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The Tonawanda Warriors are champions

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For the first time in 53 years, the Tonawanda Warriors can call themselves the champs.  After grinding out a low scoring affair at Lackawanna, the Warriors came away with a 33-32 victory that clinches at least a share of the ECIC IV league championship. 

 

Tonawanda trailed 20-12 at halftime, but outscored the Steelers 16-4 in the third quarter and held on to earn the win.  The Warriors avenged a 46-35 loss from earlier this season and have most likely dethroned the perennial league power.  On Monday night, the Warriors travel to face winless Eden, where a victory will give them the ECIC IV title outright. 

 

 Both teams were coming off impressive home wins against JFK, but a recent nonleague win at Batavia propelled the Steelers ahead of Tonawanda in the Buffalo News small school poll.  Lackawanna had been previously unranked and were voted  as high as number two this week.  Tonawanda is currently ranked ninth, one place behind Lackawanna, but that is certain to change following this victory.

 

Buffalo News columnist Jerry Sullivan wrote an article about Tonawanda this week.   It's a great read, and one line in the article struck me.  Sullivan wrote "It's finally cool to be a Warrior".  After seeing them play a few times this year, I can say that it's cool to watch the Warriors as well.  Maybe other high school basketball enthusiasts will get to see what I mean if the Warriors can advance to the Class B1 semifinals at Buffalo State.  But for now they should celebrate their success and accomplishments…they've earned it.

 

Congratulations to head coach Hank Hughes and his Warriors, the 2010-2011 ECIC IV champions.

 

-centercourt

 

8 responses to “The Tonawanda Warriors are champions”

  1. TML1000 Avatar
    TML1000

    Not to burst anyone’s bubble…but this was NOT a pretty game. I don’t even know where to begin…very sloppy on both ends and poor execution, specifically by Lackawanna.
    This game reminded me of the A-2 final in 2009 between Maryvale and Depew…not one we’re ever going to reference as a gem.
    Regardless…congrats to Tonawanda…many, many tough years recently.

    Reply
  2. Lucky13 Avatar
    Lucky13

    Just for the sake of discussion and before today’s and next week’s games (looking over more recent results), I think it’s fair to wonder whether St. Joe’s can be considered better than Jamestown and Will. South right now ? (Not for actually considering changing next week’s polls ,unless Jamestown loses today, but, again, just for some interesting discussion.)

    Reply
  3. StateChamps2003 Avatar
    StateChamps2003

    33-32. I’m speechless. What a barn burner (note sarcasm). I don’t know how a team wins when scoring 5 points in two quarters. Oh wait, I know, the opposing team scores 4 points in a quarter. Congrats to Tonawanda but really?
    Class B is pretty weak this year and is the group least likely to advanced past regionals as Mynderse from Rochester went up a class and is returning practically their entire team from last year that lost to state champion OTC Middle College. Not to mention Rochester also has an undefeated ‘B’ team in Livonia.

    Reply
  4. JohnFrederickPSU Avatar
    JohnFrederickPSU

    Sure, St. Joe’s can be considered better than Will South or Jamestown, but does it really matter? The Polls create discussion which is fine, but other than that don’t hold all that much value when the ranked MMA teams, both large or small school and the ranked Section IV schools dont compete against each other for Championships. And no I am not trying to stir the proverbial pot, just commenting.
    However, from a “that would be pretty cool” point of view ,if Joes moved to #2 this coming week, setting up a #1 vs. #2 matchup next Friday vs Niagara Falls, how much more interest would that game generate?

    Reply
  5. TML1000 Avatar
    TML1000

    I would consider moving Joe’s ahead of South, just as I moved McKinley ahead of South when McKinley was playing their best basketball. I don’t think you can consider moving Joe’s ahead of Jamestown…Jamestown’s only loss in the past two months was this past week without Paige.
    Realistically, I feel Joe’s right now is the third best team in the area.

    Reply
  6. JohnFrederickPSU Avatar
    JohnFrederickPSU

    Great teams need to adapt when a top player goes down for whatever the reason may be.
    St. Joe’s 4 losses early in the season came without a projected starter, who now comes off the bench. But again, how much do the polls really matter? If you’re a great team you will win your leagues championship and that is what matters most.
    This year a little bit more than the last few, the 4 or 5 teams bunched at the top are matched pretty equally. A nod for a #1 spot could go any way.

    Reply
  7. jackherlan Avatar
    jackherlan

    Sorry to burst everybody’s speculative bubble, there is this little matter of Tuesday’s game with that team from Delaware Ave. that must be taken care of before anyone talks about #1 v. #2 or 3 or whatever it is. It will still be a special week on Kenmore Ave. no matter what happens. See you at the game.

    Reply
  8. hoopster Avatar
    hoopster

    Congrats to the Warriors!!! Imagine they would have been thrilled with a 16-15 win.
    Kinda unusual for Jerry Sullivan to write a touchy/feely piece. I thought I was tough, but man he is one hard hitting journalist.
    Surprised no one else picked up on this. Yes Virginia there is HOPE for the Buffalo Bills. The first title for the Warriors in 53 years. Well, next season will be the Bills 53rd (1959 to2011-12). Book it! The Bills are gonna win the Super Bowl!!
    Based on what I saw last night and the night before I’d definitely have Joe’s ahead of South. South looked sluggish. Not sure why. Thought they would have been super charged for a game against a decent opponent. Perhaps just a reflection of playing a poor league schedule.

    Reply

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