Albion, Barker, Wilson girls set for sectional semifinal tests

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 22 February 2016 at 12:00 am

Photos By Cheryl Wertman – Chanyce Powell will lead Albion into the Class B1 semis.

The Niagara-Orleans League will be well represented in the semifinal round of the Section VI girls basketball playoffs this week as Albion, Barker and Wilson have all advanced.

No. 11 Albion will face No. 2 Olean in the Class B1 semis at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Sweet Home.

No. 7 Barker will take on No. 3 Frewsbug in the Class C2 semis at 5:15 p.m. Thursday at Jamestown Commnity College.

No. 2 Wilson will face No. 3 Fredonia in the Class B2 semis at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Sweet Home.

Albion vs. Olean
Looking to keep the momentum from a 57-51 quarterfinal win over No. 3 Buffalo Arts, No. 11 Albion will take on No. 2 Olean which romped past No. 10 Alden 63-29 in the quarterfinals.

It marks the second straight year that Albion has advanced to the semis. The Purple Eagles dropped a narrow 53-49 decision to Tonawanda in the semis last year.

Albion last faced Olean in post season play in the 2006 Class A2 title game which saw the Lady Huskies down the Purple Eagles 59-37.

Chanyce Powell, who has scored 285 points (15.8 average) and grabbed off 201 rebounds, sparks the Albion offense.

Caitlyn Mason sparks the offense for Barker

Emily Blanchard has scored 119 points (7.0 ave.) and Sierra Newton 106 ponts (5.8 ave.) and grabbed off 99 rebounds for the Purple Eagles who are 10-11.

Olean, which is 19-1 on the season, is led by Sara Pfeiffer who has scored 418 points (22.0 ave.).

Barker vs. Frewsburg

No. 7 Barker is likewise looking to keep the momentum from a big 59-56 upset win over No. 2 Portville in the quarterfinals as the Lady Raiders take on No. 3 Frewsburg which is 20-1 on the season.

Frewburg trimmed No. 6 Maple Grove 57-51 in the quarterfinals.

Advancing to the semis for the second year in a row, Barker’s attack is led by Caitlyn Mason who has scored 248 points (11.8 ave.), grabbed off 98 rebounds and had 62 steals.

Lindsey Williams has tallied 177 points (8.4 ave.) and Haley Brown 113 points (5.3 ave.) and pulled down 94 rebounds.

Frewsburg is sparked by the trio of Kaitlyn Blanchard who has scored 311 points (14.8 ave.), Gabby Luculano 264 points (13.2 ave.) and Olivia Lynn 232 points (11.0 ave.).

Rachel Senek, left, and Jenn Darlak, right, will help lead Wilson into the B2 semis.

Wilson vs. Fredonia

N-O champion Wilson will be looking to avenge a loss in last year’s semifinal when the No. 2 seeded Lakewomen take on No. 3 Fredonia.

Fredonia, which is 16-4, posted a 60-46 victory in last year’s semi over Wilson which brings an 18-1 record into the rematch.

Rachel Senek who has 274 points (13.7 ave.), 122 rebounds, 87 steals and 104 assists; Kayla Neumann with 212 points (11.8 ave.), 112 steals, 96 rebounds and 73 assists and Serina Jaeger 169 points (8.4 ave.), 141 rebounds, 100 steals and 50 assists set the pace for Wilson which captured the B2 championship in both 2013 and 2014.

Fredonia is led by Hannah Cybart who has scored 284 points (15.7 ave.).