Purple Eagles set to begin rebuilding task
Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Albion’s Jahmeek Riley in action during a game last season.
Looking to fill the holes created by the loss of nine players to graduation, Albion will begin tuning up or the Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball season by visiting Byron-Bergen at 7 p.m. Friday.
Anchoring the Purple Eagles lineup is the returning senior quintet of Jahmeek Riley, Tyler Gibson, Luqman Cornick, Shakarim Drisdom and Ozzie Matos.
The Purple Eagles lineup also includes senior Jay Ashby, juniors Javon Jones, Caleb Fox, Nick Harling, Aqul Gaffney and sophomore Dylan Narburgh.
“Our seniors have to fill the holes and our younger group has got to come in and step up,” said Coach Travis Downs whose Purple Eagles went 6-6 in N-O competition last season.
The Purple Eagles graduation losses included Bailey Blanchard, who earned second team N-O All-League honors, Damion Lattimer, Christian Doty and Chris Shabazz, who were all Honorable Mention selections, along with Tony Freeman, Elijah Lloyd, Zach Coleccechi, Kyle Lonnen and Kyle Woolston.
Albion’s N-O opener will be at home against Newfane on January 4.
