International season opener on tap for Albion cagers at Can-Am Shootout

Photo by Mike Wertman – Anchoring the lineup for Albion this season is this group of Purple Eagle veterans. In front are Evan Pappalardo and Kory Reynolds. In back are Tyler Rotoli, Tommy Mattison, Manwell Taylor and Brady Meakin.

Two Canadian foes will provide the opposition as the Albion boys varsity basketball team will open the season by participating in the Can-Am Shootout at Niagara Catholic High School in Niagara Falls over the Thanksgiving weekend.

The Purple Eagles will face Ridley College Prep of St. Catharines, Ontario at 6:30 p.m. this Friday and then take on St. Paul’s High School of Niagara Falls, Ontario at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

“We’re looking to play the best competition we can to help get us ready for the league and the sectionals,” said Coach Brennan Meakin.

The Can-Am Shootout field will also include St. Michael’s High School from Ontario, CSAT and host Niagara Catholic.

Looking to keep the momentum from last year’s Section VI Class B1 championship campaign, the Purple Eagles squad is led by a contingent of six returnees.

That veteran group includes seniors Evan Pappalardo, Brady Meakin, Manwell Taylor and Tyler Rotoli along with juniors Tommy Mattison and Kory Reynolds.

“Winning that sectional title has certainly raised our expectations,” said Meakin whose Purple Eagles did lose six regulars from that title squad to graduation including Austin Loyd, Manny Thompson, Gary Moore, Alex Bison, Des Blackmon and Clayton Stanton.

“We certainly lost quite a bit but we’ve got a good group returning,” said Meakin. “We’re working to jell together as a team. We’re long and we can run so we’re looking to hit the boards and run the floor.”

Albion, which went 8-6 in Niagara-Orleans League action and 13-10 overall last season, will open N-O competition at home against Wilson on December 15.

Albion’s Schedule:
Nov. 27 – vs. Ridley College Prep at Niagara Catholic, 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 28 – vs. St. Paul’s High School at Niagara Catholic, 5 p.m.
Dec. 9 – at St. Francis, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 15 – Wilson, 7 p.m.
Dec. 18 – Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.
Dec. 23 – at Newfane, 6L30 p.m.
Dec. 28 and 30 at GCC Tournament
Jan. 5 – Barker, 7 p.m.
Jan. 8 – Medina, 7 p.m.
Jan. 12 – at CSAT, 6 p.m.
Jan. 15 – at Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 19 – at Wilson, 6 p.m.
Jan. 22 – at Roy-Hart, 6 p.m.
Jan. 25 – LeRoy, 7 p.m.
Jan. 28 – Newfnae, 7 p.m.
Feb. 2 – at Barker, 6 p.m.
Feb. 4 – at Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 9 – CSAT, 7 p.m.
Feb. 12 – Akron, 6 p.m.