Panthers, Lakewomen seek sectional titles

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 March 2024 at 4:53 pm

Looking to end a 40 year plus long drought, No. 3 seed Newfane will take on top seeded Salamanca for the Section VI Class B1 boys basketball championship at 1:45 p.m. Saturday at Buffalo State College.

Newfane, which last captured a sectional title in 1980, brings a 20-2 record into the finals while Salamanca is 17-5.

The Panthers advanced to the finals by nipping No. 2 Olmsted 49-48 in the semifinals while the Warriors downed No. 4 Akron 62-48.

The victor will advance to the Section VI Class B state qualifier game on Tuesday at Buffalo state against the winner of the Class B2 championship between No. 2 Eden and No. 5 Falconer.

The Panthers balanced attack has been led by the senior trio of Ben Dickinson (13 point ave), Landon Braman (12.6) and Nate Snow (10.6).

Leading the way for the Warriors has been Lucas Brown who has scored 560 points for a 25.5 per game average.

Section VI Class B2 Girls Final
No. 1 Wilson vs. No. 7 Portville
Top seeded Niagara-Orleans League champion Wilson will face No. 7 Portville in the Section VI Class B2 girls basketball playoff championship game at 11 a.m. Sunday at Buffalo State College.

Wilson advanced to the final by edging No. 4 Allegany-Limestone 46-44 in the semifinal while Portville downed No. 3 Salamanca 47-35.

The Lakewomen have been led offensively this season by the senior duo of Peyton McInnis (341 points, 203 rebounds) and Rian Faery (258 points, 180 rebounds).

Wilson last won a sectional title in 2017.

The victor will advance to the state playoffs.