In November, 101 teams between Section VI and the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association began preparation for the 2010-2011 season.  Now with just two left standing, I'm sure most people have some idea about who they think deserves some recognotion for postseason honors.

 

Sometime in early April, I will release the All-Centercourt Team (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th team, along with 35 honorable mention selections).  I will also select a Player of the Year and Coach of the Year.

 

One thing that I've noticed from taking a preliminary glance, this season there were a lot of good teams with balance, which makes the players more difficult to separate.  Who's the best player on McKinley? Canisius? Timon? Will South? Bennett? Maple Grove? Newfane? Clarence? Niagara Falls?  Ken West?  I could keep going, but I'm sure you get the point. 

 

I also think there will be quite a bit of discrepancy in how everyone will look to fill out the first and second team.  Once you get to third team and beyond, it'll be all over the place.  There's plenty to debate about where the players will get slotted after this season…and it's going to be a lot of fun.

 

In the comments section below, let us know your thoughts on where you think the players should be placed.  Remember that it's always a better argument if you can say who you would have in a spot, rather than to simply state a player should not be there.

 

I'm looking forward to the discussion, as this is always one of the best topics to close out each season with. 

 

-centercourt

152 responses to “All-Centercourt & CC MVP – Let the discussion begin”

  1. KKBundy Avatar
    KKBundy

    How does the selection process work? Do you put a player at each position 1 thru 5 or are the best 5 players your 1st team the 2nd 5 best your 2nd team, etc., etc.?

  2. Patrick Moran Avatar

    I’m preparing to release my first annual Buffalo Sports Daily All-WNY team on St. Patrick’s Day (last year only had a POY and 1st Team). However, I only have 4 teams and 25 honorable mention selections, which is sure to get even more criticism when certain kids are left off as quite obviously, more kids will be left off.
    Whenever it’s Centercourt, me, Keith, or anyone else releasing any lists– it’s sure to be met with hot debate. From what I see, any player past the first three on the 1st team are completely debatable.
    I just hope people keep their comments respectful on this board, which is sure to fill up quickly with opinions, and not make any of the criticism personal. There are sure to be disagreements, let’s just hope the majority of them towards the ones who appoint teams and/or have opinions stay classy.

  3. centercourt Avatar
    centercourt

    KKBundy –
    1st team will go to the five players that had the best season this year…and so on. I’m not going to do it position. The entire season (including the postseason) will be considered.
    Patrick –
    Looking forward to reading your selections on Thursday when I get to Glens Falls.

  4. sal constantino Avatar
    sal constantino

    PAL/ACE Showcase will hold tryouts on monday april 4th at Niagara Falls HS. All 9th and 10th graders will tryout from 6pm-7:15 and jr./sr. from 7:15-8:30. The games will be played on wed. apr. 6th starting at 6:15 at NFHS. for more info. call sal at 228-7916

  5. basketballfan Avatar
    basketballfan

    Sal, What time will the jr/sr’s play?

  6. sal constantino Avatar
    sal constantino

    right after

  7. sal constantino Avatar
    sal constantino

    All players trying out must of played varsity basketball this past season

  8. Patrick Moran Avatar

    Let me use this forum to address a player who is probably going to be on some people’s lists, as well as to address a “rumor” that was all over a thread from last week.
    Reggie Agbeko.
    ‘Rumor’ is he’s already left to go back overseas until next November. I can confirm that is not true.
    He is currently practicing on a AAU team that’s coached by Aaron Nevins’ father. In fact, there are other MMAA kids on that team including Kyle Kobis and Jordan Williams from Timon as well as Wagner from St. Francis. There’s also Aaron Frasier (Seneca) on it and another kid from East high school so far.
    I can’t say that things will ever change, but I can confirm without question that the rumors that Reggie is gone is complete and utter bogus and if he’s practicing AAU, I am strongly assume he’s not going anywhere, period.

  9. Patrick Moran Avatar

    Poor grammar at the end– but you get the point.

  10. jackherlan Avatar
    jackherlan

    I could have told you and anyone else that. OH wait a minute I did, I advise anyone not to believe everything that is written on here.

  11. Liohsif Avatar
    Liohsif

    It would be great to see some AAu basketball games.
    Where could I find out information on schedules? Is there a website?

  12. KKBundy Avatar
    KKBundy

    While talking AAU, does anyone know if the aforementioned AAU team with Rehbaum, Stasiak, Licata, Safir, Stolzenburg, O’Connell is playing together?

  13. Far West Avatar
    Far West

    Good point by CC stating alot of teams had balance this year. I think what people must not do while selecting this years team is to immediately think “I have to have someone from N-Falls or Cassadaga Valley on my All-WNY team”. Just because a team had a great year doesn’t mean you have to select a player or players from their team to All-WNY. Like CC said, many teams were balanced this year. I think it is actually more of a compliment to a team like the Falls if they got no one on All-WNY. It would just show how balanced and great of a TEAM they were this year without a superstar standing out. Remember, All-WNY is a postseason award meant to recognize the best PLAYERS in wny not the best teams. The team awards were handed out at Buffalo State over the last few weeks. If it means a player from Lake Shore makes it over a player from McKinley then so be it. You should not penalize the better player from Lake Shore by excluding him from an all-wny team in favor of a kid from McKinley just because McKinley clearly had a better season. Now obviously the better teams will have a good majority of the selections but I hope everyone understands the point I am trying to make.
    *All teams referenced in this post were used as examples.

  14. Patrick Moran Avatar

    KK Bundy: To my knowledge those kids are too told to play together this summer, all be seniors that will be graduated and assumed over 17.
    There are several AAU teams around and I’ll find and post as many as I can.. The one I know about now is the Buffalo Dragons, coached by Mr Nevins that features Agbeko, WIlliams, Kobis, Frasier, Healy and I’m not sure who else yet.
    I know Sterling Taplin is playing on a quality team as well– I’ll look to find out more info for you.
    Far West– Solid points I think.. THere will be exceptions, but also don’t discount great players because they are on a great team.. for example, in my opinion it would be a disservice to EXCLUDE a guy like Marcus Feagin from an All-WNY team because he played on a power house
    (I know your talking in general and not specific teams and players, I was just using an example)

  15. Patrick Moran Avatar

    BTW,
    I’ve seen people in Keith’s chats all season long and on here some bitching about who should and shouldn’t be on your teams.
    CC is giving you guys a chance. . Where’s ya’ll lists?!?!?

  16. TML1000 Avatar
    TML1000

    1st team – Paige, Holland, Rehbaum, Butts, Fisher
    2nd team – Stasiak, Nevins, Miles, Estarfaa, Harrington
    3rd team – Richardson, Street, Lyons, Bailey, Taplin
    4th team – Funk, Edwards, Knight, Alexander(OTC), Agbeko
    Tough go really…real hard to leave out guys like Wilkes, O’Connell, Alexander(Lack), Licata, Pierce, Hill, Feagins, Bomasuto, Moxham….clearly others as well. I probably missed someone big time but this is my first run through…I may amend this later.
    I’m just going by who I feel were the best players in an overall sense…scoring, defense and leadership all came into play.

  17. Who are you? Avatar
    Who are you?

    I don’t get it. Who is Patrick Moran? What does he mean he is putting out an All WNY team? I mean, it’s kind of an insult to Keith that CC is doing it but at least he has some credibility. I just have no idea who Patrick is? I mean if ‘Mike Johnson’ was to put out a team should we care? I mean guys there is 1 true team, let the Buffalo News handle this.

  18. Mike Johnson Avatar

    Mike Johnson All-Western NY boys basketball team
    POY Holland or Paige
    First team (1)
    Paige; Holland; Nevins; Lyons; Miles
    Second team (2)
    Fisher; Stasiak; Rehbaum; Harrington; Ron Pierce
    Third team (3)
    Estarfar; Butts; Tapling; OConnell; Funk
    Forth team (4)
    Hillman; Agbeko; Bomasutto; Cheatom; Licata

  19. Patrick Moran Avatar

    Just a guy with a little website who’s watched a lot of HS Hoops this year.. And I was unaware the Buffalo News monopolized the WNY high school All-Star Market.
    Til they do, I’ll continue to insert my opinion backed up by a few occasional facts.
    And Mr. Johnson, everyone is entitled and going by this thread title, even encouraged to have their own opinion about their all-star teams, and while I have a lot of respect for Maurice Miles’ game, I’m curious to your view on why he should be on the first team All-WNY.

  20. Wayne Rooney Avatar
    Wayne Rooney

    Unlike most of the people who post on this blog I don’t see alot of games besides the NFL teams. But for my money Martin Bailey was the best player in the NFL this season. Good defender and not afraid to take it to the hoop. He definately deserves some look at for at least 2nd or 3rd team all-WNY.

  21. Division1 Avatar
    Division1

    Personally I look forward to Patrick Moran’s picks for All-ANY and POY; he covered western new York high school hoops all season and in my opinion did as good a job as those others mentioned. Why should it be limited to Centercourt or the Buffalo News? ESPN, The Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, etc all name there own teams in most sports, so the more the merrier. Lastly if you haven’t heard of Patrick Moran in western new York sports, you need to come out from under that rock alittle more.

  22. MMA Avatar
    MMA

    I agree with D1. This forum is meant to have everyones opinions and thats what makes it. Patrick does an outstanding job for highschool sports. I guess you dont pay much attention to press row because Patrick is always sitting there along with Centercourt, and Keith. Even McShea is God sits there, although he doesnt seem to do much other than occupy a seat and surf the web…sorry MIG. I dont know why Centercourt and Patrick giving a team would bbe an insult to Keith either. The Buffalo News team is really just one mans opinion just like the others will be and I think they see as many games as Keith does. all 3 ddo a nice job and it gives fans more to look forward to. Dont forget the Amherst Bee and Gazette also do teams.

  23. Patrick Moran Avatar

    Not offended.. I’ve learned it comes with the territory.
    Anyway, enough about me. Much like CC, I want to hear EVERYONE’s OPINIONS about All-WNY. This is your forum to do so.
    Sorry to steal your thunder, CC. LOL.. I just dig having a place to talk HS Hoops 24/7

  24. Who are you? Avatar
    Who are you?

    Division 1 and MMA let me guess…parents of a certain St Joe’s player?
    So when we see that somehow Patrick names ‘Connor Rehbaum’ his player of the year we shouldn’t question Pat’s credibilty? Even though anyone who doesn’t ‘live under a rock’ knows it would either be Holland or Paige? Look forward to seeing if this plays out on his ‘little website’…
    And yes it is an insult to Keith and the News to name an All WNY team. In fact, the news has legal right to that name so I would be careful what I called it.
    Congrats Connor on winning Patrick’s award! Mike Johnson you rock!

  25. I am who I am Avatar
    I am who I am

    That’s who I am.

  26. StateChamps2003 Avatar
    StateChamps2003

    POY – Chris Holland
    First Team:
    Holland – I-Prep at Grover
    Paige – Jamestown
    Fisher – East
    Rehbaum – St. Joe’s
    Stasiak – Williamsville South
    Second Team:
    Estarfaa – Maryvale
    Taplin – Williamsville North
    Butts – Jamestown
    Miles – Hutch Tech
    Nevins – Canisius
    Third Team:
    Alexander – OTC Middle College
    Richardson – Bennett
    Hillman – I-Prep at Grover
    Lyons – Canisius
    Knight – Tapestry
    Fourth Team –
    Williams – NFHS
    Pringle – I-Prep at Grover
    Harrington – Lancaster
    O’Connell – Williamsville South
    Street – NHFS

  27. StateChamps2003 Avatar
    StateChamps2003

    Coach of the Year;
    Toss up between Ben Drake of Jamestown and Starling Bryant of East High.
    Drake overcame the hurdle of finally beating NFHS and advanced the Red Raiders to Glens Falls for the first time.
    Bryant loses 4 starters from last years A-2 champion squad only to WIN the Yale Cup, repeat as A-2 champions and avenge last years pitiful loss to Williamsville South in the ‘A’ crossover game and plays toe to toe with Rochester’s best team for 29 and a half minutes.

  28. Division1 Avatar
    Division1

    For the record, i am not a St. Joes parent; My choice for POY is hands down Jaysean Paige, he has had very good numbers while shooting a very good percentage, has done at big moments in big games and is still doing it deep into March. Connor Rehbaum has had a very good year and deserves to be a first teamer but not POY. I happen to think Reggie Agbeko is the best player on St. Joes and most talented player in western new york; Most don’t know because he was simply asked to rebound and get occasionally touches for this team.

  29. Patrick Moran Avatar

    “Who Are You/I Am Who I Am”
    1- The Buffalo News has the ‘legal right’ to All- Western New York”? Do they also own the term All-Star,Buffalo, I-Prep At Grover International, Basketball, Addidas and Cover It Live as well? I better never have a Live Blog again during a WNY HS game or I’ll get sued. For the record, that’s not a poke at Keith; I got a lot of respect for Keith, works his ass off and personally did a lot for me to help acclimate me to the high school stage.. That’s merely a poke at your completely idiotic comment.
    As for the other thing, I have NOT named any Player of the Year or anything else. I wrote on February 19 that Rehbaum was my front-runner for P.O.Y. He was and is still a candidate, along with others as well.
    I tend not to worry about personal attacks as I know it comes with the territory. But in this case your comment, congrats, It was worth a response.. I’m just hoping you’re a youngster and not an adult because if you are, that’s kind of pathetic.

  30. Patrick Moran Avatar

    BTW, I suppose its a good thing that MY team is called the All-BSD Basketball Team.
    Meanwhile, I’m on the horn with the Sporting News, urging them to sue ESPN if they come up with an All-NFL team.

  31. Who are you? Avatar
    Who are you?

    HA! I love that I got you upset! Yes, again, here we go anyone who comments here or attacks you is ‘pathetic’, has no life, is a loser…we all got it Pat. If only we all could be as cool as you.
    Look the bottom line is you are friends with Connor’s father. Connor is a good player, second team at best. Not that Holland or Paige know you exist, but for any rag website or magazine not to name them player of the year, that person simply does not know anything about basketball. Keith and Center Court know alot about basketball, not base their picks on being friends with somebody’s father.
    And the ‘All WNY Team’ is owned by the Buffalo News. Does the Sporting News give out a ‘Heisman Trophy’? Look you can have your thoughts, not that anyone cares, but just don’t call it All WNY.
    State Champs, Hoopster, TML….those people know a little something about basketball so it will be good to see who they think will be on Keith’s team.

  32. JohnFrederickPSU Avatar
    JohnFrederickPSU

    Yeah, yeah, I know this is a basketball blog but if I’m starting a baseball team, I want the crew listed below.
    From KKbundy:”While talking AAU, does anyone know if the aforementioned AAU team with Rehbaum, Stasiak, Licata, Safir, Stolzenburg, O’Connell is playing together?”
    Some serious talent there. Probable All-WNY talent for a few.

  33. The Who Avatar
    The Who

    7 players who are very underrated and deserve some sorth of recognition even though they likely wont be on a top 4 team, thus putting them as Honorable Mention All WNY include:
    Brennan Moxham
    Eric Stolzenburg
    Kenny Hambruch
    Jonathan Safir
    Aswad Jones
    Jamaal Carter
    Joey Campion

  34. Unnamed Guest Avatar
    Unnamed Guest

    I don’t really want to chime in and get involved, but I feel like this needs to be said:
    Pat you have done a great job this year and great work. However, I feel your constant mentions of POY and 1st team stuff throughout the year was unnecessary. Now is the time to talk POY, not on March 19th naming Rehbaum the front runner! These are high school sports, not college or pro sports! Most of these kids have two years of varsity basketball at 4 months each, so 8 months of this type of basketball in there life and that’s it! They don’t need to hear/you don’t need to write about 1st team this, POY that, prior to playoff time. If you notice Keith and Centercourt refrained from doing that stuff until playoff time as well. It’s just the right thing to do if you want to be credited as unbiased and to sit on press row.
    Keep up the high quality work, I feel you have added a unique dynamic to WNY HS Bball this year and look forward to hearing your selections in the coming days and more from you this year with the AAU stuff, and then next year we do it all over again!

  35. Ha Avatar
    Ha

    Ha John you crack me up! Yes sir, all of them are all wny basketball talents and some even are all wny baseball talents in that group!

  36. jp Avatar
    jp

    who are kenny hambruch and jonathan safir?

  37. JohnFrederickPSU Avatar
    JohnFrederickPSU

    Where did I say that they are all ALL-WNY basketball talents? I didn’t. Go back and look, you will see no mention at all of basketball other than:”Yeah, yeah, I know this is a basketball blog but if I’m starting a baseball team, I want the crew listed below.”
    Try not to over analize a generic comment on a blog where comments are encouraged.
    I just said they are all good baseball players, who I have scene get better and better since they played on the 60′ diamond(12&U), and am happy for thier growth as student athletes who represent their schools well in multiple sports.
    I have said it before I have great admiration for the kids who do well in multiple sports.

  38. Ha Avatar
    Ha

    It wasn’t a knock at all! You cracking me up was a compliment. Do you know those people/families personally?

  39. JohnFrederickPSU Avatar
    JohnFrederickPSU

    Yes, I do and have since the boy’s were about 10. Quality thru and thru. I guess I’m guilty of over analyzing a generic comment, HUH(-:?

  40. Patrick Moran Avatar

    There is a difference between being critical and intentionally trying to stir the pot with mind-blowing inaccurate statements.
    First of all to address I am “friends with the Rehbaum’s” rhetoric. That’s completely untrue. I’m not sure where you get your information from, but if I’ve had 7 minutes worth of conversations with Mr. Rehbaum in my life that’s an exaggeration. He’s a nice guy and his kid is a solid player and even an better kid. If I’m supposed to apologize for having respect for people on and off the court, then you’re going to be waiting a long time.
    Ironically, in a twist to show you precious little you know about me, I’m actually RELATED to one of the better high school players in the area, and he’s in the Catholic league, and it’s NOT St. Joe’s either.
    In regards to Keith and the Buffalo News, which is ridiculous his name isn’t even mentioned because I’m sure he has nothing to do with any of this.. I respect Keith, he’s a fantastic writer and without question the best high school writer in the business at the biggest, most-read newspaper in WNY. He’s also a solid guy away from hoops.. Having said, Keith is NOT the sole authority on high school hoops in Western New York nor is the Buffalo News the only vehicle for high school hoops fans to read about basketball. It’s the biggest attraction by far and I’m a huge fan myself, but like it or not this an age with more publications and more opinions than ever and most people like having alternatives.
    You, nor anyone else for that matter has to read a single word I ever write. That’s your option and right.
    As far as Jaysean Paige “not knowing I exist”.. that’s barely worth a reply. Let’s just leave it at your very wrong, I’ve interviewed Jaysean many times and while you may think otherwise, I can guarantee you pretty much every noteworthy player and coach in WNY knows exactly who I am and, what Buffalo Sports Daily is.
    Unnamed Guest- I hear what you’re saying about forecasting a frontrunner for Player of the Year (though that was written on Feb 19, not March 19). But that’s a difference of opinion. I understand Keith and to a lesser degree, CC refrain from talking about POY of All-WNY teams until the season is over.. I’ve joked with Keith several times that it’s easier to get his social security number than All-WNY predictions. That’s their option. I on the other hand will discuss POY or All-WNY 5 days after the season starts and won’t stop until it’s all over. I have the same right and frankly, I think it makes for excellent debate and discussion. Hell, wasn’t Trent Edwards the ESPN choice for player of the year a few years ago after four weeks and look how that ended. Keith and some of those guys are more news and facts, as it should be since he’s a High School reporter for the Buffalo News.
    Me.. I just like to write and have a discussion. (and with AAU, I plan on doing A LOT of those stories this summer so hopefully you’ll like that)
    My All-BSD Teams (4 teams, 30 honorable mentions) is being published early Thursday morning, as well as my coach of the year. I completed it today and it’s the longest freegin thing I’ve written in years… Hopefully high school hoop fans give it a read and offer their insight.
    While I’ve never said my website is the next ESPN, I can promise I wouldn’t put the time into HS coverage if it wasn’t worth the time. Enough fans, players and coaches are tuned into it that I don’t let the few trolls derail me.
    I’m done bantering with an obvious trouble starter for good. Looking forward to hearing more people’s picks.

  41. Who are you? Avatar
    Who are you?

    Hey man you have got to get thicker skin. So far you have called me ‘pathetic’ and ‘a troll’ for not agreeing with you. And now you are using swear words. I think you need to just take a breath.
    I stand by what I said. Anybody who is going to copy Keith’s work that thinks someone other than Holland or Paige deserves player of the year knows nothing about basketball. Period. I also notice you didn’t respond to my ‘Heisman trophy’ comment, after you used several examples. Yes you can have an opinion, this is the USA. But to alot of us, Keith #1 and Center Court #2 are the voices of HS boys basketball. Period. You are just another person on this blog.

  42. Unnamed Guest Avatar
    Unnamed Guest

    Patrick, I completely understand and respect your answer to my question. Might not necessarily agree with the early wny talk, but hey that’s life.

  43. Centercourt is God Avatar

    JohnnyFreddyNittanyLion has GOTs to chill. He must chill. Ha was just doing a ha-ha, which was clear to anyone except to Mr. Going-out-in-the-first-round-to-Temple. Second foul on the White Lion. NBA rules so he’s got four more to burn, but please, please, please don’t. Please.
    And hey BSD, it’s no BFD if whoever or whomever wants to come on here and start slinging stones (or other stuff). But yo, go wash your keyboard out with soap. No need to get profane in the membrane. Technical foul. Next one is an ejection by that Tony Orlando ref.
    And don’t use troll. Give me the heebie-jeebies because it makes me think of those Tolkien Ring movies that were totally stupid. If any of these youngsters like those movies then Keith should be moving them down at least one All-WNY team.
    C-I-G is O-U-T

  44. JohnFrederickPSU Avatar
    JohnFrederickPSU

    Why the hate for the Nittany Lion? He has nothing to do with Pittsburg State University.

  45. Queen "B" Avatar
    Queen “B”

    Kudos to Nevins and his AAU team. More than half the kids listed for top honors played at some point under his direction. Stasiak, Nevins, Moxham, Rehbaum, Knight, Alexander, Butts, Estafar, Weir, Hart, White, and the list goes on an on.
    Reggie is playing this year, and there’s word…so will Paige.
    Keep up the good work Buffalo Dragons. Great results. Heard Modie Cox is a coach for the Dragons as well.

  46. May I ask... Avatar
    May I ask…

    Mr. Frederick,
    What is your relation to those people?

  47. Hoopfan Avatar
    Hoopfan

    JP, The kid from Newfane who went off against Tonawanda was Dan Hambruch. Not sure if theres a Kenny too or if Dan did anything outside of that game because it was the only time i saw Newfane. Safir played at North but was like the 4th best player there after Taplin, Young and Moranto. Not enough spots on All-WNY for the entire North team that couldn’t win a playoff game. I really think Taplin is the only one who gets anything.

  48. Ha Avatar
    Ha

    Safir there 4th best player? Someone must have never seen them play. Centercourt, whats your opinion on that

  49. Patrick Moran Avatar

    Queen B..
    Modie Cox does help coach the Buffalo Dragons, you’re right. And you’re also right that Reggie is playing for them. There are five kids, four of them from catholic schools (along with Aaron Frasier of Seneca) that is on that team so far that I know of.

  50. Wow Avatar
    Wow

    This conversation has taken a sharp turn for the worse today. Patrick Moran, AAU, and 4th best player on Willy North??? How about who cares!!!
    1: Paige. Rehbaum, Fisher, Estarfa, Holland
    2: Feggins, Lyons, Butts, Stasiak, Nevins
    3: Miles, Harrington, OConnel, Knight, Agbeko
    4: Licata, Williams, Alexander, Alexander,Pierce
    5: Hillman, Taplin, Farrant, Bomasuto, Farrent, Moxham

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