New coach at Purple Eagles helm

Photo by Mike Wertman – New Albion boys varsity basketball coach David Kozar meets here with the Purple Eagles returning players. In front are Shyheim Jakes, Hunter Webster and Brad Sanford. In back are Liam Ward, Bryce Pritchard, Coach Kozar, Demetrius Gardner and Austin Dugan.

With new Coach David Kozar at the helm, the Albion Purple Eagles are prepping for the November 30 non league hone opener against LeRoy.

Albion has a good returning nucleus including seniors Demetrius Gardner, Austin Dugan, Shyheim Jakes, Brad Sanford and Hunter Webster along with junior Bryce Pritchard and sophomore Liam Ward.

The Purple Eagles lineup also includes juniors Dylan Fox and Vincent Zona along with sophomores Deyonci Farley and Kevin Hillman.

“We’ve got quite a lot of returnees but we’re still a young team,” said Kozar who takes over the helm from Brennan Meakin. “We’re looking to build on the foundation that Brennan started and they are excited to compete.”

The Purple Eagles gradation losses included Kory Reynolds, Tommy Mattison, Chase Hall, Tanner Ferris and Lamar Chambers. Reynolds earned second team Niagara-Orleans All-League honors.

Albion, which went 7-15 overall last season, will begin N-O competition at Medina on December 14.

Schedule
November: 30 – LeRoy, 7 p.m.
December: 1 – at Lyndonville, 7 p.m.; 6 – at Elba, 7 p.m.; 8 – at Maryvale, 7 p.m.; 11 – Finney, 7 p.m.; 14 – at Medina, 6:30 p.m.; 19 – vs. Buffalo Academy of Science at Daemen College, 7 p.m.; 22 – Newfane, 7 p.m.; 27 and 28 – at GCC Tournament
January: 4 – at Akron, 6:30 p.m.; 9 – at Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.; 12 – Barker, 7 p.m.; 16 – at Wilson, 6 p.m.; 25 – Medina, 7 p.m.; 30 – at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
February: 2 – Akron, 7 p.m.; 6 – Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.; 9 – at Barker, 7 p.m.; 13 – Wilson, 7 p.m.