Purple Eagles top Tigers in N-O opener

Building up as much as a 16 point lead, Albion turned back a late surge by host Akron to claim a 57-51 victory in the Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball opener this evening.

Albion built up leads of 12-10 after one period, 29-15 at the half and 45-29 at the three-quarter mark.  Kevin Hillman scored 11 in the second period to help the Purple Eagles open up the 14 point half-time advantage.

Akron made the finish close by outpointing Albion 22-12 in the final period.

Hillman finished with 19 and Chris Shabazz 13 to lead Albion as Bailey Blanchard added 8, Deyonci Farley 6, Xavier Cornick 5 and Liam Ward 2.

Adam Mietz led Akron with 21 as Mitchell Holtz added 9

East Aurora 64, Roy-Hart 48
Jumping out to a 32-13 half-time advantage, East Aurora went on to defeat visiting Roy-Hart 64-48 in a non league game.

Rhett Goodwin scored 14 and Tom Ragonese and Canyon Wood 9 each for Roy-Hart which next hosts Albion at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Tonawanda 66, Barker 41
Tonawanda likewise built up a commanding 43-13 half-time advantage in route to downing visiting Barker 66-41.

Shane Gerhardt scored 15 and Joey Brandt 13 for Barker.