A late comeback bid fell just short as No. 2 Wilson dropped a narrow 58-56 decision to No. 3 Fredonia this evening in the semifinal round of the Section VI Class B2 girls basketball playoffs at Sweet Home.

Trailing 31-15 at the half, Wilson did rally back into a 56-56 tie but Fredonia pulled out the win on a layup by Hannah Cybart with 3.8 seconds remaining.

Rachel Senek scored 23, Kayla Neumann 11 and Jodie Vincent and Serina Jaeger 9 each for Wilson which was also eliminated by Fredonia in the semifinals last year.

In the Class C2 semifinals, No. 7 Barker was eliminated by No. 3 Frewsburg 68-31 at Jamestown Community College.

Frewsburg led 43-14 at the half.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Chanyce Powell puts up a shot over Olean defender Chantel Singleton during the Purple Eagles sectional semifinal loss to the Lady Huskies this evening at Sweet Home.

A red hot shooting freshman guard combined with a strong ball hawking defense keyed No. 2 seed Olean to a 74-41 victory over No. 11 Albion this evening in the semifinal round of the Section VI Class B1 playoffs at Sweet Home.

Freshman guard Sara Pfeiffer exploded for 37 points, including a whopping 32 over the middle two periods, to spearhead the Olean offense and the Lady Huskies aggressive defense forced Albion into some 30 turnovers.

Courtney Martin added 12 points for Olean which now takes a 20-1 record into Sunday’s B1 title contest.

Chanyce Powell led Albion with 20 points as Sierra Newton had 10, Emily Blanchard 6, Caitlynn Snook 3 and Natalie DiCureia 2.

Albion stayed within one, 9-8, late in the opening period after back-to-back layups by Powell, the second coming off a turnover.

However, Olean, which forced 8 turnovers in the period, answered with back-to-back threes by Alyssa Ramarage and Pfeiffer to take a 15-8 lead at the end of the quarter.

Sierra Newton puts up a shot for Albion as Olean’s Courtney Martin tries to block.

The Lady Huskies then began to pull away for good by opening the second period with a 10-0 run including a three, a jumper and two free throws by Pfeiffer for a 25-8 lead.

Forcing another 8 turnovers at the defensive end, the Olean offense took advantage by outpointing Albion 24-15 in the period to open up a 16 point, 39-23, advantage at the half.

Pfeiffer, who had 15 in the second period, kept the hot hand by tacking on 17 more in the third period to help boost the Lady Huskies advantage to 31, 63-32, at the three-quarter mark.

Albion, which had defeated CSAT 47-28 and Buffalo Arts 57-51 to advance to the semis, finishes the season at 10-12.

Albion’s Elisabeth Baker tries to take the ball away from Olean’s Sara Pfeiffer.

Photos by Mike Wertman – Charles Beach, left, and Joe Velez will represent Medina at this weekend’s state wrestling championships in Albany.

A quartet of local wrestlers including Medina seniors Joe Velez (126) and Charles Beach (220), Lyndonville junior Dustin Joy (138) and Roy-Hart senior Cameron Swick (160) will be competing in the state championships this weekend at Albany.

Velez, who is 35-5 on the season, qualified by capturing a Section VI championship after previously winning both Niagara-Orleans League and Class C titles.

“I want to come out strong in that first match,” said Velez. “The first match is the big one. That is always the toughest one.”

Velez’ first match will be against fourth seeded Nicholas Gaiser of Alexander.

“Joe has done a great job on the mat, of scoring at the end of a period and winning close matches,” said Medina Coach Eric Gross.

Beach, who missed part of the season due to injury, also qualified by capturing a Section VI title.

“I want to go out and wrestle hard and listen to my coaches,” said Beach who is seeded second and 29-1 on the season.

Beach’s opening round match will be against John Smith of John F. Kennedy from the New York City PSAL.

“Charles has the athleticism and the speed. There are not that many 220 pounders with that kind of speed on the mat,” said Gross. “The big thing for both of them is they have to have the self confidence to do it.”

Lyndonville’s Dustin Joy, left and Roy-Hart’s Cameron Swick complete the local contingent to the state championships.

Joy, who is 40-10, has advanced as a wild-card entry after placing second at both the Class B and Section V championships.

“I just was to go out and wrestle hard and wrestle with confidence,” said Joy. “So much of it is mental. If you think positive you wrestle positive.”

Joy’s first match will be against Brad Dietz of Phoenix, Section III.

Swick, who is undefeated at 30-0, advanced after capturing a Section VI championship. Seeded fifth, he has also claimed both N-O League and Class C titles.

“I’m very excited,” said Swick, “The big thing is to just wrestle each match all the way though. I know what it takes and I have the skills to win.”

Swick’s opening round match will be against Liam Heslin of Chester, Section IX.

The competition gets underway at the Times Union Center on Friday with the opening and quarterfinal rounds. The semifinals and championship matches will be held on Saturday.

Jumping out to a 10-0 lead at the outset, No. 6 seed Fredonia went on to defeat No. 2 Roy-Hart 73-30 this evening in the Section VI Class B2 semifinals at Buffalo State College.

Roy-Hart, which had 12 turnovers and shot just 5 of 27 from the field in the first half, fell behind by margins of 13-3 after one period and 35-12 at the break as Fredonia had a big 22-9 second period scoring edge.

Fredonia then put a lock on the victory by outscoring Roy-Hart 18-9 in the third period to stretch the advantage to 53-21 at the three-quarter mark.

Michael Pucci scored 21 to lead Fredonia which takes an 18-5 record into Saturday’s B2 final.

Andy Xapsos scored 18 for Roy-Hart which finishes the season at 16-6.

The 17th annual Niagara-Orleans League vs. Genesee Region League Exceptional Seniors basketball doubleheader will be held at Albion on March 4.

The girls game is scheduled for 5 p.m. to be followed by the boys contest at 6:30 p.m.

The N-O League swept to a doubleheader victory last year winning the boys game 117-95 and the girls contest 58-55.

That sweep gives the N-O an 11-5 lead in both the boys and girls series.

Rosters for the teams are expected to be announced by the first of next week.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman

Lyndonville High senior Nick Hinkson has been selected to play in the 31st annual Ronald McDonald House Greater Rochester All-Star Basketball Game which will be held at 3 p.m. March 19 at Rush-Henrietta High School. Hinkson scored 371 points (16.9 average) and had 158 rebounds, 138 assists and 55 steals in helping to lead Lyndonville to a 17-5 record this season. Hinkson and Attica’s Colden George will represent the Genesee Region League in the All-Star game.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Justin Morgan and his Mustang teammates will take on East Aurora in the Class B1 semifinals on Thursday.

Looking to take that next big step in their postseason title quest, Medina and Roy-Hart will both compete in the semifinal round of the Section VI boys basketball playoffs this week.

Niagara-Orleans League champion and No. 2 seed Medina will face No. 3 East Aurora in the Class B1 semis at 7:45 p.m. Thursday at Buffalo State College.

Roy-Hart, which is also seeded No. 2, will take on No. 6 Fredonia in the Class B2 semis at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday at Buffalo State.

Medina, which is seeking to end a 39 year long semifinal round victory drought, brings a 15-6 record into the contest while East Aurora is 12-9.

The Mustangs, whose last semifinal round win was a 51-49 triple overtime victory over Alden in 1977, advanced by downing N-O foe CSAT 54-46 in the quarterfinals on Friday.

East Aurora, which bested Medina 61-52 in their last postseason meeting in the 2005 semifinals, defeated Newfane 62-47 in the quarterfinals.

Last year the Mustangs were nipped 46-43 by Maryvale in the semis.

The Mustangs are sparked by sophomore Jalin Cooper with 322 points (15.3 average), 219 rebounds, 53 assists and 47 steals; senior Tyler Ames with 205 points (9.7 ave.), 251 rebounds and 33 steals; senior Justin Morgan with 195 points (9.2 ave.), 71 rebounds, 36 assists and 30 steals and junior Daryl Haynes with 187 points (8.9 ave.), 107 rebounds, 91 assists and 53 steals.

East Aurora is led by the duo of Noah Thompson who has scored 323 points (15.3 ave.) and Nick Montgomery who has tallied 315 (15.0 ave.).

Thursday’s first semi at 6 p.m. will match undefeated top seeded Olean (21-0) against No. 4 Dunkirk (12-8).

The winners will meet in the Class B1 title contest at 1:45 p.m. Saturday at Buffalo State.

Roy-Hart’s Chris Anderson (22) and Austin Dodge (10) and their Ram teammate will face Fredonia in the Class B2 semifinals on Wednesday.

Roy-Hart vs. Fredonia

Advancing to the semifinals for the first time in 20 years, Roy-Hart brings a 16-5 record into Wedesday’s contest against Fredonia which is 17-5.

Roy-Hart, which dropped a narrow 58-57 overtime decision to Southwestern in the Rams last semifinal appearance in 1996, advanced by downing MST Seneca 57-45 in the quarterfinals on Friday.

Fredonia gained a berth in the semis by thumping No. 3 Gowanda 68-51.

Interestingly, Roy-Hart’s last semifinal win was in 1969, a 52-44 victory over Eden. That year the Rams went on to capture their last sectional championship with a 51-46 victory over Starpoint.

The Roy-Hart attack is spearheaded by senior Andy Xapsos who has scored 478 points for a 22.7 per game average. Senior Chris Anderson has tallied 202 points (9.6 ave.) and senior Justin Heschke 152 (7.2 ave.) for the Rams.

Fredonia’s offense is led by the trio of Patrick Moore who has scored 396 points (18.0 ave.), Eric Swoger 271 points (12.3 ave.) and Jarod Burmaster 267 points (12.1 ave.).

Wednesday’s first semifinal will match No.1 I Prep Grover (17-4) against No. 4 Health Sciences (17-3).

The winners will meet for the B2 title at noon Saturday at Buffalo State.

Photos By Cheryl Wertman – Chanyce Powell will lead Albion into the Class B1 semis.

The Niagara-Orleans League will be well represented in the semifinal round of the Section VI girls basketball playoffs this week as Albion, Barker and Wilson have all advanced.

No. 11 Albion will face No. 2 Olean in the Class B1 semis at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Sweet Home.

No. 7 Barker will take on No. 3 Frewsbug in the Class C2 semis at 5:15 p.m. Thursday at Jamestown Commnity College.

No. 2 Wilson will face No. 3 Fredonia in the Class B2 semis at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Sweet Home.

Albion vs. Olean
Looking to keep the momentum from a 57-51 quarterfinal win over No. 3 Buffalo Arts, No. 11 Albion will take on No. 2 Olean which romped past No. 10 Alden 63-29 in the quarterfinals.

It marks the second straight year that Albion has advanced to the semis. The Purple Eagles dropped a narrow 53-49 decision to Tonawanda in the semis last year.

Albion last faced Olean in post season play in the 2006 Class A2 title game which saw the Lady Huskies down the Purple Eagles 59-37.

Chanyce Powell, who has scored 285 points (15.8 average) and grabbed off 201 rebounds, sparks the Albion offense.

Caitlyn Mason sparks the offense for Barker

Emily Blanchard has scored 119 points (7.0 ave.) and Sierra Newton 106 ponts (5.8 ave.) and grabbed off 99 rebounds for the Purple Eagles who are 10-11.

Olean, which is 19-1 on the season, is led by Sara Pfeiffer who has scored 418 points (22.0 ave.).

Barker vs. Frewsburg

No. 7 Barker is likewise looking to keep the momentum from a big 59-56 upset win over No. 2 Portville in the quarterfinals as the Lady Raiders take on No. 3 Frewsburg which is 20-1 on the season.

Frewburg trimmed No. 6 Maple Grove 57-51 in the quarterfinals.

Advancing to the semis for the second year in a row, Barker’s attack is led by Caitlyn Mason who has scored 248 points (11.8 ave.), grabbed off 98 rebounds and had 62 steals.

Lindsey Williams has tallied 177 points (8.4 ave.) and Haley Brown 113 points (5.3 ave.) and pulled down 94 rebounds.

Frewsburg is sparked by the trio of Kaitlyn Blanchard who has scored 311 points (14.8 ave.), Gabby Luculano 264 points (13.2 ave.) and Olivia Lynn 232 points (11.0 ave.).

Rachel Senek, left, and Jenn Darlak, right, will help lead Wilson into the B2 semis.

Wilson vs. Fredonia

N-O champion Wilson will be looking to avenge a loss in last year’s semifinal when the No. 2 seeded Lakewomen take on No. 3 Fredonia.

Fredonia, which is 16-4, posted a 60-46 victory in last year’s semi over Wilson which brings an 18-1 record into the rematch.

Rachel Senek who has 274 points (13.7 ave.), 122 rebounds, 87 steals and 104 assists; Kayla Neumann with 212 points (11.8 ave.), 112 steals, 96 rebounds and 73 assists and Serina Jaeger 169 points (8.4 ave.), 141 rebounds, 100 steals and 50 assists set the pace for Wilson which captured the B2 championship in both 2013 and 2014.

Fredonia is led by Hannah Cybart who has scored 284 points (15.7 ave.).

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Barker’s Lydia Dewart and her Lady Raider teammates are one of five Niagara-Orleans League teams which have advanced to the semifinals of the Section VI playoffs.

Heading into the semifinal round this coming week five Niagara-Orleans League teams are still in the hunt for Section VI basketball titles including the Albion, Barker and Wilson girls along with the Medina and Roy-Hart boys squads.

The No. 11 seed Albion girls will take on No. 2 Olean in the Class B1 semis at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Sweet Home. The Purple Eagles advanced by upending No. 3 Buffalo Arts 57-51 in the quarterfinals while the Lady Huskies crushed No. 10 Alden 62-19.

The No. 7 Barker girls will take on No. 3 Frewsburg in a Class C2 semi at 5:15 p.m. Thursday at Jamestown Community College. The Lady Raiders likewise advanced with an upset win in the quarterfinals, 59-56 over No. 2 Portville, while Frewsburg edged No. 6 Maple Grove 57-51.

N-O champion No. 2 Wilson will face No. 3 Fredonia in a Class B2 semi at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Sweet Home. The Lakewomen advanced by downing N-O foe No. 10 Akron 60-28 in the quarterfinals while Fredonia bested No. 6 Falconer 59-49.

The N-O champion Medina boys squad, which is seeded No. 2, will face No. 3 East Aurora in a Class B1 semi at 7:45 p.m. Thursday at Buffalo State. The Mustangs trimmed N-O foe No. 10 CSAT 54-46 in the quarterfinals while the Blue Devils downed No. 6 Newfane 62-47.

The Roy-Hart boys squad, which is also seeded No. 2, will take on No. 6 Fredonia in a Class B2 semi at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday at Buffalo State. The Rams defeated No. 7 MST Seneca 57-45 in the quarterfinals while Fredonia upended No. 3 Gowanda 68-51.

Contributed Photo – Dominick Callara earns Most Outstanding Wrestler award

The Medina Youth Wrestling club competed in the 6th annual Newfane Wrestling Tournament today.

Led by 8th grader Sydney Brown and 5th grader Dominick Callara, the Mustangs had six place finishers.

Brown and Callara both finished in first place with Callara winning Most Outstanding Wrestler Award for the Division 3 wrestlers.

Oliver Wilson earned a second place finish, Colby Petrie third and Rashawn Bloom and Luke Duffina fourth.