Pulling away in the third quarter, St. Paul’s High of Niagara Falls, Ontario went on to defeat Albion 80-41 this evening in the Can-Am Shootout held at Niagara Catholic High in Niagara Falls.

Up 36-24 at the half, St. Paul’s used a big 18-4 third period scoring surge to break the contest open at 54-28.

“We played very well in the first half though we did miss a ton of free throws,” said Albion Coach Brennan Meakin. “The third quarter though was the difference. We just turned the ball over too much and didn’t capitalize on our opportunities.”

Kory Reynolds had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds and Manwell Taylor netted 10 points to lead the way for Albion.

Tommy Mattison added 8 points, Tyler Rotoli 5 and Scott Daniels 2 for the Purple Eagles.

Taylor also earned Albion’s MVP honor for the Shootout.

Now at 0-2, Albion next visits St. Francis in a non league game on December 9.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Veteran members of the Albion boys and girls swim teams include, in front, Matthew Kovalseki and Elizabeth Furmanski. In back are Tyler Kast, Carlitos Sanchez, Sara Graham and Bailey Maier.

Bolstered by a larger turnout on the boys side, the Albion High swim teams are prepping for Monday’s non league home opener against Alexander.

The veteran quartet of juniors Tyler Kast, Carlitos Sanchez, Bailey Maier and freshman Matthew Kovaleski anchors the lineup for the Purple Eagles boys squad while the veteran duo of senior Sara Graham and junior Elizabeth Furmanski lead the girls squad.

Furmanski finished third in the 100 Freestyle at last year’s Niagara-Orleans All-League meet while Kovaleski took fourth in the 200 Individual Medley and Maier sixth in the 100 Backstroke.

“We’re still very young but I’m excited for this group,” said Coach Carlos Burroughs. “We have some good young talent and the potential is certainly there. Our goal is to get better every day and to be competitive.”

The Purple Eagles will open the N-O season at home against Roy-Hart on December 10.

The Albion boys squad went 2-8 and the girls team 0-10 last year in N-O action.

Albion’s Schedule:
Nov. 30 – Alexander, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 2 – at Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 4 – Wheatland-Chili, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 10 – Roy-Hart, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 12 – at Spencerport, 11 a.m.
Dec. 15 – at Barker, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 17 – Akron, 4 p.m.
Jan. 5 – Medina, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 7 – at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 9 – at HAC, 11 a.m.
Jan. 12 – at Roy-Hart, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 14 – Barker, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 20 – at Akron, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 22 – at Medina, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 28 – Newfane, 4:30 p.m.
Jan. 29 – Boys All-League meet at Newfane, 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 2 – Girls All-League meet at Akron, 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 5 – Girls N-O vs. G-R meet at Gates-Chili, 6 p.m.

Boasting plenty of height and game experience, Ridley College Prep of St. Catharines, Ontario bested Albion 74-41 this evening in the Purple Eagles season opener at the Can-Am Shootout held at Niagara Catholic High in Niagara Falls.

Playing its 12th game of the season undefeated Ridley, which has a front line of 6-7, 6-7, 6-6, jumped out to commanding leads over Albion of 24-5 after one quarter and 43-11 at the half.

“It’s just tough,” said Albion Coach Brennan Meakin. “It took us a half just to get our feet under us. It was our first game and we were playing a team that had already played 11 games and they were huge. They are just on a different level. It’s like playing a state championship game but it’s good experience.”

Tyler Rotoli led Albion in scoring with 10 points. Manwell Taylor and Scott Daniels both tallied 6, Tommy Mattison 5, Kory Reynolds, Chase Hall and Lamar Chambers 4 each and Evan Pappalardo 2.

Albion next faces another similar challenge against St. Paul’s High of Niagara Falls Ontario in the second round of the Can-Am Shootout at 5 p.m. Saturday at Niagara Catholic.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Leading the Albion wrestling squad into the upcoming season will be this quartet of Niagara-Orleans All-League meet place finishers. In front is Blake Aina. In back are Preston Flugel, Jordan Wolcott and Cade Aina.

A quartet of All-League meet place finishers anchors the lineup for the Albion wrestling squad heading into the upcoming Niagara-Orleans campaign.

That veteran foursome includes junior Blake Aina, sophomore Preston Flugel and freshman Cade Aina, who all captured N-O championships, along with senior Jordan Wolcott who earned a third place finish. Cade Aina went on to also win a Section VI Class B title.

Flugel went 24-7 on the season, Blake Aina 24-9 and Cade Aina 23-6.

The Purple Eagles also return varsity experience in the senior trio of Israel Florintino, Tim Drake and Ricky Monroe.

Coach Keith Piccirilli’s Albion matmen, who went 3-2 in N-O dual match action and 10-14 overall last season, will open the season at Lyndonville on December 2 in a non league match.

Albion’s Schedule
Dec. 2 – at Lyndonville, 2 p.m.
Dec. 5 – at Depew Tournament
Dec. 9 – Medina, 6 p.m.
Dec. 11 – Kendall, 6 p.m.
Dec. 16 – at Newfane, 6 p.m.
Dec. 17 – Alexander, 6 p.m.
Dec. 28 – at Holley Tournament
Jan. 6 – at Barker/Roy-Hart, 6 p.m.
Jan. 9 – at Victor Tournament
Jan. 13 – Akron, 6 p.m.
Jan. 20 – Wilson, 6 p.m.
Jan. 23 – at Medina Tournament
Jan. 30 – All-League Tournament at Wilson, 9 a.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Prepping for the upcoming season, Roy-Hart returns this large group of veteran players. In front are Sarah Bascom, Sarah Duewiger and Rielly Albee. In back are Alyssa Hess, Rachael Rausch, Ava Bligh and Emma Lindke.

Roy-Hart will tune-up for the upcoming Niagara-Orleans League campaign by hosting a season opening tournament on December 4 and 5.

Roy-Hart will face Lyndonville in the opening round of the tournament. The Lady Rams will then begin N-O competition at CSAT on December 15.

Looking to rebound from last year’s 2-12 N-O, 3-16 overall record, Roy-Hart returns a large nucleus of veteran players including seniors Emma Lindke, Rachael Rausch, Sarah Duewiger and Sarah Bascom along with juniors Ava Bligh, Rielly Albee and Alyssa Hess.

The Lady Rams lineup also includes sophomores Skyler Christopher, Maddy Glena, Ellie Todd and freshman Maddie Fry.

“We’re going to try to do a better job of rebounding and we want to push the ball up court,” said Coach Don Baker. “We’re at our best when we can score in transition.”

Roy-Hart’s Schedule:
Dec. 4 – vs. Lyndonville in Roy-Hart Tournament, 7 p.m.
Dec. 5 – Roy-Hart Tournament,TBA
Dec. 15 – at CSAT, 6 p.m.
Dec. 17 – Elba, 6 p.m.
Dec. 18 – Albion, 6 p.m.
Dec. 22 – at Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 5 – at Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 7 – Newfane, 6 p.m.
Jan .11 – Wilson, 6 p.m.
Jan .15 – Barker, 6 p.m.
Jan. 19 – CSAT, 6 p.m.
Jan. 22 – at Albion, 7 p.m.
Jan .23 – Niagara Catholic, 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 28 – Medina, 6 p.m.
Feb. 2 – Akron, 6 p.m.
Feb. 5 – at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 9 – at Wilson, 6 p.m.
Feb. 11 – at Barker, 6:30 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – New Barker boys varsity basketball coach Josh Kraft, right, meets here with three of the Raiders veteran players Kyle Secor, Eddie Wasnock and Nate Luckman.

A quartet of veteran players provides the nucleus and new Coach Josh Kraft the leadership as Barker preps for the upcoming boys basketball season.

Seniors Michael Snell and Kyle Secore along with juniors Nate Luckman and Eddie Wasnock anchor the lineup for the Raiders.

The Barker lineup also includes senior Jared Ginther along with juniors Jake Arnold, Kyle Moeller, Shawn Callaghan and Devon Mangan.

“This team is working hard and our motto is to win each day and every day and improve as a team,” said Craft who takes over the Raiders reins from Dave Carson. “I want to help this group get better anyway I can. I’m here for them and I’m as excited as can be.”

The Raiders are scheduled to begin tuning up for the Niagara-Orleans League season by visiting Kendall on December 1 for a non league contest.

Barker’s Schedule:
Dec. 1 – at Kendall, 7 p.m.
Dec. 3 – Elba, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 12 – at Byron-Bergen, 1:30 p.m.
Dec. 14 – Oakfield-Alabama, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 16 – at Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 18 – Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 22 – at CSAT, 6 p.m.
Dec. 30 – Pembroke, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 5 – at Albion, 7 p.m.
Jan. 8 – at Wilson, 6 p.m.
Jan. 12 – Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 14 – Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 19 – Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 22 – at Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 26 – CSAT, 6 p.m.
Jan. 29 – at Lyndonville, 7 p.m.
Feb. 2 – Albion, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 4 – Wilson, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 9 – at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 11 – at Roy-Hart, 6 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Set to lead Lyndonville into the upcoming basketball season is this trio of Lady Tiger veterans. From left are Mackenzie Muck, Jasmine Plummer and Aubrey Lewis.

Underclassmen dominate the lineup of the Lyndonville girls basketball squad which is prepping for the December 1 non league season opener at Barker.

Senior Jasmine Plummer along with juniors Aubrey Lewis and Mackenzie Muck provide the veteran experience for the Lady Tigers which went 3-17 last year.

The Lady Tigers are also looking to junior Abi Rodriquez, sophomore Miranda Lembcke and freshman Stacey Buckland.

The Tigers lost four starters to graduation including Morgan Hungerford, Rebekah Hoffee, Chelsea Poler and Gabby Dusett.

“We’re going to be really young,” said Coach Barry Webber. “There is some good talent there, a lot of potential and some speed so how well we jell as a varsity team will be key. They are really working hard. The effort is certainly there.”

The Lady Tigers will also be competing in the Roy-Hart Tournament on December 4 and 5 before opening the Genesee Region League season at home against Wheatland-Chili on December 9.

Lyndonville’s Schedule:
Dec. 1 – at Barker, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 4 – vs Roy-Hart at Roy-Hart Tournament, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 5 – at Roy-Hart Tournament, TBA
Dec. 9 – Wheatland-Chili, 7 p.m.
Dec. 11 – at Kendall, 7 p.m.
Dec. 15 – Notre Dame, 7 p.m.
Dec. 17 – Akron, 7 p.m.
Dec. 21 – Elba, 7 p.m.
Jan. 5 – at Attica, 7 p.m.
Jan. 7 – Pembroke, 7 p.m.
Jan. 13 – at Holley, 7 p.m.
Jan. 15 – at Alexander, 7 p.m.
Jan. 19 – Byron-Bergen, 7 p.m.
Jan. 21 – Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m.
Jan. 23 – at Wheatland-Chili, 7 p.m.
Jan. 28 – Kendall, 7 p.m.
Feb. 3 – at Notre Dame, 7 p.m.
Feb. 8 – at Elba, 7 .m.
Feb. 10 – at Rochester Academy Charter, 5:30 p.m.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Anchoring the lineup for the Holley basketball team will be this trio of returning seniors including Nick Passarell, Ryan Moseman and Zach Vaccarelli.

Inexperience dots the Holley basketball team’s lineup as the Hawks look to fill a number of holes in the lineup caused a combination of graduation, transfers and injuries.

Seniors Nick Passarell, Ryan Moseman and Zach Vaccarelli, along with junior Chris Balys, provide the veteran experience for the Hawks which went 4-11 in the Genesee Region and 6-14 overall last season. Vaccarelli is currently recovering from a football injury.

The Hawks are also looking to juniors Dylan Hillabush, who saw some action in the sectionals last season, and Derek McArthur.

The Hawks losses included Josh Porter, Joe DeFelice and Ian Penders to graduation along with Hunter DeFelice who transferred.

“Getting healthy and getting our new guys some experience will be key for us,” said Coach Matt Hennard. “They are working hard and we’re looking to hit the ground running. We’ll learn on the fly and hope they are quick learners. Our focus is on getting better every day and if they do that the wins will come. We’re athletic and I think we can hang with anyone.”

The Hawks will open the G-R season on December 7 at home against Pembroke.

The Hawks schedule will be highlighted by the participation in the Roy-Hart and Holley tournaments.

Holley’s Schedule:
Dec. 7 – Pembroke ,7 p.m.
Dec. 11 vs. Tonawanda at Roy-Hart Tournament, 5 p.m.
Dec. 12 – at Roy-Hart Tournament, TBA
Dec. 14 – at Attica, 7 p.m.
Dec. 16 – at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m.
Dec. 18 – Attica, 7 p.m.
Dec. 21 – at Byron-Bergen, 7 p.m.
Dec. 23 – at Alexander, 7 p.m.
Dec. 29 and 30 – Holley Tournament
Jan. 6 – Wheatland-Chil, 7 p.m.
Jan. 8 – Elba, 7 p.m.
Jan. 12 – at Lyndonville, 7 p.m.
Jan. 14 – Kendall, 7 p.m.
Jan 20 – at Notre Dame, 7 p.m.
Jan. 29 – at Pembroke, 7 p.m.
Feb. 2 – Alexander ,7 p.m.
Feb. 4 – Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m.
Feb. 8 – at Geneseo, 7 p.m.
Feb. 9 – Byron-Bergen, 7 p.m.

JR Wilson upended front-running Legion 41-29 Monday to tighten up the Medina Euchre League title chase.

Runner-up Sacred Heart gained ground by defeating Vets Club 37-33.

Now up by only seven points, Legion is 301-259 on the season while Sacred Heart is 294-266, JR Wilson 285-275 and Vets Club 240-320.

League action continues on November 30 with Sacred Heart at Legion and Vets Club at JR Wilson.

Photo by Mike Wertman – Leading the Medina girls varsity basketball team into the upcoming season will be this group of veterans. In front are Emily Kams, Davina Birch and Allison Bensley. In back are Maddie Winters, Molley Gross and Holly Heil.

Looking to jump up in the standings after back-to-back building seasons the Medina girls varsity basketball team returns a solid nucleus of six veterans.

That veteran group includes juniors Emily Kams, Molley Gross and Maddie Winters along with seniors Holly Heil, Allison Bensley and Davina Birch as the Mustangs look to improve after going 1-13 in 2014 and 0-14 last season in N-O competition. Gross and Winters both received N-O All-League Honorable Mention last season.

“The girls put in a lot of time working on their game over the summer,” said Coach Ken Haak. “We have a lot of experience so there should be noticeable improvement.”

The Mustangs roster also includes juniors Martha Gardner, Kayla Cuadra and Katie Bilicki along with freshmen Je’ne Brown and Maddie Williams.

The Mustangs will open the season with a non league home game against Elba on November 30.

Medina’s Schedule
Nov. 30 – Elba, 7 p.m.
Dec. 7 – at Kendall, 7 p.m.
Dec. 8 – at Global Concepts, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 15 – at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 16 – Kendall, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 18 – Barker, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 22 – Roy-Hart ,6:30 p.m.
Jan. 5 – at Wilson, 6 p.m.
Jan. 7 – Albion, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 11 – at Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 14 – at CSAT, 6 p.m.
Jan. 19 – Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 21 – at Barker, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 25 – Hutch-Tech, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 28 – at Roy-Hart, 6 p.m.
Feb. 2 – Wilson, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 5 – at Albion, 7 p.m.
Feb. 9 – Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 11 – CSAT, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 18 – Global Concepts, 6:30 p.m.