Byron-Bergen tops Lyndonville 69-15
Byron-Bergen beat Lyndonville on Thursday night 69-15.
Braedyn Chambry scored 24 points, and Colin Martin scored 10.
It was the Bees' 11th win of the season.
Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro
Sports
Brett Beckwith bags five wins at Batavia Thursday
Brett Beckwith, who ended the 2023 season as the seventh winningest driver in North America, is rolling again in 2024 and strutted his stuff at Batavia Downs on Thursday afternoon (Jan. 25) by winning five races on the card. “Brett The Jet” won with Why Tomorrow Ray (1:56.1, $2.80), Rosey Time (1:56.3, $4.40), One Night Fury (2:02.1, $9.40), Rock A Honey (1:58, $25.80) and Silver Buckeye (2:04, $6.40). Beckwith also scored three seconds and two-thirds during the card, giving him a .524 UDR for the session.
Thursday’s card had a triple feature on the track as a $15,000 Open Handicap for fillies and mares, trotters, and male pacers were all held over a sloppy track amid heavy fog as a January thaw was in full effect.
The distaff pace was won by Way Too Sweet (Jim Morrill Jr.) who sat second behind A Black Diamond (Kevin Cummings) until the top of the final turn. There, Morrill tipped the mare three-deep around Mcnatural L (Dave Mcneight III) and thundered down the center of lane to win by a length in 1:58.4.
Way Too Sweet ($3.50), who was a six-time winner last year, got her first victory of 2024 for owners George Tackley and Wendy Storrier. The mare is trained by Andy Gardner.
The top trot went to Special Prosecutor (Kevin Cummings) who led the field to the quarter in :28.4 before watching Esa (Jim Morrill Jr.) brush from third to take control in turn two. Special Prosecutor then sat chilly in the garden spot through the second circuit until the top of the stretch, where he tipped and ran down the leader to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:58.1.
It was the first win in three 2024 tries for Special Prosecutor ($10.80) who is owned by Philip Hale and David Dewhurst, who also trains the gelding.
Then in the Open pace, Sounds Good (Billy Dobson) was sent off at 40-1 and got away seventh, as Better Take It (Kevin Cummings) and Rock N Roll Runa A (Larry Stalbaum) traded leads to the half. At that station, Twin B Tuffenuff (Brett Beckwith) pulled first-over to engage the leader, and Sounds Good followed right behind with his cover. Rock N Roll Runa A held a clear lead heading into the final bend, but the field bunched at the top of the lane with Sounds Good widest of all. Dobson rocked and knocked Sounds Good all the way to the wire and was the best by a neck in a four-horse photo, stopping the clock in 1:56.1.
Sounds Good ($82.00) is owned by Michael Sergi and Sam Sergi and was the second training win for Andy Gardner.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 29) at 3 p.m. and will feature the second round of the Western New York Trackmaster Series for pacers.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
On senior night for Attica-Batavia Wrestling, Rick Stewart recognized for 25-year coaching career
Photo by Steve Ognibene
After 25 years of dedication to the sport of wrestling, head coach Rick Stewart of Attica-Batavia has said Tuesday's meet was his last home match.
Despite a 36-31 loss on Tuesday to Webster Thomas in wrestling, there was still a celebratory aura on senior night at Batavia High School.
The seniors were recognized, but it was also a night to recognize the accomplishments of Coach Rick Stewart, who is retiring after 25 years of coaching.
Senior night was his last home match.
His son, Casper Stewart, along with five other seniors, were recognized prior to the start of the match.
There are a lot of memorable moments and people from his long career, Stewart said, but Tuesday evening was itself something special.
"The big thing is, like today, you get all your former wrestlers texting you and calling you saying what an impact I was on them and how they love wrestling," Stewart said. "Lifelong relationships were built."
Highlights of Coach Stewart's coaching career:
Career Coaching Record 253-164 as of Jan. 11
- Three-time Monroe County D3 Coach of the Year
- Two-time Class BBB Team Sectional Champions
- Two-time Monroe County D3 Team Championships
- Six NYS Ranked Teams
- Seven Monroe County Champions
- 32 Individual Sectional Champions
- 10 NY State Qualifiers
- One Eastern States Champion
- Two NHSCA High School All-Americans
Stewart said there is no one thing that has kept him going and driven him toward success, but "just to name one thing ... it's your alma mater. You want to see it be successful. You want to see it grow. You want to see championships, and you want to see kids that come after you continue to be able to do what you did."
A military veteran, Stewart said it's not unusual for wrestlers to be attracted to military service.
"You have to be disciplined and focused in wrestling," Stewart said. "It's a very demanding sport. In the military, it's the same thing. It's demanding, and you have to be disciplined. I think they go hand in hand. And that's why you see a lot of ex-wrestlers, former wrestlers, go into the military service when they're done."
To view or purchase photos, click here.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
guidedPhoto by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Notre Dame tops Byron Bergen in boys hoops, 62-58
Byron-Bergen fell to Notre Dame in Boys Basketball on Monday, 62-58.
For Notre Dame, Jaden Sherwood scored 20 points, Ryan Fitzpatrick, 16, and Makyell Walker, 10.
Braedyn Chambry scored 21 for the Bees, and Brody Baubie scored 10.
In other Boys Basketball action, Batavia beat HFL 61-57. Carter Mullen scored 19 for the Blue Devils. Casey Mazur and Aiden Bellavia each scored 12.
Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.
Batavia Downs record handle surges past one-half million on Monday
The track was fast for the Monday afternoon (Jan. 22) card at Batavia Downs, and so was the pace at which money flowed through the windows from all outlets as the track handled $509,180, setting a new all-time one-day betting record on live racing at the track and marked the first time ever that the Downs handled in excess of one-half million dollars while under the ownership of Western Regional Off Track Betting.
This is the third time this meet – that has only raced four days so far – that the track has set a new standard for handle. The high water mark on Monday came in the fifth race where $69,298 was bet on that single event.
Don Hoover, Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs, said “This is definitely historic for the track, something that has never been done before. And it speaks volumes for the competitive racing our horses and their connections put on the track every race day. Our customers recognize that and want to bet on it and we are grateful to be in this situation. It’s a total team effort to make these races a success and everyone associated with the track shares in this achievement.”
Monday also marked the beginning of the Western New York Trackmaster Series for pacers, an event that was responsible for setting betting marks during the 2023 winter meet. These races were once again very exciting on Monday but saw two drivers win nine of the 15 carded events.
Jim Morrill Jr. won five races during the afternoon, four of which were from his regular connections, trainer Sam Smith and owner Mike Torcello. Morrill scored with Road Map (1:57, $2.50), Mister J R (1:57.3, $2.60), Stonebridge Hypnos (1:59, $2.40) and Authentic Hanover (1:59.1, $9.00). His fifth win was behind Mississippi Rabbit (1:58, $3.20) who is owned by William Mac Millan and trained by Joe Skowyra.
Brett Beckwith was right behind Morrill in the win column as he registered a grand slam of his own. He won with Surfers Paradise (1:58.2, $8.60), Weekend Atnannies (1:58.1, $3.90) and Thatmomentinlife (1:57.3, $7.80) who were all trained by Mark McDonough, and also with Long Train Runnin (1:57, $2.70) who was trained by Jim Clouser Jr.
When Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Jan. 25) at 3 p.m. there will be a $532 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 in the 15th race. Thursday will also host the first round of the Western New York Trackmaster Series for trotters.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Godfrey Sr. rolls 300, Shields 299, Chamberlain 296 in GRUSBC league action
One Genesee Region USBC bowler notched his first certified 300 game while two others came within a strike of perfection in league play this week.
Michael Godfrey Sr. of Albion registered 12 consecutive strikes in the Thursday Triples League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion for a perfect game, his first. The left-hander finished with a 621 series.
Competing in the County Line Stone Friday Trios League at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, right-hander Scott Shields strung 11 strikes before leaving a 4-pin in the second game for 299. He finished with a 747 series, edging out Ed Doody, who had 278--731 and Gregg Wolff, who posted 288 and 277 after a slow start for 723.
In the Tuesday StrikeForce Doubles League at StrikeForce Lanes in Oakfield, left-hander Aaron Chamberlain rolled 11 strikes in a row before leaving the 3-5-6-9 (bucket) for 296. The Oakfield resident finished with a 653 series.
In other action:
-- Lefty Nick Johnson of Bergen stayed hot with games of 268-256-247 for 771 in the Brighton Securities Tuesday Triples League at Mancuso's.
-- Southpaw Tim Talbot of Barker led the way in the Sunday Rolloffs League at Medina Lanes with a 269 game and 766 series.
For a list of high scores for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.
Photos: Batavia Ski Team mounts strong effort at Swain
Photo by Steve Ognibene
The Batavia Ski Team competed in a double race (two runs of giant slalom and one run of slalom) on Saturday on Wheels Run at Swain.
It was a bitterly cold day with sweeping winds and snow later in the afternoon. Recent snowmaking on the headwall left the top of the course with 'golf ball'-like snowballs in parts of the race hill. This can make the terrain choppy.
The morning giant slalom landed Lily Wagner in 14th place and Abby Bestine in 20th. Freshman Nolan Radley was the top boys finisher at 20th, Ethan Bradley at 25th, and Gunnar Pietrzykowski at 35th. Ben Stone crashed in his first run but had a second run good enough for 16th.
The afternoon Slalom netted senior Ben Stone a monster 7th-place run. Ethan Bradley was 21st, Nolan Radley was 29th, and Gunnar Pietrzykowski was 35th. For the girls, Lily Wagner was 15th, and Abby Bestine was 18th.
The ski team will next be in action on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Swain.
Information provided by Coach Matthew Holman, Batavia Ski Team
To view the race results, click here.
To view or purchase photos, click here.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Bees fall to Wildcats, 61-42, in Boys Basketball
Byron-Bergen's Braedyn Chambry has been tough to stop all season, but Wheatland-Chili found a way to hold him to only eight points on Friday as the Wildcats cruised to a 61-45 win.
The loss was only the second one on the year for the Bees, now 11-2.
Colin Martin scored 13 points for Byron-Bergen, and Brody Baubie scored eight.
Also in Boys Basketball, Cheektowaga beat Pembroke, 72-63. Tyson Totten scored 29 points and Avery Ferreira, 14.
Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.
Elba beats Attica 59-36 in Girls Basketball
Elba improved to 11-2 in Girls Basketball on Friday with a 59-36 win over Attica.
Sydney Reilly scored 16 points. Lydia Ross scored 15, and Brea Smith scored nine.
Photos by Debra Reilly.
Batavia-Notre Dame United 'exorcises demon,' defeats Victor Blue Devils 4-2
Photo by Steve Ognibene
The past few seasons, it's been a struggle for Batavia-Notre Dame United against Victor, pernnially one of the toughest teams to beat in New York.
"They're one of the best-coached teams that we played against all season," said United's head coach, Marc Staley. "So it's a very emotional game, always with them. And I think for our kids, especially tonight, we probably were more emotional than we should have been. Just because it is Victor. It's sort of a mental block, you know, that we had to get over that hump. They've beaten us now five times in a row, combined score of 25 to four. So, for us to be able to turn it around tonight with a 4-2 win, it's sort of like exorcising the demon a little bit."
The Victor Blue Devils opened the scoring at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Arena with a goal in the first period, but United -- starting with a Sam Pies to Jameson Motyka to Brady Johnson goal a minute later -- went on an unanswered three-goal run to put them up 3-1 entering the final period.
"We went down by one, so we had to get one back," Johnson said. "We had to get pucks on the net. We knew that shots win games. So, every shot is a goal-scoring opportunity. So that's just what we're looking to do."
In the second period, the game got intense with shots on goal from both sides. United overcame back-to-back penalties but then went on the powerplay with two minutes left. Brady Johnson scored his second goal of the game in the high slot from a pass by Joe DiRisio to take a 2-1 lead after two periods of play.
In the third period, United was deep in Victor’s zone, taking a faceoff. Sam Pies took a quick wrist shot off the faceoff draw and got shot past goalie Nate McBride.
Victor pulled back within a point in the third on a power play that Staley characterized as an undisciplined penalty, an example of letting emotions ride a little high.
"We know there is a very fine line between being a state top-ranked team and being just a good team," Staley said. "You have to stay out of the box. You have to be disciplined. You have to control your emotions. And you have to play through, weather the storm. You got to play through those tough moments, and we didn't do that as well tonight. I think we let them hang around. It ended up being a lot closer than I think it should have."
United added a bit of padding to their near the end of the game to seal the victory with a goal by Jameson Motyka.
"I think we felt like we were in control of the game," Staley said. "Most of the game, we outshot them. I thought we had time of possession on them. I think they're one of the best teams that we've played so far this year."
Pies said he thought United's defensive play was key.
"We needed to be on the defensive side of the puck at all times and couldn't take no chances with the defense," Pies said. "Pinching had to be 100 percent. They couldn't have any odd-man rushes. We had to get pucks out when we needed to, and good thing we did that, and we got the win."
Steve Ognibene contributed to the reporting of this story. To view or purchase photos, click here.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Amesbury dominates in Byron-Bergen win
Janessa Amesbury's 25 points lifted Byron-Bergen over Wheatland-Chili in Girls Basketball on Thursday, 34-30.
In boys basketball on Thursday,
Batavia beat Honeoye Falls-Lima 55-50. Carter Mullen scored 24 points and Justin Smith scored 14.
Le Roy beat York 78-73. Merritt Holly, for the fourth time this season, topped 40 points in a game, scoring 41. He had 14 rebounds. Jean Agosto scored 15 points and had 10 rebounds. Jake Higgins scored nine points and had nine rebounds. The game went into two overtimes. The Knights are 11-2 and on a seven-game win streak.
Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro
Batavia Downs cancels live racing for Thursday
The nearly week-long winter storm that has gripped western New York and necessitated the cancellation of live racing at Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 15), has once again forced track officials to cancel live racing at The Downs for Thursday (Jan. 18) due to the ongoing effects of the extreme weather conditions. Simulcast at the track will remain open.
Live racing will resume as scheduled at Batavia on Monday (Jan. 22) at 3 p.m.
Elba beats Holley 58-31
Sydney Reilly's double-double helped propel Elba over Holley 58-31 in Girls Basketball on Tuesday.
Reilly scored 29 points and grabbed 16 rebounds.
Lydia Ross scored 14 points. Mariah Ognibene scored five points and five rebounds.
Photos by Debra Reilly.
Oakfield Girls top Alexander 39-29 in Genesee Region matchup
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Oakfield was held scoreless in the fourth quarter on Tuesday night, but was so dominant earlier in the game, including scoring 18 points in the third quarter, that they were able to hold onto a big lead and beat Alexander 39-29 in Girls Basketball.
Caitlin Ryan scored 13 points for the Hornets and Alea Geoff scored eight.
Hayden Bezon scored eight for the Trojans.
Also in Girls Basketball on Tuesday:
- Elba beat Holley 58-31
- Batavia 54, Franklin 21. Anna Varland scored 16 points. Julia Clark scored eight, and Addy O'Donnell scored eight. Isabella Walsh scored five points and had seven rebounds, six steals, and four blocked shots.
- Notre Dame beat Attica, 56-27. Leading the Lady Irish was Sofia Falleti with 17 points, 3 steals and 6 blocks. Emma Sisson recorded a double-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 steals. Gianna Falleti contributed 8 points, 3 steals and 5 rebounds.
- Pembroke beat Lyndonville 55-46. Reagan Schneider had 18 points and 13 rebounds. Peyton Liss, 13 points. Jayden Hootman, 11 points and seven steals. Morgan Coniber, 10 points and 10 rebounds. Onolee Easterbrook, eight steals.
In Boys Basketball, Le Roy beat Batavia 65-51. Merritt Holly scored 21 points. Jake Higgins, 13 points. Jean Agosto, nine points and 13 rebounds. No stats were provided for Batavia.
To view or purchase prints, click here.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia Downs cancels live racing for Monday
As a result of the crippling winter storm western New York has experienced over the past 48 hours and the expected continuation of snowfall and dangerous road conditions through tonight, Batavia Downs has canceled live racing for Monday (Jan. 15) out of an abundance of caution for the safety of the horses, horsemen and woman and fans.
Live racing will resume as scheduled on Thursday (Jan. 18) at 3 p.m.
Chambry scores 34 in Bees' 20-point win over Albion
Byron-Bergen's Braedyn Chambry was dominant again, scoring 34 points, to lead the Bees to an 80-60 win over Albion on Saturday afternoon.
Brenden Pimm and Colin Martin each scored 12 points. Brody Baubie scored nine points.
The Bees are now 9-1 on the season.
Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro
Batavians Prucha, Townsend, Neubert post big scores on the lanes; two record 800 series
Batavian Jim Prucha enjoyed a "career night" earlier this week as he rolled a pair of 279 games in a 764 series in the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League at Mancuso Bowling Center.
The 60-year-old right-hander started with 279 and finished with 279 (posting 11 strikes in a row after an open) to record his highest three-game series ever. He went into the night with a 188 average.
Prolific left-hander Brian Cline of Middleport continued his assault on the pins with games of 236, 266 and 288 for a 790 series, raising his average to 236.
In other Genesee Region USBC league action:
--James Townsend of Batavia registered a 278 game in a 753 series in the Toyota of Batavia 4-Man League at Mancuso's.
-- Bill Neubert of Batavia finished with a 297 game -- leaving the 3-6-10 on the 12th ball -- for a 755 series in the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.
-- At Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Reid Cole of Albion fired 279-279-247--805 in the Every-Other-Saturday League, and John Beadle of Brockport tallied 244-279-278--801 in the Thursday Men's Triples League.
For a list of high scores for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.
Batavia falls to Eastridge in Girls Basketball, 64-40
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Eastridge proved a tough opponent for the Batavia Blue Devils on Saturday afternoon, taking the game 64-40.
Jamin Macdonald scored 12 points, Isabella Walsh, 10, and Karizwa Wescott, nine.
Liv Green scored 19 for Eastridge.
To view or purchase photos, click here.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Elba tops Pembroke in Girls Basketball
Elba beat Pembroke 54-46 on Friday in Girls Basketball.
Sydney Reilly scored 16 points for the Lancers. She also has seven assists. Lydia Ross scored 14 points, and Mariah Ognibene scored 12 points. Ognibene also had 11 rebounds for a double-double.
Jayden Hootman scored 12 points for the Dragons. Elle Peterson scored eight.
Also, in Girls basketball on Friday, Notre Dame, for the second consecutive game, won in OT, beating Kendall 32-28. Sofia Falleti scored 13 points with nine rebounds. Emma Sisson scored seven and had six rebounds. Nina Barts scored six points and nabbed nine rebounds.
In Boys Basketball, Le Roy beat Warsaw, 76-48. Merritt Holly had another big game, getting a double-double with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Jean Agosto scored 20 points and had seven rebounds. Le Roy is now 9-2 and riding a five-game win streak.
Photos by Debra Reilly.
Comeonover Hanover, Lanjo Lee winners at Batavia
A sloppy track combined with heavy snow that started to fall after the third race provided some messy going at Batavia Downs on Thursday afternoon (Jan.11), but it didn’t take away from competitive racing and several very close finishes.
The features were a pair of $15,000 Open I Handicap races that were written for each gait.
First in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot, despite coming up only a neck short in his first start in the top class at Batavia last week, Comeonover Hanover was dismissed by the betting public at 9-1 and made them pay after making a late rush to victory.
Blogmaster (Jim Morrill Jr.) led to the half in a soft :59.2 when Big Box Hanover (Larry Stalbaum) moved first-over and pushed the issue to three-quarters. At that station, Comeonover Hanover (Billy Dobson) was still sixth, but out and moving third-over. After coming out of the turn, Big Box Hanover took the lead from Blogmaster and Special Prosecutor (John Cummings Jr.) had moved into third. But it was Comeonover Hanover who was barrelling down the center of the track and took the lead at the wire to win in 2:00.4.
Comeonover Hanover ($20.60) is owned by Perry Elkins and trained by Andy Gardiner.
Then later in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace, Lanjo Lee took no prisoners and could not be caught as he easily put away the competition in the stretch.
Lanjo Lee (Kyle Cummings) took the lead and cut quarters of :28.2 and :58.2 before Alta Engen A (Jim Morrill Jr.) pulled first-over from third. As they paced up the backside on the second circuit, Alta Engen A tried hard but could not get alongside Lanjo Lee and by three-quarters, his challenge had ended. This left Lanjo Lee two lengths ahead of the pocket-sitting Dontholdanythinbak (Keith Kash Jr.) and looking very much like a winner. When they straightened for home, Lanjo Lee bolted for the line under a line drive and won by 1-¾ lengths in 1:55.2..
Lanjo Lee ($8.40) is owned by Gordon Swift and trained by Jeff Sorenson.
In the day’s 14th race, driver Brett Beckwith made a three-wide move in the last turn with All About Lynx and caught the front-running Examiner Hanover (Larry Stalbaum) at the wire to win in 1:59 and blow up the tote board at 53-1. All About Lynx returned $109 for the win and sparked a 7-4-5-2 superfecta that returned the handsome sum of $3,253.80 for a 20-cent wager.
Drew Monti and Billy Dobson both scored driving hat tricks on Thursday while the day's top trainer Chris Petrelli sent two from his stable to the winner’s enclosure for pictures.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday (Jan. 15) at 3 p.m.
Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
