Panthers down Mustangs in N-O finale

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 13 February 2026 at 9:17 pm

Newfane put together a decisive closing scoring surge to lock up a 53-45 win over visiting Medina in the Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball season finale this evening.

Trailing 41-40, Newfane rallied to outscore Medina 13-4 the rest of the way to claim the win. Mac Capen had two baskets and a pair of free throws to lead that Panthers uprising which also included a three by Isaac Zachery, a basket by Camlo Flowers and two free throws by Kasey Wheat.

Capen finished with a game high 19, Wheat 14, Flowers 11, Nasir Spencer 6 and Zachery 3.

Kolton Fletcher scored 13 and Christian Moss 10 to pace Medina as Preston Woodworth added 7, Kendrick Russaw 6, Jerrell Nealy 5 and Hadrian Batista and Jayzon Wills 2 each.

The Panthers grabbed a 12-9 first quarter lead but the Mustangs rallied into a 26-23 lead at the half. Fletcher scored 13 and Moss 7 during that stretch while Capen had 6 and Flowers 4 for the Panthers.

The Mustangs upped the led to 30-25 at the outset of the third period after a three by Nealy and a basket by Wills.

However, the Panthers came storming back with a 14-4 run to close the period and rally into a 39-36 lead. Wheat hit a pair of threes to lead that rally which also included two baskets each by Capen and Spencer.

Keeping the momentum, the Panthers then outscored the Mustangs 14-9 in the decisive final period to claim the 53-45 victory. Capen had 6 points and Zachery hit a three to lead that surge.

The Panthers and Mustangs finish the N-O season with identical 6-6 records.

Barker 64, Roy-Hart 46
Donovan Hefferon scored 20, JJ Prynn 15, Anthony Taliaferro 13 and Carter DerSarkissian 11 to lead Barker to a 64-46 N-O win over Roy-Hart.

Akron 66, Wilson 43
Wilson had already locked up the N-O title but Akron spoiled the Lakemen’s bid for an undefeated N-O season as the host Tigers posted a 66-43 win.

Blake Gerstung scored a game high 33, including a school record 9 threes, to lead Akron as Derren Brooks added 14, Ben Gerstung 9, Brodie Hill 6 and Chuckie Rebmann 4.

Ryan Hough led Wilson with 9 as Brock Lepsch and Shamus George both had 7 and Aidan Neumann 6.

Final N-O Standings: Wilson 11-1, Akron 10-2, Albion 6-6, Medina 6-6, Newfane 6-6, Barker 2-10, Roy-Hart 1-11.