Barker cagers look to lock up N-O title outright

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 5 February 2014 at 12:00 am

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Chris Sweeney (3) and his Barker teammates will be looking to lock up out right possession of the Niagara-Orleans League title when the Raiders host Wilson Thursday. He is shown here driving against Medina’s Kevin Arnold during the Raiders title tie clinching win over the Mustangs Tuesday.

Looking to keep the momentum from an exciting title tie clinching victory Tuesday, Barker is now taking aim at locking up outright possession of the Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball title with a win over visiting Wilson in a make-up game at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Barker, which is seeking its first championship since claiming the Genesee Region League title in 1978, brings a perfect 11-0 league and 15-0 overall record into the contest against the Lakemen.

The Raiders last N-O title came way back in 1945 earned ironically with a 33-16 victory over Wilson in a special playoff after the teams had finished the regular season deadlocked at 13-1.

Jacob Haight, who scored 19 in leading Barker to the narrow 42-39 title tie clinching win over visiting Medina Tuesday, is averaging 18.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 4.1 assists per game.

The Raiders also have Mitch Luckman averaging 14.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 7.0 assists; Bryce Moeller 9.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.9 blocks and Christopher Sweeney 9.8 points.

Wilson is at 4-7 in N-O action.

One other N-O make-up contest Thursday has Medina visiting CSAT. The Mustangs which had a six game winning streak snapped at Barker Tuesday, is now at 8-3 in N-O action, 11-4 overall while CSAT is 5-6.

Two G-R make-up contests are also on tap for Thursday with Lyndonville at Oakfield-Alabama and Alexander at Holley, both at 7 p.m.

In N-O girls basketball action, undefeated (11-0) Wilson is looking to lock up outright possession of a third straight league title with a win over Akron (5-6) while Albion (8-3) will visit Roy-Hart (2-9), both at 6:30 p.m.