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Alexander High School

Bethany native pens sci-fi thriller to encourage another way 'to think about the world'

By Joanne Beck
Mike Porter
Bethany native Mike Porter with his dog Hank.
Submitted Photo

As a former teacher, Alexander graduate Mike Porter liked to investigate particular issues, including science fiction, the paranormal, and aliens, and it led him to questions about if the universe is so vast, "where is everybody?"

“We should be seeing signs of everyone. And one of the hypotheses that is well known is what's called the great filter, which is civilizations will appear throughout the universe, but they don't last long because they succumb to various disasters, whether it's an asteroid impact or a pandemic or a nuclear war and things like that,” he said during an interview with The Batavian. “Being a social studies teacher talking about these types of issues with students, I think I kind of started thinking, 'geez, I really feel like humanity is coming to or is at a crossroads, where we can kind of come together, overcome our differences, and address some of these key issues. Inevitably, there's going to be a big rock that hits Earth at some point. Are we going to be prepared for that, the next big pandemic?” 

It was that thinking and those questions, plus prior discussions with a colleague, that led him to write his first book, the science fiction thriller, “The Graveyard Relays.”

While working as a teacher in Wyndham, Porter was drawn to a fellow teacher named Daniel with colorful stories of adventure, including one that included his dog and a bear. Daniel had a van that he lived and traveled in with his dog. The dog decided to chase the bear one day until it dawned on the bear that he was bigger and it was silly for him to be running away, so he turned around and began to chase the dog back toward Daniel’s van. 

It made for an exhilarating story. The owner anxiously waited for the dog to get into the van so he could close the door safely behind both of them, leaving the bear outside. 

While that was a fun story, it served as the basis for Porter’s book, with the dog and bear as metaphors for space research: Porter began to see how pursuing life out in the universe could have the same potential effect.

“I thought, how incredible, in terms of interstellar exploration; what if that were to happen with an interstellar probe where we go out exploring and then accidentally bring something back?” he said. “So it was all these things kind of together that gave me the idea for the premise of the book. I didn't really have experience with the writing realm, like writing classes. Never been in a competition, never really practiced, but I just had this kind of urge to start writing these ideas down and see if it came to anything.”

Porter’s first book evolved in the way his off-grid home has: through a series of inspirations that pushed him on toward a final ending. 

Just as he and his wife Nicole went from having no electricity, running water or internet connection at their Salisbury Center house to an abode with all the amenities, the 40-year-old Bethany native fine-tuned his science fiction work, which he began in 2016, from an outline of intergalactic premises to a full-fledged collection of researched characters and planets, a plot and enough action to keep readers turning the 338 pages for a debut in June of this year.

Throughout the process Porter was fueled by an undeniable passion for his favorite topic.

“I think since I was a kid, I’m naturally drawn to it. I loved 'Star Wars' when I was a kid. I think my favorite movie is 'Interstellar.' And I’ve always been fascinated by aliens,” he said. “That’s another thing that I was actually concerned about. Since 2017 there’s been this growing disclosure movement, and I thought, ‘great, I’m writing this book about discovering alien life and it’s going to get blown out of the water because the government’s gonna say there are already aliens here.’ That hasn’t happened yet, but I think that time is probably coming.”

He’s not certain what that looks like, exactly, but he feels confident that something — of intelligence life form — is out there, or here, with us. 

And this book hinges on that belief that we aren’t alone. 

“One possibility is what has become known as the great filter,” he writes. “This theory postulates that civilizations universally succumb to various apocalyptic events before humanity has the opportunity to detect them. Perhaps there are untold numbers of alien graveyards that are just waiting to be found and exhumed.” 

The Graveyard Relays is a 25th-century documentary series that finds and investigates extinct alien wastelands for education and entertainment. A team led by Marshall Holst, based in the Catskill Mountains, employs ASIP, an interstellar probe leased from the United Nations to cruise the cosmos searching for intelligent life. 

Meanwhile, Marshall likes to escape from the “technologically saturated world” and his own stressful occupation by backpacking into the woods of the Northeast with his dog Wadsworth. However, Porter suggests that, just as with the documentary series, there’s no telling what the pair might encounter in those woods, far from the safety of the interneural Net, a hyper-intelligent artificial intelligence.

“There are risks and dangers inherent with exploration,” he writes. “In the same way, as he and his team continue to send ASIP to strange new worlds, there’s no telling what the probe might find … and what it might bring back.”

Michael David Porter grew up in Bethany and graduated from Alexander High School in 2002. He was an athlete of sorts — playing for Batavia Ramparts hockey team from second through seventh grades before moving onto baseball, football, basketball and then track, winning sectionals as a senior. 

He wasn’t particularly into writing, though did some acting in school — winning a Rochester Broadway Theater League Stars of Tomorrow honor for his role in “Oklahoma” and performing in a number of shows at Geneseo State College and Delaware Park. He moved south to Wyndham to become a teacher and also ended up doing a monthly radio show.

Suffice it to say Porter has some creative chops. His parents, Dave Porter, who plays trombone in the Genesee Symphony Orchestra, and Jill, a retired nurse, still live in the Genesee County area, along with other family members, while Porter has since moved to his off-grid place in the summer of 2023.

When he interviewed for his latest job as an instructional coach at the Hamilton Fulton Montgomery BOCES, Porter forewarned them that he might not be able to come right in on severe winter days. The local highway super helps out with plowing the homestead driveway, he said, but it could get harsh.

Why the move to such a modest existence? He and his wife are hikers and nature-lovers who, ironically met online, also like to disconnect from the online world, he said.  

“I think it’s important for people to disconnect from technology and get back to nature. People are meant to be active outdoors and studies show that mental and physical health can be improved significantly when people spend time outside,” Porter said, emphasizing a moral for his book. “People should stick together, put down their phones, and go outside.”

He made purposeful decisions about his book along the way, such as making people vegetarians (though he is not) and using androgynous names with no specific pronouns so that readers could fill in their own details for certain characters. 

“I envision a future that is international, you know, I think if we're going to get to this future where there's basically world peace, we're going to have to set aside a lot of our differences and learn to live together,” he said. “And I wanted to be inclusive in that way, so I looked up androgynous names from different nationalities and tried to put a lot of these people on the team, and I also, in my book, avoided using any pronouns for those people. (Readers) hadn't noticed that they didn't notice that I didn't use pronouns, which tells me that it's a very fluid, natural thing. And the great thing is the reader then has the freedom to apply and attribute whatever they want in terms of identity to these characters.”

He put the book on a shelf, so to speak, for a few years until he was hit with more inspiration. Then, “I hit it really hard three years ago.” That’s when he fleshed out those 56 chapters and scenarios.

The team has sent ASIP out into exploration and it encounters an unexpected obstacle.

The team watched from their workstations in horror, each individual feeling deep pangs of terror and guilt. “Yes sir,” ASIP replied. “Preparing to return to orbit.”

Without warning, Peace accelerated toward ASIP, having apparently transitioned to its jet turbines. The gray, conical beast was closing in fast. “ASIP, there’s no time, initiate your emergency return now!” Marshall yelled. 

“But Marshall, my software is being corrupted and the gravity wake could potentially —“

“Now ASIP! Return to Earth now!”

ASIP engaged the gravity drive, and from within the Pool, Marshall saw the world go dark, but for a fraction of a second, the haunting image of Peace and ASIP alone together in the gravity bubble hung frozen in the air. 

Another chapter describes a conversation between Marshall and his dog Wadsworth after a crisis occurs.

“Come on Wads, get your things put together. We have to got a trip.”

“A trip? But aren’t we going to have to …”

“I’ll explain on the way, Wads. Grab your food and some toys and anything else you might need for a few days.”

Marshall ran up the stairs to the bedroom to repack his bag with new clothes. He yawned at the sight of his bed as he considered a five-minute nap, but flashing thoughts of enslavement by an alien robot made him decide against it. 

But Marshall, toys won’t be good for a camping trip, and I don’t think we should go camping right now. 

“We aren’t going camping. We’re going to the moon.” 

Porter hopes that readers give his genre a try and enjoy the stories woven through the book to an ending that he didn’t originally include until both his wife and mother said he needed one that was more conclusive. Though it’s science fiction, there are undoubtedly broader messages about society and a “sink or swim together” attitude. 

“The people that do read it, I hope they enjoy it and get something out of it, and maybe at least have some fun conversations for them, and a different way to think about the world,” he said.

The book is available on Amazon.com.

Photos: Alexander Fire holds DWI drill for seniors at Alexander High

By Howard B. Owens
Alexander Fire DWI Drill

Alexander Fire hosted a DWI drill on Thursday at its Rec Hall for Alexander High School seniors.

The fatal accident simulation is designed to remind the students of the dangers of drinking and driving and the impact one poor decision can have on the lives of friends, family, and the community.

Area volunteer fire departments from throughout the county hold DWI drills at this time of year in advance of prom nights.

Photos by Philip Casper.

Alexander Fire DWI Drill
Alexander Fire DWI Drill
Alexander Fire DWI Drill
Alexander Fire DWI Drill
Alexander Fire DWI Drill
Alexander Fire DWI Drill
Alexander Fire DWI Drill
Alexander Fire DWI Drill
Alexander Fire DWI Drill
Alexander Fire DWI Drill

Buzzer-beater lifts Alexander over Addison in C1 semifinal

By Philip Casper

The Alexander Trojans Girls Varsity Team beat the Addison Knights with a buzzer-beater finish to secure a one-point victory, 51-50, and advance to Saturday’s sectional finals.

The Trojans took the first-half lead 25-21 but began to slip scoring only eight points to the Knights 11 points while still maintaining a 1 point lead.  

Both teams rallied in the fourth quarter with the lead changing 4 times, ultimately ending with a shot with 1.1 seconds left on the clock by Natalie Whitmore, scoring 2 points to bring Alexander the win.  

Alyssa Kramer lead the team with 21 points, four two-pointers, three three-pointers, and four free throws made.  Melanie Pow and Natalie Whitmore scored nine, and seven points respectively.

Next up for Alexander, the #7 seed in the C1 bracket, the #1 seed, East Rochester Bombers at Rush Henrietta High School, Saturday at 3 p.m.

Top photo: Alyssa Kramer (5) with a lay-up

Coach Hirsch lays out the gameplay for the Trojans

Melanie Pow (32) reaching for a shot from the corner of the backboard

Natalie Whitmore (32) drives with her eyes on the basket past an Addison defender

Alexander fans celebrating an incredible win after making the 60-mile journey to Canandaigua High School

Trojans bulldoze their way to 49-6 victory over Irish

By Mike Pettinella

The Alexander Trojans raised their Section V football record to 5-1 this afternoon with a 49-6 victory over Class D rival Notre Dame.

The visitors wasted little time in exerting their dominance when junior Christian Kissel fielded a punt at his own 22-yard line, broke a tackle and raced 78 yards untouched into the end zone with 8:31 left in the opening quarter (photo at top).

Kissel’s play was the first time the Trojans touched the ball after forcing the Irish to punt from their own 47.

Kicker Eric Cline converted the point after touchdown – he was successful on all seven attempts for the game – to give Alexander a 7-0 lead.

Alexander went up 14-0 about a minute later when, following an interception by defensive back Ricky Townley, quarterback Nick Kramer broke through the line off left tackle for a 61-yard touchdown run.

Ben Merrill’s interception on ND’s next possession set up a three-yard run by Brayden Woods, capping a six-play, 61-yard drive to make it 21-0 late in the period.

Another turnover, this time a fumble after a sack, gave the ball back to Alexander at the ND 24, and seven plays later the score ballooned to 28-0 on a 13-yard screen pass from Kramer to 6-2, 230-pound sophomore fullback Clayton Bezon.

The next three possessions for ND, 1-5, resulted in a fumble, punt and interception – the last turnover setting up a two-yard TD run by Woods to make it 35-0 at halftime.

The Trojans scored again on their opening possession after intermission on a 16-yard pass from Kramer to Merrill, and went up 49-0 midway through the fourth quarter on a 13-yard run by Tyler Marino.

The Irish, victimized by four interceptions and two lost fumbles, scored with 2:46 remaining on a two-yard run by quarterback Jimmy Fanara. The touchdown was set up by an 18-yard pass to C.J. Thornley and 40-yard completion to Evan Cummings.

Cummings, who recovered a fumble in the end zone to thwart the Trojans early in the fourth quarter, prevented another touchdown when he ran down Ricky Townley after a long run deep into ND territory inside of a minute to play.

Leading rushers for Alexander were Kramer with 79 yards on eight carries and Townley with 73 yards on five carries.  Kramer was 4-for-8 passing for 47 yards and two TDs.

Defensively, Townley and Merrill each had two interceptions while Andrew Pulliam and Chase Graham recovered fumbles.

For the Irish, gained 46 yards on the ground, while Fanara completed five of 17 passes for 95 yards. On defense, Anthony Edwards was in on 14 tackles, while Anthony Fiorentino and Conner McWilliams had nine each and Vin DiRisio had eight.

Both teams play again on Friday night. Alexander hosts York/Pavilion while Notre Dame travels to Cuba-Rushford/Hinsdale.


Alexander's Clayton Bezon attempts a fullback option pass over ND linebackers Vin DiRisio (24), Evan Cummings (12) and Conner McWilliams (58).

Bezon is brought down by ND's Ryan Fitzpatrick but not before crossing the goal line for a touchdown. No. 52 is Cole Dean.

Eric Klein converts one of his seven point-after-touchdown kicks. 

Photos by Howard Owens.

Photos: Alexander falls to Avon in sectional championship 42-7

By Howard B. Owens

Alexander's football season didn't end the way the Trojans hoped as the team lost to Avon in Avon on Saturday 42-7 in their sectional championship game.

Brayden Woods rushed for 46 yards on 14 carries. Devin Dean, eight carries for 64 yards and a TD.

Nick Kramer injured and taken out of the game in the first quarter.

Defensively, Dean led the team with 7 tackles. Maverick Bump had four tackles.  Connor Hollands had three tackles and an interception.  

Trojans end the season 6-2.

Photos by Philip Casper. Top photo: Devin Dean (24) charging around the Avon Braves' line.

QB Nick Kramer (3)

LB Nick Kramer (3) chasing down Avon RB Thomas Welch (7).

WR Jay Morrison (1) being tacken down by OLB William Greenwood (1).

RB Thomas Welch (7) on the run.

RB Jay Morrison (1), DT Lucas Findlay (62), DB Thomas Welch (7)

RB Thomas Welch (7) shedding the tackle from LB Devin Dean (24).

RB Brayden Woods (5) picking his way through the Braves' defense.

VIDEO: Alexander Class of 2020 receive gift baskets from the community

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
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With all of the traditional ways seniors celebrate and commemorate their final year of high school canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of parents in and community members in Alexander came together to provide gift baskets to the Class of 2020.

Alexander High School's third annual Jazz Invitational concert is June 14

By Billie Owens

From Danny Allen:

Alexander High School's annual Jazz Invitational concert will be happening at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 14th.

They've had great attendance in the past, and are looking forward to a full house this year.

Come out and enjoy some awesome jazz music along with scrumptious treats and refreshments.

Members of the "AJE" -- Alexander Jazz Experience -- will host the event in the school cafeteria, located at 3314 Buffalo Road, Alexander.
 
Presale tickets are $4 for adults; tickets at the door are $5.
 
Perfoming are:
  • Alexander Jazz Experience
  • Alexander Jazz Lab
  • Alexander Jazz Cadets
  • AJE Alumni
Featured Guest:
  • Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra trumpet player extraordinaire Herb Smith.    

Alexander HS presents 'Guys and Dolls' this weekend

By Howard B. Owens

The theater and music departments of Alexander High School will perform "Guys and Dolls" this weekend.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday.

Tickets are $9, or $10 at the door. Students, seniors, and veterans can purchase tickets for $7 or $8 at the door. To purchase tickets online, click here.

Directors and crew:

  • Director, Kate Schrodt
  • Music Director, Mark Hoerbelt
  • Pit Conductor, Rachel Clark
  • Set Design/Builders, Jeff Houseknecht & Ethan Schrodt
  • Choreographer, Mary Loliger
  • Costumer, Loretta Stratton
  • Sound Technician, Trinity Reynolds
  • Light Technician/Stage Manager, Hunter Doran

The Cast: 

  • Nathan Detroit, Carson Daley
  • Miss Adelaide, Alyssa Lafferty
  • Sky Masterson, Nick Allen
  • Sarah Brown, Lydia Daley Nicely-Nicely, Nolan Quackenbush
  • Benny Southwest, Connlan Hotnich
  • Rusty Charlie, Shawn Calmes
  • Harry the Horse, Bradley Caudill
  • Lt. Brannigan, Kylie Shillea
  • Angie the Ox/Joey Biltmore's Voice, Ethan
  • Stroud Big Jule, Jake Day
  • General Cartwight, Kasey Smith Arvide,
  • Holly Ulrich Waitress/Actress, Erin Hess
  • Hot Box Dancers: Allison, Paige Sikorski Ferguson, Julia Francis Vernon, Emma Cline, Mimi, Emma Ferraro
  • Mission Band: Leanne Dolph, Jasmine Wessel. Morgan Burns, Sara Chase, Kathryn McClellan, Olivia Burkhardt, Mercades Koschara, Hailey Szczygiel

Alexander remembers late classmate at commencement for Class of 2018

By Howard B. Owens

Brian West Jr., who would have graduated Saturday from Alexander High School if not for an automobile accident in July 2017 that took his life, was not far from anybody's heart in the school's auditorium as the members of the Class of 2018 finished their high school careers.

Each speaker mentioned West. His jersey sat on a chair in the first row of graduating classmates, and his father, Brian West Sr. (top photo), walked on stage to accept his diploma.

"The passing of Brian West was a tragedy that touched all of our hearts," said valedictorian Cassidy Graham. "Many of us had a hard time understanding how such a horrible thing can happen to our little town. None of us wanted to believe that we had seen Brian’s smiling face or heard his hearty laughter for the last time; however, in Brian’s absence, we found the best possible outcome from such a loss. In mourning, we came together as a class, closer than ever before."

Principal Shannon Whitcome said, "Although Brian isn’t here with us physically, he is here with us. He is here with your memories of Brian and love we all have for him and his family. Those things will ensure he lives on long after we leave here today. His legacy is going to last through each one of you and your accomplishments in the future."

Steve Dodoszak, former assistant principal, selected by the class for the commencement speech, also recalled Brian as a special person.

"I believe Brian’s presence is with us today," Dodoszak said. "When I reflect on some of the memories of this class, know that Brian is part of it. There are no words to ease the pain but know that he and you are in our thoughts and prayers. We miss him and we will always love him."

Alexander celebrated the graduation of 68 seniors during the ceremony.

Graham noted the accomplishments and promise of her classmates.

"On this stage, we have football players who took our team to sectionals two years in a row," Graham said. "On this stage, we have record-setting swimmers and state champion wrestlers. We have talented artists, incredible singers, a great actor, a brilliant dancer.

"We have three future members of the military. We have individuals who maintained their grades while working part time, not an easy task. What this tells me is that the Class of 2018 is a group of motivated individuals who are willing to work hard to get what they want in life. All I can say is never, ever, lose that drive that is within each of you."

Previously:

Cassidy Graham

Salutatorian Benjamin Slenker

In Alexander Monday night, 17 paper lanterns light to sky in memory of Brian West Jr.

By Howard B. Owens

A community gathered to come to grips with the loss of one of their own Monday night at Alexander High School in the wake of the death of 17-year-old Brian West Jr.

"We're going to struggle for a while," said Andrew Young, a father of an Alexander student and athlete. "You need to have conversations you’re not used to having. You need talk with your parents. You need to talk with each other. If you don't, you're going to struggle longer than you should."

A group of classmates brought 17 sky lanterns as a way to honor and remember Brian.

"I didn’t know him the best," said one of the girls involved, "but he always had a smile on his face. Since he lived the best 17 years any kid could, we bought 17 paper lanterns."

After a few words by Young and Tim Sawyer, an Alexander teacher and head football coach, the students went down onto the football field and launched the lanterns.

Sawyer encouraged the kids not to take anything for granted.

"What if life were all good?" Sawyer said. "What if we never had an injury? What if we never broke a bone? What if we didn’t have death? What if there was no hunger? What if there were no broken relationships? Would we appreciate any of it? I’m just saying, life is a struggle and we can’t feel cheated by it. I think it’s part of life, and death, it seems final, but if things were good all the time, would we appreciate anything?"

Matt McCracken recalled a game last season just after Brian's grandfather died. The family was devastated, he said, and Brian already had an injured ankle. The opponent that week was Attica, and Brian played.

"He shows up on Friday night and plays the game of his life, and Brian Sr. and Jr., afterward, I’ve never seen a father and son that close, that happy, and that’s something I’ll remember forever," McCracken said.

Then McCracken turned his attention to a group of teens who came through the grades with Brian and pointed to the community of support around them. 

"We're a small community and something like this hits us especially hard," McCracken said. "Don’t forget there are people who care about you."

It's important, Sawyer said, that the community supports each other and the community supports the parents of Brian, Brian Sr., and Jen, but in coming together Monday night, they were doing that.

"I don’t know how long this was going on social media that this was going to happen tonight, two or three hours, but there are a couple of hundred people here, and this is a little town," Sawyer said. "This is a little community. People look out for each other. People share other people’s sorrows. Guys, if it was good and happy and rosy all the time, I don’t know that we would all appreciate each other the way we do."

Previously:

Alexander JV Boys wins final home game

By Rick Franclemont

Alexander Trojans 61 - Oakfield Hornets 40

The Trojans got off to a quick start and never looked back during their last home game of the season with the entire gym filled to capacity. 

Alexander ended the first quarter with a 19 point lead.

Coach Emanual  Williams said  "Tonight we finally played well from start to finish. After a disappointing loss last week, we bounced back with exceptional effort and energy throughout the entire game. I made adjustments with some players, we were well prepared, and we came out and gave a stellar performance on both ends of the court. Everyone played their role and the team was successful tonight."


Ryan Davis played a phenomenal game, going 7 for 7 from the field, 6 of 7 from the free throw line, and 14 rebounds with limited playing time.

Tyrone Woods was perfect at the free throw line, shooting 6 for 6 with a game high 6 steals in limited action.

Joshua Devries and Jacob Farnsworth played well in the fast break offense, with Joshua scoring 10 points and Jacob scoring 4 points respectively.

Dylan Busch chipped in with 6 points in the second half and was perfect from the free throw line.

For more pictures from this game and other games this season: Francletography

Alexander Varsity rolls over Kendall 66-34

By Rick Franclemont

From start to finish Alexander dominated its matchup with Kendall, to claim a 66-34 victory.

Alexander had four players scoring in double figures, they scored 26 points in the first quarter and was up 40-20 at halftime.

Alexander only allowed 2 points scored against them in the third quarter.

Zach Jasen had nine points, four rebounds, five assists; Brian George 11 points; Chris McClinic 12 points, five rebounds, five assists; Matt Genaway 11 points; Erik Scharlau eight points, eight rebounds, four blocks; and Dustin Schmieder had 11 points.

"I thought the guys played great tonight," said Coach Josh Bender. "We played with energy and intensity and played great team defense throughout the entire game. We shared the ball very well tonight totaling 20 assists. We got our offense going early and that allowed us to get on top and set our defense down the stretch."

For Kendall, Brandon Miller had 15 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks. John Rath had seven points, seven rebounds.

More pictures from the game can be found on Francletography

Alexander JV Boys drop Kendall 55 to 29

By Rick Franclemont

Alexander JV Basketball defeats the Kendall Eagles 55 to 49.

From Alexander coach Emanual Williams - "Tonight I thought we started the game with very little enthusiasm and energy. I don't think we respected our opponents abilities, and Kendall was able to keep the score close in the first half. (Alexander 23 - Kendall 14).  At halftime I spoke about effort, accountability, and not taking your opponent for granted."

At the start of the second half Alexander's guards Tyrone Woods, Carson Wright, and Dylan Busch set the tone, with a combined 14 defensive turnovers.

Alexander lead at the end of the 3rd 46-18. Tyrone Woods led all scorers with 15 points to go with his game high 7 steals and 6 rebounds. Ryan Davis chipped in with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

With forward Alex Schmidt out with an injury, and 6th man Jay Morrison out with an illness, 6' 1" freshman Jacob Pope started at forward and played well with 10 rebounds.

Alexander's alternate players finished the game with a solid effort defensively to help Alexander secure the win.

More pictures from the game can be found on Francletography

 

Elba continues winning streak with 49-40 win over Alexander Varsity

By Rick Franclemont
The final score ended up Elba Lancers 49 Alexander Trojans 40
Alexander Coach Bender said "We came out with great energy and played a really solid first half. I always tell the guys the first 4 minutes of the 3rd quarter is where a game can be decided and I thought we just came up a little short in the second half. I was happy with the effort and energy, we just needed to maintain better focus down the stretch and execute on offense better."
Key Players for Alexander:
Dustin Schmieder 19 points and 10 Rebounds
Matt Genaway 9 points 
Erik Scharlau 4 points 14 rebounds 
Key players for Elba:
Jordan Miller 12 points
Shane O'Halloran 13 points
Coach Bender added "We will use this loss as a stepping stone to continue to get better and improve!"
 
More pictures from this game can be found on Francletography

Alexander JV Boys drop heartbreaker to Elba 57-53

By Rick Franclemont

Elba Lancers 57 - Alexander Trojans 53.

Coach Williams - "My guys played a great game from the second quarter until the final horn. Everyone on the team played a part in this hard fought game. Missed shots and turnovers hurt us early but we adhered to our defensive philosophy and turned it around. I'm proud of the effort everyone gave."

Alexander won the tip and scored immediately. That was the best look the Trojans got in the first quarter with Elba leading 13-4 heading into the second quarter.

Alexander went full court man to man in the second, creating turnovers and fast break opportunities, pulling within 8 at the half.

The third quarter was an entirely different game, Alexander was within 3 by the end of the third. Early in the fourth quarter PG Tyrone Woods left the game with an injury.

The Trojans kept the game close with key baskets inside by sophomore Ryan Davis, then Dylan Busch hit a three pointer to keep the game close.

With 3 minutes left Mike Atkinson hit a 3 making the game 51-48. Alexander held firm on defense, created turnovers, and near the 2 minute mark Carson Wright made a three, tying the game 51-51.

Ryan Davis made two key free throws but Alexander had missed opportunities on open shots, and in the end Elba was able to pull away at the foul line with the final score 57-53.

More pictures can be found on: Francletography

Schmieder ties career high in Alexander win over Lyndonville

By Rick Franclemont

Alexander Trojans 69 -- Lyndonville Tigers 51

Alexander key players:

Dustin Schmieder 33 points  (Tying his career high) 4-4 3-point FGM, eight rebounds;

Matt Genaway 11 points, six rebounds, four assists, three 3-point FGM;

PJ Brennan six rebounds;

Chris McClinic eight points, four assists, three steals.

Lyndonville key players: Jacob Hoffee 18 points, Eric Neace 15 points.

Coach Josh Bender -- "Great team win for us, proud of the effort that everyone put forward. We got off to a great start shooting the ball in the first quarter and that confidence stayed with us throughout the game. We have been playing good basketball of late and guys keep working hard in practice and its paying off in games."

"I thought defensively we got after it and I told the guys at halftime we needed to apply pressure in the second half in order to finish the game and we did just that."

More pictures from the game: click here.

Health & Wellness Fair

By Lisa Ace

Health & Wellness Fair

April 16, 2015 • 6-8pm • Alexander's High School Cafeteria

Join us for face painting, exercise challenges, balloon animals, BMI, blood pressure, sumemr camp info. Pulse oxygen tests, raffles, food samples, essential oils, nail care and first aid.

Sponsored by Alexander United Teachers

Event Date and Time
-

Big win caps off amazing homecoming week in Alexander

By Rick Franclemont

A week of festivities was capped off in grand fashion Friday night under the lights in Alexander.

 

The night started with a homecoming parade that featured floats from the high school classes as well as the Tri-Town organization's football players and cheerleaders that started at the Alexander Volunteer Fireman's Recreation Hall and ended at the high school football field.

 

Attendance was high as the Alexander community turned out in force to cheer on the hometown Trojans.

The game itself found Alexander (2-1 heading into tonight) besting Attica (3-0 prior to the game) by a score of 30-15.

 

Dylan Scharlau had two touchdowns and added a couple of two-point conversions.

Sam Brown returned a punt 80 yards for a touchdown.

 

Nelson Burke added a touchdown and a pair of two-point conversions. Zach Laird also scored for Alexander.

 

Scoring for Attica were Derek Walker and Zach Kozma.

 

More pictures from tonight's game can be found at : Francletography : Alexander - Attica Homecoming

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