The View From Centercourt

Random Smatterings II

On Tuesday night at Canisius for its game against Bishop Kearney, as Keith McShea made his way to the media table where I was sitting, he walked past the Blue Crew and drew quite the "KEITH" ovation from the student section.  Earlier, when I walked by them, I heard centercourt. I looked up to see them pointing out where the St. Joe's kids were sitting across the way.

 

There are eight remaining unbeaten teams in WNY.  Three large schools: Jamestown, Williamsville North, and Sweet Home.  Five small schools: Olean, Silver Creek, Newfane, Holland, and Clymer.  We will be down to seven by December 26th, as Williamsville North hosts Holland in the first round of its tournament.

 

The song All I want for Christmas is you by Mariah Carey, always make me think of Depew, because I watched them warmup to the song at its Holiday Tournament in 2010.  Actually, most Christmas music holds some HS basketball association for me because I'm always listening to it while driving to games in December.

 

 Over the last three seasons, the Section VI sectionals program cover has featured Lew-Port/Wilson (2010), Lockport/Grand Island (2011), and Lockport/Ken West (2012).  While the 2010 Lakemen made it to Buff State, the player from the cover photo never saw the floor in the semifinals.  The other schools never even advanced to the semis.  You have to go back to the cover of the 2009 program (Falls/Jamestown with TJ Crittenden & Marcus McAffee) to find players who competed on the court at Buff State.

 

In a 73-25 win over DaVinci, Emerson's Lenny Dowell was credited with the following stat line: 32 points, 21 boards, and 14 assists.  If you include the assists, he would have accounted for at least 60 points (they led 55-22 through three quarters).  Thursday at Olmsted, Dowell finished with two points and no field goals.

 

Speaking of Lenny Dowell, the Eagles' senior is joined in the starting lineup by his brothers, junior Marki and freshman Jason.

 

Once in awhile I get myself freaked out by scrolling too quickly, too far down while checking scores on the Buffalo News scoreboard page, and wind up looking at the girls scores without realizing it.  It happened most recently on Monday night, when I saw Lancaster 43, Will North 31 and said out loud, "What"? 

 

Cassadaga Valley's Randy Dalaba scored 24 points to go with 21 rebounds in a 64-50 win over Cattaraugus/Little Valley.

 

I'd like to see Olean get a playoff bye until the Class B1 title game, just to see who would emerge as the champ in the competitive B1 class without them in it.

 

The Canisius Crusaders Blue Crew participated in the final minute of pregame warmups with the team at Tuesday's win over Kearney.

 

Based on early season results, Bishop Kearney would be considered no better than the fourth best team if we ranked them in WNY, behind Falls, Olean, and Canisius.  If I were ranking them, I'd put three more teams - Jamestown, St. Joe's, & McKinley ahead of them as well.

 

Barker junior Jake Haight set the new individual game season-high scoring mark for this season in WNY with 40 points in a win over Elba.

 

Olean routed Southwestern, 70-36, without the services of Sam Eckstrom.

 

One of my favorite parts of following high school basketball is seeing a player for the first time who I've read or heard about for a longtime.  That was recently the case for such players as Frewsburg's Alex Elderkin, Portville's Zach Blask, Emerson's Lenny Dowell, Clarence's Bryan Jost, and Olmsted's Jalen Schumaker.

 

Olmsted plays the best version of the National Anthem ever recorded - Whitney Houston's rendition from Super Bowl XXV.

 

-centercourt

 

2012 Cataract City Classic - Day Two

Brunswick 57, Niagara Falls 45

After making big plays down the stretch one night earlier in it's win over Bishop Kearney, Niagara Falls ran out of gas after a close three quarters, and fell to the visiting Blue Devils of Ohio.  The Wolverines were outscored 20-6 in the final quarter, after being tied at half and trailing by two after three quarters.  Jermaine Crumpton led Falls with 13 points, while JJ Wilkes added 10 points.

 

Jamestown 68, Williamsville South 46

The Red Raiders took the first half to shake off the rust, then used a 25-8 third quarter to blow what was a three-point game at half, wide open.  The lone senior on the Jamestown roster, Tommy Campion, led the way with 19 points.  Sophomores Zack Panebianco and Brandon Kellam each netted 12 points during the second half surge, finishing with 14 & 13 points respectively.

 

Depew 49, Niagara Catholic 40

The Wildcats maintained their composure in a scrappy game and pulled away from the pesky Patriots in the fourth quarter, aided by solid free throw shooting.  Derrick Sekuterski led Depew with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

 

Geneva 53, Bishop Timon/St. Jude 50

The Tigers dug themselves an early hole and could never quite get back out.  Timon trailed 22-6 after the first quarter, before surging back with a 20-8 second frame.  The rest of the game was very back-and-forth, but the Tigers were unable to steal a lead.  Donte Williams scored 22 points to lead Timon.

 

Newfane 61, St. Mary's 56 - OT

The Panthers came out of a timeout trailing by three points with nine seconds remaining and executed a play perfectly to force the extra session.  Connor Sears took the ball on the wing, penetrated briefly, and then kicked to the top of the key to Reid Weber, who buried a 3-pointer as the buzzer rang.  Once in overtime, Newfane quickly gained a five-point lead and then connected from the line to secure the win.  Connor Sears scored 24 points, ripped 11 boards, and collected eight steals for the Panthers.  Paul Rath netted 18 points and Tyler English scored 17 for St. Mary's.

 

Grand Island 54, Wilson 17

Jordan Jelks led the Vikings with 22 points and Jadon Wegrzyn chipped in 12 points, as Grand Island limited the Lakemen to just four points in the first half.

 

-centercourt

Preview: 2012-2013 Season

The Pastor-Cooper Showcase tips tonight, so it's official...high school hoops season is here!

 

Below in this year's version of the Pre-View From Centercourt, you will find:

 

- What's New

- Coaching Changes

- Classification Changes

- Top Nonleague Games

- Returning 2012 All-Centercourt Players

- Player Watch List for 2012-2013

- A League-by-League look at top returning players & newcomers

- Predictions 

- Preseason Top 10 

 

What's New

- Middle Early College dropped the OTC, so in place of OTC/MEC, I'm going old school and calling them Middle College again

- Sweet Home moved from ECIC I to ECIC II

- Lake Shore moved from ECIC II to ECIC III

- Ellicottville moved down to CCAA IV, while Panama bumped up to CCAA III

- Sectional seeding points will be updated more regularly this year - details when they're available 

- There is now a Yale Cup I, II, & III, and Middle College will play up in League I with the big boys, despite its BEDS numbers

- Depew head coach Larry Jones has replaced former Lew-Port head coach Jim Walker as the Section VI Boy's Basketball Chairman

- The Canisius/St. Joe's rivalry games will both be played at the Canisius College Koessler Center this season

- In Section V, Bishop Kearney (who added another tower to its roster) moved up to Class AA and Batavia moved down to Class B1

- Williamsville South and Allegany-Limestone will finally play each other this year...twice

- Two new charter schools will compete in Section VI - Global Concepts & Health Sciences 

- Dunkirk has seriously stepped up its nonleague schedule: Home & home with Silver Creek (C2 champ),  at McKinley (A1 champ), and at Frontier (AA semifinalist).  

 

New Coaches

Gabe Michael, Williamsville South

Ben Scaffidi, Starpoint

Paul Rath, St. Mary's

John Reinholz, Nichols

David Nieves, Hutch-Tech

Matt Bradshaw, Lew-Port

Darren Kresge, Tapestry Charter

Dave Carson, Barker

Joe Mihalics, Bishop Timon/St. Jude

Brian Ferris, St. Francis

Ron Krysztof, Grand Island

Tim Anderson, Falconer

 

Classification Changes

North Tonawanda moves down from Class AA to Class A1

 West Seneca East moves down from Class A1 to Class A2

Starpoint moves down from Class A1 to Class A2

Lake Shore moves down from Class A1 to Class A2

Bennett moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

East Aurora moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

Maryvale moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

Albion moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

Lafayette moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

East moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Medina moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Buffalo Arts moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Allegany-Limestone moves down from Class B2 to Class C1

DaVinci moves up from Class C2 to Class C1

Randolph moves up from Class C2 to Class C1

Olmsted moves up from Class D to Class C2

 

Top Nonleague Games 

12/5 - Williamsville East vs. Middle College @ Daemen College

12/6 - East vs. St. Mary's @ Daemen College

12/6 - Timon vs. McKinley @ Daemen College

12/7 - Bishop Kearney @ Niagara Falls

12/8 - Jamestown vs. Williamsville South @ NFHS

12/8 - Brunswick (OH) @ Niagara Falls

12/8 - East @ Olean (projected in round two of tournament)

12/11 - Jamestown vs. St. Joe's @ St. Mary's

12/11 - Canisius vs. Olean @ St. Mary's

12/12 - Williamsville South @ St. Mary's

12/12 - CSAT @ Middle College

12/14 - St. Joe's @ McKinley

12/18 - Bishop Kearney @ Canisius

12/20 - Middle College @ St. Joe's

12/22 - Timon @ Jamestown (projected in round two of tournament)

1/17 - Bishop Kearney @ St. Joe's

1/18 - Timon @ Bishop Kearney

1/19 - St. Joe's @ Aquinas

1/19 - Canisius vs. McKinley @ City Honors

1/19 - East vs. East Aurora @ City Honors

2/2 - Niagara Falls @ Bishop Kearney

2/4 - Oracle Charter @ Olmsted

2/6 - Timon @ Bishop Kearney

2/7 - Canisius @ Cathedral Prep

2/9 - Nichols @ Aquinas

2/12 - St. Joe's @ Frontier

2/12 - Aquinas @ Timon

2/13 - Olmsted @ Tapestry Charter

2/14 - Sweet Home @ St. Joe's

2/14 - Williamsville North @ Williamsville East

2/14 - Dunkirk @ Silver Creek

2/18 - Cleveland Hill @ St. Mary's

 

 

The Players

Nine of the top 25 players from the 2012 All-Centercourt teams return to the WNY high school hoops scene, along with another 13 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.

 

Returning 2012 1st Teamers

Adam Weir - Sr., Canisius:  18 ppg, 7 reb.  Helped lead the Crusaders to a second straight Manhattan Cup championship, where he earned MVP honors, while leading team in postseason scoring.  His familiarity with success on the Koessler Center floor should serve him well when he continues his hoops career with Canisius College after high school.

Sterling Taplin - Jr., Williamsville North:  19.1 ppg, 5.7  reb, 3.6 asst, 2.7 stl.  Sank five 3-pointers and scored 13 of his game-high 26 points in the fourth quarter of the AA semifinal in an effort that fell just short of an upset bid against eventual champion Niagara Falls.  Enters his junior season having already eclipsed 1,000 career points.

 

 Returning 2012 Second Teamer

Jermaine Crumpton - Sr., Niagara Falls:  17 ppg, 7 reb, 3 asst, 2 blk.   Helped to lead the Wolverines back to prominence as they recaptured the Class AA title, defeating Jamestown .  Played very well against top competition, including game-highs in points and rebounds when Falls faced Milton, a team that finished in the top ten nationally in 2012.  Crumpton will also continue playing hoops for Canisius College following graduation.

 

Returning 2012 Third Teamers

Tommy Campion - Sr., Jamestown:  18.6 ppg, 4.3 asst, 2.1 stls. The lone returning starter from the Class AA NYS runners-up in 2011, Campion's leadership and abilities on the court returned the Red Raiders to Class AA Section VI championship game.  He shared ECIC I Player of the Year honors with Taplin thanks to his contributions in all phases of the game for Jamestown.

Sam Eckstrom - Jr., Olean:  14.8 ppg, 9.2 reb, 2.0 blk.  Helped lead a Huskies squad loaded with expectations to the brink of a state title in just his sophomore campaign.  His footwork and positioning in the post, along with a soft touch around the rim, make him the most fundamentally sound junior big man WNY has seen since Will Regan.

Wil Bathurst - Jr., Olean:  11.8 ppg, 7.6 reb, 2.2 asst.  Complemented Eckstrom's talents wonderfully to give the Huskies a potent 1-2 punch.  Combines raw athleticism with a silky-smooth style that allows him to shoot from anywhere, get to the basket (and above) with ease, and snag every rebound within his radius that Eckstrom didn't already secure.

 

Returning 2012 Fourth Teamer

Zed Williams - Sr., Silver Creek

 

Returning 2012 Fifth Teamers

JJ Wilkes - Sr.,  Niagara Falls

Darnell Carson - Sr., CSAT

 

Returning 2012 Honorable Mentions

Johnathan Belton - Sr. (Amherst), Justice Feggans - Sr. (Riveride), Aaron White - Sr. (Canisius), Matt MacDonald - Sr. (Canisius), Quinton Campbell - Sr. (Kenmore West), Reyszon Jordan - Sr. (McKinley),  Marcus Morris - Sr. (McKinley), Lovell Smith - Sr. (McKinley), Jordan Glover - Sr. (St. Joe's), Chaquiel Nettles - Sr. (Williamsville South), Clayton Hess - Sr. (Tonawanda), Nick Scmidt - Jr. (Olean), Brendan Cox - Jr. (East Aurora)

 

Other names to watch for this season 

Jake Haight - Jr. (Barker), Steve Marcey - Sr. (Silver Creek), Jack Mulcahey - Sr. (Niagara Wheatfield), Kyle Radack - Sr. (Southwestern), Dylan Meyer - Jr. (Fredonia), Zach Blask - Sr. (Portville), John Coe - Sr. (Westfield), Louis Oliveri - Sr. (St. Joe's), Tyree Tyson - Jr. (East), Johnathan Lewis - Jr. (East), Fulton Bryant - Sr. (Timon), Bri'an Brown - Jr. (Middle College), Keir Anderson - Jr. (Middle College), Paul Rath - Sr. (St. Mary's), Brandon Kellam - So. (Jamestown), Kole Gilchrist - Sr. (Sweet Home), Jordan Parker - Sr. (Cleveland Hill), Ramir Burton - Sr. (Niagara Falls), Connor Sears - Sr. (Newfane), Lonnie Taylor - Sr. (Medina), Connor Ladd - Sr. (Akron)

 

League-by-league

 

MONSIGNOR MARTIN

Canisius

Key Returnees: Adam Weir - 12, Aaron White - 12, Matt MacDonald - 12, Jamel Mosley - 12, Jake Cercone - 12, Ryan Raccuia - 12

Key Newcomers: Ryan Richards - 11, Josh Huffman - 10, Patrick MacDonald - 11, Howard Washington - 9 (Transfer from City Honors)

 

St. Joe's 

Key Returnees:  Jordan Glover - 12, Jalen Morris - 12, Mark Cerza - 12, Louis Oliveri - 12, Dan Maher - 12, Dylan Hall - 12

Key Newcomers: Justin Hollins - 11, Tremaine Shelton - 11 (Transfer from Buffalo Arts), Tyler Hill - 11

 

Bishop Timon/St. Jude

Key Returnees:  Bryant Fulton - 12, Donte Williams - 11, Manny Welch - 12, 

Key Newcomers:  Derick Simpson - 10, Kyler Hairston (Transfer from Park School), Brandon Donohue, Sean Murphy

 

St. Francis

Key Returnees: Cory Cullen - 12, Brennan Macey - 12, David Kennedy - 11, Wenny Xie - 12

Key Newcomers: Treyvon Holness - 11 (Transfer from Montreal), Maurice Burse - 11 (Transfer from Lackawanna),  Devantie Campbell - 11 (Transfer from Montreal), Austin Taylor - 11, Chris Shriver - 11

 

Nichols

Key Returnees: Liam Ryan - 12, Christopher Miner - 10, Cam Lewis - 10, Adam Noonan - 12

Key Newcomer:  Tom Nuttle - 11, Jack Vance - 11

 

St. Mary's

Key Returnees:  Paul Rath - 12, Latrell Tyson - 12, Quinn Gill - 12

Key Newcomers:  Tyler English - 11, Corey Kiebzak - 11, Matt Wrobel - 11, Dione Strong - 11, Jake Concannon - 10

 

 Niagara Catholic

Key Returnee:  Jonathan Jackson - 11

 

 Cardinal O'Hara

Archbishop Walsh

 

YALE CUP I

McKinley

Key Returnees:  Marcus Morris - 12, Lovell Smith - 12, Reyjzon Jordan - 12, Deonte Bell - 12, Samuel Smith - 12, DaeQuan Warren - 12, Stephen Johnson - 12

 

East

Key Returnees:  Tyree Tyson - 11, Johnathan Lewis - 11, Damone Brown - 10, Dajuan Quarles - 12

Key Newcomer:  Percy Bryant - 10 (Transfer from St. Mary's)

 

Riverside

Key Returnees:  Justice Feggans - 12, Shawn Johnson - 12, Willie Smith - 11, Jarmel Caldwell - 11

Key Newcomers: Jevon Rosier - 11, Jovell Littlejohn - 10

 

Middle College

Key Returnees:  Bri'an Brown - 11, Keir Anderson - 12, Kevin Briggs (formerly Reese) - 11, TJ Scott - 11, Brandon Jefferson - 11, Donavin McLean - 12, Aterah Dickinson - 12

Key Newcomers:  Isaiah Jenkins - 10, Joseph Staton - 9, Khoron Ferguson - 9, Devon Singleton - 11, X-Ray Xavier Drayton - 11, Elijah Mingo - 11

 

Hutch-Tech

Key Returnees:  Tim Whitehead - 12, Roman West - 11, Jovohn Owens - 12, Amanuel Radford - 11

 

South Park 

Key Returnees:  Zachary Kaczor - 11, Tyrell Mitchell - 12, Darius White - 12

 

Bennett

 Key Returnees:  Aurelio Ayala - 12

 

YALE CUP II

I-Prep

Key Returnees:  Justice Radford - 12, Damon Boykin - 11, DaQuan Evans - 10

 

City Honors

Key Returnees: Marqell Massey - 11, James Miller - 11, Yusef Burgos - 11, Matt Cieslik - 10, Jordahn Summers - 10

 

Burgard

Key Returnees:  Daquan Walker - 12

 

MST Seneca

 Key Returnees:  JaVaughn McNab - 12, RayShawn Jones - 12

Key Newcomers:  Adrian Blackmon - 11, Ben Bolden - 11

 

YALE CUP III

Olmsted

Key returnees: Jalen Schumaker - 12, Malcolm Hendrick - 10, Ballah Burch - 11

 

Buffalo Arts

Key Returnees:  Derek Simpson - 10

 

Lafayette

Key Returnees:  Jon Colon - 12

 

Emerson

Key Returnee:  Lenny Dowell

 

 DaVinci

 

 ECIC I

 Jamestown

Key Returnees: Tommy Campion - 12, Quinn Lee Yaw - 11, Brandon Kellam - 10, Zack Panebianco - 10

 

Williamsville North

Key Returnees:  Sterling Taplin - 11, David Berkun - 12, George Attea - 10, Aman Washington - 12

 

 Clarence

Key Returnees: Bobby Florio - 12, Ryan Funk - 11, Bryan Jost - 11, Elliott Case - 11

Key Newcomers: Tanner Schmidt - 10 (Transfer from Nichols), Matt Sadowy - 10, Emaure Williams - 11

 

 Lancaster

Key Returnees:  Sean Murray - 12, Jacob Plonka - 12, Joe Jankowski - 11, Steve Musso - 12, Mac Garby - 12, Colin Stotz - 12

Key Newcomers: Tyler Lis - 10, Griffin O'Brien - 10, Eric Zimpfer - 11

 

West Seneca West

Key Returnees:  Nick Clancy - 11

 

Orchard Park

Frontier

 

ECIC II

Williamsville East

Key Returnees:  Michael Spina - 12, Cort Williams - 10, Nicholas Clough - 10, Zachary Bischel - 12

 

Williamsville South

Key Returnees:  Damian Powers - 12, Pat Stasiak - 12, Chaquiel Nettles - 12, Trent Ferguson - 12, Jack Fitzpatrick - 12, Sam Castronova - 10

 

Iroquois

Key Returnees:  Nate Wilkinson - 12, Matthew Zimmerman - 12

 

Sweet Home

Key Returnees: Kole Gilchrist - 12, Khalid Barnes - 12

 

Hamburg

Key Returnees:  Kyle Violanti - 12, Andrew Sardinia - 12, Griffin Ryan - 11, Jeremiah Bill - 11, Tony Guzzetta - 12, Matt Odre - 12

Key Newcomers:  Tim Kane - 11, Kyle Munro - 10, Joe DeGrood - 10

 

West Seneca East

Key Returnees:  Alex Pacer - 12, Austin Spindler - 12, Corey Fermo - 12, Matt Kumro - 10

Key Newcomers:  Nick Parucki - 1o, Ed Radka - 9, Dan Picciano - 9

 

Starpoint

Key Returnees:  Andrew Rankie - 12, Julian Mott - 11, Ian Emerick - 10

 

ECIC III

Amherst

Key Returnees:  Johnathan Belton - 12, Dion Lewis - 12, Alex Turecki - 12, Dorian Billups - 10

 

East Aurora

Key Returnees:  Brendan Cox - 11, Ian Allen - 12, James Ritchie - 12, Grant Haffenden - 11

Key Newcomers:  Mike Coatsworth - 10, Kevin Tierney - 11

 

Cheektowaga

Key Returnees:  Zak Ciezki - 10, Derek Clyburn - 12, Dileon Pearsall - 12

 

Depew

Key Returnees: Derek Sekuterski - 11, Jake Lamb - 11, Nate Hyman - 12

 

Maryvale

Key Returnees:  Tyler Smith - 12, Demetri McCallie - 12, Max Aikin - 12, Tyler Graham - 12

Key Newcomers:  William Lamar - 8 

 

Pioneer

Key Returnees:  Terik Lewis - 12, Connor Johnson - 12, Dylan Souder - 12, Ryan Miller - 12

Key Newcomer:  Bryce Little - 10

 

Lake Shore

Key Returnees:  Clark Brueckl - 12, Ryan Joslyn - 12, Wade Bergum - 11

Key Newcomers:  Matt Vona - 11, Colin Hart - 11

 

Springville

 

ECIC IV

Cleveland Hill

Key Returnees: Jared Watkins - 11, Jordan Parker - 12, Rayshawn Smalls - 12, Richard Sotero - 12, Andrej Krajewski - 12

Key Newcomers: Aaron Phillips - 11, Jermaine Hairston - 10

 

Lackawanna

Key Returnees: Shaquille Brooks - 12, Cam Smith - 11, Norman Sweat - 12, Deron Adams - 12

Key Newcomer: Ahmad Abdo - 12

 

Tonawanda

Key Returnees:  Clayton Hess - 12, Ben Stitch - 11

Key Newcomer:  Tristan Bolling - 10

 

Holland

Key Returnees:  Clay Lewis - 10, Curtis Blendinger - 12

 

JFK

Key Returnees:  Nick Anderson - 12

 

Alden

Key Returnees:  Corey Barczykowski - 12

 

Eden 

Key Returnees:  Brad Palmerton - 11

 

Niagara Frontier League

Niagara Falls

Key Returnees: Jermaine Crumpton - 12, JJ Wilkes - 12, Ramir Burton - 12, Stefon Caffee - 12, Tikere Ralands - 12, Vinzell Watkins - 11

Key Newcomer: Jamar Waters - 10 (Transfer from Nichols)

 

Kenmore West

Key Returnees:  Quinton Campbell - 12, Alex Price - 11, Joel Northup - 12, Shay Cuadra - 12, Adam From - 11

Key Newcomers:  Terell Ford - 9, Tyler Grandits - 11

 

Grand Island

Key Returnees: Nick Soos - 12, Ryan Ross - 11, Jordan Jelks - 12, Corey Adamshick - 12

 

North Tonawanda

Key Returnees:  

 

Niagara Wheatfield

Key Returnees:  Jack Mulcahey - 12, Anthony Cappucilli - 12, Chris Galvano - 12

 

Lockport

Kenmore East

Lew-Port

 

Niagara-Orleans

Akron

Key Returnees:  Connor Ladd - 12, Austin Mietz - 12, Noah Diebel - 11, Gowah Abrams - 12, Steve Poodry - 12

Key Newcomers:  Sturgis Sundown - 12, Austen Lauricella - 11

 

Newfane

Key Returnees:  Connor Sears - 12, Bryan Geise - 12, Reid Weber - 12, Alex Intihar - 12, Jake O'Keefe - 12, Brian "Rat" Ratajczak - 12

Key Newcomers:  Jimmer Branca - 12, Ryan Doyle - 12, Sean Costello - 11, Josh Kneeland - 11

 

CSAT

Key Returnees: Darnell Carson - 12, Dylanta Carson - 10

Key Newcomers:  Alex Santos - 11, Quinton Lamar - 9, Bryan Locke - 10

 

Medina

Key Returnees:  Lonnie Taylor - 12, Dan "Mungie" Brown - 12, Jason Hellwig - 10

 

Barker

Key Returnees:  Jake Haight - 11, Mitchell Luckman - 11, Bryce Moeller - 11, Chris Sweeney - 10, Brett Cole - 12, Hayden Gooding - 11

Key Newcomer:  Jared Worthington - 11

 

Roy-Hart

Key Returnees: Brad Bobbitt - 12, Blake Copella - 12, Ryan Farewell - 12, Marc Roman - 11, Alex Stoddard - 11

Key Newcomers:  Andy Xapsos - 9, Austin Heschke - 11, DeRon Woods - 11, Sam White - 10

 

Wilson

Key Returnee:  Matt Baker

 

Albion

 

CCAA I

Olean

Key Returnees: Sam Eckstrom - 11, Wil Bathurst - 11, Nick Schmidt  - 11, Luke Hennessey - 11, Max Portlow - 12, Pat Scholla - 12, Evan Ryan - 12

Key Newcomers: Dante Tarr - 11, Chris Gayton - 11

 

Fredonia

Key Returnees: Dylan Meyer - 11, Nick Johnston - 11, John Piper - 10

 

Southwestern

Key Returnees:  Kyle Radack - 12, Alek Peck - 12, Peter Trathen - 12, Nick Baglia - 12, Jacob Pilling - 12, Kyle Moran - 11, Andrew Greenlee - 12

Top Newcomers: Riley Ribicki - 11, Nathan Schrope - 11

 

Falconer

Key Returnees:  Brandon DePietro - 11, Nick Conti - 11

 

Dunkirk

Key Returnees:  Marquel Ruiz - 12, Jacob Lockett - 12, Drew Messina - 12

Key Newcomer:  Emanuel (Manny) Masonet - 11

 

Allegany-Limestone

Key Returnees:  Dom Saglimben - 11, Ryan Vossler - 11, Caswell Stanton - 12

Key Newcomers:  Dom Conroy - 10, Trevin Barber - 12

 

Gowanda

 Key Returnees:  Chase Williams - 11, Brennan Geiger - 11, Zach Stevens - 11

Key Newcomer: Jordan Young - 10

 

 CCAA II

Silver Creek 

Key Returnees:  Zed Williams - 12, Kaine Kettle - 11, Steve Marcey - 12

Key Newcomers:  Bill Brooks - 10, Brennan White - 10

 

Portville

Key Returnees:  Zach Blask - 12, Josh Watson - 12

 

Randolph

Key Returnees:  Bryce Morrison - 10

 

Salamanca

Key Returnees:  Tanner John - 12

Key Newcomer: Damion Taylor - 11

 

Frewsburg

Key Returnees:  Alex Elderkin - 12

 

Cassadaga Valley

Key Returnees:  Randy Dabala - 12

 Cattaraugus Little Valley

 

CCAA III

Maple Grove

 Key Returnees:  Jeff Tampe - 12, Will Soffel - 12, Aaron Germain - 12, Austin Goerke - 12, Oliver Simpson - 12

 

Westfield

Key Returnees:  John Coe - 12

 

Panama

Key Returnees:  Alec Blose - 12, Dan Odell - 11, Brandon Lewis - 12

 

Chautauqua Lake

Key Returnees:  Ian Clute - 11, Cody Thomas - 12, Jeremiah Russin - 12, Jordan Briggs - 12

 

Pine Valley

Key Returnees:  Lucas Trombley - 12

 

Forestville

Key Returnees:  Jacob Nosbisch - 11

 

Franklinville

 

CCAA IV

Sherman

Key Returnees:  Ryan Robson - 11, Andrew Graham - 11, Devin Moorhead - 11

 

Clymer

Key Returnees:  Dan Lictus - 12, Connor Payne - 12, Mitch Einink - 11, Jacob Wiggers - 11, Caleb Clark - 12

 

Brocton

Key Returnees:  Dan Ferguson - 12, Jordan Patterson - 12, Macalum Buchanan - 11

 

West Valley

Key Returnees:  Mike Grigsby - 12, Colton Myers - 12

 

Ellicottville

Key Returnees:  Cameron Wilson - 11, Storm Wilson - 12, Alex Steinbroner - 12

 

North Collins

Ripley

 

 Charter Schools

Oracle 

Key Returnees:  Gerald Bibbs - 12, Julius Allen - 12, Jamarr Cunningham - 12, Eric Waters - 12

Key Newcomers:  Nelson Modi - 11, Jayson Jones-Johnson - 11, Antone Gullege - 11

Tapestry

Key Returnees:  Tom Lucas - 12, Tong Mawein - 12, Jon Spears - 11

Key Newcomers:  Gary Foster - 9, JaQuoine Fogan - 9 

WNY Maritime

Buffalo Science

Health Sciences

Global Concepts

 

Predictions

Manhattan Cup: Canisius

Class AA: Jamestown

Class A1: McKinley

Class A2: Amherst

Class B1: Olean

Class B2: East

Class C1: Middle College

Class C2: Silver Creek

Class D: Clymer

 

- McKinley, Olean, & Middle College will all advance to Glens Falls

- Olean will win the Class B State Championship

- Canisius will win the CHSAA Class A State Championship

- Section V "super power" Bishop Kearney will lose one of its games played against a WNY team this year (Falls, Canisius, St. Joe's, Timon)...or maybe Jamestown)

 

Preseason Top 10 - Large Schools

1. Canisius

2. Jamestown

3. Niagara Falls

4. McKinley

5. St. Joe's

6. Bishop Timon/St. Jude

7. Williamsville North

8. Clarence

9. Amherst

10. Riverside

 

Preseason Top 10 Small Schools

1. Olean

2. East

3. Middle College

4. Silver Creek

5. East Aurora

6. Depew

7. Nichols

8. St. Mary's

9. Cleveland Hill

10. CSAT

 

  -centercourt

Pastor-Cooper Memorial Showcase at Daemen College

For over 25 years, the high school basketball season in WNY has begun with a prestigious memorial event.  It began as a remembrance of Al and Rose Pastor.  The Al and Rose Pastor Memorial Tournament as it was formerly named, recently became the Pastor-Cooper Memorial Tournament, as a tribute to the life of  Jerry Cooper as well.  Last year, the event's format changed to a three-night showcase as a way to continue a tradition, while accomodating NYSPHSAA teams that saw their nonleague schedules reduced by two games.

 

Sadly, this year's Pastor-Cooper Showcase will be honoring another member of the family.  The event's organizer and chairman, David Cooper, died unexpectedy on August 9th at the age of 43.  He was committed to, and succeeded in, putting on a first-class event that always included some of the areas top programs.  The final event that Cooper organized will be no exception, as once again, a stellar lineup of games is set to unfold over the course of three nights at Daemen College.  

 

As always, the lineup is full of teams that finished the prior season in the Buffalo News large & small school polls.  However, this year, there seems to be even more compelling storylines and matchups than normal, including a game with potential playoff and league title implications.

 

This year, we'll see Kenmore bragging rights on the line with Kenmore West taking on St. Joe's.   A pair of top-ten small schools will face off when East battles St. Mary's.  Last year's Class A1 champion, McKinley, will matchup with Bishop Timon/St. Jude for the first time in several years.  There will even be an appearance from David Cooper's alma mater, Williamsville East, as the Flames take on Class C state finalist, OTC/MEC.  The most significant game will take place between a pair of ECIC III schools.  Depew and Amherst have agreed to play a league game at the showcase.  Head coaches Larry Jones and Chris Kensy found a creative way to accept the invitation to the showcase without losing one of four precious nonleague games.  The coaches agreed to a coin toss to determine which school would lose its home game.  Amherst won the toss, meaning Depew will be considered the home team at the event.

 

Tuesday, December 4th

Girls 5:15 pm - Holy Angels vs. Olmsted 

Boys 7:00 pm - St. Joe's vs. Kenmore West

Boys 8:30 pm - Hutch-Tech vs. Cardinal O'Hara

 

Wednesday, December 5th

Girls 5:15 pm - Sacred Heart vs. Iroquois

Boys 7:00 pm - Williamsville East vs. OTC/MEC

Boys 8:30 pm - Amherst vs. Depew

 

Thursday, December 6th

Girls 5:15 pm - Grand Island vs. Cardinal O'Hara

Boys 7:00 pm - East vs. St. Mary's

Boys 8:30 pm - McKinley vs. Bishop Timon/St. Jude

 

-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

Buffalo Storm Summer Tip-off Team Camp

The 2012 Buffalo Storm Tip-off Summer Team Camp will take place on Friday, June 22nd & Saturday, June 23rd.  The camp, which is presented by Niagara Wheatfield head coach Erik O'Bryan and Damen Associate head coach Mike Miranto, will have games played at three different sites on each day: Daemen College, Park School, and Sweet Home High School.  Games will begin on Friday at 4:30 pm and on Saturday at 8 am.  A one time admission of just $5 is good for any and all games during the two-day event.

 

The camp's format guarantees each team at least three games.  A total of 24 schools will participate, with each school placed in a four-team pool:

 

Pool A - Niagara Falls, St. Joe's, Olean, & Amherst

Pool B - Canisius, Jamestown, McKinley, & Kenmore West

 

Pool C - St. Mary's, Williamsville North, Batavia, & Newfane

Pool D - Depew, Williamsville South, Clarence, & Sweet Home

 

Pool E - Niagara Wheatfield, Wilson, Tonawanda, & Iroquois

Pool F - Grand Island, Maryvale, North Tonawanda, & Park

 

** A champion will emerge from each pool and then face the champion from the pool it's paired against (A vs. B, C vs. D, E vs. F), meaning there will be three overall champions crowned.

 

Some of the marquee matchups that are guaranteed to take place include:

 

Friday @ Daemen

5:45 pm - Niagara Falls vs. Olean

7:00 pm - Jamestown vs. Canisius

 

Saturday @ Daemen

2:15 pm - McKinley vs. Jamestown

 

Saturday @ Park High School

11:45 am - Niagara Falls vs. St. Joe's

2:15 pm - Olean vs. St. Joe's

 

Saturday @ Sweet Home

10:30 am - Canisius vs. McKinley

 

-centercourt

 

PAL/ACE All-Star Game rosters

Below are the rosters for tomorrow's PAL/ACE All-Star games at Niagara Falls High School.  There will be two games played, beginning at 6 pm, with the second to follow immediately after, around 7:15 pm.  The first game will consist of varsity level players that are current sophomores or younger, while the feature game is between juniors & seniors.  Admission for the evening is $5, with all proceeds going to PAL youth activities.

 

GAME 1 - Sophomores & Younger:

                                                                                                               West Coach: Carlos Bradberry, NFHS

East Coach: Ryan Hogan, Kenmore West

                                                                                                                  Cam Lewis - Nichols

Sam Eckstrom - Olean                                                                    Howard Washington - City Honors

Alex Price - Kenmore West                                                          Brendan Cox - East Aurora

Vinzell Watkins - Niagara Falls                                                   Wil Bathurst - Olean

Bri'an Brown - OTC/MEC                                                              Adam Fron - Kenmore West

Quinn Carey - Grand Island                                                          Willie Smith - Riverside

Phillip Bowen - Iroquois                                                                 Derrick Sekuterski - Depew

Moziah Townsend - Lockport                                                      Donte Williams - Timon

Tyler English - St. Marys                                                               Ryan Lawrence - Lockport

Ryan Ross - Grand Island                                                              Kevin Reese - OTC/MEC

Tyler Grandits - Kenmore West

 

 

GAME 2 - Juniors & Seniors

North Coach: Nate Beutel, Grand Island                               South Coach - Erik O'Bryan, NW

Jayson Moore - Sweet Home                                                       Aaron White  -Canisius

Jermaine Crumpton - NFHS                                                        Quinton Campbell - Kenmore West

Taijay Williams - NFHS                                                                 Matt Hart - Canisius

Adam Weir - Canisius                                                                     Cordell Torres - OTC/MEC

Jack Mulcahy - Niagara Wheatfield                                         Matt MacDonald - Canisius

Erik Simmons - St. Mary's                                                            Lovell Smith -McKinley                

Fulton Bryant - Timon                                                                   Justice Feggans - Riverside

Joe Lowery - Niagara Catholic                                                   Jordan Glover - St. Joe's

Aaron Frazier - MST Seneca                                                       Martin Bailey - Kenmore West

Ramir Burton - NFHS                                                                     Jamaal Carter - City Honors

 

 

-centercourt

Cataract Classic lineup for next season

Friday, December 7, 2012

5:00 pm - Sweet Home vs. Niagara Wheatfield

6:30 pm - Batavia vs. Williamsville North

8:00 pm - Bishop Kearney vs. Niagara Falls

 

Saturday, December 8, 2012

12:00 pm - Grand Island vs. Wilson

1:30 pm - Newfane vs. St. Mary's

3:00 pm - Geneva vs. Bishop Timon/St. Jude

4:30 pm - Depew vs. Niagara Catholic

6:00 pm - Jamestown vs. Williamsville South

7:30 pm - Brunswick (OH) vs. Niagara Falls

 

-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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Those two games are gone forever - let's deal with it!

The member schools of the NYSPHAA  just finished their second 18-game regular season.  Next year, those schools will be again limited to just 18 games - down two games from seasons past, down six games from what Monsignor Martin schools can schedule, and significantly down from what most states in this country allow. 

 

I've heard it discussed, read articles about it, and read ranting on blogs.  These last two  years, when the quality of basketball in WNY is questioned, (whether it's the players aren't as good anymore, we don't have the powerhouse teams we used to have, or there aren't enough marquee games) it always seems to come back to one thing - we have to get those two games back from the state.

 

I'm sorry, but those two games are gone and we're not getting them back.  It's a sad reality, but one that needs to be faced. I could sooner see the state taking more away, rather than restoring the basketball season to 20 games.   The biggest  impact of the restriction is felt in nonleague scheduling. 

 

With the exception of the charter schools, all public schools in Section VI are part of a league, and depending on which your team belongs to, league play gobbles up either 12 or 14 of the 18-game allowance.  In the Niagara Orleans league or the Yale Cup for example, teams play 14 league games.  League play began this year in January, but the season starts in the last week of November.  That leaves over a month of season, in which you're allowed to schedule four games.  One tournament played over two nights, and you're down to two games.  If you play in a tip-off tournament, you're left with two games to schedule over the course of 30 days.  That's unacceptable!  So let's stop accepting it.  If this is the fate we are dealt, it's time to work within it.

 

The only suggestion I've heard is teams face league opponents just once and rotate the home sight annually.  I have a solution that I think makes even more sense, and is the best compromise I've come up with to maintain the esablished leagues, while greatly improving the nonleague scheduling dilema.

 

I'll use the Yale Cup large schools (Yale Cup I) to illustrate this example.  Rather than all eight teams playing a home and home against each other, divide those large schools in half - by team strength, by location, etc. - however you want to divide them.  Say it's:

1. McKinley, Riverside, Hutch-Tech, & East

2. Bennett, Lafayette, South Park, Burgard

Teams from group one still play a home and home (six games), then group one plays each team from group two just once (four games).  Teams could even leave one game on their schedule "open" for a league showcase, which could also serve as a tiebreaker in some league races.  In this example, league games are reduced to 10 or 11 games, allowing seven or eight nonleagers.  That's four tournaments, one for every weekend in December.

 

The above formula is designed for leagues with eight teams, which include: Yale Cup I, Yale Cup II, ECIC I, NFL, and N-O.

 

Leagues with seven teams include: ECIC II, III, & IV, and all four CCAA divisions.  Those teams currently play six nonleague games and 12 league contests.  If you're okay with six nonleague game, then you're in good shape.  If you want more, here's what I've come up with:

 

- Move one team from CCAA I down to CCAA II and move a team from CCAA III down to CCAA IV.   Now CCAA I & III would have six teams (10 league games), while CCAA II & IV  would have eight teams and could follow the format above.

 

That leaves ECIC II, III, and IV all with seven teams.  If each league added one team, they'd all have eight teams and could also follow the eight-team league format outlined above.  But where do we come up with three teams to add?  Well, I can think of three independent charter schools off the top of my head: Oracle, Tapestry, and Maritime.  CSAT is a charter school and plays in the N-O.  It's not such a crazy concept.

 

 

I realize everything I wrote may sound complicated.  To me, it's logical and makes perfect sense. 

 

Is it a sensible solution to a situation that isn't going to get any better on its own or is it just a pipe dream?  For me, the answer depends on how badly the coaches want more nonleague games to schedule.

 

Call me crazy, call me brilliant, call me naive...just say something.  This is an issue that needs a productive discussion or there will never be any resolution - just a long December.  I want reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last.

 

-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 A1 Sectional Bracket

 

Pre-Quarterfinals - Wednesday, February 22nd

(9) Kenmore East 77, (8) Lake Shore 71

(5) Hutch-Tech 70, (12) Starpoint 31

(7) Sweet Home 56, (10) West Seneca East 37

(6) Hamburg 52, (11) Grand Island 51

 

Quarterfinals - Friday, February 24th

(1) McKinley 94, (9) Kenmore East 46

(5) Hutch-Tech 90, (4) Iroquois 51

 

(2) Williamsville South 56, (7) Sweet Home 48

(3) Williamsville East 78, (6) Hamburg 29

 

Semifinals - Wednesday, February 29th

AT BUFFALO STATE - 6 & 7:45 pm

(1) McKinley 58, (5) Hutch-Tech 53

(3) Williamsville East 46, (2) Williamsville South 38

 

Section VI Class A1 Championship - Wednesday, February 29th

AT BUFFALO STATE - 6:30 pm

 (1) McKinley 59, (3) Williamsville East 56

 

2012 Section VI Class A1 Champions  - McKinley Macks

 

-centercourt

Random Smatterings - Round 5

I love it when a player comes in during a Prep Talk chat using some johnny-come-lately name and asks a question about himself.  It's always like "Hey Keith, what do you think of that so-and-so kid from XYZ.  I see he scored 27 the other night, making a case for All-WNY".  

 

Here are the last four point totals from junior Darnell Carson of CSAT: 32, 27, 29, & 20.

 

One of my favorites is when a player jumps out of bounds to save a ball, only to throw it against the back of the backboard.

 

There are only three teams in WNY that haven't lost to a team from WNY: St. Joe's, Jamestown, and Olean.

 

Stan Wier dropped 37 points on the Warriors in East Aurora's 71-44 win over Cheektowaga, Quinten Campbell scored 33 points to lead Kenmore West past Lew-Port, 62-49, and Jon Gemerek finished with 31 points to lift Depew past Maryvale, 66-59.

 

Cheektowaga trailed Springville, 45-31 after three quarters of play.  The Warriors then used a 31-9 fourth quarter to comeback and win, 62-54.

 

Akron saw four of its players score a team-high eight points and held Wilson to single-digits in all four quarters of a 53-25 stunner in the N-O.

 

Kyle Kobis led Bishop Timon/St. Jude with 24 points, as the Tigers earned a 62-42 victory against St. Francis.  During the win, Kobis sank a 3-pointer that lifted him past 1,ooo points for his career.

 

Olean is New York State's #1 ranked team in Class B.

 

I see a lot of the same faces at the big games each week, including one of the players.  If the Warriors aren't practicing or playing, Clayton Hess of Tonawanda can be found at a high school basketball game somewhere. 

 

Grand Island picked up its first league win of the season over Niagara Wheatfield on Friday, outscoring the Falcons 15-6 in the fourth quarter to comeback and win, 49-47.  It was the Vikings second straight victory.

 

Williamsville South topped Iroquois, 77-67, in a game with a high-scoring finish.  The Chiefs outscored the Billies, 31-30 in the fourth quarter.

  

Joe Lowery finished with 37 points in Niagara Catholic's loss to Walsh, Connor Keenan scored 37 points in a 76-72 loss to Iroquois, Barker sophomore Jake Haight put up 35 points & 21 rebounds on Newfane in a 74-64 loss, Sean Weisensal had 34 points for Maryvale in a loss to Depew, and Stan Wier of East Aurora scored 32 points in a losing effort at Amherst.

 

St. Joe's sophomore, Tyler Hill, a starter for the varsity football and JV basketball teams, was spotted cheering for the Panthers in the Blue Zone when Newfane beat Wilson on Thursday night.

 

Junior Zeddie Williams scored 18 points, grabbed 15 boards, and dished seven assists as Silver Creek avenged its only loss this season, beating Randolph, 57-54.

 

-centercourt

Random Smatterings - Round 3

 The Aquinas Lil Irish have an actual irish adult little person dressed as a leprechaun, and during timeouts, the team's mascot would come on the court to invoke the crowd.  I think more schools should use real mascots.  Hopefully schools like Maple Grove, Timon, or JFK read this and take action.

 

Grand Island freshman Quinn Carey scored a game-high 25 points in a 62-57 loss to North Tonawanda.

 

Depew trailed Springville 7-0, before a 26-0 run propelled the Wildcats to a 61-34 win.

 

Blake Fisher of Iroquois tied the school record for 3-pointers in a game with six, as the Chiefs defeated Lake Shore, 69-60.

 

At the MLK Classic against City Honors, a Lackawanna guard brought the ball a few feet over half court and as his defender sagged off of him, Steelers' coach Tim Foley called out to his guard "don't pick up your dribble".  The dribble was picked up, almost on cue, and the player was trapped.  Foley had a seat next to him waiting for the player. 

 

Lamont Little had 22 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists to lead Riverside past Bennett, 60-48.

 

During the Section V thriller between Aquinas and Bishop Kearney, AQ guard Jahmahl Pardner and BK guard Antwoine Anderson were near the sideline, awaiting an inbounds pass.  Some AQ fans yelled to Pardner, "make him go right, he can't go right, he has no right".  Anderson turned to the fans, and with a wink and a smile, said "I know".

 

Aaron Frasier scored 29 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished eight assists in MST Seneca's 76-75 win over I-Prep.

 

Jesse Lalka became Tonawanda's all-time leading scorer with a 21-point effort in the Warriors 46-41 win at Lackawanna.

 

At the MLK Classic, I watched a player do the slap the ground thing, to indicate he was really going to D-up.  Then the guy he was guarding blew past him, scored, and drew a foul.  What's up with the ground slap anyway?

 

East Aurora senior Stan Wier scored 28 points and ripped 20 boards to will his Blue Devils past OTC/MEC in overtime, 68-61.

 

Riverside big man Mike Leonard had 16 rebounds and 11 blocks in the Frontiers' 68-63 win against Hutch-Tech.

 

OTC/MEC coach Randall Rich needs a normal sized dry erase board.  He brought a massive board that needed a tripod to prop it up to the MLK Classic.  It had to be placed sideways between chairs during the game and served as a partition between two players.

 

Justin Bangert had 19 points and 15 rebounds, both career-highs, to lead Williamsville North past Clarence, 68-59.

 

If Olean doesn't lose again before March, what would St. Mary's have to do to move past them in the small school poll?  If they had beaten Canisius?  If they win at Timon?

 

Milton's Shaquille Johnson dunked seven times against Niagara Falls, in going 9-11 from the floor.  Three of those dunks are the top three dunks I've ever seen in a high school game.  They included a take-off from the free throw line, a windmill, and a soaring two-hander where his face was level with the rim before throwing it down.

 

Stan Wier was awarded "McShea is God 2012 POY" after being named 2nd Team All-WNY in 2010.  Congratulations to Stan.  Only one spot remains on his first team next  to Wier, Aaron White, Jonathan Lewis, and Sterling Taplin. 

 

 

-centercourt

 

 

 

ECIC vs. MMA Challenge begins tonight

The annual ECIC vs. MMA Challenge at St. Mary's High School in Lancaster begins this evening.  This high school hoops bender of ten games in three nights sponsored by AdPro Sports, always provides a number of games with poll implications and opportunities to see a variety of teams and players.

 

If you've only read about high-scoring Holland senior Jordan Farrant, get there early on Monday and see him for yourself.  Looking for the marquee small school matchup of the season?  Don't miss the Olean/St. Mary's tilt on Tuesday. 

 

Here's a complete list of the games this week:

 

Monday, December 12, 2011

Cardinal O'Hara 45, Holland 38 

St. Francis 47, Iroquois 44

Bishop Timon/St. Jude 54, Williamsville South 48

 

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Archbishop Walsh 59, Lackawanna 47

Olean 74,  St. Mary's 66

Canisius 77, Kenmore West 53

 

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Grand Island 58, Christian Central 48

Nichols 59, Cheektowaga 50

Depew 74, Niagara Catholic 49

St. Joe's 63, Sweet Home 54

 

-centercourt

2011 Cataract City Classic Recap

Saturday's Games

 

In the feature game, Niagara Falls fell to Bishop Kearney, 64-56.  The Kings broke away from a one-point game with 4:40 remaining, to earn the victory before a packed Wolve-Arena.   It was the first time NFHS lost in the Cataract City Classic since falling to Henninger in December 2007. 

 

Thomas Bryant, a 6-7 freshman, led BK with 15 points.  Taijay Williams finished with a game-high 27 points, including five 3-pointers, and JJ Wilkes added 14 points for the Wolverines.

 ***

Newfane had little trouble with Niagara Catholic in its 67-58 victory.  The Patriots struggled with the depth and pressure of Newfane and fell behind in the third quarter, 53-28, before closing the game with a flurry of points to make the final score respectable. 

 

Connor Sears led in the scoring column for the Panthers with 17 points, while Scott Kneeland scored 13 points and Bryan Geise added 12 points.  Jonathan Jackson paced NC with 18 points and Joe Lowery scored 16 points.

 ***

Batavia got a game-high 20 points from Jamesson Etienne in a 62-48 win over Sweet Home.  Khalid Barnes led the Panthers with 15 points and Kole Gilchrist added 11 points.

 ***

Lackawanna rolled CG Finney, 79-50.  The Steelers had four players score in double figures: Shaquille Brooks - 23, Cam Smith - 19, Damom Sylvers - 11, and Larry Robinson - 10.

 ***

St. Mary's pulled away from Amherst in the second half and won, 60-46.  Erik Simmons scored 16 points and Jake Denz scored 11 points for the Lancers.  Jonah Heim led the Tigers with 13 points and Johnathan Belton added 12 points.

 ***

Wilson began day two of the Classic by defeating Grand Island, 49-43.  Tyler Martin had 17 points for the Lakemen, while freshman Quinn Carey netted 11 points and 11 rebounds.

 

Friday's Games

 

Niagara Falls topped Bishop Timon-St. Jude in the evening's main event, 53-50.  The Tigers led after each of the first three quarters, but Jermaine Crumpton scored 11 of his game-high 21 points in the fourth quarter to lead NFHS to the win.  Junior guard JJ Wilkes added 13 points for the Wolverines.  The first true marquee matchup of top large schools in WNY this season lived up to its billing, as the game featured 13 lead changes.

 

Kyle Kobis scored 16 points and DeMilo Gibbs finished with 15 points for Timon.

*** 

Sterling Taplin canned a 3-pointer to open the game and give his team a lead it would never relinquish, as Williamsville North topped Depew, 57-46.  The game was competitive throughout, but the Wildcats were never able to get any closer than five points in the fourth quarter.

 

Taplin led the Spartans with 15 points and Brett Butler added 14 points.  Jaden Cotton finished with a game-high 19 points for Depew.

 ***

In the first game of the evening, Chaquiel Nettles scored 18 of his game-high 27 points in the second half to lead Williamsville South to a 45-42 comeback victory over Niagara Wheatfield.  It was the first time in a Billies uniform for Nettles, who transferred from South Park, and his impact was the difference in the game.

 

The Falcons had used a 15-0 run during the second quarter to build a 10-point lead at halftime, before South came storming back.  Trailing by 12 points midway through the third quarter, the Billies got a traditional three-point play from Mike Calandra, spurring a 16-2 run that put South in front 38-36.

 

Niagara Wheatfield was led by Jack Mulcahy's 11 points, while Anthony Cappuccilli added 10 points. 

 

-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

 

Girls Hoops Festival tryouts

Tryouts for the girls BCANY Hoops Festival WNY team will be July 18th and 19th from 6 pm to 8 pm at Medaille College. Those trying out must be eligible to play high school basketball next year. 

 

The festival will be Aug. 5th, 6th, and 7th in Binghampton.   It is being sponsored by BCANY as a replacement for the Empire State Games.
  

The head coach for the WNY team will be Bill Shaw from Lockport HS.  He will be assisted by Chris Durr(Williamsville East) and Jen Banker(Grand Island).

 

-centercourt

Random Smatterings - Semifinal Edition

 

Is Niagara Falls big man Jordan Street a contestant on American Idol this season?

 

On Tuesday night, blogger McShea is God suggested we order a pizza, so I pointed out the Mister Pizza advertisement on the front of the scorer's table.  Forty-five minutes later, Keith McShea, his devotee MIG, and myself were enjoying a freshly delivered pizza in the front row.

 

Cleveland Hill's name was abbreviated on the Buffalo State scoreboard as CHILL. 

 

The winner of Saturday's Class B2 title game between Wilson and Cassadaga Valley will earn its first ever sectional title.

 

The Class B1 semifinal between Newfane and Tonawanda was the only semifinal game between two schools who were league champs.

 

During the Class A2 semifinal between Riverside and Cheektowaga, blogger Hollywood was on press row.

 

McKinley head coach Zaire Dorsey requested this one.  His Macks arrived at Buffalo State at 4:30 pm on Thursday, but were not allowed into the locker room until 5:15 pm, something which he was none to pleased about.  My take - If that's a Section VI policy, so be it.  But teams should be informed ahead of time not to arrive before 5:15 pm, or they will have to stand waiting out in the hall.

 

Major props to the defensive efforts from both Newfane and Lackawanna this week.  The Panthers held Tonawanda scoring machine Jesse Lalka under ten points, while the Steelers did the same to Dunkirk's Vincent Bomasuto.

 

During the final minute of Lackawanna's win over previously unbeaten Dunkirk, one of the Steelers said to his teammate "undefeated what?...garbage schedule".

 

Clymer and Pine Valley will play for the Section VI Class D title tonight.  Prior to Maple Grove winning two staight in Class D, Pine Valley had won four of five, with Clymer winning the other year.

 

Tapestry Charter outscored Maple Grove, 26-10, in the fourth quarter of its 61-53 victory at JCC, to squash the Red Dragons hopes of winning a fifth consecutive Section VI title, or of making a fourth consecutive trip to Glens Falls. 

 

Cassadaga Valley senior guard Simeon Schauman is the uncle of the Cougars' leading scorer, junior forward Dustin Schauman.

 

This week at Buffalo State, I was greeted by someone who said "Hey, I didn't see you at any games this year".

 

Remember that great game between Lockport and Grand Island this year? There's a picture from it on the cover of the Section VI Boy's Basketball Championships program.

 

Nichols head coach Greg Plumb announced he will not return to the Vikings next season.  Should he decide to further his education, Plumb is already equipped with a backpack.

 

-centercourt

 

 

Random Smatterings - Week 10

During East's quarterfinal win over Depew on Friday, the referee turned from the action to tell Panther coach Starling Bryant (who was standing at half court) to stay in the coach's box.  "Watch the game", Bryant replied.

 

During an injury timeout, the Depew players huddled on the court around head coach Larry Jones...and East senior Jasen Oden, who joined the Wildcats.  Oden was just hunched over trying to be nonchalant and listen in on the opposition.  I couldn't hear what was said, but Jones seemed to have a sense of humor about it as Oden finally left to join his team with a smirk on his face.

 

Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Williams was part of a two-man cheering section for his alma mater Riverside, during the Frontiers exciting 60-58 win at Maryvale.  Williams stood and bellowed chants of "I'm blind, I'm deaf, I wanna be a ref" and also "I can't hear you" in response to the Flyers student section.

 

Two very good players that few have heard of will get an opportunity to shine at Buffalo State this week.  Bennett senior Forest Richardson and CSAT sophomore Darnell Carson are guys who are sure to have fans flipping through their programs to find out who they are.

 

The Class A1 semifinal between Bennett and Kenmore East could set records for the lowest attendance.  The game is competing with the Manhattan Cup championship only a few minutes away, and casual Kenmore fans may choose  to watch the team from Kenmore Avenue.

 

Holland junior Jordan Farrant finished the season on fire.  After scoring 43 points in a pre-quarterfinal win over Salamanca, Farrant scored 33 of his team's 41 points in a quarterfinal loss to OTC Middle College.

 

Joe Licata needs just two more 3-pointers to break the New York State record, which is likely to happen on Wednesday night when the Billies face Hutch-Tech at Buffalo State at 7:45 pm.

 

Silver Creek followed up a double-digit upset win over Portville, by nearly pulling off a shocker against four-time Section VI champion Maple Grove.  The Knights led the Red Dragons 46-40 heading into the fourth quarter on Friday night and wound up losing by just one point.

 

Some high scoring playoff performances from this past week include: 47 points by Vincent Bomasuto of Dunkirk in a win over Buffalo Arts, 35 points from Jaysean Paige of Jamestown in a win against Clarence, and 32 points from Dazmond Knight of Tapestry Charter in a win versus MST Seneca.

 

A player who probably won't earn an All-WNY honorable mention, but who's play was most deserving of praise this season, is Alex Nowocien of Lew-Port.  Nowocien had a motor that never quit, outworked everyone on the court, and he did all the little things that helped the Lancers to a winning record this year.  Grand Island head coach Nate Beutel said he'd be happy to start five Nowociens, an assessment that NCCC head coach Bill Beilein agreed with.

 

Whoever the announcer at the Koessler Center is, he's good.

 

Newfane better come out ready to play for the third quarter against Tonawanda.  The Warriors blew open a tight game against JFK a couple weeks ago, used a big third to gain the edge in a league title-clinching win against Lackawanna, and erased a halftime deficit in the third against Alden on Friday before eventually winning by eight.

 

-centercourt

 

 

 

 

Class A1 Sectionals

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

 

1st Round

(12) Grand Island 64, (13) Lake Shore 63

 

Pre-Quarterfinals

(8) Iroquois 59, (9) Hamburg 36

(5) Sweet Home 78, (12) Grand Island 53

(7) Kenmore East 71, (10) Starpoint 63

(6) West Seneca East 63, (11) Lafayette 60

 

Quarterfinals

(1) Williamsville South 78, (8) Iroquois 71

(4) Hutch Tech 59, (5) Sweet Home 43

 (7) Kenmore East 51, (2) Williamsville East 42

(3) Bennett 62, (6) West Seneca East 45

 

Semifinals @ Buffalo State

(1) Williamsville South 61, (4) Hutch Tech 52

(3) Bennett  57, (7) Kenmore East 50

 

Class A1 Final @ Buffalo State

(1) Williamsville South 56, (3) Bennett 49

 

2011 Section VI Class A1 Champions - Williamsville South Billies

 

-centercourt

Random Smatterings - Week 4

I already mentioned this on Inside High School Sports, but it's a promotion worth repeating.  Anyone who sends a link for this blog to ten friends will receive free admission to the Pastor-Cooper Tournament next year.

 

 Two teams picked up their first league wins of the season on Tuesday night with identical scores.  Grand Island beat North Tonawanda and Akron beat Barker, each by a score of 39-37.

 

We're into the second week of January and there hasn't been a single comment from a Bulldog fan about the lack of respect his team is getting.  Obviously noone from Alden is aware of this blog.

 

The Williamsville Schools (North, South, & East) are off to a combined start of 21-4, and one of the four losses was South's win against North.

 

Westfield senior Michael Bova posted a triple-double and broke a school record along the way during a win at North Collins on Monday.  Bova scored 26 points, grabbed 20 rebounds, and blocked a Westfield record 19 shots.

 

Newfane junior guard Sean Seefeldt is also the starting quarterback for the football team.  He shoots left-handed on the court and throws right-handed on the field.

 

When Lafayette senior Davon Ferguson missed a dunk against Riverside, he grabbed the miss and dunked it again...all while still hanging on the rim.  He was assessed a technical foul and the dunk did not count.

 

Maryvale has experienced some major struggles in a pair of recent games.  Leading Cleveland Hill by 10 points after three quarters, the Flyers were outscored 15-2 in the fourth and lost 51-48.  A week later, Maryvale was up 35-23 at halftime against Cheektowaga, but were outscored 13-4 in the third and 24-4 in the fourth, to lose 60-43 to the Warriors.

 

Some major props go out to Williamsville North for the defensive game plan against David Hill of Clarence.  Hill, who has scored 40 before and gone over 30 multiple times, was held to one point in the Spartans 60-55 overtime win against the Red Devils.

 

While checking the box scores last week, I saw Roy-Hart 33, Akron 27.  I quickly scrolled back up to the top of the page thinking I had gone too far down into the girl's scores.

 

Tapestry Charter head coach Earl Schunk said of his Thunderhawks game at Grover on Thursday, "we're bringing the green back to Grover".  The Presidents hope when Tapestry leaves, they're blue.

 

During the Prep Talk live chat last week, Patrick Moran of Buffalo Sports Daily said "NOBODY can shoot three for three with Timon, and I'll admit a bit of biased, but that's a fact, Jack.  And while I haven't seen nearly as many games around WNY this year as Mr. McShea I can say with complete confidence that nobody can shoot threes with Timon". 

Bold prediction time  - when Timon visits Williamsville South on February 11th, the Billies will connect on as many or more 3-pointers.

 

In Lackawanna's 46-35 win over Tonawanda last week, only six players made it into the box score...from both teams combined.  Each team got all its scoring from three players.

 

Maple Grove and Westfield had to switch home games.  The Red Dragons played host in their win against Westfield Tuesday night rather than travel there, because one of the Wolverines JV players dunked and shattered the backboard before Westfield left to play at North Collins on Monday night.

 

 -centercourt

Listen to WGR 550 this Saturday at 10:00 am

Be sure to tune in to WGR Sports Radio 550 this Saturday morning at 10:00 am for Inside High School Sports.  The topic of this weeks show will be boys high school basketball in WNY.

 

Tony Caligiuri will host a round table discussion with featured guests.  In studio will be Grand Island head coach Nate Beutel, Tapestry Charter head coach Earl Schunk, St. Joe's head coach Mark Simon, and myself.

 

If there is a topic you would like to hear about during the discussion, leave it in the comments section below.

 

-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

AdPro ECIC/Monsignor Martin Challenge tips off today

The annual three-day challenge mainly comprised of teams from the ECIC and Monsignor Martin Athletic Association begins today at St. Mary's in Lancaster.  The ten game challenge features a headline game to close each night.  I go for the basketball, but I must say, there is no greater hospitality room for coaches, officials, and media at a high school event, than the one set up by St. Mary's Athletic Director and head coach, Dan Gill. 

Here is the schedule of games:

 

Monday, December 13, 2010

Grand Island vs. Christian Central Academy - 4:00 pm

Holland vs. Archbishop Walsh - 5:30 pm

West Seneca East vs. Cardinal O'Hara - 7:00 pm

Clarence vs. St. Mary's - 8:30 pm

 

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Cheektowaga vs. Nichols - 5:00 pm

Amherst vs. Bishop Timon St. Jude - 6:30 pm

Sweet Home vs. Canisius - 8:00 pm

 

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Lancaster vs. St. Francis - 5:00 pm

JFK vs. Niagara Catholic - 6:30 pm

Lackawanna vs. St. Joe's - 8:00 pm

 

-centercourt

Cataract City Classic lineup and reasons to see all nine games

My favorite two-day high school basketball event in WNY is the annual Cataract City Classic, held at Niagara Falls High School on 4455 Porter Road.  Each year, Sal Constantino organizes the nine-game event which showcases some of the top programs from WNY and surrounding areas.  This season, Constantino will be extra busy, as he will be coaching the host school each day.  Recently hired as the head coach of WNY's premier hoops program, Constantino will look to return the Wolverines to the status they held for nearly a decade after the team failed to advance to the postseason semifinals last year for the first time in its history.  Niagara Falls will open its season with a grueling pair of  games that headline each night of the Classic.  Here is the schedule:

 

Friday, December 10, 2010

Niagara Wheatfield vs. Lancaster - 5:00 pm

- Erik O'Bryan makes his debut as the new head coach for the Falcons on the same court where he led North Tonawanda to a historic win over Niagara Falls a season ago.  Now, O'Bryan begins a new chapter of his coaching career with a Niagara Wheatfield team that has some size, led by 6-6 Jake Hughes.  Lancaster opened the season with a pair of victories by winning its own tournament.  The Redskins will need a strong outing from JJ Harrington, a 6-7 big man who has some range from the perimeter.

 

St. Joe's vs. Depew - 6:30 pm

- A very interesting game between two traditionally strong programs.  The Marauders come in with a size advantage and are a bit more physical, but neither of those assets worked to their advantage in the teams home opener against Riverside.  Depew head coach Larry Jones was on hand to scout that game and will surely devise a plan to slow the game down and run long half court sets.  If you like a good chess match, this would be the game to see. 

 

Niagara Falls vs. Jamestown - 8:00 pm

- This could very well be a preview of the Class AA championship game in March.  Jamestown has a ton of talent back from the team that won the Class AA crown last season and something to prove.  The Red Raiders have never beaten Niagara Falls, and for the first time ever, come into this season favored ahead of the Wolverines.  But beating Niagaara Falls on its home court will be a tall order - the only ECIC team to ever accomplish that was Clarence, during sectionals last year.  The atmosphere for this one should be off the hook.  The Niagara Falls Pep Band will be fired up and firing up the Falls faithful, while Jamestown fans always travel well and are among the loudest in WNY.

 

Saturday, December 11, 2010

St. Mary's vs. Wilson - 12:00 pm

- Fresh off an exciting overtime win against Newfane, the Lancers face another top small school in Wilson.  The Lakemen opened with losses to Riverside and Brunswick, OH (a school larger than Niagara Falls) but still showed the same trademark hustle and grit that keeps them competitive each year.  Wilson hopes to get into the win column and grab early bragging rights over rival Newfane, by beating the team the Panthers just lost to.  The Lancers hope establish their rank among the small schools in the area and will look for Peter Notaro and Devin Redden to build on the their strong play inside.

 

Amherst vs. CG Finney - 1:30 pm

- This game provides a barometer for other schools in WNY.  Finney of Section V is a Class D private school that plays at a much higher level than other schools of its size.  Last season, the school opted to play up in Class B2.  They earned five point wins over both Portville and Class AA McQuaid of Section V, who plays Canisius and St. Mary's next week.  Amherst is coached by Chris Kensy, whose team opened the year with a win over Grand Island.  How the Tigers perform in this game will offer some perspective for multiple teams.

 

Williamsville North vs. Batavia - 3:00 pm

- Led by a freshman point guard in Sterling Taplin, the Spartans future looks bright.  They face a Batavia team that has advanced to Glens Falls for the state final four in two separate classes the past two seasons.  Led by all-state guard Andrew Hoy and legendary coach Buddy Brasky, the Blue Devils are always a top team.  Williamsville North will face tough competition all season in league and the postseason, and getting a win here would be momentum builder moving forward.

 

Canisius vs. Williamsville South - 5:00 pm

- This one just might wind up being the best game of the nine played.  Both teams are very highly regarded in the large school ranks, and what better way to sort out which one should be slotted higher than to pair them up on a neutral court.  Last season, the two teams got together at the ECIC/MMAA Challenge, with Canisius coming away with a 68-64 win.  The Billies were without Mark Coppola in that game, and he's the only impact player that graduated.  This year, the game should be equally close and entertaining, and the outcome will likely hang in the balance until the final seconds.

 

East Aurora vs. Niagara Catholic - 6:30 pm

- Joe Lowery returns to his old high school with his new team, the Patriots.  Niagara Catholic opened the year by winning the A. Leslie Lawrence Tournament.  They face an East Aurora team with new coach Chris Koselny, who will look to get the most out of his club.  Last year at the Classic, the Blue Devils had a strong showing in a win over Medina.  East Aurora is led by Jameson Arnold.

 

Niagara Falls vs. Aquinas - 8:00 pm

- The final game of the Classic pits the Falls up against a team many feel will represent Section V from Class A in the Far West Regionals.  The Little Irish rolled St. Francis to start their season behind the strong play of Phil Valenti.  Niagara Falls will present a much tougher matchup with the imposing front court of Jordan Street, Jermaine Crumpton, and Marcus Feagin.  I'd be willing to bet that Willaimsville South hangs around for this game, just in case they see Aquinas down the road.

 

** I'll be courtside for the games and providing updates for all of them throughout.  If you can't make it out to Porter Road for any of the nine games, check here for the latest.

 

-centercourt

Random Smatterings - Week 1

When I wrote a preview for Prep Talk, I gave a preseason top ten for the large and small schools.  The hardest part was easily the first four large schools, which I had: 1. St. Joe's; 2. Williamsville South; 3. Jamestown; 4. Canisius.  Then I saw the Crusaders play twice.  Now I'm not changing anything yet, because I haven't seen the other three, and I'm confident they will all be quite impressive as well.  But I do think those four schools are bunched together at the top and it will be a lot of fun watching that sort out.  Oh yeah, then there's Niagara Falls, who might be quietly hiding in the shadows of a team that underachieved a year ago.  If they are (I'm guessing that's the case), make it a top five.

 

After seeing multiple city schools from Buffalo this week, I think the Yale Cup large schools will be a lot of fun to watch this year and very competitive.  East and McKinley both won at the Pastor-Cooper Tournament, while Riverside and Hutch Tech each looked good as well.   Bennett brings back a lot from last year and under the new format, every team plays a home-and-home, meaning Lafayette gets everyone once in its gym - never an easy place to win at.

 

St. Mary's hopes to rebound this week after losses to McKinley and Grover.  The Lancers next face a pair of top ten small schools and the elite of the N-O League, when they host Newfane tomorrow and play against Wilson on Saturday.  Then next week, they get Class AA finalist Clarence.  No other small school opened its season with a tougher schedule.

 

I was chatting with a fellow hoops junkie who questioned what Maple Grove had back to make them competitive.  When I began rattling names off, he said "now you're just reading names from their roster".  Now I realize that Chris Secky was nothing short of phenomonal in leading the Red Dragons to the Class D title last season, but I also saw them play seven times and there are a lot of good players back from that championship team.  They all benefitted from playing a grueling independent regular season schedule and finished by defeating the top Class D teams in the state. 

Well I'm not sure how many noticed, but Maple Grove opened its season by going on the road and defeating the defending four-time overall Class B champion Olean Huskies, 50-43.   Go ahead and tell me Olean is down this year...my response...Olean is Olean and they are a Class A2 school.

 

Tremmell Fisher was awesome in his 34 point effort against OTC Middle College, leading his East High Panthers back from a 10-point halftime deficit.  He plays strong inside, handles the ball well, shoots the three, and is very good defender.  Look for a big-time season from Fisher.

 

Davon Alexander gets most of the hype at OTC Middle College and he was very effective in the Kats first two games.  But OTC has several weapons on the team hoping to repeat as Class C champs.  Junior Khalid Brown has averaged 17 points in the first two games, Emmit Middlebrooks came off the bench to score a team-high 20 points in the loss to East, and Curtis Harper is solid player running the point.

 

Looking for this year's version of Clarence, a team that surprises many with its vast improvement?  Well it just may be the Williamsville East Flames, who interestingly enough started the season with a double-digit win over Clarence and won the Amherst tournament. 

 

Tomorrow the Buffalo News high school basketball preview is out.  Check out these team previews from the Niagara Gazette: Niagara Falls, Grand Island, Lew-Port, Niagara Wheatfield, Lockport, and Niagara  Catholic.

 

A player who is primed for a breakout season is Connor Rehbaum from St. Joe's.  He has all the tools to be one of the top guards in WNY and is coming off a solid performance in the Empire State Games this summer.  I heard that new Marauder Reggie Agbeko turned heads with a nasty baseline dunk on Friday night, as St. Joe's beat host Lockport, 60-43. 

 

The Barker Raiders got a pair of double-doubles from a pair of underclassmen in their 67-44 victory over Section V's Byron Bergen.  What makes it more interesting is that the pair are brothers.  Junior Josh Haight scored 28 points and grabbed 10 boards, while freshman Jake Haight netted 18 points and 13 rebounds. 

 

Kenmore East defeated Alden and host Iroquois to win the Greg D. Martin Tipoff Tournament.

 

Lackawanna opened its season with a one-point victory over St. Francis, while Frontier cruised past Hamburg in the first round of the Hamburg Lions Tournament. 

Starpoint lost a hard fought battle at Lew-Port on Saturday night.  The Spartans started freashnman Julian Mott at point guard after the former starter, senior Lucas Smith, left the team.

 

I found this pretty interesting: Section V's CG Finney is back is Class D after playing up in B2 last year.  On Saturday night, Finney defeated McQuaid, a Class AA school, 63-58.  McQuaid will be in Buffalo on December 17th to play Canisius and December 18th to play St. Mary's as part of the Tom Keenan Memorial Tournament.  Finney opened its season by winning the Allegany IAABO Tournament.  In the championship game, Finney beat Portville (Section VI Class C) by five - the same margin as the win over McQuaid.  Portville held an early 10-point lead in that contest.

 

Hinsdale has joined Section V and will compete in Class D2 there.

 

* Tomorrow night, I'll be at St. Mary's to watch the Lancers take on the Newfane Panthers.  It should be a very good game.  If you can't make it out, I'll have a post on the game.

 

By the way, there's a comments section on this blog.  Pick a name, use an email address, and say something.  It's that easy - no registration required.  

 

-centercourt

Game on...game off...game on

The Pastor-Cooper Memorial Tournament has postponed tonight's games as well and rescheduled the consolation and championship rounds for this weekend at Daemen College as follows:

 

Saturday, December 4, 2010

St. Mary's vs. Grover - 10:30 am

Nichols vs. Hutch Tech - 2:00 pm AT Hutch Tech

 

Sunday, December 5, 2010

McKinley vs. Orchard Park - 1:30 pm

East vs. OTC Middle College - 3:00 pm

 

The Wilson Tipoff Tournament will be played tonight

Riverside vs. Wilson - 6:30 pm

Canisius vs. Brunswick, OH - 8:00 pm

 

The Amherst Tipoff Tournament will be played tonight

Clarence vs. Williamsville East - 6:00 pm

Grand Island at Amherst - 7:30 pm

 

The Lockport Rotary Tournament has been cancelled.  However, Lockport will host St. Joe's tonight at 7 pm.

 

Lafayette vs. Starpoint at Lew-Port as part of the James Walker Tournament has been postponed.

 

Round two of the Lancaster Tipoff Tournament has been postponed.

 

 -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