Photos by Mike Wertman – Leading the Medina boys swim squad this season will be this veteran group. In front are Daniel Heil, Jack Hill and Trevor Hare. In back are Kevin Capstick, Kristian Snyder and Mason Pecoraro.

Helping to lead the Medina girls team will be this quarter of, in front, Hannah Heil and Alyssa Beyer and in back Brooklyn Brown and Marguerite Brakenbury.

The Medina boys swim squad, which went 5-5 in league competition last year, returns a good nucleus heading into the upcoming Niagara-Orleans campaign.

The Seahorses lineup includes seniors Kevin Capstick, Kristian Snyder and Powell Stephen along with juniors Daniel Heil, Jack Hill, Ian Joseph and Mason Pecoraro; sophomores Dawson Brown and Trevor Hare; freshmen Chris Goywtte, Christian Hann, Hunter Heil and seventh graders Xander Payne and Cole Seefeldt.

Daniel Heil placed second in the 100 Backstroke at last year’s All-League meet while Hill took third in the 100 Butterfly as did Snyder in the 100 Breaststroke.

Underclassmen dominated the lineup for the Medina girls squad which went 3-7 last year and has only three seniors Morgan Roach, Martha Gardner and Lillian Duffield.

The Seahorses large 29 member squad also includes juniors Alyssa Beyer, Shelby Green, Madison Kenward, Grace Masse, Leah Sheelar and Megan Showler; sophomores Marguerite Brakenbury, Margaret Griffin, Ashlee Howell, Ashton Laird, Rebecca Lunden, Brianna McMullen, Ryenn Oliver, and Cora Payne; freshmen Olivia Carter, Grace Cook, Elle Gross, Hannah Heil, Lacey Kenward, Margaret Klotzbach, Tessa Pecoraro and Miranda Zelazny; eighth graders Brooklyn Brown, Grace Cogovan, Hannah Kenward and Emma Schwarzott.

The Seahorses will compete in four non league meets against Genesee Region League foes before opening the N-O season at Newfane on December 13.

Medina’s Schedule
Nov. 29 – at Attica, 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 1 – Alexander, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 6 – at Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 9 – Oakfield-Alabama, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 13 – at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 16 – at Albion, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 20 – at Roy-Hart, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 22 – Akron, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 4 – Barker, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 6 – Newfane, 4:30 p.m.
Jan .10 – Albion, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 12 – Roy-Hart, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 18 – at Akron, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 20 – at Barker, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 27 – Girls All-League meet at Newfane, 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 1 – Boys All-League meet at Akron, 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 3 – Girls N-O vs. G-R Crossover meet at Gates-Chili, 6 p.m.

A turnover plagued fourth quarter proved costly as host Albion dropped a 68-51 decision to CG Finney this evening in the championship game of the Purple Eagles season opening TipOff Tournament.

Trailing by only five, 49-44, after three quarters, Albion was plagued by a dozen turnovers in the decisive final period as Finney used a 19-7 scoring edge to lock up the win and the title.

“We just had so many turnovers in the fourth quarter,” said Albion Coach Brennan Meakin. “Everything that could go wrong did go wrong in the period.”

Albion jumped out to a 13-11 first quarter lead as Lamar Chambers had 6 points and Kory Reynolds and Chase Hall 3 each.

Bryce Pritchard then had had 5 points and Reynolds, Chambers and Hall 4 each in the second quarter to keep Albion within two, 32-30, at the half.

Finney though extended its advantage to five after three quarters and then the problems caused by Albion’s game long rash of 28 turnovers, finally caught up with the Purple Eagles in the final period.

Reynolds finished with 14 points, Chambers 13 and Hall and Pritchard 8 each. Reynolds also grabbed off 16 rebounds.

Xavier Smith led Finney with 16 points.

Now at 1-1, Albion next visits Pembroke in a non league game on December 2.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Leading the Roy-Hart swim squads into the upcoming season will be these team captains including Elliot Spitzer, Emily DiMayo and Tanner Rees.

Currently riding a decade long title run, the Roy-Hart boys swim squad is prepping to begin defense of their Niagara-Orleans League championship on December13 at Akron..

The Channel Cats, which have gone 99-0 over the past 10 year N-O title run, are led by senior co-captains Elliot Spitzer, who placed second in the 100 Freestyle and third in the 100 Backstroke at last year’s All-League meet, and Tanner Rees, who took second in both the 200 Individual Medley and 100 Breaststroke. Nathan Mikoll, a senior, who placed third in both the 50 and 100 Freestyle events, also returns.

Senior Emily DiMayo is captaining the girls squad which is looking to improve upon last year’s 3-7 record.

The Channel Cats also return senior Alex Hill, who placed second in the 100 Butterfly and third in the 200 Freestyle, and freshman Kayla Hagan who took third in the 100 Backstroke.

Roy-Hart’s Schedule
Nov. 29 – at Oakfield-Alabama, 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 1 – Attica, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 6 – at Alexander, 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 8 – Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 13 – at Akron, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 15 – at Barker, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 20 – Medina, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 22 – at Albion, 4 p.m.
Jan. 4 – Newfane, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 6 – Akron, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 10 – Barker, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 12 – at Medina, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 18 – Albion, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 20 – at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.
Jan 27 – Girls All-League meet at Newfane, 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 1 – Boys All-League meet at Akron, 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 3 – Girls N-O vs. G-R Crossover meet at Gates-Chili, 6 p.m.

Steadily pulling away, host Albion romped to a 67-36 victory over Rochester Prep this evening in the opening round of the Purple Eagles season opening TipOff Tournament.

Lamar Chambers scored 21 points, Chase Hall 14, Bryce Pritchard 11 and Kory Reynolds 7 to spark the Albion attack. Reynolds also grabbed off 7 rebounds while Chambers had 6 steals and Hall 5.

The Purple Eagles jumped out to a 14-8 first quarter lead as Chambers led the way with 8 points.

Albion extended the advantage to 32-21 at the half and 43-28 at the three-quarter mark. Hall tallied 6 in the second period.

The Purple Eagles then closed out the win with a big 24-8 fourth quarter scoring edge as Hall tallied 8 and Chambers 7.

“We played well defensively,” said Coach Brennan Meakin. “We got out well in transition and got some key three’s.”

Albion will now face CG Finney in the championship game at 7 p.m. Saturday. Finney trimmed Buffalo Academy of Science 64-58 in the other semifinal.

Photos by Mike Wertman – Anchoring the lineup for the Albion boys swim squad this season will be this large group of returnees. In front are Dyllan Beach, Matt Kovaleski, Tyler Kast and Chase Froman. In back are Bailey Maier, Devin Olles, Carlitos Sanchez, Thomas Furmanski and Sam Sanchez.

Nine returnees anchor the lineup for the Albion boys swim team which went 5-5 in Niagara-Orleans League competition last year.

The Purple Eagles underclassmen dominated veteran group includes senior Bailey Maier; juniors Tyler Kast and Carlitos Sanches; sophomores Dyllan Beach, Matt Kovaleski and Devin Olles along with freshmen Chase Froman, Thomas Furmanski and Sam Sanchez.

The Albion girls squad, which is looking to rebound from an 0-10 N-O campaign, is likewise led by an underclassmen dominated veteran nucleus. That group includes senior Elizabeth Furmanski; juniors Madison Giattino, Rylie Lear and Allison Graham; sophomore Makayla Obstarczyk and freshman Laiken Ricker. Furmanski placed second in the 100 freestyle at last year’s All-League meet.

The Purple Eagles have four non league meets scheduled before beginning N-O competition at home against Barker on December 13.

Leading the Purple Eagles girls team will be these veterans. In front are Madison Giattino, Makayla Obstarczyk and Elizabeth Furmanski. In back are Rylie Lear, Allison Graham and Laiken Ricker.

Albion’s Schedule
Nov. 29 – at Alexander, 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 1 – Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 6 – at Wheatland-Chili, 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 10 – at Spencerport, 11 a.m.
Dec. 13 – Barker, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 16 – Medina, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 20 – Newfane, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 22 – Roy-Hart, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 4 – at Akron, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 6 – at Barker, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 7 – at HAC, 11 a.m.
Jan. 10 – at Medina, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 12 – at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 18 – at Roy-Hart, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 20 – Akron, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 27 – Girls All-League meet at Newfane, 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 1 – Boys All-League meet at Akron, 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 3 – N-O vs. G-R Girls Crossover Meet at Gates-Chili, 6 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – This senior quartet of, from left, Chanyce Powell, Emily Blanchard, Nicole Eldred and Sierra Chudy, will lead Albion into the upcoming basketball season.

Ten returnees, including all five starters, provide Albion with plenty of veteran experience heading into the upcoming Niagara-Orleans League basketball season.

Senior Chanyce Powell, a two-time first team N-O All-League honoree, heads that large veteran contingent which also includes seniors Emily Blanchard, Sierra Chudy and Nicole Eldred; juniors Elisabeth Baker, Natalie DiCureia, Janae Doty nd Caitlynn Snook and sophomores Sierra Newton and Brylie Hapeman. Powell scored 305 points (16.0 average) and grabbed off 201 rebounds last season.

The Purple Eagles roster also includes senior Kendall Eibl, who was hurt last year, and junior Cassidy Wolcott.

“It’s nice to have a little bit of continuity,” said Coach Lucian Price of his large veteran group. “They got a lot of experience last year and they put in a lot of work in the off season so we hope to build on that.”

The Purple Eagles have five non league games scheduled, beginning with Brockport at home on November 29, before beginning N-O competition at Medina on December 16.

Albion’s Schedule
Nov. 29 – Brockport, 7 p.m.
Dec. 2 – at Elba, 7 p.m.
Dec. 6 – Batavia, 7 p.m.
Dec. 12 – Buffalo Arts, 7 p.m.
Dec. 14 – at Niagara Catholic, 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 16 – at Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 19 – at Notre Dame, 7 p.m.
Dec. 22 – Newfane, 7 p.m.
Jan. 6 – at Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 10 – at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 12 – Barker, 7 p.m.
Jan. 17 – Wilson, 7 p.m.
Jan,. 21 – at Oakfield-Alabama, 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 27 – Medina, 7 p.m.
Jan. 31 – at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 2 – Akron, 7 p.m.
Feb. 7 – Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.
Feb. 10 – at Barker, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 14 – at Wilson, 6 p.m.
Feb. 16 – Churchville-Chili, 7 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Helping to lead Kendall into the upcoming basketball season is this quartet of returnees including Brandon Miller, Nate Warters, John Rath and James Longrod.

Returning seven players with varsity experience, Kendall is taking aim at improving upon last year’s 3-11 Genesee Region League, 5-16 overall basketball record.

Seniors Brandon Miller, James Longrod, Ben Frasch, Collin Lewis and Keaton Freitag, along with sophomores Nate Warters and John Rath, provide the Eagles with a solid nucleus heading into the November 29 non league season home opener against Rochester Academy Charter.

The Eagles are also looking to sophomores Hunter Menze and Mickey Gardner who led the JV team last year.

“I’m definitely excited about the season. It’s a pretty athletic team so we should be able to run and push the tempo more. We’ve got good team speed and quickness,” said Coach Matt Zimmer. “The keys will be playing well defensively and how the new group adjusts to each other and develops some good team chemistry,”

The Eagles graduation losses include Jacob Ramsdell, Nick Manners, Colton Breslawski and Brandon Lewis.

Kendall is slated to begin G-R competition at Elba on December 13.

Kendall’s Schedule
Nov. 29 – Rochester Academy Charter, 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 2 – at Barker, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 13 – at Elba, 7 p.m.
Dec. 15 – Wheatland-Chili, 7 p.m.
Dec. 22 – at Notre Dame, 7 p.m.
Dec. 29 vs. Lyndonville at Holley Tournament, 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 30 – at Holley Tournament
Jan. 5 – at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m.
Jan. 11 – Byron-Bergen, 7 p.m.
Jan. 13 – Holley, 7 p.m.
Jan. 18 – at Pembroke, 7 p.m.
Jan. 20 – Attica, 7 p.m.
Jan. 24 – Pavilion, 7 p.m.
Jan. 26 – at Alexander, 7 p.m.
Jan. 28 – Rochester Academy Charter, 2:30 p.m.
Jan. 31 – at Lyndonville, 7 p.m.
Feb. 8 – Elba, 7 p.m.
Feb. 10 – at Wheatland-Chili, 7 p.m.
Feb. 13 – at Pavilion, TBA
Feb .15 – Notre Dame, 7 p.m.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Emily Blanchard

Albion High senior Emily Blanchard has earned second team All-Western New York soccer honors.

Blanchard, a three time first team Niagara-Orleans All-League honoree, had 18 goals and 11 assists this season for the Purple Eagles.

N-O champion Newfane has placed a total of four players on the All-WNY squad. The Lady Panthers are represented by forward Kayleigh Daniels, midfielder Emily Foltz and defender Makena Carpenter on the second team as defender Kaelan Swogier earned Honorable Mention.

In leading the attack for Newfane, which advanced to the state semifinals, Daniels had 16 goals and 14 assists and Foltz 16 goals and 10 assists as Carpenter chipped in with 7 goals and 3 assists.

Wilson goalie Emily Kelley earned first team All-WNY honors.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Leading the Barker girls basketball team into the upcoming season will be this quartet of returnees including, from left, Haley Brown, Lydia Dewart, Emily Annable and Kylie Miller.

The veteran foursome of seniors Lydia Dewart and Emily Annable along with juniors Haley Brown and Kylie Miller, will lead Barker into the upcoming basketball season which begins November 29 with a non league home game against Lew-Port.

“We’ll be young but we’re hoping our four returnees will lead us,” said Caoch Jon Dewart. “They are working hard and we are looking to improve more each day.”

The Lady Raiders, who will also be looking to sophomore Gabby Baker, will begin Niagara-Orleans League competition on December 13 at Akron.

Barker’s graduation losses include Caitlyn Mason, Courtney Bodine, Lindsey Williams and Rebecca Stoloski.

Barker’s Schedule
Nov. 29 – Lew-Port, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 5 – Tonawanda, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 13 – at Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 20 – at Elba, 7 p.m.
Dec. 28 and 29 at Pembroke Tournament
Jan. 4 – at Lyndonville, 7 p.m.
Jan. 6 – at Wilson, 6 p.m.
Jan. 10 – at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 12 – at Albion, 7 p.m.
Jan. 17 – Medina ,6:30 p.m.
Jan. 19 – Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 25 – at Alexander, 7 p.m.
Jan. 28 – at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m.
Jan. 31 – Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 2 – Wilson, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 7 – Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 20 – Albion, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 14 – at Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 16 – at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Getting set to lead Albion into this coming weekend’s season opening TipOff Tournament are these Purple Eagle seniors. In front are Kory Reynolds and Tanner Ferris. In back are Tommy Mattison, Chase Hall and Jacob Buzard. Missing from the photo is Lamar Chambers.

It will be a Thanksgiving holiday weekend start to the local high school boys basketball season as Albion hosts a TipOff Tournament this Friday and Saturday.

The Purple Eagles will face Rochester Prep in the opening round at 7 p.m. Friday following the CG Finney vs. Buffalo Academy of Science at 5:30 p.m. The consolation and championship games will be at 5:30 and 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Two returning starters, seniors Kory Reynolds and Tommy Mattison, anchor the Albion lineup which also includes varsity experience in the senior quartet of Jacob Buzard, Lamar Chambers, Tanner Ferris and Chase Hall. Mattison earned second team Niagara-Orleans All-League honors last season.

“It gives you a chance to see where you are at,” said Albion Coach Brennan Meakin of the early tournament. “We’re going to be a senior driven team. We’ve been dealing with some injuries and we’ve got some holes to fill but they worked very hard in the off season and we’ve got good team chemistry.”

Albion, which went 6-7 in the league and 6-14 overall last year, begins N-O competition on December 16 at home against rival Medina.

Albion’s Schedule
Nov. 25 and 26 – Albion Tournament
Dec. 2 – at Pembroke, 7 p.m.
Dec. 9 – Maryvale, 7 p.m.
Dec. 16 – Medina, 7 p.m.
Dec. 20 – at LeRoy, 7 p.m.
Dec. 22 – at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 26 and 28 – at Batavia Lions Tournament
Jan. 5 – Akron, 7 p.m.
Jan. 10 – Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.
Jan. 13 – at Barker, 7 p.m.
Jan. 17 – at Wilson, 6 p.m.
Jan. 24 – at Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 31 – Newfane, 7 p.m.
Feb. 3 – at Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 7 – at Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.
Feb. 9 – Barker, 7 p.m.
Feb. 14 – Wilson, 7 p.m.
Feb. 15 – Elba, 7 p.m.