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A lockdown defense and the domination of a star player in the first half propelled the Lady Blue Devils to a 57-49 win over Honeoye Falls-Lima in Penfield on Monday night.

The victory in the Section V Class A2 semifinal sets up a championship game for Batavia at Gates Chili at 6 p.m., Friday, against Pittsford Mendon.

Tiara Filbert, who, incredibly, has yet to be recruited by a college program despite a school record 1,530 career points, knocked down 23 points in the first half and grabbed 13 rebounds to help Batavia open up a 35-11 halftime lead.

That huge lead led to Head Coach Marty Hein's biggest frustration of the evening. The team came out on cruise control in the third quarter and almost allowed HFL a chance to get back into the game. Slack play won't win championships, especially against Mendon.

"I know it's hard for them, you're up by 20 or whatever it was at half time, and it looks like it's going to be that type of game, but that's not their job," Hein said. "If I want to pull the plug, that's my job. If I'm putting you on the floor, you need to go all out all the time. We didn't. Instead of me celebrating and being happy, I'm kind of not right now because Friday it's going to require all 32 minutes."

The team's flatness and a more aggressive defense against Filbert held her to only one field goal in the second half, so she finished with 26 points. Sam Cecere got untracked, though, to put up six points, and Taylor Stefaniak continued to fire from outside, adding two more three-pointers to the three she sank in the first half, giving her 16 points for the game. Ryann Stefaniak finished with seven points.

Cecere and the Stefaniak sisters will be key to Friday's game against Mendon.

"Tiara is Tiara and you're never going to completely shut her down," Hein said. "But somebody else is going to have to contribute or it's going to be a long game."

After the game, there were college recruiters waiting to talk with her, and of course, journalists waiting to interview her, and after each chat, Filbert wished each person a safe drive home, reflecting her natural tendency to think of others.

That spirit, that willingness to share, is one reason she's been overlooked by this point by college coaches, Hein said. She's been a productive scorer since eighth grade, but she's always been willing to distribute and give her teammates their shots, which has kept her from building the kind of huge point totals that put players in the top 100 recruiting class.

"She's always worried about being a selfish player in the past and that's kind of hindered her a little bit on her college recruiting," Hein said. "Wherever she goes, they'll be a lucky team."

Filbert loves the game. She comes from a basketball family and she's always trying to get better.

After each game, Hein loads the game film to a Web site called Hudl, and Hein is able to track which of his players are reviewing tape and how much time they spend on the site. Typically, the time spent is measured in minutes, but not for Filbert.

"I mean, I can send something in the morning and she'll find a study hall somewhere in the day and somehow in the day of school she still manages to watch it for two hours during the day," Hein said. "That's crazy."

Filbert said basketball is just simply her life.

"I was born into the game, basically," Filbert said. "I've been playing it ever since I was young. I watch it every chance I get. I'm able to experience it through watching my brother grow up in it. My parents come from a basketball background. It's just something I'm born to do."

As for Mendon, Filbert said she has to work on her own game and help the team get ready for what will surely be a tough match.

"It's good to have a close team because whenever we're down, we just make sure our heads are up," Filbert said. "We've got to make sure we stay with each other. Our heads are all connected and we're on the same goal."

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The Warming Center in Batavia will be open tonight due to wind chill temperatures below 15 degrees.
Women and children in need of a warm place to stay can call 585-993-6371 by 8 p.m. for transportation to the Warming Center from either McDonald's in Batavia.

Have you ever wondered about your ancestors? Who they were, where they came from, or what you have in common with them? Now is the time to start your search at Richmond Memorial Library.

A series of five free classes on exploring your family history will be offered at the library this spring.

They will be held on Tuesdays, March 29 through April 26, beginning at 6 p.m.

Please contact the library at 343-9550 to register for the geneology class series.

The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Press release:

A workshop geared specifically for those suffering with multiple sclerosis will focus on physical therapy, exercise, and yoga as tools to manage symptoms, gain strength and balance, and improve quality of life. MS, Yoga & You will be held from 1 - 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Summit Physical Therapy in Batavia.

Gretchen Hawley, DPT has additional certification in treating patients with multiple sclerosis. She lives and works in Boston and is one of only two MS cerfitied physical therapists in Boston. Patricia Hawley is a registered yoga teacher at Blue Pearl Yoga in Batavia. Together they will present information on how exercise and physical therapy can benefit MS as well as give instruction in simple yoga poses that may alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, spasticity, and incontinence.

“My MS patients who follow an exercise regimen and are consistent with their physical therapy program have a marked improvement over those who rely on medication alone,” says Gretchen Hawley. “And neurologists agree that those dealing with MS can improve their quality of life with the addition of exercise.”

“Many people think that you have to be very flexible to begin a yoga practice,” according to Patricia Hawley “but often the people who benefit the most from yoga are those who have limited mobility. It’s all about going slow and choosing the right class for your needs.”

Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat but it is not necessary; mats will be available at the workshop.

The event will be held at Summit Physical Therapy, 99 Med Tech Drive, #104, Batavia. Cost for the workshop is $35 and seating is limited to 25 people. Anyone interested may register at www.bp-yoga.com or by calling 585.813.8623

John Vincent Winecki, 23, of Buffalo Street, Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and stopping/parking on highway. Winecki was arrested by Deputy Chad Cummings following an investigation into what was reported as a motor-vehicle accident at 3:37 a.m., Sunday, on Route 98 near the American Legion Hall. (Initial Report)

Ashley Michaela Stewart, 19, of E. 227 St., Bronx, is charged with second-degree assault. Stewart allegedly struck a female in the head with an iron while in a dorm room at College Village. The victim was injured. Stewart was released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Benjamin G. Evans IV, 27, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Evans allegedly entered the Dollar General Store after previously being banned from the premises.

Ryo Hiroshige, 21, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Hiroshige was allegedly involved in a domestic incident. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Carissa J. Visalli, 26, of North Lyon Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant related to a charge of improper parking at night. Visalli turned herself in, posted $100 bail and was released.

William P. Langdon Jr., 34, of Keever Avenue, Lackwanna, is charged with DWI, moving from lane unsafely, failure to use designated lane and following too closely. Officer Arick Perkins was dispatched to Walnut Street, Batavia, at 8:37 p.m. Feb. 15 for the report of an erratic driver. A 2002 Pontiac Montana was located and stopped. Langdon was taken into custody and allegedly refused a breath test. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Joseph M. Durzewski, 22, of North Street, Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by alcohol. Durzewski was stopped at 3:22 a.m. Feb. 12 on Law Street, by Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with criminal mischief and unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth allegedly punched through a glass window at 1 City Centre, Batavia. He was jailed on $1,000 bail (name withheld by Batavia PD).

Anthony Devon Alexander, 42, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated family offense (more than one offense within five years), criminal contempt, 2nd, criminal trespass, 2nd. Alexander allegedly went to the home of a person he was barred from contacting by court order and stayed and refused to leave the residence at 2:05 p.m. Sunday. Alexander was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Jacob Robert Kingdollar, 20, of West Leet Road, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Kingdollar was allegedly found in possession of marijuana by Deputy Kevin Forsyth while at Bunnel Park, Town of Le Roy, at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

In a hometown rival matchup the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2nd seed) played the Batavia Blue Devils (7th seed) for the Section V quarter finals Saturday at the Faletti Ice Arena.

Batavia came out strong the first period to attack Notre Dame's Ethan Conrad but he held strong on Batavia's attempts. 

Late in the first period at 4:21, Notre Dame went on a scoring streak scoring three quick goals in three minutes. Brad Misiak scored the first goal from Cameron Clark, pictured below. Hayden Chamberland and Michael Keeler scored the second Irish goal 50 seconds later. Ryan Webster from ND, pictured above, scored the third goal with a minute left in the first period. Shots on goal were 15-6 after one period of play.

The referees called no penalties in the first period when Notre Dame lead 3-0. During the second period, Batavia got physical with some interference and roughing calls that led to a power play goal by Ryan Webster just shortly after Peter Madafferi added one and the irish led by 5-0 midway through the second period.  

Both teams drew multiple penalties in this period as the game got more intense. Exchange student Henrik Toivianinen tallied the sixth goal with a minute left in the period, which became the final, 6-0. Batavia added seven shots to Notre Dame's nine.

The third period was very scrappy on both sides as frustrations mounted for Batavia. More penalties were added on both sides and the shots were 15-6 for a game ending 39-19 led by Notre Dame.

The Irish will move on to the semifinals this Thursday night at 7:30 versus Aquinas at the Gene Polisseni Center at RIT.

For more pictures go to: Steve Ognibene Photography

Batavia PD is dispatched to Tim Horton's for a group of youths fighting.

There may be 10 individuals involved.

No weapons reported.

A first officer on scene reports "another group fled prior to our arrival."

Another officer reports they may be headed toward Dellinger Avenue.

Batavia's stifling defense allowed the Blue Devils to open an 18-point first-half lead that Monroe couldn't overcome in the second half, even as Rayshawn Boswell hit a streak of three-point jumpers on his way to a 24-point game.

Batavia had four players score in double digits to advance the Blue Devils in the Class A2 sectional playoffs with a 60-52 win.

The Blue Devils still held a 10-point lead with two minutes left in the game, but Monroe continued to battle and twice pulled within three points in the final minute.

Malachi Chenault and Jake Schrider both scored 14 points, Tee Sean Ayala added 13 and Ryan Hogan scored 12.

Top photo: Steve Stefaniak with a layup in the second quarter.

The #2 seeded Blue Devils face the #3 seed in A2 U-Prep at 8 p.m., Tuesday, at Rush-Henrietta.

The Lady Devils play Honeoye Falls in Penfield at 7:45 p.m., tomorrow.

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A motor-vehicle is reported at  8960 Alexander Road, Batavia, with unknown injuries, though a person may be having a seizure.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS in route.

The location is in front of the American Legion Hall.

UPDATE 4:02 a.m.: The vehicle is blocking. There's no medical issue. Mercy EMS is going back in service.

UPDATE 4:03 a.m.: A deputy is conducting a field test.

A group of Marine recruits about to enter boot camp were given some tips and pointers that will help them survive the grueling weeks at Parris Island, S.C.. The NCOs from the Batavia recruitment office conduct the basic training course the third Saturday of each month for new recruits. Potential recruits are invited to attend and observe and can participate in some drills, but can't fully participate until they pass their military physical. The training covers such basics as standing at attention, parade rest and turning, as well as classes and lectures on Marine life and history.

The local staff includes SSgt. Stephen Porter, Sgt. Joseph Dazey, Sgt. Derek Yevtich and Sgt. Matthew Page. 

A motor-vehicle accident, unknown injuries, is reported on front of the Home Depot at 4181 Veterans Memorial Drive. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:38 a.m.: The town's assignment is back in service.

Tiara Filbert led the way with 23 points for the Lady Blue Devils on Friday night, helping to propel Batavia to a 59-22 win over Eastridge in their Section V playoff game.

Ryann Stefaniak and Taylor Stefaniak each scored 14 points.

Also, Friday, Elba girls beat Belfast 63-49.

In boys basketball, Oakfield-Alabama fell to Geneseo, 37-59.

A driver who was being followed by police in the city allegedly sped up and tried to evade officers somewhere off East Avenue, then stopped his vehicle and fled on foot. The driver is believed to have an expired driving permit only, not a license. He was driving a white vehicle with a broken bumper when a caller reported him to dispatch. Also, the person was the subject earlier today of a harassment complaint.

Keith C. Michels, 38, of Alden, is charged with DWI and uninspected motor vehicle. With a state Trooper parked nearby and watching, Michels was observed doing donuts in the parking lot of the Alexander Fire Department on Route 98, Alexander. Upon further investigation, the Trooper allegedly observed that the vehicle did not have a current inspection sticker and the Trooper reported detecting the odor of alcohol emanating from Michels. Michels was transported to the Batavia Barracks of the State Police where he was allegedly found to have a BAC of .13.

Ian RIchard Eli Tarbell Sr., 43, of State Route 37, Hogansburg, is charged with transport and sale of 4,800 cartons of untaxed cigarettes, failure to keep right and moving from lane unsafely. Tarbell was stopped at 8:42 a.m. Thursday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Lonnie Nati. Tarbell was jailed on $100,000 bail.

James Francis Scharf, 50, of Walker Lake Ontario Road, Hilton, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and trespass. Scharf was arrested on a warrant issued by Oakfield Town Court and jailed on $2,500 bail.

Andrew Charles Webster, 22, of Gilette Road, Alexander, is charged with petit larceny. Webster was arrested on a warrant. He was jailed on $2,000 bail or $4,000 bond.

The Batavia High School Girls Track and Field Team won its 12th sectional championship Wednesday, scoring 154 points while second place Wayland-Cohocton had 67 points.

The boys team came in second at 105.5 points, just behind Greece Olympia, with 124.

Individual winners for the Blue Devils were: Katherine Wiseley in the weight throw; Rachel Denise in the pole vault; Maddi Moore in the 1500m race walk; and Sophia Dinehart in the 1500 meter. Other girls who had good performances were Maggie Cecere, Kiaya Franklin, Celia Flynn, Claire Zickl, Sam Cohen, Lizzy Cohen and Brianna Bromley.

"The Batavia girls were able to score in every event and had many solid performances and season-best times," said Coach Nicholas Burk.

For the boys, Anthony Ray continued his run of success this season by winning both the shot put and the weight throw.

Other boys who had good performances were Jaysen Wylie, Anthony Gallo, Campbell Andersen, Cal Jantzi, Louie Leone, Ian SanFratello, Nick Callisher and Mike Hughes. 

For complete results, click here.

Information and photo provided by Coach Nicholas Burk.

Dannie Sims, 60, of Church Street, Basom, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. He was arrested at 1:56 p.m. on Feb. 10 after it was alleged that he stole a wallet from a female at Walmart. It contained cash and credit cards. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed without bail. The case was investigated by Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Nathan A. Buchholz, 37, of Albion, was arrested by Troopers for fourth-degree criminal mischief after he allegedly struck and broke the glass mirror off a Dodge Ram truck during a custody exchange Feb. 15 in the Town of Batavia. Buchholz was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Batavia Court on March 3.

Stephen M. Smith, 26, of Mill Street, Batavia, is a registered NYS Level 2 sex offender who was charged with failure to report a change in 10 days, first offense, on Jan. 11. Following a joint investigation between the Batavia PD and NYS Parole, it is alleged that Smith had an active Facebook account that he had not registered with the Sex Offender Registry within the required 10-day reporting period. He was already in jail on a parole violation. He was being held on $50,000 and was due to appear in court this afternoon. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Eric Hill.

A 16-year-old resident of Boyd Road, Pavilion, was arrested Feb. 15 at 2:53 p.m. and charged with petit larceny. This followed the investigation of a shoplifting complaint on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. The teen allegedly stole merchandise from a department store by passing all points of purchase without rendering payment. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court. The case was investigated by Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Jason Saile.

A 17-year-old resident of Boyd Road, Pavilion, was arrested Feb. 15 at 2:53 p.m. and charged with petit larceny. This followed the investigation of a shoplifting complaint on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. The teen allegedly stole merchandise from a department store by passing all points of purchase without rendering payment. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court. The case was investigated by Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Jason Saile.

A 17-year-old resident of Tower Road, Wyoming, was arrested Feb. 15 at 2:54 p.m. and charged with petit larceny. This followed the investigation of a shoplifting complaint on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia. The teen allegedly stole merchandise from a department store by passing all points of purchase without rendering payment. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court. The case was investigated by Deputy Rachel Diehl, assisted by Deputy Jason Saile.

Appropriate to the recent celebration of WBTA's 75th Anniversary, C.M. Barons sends us this photo of the old WBTA building off of Alva Place, Batavia.