Albion cagers have good veteran nucleus

Getting set to lead Albion into Friday’s non league home opener against Burgard are these returnees. In front are Gary Moore and Clayton Stanton. In back are Alex Bison, Austin Loyd and Des Blackmon. Missing from the photo is Manny Thompson.

Anchored by a good nucleus of six returnees, Albion is prepping for Friday’s non league home opener against Burgard.

The Purple Eagles veteran contingent includes seniors Austin Loyd, Alex Bison, Des Blackmon, Clayton Stanton, Gary Moore and Manny Thompson. Blackmon earned N-O All-League honorable mention last season.

Albion’s lineup also includes juniors Brady Meakin, Manwell Taylor, Tyler Rotoli and Evan Pappalardo along with sophomores Tommy Mattison and Kory Reynolds.

“We have good experience,” said Coach Brennan Meakin. “The key is we have to play together as a team and make good decisions. We have to play good defense, rebound strong and value each possession.”

Albion, which went 6-8 in Niagara-Orleans competition last year will open the league campaign at Wilson on December 19. In addition to this Friday’s Burgard game, the Purple Eagles will tune up for the league by hosting St. Francis on December 12 and Oracle on Dec. 15.

Albion’s Schedule

Dec. 5 – Burgard, 7 p.m.
Dec. 12 – St. Francis, 6 p.m.
Dec. 15 – Oracle, 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 19 – at Wilson, 6 p.m.
Dec. 23 and 29 – at GCC Tournament
Jan. 6 – at Roy-Hart, 6 p.m.
Jan. 9 – Newfane, 7 p.m.
Jan. 13 – at Barker, 6 p.m.
Jan. 16 – at Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 20 – CSAT, 7 p.m.
Jan. 23 – Akron, 7 p.m.
Jan. 27 – Wilson, 7 p.m.
Feb. 3 – Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.
Feb. 6 – at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 10 – Barker, 7 p.m.
Feb. 13 – Medina, 7 p.m.
Feb. 17 – at CSAT, 6 p.m.
Feb. 19 – at Akron, 6:30 p.m.