Third-seed Batavia Notre Dame led the entire game to suffer a loss in the final seconds to Genesee Valley 59-54. The Irish was ahead the first half 23-18 led by Junior Mark Sanders, who sunk three three-point buckets, and Gabe McDonald and Colin McCulley added points for the Irish.

Controlling the ball and defense carried the Irish through the next quarter with Sanders, MacDonald and Cody Henry adding to Notre Dame’s lead 46-35 after three periods of play.

Genesee Valley kept chipping away at the deficit in the fourth quarter and defense stepped up their game. Senior Cody Schneider led the team with 10 in the quarter and 27 points overall in the game.

The Jaguars took the lead 51-50 with 3 minutes left to gain momentum on the Irish. Senior Evan Windus and Trevor Clark added points in the seesaw battle for the lead. 

With 22 seconds left, Genesee Valley was up by two but a personal foul and technical was called on Notre Dame with 3.3 seconds left, which ended the game 59-54. Batavia Notre Dame junior Mark Sanders finished with 19 points and senior Gabe MacDonald 14 points. 

Second-seed Genesee Valley will play number one-seed Avoca for the class D1 boys final this Sunday at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester; game time is 3 p.m.

To view and or purchase photos, click here.

The first case of coronavirus in New York was announced yesterday but that was in New York City and so far there is no evidence of the disease reaching Western New York. That doesn't mean, however, that Genesee County residents shouldn't be aware and have a plan for dealing with a nearby outbreak, local health officials say.

Local health agencies have been keeping an eye on COVID-19* since it was first reported in Wuhan, China about two months ago, said Paul Pettit, Genesee County health director.

He said local officials have been in discussion with state officials for weeks as well as communicating with and monitor information from the Center for Disease Control.

The plan right now is to encourage people to do what they normally should due during flu season:

• Wash your hands frequently;
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow;
• Don't put your hands to your face;
• If you have flu-like symptoms, call your doctor and follow your doctor's instructions (don't go to the ER or your doctor's office unless instructed);
• If you're sick, isolate yourself from other people;
• Be informed with timely and accurate information.

"The primary goal is containment and (to) suppress it as best we can," Pettit said. "If we find a case, we want to develop a case history, find how who may people have been exposed, where the person has traveled if they've been out and about and at public events. That is the best way to suppress it and ensure to lock it down."

One thing you don't need to do: Hoard masks. The only people who need to wear masks, Pettit said, are health care workers and people already infected. They will do little to help people in the general public to protect them from infection and hoarding masks will make it harder for those who truly need them to get them.

One of the reasons this new virus was able to spread quickly -- outside of the Chinese government mishandling the initial outbreak -- is that a person can be a carrier for two weeks and show no symptoms. So if a person doesn't know he or she is infected, that person is going to go about their normal daily routine.

There are two ways the disease is transmitted in the United States -- either by those people who have traveled overseas in a region where Corvid-19 is spreading or by what authorities call "community transmission" (people who became infected by coming into contact with an infected person in the local community).

The one infected person in New York City is a woman in her 30s who recently returned from Iran, where more than 1,500 cases have been reported and 66 people have died (250 people have recovered).

Obviously, Pettit said, community transmission is the larger concern but people who have traveled to regions where the disease is present should be quarantined upon their return to the United States.

So far, four people in Genesee County (and five in Orleans County) who traveled to China have been quarantined. All four were isolated at home for two weeks and monitored daily for signs of illness. None became ill, Pettit said. None of the individuals had been to Wuhan, China.

Schools, faith-based organizations, community groups, and those holding public gatherings, also need to develop plans for responding to a potential outbreak, Pettit said. The CDC website can be a resource for local organizations to develop response plans.

"We don't want people to panic but we want people to understand it's a serious issue," Pettit said.

So far in China, there have been more than 80,000 cases reported out of nearly 90,000 reported worldwide. Globally, 3,056 deaths have been reported. In the United States, there are at least 90 confirmed cases and five deaths. There have been reports of community transmission in California, Oregon and Washington. There's concern that the virus spread in Washington for weeks without detection.

That isn't a concern here at this point, Pettit said, and this week, two of New York's infection disease labs became centers for testing for coronavirus.

United Memorial Medical Center is ready if the epidemic reaches Genesee County, said CEO Dan Ireland.

He said hospital staff, including Tricia Woodward, infection preventionist, have been monitoring the situation closely since the outbreak was first reported in China and keeping the rest of the hospital staff informed.

Like Pettit, Ireland said one of the best strategies to containing the disease is good information and acting on it.

"That means we're making sure we're prepared according to CDC guidelines," Ireland said. "We conduct education with the staff here, communicate out with our community partners, and Tricia does on-the-spot discussions with staff to make sure they have the correct information. We have routine education and drills to make sure our staff is always ready to respond."

If there is a local case, Woodward said the patient would be kept in a special isolation room and any staff entering the room would wear goggles, a mask, gloves and a gown.

Like Pettit, Woodward said the best strategy to level out transmission is for people who become sick is to stay home.

Not every case of COVID-19 is serious. Like the flu, most are not. The disease is most dangerous for older people, people with compromised immune systems, and people with respiratory difficulties, which is why the best recommendation for anybody who may become sick is to first, call your doctor. Don't leave the house unless directed to do so by a qualified medical professional.

"Having people flooding into ERs or doctors' offices when they suspect they're sick creates more of an environment where it can be transmitted, so it's not a bad thing to pick up the phone and call a doctor," Ireland said. "If you have a high fever, a doctor can provide proper guidance."

In China, there have been whole cities placed on a social isolation regime. That means people must stay home. Businesses and factories have closed. Public events were canceled.

If that happens here, people will need to be prepared with enough nonperishable, shelf-stable food and water to stay isolated for up to three weeks.

"Fortunately, we're nowhere near that stage anywhere in the U.S. or in this state," Pettit said. "Obviously the goal is to use quarantines to keep from getting to that point."

But a lot of any success is keeping the disease from spreading at China-like levels will depend on the actions of individual citizens, not government agencies.

"Everybody has to be personally accountable," Pettit said. "Everybody has to do their part and take care of themselves so they can take care of others."

*(According to the CDC: COVID-19, "CO" stands for "corona," "VI" for "virus," and "D" for disease.)

LOCAL NEWS MAKES FOR STRONGER COMMUNITIES. SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS.

A 17-year-old female who lives on Jerome Place in Batavia is charged with second-degree harassment. She is accused of striking a Batavia Police officer during an incident at 12:27 p.m. Jan. 24 on Central Avenue in Batavia. At 1:56 p.m. on Feb. 27, she was arrested, processed and released with an appearance ticket. She is due in Batavia City Court at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 for arraignment. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Austin Hedges.

Kyle Christopher Madden, 27, of Lake Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with: grand larceny in the third degree; first-degree identity theft; and second-degree criminal impersonation. On Feb. 1, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office received a complaint of stolen credit card information from an apartment in the 8000 block of Lake Street Road in Le Roy, which was used to purchase merchandise online on Jan. 19. An investigation allegedly revealed the defendant stole property exceeding $3,000 and acted as the person who owned the credit card in an attempt to defraud the victim, and did this using internet websites. The defendant was arraigned in Town of Le Roy Court Feb. 28 and released. He is due back in court at a later date. The case was handled by Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Investigator Christopher Parker.

Nateeka M. Gibson, 30, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with robbery in the third degree and second-degree harassment. She was arrested Feb. 21 and arraigned in Batavia City Court following an investigation of an incident that occurred at 1 p.m. on Feb. 15 on Washington Avenue in Batavia. She was released on her own recognizance and is to return to city court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Austin Hedges.

William T. Hughes, 63, of South Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. On Feb. 25, Hughes was arrested after a domestic incident at 10:01 p.m. on South Spruce Street, wherein it is alleged Hughes violated an order of protection. He was arraigned on Feb. 26 an held without bail. He is due in Batavia City Court on March 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

Michael Douglas Busch, 20, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Busch was arrested Feb. 27 after the investigation of an employee at Walmart in Batavia. Busch allegedly stole a total of $440 from Jan. 27 to Feb. 18 from Walmart cash registers while working there. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on March 12. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

The smell of smoke is coming from an electrical outlet on the front porch at 3429 Dodgeson Road, Alexander, Alexander Fire Department is responding. The location is between Wortendyke and Alexander roads.

Press release:

Site Selection Magazine has again recognized Batavia and Genesee County as among the best micropolitans in the nation for businesses to invest into projects that benefit from the region’s talent, shovel-ready sites, and utility infrastructure.

Batavia and Genesee County ranked third in Site Selection Magazine’s annual rankings of the top micropolitans in the nation for business growth.

This is the 16th consecutive year that Batavia and Genesee County have been recognized as the top micropolitan in the Northeast United States, and the sixth consecutive year the region has been ranked in the top five nationally.

The recognition follows the growth of Genesee County’s food and beverage, warehousing and distribution, and advanced manufacturing industries across sites, including the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.

“This recognition is due to the hard work of the GCEDC management and staff under the leadership of Steve Hyde,” said Genesee County Economic Development Center Board Chair Paul Battaglia.

“It also is a reflection of the commitment of the GCEDC board members who volunteer their time working for the betterment of our community, and the leadership of the Genesee County Legislature and our community stakeholders.”

Site Selection Magazine’s rankings include all U.S. cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people which cover at least one county. In 2017, the region tied its highest ranking ever, as it climbed to number two among the annual survey of micropolitans across the country.

The national evaluation recognized nine of the GCEDC’s projects in 2019 across several stages of project development. The GCEDC closed on 23 total project wins in 2019, securing $60 million in capital investment and pledges to create 200 new jobs and retain 836 more jobs. The total economic impact across these projects is $156 million.

“Year after year, Genesee County and our many private and public sector partners work collaboratively to achieve our economic development goals, which is why it is such a special honor to be recognized yet again by Site Selection Magazine as a top-three micropolitan in the country,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of GCEDC.

“From our shovel-ready sites to our unique location between the Buffalo and Rochester metro markets, our region continues to demonstrate consistent economic growth through job creation and retention.”

Since 2003, the GCEDC has provided similar assistance and incentives for 488 projects which have generated over $1.3 billion in capital investment and the creation and/or retention of approximately 5,663 jobs.

The region is well suited for continued growth, with the availability of middle skills talent – 2.2 million people live and work within an hour of Batavia; expanding shovel-ready sites with additional phases of infrastructure development at the Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP); and infrastructure, with hydropower enabling projects at an estimated cost of $0.035 per kilowatt hour at the 1,250-acre STAMP megasite.

Anyone who interviews at one of the hiring events will receive a complimentary ticket to Six Flags Darien Lake. Six Flags Darien Lake opens for the 2020 season on Friday, May 8.

About Six Flags Darien Lake

Six Flags Darien Lake’s wide variety of entertainment and top-notch thrill rides has made it the Coaster Capital of New York since 1964. Located 45 minutes from Niagara Falls between Buffalo and Rochester, today the park boasts more than 50 rides, including seven world-class roller coasters, dozens of family rides, the region’s largest water park and a 20,000-seat amphitheater operated by Live Nation.

The park opens for the 2020 season May 8 and welcomes overnight guests in a wide range of accommodations—from a full-service hotel and modern cabins to rental RVs, and RV and tent campsites. 

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, with $1.5 billion in revenue and 26 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 59 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.

Press release:

February 29 only happens once every four years, and for proud parents Chelsie Pangrazio and Daniel Laudico, and siblings Ky’Reese and Karter, it was an extra special day. Meet Kerigan Mae Laudico, born Leap Day at 8:33 a.m. This adorable little leapling and her family are all doing well!

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.44, down 3 cents since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.43. The New York State average is $2.59 – down 2 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.53.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.59 (no change since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.53 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.62 (no change since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.56 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Rome -- $2.61 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.51 (up 3 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.58 (down 3 cents since last week)

Data from the Energy Information Administration shows that total domestic gasoline supplies remain high – and the level is much higher than one year ago. That has helped to push pump prices lower across the country as crude oil remains cheap.

Oil prices plummeted at the end of February as coronavirus shut down factories in China, which is the largest importer of oil. The drop in demand pushed oil prices down though some varieties (WTI & Brent Crude) have begun to inch up this morning.

The global drop in demand is likely to continue through the end of the winter driving season. However, refinery maintenance, which is just beginning now, could impact prices in the month of March.

From GasBuddy:

"As the spread of the coronavirus induces panic on markets, oil prices have been walloped and motorists should avoid filling up as the plummet in oil prices starts showing up at their local gas station in the days ahead," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"Nearly every village, town and city in every state will see gas prices dropping -- the pace may vary, of course -- but over the next week gas prices will move lower solidly, barring any dramatic improvement in the spread of the virus.

The drop in oil is little comfort to those who've been watching the stock market fall, but gas stations have plenty of room to drop prices, in some cases nearly 25-35 cent drops over the next few weeks will happen.

My advice for motorists is delay buying gasoline and expect noticeable drops for the time being as the world obsesses over the spread of COVID-19."

Local contractor Dave Vasciannie is banking on collaboration – including input from the community – as the most effective approach in his quest to convert the former Batavia Armory at 235 State St. into a mixed-use facility anchored by a senior housing complex.

Speaking at an open house on the City Centre concourse on Saturday afternoon, Vasciannie recounted the origins of the project and talked about the enlistment of students in an architectural class at Rochester Institute of Technology to develop potential ideas for the two existing armory buildings.

“What spurred me on was the gentlemen right there with the cane,” he said, pointing to David Carr of Rochester, a neighborhood advocate. “We got introduced on another project in Rochester and, apparently, they had done this before for other projects.”

Vasciannie said Carr met with Nana Andoh, the RIT professor, and since the armory proposal fit into the “adaptive reuse” course description, it was decided to make it a class project.

“They (RIT group) came to Batavia a couple times and they went to work, envisioning their own projects as to what they would do with it,” Vasciannie said. “You’ll notice that all the students but one are from other countries. So, we’re getting that type of perspective built in here.”

Professor Andoh said his eight students are from several countries, including China, Taiwan, India, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and the United States.

He said they were divided into four teams of two, and charged with creating drawings to show how they would convert the two 12,000-square-foot buildings and reshape the existing green space.

Their ideas, which were presented in an aptly presented series of renderings, included a wellness center, educational facility, farmers’ market/restaurant/community event center, greenhouse/sustainable garden, and youth recreation center (featuring a swimming pool that could be converted to a winter outdoor ice skating rink).

Vasciannie said the students did market studies and surveys “to see what Batavia would support.”

“And that’s important because, as you know, the armory has been sitting there for four years since I bought it,” he said. “We really couldn’t develop it; we we’re concerned about zoning. So instead of working this thing in reverse, let’s find out what the city will support, then we can think about building it.”

Vasciannie, through DeVas Enterprises, LLC, purchased the parcel in August 2016 from the New York State Police for $235,000.

The Batavia resident said the condition of the two buildings, which were built in 1963, is what “enticed” him.

“Those two buildings, you could not build for a fraction today of what it was built for. The structures are sound and what I didn’t want to see was a developer come in and want to tear those down and rebuild. There’s too much stuff there – it’s solid as a rock,” he said.

Carr, who has worked with RIT for four decades on projects in Rochester, said the armory plan serves a dual purpose – “giving students a place to work – this is like their lab – and also giving the investor some ideas of what they can do with their projects.”

He added that community involvement is the key.

“The community has to be involved to make the project successful,” Carr said. “Looking at the next four or five years, we’re talking about another legacy that we’re building here. With the input of the students, the City and Town of Batavia, we can make this work.”

As far as his plan to put up a senior housing complex is concerned, Vasciannie said it comes down to the best road to finding financial support.

“Any type of project is going to take funding, and where funding is basically coming from in New York State is through the housing,” he said. “So, we’re working with another entity called Rochester Property Management, which is looking to bring senior housing into the equation. They are working on their own separate piece and it would surround the existing buildings – and you’ll see from some of these renderings how we’re able to match the two.”

Vasciannie said the next step is to gather the surveys that were available for those who attended the open house and to reach out to a full-time architect. He hopes to start the adaptive reuse project in the fall of this year.

State Street residents Greg and Holly Reinhardt were among those who attended the open house.

The couple noted the students' many “good ideas" and said they are interested in learning more but are concerned about the “possible change” to the neighborhood.

Photo at top: Dave Vasciannie, right, with David Carr, left, and RIT professor Nana Andoh at Saturday's open house concerning the possible future of the former Batavia Armory on State Street.

Renderings by students Aneesh Rughwani and J.C. Lee (farmers' market and community event center).

Rendering by students Riven Kim and Wael Mkao (restaurant, greenhouse, farmers' market, cooking class facility).

 Renderings by students Heba Bin Seddeg and Sara Hall (showing senior housing along with sustainable garden).

Renderings by students Yudong Yan and Jonathan Su (showing restaurant with take-out area, kitchen, art classroom).

Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Robbie Hanks rolled his fourth United States Bowling Congress-certified 300 game in as many months on Friday night while substituting in the Friday Night Mixers League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

Hanks, who turned 28 on Feb. 22, put together games of 200, 268 and 300 for a sparkling 768 series. 

The son of Oak Orchard Bowl proprietor Randy Hanks (and an employee at the 18-lane center), Robbie now has a perfect game in each of the past four months. The other three have come in the Thursday Night Triples League on Nov. 14, Dec. 12 and Jan. 30.

In other league bowling action this week:

-- Scott Allis of Medina set the pace this morning in the Sunday Rolloffs at Medina Lanes, posting a 289 game and 776 series.

A few nights earlier, Allis rolled a 262 game and 744 series in the Wednesday Community League, also at Medina Lanes.

-- Tom Baker and Matt Balduf led the way in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday League at Mancuso Bowling Center with 768 and 755, respectively.

-- Jeremy Vallance started with 268 in a 739 series in the Le Roy Moose League at Le Roy Legion Lanes.

-- Naomi Hyde of Le Roy fired a 269 game and 687 series as the Synergistic Online Solutions MNF League came to a close at Mancuso's.

For a list of high scores from the area, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Genesee County Republicans rallied for their candidates, to kick off election-season signature drives, at the Dibble Family Center in Batavia on Saturday, with a previously unannounced appearance by state GOP Chairman Nick Langworthy.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley said he had recently spoken with Langworthy and happened to mention the event and Langworthy rearranged his schedule to attend.

Genesee County GOP endorsed candidates on hand:

• Chris Jacobs – U.S. Congress
• Ed Rath II – NYS Senate
• Steve Hawley – NYS Assembly
• William Sheron – GC Sheriff
• Scott German – GC Treasurer
• Karen Lang -- GC Coroner
• Adam Palumbo – GC Coroner

Covering politics is a lot of work and but truthful, honest reporting is essential to democracy.  Help us do it better.  Please become a supporter.

Oakfield-Alabama advanced to the semifinals of the Class C3 sectional tournament Friday night by beating South Seneca 84-58.

Kam Cusmano scored 23 points for the Hornets and Kaden Cusmano scored 19.

Boys' results from Saturday:

• Le Roy lost to Wayland-Cohocton 81-78.
• Batavia lost to Newark 63-58 in OT (game story).
• Elba beat Destiny 83-62.

Boys' semifinal playoff schedule: 

• Class C1, Byron-Bergen vs. Red Jacket, 6:30 p.m., tomorrow, at Newark
• Class C2, Alexander vs. Perry, 7:45 p.m., tomorrow, at Bloomfield
• Class C3, Oakfield-Alabama vs. York, 8:15 p.m., at Genesee Community College
• Class D2, Elba vs. Bradford, 7 p.m., Tuesday, at Mount Morris
• Class D1, Notre Dame vs. Genesee Valley, 8:15 p.m., tomorrow at Mount Morris

Saturday's girls' results:

• Pavilion beat Prattsburg, 61-34
• Notre Dame beat Hammondsport 60-47
• Bergen beat East Rochester, 62-49
• Pembroke beat Warsaw 47-28 (video)
• Red Creek beat Oakfield-Alabama, 60-56

Girls' semifinal schedule:

• In Class C1, Pembroke vs. Red Jacket, 7:45 p.m., Wednesday, at HFL
• In Class C1, Byron-Bergen vs. Letchworth at 6 p.m., Wednesday, at HFL
• In Class D1, Notre Dame vs. Filmore at 7:45 p.m., Tuesday, at Dansville
• In Class D1, Pavilion vs. Arkport at 6 p.m., Tuesday, at Dansville
• In Class D2, Elba vs. Hinsdale at 7:45 p.m., tomorrow, at Wayland-Cohocton

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos from the game, click here.

Photos of Le Roy game below by Tim McArdle.

The second-seeded Batavia High Blue Devils rallied from a 10-point fourth quarter deficit to force overtime before dropping a 63-58 decision against visiting Newark tonight in the quarterfinals of the Section 5 Class B1 boys’ basketball tournament.

A long two-point basket by junior guard Zach Gilebarto with 6.6 seconds left in regulation tied the score at 48-48 and, following a miss at the buzzer by Newark’s Josh Green, the teams moved into the four-minute OT.

The Blue Devils took a 50-48 lead in the opening seconds of the extra period on a layup by senior center Camden White, but it was short-lived as senior guard Dustin Case nailed a three-pointer to put the Reds up 51-50.

Newark went ahead 53-50 on a put-back by senior forward Devin Agosto before Gilberto came through again with another three-pointer to knot things up at 53-53.

Two free throws and a short jumper by Agosto gave the visitors a 57-53 edge but White sank a layup at the 1:20 mark to pull BHS within two.

The Reds made it 59-55 on a pair of free throws by senior forward Blade Case, before Gilberto responded with a three-point play on a driving layup and foul shot to make it 59-58 with 12.9 seconds to play.

Batavia fouled Case who calmly made two free throws to put Newark up 61-58 and, following timeouts by both teams, a three-point shot by senior guard Caeden White bounced off the rim.

A pair of free throws by Green with 1.6 seconds left closed out the scoring and enabled Newark to avenge a 48-47 regular-season loss to Batavia on Feb. 11 in Newark.

In tonight's rematch, Newark took a 14-10 lead after the first quarter -- Camden White scored seven of his game-high 17 points to keep Batavia within striking distance – before Batavia responded to take a 26-22 halftime advantage behind five points each from junior guard Alex Hale and junior forward Stone Siverling.

A pair of three-point shots by Blade Case in the third quarter sparked the Reds to a 36-31 lead as Batavia struggled from the field, hitting just two baskets in the period.

The Newark lead ballooned to 45-35 with 4:22 left in the final stanza before the home team staged a furious comeback.

A free throw by Gilberto and two by Camden White after an offensive rebound made it 45-38. A steal resulted in two more free throws by Gilberto, before Green sank two free throws for Newark to put the score at 47-40 with only 1:06 on the clock.

Batavia wasn’t finished, however, as Gilberto sank a three-pointer from the top of the key to pull his team within four. A free throw by Blade Case made it 48-43 but a corner three by Hale with 25 seconds left gave Batavia life.

Hale committed his fifth foul to stop the clock and the strategy worked when Newark missed at the foul line, giving Batavia another chance and setting the stage for Gilebarto’s clutch basket just inside the three-point line to tie the score at 48-48 and push the contest into overtime.

Gilebarto scored 16, Hale 14 and Siverling nine for Coach Buddy Brasky’s squad, which finished its season at 14-7 and played the final game on the BHS gymnasium floor as a new one is scheduled to go in on July 1.

For Newark, Green led the way with 16 while Blade Case had 14, Agosto 14 and Dustin Case 12.

The seventh-seeded Reds, 12-10, advance to the semifinals against No. 3 Waterloo. The other semifinal match pits No. 1 Geneva against No. 5 Hornell. The semis are scheduled for Tuesday night.

Top photo: Batavia's Zach Gilebarto launches a game-tying long shot with 6.6 seconds left in the fourth quarter to send the game to overtime.

Photos by Steve Ognibene. To view or purchase prints, click here.

Below,​ Camden White scores inside for Batavia.

Below, Max Rapone fights for a loose ball.

Below, Newark's Devin Agosto drives to the basket.

Below, the Blue Zoo cheering on their Blue Devils.

Below, Alex Hale gets ahead of the field for a layup.

Below, faces tell the story as time runs out after a hard-fought game.

Pembroke's 21st win on the season came in its second game of sectional play today when the Lady Dragons beat Warsaw 47-28.

The Dragons dominated on defense and were led by DeKari Moss on offense, who scored 19 points. 

Serene Calderon scored 11 and Emily Peters scored nine, all on three-point shots.

For Warsaw, Ceanne Ellsworth scored 15 points.

In Class C1, the 21-1 Dragons next play Red Jacket (17-5) at 7:45 p.m., Wednesday, March 4, at a location to be determined.

The number-two seed in the bracket, Byron-Bergen (18-4), beat East Rochester tonight and next plays Letchworth (8-14) at 6 p.m., March 4, at a location to be determined, setting up a possible cross-county class of C1 rivals.

Commonly Asked Workers’ Compensation Questions:

It was a big night for Notre Dame on Friday. Yes, the boys' basketball team won another post-season playoff game -- beating Jasper-Troupsburg 71-58 -- but it was also the night the Fighting Irish honored Hall of Fame Coach Mike Rapone for achieving his 700th career win in Lyndonville last week.

Rapone was honored in remarks by Principal Wade Bianco, lifelong friend, former principal, Joseph Scanlan, and former player Mike Redding.

In the game, Collin McCulley scored 23 points, Gabe Macdonald, 15, Mark Sanders, 12, and Ryan Fitzpatrick, 8. Sanders also had five steals, Macdonald had 14 rebounds and six assists. McCulley had seven rebounds.

For Jasper-Troupsburg, Brayden Hill scored 19 points, hitting four three-pointers, and Tyler Flint scored 12. 

Also on Friday in boys' basketball:

• Pembroke lost to Lyons 73-46.
• Byron-Bergen beat RACS 71-63.
• Alexander beat Clyde-Savannah 54-49.
• Oakfield-Alabama beat South Seneca 84-58.

Upcoming games:

• In Class D1, Notre Dame plays Genesee Valley at 8:15 p.m., March 2, at Mount Morris in a semifinal game.
• In Class D2, Elba plays tonight at 7 o'clock at Elba against Destiny.
• In Class C3, O-A plays York at 8:15 p.m., March 2 at Genesee Community College.
• In Class C2, Alexander plays either Perry or Cuba-Rushford at 8:15 p.m. March 2 and a location to be determined.
• Le Roy plays at 7 tonight at home against Wayland-Cohocton in Class B2.
• Batavia plays at 7 tonight at home against Newark in Class B1.

The Batavia High Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team’s season came to an end tonight at the hands of host Palmyra-Macedon, 58-48, in the quarterfinals of the Section 5 Class B1 Tournament.

The Lady Blue Devils battled back from a 15-point deficit to twice climb within six points in the fourth quarter, but were unable to overcome a shaky first half punctuated by foul trouble and the inability to keep the taller Lady Red Raiders from dominating inside.

Fifth-seeded Batavia finishes with a 14-8 record while No. 4 Pal-Mac advances to the next round with a 17-4 mark.

“We made a lot of mistakes. We didn’t get back (on defense),” Batavia Coach Marty Hein said. “We knew we had to press to try to wear them down, to get them into some foul trouble – which did happen, but we didn’t sprint back hard enough and gave up a lot of easy buckets because we just didn’t communicate.”

Hein also pointed to the foul situation, especially the fact that junior point guard Mackenzie Reigle had to sit all but 19 seconds of the second quarter after picking up her third foul.

“The idea was there, but obviously, we got into foul trouble ourselves,” he said. “Kenzie not playing for a whole quarter is not ever going to be a productive thing for us offensively. Actually, that hurt us offensively and defensively.”

Pal-Mac, behind senior forward Andra Savage’s 11 points, took a 29-18 lead into the locker room.

“We put up only 18 points in that first half, and Kenzie only played the first quarter and maybe 30 seconds of the second quarter,” Hein said. “That’s a killer for us.”

The home team upped the advantage to 43-28 late in the third quarter before hot-shooting junior guard Bryn Wormley led a Batavia rally that closed the gap to 45-36. Wormley had 10 of her game-high 25 points in the quarter.

Batavia employed a full-court press at the outset of the fourth quarter and cut the deficit to 45-39 on a free throw and bucket by senior forward Emma Krolczyk, who had all five of her points in the final frame.

The teams traded baskets until a three-point shot by Wormley – her sixth three-pointer of the game – pulled Batavia within 54-48 with 1:18 to play. That was as close as the Lady Devils got, however, as a layup by sophomore forward Ryley Trail and basket by junior guard Sophie Lyko sealed the victory for Pal-Mac.

Reigle, who fouled out in the closing seconds, ended up with six points (below her 15 ppg average) along with five rebounds and five assists, while sophomore guard Jaylene Dersham also had six points. Junior guards Kennedy Kolb and Tess Barone rounded out the scoring with 4 and 2, respectively.

Savage paced Pal-Mac with 17 points while senior guard Katherine Smyth added 12 and Lyke chipped in with 10.

Hein said he was impressed with the quality of the teams at the top of the Class B1. Entering Friday’s action, No. 1 Waterloo and No. 2 Dansville both were at 18-2, while No. 3 Livonia was at 16-4.

“We knew coming in with the teams that were left in the B1 Class, you needed a B-plus to an A performance every night that you were going to come out on the floor,” Hein said. “With the foul troubles and not getting back (on defense), we didn’t do that B-plus performance.”

Despite the loss, the coach said the season was a pleasurable one.

“Overall, I really love how all the girls were working together. It’s the tightest group that I’ve been with. They work together. It’s not just always about friendship; they care about each other on and off the court. It’s probably one of the best groups that I’ve enjoyed working with,” he said.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

From top to bottom -- Tess Barone battles for a rebound; Mackenzie Reigle drives to the hoop; Kennedy Kolb goes for a loose ball; Barone attempts a free throw as Jaylene Dursham looks on; Brym Wormley splits the defense for a shot.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley announced today that he has endorsed Sen. Chris Jacobs in the April 28 Special Election for U.S. Congress. Jacobs is running to serve the remainder of former Rep. Chris Collins’ term representing New York’s 27th Congressional District.

The district spans from the suburbs of Buffalo through the Finger Lakes and Canandaigua with Hawley’s hometown of Batavia sitting at the heart of the district.

“I am wholeheartedly endorsing Senator Jacobs to serve as our next Congressman,” Hawley said. “In an era highlighted by radical ideals and attacks on our values, we need a strong leader and proven legislator who will stand up for our beliefs here in Western New York.

"Senator Jacobs is a successful businessman with a proven track record of creating jobs and giving back to his neighbors philanthropically. I endorse Senator Jacobs in the April Special Election and am confident he will serve with honor and dignity as our next Congressman.”

UPDATE: The Chris Jacobs campaign also put out a press release that contained this statement:

“I am beyond honored and grateful to receive Assemblyman Hawley’s endorsement," Jacobs said. "It has been an honor serving beside him in the State Legislature and he has been a true conservative fighter for the people of Western New York.

"With his endorsement, I feel confident that we can usher in a new era of prosperity in our region and send strong conservative leadership to Washington."