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Colton Dillon's big night lifts Elba over Bradford in Section V playoff

By Howard B. Owens

On his own Friday night, Colton Dillon outscored the entire Bradford team in a second-round, Class D1 Section V playoff game in Elba.

Dillon scored 31 points and the Lancers beat Bradford 70-30.

Jon Boyce was the only other Lancer player to notch double digits with 13 points.

Jordan Suteyk scored eight points for Bradford. Steven Spina scored six points.

Next up for #2 ranked Elba (16-6) is #3 ranked Belfast (14-6).

Also in boys basketball yesterday:

  • Alexander beat Geneseo 62-55. Alexander (16-5) is ranked #2 in Class C2 and will play #3 ranked Red Jacket (16-5) in the semifinal.
  • York beat Pavilion 68-52 to advance to the Class C3 semifinal.
  • Oakfield-Alabama lost to Naples 55-42 in a Class C3 quarterfinal. Joey Burdick scored 16 points. Nick Wissinger scored 12.

At 2 p.m. today, #2 ranked Batavia (11-10) plays #2 ranked Newark (16-3) at Newark.

Tonight #2 ranked Le Roy (12-8) plays #7 ranked Mynderse Acadamy at 7 p.m. at Le Roy in a Class B2 quarterfinal.

In girls basketball, Batavia (18-1), ranked #1 in Class B1, beat #8 ranked Livonia 73-48 (game story).

In Class C2 today, #9 ranked Alexander (7-14) plays #1 ranked Marion (16-4) at 2 p.m. at Marion in a quarterfinal and #10 ranked Byron-Bergen (6-14) plays #2 ranked Red Jacket at 2 p.m. and Red Jacket. And #4 ranked Pembroke (14-7) plays #5 ranked Lyons (14-7) at Pembroke at 2 p.m.

In Class C3 #8 ranked Pavilion (9-12) plays #1 ranked South Seneca (19-1) at South Seneca at 2 p.m. Oakfield-Alabama, ranked #2 (16-4) plays #5 ranked York (11-9) at O-A at 2 p.m.

In Class D1, #1 ranked Elba (18-1) plays #9 ranked Northstar Christian (4-15) at 2 p.m. at Elba.

Stefaniak erupts for 35 as Batavia rolls past Livonia in Class B1 sectional action

By Mike Pettinella

Senior point guard Ryann Stefaniak, playing in the final home game of her stellar career at Batavia High School, came out shooting tonight and she didn’t stop until she scored 35 points – including eight three-point baskets – in her Lady Devils’ 78-43 victory over Livonia in a Section 5 Class B1 girls’ basketball second-round contest.

“I knew it was my last home game and I came out with so much energy,” Stefaniak said. “I worked with my shooting coach, Billy Truitt, before the game and I felt like I was going to be on.”

She certainly was “on” – scoring nine points in the first quarter with a pair of three-pointers and exploding for 14 points in the second quarter as top-seeded Batavia turned an 18-12 advantage into a 44-22 halftime lead.

Stefaniak had four three-point baskets in the closing three minutes of the half to help Batavia, now 18-2, blow the game open. She added two more three-pointers in the third quarter as the Lady Devils maintained their 22-point cushion.

Sophomore point guard Mackenzie Reigle put forth another fine all-around effort, scoring 13 points on a variety of drives and spin moves while coming up with six steals. Sophomore guard Bryn Wormley sank a trio of three-point shots and finished with 10 points.

Junior forward Emma Krolczyk added seven points and senior guard Jenae Colkey had four. Senior center Meghan Houseknecht and sophomore guard Tess Barone scored two apiece.

For eighth-seeded Livonia, 13-8, junior forward Sydney Lockwood tallied 21 points – eight in the final quarter as the teams traded baskets. Junior forward Vanessa Galbraith had nine and junior guard Sara Shellenbarger added seven.

Batavia Coach Marty Hein stated that he was impressed with his team’s offensive prowess, but said his defense need to tighten things up.

“The defense wasn’t as sound as I wanted it to be,” he said. “We allowed too many open shots and drives, especially against number 12 (Lockwood). And we had three girls in foul trouble (Krolczyk, Reigle and Stefaniak).”

Still, top-seeded Batavia moves on to the next round where it will face No. 4 Palmyra-Macedon in the second game of a doubleheader Monday night at Caledonia-Mumford.

Pal-Mac, 15-5, defeated visiting Notre Dame of Batavia, 50-43, tonight.

The first game of Monday’s twin bill has No. 2 Midlakes facing No. 3 Greece Odyssey, with a 6 p.m. starting time.

The BHS vs. Pal-Mac game is expected to tip off around 7:45.

Batavia powerhouses over Pal-Mac 87-41 in sectional opener

By Steve Ognibene

The Blue Devils squad was on a mission in the first half to control the game over visiting Palmyra-Macedon of the first round of class B1 sectionals last evening at Batavia High School.

Opening minutes were led 10-5 by senior Mason McFollins and junior Jake Humes. Tanner Thompson for Pal-Mac scored five. Blue Devils led 23-10 after the first quarter.

Second half Pal-Mac could not stop the Devils' rush as Camden White added six points. Blue Devils' Joseph Martinucci, Andrew Francis, McFollins and Luke Grammatico also contributed points to dominate the half 44-18.

Batavia then opened the floodgates rolling through the next eight minutes as Cayden White and McFollins added another 16 points combined along with points from Francis and Tyler Hale.

In the final minutes of the third quarter, both teams pulled their starters, Batavia led 69-27.

Senior Tyivon Ayala scored nine points in the fourth to close out the quarter as Batavia wins the game 87-41 and will travel to play this Saturday at #2 Newark Reds, 2 p.m. tip off.

Top photo is Batavia's Zach Gilebarto defending Pal-Mac's Paul Goodness.

To view or purchase photos click here.

Notre Dame gets big win at home in first-round sectional playoff

By Howard B. Owens

 

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Notre Dame dominated Hammondsport in their first-round Class D1 Section V playoff game at Notre Dame on Wednesday night, winning 85-40.

Gabe Macdonald scored 27 points, Colin McCulley scored 17, and Keith Szczepanski added 14 to pace the Fighting Irish.

Spencer Misit scored eight and Andrew Moore scored six. In all, nine Irish put points on the board.

"I think this was a team effort and I thought everybody contributed," Coach Mike Rapone said. "We played really well on both ends of the floor and rebounded well, passed the ball well. Keith was dominant inside and we got him the ball in areas where he could be effective."

Rapone thinks the road to the Class D1 finals runs through Mount Morris, which is where the Irish, now 12-9 on the season, head to next at 7 p.m., Saturday. Mount Morris is ranked second and is 17-3.

"Mount Morris is a very good team," Rapone said. "They got a few guys who have been starting for three years. This is the year they've been pointing to. They think they got a chance to win it all which they do. So this is a big test for us."

Also on Wednesday night, Batavia beat PalMac 87-41. Coverage is coming.

Tomorrow:

  • Elba vs. Bradford, 7 p.m. at Elba
  • Alexander vs. Geneseo, 7 p.m., at Alexander

Pavilion girls advance in Class C3 sectionals

By Howard B. Owens

Number 8 seed Pavilion knocked off #9 seed Dundee on Wednesday night at home in a Class 3 Section V playoff game, 36-31, in girls basketball.

For the Golden Gophers, Lindsay Lowe scored nine points, Aprile Beehler and Bri Hirsman each scored eight points, Lauren Kingsley scored seven, and Karlee Zinkievich scored four.

For Dundee, Mckenzie Strait scored 11 points and Megan Sutherland scored 10.

Pavilion is now 10-11 on the season and plays #1 seed South Seneca (18-1) on Saturday at South Seneca at 2 p.m.

In other girls basketball action Wednesday:

  • Pembroke 68, Bloomfield 56
  • Alexander 72, Rochester Academy 49

Tomorrow's games:

  • Batavia vs. Livonia, 7 p.m. at Batavia HS
  • Notre Dame vs. PalMac, 7 p.m., at PalMac

Top photo: Karlee Zinkievich.

Photos by Ryan Paddock.

 Lauren Kingsley

Aprile Beehler

Jordan Barrett

Double 'bedposts' thwart Belmonte; local tournaments abound

By Mike Pettinella

Thinking about twice leaving the split known as “bedposts” undoubtedly made the Professional Bowlers Association’s brightest star lose some sleep Sunday night.

Australian Jason Belmonte, seeking his record 11th career PBA major tournament crown, was derailed in the championship match of the PBA Players Championship at Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl in heartbreaking fashion – leaving pocket 7-10 splits in both the fourth and 10th frames – in a 232-212 loss to fellow two-hander Anthony Simonsen of Little Elm, Texas.

The finals were televised live on FS1 (Fox Sports).

So, instead of Belmonte breaking a tie with Pete Weber and Earl Anthony for the most major championships in PBA Tour history, it was the 22-year-old Simonsen who became the youngest player to win two PBA majors.

The top-seeded Belmonte never missed the 1-3 pocket during the match but, uncharacteristically, he was victimized by poor carry.

Simonsen, following Belmonte’s 7-10 split in the 10th frame, rolled a strike on his first ball in the 10th for his fifth consecutive strike to lock up the match and take home the $50,000 first prize.

The week before, it was Belmonte who captured his 10th major, also as the No. 1 seed, by defeating E.J. Tackett, 225-196, to earn $50,000 at the PBA Tournament of Champions.

Simonsen broke the “youngest ever” mark set by PBA Hall of Famer Billy Hardwick, who was 23 years and 259 days old when he won the 1965 T of C for his second major title.

PBA Players Championship stepladder finals:

Kyle Troup, Taylorsville, S.C, def. Tackett, Bluffton, Ind., 255-245; Troup def. D.J. Archer, Spring, Texas, 194-193; Simonsen def. Troup, 259-202; Simonsen def. Belmonte, 232-212. Prize money: $50,000, 1st; $25,000, 2nd; $13,000, 3rd; $11,000, 4th; $10,000, 5th.

The finals of the PBA Indianapolis Open will be televised live on FS1 at 3 p.m. this Sunday.

ROCHESTER’S GUSTKE POCKETS $1,500 TOP PRIZE

Rob Gustke of Rochester, a 48-year-old right-hander, captured the $1,500 first prize at the 41st annual Mount Morris Pepsi Open on Feb. 10 at Mount Morris Lanes.

Gustke, a 220-plus average bowler, defeated Ken Ball of Avon, a PBA Regional senior tour player, by a score of 202-192 in the title match of the tournament, which was contested on a difficult “Sport” oil pattern.

Previously, Gustke downed high qualifier Brian Hall of Macedon, 189-171, and two-hander Mark Scuderi of Rochester, 169-138, to reach the finals.

Ball took home $750 for his efforts, while Scuderi and Kevin Donovan of Painted Post each earned $250.

Perry’s Brady Weber was the lone Genesee Region USBC bowler to cash, winning $120.

PLENTY OF EVENTS SCHEDULED OVER NEXT MONTH

Genesee Region bowling centers are hosting several tournaments in February and March.

Feb. 22-24, Le Roy Legion Lanes – The 17th annual Ron Riggi Memorial 4-person handicap tournament offers a $1,000 first prize, based on 40 entries. Squad times are 6:30 p.m. Friday, noon and 3:30 p.m. Saturday and noon and 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

The entry fee is $100 per team and one in six teams will cash. Handicap is based on 80 percent of the bowler’s average and 210, using last year’s highest average. If a bowler’s average is 10 pins or more higher this season, he or she will have to use this season’s average.

An optional singles tournament will available, with the entry fee set at $5.

To reserve a spot, contact Mark Brown at 716-474-7960.

March 2, Oak Orchard Bowl, Albion – The 4th annual NY Gamerz/Smash It Sports 3-person handicap no-tap event lists squads at 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m., and one in six teams will cash. The entry fee is $60 per team.

Handicap is based on 90 percent of 225. The fundraising event will feature prize drawings and 300 game jackpots.

To sign up, call or text Bill Hickman at 585-590-6717 or call the bowling center at 585-589-6900.

March 8-10, 15-17, Mount Morris Lanes – The 20th annual Bob Bertram Memorial 5-person handicap no-tap tournament once again is offering a $1,000 first prize – guaranteed – with an entry fee of $125 per team.

Squad times are 9 p.m. on Fridays, 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. A light buffer will be served on all full squads.

Handicap is based on 100 percent of 210, using the highest USBC average from 2017-18 season for a minimum of 21 games. If a bowler does not have a 2017-18 average, he or she will use the highest current average for at least 21 games. The 10-pin rule will apply.

The tournament also features an optional singles event with a $10 entry fee.

To enter, call the bowling center at 585-658-2540 or send an email to bobsantini@frontiernet.net.

March 9, Mancuso Bowling Center, Batavia – T.F. Brown’s Restaurant and Budweiser once again will be sponsoring the King & Queen mixed doubles handicap tournament that offers a guaranteed top prize of $500. The entry fee is $50 per team.

Squad times are noon and 2 p.m. The top three teams from each squad along with six more teams (based on their totals) will advance to the head-to-head finals. Handicap is based on 80 percent of a team average of 420.

For more information or to enter, call Brown at 716-474-7960 or the bowling center at 585-343-1319.

March 9-10, Le Roy Legion Lanes – The 13th annual GRUSBC Youth Doubles tournament lists squads at 12:30 and 3 p.m. on March 9 and 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (during the GR Travel League).

Entry fee is $36 per team, with competition in three divisions based on team average. Handicap will be 90 percent of 200 for all divisions, using GRUSBC youth members’ highest current averages for this season.

Trophies will be awarded to the first three spots in each division and first place team bowlers will win $100 scholarships.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the GRUSBC website – www.bowlgr.com. To enter, contact Tom Fluker at 585-284-2637.

March 15-16, Mancuso Bowling Center – Some of the best scratch bowlers in Western New York will be in Batavia for the T.F. Brown’s Scratch Eliminator, which offers a $1,500 first prize (based on entries).

Squad times (four games) are 6:30 p.m. Friday and 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, with a last chance round and finals to follow. One in five from each squad will advance.

The top senior (50-and-over) and woman not making the cut will advance to the finals.

The entry fee is $65 and re-entry is allowed.

To enter, call the bowling center at 585-343-1319.

March 16, Medina Lanes – The 10th annual KIWA Memorial 3-person handicap no-tap tournament lists a $500 first prize (based on entries) and an entry fee of $75 per team.

Squad times are 1 and 3 p.m.  Proceeds will go to benefit the Medina High School Scholarship Fund.

To enter, call the bowling center at 585-318-4474.

ROSE GARDEN TEAM MOVES INTO FIRST PLACE

Brendan Pimm’s 222 game and 612 series sparked Rose Garden II to a 17-7 victory over Oak Orchard Bowl II and into first place in the Genesee Region Youth Travel League.

The win raised Rose Garden II’s record to 105-63, a point better than Oak Orchard I, which topped Mount Morris, 19-5. Oak Orchard II is in third place, five points back.

High scores for the week:

Dennis Van Duser, Perry, 199 game, 574 series; Trent Willis, Mount Morris, 203 game, 569 series; Devon Zinter, Rose Garden I, 211 game, 514 series; Ben Lennox, Oak Orchard II, 195 game, 505 series; Samantha Hyde, Le Roy, 181 game, 498 series.

The league bowls again on March 3 at Mount Morris Lanes, and wraps up the regular season on March 10 at Le Roy Legion Lanes.

For complete standings and statistics, go to www.bowlgr.com and click on the Jr. Travel League tab at the top of the home page.

60-AND-OVER IS THIS WEEKEND, NYS MASTERS ON MARCH 2

Scratch bowlers have a couple of choices over the next two weeks – the Tommy Kress 60-and-Over Tour stop this Sunday and the New York State Masters Championship on Saturday, March 2.

AMF Gates Bowl is hosting the 60-and-over tournament, which is being sponsored by A Better Choice Pro Shop. First place is $1,000 for this “special” event and the entry fee is $70.

Check-in begins at 10:30 a.m., with the bowling to start at noon.

Some of the state’s best bowlers will be at Dixie Lanes in Elmira on March 2 for the 29th NYS Masters, which offers a $2,500 first prize and paid entry to the 2020 USBC Masters.

Two Genesee Region USBC members, Brian Green and James Townsend of Batavia, are among those signed up for the 12:30 p.m. squad, and more local bowlers are expected to compete.

For more information or to enter, call 585-343-3736 or send an email to bowlny300@yahoo.com.

REMEMBERING ROGER MUEHLIG – A TRUE PROFESSIONAL

I first met Roger Muehlig in November 1971, when he was assigned to write a story about the 300 game I rolled as a 16-year-old 11th grader in the Batavia High afterschool league at Mancuso Lanes.

Less than six years later, I found myself sitting at a desk near him as a fledgling sports/general news reporter for The Daily News, and we remained colleagues for the next 15 years.

Even after I left full-time employment there, I continued to see Roger frequently in my role as a free-lance reporter and columnist, and I am glad to have been able to spend a few minutes with him around Christmas time last year.

A soft-spoken gentleman, Roger passed away last Friday at the age of 73.

He spent 42 years as a staff (and senior) reporter at The Daily News, retiring in 2012, and served the company and the community as a true professional – inquisitive, dedicated, compassionate and accurate in his reporting.

He also was a long-suffering Chicago Cubs fan, and we would talk about their futility, not having won a World Series since 1907 and 1908.  When the Cubs finally won the World Series in 2016, my thoughts immediately went to Roger – his lifetime dream had become a reality.

My thoughts today are with his wife, Donna; children, Mitchell, Brittany and Drew, and family. May God keep you and strengthen you.

Pavilion wins first-round sectional at home

By Howard B. Owens

 

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Colby Tillotson scored 17 points to help lead Pavilion over Keshequa 59-46  in a first-round  Section V playoff game in Pavilion on Tuesday night.

The #6 seed in Class C3, the Golden Gophers have been without Zach Wiedrich, a top scorer on the team, since the 10th game but Tillotson, Ryley Elliott, Cameron Milligan and Luke Milligan have all stepped up to help fill the gap, said Coach Rob Milligan.

Weidrich, a junior, was diagnosed with a heart condition and may not be able to play competitive basketball again.

As an example of Weidrich scoring prowess, Milligan said he got hot one game last season and scored 36 points.

Tuesday, Elliott scored nine points, as did Cody Penders. Nate Swede scored six points. Tillotson hit three three-point shots.

For Keshequa, Cameron Chestnut scored 17 points. He also hit three three-point shots.

Wagner, Foss, Bielak post 800 sets in Genesee Region league bowling

By Mike Pettinella

One of the five bowlers in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday Night League at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia who had a shot at perfection this week made it to the promised land and, not surprisingly, that one was Batavia left-hander Rich Wagner.

Wagner continued his spectacular season with 269-300-235--804, raising his average to 248.7 with six weeks left. The current Genesee Region USBC record for a season is 242, shared by Scott Culp of Honeoye Falls and Curtis Foss of Medina.

The other four who came close -- Vin Pontillo, 278--733; Jim Pursel, 279--725; Geoff Harloff, 277--724, and Alex Morris, 278--700. Jason Gallo, Wagner's teammate, posted a 217 triplicate.

At Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Foss nearly had a monster triplicate, firing 279-279-276--834 in the Friday Night Mixers League.

And at Medina Lanes, Mike "Pook" Bielak notched his first 800 series -- 290-289-243--822 -- in the Thursday Firefighters League while Foss had another 300 game, his fifth of the season.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page. Mike Pettinella's next Pin Points column is scheduled for this Thursday.

Local indoor track teams bring home sectional titles

By Howard B. Owens

Girls indoor track teams from Le Roy and Batavia, and the boys team from Batavia came away with sectional titles after competing at meets at RIT on Friday and Saturday.

Le Roy garnered 78 points, far outpacing second-place Warsaw at 38 points in Class D.

In Class C, the Batavia girls team also finished well head of the next closest team with 132 points to 47.5 points for Palmyra-Macedon.

For the boys, they notched first with a dominating 152 points to 56 points for Wayne Central.

First-place showings for Le Roy:

  • McKenna Cone in the 55 Meter Hurdles with a time of 9.03.
  • McKenna Cone in the Long Jump with a distance of 6-07.25

The Le Roy Boys Track Team finished second to East Rochester with 43 points to 53 points.

First-place finishes for Batavia girls:

  • Arianna Brown in the High Jump with a height of 4-08.00
  • Emily Caccamise in the 1500 Meter Race Walk with a time of 9:04.69

First-place finishes for Batavia boys:

  • Zakariah Jantzi in the 1000 Meter Run with a time of 2:40.24
  • Garrick Havens in the 1600 Meter Run with a time of 4:46.34
  • Garrick Havens in the 3200 Meter Run with a time of 10:25.96
  • Batavia won the 400 Meter Relay with a time of 9:03.44
  • Daemon Konieczny in the High Jump with a height of 6-01.00
  • Alex Rood in the Shot Put with a distance of 53-10.00
  • Matt Grover in the Weight Throw with a distance of 51-02.25

Batavia Coach Nick Burk also sent along this meet report:

The Batavia Indoor track and field team competed in Sectionals last night at RIT and came away with the double championship (boys and girls) for the third year in a row. The boys team won their eighth overall Sectional Championship and seventh title since 2008. The girls' team won their 15th Sectional Championship in 17 years with this being their sixth consecutive title. Both teams came into the meet very confident and excited to continue the high level of excellence that our program has developed.

For the boys' meet, our dominance in the throws continued with Alex Rood winning the Shot Put (53-10), while Jaheim Smith (48-7.25) and Evan Bartz (44-4.5) took second and fourth, respectively. Not to be outdone, our boys' Weight Throwers were even more impressive taking the top four places with Matt Grove (51-2.25) winning the event, followed by Evan Bartz (50-0.75), Alex Rood (49-11.25), and Cody Eisenberger (48-6.75).

Batavia's distance crew certainly shined in this meet, particularly Garrick Havens who won the 3200m (10:25.96), the 1600m (4:46.34), and was part of the winning 4x800 Relay (9:03.44) with Zak Jantzi, John Bruggman, and Mario Rosales. Zak Jantzi also won the 1000m (2:40.24) and Mario Rosales took second in the 1000m (2:43.32) and fourth in the 1600m (4:57.67). John Bruggman finished in fourth in the 600m (1:28.77).

Daemon Konieczny had a phenomenal meet as well winning the High Jump (6-1), placing third in the Pole Vault (12-0), and fourth in 55 Hurdles (8.52). Also in the Pole Vault, Andrew Lin placed fifth (11-0) and Matt Adams placed sixth (11-0).

Senior Taiyo Iburi-Bethel had a very impressive meet with a fourth-place finish in the 55m (6.76) and second-place finish in Long Jump (20-11). Other scorers for Batavia were Joey Gefell finishing fifth for Triple Jump (38-9), Terrez Smith finished fifth in the 55m (6.78), Troy Helsdon finished fifth in the 3200m (11:12.23), Brock Every finished sixth in the 600m (1:31.89) and the 4x400 Relay with Joey Gefell, Colton Martin, Leo Liang, and Zack Anderson finishing fifth (3:49.80).

Batavia's boys finished first out of 17 scoring teams with 152 points, followed by UPrep with 71 points and Wayne with 56 points.

The Batavia girls' indoor track team had a truly gritty performance last night led by a group of seniors that have been a part of our success for a long time. Liz Cohen had an incredible meet placing second in the 55 Hurdles (9.20), second in the Pole Vault (9-0) and third in Triple Jump (33-3.5). Emily Caccamise earned a repeat championship in the 1500m Racewalk (9:04.69), Jalesa Smith placed second in the High Jump (4-6), second in Long Jump (16-4), and fourth in the Weight Throw (32-8.75), and Caitlin Kingston placed fourth in the 600m (1:45.96) These four athletes finish their indoor track careers having never lost a Sectional meet and contributing 56 points toward last night's team championship.

Arianna Brown earned a Sectional Championsip in the High Jump (4-8) while also running on the 4x200 Relay with Sarah Adams, Jadin Vasciannie, and Caitlin Kingston, which placed third (1:56.04). Sarah Adams also place second in the Triple Jump (34-0.5). The girls' 4x400 Relay of Caitlin Kingston, Noelia Ventura, Aurelia Colby, and Piper Harloff finished third (4:30.43), and the 4x800 Relay of Sadie Loria, Maddie Taggart, Sam Davis, and Makayla Andolora finished sixth (11:14.87).

The girls' Throwers also had a tremendous meet! Along with Jalesa Smith's fourth-place finish in Weight Throw, Maggie Andersen finished in second (41-7.5) and Rebekah Daniszewski finished sixth (32-2.25). Rebekah also earned a second-place finish in the Shot Put (32-2).

Other scorers for the Blue Devils last night were: Melanie Quinones-Santiago, who finished fifth in the 3000m (12:05.91) and fourth in the 1500m (5:40.03); Sydney Konieczny, who finished fourth in the 1000m (3:20.56); Elizabeth Kingston, who finished fourth in the 1500m Racewalk (9:22.23); Gavin Konieczny, who finished third in Pole Vault (8-6); and Camryn Buck, who finished third in High Jump (4-6).

Batavia's girls finished first out of 19 scoring teams with 132 points followed by Wayne with 72 points and Pal-Mac with 47.5 points.

This performance really demonstrates the tremendous effort by our Blue Devil athletes and also the guidance from our incredible coaching staff. Dan Geiger (Throws), Rich Boyce (High Jump/Distance), William Buckenmeyer (Hurdles/Distance), Eric Allen (Jumps), Alex Veltz (Sprints), Wayne Wadams (Pole Vault), and Brandon Stevenson (Sprints) provide our athletes with the essential skills and motivation necessary to continue our very successful tradition of track and field at Batavia High School.

Between indoor and outdoor track, we've been blessed with so many great athletes and great individual performances, which have directly led to 33 Sectional Championships (Indoors and Outdoors) for our program since 2003. Batavia's Indoor Track Team rose to the occasion once again to represent our community and our school as a tough and dedicated team! Go Blue Devils!

Submitted photos.

Sectional girls' basketball No. 1 seeds honored at luncheon

By Mike Pettinella

Batavia High: Front from left, Bella Houseknecht; Tess Barone, Jenae Colkey, Haylee Thornley; back, Mackenzie Reigle, Emma Krolczyk, Meghan Houseknecht, Kennedy Kolb, Coach Marty Hein. Ryann Stefaniak and Bryn Wormley also are on the team.

Elba: Front from left, Maddie Howard, Leah Bezon, Brynn Walczak, Taylor Augello; back, Coach Tom Redband, Lauryn Engle, Dakota Brinkman, Adrianna Long, Kelly Mickey and Maddie Muehlig. Isabella Riner also is on the team.

The Batavia High and Elba Central varsity girls' basketball teams were recognized as No. 1 seeds in their respective classifications today at the Section 5 seeding luncheon at RIT Inn & Conference Center in Henrietta.

Batavia, 17-2, is the top seed in Class B1 and will open sectional competition at home at 7 p.m. Feb. 22.

Elba, 18-1, is the top seed in Class D2 and will begin its quest for a sectional crown at home at 7 p.m. Feb. 23.

Pin Points is now part of WBTA's 'Genesee MVP' show

By Mike Pettinella

Bowling fans can now keep up on the latest developments on the lanes in the Genesee Region by listening to the "Genesee MVP" sports show on WBTA radio -- 1490 AM and 100.1 FM on your dial.

The show's hosts, Mike Rose and Pete Zehler, have added a Pin Points segment with commentator Mike Pettinella to the weekly program.

The program, featuring Batavia and Notre Dame high schools' and Genesee Community College athletics, airs from 6:05 to 6:30 p.m. every Friday.

It also can be heard on the WBTA website by clicking on Programs and then Genesee MVP.

Batavia's fourth quarter run came up short vs. Eastridge 49-55

By Howard B. Owens

With a 55-49 loss to Eastridge on Thursday night, the Batavia Blue Devils finished out their season with a 10-10 record and ranked #7 in Section V Class B1 basketball.

Mason McFollins scored 28 points, hitting five three-point jumpers. Camden White scored nine points and Andrew Francis scored six.

The Blue Devils jumped out to an early lead and edged Eastridge 12 to 9 at the end of the first quarter continued to lead at the half 21-18. 

Batavia's undoing, perhaps, was starting the second half without scoring for seven minutes. The team's only points came on a McFollins' three-pointer in the final minute of the third quarter.

Eastridge scored 22 points in the third. 

For Eastridge, Jahmel Demery scored 14 points, Jordan Capers, 12, and Jalen Rose Hannah scored 10.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Marlins tab coaching veteran Jorge Hernandez to manage Muckdogs in 2019

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs and Miami Marlins have announced that Jorge Hernandez has been named Manager of the Muckdogs for the 2019 season. The move comes after the promotion of Mike Jacobs to the Marlins Low-A affiliate in Clinton, Iowa after two seasons in Batavia.

Hernandez is entering his 13th year with the Marlins organization after spending the past five as Infield Coordinator. 2019 marks his fifth season managing within the Marlins system after spending four seasons as manager of the Gulf Coast Marlins and one as manager of the Single-A Greensboro Grasshoppers. Hernandez spent the 2008 season as the hitting coach in Greensboro and 2007 season as hitting coach for the Gulf Coast League Marlins. He began coaching professionally in 2004 as hitting coach with the Pensacola Pelicans.

Hernandez began coaching in 1993 as the hitting coach for the University of Mobile. From there he spent two seasons at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. In 2003, he was the hitting coach at the University of West Florida. Hernandez is a former ninth-round pick of the Houston Astros in 1986, but did not sign. He earned All-Conference honors at Troy State University and was a member of the Trojans team that won the 1987 Division II World Series. In addition, he was a member of the 1984 American Legion World Series championship squad.

Hernandez and his wife, Hilma, reside in Frisco, Texas. The couple has a daughter, Haley, and a son, Eric.

Hernandez is joined by three new additions to the Muckdogs coaching staff for the 2019 season. 

Mike Jacobs, the Muckdogs' manager the past two seasons, has been promoted and will manage the Class A Clinton LumberKings in 2019.

Top-seeded BHS girls knock off Sutherland to end regular season at 17-2

By Mike Pettinella

 

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The Batavia High Lady Blue Devils locked up the No. 1 seed for the Section 5 Girls Basketball Tournament in fine fashion Wednesday night, riding the 1-2 scoring punch of senior shooting guard Ryann Stefaniak and sophomore point guard Mackenzie Reigle to a 69-34 victory over visiting Pittsford Sutherland in Monroe County Division 4 action.

The win caps an exceptional regular season for Batavia, which takes a 17-2 record – 8-0 in league play – into the Class B1 sectionals.

Coach Marty Hein’s team will receive a first-round bye due to its lofty standing, and will open with a home game, likely against Livonia or Greece Olympia, on Feb. 22.

Playing in front of an enthusiastic “Senior Night” crowd (which saw the Batavia High varsity boys defeat Greece Olympia in the first game of a double-header), Batavia jumped out to a 22-8 first-quarter lead behind Reigle’s 13 points.

Batavia went cold in the second quarter, scoring just two points in the first 4 ½ minutes, and saw its lead cut to 24-17 before a pair of free throws and a layup by senior center Meghan Houseknecht (on a nifty assist from Reigle) made it 28-17.

Reigle then scored two baskets in the final minute to give the Lady Devils a 32-18 halftime edge.

Stefaniak got the hot hand in the third quarter, scoring nine of her game-high 23 points, while sophomore guard Bryn Wormley chipped in with five points, including a corner three-pointer, to expand the lead to 52-30 after three periods. Wormley finished with eight points.

The Lady Devils shut out the Lady Knights from the field in the fourth quarter, limiting the visitors to just four free throws, to win going away.

Senior guard Jenae Colkey made her only field goal attempt of the game in the final quarter (she added three steals and three rebounds) while the 6-foot center Houseknecht completed the scoring with a three-pointer from the top of the key.

Stefaniak and Reigle were outstanding on both ends of the floor, with Stefaniak shooting 10-for-16 from the field with six steals and four rebounds, and Reigle making eight of her 15 shots with three steals and three assists.

Batavia, unofficially, was 28-for-54 from the field and 10-for-18 from the foul line.

Senior forward Aneliese Brandt led Pittsford with 15 points and sophomore guard Maley Garcia added eight. Pittsford, in dropping its ninth straight, enters the Class A sectional tournament with a 6-14 record.

While acknowledging an outstanding regular season, Hein said he is perplexed by the team’s lack of intensity at times.

“There are still too many highs and lows,” he said. “We’re playing good basketball, but there are parts of games when we take time off.”

He said the team can’t afford to let up in the sectionals.

“The girls have to understand that they need to play with a sense of urgency,” he said, noting that the squad will scrimmage against other schools a couple times before the 22nd.

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

By Howard B. Owens

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.

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

By Mike Pettinella

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

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.

Aubrey Towner

Zach Wagnerski

Tess Cerefinski

Lily Whiting

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

By Mike Pettinella

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.

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