Lew-Port

 

Class B1                                                                        Class B2

Bennett                                                                             Medina

Maryvale                                                                         Buffalo Arts

Albion                                                                               Buffalo East 

Springville                                                                      Fredonia

East Aurora                                                                   Roy-Hart

Olean                                                                                JFK

Dunkirk                                                                          City Honors

Burgard                                                                          Akron

Depew                                                                             CSAT

Lafayette                                                                       Cleveland Hilll

Alden                                                                               Southwestern

Newfane                                                                        Wilson

Tonawanda                                                                  Emerson

Eden                                                                                Gowanda

Lackawanna                                                                 Falconer

 

Class C1                                                                        Class C2

Salamanca                                                                     Silver Creek

Leonardo da Vinci                                                     Portville

Allegany-Limestone                                                 Buffalo Science

OTC/MEC                                                                    Health Sciences

Cassadaga Valley                                                      MST Prep Seneca

Oracle Charter                                                            I-Prep Grover

Barker                                                                            Frewsburg

Martime Charter                                                      Westfield

Tapestry Charter                                                     Maple Grove

Holland                                                                        Chautauqua Lake

Randolph                                                                    Olmsted

Cattaraugus/Little Valley                                    Franklinville

 

 -centercourt

2012 All-League Teams

 

 

Monsignor Martin Association

Player of the Year:

Reggie Agbeko - St. Joe's, 12

 

First Team

Matt Hart - Canisius, 12

Adam Weir - Canisius, 11

Ryan Whelpley - Archbishop Walsh, 12

Jordan Williams - Timon, 12

Kyle Kobis - Timon, 12

Erik Simmons - St. Mary's, 12

 

Second Team

Devin Redden - St. Mary's, 12

Joe Lowery - Niagara Catholic, 12

DeMilo Gibbs - Timon, 12

Jake Denz - St. Mary's, 12

Matt MacDonald - Canisius, 11

 

 

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YALE CUP I

Player of the Year:

Reyszon Jordan - McKinley, 11

 

First Team

Justice Feggans - Riverside, 11

Marcus Morris - McKinley, 11

Marcus Nelson - Hutch-Tech, 12

Lamont Little - Riverside, 12

Lovell Smith - McKinley, 11

 

Second Team

Denzell Washington - Hutch-Tech, 12

Tim Whitehead - Hutch-Tech, 12

Daquawn Griggs - East, 12

Mike Leonard - Riverside, 12

Daequan Warren - McKinley, 11

 

Third Team

Andrew Strug - Hutch-Tech, 12

Johnathan Lewis - East, 10

Mike Davis - McKinley, 12

Jon Colon - Lafayette, 11

Javon Fogan - Bennett, 12

 

Honorable Mention

East: Rashaan Brown - 12, Jayvon Vanoy - 12

Bennett: Ed Bishop - 12

Burgard: Justin Jennings - 12, Arzell Kaigler - 11

South Park: Zachary Kaczor - 10

Lafayette: Anthony Rodgers - 12

Hutch-Tech: Jovohn Owens - 11, Roman West - 10, Amanuel Radford - 10

Riverside: Willie Smith - 10, Walter Pryor - 10

McKinley: Deonte Bell - 11, Samuel Smith - 11

 

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

 

YALE CUP II

Player of the Year:

Cordell Torres - OTC/MEC, 12

 

First Team

Aaron Frasier - MST Seneca, 12

Jamaal Carter - City Honors, 12

Maurice Cheatom - I-Prep, 12

Khalid Brown - OTC/MEC, 12

DeVonte Harper - OTC/MEC, 12

 

Second Team

Marquel Massey - City Honors, 12

Lenny Dowell - Emerson, 11

Bri'an Browm - OTC/MEC, 10

Devonte Witsett - I-Prep, 12

Kevin Reese - OTC/MEC, 10

 

Third Team

Jaleyn Pierson - MST Seneca, 12

Johnny Linton - Buffalo Arts, 12

Howard Washington - City Honors, 8

Keir Anderson - OTC/MEC, 11

Ameer Franklin - Emerson, 12

 

Honorable Mention

MST Seneca: Marquis Shaw - 12

City Honors: Matt Cieslik - 9

Buffalo Arts: Derek Simpson - 9

I-Prep: Duryll Anderson - 10

Emerson: Demetrius Hodge - 12

OTC/MEC: TJ Scott - 10

 

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

 

ALL ECIC 

Player of the Year:

Stan Wier - East Aurora, 12

 

First Team

Sterling Taplin - Williamsville North, 10

Connor Keenan - Williamsville East, 12

Tommy Campion - Jamestown, 11

Jesse Lalka - Tonawanda, 12

Jordan Farrant - Holland, 12

 

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

 

ECIC I

Co-Players of the Year:

Sterling Taplin - Williamsville North, 10 & Tommy Campion - Jamestown, 11

 

First Team

Matt McCormick - Orchard Park, 12

Matt Taylor - Frontier, 12

Stephen Hughes - Clarence, 12

Alex Warren - Frontier, 12

Adam Cecchini - Jamestown, 12

 

Second Team

Kareem Walker - Jamestown, 12

Neal Farrell - Orchard Park, 12

Jayson Moore - Sweet Home, 12

Sean Murray - Lancaster, 11

Justin Bangert - Willaimsville North, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Williamsville North: David Berkun - 11

West Seneca West: Nick Clancy - 10

Clarence: Bryan Jost - 10

Frontier: Remington Heil - 12

Sweet Home: Rashaad Rogers - 12, Kole Gilchrist - 11

Lancaster: Danny Emma - 10

 

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ECIC II

Player of the Year:

Connor Keenan - Williamsville East, 12

 

First Team

Chaquiel Nettles - Williamsville South, 11

Nick Benningfield - Hamburg, 12

Michael Kyarunts - Williamsville East, 12

Nate Wilkinson - Iroquois, 12

 

Second Team

Madison Wesolowski - Iroquois, 12

Jim Caputi - Williamsville South, 12

Isaiah Kaudeyr - Williamsville East, XX

Damien Powers - Williamsville South, 11

Eric Moscato - Hamburg, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Lake Shore:  Carl Brueckl - XX, Tyler Mascio - XX, Wade Bergum - XX, Ryan Spears - XX

West Seneca East: Andy Smigera - XX, Alex Pacer - XX

Starpoint: Andrew Rankie - XX

Hamburg: Jeremiah Bill - XX, Kyle Violanti - XX

Iroquois: Ben Wutz - XX

 

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ECIC III

Player of the Year:

Stan Wier - East Aurora, 12

 

First Team

Jonathan Belton - Amherst, 11

Sean Weisansal - Maryvale, 11

Glenn Belton - Amherst, 12

Jonathon Gemerek - Depew, 12

Marquel Jackson - Cheektowaga, 11

Jaden Cotton - Depew, 12

 

Second Team

Brendan Cox - East Aurora, 10

Alex Turecki - Amherst, 11

Zak Ciezki - Cheektowaga, 9

Derek Clyburn - Cheektowaga, 11

Aaron Ertel - Depew, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Pioneer: Terik Lewis - 11, Mike Brass - 12, Connor Johnson - 11

Springville: Hunter Berry - 12

Amherst: Jonah Heim - 11, Dion Lewis - 11

East Aurora: Ian Allen - 11

 

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ECIC IV

Player of the Year:

Jordan Farrant - Holland, 12

 

First Team

Jesse Lalka - Tonawanda, 12

Daryl Spencer - Cleveland Hill, 12

Clayton Hess - Tonawanda, 11

Miles Barker - Cleveland Hill, 12

Paul Matuszak - Alden, 12

 

Second Team

Zak Stone - Alden, 12

Shaquille Brooks - Lackawanna, 11

Jared Wilkins - Cleveland Hill, 10

Nick Anderson - JFK, 11

Ken Minorczyk - JFK, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Alden: Corey Barczykowski - 11, Ryan Sosnowski - 12

Eden: Joe Slisz - 12, Brad Palmerton - 10

Holland: Trevor Leach - 12, Curtis Blendinger - 11, Clay Lewis - 9

JFK: Jimmy Quinn - 12, Ben Zaccagnino - 12

Lackawanna: Norman Sweat - 11, Raytrel Finley - 12

Tonawanda: Jake Spencer - 12, Ben Stitch - 10

 

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

 

NIAGARA FRONTIER LEAGUE

First Team

Jermaine Crumpton - Niagara Falls, 11

Martin Bailey - Kenmore West, 12

Quinton Campbell - Kenmore West, 11

John Dziewit - Lew-Port, 12

Jack Mulcahey - Niagara Wheatfield, 11

 

Second Team

JJ Wilkes - Niagara Falls, 11

Taijay Williams - Niagara Falls, 12

Corey Mis - North Tonawanda, 12

PJ Blanch - Kenmore East, 12

DiAntre Cullens - Lockport, 12

 

Third Team

Quinn Carey - Grand Island, 9

Ryan Bradt - North Tonawanda, 12

Nick DiMartile - Lockport, 12

Jakai Daniels - Kenmore East, 12

Corey Pietkiewicz - North Tonawanda, 12

 

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

 

NIAGARA-ORLEANS LEAGUE

First Team

Darnell Carson - CSAT, 11

Josh Haight - Barker, 12

Tyler Martin - Wilson, 12

Jake Haight - Barker, 10

Brad Bobbit - Roy-Hart, 12

 

Second Team

Connor Sears - Newfane, 11

Sean Seefeldt - Newfane, 12

Scott Kneeland - Newfane, 12

Pat Diez - Wilson, 12

Connor Ladd - Akron, 11

 

Honorable Mention

Newfane: CJ Knight - 12, Bryan Geise - 11

Wilson: Dustin DiLaura - 12, Pat Walch - 12

CSAT: Justin Black - XX

Medina: Lucas Evans - XX

Akron: Austin Mietz, 11

Albion: Nick Santos, 12

 

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

CCAA I

Player of the Year:

Kevin Holmes - Dunkirk, 12

 

First Team

Sam Eckstrom - Olean, 10

 Dylan Meyer - Fredonia, 10

Ryan Nord - Falconer, 12

Zach Harrington - Allegany-Limestone, 12

Kyle Radack - Southwestern, 11

 

Second Team

Wil Bathurst - Olean, 10

Max Portlow - Olean, 10

Mike Donaldson - Dunkirk, 12

Nick Johnston - Fredonia, 10

Nick Huffman - Gowanda, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Olean: Nick Schmidt - 10, Luke Hennessy - 10, Pat Scholla - 11

Allegany-Limestone: Kyle Trietley - 12, Jeff Tang - 12

Southwestern: Jake Swan - 12, Peter Trathen - 11

Dunkirk: Josh Mleczko - 12, Evan Ahlstrom - 12

Falconer: Brandon DePietro - 11, Nick Conti - 11

Fredonia: John Piper - 9

Gowanda: Alex Sternisha - 12

 

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

 

CCAA II

Player of the Year:

Zeddie Williams - Silver Creek, 11

 

First Team

Dustin Schauman - Cassadaga Valley, 12

Zach Blask - Portville, 11

Jevon Battle - Salamanca, 12

John Morgante - Randolph, 12

Brady Morrison - Randolph, 12

 

Second Team

Steve Marcey - Silver Creek, 11

Kaine Kettle - Silver Creek, 10

Mike Querrieo - Portville, 12

Zach Miles - Portville, 12

Gage Bird - Frewsburg, 12

Jackson John - Salamanca, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Silver Creek: Jon Jimerson - 12, Frank Brown - 12

Cassadaga Valley: Mike Lanphere - 12, Matt Woodward - 12, Kyle Pfeiffer - 12

Salamanca: Tanner John - 11, Bryce Stahlman - 12

Portville: Chris Querrieo - 12, Ryan Marcellin - 12, Josh Watson - 11

Cattaraugus-Little Valley: Hayden Griffith - 12

Frewsburg: Alex Elderkin - 11, Ian MacFarland - 12

Randolph: Bryce Morrison - 9

 

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

 

CCAA III

Player of the Year:

Alex Grace - Maple Grove, 12

 

First Team

Austin Alonge - Westfield, 12

Jake Reynolds - Franklinville, 12

Skylar Liddell - Maple Grove, 12

Jason McMahon - Chautauqua Lake, 12

John Coe - Westfield, 11

 

Second Team

Nate Stott - Forestville, 12

Ian Clute - Chautauqua Lake, 10

Trey North - Westfield, 12

LucasTrombley - Pine Valley, 11

Colin Lapi - Ellicottville, 12

Joe Frazier - Maple Grove, 12

Jason Pembridge - Maple Grove, 12

 

Honorable Mention

Forestville: Jacob Nosbisch - 10

Chautauqua Lake: Dan Gleason - 12

Ellicottville: Connor Hellwig - 12, Josh Bower - 12

Westfield: Anthony Leone - 12

Pine Valley: Lyle Howard - 12, Nate Noble - 12

 

 -centercourt

What would your All-Centercourt teams look like?

The high school basketball season in WNY is officially over and now it's time to honor the very best for the seasons they've turned in.  Sometime in the next couple of weeks, I will publish my second annual All-Centercourt Team and Coach of the Year.  The All-CC Team will consist of 5 five-player teams and 35 honorable mention selections.  That may sound like a lot, but try limiting things to just 60 players when you are dealing with 100  teams, and there are several quality players who miss the cut.

 

Use the comments section below to tell us who you think should make which team.  You could even tell us why.  If you're really ambitious, try coming up with the HM selections.

 

Please keep all commentary appropriate when discussing high school athletes.

 

-centercourt 

JCC Friday & Buff State Saturday Scores

 

Class AA Final - Niagara Falls 48, Jamestown 45

Class A1 Final - McKinley 59, Williamsville East 56

Class A2 Final - East Aurora 45, Amherst 35

Class B1 Final - Olean 53, Depew 47

Class B2 Final - CSAT 55, Wilson 41

Class C1 Final - OTC/MEC 70, Holland 52

Class C2 Final - Silver Creek 58, Maple Grove 57

Class D Final - Panama 48, Clymer 46

 

-centercourt

Huge night for WNY basketball as seven teams advance to title games

 

Except for this coming Saturday when five different Section VI teams win championships in their respective class, last night was the single biggest night of the season for high schools basketball in WNY.  With the results of last night, the matchups are set for the Manhattan Cup Championship and the Class B1 and Class D sectional title games, while Wilson awaits the winner of tonight's Class B2 semifinal between Cleveland Hill and CSAT.

 

Wilson 51, City Honors 48

Jamaal Carter scored 10 of his game-high 23 points in the third, as City Honors built a double-digit lead on the Lakemen in the third quarter.  Wilson trailed by eight points entering the final minute of the quarter, but got a basket from Tyler Martin (17 points) to cut the Centaurs lead to six entering the fourth.  During the final eight minutes, the Lakemen turned up defensive pressure, which caused City Honors to completely unravel.  With 3:55 remaining in the game, Liam McIntosh who had come off the bench to inject some defensive energy, drilled a 3-pointer to break a 48-48 tie and give way to the eventual final.  Carter missed several shots and was whistled for a charge in the game's final minutes, as City Honors was shutout in a 9-0 fourth quarter.  For the Lakemen, who have made five straight semifinal appearances, it will be their third title game in five years.  Wilson has never won a Section VI championship.

 

Olean 48, East 44

It wasn't pretty and it was far from exciting, but the top ranked Class B school in NY survived a lengthy 2-3 zone from the Panthers, as Olean advanced.  The Huskies led by as many as nine early in the first quarter, but soon found themselves in a low-scoring grinder that would require some clutch free throw shooting.  The game was tied six times and saw six lead changes, before Olean went up for good with 4:11 left in the game.  The Huskies connected on 13 of 16 attempts from the charity stripe over the final eight minutes, led by Wil Bathurst, who scored nine of his game-high 15 in the final frame.  Olean, who has seven Section VI championships in school history, will attempt to win its fourth sectional crown in the last five years against Depew on Saturday.  Daquawn Griggs led East in his final game with 12 points.

 

Depew 47, Tonawanda 39

The Wildcats broke an early 4-4 tie and never trailed the rest of the game.  Depew smothered the Warriors top offensive weapons all evening and used a deep bench to keep fresh defenders on the court all evening.  The game felt like it was dominated by Depew, who won all four quarters, but never got away from Tonawanda. The Warriors were within three points in the final three minutes before Depew pulled away for good.  The Wildcats were strong inside and got a game-high 19 points from senior Jaden Cotton.  Depew will play for a  sectional championship for the fifth time in six years, most recently losing to Olean in 2010.  The Wildcats won their only Section VI title in 2009.

 

Canisius 75, Bishop Timon/St. Jude 66

The Crusaders advanced to their fourth straight Manhattan Cup final by beating the Tigers for a fifth consecutive time.  Canisius will attempt to become the first team to win back-to-back Manhattan Cups since Turner/Carroll did it in 1999 & 2000.  Matt Hart led the Crusaders with 21 points in the victory.

 

St. Mary's 62, St. Joe's 45

The Lancers win get their first crack at a Manhattan Cup in school history on Wednesday night, following an emphatic win over a school that was the unanimous number one large school for three consecutive weeks this season.  Erik Simmons led St. Mary's with 18 points, while Jake Denz and Devin Redden each scored 13 points, while limiting Mr. Basketball New York finalist, Reggie Agbeko, to just 10 points.

 

Clymer 40, Sherman 39

The Pirates got a putback basket from Dan Lictus, to beat the buzzer and move Clymer past Sherman to the Class D final.  Lictus finished with a game-high 16 points.

 

Panama 65, Brocton 37

The Panthers had no trouble with Brocton and have earned a chance to redeem a semifinal loss to Clymer from last season.  Nick Lenart led Panama with 23 points, six assists, and five steals.

 

-centercourt

 

Previewing the Sectionals

 

The Section VI postseason begins tonight with a pair of first round games to get things going.  JFK will host Gowanda, while Springville travels to Eden.  As of right now, I haven't decided where I'll be tonight.

 

Several pre-quarterfinal games will be played on Wednesday, including a double-header at Bennett HS beginning at 6 pm.  Grand Island plays at Hamburg, while Roy-Hart facing Emerson at Grabiartz look to be the most compelling of the games on the evening.

 

Friday night is when the action really kicks up, as quarterfinal 32 games will decide which teams move on to Buffalo State and JCC for the semifinals.  Assuming things shake out the way I think they will before Friday, there are some great potential matchups on the way, and an upset or two certain to shake up the big picture before next week.

 

Most likely quarterfinal upsets

Class A1

(5) Hutch-Tech @ (4) Iroquois - The Chiefs scored a big win late in the season at then league-unbeaten ECIC II co-champ Williamsville East.  The Engineers stumbled against Bennett in the same week. 

Class B1

(5) East @ (4) Newfane - We knew there would be some quality quarterfinal games in the B1 bracket, and here's one of them.  East battled through the large schools in the Yale Cup, and came away with a win over Riverside and gave McKinley a close game in February.  They also have a distinct size advantage with Rashaan Brown and Tyree Tyson inside.

(6) Depew @ (3) Dunkirk - We couldn't have more opposite situations.  Depew played in a large school league (ECIC III), scheduled Williamsville North (Class AA), and defeated St. Mary's in its tournament.  Dunkirk has plowed through its competition not named Olean.  The problem is, there really was no competition for the Marauders.  Another lousy nonleague schedule, along with CCAA I being less than a meat grinder, and Dunkirk hasn't won a game by less than 15 all year.

Class B2

(5) Akron vs. (4) CSAT **at Kenmore West ** - Has anyone noticed how good these two teams have played in the last month?  Both beat Wilson this month, Akron also topped Newfane.  CSAT already owns two victories over Akron.  However, Tigers head coach Justin Gerstung has shown the ability to come up with a great scheme and pull off a stunner in sectionals before...just ask Wilson.

(6) City Honors @ (3) Allegany-Limestone - Another case of a team playing well late in the season and picking up some good wins against quality opponents.  The Centaurs beat I-Prep twice this year and also tripped up MST Seneca.

Class C2

(7) I-Prep @ (2) Maple Grove - The Red Dragons played some stiff competition to start the year, but haven't seen too many quality opponents recently, with the exception of Westfield and CG Finney.  I-Prep had the benefit of meeting some quality opponents in the city, including a pair of epic battles with the #3 seed, MST Seneca.

 

Top 5 Quarterfinal Games

5. Class B1 - East @ Newfane

4. Class AA - North Tonawanda @ Frontier

3. Class AA - Williamsville North @ Kenmore West

2. Class C2 - I-Prep @ Maple Grove

1. Class B1 - Depew vs. Dunkirk **at Silver Creek**

 

Most likely to avance to Glens Falls

Olean (Class B) and OTC/MEC (Class C)

 

Biggest favorite to win its bracket

OTC/MEC in Class C1

 

Best Bracket stop-to-bottom

Class B1 & Class C2

 

Most exciting potential championship matchups

Class C2 - MST Seneca vs. Silver Creek

Class AA -  Niagara Falls vs. Jamestown

 

Streaks & Stats heading into sectionals

- Olean has won 16 straight games and has no losses to any team from WNY

- OTC/MEC hasn't lost to a small school this season

- Maple Grove has won 15 straight games and has averaged 78.6 ppg over its last eight games

- Kenmore West has yet to lose a game in the calendar year and has won 15 straight.

- Frontier has won nine straight games

- McKinley's only losses this season were to Canisius and St. Joe's

 

-centercourt

Class D Sectional Bracket

 

Pre-Quarterfinals - Wednesday, February 22nd

(8) Ellicottville 53, (9) West Valley 43

 

Quarterfinals - Friday, February 24th

(1) Panama 70, (8) Ellicottville 41

(5) Brocton 62, (4) Pine Valley 61

 

(2) Sherman 58, (7) Olmsted 54

(3) Clymer 72, (6) North Collins 25

 

Semifinals - Monday, February 25th

AT JCC - 6 & 7:45 pm

(1) Panama 65, (5) Brocton 37

(3) Clymer 40, (2) Sherman 39

 

Section VI Class D Championship - Friday, March 2nd

AT JCC - 5:30 pm 

 (1) Panama 48, (3) Clymer 46

 

2012 Section VI Class D Champions - Panama Panthers 

 

-centercourt

Top games of the week ending 2/19/12

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

 

Monday, February 13th

Emerson @ MST Seneca - 6 pm

Frontier @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm

East Aurora @ Depew - 7:30 pm

 

Tuesday, February 14th

Newfane @ Akron - 6:30 pm

CSAT @ Wilson - 6:30 pm

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

Clymer @ Panama - 7:30 pm

Salamanca @ Randolph - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, February 15th

Amherst @ Pioneer - 6:30 pm

Lackawanna @ Tonawanda - 6:30 pm

Kenmore West @ Kenmore East - 7 pm

Orchard Park @ Williamsville North - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, February 16th

McKinley @ Riverside - 6 pm

OTC/MEC @ MST Seneca - 6 pm

I-Prep @ City Honors - 6 pm

CSAT @ Newfane - 6:30 pm

Canisius @ Bishop Timon/St. Jude - 7:30 pm

Williamsville South @ Williamsville East - 7:30 pm

Silver Creek @ Fredonia - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, February 17th

St. Mary's @ Newfane - 7 pm

Sherman @ Clymer - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, February 18th

St. Joe's @ Canisius - 3 pm

 

Game of the Week - St. Joe's @ Canisius on Saturday, February 18th

- For the first two months of the season, the  big debate among WNY basketball fans was who should be ranked #1 - Canisius or Niagara Falls?  Then just when we had seen enough to give the Crusaders that distinction by a slight edge, St. Joe's beats Aquinas and Canisius within a week - debate over...for now.

In the first meeting between these two, an exciting contest gave way to a Marauder run to open the fourth quarter that put the game away.  Canisius hopes this season plays out exactly like it did a year ago - spot Joe's the first one, then take the next two and be crowned as the winners of the Manhattan Cup.

Assuming the Marauders can take care of business against St. Francis and Nichols this week, they will be unbeaten in the MMA entering Saturday's rivalry tilt.  That would create a must win situation for Canisius, with a visit to Timon on Thursday looming for the Crusaders.  If Timon could pull off the upset on Canisius, it would be the second league loss for them and the only stakes for Saturday's game would be pride. 

However, if Canisius can win out, including against St. Joe's, the two would once again be co-champs of the MMA.  That would force a coin toss determine the top seed for the Manhattan Cup playoffs for a third straight season.

However this week shakes out, we will get our first matchup of the season between the #1 and #2 ranked large schools on Saturday.  I can't think of a better way to end the regular season.

 

-centercourt

 

 

 

Top games of the week ending 1/22/12

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

 

Tuesday, January 17th

Medina @ Newfane - 6:30 pm

Wilson @ Albion - 7 pm

Williamsville East @ Williamsville South - 7 :30 pm

Clarence @ Jamestown - 7:30 pm

Panama @ Clymer - 7:30 pm

Kenmore East @ Kenmore West - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 18th

East @ McKinley - 6 pm

Hamburg @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 19th

Clymer @ Sherman - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 20th

Wilson @ CSAT - 6:30 pm

Lockport @ Kenmore West - 7 pm

Portville @ Randolph - 7:30 pm

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

Williamsville North @ Frontier - 7:30 pm

Cheektowaga @ Depew - 7:30 pm

 

Saturday, January 21st

Cathedral Prep @ Canisius - 3 pm

Aquinas @ St. Joe's - 4 pm

 

Game of the Week - East @ McKinley on Wednesday, January 18th

- When you think of the top teams from the Yale Cup, these are likely the first two that come to mind, and for good reason.  Both teams make annual appearances in the semifinals at Buffalo State and each team has advanced to the Class A regionals twice in the last five years.

But look at the names engraved on the coveted Yale Cup trophy in the last five years: 2007 - East, 2008 - Grover, 2009 - East, 2010 - Middle College, 2011 - East.  That's right, McKinley hasn't finished higher than second in the city league since 2006.

This season, McKinley is the top ranked city team, currently the 6th ranked large school in WNY.  They have started 4-0 in league play, including a win over another ranked large school - Hutch-Tech.  East is a small school but competes with the big dogs, and also has beaten a ranked large school in Riverside.   

Well, there are no no dogs bigger or meaner than the Macks in the city this year.   These two teams are guaranteed to get after it, and if the crowd at Mack High is even close to as loud as they were last year, the atmosphere will be incredible.

 

-centercourt

 

 

2011-2012 Season Preview

With high school hoops season now in full swing here in WNY, it's time to see what basketball fans have to look forward to in the upcoming season.

 

WHAT'S NEW THIS SEASON?  

- Yale Cup  games are now scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm instead of 5:30 pm

- East and Burgard will both play in Yale Cup I, the large school division, despite being classified as small schools

- Leonardo DaVinci will field a team in the Yale Cup II and Class C1

- Class C now has 21 teams, meaning there is now a C1 & C2

- Friday, March 2, 2012 will feature three sectional championship games at JCC beginning at 5:30 pm for classes D, C2, & C1

- Crossover Tuesday at Buffalo State on March 6, 2012 will feature three games this year beginning at 5:30 pm with the Class C1/C2 game

- The Far West Regionals are back at Buffalo State this season on March 10, 2012 beginning at 12:00 pm

- Sweet Home will play in ECIC I

- Lake Shore will play in ECIC II

- Forestville and Ellicottville will play in CCAA III

- Brocton and North Collins will play in CCAA IV

- 2011 POY Jaysean Paige will play his senior season at a high school in Kentucky

- Chad Kelly is not playing basketball this season

- Stan Wier returns to East Aurora for his senior season

 

CLASSIFICATION CHANGES

McKinley moves down from AA to A1

Lafayette moves down from A1 to A2

Bennett moves down from A1 to A2

Olean moves down from A2 to B1

East moves down from A2 to B1

Burgard moves down from A2 to B1

Springville moves down from A2 to B1

JFK moves down from B1 to B2

Akron moves down from B1 to B2

Roy-Hart moves down from B1 to B2

Cassadaga Valley moves down from B2 to C1

 

NEW HEAD COACHES

Lancaster - John Otto

West Seneca East - Dan Leutman

Barker - Michael O'Sullivan

Clymer - Dan White

Tapestry Charter - Tony Williams

Nichols - Jim MacKinnon

 

 

 THE PLAYERS

Although I don’t publish a preseason All-Centercourt team, there are four players in WNY this season that are Division 1 talents and worth some early discussion.  Stan Wier will be a UB Bull next year, Jermaine Crumpton has already given Canisius a verbal commitment despite being a junior, Reggie Abeko has yet to decide on the many colleges who have shown interest, and Sterling Taplin will undoubtedly be playing major college ball somewhere…after he finishes his last three years of high school.

 

After bringing some serious raw talent to the Monsignor Martin Association last year, Agbeko has developed into a top prospect in WNY for St. Joe’s.  The buzz all summer was about the 6-7 Agbeko’s dominance in AAU and major strides in the fundamental aspects of his game.  He was a force on the boards last year and had really begun to finish well around the basket (finishing as a Fifth Team All-Centercourt selection), before crashing to the floor with an ankle injury at the Koessler Center during the postseason and missing the Marauders final two games.  His size, coupled with his leaping ability, will give teams fits near the basket this year.

 

Wier returns to WNY for his senior season and will be back with his original alma mater, East Aurora.  As a sophomore, Wier was named Second Team All-WNY as he helped lead Nichols to a Class A New York State Federation championship and then spent his junior campaign at a high school in Indiana.  The Blue Devils are glad to have this inside/outside threat back and will rely on his all-around game this season.  Besides his obvious physical attributes, Wier is a tireless worker who gets in the gym early each morning and takes hundreds of shots.

 

Another inside/outside threat is Crumpton.  The NFHS big man showed some flashes of brilliance as a sophomore and by all accounts, has improved tremendously over the summer.  The Wolverines will ask Crumpton to play a much bigger role this year after graduating a pair of big men who kept him out of the starting lineup last season.

 

Possibly the most talented player in this area is still developing, and that’s a scary thought when you consider just how good Taplin was as a freshman at Williamsville North last year.  In the offseason, Taplin (Third Team All-Centercourt in 2011) added 12 pounds of muscle to his frame and worked hard to improve his outside shot, which was already one of the area’s best.  The Spartans will look for Taplin to attack the rim more this year and take another step forward as an underclassman leader of their team.

 

A player who landed a spot on the Fifth Team All-Centercourt after finishing the season with a flurry, is Holland’s Jordan Farrant.  In back-to-back games during sectionals last February, Farrant scored a combined 76 points against Salamanca and OTC/MEC.

 

The following players return this season after earning All-Centercourt Honorable Mention honors a year ago:

 

Martin Bailey (Kenmore West),  Matt Hart (Canisius), Jordan Williams (Timon), Kyle Kobis (Timon), Taijay Williams (Niagara Falls), Khalid Brown (OTC/MEC), Jamaal Carter (City Honors), Aaron Frasier (MST Seneca), Jesse Lalka (Tonawanda), Josh Haight (Barker), Nick Lenart (Panama), Alex Grace (Maple Grove), Justice Feggans (Riverside), JJ Wilkes (Niagara Falls).

 

 

Some other players that I anticipate having great seasons include Sam Eckstrom (Olean), Adam Weir (Canisius), Conner Keenan (Williamsville East), Tommy Campion (Jamestown), Daryl Spencer (Cleveland Hill), Darnell Carson (CSAT), Zeddy Williams (Silver Creek), Kevin Holmes (Dunkirk), and Clayton Hess (Tonawanda).

 

LEAGUE BY LEAGUE

 

MONSIGNOR MARTIN

 

The Crusaders will be the favorites to repeat, thanks to the return of a very talented group that helped lift Canisius past St. Joe’s last year.  Matt Hart, Adam Weir, Aaron White, and Matt McDonald comprise the most dangerous quartet of shooters in WNY and all have plenty of big game experience as well.  Seniors Tim Schifferle and Brendan Tenney give head coach Kyle Husband some needed size inside.

 

Bishop Timon/St. Jude has four starters back from a year ago: Seniors Jordan Williams and Kyle Kobis, and juniors Ryan Dougherty and Fulton Bryant.  Williams and Kobis are two of the very best shooters in all of WNY, and when the Tigers are clicking on all cylinders, they’re capable being the top team in the area.

 

Following three consecutive appearances in the Catholic Class B state championship and a pair of titles, St. Mary’s once again has the horses to return.  Erik Simmons, Jake Denz, Devin Redden, and Nate Meyers are the key returnees for the Lancers and averaged a collective 36 points per game last season.  Also of note, former standout Joe Cellino joins the coaching staff this season.

 

The Marauders will need Agbeko to dominate the middle on both ends of the floor and open things up for the team’s shooters.  Mark Cerza transfers from Cardinal O’Hara and offers both size and finesse, while Jordan Glover, Kyle Briggs, and Jaylen Morris are all quick, aggressive, and athletic.  Junior Dylan Hall should have a major role for St. Joe’s this season also.

 

St. Francis returns six of its top eight players from last season, with each seeing time in the starting lineup.  Tyler Wagner, a three-year starter, will lead the Red Raiders this season from the guard position.  Both Brian Melisz and Cory Cullen started several games last year on varsity as sophomores.   Also returning are Brett Cawthorn, Matthew Morcio, and big Miles Bartholomew, who takes up a lot of space in the paint.  This very experienced and senior laden team looks to be a factor in a very talented and deep league.

 

Nichols brings back the Noonan brothers, Tommy and Adam, along with Eric Luko, Liam Ryan, and Sam Sendziak.  A quartet of tall and talented freshmen join the Vikings, as Jamar Waters, Cam Lewis, Chris Minor, and Tanner Schmit begin the process of returning Nichols to a power program in WNY.

 

Niagara Catholic has a pair of dynamic guards back in Joe Lowery and Jonathan Jackson and Walsh returns Ryan Whelpley.

 

YALE CUP

 

McKinley is led this season by guard Michael Davis, who saw plenty of action on last season’s AA semifinalist team.  Marcus Morris can shoot from anywhere in the gym, but missed most of last year with a knee injury.  Also back for the Macks are Lovell smith and Stephen Johnson, while Reyjzon Jordan will display his athletic talents on the hardwood as well.

 

Despite repeated success, the East Panthers seem to enter each season flying slightly below the radar.  After losing all five starters off the Section VI Class A regional representative, the same is sure to hold true again this year.  I still expect them to challenge for the Yale Cup in the large school division again this year.  Senior Rashaan Brown and sophomore transfer Tyree Tyson give East a pair of twin towers in the paint, while speedy sophomore Jonathan Lewis will run the point.  Seniors Daquann Griggs and Darnell Carr will also be key pieces this year.

 

Hutch-Tech is ready to make a run at the Yale Cup this year.  The Engineers bring back multiple players from the team that threatened Williamsville South in the A1 semis last year, including Marcus Nelson, Denzell Washington, Andrew Strug, and Tim Whitehead.  Sophomore Aymanuel Radford and junior Jovohn Owens will also be major factors.

 

Riverside features the electrifying Feggans and a much improved Lamont Little, along with returnees Mike Leonard and Mark Anderson. 

 

Bennett brings back 6-6 Derrick Quarles, gridiron start Javon Fogan, and Markei Miller.  The Tigers will also look for solid production out of Ed Bishop, Joe Nelson, Paris White, and Tylon Lynch.

 

OTC/MEC has two of its top players back in Khalid Brown and Cordell Torres, along with Davonte Harper and Kevin Reese.

 

MST Seneca has Jaleyn Pearson and Ben Bolden to go along with top area guard Aaron Frasier.

 

I-Prep returns Maurice Cheatom and Davonte Whitsett from last season's Class C state semifinalist squad.

 

ECIC I

 

The Red Raiders will look to defend both league and back-to-back sectional titles.  Leading the way for Jamestown will be junior Tommy Campion, a vital part of the team’s run to last season’s Class AA state title game.  Seniors Adam Cecchini and Kevin Diaz are also back, and both can light it up from the perimeter.  The future is already looking bright, as this ever re-loading team has three sophomores and two freshman

 

Sweet Home will be lead by junior Kole Gilchrist, who made second team ECIC II last season after averaging 13 points per game as a sophomore.  Senior Jayson Moore will run the point for the Panthers and will have Khalid Barnes, the JV’s leading scorer last year, to dish to.

 

Taplin will lead a Spartans squad that is determined to win ECIC I.  He’ll have help from tough defender Nick Konotopsky and three-point threat David Berkun, along with 6-3 forwards Brett Butler and Justin Bangert.  George Attea, a 6-3 freshman, could be one to keep an eye on as he develops at Williamsville North.

 

Clarence will be lead by a pair of guards in sophomore Bryan Jost and senior Stephen Hughes, Orchard Park welcomes Matt McCormick back, and Frontier has Alex Warren and Matt Taylor.

 

ECIC II

 

Conventional wisdom would have Williamsville South falling off the WNY basketball map after losing its entire starting lineup and fielding a team this season with just one senior.  However, optimism runs high for the Billies and their lone senior, Jim Caputi.  Jack Fitzpatrick takes over point guard duty, while Damien Powers will look to assume Joe Licata’s role as the team’s three-point threat.  South will also get contributions from Chaquiel Nettles, Trent Ferguson, Mike Calandra, Sam Castronova, and a player with a familiar last name…Pat Stasiak.

 

The league’s best player may be senior forward Conner Keenan at Williamsville East.  He, along with point guard Michael Kyarunts, will lead the Flames into battle this year.  Joseph Kleinmann and Mike Altman are back for their senior campaigns, while sophomore Jaleel Battle comes over from Riverside, along with a pair of out-of-state transfers.  Zack Bischel and Michael Spina will look to provide a spark coming off the bench.

 

Lake Shore varsity coach Dan Gerken returns four underclassmen and three seniors as the Eagles look to improve upon last season with experience and leadership.  Ryan Spears will captain the team, while senior guards Josh Sanchez and Mark Kennedy’s athleticism will be relied upon on both ends of the floor.

 

The Spartans will feature a very youthful group, with only two seniors on the team.  Starpoint’s offense will be directed by sophomore guard Julian Mott.  The Spartans also bring back Steve Cooper, Andrew Rankie, and sharp shooter Stan Speaker.

 

ECIC III

 

Maryvale has won league championships in each of the last two seasons, and will look to continue its winning ways.  Sean Weisansal, Tyler Smith, and the always energetic Joe Gabor are back for head coach Mark Kensey’s team, and the Flyers also gain Zack Walkowski fro JFK.  Demetri McCallie, Max Aikin, Ed Smith, and Jayln Putman all join the Flyers from the JV last year.

 

The addition of Wier will help to make East Aurora contenders, but they’re far from a one-man show.  Ian Allen has size and the ability to do things all over the court.  Mike Rhoades is a classic glue player who obviously works very hard, while Chris Bourne and Brendan Cox are both heady players.  Eli Melas and Cam Wier are both capable reserves for the Blue Devils.

 

Depew will occupy the paint with a pair of sturdy big men in 6-5 Jaden Cotton and 6-6 sophomore Mike Lamb.  Aaron Ertel can bomb away from the perimeter, while sophomore point guard Derrick Sekuterski can do a little of everything and continues to improve.  Mike Ballistrea and Jon Gemerek also return to the Wildcats.

 

Amherst will challenge for the ECIC III crown this season, due in large part to the returning contributions of Glenn and Johnathan Belton.  The two guards were leaders for the Tigers last year, as Glenn was the second leading scorer and Johnathan led in assists.  The Tigers also bring back 6-7 junior Alex Turecki to clog the middle, along with Steven Reynolds and Owen Lankes.  Juniors Dion Lewis and Jonah Heim are new to the team, but should see plenty of action.

 

Cheektowaga is led by Kyle McDuffie, Marquel Jackson, and Derek Clyburn.  The Warriors will also start Ernie Vann and freshman Zak Ciezki.

 

At Pioneer, senior Mike Brass returns poised to take a giant leap forward with a full year of starting varsity experience under his belt.  Able to play and guard any position 1-4, his court smarts and poise are his best attributes.  An ECIC III honorable mention as a sophmore, junior Terik Lewis is the leading returning scorer and after a stellar summer, appears ready to take the next step forward.  Team newcomers Dylan Souder and Connor Johnson look to make an immediate impact.

 

ECIC IV

 

Tonawanda enters this season with high hopes.  The defending ECIC IV champs bring back the league’s POY in Jesse Lalka, and also return the well-rounded Clayton Hess.  Completing the Warriors starting lineup should be Jake Spencer, Tyler Hughes, and Andy Smith.

 

Cleveland Hill will seek a third straight trip to Buffalo State this year, led by senior Daryl Spencer.  Despite missing four games at the start of last season, Spencer lead the team in shooting and free throw percentage, points scored (13.9 per game), rebounds (12.7 per game), blocked shots, and steals.  Senior point guard Miles Barker will need to lead his team on the floor and forward DeVonte Davis should be a presence in the paint. The team will also look for sophomore Jared Watkins to contribute on both ends of the court with his quickness.   

 

Lackawanna’s lone returning starter from last season’s Class B1 champ is Raytrel Finley.  The Steelers also bring back Norman Sweat, Admir Merhizic, and TJ Giddens.  Head coach Tim Foley’s group will look to run about ten deep this season and rely on athleticism to help counter a lack of experience as they seek a return trip to Buffalo State.

 

 JFK has Christian Boettcher back in its starting lineup again, and also returns Jimmy Quinn, Ken Minorczyk, Nick Sikora, and Ben Zaccagnino.  Nick Anderson and Joey Burkowski move up to varsity and should see plenty of action.

 

Paul Matuszak is the lone returning starter at Alden, who also welcome back shooting threat Phil Bifulco.  Juniors Corey Barczykowski and Jake McNamara, and sophomore Dylan Dussalt move up from the JV for head coach Andy Smith’s Bulldogs.

 

Holland will look to Jordan Farrant to do a lot of everything and he'll likely be up to that task once again this season.

 

NIAGARA FRONTIER LEAGUE

 

Niagara Falls will once again be the heavy favorite to win in both its league and section, with five players returning that saw quality minutes on a team that lost by just three points in the AA sectional championship to state runner-up Jamestown.  Crumpton will be a force inside, while JJ Wilkes, Taijay Williams, and Jamere Ollison all started games for the Wolverines at guard last season.  Junior Ramir Burton will also be a key contributor at Falls this year.

 

Kenmore West would be the top threat to challenge the Wolverines again this year with Martin Bailey, Marcus Lobdell, and 6-6 junior Quintin Campbell.

 

After much time and effort in his inaugural year at the helm, head coach Nate Beutel will challenge his Vikings to take a big step forward this season.  Junior point guard Nick Soos, senior center Dylan Kelly, and senior forward Jon Voyzey return to Grand Island and are expected to make an impact as starters.  Corey Adamshick and Jordan Jelks move up to varsity and will be relied upon, while freshman Quinn Carey is full of potential to have a strong four years at the varsity level.

 

After finishing third in the NFL last year, Niagara Wheatfield will look to Ryan Elnicki and Jack Mulcahy to keep the wins coming.

 

Lockport has the 6-6 Nick DiMartile along with Ezra Nwachaku.  Lew-Port welcomes St. Joe's transfer guard John Dziewit, who pairs with Nick Mansour to lead the Lancers.  Kenmore East will look to PJ Blanch for much of its scoring, and North Tonawanda will do the same with Corey Mis.

 

 

 NIAGARA-ORLEANS LEAGUE

 

CSAT should be the favorites to win its first ever N-O crown, as the Eagles return some real talent.  Junior guard Darnell Carson leads an Eagles team that also brings back shot-blocking Arzell Kaigler and Justin Black.  After a year at OTC/MEC, Desmond Lamar transferred back to CSAT.

 

Wilson lost most of its starting lineup, but still returns enough talent to make another run at a third straight league title and a sixth straight trip to the B2 semifinals.  Tyler Martin is the court leader for the Lakemen, who also bring back 6-4 forwards Dave Littere and Dustin DiLaura, Pat Walch, Pat Diez, and Zack Moxham.

 

Newfane lost a ton to graduation, with Sean Seefeldt being the lone returning starter.  Scott Kneeland is the only other senior returning, so juniors Connor Sears and Bryan Geise will be relied upon heavily for the Panthers.

 

Over at Akron, Connor Ladd, last year's leading scorer and rebounder is back for his junior season.  Junior Austin Mietz gets a fresh start from football after battling back from a knee injury last winter.  Junior Gowah Abrams will be the big man in the middle after finishing the season strong on varsity last year.  The largest question mark is at the point, as the Tiger's graduated three-year varsity player Jaime Salcedo.

 

Roy-Hart will be improved this season, as the Rams return four starters.  Jake Klietz, Ryan Metz, Chris Luce, and Brad Bobbit return to head coach Mark Rydza’s unit, while Conner Baker will play this season after missing last year due to injury.

 

Barker has a very talented pair back this season in senior Josh Haight and sophomore Jake Haight.

 

Medina will continue to improve with behind Lonnie Taylor and Lucas Evans. 

 

CCAA I

 

Olean will very likely reclaim its dominance in the CCAA this year and with the team moving back to Class B, could be in for a lengthy postseason.  The Huskies return four starters, led by the man in the middle, Sam Eckstrom.  Nick Schmidt averaged 13 points per game as a freshman and will be back prowling the perimeter.  Luke Hennessy, Pat Scholla, Max Portlow, and Neil Shoemaker also return, while an impact should be felt from newcomers Wil Bathurst and Evan Ryan.

 

Dunkirk will try to contend with the Huskies, with Kevin Holmes and Mike Donaldson back from last year’s league champs.

 

Fredonia will be led by Dylan Meyer, Southwestern has Jake Swan back, Falconer returns Ryan Nord, and Zach Harrington will be the main threat for Allegany-Limestone.

 

CCAA II

 

Salamanca will try to capture the league crown behind the talented trio of Jevon Battle, Jackson John, and Tanner John.

 

Randolph has both Brady Morrison and John Morgante back, Cassadaga Valley has Dustin Schauman for one more season, Gage Bird leads Frewsburg, Portville has Zach Blask and Zach Miles, and Silver Creek has a very talented and athletic junior in Zeddy Williams.

 

 CCAA III

 

Senior Austin Alonge will lead the way for Westfield after averaging 15 points as a junior.  The Wolverines also return three other starters: Trey North, Jon Coe, and Anthony Leone.  Junior Dylan MacCubbin was the first man off the bench last year, and senior Brent Morrison returns to Westfield after being a key starter at Chautauqua Lake last year.

 

Maple Grove returns senior guard Alex Grace, along with senior forward Skyler Liddell.

 

Ellicottville has both Colin Lapi and Conner Hellwig returning.

 

Franklinville returns Jake Reynolds, while Jason McMahon will be the senior leader for Chautauqua Lake.

 

CCAA IV

 

Panama has the league’s top player in four-year starter Nick Lenart, along with Zach Lubi returning.

 

David Kelley, Andrew Graham, and Marcus Lindstrom are all back for Sherman.

 

Clymer will be tough with Dan Lictus and Adam Walker in its lineup, Dan Ferguson and Jordan Patterson will lead Brocton, and North Collins returns senior Jared Keppel.

 

PREDICTIONS

LEAGUE CHAMPS:

Yale Cup I - McKinley, Yale Cup II - OTC/MEC, ECIC I - Jamestown, ECIC II - Williamsville South, ECIC III - East Aurora,  ECIC IV - Tonawanda,  NFL - Niagara Falls,  N-O - CSAT,  CCAA I - Olean,  CCAA II - Salamanca,  CCAA III - Maple Grove,  CCAA IV - Panama

 

SECTIONAL CHAMPS:

AA - Niagara Falls, A1 - McKinley, A2 - Riverside, B1 - Olean, B2 - CSAT, C1 - OTC/MEC, C2 - Maple Grove, D - Panama

 

-centercourt

 

All-Centercourt & CC MVP - Let the discussion begin

 

In November, 101 teams between Section VI and the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association began preparation for the 2010-2011 season.  Now with just two left standing, I'm sure most people have some idea about who they think deserves some recognotion for postseason honors.

 

Sometime in early April, I will release the All-Centercourt Team (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th team, along with 35 honorable mention selections).  I will also select a Player of the Year and Coach of the Year.

 

One thing that I've noticed from taking a preliminary glance, this season there were a lot of good teams with balance, which makes the players more difficult to separate.  Who's the best player on McKinley? Canisius? Timon? Will South? Bennett? Maple Grove? Newfane? Clarence? Niagara Falls?  Ken West?  I could keep going, but I'm sure you get the point. 

 

I also think there will be quite a bit of discrepancy in how everyone will look to fill out the first and second team.  Once you get to third team and beyond, it'll be all over the place.  There's plenty to debate about where the players will get slotted after this season...and it's going to be a lot of fun.

 

In the comments section below, let us know your thoughts on where you think the players should be placed.  Remember that it's always a better argument if you can say who you would have in a spot, rather than to simply state a player should not be there.

 

I'm looking forward to the discussion, as this is always one of the best topics to close out each season with. 

 

-centercourt

Pine Valley & I-Prep earn sectional titles

 

Class D Championship - Pine Valley 57, Clymer 53

 

The Panthers got 21 points from Jason Howard, including five 3-pointers and a traditional three-point play, en route to a seventh sectional title since 2000.  Pine Valley never trailed Clymer for the first three quarters and led by as many as 13 points.  In the final stanza, the Pirates twice took a one-point lead, the second time with under three minutes to play.  But Howards three-point play put the Panthers back in front for good as they were able to connect on eight of nine from the charity stripe in the last two minutes to advance to the Far West Regionals in Rochester on Saturday.

 

Brendan Bentham and Ed Barnes each scored 10 points for Pine Valley.  Junior Adam Walker led Clymer with 20 points, while sophomore Dan Lictus added 11 points. 

 

Class C Championship - I-Prep at Grover 65, Tapestry Charter 53

 

-centercourt

Quarterfinals are on for tonight

Of the 28 scheduled quarterfinal games for tonight, only four have been postponed.  Even Allegany-Limestone is making the looonnnggg trip up north to play at Wilson.

 

Rescheduled for Saturday, February 25th

Class B1

Buffalo Arts @ Dunkirk - 2 pm

Class D

Olmstead @ Sherman - 2 pm

North Collins @ Panama - 2 pm

Ellicottville @ Clymer - 2 pm

 

That means a near full slate of games tonight to determine the participants of this season's semifinals at Buffalo State & JCC.

 

Let us know what you saw tonight and how it turned out.

 

-centercourt

Class D Sectionals

Dates and times of postseason games for both Section VI and the MMAA can be found here.

 

 

Pre-Quarterfinal

(9) Olmsted 67, (8) West Valley 46

 

Quarterfinals

(1) Sherman 70, (9) Olmsted 55

(4) Pine Valley 75, (5) Forestville 53

 (2) Clymer 59, (7) Ellicottville 33

(3) Panama 63, (6) North Collins 52

 

Semifinals @ JCC

(4) Pine Valley 50, (1) Sherman 47

(2) Clymer 64, (3) Panama 44

 

Class D Championship @ JCC

(2) Clymer vs. (4) Pine Valley

 

-centercourt

 

 

2010-2011 League Champs

The following are the league champions in WNY this season:

 

MMAA - St. Joe's, Canisius co-champs

Yale Cup I - East

Yale Cup II - I-Prep at Grover

ECIC I - Jamestown

ECIC II - Williamsville South

ECIC III - Maryvale

ECIC IV - Tonawanda

NFL - Niagara Falls

N-O - Wilson, Newfane co-champs

CCAA I - Dunkirk

CCAA II - Cassagdaga Valley

CCAA III - Maple Grove

CCAA IV - Panama, Clymer, Sherman  co-champs

 

-centercourt

Top games of the week ending 1/23/11

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

 

Tuesday, January 18th

Kenmore East @ Kenmore West - 5:30 pm

Depew @ Cheektowaga - 6:30 pm

Salamanca @ Portville - 7:30 pm

Jamestown @ Clarence - 7:30 pm

 

Wednesday, January 19th

Hutch Tech @ East - 5:30 pm

Olean @ Southwestern - 7:30 pm

 

Thursday, January 20th

Kenmore West @ Lockport - 6:30 pm

BishopTimon-St. Jude @ Batavia - 7:30 pm

 

Friday, January 21st

JFK @ Cleveland Hill - 6:30 pm

Jamestown @ Williamsville North - 7:30 pm

Maryvale @ Depew - 7:30 pm

Olean @ Dunkirk - 7:30 pm

Clymer @ Panama - 7:30 pm

Cassadaga Valley @ Salamanca - 7:30 pm

 

Game of the Week - Clymer @ Panama on Friday, January 21st

- This is the game of the year in CCAA IV and the biggest game in Class D until sectionals begin.   The winner of this game moves into sole possesion of first place in league and will likely be the top seed in the playoffs.  In the first meeting between these two teams, Clymer owned the middle quaters, outscoring the Panthers by a combined 18 points in the second and third.  Then the Pirates withstood a late rally from Panama and hung on to earn a 71-67 victory.  I know most readers would have picked Jamestown at Williamsville North, and that's the game I'll be at, but the implications of the small school game in the southern tier got them the nod this week.  

 

-centercourt

Classifications & Leagues

    Class AA                                                                         Class A1

    Niagara Falls - NFL                                                       Hamburg - ECIC II

    Lancaster - ECIC I                                                         Sweet Home - ECIC II

    Lockport - NFL                                                               Williamsville East - ECIC II

    Frontier - ECIC I                                                            Kenmore East - NFL

    Clarence - ECIC I                                                           Hutch-Tech - Yale Cup I

    Orchard Park - ECIC I                                                 Bennett - Yale Cup I

    Jamestown - ECIC I                                                      Grand Island - NFL

    Kenmore West - NFL                                                   Williamsville South - ECIC II

    Williamsville North - ECIC I                                     Lafayette - Yale Cup I

    West Seneca West - ECIC I                                        Iroquois - ECIC II

    North Tonawanda - NFL                                             West Seneca East - ECIC II

    Niagara Wheatfield - NFL                                           Starpoint - ECIC II

    McKinley - Yale Cup I                                                   Lake Shore - ECIC III

 

    Class A2                                                                          Class B1

    Amherst - ECIC III                                                        Tonawanda - ECIC IV

    Riverside - Yale Cup I                                                   Lackawanna - ECIC IV

    Buffalo East - Yale Cup I                                              Newfane - N-O

     Albion - N-O                                                                     Dunkirk - CCAA I

    Lew-Port - NFL                                                                 Alden - ECIC IV

    Cheektowaga - ECIC III                                               Medina - N-O

    Pioneer - ECIC III                                                          Eden - ECIC IV

    Maryvale - ECIC III                                                       JFK - ECIC IV

    Burgard - Yale Cup I                                                      Buffalo Arts - Yale Cup II

    South Park - Yale Cup I                                                Akron - N-O

    Olean - CCAA I                                                                 Roy-Hart - N-O

    East Aurora - ECIC III

    Springville - ECIC III

    Depew - ECIC III

 

    Class B2                                                                      Monsignor Martin

    Fredonia - CCAA I                                                         Canisius - A

    Cleveland Hill - ECIC IV                                             St. Joe's - A

    Emerson - Yale Cup II                                                 Bishop Timon-St. Jude - A

    City Honors - Yale Cup II                                          St. Francis - A

    Southwestern - CCAA I                                               St. Mary's - B

    Wilson - N-O                                                                    Cardinal O'Hara - B

    Gowanda - CCAA I                                                         Nichols - B

    Falconer - CCAA I                                                          Niagara Catholic - B

    Allegany-Limestone - CCAA I                                  Archbishop Walsh - B

    CSAT - N-O

    Cassadaga Valley - CCAA II

 

    Class C                                                                             Class D

    Salamanca - CCAA II                                                   Pine Valley - CCAA III

    Oracle Charter - Independent                                  Brocton - CCAA III

    OTC Middle College - Yale Cup II                          North Collins - CCAA III

    Maritime Charter - Independent                            Ellicottville - CCAA IV

    Holland - ECIC IV                                                         Forestville - CCAA IV

    I-Prep at Grover - Yale Cup II                                 Panama - CCAA IV

    Silver Creek - CCAA II                                                Olmsted - Yale Cup II

    Cattaraugus-Little Valley - CCAA II                      Sherman - CCAA IV

    Tapestry Charter - Independent                             Clymer - CCAA IV

    Randolph - CCAA II                                                      West Valley - CCAA IV

    Frewsburg - CCAA II                                                     Ripley - CCAA IV

    Portville - CCAA II

    Westfield - CCAA III

    Buffalo Science Charter - Independent

    Maple Grove - CCAA III

    MST Prep at  Seneca - Yale Cup II

    Chautauqua Lake - CCAA III

    Franklinville - CCAA III

    Barker - N-O

Random Smatterings - Week 2

Coming into this season, I heard several people suggest that Joey Licata would struggle to get 3-pointers off without Mark Coppola there to set him up.  So here's a bold prediction - Licata will make more 3's this season than he did last season. 

 

Tapestry Charter is the only school from WNY to have already scored 90 points in two games, their only two games.

 

I was happy to see Jordan Street from Falls playing up to his potential in the first quarter of the Jamestown game.  He was dominating in spots and the only thing that slowed him down was picking up his third foul.

 

On Saturday at the Classic, Batavia head coach Buddy Brasky, who's Blue Devils played in a tournament with Olean, Maple Grove, and  Hornell, was asked if Olean was down this year.  He replied, "They're not down, they're just young.  They'll be just fine".

 

Right before the Jamestown/Falls game began, a pizza delivery guy comes walking right past the scorer's table and approaches NFHS coach Sal Constantino with four boxes of pizza.  Apparently, someone decided to prank the new coach and have some pizza sent courtside, as the coach prepares for tipoff.

 

New St. Joe's forward Reggie Agbeko positionihas some serious athletic ability.  Once he improves on his positioning and boxing out, rebounds could be very hard to come by for those competing with him.

 

When Dale Stewart came into the Falls/Jamestown game on Friday, his defensive energy was hard to miss.  It reminded me of another Falls football star on the hardwood, Stewart's brother and current Green Bay Packers running back, James Starks.

 

During a third quarter run against Williamsville South, Canisius sophomore Adam Weir scored 13 consecutive points for his team.

 

I picked Panama to win Class D in Section VI this year.  Ripley has a basketball team again for the first time in several years.  The two teams played last week.  Final Score: Panama 83, Ripley 11. 

 

All five starers scored in double figures, as Clymer beat Panama, 71-67, on Monday night.

 

I wrote last week that  if I were starting a list of the Top 10 games this season, St. Mary's OT win over Newfane would be right at the top.  Since then, I've seen Will South's win over Canisius, Falls win over Aquinas, and Wilson's last second OT win over the Lancers.  Move way over St. Mary's vs. Newfane.

 

I want to know what play Sal Constantino is calling when he starts flailing his arms like a swarm of bees is attacking.  Did anyone else see what I'm talking about?

 

Prior to Aquinas and Falls tipping off on Saturday, I was looking around the Wolvarena at the banners, reflecting on the team's history over the past decade, and thinking about guys like Flynn, Starks, Harris, Garrison, Gamble, Lynch, etc..  It made me think that when schools from outside this immediate area come to Falls, they must feel like they're at a special place.

 

Coaches who are emphasizing ball movement and motion in their offense should take their team to a Williamsville South game.  The Billies are clinical in the way they run the offense.

 

 In David Hill and Tyler Funk, Clarence has two of the better players in WNY.  But the team has gotten off to a disappointing start based on the expectations that the returning talent created coming into this season.  Last year's AA finalist came into this year aiming for the top of ECIC I, but after the first couple weeks of play, that goal seems to be a lofty one,  Besides having Jamestown in the same league, Williamsville North and Frontier look like they've moved ahead of the Red Devils as well. 

   

If the weather permits it, I'm hopping in the car and going straight from Canisius to Jamestown on Saturday.  Hopefully Bennett and Fredonia is a hack fest that goes to quadruple OT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tonight's games at Daemen postponed, other postponements, two games still on

Tonight's consolation matchups at Daemen College have been postponed due to weather cancelling school for all four teams.  It is a strong possibility that the same thing could happen tomorrow night.

 

As of right now, a decision on a makeup date and time has not been made, but tournament officials and coaches are looking into options for making games up on Saturday. 

 

UPDATE - A tentative plan is in place for making up the boys consolation games.  The games are currently rescheduled for Saturday morning, begining at 9:30 am.   However, that plan is contingent on the Buffalo Public Schools being plowed out and back in class tomorrow.  If the Buffalo Schools are closed again tomorrow, the championship games would also be postponed...which could wind up changing everything.

 

FINAL UPDATE 12/3/10 

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

The Greg D. Martin Tipoff Tournament at Iroquois (Alden, Kenmore East, East Aurora, Iroquois) has been postponed.

 

The Town of Hamburg Lions Tipoff tournament at Frontier (St. Francis, Lackawanna, Hamburg, Frontier) has been postponed.

 

The James Walker Tournament at Lew-Port (Lafayette, Starpoint, Lew-Port) has postponed the first game between Lafayette and Lew-Port.  ** This is a round robin tournament format with only three teams.  Friday's game between Lafayette and Starpoint will be contingent on whether the Buffalo Public Schools are in session.  Saturday night's contest between Starpoint and Lew-Port will take place @ 7 pm.

 

Cheektowaga @ Emerson has been postponed.

 

Clymer @ Pine Valley and Falconer @ Cassadaga Valley are both still being played this evening at 7:30 pm.

 

-centercourt

The 2010-2011 preview is out

Following an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday weekend, it's finally time for some high school basketball.  I've completed a preview for the upcoming 2010-2011 season, which is available in its entirety at the Prep Talk blog. 

 

Portions of the preview will be featured here as posts in the coming days, beginning tomorrow.

 

I did my best to include as many schools as possible in the preview, but unfortunately I wasn't able to touch on every school in WNY.  My apologies to anyone left out.  Also, only returning varsity players were featured.  If you know of any impact players who are new to the varsity level, please tell us about them on the main event post.

 

My favorite part of writing a preview is making preseason predictions and putting them in print.  In a post tomorrow, we will take a look back at how the predictions from the 2009-2010 preview went.

 

Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, after you've finished reading the new preview at Prep Talk.

 

-centercourt