G-R boys basketball season opens Tuesday

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 5 February 2021 at 6:46 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Getting set to help lead their teams into Tuesday’s league openers are, from left, Kendall’s Derek Edick, Lyndonville’s Nathan Dillenbeck and Holley’s Broek Ostrom.

Genesee Region League boys basketball action is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday as Kendall hosts Wheatland-Chili, Lyndonville visits Pembroke and Holley travels to Attica.

Kendall is led by the veteran starting trio of seniors Derek Edick and Braxton Zarpentine and sophomore Zach Barrett.

The Eagles lineup also includes seniors Bryce Friedrich, Jacob Esposito, Hayden VanDusen and Michael Samons along with juniors Jorden Ostrander, Jeffrey Pratt, Dutch Steffen, sophomore Devin Edick and eight grader Quante Gillians.

“It’s nice to have those three guys returning to stabilize the backcourt. It’s nice to have some experience to lean on,” said Coach Matt Zimmer. “I’m looking for our young group to step up. I’m optimistic but most of all I’m thankful to have a season.”

Kendall’s graduation losses included Mason Kuhn, Dale Steffen and Nicholas Spellan.

Lyndonville is anchored by a quartet of returning starters including seniors Nathan Dillenbeck, Casey Winiecki and Russ Stephens and junior Noah Poler. Dillenbeck earned G-R All-Star honors last year’s the Tigers went 8-6 in the league and 12-9 overall.

The Tigers also return seniors Anthony Moule and Hayden Woodward and sophomore Trenton Muck. Rounding out the squad are sophomores Owen Mank and Mason Nicholson and senior Jaden Dent.

Lyndonville’s main graduation loss was G-R All-Star Nate Hydock who averaged a double double of 13.1 points and 14.1 rebounds.

“We have four guys back who have had a lot of playing time which is great,” said Coach Lee Dillenbeck. “We’re just pretty excited about getting the season in for our seniors.”

Holley faces a rebuilding task as the graduation took virtually off of the Hawks starting group including G-R All-Star Kohl Morgan, Carson Major, Cody Tanis, Jacob Norman and Ryan Lang.

Junior Broek Ostrom is the only returnee with a good amount of playing experience.

“We’ll be learning,” said Coach Wil Prince.