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Elba's chance for undefeated regular season stopped by rival Notre Dame

By Howard B. Owens

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Longtime rival Notre Dame stopped Elba's effort to finish the regular season undefeated Tuesday night, beating the Lancers on their home court, 59-47.

Elba is now 18-1 and the Lady Irish are 18-2. Both teams have 13 league wins and so finish the regular season tied atop the Genesee Region.

Entering Class D2 sectional play, Elba should be the #1 seed as it shoots for its third consecutive sectional title.

Notre Dame is ranked #6 in Class B1. Batavia High School is ranked #1 entering into sectionals.

For the Irish, Callie McCulley scored 23 points and had 13 rebounds. Stevie Wilcox scored 12 points and had seven rebounds. Morgan Rhodes scored 10 points and Amelia McCulley scored eight.

UPDATE: Stats for Elba: Taylor Augello, 19 points and eight rebounds. Maddie Muelhig, 13 points, and Leah Bezon, seven points and seven rebounds.

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One for the thumb: Foss sets scoring marks en route to fifth GRUSBC Masters crown

By Mike Pettinella

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CREAM OF THE CROP: Curtis Foss of Medina, left, receives the champion's plaque from Paul Spiotta, tournament director, following his victory Sunday in the Genesee Region USBC Masters at Scopano's Lanes in Oakfield. Foss now has five Masters titles, breaking the tie with Dave Montemarano Jr. of Batavia and Tim Rohl, formerly of Le Roy, for the most ever.

Setting a new standard for bowling excellence in the Genesee Region, Medina’s Curtis Foss captured an unprecedented fifth GRUSBC Masters Tournament crown Sunday in record-setting fashion at Scopano’s Lanes in Oakfield.

Foss, a high-revving power-player whose commitment to the sport in this area is second-to-none, averaged 254 during the eight-game match play finals yesterday and compiled 722 Peterson Points – both high-water marks in the event’s 58-year history.

When asked "what does winning a fifth Masters mean to you?" Foss simply replied “everything” before expressing that he wished to dedicate the victory to his father, Robert Jr., who passed away in October 2016, and his grandmother, Mildred Green, who died the day before this past Thanksgiving.

“They meant so much to me, and the fact that my mom (Sue), grandpa (Darrell Green) and sister (Cassidy) were here, means a lot to me, too.”

The 31-year-old right-hander entered the finals as the No. 1 seed based on his 1,030 score for four games of qualifying the day before (a 257.5 average) and picked up right where he left off by rolling back-to-back 269 games on Sunday.

First he defeated second-seeded and former champion Scott Culp of Honeoye Falls, 269-223, and then he knocked off third-seeded and defending champion Kevin Gray Jr. of Warsaw, 269-213, to leave little doubt as to who would emerge victorious.

He coasted from there, posting scores of 226, 245, 245, 246, 277 and 255 – losing only to Jake Rosenbeck of Medina, 268-245 in game four.

Foss earned $320 and a champion’s ring for his efforts, adding to his collection as a result of victories in 2008, 2009, 2014 and 2015.

In league play this season, Foss -- who bowls as a regular or sub every day of the week -- has registered five 800 series and four 300 games, and already has 27 800's and 40 300's for his career.

As would be expected, Foss came into the tournament with his confidence soaring.

“It’s been going well. My body is doing what it needs to do,” Foss said, noting that he has a “stay me” philosophy.

“That means that I want to do what I’m best at -- which is to stay smooth and don’t overthink the shot,” he said. “When I’m not forcing things and when I get to the place where I feel smooth (to the line) is when I’m at my best.”

Rosenbeck, a 32-year-old righty, enjoyed a successful Masters debut, placing second with 450 Peterson Points and averaging 231 for his 12 game. He earned $240.

Gray finished in third place with 291 points ($200), followed by Scott Allis of Medina (278 points, $160), Culp (205 points, $140), Mike Johnson of Batavia (185 points, $120), former champion Tom Rohl of Le Roy (146 points, $110) and Mike Pettinella of Batavia (64 points, $100).

In Peterson Point match play, bowlers receive 30 points for a victory and more or less points for their score in relation to 200.

High scores from Saturday’s qualifying round (the top eight out of 37 entrants advanced):

Foss, 1,030; Culp, 963; Gray Jr., 942; Allis, 919; Rosenbeck, 911; Johnson of Batavia, 910; Rohl, 892, Pettinella, 887. Devon Leach of Stafford was the alternate at 874.

Batavia Alpine Ski Team closes out season

By Howard B. Owens

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Write-up and photos submitted by Coach Matt Holman:

The regular season came to a close this past Saturday as the Southern Tier Race League marked senior day at Swain. After canceling a race on Wednesday due to freezing rain and warm temperatures, the conditions were hard and icy for a two-run GS, followed by a single slalom race.

The Batavia girls finished the regular season with a fifth-place finish in the afternoon race slalom led by Tess Cerefin, who capped her senior season with the best finishes of her career, a pair of 15th-place finishes. Lily Whiting finished in 18th place in slalom. The morning GS produced a fourth-place team finish, led by Aubrey Towner, who was 13th.

On the season, the girls finished in fourth place in the Southern Tier Race League, with all three girls collecting points for finishing in the top 15. Aubrey Towner was 16th place, Lily Whiting was 21st and Tess Cerefin was 22nd.

Zach Wagner finished the morning GS race in 23rd place, followed up by a 22nd-place finish in the afternoon slalom. He finished the season in 23rd place for the boys on the season.

The modified team finished the day with a pair of fifth-place finishes. In GS Ben Stone had the best individual finish, but Ethan Bradley was the top overall finisher at 21st and Lily Wagner at 22nd. In slalom, Ethan was the top finisher at 20th, followed by Lily at 22nd and Ben at 23rd.

The Varsity skiers will compete at sectionals at Swain on Tuesday the 12th for the boys and Wednesday the 13th for the girls.
 

Team photo: Lily Wagner, Lily Whiting, Zach Wagner, Tess Cerefin, Ben Stone, Ethan Bradley, Aubrey Towner.

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Aubrey Towner

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Lily Whiting

Gibson explodes for 290-300--828 in County Line Stone League at Scopano's Lanes

By Mike Pettinella

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Armed with a new ball, the Roto-Grip Idol Pearl, Oakfield's Scott Gibson put on an impressive array of striking power last Wednesday night in at his hometown Scopano's Lanes.

The 54-year-old right-hander rolled 32 out of a possible 36 strikes -- including the last 23 in a row -- for a sparkling 238-290-300--828 series on lanes 3-4 in the County Line Stone League.

Gibson said he got the ball a couple weeks ago and had it drilled by Tom Allis of Medina.

He had nine strikes in the first game and, following a nine-spare in the first frame of game two, he never missed the pocket -- and carried every shot -- the rest of the way.

The 828 is his second USBC-certified 800 series (the first was an 810 at Scopano's in November 2000) and he now has eight 300 games.

In other recent bowling action, Jerry Blair of Le Roy recorded a 299 game en route to a 740 series on Jan. 31 and followed that up with a 279--703 series on Feb. 7 in the Thursday Night Men's League at Legion Lanes, and Matt Balduf of South Byron posted a 290 game in the Toyota of Batavia League at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

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

Watch for a report of Sunday's finals of the Genesee Region USBC Masters Tournament later today.

Foss averages 257.5 to lead field of eight into GRUSBC Masters bowling finals

By Mike Pettinella

Four-time champion Curtis Foss of Medina averaged 257.5 for four games today to lead the qualifying round of the 58th annual Genesee Region USBC Masters Tournament at Scopano's Lanes in Oakfield.

The powerful 31-year-old right-hander blistered the hall's "house shot" to the tune of 259-278-257-236 for a 1,030 total.

Foss, winner of the tournament in 2008, 2009, 2014 and 2015, outdistanced 2016 Masters champion Scott Culp of Honeoye Falls by 67 pins.

Culp's 963 was good for second place, followed by defending champion Kevin Gray Jr. of Warsaw, who posted 942.

Rounding out the top eight who will compete in a Peterson Point head-to-head, eight-game final round starting at 1 p.m. Sunday are Scott Allis of Medina, 919; Jake Rosenbeck of Medina, 911; Mike Johnson of Batavia, 910; two-time champion Tom Rohl of Le Roy, 892, and Mike Pettinella of Batavia, 887.

The field consists of five right-handers and three lefties (Gray Jr., Johnson and Rohl).

Devon Leach of Stafford posted 874 and is the alternate. Leach will bowl in case one of the finalists is unable to compete or withdraws during competition.

In Peterson Point match play, bowlers receive 30 points for a victory and additional points (or less points) for the score in relation to 200. For example, a bowler defeating his opponent with a 220 game receives 50 points for that game.

The bowler with the most Peterson Points after the eight games (including a tournament-ending position round) will be declared the champion.

The tournament drew 37 bowlers.

Batavia Lady Blue Devils stop Odyssey for 15th victory of the season

By Mike Pettinella

The Batavia High Lady Blue Devils, getting contributions from its entire roster, raised its Monroe County Division 4 girls' basketball record to 6-0 tonight with a 48-36 victory over visiting Greece Odyssey.

Batavia, now 15-2 overall, closes out the regular season against two divisional foes -- at Greece Olympia on Monday and home versus Pittsford Sutherland on Wednesday (Senior Night).

Coach Marty Hein’s squad is in position to grab the No. 1 seed in Class B1, with Midlakes and Hornell also in contention. Batavia’s first sectional tournament game will take place on Friday, Feb. 22.

Tonight’s game showcased the Lady Devils’ ball-hawking defense that forced 20 turnovers (including 10 steals) and produced 11 blocked shots, and an offense sparked by hard drives to the basket by senior guard Ryann Stefaniak and sophomore guard Mackenzie Reigle.

Batavia jumped out to a 7-0 lead but Odyssey, which came into the contest on a nine-game winning streak, rallied behind junior forward Treanna Blenman’s eight points to close within 14-12 after the first quarter.

The Lady Devils outscored the Leopards 12-6 in the second quarter and 10-6 in the third quarter to open a 12-point lead, which proved to be the margin of victory.

Stefaniak led Batavia with 18 points, along with five rebounds and three blocked shots, while Reigle had 12 points, six steals and three assists, and sophomore guard Bryn Wormley tallied 10 points.

Batavia also was sparked by senior guard Jenae Colkey, who filled the stat sheet with four points, six rebounds, two steals and two assists, and junior forward Emma Krolczyk, who had four points and five blocked shots.

Senior center Meghan Houseknecht and sophomores Tess Barone, Kennedy Kolb and Bella Houseknecht also saw significant minutes.

Blenman was the top scorer for Odyssey, 3-4 in the division and 13-6 overall, with 23 points – 14 in the first half and nine of the team’s 12 in the final period.

Sign-ups now open for Pavilion Youth Baseball/Softball League, deadline is Feb. 22

By Billie Owens

From Sarah Kingdon:

Sign-ups are now open for the Pavilion Youth Baseball/Softball League.

Please sign up through this new online portal here.

Click on Registration, select 2019 Pavilion Baseball/Softball Registration.

Registrations are due by Feb. 22.

Babe Ruth -- $75

12U, 10U, 8U -- $60

T-Ball (5-6 years old) -- $40

Please note that you will pay for the cash raffle fundraiser up front for $50. Tickets will be handed out by your coaches to sell.

The Opening Day Parade is on Saturday, April 27.

Please contact Tim Kingdon with questions at (585) 322-2804.

Boys Basketball: HFL holds on for win against divisional rivals Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

 

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There were times Wednesday night when it seemed like Honeoye Falls-Lima just couldn't miss three-point shots but even with that hot streak, the Batavia Blue Devils kept the game close.

Batavia pulled to within three points in the closing seconds but the home team still came up short, losing 62-56.

HF-L's shooters hit nine three-pointers, with Patrick Lustik hitting four (22 points) and Hayden Smith hitting three (11 points).

Batavia's Mason McFollins answered with four three-pointers of his own and a total of 24 points and Andrew Francis scored 17 points. 

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

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To purchase or view photos, click here.

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Dick's donates $1K to Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball (BGFS) recently received a very generous grant from the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation for $1,000. BGFS is actively fundraising to be able to purchase and install a new scoreboard at Lions Park, home field of the Batavia Stingers, and this grant will definitely help in the effort.

BGFS fields teams, known as the Batavia Stingers, at the 10u, 12u and 15u level in a Genesee Region Fastpitch Softball League.  While only in our third year of existence, BGFS has seen continued growth and has big plans for improving the field at Lions Park over the next couple of years. 

BGFS is very grateful to the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation for not only this generous grant but for the partnership that the Batavia Dick’s Sporting Goods Store has formed with the Stingers the past two seasons. The Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation and Batavia Dick’s Sporting Goods Store see the important role BGFS plays in providing young ladies a healthy and fun outlet in the community and has pledged to help BGFS reach its full potential.

There will be an in-person registration at the Batavia Dick’s Sporting Goods Store on Saturday, Feb. 9th, from 10 a.m..- 2 p.m.  Parents interested in signing up their daughters and learning about our program are encouraged to attend. More information about BGFS can be found by checking out our Facebook page, Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball, which has a link to our online registration site. 

Thank you to the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation and our Batavia Dick’s Sporting Goods Store not only for the generous grant but for promoting and supporting youth sports in our community.

Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball holds fundraiser at Tully's Thursday

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
The Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball (BGFS) organization is holding a fundraiser at Tully's bar and grill in Batavia on Thursday (Feb. 7) where 10 percent of the proceeds of your bill will go to BGFS.
 
The money raised will go toward the purchase and installation of a new scoreboard at Lions Park for the ladies.
 
Please consider grabbing lunch or dinner at Tully's tomorrow and don't forget to print out and bring the coupon with you. To print out the coupon(s), click here.
 
Please also consider passing along this email to any friends, family or coworkers that might be able to visit Tully's on Thursday.
 
BGFS is working very hard at raising money for this costly endeavor and we need all the support we can get. Our goal is to have a new scoreboard in place for the ladies to enjoy this coming spring. Currently there is no scoreboard at Lions Park for the ladies.
 
In fact, boys youth baseball teams in Batavia have five different fields, all with fencing, three with scoreboards and one with full lights. Youth girls softball has one field, with no fence, no lights and no scoreboard.
 
BGFS is just starting its third year in existence and we have a lot of big goals for the young ladies in Batavia, but we need the support of the community to make it happen. Not only do the Batavia Stingers teams from BGFS play their home games at Lions Park, but so does the varsity girls softball team at Notre Dame High School.
 
This scoreboard will be enjoyed by girls between the ages 7 through 18.  
 
I hope to see a bunch of you Thursday at Tully's!
 
Thanks!
Matt Landers

Brockport defeats Batavia, 53-46, in a battle of Lady Blue Devils' basketball teams

By Mike Pettinella

Batavia High School’s 11-game winning streak came to an end tonight at the hands of visiting Brockport, 53-46, in a Monroe County League interdivisional girls’ basketball game.

But the Batavia Lady Blue Devils, a Class B1 team, can hold their heads high as they hung with the Class A Brockport Lady Blue Devils, whose athleticism resulted in a decided advantage on the offensive boards (multiple second- and third-chances) and solid 2-3 zone defense forced Batavia away from the basket.

The winners consistently swarmed to the hoop, which resulted in them going to the foul line 27 times -- making 15 -- while Batavia was just 2-for-4 from the free throw line.

Brockport rode a pair of scoring spurts – an 8-0 run to open the second quarter and a 9-0 burst to start the fourth quarter – to its 16th win in 17 outings.

The 8-0 run erased a 13-9 Batavia lead that was sparked by senior guard Ryann Stefaniak’s eight points, and the 9-0 burst turned a 38-35 Brockport lead into a 12-point advantage.

Batavia responded, however, by scoring nine straight points – four by Stefaniak, three by sophomore guard Bryn Wormley and two by sophomore guard Mackenzie Reigle – to cut the deficit to 47-44 with 3:32 left.

Cheered on by the home fans, including a raucous “Blue Zoo” section of students, Batavia had a chance to tie but a three-pointer by Wormley went in-and-out.

From there, Brockport’s junior center Shinya Lee scored off an offensive rebound with 2:30 to play and senior guard Bryn Hayes hit a free throw a minute later to up the score to 50-44.

Reigle then drove to the basket and missed, but she came up with a nifty steal and layup at the 44-second mark to pull Batavia within four. That was as close as Batavia could get, however, as Brockport sank three free throws in the final seconds to close out the scoring.

Stefaniak led Batavia, now 13-2, with 19 points while Reigle added 12 and Wormley 11. Reigle also led the team with five rebounds, four steals and four assists.

For Brockport, Lee tallied 18, senior forward Doralis Allen 12 and Hayes 10.

Batavia plays at Honeoye Falls-Lima on Thursday and hosts Greece Odyssey on Friday.

Busmire rolls 300 game at Rose Garden Bowl; Scott Allis 299 in Medina

By Mike Pettinella

Longtime Viking Valhalla Restaurant cook Harris Busmire rolled a 300 game Thursday night at the bowling center attached to his place of employment -- Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

The 54-year-old right-hander's honor score came in the Thursday Owls League, and was his fourth perfect game since 2001.

In the Sunday Rolloffs League at Medina Lanes, Scott Allis registered a 299 game in a 730 series, and in the Monday Night League at Letchworth Pines in Portageville, Matthew Hurlburt strung 11 in a row after an opening spare for a 290 game en route to a 763 series.

For a list of high rollers for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Mike Pettinella's next Pin Points bowling column is scheduled for this Thursday.

Lyndonville leading GR after beating Elba and Alexander loses to Attica

By Howard B. Owens

Attica dealt Alexander only its fourth loss on the season, only second in league play, knocking the Trojans out of a first-place tie with Lyndonville and Elba, with a 64-54 win at home.

Alexander's Chris McClinic was the game's top scorer with 25 points. Ryan Davis scored 11 points for the Trojans.

For the Blue Devils, Devon Henderson scored 15 points, Frankie Bisceglie, 12, Trevor Goll, 11. Dawson Nelson scored 10 points, added 16 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals. Ayden Goll scored nine points and had six assists, six rebounds, and two steals.

"I was very proud of the team tonight," said Attica Coach Rob Crowley. "This was two good teams going at it. It was a great game in December over there and I would not have expected anything less tonight. It's always nice to win at home versus your rivals. "

Attica is now 10-6. Alexander is 11-4.

Elba (15-3) was also lost its share of first place in the Genesee Region League on Friday night with a 52-41 loss to Lyndonville (15-1).

Oakfield-Alabama (8-7) beat Pembroke (7-9) 64-51.

Byron-Bergen (6-9) beat Holley 65-47.

Pavilion (7-9) (in the Livingston League) beat Geneseo 71-63. 

Batavia plays North Tonawanda this afternoon at North Tonawanda. Batavia, in the Monroe League, is 6-7.

Mancuso's to host 'Super Sunday' handicap singles bowling tournament

By Mike Pettinella

Skip all the pre-game Super Bowl hype and test your skills on the bowling lanes. You might win some money and you'll be home in plenty of time to watch the Patriots battle the Rams.

That's the message that tournament director Mark Brown is sending out to Genesee Region bowlers as he promotes his "Super Sunday" handicap singles tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia this weekend.

The event starts at noon with a four-game qualifying squad. The field will be cut to eight bowlers after that for a head-to-head final round.

The entry fee is $45 and the field will be limited to 35 bowlers. First place, based on a full field, is $400.

As of this posting, about 25 have signed up. To enter, call Mancuso Bowling Center at 343-1319.

Foss rolls back-to-back 300 games in an 823 set; Diane Hurlburt posts 763

By Mike Pettinella

Two of the most popular names on the Genesee Region USBC awards list -- Curtis Foss of Medina and Diane Hurlburt of Warsaw -- added to their many chances for the local association's grand prize drawing at the season-ending banquet in May with superlative league performances last week.

Foss started a bit slowly (for him) with a 223 game before stringing 24 consecutive strikes -- back-to-back 300 games -- for an 823 series in the Friday Night Mixers League at Oak Orchard Bowl.

The 31-year-old right-hander raised his average to 240 for 57 games this season (he's at 245 in a Monday league at Oak Orchard Bowl), and now has three 800 series since Jan. 4.

Hurlburt, a 48-year-old righty, also has been in a groove of late, with the latest big series comilng on Thursday at Livingston Lanes in Geneseo -- 248-266-249--763. It is her fourth 700 series this season and eclipses her previous best of 738 (Jan. 19, 2017).

She had a legitimate shot at an 800 series after rolling the first six strikes in the third game. But a pocket 7-10 split in the seventh frame, and a solid 7-pin in the ninth frame kept her from eclipsing the GRUSBC women's record of 782 set by Caycee Landers at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen last season.

"I knew that I had the 700 but I really didn't realize that I was close (to 800)," said Hurlburt, who bowls in the league with her husband, Jason, and son, Matthew.

A Fillmore native who owns her own cleaning business, she is averaging 200 in a Monday league at Letchworth Pines in Portageville and 194 in the Thursday league at Livingston Lanes. Both of those leagues were relocated after a fire shut down operations at Perry Bowling Center.

The GRUSBC's awards program allows bowlers to earn entries into a grand prize drawing in May based on high scores bowled during the season. Last year, Foss and Hurlburt had the most chances to win one of three $500 cash prizes -- with Hurlburt actually winning -- and they have the most chances again this season. 

In other league action last week, Rich Wagner of Batavia posted 792 in the Toyota of Batavia league at Mancuso Bowling Center to raise his average to a record-setting pace of 248.26, while Steve Krna rolled 279--768 in the Antique World Tuesday Coed league, also at Mancuso's.

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

Lady Lancers reach #1 rank in the state with balance and teamwork

By Howard B. Owens

Elba may be ranked number one in the state now but it's not something they think much about, said Coach Tom Redband after Friday's home victory over Pembroke 46-45.

"It's a fun thing for the fans and it's a nice thing to read about but it's not something we talk about or, you know, fixate on," Redband said. "You know we want to be as good as we can in the end; whatever that might be. We don't get into whether we're number one state or winning sectionals or winning states.

"It's just the personality of the team because of their work ethic."

And winning is a whole team effort, Redband said. The best example this year is Wednesday's road win over Avon 60-33 with no player on the team hitting double digits in scoring.

"We ended up winning by 27," Redband said. "I think that's pretty rare. I can't remember the last time we lost by 27 when the top two scorers on the other team had five points. I think that's just a testament to the girls developing and being ready at all times no matter what they did last game. You know, the next girl up when somebody is not at their best or injured or we need a little boost."

Elba, a Class D team, is 15-0 on the season now and among the reasons it's ranked number one in the state is five of those wins came against Class B teams and all but one of those other wins against Class C teams. The team has scored at least 60 points 12 times.

Friday night's win -- which Elba almost let slip away -- was another example of distributed offense with Brynn Walczak scoring 12 points, Leah Bezon with 11, Lauryn Engle, 9, Taylor Augello, 6, and Maddie Muehlig, 5. Engle hit three of her four three-point attempts.

Here's how Redband breaks down his team:

"Leah Bezon has been on the team for four years now. She's only a sophomore. She keeps developing and she has a humongous upside. She's our captain.

"Brynn Walzcak has been on the team two, three years. Maddie Mulehig three years, Taylor Augello, it's her second year starting and she's really come on this year. She worked really hard in the offseason to develop her game.

"Maddie Howard who is a senior, she'll be back soon. She was injured a couple of weeks ago. She'll be back soon. She's a great, great assist person, very unselfish looking to defend and assist. 

"Then we have shooters like Adriana Long and Dakota Brinkman and Lauryn Engle, who at any point could hit three or four threes in a game.

"Kelly Mickey is a ferocious defender and then Izzy Riner who can kind of do it all.

"We're really not a top-heavy team."

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Leah Bezon

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Taylor Augello

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Maddie Muehlig

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Maddie Muehlig

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Taylor Augello

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Leah Bezon

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Brynn Walczak

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Byron-Bergen, Elba rivalry game raises money for Ronald McDonald House

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

On Friday, Jan. 18, the JV and varsity boys basketball teams from Byron-Bergen and Elba faced off in their traditional “Battle of Route 262” games, but this year they had their sights set higher than just a victory on the basketball court. Much higher.

In response to two of their classmates receiving cancer diagnoses, the players wanted to raise money for organizations that have helped those individuals and their families. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester and Cure Childhood Cancer Association received equal shares of the evening’s donations.

“Games with Elba bring in a large local crowd,” said Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach Roxanne Noeth. “We thought that it would be a good chance to raise money and awareness for the cause – and the crowd really was amazing.”

In the weeks leading up to the game, the Byron-Bergen boys’ basketball teams gathered donations from friends, family, and community members and organizations. But, the Bees weren’t the only ones on the fundraising offensive. Elba, a partner District with Byron-Bergen for several sports including soccer and gymnastics, also collected donations for the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

“These students face off as opponents in basketball, but in another season they may be playing side-by-side,” said Elba Athletic Director Karen Cusmano. “The districts are less than 10 miles apart. We belong to a larger community and I’m proud that both teams are stepping up to support this important cause.”

The Elba players also joined the Byron-Bergen players in the half-court shot challenge sponsored by Jimmy Z’s of Brockport. Jimmy Z’s donated $20 for every half-court basket. The crowd exploded in applause as two Byron-Bergen players and one Elba player sunk the shot.

Both teams played hard with Elba’s JV and varsity teams edging out the bees. However, the biggest score of the evening was the $5,459 raised in support of the two charitable organizations. However, the final count still is not in.

Jimmy Z’s pledged to donate 20 percent of all sales from customers who mention Byron-Bergen’s fundraiser on Monday, Jan. 21, but due to inclement weather, the final fundraising effort is rescheduled to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28.

In a tweet, the Ronald McDonald House responded to the fundraiser announcement, “Thank you so much! This is a big help for our families.”

Contact: Rich Hannan, Byron-Bergen athletic director (585) 494-1220, ext: 2003; Contact: Pat McGee Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. high School principal (585) 494-1220, ext: 2401.

“Our sports teams have a strong tradition of raising money for charitable organizations,” said Byron-Bergen Athletic Director Rich Hannan. “It’s an amazing accomplishment for high school students to organize fundraising on this scale, but it is also an amazing show of solidarity for their classmates and their families. It says, "We’ve got your back.’Once a Bee. Always a Bee.” 

Pictured: (l-r) (back row) Corden Zimmerman, Varsity Coach Roxanne Noeth, Lucas Stucchio, Daren Barron, Jerrod Amesbury, Josh Hohn, Jonathan Hahn, Travis Lambert, Tony DiQuattro, Rick Hubbard, Kevin Smith, Alex Brumsted, Mitch Gonyea, Bryce Yockel, Chad Green, Nicholas Baubie, JV Coach Chris Chapman; (front row) Nicolas Walters, Joey Damick, Caleb Carlson, David Brumsted, Anthony Chapman, Gianni Ferrara, Ryan Muscarella, Alex Donnelly, Alex Heatherman.  

Industry leaders tout PBA-FOX TV deal, equipment specification changes

By Mike Pettinella

Reports from the 2019 Bowling Proprietors Association of America Summit in New Orleans, La., last week – a three-day event that I had the good fortune to attend -- painted an optimistic and evolving picture of the sport’s current and future state of affairs.

Executives from the BPAA, United States Bowling Congress, Professional Bowlers Association, Go Bowling!, Strike Ten Entertainment and the International Bowling Campus in Arlington, Texas, presented an industry update to the 250 or so proprietors/managers and representatives of affiliate organizations who gathered at the New Orleans Marriott on Canal Street.

Recent developments, such as a new PBA contract with FOX Sports that features more live telecasts and an increase in collegiate and high school bowling, give the powers-that-be reasons to feel encouraged about “the future for the sport.”

Chad Murphy, USBC executive director, reported the completion of a nationwide initiative for local associations to become “merged associations” – bringing men, women and youth together under one local umbrella. The result is that there are now 1,100 merged associations and another 500 affiliate (limited) associations in the U.S.

Beyond that, Murphy said, 343 local and state association directors and managers have attended USBC Leadership Training classes in Arlington and at other selected sites (paid for by the USBC) and that these classes will continue in 2019.

Genesee Region USBC board members Tom Fluker, Gary Kuchler and John Wood are among those who have taken the course and all said the information provided has helped them in their local roles.

The USBC has been conducting extensive research into bowling balls, lane conditions and lane surfaces in recent years, and are taking steps to even the playing field, so to speak.

Murphy said changes to bowling ball specifications (the cleaning of a ball, pending elimination of balance or weight holes and the rate of oil absorption) and to lane certification requirements are planned.

As of Aug. 1, 2019, bowlers will not be able to clean balls with any liquid substance during competition (unless there are marks from the pinsetter), and as of Aug. 1, 2020, balance holes will be eliminated.

This means that any holes in the ball (up to five will be allowed) must be used for gripping purposes on every delivery. Additionally, no-thumb bowlers will have to mark the intended grip center of the ball.

The USBC also is implementing a new standard for the rate that balls absorb oil, with the baseline set at a maximum of 2 minutes, 15 seconds.

“We have tested more than 1,200 bowling balls,” Murphy said, “and found that bowlers are starting deeper inside on the lane and moving more often, which deteriorates the lane condition quicker.”

He said that the amount of oil being put on lanes has increased dramatically over the years (in response to balls that hook more and more), which warrants a “universal system to measure oil absorption.”

On the subject of lane certification, Murphy said that data collection continues and will result in the USBC certifying all centers for 2018-19 regardless of whether they are 100 percent compliant. For 2019-20, USBC is extending the study but all centers must have proper inspections and three signatures will be required for certification.

Other highlights from the New Orleans summit:

-- Bowlers across the nation in 2018 donated more than $1.4 million to the sport’s primary charity -- Bowlers to Veterans Link.

-- BPAA membership gained 193 new members this year and saw 300 proprietors and managers graduate from the BPAA “Bowling University” course.

-- The Professional Women’s Bowling Association had 150 members in 2018 and tournament entries were up by 10 percent over 2017. Nearly $1 million in prize money is being offered this year and seven tournament finals will be televised live.

-- Tom Clark, CEO and commissioner of the Go Bowling! Professional Bowlers Association, reported that the PBA has signed a multi-year contract with FOX Sports, including a provision to add the USBC Masters and U.S Open to the network’s sports schedule.

FOX Sports will televise the U.S. Open live on FOX from 2020 through 2022 and the USBC Masters live on FS1 from 2019 through 2022.

-- Gary Brown, IBC Youth managing director, reported that there are now 221 colleges (with 3,825 members) with bowling programs and that high school bowling saw a 6 percent increase in bowlers last year.

Brown noted that IBC Youth offers coaching seminars, USA leagues and tournaments, Pepsi Youth Championships, the bowling.com youth open and Junior Gold – resulting in opportunities for thousands of youth bowlers and more than $800,000 in scholarships.

SLOCUM FAMILY SHINES AT GRUSBC ADULT-JUNIOR

Perry's Matt Slocum bowled with his daughter and son at the 2019 Genesee Region USBC Adult-Junior Tournament at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen and both of them went home smiling.

Slocum and Allie Faryna posted 1,390 to take first place and he and Gavin Slocum registered 1,342 for second place in the 12-and-Under Division. As a result, Allie's scholarship account is $220 richer and Gavin's increased by $180.

Two other duos cashed in that division of the Jan. 11-13 tournament -- Albion's Reid Cole (adult) and Kyle Brett, 1,341, for $140, and Mount Morris' Chad (adult) and Dominic LaPiana, 1,301, $100.

In the 13-and-Over Division, Jerry Menzie Jr. teamed with his little sister, Jillian, for a remarkable 1,575 score to take the $240 first place prize.

Other cashers were Dave DiSalvo (adult) and Trent Willis of Mount Morris, 1,493, $210; Paul Baney (adult) and Gavin Baney of Holley, 1,416, $180; Dan Santini (adult) and Alexis Patterson of Mount Morris, 1,394, $150, and Tom Fluker (adult) and Tony Sprague of Batavia, 1,361, $120.

Adults were entitled to their prize money unless they opted to have it placed in the youth's scholarship account through USBC SMART.

The tournament drew 44 teams.

NEWS  & NOTES FROM THE GENESEE REGION

-- With help from her bowling friends, Byron-Bergen High School junior Jillian Menzie spearheaded yet another tremendous fund drive in support of the Arc of Genesee Orleans.

Menzie, along with Megan Jarkiewicz, collected more than $3,900 in donations (cash and gift certificates) from the Bergen-area community through the Arc Bowl-A-Thon at Rose Garden Bowl.

It is a tradition started over 40 years ago by her grandmother, the late Ellen Menzie, a longtime youth bowling coach and director.

All told, the Bergen youth bowlers raised $4,266.40, with John Gabalski, Evan Phillips and Landon Kent also contributing by getting pledges. Without a doubt, a superb effort by all!

-- The team of Amanda Swartz, Rob Carter and Kenny Maurer combined for a 2,611 no-tap score with handicap to take the top prize of $600 at the 7th annual Scott Whittier Memorial Tournament at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

More than $1,100 was raised for the Albion Alumni Association to support graduating seniors and youth scholarships. Sixty-five teams competed.

Batavia teams placed second and third – John Wolff, Ron Lawrence and Marshall Merle, 2,522, $300; and Josh Elliott, Mike Lambert and Matt Balduf, 2,513, $240. Martin Beadle, Rob Brown and Jim Stymus of Albion were fourth with 2,495, good for $195.

-- Bowlers, friends and businesses donated $2,800 as a result of the Jim Pursel Benefit Tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center.

Forty-three teams entered the event, which was held to assist Pursel with expenses incurred after he suffered serious injuries in a fall at work.

The Batavia-based team of Jeremy Vallance, Eric Kraus, Jerry Harding, Tom Baker placed first with a 3,398 no-tap with handicap score.

-- The final two qualifying squads of the 41st annual Mount Morris Pepsi Open scratch singles tournament will take place on Feb. 10 since they were cancelled last Sunday due to a winter storm.

Squad times are 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., with the entry fee at $70. A last chance one-game squad for bowlers who didn’t make a squad cut is set for 4 p.m., prior to the eliminator finals.

To enter, call Mount Morris Lanes at 585-658-2540.

-- The next 60-and-Over scratch singles tour event is scheduled for this Sunday at Parkview Bowl in Rochester with squads at 10 a.m. (sold out) and 12:30 p.m.

To see if openings remain on the second squad, contact Kevin Martin at 355-7590.

Curtis Foss logs two more 800 series; Tackentien posts 300 in Portageville

By Mike Pettinella

When you're averaging 245 in one league and 238 in another, 700 series just don't cut it. For Medina's Curtis Foss, reaching the 800 mark for three games is where it's at.

Foss recently posted his sixth and seventh 800 series in the past 24 months -- 267-277-258--802 in the Friday Mixers League on Jan. 4 and 266-279-258--803 in the Sneezy's Monday Night League on Jan. 14, both at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

The high-revving 31-year-old right-hander also has seven 300 games over the past two years.

Speaking of perfect games, Nathan Tackentien of Arcade recorded his second 300 in as many weeks, the latest coming last Monday in league play at Letchworth Pines in Portageville.

For a list of high scores from leagues in the Genesee Region, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Mike Pettinella's next Pin Points column is scheduled for this Thursday.

Alexander remains in three-way tie for GR League lead with win over Notre Dame

By Howard B. Owens

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For the seventh time in 13 games this season, the Alexander Trojans topped 60 points en route to their 10th win, beating Notre Dame at Notre Dame, 63-52.

Chris McClinic led the Trojans with 24 points, hitting a pair of three-point baskets along the way, and senior captain Ryan Davis scored 13 points.

"At the beginning, we were able to attack their two-three zone," said Trojan Coach Wayne Hanley. "We were able to get through it pretty quick and made them change things up. I thought Notre Dame did a good job shooting but we did a good job on the boards."

With eight wins against Genesee Region competition (10-3 overall), Alexander is tied for the league lead with Lyndonville and Elba. 

The Trojans lost a home game to Elba on Wednesday, 61-45, and have also lost to Greece-Odyssey, 91-54, and to Cal-Mum, 73-63.

"The kids are playing really well," Hanley said. "We faced some tough competition. Greece-Odyssey, then we played Cal-Mum, and that helped us prepare for the GR itself. The GR is very tough this year. We’ve played some tough games but we’ve been focused every game so I think that has really helped us out."

For Notre Dame, now 6-8, Spencer Misiti scored 16 points, Gabe Macdonald scored 12, and Zachary Cocking scored 11.

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Thank you to Coach Hanley for participating in a video interview. Unfortunately, the audio did not come out well enought to use with this video.

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