Springville
Saturday, March 20, 2021
Class B2 Bracket - 2021 Sectionals
Quarterfinals - Monday, March 22nd
(1) Medina 68, (8) Alden 48
(4) Newfane 70, (5) Depew 45
(2) Lackawanna 66, (7) Burgard 55
(6) Akron 42, (3) Springville 35
Semifinals - Wednesday, March 24th
(1) Medina 64, (4) Newfane 55 OT
(2) Lackawanna 47, (6) Akron 43
Final - Friday, March 26th
(1) Medina 68, (2) Lackawanna 57
2021 Section VI Class B2 Champions - Medina Mustangs
-centercourt
Sunday, February 28, 2021
Poll Ballots 2021 - Week 2
(East Aurora is 6-1 and tied for 1st in ECIC III /Photo: Harry Scull)
Large Schools
1. St. Joe's (A) - Rolling along with a 10-0 mark, the Marauders have an unbelievably challenging week ahead - road games at Canisius, Timon, & St. Francis, along with hosting Park.
2. Canisius (A) - Passed a big test on Saturday with a road win at Timon in a game I heard many picking the Crusaders to lose. They'll get a chance to avenge their lone loss of the season on Sunday when St. Joe's visits, two days after running with Health Sciences.
3. Jamestown (AA) - I've been told I'm too high on the Red Raiders. Well let's see - they're 5-0 in Class AA, winning every game by double figures, beat Olean double digits, and hung 103 on West Seneca West in a 36-point rout.
4. Niagara Falls (AA) - Don't look now, but the Wolverines improved to 6-0 after piling up three wins this week over Lew-Port, Ken East, & Grand Island, winning by an average margin of 34 points. Four games coming up this week include CSAT, NT, and the first ever program meeting between Falls & Health Sciences.
5. Park (A) - Took down Health Sciences by 10 points on Thursday night, before falling to Rochester's East High on Saturday in a rematch of a thriller they won to start the season. On Monday, the Pioneers have a rematch with Aquinas, another team they won the first tilt with, and then it's off to St. Joe's where they'll look to even the score with the Marauders.
6. St. Francis (A) - These guys were thoroughly impressive on Saturday in a 19-point win over Health Sciences - a game they led throughout. The Red Raiders have a solid rotation led by the scoring of Peyton Consigli & Amiel Collins and the team's defensive play held the Falcons to just 41 points. The rematch with league-leading St. Joe's comes on their home court Monday night.
7. McKinley (A1) - The Macks are on top in the Yale Cup with a 5-0 mark, winning four of those games by double figures.
8. Health Sciences (AA) - Took a couple lumps this week - double figure losses at Frannies & Park, after winning their first four handily. A huge litmus test awaits a team looking to fight their way out of a skid, when they face Niagara Falls on Monday in a possible Class AA postseason preview. Then it's Tapestry & Canisius after that. Tough week.
9. Clarence (AA) - Three straight wins for the Red Devils include one over the defending Class AA champs from Lancaster. Frontier & OP await this week, ahead of a road trip rematch with first place Jamestown on Saturday.
10. Lancaster (AA) - The Legends rebounded from a home loss to Clarence with a narrow win over West Seneca West. They'll need to be road warriors this week with games at Lew-Port, Frontier, & Orchard Park.
Small Schools
1. Timon (B) - The Tigers are 4-2, with the losses coming to Joe's & Canisius, and a recent 26-point win at O'Hara. They're an easy #1 and I don't see that changing. With only two games this week, Timon will have some time to practice ahead of a Friday night rematch with St. Joe's on their home floor.
2. Cardinal O'Hara (B) - If it drives you crazy that I rank a 3-4 team this high, consider this - the four losses were to Top 10 large schools, they own wins over Tapestry & Nichols (also much better than their record would indicate), and they I just watched them compete for four quarters at St. Joe's.
3. East (B1) - After beginning the year with a five-point loss to McKinley, the Panthers are winners of four straight games and have already swept Middle College with a pair of big wins.
4. East Aurora (B1) - Coming off a win over Depew and tied for first place in ECIC III, the Blue Devils have allowed an average of 39.3 points in their six wins. They have rematches with Depew & Maryvale this week.
5. Tapestry (C1) - The Thunderhawks are 3-2 with losses to Health Sciences & O'Hara and have a rematch this week with Health, along with a fun Friday run with The Park School.
6. Newfane (B2) - Rolling along in the N-O, including a 20-point win over Medina. They'll face a tough test at Akron on Tuesday night, but I think this Panther squad has pieces in all the right places and will only get stronger.
7. Allegany-Limestone (B3) - Now in first place atop the tough CCAA I West, a league that includes Olean, Fredonia, Salamanca, and a strong Southwestern team that they just knocked off on Friday night. The defending Class B2 champs have a standout in Tyler Curran and they play great team ball.
8. Clymer (D) - Time to reward the unbeatens, beginning with the Pirates who are 7-0 on the season and in first place in CCAA II West.
9. Springville (B2) - The Griffins are 5-0 with a difficult week ahead, beginning their first game vs. JFK on Monday, followed by tilts with Cleveland Hill, Lackawanna, & Holland, who they own wins over already.
10. Riverside (C1) - I haven't cast a Top 10 vote for the Frontiers since Ron Killinger was large & in charge at Riverside (they were once a dominant large school around these parts!). But in rewarding the unbeatens, these guys have earned that distinction after taking sole possession of Yale Cup II with a win over City Honors, led by Bryant Rosa who is averaging 25.6 points per game.
-centercourt
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Season Preview: 2021
The 2021 Preview contains:
- Commentary
- What's New
- Returning 2020 All-Centercourt Players
- Player Watch List for 2021
- A League-by-League look at returning All-League selections
(MMA, Yale Cup, ECIC, NFL, N-O, CCAA, & Charters)
- Coaching Changes
- Classification Changes
- Preseason Top 10 Large & Small Schools
- Predictions
Commentary
For the first time in the 12 seasons I've been doing this, WNY has no reigning state champions entering this season. So I'd like to start this preview off by taking some liberties and crowning a few squads from the 2020 season. Relying on years of watching these teams throughout the year and then following them to the state & fed tournaments in late March, I think I have a decent gauge of what a state championship team looks like - and I've even predicted a few months in advance. So when I look back on the 2020 season, we had four state champions, and you can't convince me otherwise. I have clairvoyance and this is how it would have all gone down:
- After winning the game of the year in the Far West Regional at Buff State, a thriller between Health Sciences and Rochester's East High, the state tournament seemed like a mere formality to the Falcons -- especially after routing their opponent in the state semifinal in Glens Falls. However, the state championship game was too close for comfort...that is until late in the fourth quarter when Jonezy went Jonezy, again, and took the game over. Ty Parker lost his voice. Daciare, Tyler, Jabari, & Deshaun were each given a key to the City of Buffalo upon their return home for being outstanding seniors. And Major announced his retirement at the victory parade, but Ty overruled that decision.
- Middle College had some unfinished business to tend to from the 2019 season and headed to Glens Falls hell bent on winning one for Jakari Nettles, who had helped them get so close in 2019. The weekend was reminiscent of the 2010 and 2016 seasons for the Kats. They destroyed a pair of opponents, who never saw it coming, in the state tournament. Parents of the losing teams in Class C wept and cried foul. But it had been all too legit. Jamond was too good. Speedy was too quick. Keith Brown & Keyunte Jones were too tough. And Anthony Smith became the first player to shatter a backboard at Glens Falls.
- Following an exhausting road trip to Long Island in the state semifinals, Canisius earned the right to come home and play for a state championship in Buffalo. The combination of playing in their hometown, unbiased officiating (as opposed to Long Island), Coach Husband shaving his beard, and having Dewayne Vass - clearly the best player on the court that day -was more than the Crusaders even needed. Though the scoreboard showed Canisius won by six points, they held a double figure lead most of the second half after a pair of backcourt steals by Shane Cercone ignited a late first half run that basically put the game away. Joe Ciocca connected four straight times from long range at one point and Max Dowling had a double-double by halftime.
- Finally, Timon caused the CHSAA to launch an investigation, after winning a state title while starting four underclassmen. Who is this General Jamyier Patton, they demanded to know, and how in the hell does he score like that in the paint amidst so many trees?? You're telling me Kamar Goudelock is only a sophomore, they asked? With that handle, range, and moxy? Hold up...Kevin Thompson is only a sophomore as well AND this Leo Camilloni (a junior) can shoot the '3'? Well, needless to say, Coach Rowe remained his usual quiet self and was unavailable for comment during the investigation, which turned up no wrong doing. Timon was indeed a state champion (they beat Canisius in the regular season for crying out loud!). And you better believe they will repeat this year...
*******************
What's New ??
- Two-time All-Centercourt First Team selection Roddy Gayle made the decision to transfer out of state, a few weeks after announcing his commitment to play for Ohio State in a couple years. Greg Brooks has left the area after earning All-Centercourt Honorable Mention as a 7th grader at Maritime, and All-Centercourt Honorable Mention selection Gabe McCoy from Randolph also left the area.
- No fans at games (at least initially), no state playoffs, and no Federation Tournament
- All the major regular season events have been canceled, including tip-off & holiday tournaments, the Cataract Classic, the BSN Sports NFLvs. ECIC Challenge, the Pastor-Cooper Showcase, MLK Classic, and my baby, the Centercourt Classic (the 4th Annual would've been the best one yet)
- There will be no state rankings released during the 2021 regular season
- All postseason games in WNY will be hosted by the higher seed, including the Section VI Championship games. Championship Saturday is set for March 27th
- The Manhattan Cup this season will include all seven Monsignor Martin Association teams. With no CHSAA state playoffs, there is no need to determine a Class B representative. Only one teams will be crowned champion. The Manhattan Cup Championship is set for Saturday, March 20th
- Despite its Class B BEDS' numbers, Health Sciences is once again moving up. After being moved to Class A2 for the past two seasons, Section VI has bumped the Falcons up as high as they can go - Class AA. Tapestry will continue to compete in Class C and Maritime stays in Class B
- Joining Health in Class AA will be Four-time All-Centercourt standout Jalen Bradberry, who returns to his hometown Niagara Falls for his senior season. Bradberry will play for his father, Carlos, the new coach of the Wolverines. Talk about bolstering a lineup...Class AA is going to be a blast this year
- Instead of every team receiving an automatic bid to the Sectionals, only the top eight teams from each classification will move on to the postseason this year
- Class B will break into three sections this season (adding B3), instead of the traditional Class B1 & B2. As Class B is currently the largest classification in Section VI by 10 teams, this move will allow for an additional eight teams to qualify for the postseason
- Bennett moves up to Yale Cup I from Yale Cup II, while City Honors moves from Yale Cup I down to Yale Cup II
- Tonawanda joins ECIC III after competing in ECIC IV last season
- Springville moves from ECIC III to ECIC IV
- Salamanca and Chautauqua Lake are flipping divisions. Salamanca joins CCAA I West, while Chautauqua Lake joins CCAA I East
- Global Concepts & BASCS both opted out of competition for the 2021 season
- I will provide the play-by-play for all St. Joe's home games this season, which can be heard on the game's live stream
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The Players
*** 8 of the top 25 players from the 2020 All-Centercourt Team return to the WNY high school hoops scene, along with 15 players that received Honorable Mentions following last season.
Reigning CC MVP
JaVaughn Jones - Health Sciences, Senior
Junior Season Stats:
20.6 PPG
7.4 RPG
7.3 APG
4.9 SPG
The epitome of a four-year floor general who takes over at both ends
** All-Centercourt Defender **
Returning First Teamer
Jalen Bradberry - Niagara Falls, Senior
Junior Season Stats:
19.7 PPG
3.2 APG
3.1 RPG
1.4 SPG
Enters the 2021 campaign needing 599 points to become WNY's all-time leading scorer
** Centercourt #BOOM Squad **
Returning Second Teamers
Jamyier Patton - Timon, Senior
Junior Season Stats
22.1 PPG
3.2 RPG
2.7 APG
2.7 SPG
Slithers through defenders at the rim and finishes consistently, when he's not killing you from downtown
Jaden Slaughter - St. Joe's, Senior
Junior Season Stats:
18.1 PPG
5.3 RPG
2.7 APG
1.2 SPG
A highly efficient and unselfish talent that is now 6-5. He's smooth!
Returning Fourth Teamers
Demarri Jones - Jamestown, Senior
Junior Season Stats:
17.2 PPG
10.3 RPG
1.3 APG
1.3 SPG
High intensity baller who routinely outworks opponents
Trey Kleitz - Iroquois, Junior
Sophomore Season Stats:
20.7 PPG
7.5 APG
5.7 SPG
2.8 RPG
Two-sport standout with excellent court vision
Returning Fifth Teamers
Joe Harrington - Lancaster, Junior
Sophomore Season Stats
15.8 PPG
8.4 RPG
2.0 BPG
1.7 SPG
1.3 APG
Led the defending Class AA champs in scoring, rebounding, & blocks as a sophomore
Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry, Senior
Junior Season Stats
13.3 PPG
7.3 APG
5.0 SPG
3.6 RPG
The combination of talent, quickness, and effort has made Mr. Excitement the straw that stirs the drink at Tapestry for three seasons
** All-Centercourt Defender **
Returning 2020 Honorable Mentions
Zach Ianello - Clarence, Senior
16.8 PPG / 4.0 APG / 2.0 SPG / 72 Made 3-pointers - as a junior
Tyler Putney, Fredonia, Senior
15.9 PPG / 8.0 RPG / 2.0 BPG / 1.8 APG / 1.1 SPG - as a junior
Peyton Consigli - St. Francis, Senior
14.6 PPG / 7.2 RPG / 1.7 APG / 1.4 SPG / 0.8 BPG - as a junior
Keonjay Carter - Park, Senior
14.3 PPG / 4.5 APG / 4.3 RPG / 1.0 SPG - as a junior
Joe Ciocca - Canisius, Senior
11.8 PPG / 1.9 RPG / 1.8 APG / 1.0 SPG - as a junior
Max Dowling - Canisius, Senior
11.0 PPG / 5.0 RPG / 0.9 SPG / 0.7 BPG - as a junior
TJ Robinson - Niagara Wheatfield, Junior
21.0 PPG / 4.3 RPG / 2.4 APG / 2.0 SPG - as a sophomore
Trevin Boling - Tonawanda, Junior
20.6 PPG / 2.3 RPG / 1.8 SPG / 1.6 APG - as a sophomore
Max Schneider - Williamsville East, Junior
16.5 PPG / 7.0 APG / 3.1 SPG / 2.3 RPG - as a sophomore
Kamar Goudelock - Timon, Junior
16.3 PPG / 4.3 RPG / 2.8 APG / 2.8 SPG - as a sophomore
Massai Graham - Tapestry, Junior
14.3 PPG / 10.0 RPG / 2.9 BPG / 1.6 APG / 1.4 SPG - as a sophomore
Josh Haskell - St. Joe's, Junior
12.9 PPG / 3.8 RPG / 1.8 APG / 0.7 SPG - as a sophomore
Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Junior
10.7 PPG / 4.0 APG / 2.9 RPG / 1.4 SPG - as a sophomore
Jalen Duff - Lew-Port, Sophomore
17.5 PPG / 3.9 APG / 3.4 RPG / 1.5 SPG - as a freshman
Shane Cercone - Canisius, Sophomore
9.0 PPG / 5.7 RPG / 1.1 APG / 1.0 SPG - as a freshman
Player Watch List
SENIORS
Malik Jemison (Canisius), Hugh Purks (Nichols), Jesse Adamu (Nichols), Amiel Collins (St. Francis), Jaden washington (Cardinal O'Hara), Jaiden Green (East), Anthony Smith (Middle College), Bush Rieang (McKinley), Koran Askia (McKinley), Chris Coleman (South Park), Mykell Hepburn (South Park), Damario James (Bennett), Jarold Skillon (Bennett), Jamai Jackson (Ken West), Martin Espinal (Hutch-Tech), Jaylen Hearon (Maritime), Davon Scott (Bennett), Elijah Rojas (Jamestown), Simeon Leeper (Jamestown), Faybion Prather (Niagara Falls), Arien Robinson (Niagara Falls), Caleb Tillman (Niagara Falls), Conor Foley (Frontier), Jackson Jerebko (Lancaster), Dexter Brooks (Starpoint), Sam Walters (Starpoint), Christian Pagano (Depew), Nevada Eldridge (Cheektowaga), Austin Boies (Springville), Jeff Koch (Amherst), Andrew Dockery (Maryvale), Ian Moog (East Aurora), Colin Herzog (Lake Shore), Keith White (Lake Shore), Jason Brooks (Olean), Deuce Capen (Newfane), Sam Capen (Newfane), Adam Mietz (Akron), Javier West (Forestville), Caleb Hutchins (Park), Desmond Davis (Park), Logan Sionko (Grand Island), Jarod White (Salamanca), Lief Jimerson (Ellicottville), Clayton Rowland (Ellicottville), Logan Frank (Franklinville), John Swabik (Sherman), Wally Wisniewski (North Tonawanda), Seth Joba (Orchard Park)
JUNIORS
Declan Ryan (Canisius), Jimmie Green (Cardinal O'Hara), Chris Wright (Cardinal O'Hara), Lamar Matthews (Tapestry), Romeo Bell (Tapestry), Jahodd Martin (McKinley), Bryant Rosa (Riverside), Dom Phillips (East Aurora), Aidan Kennedy (Southwestern), Tyler Curran (Allegany-Limestone), Zion James (Olean), Logan Sionko (Grand Island), Sean Hargrave (Ken West), Dominic McKenzie (Niagara Falls), Jorden Bynes (CSAT), Teddy McDuffie (Amherst), Isaiah Jean-Pierre (Health Sciences), Jaylen Butera (Jamestown), Roderick Brown (Sweet Home),
SOPHOMORES
Trey Drake (Jamestown), Nick Moore (Amherst), Xander Fletcher (Niagara Wheatfield), Luke Granto (North Tonawanda), Bobby Beilein (Lew-Port)
FRESHMEN
Jaiden Lewis (West Seneca East), Lucas Brown (Salamanca), Shawn Watson (Niagara Wheatfield), Jaiden Huntington (Randolph), Channing Francis (Lancaster)
8th GRADE
Drew Hind (Randolph)
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League-By-League: Returning All-League Talent
Monsignor Martin Association
Large Schools - CLASS A
Canisius - Max Dowling, Joe Ciocca
St. Joe's - Jaden Slaughter
St. Francis - Peyton Consigli
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Small Schools - CLASS B
Timon - Jamyier Patton, Kamar Goudelock
Nichols - Hugh Purks
Cardinal O'Hara
St. Mary's
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Section VI
Charter Schools
Health Sciences - JaVaughn Jones
Tapestry - Tariq Eubanks, Massai Graham, Romeo Bell
Maritime - Jaylon Hearon, John Washington
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YALE CUP I
McKinley - Bush Rieang, Koran Askia, & Jahood Martin
South Park - Chris Coleman
Middle College - Anthony Smith
Bennett - Damario James, Jerrold Skillon, Damone McClain, Jacob Pullins
East - Jaiden Green, Anthony Oberlander
Hutch-Tech - Martin Espinal, Oliver Ngarikiyintwari, Kenneth Jacobs
Emerson - Lawrence Russell
******
YALE CUP II
MST Seneca - Terrell Craig
Buffalo Arts - Jordan Rodgers
Riverside - Bryant Rosa, Dan Maku
City Honors - Caleb Chapman
Burgard - Lafario Ross
I-Prep - Naesiah Woods
Lafayette - Kevin Calderon
Olmsted
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ECIC I
Jamestown - Demarri Jones, Elijah Rojas
Lancaster - Joe Harrington, Jackson Jerebko
Frontier - Brandon Okie, Conor Foley
Clarence - Zach Ianello
Orchard Park
Williamsville North
West Seneca West
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ECIC II
Amherst - Nick Moore
Williamsville East - Max Schneider
West Seneca East - Jaiden Lewis
Starpoint - Dexter Brooks
Sweet Home
Williamsville South
Hamburg
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ECIC III
Iroquois - Trey Kleitz
Cheektowaga - Nevada Eldridge, Keonte Brown
Depew - Christian Pagano
East Aurora - Ian Moog, Dom Phillips
Lake Shore - Noah Herzog, Keith White
Maryvale - Andrew Dockery
Tonawanda - Trevin Boling, JJ Velazquez
Pioneer
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ECIC IV
Springville -Austin Boies
Lackawanna - Jeremi'yhi Presley, AJ Turner
Cleveland Hill - Charlie Meredith
JFK - Josh Knox
Eden - Hunter Stetz
Alden - Matt Hay
Holland
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Niagara Frontier League
Niagara Wheatfield - TJ Robinson, Xander Fletcher
Lew-Port - Jalen Duff
Grand Island - Logan Sionko
Niagara Falls
North Tonawanda
Kenmore West
Lockport
CSAT
Kenmore East
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Niagara-Orleans
Newfane - Sam Capen, Michael Carmer
Akron - Adam Mietz, Mitchell Holtz, Jake Mazza
Roy-Hart - Gavyn Boyle, Tommy Ragonese, Rhett Goodwin
Medina - Brian Fry, Tyler Chinn, Jarin Rhim
Albion - Bailey Blanchard
Wilson - Mike Miller
Barker - Joey Brandt
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CCAA I West
Olean - Jason Brooks, Zion James
Fredonia - Tyler Putney, Nick Whitfield
Salamanca - Jarod White, Lucas Brown
Allegany-Limestone - Tyler Curran
Southwestern - Aidan Kennedy, Nate Johnson, Calvin Ricker
Dunkirk - Christian Ortiz 11, A'Marion Tell
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CCAA I East
Randolph - Ashton Bushey
Chautauqua Lake - Luke Waters
Portville
Silver Creek
Falconer
Gowanda
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CCAA II West
Sherman - John Swabik, Keith Gormley, Gerald Carris
Cassadaga Valley - Wyatt Harrington, Braden Lebaron
Panama - Connor Cooper
Westfield - Darien Swanson
Clymer - Hunter Wassink
Brocton
Maple Grove
Falconer
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CCAA II East
Ellicottville - Clayton Rowland, Leif Jimerson, Wyatt Chudy, Logan Grinols
Franklinville - Logan Frank , Blake Frank Matt Peters
North Collins - Chris Smith, Mitchell Warsaw, Matthew Sweet
Cattaraugus-Little Valley - Kordell Oakes, Josh Halterman, Gage Furl
Pine Valley - Wayne Libby, Bryce Sercu, Cameron Hayes
Forestville - Javier West
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Teams with New Coaches (14)
Niagara Falls - Carlos Bradberry
Ken West - Ryan Hogan
Grand Island - Chris Simpson
South Park - Kyle Perla
Middle College - Randy Rich
City Honors - Michael Mills
Medina - Eric Hellwig
Wilson - Rob Linhart
Barker - Jake Haight
Albion - Travis Downs
Tonawanda - Scott Foster
Rob Culver - Frewsburg
Robert Slisz - Pine Valley
Lucas Brawdy - Gowanda
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Classification Changes (31)
Health Sciences moves up from Class A2 to Class AA
South Park moves up from Class A2 to Class A1
Williamsville East moves down from Class A1 to Class A2
Ken East moves down from Class A1 to Class A2
Iroquois moves up from Class B1 to Class A2
Lake Shore moves down from Class A2 to Class B1
Emerson moves down from Class A1 to Class B1
East moves down from Class A2 to Class B1
Depew moves down from Class B1 to Class B2
Medina moves down from Class B1 to Class B2
Burgard moves down from Class B1 to Class B2
Lackawanna moves down from Class B1 to Class B2
Tonawanda moves down from Class B1 to Class B2
Springville moves down from Class B1 to Class B2
Alden moves down from Class B1 to Class B2
Lafayette moves down from Class A2 to Class B3
Eden moves down from Class B2 to Class B3
Olmsted moves down from Class B2 to Class B3
Fredonia moves down from Class B2 to Class B3
Roy-Hart moves down from Class B2 to Class B3
Maritime moves down from Class B2 to Class B3
JFK moves down from Class B2 to Class B3
Southwestern moves down from Class B2 to Class B3
Wilson moves down from Class B2 to Class B3
Cleveland Hill moves down from Class B2 to Class B3
Allegany-Limestone moves down from Class B2 to Class B3
Salamanca moves up from Class C2 to Class C1
Riverside moves up from Class D to Class C1
Silver Creek moves down from Class C1 to Class C2
Cassadaga Valley moves down from Class C1 to Class C2
Franklinville moves down from Class C2 to Class D
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Preseason Polls
** Seven of the 10 teams that appeared in the 2020 Preseason Large School Poll were Top 10 teams when the season ended, and I was 8 of 10 predicting the Top 10 small schools in 2020
Large Schools
1. Canisius
2. Park
3. St. Joe's
4. Jamestown
5. Health Sciences
6. Niagara Falls
7. Lancaster
8. Amherst
9. South Park
10. McKinley
Small Schools
1. Timon
2. Tapestry
3. O'Hara
4. Middle College
5. Bennett
6. Newfane
7. Akron
8. East Aurora
9. Nichols
10. Randolph
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Predictions
MMA - Canisius
Yale Cup I - McKinley
Yale Cup II - Olmsted
ECIC I - Jamestown
ECIC II - Amherst
ECIC III - Cheektowaga
ECIC IV - Springville
NFL - Niagara Falls
N-O - Newfane
CCAA I West - Fredonia
CCAA I East - Randolph
CCAA II West - Maple Grove
CCAA II East - Ellicottville
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Manhattan Cup
Only twice in the last seven seasons, have I accurately predicted the winner and both times I got it right, I picked Canisius. Well duh.
** Canisius **
Class AA
Final Four:
Niagara Falls, Health Sciences, Jamestown, & Lancaster
** Jamestown **
Class A1
Final Four:
McKinley, Ken West, South Park, & North Tonawanda
** South Park **
Class A2
Final Four:
Amherst, Cheektowaga, Williamsville East, & Lew-Port
** Amherst **
Class B1
Final Four:
Olean, Bennett, East Aurora, & East
** Bennett **
Class B2
Final Four:
Newfane, Akron, Depew, & Medina
** Newfane **
Class B3
Final Four:
Fredonia, Allegany-Limestone, Southwestern, & Maritime
** Fredonia **
Class C1
Final Four:
Tapestry, Middle College, Salamanca, & Riverside
** Tapestry **
Class C2
Final Four:
Randolph, Maple Grove, Holland, & Ellicottville
** Randolph **
Class D
Final Four to reach JCC:
Sherman, Franklinville, Pine Valley, & Clymer
** Sherman **
-centercourt
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Class B1 & B2 Bracket - 2020 Sectionals
Class B1
First Round - Tuesday, February 25th at 7 pm
(12) City Honors 67, (13) Alden 44
(15) Springville 57, (10) Burgard 41
(11) Maryvale 63, (14) Dunkirk 53
Pre-Quarterfinals - Wednesday, February 26th at 7 pm
(8) Medina 68, (9) Tonawanda 60
(5) Lackawanna 62, (12) City Honors 59
(7) Olean 72, (15) Springville 43
(6) Albion 57, (11) Maryvale 49
Quarterfinals - Saturday, February 29th at 1 pm
(1) Bennett 68, (8) Medina 55
(4) East Aurora 67, (5) Lackawanna 52
(7) Olean 78, (2) Iroquois 56
(3) Depew 52, (6) Albion 48
Semifinals - Wednesday, March 4th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 5:15 pm & 6:45 pm
(4) East Aurora 65, (1) Bennett 54
(7) Olean 62, (3) Depew 36
Final - Saturday, March 7th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 1:45 pm
(7) Olean 67, (4) East Aurora 32
2020 Section VI Class B1 Champions - Olean Huskies
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Class B2
First Round - Tuesday, February 25th at 7 pm
(12) Southwestern 51, (13) Eden 37
(11) Roy-Hart 66, (14) Buffalo Arts 54
Pre-Quarterfinals - Wednesday, February 26th at 7 pm
(8) Wilson 52, (9) MST Seneca 31
(5) Maritime 64, (12) Southwestern 37
(7) JFK 52, (10) Akron 48
(11) Roy-Hart 67, (6) Cleveland Hill 57
Quarterfinals - Saturday, February 29th at 1 pm
(1) Olmsted 45, (8) Wilson 41
(4) Newfane 67, (5) Maritime 61
(2) Allegany-Limestone 74, JFK 40
(3) Fredonia 85, (11) Roy-Hart 43
Semifinals - Tuesday, March 3rd
AT BUFFALO STATE - 5:15 pm & 6:45 pm
(4) Newfane 72, (1) Olmsted 48
(2) Allegany-Limestone 42, (3) Fredonia 40
Final - Saturday, March 7th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 12 pm
(2) Allegany-Limestone 54, (4) Newfane 45
2020 Class B2 Champions - Allegany-Limestone Gators
-centercourt
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
The 2019 All-Centercourt Team: The Best in WNY
The 2019 CC MVP
Noah Hutchins - Park, Senior
20.6 PPG / 5.5 APG / 5.0 RPG / 2.4 SPG
- Four-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection
- CHSAA Class A State Champion
- McDonald's All-American Nominee
- All-Catholic Player of the Year
- Manhattan Cup MVP
- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic
- Cotton King Classic All-Tournament Team
- Scored a career-high 37 points vs. Long Beach Poly
- Scored 31 points in CHSAA state semifinal win
- Scored over 20 points in 14 games
- Three-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Three-time All-Centercourt Defender
- Scored 1,309 career points
(Photo Courtesy: Larry Scheur)
First Team All-Centercourt
Roddy Gayle - Lew-Port, Freshman
22.0 PPG / 8.9 RPG / 3.7 APG / 2.4 SPG / 1.1 BPG
- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection
-Section VI Class A Champion
- Player of the Year in the NFL
- MVP of the Section VI Class A2 Tournament
- MVP of the Jim Walker Tournament
- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic
- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic
- Scored a career-high 33 points in a win over St. Joe's
- Scored over 30 points in 3 games
- Scored 29 points in 4 games & over 20 in 14 games
- Recorded 11 double-doubles on the season
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
Willie Lightfoot - Niagara Falls, Freshman
17.9 PPG / 5.3 APG / 3.1 RPG / 1.7 SPG
- NYSPHAA Class AA Regional Champion
- First Team All-NFL
- MVP of the Section VI Class AA Tournament
- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic
- Game MVP at the Pepinos Classic
- Scored the last 20 points & '3' to force OT in Class AA Final
- Scored a career-high 39 points in a win over North
- Scored 32 points in Far West Regional win over McQuaid
- Scored 19 points with 12 assists in a win over Aquinas
- Scored over 30 points in 3 games
- Scored over 20 points in 6 games
- All-Centercourt Defender
(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
Justin Hemphill - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior
15.4 PPG / 10.4 RPG / 5.8 APG / 3.2 SPG / 1.7 BPG
- Three-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection
- CHSAA Class B State Champion
- First Team All-Catholic
- NYS Federation All-Tournament Team
- STOP-DWI (Seton Catholic) All-Tournament Team
- Ken-Ton Holiday Classic All-Tournament Team
- Game MVP of Battle at the Border
- Scored a career-high 43 points in a win over Timon
- Recorded 13 double-doubles & one triple-double
- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Winningest player in Cardinal O'Hara history (62 wins)
- School records for career points (1,676) & career rebounds (1,138)
(Photo Courtesy : Buffalo News)
Mike Schmidt - Olean, Senior
14.2 PPG / 8.7 APG / 5.5 RPG / 2.9 SPG
- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection
- NYSPHAA Class B Regional Champion
- Player of the Year in CCAA West I
- MVP of the Section VI Class B1 Tournament
- MVP of the Olean Tip-Off Tournament
- NYSPHAA Class B All-Tournament Team
- IAABO All-Tournament Team
- Scored over 20 points in 8 games
- Registered 8 double-doubles on the season
- Dropped a season-high 15 assists in a win over Maple Grove
- Dished a school record 639 career assists
- Scored 1,107 career points
(Photo Courtesy: Olean Times Herald)
Quentin Nnagbo - Park, Senior
14.0 PPG / 9.6 RPG / 2.1 BPG / 0.7 APG
- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection
- CHSAA Class A State Champion
- First Team All-Catholic
- Federation All-Tournament Team
- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic
- Scored 24 points & 18 boards in win over Irondequoit
- Scored 17 points & 14 boards in win over Niagara Falls
- Scored over 20 points in 4 games
- Grabbed over 10 rebounds in 15 games
- Recorded 12 double-doubles
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
(Photo Courtesy: Larry Scheur)
Second Team All-Centercourt
Jalen Bradberry - Niagara Falls, Sophomore
19.4 PPG / 3.2 APG / 3.1 RPG / 1.0 SPG
- Three-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection
- NYSPHAA Class AA Regional Champion
- First Team All-NFL
- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic
- Game MVP at the Cataract Classic
- Scored a career-high 40 points in a win over Ken East
- Scored 35 points in a win over North Tonawanda
- Scored over 20 points in 10 games
- Connected 64 times from 3-point range
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Has scored 1,326 career points
(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
Adrian Baugh - West Seneca West, Senior
23.5 PPG / 9.6 RPG / 4.9 BPG / 3.0 APG / 1.7 SPG
- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection
- Section VI Class A1 Champion
- First Team All-ECIC
- First Team All-ECIC I
- MVP of the Section VI Class A1 Tournament
- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic
- West Seneca Holiday All-Tournament Team
- Scored a season-high 38 points in a win over Lancaster
- Scored over 30 points in 5 games
- Scored over 20 points in 15 games
- Registered 9 double-doubles on the season
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Scored 1,172 career points
(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
Jermaine Haynes - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior
17.0 PPG / 3.9 RPG / 2.8 APG / 1.9 SPG
- CHSAA Class B State Champion
- All-Catholic Player of the Year in Class B
- Game MVP of the Manhattan Cup
- MVP of the Ken-Ton Holiday Classic
- Ken-Ton Holiday Classic All-Tournament Team
- Scored a career-high 41 points in a win over Ken East
- Scored over 20 points in 8 games
- Scored a game-high 18 points in state championship win
- Ranks 5th in school history with 1,190 career points
(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
Malik Brooks - Lockport, Senior
25.5 PPG / 9.4 RPG / 3.2 APG / 2.1 SPG
- First Team All-NFL
- Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team
- MVP of the Lockport Rotary Tournament
- Clarence Holiday All-Tournament Team
- Scored a career-high 39 & 14 boards in a win over Ken East
- Scored 38 points & 16 boards in a win over Grand Island
- Scored over 38 points in 3 games & over 30 5 times
- Scored over 20 points in 18 games
- Recorded 14 double-doubles on the season
- All-Centercourt Defender
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Scored 1,046 career points
(Photo: centercourt)
Tyler Hind - Randolph, Junior
24.4 PPG / 6.7 APG / 5.7 RPG / 2.6 SPG
- Three-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection
- Section VI Class C2 Champion
- Player of the Year in CCAA I East
- MVP of the Section VI Class C2 Tournament
- MVP of the Franklinville Tournament
- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic
- Randolph Holiday All-Tournament Team
- Scored 38 points in Class C2 Championship win
- Scored over 30 points in 7 games (3 playoff games)
- Scored over 20 points in 17 games
- Connected 91 times from 3-point range (294 career)
- Became Randolph's all-time scoring leader in 3 seasons
- Has scored 1,645 career points
(Photo Courtesy: Post Journal)
Third Team All-Centercourt
Dewayne Vass - Canisius, Junior
14.6 PPG / 5.8 RPG / 3.5 APG / 2.7 SPG
- Manhattan Cup Finalist
- First Team All-Catholic
- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic
- St. Pius Christmas Classic All-Tournament Team
- Tom Keenan Memorial All-Tournament Team
- Scored a career-high 30 points in a win over Tampa Jesuit
- Scored 22 points on 10/14 shooting in a win at St. Joe's
- Scored over 20 points in five games
- Team leader in points, assists, & rebounds
(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
Jacob Belote - Williamsville North, Senior
17.9 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 3.9 APG / 2.7 SPG
- Section VI Class AA Finalist
- First Team All-ECIC
- First Team All-ECIC I
- MVP of the 5 Guys Tournament
- Game MVP at the Jolly Boys Showcase
- Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team
- Scored a career-high 33 points in a win over Lockport
- Scored over 20 points in 9 games
(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
Mason Goodridge - Springville, Senior
26.4 PPG / 3.1 SPG / 2.5 APG / 2.5 RPG
- Three-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection
-First Team All-ECIC
- Player of the Year in ECIC IV
- The leading scorer in WNY
- Scored a career-high 41 points in a win over Lackawanna
- Scored over 30 points in 8 games
- Scored over 20 points in 18 games
- Shot 85% from the charity stripe
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Scored a school record 1,478 career points
(Photo Courtesy: Harry Scull)
Cal Schifflet - Williamsville East, Junior
20.1 PPG / 12.3 RPG / 3.5 BPG / 2.8 APG / 1.5 SPG
- Section VI Class A1 Finalist
- First Team All-ECIC II
- Section VI Class A1 All-Tournament Team
- Scored 38 points & 11 boards vs. West Seneca East
- Scored over 30 points in 3 games
- Scored over 20 points in 11 games
- Had 16 or more rebounds in 7 games
- Scored 19 with 16 boards & 10 blocks vs. Iroquois
- Recorded 20 double-doubles on the season
- Led Section VI in blocked shots (84)
(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
Trent Scott - Lew-Port, Senior
18.6 PPG / 3.6 RPG / 2.8 APG / 1.4 SPG
- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection
- Section VI Class A Champion
- First Team All-NFL
- Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team
- Jim Walker All-Tournament Team
- Scored game-winner as time expired in A2 quarterfinal
- Scored a season-high 31 points in a win over Ken East
- Scored over 20 points in 8 games
- Career 1,000 point scorer
(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
Fourth Team All-Centercourt
Chris Stineman - Nichols, Senior
15.2 PPG / 9.8 RPG / 3.7 BPG / 2.1 APG / 1.2 SPG
- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection
- First Team All-Catholic
- Jim Walker All-Tournament Team
- Scored a career-high 29 points at Lew-Port
- Scored over 20 points in 6 games
- Registered two triple-double performances on the year
- Recorded 11 double-doubles on the season
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
River Reinhardt - Clarence, Senior
21.5 PPG / 4.2 APG / 3.7 RPG / 2.3 SPG
- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection
- Player of the Year for All-ECIC
- Player of the Year in ECIC I
- MVP of the Clarence Holiday Tournament
- Scored a career-high 34 points in a win at West Seneca West
- Scored 32 points in 23 minutes in a win over Cheektowaga
- Scored over 20 points in 11 games
- Shot 47.8% FG & 45.1 % from 3-point range
- Ranks third in school history with 973 career points
(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
Jamond Jones - Middle College, Junior
17.0 PPG / 4.9 APG / 3.2 RPG / 1.7 SPG
- NYSPHAA Class C State Finalist
- Player of the Year in the Yale Cup
- MVP of the Section VI Class C Tournament
- Scored 29 points & 4 dimes in Yale Cup clincher vs South Park
- Had 23 points & 7 assists to end Lake George's 54-game win streak
- Scored 29 points in 3 games
- Scored over 20 points in 9 games
(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
Lucas Theisen - St. Francis, Senior
14.6 PPG / 9.5 RPG / 2.9 APG / 1.5 SPG / 1.2 BPG
- First Team All-Catholic
- MVP of the St. Francis Christmas Tournament
- Scored a season-high 22 points vs. Canisius
- Scored over 20 points in 3 games
- Had 11 points, 10 boards, & 10 assists at Park
- Recorded 14 double-doubles on the season
- Two-time All-Centercourt Defender
(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
Matt Droney - Olean, Senior
14.5 PPG / 8.5 RPG / 1.3 APG / 1.2 SPG / 1.0 BPG
- NYSPHAA Class B Regional Champion
- First Team CCAA I West
- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic
- MVP of the IAABO Tournament
- Section VI Class B1 All-Tournament Team
- Olean Tip-Off All-Tournament Team
- Scored a career-high 27 points in IAABO Tournament
- Grabbed 15 rebounds in a win over Williamsville East
- Scored over 20 points in 6 games
- Registered 10 double-doubles on the season
(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
Fifth Team All-Centercourt
Dorian Plummer - Tapestry, Senior
22.0 PPG / 7.6 RPG / 4.5 SPG / 3.5 APG
- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection
- Section VI Class C1 Finalist
- Player of the Year in Charter Cup
- Section VI Class C All-Tournament Team
- Olean Tip-Off All-Tournament Team
- Maple Grove All-Tournament Team
- Scored a career-high 36 points in 2 games
- Scored over 30 points in 4 games
- Scored over 20 points in 16 games
- Recorded 1 triple-double & 7 double-doubles
- Ranks second in school history with 1,088 career points
(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
Haakim Siner - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior
11.6 PPG / 7.9 RPG / 3.8 APG / 1.8 SPG
- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection
- CHSAA Class B State Champion
- NYS Federation All-Tournament Team
- STOP-DWI All-Tournament Team
- Scored a season-high 27 points with 7 treys in a win at St. Joe's
- Had career-high 19 rebounds in a win over UPrep
- Recorded 15-rebound double-doubles in wins over Canisius & Seton Catholic
- Scored a team-high 20 points in the Federation Championship
- All-Centercourt Defender
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
Jakari Nettles - Middle College, Senior
13.6 PPG / 9.9 RPG / 1.5 BPG / 1.1 APG / 1.1 SPG
- NYSPHAA Class C State Finalist
- First Team Yale Cup I
- NYSPHAA Class C All-Tournament Team
- Game MVP at Jolly Boys Showcase
- Had 23 points & 23 rebounds in Far West Regional comeback win
- Had 23 points & 18 rebounds in a win over Hutch-Tech
- Recorded 16 double-doubles on the season
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
(Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
Jaden Slaughter - City Honors, Sophomore
22.0 PPG / 6.3 RPG / 3.0 SPG / 2.8 APG / 1.0 BPG
- Section VI Class B1 Finalist
- Player of the Year in Yale Cup II
- Section VI Class B1 All-Tournament Team
- Depew Holiday All-Tournament Team
- Scored a career-high 36 points in a win over Bennett
- Scored 35 points in a win over Riverside
- Had 25 points with 8 boards & 7 steals vs Arts
- Had 8 assists & 8 steals in a win over Olmsted
- Scored over 20 points in 13 games
- Has scored 993 career points
(Photo Courtesy: Harry Scull)
Zamari Mitchell - West Seneca East, Senior
20.6 PPG / 5.8 RPG / 3.8 SPG / 3.5 APG
- Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60 selection
- Player of the Year in ECIC II
- First Team All-ECIC
- West Seneca Holiday All-Tournament Team
- Scored a season-high 34 points in a win at Will East
- Had 25 points, 11 boards, & 10 steals at Frontier
- Scored over 20 points in 11 games
- Holds school record for 3-pointers made (175)
- Holds school record for steals (234)
- Scored a school record 1,257 career points
(Photo: centercourt)
Honorable Mention
Brady Woleben - Silver Creek, Senior
23.4 PPG / 12.7 RPG / 1.8 SPG / 1.8 BPG / 1.2 APG - First Team CCAA I East
Noah Grabar - Lackawanna, Senior
22.2 PPG / 3.0 APG / 2.0 RPG / 1.0 SPG - First Team ECIC IV
Jakob Jerebko - Lancaster, Senior
21.4 PPG / 9.1 RPG / 3.1 APG / 2.0 SPG - First Team ECIC I
Torree Cheatham - Lockport, Senior
20.5 PPG / 4.5 RPG / 2.3 APG / 2.0 SPG - Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team
Earl Howard - MST Seneca, Senior
19.9 PPG / 8.5 RPG / 4.5 APG / 2.5 SPG - First Team Yale Cup II
Tahron Goudelock - Timon, Senior
19.0 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 3.0 APG / 2.4 SPG - First Team All-Catholic
Brady O'Brien - St. Mary's, Senior
17.9 PPG / 7.0 RPG / 1.7 APG / 1.4 SPG - First Team All-Catholic
Nate Wereski - Orchard Park, Senior
16.7 PPG / 5.3 RPG / 3.0 APG / 2.3 SPG / 1.0 BPG - First Team ECIC I
Tysheen Lott - Health Sciences, Senior
16.6 PPG / 4.8 RPG / 3.5 SPG / 2.6 SPG / 1.3 BPG - Offensive POY in Charter Cup
Kam Briggs - Health Sciences, Senior
16.1 PPG / 3.1 SPG / 2.2 RPG / 1.7 APG - Two-time All-Centercourt Top 60
Evan John - Sweet Home, Senior
15.5 PPG / 3.3 RPG / 2.8 APG / 1.0 SPG - First Team ECIC II
Noah Denz - East Aurora, Senior
15.4 PPG / 8.8 RPG / 2.5 APG / 2.3 BPG - First Team ECIC III
Maurice Robertson - West Seneca West, Senior
14.6 PPG / 8.1 RPG / 6.0 APG / 1.8 SPG - Led WNY with 5 triple-doubles
Devin Degree - Williamsville South, Senior
14.3 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 3.8 APG / 1.3 SPG - First Team ECIC I
Sam Flanders - Allegany-Limestone, Senior
14.1 PPG / 6.1 APG / 3.4 RPG / 3.2 SPG - First Team CCAA I East
Josiah Harris - Niagara Falls, Senior
12.2 PPG / 3.1 APG / 1.6 RPG / 1.1 SPG - Shot 45% on 82 three-pointers made
Jake Mullen - Amherst, Senior
11.1 PPG / 5.7 RPG / 4.1 APG / 1.5 SPG - Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team
Justin Poumpey - St. Francis, Senior
8.5 PPG / 5.7 RPG / 4.7 APG / 1.9 SPG - First Team All-Catholic
Jonathan Abaya - Williamsville North, Senior
7.5 PPG / 9.5 RPG / 4.1 BPG / 2.0 APG / 1.5 SPG - Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team
Josh Bihler - Olean, Senior
7.4 PPG / 5.0 RPG / 1.6 SPG / 1.4 APG - All-Centercourt Defender
Cam Barmore - Panama, Junior
20.6 PPG / 13.6 RPG / 2.4 BPG / 2.1 APG / 2.0 SPG - Player of the Year CCAA II West
Anthony Mack - South Park, Junior
18.8 PPG / 4.1 APG / 3.9 SPG / 2.7 RPG - First Team Yale Cup
Mike DiGiulio - Williamsville South, Junior
18.0 PPG / 2.7 APG / 2.7 RPG / 1.8 SPG - First Team ECIC II
Danny Carter - East, Junior
17.1 PPG / 6.3 RPG / 4.6 APG / 3.6 SPG - First Team Yale Cup
Jaylen Stewart - Amherst, Junior
15.7 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 2.8 APG / 2.1 SPG - First Team ECIC II
Aidan Horan - Nichols, Junior
14.0 PPG / 8.7 RPG / 4.5 APG / 3.1 BPG / 2.2 SPG - First Team All-Catholic
Avion Harris - Cardinal O'Hara, Junior
13.6 PPG / 4.4 RPG / 4.2 SPG / 4.0 APG - All-Centercourt Defender
Jaemon Turner - Niagara Falls, Junior
11.1 PPG / 3.6 APG / 2.9 RPG / 2.4 SPG - Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team
Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry, Sophomore
15.5 PPG / 5.7 APG / 4.8 SPG / 3.2 RPG - First Team All-Charter
Javaughn Jones - Health Sciences, Sophomore
14.4 PPG / 7.0 APG / 5.7 RPG / 5.2 SPG - First Team Charter Cup
Keonjay Carter - Park, Sophomore
12.4 PPG / 2.9 RPG / 2.1 APG / 0.7 SPG - CHSAA State Champion
Josh Haskell - Franklinville, Freshman
21.0 PPG / 3.8 RPG / 3.4 APG / 1.4 SPG - Player of the Year CCAA II East
Trey Kleitz - Iroquois, Freshman
10.4 PPG / 9.3 APG / 3.3 RPG / 2.8 SPG - First Team ECIC III
Justin Glover - St. Joe's, Freshman
10.2 PPG / 4.4 APG / 2.4 SPG / 2.3 RPG - Team leader in assists, steals, & 3-point %
Jalen Duff - Lew-Port, 8th Grade
11.6 PPG / 2.6 RPG / 2.4 APG / 2.4 SPG - Leading 8th grade varsity scorer in WNY
Sixth Man of the Year
Alex Weakfall - Olean, Senior
5.8 PPG / 1.9 APG / 1.3 SPG / 1.3 RPG
When Olean turned to its bench for the first substitution of the game, they didn't miss a beat. Alex Weakfall's impact on the game was always immediate - whether striking from long range, ripping one from the opposing team, or sparking the team & the crowd with his defensive energy. Weakfall's heady play and constant intensity were a perfect fit for a Husky's program that demanded excellence. In his lone start of the season while filling in for injured starter Josh Bihler, he scored 7 points in the game's opening 25 seconds on a trey and consecutive steals & scores, forcing a Newfane timeout in the Class B1 quarterfinals. He finished that game with 15 points and six steals to help Olean advance, before returning to the role he helped the team thrive in en route to 24 consecutive wins by double figures. (Photo Courtesy: Buffalo News)
All-Centercourt Defenders
First Team
Willie Lightfoot - Niagara Falls, Freshman
Avion Harris - Cardinal O'Hara, Junior
Lucas Theisen - St. Francis, Senior
Joe Jamison - Canisius, Senior
Jai'den Dunn - Park, Senior
Second Team
Noah Hutchins - Park, Senior
Josh Bihler - Olean, Senior
Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry, Sophomore
Haakim Siner - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior
Justin Poumpey - St. Francis, Senior
Third Team
Anthony Mack - South Park, Junior
Devonte Prince - Middle College, Junior
Keyunte Jones - Middle College, Junior
Malik Brooks - Lockport, Senior
Javaughn Jones - Health Sciences, Sophomore
Centercourt #BOOM Squad
Noah Hutchins - Park, Senior
Roddy Gayle - Lew-Port, Freshman
Justin Hemphill - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior
Quentin Nnagbo - Park, Senior
Cam Barmore - Panama, Junior
Malik Brooks - Lockport, Senior
Jalen Bradberry - Niagara Falls, Sophomore
Mason Goodridge - Springville, Senior
Chris Stineman - Nichols, Senior
Aidan Horan - Nichols, Junior
Adrian Baugh - West Seneca West, Senior
Lamont Pulliam - Bennett, Sophomore
Jaylen Stewart - Amherst, Junior
Jakari Nettles - Middle College, Senior
Haakim Siner - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior
Coach of the Year
Tony Pulvirenti - Cardinal O'Hara
-centercourt
Sunday, January 13, 2019
Top Games of the Week: 1/14/19 -- 1/20/19
(Willie Lightfoot & Roddy Gayle wait to be announced as 8th grade starters for Falls before the 2018 Class AA Final/Photo: Harry Scull)
Monday, January 14th
St. Joe's @ St. Francis - 7 pm
Maritime @ BASCS - 7 pm
West Seneca West @ Lancaster - 7:30 pm
Tuesday, January 15th
City Honors @ Olmsted - 6 pm
Maryvale @ Amherst - 6 pm
Lew-Port @ Lockport - 6:30 pm
Lake Shore @ Williamsville East - 6:30 pm
Springville @ Cheektowaga - 6:30 pm
Sweet Home @ Williamsville North - 7 pm
West Seneca East @ Frontier - 7 pm
Lackawanna @ Williamsville South - 7:30 pm
Olean @ Southwestern - 7:30 pm
Jamestown @ Fredonia - 7:30 pm
Salamanca @ Allegany-Limestone - 7:30 pm
Wednesday, January 16th
Cardinal O'Hara @ St. Francis - 6:30 pm
Tapestry @ Maritime - 6:30 pm
Lancaster @ Clarence - 7:30 pm
Thursday, January 17th
Hutch Tech @ City Honors - 6 pm
Williamsville North @ West Seneca West - 6:30 pm
Lake Shore @ Iroquois - 6:30 pm
Lackawanna @ Springville - 6:30 pm
East @ Northstar Christian - 7 pm
Nichols @ Orchard Park - 7:30 pm
Friday, January 18th
Wilson @ Medina - 6:30 pm
Niagara Falls @ Lew-Port - 7 pm
Jamestown @ Frontier - 7 pm
Randolph @ Salamanca - 7:30 pm
Allegany-Limestone @ Silver Creek - 7:30 pm
West Seneca East @ Amherst - 7:30 pm
MLK Classic at City Honors
City Honors vs. JFK - 4:30 pm
I-Prep vs. Maritime - 6 pm
Saturday, January 19th
Canisius @ St. Joe's - 2:30 pm
MLK Classic at City Honors
McKinley vs. Amherst - 2 pm
East vs. Health Sciences - 3:30 pm
Middle College vs. North Tonawanda - 5:45 pm
Sunday, January 20th
MLK Classic at Bishop Grimes
St. Francis vs. Mekeel Christian - 6:30 pm
* Game of the Week - Niagara Falls @ Lew-Port on Friday, January 18th
Was there ever even a question? The game that Falls' fans have been waiting for since the summer has almost arrived!
For the first time in a very long time, two of WNY's top five large schools hail from Niagara County. While Niagara Falls has won three consecutive Section VI titles in Class AA and always occupies an annual spot near the top of the large school rankings, Lew-Port is one of the smallest large schools in the area and hasn't won a sectional title since 1978. But the most significant transfer in my time covering hoops just might change that.
After averaging over 12 points per game as an eighth grader for Niagara Falls and helping lead the team to the Class AA Regional, Roddy Gayle transferred to Lew-Port over the summer. Now a freshman sensation in WNY high school basketball, Gayle has teamed with some very talented players who were already at Lew-Port. Trent Scott earned All-Centercourt Honorable Mention as a junior last season for the Lancers, eighth grader Jalen Duff has played like a veteran in the back court, and senior Zach Claybourne has been very productive for the team.
Gayle's departure would have left Falls with just one young prodigy in Willie Lightfoot, who also starred as an eighth grader at NFHS -- except for the return home by a third young prodigy from Niagara Falls.
When Niagara Catholic closed it's doors, 2018 Third Team All-Centercourt pick and Manhattan Cup MVP Jalen Bradberry returned to his home school. Bradberry has teamed with Lightfoot, along with seniors Josiah Harris & Moran Montgomery, to make this version of Falls an exciting brand of basketball that features shooting, speed, & pressure. The Wolverines are capable of overwhelming opponents when they start turning teams over, then running & scoring in transition.
The Wolverines and the Lancers are currently tied for first place in the NFL, both undefeated in league play. Lew-Port is also one of just three teams in WNY with an overall record that's unblemished, sitting at 11-0. Both teams are averaging 82 points per game (11 points above the next highest scoring Section VI team), with Falls allowing 53 points per game and the Lancers giving up 57 per outing.
While Gayle, Bradberry, and Lightfoot were supposed to be the next big thing together at Niagara Falls, instead we have something else to look forward to. There's a lot of pride among these three friends and both teams are ready to make a statement. Whatever happens Friday night, it's going to be awesome! It's the 'Game of the Week' - Cataract City-style!
-centercourt
Monday, November 26, 2018
Season Preview: 2018-2019
(Park's Noah Hutchins - top left, Olean ready for another state title run - top right, Manhattan Cup B Champion Niagara Catholic closes its doors - bottom left, Justin Hemphill & Haakim Siner are now teammates at O'Hara - bottom right / Photos: Harry Scull/BuffNews)
The 2018-2019 Preview contains:
- Commentary
- What's New
- Returning 2018 All-Centercourt Players
- Player Watch List for 2019
- A League-by-League look at the teams
(MMA, Yale Cup, ECIC, NFL, N-O, CCAA, & Charters)
- Coaching Changes
- Classification Changes
- Preseason Top 10 Large & Small Schools
- Predictions
Commentary
Between the day I published the All-Centercourt Team and the day I started emailing requests to coaches for Season Preview information, there's been a flurry of activity related to high school basketball in WNY, and it will most certainly have a direct impact on the 2019 season. For starters, we've lost some very talented players that were underclassmen in 2018. Two of them held Division I offers and happened to be teammates on the Federation Championship team at Park, two of them were First Team All-Centercourt in 2018, and all of them were on the All-Centercourt Team.
Dan Scott earned a spot on First Team and was also made the Federation All-Tournament team after the Pioneers marched through NYS Class A, but has opted to transfer to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. His teammate, John Orogun, got better every time he took the floor as a sophomore last year and looked like a man among boys when playing in a freshmen/sophomore all-star game at the end of the season, ripping the rim nearly every time he touched the rock. The 6-10 big man with high major written all over him transferred to St. Benedict's. Park's sixth man, Julian Eziukwu, who was also the Centercourt Sixth Man of the Year last season as a junior, is no longer eligible due to his age. Needless to say, things will, at the very least, look different on Harlem Road this season.
Juston Johnson, a First Team All-Centercourt selection who led West Seneca West to a 24-0 record and the overall title in Class A before bowing out to Irondequoit in the Far West Regional, has been ruled ineligible. As of press time, the family was appealing the ruling and remains optimistic that Johnson will play this season. If he does, it drastically changes the landscape in ECIC I, Class A, and WNY hoops in general. The Indians beefed up their nonleague schedule tenfold from the one inherited by head coach Des Randall last year and will be a major contender without him, but with him, WSW becomes the favorite to return to the Far West Regional and beyond.
After following his sophomore campaign that earned Third Team All-Centercourt honors with a huge junior year that landed him on Second Team, leading Timon to a win over Park in the regular season, and eclipsing 1,000 career points, The Juice is now loose in Ontario. Julian Cunningham left South Buffalo this summer to head north of the border, transferring to Orangeville Prep, the same school WNY lost Joe Jones to after his junior year at Park in 2017.
I know, that's a lot to take in and a big blow to the talent pool in WNY, on the heels on graduating the likes of Greg Dolan, Davonte Gaines, Willard Anderson, Devin Pope, and all those boys from Canisius, including Ryan Bradley who is now at Daemen and Jayce Johnson, who was just on ESPN2 this week playing Division I ball for Middle Tennessee State. But that's not all - we've even lost teams from last year and seen some team-to-team player movement that will shake everything up even more.
Niagara Catholic closed its doors for good - the same Niagara Catholic that just built an overnight sensation of underclassmen that won the Class B Manhattan Cup. That left a lot of young players looking for a new home, or in one case, a return home. Third Team All-Centercourt pick and Manhattan Cup MVP Jalen Bradberry spent much of the summer running with St. Joe's, but ultimately wanted to play with his friends and return to his home school at Niagara Falls, where the Wolverines have won the last three Class AA titles. The same Niagara Falls that had those two young prodigies lead the team last year as a freshman (Roddy Gayle) & eighth grader (Willie Lightfoot) respectively. Wait, all three of those young studs are finally reunited? I've been hearing about Bradberry, Gayle, & Lightfoot since they started playing Biddy Ball. This could be the second coming of 2005 Falls!!! Well, not so fast.
While the arrival of Bradberry at Falls gives the Wolverines WNY's most dynamic backcourt, they won't have Roddy Gayle running in transition with them. Gayle left Falls this summer for another program in Niagara County and will run with the Lew-Port in 2019. For head coach Matt Bradshaw and the Lancers, it's a major jackpot! Gayle's presence at Lew-Port and in Class A makes them immediate contenders and must-see basketball.
Bradberry wasn't the only standout at Niagara Catholic. Haakim Siner was an Honorable Mention selection in 2018 and one of the best returning big men coming into this season. He has found a new home at Cardinal O'Hara, playing alongside the best returning big man, Justin Hemphill. Siner brought teammate Avion Harris with him, another starter at Catholic and one of the 15 All-Centercourt Defenders a year ago. With four starters back, some key reserves returning, the two key additions from Niagara Catholic, and a 6-5 shooting sophomore who joined the program, the Hawks suddenly look like not only the best team in their league, but maybe in WNY.
Remember, Cardinal O'Hara is a small school, so if they could get to and win the same game this season that Niagara Catholic lost in 2018, the CHSAA Class B State Championship, they'd be in the NYS Federation Tournament of Champions. That's the same tournament that Park won in Class A last year and also the tournament Olean reached after winning a state title in 2016. Yes, the same Olean that returns five starters to the group that held Health Sciences to 11 points in the first half last year and only lost to the Falcons by two in the overall Class B Final. Are you picking up what I'm trying to lay down yet??? I'll just spell it out - the possibility exists that both O'Hara and Olean could be two of the four teams showing up in Glens Falls during the last week of March in Class B. The last time two teams from WNY faced off in the Federation Tournament was in 2001, when Buffalo Traditional defeated Canisius. I can't imagine a much cooler scenario than driving to Glens Falls to watch two WNY teams play for the biggest prize in NYS.
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What's New ??
- After consecutive trips to the state final four in Class B, Section VI has reclassified Health Sciences, despite BEDS numbers that reflect Class B. The Falcons will compete in Class A2 this season.
- The 2019 Centercourt Classic has shifted venues to Villa Maria College and will feature six games over two days on February 8th & 9th.
- After stockpiling a loaded young squad at Niagara Catholic in one offseason and winning the Class B Manhattan Cup, the school has closed its doors and all that talent has dispersed to other teams.
- Oracle Charter has also closed. The Phoenix enjoyed their best season in 2013, reaching the Class C1 Final.
- Varsity basketball is back at Bennett. The team will be coached by Khalil Cottman and compete in Yale Cup II for league and Class C2 in sectionals.
- Falconer & Frewsburg flipped leagues. The Golden Falcons drop down to CCAA II West, while the Bears move up to CCAA I West.
- Depew & Springville flipped leagues. The Wildcats move up to ECIC III, while the Griffins move down to ECIC IV.
- Yale Cup start times have changed, again. Varsity tip times are now slated for 6 pm.
- Williamsville North has changed start times to 7 pm which kills my ability to catch double-headers there on my way home from a 6 pm game. Not cool Chuck.
- The ADPRO Public/Private Challenge has added a pair of girls games to the 11-game lineup, while Canisius & St. Joe's have opted out.
- Class C1 & C2 are back. In 2018, there was 16 teams in Class C, which is the maximum number for one bracket. This season there are 20 teams in Section VI Class C.
- This will be the last year in Binghamton for the NYSPHAA state championships. Glens Falls won the bid to be the host and will once again be the venue beginning in 2020!
- The Pastor-Cooper Showcase at Daemen College returns to three days this season, December 5th through December 7th.
- Far West Regionals will be played at Greece Athena High School on Saturday, March 9th.
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The Players
*** 6 of the top 25 players from the 2018 All-Centercourt Team return to the WNY high school hoops scene, along with 15 players that received Honorable Mentions following last season.
Returning First Teamer
Noah Hutchins - Park, Senior
Junior Season stats:
13.1 PPG
6.6 APG
5.0 RPG
2.6 SPG
1.3 BPG
The MVP of the Federation Tournament showed he could take over games during the Pioneers championship run in 2018. He should be downright dominant in his fourth season as the starting floor general for The Park School.
*All-Centercourt Defender & Centercourt #BOOM Squad*
Returning Third Teamers
Mike Schmidt - Olean, Senior
Junior Season stats:
16.6 PPG
6.4 APG
5.2 RPG
3.5 SPG
Already a state champion from 2016, Olean's point guard looks to lead the Huskies back to the top of New York State's Class B and go out on top.
* All-Centercourt Defender *
Jalen Bradberry - Niagara Falls, Sophomore
Freshman Season stats:
20.3 PPG
4.6 RPG
2.4 APG
2.1 SPG
0.7 BPG
After leading Niagara Catholic to a Manhattan Cup in its final year in existence, Bradberry returns to NFHS after two years away, already approaching 1,000 career points before his sophomore campaign.
Justin Hemphill - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior
Junior Season stats:
20.5 PPG
13.5 RPG
3.5 APG
2.6 SPG
2.6 BPG
A Division I talent and a matchup nightmare in the post for opposing defenses. He can run the floor and absolutely soar.
* Centercourt #BOOM Squad *
Returning Fifth Teamers
Kam Briggs - Health Sciences, Senior
Junior Season stats:
12.9 PPG
3.1 SPG
1.8 APG
1.5 RPG
A two-way standout who sealed the 2018 Section VI title for Health Sciences with his defense and took over offensively in the Class B state semifinal.
* All-Centercourt Defender *
Tyler Hind - Randolph, Junior
Sophomore Season stats:
23.3 PPG
6.6 APG
4.2 RPG
3.1 SPG
0.5 BPG
Already a 1,000 point scorer, Hind does it all for the Cardinals. Deceptively strong & athletic, there isn't a better shooter in WNY.
Returning 2018 Honorable Mentions
Mason Goodridge - Springville, Senior
24.6 PPG / 3.1 RPG / 2.4 SPG / 2.0 APG / 0.5 BPG - as a junior
Zamari Mitchell - West Seneca East, Senior
22.5 PPG / 4.7 RPG / 4.2 SPG / 2.4 APG / 0.6 BPG - as a junior
Trent Scott - Senior
18.6 PPG / 6.1 RPG / 4.9 APG / 3.2 SPG / 1.1 BPG - as a junior
Adrian Baugh - West Seneca West, Senior
17.6 PPG / 7.4 RPG / 2.3 SPG / 2.0 APG / 1.2 BPG - as a junior
Earl Howard - MST Seneca, Senior
17.5 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 3.4 APG / 1.1 SPG - as a junior
Dorian Plummer - Tapestry, Senior
17.3 PPG / 4.7 RPG / 2.6 SPG / 1.4 APG - as a junior
Cam Sionko - Grand Island, Senior
16.3 PPG / 7.0 RPG / 5.2 APG / 1.5 SPG / 0.5 BPG - as a junior
River Reinhardt - Clarence, Senior
15.3 PPG / 4.6 APG / 3.3 RPG / 2.7 SPG - as a junior
Haakim Siner - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior
13.7 PPG / 10.6 RPG / 1.8 SPG / 1.3 APG / 0.8 BPG - as a junior
Chris Stineman - Nichols, Senior
12.5 PPG / 10.4 RPG / 2.8 APG / 1.5 BPG / 0.9 SPG - as a junior
Devin Degree - Williamsville South, Senior
11.8 PPG / 4.6 APG / 4.1 RPG / 2.7 SPG - as a junior
Quentin Nnagbo - Park, Senior
6.6 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 1.6 APG / 1.6 SPG / 1.5 BPG - as a junior
Daesean Ashley - St. Joe's, Junior
17.6 PPG / 6.4 RPG / 3.4 APG / 3.3 SPG - as a sophomore
Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry, Sophomore
12.0 PPG / 4.2 APG / 3.5 RPG / 2.9 SPG - as a freshman
Roddy Gayle - Lew-Port, Freshman
12.8 PPG / 4.3 RPG / 3.2 APG / 1.0 SPG / 0.9 BPG - as an 8th grader
Player Watch List
SENIORS
Jermaine Haynes (Cardinal O'Hara), Noah Grabar (Lackawanna), Josiah Harris (Niagara Falls), Brady Woelben (Silver Creek), Lucas Theisen (St. Francis), Justin Poumpey (St. Francis), River Reinhart (Clarence), Malik Brooks (Lockport), Quentin Nnagbo (Park), Nate Shuart (Fredonia), Amir Radford (City Honors), Andrej Milinkovic (Iroquois), Alero World (Timon), Joe Jamison (Canisius), Anthony Whitfield (Hutch Tech), Ngenda Elias (McKinley), Ja'Kari Nettles (Middle College), Julius Laureano (Riverside), Jon Abaya (Williamsville North), Joe Nusall (Williamsville North), Jack Putney (Clarence), Grant Moore (Jamestown), Jakob Jerebko (Lancaster), Tysheen Lott (Health Sciences), Josiah Haygood (Health Sciences), Alex Card (Southwestern), Matt Droney (Olean), Brian Ramarge (Olean), Jake Mullen (Amherst), Evan John (Sweet Home), Noah Denz (East Aurora), Steve Frerichs (Wilson), Izaiah Rhim (Medina), Frederick Johnson (Cleveland Hill)
JUNIORS
Dwayne Vass (Canisius), Ish Fairclough (Canisius), Jaylen Stewart (Amherst), Anthony Mack (South Park), Jahmal Lewis (McKinley), Cameron Barmore (Panama), Cal Shifflet (Williamsville East), Aidan Horan (Nichols), David Hughes (East), Anthony Mack (South Park), Jamond Jones (Middle College), Nate Ryniec (West Seneca West), Daequan Hill (Sweet Home), Greg Poland (St. Joe's), Mike DiGiulio (Williamsville South)
SOPHOMORES
Javaughn Jones (Health Sciences), Amiel Collins (St. Francis), Tyler Putney (Fredonia), Jayden Slaughter (City Honors), Keonjay Carter (Park), Caleb Hutchins (Park), Logan Sionko (Grand Island), Isaac Brown (Salamanca), Tyler Putney (Fredonia), Andre Goldsmith (Global Concepts), Xavier Laverty (Walsh), Max Dowling (Canisius), Peyton Consigli (St. Francis), Samuel Moss (McKinley), Elijah Rojas (Jamestown), Walter Wisniewski (North Tonawanda)
FRESHMEN
Willie Lightfoot (Niagara Falls), Justin Glover (St. Joe's), Massai Graham (Timon), Trey Kleitz (Iroquois), Gabe McCoy (Randolph), Josh Haskell (Franklinville), Kegan Mancabelli (Orchard Park), Joe Harrington (Lancaster)
EIGHTH GRADER
Jalen Duff (Lew-Port)
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League-By-League
Monsignor Martin Association
Large Schools - CLASS A
Park enjoyed its greatest season in school history last year, knocking off Canisius for the Manhattan Cup, before claiming the CHSAA Class A state championship at Villa Maria College. Two weeks later, the Pioneers arrived in Glens Falls for the NYS Federation Tournament of Champions - an honor they had won as a small school in 2015. Once again, Park returned to WNY with the hardware, this time as champions of NYS Class A, after winning a thriller over Albany Academy as time expired. With the off-season transfers of Dan Scott to Oak Hill Academy and John Orogun to St. Benedicts, the Pioneers lost a pair of returning future Division I talents, but they still return Noah Hutchins and Quentin Nnagbo to the starting lineup and most certainly have a title to defend. Sophomores Caleb Hutchins and Keyounjay Carter will step in and be counted on immediately. St. Francis seems to be off the radar for many in the preseason, but the Red Raiders squad could soon be grabbing everyone's attention much like they did two years ago, when a cohesive group took all three meetings from Park and nearly ended a long championship drought. Lucas Theisen enters the season healthier than last year and should have a big campaign, while point guard Justin Poumpey is a perfect fit for the style the team plays. Dorion Ivey, David Bartholomew, and Amiel Collins all saw extended time for Frannies last year, and when you throw in some added depth on the bench, just don't say i didn't warn you about this group. You would have to go back to 2008 to find the last time Canisius went multiple seasons without winning the Manhattan Cup. That's not great news for the rest of the league, considering Park claimed the prize in 2018. Despite graduating all five starters, the Crusaders are hardly short on talent and will look to juniors Dwayne Vass and Ish Faircloth to take the reigns and get the team back to the top. Senior guard Joe Jamison is back for a third season, while junior Eric Kegler arrives from St. Mary's. Timon will undoubtedly miss the departure of guard and leader Julian Cunningham, who left the team for Orangeville Prep. Filling his role looks to be the biggest challenge for a team that has shooters and a pair of forwards that will be fun to watch. Alero World is back for his senior season and offers classic elements of a stretch four with his 6-7 frame, while freshman Massai Graham is so exciting, explosive, and athletically gifted that he's already been sized for a #BOOM Squad shirt. After six seasons at Williamsville South, Gabe Michael is the new head coach at St. Joe's, where he'll roll with five seniors who return to the program, along with a mix of underclassmen.
***
Park: Noah Hutchins 12, Quentin Nnagbo 12, Jai'den Dunn 12, Harrison Abramaitys 12, Luke Gozelski 11, Zachary Fahey 11, Caleb Hutchins 10, Keonjay Carter 10, Torian Wallace 10, Des Davis 10, Josh Bridges 10
St. Francis: Justin Poumpey 12, Lucas Theisen 12, Dorion Ivey 12, Elijah Williams 12, Nicholas Reeb 12, Noah Unger 12, Traevone Scott 12, Dan Busha 12, Ryan Lacki 12, David Bartholomew 11, Jack Bickerstaff 11, Chris Dempsey 11, Theodore Katholos 11, Amiel Collins 10, Peyton Consigli 10
Canisius: Joe Jamison 12, Andrew Hartnett 12, Joe Ingrando 12, Jason Martin 12, Jaurney Boyland 12, Dwayne Vass 11, Ish Faircloth 11, Eric Kegler 11, Christian Veilleux 11, Abdalla Masrour 11, Jihad Almadrahi 11, Max Dowling 10, Joe Ciocca 10
Timon: Alero World 12, Tahron Goudelock 12, John Shields 12, Jeremy Glinski 12, Ring Mobil 12, Sean Hayes 12, Nyan Chiagi 12, Simon Miazga 11, Brandon Lowry 11, Massai Graham 9, Kamar Goudelock 9, Kevin Thompson 9
St. Joe's: Pat McCann 12, Will Ostrowski 12, Tino Martone 12, Kemychal Clark 12, Jack Wojtazsek 12, Hamzah Abdur-Rahman 12, Daesean Ashley 11, Greg Poland 11, Nolan Phillips 11, Jack Shivinsky 11, DJ Luchey 11, James Carrington 11, Chris Carlone 10, Will Beilein 10, Justin Glover 9, Jimmy Scott 9
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Small Schools - CLASS B
Cardinal O'Hara has good reason to believe this is the year they breakthrough and win the Manhattan Cup after falling in the final to Niagara Catholic last year. Besides returning four starters, including Third Team All-Centercourt star Justin Hemphill, the team added two starters from Niagara Catholic when the school closed. That's six starters back from the Manhattan Cup Final! Among those is Haakim Siner, who was all over the glass every time he took the floor, along with Avion Harris - an All-Centercourt defender. Jermaine Haynes averaged 15 points per contest last year for the Hawks and has started the last two years. Joe Mihalics returns to coaching in the Monsignor Martin after three years away. The former Timon coach & player becomes the sixth head coach of Nichols since 2011 and takes over for a Vikings team that should be significantly better this year. Chris Stineman & Aidan Horan give the team one of WNY's best front courts with their athleticism, size, and versatile skill sets. The team is excited about sophomore guard Jesse Adamu, who along with fellow classmate Jaylen Hearon, are expected to make an immediate impact. St. Mary's was hit hard by graduation and will look to a new cast led by the lone returning starter, Brady O'Brien. Walsh has no seniors and just one junior on its roster, so the Eagles likely field the youngest team in WNY, while playing against some of the fiercest competition. Xavier Laverty averaged 20 points per game as a freshman, while connecting from long range over 80 times. CCA is a team that uses primarily guard play with a fast tempo. The Crusaders have three returning seniors and junior Daniel Tyson back, and will look to push the ball up the court and utilize all their players.
***
Cardinal O'Hara: Justin Hemphill 12, Haakim Siner 12, Jermaine Haynes 12, Brandon Broadnax 12, Joe Turri 12, Avion Harris 11, Jaedin Cottman 11, Yehshua Lee 11, Joe Bohlman 11, Ryan Kelly 10, Henry Smith 10, Jimmie Green 9
Nichols: Chris Stineman 12, Jonathan Goodloe 12, Clark Thrasher 12, Matt Raiff 12, Julian Freeman 12, Jake Bair 12, Marcus Ottaviano 12, Aidan Horan 11, Billy Locke 11, Brandon Scott 11, Jesse Adamu 10, Hugh Purks 10, Jaylen Hearon 10
St. Mary's: Brady O'Brien 12, Sean Melson 12, Alif Dunbar 12, Brendan Murty 11, Levi Taberski 11, David Persico 11, Luke Szablewski 11, Peter Duane 11, Jerome Stachura 11, Trenton Rumley 10, Nevada Eldridge 10, Sean Brown 10, Brandon Thome 10
Walsh: Marcus Esposito 11, Max Garvin 10, Xavier Laverty 10, Ajhani Parks 10, Patrick Tufino 10, Dominic Esposito 9, Russell Maine 9, Everett Swenson 9
CCA: Jabari Blodgett 12, Tyler Craven 12, Kyle Gold 12, Zach Miller 12, Brendan Cook 11, Cameron McKissic 11, David Ruhl 11, Daniel Tyson 11, Matthew Samuel 10
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Section VI
YALE CUP I
In a league that has a state champion East, a South Park team that nearly clipped West Seneca West for the overall Class A title, and resident bully McKinley...it was Middle College that raised the 2018 Yale Cup after winning the city's league race. The Kats will look to defend their Cup with a young team looking to prove themselves by playing a hard-nosed defensive style, looking to slow teams down and take them out of their comfort zone. The team will be led by Jamond Jones, Ja'Kari Nettles, Tereamell Stevens, Keith Brown, Devonte Prince, & Keyunte Jones. East is the reigning NYS Class D state champion after ending Moriah's bid to repeat and its 45-game win streak, which had been the longest in the state. This year's Panthers are back in Class C and return just one starter (Danny Carter), but remain optimistic that the victories will continue to pile up for the city's all-time winningest coach in Starling Bryant. Look for big seasons out of Dontaye Miller and 6-6 David Hughes. South Park is the defending Class A2 champ and has plenty back from last season, led by exciting point guard Anthony Mack. Jayson Armstead and Davon White will be counted on, while Elijah Lewis, Michael Crockett, and Jayon Renfro will give the team a strong presence on the boards. Willie Hutch Jones takes over as head coach at South Park, where the team has bought into his philosophy of "We Love Defense". McKinley's speed will once again be an asset this year. The Macks will be right in the thick of the race for the Yale Cup, led by smooth senior two guard Ngenda Elias, who can really heat up from the outside. Jahmal David-Lewis gives the team an inside/outside threat, while Samuel Moss is an up and coming sophomore on Elmwood Avenue. Sean Edinger takes over the Burgard program and has been really pleased with the group of young men he has to work with, saying the team is full of hard workers that never quit and are always at practice, hungry to learn the game.
***
Middle College: Tereamell Stevens Richardson 12, Ja'Kari Nettles 12, Alphonso Wysinger 12, Jayvaughn Swain 12, Jaheim Virgil 12, Keyunte Jones 11, Malik Meadows 11, Jamond Jones 11, Keith Brown 11, Deshoni Pickett 11, Anthony Smith 10, Devonte Prince 10, Zaire White 10
South Park: Elijah Lewis 12, Dabeyon Humphrey 12, Jayon Renfro 12, Anthony Mack 11, Jayson Armstead 11, Michael Crockett 11, Davon White 11, Julian Santiago 11, Andre Augustiniak 11, Donald Steward 11, Denzel Ward 11, Branden Paige 11, Tyek Griffin 11, Mykell Hepbum 11
East: Keyonya Harmon 12, Jawan Burse 12, Danny Carter 11, David Hughes 11, Juron Hill 11, Dontaye Miller 11, Aaron Smith 11, Gary Dobbs 11, Zephaniah Sanford 11, Eric Jones 11, Kabah Kabah 11, Tynell Ruffins 10, Anthony Oberlander 10, Jaiden Green 10, Christopher Walker 10
McKinley: Ngenda Elias 12, Elijah Strong 12, Tavionn Martin 12, Shahib Golden 12, Jaylen Colemen 12, Taj Rouse 12, Jahmal Lewis 11, Jesse Snow 11, Patrick Mootry 11, Jayshawn Austin 11, Alexander Johnson 11, Dominick Burgess 11, Shamere Farrow 11, Samuel Moss 10, Bush Rieang 10
Hutch-Tech: Requested information was not provided by the head coach
Emerson: Requested information was not provided by the head coach
I-Prep: Requested information was not provided by the head coach
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YALE CUP II
City Honors nearly made history during the 2018 postseason. The Centaurs traveled to Olean and nearly pulled the quarterfinal upset that would have ended a homwe winning streak that dates back to 2011. After an entire offseason to stew about it, Honors is back in force with its entire starting lineup. John Kudla's club should be the favorites to claim Yale Cup II and the major obstacle to Olean's bid to begin a state run in the playoffs. Amir Radford returns after earning co-POY honors in league as a junior, along with sophomore Jaden Slaughter, who is expected to start turning heads this year. MST Seneca is only returning three players from last year's team and will need leadership from Earl Howard to bring the team together and help build chemistry with new talent up from the JV ranks. Strong defense will need to carry the Wolves to success. Riverside returns Julius Laureano, one of the top players in the league. With the Frontiers moving into Class C2 this year, they should have their sights set on getting the team to JCC to make some postseason noise. Jarryd Austin takes over a team at Buffalo Arts that has lacked leadership at the top and will begin his efforts to build a model program. The team will be driven by returning seniors Jalen Carter-Keith & Cencear Benefield and focused on working hard to become better throughout the season. Lafayette is looking to build on last season under new head coach Brian Davis. Nick Todaro is done coaching at DaVinci after one season. As of press time, it was unknown for sure whether the school would even field a team or who would be coaching them if it did.
***
City Honors: Amir Radford 12, Eliot Solomon 12, Xavion Baines 12, Henry Nowak 12, Jerimiah Chapman 11, Nate Kahn 11, Kevion Taylor 11, Max Nowak 11, Marcale Patterson 11, Jack Galvin 11, Chia-Ho Huany 11, Dileon Campbell 10, Jayden Slaughter 10, Caleb Chapman 9
MST Seneca: Earl Howard 12, Nick Price 12, Ronald White 12, Dujuan Franklin 12, Anthony Manuel 12, Ibrahiem Lewis 12, Jihad Loynes 12, Isiah Reid 11, Morgan Eaton 11, Justus Stokes 11, Devante Simmons 11, Chad Lukas 11, DeMario James 10
Riverside: Julius Laureano 12, Javier Gonzalez 12, Asante Silva 12, Ashanti Thompson 12, Michael Villegas 12, Jean Velez 12, Ezequiel Rodriguez 10, Ali Mohammed 10, Daniel Staly 10, Ruben Casiano 10, Jaxel Cruz Figueroa 10
Lafayette: Kevin Maysonet 11, Kenneth Merced 11, Yabnel Calderon 11, Osvaldo Llanos 11, Yandell Soto 11, Arnadi Velasquez 11, Aaron Santana 11, Luis Cruz 10, Jonathan Torres 10, Yan Carlos Rodriguez 10, Edgardo Ortiz 9
Buffalo Arts: Jalen Carter-Keith 12, Cencear Benefield 12, Marquis Lacey 12, Andre Sawyer 12, Jayden Robinson 11, Drezale Mack 11, Charles Slobert 10, Corey Rodgers 10, Ezekiel Toomes 10
Bennett: Requested information was not provided by the head coach
Olmsted: Requested information was not provided by the head coach
DaVinci: Seriously, I don't know if they have a team or a coach
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ECIC I
Williamsville North is going to be a problem for the rest of the league this season. The Spartans reached the Class AA Final in 2018 and have plenty of size, muscle, & experience back with four returning starters (Jake Belote, Breht Swiech, Jon Abaya, & Scott Becht). They'll also get a big boost from the return of Joe Nusall, who started 18 games as a sophomore two years ago, but sat out all of last year due to injury. Orchard Park after leading the JV team to an undefeated season, Chris Frankowski moves up to take over as head coach of the varsity team that left everything on the court at Buff State during the 2018 Class AA semifinals. Back from that team are seniors Nathan Wereski, Josh McTigue, & Archie Bartolotti, along with juniors Tino Mancabelli & Ethan Swiatek . Juniors Chase Kline & Jack Sharp look to play a key role for the Quakers who will play aggressive pressure defense, while pushing & sharing the ball at the offensive end. Clarence returns a pair of three-year starters in River Reinhardt and Jack Putney and Brandon Ferris is back and will be counted on heavily at both ends of the floor after leading the team in 3-point shooting last year. The Red Devils will need some young guys to step up for the team to break through and make an appearance at Buff State. Jamestown's strength will be its inside play with Shaheem Freeney and Grant Moore. Sophomore point guard Elijah Rojas is a returning starter and Kameron Grant could surprise with his play this season. Lancaster should get a big season out of senior JJ Jerebko, who wasn't playing at full strength last season, but has a great all-around game. Juniors GianLuca Fulciniti, Trevor Reformat, and Justin Hughes, along with freshman Joe Harrington will all see big minutes for the Legends. Frontier has a solid big man in Brandon Dunz, along with three players who all logged big minutes and contributed last season in Tyler Bailey, Alex Hiam, and Ben Taylor.
***
Williamsville North: Jon Abaya 12, Joe Nusall 12, Jacob Belote 12, Dylan Mann 12, Austin Mann 12, Scott Becht 12, Jake Federio 12, Joe Hnat 12, Scott Hopkins 11, David Bass 11, Evan Richter 11, Breht Swiech 11, Gilad Symons 11, Michael Washington 11
Orchard Park: Nate Wereski 12, Matt Burney 12, Archie Bartolotti 12, Josh McTigue 12, Brad Fowler 11, Tino Mancabelli 11, Ethan Swiatek 11, Aidan Jennings 11, Aidan Shaw 11, Chase Kline 11, Jack Sharp 11, Jake Morris 11, Jonathon Lander 11, Thomas Callaghan 11, Kegan Mancabelli 9
Clarence: River Reinhardt 12, Jack Putney 12, Brandon Ferris 12, Akilesh Ramakrishna 12, Jon Stevens 12, Jackson Wurtz 12, Dominic Basile 11, Jake Chenevert 11, Joe DiMaio 11, Cole Harris 11, Peyton Metzger 11, Chris Stuhler 11, JD Brooks 10, Zach Ianello 10
Jamestown: Grant Moore 12, Daunte Garland 12, Kameron Grant 12, Shaheem Freeney 12, Grayson Holt 12, Justin Esquilin 12, Jordan Crofoot 11, Tyler Swegles 11, Evan Anderson 11, Andrew Dix 11, Elijah Rojas 10, Demarri Jones 10
Lancaster: JJ Jerebko 12, Jon Kisker 12, Max Molino 12, Matt Morgus 12, John Morgus 12, Nick Vacanti 12, GianLuca Fulciniti 11, Trevor Reformat 11, Justin Hughes 11, Lucas Jachimiak 11, Shane Schaefer 11, Connor Mahony 11, Joe Harrington 9
Frontier: Alex Hiam 12, Brandon Dunz 12, Ben Taylor 12, Tyler Bailey 12, Chris Jones 12, Tyler Jenkins 12, Brian Norsen 12, Jacob Nye 12, Jacob Minniefield 11, Tanner Fadale 11, Ethan Bevilacqua 11, Avery Kuryak 11, Nate Hoellig 11
West Seneca West: Requested information was not provided by the head coach
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ECIC II
Amherst will be a hungry team this season after a year that ended short of Buff State for the first time since 2011, after dropping a heart-breaker in the quarterfinals by one point in overtime to eventual champion South Park. The team's biggest loss was Daesean Ashley who transferred, but the Tigers gained a transfer in flashy guard Jaylen Stewart, who waited in the wings the past two years at Park and should be primed for a breakout season. Jake Mullen, Ja'kye Womack, Xavier Lewis, & Jackson Tan were all part of the rotation last year and return. Williamsville South has won five straight league titles and will seek a sixth under new head coach Mike Trybinski, who moves over from Alden. Trybinski was formerly a Williamsville coach at Will East and will have his work cut out for him with the loss of 2018 CC MVP Greg Dolan. The team returns starters Devin Degree & Ethan Heil, along with sixth man Mike DiGuilio, and looks for big contributions from Angel Torres and Kingsley Mitchell. The Billies will rely on a solid group of players thrust into more prominent roles, where controlling tempo and mixing defenses will be key. Sweet Home hope to build upon their performance last season, led by senior Evan John and junior big man Daequan Hill. The Panthers are coming off a 15-win season and look to continue to play with toughness & energy, seeking a trip to Buff State. West Seneca East won just five games last season, but that included a playoff upset at Williamsville East. Zamari Mitchell is back after scoring 22.5 per contest as a junior and earning First Team All ECIC honor, along with Trent Cordone, who was second on the team in scoring and assists. Starpoint will have more depth than in recent years and has five returning players who will be regulars in the rotation, led by three-year starter Justin Mott. Williamsville East will be a very young team with only three returning players, but one is the team's leading scorer in junior Cal Shifflet. Max Schneider will start at the point as a freshman for the Flames as part of an influx of talent up from last year's JV team that won 15 games. Hamburg carried six sophomores on the roster a season ago and will have just three seniors, but the Bulldogs hope the youth movement pays dividends this year in the form of more victories.
***
Amherst: Ja’Kye Womack 12, Xavier Lewis 12, Jake Mullen 12, James Moore 12, Deadrea Tyson 12, Jackson Tan 12, Matt Gramza 12, Jaylen Stewart 11, Noah Woldu 11, Aden Clemente 11, Marcus Hall 11, Nick O'Neil 11, Rayshawn Allen 11, Gavin Warren 11, Myles Cooper 11, Imari Jenkins 11
Williamsville South: Devin Degree 12, Ryan Schouten 12, Ethan Heil 12, Angel Torres 12, Jamelle Jones 12, Sean Kerr 12, Mike DiGiulio 11, Kingsley Mitchell 11, Demetrius Wells 11, X'zavion Galarza 11, Marshone Eggelston 10, Michael Kelly 10, Robert Kelly 10, Jeremy Matute 10
Sweet Home: KiAiir Brunner 12, Marjohn Manuel 12, Evan John 12, Matthew Nix 12, Kevin Gunn 12, Jevon Schumaker 12, Jamel Lucas 11, DaeQuan Hill 11, Brian Ferguson 11, Rhydell Griffin 11, Jaden King 11, Adriane Harris 11, Isaiah Killian 11, Jacob Chilvas 11
West Seneca East: Zamari Mitchell 12, Marcus Barney 12, Matt Ibrahim 12, Adam Wojciechowski 12, Ethan Bilski 12, Alex Sarick 12, Trent Cordone 11, Tommie Ferrell 11, Andrew Radka 11, Michael Marcezin 11, Carson Kelly 11, Jason Perillo 11, Cole Ignaszak 10, Devare Mathis 10, Jaiden Lewis 7
Starpoint: Aaron Chase 12, Brendan Gawel 12, Justin Mott 12, Adam Rankie 12, Rob Roetzer 12, Braden Zdrojewski 12, DJ Wick 11, Joe Carlson 11, Clevester Bradley 11, Aidan Davis 11, Joe Dell'Oso 11, Jack Putney 11, Ethan Wright 11, Harry Dhaliwall 11, Tim Olson 11, Dexter Brooks 10
Williamsville East: Dylan Moorhouse 12, Zach Rudewicz 12, Jaden Gerena 12, Dylan Lobdell 12, Cal Shifflet 11, Mark Greco 11, Kevin Early 11, Ethan Neu 11, Jack Gelder 11, Jake Skidmore 11, Cole Ronan 11, Yusuf Hashmi 10, Joee Mack 10, Jake Cloen 10, Max Schneider 9
Hamburg: Kevin McDermott 12, Connor McDonnell 12, Matthew Reagan 12, Nathan Severson 11, David Benningfield 11, Andrew Genzel 11, David Lambert 11, Jason Golembiewski 11, Maxwell Haney 11, Corey Munro 11, Nathan Neudeck 11
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ECIC III
Maryvale has Nathan Crombie, Rashaad Law, and Xaier Mitchell back, while senior Jay Henley returns after contributing two seasons ago. Sophomore Andrew Dockery enters his second varsity season for the Flyers. Cheektowaga won't have a lot of size or experience, but should entertain fans with their style of play. Get it & go and look to get to the rim to create as much havoc as possible is the goal of the Warriors and they have plenty of athleticism to help accomplish that, led by seniors Armondez Cleague and Jason Saloman. Iroquois reached Buff State in Class A2 last season and returns plenty of depth at the guard position from that team. Freshman Trey Kleitz looks poised for a breakout season in his second year with the varsity team, while 6-9 Andrej Milinkovic from Serbia brings a shooter's touch and the team hopes he can provide a major presence inside. Lake Shore hopes to be more than a one-year wonder after reaching the Class A2 Final in 2018. They bring back a pair of starters in Ajay Cybulski and Josh Buchanan who will be strong contributors at both ends. Efrain Barreto brings a high energy to the point, while the combo of Marcus & Zach Evans will handle the shooting gurad position and Nate Lockwood mans the post. Pioneer is coming off a 13-9 season and looking to build on that success with a run at Buff State. The Panthers will be led by returning starters Nick Rinker and Dillon Giboo and should benefit from the return of Jason Corbett. East Aurora has just three seniors and will rely on Noah Denz for leadership and scoring. Junior Will Covington returns to the backcourt after missing most of his sophomore season due to injury. Ian Moog is a 6-7 sophomore who should be a big contributor, while hard work in the offseason by senior Nate Mucci and freshman Dominic Phillips should earn them some opportunities. Depew returns to ECIC III after a year away. The Wildcats have a lot of scoring and leadership to replace with the graduation of five-year player Chad Biersbach and will likely improve as the season wears on. Expect their style to stay the same - moving the ball and looking for perimeter shots, while digging in defensively.
***
Maryvale: Nathan Crombie 12, Rashaad Law 12, Jay Henley 12, Ryan Smith 12, Nahjir Derby 12, Christian Gueth 12, Xaier Mitchell 11, Glenn Daniels 11, Deondre Rice 11, Andrew Dockery 10, Dean Orlowski 10
Cheektowaga: Jason Salomon 12, Armondez Cleague 12, KeShone Beal 12, Rayshawn Minter 12, Jaylen Wiliams 11, Latrell Stone 11, Jesse Hawkins 10, Keonte' Brown 10
Iroquois: Charlie Ottomano 12, Calvin Gawlick 12, Cole Augustine 12, Sean Holleig 12, Andrej Milinkovic 12, Ethan Bowen 12, Matt Matla 11, Andy Osuch 11, Sam Fones 11, Jon Reidel 11, Nick Parstch 11, Nick Bowen 10, Trey Kleitz 9
Lake Shore: Ajay Cybulski 12, Josh Buchanon 12, Marcus Evans 12, Nate Lockwood 12, Jack Perry 12, Efrain Barreto 11, Zach Cervola 11, Zach Evans 11, Tyler Hassel 11, Spencer Kwilos 11, Thomas Michael 11, Matt Mieszczak 11, Mahlik Thompson 10
Pioneer: Nick Rinker 12, Dillon Giboo 12, Jason Corbett 12, Gabe Higgins 12, Cole Pleace 12, Tra’e Hill 11, Colton Raiber 11, Kaleb Phillips 11, Denton Tilly 11, Skyler Kirsch 11, James Rupert 11, Gavyn Mason 11
East Aurora: Noah Denz 12, Nate Mucci 12, Andrew Cohn 12, Will Covington 11, David Morris 11, Jimmy Tanner 11, Chris Sieracki 11, Ryan Maloney 11, Tage Hoeg 11, Matteo Duennebacke 11, Ian Moog 10, Drew Kenney 10, Dominic Phillips 9
Depew: Sean Miller 12, Matt Martin 12, Joe Pagano 12, Jacob Wentland 12, Max Cotton 12, Collin Bruencz 12, Tyler Anderson 12, PJ Burns 11, Collin Coburn 11, Nathan Kulesz 11, Justin Losel 11, Daivon March 11, Christian Pagano 10
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ECIC IV
Cleveland Hill has an explosive three-year senior and captain in Fredrick Johnson. He's a dynamic player who can score inside and out and at 6-6, makes passing lanes difficult for opponents. Peyton Barker missed most of last season with an injury and his return should help in the paint at both ends of the floor. Springville moves back to ECIC IV this season and will have a deep bench with eight returning seniors from last year, led by all-around talent, Mason Goodridge. Adam Pruitt, Alex Francisco and Austin Boies will also be key for the Griffins, who play a fast-paced tempo and strong defense. JFK graduated three starters and a lot of points from the team that went to theClass B2 Final in 2018. The Bears have some good athletes, but lack size & varsity experience and will rely on Zack Manzella, Mitchell Fischer, and Alan Suarez for leadership & scoring. Alden has a new head coach in Tim Stone and will be a young team with little experience, returning only starter from last year. The Bulldogs will be led by Max Gilbert and Lucas Jurek. Tonawanda returns four starters and all but two players from a season ago. Though still young, Trevin Boling & JJ Valazquez played a lot last year, while Pat Carney , Owen Baker and Khristian Valazquez started most of the games. Holland has just three seniors, but should be a balanced team with decent depth, led by Brennan Lewandowski who made Second Team ECIC IV last year. Eden has a new head coach once again this season in Don Genco and he's set a lot of goals for the Raiders to accomplish this year, with competing in the area being a big part of that. The team is led by Jared Sobczyk & Alec Henry and has an abundance of three point shooters, led by Brandon Haller, CJ Sroda and Hunter Stetz.
***
Cleveland Hill: Fredrick Johnson 12, Aaron Wahler 12, Peyton Barker 12, D'Mario Grant 12, Alfred Walker 12, Thomas Jonson 11, Caron Marshall 11, Jayden Krueger 11, Rashad Spencer 11, Samuel Pitts 11, Pierre Brown 11
Springville: Mason Goodridge 12, Adam Pruitt 12, Tyler Attebery 12, Alex Francisco 12, Adam Ditchey 12, Mike Sobota 12, Zach Parker 12, Austin Lux 12, Nick Sullivan 11, Chris Smith 11, Austin Boies 10
JFK: Zack Manzella 12, Kage Dauman 12, Mitchell Fischer 12, Mark Konczal 12, Jason Leonarczyk 12, Scott Prell 12, Alan Suarez 11, Stuart McLeod 11, Jax Lighten 11, Jamaal Huff 11, Da'Rell Dabney 11, Kenny Avery 11
Alden: Lucas Jurek 12, Max Gilbert 12, Quinn Keller 12, Trey Samsel 11, Lucas Bush 11, Robby Motz 11, Tad Lacki 11, Matt Boucher 11, Joey Motz 10, Jacob Baker 9, Walker Wrest 9
Holland: Brennan Lewandowski 11, Josey Rivera 11, Logan Filipiac 12, Nolan Perry 11, Tanner Beicke 11, Joe Ferrara 11, Nolan Kirsch 11, Jon Nellis 11, Josh Ostrowski 11, Tyler Scheffler 11, Jon Staniszewski 11, Aidan Wrazen 11
Tonawanda: Owen Baker 12, Khristian Valazquez 12, Pat Carney 12, William Zeughardt 12, Hayden Lilly 12, David Perry 11, Rudy Warren 10, JJ Valazquez 10, Travis Davis 10, Mike Tantillo 10, Trevin Boling 9
Eden: Jared Sobsyk 12, Connor Blake 12, Jaden Rodriguez 12, Zach DeCardis 12, Louis DeCardis 12, Gavin Hill 11, Alec Henry 11, Brandon Haller 11, Robert Grunder 11, Matt Kobie 11, Jake Dimarco 11, Hunter Stetz 10, CJ Sroda 10
Lackawanna: Requested information was not provided by the head coach
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Niagara Frontier League
Niagara Falls made it a three-peat in Class AA last year and I can't see any reason why the fun would stop there. With Third Team All-Centercourt selection Jalen Bradberry returning home after already playing two varsity seasons and leading Niagara Catholic to the CHSAA Class B state championship game, along with the player I'm most excited to see this season in freshman guard Willie Lightfoot, stopping the Wolverines title run seems highly unlikely. Lightfoot is one of those rare talents who spent last season running the point at Falls and is ready to explode onto the scene this year. Add in the return of Josiah Harris, Moran Montgomery, and Taylor Sanders, along with Jaemon Turner back after Niagara Catholic closed, and get ready to watch NFHS wear teams down with speed, pressure, and all that talent. Lew-Port hit the local lottery of sorts, gaining future high major standout Roddy Gayle, a freshman who transferred in the offseason after starting for Class AA champion Niagara Falls. His presence immediately elevates the Lancers into serious contention for a sectional title in Class A2. The team returns its leading scorer in Trent Scott, who earned Honorable Mention as a junior, and also brings up 8th grader Jalen Duff - a sniper from the perimeter with big things ahead. North Tonawanda fielded a young team around Trevor Book last season, who is now at Daemen. Now the Jacks have plenty back on a balanced team with the experience of battling at Buff State. Dante Moultrie was Third Team NFL after staring the season as a sophomore point, while juniors Noah Fox-Stoddard and Sebastian Reid, along with sophomore Walter Wisniewski are developing into ballers at NT. Niagara Wheatfield benefits from the addition of a pair who came over from Niagara Catholic in Roman Wright and Raejuan Smith. While neither started for the Patriots last year, both are expected to contribute for the Falcons. Davon Ware returns as the team's point guard, while Zach Stanley looks to build on his seven points per game as a junior. The Falcons drop to Class A1 and should be right in the mix of teams vying for a spot at Buff State in February. Grand Island likes to run & gun and shoot the 3-pointer. They'll have four-year starter Cam Sionko leading the way, who should eclipse 1,000 career points early in the season. Jeremiah Wilkes gives the Vikings a physical scoring presence inside, while sophomore Logan Sionko cannot be left along on the wing. Kenmore East welcomes Jim Badgley as the new head coach, who will put the effort in to get the most oput of the talent at the school. The Bulldogs are not big, but very athletic and quick with a fairly deep bench. The top returning players are Nate Murdie and D'anzo Young, while juniors Austin McCullough, Amari Gordan, Dominic Ferguson and Dalton Gaughan should get plenty of playing time Kenmore West should be deeper and more athletic this season, looking to push the ball in transition and play aggressive defense. The Blue Devils are led by Dylan James, Kyle Schmidt, and Zac Boyes. Lockport will try to play uptempo and find scoring in transition to compensate for a lack of size. The Lions will be led by returning starters Malik Brooks, who just signed with UB for football, along with Torree Cheatom. CSAT will be a talented mix of youth and experience, led by the seniors of Lenard Harris, Daighlyon Willoughby and Kavon Wright. Sophomore Jamyier Patton and junior Amir Morris are ready for break out seasons.
***
Niagara Falls: Josiah Harris 12, Moran Montgomery 12, Jaden Turner 12, Naim Bradley 12, Taylor Sanders 11, Jaemon Turner 11, Joe Palka 11, Arthur Miller 11, Jalen Bradberry 10, Faybion Prather 10, Arien Robinson 10, Willie Lightfoot 9
Lew-Port: Joe Powers 12, Trent Scott 12, Jake Kasbaum 12, Zach Claybourne 12, Jason Boslet 12, Andrew Perrault 12, Aidan Salick 12, Cooper Krawczyk 12, JP Stewart 11, Noah Coppins 11, Joe Beatty 11, Jack Berstein 11, Roddy Gayle 9, Jalen Duff 8
North Tonawanda: Colin Beach 12, James Holler 12, Donny LaVerdi 12, Dante Moultrie 11, Noah Fox-Stoddard 11, Sebastian Reid 11, Tyler Macneil 11, Cameron Cutter 11, Jordan Cutter 11, Timothy Osborn 11, Jaxon Hummel 11, Walter Wisniewski 10
Niagara Wheatfield: Davon Ware 12, Zach Stanley 12, Roman Wright 12, Raejuan Smith 12, Cam Miller 12, Andy Devantier 11, Ben Solomon 11, Clay Ruhland 11, TJ Robinson 9
Grand Island: Cam Sionko 12, Jerimiah Wilkes 12, Will Soos 12, Nick Bibik 12, Easton Spear 12, Austin Webber 12, Tejpaul Sing 11, Luke Webb 11, Sean Murry 11, Sean Rustowicz 11, Ben Moskala 11, Trevor Knight 11, Logan Sionko 10
Kenmore East: D'Anzo Young 12, Bill Carvallio 12, Nate Murdie 12, Franc Schmoyer 12, Brandon Beltran 12, Joe Brooks 12, Amari Gordon 11, Mark Falzone 11, Dominic Ferguson 11, Dalton Gaughan 11, Emery Lang 11, Austin McCullough 11, Isiah Walker 11, Lathan Thompson 10, Alex Murdie 10
Kenmore West: Dylan James 12, Christian Montes 12, Zach LaPlante 12, Anthony Dolce 12, Dom Schmidt 12, Kyle Schmidt 12, Zac Boyes 11
Lockport: Malik Brooks 12, Torree Cheatham 12, Duane Barrow 12, Jayln Jones 12, Josh Cooper 12, Hayden Coackley 12, Nico Haney 12, Javon Ruffin 12, Anthony Haak 11, Ceion McDowell 11, Jonathon Rivera 11, Kameron Williams 11, Amier Mohammad 10, Dante Shellman 10, Julius Williams 10
CSAT: Daighlyon Willoughby 12, Lenard Harris 12, Kavon Wright 12, Jeffrey Bellamy 12, Lenard Harris 12, Cruz Mauricio 12, Xavier Alvarez 11, Quincy Drake 11, Khalil Davis 11, Keyontae Ricks 11, Jalen Johnson-Williams 11, Pierre Gabart 11, Richard House 11, Amir Morris 11, Nate Wilson 11, Jamyier Patton 10
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Niagara-Orleans
Medina is the league's three-time defending champ and will need to be a well-conditioned group to repeat for a fourth straight season. The Mustangs have just seven players on their current roster, but five of them bring extensive experience. Izaiah Rhim leads a Medina charge that also features Vincent Montague, Brian Fry, Nate Sherman, and Tyler Chinn. Albion carried a young team last year and now returns seven guys to a versatile squad. The Purple Eagles should gain a big boost from a healthy season out of Deyonci Farley, one of the league's top players. Newfane has reached the Class B1 Final each of the last two seasons and will have to rely on a new cast to keep that streak going. Graduation hit the Panthers hard, but a talented JV team from last year should keep the team in the mix. With quality size in the front court, it will be up to the development of their young guards to to keep them competitive. Wilson has seven players back from last season and most started at some point and saw plenty of time. Steve Frerichs is a four-year varsity starter and will lead the Lakemen from the point guard position. Roy-Hart will be deep and balanced, as all 12 guys can contribute and play. Charlie Brigham, Charlie Bruning, and Blake Halstead are all returning starters, while the Rams' JV team was tough in 2018. Akron fields a young roster with six of its players being sophomores or freshmen. The Tigers will be led by returning seniors Jake Siska and Brandon Orr, and look for Adam Mietz to take another big step forward after starting last season as a freshman.
***
Medina: Izaiah Rhim 12, Vincent Montague 12, Tavian Rhim 12, William Braswell 12, Nate Sherman 11, Brian Fry 10, Tyler Chinn 10
Albion: Bryce Pritchard 12, Dylan Fox 12, Vincent Zona 12, Jonathan DePuy 12, Deyonci Farley 11, Kevin Hillman 11, Liam Ward 11, Xavier Cornick 11, Michael DiCureia 11, Brilliance Johnson 11, Dominic Burton 11
Newfane: Jarrett Gilson 12, Matt DiTullio 12, James Leibring 12, Jonah Wisniewski 12, Garrett Srock 11, Josh Everett 11, Connor MacEvoy 11, Caden Gibson 11, Jaydon Clemons 11, Deuce Capen 10, Sam Capen 10, Zach Snow 10
Wilson: Steve Frerichs 12, Jake Miller 12, Ian Evans 12, Jon Littere 12, Andrew Hadsell 12, Brayden Thompson 11, Julian Andreola 11, Mitch Mahar 11, Alex Martinez 11, Drew Westmorland 11, Declan Faery 11, Luke Bradley 11, Bobby Atlas 11
Roy-Hart: Charlie Brigham 12, Charlie Bruning 12, Quinten Koch 12, Lance Krieger 12, Hunter Pratt 12, Ben White 12, Reed Albee 11, Austin Garrow 11, Blake Halstead 11, Canyon Wood 11, Peyton Rhinehart 10, Gavyn Boyle 9
Akron: Matt Delre 12, Donovan Nephew 12, Brandon Orr 12, Jake Siska 12, Daevyn Abrams 11, Gage Willis 11, Adam Mietz 10, Mitchell Dugan 10, Mitchell Holtz 10, David Kalinowski 10, Jake Mazza 10, Aiden Smith 9
Barker: Requested information was not provided by the head coach
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CCAA I West
Olean enters this season with high expectations and for a program this caliber, that means they are eyeing the top of the mountain in NYS Class B. All the major moving parts are back from a Huskies squad that had Health Sciences on the ropes for the overall Class B title before falling by two points in the final minute. A strong and disciplined rotation of seven players from that game are led by floor general Mike Schmidt, a Third Team All-Centercourt selection in 2018 who sees the floor better than any player in our area. Matt Droney serves as the team's 'big' and is vital piece that allows the Huskies to space the floor and crush you from the perimeter. Chautauqua Lake has a solid core back, with six players returning who saw extended time last season. The Thunderbirds will run 10 deep and expect contributions from their sophomores and freshman. Fredonia is looking to be competitive on both ends of the floor where they have seven returners who played significant time last year. the Hillbillies put together a tough nonleague schedule to prepare for the playoffs. Southwestern is led by four-year standout Alex Card, who guided his team to an appearance at Buff State in Class B2 last season. Frewsburg got 17 points per contest from Brad Nelson last year and a double-double from Quinn Conlan, who both return. The Bears hope for balanced scoring from Aaron Hair and Dylan Pearson as well, with the team's move into CCAA I West presenting a more challenging schedule. Maple Grove returns Carson Christ & Peter Auer and will have Rob Collver coaching the Red Dragons.
***
Olean: Mike Schmidt 12, Josh Bihler 12, Matt Droney 12, Brian Ramarge 12, Jack Dwaileebe 12, Alex Weakfall 12, Jarrett Prizel 12, Caden Keim 12, Rheyquon Davis 12, Matt Antonioli 12, Covi James 11, Jah'Karee McClain 11, Dan Klein 11
Chautauqua Lake: Kyler Majka 12, Zach Fisher 12, Bryan Anderson 12, Trey Sauerland 12, Alex Gleason 12, Zack Saunders 12, Andrew Kuhn 12, Nate Adams 11, Zach Martin 11, Will Stahlsmith 11, Michael Anderson 10, Luke Waters 10, Devin Putney 9
Fredonia: Nate Shuart 12, Parker Rivera 12, Keith Piper 12, Raziel Pearl 12, Owen Nicosia 12, Brayden Myers 12, Ka'Rim Levens 12, Joell Colon 12, Kaleb Rybij 11, Alec Schrader 11, Colton Kuzdzal 11, Patrick Reading 11, Tyler Putney 10, Nick Whitfield 9
Southwestern: Alex Card 12, Faizan Munir 12, Mayson Mathews 12, Jake Hnatyszyn 12, Cooper Pannes 11, Mitchell Pascarella 11, Dominic Certo 11, Cameron Calimeri 11, Jon Pearson 11, Charles Bailey 11, Brady Fye 11, Aiden Kennedy 9
Frewsburg: Quinn Conlan 12, Dan Reinagel 12, Nolan Brink 12, Dylan Pearson 12, Brad Nelson 11, Aaron Hair 11, Peyton Hayes 11, Caleb Carr 11, Jason Dustin 11, Traden Gray 10
Maple Grove: Peter Auer 12, Carson Christ 12, Jack Eimiller 12, Rivera Willfredo 12, Zach Hendricks 12, Austin Lindell 11, Lawton Tranum 11, Tyler McPherson 11, Cade Egan 11, Darius Jones 11, Ayden Reagle 11
Dunkirk: Requested information was not provided by the head coach
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CCAA I East
Allegany-Limestone returns all but one starter, including two all state players in Michael Wolfgang and Sam Flanders. Casey Curran is also poised for a breakout year after a great summer, while the JV players coming up have lost only one game in the last two seasons. This is a deep and experienced team that gave Tapestry everything they could handle at JCC last year. The Gators are now in Class B2 and I think they're the favorites, which would have them on a collision course for a date with their neighbors from Olean in a March crossover game at Buff State. Forget the Southern Tier small schools for a moment, Randolph has one of the best inside/outside combinations in all of WNY...and both are still underclassmen. Tyler Hind, a junior who enters the season having already scored 1,000 points, earned Second Team All-State in Class C and Fifth Team All-Centercourt last year after averaging over 23 per game as a sophomore. He'll team with freshman big man Gabe McCoy, who flashed a very bright future as an eighth grader and continues to add polish to his game every time he takes the court. Silver Creek has a solid core back, led by Brady Woleben, who is approaching 1,000 career points and gives the team great minutes in the post. Tucker Gates and Dom Jamison both return after starting for the Black Knights a season ago and both can heat up from beyond the perimeter. Salamanca will be guard oriented and play very fast. They return six players with meaningful varsity experience, who are fast, physical, and can shoot. Sophomore Isaac Brown set the school scoring record for a freshman and is a very skilled slasher who can get to the basket. Gowanda has a new head coach in Eric Ring, who is trying t0 build a program through consistent play, strong defense, and an uptempo offense. Portville brings back five players from last season and will be led by seniors Nathan Kloc and Jarrett Mathes.
***
Allegany-Limestone: Sam Flanders 12, Conner Golley 12, Michael Wolfgang 11, Casey Curran 11, Ben Giardini 11, Gus Napoleon 11, Chad Carlson 11, Colin Yorke 11, Jayden Gustafson 10, Tyler Curran 9, Corey Potter 9
Randolph: Andrew Bernard 12, Dylan Lydic 12, Deter Miinte 12, Dawson Bosley 12, Tyler Hind 11, Branson Morrison 11, Kaleb Steward 11, Ty Rosengren 11, Isaac Hind 10, Gabe McCoy 9
Silver Creek: Tucker Gates 12, Braeden Woleben 12, Ammon Jones 12, Jack Brennan 12, Dylan Snow 12, Dom Jamison 11, Spencer Harford 11, Jeremy Wilcox 11, Darren Jimenez 11, Nathaniel Parker 11, Luke Zybytek 11, Andre Rosario 10
Salamanca: Tyler Hedlund 12, Ira John 12, Xavier Taylor 12, Hunter McAuley 12, Zach Helms 12, Camaron Pratt 12, Aaron George 11, Jarrett McKenna 11, Ira Snyder 11, Kohl Ambuske 11, Isaac Brown 10, Lucas McKenna 10
Gowanda: Matt Smuda 12, Damen MacLeod 12, Aaron Colantino 12, Nick Weston 12, Ryan Gernatt 12, Tanner Olson 12, Nick Siragusa 12, Justin Kohn 12, Dylan John 11, Jason Dunning 11, Tyee Nagel 11, Austin Clark 11
Portville: Nathan Kloc 12, Dalton Nuffer 12, Noah Pullins 12, Cameron Lott 12, Jarrett Mathes 12, Arik Kavanaugh 12, Dalton Tobola 11, Cameron Kalsman 11, Addison Howard 11, Tyler Morris 11, Zayne Tarr 11, Hunter Griffin 10
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CCAA II West
Sherman reached the semifinals at JCC in Class D for the 10th consecutive season last year. With eight seniors back for head coach Cory Emory's team, the Wildcats are a great bet to extend the streak and look like the favorites in the section. Collin Mulcahy takes over as head coach at Brocton, and he's very pleased with the group he has to work with. "It's a great feeling to be a part of this program and coach this group," Mulcahy said. "I've got thirteen young men who are driven, want to work hard, and are passionate about playing. With seven returning players, leadership should be a strength for the team. Westfield has six players with varsity experience and the biggest is 6-5, 260 lb junior Andrew Baribeau. Falconer should see more wins this season after moving down from CCAA I, where they competed twice a year with the likes of Olean and Dunkirk.
***
Sherman: Collin Ramsey 12, Jordan Caron 12, Kameron Ayers 12, Austin Tallman 12, Mike Beatman 12, Reece Bates 12, Chance Meeder 12, Hunter Cooper 12, Gordon Caron 12, Jacob Eastham 12, Justiss Hannold 11, Paul Majchrak 11, Troy Lamoni 11, Richard Burgess 11, Blake Mitchell 11, John Swabik 10, Keith Gormley 10
Westfield: Coby Bills 12, Evan Hauser 12, Matt See 12, Nathan Culbreth 11, Andrew Baribeau 11, Michael Johnson 11, Ryan Jafarfian 11, Dylan Scriven 11, Hayden Backus 11, Randy Trippe 11, Zachary Roache 11, Kori Loutzenhiser 11
Brocton: Bubba Brown 12, Riley Rivera 12, Jordan Kyrstofiak 12, Derrick Burns 12, Darien Booker 12, Seth McFadden 11, Gabe Morello 11, Caleb Chelton 11, Michael Steward 11, Isaac Weaver 11, Nicholas Putcher 11, Dakota Planty 11, Connor Dispense 10
Falconer: Nate Seaholm 12, Chris Bollman 12, Ben Schrader 12, Bobby Samuelson 12, Brody Rowan 12, Adam Colon 12, Austin Buffone 12, Nate Abbey 12, Drew Troutman 11, Joe Youngberg 11, Nolan Bridges 11, Zach Micek 11
Clymer: Requested information was not provided by the head coach
Panama: Requested information was not provided by the head coach
Cassadaga Valley: Requested information was not provided by the head coach
**********************************************
CCAA II East
Ellicottville was a Willard-Anderson-score-as-time-ran-out away from ending the eventual Class D state champ's season and advancing. Instead, the Eagles have said goodbye to a memorable senior class that compiled 35 wins the last two seasons. The Eagles will be a young team as only four players will have varsity experience. Steven and Clayton Rowland will serve as leaders to the newcomers up from a 17-1 JV team. Franklinville finds itself in the same place as Ellicottville, just as they have the last couple seasons. The Panthers graduated five starters that delivered the school 39 wins in two years. Freshman Josh Haskell, who is long and can really heat up from outside, is the most experienced returning player. Pine Valley graduated all five starters, but does have half its team back. The question for them will be who fills the leadership void left from last years team and who can make a big shot when the team needs it. Makiah Snyder, Anthony Yaskow, and Brady Andrews are all candidates to step up for the team. Josh Forster takes over as head coach at Cattaraugus-Little Valley and wants to see his team play fast and be aggressive at all times, hoping for a more competitive group. North Collins will hang its hat on defense and rebounding, trying to slow games down by being patient on offense and getting good looks at the basket, led by Tyler Robinson, David Gullo, and Christian Loretto. Forestville returns some players who saw a lot of time on the court last year and expects to be much more competitive in league play this year as they look to spread the ball around and not lean on one person.
***
Franklinville: Ben Mooney 12, John Yan 12, Vinny Marchese 11, Tyler Clear 11, Vincenzo Marchese 11, Jacob Torpey 11, Zack Wolfer 11, Hunter Helgas 11, Logan Frank 10, Josh Haskell 9, Blake Frank 9
Ellicottville: Steven Rowland 12, Brenden Chudy 12, Brennan Finn 12, Jordan Grinols 11, Nik Logel 11, Christian Hutchinson 11, Nate Ploetz 11, Leif Jimerson 10, Wyatt Chudy 10, Clayton Rowland 10
Pine Valley: Brady Andrews 12, Bayley Finch 12, Jesse Jenkins 12, Branden Libby 12, Makiah Snyder 12, Ryan Snyder 12, Anthony Yaskow 12, Connor Bentham 11, Corey Ellis 11, Curtis Goodwill 11, Wesley Lachut 11, Christian Ortiz 10
Forestville: Travis Drozdziel 12, Nikolas Lelonek 12, Orlando Soto 12, Skyler Christian 12, Luke Szumigala 12, Gavin Christian 11, Dalton Hastings 11, Angel Carabello 11, Michael Mulchinski 11, Gage Davis 11, Jake Smith 11, Deacon Congdon 11, Javier West 10
North Collins: David Gullo 12, Jewel Lee 12, Tome Filkov 12, Dominik Gebhardt 12, Wout Frees 12, Tyler Robinson 11, Christian Loretto 11, AJ Puntillo 11, Brody Klawinski 11, Hunter Petit 11, Dominic Fricano 11, Mitchell Warsaw 11, Tyler Lawson 11
Cattaraugus/Little Valley: Mike Perkins 12, Shane O’Neill 12, Damian Ly 12, Tyler Drewiega 12, Jordan Walters 12, Bryce Gearman 12, Derek Dechow 12, Nick Burroughs 11, Jason Young 11, Mason Snyder 11, Justin York 11, Elijah Perkins 10, Nick Savidge 10
********************************************
Charter Schools
Health Sciences made it back-to-back trips to the state final four in Class B last season. Their prize coming into this year was a bump in classification from Section VI, placing the Falcons in Class A2. Even with the new competition, I expect The Health to continue its winning ways and be among the teams vying for a sectional title once again at season's end. Kam Briggs, who earned a Fifth Team All-Centercourt selection in 2018 is back, along with Tysheen Lott, Josiah Haygood, Daciare Riley, and emerging standout Javaughn Jones. Tapestry is the defending champion in Class C and has plenty back for a run at a state championship second year head coach Mike Ester. The Thunderhawks will once again be led by the dynamic duo of Dorian Plummer and Tariq Eubanks, who both nabbed Honorable Mentions last year, along with returning starter Ramel Robinson. Global Concepts has only three varsity players back, but that includes talented guards Luis Mercado and Andre Goldsmith. The team gained six new players from transfer, most notably David Stroud from South Park, who will be a force in Class C. They have beefed up their nonleague schedule and plan to pressure teams right out of the opening tip until the final whistle. BASCS, which stands for Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School, has Don Marsh taking over as head coach. Marsh is active in developing young players and should attract some talent to his program. Ibrahim Osmani and Sean Johnson return to lead the team.
***
Health Sciences: Tysheen Lott 12, Kameron Briggs 12, Josiah Haygood 12, Daciare Riley 11, Jalil Harvey 11, Ja'Hon Massey 11, Miles Ladd 11, Tyler Smith 11, Javaughn Jones 10, Jabari Spencer 10
Tapestry: Dorian Plummer 12, Ramel Robinson 12, Frank Williams 12, Dejuan Baldwin 12, Anthony James 12, Lindell Long 12, Juan Rodriguez 12, Jelani McDade 11, Kaleb Thompson 11, Tre Johnson 11, Anthony Brown 11, Ryver Brooker 11, Tariq Eubanks 10, Romeo Bell 9
Global Concepts: Luis Mercado 12, David Stroud 12, Shontez Asturias 12, Raekwon Graves 12, Shawnery Jones 12, Mysonne Johnson 12, Alex Pagan 11, Andre Goldsmith 10, Shawn Mesi 10, Jahiem Knightner 10, Jayontae Coleman 10
BASCS: Ibrahim Osmani 12, Sean Johnson 12, Justin Hunt 12, JaVar Jones 12, Devante Rosado 12, Zach Gaik 12, Marvell Williams 12, Abraham Tarwo 12, Vote WaVote 12, Jeremy McKitchen 11, Damion Myricks 11, Devin Pope 10
Maritime: Requested information was not provided by the head coach
*************************************
Teams with New Coaches (22)
St. Joe's - Gabe Michael
Nichols - Joe Mihalics
South Park - Willie 'Hutch' Jones
Burgard - Sean Edinger
I-Prep - Pat Foster
Lafayette - Brian Davis
Buffalo Arts - Jarryd Austin
Bennett - Khalil Cottman
BASCS - Don Marsh
Maritime - Josh Parker
Orchard Park - Chris Frankowski
Williamsville South - Mike Trybinski
Lackawanna - Marcus Rivers
Alden - Tim Stone
Eden - Don Genco
Kenmore East - Jim Badgley
Fredonia - Nick Bertrando
Dunkirk - Luke Gullo
Gowanda - Eric Ring
Maple Grove - Rob Collver
Brocton - Collin Mulcahy
Cattaraugus-Little Valley - Josh Forster
*********************************************
Classification Changes
Niagara Wheatfield moves down from Class AA to Class A1
West Seneca East moves down from Class A1 to Class A2
I-Prep moves up from Class B1 to Class A2
Health Sciences moves up from Class B2 to Class A2
East Aurora moves down from Class A2 to Class B1
Buffalo Arts moves up from Class B2 to Class B1
MST Seneca moves down from Class B1 to Class B2
Burgard moves down from Class B1 to Class B2
Lafayette moves up from Class C to Class B2
Allegany-Limestone moves up from Class C to Class B2
Middle College moves down from Class B2 to Class C1
East moves up from Class D to Class C1
Riverside moves down from Class B2 to Class C2
Westfield moves up from Class D to Class C2
Frewsburg moves up from Class D to Class C2
Ellicottville moves up from Class D to Class C2
**********************************************
Preseason Polls
** I checked back on last season's preseason poll and compared it to my final poll of 2018. I nailed all of the top ten large schools in the preseason Top 10, (went 10 for 10!!) but just had them out of order. I was also very close on the small schools, correctly picking 8 of the 10 that would be there in the end. I had Nichols & Dunkirk as preseason top 10 teams instead of Tapestry & Ellicottville who ended up there.
Large Schools
1. Park
2. Niagara Falls
3. St. Francis
4. Canisius
5. Health Sciences
6. Williamsville North
7. Lew-Port
8. West Seneca West
9. Amherst
10. South Park
Small Schools
1. Olean
2. Cardinal O'Hara
3. Tapestry
4. Middle College
5. Nichols
6. Randolph
7. Allegany-Limestone
8. East
9. City Honors
10. Global Concepts
********************************************
Predictions
MMA Class A - Park
MMA Class B - Cardinal O'Hara
Yale Cup I - South Park
Yale Cup II - City Honors
ECIC I - Williamsville North
ECIC II - Amherst
ECIC III - Maryvale
ECIC IV - Lackawanna
NFL - Niagara Falls
N-O - Medina
CCAA I West - Olean
CCAA I East - Allegany-Limestone & Randolph split
CCAA II West - Sherman
CCAA II East - Ellicottville
Charters - Health Sciences & Tapestry split
*********************************************
Manhattan Cup (A)
Last year I picked Canisius and was wrong. History tells me I better pick them this year, since they haven't gone consecutive seasons without winning a Manhattan Cup since 2007 & 2008. However, history also shows that I've only predicted the Manhattan Cup winner correctly once over the last five seasons - in 2017 when I picked Canisius, who came in as a #4 seed and beat the St. Francis team that took all three meetings from Park that year. Logic tells me to pick Park, who I already have winning the MMA above. But there's something about that Red Raiders team that went just 13-13 last year. I think they'll be the surprise team of the season, so here comes my bold prediction...it's only been 41 years since they won it last. If I'm wrong, at least I'll have history on my side.
** St. Francis **
Manhattan Cup (B)
I see this as a clear two-horse race, but one of the horses looks like Seabiscuit coming it. Nichols will be really good this season, but if Cardinal O'Hara doesn't win it all with the squad they have this season, I'll be covering wrestling next year.
** Cardinal O'Hara **
Class AA
Final Four to reach Buffalo State:
Niagara Falls, Williamsville North, Clarence, & Orchard Park
** Niagara Falls **
Class A1
Final Four to reach Buffalo State:
West Seneca West, McKinley, Williamsville South, & North Tonawanda
** West Seneca West **
Class A2
Final Four to reach Buffalo State:
South Park, Amherst, Lew-Port, & Health Sciences
** Health Sciences **
Class B1
Final Four to reach Buffalo State:
Olean, City Honors, Lackawanna, & Medina
** Olean **
Class B2
Final Four to reach Buffalo State:
Cleveland Hill, Southwestern, Wilson, & Allegany-Limestone
** Allegany-Limestone **
Class C1
Final Four to reach JCC:
Tapestry, Middle College, East, & Silver Creek
** Tapestry **
Class C2
Final Four to reach JCC:
Randolph, Global Concepts, Maple Grove, & Riverside
** Randolph **
Class D
Final Four to reach JCC:
Franklinville, Sherman, Panama, & Brocton
** Sherman **
-centercourt
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Monday, April 23, 2018
All-State Teams 2018: Classes B, C, & D
(Willard Anderson of East High is the NYS Class D Player of the Year /Photo: Harry Scull,Buffalo News)
Class B
First Team: Davonte Gaines (Health Sciences)
Second Team: Mike Schmidt (Olean)
Third Team: Justin Hemphill (Cardinal O'Hara)
Fourth Team: Kam Briggs (Health Sciences)
Fifth Team: Jalen Bradberry (Niagara Catholic)
Eighth Team: Nate Brawdy (Gowanda)
Ninth Team: Mason Goodridge (Springville)
Tenth Team: Jalin Cooper (Medina)
Eleventh Team: Hakeem Dobbins (Middle College)
Twelfth Team: Christian Szablewski (St. Mary's)
Fourteenth Team: Devaun Farnham (Dunkirk)
Honorable Mention: Nasir Benton (Cardinal O'Hara), Chad Biersbach (Depew), Aziyon Clemons (Middle College), Kyle DeVoogel (Newfane), Max Weber (Newfane)
Class C
First Team: Devin Pope (Chautauqua Lake)
Second Team: Tyler Hind (Randolph)
Third Team: Dorian Plummer (Tapestry)
Sixth Team: Tariq Eubanks (Tapestry)
Seventh Team: Sam Flanders (Allegany-Limestone)
Eighth Team: Carlos Rosa (Lafayette)
Ninth Team: Hercules Rasha (Salamanca)
Ninth Team: Michael Wolfgang (Allegany-Limestone)
Honorable Mention: Jarmani Benton (Silver Creek), Brady Woleben (Silver Creek)
Class D
Player of the Year: Willard Anderson (East)
First Team: Justin Allen (East)
First Team: Elliot Bowen (Ellicottville)
First Team: Sam Erickson (Franklinville)
Fifth Team: Isaac Kopp (Franklinville)
Seventh Team: Griffin Chudy (Ellicottville)
Honorable Mention: Darren Clark (Franklinville), Jared Gleason (Sherman), Austin Grinols (Ellicottville), Waunya Shaw (East), Jahahd Maryon (East)
To view the complete All-State Teams for Classes B, C, & D - Click HERE
-centercourt
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
The 2018 All-Centercourt Team: The Best in WNY
The 2018 CC MVP
Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, Senior
28.6 PPG / 8.8 RPG / 7.1 SPG / 6.9 APG
- The first ever four-time All-Centercourt player
- Voted All-ECIC Player of the Year
- Voted ECIC II Player of the Year
- Selected to the Section VI Class A1 All-Tournament Team
- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic
- Selected to Chaminade All-Tournament Team
- Selected to Canisius' Tom Keenan All-Tournament Team
- Scored a career-high 47 points in a win at O'Hara
- Scored over 30 points in eight games & over 20 points in 20 games
- Sat the entire 4th quarter of nine games this season
- Holds school records for career points, rebounds, steals, & wins
- Two-time All-Centercourt Defender
- Career 2,000 point scorer
(Photo: Buffalo News)
First Team All-Centercourt
Noah Hutchins - Park, Junior
13.1 PPG / 6.6 APG / 5.0 RPG / 2.6 SPG / 1.3 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- NYS Federation Class A Champion
- MVP of the NYS Class A Federation Tournament
- Scored 19 of 24 points in 2nd half of the Federation Final
- Scored 8 points in the last minute of the Federation Final
- Hit the game-winner at the buzzer of the Federation Final
- Game MVP at The Park School Showcase
- Dished 18 assists in a win over St. Mary's
- Scored a season-high 27 points in a win over Middle College
- Shot over 57% from the field on the season
- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Two-time All-Centercourt Defender
(Photo: Larry Scheur)
Dan Scott - Park, Junior
16.9 PPG / 2.8 APG / 2.7 RPG / 1.9 SPG / 1.0 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- NYS Federation Class A Champion
- NYS Class A Federation All-Tournament Team
- Scored over 20 points in nine games
- Scored a season-high 26 points in a win over Niagara Catholic
- Scored 25 points in a win over Canisius
- Efficient scorer that shot over 50% from the field
- Connected on 3-pointers 64 times this season
- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Two-time All-Centercourt Defender
- Career 1,000 point scorer
(Photo: Larry Scheur)
Willard Anderson - East, Senior
25.7 PPG / 6.3 APG / 6.1 RPG / 3.2 SPG / 0.5 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- MVP of the NYSPHAA Class D State Championship
- MVP of the Section VI Class D Tournament
- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic
- Game MVP at the Bishop Kearney Showcase
- Game MVP at the Cataract City Classic
- Scored a season-high 41 points in a win over I-Prep
- Scored over 30 points in seven games & 19 games over 20 points
- Career 1,000 Point scorer
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Davonte Gaines - Health Sciences, Senior
18.0 PPG / 8.8 RPG / 5.2 APG / 4.2 SPG / 2.5 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- Player of the Year in Charter Cup
- MVP of the Section VI Class B2 Tournament
- MVP of Lancaster Tip-Off Tournament
- MVP of St. Francis Christmas Tournament
- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic
- Scored a career-high 52 points in a win over BASCS
- Scored over 30 points twice & 10 games over 20 points
- Had 22 double-doubles, 4 triple-doubles & 3 quad-doubles
- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Career 1,000 point Scorer
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Juston Johnson - West Seneca West, Junior
24.8 PPG / 8.0 APG / 7.3 RPG / 3.4 SPG
- Voted First Team All-ECIC
- Voted ECIC I Player of the Year
- MVP of the Section VI Class A1 Tournament
- MVP of the Pioneer Motorsports Tournament
- Scored a career-high 43 points in a win over South Park (school record)
- Scored over 40 points twice, five games over 30 points, & 13 games over 20 points
- Registered four triple-doubles & 17 double-doubles
- Set the school record for points in a season (619)
- Career 1,000 point scorer
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Second Team All-Centercourt
Devin Pope - Chautauqua Lake, Senior
30.2 PPG / 9.3 RPG / 4.3 SPG / 2.8 APG / 1.0 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- Voted Player of the Year in CCAA I West
- Section VI Class C All-Tournament Team
- Game MVP Honors at the United Way Showcase
- Led all Section VI players in points per game
- Scored a career-high 52 points in a win over Panama
- Scored over 40 points four times, 13 games over 30 points, & 17 games over 20 points
- Had a triple-double (40 pts, 18 boards, & 12 steals) against Franklinville
- Career 2,000 point scorer
(Photo: Dunkirk Observer)
Ryan Bradley - Canisius, Senior
12.4 PPG / 8.0 RPG / 2.4 APG / 1.2 BPG / 1.0 SPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- Voted Monsignor Martin Player of the Year
- Tom Keenan All-Tournament Team
- Scored a career-high 32 points in a win over St. Joe's
- Recorded a double-double in a win over Irondequoit
- Scored over 20 points in six games
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- WNY's top big man
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Jayce Johnson - Canisius, Senior
12.6 PPG / 6.1 RPG / 3.4 APG / 1.3 SPG / 0.9 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- Voted First Team All-Catholic
- MVP of the Tom Keenan Tournament
- Scored a season-high 24 points in a win at Aquinas
- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Three-time All-Centercourt Defender
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Julian Cunningham - Timon, Junior
18.5 PPG / 4.1 APG / 4.0 RPG / 1.9 SPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- Voted First Team All-Catholic
- Bishop Kearney Tournament All-Tournament Team
- Scored a career-high 28 points against Park
- Finished with 27 & 26 points in wins over St. Francis & St. Mary's
- Scored over 20 points in six games
- Shot 50% from 3-point range
- Team leader in points, assists, & steals
- Two-time All-Centercourt Defender
- Career 1,000 point scorer
Trevor Book - North Tonawanda, Senior
25.5 PPG / 9.1 RPG / 3.0 APG / 2.2 SPG / 1.4 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- Voted First Team Niagara Frontier League
- Section VI All-Tournament Team
- MVP of the Jolly Boys' Bob Hettler Tournament
- Scored a career-high 40 pts w/ 8 treys in a win at Ken West
- Scored over 25 points in 11 games & 16 games over 20 points
- Holds school records for pts in a season (536) & career 3-pointers (144)
- Career 1,000 point scorer
Third Team All-Centercourt
Austin James - Canisius, Senior
13.8 PPG / 3.6 RPG / 3.0 APG / 1.2 SPG
- Voted First Team All-Catholic
- Tom Keenan All-Tournament Team
- Scored a season-high 28 points in a win - over Park
- Recorded a double-double in a win at St. Francis
- Scored over 20 points in five games
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
Master Radford - Timon, Senior
13.8 PPG / 9.8 RPG / 4.5 BPG / 1.2 APG / 0.8 SPG
- Voted First Team All-Catholic
- MVP of the Bishop Kearney Tournament
- - Scored a career-high 34 pts & with 20 boards in a win over Notre Dame (Ontario)
- Recorded one triple-double & eight double-doubles on the season
- Had 19 points, 11 boards, & 9 blocks in a win over St. Francis
- Led all WNY players in blocked shots
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- 2018 All-Centercourt Defender
- WNY's top post defender
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Mike Schmidt - Olean, Junior
16.6 PPG / 6.4 APG / 5.2 RPG / 3.5 SPG
- Voted Player of the Year in CCAA I West
- MVP of the Section VI Class B1 Tournament
- MVP of the Olean HS Tip-Off Tournament
- MVP of the IAABO Tournament
- Scored a season-high 29 points in a win over Gowanda & had seven games over 20 points
- Recorded 15 assists in a win over Chautauqua Lake
- Registered two triple-doubles on the season and six double-doubles
- 2018 All-Centercourt Defender
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Justin Hemphill - Cardinal O'Hara, Junior
20.5 PPG / 13.5 RPG / 3.5 APG / 2.6 SPG / 2.6 BPG
- Player of the Year in Monsignor Martin Class B
- Scored over 30 points in three games & 14 games over 20 points
- Scored a season-high 34 with 17 boards against Canisius
- Recorded 23 double-doubles on the year
- Had 27 points & 20 rebounds in a win over Niagara Catholic
- Holds school record for career rebounds (847)
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Career 1,000 point scorer
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Jalen Bradberry - Niagara Catholic, Freshman
20.3 PPG / 4.6 RPG / 2.4 APG / 2.1 SPG / 0.7 BPG
- Selected MVP of the Manhattan Cup in Class B
- Voted First Team All-Catholic
- MVP of the Wilson Tip-Off Tournament
- Earned Game MVP at the Cataract City Classic
- Scored a season-high 31 points in a win over O'Hara
- Scored over 20 points in 11 games, including 29 & 27 twice
- Knocked down 65 treys on the season
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Fourth Team All-Centercourt
Justin Allen - East, Senior
15.0 PPG / 12.7 RPG / 2.8 SPG / 2.5 BPG / 2.5 APG
- NYSPHAA State Championship All-Tournament Team
- Section VI Class D All-Tournament Team
- Scored over 20 points in seven games
- Hauled in over 20 rebounds in 3 games
- Recorded 20 double-doubles on the season
- Erupted for 27 pts & 20 rebounds in Regional win over Clyde-Savannah
- Had 64 points & 49 boards over last 3 games (Regional & State Tournament)
- Member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Sam Erickson - Franklinville, Senior
21.0 PPG / 11.2 RPG / 3.1 APG / 2.5 SPG / 2.1 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- Voted Player of the Year in CCAA II East
- Section VI Class D All-Tournament Team
- MVP of Rick Hughes Memorial Tournament
- IAABO All-Tournament Team
- Game MVP at the Centercourt Classic
- Game MVP at the Cataract City Classic
- Scored a season-high 36 points & 13 boards in a sectional win over Panama
- Scored over 30 points twice & 12 games over 20 points
- Recorded 14 double-doubles
- Career 1,000 point scorer
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Elliot Bowen - Ellicottville, Senior
19.7 PPG / 12.6 RPG / 2.7 BPG / 2.0 SPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- First Team All-State as a sophomore & as a junior
- Voted Player of the Year in CCAA II East
- Section VI Class D All-Tournament Team
- MVP of the Joe Decerbo Tournament
- MVP of the Holiday Valley Tournament
- Salamanca Tip-Off All-Tournament Team
- Game MVP Honors at the Centercourt Classic
- Had two games over 30 points & 20 rebounds
- Scored over 20 points in 13 games & eight games over 15 rebounds
- Registered 18 double-doubles
- Ellicottville's All-Time leader in points (1,586) & Rebounds (1,079)
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Jack Capen - St. Joe's, Senior
24.4 PPG / 7.1 RPG / 1.3 SPG / 1.2 APG
- Voted First Team All-Catholic
- Game MVP at the Can/Am Showcase
- Selected to the Lockport All-Tournament Team
- Selected to the Ken-Ton All-Tournament Team
- Attempted 253 free throws on the season
- The Monsignor Martin's leading scorer
- Scored a career-high 37 points in three different games
- Scored over 30 points in eight games & over 20 points in 18 games
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Brandon Smith - Park, Senior
14.0 PPG / 2.4 RPG / 1.9 APG / 1.4 SPG / 1.0 BPG
- NYS Federation Class A Champion
- MVP of the Manhattan Cup
- Scored a combined 46 points in Manhattan Cup playoffs
- Finished with a season-high 27 points in a win over South Park
- Scored over 20 points in six games
- Connected on 3-pointers 62 times this season
(Photo: Larry Scheur)
Fifth Team All-Centercourt
Kam Briggs - Health Sciences, Junior
12.9 PPG / 3.1 SPG / 1.8 APG / 1.5 RPG
- Voted First Team Charter Cup
- NYSPHAA Class B All-Tournament Team
- St. Francis Christmas All-Tournament Team
- Lancaster Tip-Off All-Tournament Team
- Scored a team-high 23 points in the NYSPHAA Class B state semifinal
- Earned a pair of game-clinching steals in the final minute of the Regional qualifier
- 2018 All-Centercourt Defender
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Jalin Cooper - Medina, Senior
21.3 PPG / 9.5 RPG / 3.3 SPG / 2.2 APG / 2.2 BPG
- Returning All-Centercourt selection
- Voted Player of the Year in the Niagara Orleans League
- Game MVP Honors at the Centercourt Classic
- Game MVP Honors at the Cataract City Classic
- Scored a season-high 39 points in a win over Barker
- Scored over 30 points twice & had over 20 points in 13 games
- Registered 11 double-doubles
- Set school record for points in a season (468)
- Two-time member of the Centercourt #BOOM Squad
- Career 1,000 point scorer
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Nate Brawdy - Gowanda, Senior
23.6 PPG / 15.0 RPG / 4.8 APG / 2.7 SPG
- Voted First Team CCAA I East
- Olean Tip-Off All-Tournament Team
- Turned in the stat line of the decade in a win at Roy-Hart, scoring a career-high 43 points and grabbing a career-high 31 rebounds
- Scored over 30 points four times & had 14 games over 20 points
- Recorded 19 double-doubles
- Led all of WNY in total rebounds (331) & rebounds per game (15)
- Finished his career with 1715 points, 888 rebounds & 361 assists
Tyler Hind - Randolph, Sophomore
23.3 PPG / 6.6 APG / 4.2 RPG / 3.1 SPG / 0.5 BPG
- Voted Player of the Year in CCAA I East
- Section VI Class C All-Tournament Team
- Rick Hughes Memorial All-Tournament Team
- Scored a season-high 40 points with 8 assists in a win over Gowanda
- Scored over 30 points in seven games & had 15 games over 20 points
- Canned at least seven 3-pointers in five games
- Led WNY in 3-pointers made on the season (88)
- Had 11 games with at least seven assists
- Career 1,000 point scorer
(Photo: Post Journal)
Ray Mushat - South Park, Senior
17.4 PPG / 4.2 RPG / 1.8 APG / 1.7 SPG / 0.4 BPG
- Voted First Team Yale Cup I
- Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team
- Park Tournament All-Tournament Team
- Maryvale Christmas All-Tournament Team
- Scored a career-high 39 points in a win over Emerson
- Scored over 30 points twice & nine games over 20 points
- Recorded 12 double-doubles on the season
- Career 1,000 point scorer
(Photo: Buffalo News)
Honorable Mention
Kyle Burley - Pioneer, Senior
22.2 PPG / 10.8 RPG / 3.1 APG / 2.3 SPG / 0.8 BPG - First Team ECIC III
Chad Biersbach - Depew, Senior
22.0 PPG / 8.3 RPG / 2.1 APG / 2.1 SPG / 1.0 BPG - First Team All-ECIC
Hakeem Dobbins - Middle College, Senior
20.5 PPG / 4.9 APG / 4.4 RPG / 3.2 SPG / 0.5 BPG - First Team Yale Cup I
Kyle DeVoogel - Newfane, Senior
19.7 PPG / 3.7 RPG / 3.5 SPG / 1.5 APG / 0.5 BPG - First Team Niagara-Orleans League
Kyle Ebert - Frontier, Senior
19.2 PPG / 5.0 RPG / 1.2 APG / 0.9 SPG / 0.5 BPG - First Team ECIC I
Devaun Farnham-DeJesus - Dunkirk, Senior
17.8 PPG / 7.4 RPG / 4.8 APG / 3.0 SPG / 1.0 BPG - First Team CCAA I West
Ray Blackwell - Maryvale, Senior
17.6 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 3.0 APG / 3.0 SPG - First Team ECIC III
Isaac Kopp - Franklinville, Senior
17.5 PPG / 5.1 RPG / 2.5 APG / 1.2 SPG / 0.5 BPG - First Team CCAA II East
Johnathan Park - Lake Shore, Senior
16.7 PPG / 13.5 RPG / 3.3 BPG / 1.7 APG / 1.7 SPG - First Team ECIC III
Griffin Chudy - Ellicottville, Senior
16.6 PPG / 5.8 RPG / 4.3 APG / 3.6 SPG - First Team CCAA II East
Alex Wayland - West Seneca West, Senior
15.4 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 3.0 SPG / 2.9 APG - First Team ECIC I
Nasir Benton - Cardinal O'Hara, Senior
15.3 PPG / 4.7 RPG / 4.0 APG / 3.7 SPG - First Team All-Catholic
Christian Szablewski - St. Mary's, Senior
15.0 PPG / 8.2 RPG / 1.8 APG / 1.4 BPG / 1.1 SPG - First Team All-Catholic
Max Weber - Newfane, Senior
14.2 PPG / 7.3 RPG / 6.6 APG / 2.7 SPG / 0.8 BPG - First Team Niagara-Orleans League
Waunya Shaw - East, Senior
14.0 PPG / 7.0 RPG / 2.5 APG / 1.8 SPG / 0.7 BPG - NYSPHAA State Champion
Bo Sireika - St. Francis, Senior
13.8 PPG / 4.5 RPG / 2.6 SPG / 2.3 APG / 1.0 BPG - First Team All-Catholic
Quran DuBois - Niagara Falls, Senior
12.9 PPG / 3.9 RPG / 2.1 APG / 1.6 SPG - Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team
Nick MacDonald - Canisius, Senior
12.3 PPG / 2.7 RPG / 1.3 APG / 1.1 SPG - Led the MMA in 3-pointers made w/ school record 73
Mason Goodridge - Springville, Junior
24.6 PPG / 3.1 RPG / 2.4 SPG / 2.0 APG / 0.5 BPG - Player of the Year in ECIC III
Zamari Mitchell - West Seneca East, Junior
22.5 PPG / 4.7 RPG / 4.2 SPG / 2.4 APG / 0.6 BPG - First Team All-ECIC
Trent Scott - Lew-Port, Junior
18.6 PPG / 6.1 RPG / 4.9 APG / 3.2 SPG / 1.1 BPG - First Team Niagara Frontier League
Adrian Baugh - West Seneca West, Junior
17.6 PPG / 7.4 RPG / 2.3 SPG / 2.0 APG / 1.2 BPG - First Team ECIC I
Earl Howard - MST Seneca, Junior
17.5 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 3.4 APG / 1.1 SPG - Player of the Year in Yale Cup II
Dorian Plummer - Tapestry, Junior
17.3 PPG / 4.7 RPG / 2.6 SPG / 1.4 APG - First Team All-Charter
Cam Sionko - Grand Island, Junior
16.3 PPG / 7.0 RPG / 5.2 APG / 1.5 SPG / 0.5 BPG - First Team Niagara Frontier League
River Reinhardt - Clarence, Junior
15.3 PPG / 4.6 APG / 3.3 RPG / 2.7 SPG - First Team ECIC I
Haakim Siner - Niagara Catholic, Junior
13.7 PPG / 10.6 RPG / 1.8 SPG / 1.3 APG / 0.8 BPG - Recorded 12 double-doubles on the season
Chris Stineman - Nichols, Junior
12.5 PPG / 10.4 RPG / 2.8 APG / 1.5 BPG / 0.9 SPG - First Team All-Catholic
Devin Degree - Williamsville South, Junior
11.8 PPG / 4.6 APG / 4.1 RPG / 2.7 SPG - First Team ECIC II
Quentin Nnagbo - Park, Junior
6.6 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 1.6 APG / 1.6 SPG / 1.5 BPG - NYS Class A Federation Champion
Julian Eziukwu - Park, Junior
5.9 PPG / 6.5 RPG / 1.9 BPG / 1.6 SPG / 1.2 APG - NYS Class A Federation Champion
Daesean Ashley - Amherst, Sophomore
17.6 PPG / 6.4 RPG / 3.4 APG / 3.3 SPG - First Team ECIC II
John Orogun - Park, Sophomore
5.4 PPG / 6.6 RPG / 1.9 BPG / 1.6 SPG / 1.0 APG - NYS Class A Federation Champion
Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry, Freshman
12.0 PPG / 4.2 APG / 3.5 RPG / 2.9 SPG - MVP of Section VI Class C Tournament
Roddy Gayle - Niagara Falls, 8th Grade
12.8 PPG / 4.3 RPG / 3.2 APG / 1.0 SPG / 0.9 BPG - First Team Niagara Frontier League
****** ****** ******
Sixth Man of the Year
Julian Eziukwu - Park, Junior
5.9 PPG / 6.5 RPG / 1.9 BPG / 1.6 SPG / 1.2 APG
Without question, a starter on any other team in WNY. An aggressive rebounder with a knack for staying with the play and finishing in the paint, Eziukwu's most impressive attribute was his work ethic. Not only did he willingly accept his role as Park's sixth man, he embraced it. Upon entering the game, you would immediately hear him talking on defense and notice a boost in the team's energy at that end due to his presence.
- NYS Federation Class A Champion
- Earned All-Centercourt Honorable Mention in 2018
(Photo: Buffalo News)
All-Centercourt Defenders
First Team
Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, Senior
Jayce Johnson - Canisius, Senior
Master Radford - Timon, Senior
Noah Hutchins - Park, Junior
Dan Scott - Park, Junior
Second Team
Tazaun Rose - Niagara Falls, Senior
Griffin Chudy - Ellicottville, Senior
Dylan Burton - Franklinville, Senior
Kam Briggs - Health Sciences, Junior
Lucas Theisen - St. Francis, Junior
Third Team
Avion Harris - Niagara Catholic, Sophomore
Mike Schmidt - Olean, Junior
Kavon Rogers - McKinley, Senior
Tariq Eubanks - Tapestry, Freshman
Anthony Mack - South Park, Sophomore
Centercourt #BOOM Squad
Davonte Gaines - Health Sciences, Senior
Austin James - Canisius, Senior
Noah Hutchins - Park, Junior
Master Radford - Timon, Senior
Jalin Cooper - Medina, Senior
Liam Carey - Grand Island
Justin Hemphill - Cardinal O'Hara, Junior
Roddy Gayle - Niagara Falls, 8th Grader
Jayce Johnson - Canisius, Senior
Johnathan Park - Lake Shore, Senior
Justin Allen - East, Senior
Dan Scott - Park, Junior
Ryan Bradley - Canisius, Senior
Coach of the Year
Rich Jacob - The Park School
-centercourt
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Class B1 & B2 Brackets - 2018 Sectionals
Class B1
First Round - Tuesday, February 20th
(9) CSAT 57, (16) Tonawanda 31
(13) Fredonia 67, (12) Alden 45
(10) Albion 67, (15) I-Prep 58
(11) Burgard 80, (14) Springville 54
Pre-Quarterfinals - Wednesday, February 21st
(9) CSAT 42, (8) Depew 38
(13) Fredonia 57, (5) MST Seneca 54
(7) City Honors 66, (10) Albion 50
(6) Dunkirk 59, (11) Burgard 45
Quarterfinals - Friday, February 23rd
(1) Lackawanna 69, (9) CSAT 52
(4) Newfane 66, (13) Fredonia 41
(2) Olean 62, (7) City Honors 54
(3) Medina 67, (6) Dunkirk 60
Semifinals - Tuesday, February 27th & Wednesday, February 28th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 8:15 pm
(4) Newfane 54, (1) Lackawanna 53
(2) Olean 59, (3) Medina 45
Final - Saturday, March 3rd
AT BUFFALO STATE - 1:45 pm
(1) Olean 48, (4) Newfane 35
2018 Section VI Class B1 Champions - Olean Huskies
****** ****** ****** ******
Class B2
First Round - Tuesday, February 20th
(9) Roy-Hart 59, (16) DaVinci 36
(12) Riverside 71, (13) Eden 38
(10) Southwestern 54, (15) Akron 30
(14) Oracle 49, (11) Buffalo Arts 46
Pre-Quarterfinals - Wednesday, February 21st
(8) Gowanda 62, (9) Roy-Hart 43
(5) Wilson 60, (12) Riverside 54
(10) Southwestern 53, (7) Cleveland Hill 45
(6) Maritime 62, (14) Oracle 58
Quarterfinals - Friday, February 23rd
(1) Middle College 72, (8) Gowanda 67
(4) Health Sciences 64, (5) Wlson 36
(10) Southwestern 54, (2) Olmsted 51
(3) JFK 74, (6) Maritime 65
Semifinals - Monday, February 26th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 6 pm & 7:45 pm
(4) Health Sciences 62, (1) Middle College 42
(3) JFK 66, (10) Southwestern 60
Final - Saturday, March 3rd
AT BUFFALO STATE - 12 pm
(4) Health Sciences 67, (3) JFK 35
2018 Section VI Class B2 Champions - Health Sciences Falcons
-centercourt
Wednesday, January 03, 2018
The Schedule: 2017-2018 Season
(Buffalo State Sports Arena during Championship Week /Photo: Harry Scull,Buffalo News)
Friday, November 24, 2017
Season Preview: 2017-2018
(The 2017 Manhattan Cup Final/Photo: Harry Scull,Buffalo News)
The 2017-2018 Pre-View From Centercourt contains:
- Commentary on returning talent & offseason news
- What's New
- Returning 2017 All-Centercourt Players
- Player Watch List for 2018
- A League-by-League look at the teams
(MMA, Yale Cup, ECIC, NFL, N-O, CCAA, & Charters)
- Coaching Changes
- Classification Changes
- Preseason Top 10 Large & Small Schools
- Predictions
*************************************************************
Last year on a Sunday night late in March I was driving home from Glens Falls. I'd just finished watching the Federation Tournament, which signals the official end to the high school basketball season, and I was going through the 2017 All-Centercourt Team in my mind. I quickly began to realize something that got me thinking ahead to the 2018 season and just how cool the season would be.
What was it? Talent. All sorts of returning talent. An unprecedented amount of underclassmen had turned in seasons worthy of recognition in not just the Top 60, but the coveted Top 25. In early April when the All-Centercourt Team was published, underclassmen accounted for over half of the Top 60. But it was in the Top 25 that the numbers really popped. Just nine seniors took up those slots, meaning an astonishing 16 underclassmen had represented the best 25 seasons in WNY.
What's New ??
- After a decade of immersing myself in the local high school hoops scene, I finally organized an event. The first ever Centercourt Classic will take place on Saturday, February 3rd at Williamsville South High School, featuring four games between top 10 teams from the 2017 season that brought back plenty of talent!
- The Niagara Frontier League (NFL) will be split into two divisions this season. (Niagara Falls, Ken West, Lockport, Niagara Wheatfield, & North Tonawanda) AND (Grand Island, Lew-Port, CSAT, & Ken East). Teams will play everyone in the league once and teams within their newly structured divisions twice. The regular season will conclude with 'crossover' games between the two divisions (1 vs 1, 2 vs 2, etc.) with the team finishing 5th in the larger division playing at West Seneca East for its 20th game.
- Lafayette will no longer host home games in its one-of-a-kind gymnasium that was far from a regulation court, but was an experience in-and-of itself. The Violets will instead play their home games at Grabiarz School of Excellence on Lawn Ave.
- This season there are only 16 teams in Class C, meaning there will be no breakdown into Class C1 & Class C2. Just one Section VI Final for Class C.
- Yale Cup varsity games will now have a 6:30 pm tip time.
- The Pastor-Cooper Showcase at Daemen College will only be two days this season - Thursday, December 7th & Saturday, December 9th.
- The ADPRO Public/Private Challenge returns to St. Mary's with another three-day, 11-game lineup. This season's headliner is Canisius vs. Health Sciences.
- The Manhattan Cup semifinals for Class B will be played on the same night as the 32 Section VI quarterfinals, in addition to the Manhattan Cup Finals for Class A & B conflicting with the Wednesday night of Buff State Week.
- Six teams have changed leagues from last season:
Starpoint returns to ECIC II, Iroquois & Springville move to ECIC III, Depew to ECIC IV, I-Prep to Yale Cup I, and Riverside to Yale Cup II.
- It's Section VI's turn to host the Far West Regionals. A full slate of five games are scheduled for Saturday, March 10th at Buffalo State.
************************************************
The Players
*** 15 of the top 25 players from the 2017 All-Centercourt Team return to the WNY high school hoops scene, along with another 16 players that received Honorable Mentions following last season. That's over half of the Top 60!
Returning First Teamer
Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, Senior
Junior Season stats:
23.0 PPG
8.9 RPG
4.3 APG
3.8 SPG
Dolan is WNY's only current three-time All-Centercourt selection heading into his senior season. The Billies' all-time steals leader and 1,000 point scorer will carry the load for his team more than ever this season in a quest for a fourth straight Class A1 Final appearance.
*All-Centercourt Defender*
Devin Pope - Chautauqua Lake, Senior
Junior Season stats:
28.2 PPG
7.8 RPG
4.7 SPG
3.8 APG
Pope is coming off a season that saw him attempt a staggering 221 free throw attempts and score over 700 points. He led his Thunderbirds to their first ever Section VI title and helped advance the team to regionals.
- *All-Centercourt Defender *
Davonte Gaines - Health Sciences, Senior
Junior Season stats:
17.7 PPG
12.1 RPG
3.8 BPG
2.9 SPG
The team's MVP scored a career-high 50 points in a victory last season and committed to play for Tennessee following his prep days. Gaines led his school to its first ever Section VI title and beyond.
*Centercourt #BOOM Squad*
Willard Anderson - East, Senior
Junior Season stats:
25.7 PPG
5.9 APG
3.9 RPG
3.4 SPG
Anderson has an all-around game that led East in points, assists, steals, & blocks, but his specialty is filling up the rim. During his junior campaign, he scored a career-high 42 points, while scoring at least 29 points in 11 of the Panthers' 23 games.
Returning Third Teamers
Bo Sireika - St. Francis, Senior
Junior Season stats:
14.0 PPG
3.9 RPG
1.9 APG
1.3 SPG
Already the school's all-time leader in 3-pointers made, Sireika took the Red Raiders to the Manhattan Cup Final in 2017.
*All-Centercourt Defender*
Julian Cunningham - Timon, Junior
Sophomore Season stats:
12.2 PPG
4.7 RPG
2.8 APG
1.6 SPG
Following a Manhattan Cup Final appearance with the Red Raiders, one of WNY's most crafty and competitive floor generals will suit up in Timon green this season.
* All-Centercourt Defender *
Trevor Book - North Tonawanda, Senior
Junior Season stats:
18.3 PPG
4.4 RPG
3.2 SPG
1.9 APG
After leading the Jacks to an overall Class A crown as a junior on a senior laden squad, Book is set to put the team on his back and erupt after a break-out junior year.
Jayce Johnson - Canisius, Senior
Junior Season stats:
11.3 PPG
8.3 RPG
5.3 APG
1.5 SPG
The 2016 Centercourt 6th Man of the Year became the Crusaders' go-to player in crunch time as a junior and delivered, leading Canisius to another Manhattan Cup after arriving to the postseason as the #4 seed.
*All-Centercourt Defender*
*Centercourt #BOOM Squad*
Returning Fourth Teamers
Noah Hutchins - Junior, Park
Sophomore Season stats:
11.5 PPG
5.0 APG
4.0 RPG
3.6 SPG
Perhaps the most talented player in all of WNY, Hutchins has never lost to a public school in his two seasons as the maestro for the Pioneers.
*All-Centercourt Defender*
*Centercourt #BOOM Squad*
Dan Scott - Park, Junior
Sophomore Season stats:
16.0 PPG
4.7 RPG
3.0 APG
2.6 SPG
The intense two-way star is a returning First Team All-Catholic selection looking to help Park take the next step in the large school ranks.
*All-Centercourt Defender*
*Centercourt #BOOM Squad*
Elliot Bowen - Ellicottville, Senior
Junior Season stats:
21.0 PPG
14.7 RPG
3.3 BPG
1.6 SPG
WNY's top returning big man enters his senior season as a two-time First Team All-State selection in Class D after earning the honor in both his sophomore & junior campaigns.
Sam Erickson - Franklinville, Senior
Junior Season stats:
20.4 PPG
10.2 RPG
2.7 APG
2.3 SPG
After leading the Panthers to the state final four in Class D last season, the do-it-all standout returns on a mission to take his team to the top of the state.
Returning Fifth Teamers
Tyron Lott - Senior
Junior Season stats:
18.4 PPG
6.0 APG
4.1 RPG
3.8 SPG
The 1,000 point scorer helped Health Sciences win the Class B Regional and advance to the state final four. He will be a major addition to whichever team he ends up with for his senior season.
Jalin Cooper - Medina, Senior
Junior Season stats:
20.8 PPG
9.4 RPG
3.0 SPG
2.6 APG
The high-flyer will play football for Toledo in the fall after a run at a third straight N-O title for the Mustangs, who ran the table in league play last season.
*Centercourt #BOOM Squad*
Ryan Bradley - Canisius, Senior
Junior Season stats:
13.3 PPG
7.7 RPG
2.6 APG
1.2 SPG
Became a vital piece in the Crusaders starting lineup thanks to his size & all-around talent and was instrumental in leading them to a third straight Manhattan Cup title.
Returning 2017 Honorable Mentions
Nate Brawdy - Gowanda, Sr: 20.2 PPG / 14.0 RPG / 4.8 APG as a junior
Kyle DeVoogel - Newfane, Sr: 18.6 PPG / 5.9 SPG / 4.1 RPG / 2.8 APG / 0.9 BPG as a junior
Chad Biersbach - Depew, Sr: 17.5 PPG / 8.3 RPG / 2.8 SPG / 2.1 APG / 0.9 BPG as a junior
Ray Blackwell - Maryvale, Sr: 17.0 PPG / 6.2 RPG / 3.8 APG / 3.1 SPG as a junior
Hakeem Dobbins - Middle College, Sr: 16.5 PPG / 2.8 RPG / 2.0 APG / 1.8 SPG as a junior
Latrell Butler-Kemp - Walsh, Sr: 16.4 PPG / 7.5 RPG / 3.9 APG / 2.2 SPG as a junior
Ray Mushat - South Park, Sr: 15.3 PPG / 5.5 RPG / 2.6 SPG / 1.2 APG / 0.6 BPG as a junior
Max Weber - Newfane, Sr: 14.8 PPG / 8.3 RPG / 7.0 APG / 3.0 SPG / 1.7 BPG as a junior
Christian Szablewski - St. Mary's, Sr: 13.4 PPG / 8.5 RPG / 2.3 APG / 2.0 SPG as a junior
Darnell Butts - Dunkirk, Sr: 13.1 PPG / 4.5 RPG / 2.1 APG / 1.6 STL / 0.4 BPG as a junior
Tazaun Rose - Niagara Falls, Sr: 11.0 PPG / 5.0 APG / 4.0 SPG / 3.0 RPG as a junior
Mason Goodridge - Springville, Jr: 18.9 PPG / 2.5 APG / 2.1 RPG / 1.2 SPG as a sophomore
Cam Sionko - Grand Island, Jr: 17.2 PPG / 4.0 RPG / 3.0 APG / 1.8 SPG as a sophomore
Justin Hemphill - O'Hara, Jr: 16.4 PPG / 11.0 RPG / 5.1 APG / 2.4 SPG / 2.2 BPG as a sophomore
Tyler Hind - Randolph, So: 17.6 PPG / 4.3 APG / 3.1 SPG / 2.8 RPG as a freshman
Jalen Bradberry - Niagara Catholic, Fr: 14.7 PPG / 3.3 APG / 3.0 RPG / 1.5 APG as an 8th grader
Player Watch List
Nick MacDonald - 12 (Canisius), Austin James - 12 (Canisius), Master Radford - 12 (Timon), Jack Capen - 12 (St. Joe's), Syquan Ralands - 12 (Niagara Falls), Jacob Genzel - 12 (Hamburg), Justin Allen - 12 (East), Liam Carey - 12 (Grand Island), Nick Baker - 12 (JFK), Ture Hassler - 12 (Gowanda), Griffin Chudy - 12 (Ellicottville), Austin Grinols - 12 (Ellicottville), Isaac Kopp - 12 (Franklinville), Jon Parks - 12 (Lake Shore), Noble Smith - 12 (Lackawanna), Anthony Whitfield - 12 (Hutch-Tech), Deon Spencer - 12 (McKinley), Kyle Ebert - 12 (Frontier), Alex Wayland - 12 (West Seneca West), Jared Gleason - 12 (Sherman), Jarmani Benton - 12 (Silver Creek), Jermaine Haynes - 11 (Cardinal O'Hara), Chris Stineman - 11 (Nichols), Noah Grabar - 11 (Lackawanna), Josiah Harris - 11 (Niagara Falls), Brady Woelben - 11 (Silver Creek), Lucas Theisen - 11 (St. Francis), River Reinhart - 11 (Clarence), Malik Brooks - 11 (Lockport), Mike Schmidt - 11 (Olean), Quentin Nnagbo - 11 (Park), Julian Eziukwu - 11 (Park), Earl Howard - 11 (MST Seneca), Zamari Mitchell - 11 (West Seneca West), Devin Degree - 11 (Williamsville South), Kameron Briggs - 11 (Health Sciences), Trent Scott - 11 (Lew-Port), Juston Johnson - 11 (West Seneca West), Adrian Baugh - 11 (West Seneca West), Mason Goodridge - 11 (Springville), Nate Shuart - 11 (Fredonia), Carson Christ - 11 (Maple Grove), Amir Radford - 11 (City Honors), Dwayne Vass - 10 (Canisius), Ishmael Fairclough - 10 (Canisius), Jaylen Stewart - 10 (Park), Eric Kegler - 10 (St. Mary's), Anthony Mack - 10 (South Park), Jahmal Lewis - 10 (McKinley), Terrell Mullen - 10 (Maryvale), Justin Hemphill - 10 (Cardinal O'Hara), Daesean Ashley - 10 (Amherst), Cameron Barmore - 10 (Panama), Cal Shifflet - 10 (Williamsville East), Aidan Horan - 10 (Nichols), Dom Jamison - 10 (Silver Creek), Jon Orugun - 10 (Park), Tariq Eubanks - 9 (Tapestry), Kyjuan Inabinett - 9 (Health Sciences, Javaughn Jones - 9 (Health Sciences), Tyler Putney - 9 (Fredonia)
*****************************************************
League-By-League
Monsignor Martin Association
Large Schools - CLASS A
Canisius has won seven of the last nine Manhattan Cup championships, including the last three. After pulling it off last season as the #4 seed in the playoffs, the Crusaders are back once again in full force, returning a deep and talented lineup. Canisius started five underclassmen for most of the season, so they will be a seasoned, veteran squad. With vital pieces in all the right places, this team could be a complete buzz. Jayce Johnson & Ryan Bradley both earned postseason honors last year, but the list of standouts at Canisius is lengthy. Park has a new coach in Rich Jacob and all that underclassmen talent coming back, with the exception of Joe Jones who left for prep school. The Pioneers played last season without any seniors - this season they'll have just two. Expect them to be as formidable as ever with Noah Hutchins and Dan Scott leading the way and three players that are at least 6-8. They'll look to finish strong and earn their first Class A Manhattan Cup. St. Francis is coming off an outstanding season with some eye-popping wins and a finals appearance in the Manhattan Cup. The team returns one starter in senior Bo Sireika, who was Third Team All-Centercourt. Despite replacing four starters Coach Ferris' squad might surprise - they are loaded with underclassmen that saw meaningful minutes last year and will be expected to step up as they look to repeat as regular season champions and get back to the Manhattan Cup Final. St. Joe's returns eight players, led by senior Jack Capen. Kevin Durkin will run the point for the Marauders, while 6-7 Alex D'Anniballe gives the team a presence in the middle. Pat McCann will see plenty of court time as a junior, along with Will Ostrowski. Tre Boling will miss some time at the start of the season following a football injury.
***
Canisius: Jayce Johnson 12, Ryan Bradley 12, Austin James 12, Nick MacDolnald 12, Conner McCaffrey 12, Brendan Trapper 12, John Evans 12, Joe Jamison 11
Park: Brandon Smith 12, Marques Lowe 12, Noah Hutchins 11, Daniel Scott 11, Quentin Nnagbo 11, Julian Eziukwu 11, Jordan Gompah 11, Jack Gompah 11, Q Johnson 11, Jai'den Dunn 11, Eman Wajed 11, John Orugun 10, Jaylen Stewart 10, Caleb Hutchins 9, Keyounjay Carter 9
St. Francis: Bo Sireika 12, Owen Woyshner 12, Josh Palmer 12, Dan Busha 11, Dorion Ivey 11, Elijah Williams 11, Traevone Scott 10, Justin Poumpey 11, Lucas Theisen 11, Nicholas Reeb 11, Noah Unger 11, Reily Miller 11, Ryan Lacki 11, David Bartholomew 10, Jack Bickerstaff 10, Amiel Collins 9
St. Joe's: Jack Capen 12, Jeremy Johnson 12, Trey Boling 12, Kevin Durkin 12, Keith Norward 12, John Galvin 12, Alexander D'Anniballe 12, Noah Hausbeck 12, Pat McCann 11, Will Ostrowski 11, Tino Martone 11, Kemychal Clark 11, Jack Wojtazsek 11, Hamzah Abdur-Rahman 11, Amari Gordon 10
Timon: no information provided by coach
**********************************************
Small Schools - CLASS B
St. Mary's is the defending champion in Class B and returns plenty of talent, led by seniors Christian Szablewski, Eric Brown, & Matt Ciezski. Despite a veteran bunch, the Lancers will need to play hungry, as the other teams in the league made some key additions to already talented rosters. There has yet to be a repeat champion in Class B. Cardinal O'Hara is coming off its most successful season since 2002 and returns eight players, including the team’s top 3 scorers in Justin Hemphill (16.4 ppg), Jermaine Haynes (14.9 ppg), and Nasir Benton (10.3 ppg). Hemphill enters his junior season with over 500 rebounds and 734 points. Pat Clarke takes over as head coach at Nichols, where the Vikings finished second last season after narrowly losing a battle in the final to St. Mary's. The team will benefit greatly from junior transfer Chris Stineman, a forward who averaged 13.6 ppg & 9.4 rpg as a sophomore. He teams with returning starting point guard Trent Banaszak and Aidan Horan, who enjoyed a solid freshman season. Niagara Catholic is looking to improve on their five-win season last year. With five returning players and several new players added to the roster including notable transfer Jalen Bradberry, who earned All-Centercourt Honorable Mention honors as an 8th grader, the Patriots will look to find the cohesiveness to make them very competitive in a tough league. Latrell Butler-Kemp, who was an All-Centercourt Honorable Mention and First Team All-Catholic last season, returns to Walsh as the team's lone senior. The very young Eagles also have just two juniors - one that saw limited action a season ago and the other being a foreign exchange student from Germany who has never played. In a league that is always challenging for this exceptionally small school that travels at least an hour for every road game, head coach Andy Moore may be tasked with his biggest challenge yet.
***
St. Mary's: Christian Szablewski 12, Eric Brown 12, Matt Ciezski 12, Ahmad Powell 12, Frank Propis 12, Jaelin Russell 12, Ben Mazurowski 12, Kofi Osei 12, Ja'Shawn Collins 12, Jake Lukasik 12, Brady O'Brien 11, Sean Melson 11, Alif Dunbar 11, Eric Kegler 10
Cardinal O'Hara: Nasir Benton 12, Michon Dudley 12, Justin Hemphill 11, Jermaine Haynes 11, Stephen Boyd 11, Brandon Broadnax 11, Matthew Buckley 11, Ibrahim Lewis 11, CJ Masters 11, Joe Turri 11, Remir Velazquez 11, Jaedin Cottman 10, Yehshua Lee 10, Quantrail Moss 10
Nichols: TJ Banaszak 12, Antonio Jones 12, Ryan Peterson 12, Matthew Glinski 12, Michael Fredericks 12, Chris Stineman 11, Jonathan Goodloe 11, Clark Thrasher 11, Matt Raiff 11, Julian Freeman 11, Jake Bair 11, Aidan Horan 10, Hugh Purks 9
Niagara Catholic: Nick Krupp 12, Mike Sanders 12, Harrison Abramaitys 11, Quinelle Burch 11, Raysean Smith 11, Haakim Siner 11, Jaden Turner 11, Roman Wright 11, Avion Harris 10, Jaemon Turner 10, Jalen Bradberry 9, Mehki Starks 9
Walsh: Latrell Butler Kemp 12, George Lowry 11, Justus Lingott 11, Colin Yorke 10, Marcus Esposito 10, Kameron Ramadhan 10, Zayne Blacksnake 10, Max Garvin 9, Xavier Laverty 9, Ajhani Parks 9
CCA: no information provided by coach
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Section VI
YALE CUP I
South Park enters the season as the defending Yale Cup champions for the first time in 31 years. With all that's back, along with a couple key transfers, it looks like they could have the horses to do it again. Ray Mushat, Anthony Mack, David Stroud, and Elijah Lewis are all back to make the Sparks formidable. East led South Park in the final minute of the game that decided where the Yale Cup would reside, and returns three key pieces of its squad from last year. The team has the city league's best player in Willard Anderson, back after earning Second Team All-Centercourt honors as a junior, along with Justin Allen who gives the team a strong presence in the paint, and three-year player Waunya Shaw. The Panthers have also moved to Class D in Section VI after reaching the Class C2 Final last year. McKinley is coming off a year in league play that ended a 28-game Yale Cup winning streak and saw the Cup leave Elmwood Avenue. However, the Macks still reached Buffalo State in Class A1. With plenty back and Zaire Dorsey behind the bench, they would be a tough team to bet against returning the city's trophy to the home its had for years. Deon Spencer is back to play the point, Kavon Rogers will man the middle once again, and Emir Evans is a tough & physical defender. Middle College has a new head coach in James Kane, who has been with the program at the JV level. His Kats will once again be a contender in both league & sectional play, led by Nate Jackson, Aziyon Clemons, and Hakeem Dobbins. Hutch-Tech has a group that has played together for the past couple seasons. After playing together all offseason, the group has grown together to raise their basketball IQ's and are ready for the challenge presented in the rigorous Yale Cup. Burgard head coach Willie Jones was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame during the offseason, so the Bulldogs are officially coached by a legend! The team brings back six players and will carry ten underclassmen this season, led by junior Dejuan Williams. Emerson will have to play smart and get its youth up to speed quickly as the team has just four seniors on this season's 15-man roster.
***
South Park : Raymond Mushat 12, Donte Ridgeway 12, Daquan Anderson 12, Justice Allen 12, Elijah Lewis 11, David Stroud 11, Devon White 11, Jalil Marris 11, Donald Stewart 11, Dabeyon Humphrey 11, Jayon Renfro 11, Anthony Mack 10, Jayson Armstead 10, Michael Crockett 10
East: Willard Anderson 12, Justin Allen 12, Waunya Shaw 12, Xavier Turner 12, Emmanuel Wilson 12, Ibrahim Mberwa 12, Danny Carter 10, Juron Hill 10, Dontaye Miller 10, Eugene Robinson 9, Tynell Ruffins 9, Anthony Oberlander 9, Jaiden Green 9, Antonio Rivera 9
McKinley: Deon Spencer 12, Jaylin Windsor 12, Kavon Rogers 12, Emir Evans 12, Marquese Thomas 12, Frank Bostic 12, Troy Coble 12, Ngendabanyikwa Elias 11, Jahmal Lewis 10
Middle College: Nate Jackson 12, Azyion Clemons 12, Jules Stover 12, Zach Jones 12, Hakeem Dobbins 12, Donovan Queeno 12, Tereamell Stevens 11, Ja'Kari Nettles 11, James Barnes 11, Devonte Prince 10, Keyunte Jones 10, Malik Meadows 10, Jamond Jones 10, Keith Brown 10, Anthony Smith 9
Hutch-Tech: Jayden Mitchell 12, Caleb Kash 12, Mohamad Nor 12, Frenchy Cook 12, Anthony Whitfield 11, Ke'Shawn Bennett 11, EJ Shahied 11, Khyree Jeader 11, David Bradshaw 11, Cyer Cyer 11, Emanuel Geegba 11, Elijah Smith 11, Kenneth Jacobs 10
Emerson: John Tarver 12, Zakai Young 12, Jaquan Davis 12, Kam'ron Mootry 12, Lumumba Hough 11, Daquan Seltzer 11, Darshaun Sullivan 11, Quinton McClain 11, Mark Gist 11, Antonio McGee 11, Otis Houston 11, Nazir Moore 11, Calvin Smith 11, Luis Rodriguez 11, Christian McDowell 11
I-Prep: no information provided by coach
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YALE CUP II
MST Seneca returns two starters from last year in Earl Howard and Jason Chapman. Howard is a strong and physical point guard that can handle, shoot, and defend for the Wolves. The team will look to play solid defense and keep games close until they are able to have some new players step up and fill the roles of the departed seniors and try to use team speed and athleticism make up for a scoring lost to graduation. Olmsted returns Gabe Carr-Johnson and Joel Richards after reaching Buff State in Class B2 one season removed from a sectional crown in Class C1 in 2016. The Owls assembled some challenging nonleague opponents to prepare for the postseason. City Honors has a young team with three sophomores and a freshman, and its top player also an underclassmen in junior Amir Radford. Riverside moves into Yale Cup II this season. The Frontiers have three seniors back from last season, led by the talented Dialo Rivera Stevens, who is the team's captain. At DaVinci, Nick Todaro is the new head coach and has hard-working group that will defend teams aggressively. They carry some freshmen with potential and could surprise a few teams along the way. Lafayette is looking to build on last season following its come-from-behind sectional win over Roy-Hart, which marked the Violets' first playoff victory since 2010. Returning starters Austin Grimes and Dayshawn Elliott will factor big in the Violets' backcourt, transition speed, and offensive output. Senior LaMorris Elliott will give the team experience and strong perimeter shooting.
***
MST Seneca: Daylin Anderson 12, Daryl Costner 12, Diallo Gray 12, Marquel Hampshire 12, Saeviyon Livingston 12, James Myree 12, Warren Carter 11, Jason Chapman 11, JohnnyLee Cunningham 11, Earl Howard 11, Derrick Patterson 11, Nick Price 11, Xavier Werts 11, DeMario James 9
Olmsted: Gabriel Carr-Johnson 12, Aaron Brown 12, Joel Richards 12, Chris Pettiway 12, Caleb Matthews 12, Marcus Roberson 11, Delmar Green 11, Deshaun Nikonowics 11, Chris Mosley 11, Trevor Young 11, Renard Siders 10, Marciano Lamar 10
Riverside: Dialo Rivera Stevens 12, Robert Kyle 12, Carlos Adorno Nunez 12, Dontae Hill 12, Michael Villegas 11, Asante Silva 11, Julius Laureano 11, Jazed Maldonado Rivera 11, D'Yontai Williams 9, Ezequiel Rodriguez 9
City Honors: Brendan Bulluck 12, Sebastian Flewellyn 12, Neftali Vazquez 12, Michael Ruggeiero 12, Amir Radford 11, Eliot Solomon 11, Xavion Baines 11, Jerimiah Chapman 10, Nate Kahn 10, Kevion Taylor 10, Jayden Slaughter 9
Lafayette: Austin Grimes 12, LaMorris Elliott 12, Dayshawn Elliott 11, Jiheed Robinson 11, Kevin Maysonet 10, Kenneth Merced Ayala 10, Yabnel Calderon 10, Luis Betancourt 10, Zion Pannell 9, Yan Carlos Rodriguez 9
DaVinci: Trevor Knight 12, Gregory Kulian 12, Cori Henning 12, Antres Garcia 12, Jordan Fonn 11, Eric Barton 11, Elijah Graham 10, Miyear White 10, Agatino Maccarrone 10, Kitara Joseph 9, Ademola Montrose 9, Hiram Abril 9, Angel Burgos 9
Buffalo Arts: no information provided by coach
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ECIC I
West Seneca West will benefit greatly from the return of Juston Johnson, who played with the team as an eighth grader and the transfer of Adrian Baugh, both coming over from Timon. The Indians also hired former Timon coach Des Randall, who starred for the school over a decade ago. With Alex Wayland back, who led the team in scoring last year, this could be the surprise team of the season in both league play and Class A1. Williamsville North returns its starting backcourt from last season in Ryan Johnston, Jacob Belote, & Joe Nusall. The Spartans also have a pair of bigs with talent and size with 6-5 Jonathon Abaya and 6-6 Greg Poland, and should contend for a league title and return to Buff State in Class AA. Frontier has six players back from last season, including Kyle Ebert, who led the team with 14.5 ppg and Brandon Dunz who averaged nine ppg last year. Jamestown has been a league champion in ECIC I for the last seven seasons. With a young team that lacks experience, it will be a challenge to continue that streak. The Red Raiders do have two starters back in Matt Hill and Marcus Rojas who combined for over 20 ppg last year, along with some young talent eager to continue the tradition. Lancaster reached the Class AA Final last season, and returns a pair of talents from that team in senior Alec Tamburri and junior Jakob Jerebko. Tamburri was a First Team selection in ECIC I, while Jerebko will help carry the load this season after battling through injuries last year. Point guard duties will be handled by Ryan Mansell, a tough defender for the Legends. Clarence returns its top three scorers (Joe Olivieri, River Reinhardt, & Jack Putney) from a team that won five of their last six games, with the loss occurring in overtime of the quarterfinals at Jamestown. Orchard Park has three starters back (David Morris, Eric Liberatore, and Tino Mancabelli) however Mancabelli will begin the season on the shelf with injuries. The Quakers will use that time to develop depth and find out who can step up into a greater role.
***
West Seneca West: Alex Wayland 12, Jesse Broad 12, Mike Borton 12, Jack Koller 12, Willie Morrison 12, Juston Johnson 11, Adrian Baugh 11, Bryan Ball 11, Kevin Link 11, Jack Breen 11, Anthony Espe 11, Nate Ryniec 10, Mike Glinski 10
Williamsville North: Ryan Johnston 12, Justin Konotopskyj 12, Lucas Terry 12, Alex Steinwachs 12, Jonathon Abaya 11, Joe Nusall 11, Jacob Belote 11, Dylan Mann 11, Scott Becht 11, Jake Federio 11, Dylan Mann 11, Nick Maniscalco 11, Jacob Orlando 11, Greg Poland 10, Scott Hopkins 10
Clarence: Joe Olivieri 12, Steve Kabayiza 12, Mike O'Brien 12, Matt Zuffranieri 12, Mike Scherrer 12, Jake Reger 12, Phil Simkin 12, Jack Putney 11, River Reinhardt 11, Jackson Wurtz 11, Brandon Ferris 11, Jon Stevens 11, Akilesh Ramakrishna 11, Peyton Metzger 10
Frontier: Jacob Weiss 12, Tom Notto 12, Kyle Ebert 12, Alex Hiam 11, Brandon Dunz 11, Ben Taylor 11, Elliott Robinson 11, Tyler Bailey 11, Chris Jones 11, Tyler Jenkins 11
Jamestown: Matt Hill 12, Noah Larson 12, Marcus Rojas 12, Henry Malarkey 12, Grant Moore 11, Kylen Faulkner 11, Grayson Holt 11, Daunte Garland 11, Kameron Grant 11, Nolan Butts 11, Shaheem Freeney 11, Jordan Crofoot 10, Elijah Rojas 9
Lancaster: Alec Tamburri 12, Ryan Mansell 12, Jakob Jerebko 11, Matt Garry 11, John Kisker 11, GianLuca Fulciniti 10
Orchard Park: Eric Liberatore 12, Alex Freilicher 12, Ben Shoop 12, Dave Morris 12, Nate Wereski 11, Matt Burney 11, Cayden Collins 11, Archie Bartolotti 11, Josh McTigue 11, Jordan Prince 11, Brad Fowler 10, Tino Mancabelli 10, Ethan Swiatek 10
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ECIC II
Williamsville South will be the group that every other team in ECIC II gets up for. The Billies saw their name added to the league championship banner for a third straight season and enter as the favorites to do so once again. Greg Dolan enters his senior season with just two league losses since starting as a freshman and hopes to keep it that way. Cody Sanford and Devin Degree also return to the starting lineup at South this year. Amherst is a defending league and Class A2 champion that will look to be a hardworking & unselfish team. The Tigers will be young and return no starters, but will be led by the 2017 Centercourt Sixth Man of the Year in Daesean Ashley, along with Jake Mullen, Ja’Kye Womack, and Jackson Tan who are ready to keep the Amherst tradition going. Williamsville East will be a contender in league play thanks to a veteran squad that boasts 11 seniors, led by Patrick Ranallo, Sean Keenan, & Nicholas Kieffer, along with talented sophomore Cal Shifflet, who averaged 8.4 ppg as a freshman. After a year away from coaching to enjoy the birth of his son, John Reinholz takes over as the head man at Hamburg. The Bulldogs have a very young team with nine underclassmen that includes five sophomores, but do return a pair of seniors that started last season in Jacob Genzel and Mark Henry. At Starpoint , Justin Mott is the lone starter that returns. The Spartans welcome back four other players who saw time in last season's rotation and their experience will be needed, as the Spartans bounce back up to ECIC II after competing last season in ECIC III. West Seneca East will be young this season with just two returning players that played important minutes last season. Zamari Mitchell was Second Team All-ECIC II last season and led the Trojans in scoring, assists, steals, & 3-pointers, while Christian Rodriguez was one of the team's better rebounders & defensive players from last season who always guarded the other team's best player. Sweet Home expects to take steps forward this season with their fast paced style and team defense. They finally have older players in the program that offer experience at the varsity level, led by point guard and captain Evan John, along with Stephon Trueheart, Maurice Robertson, Matthew Nix, and returning sophomore Jamel Lucas.
***
Williamsville South: Greg Dolan 12, Cody Sanford 12, Josh Foster 12, Robert Richards 12, John Goetzmann 12, Paul Goetzmann 12, Dan Proch 12, Nick Geska 12, Ethan Fuhr 12, Anthony Lombardo 12, Devin Degree 11, Ryan Schouten 11, Caran Peterson 11, Ethan Heil 11, Mike DiGiulio 10
Amherst: Chris Patterson 12, Charles Kilgo 12, Xavier Lewis 11, Jake Mullen 11, Ja’Kye Womack 11, James Moore 11, Deadrea Tyson, 11, Jackson Tan 11, Tyler Ross 11, Daesean Ashley 10, Noah Woldu 10, Aden Clemente 10, Marcus Hall 10
Williamsville East: Sean Keenan 12, Cameron Williams 12, Connor Williams 12, Nicholas Kieffer 12, Daniel Doyle 12, Seth Blum 12, Brian Comerford 12, Justin O'Neal 12, Patrick Ranallo 12, Brian Suk 11, Joe Shifflet 12, Colin Fors 12, Dylan Moorhouse 11, Zach Rudewicz 11, Cal Shifflet 10
Hamburg: Jacob Genzel 12, Mark Henry 12, Jack Rettig 12, Kevin McDermott 11, Connor McDonnell 11, Matthew Reagan 11, Nathan Severson 10, David Benningfield 10, Andrew Genzel 10, David Lambert 10
Starpoint: Kyle Schreader 12, Jake Walters 12, Brandon Wunderlich 12, Aaron Chase 11, Azston Ford 11, Brendan Gawel 11, Nate Lang 11, Justin Mott 11, Adam Rankie 11, Rob Roetzer 11, Braden Zdrojewski 11, Dustin Wick 10, Dexter Brooks 9
West Seneca East: Christian Rodriguez 12, Andrew Weiner 12, Greg Radka 12, Dylan Deneka 12, Zamari Mitchell 11, Marcus Barney 11, Matt Ibrahim 11, Alex Sarick 11, Trent Winfree 10, Michael Marcezin 10, Tommie Ferrell 10
Sweet Home: Stephon Trueheart 12, Jewlian White 12, Dylan McDuffie 12, Ryan Harris 12, Brian Lovering 12, Tavionn Martin 11, KiAiir Brunner 11, Marjohn Manuel 11, Evan John 11, Maurice Robertson 11, Matthew Nix 11, Adrian Rice 11, Jamel Lucas 10, DaeQuan Hill 10
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ECIC III
Lake Shore will have a strong presence in the middle from Johnathan Park, who led the team in scoring & rebounding last season. Jay Brueckl and Josh Buchanan will lead a deep,experienced and talented back court. Maryvale will put the ball in the hands of electric senior guard Ray Blackwell, who was called up as a freshman, and should eclipse the career 1,000 point total this season as a senior. Terrell Mullen should be a strong and talented player for the Flyers, who also have third year varsity player Mark Bailey. Chris Juergens takes over as head coach at Pioneer, after working as an assistant under Joe Pawlak at Roy-Hart. Returning is the veteran backcourt trio of Kaleb Hurlburt, Nick Rinker and Kyle Burley, who all started last season, with Burley averaging 15 ppg last season. Iroquois moves into the division from ECIC II with new head coach Todd Kleitz and only three players lost from last season. Tyler Tait will be the team's top returning scorer, along with Josh Kowalski & Andrew Hetzendorfer and the talent that moved up from a JV team that went 16-4 last year. A mix of experience and athleticism should make Cheektowaga a tough opponent. Alex Bryant, Rudy Bragg, Davon Brown & Terrance Bass are four seniors who will be looked at to lead the team, while junior Jason Salomon will also play a large role. East Aurora has no returning starters and just four players back from last season's team that won a Section VI crown in Class B1. Still expectations remain high for this squad with just two seniors from coach Chris Koselny, whose Blue Devils will be led by junior Kam Kmicinski. Springville moves back into ECIC III this season and has a talented junior in Mason Goodridge, an All-Centercourt Honorable Mention selection as a sophomore.
***
Lake Shore: Johnathan Park 12, Jacob John 12, Dakota Luke 12, Jay Brueckl 12, Bryce Toth 12, Ryan Utley 12, Ajay Cybulski 11, Josh Buchanon 11, Marcus Evans 11, Parker Jimerson 11, Nate Lockwood 11, Dezmond Wilson 11, Efrain Barreto 10
Maryvale: Ray Blackwell 12, Dylan Casey 12, Zach Amato 12, Mark Bailey 12, Shamaar Braggs 12, Nathan Crombie 11, Ryan Smith 11, Sayvon Lash 11, Luke Mansa 11, Terrell Mullen 10, Xaier Mitchell 10, Devin Taylor 10, Christian Gueth 10, Andrew Dockery 9
Iroquois: Tyler Tait 12, Andrew Hetzendorfer 12, S. Zachary Popovski 12, Josh Zon 12, Josh Kowalski 12, Charlie Ottomano 11, Max Derrick 11, Calvin Gawlick 11, Martin Fredia 11, Cole Augustine 11, Sean Holleig 11, Bailey Ertie 11, Matt Matia 10
Pioneer: Kyle Burley 12, Joe Carlson 12, Kaleb Hurlburt 12, Jared Pemberton 12, Nick Rinker 12, Dylan Giboo 11, Gabe Higgins 11, Sam Hyman 11, Cole Pleace 11
Cheektowaga: Alex Bryant 12, Davon Brown 12, Rudy Bragg 12, Keon White 12, Jaquan Pugh 12, Terrance Bass 12, Jason Salomon 11, Armondez Cleague 11
East Aurora: Will Beavers 12, Kellan Wittman 12, Kam Kmicinski 11, Noah Denz 11, Connor Boss 10
Springville: no information provided by coach
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ECIC IV
Lackawanna enters the season as the defending league champion and sectional finalist in Class B1. The Steelers hope to repeat those successes from last season and take the next step in March. Noah Grabar is a slick passing and lights-out shooting junior, while Noble Smith is the team's leader who provides a strong presence at both ends of the floor. The team is hopeful that London Smith is able to fully recover from a football injury before season's end - he was fantastic for them all of last year. Depew slides back here after competing in ECIC III for the past several seasons. The Wildcats will once again challenge opponents with perimeter shooting with an undersized lineup of shooters enjoying the green light from head coach Larry Jones. Chad Biersbach is back to lead the way in his fifth varsity season and should become only the second player from Depew to break the 1,000 point barrier early in the year. JFK has four starters back in Jake Braniecki, Nick Baker, Jordan Snyder, and Zack Manzella, who will be asked to shoulder the load for the Bears. Cleveland Hill graduated several seniors from the team that lost in the Class C1 Final at JCC in March. If the Golden Eagles, who return Fredrick Johnson, Aaron Wahler, and Kellvonta Harris, can start the year with the same energy they finished with last season, they will have an opportunity to return to the same place. Alden will be led by a trio of seniors in Christian Snell, Joshua Jeziorski and Alexander Leigh. Snell and Jeziorski are two athletic wing players that have the ability to guard multiple positions, while Leigh is a knock down shooter who will be asked to provide a solid handle as well as timely scoring. Tonawanda will be a very young squad with many fresh faces and is described by head coach Hank Hughes as a very hard working group with high energy that is eager to learn. Holland will have a small roster this year in both numbers and size, and will need to rely on guard-oriented play at a fast pace. The team will be led by Jordan Kolbmann, but the entire roster is ready to contribute and play multiple minutes. At Eden, Paul O'Connor is the new head coach for both the varsity and JV teams. Eight of the players on his varsity roster will be underclassmen.
***
Lackawana: London Smith 12, Noble Smith 12, Robert Rice 12, Abdul Hamid Albaneh 12, Luis Aviles 12, Terrell Brower 12, Carlton Threeths 12, Juan Rodriguez 11, Noah Grabar 11, Jeremiah Caviness 11, Keyna Smith 11, Emmanual Land 11, Trenaje Giddens 11, Alfonso Rivera 11
Depew: Chad Biersbach 12, Jeremy Clark 12, Jordan Cieselski 12, Dylan Cwiklinski 12, Augustine Arricale 12, Sean Miller 11, Matt Martin 11, Vunal Blair 11, Joe Pagano 11, Alex Neu 11, Cullen Johnson 11, Jacob Wentland 11, Max Cotton 11, Collin Bruencz 11, PJ Burns 10
JFK: Jake Braniecki 12, Nick Baker 12, Jordan Snyder 12, Robert Burgstahler 12, Michael Nawojski 12, James Bailey 12, Leonard Fears 12, Zack Manzella 11, Nazier Childs 11, Kage Dauman 11, Mitchell Fischer 11, Mark Konczal 11, Alan Suarez 10
Cleveland Hill: Kellvonta Harris 12, Fredrick Johnson 11, Aaron Wahler 11, Peyton Barker 11, D'Mario Grant 11, Khalil Jackson 11, Carl Jackson 11, Alfred Walker 11
Alden: Christian Snell 12, Riley Pastuszynski 12, Joshua Jeziorski 12, Bradley Kibler 12, Alexander Leigh 12, Matthew Schuh 12, Jacob Fairbanks 12, Maxwell Gilbert 11, Peter Jalovick 11, Lucas Jurek 11, Quinn Keller 11, Trey Samsel 10, Lucas Bush 10
Holland: Josh Ratajczak 12, Paul Nellis 12, Jordan Kolbmann 12, Zach Pawlak 12, Brennan Lewandowski 11, Josey Rivera 11, Nolan Perry 10
Tonawanda: Henry Palermo 12, Joshua Mouton 12, Pat Carney 11, Noah Gross 11, Khristian Velazquez 11, Billy Zeughardt 11, Owen Baker 11, Austin Kislowski 11, Messiah Illas 10, JJ Velazquez 9, Trevin Boling 8
Eden: John Emel 12, Griffin Gill 12, Collin Rigley 12, Hayden Bromley 12, Jackson Carney 12, Charlie Bennett 12, Jared Sobsyk 11, Colton Stetz 11, Connor Blake 11, Zach Decarlis 11, Louis Decarlis 11, Tom Mcauly 11, Bryce Narbe 11, Tyreese Jackson 11
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Niagara Frontier League
Niagara Falls is the two-time defending champion of Class AA, and the talent back at NFHS should make it a three-peat. Tazaun Rose & Syquan Ralands are the inside/outside combination that will lead a Wolverines team that is small with some very young players, but should be a lot of fun to watch. Lockport graduated four starters, but still has some talent in the mix. The Lions benefit from the return of guards Torree Cheatham and Devon Darrell, who each played in the Monsignor Martin Association last season. They will combine with Malik Brooks, Luke Lawrence, and Devin Letherman for plenty of team speed. North Tonawanda returns Third Team All-Centercourt standout Trevor Book, who had all his talents on full display at Buffalo State last March as the Jacks rolled through the competition en route to the team's first regional appearance. Ryan Mountain is the reigning Coach of the Year, & along with returning seniors Sean Ferry, Kyle McNeill, and Cody Cronk, will groom newcomers from a successful JV team to continue the winning ways with defense as the backbone. Grand Island has three straight seasons with sectional wins and reached Buffalo State in Class A1 last year. Junior Cam Sionko is back after an All-Centercourt Honorable Mention season, along with a healthy Liam Carrey, a big and athletic player who dealt with injury last season. Lew-Port played together a lot over the summer and gains some key talent from a JV squad that finished 18-2 last season. They will combine with key returning players, led by Trent Scott, and look to get the Lancers back to Buff State in Class A2. Kenmore West has some very good seniors to replace and will rely on playing defense and getting out in transition. The Blue Devils have Andrew Fron, Dylan James, and Erick Rainey back who all saw time last year. Kenmore East has the talent back to compete in the NFL and take a run at reaching Buff State in Class A1. The Bulldogs are led by the backcourt of D'Anzo Young and Kahlil O'Neil, along with Nate Murdie and Nic Calhoun inside. CSAT played its first season in the NFL in a year when they had a young team and the league was the strongest in Section VI. For their second round of competition in the NFL, the Eagles have nine players back, eight of which are seniors, and plan to be a defensive-minded veteran group. Niagara Wheatfield will be led by third year player Anthony Ruffino, who along with Davon Ware, Ben Davanteir and Zach Stanley, had very productive offseasons.
***
Niagara Falls: Tazaun Rose 12, Syquan Ralands 12, Jamel Burton 12, Marques Miller 12, Quaran Dubois 12, Roderick Arrington 12, Naim Bradley 12, Josiah Harris 11, Moran Montgomery 11, Joe Palka 10, Taylor Sanders 10, Roddy Gayle 8, Willie Lightfoot 8
Lockport: Isiah Johnson 12, Rashaun Johnson 12, Luke Lawrence 12, Devin Leatherman 12, Tivon White 12, Emmanual Hunt 12, Devon Darrell 12, Malik Brooks 11, Torree Cheatham 11, Duane Barrow 11, Jayln Jones 11, Marcus Shavers 11, Josh Cooper 10
Grand Island: Liam Carey 12, Derek Callen 12, Cam Sionko 11, JJ Wilkes 11, Logan Sionko 9
North Tonawanda: Trevor Book 12, Codie Cronk 12, Sean Ferry 12, Kyle McNeill 12,Colin Beach 11, Nick Casterline 11, James Holler 11, Donny LaVerdi 11, Dante Moultrie 10, Noah Fox 10, Sebastian Reid 10, Walter Wisniewski 9
Lew-Port: Dylan Morrissette 12, William Duff 12, Brendan Perreault 12, Owen Licht 12, Tyler Maggard 12, Zach Raber 12, Joe Powers 11, Trent Scott 11, Jake Kasbaum 11, Zach Claybourne 11, Jason Boslet 11, Noah Coppins 11, Andrew Perrault 11, Aidan Salick 11
Kenmore West: Erick Rainey 12, Jake Poummit 12, Ronnie Martinez 12, Andrew Fron 12, Jaylan Young 12, Jack Stoerr 12, Jake Robb 12, Noah Fisk 12, Dylan James 11, Christian Montes 11, Zach LaPlante 11, Anthony Dolce 11, Dom Schmidt 11, Kyle Schmidt 11, Zac Boyes 10
Kenmore East: Tyler Everett 12, Zach Price 12, Brandon Baker 12, Kahlil O'Neil 12, Jamichael Henderson 12, Billy Sautter 12, Nic Calhoun 12, D'Anzo Young 11, Bill Carvalho 11, Nate Murdie 11, Franc Schmoyer 11, Justin Harper 11, Brandon Beltran 11, Joey Brooks 11
CSAT: James Stephens 12, Jayden Gulledge 12, Deshawn Williams 12, Mark Greamen 12, Devin Ashley 12, James Tyes 12, Jalen Walker 12, Nazir Austin 12, Makhi Love 12, Daighlyon Willoughby 11, Lenard Harris 11, Kavon Wright 11, Frank Williams 11, Mel'vhon Thomas 11, Jeffrey Bellamy 11
Niagara Wheatfield: Anthony Ruffino 12, William Scullion 12, Ben Devantier 12, Nick Cloudin 12, Jared Domaradzki 12, Tom sommers 12, Davon Ware 11, Zach stanley 11, James McVay 11Jordan Parks 11, Cam Miller 11, Evan Rohring 11, Jordy Smith 11,
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Niagara-Orleans
Newfane has gone from a young team to a seasoned bunch with six seniors who have played three varsity seasons. Max Weber & Kyle DeVoogel were each All-Centercourt Honorable Mention selections and First Team All-League following the 2017 season, and each enters the year near the 1,000 point mark. Weber is also closing in on 500 assists, while DeVoogel broke the school's steals record in a season last year. Medina is the league's two-time defending champ and ran the table against the competition last season. The Mustangs lost a pair of returning starters to out-of-town transfers, but still have some experience and talent back in the fold, led by Toledo football commit Jalin Cooper, who was a Top 25 All-Centercourt standout as a junior. Izaiah Rhim is also back after earning Second Team All-League as a sophomore, along with experienced guards Mason Lewis, Alex Allis, and Brendan Luthart. Wilson graduated four starters and will rely heavily on returning point guard Steve Frerichs' experience in his third varsity season. Mac Musall and Nate Fox are two players expected to make big contributions for the Lakemen. Roy-Hart's leading scorer, Jake Bruning (15.2 ppg) is back, along with backcourt mate Noah Kindron - a top defender and the team's floor general. Akron is coming off of a down year, but has several returning varsity players, along with the addition of underclassmen that were part of a successful JV team last year. The goal will be to continue to improve, play solid team basketball, and get some talented athletes to make basketball their priority. Albion is carrying three sophomores and will rely on its athletes stepping into bigger roles from last season to compete.
***
Newfane: Max Weber 12, Kyle DeVoogel 12, Chad Dunbar 12, Connor Hill 12, Brandon Gross 12, Drew Boudeman 12, Samuel Auernhamer 12, Thorne Geise 12, Cam Stanton 12, Trevor Moreland 12, Matt DiTullio 11, James Leibring 11, Jarrett Gilson 11, Jonah Wisniewski 11, Umaru Ibrihim 10
Medina: Jalin Cooper 12, Mason Lewis 12, Alex Allis 12, Brendan Luthart 12, Trenton Jones 12, Jorge Phillips 12, Izaiah Rhim 11, Daemon Shatara 11, Tavian Rhim 11, Tim Roy 11, Tanner Waldriff 11, Nate Sherman 10, Brian Fry 9, Tyler Chinn 9
Wilson: Jared Carney 12, Mac Musall 12, Matt Daul 12, Nate Fox 12, Steve Frerichs 11, Jake Miller 11, Ian Evans 11, Jon Littere 11, Brayden Thompson 10, Julian Andreola 10, Mitch Mahar 10, Alex Martinez 10
Roy-Hart: Jake Bruning 12, Jon Huntington 12, Noah Kindron 12, Brandon LaForme 12, Charlie Brigham 11, Charlie Bruning 11, Lance Krieger 11, Quinten Koch 11, Hunter Pratt 11, Ben White 11, Blake Halstead 11
Akron: Weylon Abrams 12, Owen Hill 12, Derek Holtz 12, Nelson Logan 12, Mason Schultz 12, Wyatt Martin 11, Stephen Wagner 11, Matt Delre 11, Nick Genovese 11, Carter Jensen 11, Tim Longwell 11, Donovan Nephew 11, Brandon Orr 11, Jake Siska 11, Adam Mietz 9
Albion: Hunter Webster 12, Bradley Sanford 12, Shyheim Jakes 12, Demetrius Gardner 12, Austin Dugan 12, Bryce Pritchard 11, Dylan Fox 11, Vincent Zona 11, Deyonci Farley 10, Kevin Hillman 10
Barker: no information provided by coach
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CCAA I West
Olean returns to Class B with a young team that features 10 juniors and returns a pair of starters in Mike Schmidt and Matt Droney. Look for the Huskies to resemble a veteran group sooner than later behind a HOF coach in Jeff Anastasia who now sits at the top of WNY's all-time win list, and continue to value defense as their constant. Andrew Krenzer is now the head coach of Dunkirk, who played a thriller with East Aurora in the Class B1 semifinal last season and brings most of its key contributors back. The Marauders have speed, size, shooters, and depth, and will be led by Darnell Butts and Devaun Farnham DeJesus. Chautauqua Lake is coming off a break through season that saw the program earn a pair of firsts: a victory over league champion Olean and an overall Class C title to advance to regionals in Class C. The Thunderbirds return First Team All-State player Devin Pope, who enters the season with nearly 1,400 career points, along with Kyler Majka and Alex Gleason who also saw extended playing time last year. Fredonia will be led by Nate Shuart, who averaged 14 ppg & eight rebounds as a sophomore, along with dime-dropping point guard Reid Tarnowski. The Hillbillies gain 10 players from last season's successful JV team that will provide depth to play an uptempo style. Look for freshman guard Tyler Putney to contribute immediately. Southwestern will look for points in transition, led by junior scoring leader Alex Card, who already has two years of varsity experience under his belt entering this season. Maple Grove returns Carson Christ, along with the usual hard working athletes that are a staple of this team. Other coaches in CCAA I West have all mentioned the Red Dragons as a team to beware of this season.
***
Olean: Zach Parr 12, Luke Chapman 12, Jaeden Harris 12, Thomas Klein 12, Mike Schmidt 11, Josh Bihler 11, Matt Droney 11, Brian Ramarge 11, Jack Dwaileebe 11, Alex Weakfall 11, Jarrett Prizel 11, Cameron Kitchen-Perez 11, Rheyquon Davis 11, DeySeann Garey 11
Dunkirk: Darnell Butts 12, Devaun Farnham DeJesus 12, Issiah Velez 12, Andre Lockett 12, Noah Sobilo 12, Tyreese Kristan-Johnson 12, Felix Garcia 12, Jaziah Rivera 12, Sabien Smith 12, Kayin Odebralski 11, Jonathan Pedrogo 11, Ethan Yannie 11
Chautauqua Lake: Devin Pope 12, Collin Wood 12, JC McCroskey 12, Kyler Majka 11, Alex Gleason 11, Jack Adams 11, Bryan Anderson 11, Dean McKane 11, Trey Sauerland 11, Blane Thomas 11, Sebastian Wescott 11, Nate Adams 10, Michael Anderson 9
Fredonia: Matt Tintsman 12, Jared Kowalski 12, Reid Tarnowski 12, Brendan Plaister 12, Andrew Field 12, Nate Shuart 11, Nico Pucci 11, Trey Swartz 11, Parker Rivera 11, Keith Piper 11, Raziel Pearl 11, Owen Nicosia 11, Brayden Myers 11, Tyler Putney 9
Southwestern: Luke Heil 12, Derek Miller 12, Anthony Vezina 12, Max Kane 12, Saad Meer 12, Alex Card 11, Faizan Munir 11, Mayson Mathews 11, Jake Hnatyszyn 11, Cooper Pannes 10, Mitchell Pascarella 10
Maple Grove: no information provided by coach
Falconer: no information provided by coach
*****************************************
CCAA I East
Silver Creek failed to reach a championship game at JCC for the first time in seven seasons last year, and the team has made its goal to return there in March. Playing the up-tempo style the Black Knights are known for, along with the return of four starters and the addition of Gowanda transfer Jarmani Benton, should have them right back in the mix for both league and the section. Gowanda lost its second leading scorer to transfer, but returns its top gun in two-time All-Centercourt Honorable Mention selection Nate Brawdy, a long & smooth scorer with an all around skill set. They also gained a big man in Ture Hassler who is sure to give teams fits with his size & style of play. Randolph is the defending league and Class C2 champion after an inspired defensive performance in the sectional final against East last season. While the Cardinals only return one starter, they are fed by a JV squad that finished 18-2 last season. Tyler Hind, the team's playoff MVP, is back after averaging 17.6 ppg as a freshman, along with Isaac Wakefield and Andrew Bernard. Allegany-Limestone returns most of its team that played plenty of minutes last year. The Gators will be led by Sam Flanders and Sean McAfee, along with rising sophomores Casey Curran and Michael Wolfgang. For Salamanca, despite the graduation of nine seniors, the Warriors roster is hardly void of talent. With defense and rebounding remaining a constant, they will look to play a faster tempo and remain competitive in an always difficult league. Portville has just one starter back and only four seniors on the roster this season. Still, this Panthers squad brings length and athleticism to the table and looks to gain some quick seasoning.
***
Silver Creek: Chad Yochum 12, Tom Galfo 12, Jarmani Benton 12, Tucker Gates 11, Braeden Woleben 11, Ammon Jones 11, Jack Brennan 11, Dylan Snow 11, Dom Jamison 10
Gowanda: Nate Brawdy 12, Ryan John 12, Uriah John 12, Ture Hassler 12, Nolan Rosier 11, Max Lindgren 12, Matias Rikka 12, Nolan Rosier 12, Tristan Jensen 11, Matt Smuda 11, Damen MacLeod 11, Aaron Colantino 11, Jonas Lindgren 9
Randolph: Isaac Wakefield 12, Dakota Donaldson 12, Tres Sherman 12, Devin Foster 12, Calvin George 12, Andrew Bernard 11, Tyler Hind 10, Branson Morrison 10, Kaleb Steward 10, Gabe McCoy 8
Allegany-Limestone: Sean McAfee 12, Grant Davis 12, Roman Napoleon 12, Michael Nye 12, Tommy Moran 12, Sam Flanders 11, Conner Golley 11, Gabe Kellogg 11, Casey Curran 10, Michael Wolfgang 10, Gus Napoleon 10
Salamanca: Hercules Rasha 12, Braden Siebert 12, Mitchell Richardson 12, Nick Johnson 12, Tyler Hedlund 11, Ira John 11, Zariah Armstrong 11, Ryan Chiemara 11, Zach Helms 11, Hunter McAuley 11, Jarrett McKenna 10, Isaac Brown 9
Portville: Jonah Watson 12, Brendan Tobola 12, Kyle Murray 12, Noah Swartwout 12, Nathan Kloc 11, Dalton Nuffer 11, Noah Pullins 11, Dawson Havers 11, Caden Keim 11, Brandon Murray 11, Cameron Lott 11, Jarrett Mathes 11, Dalton Tobola 10
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CCAA II West
Sherman returns Jared Gleason, who was a First Team selection in CCAA II West last season, along with Honorable Mention selection Tanner Ramsey. The Wildcats have been a force in the Class D ranks for years, reaching JCC for at least the past seven seasons. Westfield has two of the league's top performers in Shawn Horr & Julio Torres, along with three more players who saw significant minutes last season, and a player that will pose problems with his size - 6-5, 260 lb sophomore Andrew Baribeau. Brocton would like to play a quick tempo style and bring a little showtime to the scene, with Bubba Brown leading the cast of contributors. Clymer has six players returning from last years squad, four of which played significant time, and will start the season with a new point guard taking the reigns. Panama has just two players back this season with varsity experience. The team will have seven juniors who all played together on JV last season, along with sophomore Cameron Barmore, who is poised for a strong season. Frewsburg will be a young team with just two seniors and four returning players. The Bears are led by Tyler Marchincin at both ends of the floor, along with Quinn Conlan and Brad Nelson.
***
Sherman: Jared Gleason 12, Caleb Burick 12, Gavin Kahle 12, Tanner Ramsey 12, Darren Kopta 12, Collin Ramsey 11, Jordan Caron 11, Kameron Ayers 11, Austin Tallman 11, Mike Beatman 11, Reece Bates 11, Chance Meeder 11, Hunter Cooper 11, John Swabik 9
Westfield: Shawn Horr 12, Julio Torres 12, Brady Nusom 12, Cody Patterson 12, Christian Hammond 12, Brock Shuster 11, Coby Bills 11, Ryan Jafarjian 11, Evan Hauser 11, David Kircher 11, Matt See 11, Anthony Spann 11, Nathan Culbreth 10, Andrew Baribeau 10, Michael Johnosn 10
Brocton: Hunter Rizzo 12, Charles Rexford 12, Gabe Rosas 12, Daniel Siragusa 12, Bubba Brown 11, Riley Rivera 11, Jordan Kyrstofiak 11, Derrick Burns 11, Darien Booker 11, Gabe Morello 10, Caleb Chelton 10
Clymer: Corey Neckers 12, Dustin Neckers 12, Sam Wiggers 12, Jordan Wade 12, Spencer TeWinkle 12, Robert Overton 11
Panama: Tom Delahoy 12, Carter Morse 12, Isaac Lawson 11, Dominic Spontaneo 11, Jack Sperry 11, Jake Harper 11, AJ Troyer 11, Mitch Hovey 11, Ryan Joslyn 11, Cameron Barmore 10
Frewsburg: Tyler Marchincin 12, Bill Piazza 12, Jvyn Matve 11, Quinn Conlan 11, Dan Reinagel 11, Nolan Brink 11, Dylan Pearson 11, Conour Rodgers 11, Brad Nelson 10, Aaron Hair 10
Cassadaga Valley: no information provided by coach
**********************************************
CCAA II East
Franklinville earned a share of the league crown with rival Ellicottville, but won the rubber match at JCC which led to a state run in Class D that saw the Panthers reach the final four in Binghamton. The goal this season is clear - get back there, hope to finish what they started last season, and earn a state championship. Fourth Team All-Centercourt forward Sam Erickson is the team's leader, while Isaac Kopp and Darren Clark are major contributors. With the entire rotation back, it's possible the Panthers open the season ranked #1 in NYS Class D. Ellicottville also comes back this season in force after splitting the league with Franklinville. The Eagles also return all five starters and their top six players, led by 2017 Fourth Team All-Centercourt and two-time First Team All-State center Elliot Bowen. Griffin Chudy and point guard Austin Grinols, along with Bowen, will all be four-year varsity starters and are hoping to go out with a sectional title and beyond. Chris Buczek returns as head coach at Pine Valley, where he takes over for a team that has six seniors who all returned and will try to take advantage of the athleticism his roster offers. Forestville has just four players returning this season and plans to focus its efforts on the defensive end as the newcomers get up to speed at the varsity level.
***
Franklinville: Sam Erickson 12, Isaac Kopp 12, Darren Clark 12, Brock Blecha 12, Dylan Burton 12, Kaleb Watts 12, Conner Burrell 12, Ben Mooney 11,Malakhai Holiday 11, John Yan 11, Vinny Marchese 10, Josh Haskell 8
Ellicottville: Elliot Bowen 12, Griffin Chudy 12, Austin Grinols 12, Noah Stuve 12, Deric Leiper 12, Mitchell Sexton 12, Evan Palmatier 12, Robert Neumann 12, Parker Rieman 12, Cody Luder 12, Matt Grigsby 12, Vaugh Bomberry 12, Steven Rowland 11, Brenden Chudy 11, Brennan Finn 11
Pine Valley: Trent Mihalko 12, Zachary Mansfield 12, Stephen Crisanti 12, Bobby Clutter 12, Dakota Loop 12, Ben Distasio 12, Bayley Finch 11, Brady Andrews 11, Makiah Snyder 11, Ryan Snyder 11, Anthony Yaskow 11
Forestville: Lewis Markham 12, Hector West 12, Phillip Narraway 12, Travis Drozdziel 11, Nikolas Lelonek 11, Orlando Soto 11, Skyler Christian 11, Jordan Fores 11, Gavin Christian 10, Dalton Hastings 10, Javier West 9
North Collins: no information provided by coach
Cattaraugus/Little Valley: no information provided by coach
********************************************
Charter Schools
Health Sciences broke through in 2017 and gave the school its first Section VI champion in Class B2. The Falcons followed it up with a run to states in Class B. Davonte Gaines, Kameron Briggs, Tayvion Nelson, and Josiah Haygood will lead a deep lineup that looks to run teams into the ground with pace and pressure. Antwan Anderson takes the reigns at Global Concepts after serving as an assistant at Manhattan Cup finalist St. Francis. Junior Luis Mercado will lead the Gators, along with talented freshman Andre Goldsmith. At Oracle, Chris Castleberry takes the reigns as head coach and has an athletic team with the ability to get in your face defensively and push the ball up the floor offensively. The Phoenix will look to make a strong playoff push at the end of the season. BASCS, which stands for Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School, returns seniors Mian Tasnum and Trevor Mosley, and will be led by team captain Ibrahim Osmani.
***
Health Sciences: Davonte Gaines 12, Tayvion Nelson 12, Aquell Crosby 12, Shakir Cook 12, Tyseen Lott 11, Kameron Briggs 11, Josiah Haygood 11, Timothy Benton 11, Daciaire Riley 10, Kyjuan Inabinett 9, Javaughn Jones 9, Donovan Miller 9
Oracle: Joe Perez 12, Gary Marshall 12, Delmareion White 12, Bonifasi Luundo 12, Khalil Kabia 12, Anthony Halton 12, Deontay Johnson 12, Shareef Murray 12, Jacquan Steele 12, Raekwon Graves 11, Shontez Asturias 11, Atem Bol 11, Kyle Tyler 11
Global Concepts: Donovn Wallance 12, Bahadeen Aljari 12, Branden Coleman 12, Branden Gibson 12, Nick Kalimu 11, Luis Mercado 11, Mysome Johnson 11, Lee Kalimu 11, Jakiel Vamer 11, Anthony Miller 10, Andre Goldsmith 9
BASCS: Mian Tasnum 12, Trevor Mosley 12, Javier Melendez 12, Muhammad Maksudov 12, Ja’Quan Wingard 12, Amar Woodwiley 12, Josh Workman 12, Branton Morgan 12, Jayron Lewis 12, Ibrahim Osmani 11, Justin Hunt 11, Abdi Cali 11, Vote Wavote 11, Carlos Rodriquez 11, Adriel Powell 11, Sean Johnson 11
Maritime: Ray Rich 12, KeSean Weston 12, Malachi Grimes 12, Amed Morales 12, Angel Canules 12, Jaerek Sopinski 12, Ian Henderson 12, Isaiah Donmore 12, Jalill Carpenter 12, Tyler Wilson 11, Tyress Hall 10, John Blevins 10
Tapestry: no information provided by coach
*****************************************
Teams with New Coaches
Rich Jacob - Park
Jason Rowe - Timon
Pat Clarke - Nichols
Tom Ford - CCA
Des Randall - West Seneca West
John Reinholz - Hamburg
Todd Kleitz - Iroquois
Chris Juergens - Pioneer
Paul O'Connor - Eden
James Kane - Middle College
Nick Todaro - DaVinci
Andrew Krenzer - Dunkirk
Michael Brooks - Barker
David Kozar - Albion
Antwan Anderson - Global Concepts
Chris Castleberry - Oracle
Mike Ester - Tapestry
*********************************************
Classification Changes
Kenmore West moves down from Class AA to Class A1
Kenmore East moves up from Class A2 to Class A1
East Aurora moves up from Class B1 to Class A2
Emerson moves up from Class B1 to Class A2
Olean moves down from Class A2 to Class B1
Lackawanna moves up from Class B2 to Class B1
Medina moves up from Class B2 to Class B1
Maritime moves up from Class C1 to Class B2
Riverside moves down from Class B1 to Class B2
Cleveland Hill moves up from Class C1 to Class B2
DaVinci moves up from Class C1 to Class B2
East moves down from Class C2 to Class D
Westfield moves down from Class C2 to Class D
Frewsburg moves down from Class C2 to Class D
**********************************************
Preseason Polls
** I checked back on last season's preseason poll and compared it to my final poll of 2017. I correctly placed seven of the top ten large schools in the preseason Top 10, and had six of the 10 small schools. My favorite part about doing this is being right and wrong all at the same time! While I nailed it by having Canisius at the top to start last year, I blew it by not having North Tonawanda in the large school top 10, and the Jacks finished as the highest ranked public school. Among the small schools, I started Health Sciences at #2 and the Falcons finished #1, but Class B Manhattan Cup champion St. Mary's was nowhere to be found in the preseason Top 10. The Lancers were #2 when the dust settled.
Large Schools
1. Canisius
2. Park
3. Niagara Falls
4. Williamsville South
5. St. Francis
6. South Park
7. McKinley
8. Timon
9. West Seneca West
10. Williamsville North
Small Schools
1. Health Sciences
2. Olean
3. Franklinville
3. St. Mary's
4. East
6. Cardinal O'Hara
7. Dunkirk
8. Nichols
9. Middle College
10. Niagara Catholic
********************************************
Predictions
MMA Class A - Canisius
MMA Class B - Cardinal O'Hara
Yale Cup I - South Park
Yale Cup II - MST Seneca
ECIC I - West Seneca West
ECIC II - Williamsville South
ECIC III - Lake Shore
ECIC IV - Lackawanna
NFL - Niagara Falls
N-O - Newfane
CCAA I West - Olean
CCAA I East - Silver Creek
CCAA II West - Sherman
CCAA II East - Franklinville
Charters - Health Sciences
*********************************************
Manhattan Cup (A)
Last season, I predicted the Crusaders to win the Cup and it was the first time I got right since the 2013 season. They basically bring the farm back and there were a couple stud sophomores that jumped off the page at me when watching their JV team last year. If they enter Canisius' already loaded rotation, along with Austin James being back in the fold, I like my chances. That said, I expect Park to be the Crusaders' equal this year - and it should make for three epic battles...like the ones we watched two seasons ago.
** Canisius **
Manhattan Cup (B)
I went with Nichols in this spot last season and was oh so close to being right - but it was St. Mary's that prevailed in a thrilling final. With the talent the Lancers have back, they have to be the favorite to repeat in my opinion. But the Class B race should be as fun as its been in years with four teams sitting on some real talent and hungry to knock the snot out of each other. I'll go with the Lancers, but won't be shocked to see them bounced in the semifinals by O'Hara, Nichols, or Niagara Catholic.
** St. Mary's **
Class AA
Final Four to reach Buffalo State:
Niagara Falls, Williamsville North, Clarence, & Lockport
** Niagara Falls **
Class A1
Final Four to reach Buffalo State:
Williamsville South, McKinley, West Seneca West, & Grand Island
** Williamsville South **
Class A2
Final Four to reach Buffalo State:
South Park, Amherst, Lake Shore, & Maryvale
** South Park **
Class B1
Final Four to reach Buffalo State:
Olean, Dunkirk, Newfane, & Lackawanna
** Olean **
Class B2
Final Four to reach Buffalo State:
Health Sciences, Middle College, Gowanda, & Cleveland Hill
** Health Sciences **
Class C
Final Four to reach JCC:
Chautauqua Lake, Randolph, Silver Creek, & Maple Grove
** Silver Creek **
Class D
Final Four to reach JCC:
Ellicottville, Franklinville, East, & Sherman
** Franklinville **
-centercourt
Sunday, March 19, 2017
All-League Teams 2017
MONSIGNOR MARTIN ASSOCIATION
Class A
Player of the Year:
Davion Warren - Timon, 12
All-Catholic
Joe Harrison - Timon, 12
Joe Jones - Park, 11
Bo Sireika - St. Francis, 11
Julian Cunningham - St. Francis, 10
Dan Scott - Park, 10
Class B
Player of the Year:
Tavien Kemp - Walsh, 12
All-Catholic
Will Johnson - Nichols, 12
Daquan Hunt - St. Mary's, 12
Christian Szablewski - St. Mary's, 11
Latrell Butler-Kemp - Walsh, 11
Justin Hemphill - Cardinal O'Hara, 10
************************************************
YALE CUP I
Player of the Year:
Shakur Harris - South Park, 12
First Team
Willard Anderson - East, 11
Ray Mushat - South Park, 11
Hakeem Dobbins - Middle College, 11
Nakye Booze - McKinley, 12
Tyreek Edwards - Emerson, 12
Second Team
Deamontae Riley - Burgard, 11
Justin Allen - East, 11
Davonti Wardlaw - McKinley, 12
Deon Spencer - McKinley, 11
Anthony Mack - South Park, 9
Third Team
Derrick Bishop - Middle College, 12
Nader Kompany - Middle College, 11
Kavon Rogers - McKinley, 11
Elijah Lewis - South Park, 10
Gerald Bratton - Riverside, 12
Honorable Mention
South Park: Jeremy Jackson - 12, Jakari Woods - 12, Khalil White - 12
East: Waunya Shaw - 11, Jahahd Maryon - 11
McKinley: Emir Evans - 11, Joe Johnson - 12
Middle College: Shawn Goree - 12, Allen McDuffie - 12
Burgard: DeJuan Williams - 10
Riverside: Hak Douth - 11
Hutch-Tech: Anthony Whitfield - 11
Emerson: Anthony Hunter - 12
************************************************
YALE CUP II
Co-Players of the Year:
Dan Reid - Olmsted, 12 / David Anderson - MST Seneca, 12
First Team
Earl Howard - MST Seneca, 10
Naseem Baynes - Olmsted, 12
Dom Prince - MST Seneca, 12
Carlos Rosa - Lafayette, 11
Amir Radford - City Honors, 10
Second Team
Alijay Clark - I-Prep, 12
Takeylo Burts - Lafayette, 12
Javaughn Johnson - Buffalo Arts, 12
Jason Chapman - MST Seneca, 10
Austin Parham - Olmsted, 12
Third Team
Jeffrey Felix - Lafayette, 12
Talon Moody - City Honors, 12
Dreqwan Johnson - Buffalo Arts, 12
Greg Ngoma - I-Prep, 12
EB Lewis - DaVinci, 9
Honorable Mention
City Honors: Kevion Taylor - 9, Jaden Slaughter - 8
Lafayatte: Austin Grimes - 11
Buffalo Arts: Charles Slobert - 9
DaVinci: Mykel Hardgrove - 12
*************************************************
ALL-ECIC
Player of the Year:
Dominick Welch, Cheektowaga, 12
First Team
Dominick Welch, Cheektowaga, 12
Greg Dolan, Williamsville South, 11
James Rojas - Jamestown, 12
Marcellus Cooper - Amherst, 12
Nick Montgomery - East Aurora, 12
Second Team
Vito Fulciniti - Lancaster, 12
Mason Goodridge - Springville, 10
Ray Blackwell - Maryvale, 11
Da'Shawn Hines - Amherst, 12
Josh Denz - East Aurora, 12
*************************************************
ECIC I
Player of the Year:
James Rojas - Jamestown, 12
First Team
Vito Fulciniti - Lancaster, 12
LG Castillo - Lancaster, 12
Alec Tamburri - Lancaster, 11
Dylan Anderson - Orchard Park, 11
Jairus Huggins - Williamsville North, 12
Second Team
Jesse Wayland - West Seneca West, 11
Dan Anderson - Orchard Park, 12
Noah Speyer - Lancaster, 12
Marcus Rojas - Jamestown, 10
River Reinhardt - Clarence, 10
Jacob Belote - Williamsville North, 10
Honorable Mention
Frontier: Kyle Ebert - 11, Brian Norsen - 10, Zack Gerken - 12
Williamsville North: Corey Swiech - 11, Anthony Maniscalco - 12
Clarence: Jack Putney - 10
Jamestown: Matt Hill - 11
****************************************************
ECIC II
Player of the Year:
Greg Dolan - Williamsville South, 11
First Team
Marcellus Cooper - Amherst, 12
Dakota Wiley - Williamsville South, 12
Da'Shawn Hines - Amherst, 12
Jake Genzel - Hamburg, 11
Drew Butler - Williamsville East, 12
Second Team
Chris Stineman - West Seneca East, 10
Zamari Mitchell - West Seneca East, 10
Evan John - Sweet Home, 10
Dominic Farszmil - West Seneca East, 12
Stephon Trueheart - Sweet Home, 10
Honorable Mention
Williamsville South: Adam Braniecki - 12, Mark Worthy - 12
Williamsville East: Matthew Gelder, 12
Iroquois: Matthew Whalen, 12
Amherst: Daesean Ashley, 9
Hamburg: Patrick Hart, 12
****************************************************
ECIC III
Player of the Year:
Dominick Welch - Cheektowaga, 12
First Team
Nick Montgomery- East Aurora, 12
Josh Denz - East Aurora, 12
Ray Blackwell - Maryvale, 11
John Park - Lake Shore, 11
Chad Biersbach - Depew, 11
Second Team
Derek Clemons - Starpoint, 12
Cal McTigue - East Aurora, 12
Kyle Burley - Pioneer, 11
Vaughn Burdette - Cheektowaga, 12
Justin Mott - Starpoint, 10
Rudy Bragg - Cheektowaga, 11
Honorable Mention
Maryvale: Brian Sullivan - 12
Lake Shore: Jay Brueckl - 11
Starpoint: Adam Lasal - 12
Cheektowaga: Alex Bryant - 11
Depew: Tyler Biersbach, 12
East Aurora: Joe Montgomery - 12
************************************************
ECIC IV
Player of the Year:
Mason Goodridge - Springville, 10
First Team
Paul Woodward - Cleveland Hill, 12
Coan Relyea - Holland, 12
Noah Grabar - Lackawanna, 10
Marcus James - Springville, 12
Christian Snell - Alden, 11
Second Team
Andy Bialy - Eden, 12
London Smith - Lackawanna, 11
Jacob Braniecki - JFK, 11
Tyler Phillips - Cleveland Hill, 12
Jordan Pacillo - Lackawanna, 12
Trey Lilly - Tonawanda, 12
Honorable Mention
Lackawanna: Harris Bekric - 10, Noble Smith - 11
Tonawanda: Charlie Moore - 12, Nick Bitter - 12
Holland: Jordan Kolbmann, Pierce Gardon
JFK: Thomas Isbrandt - 12
Alden: Conrad Boucher - 12
Cleveland Hill: J'Son James - 12
Eden: Jason Porter
***************************************************
NIAGARA FRONTIER LEAGUE
First Team
Tyler Aquilina - Kenmore West, 12
Trevor Book - North Tonawanda, 11
Tavon Chambers - Lockport, 12
Tal James - Kenmore West, 12
Cam Sionko - Grand Island, 10
Second Team
Syquan Ralands - Niagara Falls, 11
Kyle LaPlante - Kenmore West, 12
Kyle Brown - Lockport, 12
Mario Wright - Grand Island, 12
Malik Brooks - Lockport, 10
Third Team
Jalen Bradberry - Niagara Wheatfield, 8
Tazaun Rose - Niagara Falls, 11
Alex Quinn - North Tonawanda, 12
JB Wilkes - Grand Island, 12
Charles Lamar - Niagara Falls, 12
*******************************************************
NIAGARA-ORLEANS
First Team
Jalin Cooper - Medina, 11
Nathan Luckman - Barker, 12
Max Weber - Newfane, 11
Johnny Salone - Medina, 10
Kyle DeVoogel - Newfane, 11
Second Team
Justin Daul - Wilson, 12
Izaiah Rhim - Medina, 10
Jacob Bruning - Roy-Hart, 11
Kory Reynolds - Albion, 12
Connor Seeley - Wilson, 12
Honorable Mention
Akron: Mason Schultz - 11, Derek Holtz - 11
Albion: Lamar Chambers - 12, Tommy Matison - 12, Chase Hall - 12, Tanner Ferris - 12
Barker: Eddie Wasnock - 12, Jake Arnold - 12, Austin Sullivan - 11
Roy-Hart: Daniel Davis - 12, Brendan Hess - 12
Newfane: Caleb Russell - 12, Connor Hill - 11, Chad Dunbar - 11, Brandon Gross - 11
Medina: Vincent Montague - 10, Brendan Luthart - 11, Mason Lewis - 12, Alex Allis - 12, Tyrellis Atkins - 12
Wilson: Jonah Miller - 12, Steve Frerichs - 10
**************************************************
CCAA I West
Player of the Year:
Devin Pope - Chautauqua Lake, 11
First Team
Monty Shoemaker - Olean, 12
Aaron Swan - Chautauqua Lake, 12
Darnell Butts - Dunkirk, 11
Lucas Voss - Fredonia, 12
Carson Crist - Maple Grove, 10
Second Team
Shamon Stewart - Dunkirk, 12
Mike Schmidt - Olean, 10
Nate Shuart - Fredonia, 10
Tristen Snyder - Olean, 12
Michael Padilla - Maple Grove, 12
Honorable Mention
Dunkirk: Evon Hernandez - 12, Tyreek Ruiz - 12, Devaun Farnham - 11, Noah Sobilo - 11
Maple Grove: Dalton Dubois - 12, Peter Auer - 9
Falconer: Brandon Luke - 12, Brandon Crick - 11
Olean: Matt Droney - 10, Luke Rogers - 12
Southwestern: Niko Pannes - 12, Alex Card - 10
Chautauqua Lake: Tyler Meredith - 12
******************************************************
CCAA II WEST
Co-Players of the Year:
Chris Robson - Sherman, 12 & Cordell O'Brien - Frewsburg, 12
First Team
Justin Svetz - Clymer, 12
Josh Van Earden - Clymer, 12
Dustin Neckers - Clymer, 11
Jared Gleason - Sherman, 11
Second Team
David Grayson - Westfield, 12
Tristen Frye - Panama, 12
Brandon Chamberlin - Cassadaga Valley, 12
Johnethen Spicer - Brocton, 12
Shawn Horr - Westfield, 11
Honorable Mention
Sherman: Mike Delcamp - 12, Brandon Nickerson - 12, Kyle Carpenter - 12, Tanner Ramsey - 11
Frewsburg: Nyle Bird - 12, Caleb Caldwell - 12, Tyler Marchincin - 11, Brad Nelson - 9
Clymer: Dylan Davis - 12
Brocton: Garrett McFadden - 12
Cassadaga Valley: Conner Crabtree - 10, Adam Goot - 10
Westfield: Julio Torres - 11
Panama: Noah Eggleston - 12, Lucas Golden - 12
**************************************************
CCAA I EAST
Co-Players of the Year:
Tyler Hind - Raandolph, 9 & Nate Brawdy - Gowanda, 11
First Team
Zeus Enriquez - Salamanca, 12
Jarrett Lecceadone - Randolph, 12
Zach Hemphill - Allegany-Limestone, 12
Jake Beaver - Randolph, 12
Second Team
Jarmani Benton - Gowanda, 11
Joe Sherlock - Salamanca, 12
Hercules Rasha - Salamanca, 11
Nick Stein - Portville, 12
Sam Flanders - Allegany-Limestone, 10
Brady Woelben - Silver Creek, 10
Honorable Mention
Portville: Colin Kloc - 12, Jaeden Harris - 11
Gowanda: Matt Kruszka - 12
Randolph: Kaleb Frink - 12
Salamanca: Derek McClure - 12, Michael Collins - 12
Allegany-Limestone: Sean McAffee - 11
Silver Creek: Chris Williams - 12
***************************************************
CCAA II EAST
Player of the Year:
Elliot Bowen - Ellicottville, 11
First Team
Sam Erickson - Franklinville, 11
Dylan Chase - Pine Valley, 12
Griffin Chudy - Ellicottville, 11
Isaac Kopp - Franklinville, 11
Darren Clark - Franklinville, 11
Second Team
Austin Grinols - Ellicottville, 11
Brandon Zielinski - North Collins, 11
Kalvin Stanbro - Forestville, 12
Kellen Martin - Cattaraugus/Little-Valley, 12
Lewis Markham - Forestville, 11
Zach Mansfield, Pine Valley, 11
Honorable Mention
Franklinville: Brock Belcha - 11, Dylan Burton - 11
Ellicottville: Steven Rowland - 10, Noah Stuve - 11
Pine Valley: Gilberto Ortiz - 12
Forestville: Trent Hartloff - 12
Cattaraugus/Little-Valley: Austin Baker - 11
North Collins: Zachary Schroeder - 11
All-Charter
Player of the Year:
Davonte Gaines - Health Sciences, 11
Offensive & Defensive POY:
Davonte Gaines - Health Sciences, 11
First Team
Davonte Gaines - Health Sciences, 11
Tyron Lott - Health Sciences, 11
Shakur Bridges - Oracle Charter, 12
Dwight Dilbert - Global Concepts, 12
Paitwan Jenifer - Tapestry, 12
-centercourt
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Sectional Preview - 2017
(Monty Shoemaker & the Olean Huskies enter sectionals on a 14-game win streak / Photo: Olean Times Herald)
The Section VI postseason begins Tuesday night with seven First Round matchups. The winner moves on to participate in the Pre-Quarterfinal round on Wednesday night at 7 pm. On Friday, 32 Quarterfinal games will decide which teams move on to Buffalo State and JCC for the semifinals.
Below I take a look at some of the best matchups we could potentially see in the pre-quarterfinals, quarterfinals, semifinals, and even the championship games, along with sleepers, some winning streaks, and predictions.
** Please note that many of the games below are based on my predictions of who will win in prior rounds
Most exciting brackets, top to bottom:
8. C1
7. D
6. C2
5. A1
4. B1
3. B2
2. AA
1. A2
- The Class A2 bracket is awesome for several reasons. Amherst has been the highest ranked from that bunch all year and are the only local public school to knock off Williamsville South since 2015. Cheektowaga has Dom Welch leading the Warriors and chasing the all-time scoring record, which very well could happen under the bright lights at Buff State. South Park won the Yale Cup, which gives them a 70% chance of winning a Section VI crown based on past history. Olean is the defending Class B state champion with the area's all-time winningest Hall of Fame coach and they just beat Timon by 10. Maryvale owns a win over Olean this season.
Sleepers from each bracket
AA - Niagara Falls: They are the #5 seed, so the Wolverines would qualify under this category. Despite finishing 4th in the NFL, Falls is more than capable of winning the whole thing. They've defeated the likes of UPrep, Kenmore West, Lockport, & North Tonawanda this season, along with going to overtime against Park.
A1 - Sweet Home: The Panthers are still young, but have a win over Williamsville North this season and have shown the ability to hang with a couple large school top 10 teams...this month they only lost by five to both Amherst & Kenmore West.
A2 - Maryvale: They were my sleeper in this bracket last year also. The fact that the Flyers are one of two teams to defeat Olean this season, who they visit in the Quarterfinal Round this Friday night, says it all.
B1 - Dunkirk: The #5 seed has been all over the place this season, but when they're on...look out. A quarterfinal win at Springville would have them facing East Aurora in the semifinals at Buff State. I'm willing to bet the Marauders are the one team East Aurora had hoped to avoid until the final.
B2 - Wilson: The Lakemen are the classic team that will make you pay for not showing up...or sleeping on them. They knocked off Niagara Wheatfield this season and also played Medina within four points.
C1 - Allegany-Limestone: The Gators have improved after dropping their first four games to start the season. They competed with Nichols in a nonleague contest, knocked off Wellsville late in the year, and spent the regular season taking their licks in CCAA I East. They can hang with the rest in this bracket.
C2 - Maple Grove: The Red Dragons just beat Dunkirk a week ago, swept Fredonia, knocked off Clymer (top seed in Class D), and have been to Glens Falls three times in the last decade, with two state titles.
D - Pine Valley: The Class D bracket only has six teams. I'll go out on a limb and make the #6 seed Panthers my sleeper.
Top 10 Pre-Quarterfinal Games (Wednesday, February 22nd)
10. Iroquois @ Starpoint
9. Silver Creek @ Global Concepts
8. Frontier @ Orchard Park
7. Fredonia @ I-Prep
6. CSAT/Riverside @ Depew
5. Roy-Hart @ Lafayette
4. Alden @ Burgard *at MST Seneca
3. JFK @ Gowanda
2. Lake Shore @ Pioneer
1. Niagara Wheatfield @ Clarence
Top 10 Quarterfinal Games (Friday, February 24th)
10. West Seneca East @ McKinley
9. Barker @ Holland
8. Maryvale @ Olean
7. Allegany-Limestone @ Salamanca
6. Wilson @ Lackawanna
5. Burgard @ East Aurora
4. Sweet Home @ Grand Island
3. Maple Grove @ Frewsburg
2. Middle College vs. Health Sciences *at Daemen
1. Niagara Falls @ Loclport
Most Exciting Potential Semifinals
8. Olmsted vs. Lackawanna (B2)
7. East Aurora vs. Dunkirk (B1)
6. Health Sciences vs. Medina (B2)
5. Ellicottville vs. Franklinville (D)
4. Kenmore West vs. Lancaster (AA)
3. Jamestown vs. Niagara Falls/Lockport
2. Olean vs. Amherst (A2)
1. Cheektowaga vs. South Park (A2)
Most Exciting Championship Games
5. Class B2
4. Class A1
3. Class AA
2. Class C2
1. Class A2
Winning streaks heading into sectionals
Olean - 14 (and 16 of last 17)
Medina - 13 (and 15 of last 16)
MST Seneca - 10 (and 12 of last 13)
South Park - 10
Randolph - 9 (and 12 of last 13)
Kenmore West 8 (and 11 of last 12)
East Aurora - 7 (and 11 of last 12)
Clymer - 7 (and 11 of last 12)
Franklinville - 6 (and 12 of last 13)
Lockport - 6 (and 7 of last 8)
Springville - 6
* Olmsted has won 15 of its last 16
* Amherst has won 14 of its last 15
* Frewsburg has won 13 of its last 14
* Ellicottville has won 10 of its last 11
* Williamsville South has won 8 of its last 9
Predictions
AA - Niagara Falls
A1 - Williamsville South
A2 - Olean
B1 - East Aurora
B2 - Health Sciences
C1 - Chautauqua Lake
C2 - East
D - Franklinville
-centercourt
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Class B1 & B2 Brackets - 2017 Sectionals
Class B1
First Round - Tuesday, February 21st
(16) Emerson 71, (9) Alden 53
(12) Albion 63, (13) City Honors 52
(10) Fredonia 57, (15) Tonawanda 39
(14) CSAT 86, (11) Riverside 72
Pre-Quarterfinals - Wednesday, February 22nd
(8) Burgard 69, (16) Emerson 44
(5) Dunkirk 78, (12) Albion 39
(10) Fredonia 61, (7) I-Prep 49
(6) Depew 61, (14) CSAT 55
Quarterfinals - Friday, February 24th
(1) East Aurora 47, (8) Burgard 34
(5) Dunkirk 69, (4) Springville 49
(2) MST Seneca 52, (10) Fredonia 39
(3) Newfane 78, (6) Depew 53
Semifinals - Monday, February 27th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 6 pm & 7:45 pm
(1) East Aurora 59, (5) Dunkirk 55
(3) Newfane 65, (2) MST Seneca 63
Final - Saturday, March 4th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 1:45 pm
(1) East Aurora 75, (3) Newfane 30
2017 Section VI Class B1 Champions - East Aurora Blue Devils
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Class B2
First Round - Tuesday, February 21st
(13) Southwestern 51 (12) Buffalo Arts 38
(10) Roy-Hart 51, (15) Eden 45
(11) Oracle 60, (14) Akron 54
Pre-Quarterfinals - Wednesday, February 22nd
(8) Gowanda 61, (9) JFK 52
(5) Middle College 57, (13) Southwestern 47
(7) Lafayette 58, (10) Roy-Hart 55 OT
(6) Wilson 57, (11) Oracle 43
Quarterfinals - Friday, February 24th
(1) Medina 69, (8) Gowanda 48
(4) Health Sciences 70, (5) Middle College 54
(2) Olmsted 67, (7) Lafayette 52
(3) Lackawanna 69, (6) Wilson 45
Semifinals - Thursday, March 2nd
AT BUFFALO STATE - 6 pm & 7:45 pm
(4) Health Sciences 55, (1) Medina 37
(3) Lackawanna 62, (2) Olmsted v49
Final - Saturday, March 4th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 12 pm
(4) Health Sciences 60, (3) Lackawanna 48
2017 Section VI Class B2 Champions - Health Sciences Falcons
- centercourt
Monday, November 28, 2016
Classifications for the 2017 Season
Class AA (10 Teams)
Niagara Falls - NFL
Jamestown - ECIC I
Kenmore West - NFL
Lancaster - ECIC I
Frontier - ECIC I
Willaimsville North - ECIC I
Niagara Wheatfield - NFL
Orchard Park - ECIC I
Lockport - NFL
Clarence - ECIC I
Class A1 (10 Teams)
Williamsville South - ECIC II
McKinley - Yale Cup I
North Tonawanda - NFL
Hamburg - ECIC II
Grand Island - NFL
West Seneca East - ECIC II
Sweet Home - ECIC II
Williamsville East - ECIC II
West Seneca West - ECIC I
Hutch-Tech - Yale Cup I
Class A2 (11 Teams)
Amherst - ECIC II
South Park - Yale Cup
Cheektowaga - ECIC III
Olean - CCAA I West
Maryvale - ECIC III
Lew-Port – NFL
Starpoint - ECIC III
Lake Shore - ECIC III
Pioneer - ECIC III
Iroquois - ECIC II
Kenmore East - NFL
Class B1 (16 Teams)
East Aurora - ECIC III
Newfane - N-O
MST Seneca - Yale Cup II
Depew - ECIC III
Dunkirk - CCAA I West
Burgard - Yale Cup I
Riverside - Yale Cup I
CSAT - NFL
Emerson - Yale Cup I
Alden - ECIC IV
I-Prep - Yale Cup II
Fredonia - CCAA I West
City Honors - Yale Cup II
Albion - N-O
Tonawanda - ECIC IV
Springville - ECIC IV
Class B2 (15 Teams)
Health Sciences - Charter
Middle College - Yale Cup I
Medina - N-O
Gowanda - CCAA I East
Lackawanna - ECIC IV
Olmsted - Yale Cup II
JFK - ECIC IV
Wilson - N-O
Roy-Hart - N-O
Akron - N-O
Oracle - Charter
Southwestern - CCAA I West
Eden - ECIC IV
Buffalo Arts - Yale Cup II
Lafayette - Yale Cup II
Class C1 (10 Teams)
Chautauqua Lake - CCAA I West
Cleveland Hill - ECIC IV
Portville - CCAA I East
Salamanca - CCAA I East
Allegany-Limestone - CCAA I East
Maritime - Charter
DaVinci - Yale Cup II
Tapestry - Charter
Falconer - CCAA I West
Cassadaga Valley - CCAA II West
Class C2 (11 Teams)
East - Yale Cup I
Randolph - CCAA I East
Barker - N-O
Silver Creek - CCAA I East
Maple Grove - CCAA I West
BASCS - Charter
Cattaraugus/Little Valley - CCAA II East
Frewsburg - CCAA II West
Holland - ECIC IV
Global Concepts - Charter
Westfield - CCAA II West
Class D (9 Teams)
Ellicottville - CCAA II East
Sherman - CCAA II West
Franklinville - CCAA II East
Clymer - CCAA II West
Pine Valley - CCAA II East
Panama - CCAA II West
Forestville - CCAA II East
Brocton - CCAA II West
North Collins - CCAA II East
Monsignor Martin Class A
Canisius
Park
Timon
St. Francis
St. Joe's
Monsignor Martin Class B
Nichols
Cardinal O'Hara
St. Mary's
Walsh
CCA
Niagara Catholic
-centercourt
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Class B1 & B2 Brackets - 2016 Sectionals
Class B1
First Round - Tuesday, February 16th
(12) City Honors 47, (13) Lafayette 41
(10) CSAT 54, (15) Eden 42
(11) Tonawanda 40, (14) Springville 38
Pre-Quarterfinals - Wednesday, February 17th
(8) Depew 72, (9) Buffalo Arts 38
(5) Alden 78, (12) City Honors 46
(10) CSAT 71, (7) Albion 59
(6) Newfane 54, (11) Tonawanda 42
Quarterfinals - Friday, February 19th
(1) Olean 83, (8) Depew 38
(4) Dunkirk 68, (5) Alden 46
(2) Medina 54, (10) CSAT 46
(3) East Aurora 62, (6) Newfane 47
Semifinals - Thursday, February 25th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 6 pm & 7:45 pm
(1) Olean 59, (4) Dunkirk 41
(3) East Aurora 55, (2) Medina 46
Final - Saturday, February 27th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 1:45 pm
(1) Olean 67, (3) East Aurora 46
2016 Section VI Class B1 Champions - Olean Huskies
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Class B2
First Round - Tuesday, February 16th
(12) Oracle 60, (13) Akron 32
Pre-Quarterfinals - Wednesday, February 17th
(8) JFK 65, (9) Wilson 48
(5) Emerson 66, (12) Oracle 61
(7) MST Seneca 51, (10) Lackawanna 48
(6) Fredonia 69, (11) Southwestern 42
Quarterfinals - Friday, February 19th
(1) I-Prep 79, (8) JFK 47
(4) Health Sciences 61, (5) Emerson 56
(2) Roy-Hart 57, (7) MST Seneca 45
(6) Fredonia 68, (3) Gowanda 51
Semifinals - Wednesday, February 24th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 5:15 & 6:45 pm
(4) Health Sciences 70, (1) I-Prep 57
(6) Fredonia 73, (2) Roy-Hart 30
Final - Saturday, February 27th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 12 pm
(6) Fredonia 53, (4) Health Sciences 48
2016 Section VI Class B2 Champions - Fredonia Hillbillies
-centercourt
Monday, November 16, 2015
The Schedule: 2015-2016 Season
(Williamsville South & Olean both look to repeat as Section VI champs/ Photo by Harry Scull)
****** To see the new schedule for the 2017 season, click HERE ******
-centercourt
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Sectional Preview - 2015
(It's that time of year again - High School basketball sectionals / Photo by Dave DeLuca)
The Section VI postseason begins tonight with first round games, and the winners move on to participate in the pre-quarterfinal games played on Wednesday. Friday night is when the action really kicks up, as 32 quarterfinal games will decide which teams move on to Buffalo State and JCC for the semifinals.
Below I take a look at some of the best matchups we could potentially see in the pre-quarterfinals, quarterfinals, semifinals, and even the championship games, along with sleepers, some winning streaks, and predictions.
** Please note that many of the games below are based on my predictions of who will win in prior rounds
Teams who opted out of sectionals:
- Falconer
- Cattaraugus Little Valley
Most exciting bracket
Class A2
Sleepers for each bracket:
Class AA - Kenmore West
Class A1 - Williamsville East
Class A2 - Lew-Port
Class B1 - East Aurora
Class B2 - Emerson
Class C1 - Chautauqua Lake
Class C2 - Global Concepts
Class D - Maple Grove
Top 10 Pre-Quarterfinal Games (Wednesday, 2/25)
10. Niagara Wheatfield @ Clarence
9. Orchard Park @ Kenmore West
8. Akron vs. CSAT
7. Buffalo Science @ Olmsted
6. Southwestern vs. East
5. Bennett @ Buffalo Arts
4. JFK @ Lackawanna
3. Maryvale @ City Honors
2. DaVinci vs. Emerson
1. Riverside @ West Seneca East
Top 10 Quarterfinal Games (Friday, 2/27)
10. Williamsville East @ Sweet Home
9. Lockport @ Lancaster
8. Frontier @ Niagara Falls
7. Maryvale @ Depew
6. East Aurora @ Albion
5. Maple Grove @ Sherman
4. Kenmore West @ Williamsville North
3. Emerson @ Wilson
2. East vs. Health Sciences *at Nichols
1. Lew-Port @ Cheektowaga
Most Exciting Potential Semifinals
6. Tapestry vs. Salamanca
5. East/Health Sciences vs. Cleveland Hill
4. Niagara Falls vs. Williamsville North
3. Starpoint vs. Olean
2. Lew-Port/Cheektowaga vs. Amherst
1. McKinley vs. Williamsville South
Most Exciting Potential Championship Games
5. Class AA Final
4. Class B2 Final
3. Class C1 Final
2. Class D Final
1. Class A2 Final
Win Streaks heading into sectionals
Sherman 19
Health Sciences 12
Fredonia 11
Silver Creek 10
Cleveland Hill 8
Cheektowaga 8
McKinley 7
Amherst 7
Jamestown 6
Predictions
Class AA - Jamestown
Class A1 - McKinley
Class A2 - Amherst
Class B1 - Depew
Class B2 - Fredonia
Class C1 - Silver Creek
Class C2 - Middle College
Class D - Sherman
-centercourt
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Class B1 & B2 Brackets - 2015 Sectionals
Class B1
First Round - Tuesday, February 24th
(12) Alden 75, (13) Springville 57
(10) Maryvale 69, (15) Lafayette 44
(11) Newfane 64, (14) Eden 42
Pre-Quarterfinals - Wednesday, February 25th
(9) Bennett 46, (8) Buffalo Arts 44
(5) East Aurora 62, (12) Alden 40
(10) Maryvale 71, (7) City Honors 47
(6) Tonawanda 76, (11) Newfane 42
Quarterfinals - Friday, February 27th
(1) Burgard 65, (9) Bennett 53
(4) Albion 78, (5) East Aurora 62
(10) Maryvale 49, (2) Depew 47
(3) Medina 52, (6) Tonawanda 39
Semifinals - Wednesday, March 4th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 5:15 pm & 6:45 pm
(4) Albion 62, (1) Burgard 54
(10) Maryvale 46, (3) Medina 43
Final - Saturday, March 7th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 1:45 pm
(4) Albion 65, (10) Maryvale 57
2015 Section VI Class B1 Champions:
Albion Purple Eagles
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Class B2
First Round - Tuesday, February 24th
(12) Southwestern 56, (13) Oracle 51
(11) JFK 50, (14) Roy-Hart 39
Pre-Quarterfinals - Wednesday, February 25th
(8) CSAT 48, (9) Akron 45
(5) East 84, (12) Southwestern 48
(7) Emerson 39, (10) DaVinci 37
(6) Lackawanna 54, (11) JFK 51
Quarterfinals - Friday, February 27th
(1) Cleveland Hill 60, (8) CSAT 52
(5) East 62, (4) Health Sciences 51
(2) Wilson 58, (7) Emerson 49
(3) Fredonia 59, (6) Lackawanna 51
Semifinals - Tuesday, March 3rd
AT BUFFALO STATE - 5:15 & 6:45 pm
(5) East 59, (1) Cleveland Hill 44
(3) Fredonia 53, (2) Wilson 48
Final - Saturday, March 7th
AT BUFFALO STATE - 12 pm
(5) East 54, (3) Fredonia 51
2015 Section VI Class B2 Champions:
East Panthers
-centercourt
Monday, December 08, 2014
Wednesday, December 03, 2014
Season Preview: 2014-2015
(Nichols celebrates its 2014 Manhattan Cup Championship. Photo by Buffalo News)
Below, in this year's version of the Pre-View From Centercourt, you will find:
- What's New
- Returning 2014 All-Centercourt Players
- Player Watch List for 2014-2015
- A League-by-League look at teams players
- Coaching Changes
- Classification Changes
- Predictions
What's New
- Section VI teams got one of their games back and are now eligible to play a 19-game regular season.
- The Manhattan Cup is now a tournament for the Class A teams only. The small schools in the MMA will now compete in a separate playoff, with the winner moving on in the CHSAA Class B postseason.
- Slight divisional realignments once again in the CCAA. Based on geography...no, based on school size...no, let's try geography again.
- Buffalo Science is back.
- Falconer & Frewsburg are once again separate programs, and face each other in Round One of the Frewsburg Tournament. Falconer's JV coach from last season, Dan Molfino, now leads the varsity squad at Frewsburg.
- Lake Shore moves back into ECIC II after playing in ECIC III last season.
- This season, the Class AA semifinals will be split up between the Tuesday & Wednesday nights of Buffalo State week, with the Class B2 semis and then the Class B1 semis played prior to each AA semifinal. That means the Class A1 semifinals are Monday night, leaving the Class A2 semifinals for Thursday night.
- JCC will squeeze all the magic of semifinal week into two nights. The Class C1 semifinals will preceed the first Class D semifinal on Monday, with the Class C2 semifinals preceeding the second Class D semifinal on Tuesday.
- Far West Regionals are in Rochester this year
- A master schedule for every WNY team, along with regularly updated standings will be available on this site all season.
******************************************************
The Players
Nine of the top 25 players from the 2014 All-Centercourt teams return to the WNY high school hoops scene, along with another 14 players that received Honorable Mentions following last season. In addition, many others are primed to have breakout seasons, while the influx of talented underclassmen continues to surface at multiple schools throughout WNY.
Reigning Player of the Year & Returning 2014 1st Teamer
Zack Panebianco - Sr., Jamestown: 19.1 PPG / 4.1 APG / 3.5 RPG / 2.2 SPG as a junior
- Elite two-sport athlete and the reigning Centercourt Player of the Year who led the Red Raiders to the Class AA state title game last year. Deadly from outside, but equally effective knifing through defenses. Can score in bunches and is highly efficient on offense. Looks to lead the Red Raiders to a third consecutive Section VI crown - something that has never been achieved in program history.
Returning 2014 Second Teamer
Stafford Trueheart - Jr., Canisius: 13.0 PPG / 10.0 RPG / 4.5 BPG as a sophomore
- Already receiving offers as he enters his junior year. A polished big man with explosivness, touch around the rim, and outstanding anticipation. Has a summer home in "Lob City". Looks to get Canisius back to the status of Manhattan Cup champions and beyond.
Returning 2014 Third Teamers
Billy Brooks - Sr., Silver Creek: 19.1 PPG / 14.4 RPG / 6.7 BPG / 4.2 APG as a junior
- Will be getting looks from college coaches all season and turning the heads of local fans along the way. Completely alters the game for the Black Knights' opponents with his post presence. Led WNY in shots blocked as a junior and is also the best passing big man in the area. Look for even bigger strides this season as he assumes the leadership role for his team.
Cam Lewis - Sr., Nichols: 16.1 PPG / 7.7 RPG / 2.0 APG / 1.4 SPG as a junior
- A star with a skill set tailor made for the next level. At 6-8, Lewis is just as comfortable with the ball in his hands out on the perimeter as he is banging on the block down low. Was selected as Manhattan Cup MVP after his big game performances in the postseason. Already a career 1,000 point scorer.
Chris Miner - Sr., Nichols: 16.4 PPG / 12.9 RPG / 2.1 BPG / 1.8 SPG as a junior
- Uses his broad frame inside to out-muscle opponents for buckets and rebounds. A double-double machine who led the Manhattan Cup champs in both scoring and rebounding a season ago. Also already a career 1,000 point scorer.
Returning 2014 Fourth Teamer
Percy Bryant - Sr., East: 17.4 PPG / 6.2 APG / 4.7 SPG / 3.5 RPG as a junior
- An ultra-quick point guard with a masterful handle. Provides equal energy on the defensive end and creates countless turnovers. Led his team in both assists and steals last year, and may add scoring leader to that resume this season. When his shot is falling, he's practically unstoppable.
Returning 2014 Fifth Teamers
Dominick Welch - So., Cheektowaga: 19.5 PPG / 13.3 RPG / 3.6 BPG / 1.4 APG / 1.2 SPG as a freshman
- Led the Warriors to their first ever sectional crown as a freshman and averaged a double-double along the way. Can play all five positions and will hurt you from anywhere on the court - a special talent in this area. Will look to lead his team past Amherst in the division and then aim for a repeat in sectionals.
TC Brown - Jr., Amherst: 18.2 PPG / 6.0 RPG / 5.6 APG / 3.9 SPG as a sophomore
- Plays bigger than his size and older than his age. Competitive and highly confident leader for the Tigers. Looking to add a third ECIC III title to his resume in his third varsity season, and hopes to help return Amherst to the top of Class A2.
Devin Morris - Sr., McKinley: 15 PPG / 11 RPG / 2 BPG / 2 SPG as a junior
- Stands out on a deep Macks team. Moves fluidly with the ball and excels at getting his shot off in the face of the defense. Excellent shooter and rebounds well for his size, thanks to good instincts. Attempting to lead McKinley to a fourth straight Section VI title.
Returning 2014 Honorable Mentions
LaTerrance Reed - 12 (Canisius), Zak Cieski - 12 (Cheektowaga), Nicholas Clough - 12 (Williamsville East), Cort Williams - 12 (Williamsville East), Clay Lewis - 12 (Holland), Tanner Schmit - 12 (Nichols), Bryce Morrison - 12 (Randolph), Kordell Holness-Lightbody - 12 (St. Francis), Derick Simpson - 12 (Timon), Derek Cheatom - 12 (Timon), Sam Castronova - 12 (Williamsville South), Jared Fish - 12 (Salamanca), Cody Johnson - 12 (Cassadaga Valley), Brandon Roach - 11 (Olmsted)
Player Watch List: other names you'll hear from this season
Justin Jones - 11 (Canisius), Dorian Billups - 12 (Amherst), John Piper - 12 (Fredonia), JaQuoine Fogan - 11 (Tapestry), Greg Dolan - 9 (Williamsville South), Kam Varner - 12 (Williamsville South), Graham Dolan - 11 (Williamsville South), Maceo Jack - 11 (Williamsville North), William Lamar - 10 (Timon), Fred Foster - 11 (Middle College), Jordan Nwora - 11 (Park), Donell Cathcart - 12 (Cardinal O'Hara), Buzz Watson - 12 (Walsh), Qeyion Williams - 10 (Niagara Falls), Jaylin Rose - 11 (Hutch-Tech), Chris Woodard - 12 (North Tonawanda), Matt Cieslik - 12 (City Honors), Terrance James - 12 (I-Prep), Xavier Maye - 12 (I-Prep), Michael Simpson - 11 (Emerson), Jay Bergmann - 12 (Frontier), Christian Nodine - 11 (Starpoint), Nick Parucki - 12 (West Seneca East), Jordan Heine - 12 (Sweet Home), Tristan Boling - 12 (Tonawanda), Jermaine Hairston - 12 (Cleveland Hill), Craig Paige - 12 (Lew-Port), Jenard Jackson - 11 (Lew-Port), Kyle Bradley - 12 (Wilson), Jason Hellwig - 12 (Medina), Darius Carson - 10 (CSAT), Isaiah Thomas - 11 (Dunkirk), Patrick Moore - 11 (Fredonia), Tanner Dahl - 12 (Westfield), Fred Searles - 12 (Global Concepts), Corey Wiseman - 12 (Health Sciences)
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League-By-League
MONSIGNOR MARTIN CLASS A
The defending Manhattan Cup champs, Nichols, are back in a BIG way. Not only are three of its starters enormous (6-8, 6-7, 6-5), but they are also phenomenal basketball talents. Cam Lewis & Chris Miner are both career 1,000 point scorers entering their senior campaigns, while Tanner Schmit is already commited to play at the D1 level for Central Arkansas. Canisius lost the area's most highly touted player in Howard Washington to a transfer, but also benefited from the arrival of transfer Justin Jones from St. Joe's. With the size and athleticism of what returns, including Second Team All-Centercourt selection Stafford Trueheart and HM LaTerrance Reed, the Crusaders will continue to be one of the most dominant programs in WNY. Timon will focus on ball movement and defensive pressure in a bid to return to a third straight Manhattan Cup Final, with its goal being to win it this time. St. Joe's welcomes back eight players (seven seniors) and adds Grant Beyer from Williamsville South. With a deep bench and a focus on balance, the Marauders like their chances in the competitive and talent-rich MMA. St. Francis has its leading scorer and All-Centercourt HM returning, Kordell Holness-Lightbody. With Holness-Lightbody certain to be the focus of opposing defenses, the young Red Raider lineup will have to grow up quickly and contribute.
***
Nichols: Christopher Miner - 12, Cam Lewis - 12, Tanner Schmit - 12, Zach Serotte - 12, Ken Williams - 12, Steve Foley - 12, Ben Sendziak - 12, Will Johnson - 10, Marcellus Cooper - 9
Canisius: Stafford Trueheart - 11, LaTerrence Reed - 12, TJ Wheatley - 12, Josh Huffman - 12, Zachary Koch - 12, Andrew Heitzhaus - 12, Patrick Viola - 12, David Keil - 12, Patrick Crangle - 12, Justin Jones - 11
St. Joe's: Mathew Fritz - 12, Naseer Jackson - 10, Antonio Morreale - 12, John Scaglione - 12, David Maher - 12, Marcell Davis - 12, Edward Tabone Jr - 12, Grant Beyer - 11, Anthony Brophy - 11, Nick Motley - 11
Bishop Timon/St. Jude: Derick Simpson - 12, William Lamar - 10, Quinton Lamar - 11, Claudius Modi - 12, Hunter Lancaster - 11, Tyler Ringwood - 11, Joe Harrison - 10
St. Francis: Kordell Holness-Lightbody - 12, Bo Sireika - 9, Roburt Welch - 10, John Steven Zhu - 11, Cody Smith - 10, Isiah Utley - 11
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MONSIGNOR MARTIN CLASS B
Park brings back four starters and welcomes in Jordan Nwora from Amherst. The Pioneers will focus on more consistent pressure defensively, as they have the talent to win the league. If this new format had existed over the past several years, St. Mary's would have owned it. The Lancers look to continue their recent success with a brand new starting lineup, as they've done in the past. Tony Pulvirenti takes over the varsity reigns at Cardinal O'Hara after guiding the JV Hawks over the last three seasons. He'll have a young team with just one senior, but that didn't stop him from bulking up O'Hara's nonleague schedule. Walsh has a pair from the basketball-famed Moore family of Olean in head coach Andy and junior Adam. Combine that with the return of 6-6 senior Buzz Watson (18.5 ppg), along with an Olean transfer, and the Eagles should be contenders. Niagara Catholic's young team will look to grow under the leadership of a new coach with a pair of Class AA state championship game appearances on his resume, Giulio Colangelo.
***
Park: Derek Cheatom - 12, Randy Golda - 12, Jordan Nwora - 11, Kyle Harris - 11, Hunter Anderson - 11, Tony Ugboma - 11, Ethan Cotrell - 11, Joe Jones - 9
St. Mary's: Jake Concannon - 12, Takal Molson - 11, Sean Wilson - 12, Austin Oakes - 12, Mark O'Neill - 12, Chris Peete - 12, Kayson Hill - 11, Tony Robinson - 11, Jordan MacKinnon - 11, Cam Dunning - 11, Joseph Stoj - 11, Daquan Hunt - 10, Eric Brown - 9
Cardinal O'Hara: Donel Cathcart - 12, Charles Debose - 11, Clifford Ziegler - 10, William Turner - 11, Deamontae Riley - 10, Michon Dudley - 9
Archbishop Walsh: Adam Moore - 11, John "Buzz" Watson - 12, Noah Watson - 10, Christian Churakos - 10, Ethan Clarke - 12, Tavian Kemp - 10
Niagara Catholic: Elijah Griggs - 11, Jaceary Menes - 11, Jake Socha - 12, Zach Socha - 11, Connor Freeburger - 12
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YALE CUP I
McKinley has become the model of consistency for basketball programs in WNY. Do I even need to tell you what the Macks will look like this season? Fast, deep, and intense, are the first three words that come to mind. They bring back plenty from another defending Section VI championship team. Defending Yale Cup champion Middle College added one of the most athletically gifted players in all of WNY to its roster with the offseason addition of Park transfer Fred Foster (6-5). He, along with another always deep roster, will have the Kats eyeing another Yale Cup & another run at states in Class C. East has dynamic guard Percy Bryant back for his senior season and hopes to have O'Hara transfer Jovell Littlejohn ready to man the middle when the season tips. The Panthers also have some talented underclassmen that should rapidly improve throughout the year. South Park will rely on tempo and pressure defense, with no player on its roster over 6-feet tall. Riverside has a pair of starters back, and a good amount of depth competing for the remaining spots. Bennett & Burgard did not provide team information.
***
East: Damone Brown - 11, Percy Byrant - 11, Jovell Littlejohn - 11, Takeyo Burts - 10, Malik Doughty - 12, Willard Anderson - 9
McKinley: Devin Morris - 12, Shaquan Jones - 11, Keyon Johnson - 11, Juwan Tolliver - 12, Jaylen Prophet - 11
Riverside: Romero Gardner - 11, Tim Manney - 12, Jamal Wardlaw - 11, Alexander Johnson - 11, Asuquo "Junior" Efiong - 11, Roberto Rodriguez - 12, Mohammed Ali - 12, Claudio Olympio - 12, Jewimaer Toussaint - 12, Damone McNamee - 12
Middle College: Isaiah Jenkins - 12, Joseph Staton - 11, Fred Foster - 11, Billy Rivera - 11, Royce Burks - 12, Amir Jemes - 11, Brian Johnson - 11, Loronzo Truitt - 11, Claudius Thomas - 11, Dajon Johnson - 11, Dion Watkins - 11, Tyshawn Silas - 10, Nate Jackson - 9, Hakeem Dobbins - 9, Azyion Clemons - 9
Hutch-Tech: Jailyn Rose - 11
South Park : James Baker - 11, John Vallone - 12, D'Angelo Allen - 12, Shakur Harris - 10, Antonio Leonard - 12, Darrel Moore - 12, Mike McDonald - 12
Burgard
Bennett
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YALE CUP II
I-Prep has its sights set on a repeat in Yale Cup II and a run in the Class D sectionals this year, with three key pieces back from the undefeated league championship team of '14. City Honors will be a guard-oriented team, led by four-year varsity player, Matt Cieslik. Olmsted will have a formidible backcourt and one of the top players in the city in Brandon Roach, but lack size. Lafayette has a fill lineup of players this season, described as young, energetic, and optimistic, led by Jovanny Aviles-Vargas. Emerson, MST Seneca, Buffalo Arts, & DaVinci did not provide any information.
***
I-Prep: Xavier Maye - 12, Terrance James - 12, Jeffrey Townsel - 11, Davon Gant - 11
City Honors: Matt Cieslik - 12, Jordahn Summers - 12, John Seitz - 12, David Lippman - 12, Alfred Gary - 11, Caleb Lee - 12
Olmsted: Brandon Roach - 11, Dan Reid - 10, Athan Kaudeyr - 12, Anthony Mendrysa - 11, Austin Carter - 12
Lafayette: Jovanny Aviles-Vargas - 12, Christian Tarado-Suarez - 10, Erik Aponte - 9, Cesar Medina - 10, Justin Galvin - 11, Miyaga Miyaga - 11, Demetrius White-Zinermon - 9, Daniel Gonzales - 11, Abdi Malako - 11, Stephan Thomas - 10, Julio Muriel - 12, Eugenio Vira - 11, Derek Ramdhansingh - 12, Luis Plaza - 10
Emerson: Michael Simpson - 11, Jason Dowell - 11
MST Seneca
Buffalo Arts
DaVinci
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ECIC I
Three teams (Jamestown, Clarence, & Williamsville North) all shared the league title a season ago, so the Red Raiders settled things by advancing far past the others in the postseason - all the way to the Class AA state championship game. Jamestown will be a step behind to start the season thanks to the success of the football team, but after the way Zack Panebianco finished the season last year, they shouldn't be overly concerned. Lancaster should have its best and most balanced unit in several seasons. The Redskins showed flashes last year with a very young team, and now they'll have eight players with a lot of varsity experience. Clarence graduated all five starters from its Class AA finalist team, but does have a pair of returning players who saw considerable action. Williamsville North will look different without Sterling Taplin in the starting lineup for the first time in five seasons, but the Spartans have no shortage of talent or experience, and will challenge for the top spot in ECIC I once again. Orchard Park fields a young, defensive-minded team with three returnees. Frontier & West Seneca West did not provide team information.
***
Jamestown: Zack Panebianco - 12, Stephen Carlson - 12, Zacc Kinsey - 11, Ben Larson - 12
Lancaster: Tyler Lis - 12, Griffin O'Brien - 12, Alex Damiani - 11, Collin Murray - 11, Alex Konst - 11, Andy Fellner - 12, Matt Devic - 12, LG Castillo - 10
Williamsville North: George Attea - 12, Maceo Jack - 11, Sean Hill - 11, Dylan Lambert - 12, Tim Kreuze - 12, Chad Steinwachs - 12, Sam Cimato - 12, Nick Maranto - 11, Jeff Calderon - 12
Clarence: Matt Sadowy - 12, Kyle Stevens - 12, Dave Cummisky - 12, Bryan Pulli - 12, Hunter Harris - 12, Adam Southern - 11, Jake Ireland - 10, Jake Randall - 10
Orchard Park: Kevin Goltz - 12, Jake Heath - 12, Dan Freilicher - 11, Phil Marks - 11, Wes Seigner - 11, Max Cerone - 11, Kevin Looney - 11, Bryan Somerville - 11, Hunter Harris - 11, Chris Liberatore - 11
West Seneca West: Frank Borzillieri - 12, DJ Ulmer – 12, Ben Hutton - 11, Lou DiChristopher - 12
Frontier
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ECIC II
Williamsville South has plenty of pieces back from last year's team that fell short of finishing off McKinley in the Class A1 final last season. The Billies have talent everywhere and will focus on cohesiveness and team-first basketball. Williamsville East will play uptempo and look for mismatches. The Flames should find plenty, with a pair of returning All-Centercourt HM selections and four-year varsity players back in Cort Williams and Nicholas Clough. Sweet Home will be an experienced and athletic team, returning over 37 points per game from last season. Starpoint has its best team in recent seasons, and with a good mix of seniors and underclassmen. The Spartans have four starters back and should challenge the division's top squads. West Seneca East may have the most experienced unit in the division, as last year's group was void of any seniors. Both co-captains, along with the school's all-time 3-point leader, are back for the Trojans. Hamburg returns four players that saw quality minutes during its run to the Class A1 semifinals last year. Couple that with some talented additions from their 16-win JV team, and the Bulldogs optimistic about making a return trip to Buffalo State. With just a single senior back, a young team, and a move up to ECIC II, Lake Shore hopes to rebuild its roster through valuable experience this season. After two straight successful campaigns, Iroquois will look to its five seniors for leadership and rely on size & athleticism.
***
Williamsville East: Cort Williams - 12, Nicholas Clough - 12, Kyle Williams - 12, Joe Adcock - 12, Greg Cook - 12, Alex Pieri - 11, Mike Garafalo - 12, Mike Poturalski - 11
Williamsville South: Sam Castronova - 12, Kam Varner - 12, Graham Dolan - 11, Greg Dolan - 9, Matt Foster - 11, Myles Hall - 11, Jordan Buell - 11, Dave Isselbaecher - 12, Ryan Phillips - 11, JP Rehak - 12
Iroquois: Zach Emer - 12, Coyote Sokolski - 12, Lucas Tait - 12, Kyle Seifert - 12, Joe Bowen - 11, Dominic Allen - 11, James Carlin - 11, Jack Edwards - 10, Matt Whalen - 10
Sweet Home: Jordan Heine - 11, Asa'd Myles - 12, Milton Zielger - 12, Brandon Smiley - 12, Jordan Evert - 12, Adrian Drake - 12, Josh Hammer - 12, Dylan McDuffie - 9
Hamburg: Joe DeGrood - 12, Brendan Ryan - 11, Kyle Munro - 12, Caleb Wood - 12, Mark Myles - 12, Doug Horbachewski - 12, Matt Snyder - 12, Ryan Dils - 11, Sean DeLellis - 11
West Seneca East: Matt Kumro - 12, Nick Parucki - 12, Ed Radka - 11, Dan Picciano - 11, DJ Schiersing - 12, Jake Klubek - 11, Dale Nicosia - 12, Evin Ksiezarczyk - 12, Jared Kania - 11, Anthony Roncone - 10, Justin Gospodarski - 10
Starpoint: Ian Emerick - 12, Dennis Held - 12, Eric Yaeger - 12, Brock Kroening - 11, Christian Nodine - 11, Ben Walters - 11, Adam Lasal - 10
Lake Shore: Andrew Bush - 12, Brandon Buchanon - 12, Alec Lezama - 12, Mike Braeuner - 11, Alec Bergum - 11, Collin Fiutko - 11, Cory Fiutko - 11, Joe Friedhoff - 11, Ron John - 11, Nate Myers - 11, Kyle Wishman - 11, Andrew McDonaugh - 10
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ECIC III
Amherst has claimed the last three league titles and have reason to believe they're the favorites to do it again. TC Brown leads a Tigers team that has confidence, size, and depth. Despite Amherst winning ECIC III last year, it was Cheektowaga who edged them out in the postseason after sweeping them in the regular season. The Warriors have nearly the entire squad back, including Dominick Welch & Zak Ciezki, and hope that by season's end, they'll have three more wins over Amherst. The future looks great at East Aurora, and if they are able to compete with the top teams in this league - look out. The Blue Devils have just one senior in their regular rotation, one that will include four sophomores. Springville hopes to get strong guard play on an inexperienced team that returns just one starter. Balance will be the theme at Maryvale after graduating its top three scorers. The Flyers will use as many as 12 players in their rotation and keep the energy level up. Depew will look to develop team chemistry and form an identity, after losing some key team leaders and significant size inside. The Wildcats could be a team that blossoms in the later half of the season.
***
Cheektowaga: Dominick Welch - 10, Zak Ciezki - 12, Patrick Plummer - 12, Khaya Dlodlo - 12, Drequon Trotter - 12, Devon Camel - 12, Hakiem Black - 12, Adrian Baugh - 10, Stephan Parker - 10
Amherst: Dorian Billups - 12, TC Brown - 11, Darien Lowe - 12, Amadi Ikpeze - 11, Nick Foster - 11, Nathan Russell-Webster - 12, Bryon Fowler - 12, Rory Walsh - 11, Sean Andrews - 11, Nathan Waldu - 11, Sean Gibson - 11, Jake Maley - 11, Da'Shawn Hines - 10, Jordan Barr - 10, Richard Kay - 10
East Aurora: Mike Coatsworth - 12, Noah Thompson - 11, Josh Denz - 10, Nick Montgomery - 10, Joe Montgomery - 10, Cal McTigue - 10
Depew: Tyler Anna - 12, Dylan Sekuterski - 12, Collin Gemerek - 12, Jakob Grant - 11, Ryan Guay - 11, Tyler Biersbach - 9
Maryvale: Drew Crombie - 11, Mike Kelleher - 12, Jeremia Pace - 12, Marcus Ford - 11, Eric Graham - 12, Floyd Remley - 11, Steve Mason - 12, Matt Mason - 12, Mike Ferguson - 11
Pioneer: Bryce Little - 12, Matt Haggerty - 12, Andrew Hyman - 12, Vince Nourse - 12, Ravo Root - 11, Caleb Sayvone - 11, Dominic Sayvone - 11
Springville: Kyle Crotty - 12, Devin Pazzuti - 12, Kyle Warner - 11, John Domes - 10, Parker Rice - 11, Pat Emmick - 12, Colin DeWitt - 11
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ECIC IV
After two straight division titles, expectations remain high at Cleveland Hill. Jermaine Hairston, who is one of six returning seniors for the Golden Eagles, is a prime candidate to have a breakout season. Lackawanna would like to end Cleveland Hill's league run and reclaim ECIC IV. The Steelers brought back all five starters to a team with nine seniors. JFK finished at the bottom of the league last season, but has all five starters back, including size (6-6 & 6-4) and high hopes coming into the year. Tonawanda has a pair of starters returning from the team that reached Buffalo State last season for the second time in four years. Alden will have a presence inside and versatility, but will need its young backcourt to get acclimated with the varsity level as the year wears on. Eden did not provide team information.
***
Cleveland Hill: Jermaine Hairston - 12, Anthony Sullivan - 12, Zach Lewandowski - 12, Ramah Lassiter - 11, Nick Gamble - 11
Lackawana: Larry Fields - 12, Jeremiah Jones - 12, Darius Cleveland - 12, Jaelin Watson - 11, Quinton Robinson - 12, Yousef Yahya - 12, Johan Santiago - 12
Tonawanda: Tristan Bolling - 12, Brandon Frye - 12, Larenz Jefferson - 12, Adrian Hall - 11, Cody Diaz - 11, Tyler Staff - 11
Holland: Clay Lewis - 12, JR Kline - 12, Matt Farant - 12, Cooper Rahn - 12, EJ Staniszewski - 11, Laine Husman - 11, Pierce Gardon - 10
JFK: Joe Braniecki - 12, Josh McMahon - 12, Cale Byczkowski - 12, Shawn McPhail - 12, Hunter Kowal - 12, Brendan Fox - 12, Aaron Urbanczyk - 12, Nathan Pazderski - 12, Lexus Pollard - 10, Aaron Poniwas - 12, Collin Snyder - 12
Alden: Austin Zelasko - 12, Dylan Riddoch - 11, Jordan Stockweather - 11, Conrad Boucher - 10, Christian Snell - 9, Brandon Bojt - 12
Eden
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Niagara Frontier League
Niagara Falls brings back nearly its entire team, including four starters. The Wolverines also welcome in sophomore point guard, Qeyion Williams, who transferred from Niagara Catholic, and should find themselves back in the company of WNY's elite teams. Kenmore West has just one starter back, along with its sixth man who'll now enter the starting lineup. They'll have to rely on athleticism and energy until experience is on their side. Lew-Port has a pair of playmakers back on a team that reached Buff State last season. The Lancers should make a return trip again this season, after making noise in the NFL first. North Tonawanda will once again be difficult to rebound against or score inside on, as the Jacks return three players who are 6-4 or taller, including the active double-double machine, Chris Woodard. Grand Island has improved its record over each of the past two seasons, and hopes to continue the trend with a deep rotation led by captain Colin Carrey. Lockport's senior laden Class AA semifinalist team from last season gave way to a young squad with just one senior and limited experience, who hope to improve as the season goes on. Niagara Wheatfield took its lumps during a winless season in NFL action last year, but now are back with all of its core players and a much more confident group. As always, Kenmore East did not provide any team information.
***
Niagara Falls: Devin Scarbourough - 12, Mikey Bermudez - 12, Breon Harris - 11, Devin Sanders - 10, Tyler Sanders - 10, Charles Lamar - 10, Jamal Harris - 12, Qeyion Williams - 10
Kenmore West: Terrell Ford - 11, Trent White - 12, Aaron Tucker - 11, Jason Taylor - 11, Mark Taylor - 11, DeAngelo Walker - 11
Grand Island: Colin Carrey - 12, Kyle Burns - 11, Joe Kulikowski - 11, Mark Montes - 12, Manny Montes - 11, Justin Figler - 12, Mike Podgorny - 12, Devin Brandon - 10, Colton Czajka - 12
North Tonawanda: Chris Woodard - 12, Donovin Book - 12, Adam McNeil - 12, Ryan Gilbert - 12, Ryan McDonough - 12, James Garavagli - 12, Drew Krantz - 12, Jacob Lemke - 11, Jacob Krauss - 11, Colby Moultrie - 10, Alex Quinn - 10, Brandon Casterline - 10
Niagara Wheatfield: Nathan Nielson - 11, Nathan Williams - 12, Denzel Fuller - 11, Justin Eaton - 12, Brandon Funderburk - 12, Ty Parmentier - 12, Ken Camidge - 12, Austin Wangler - 11
Lockport: Lavette Warren - 11, Andrew Austin - 11, Kelly Brown - 11, Dakota Wiley - 10
Lew-Port: Craig Paige - 12, Jenard Jackson - 11, Jacob Eoute - 12, Dane Parlato - 12, Jacob Rizzo - 12, Jordan Willard - 12, Colton Stallard - 12, Anthony Dipasquale - 12
Kenmore East:
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Niagara-Orleans
Newfane & Wilson each enjoyed a string of success over several seasons, which made the local rivalry between the two that much more intense. Both teams have returning players, expect to be compete for the league, and are looking forward to overflow crowds once again when they get together on the court. Medina likes its combination of returning talent and mental toughness, and expects to compete for the league crown. The Mustangs have beefed up their nonleague schedule to challenge this group. Barker returns five seniors - but just one starter from its unbeaten league championship team from last year. CSAT has a new coach, along with a pair of Carson brothers, which make the Eagles contenders for that reason alone. Roy-Hart welcomes first year head coach Joe Pawlak, who will look to put his own stamp on the Rams program, which he characterizes as an extremely hard working group. With just four players back and two of those coming off surgery, Akron will have some work to put in before they're completely up tp speed. The Tigers do have talented underclassmen and could be a dangerous team in the later half of the season.
***
Akron: Larson Sundown - 12, Caleb Martin - 12, Chaunce Hill - 12, Brendan Weirerheiser - 11
Newfane: Sam Watkins - 12, Kyle Guerriera - 12, Chad Gilson - 11, Kyle Burdick - 12, Tyler Jordan - 12, MaxWeber - 9, Al Kramp - 10, David Krull - 11, Nick Schultz - 11, Zach Lajoie - 11
CSAT: Dylanta Carson - 12, Bryan Locke - 12, Darius Carson - 10, Will Fletcher - 12, Jahleel Burks - 11
Medina: Jason Hellwig - 12, Dylan Lewis - 11, Aaron Feltz - 12, Brennan Zinkievich - 12, David Garrow - 12, Devonte Howard - 12, Jared Zinkievich - 11, Tyler Ames - 11, Dylan Lewis - 11, Brad McPherson - 11, Justin Morgan - 11, Jalin Cooper - 9
Barker: Chris Sweeney - 12, Sean Benoit - 12, Thomas Callaghan - 12, Tanner Gregorie - 12, Joshua Mead - 12, Tristan Payne - 12, Michael Snell - 11, Kyle Secor - 11, Nathan Luckman - 10
Roy-Hart: Andy Xapsos - 11, Sam White - 12, Nelson Andrade - 12, Bailey Hudson - 12, Aaron Metz - 12, Ben Maynard - 11, Justin Heschke - 11, Chris Anderson - 11, James DiLorenzo - 12, Zack Srock - 11, Austin Dodge - 11
Wilson: Evan Shank - 12, Kyle Bradley - 12, Zac Sarratori - 12, Joe Littere - 12, Jarret Johnston - 12, Adam Murray - 12, Alex Fox - 11, Andrew Eames - 11
Albion: Dez Blackmon - 12, Austin Loyd - 12, Emanuel Thompson - 12, Alex Bison - 12, Clayton Stanton - 12, Gary Moore - 12
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CCAA West I
Defending league champion, Fredonia, should be in great shape for another run this season. The Hillbillies will start five players who are 6-feet or taller and have a combined 13 years of varsity experience between them. Olean starts over after reaching the Class B state title game a year ago. The Huskies graduated five senior starters and return just two players who saw any action. Reining Centercourt Coach of the Year, Jeff Anastasia, will embrace the challenge and make household names out of the Huskies' players soon enough. Southwestern lost some of its size, but brings back three starters, accounting for much of its scoring. The Trojans will look to push the pace and wreak havoc on teams defensively. Rich Clifford is back behind the bench for another season at Cassadaga Valley and the veteran coach returns three starters, including 2014 All-Centercourt HM Cody Johnson (20.5 ppg). After two seasons coaching the JV team, Jack O'Brien takes over varsity duties at Dunkirk and will have some senior leadership, along with a trio of 6-3 juniors. Chautauqua Lake fields a young & passionate group that hopes league competition will prepare them for the playoffs. After being combined with Frewsburg in hoops a season ago, Falconer is back on its own, returning just four returning players, each with little varsity experience.
***
Fredonia: John Piper - 12, Cam Voss - 12, Anhel Epps - 12, Noah Voss - 12, Patrick Moore - 11
Olean: Connor Prizel - 12, Chucky Martin - 12, Blake Covert - 12, Colden Dwaileebe - 12, John Zamites - 12, Jake Cavana - 11, Derek Schmidt - 11, Levi Johnson - 11, Elijah Ramadhan - 11, Ben Eckstrom - 10
Southwestern: Pat Mogenhan - 12, Jack Carlson - 12, Mike Sandbloom - 12, Billy Johnston - 12, Ben Burk - 11, Brendan Kennedy - 11, Nick Cooper - 11, Niko Pannes - 10
Dunkirk: Isaiah Thomas - 11, Rashad Brown - 11, Chad Butts - 11, Shamron Stewart - 10, Richard Pickens - 12, Leroy Gilbert - 12, Gemaro Collazo - 12
Cassadaga Valley: Cody Johnson - 12, Chase Jones - 12, Shane Parsons - 11, Tony Mangine - 12, Jaquan Watts - 12, Jerimiah Jones - 12, Tyler Simpson - 11, James Cornelius - 11
Chautauqua Lake: Carter Davidson - 11, Michael Lysek - 11, Aaron Swan - 10, Devin Pope - 9, Tyler Meredith - 10, David Applegarth - 12, Erik Szymanowski - 12, Cody Latimer - 12, Ben Stahlsmith - 11
Falconer: Gavin Beaumont - 12, Chris Elderkin - 12, Andrew Ward - 12, Tavon Fisher - 11, Ryan DePietro - 11, Jackson Teboe - 11, Brandon Curtis - 11, Drew Beckerink - 12, Sean Nord - 11, Trevor Dykstra - 11, Tareek Hannold - 12, Colin Boutelle - 12, Manny Machado - 12, Dillon Johnson - 12, Sean Dudenhoffer - 12
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CCAA EAST I
Three of the seven teams in this league (Silver Creek, Randolph, Portville) have reached sectional title games in the last two years, and a fourth team (Salamanca) won its league last year. Needless to say, this should be one of the more competitive league races in WNY this season. Silver Creek looks forward to an above-the-rim season from 2014 3rd Team All-Centercourt selection Billy Brooks, but the Black Knights are even more excited about the energy and team commitment of their players at early season practices. Salamanca returns a talented tandem in its backcourt, along with 6-6 2014 All-Centercourt HM Jared Fish, who together, accounted for 40 ppg last year. Randolph, maybe Section VI's most storied football program ever, will again be a force on the court as well, once it gets its basketball legs under them. Portville returns two of its three leading scorers for first year head coach Bill Torrey to work with. Gowanda has athletes who can get up and down the floor, so transition offense will be key for the Panthers. Cattaraugus/Little Valley has just four seniors on its young team. Allegany-Limestone has a pair of starters back and will look to push the tempo and press.
***
Silver Creek: Billy Brooks - 12, Sherman Williams - 12, Connor Gates - 11, Trevon Thompson - 11, Chance Gates - 12, Chris Williams - 10, Heron Snow - 11, Jacob Lewis - 11, James Corbin - 12
Salamanca: Jared Fish - 12, Tyler Siperek - 12, Andrew Crandall - 12, Jake Dowdy - 12, Tate Reynolds - 11, Marcus Cooper - 11, Eric George - 12, Luke Zurat - 11, Zeus Enriquez - 10, Austin Elliott - 12
Randolph: Bryce Morrison - 12, Connor McAllister - 12, Mason Bosley - 11, Jarrett Lecceadone - 10, Derek Young - 12, Nick Carpenter - 12, Kyle Beaver - 12, Tyler Stahley - 11
Allegany-Limeston: Dom Conroy - 12, Cole Davis - 11, Bailey Higby - 11, Brad McAfee - 11, Brad Reed - 11, Zach Hemphill - 10, Austin Dziennik - 11, Tyler Hines - 11, Garrett Johnston - 12, TJ McMullen - 12
Gowanda: Jordan Young - 12, carter Benton - 11, Lucas Brawdy - 11, Randy Jimerson - 12, Les Young - 12
Portville: Zack Ewings - 12, Isaac Hilyer - 12, Andrew Sarber - 12, Nick Stein - 10, Nick Gehm - 11, Sean Harris - 11, Chase Swetland - 12
Cattaraugus Little Valley: DJ Steven - 12, Darnell Pritchard - 12, Kodie Skeels - 12, Kyle O'Donnell - 12, Hunter Baker - 11, Caleb Hibit - 11, Devon Parmenter - 11, Alex Perkins - 11, Anthony Bernardi - 11, Kellen Martin - 10
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CCAA West II
Panama reached the Class D final with a young team last season , but fell to Sherman. The Panthers have matured both mentally and physically, and should contend in league with a solid point guard, a sharp-shooter in Josh Odell, and 6-6 Josh Eddy inside. Westfield returns five players that contributed in 2014, including one of the league's best in Tanner Dahl. Sherman was hit hard by graduation following two consecutive Class D sectional championships, and will look to find a new identity with this year's team. Maple Grove will be very good, they always are. I can't tell you much else, because their very successful coach who's teams have received significant press from me over the years, never responds to email requests for information. The Red Dragons listed below were listed as underclassmen in the 2014 Section VI program. Brocton, Clymer, & Frewsburg did not send information.
***
Maple Grove: Graham Soffel - 12, Matt Roach - 11, Jonah Tanner - 12, Pat Nelson - 11, Nolan Knipe - 12, Mitch Sandberg - 11, Jeff Clauson - 11
Westfield: Tanner Dahl - 12, Liam Tennies - 12, Trevor North - 11, Nolan Hunt - 12, Steven DeMarco - 12, Joe Quagliana - 11, Jon Wilson - 11, Greg Schroeder - 11, Luke Haskin - 11
Panama: David O'Dell - 12, Greg Delahoy - 12, Jack Payne - 11, Chris Blose - 12, Josh Odell - 11, Dillon Mescall - 12, Josh Eddy - 11, Chris Blose - 11, Jarrett Yuchnitz - 11
Sherman: Jake Card - 12, Nathan Ottaway - 12, Jeremy Cole - 12, Stephen Walczak - 12, Chris Robson - 10, Jake Ames - 12, Kolby Parks - 10, Kyle Carpenter - 10, Sam Vanvelkenburg - 11, Kyle Rhebergen - 11
Brocton: Aaron Riforgiato - 11, Derek Walter - 12, Daultan Remington - 12
Clymer
Frewsburg
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CCAA East II
After finishing 9-1 in league action last season Forestville, returns six players and has its sights set on a repeat. Ellicottville will look to the dynamic Phalla Musall, a returning all-league selection, to guide a very young team. No other teams from this league had coaches respond with the requested team information. My apologies to the players in this league.
Ellicottville: Phalla Musall - 12, Calum Watt - 12, Austin Gronols - 9, Griffin Chuddy - 9, Elliot Bowen - 9, Cole Lapi - 11, Jonas Hurlburt - 11, Cameron Eddy - 11
Forestville: Caleb Makuch - 12, Dylan Szumigala - 12, Logan Youngberg - 12, Jeff VanVlack - 12, Ryan Forbes - 12, Chris Sheldon - 12, Jackson Egan - 11, Tyler Spears - 11, Andrew Deszcz - 11, Derek Catalano - 11
Pine Valley: Dylan Granger - 12, Russell Hayes - 12, Kilian Abers - 11
North Collins
West Valley
Franklinville
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Charter Schools
Tapestry enters the season as the favorite to win the Charter Cup and make serious noise come sectional time, thanks to returning nine seniors and junior scoring machine, JaQuoine Fogan. Oracle has length and quickness, and is excited about the potential growth of its young team with just three seniors back. Health Sciences is the defending Charter Cup champion and the third-year program will seek a repeat, despite graduating 12 seniors. Maritime has just one player back with varsity experience and will hand point guard duties over to a freshman. After a season with just a JV squad, Buffalo Science returns to varsity competition, hoping that developing chemistry and playing smart will result in some wins. Global Concepts will lean on the leadership and experience of returning First-Team All-Charter player Fred Searles.
***
Tapestry: JaQuoine Fogan - 11, DeJuan Owens - 12, Jordan Maxey - 12, DaVonte Cunningham - 11, Marques Perkins - 12, Jesus McClain - 12, Poshine Jenifer - 12, Andre Bragg - 12, Keith Littlejohn - 12, Joe Henderson - 12, Kaleb King - 12, Chemar Pilot - 12
Oracle: Shaundez Davis - 12, Kenny White - 11, Shakur Bridges - 10, Rakim Graves - 11, Darius Embry - 11, Andra Austin - 12, Jamal Woods - 11
Health Sciences: Malik Walker - 12, Nasir Flood - 12, Mikel Carr - 12, Dayquan Williams - 11, Tyquan Jordan - 11, Carson Wiseman - 11, Kam Rashada - 11, Tyrin Lott - 9
WNY Maritime: Damon Glenn - 12, Arkeil Gaskins - 12, DeQuan Sanders - 9
Global Concepts: Fred Searles - 12, Nick Moylan - 12, Lincoln Billingslea - 11, Fabian Pierce - 11
Buffalo Science: Joe Owens - 12, Neil squires - 12, Jazzmone Brown - 12, Abdullah Farah - 12, Aristotle Copeland - 12, Lauren Killian - 11, David Harris - 11, Roland Taylor - 11, Julian Johnson - 10, Georges Cortes - 10, JaQuez McMullin - 10, Deonte Brown - 10, Julian Allen - 9
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New Coaches
Giulio Colangelo - Niagara Catholic
Tony Pulvirenti - Cardinal O'Hara
Karl Maggiore - DaVinci
Pat Foster - Lafayette
Joe Pawlak - Roy-Hart
Jack O'Brien - Dunkirk
Bill Torrey - Portville
David Phiblad - Pine Valley
Camilo Hoyos - CSAT
Ben Ganschow - Buffalo Science
***********************************************
Classification Changes
South Park moves up from Class A2 to Class A1
Starpoint moves down from Class A1 to Class A2
Iroquois moves down from Class A1 to Class A2
West Seneca East moves down from Class A1 to Class A2
East Aurora moves down from Class A2 to Class B1
Springville moves down from Class A2 to Class B1
Albion moves down from Class A2 to Class B1
Maryvale moves down from Class A2 to Class B1
Olean moves up from Class B1 to Class A2
Dunkirk moves up from Class B1 to Class A2
Fredonia moves down from Class B1 to Class B2
Falconer moves down from Class B1 to Class B2
City Honors moves up from Class B2 to Class B1
Fredonia moves up from Class B2 to Class B1
Falconer moves up from Class B2 to Class B1
Salamanca moves down from Class B2 to Class C1
Gowanda moves down from Class B2 to Class C1
Middle College moves down from Class C1 to Class C2
Holland moves down from Class C1 to Class C2
Portville moves down from Class C1 to Class C2
Maple Grove moves down from Class C2 to Class D
I-Prep moves down from Class C2 to Class D
Westfield moves down from Class C2 to Class D
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Predictions
MMA - Canisius
Yale Cup I - McKinley
Yale Cup II - I-Prep
ECIC I - Jamestown
ECIC II - Williamsville South
ECIC III - Cheektowaga
ECIC IV - Lackawanna
NFL - Niagara Falls
N-O - Wilson
CCAA I West - Fredonia
CCAA I East - Silver Creek
CCAA II West - Maple Grove
CCAA II East - Franklinville
Charters: Tapestry
Manhattan Cup: Nichols
Class AA: Jamestown
Class A1: McKinley
Class A2: Cheektowaga
Class B1: Depew
Class B2: East
Class C1: Silver Creek
Class C2: Middle College
Class D: Maple Grove
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