Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Brian Fry slides into third base during the Mustangs 2019 state semifinal loss to Schuylerville.

All five Orleans County varsity baseball teams have made the state semifinals over the past 25 yard but only one has made it twice and that is Medina which reached the Final Four in both 2003 and 2019.

In 2003 Medina needed three thrilling extra inning wins just to get out of the Section VI Class B playoffs.

First, the Mustangs needed eight innings to nip East Aurora 1-0 in the opening round.

Limited to only two hits, the Mustangs pulled out the win on a two-out RBI single by Bobby Brown in the bottom of the eighth inning. On the mound Joe Rosenbeck hurled a two hitter with 12 strikeouts.

Then, after a 19-2 romp over City Honors in the quarterfinals, the Mustangs needed nine innings to edge past Eden 4-3 in the semifinals.

The Mustangs scored the game winner in the top of the ninth as Brown walked, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Paul Osborne, to third on a wild pitch and came home on a ground out off the bat of Tom Schoenle.

Eden did get runners to first and third with no outs in the bottom of the ninth but the Mustangs defense came up big to preserve the slender lead as Schoenle at third turned a timely double play and Rosenbeck got the final out on a grounder back to the mound.

The Section VI Class B final then proved to be an even longer marathon as Medina outlasted Allegany-Limestone 11-9 in 10 innings.

Jake Rosenbeck singled in what proved to be the game winner in the top of the 10th as an error added a big insurance run.

Allegany-Limestone did get two runners aboard with two out in the bottom of the 10th but Schoenle, who turned in five strong innings of relief pitching, got the final out on a grounder to Ryan Hodgins at second base. Schoenle also worked out of jams in both the eighth and ninth innings.

Medina pitcher Joe Rosenbeck covers home during the Mustangs 2003 state semifinal game against Carle Place.

The sectional title was the first for Medina since 1989.

The victory advanced Medina to the state playoffs for the first time.

The Mustangs opened state competition with a 4-0 win over Section V champion Sodus in the Far West Regional as Joe Rosenbeck hurled a one hitter with nine strikeouts. Offensively, the Mustangs scored three times in the fourth inning on two fielders choice plays and an RBI single by Matt Heiligenthaler.

The win propelled Medina into the state semifinals at Binghamton where the Mustangs dropped a 9-1 decision to Carle Place from Long Island in a contest which took two days due to complete due to rain.

The game began in the rain on Saturday morning and Medina quickly took a 1-0 lead on a first inning home run by Joe Rosenbeck. However, the Mustangs managed just one more hit the rest of the way.

Carle Place tied the game in the second before increasingly heavy rain caused play to be suspended until Sunday. When play resumed Carle Place took the lead for good on a two-run homer in the third inning and then broke the contest open with four runs in the fifth highlighted by back-to-back home runs.

Medina’s 2019 run featured three wins over Niagara-Orleans League foes in the Section VI playoffs.

The Mustangs opened the sectionals with a pair of shutout victories.

First, Zach Fike and Chris Goyette combined to hurl a one hitter with 12 strikeouts in a 3-0 win over CSAT. All of the Mustangs runs came in the first inning on RBI singles by Fike and AJ Seefeldt and an RBI sacrifice bunt by Joe Cecchini.

Next, Medina blanked Newfane 6-0 as Trevor Luthart threw a one hitter with 8 strikeouts. A first inning run on a sacrifice fly by Cecchini proved to be the game winner.

Then in the Class B1 semifinals, Medina bested Olean 12-1. The offense was highlighted by a lead-off home run by Brian Fry and an RBI double by Fike in the first inning, back-to-back two-run doubles by Seefeldt and Goyette in the second and a three-run homer by Goyette in the fifth. On the mound, Luthart hurled a one hitter with 4 strikeouts.

Medina then captured the Section VI B1 title with a 10-6 win over rival Albion.

Albion, which had blanked Depew 4-0 in the other B1 semi, jumped out to an early 5-1 lead as Thomas Furmanski belted a grand slam home run in the second inning.

Medina though battled back to take a 6-5 lead with four runs in the third inning. Fry tied the game with a three-run triple and Nate Sherman put the Mustangs on top with an RBI double. The Mustangs later broke the game open with four runs in the sixth on an RBI sacrifice fly by Matt Saj and a three-run double by Fry. On the mound, Luthart hurled a two hitter with 9 strikeouts.

That advanced Medina to the Section VI Class B state qualifier contest against Roy-Hart which downed Gowanda 5-1 for the Class B2 title.

This one was decided early as Medina exploded for 10 runs in the first inning to key the 15-4 victory. A three-run double by winning pitcher Chris Goyette ignited that marathon uprising which also featured a two-run single by Saj, an RBI single by Seefeldt and an RBI double by Goyette who scattered 7 hits and struck out 7 on the mound.

The Mustangs opened state playoff competition with a 10-2 win over Section V champion LeRoy in the Class B Far West Regional on the new turf field at Lockport.

Breaking away from a 1-1 deadlock, Medina took the lead for good by scoring four times in the third inning on two-run singles by Seefeldt and Luthart. Keeping the momentum, the Mustangs quickly extended the advantage to 10-1 by scoring five times in the fourth inning on a two-run single by Goyette, RBI singles by Seefeldt and Fike and a double steal play. On the mound, Luthart scattered 6 hits and struck out 7.

The victory sent Medina to the state semifinals against Schuylerville from Section II at Binghamton.

The Mustangs jumped out to a 2-0 lead by scoring once in the first on a single by Sherman which followed a leadoff triple by Fry, and once in the fourth as Sherman doubled and came home on a sacrifice fly by Seefeldt.

Medina though managed only two more hits and just one more run the rest of the way.

Schuylerville tied the game in the fourth an then took a 3-2 lead in the fifth.

Medina did rally back into a 3-3 tie in the top of the sixth on a double steal play as a double by Fry and single by Seefeldt set up the opportunity.

Schuylerville though regained the lead for good in the bottom of the sixth by scoring three times with two out to key the 6-3 victory and a berth in the state final.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Among the Barker track teams returnees are, in front, Zach Lawson and Josh Weakland. In back are Haleigh Mason, Serena Harris and Bailey Sutch.

The Barker boys squad, which went 3-3 in Niagara-Orleans League competition last year, and the girls team, which went 2-4, both return a good nucleus.

Seniors Josh Weakland (2nd in High Jump, 4th in 110 Hurdles and 5th in 100 at the All-League meet) and Zach Lawson (5th in Pole Vault and 6th in 400) along with sophomore Jacob Cirillo (2nd Pole Vault, 6th 110 Hurdles) help to anchor the boys team.

The Lady Raiders are led by seniors Bailey Sutch (2nd High Jump, 3rd in 100 Hurdles, Sprints), Serena Harris (Distance, Steeplechase) and Haleigh Mason (Long Jump, Triple Jump, Distance) along with junior Madison Gancasz (2nd Pole Vault, Sprints).

Like all other teams the Raiders are waiting for schools, which are currently closed due to the coronavirus concern, to reopen so the schedule can begin.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Notre Dame’s Gabe MacDonald, left, and Elba’s Colton Dillon head the area players named to the All-State basketball squad today.

A total of five area players have earned spots on the All-State boys basketball squad which was announced today.

In Class D, Elba senior Colton Dillon has been named to the second team and Notre Dame senior Gabe MacDonald to the fourth team.

Dillon, who was Player of the Year in the Genesee Region League, averaged 27 points and 13 rebounds per game. He topped the 1,000 point career scoring mark during the season in which his top individual game was 47.

MacDonald, likewise averaged a double-double as he scored 378 points (17.2 average) and grabbed off 230 rebounds (10.5 ave.)

In addition, Elba senior Collin O’Halloran and Notre Dame sophomore Colin McCulley have received Class D Honorable Mention.

O’Halloran averaged 9 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game while McCulley scored 410 points for an 18.6 ave.

In Class B, Newfane senior Garrett Srock earned Honorable Mention.

The Niagara-Orleans League Player of the Year, Srock averaged a double-double with 379 points (17.0 ave.) and 240 rebonds (10.4 ave.).

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Veteran members of the Roy-Hart track squads include, in front, Will Rickard and Ozzy Moore. In back Maddie Colley, Anna Rickard, McCarthy Lang and Nadia White.

Having steadily moved up the Niagara-Orleans League standings each of the last two years, the Roy-Hart track squads look to continue that momentum anchored by a good nucleus of returnees.

Both Roy-Hart teams went 3-3 in N-O competition last spring.

Ozzy Moore, who won the 3200 and placed second in the 1600 at the All-League meet, heads the veteran group for the Roy-Hart boys squad which also includes seniors Will Rickard (hurdles, relays) and Jacob Palmer (5th in Shotput) and junior Aiden Bligh (5th in 400).

The Roy-Hart girls squad is led by a quintet of top three All-League meet place finishers including seniors Kali Scharping (1st in High Jump) and  Anna Rickard (2nd in 1500 and 3000), freshman Nadia White (2nd in 400 and 4th in Triple Jump) along with juniors McCarthy Lang (3rd Pole Vault) and Maddie Colley (3rd Pentathlon).

The Lady Rams also return junior Bri Meaney (5th in 400 Hurdles) and sophomore Justine Lavery (5th in 100 Hurdles).

Like all other teams, the Rams are waiting for schools, which are currently closed due to the coronavirus confer, to reopen so the schedule can begin.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville’s All Decade team honorees Cody Dix, left, and Zach Johnson.

Two Lyndonville High graduates, catcher Cody Dix (Class of 2010) and pitcher Zach Johnson (Class of 2019) have been named to the second team of the Section V small schools All-Decade Baseball Team.

Dix, a four year starter behind the plate for the Tigers, was a three time Genesee Region League All-Star and a first team All-State honoree his senior year.

He hit .519 his senior year with 23 RBI, 14 stolen bases, 9 doubles and 2 triples.

For his career, Dix hit .538 with 136 RBI, a state record 62 doubles, 90 stolen bases and 70 throw outs/pickoffs.

Johnson, who likewise was a four year starter and a three time G-R All-Star, compiled a 20-3 record on the mound for the Tigers. He went 4-1 with 77 strikeouts and a 2.05 era. his junior year and 7-2 with 108 strikeouts and a 0.69 era. his senior year.

An outfielder when not on the mound, Johnson had an average of .447 at the plate over his last three years with a total of 63  RBI, 14 doubles, 8 triples and 4 home runs. He had 27 RBI and a .431 average with 5 doubles, 4 triples and 3 homers his senior year.

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Olivia Carter in action in the High Jump at last year’s All-League meet.

Coming off a .500 Niagara-Orleans League season (3-3), the Medina girls track team returns a small nucleus of All-League place finishers.

Senior Olivia Carter, who won the Long Jump and placed third in the High Jump and fifth in the Triple Jump and junior Devin Griffin who won the Pentathlon head that veteran group which also includes seniors Elina Stewart (4th in 100 and 5th in 200), Nodia Osby (5th in 400), Miranda Zelazny (5th in Shotput) and Hannah Heil (7th in 1500) along with junior Emma Schwarzott (4th in 400).

Looking to improve on last year’s 1-5 N-O record, the Medina boys squad likewise returns a small veteran nucleus led by junior Christina Drisdom who won the High Jump at the All-League meet.

The Mustangs also return seniors Hunter Heil (Hurdles, Jumps) and Caleb Cudzilo (Sprints) along with juniors Cameron Castanon (4th in 1600 and 6th in 3200), Dontae Rhim (7th in 100 and 200) and sophomore Jarin Rhim (Jumps).

Like other area teams the Mustangs are waiting for schools, which are currently closed due to the coronavirus concern, to reopen so the schedule can begin.

Section V officials today released the 8 man football schedule for the upcoming season which will be the third for Holley and the first for Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville.

In fact, Holley and Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville will cap off the season by meeting for the first time on October 30 at Middleport.

Both teams will open on the road on September 11 as Holley visits Pembroke and Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville travels to Oakfield-Alabama/Elba.

Holley’s home games will be against Frewsburg (Sept. 19), South Seneca (Oct. 3) and CG Finney (Oct. 17).

The Hawks other road games will be at Maple Grove and Red Jacket.

Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonville’s other home games will be against Pembroke (Sept. 18), Maple Grove (Oct. 6) and Red Jacket (Oct. 16) while their other road contests will be at Frewsburg, South Seneca and Finney.

“It will be fun,” said Roy-Hart/Barker/Lyndonvlle Head coach Joey Suhr of the schedule. “There are some good regional rivalries there. It’s going to be an interesting mix.”

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Albion hurdlers Anthony Freeman, left, and Dom Burton sprint toward the finish line during a 2019 meet.

The defending Niagara-Orleans League champion Albion boys track team is anchored by a large contingent of All-League meet place finishers.

Junior Chris Shabazz, who won the N-O Pentathlon title, senior Chase Carleton who took top honors in the pole vault and Nick Perry who earned the Discus title,  head that veteran contingent.

Junior Alex Zaczek also placed third in the pole vault while in the distance events sophomore Reuben Rivers took fifth in the 3200.

In the Hurdles, senior Dom Burton placed third in both the 110 and 400 and junior Anthony Freeman fourth in the 400.

In the jumps, senior Kevin Hillman took third in the Triple Jump and fifth in the Long Jump.

In the sprint events, sophomore Ozzie Matos placed second in the 400. The Purple Eagles also return senior Bril Johnson who was injured part of last season.

“We’ve got a real good group with good experience in most every event,” said Coach Mark Hryvniak whose Purple Eagles went 6-0 in N-O competition last spring. “The boys are excited to compete. They are raring to go.”

A key graduation loss for the Purple Eagles was Tre Yaskulski who was a triple winner at the All-League meet in the 110 Hurdles, Long Jump ad Triple Jump.

The Albion girls squad, which went 2-4 in N-O competition, returns a good nucleus including in the sprints junior Claire Squicciari and sophomore Abby Scanlan; in the throws senior Ashlyn LeBaron (3rd in Discus, 4th in Shotput) and junior Logan Conlon (4th in Discus); in jumps junior Honesty Little (4th in the Long Jump), in the distance events junior Alanna Holman and sophomore Bri Haines who won the Pole Vault.

Like all other teams the Purple Eagles are waiting for schools, which are currently closed due to the coronavirus concern, to reopen so the schedule can begin.

Albion’s Bri Haines soars to a win in the pole vault in 2019.

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Nate Sherman and Albion’s Deyonci Farley

Two local seniors, Albion’s Deyonci Farley and Medina’s Nate Sherman, have earned Honorable Mention on the All-Western New York basketball squad.

Two other Niagara-Orleans League players, Newfane’s Garrett Srock and Wilson’s Luke Bradley, both seniors, have also earned Honorable Mention.

Farley, a two-time first team N-O All-League honoree, led Albion in both scoring with 308 points (14.0 average) and rebounding with 187. He also had 72 steals, 34 assists and 18 blocks.

Sherman likewise led Medina in both scoring with 301 points (17.7 ave.) and rebounding with 167.

Srock, who was named N-O Player of the Year, averaged a double-double leading the Panthers in both scoring with 379 points (17.0 ave.) and rebounding with 240 (10.4 ave.). He also had 46 assists, 36 steals and 23 blocks.

Bradley scored 298 points (13.5 ave.).

Contributed Photo – J&J Coach Gary Wood meets here with three of his key players, from left, Marty Smith, Roosevelt Bouie and Nate Bouie prior to the start of the 1975 Lockport YMCA Easter Tournament which J&J won.

Fresh from leading Kendall to a Section V basketball title, Roosevelt Bouie helped spark the Middleport J&J Restaurant sponsored team to a championship in the 1975 Lockport YMCA Easter Tournament.

Bouie, who was named the tournament’s MVP, poured in 50 points in J&J’s 99-52 romp of Davidson Road Inn in the championship game.

However, it took a narrow 78-76 win over Park Inn in the semifinals to give J&J a shot at the title.

J&J took a 76-74 lead with 18 seconds to go on a basket by Nate Bouie, Roosevelt’s cousin.

However, Park Inn quickly retied the contest setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

With just four seconds to go Jon Holden inbounded the ball for J&J to Nate Bouie who in turn fired the ball to Roosevelt Bouie who scored the game winner on a reverse dunk.

Roosevelt Bouie finished with 35 points and Nate Bouie 15.

In the opening round, J&J rolled past Wilson’s Pizza 85-45 as Roosevelt Bouie again had 35 and Nate Bouie 15.

In addition to the Bouies from Kendall  the J&J squad included Dan Albee, Dan Seefeldt, Gregg Harrington and Mark Wilson from Roy-Hart along with Holden Marty Smith, Brian Graham and Tom Sarratori from Starpoint.

The J&J squad was the only non Lockport team in the tourney.

The tourney title was the second in five years for Coach Gary Wood’s squad.

Editor’s Note – The spring high school sports previews will resume Monday.