N-O cagers at mid point of season

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 26 January 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Jsson Hellwig and his Mustang teammates are getting set to begin the stretch run of the N-O season.

It’s the halfway point of the Niagara-Orleans League basketball season and the Medina and Albion boys squads now both face must win situations each time out the rest of the way as the Mustangs and Purple Eagle battle to stay in the title chase.

Undefeated (6-0) Wilson currently holds a two game lead over runner-up (5-2) Medina and a three game edge in the loss column over Albion (4-3), slumping Akron (3-3) and surging CSAT (3-3).

Wilson, which is seeking its first N-O title since the Lakemen shared the crown with rival Newfane during both the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons, visits Albion at 7 p.m. Tuesday and then hosts Akron in a makeup contest at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Earlier in the season Wilson scored key home court wins over both Albion (64-45) in the league opener and over Medina (52-43).

Kyle Bradley is averaging 20 points per outing and Evan Shank 13 to lead the Lakemen.

Austin Loyd is averaging 13, Clayton Stanton 11 and Des Blackmon 9 to pace Albion.

Medina, which is looking to get back on the winning track after bowing 70-58 at CSAT on Friday, will host Newfane at 6:30 p.m. Friday. The Mustangs trimmed the Panthers 58-52 at Newfane in the N-O season opener.

Jason Hellwig is averaging 15, Justin Morgan 10 and Dylan Lewis 10 to spark the Mustangs.

Akron has lost three straight after a quick 3-0 start to the season while CSAT has won three in a row after opening the season at 0-3.

In N-O girls competition, the five time defending champion Wilson squad is unbeaten at 6-0. The Lakewomen took over sole possession of first place last Friday by defeating previously unbeaten rival Newfane (6-1) 54-42.

Albion, which has won three in a row to improve to 5-2, is in third place two games off the pace. The Purple Eagles lost to Wilson 47-37 and Newfane 67-43 during the first half of the season.

Kayla Neuman and Rachel Senek are both averaging 11 points to lead Wilson’s balanced attack.

Chanyce Powell is averaging 16 and Justice Nauden 12 to par Albion.

Akron and CSAT are both three games off the pace at 3-3.