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In cross-county match, O-A beats Pembroke to head to C2 sectional finals

By Howard B. Owens

Oakfield-Alabama turned on the jets in their Class C2 sectional semifinal, running away from cross-county rival Pembroke for a 61-31 victory.

For the Hornets:

  • Gaige Armbrewster, 18 points, five rebounds, eight assists
  • Kam Cusmano, 12 points, four rebounds, three assists
  • Kaden Cusmano, 11 points 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks
  • Kyle Porter, eight points
  • Jordan Schlagenhauf, seven points

For the Dragons, Tyson Totten scored six points and Cayden Pfalzer scored five.

The Hornets are now 21-1 on the season.

"Getting to this point in the season is something special," said O-A Head Coach Ryan Stehlar. "You have to make the most of your opportunities and I felt we did that tonight against a very good team.  Coach (Matt) Shay is a great coach and prepares his teams so well.  We had to be locked in defensively from the start.  The boys made that their main priority.  I loved the energy they brought and the focus they had on both ends of the floor.  The crowd and support at GCC was fantastic and made for an exciting game.  I can't thank our fans and community enough for their constant support.  We are going to enjoy this game tonight but will need to get back to work tomorrow for the next step."

The next step is against Lyons (21-1) at 7 p.m., Friday, at Victor HS.

Photos by Karly Smith.  For more, click here.

Notre Dame beat Romulus to set up championship game against Elba

By Howard B. Owens
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Notre Dame forced 34 turnovers, often snatching the ball from opponent's hands mid-dribble and covering the steal into a score, leading to 72-39 win over Romulus in the Class D2 bracket.

The win sets up a dream match-up for local basketball fans with a rivalry match for the D2 boys' championship on Friday against the Elba Lancers.

"Our defense carried us tonight," said Head Coach Mike Rapone. "Offensively we missed a lot of the shots that we normally make and we didn't do well at the free-throw line either but our defense was excellent we carried us all night long got us a lot of easy shots in transition and the kids played hard and they've done it all year. They battled. They weren't having the best shooting night but they worked their way through it and I'm just proud of the approach that we had."

Colin McCulley, who recently returned to the lineup from an ACL injury, led the team with 23 points. Jimmy Fanara scored 16, Cody Henry, 10, and Jordan Welker, seven.

Saturday's championship match with Elba is at 11 a.m. at Letchworth.

 

Notre-Dame Irish Girls edge Genesee Valley by five points 31-26 to play in finals for Class D1

By Steve Ognibene

In a close matchup two girls' semifinalist teams, #2 Notre-Dame and #3 Genesee Valley made a game of it for a chance to play this week for Class D1 championship.

Notre Dame came away with a five-point victory 31-26. 

After a slow first quarter down by 4 after the opening quarter, the Irish got some buckets from Emma Sisson who finished with a game-high nine points on the night.

Genesee Valley's Mary Hamer dropped eight points in the first half and 14 total on the night.

The two teams were tied at 12 at the half.

Notre-Dame rallied in the third with points by Avelin Tomidy, Judah Macdonald, and Lindsey Weidman to take the lead 23-16 after three-quarters of play.

Maylee Green had six points, Tomidy, MacDonald, and Weidman, five each.

The Irish kept the pace to maintain the lead and ball possession right to the end and win and advance to the finals.

Notre Dame will take on #1 Filmore at 8 p.m., Friday at Letchworth.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Albion's Cole wins Tommy Kress event in Brockport; Batavian Neubert first in Super Bowl tourney

By Mike Pettinella

Reid Cole of Albion captured first place Sunday in the Tommy Kress 60-and-Over Tour tournament at Brockport Bowl, rolling a 297 game in the qualifying round and 227 in the title match.

The 62-year-old right-hander (photo at right) averaged 230 for his seven games in the event to win the $310 top prize.

In the finals, Cole's 227 was good enough to defeat Chris Buonaugurio (212), Mike Feola (201) and Don Perrault (169). To reach the title match, Cole posted games of 225 and 216 following his 942 four-game total in the qualifying round.

In November, Cole won the Genesee Region USBC Senior Masters at Perry Bowling Center.

Two Batavia bowlers cashed as well with Paul Spiotta (923 in the qualifying round) and Bill Neubert (891) each earning $70 after exiting in the first eliminator round.

The next tournament is at 1 p.m. March 20 at Bowl-A-Roll Lanes on Jefferson Road in Rochester.

NEUBERT WINS SUPER BOWL TOURNEY

Neubert took top honors in the Super Bowl handicap tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center on Feb. 13, outlasting 46 others.

The right-hander posted a 261 game in the title match to claim the $450 first prize. His first two games in the head-to-head match play were 211 and 235.

Other local cashers were Nick Johnson of Byron and Rick Underhill of Batavia.

798 FOR HAYDEN ALLIS

Hayden Allis continued his stellar bowling in the Sunday Rolloffs League at Medina Lanes yesterday, registering a 798 series on games of 252-257-289. He rolled two 800 series over the past month.

For a list of high scores around the Genesee Region USBC last week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

TWO EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion is hosting the sixth annual NY Gamerz/Smash It Sports Triples Handicap No-Tap Tournament this Saturday and Sunday, with squads at 1 and 3 p.m. both days. Call Bill Hickman at 585-590-6717 to enter.

Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia is hosting the annuak King & Queen Mixed Doubles Handicap Tournament Saturday, with squads at noon and 2 p.m. Call Mark Brown at 716-474-7960 to enter.

Sectional semifinal schedule for girls and boys basketball

By Howard B. Owens

In girls basketball:

  • Alexander (#7, 13-9) vs. Addison (#6, 14-8), at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Canandaigua HS, C1 bracket
  • Pavilion (#1, 17-2) vs. Kendall (#4, 16-5), at 7:45 p.m., Wednesday, HFL, C2 bracket
  • Notre Dame (#2, 16-5) vs. Genesee Valley (#3, 16-5), at 6 p.m., Monday, at Letchworth, D1 bracket
  • Elba (#3, 15-6) vs. Andover/Whitesville (#2, 17-3), at 6 p.m., Tuesday, at Dansville, D2 bracket

In boys basketball:

  • Batavia (#8, 9-13) vs. Palmyra-Macedon (#4, 15-7), at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, at Bloomfield HS, B1 bracket
  • Le Roy (#2, 15-6) vs. Myderse Academy (#3, 13-8), at 7 p.m., Wednesday, at Marcus Whitman HS, B2 bracket
  • Oakfield-Alabama (#2, 20-1) vs. Pembroke (#3, 15-6), at 7 p.m., Monday, at Genesee Community College, C2 bracket
  • Notre Dame (#1, 18-3) vs. Romulus (#4, 12-9), at 7 p.m., Monday, at McQuaid, D2 bracket
  • Elba (#2, 14-7) vs. Jasper-Troupsburg (#6, 10-9), at 7 p.m., Monday, at Warsaw, D2 bracket

 

 

 

 

 

O-A's post season comes to an end in girls basketball with loss to Gananda

By Howard B. Owens

Oakfield-Alabama, the #3 seed in Class C2, was upset Saturday by #6 seed Gananda, 47-45 ending the Hornets' hopes of a sectional title in 2022.

Caitlin Ryan scored 15 points and had 10 rebounds along with 5 assists. Brooke Reding scored 10 points, Emma Wray, eight, and Kelsey Schlagenhauf had seven rebounds at three assists.

Photos by Karly and Brayden Smith.

Elba's sectional hopes alive in girls basketball after 61-49 win over Hammondsport

By Howard B. Owens

The Elba Lancers, seeded #3 in the Section V D2 bracket, will continue their quest for another sectional title after beating Hammondsport on Saturday 61-49.

Dakota Brinkman scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Adrianna Long scored 10 points and Kennedy Augello, nine.  Haile Deville had 16 rebounds and three blocked shots.

The Lancers (15-6)  face #2 seeded Andover/Whitesville (17-3) at 6 p.m., Tuesday in Dansville in a semifinal match.

Photos by Kristin Smith.

Pavilion drops Warsaw to advance to semifinals in Class C2

By Howard B. Owens

The Golden Gophers beat Warsaw on Saturday to advance .. 

Pavilion's 46-23 victory was keyed by Lauren Kingsley's16 points and 11 for Karlee Zinkievich. Shea Amberger scorednine.

Pavilion (17-2), the #1 seed in C2, will play #4 Kendall (16-5) at 7:45 p.m., March 2, at a site to be determined in the sectional semifinal.

Blue Devils upset #1 seed in Class B1 sectionals to advance to semifinals

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia Blue Devils, who entered sectional play as the #8 seed, with a losing record (7-13), upset #1 ranked Northstar Christian in the Class B1 quarterfinal at Northstar.

Batavia won 81-71.

Carter McFollins was on fire, scoring 34 points.  Javin McFollins scored 20 points, hitting six three-pointers, and Sawyer Siverling scored 10.

The Blue Devils, now 9-13, will face #4 seed Palmyra-Macedon (15-7) on March 2 at a time and site to be determined.

Behind hot-shooting Merritt Holly, Le Roy beats Haverling 67-50

By Howard B. Owens

Merritt Holly, Jr., dominated and Le Roy advanced Section V Class B2 bracket with a 67-50 win over Haverling.

Holly scored 31 points.  Mitchel Hockey scored 17 points.

The Oatkan Knights are ranked #2 in the bracket and are now 15-6.  They take on #3 seed Myderse Academy (13-8) on March 2 at a time and location to be determined.

Photos by Jim Burns.

Byron-Bergen girls lost steam to scrappy Keshequa in fourth quarter, losing 46-37

By Steve Ognibene

It was a see-saw game from the start and both #4 Byron-Bergen and #5 Keshequa entered the game with a 15-5 record in a battle for Class C3 in girls sectional game.  

The Bees lead after the first quarter by three and were down three at the half.  After the third quarter, Keshequa led by one and what appeared to be a neck-and-neck battle that could go into overtime did not.

The fourth quarter was all Keshequa, which played a scrappy defense to get the ball and score to secure for themselves for a victory and advance to the semifinals.

  • Keshequa Libby Benner scored 12 points, Julia Wilkins 11, including a pair of three-pointers and three free throws.
  • Byron-Bergen's Ava Wagoner scored 10 points. Dayanara Coballero scored eight.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Photos: Legends & Stars Sports Expo at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens

It was a packed house at Batavia Downs today for the first day of the Legends & Stars Sports Expo.

Dozens of vendors are selling sports memorabilia while sports stars, including some current members of the Buffalo Bills, are signing autographs.

At the autograph tables in these photos are Lee Evans, Willie McGahee, and Roscoe Parish.

Doors are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Oakfield-Alabama ready for next game after playoff win over Kendall, 82-40

By Howard B. Owens

The Hornets are moving forward in their quest for a Section V Class C2 title after their win Friday over Kendall, 82-40.

Next up for the #2 seed Hornets (20-1), neighbors Pembroke (15-6, #3) at a time and place to be determined on Monday.

For Oakfield-Alabama:

  • Kam Cusmano, 25 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals
  • Gaige Armbrewster, 16 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals
  • Kaden Cusmano, 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists
  • Brenden Wescott, 12 points
  • Kyle Porter, 9 points

"I was proud of the focus and effort of the team tonight," said Head Coach Ryan Stehlar. "We went up against a solid team and a great coach in Coach Zimmer.  He always has his boys prepared and ready to compete.  I have all of the respect in the world for him and the program he has built. We will enjoy this victory, but get back to work tomorrow and focus on the next game."

Elba advances with win over Andover 67-30

By Howard B. Owens

Angelo Pena and Mike Lang each scored 14 points to help lead the Elba Lancers to a D2 sectional quarterfinal win over Andover/Whitesville 67-30.

CJ Gottler scored 12 points and Zak Marsecill scored 10.

The Lancers will take on Jasper-Troupsburg at a time and site to be determined on Monday.

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

Photos below by Debra Reilly. For more, click here.

Fighting Irish come up big for playoff win against Houghton, 79-31

By Howard B. Owens

In boys basketball on Friday, Notre Dame took a quarterfinal playoff game over Houghton 79-31.

The Fighting Irish (18-3, seeded #1) will take on Romulus (12-9, #4) in a D3 semifinal game on Monday at a time and site to be determined.

Notre Dame led 50-15 at the half.

Ryan Fitzpatrick had 18 points while breaking the school record for three-point shots in a season, previously held by Mike McGee and Spencer Misiti. Jordan Welker scored 14 while Colin McCulley and Cody Henry each had 11. 

Photos by Jim Burns.

Notre Dame girls notch quarterfinal playoff win over Honeoye, 55-7

By Howard B. Owens

The Notre Dame girls beat Honeoye Falls/Lima in a quarterfinals match at home on Friday, 55-7.

The Fighting Irish (16-5, #2 seed) play Genesee Valley/Belfast (16-5, #3) at 6 p.m., Monday, in Letchworth for the Class D1 semifinal.

Lindsey Weidman scored 17 points, Emma Sisson scored 15 and had 10 steals, Maylee Green scored eight and had 15 rebounds.

Notre Dame dominated in their first girls basketball playoff game of 2022 with a 79-31 win over Houghton.

The Fighting Irish, seeded #1, advance to the D2 semifinal on Monday against Romulus (#4) at a site to be determined.

There are no stats available for the game.

Photos by Jim Burns.

 

Pembroke dominates Pavilion 68-45 in Class C2 quarterfinal

By Steve Ognibene

Pembroke boys had an explosive second half to defeat Pavilion 68-45 in section five class C2 quarterfinal last evening.

  • Junior captain Cayden Pfalzer led Pembroke with 23 points
  • Guards Jon Suro scored 14 points including eight free throws and two three-pointers, Tyson Totten scored 13, Avery Ferreira scored 10 points.
  • Zack Tillotson scored five three-point buckets and three free throws for Pavilion.

Pembroke #3 seed now 15-6 will play #2 Oakfield-Alabama this Monday, at a time and site to be determined

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Eight local basketball games on tap for tonight and tomorrow

By Howard B. Owens

The Notre Dame girls basketball team gathered today to let fans know they're ready for this evening's sectional playoff game against Honeoye Falls/Lima at home at 6 p.m.

The Irish enter the tournament as the #3 seed in the D1 bracket.

The Notre Dame boys team, ranked #1 in D2, plays at 7:30 against Houghton.

Also tonight in boys basketball:

  • Elba (13-7) #2 plays Andover at 7 p.m., Friday, at Elba in the D2 bracket
  • Byron-Bergen (12-8) #8 plays EMHCS at 7 p.m., Tuesday at EMHCS in the C2 bracket
  • Oakfield-Alabama (19-1) #2 plays Kendall at 7 p.m., Friday, at O-A in the C2 bracket.
  • Pembroke (14-6) #2 plays Pavilion at 7 p.m., Friday, at Pembroke in the C2 bracket

The Lady Irish have the only local girls game tonight.  Tomorrow's girls games:

  • Pavilion (16-2) #1 plays Warsaw at 2 p.m., Saturday, at Pavilion in the C2 bracket
  • Oakfield-Alabama (17-3) #3 plays Gananda at 2 p.m., Saturday, at O-A in the C2 bracket
  • Byron-Bergen (15-5) #4 plays Keshequa (15-5) #5 at 1 p.m., Saturday, at B-B in the C3 bracket
  • Elba (14-6) #3 plays #6 Hammondsport (10-9) at 2 p.m., Saturday at Elba

Photo submitted by Susan Woodruff.

Blue Devils win first round sectional game over Livonia 62-47

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia started off the post-season with a win, beating Livonia 62-47 at home on Wednesday.

Carter McFollins scored 24 points and Javin McFollins added 17 to help lead the Blue Devils to victory in the Class B1 sectional playoff game.

The Blue Devils -- ranked #8 in the bracket and now 8-13 -- will take on #1 ranked Northstar Christian (15-3) at 4 p.m. Saturday at Northstar.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Lady Trojans advance in Class C1 with win over MarcusWhitman

By Howard B. Owens

In a first-round Section V Class C1 playoff game in girls basketball on Wednesday, Alexander beat Marcus Whitman 47-34.

Alexander is now 12-9 on the season. 

The Trojans -- ranked #7 in the bracket -- next face #2 ranked  Canisteo-Greenwood (15-5) at 2 p.m. on Friday in Canisteo.

Also in girls basketball on Wednesday:

Pembroke beat Perry 58-50 in Class C2. Karli Houseknecht scored 17 points, Allie Schwerthoffer 14 points and 10 rebounds, Elle Peterson eight points, and Sydney Johnson seven points.

Top photo: Senior Natalie Whitmore (22) jumping for a rebound. Photos by Philip Casper.

Sophomore Alyssa Kramer (5) 

Senior Natalie Whitmore (22) Breaking through the Marcus Whitman defense

Senior Natalie Whitmore (22) Looking to pass

Senior Samantha Sawyer (24)

Sophomore Alyssa Kramer (5)

Senior Samantha Sawyer (24) 

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