basketball

Batavia High School made it two straight wins over Greece school district teams this week, defeating host Greece Olympia, 55-35, tonight in Monroe County League girls' basketball.

Senior guards Mackenzie Reigle and Bryn Wormley scored 22 and 15 points, respectively, for the Lady Devils, who on Monday topped Greece Odyssey by a 69-34 score.

Reigle registered a triple-double (points, rebounds and assists) in Monday's game and made her presence felt in all areas again tonight by dishing out six assists, grabbing seven rebounds and recording 12 steals.

Wormley scored eight points in the first quarter as Batavia, 2-3, raced out to a 15-4 lead, and Reigle tallied eight in the second quarter to help the Lady Devils take a 31-14 advantage into the locker room.

The lead ballooned to 45-20 after three periods before Olympia outscored the visitors, 15-10, in the final quarter. Taylor Jung led Olympia, 1-2, with 18 points.

Kennedy Kolb chipped in with six points and Tess Barone had four for Batavia, which is scheduled to host Olympia at 3:15 p.m. this Saturday.

The Knights dropped to 1-1 on the season losing at home Tuesday night to Livonia 58-48.

Mitch Hockey scored 10 points for Le Roy. Cody Lytle scored nine and had seven rebounds. Merritt Holly scored eight points.

In other boys basketball:

• Batavia beat Greece Olympia 62-51 (coverage)
• Geneseo beat Pavilion 58-41

In girls basketball:

• Alexander beat Attica 48-47
• Elba beat Kendall 66-36

Photos and info of Le Roy game submitted by Tim McArdle.

Photo: Zack Gilebarto and Stone Silverling combined for 41 points on Tuesday night to lead host Batavia to a 62-51 win over Greece Olympia to raise its record to 4-0.

An emotional Senior Night at Batavia High School started off for Head Coach Buddy Brasky introducing his senior players by player appreciating them for the hard work and dedication.

This despite a season that was going to be empty -- with no stats, records and history for the basketball squad in the nearly 40 years of his coaching career due to the coronavirus pandemic. These boys were excited to play when they found out that the season was a go.

The Devils opened up with a six-point early lead in the first quarter. The Greece Olympia High School Spartans came within two, 11-9 after one quarter.

A seesaw second quarter exchanged buckets by both teams to a 17-17 tie with two minutes left in the half. A big three-point bucket by senior Zack Gilebarto ignited the Devils to a 10-point run to make it 27-17 with 20 seconds left. At the half, Batavia led by seven, 29-22.

In the third quarter, Batavia expanded its lead to 41-25. GO was held to only 6 points in the quarter.

Midway through the fourth GO showed some signs of life with 10 points by Nate Miller and eight points by Darrell Williams, but Batavia held on to win. Gilebarto scored 22 and Stone Siverling 19, while Alex Hale tallied 12 points for Batavia.

Batavia will play Greece Olympia on the road this Saturday at 2:15 p.m.

To view and or purchase prints, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

After failing to find the range in a loss to Notre Dame on Saturday, senior guard Bryn Wormley hit her first three three-point shots tonight and went on to score a game-high 29 points to spark the Batavia High Lady Devils to a 69-34 victory over host Greece Odyssey in Monroe County League girls' basketball action.

It was the first win in four outings for Batavia, which raced to 13-point first-quarter lead and never looked back against Odyssey, 0-2.

Wormley's sharpshooting in the game's first five minutes propelled Batavia to an 11-2 advantage. She then converted a pass from senior guard Mackenzie Reigle to make it 13-2. A basket by Tess Barone, a steal and layup by Reigle, and a 15-footer from the side by Haylee Thornley made it 19-6 after one period.

Batavia blew the game wide open in the second quarter, outscoring the home team 19-2 behind Wormley's 11 points -- all on two-point baskets and foul shots.

Odyssey rallied in the third quarter, outscoring Batavia 19-9 to cut the deficit to 47-27, before the Lady Devils put up a 22-point fourth quarter to win going away.

Reigle filled the stat sheet -- recording a triple-double with 14 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds -- and came up with seven steals, while Barone tallied nine points, and Thornley added eight points. Batavia made nine of its 14 free throw attempts.

For Odyssey, three players -- Sienna Tyo, Janayla Hunter and Asia Philip -- each scored nine points.

Batavia's next game is Wednesday at Greece Olympia.

Sophomore guard Amelia McCulley scored eight straight points in a three-minute stretch late in the fourth quarter this afternoon to lead Notre Dame to a 34-24 nonleague girls’ basketball victory over host Batavia High.

With the score tied at 24 with about 4 ½ minutes remaining, McCulley drove to the hoop for two points, and followed that with a running shot in the lane, another strong drive for two more points and a pair of free throws to put the Lady Irish in front, 32-24.

Two free throws by Emma Sisson closed out the scoring in a contest marked by numerous turnovers and poor shooting from both sides.

McCulley tallied 18 points while Sisson chipped in with nine. Lindsey Weidman added four and Maylee Green sank a three-point shot – the only three-pointer of the game – for ND.

Batavia’s top scorers of Mackenzie Reigle and Bryn Wormley were held to 10 and five points, respectively, while Haylee Thornley had three points and Tianna Rhim, Tess Barone and Rachel Wright scored two points apiece.

The Lady Devils controlled the pace of the game for the first 12 minutes, forging a 12-7 lead, before Notre Dame closed out the second quarter on a 10-1 run. McCulley scored eight in the period.

The teams combined for only 11 points in the third quarter, which ended with the Lady Irish on top, 22-19.

A basket by Sisson made it 24-19 before two free throws by Reigle, Wright’s basket and a free throw by Thornley pulled Batavia into the 24-24 tie.

Notre Dame improves to 2-1 while Batavia is 0-3.

Photo: The 12th-graders on the Batavia High varsity girls' basketball team were honored by their families and coaches on "Senior Day" prior to their game against visiting Notre Dame.

From left are: Tess Barone, Haylee Thornley, Bryn Wormley, Mackenzie Reigle, Kennedy Kolb, Bella Houseknecht and Rachel Wright.

Photo by Mike Pettinella.

The Lady Hornets beat Kendall on Friday 37-22.

For Oakfield-Alabama, Caitlin Ryan scored 14 points.

In other girls basketball:

• Alexander beat Pembroke 43-30
• Elba beat Wheatland 68-28

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos from the game, click here.

Le Roy won its season opening-boys basketball game Friday night at home beating Haverling 53-51.

Andrew Loftus scored 19 points and had 13 rebounds. Cody Lytle scored 16 points and Mitchel Hockey scored 12 points.

Also in boys basketball on Friday, Batavia beat Honeoye Falls 62-57.

Photos and game information for Le Roy submitted by Tim McArdle.

Oakfield-Alabama beat Kendall on Thursday 70-35, with Gaige Armbruster scoring 16 points and Kadon Cusmano scoring 12.

Jordon Schlagenhauf scorred 11.

In other games in boys basketball:

• Pembroke beat Alexander 54-39
• Byron-Bergen beat Holley 57-39

In girls basketball, Honeoye Falls beat Batavia 64-50.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos from the O-A game, click here.

Press release:

The Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School Girls Basketball Team is currently organizing their 10th annual Shooting For A Cure! game in support of funding research efforts at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

We're extremely excited that we will be able to help raise funds and awareness for cancer research at Roswell Park.

Over the past nine seasons, our small community has raised more than $152,000 for cancer research at Roswell Park and we hope to uphold this benevolent tradition. Shooting For A Cure! has become one of Roswell Park’s largest community-based fundraising events.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions we will not be able to pack the hallways or the gymnasium as we've always done in the past; however we're trying to take a creative approach!

Top and bottom photos: Front -- Karli Houseknecht (25), Allyson DuBois-Rider (30), Serene Calderón (10), Emily Peters (32), Sydney Johnson (11). Back: Ariel Moss (50), Allie Schwerthoffer (14), Nicole Von Kramer (23), Isabel Breeden (2).

Sparked by 33 points from Mark Sanders, Notre Dame opened a COVID-shortened basketball season against Oakfield-Alabama with a 65-62 win at home.

For the Fighting Irish, Jordan Welker was the only other player to hit double digits, scoring 10 points. Ryan Fitzpatrick had six and Jimmy Fanara had six.

Travis Wiedrich led the Hornets with 31 points. Gaige Armbrewster scored 18 and Kaden Cusmano scored 14.

Also on opening night for boys basketball:

• Byron-Bergen beat Alexander 47-42
• Batavia beat Eastridge 52-48
• Pembroke beat Lyndonville 56-54

In girls basketball, Elba beat Albion 63-22.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Pembroke Girls Basketball team is currently organizing their 10th annual "Shooting For A Cure!" game in support of funding research efforts at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, no official game date has been set; however we're considering various alternative ways in which to maintain this benevolent tradition as we work alongside our county health department.

Over the past nine seasons our small community has raised more than $152,000 for cancer research at Roswell Park. 

This year we hope to get creative, utilizing virtual alternatives to try and make a difference in our community. We would greatly appreciate your support in sharing our "Shooting For A Cure!" mission with the community. 

We’re currently on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram as well as the Team Roswell website. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via e-mail, phone or social media if you have any questions for us or would like to get involved.

We thank you for your continued support and hope that in the weeks ahead we can solidify a game date and additional details as they relate to fundraising and prizes that will be raffled off.

-- The Pembroke Girls Basketball Team & Event Coordinator Michael Wilson

Both photos, from left, are the three seniors who will be participating in this year's event: #32 Emily Peters, #10 Serene Calderón and #23 Nicole Von Kramer.

From Chris Watson, director of Communications, New York State Public High School Athletic Association, 3/12/20:

Latham -- The New York State Public High School Athletic Assocation winter regional and state championships will be postponed indefinitely.

It is certainly understood that postponing the remaining winter state championships is disappointing, however the opportunity to participate in a NYSPHSAA championship event does not outweigh our responsibility and obligation to ensure students participate in a healthy and safe environment.

The impacted events include the NYSPHSAA Ice Hockey, Bowling, Boys and Girls Basketball Regional and State Championships. 

NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas said “It was my goal to complete the winter championships on schedule. It has become increasingly more difficult to host these championship events with the number of challenges that have been presented.

"I also have concerns as the Executive Director of NYSPHSAA and a parent, that students will be participating in an event under circumstances that are not conducive to a quality and beneficial participation experience.”

As information becomes available NYSPHSAA will provide updates.

It wasn't easy but Elba prevailed over Pavilion in the Class D consolidation game Tuesday night at Mount Morris 50-47.

Leah Bezon scored 14 points, Taylor Augello, 12, Brynn Walczak, and Maddie Muehlig 10. Muehlig hit a trio of three-point shots. Bezon had 11 rebounds.

For Pavilion, Lauren Kingsley scored 22 points and Karlee Zinkievich scored 14. Kingsley also had 12 rebounds.

Elba takes a shot at a regional championship at Rush Henrietta on Saturday. Game time is 1 p.m.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Three members of the Batavia High Lady Blue Devils varsity basketball team received Monroe County League Division 4 accolades after leading their team to a 14-8 record this season. From left are Bryn Wormley, first team all-league; Mackenzie Reigle, first team all-league and Division 4 Player of the Year, and Emma Krolczyk, second team all-league. Wormley and Reigle are juniors while Krolczyk is a senior. The girls received their certificates tonight at a banquet at Roman's (formerly City Slickers) celebrating the varsity and junior varsity teams' seasons. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Without Kekari Moss on the court, Serene Calderon stepped up to carry the offensive load for Pembroke on Tuesday in the Class C consolidation game against Keshequa.

Calderon scored 27 points and had 11 rebounds along with three steals to lead the Dragons to a 48-43 victory.

Isabel Breeden and Emily Peters each scored eight points. Casey Wurtz had nine rebounds.

Pembroke will try and snag the Far West Championship -- a prerequisite to moving onto the state tournament -- at 3 p.m. Saturday at Rush-Henrietta High School.

In Tuesday's other big game, Elba beat Pavilion 50-47 in the Class D consolidation game. We'll have a story and video in a separate post later (hopefully) today.

Photos by Philip Casper.

Paige McKerrow (11) driving for the basket, scoring six points for Keshequa in the first quarter.

Emily Weaver (12) looking to pass as Emily Peters (32) blocks the way.

Casey Wurtz (13), left, Serene Calderon (2), right, eliminate any passing lanes for Faith Wood (32).

Allie Schwerthoffer (11 Pembroke) driving past Paige McKerrow (11 Keshequa). 

Casey Wurtz (13) going for a layup

MacKenna Johnson shooting a free throw late in the game.

Colton Dillon dominated on offense, scoring 30 points, but it wasn't enough to stop a Prattsburg offense that never knew a cold streak throughout 32 minutes of play at Blue Cross Arena on Saturday in the Class D2 Section V championship game.

Prattsburg prevailed 72-64.

Jaykob Belluscio scored 10 points for the Lancers. 

Mason Putnam scored 19 points for Prattsburg, while Kris Johnson scored 16 and James Crowder scored 12.  

Photos below by Kristin Smith. For more photos, click here.

The Elba Lady Lancers added to the legend that is Elba basketball Friday night, winning a fourth-straight Section V title, beating Andover 48-40.

Leah Bezon and Taylor Augello both had double-doubles, with 17 and 15 points, respectively, and 11 and 15 rebounds apiece. Bezon also had four assists.

Brynn Walczak, the tournament MVP for Class D1, scored nine points and had five rebounds.

For Andover, Emily Wahl and Kelsie Niedemaier scored 12 points each.

Walczak, Bezon, and Maddie Muehlig are all juniors and have been on varsity for all four titles. Augello is also a junior and in her third year on varsity. The only senior on the team is Lauryn Engle, third-year varsity. 

Elba and Pavilion, Class D2 champions, will meet at Mount Morris at 6 p.m., Tuesday to decide which team advances to the Class D state tournament.

The Lady Dragons knew going into this game not to underestimate the 11^th seed Letchworth Indians Saturday afternoon at Gates Chili High School where the Class C1 Section V division title was on the line. 

Both teams tested each other’s game plan and remained even through the first quarter with Letchworth leading 10-9 after 1. Pembroke’s Emily Peters led the team with three three-point buckets along with a couple buckets by Dekari Moss and Serene Calderon to get a nine-point lead into halftime 29-20.

Brooke Degroff scored twice for Letchworth in the second quarter and finished third in points on the afternoon with eight. The Indians could not connect in the second quarter with some missed shots and Pembroke's defense holding tight in the paint.

Second half the Indians kept the Dragons scoreless through the first four minutes of play. Dana Callaro hit a big three-point bucket to ignite Letchworth on a ball controlling third quarter where the Indians were on a roll, hitting four more points in the paint. Pembroke did not give in and after a timeout was called they seesawed the points with Letchworth to lead by one -- with the score at 35-34 after three periods of play.

Fourth quarter Pembroke tightened their defense and, like the second quarter, Letchworth's luck was running out. Many missed field goals helped the Dragons capitalize and Serene hit a big three-point bucket to lift the lead to four and go on a point-scoring streak. Indians got into foul trouble, Dekari Moss and MacKenna Johnson both scored buckets and free throws to help the team win the game and back-to-back titles in two years.

Calderon finished the game with sixteen points, Peters 15 points and Moss 14 points for the Dragons. Indians' scorers Bliss and Callaro had 11 and 9 points, respectively.

Photos by Thomas Ognibene via Steve Ognibene Photography.

To view or purchase prints click here.

The Pavilion Lady Gophers are the Cinderella team of Section V in 2020, starting out the tournament as a #7 and defeating, on their way to a Class D1 crown, #2 Prattsburgh and #1 Fillmore.

Friday at Letchworth, the Gophers trounced the top-seeded team 50-37.

No stats are available for the game.

In the Class D2 sectional, Elba won its fourth-straight title, beating Andover 48-40. (The Batavian was there for video coverage; with multiple things to cover today, it will be a day or two before I can edit and post the video).

Photos by Thomas Ognibene via Steve Ognibene Photography.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Pembroke led from start to finish in their Section V Class C1 semifinal game Wednesday night at Honeoye Falls-Lima against Red Jacket.

But that doesn't mean the win came easy.

"They were a lot faster, a lot quicker than we thought they were," said Head Coach Ron Funke. "It gave us a little trouble, especially with their press, because we tried to hurry the ball in. Once we took our time in and got the ball into the middle of the floor, we were OK. But they don't give up. They don't quit."

The final score was 53-35.

Dekari Moss scored 23 points, had seven rebounds and four steals.

"I thought Dekari dominated on both ends of the court," Funke said. "She rebounded well and she owned the middle. They were giving us a lot of gaps with their zone defense; Dakari is so quick and athletic that she took advantage of that."

Emily Peters scored 14 points, including a trio of three-pointers that helped seal Red Jacket's fate in the second half.

"When she gets on a roll, I mean, she's a very streaky shooter and she started off slow today but when she gets hot, you just keep feeding her," Funke said. "She came up big today especially toward the end of the third quarter."

Point guard Serene Calderon scored 12 points and had six assists, six rebounds, and three steals.

"She usually makes good decisions," Funke said. "We want the ball in her hands. She showed she'll get the ball to the people that we need to get the ball to. She runs the offense and she's in a great defensive player."

Casey Wurtz scored two points, had two assists, seven rebounds, and three blocked shots. Mackenna Johnson scored two points, had three assists, four rebounds, and three steals.

Next up, the Dragons will try to defend their 2019 Section V crown against Letchworth at 5 p.m., at Gates Chili.

Letchworth qualified for the finals by beating Byron-Bergen 58-55 in a game that went down to the closing seconds. 

Photos from the Byron-Bergen game below by Tammy Fuller.