THE VIEW FROM CENTERCOURT | Western New York Boys High School Basketball

2013 Poll Ballots – Week 7

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centercourt42

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As a pollster for the Buffalo News, I'm asked to send in my weekly ballots ranking the top ten large and small schools.  The polls are based on games played through Sunday of each week.  Here's a look at how I see them and some of the rationale used to get there.

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius (MMA) – The Crusaders did a fantastic job representing WNY at the RAP Invitational held at East High in Rochester over the weekend.  Not only was Canisius the lone team from WNY to win during Saturday night's triple-header, but they did so less than 24 hours after grinding one out at Timon.  The best part about the Crusaders' win over Fairport was the way they did it.  Canisius dominated a highly regarded team for the first three and a half quarters and led by as many as 20 points late in the third quarter.

2. Niagara Falls (AA) – The Wolverines had their chance to cement themselves as the areas top team this weekend, but ended up losing two games within 20 hours in Rochester, to a pair of teams that may likely face each other to decide the Class AA regional representative from Section V.  Last season, Falls dropped back-to-back games on consecutive nights and then went on to win Section VI's Class AA.  If they can do that again, they'll need to be a lot better they they were this weekend in the regionals.

3. Jamestown (AA) – Turned to the big guys against Williamsville North, and they were up to the challenge, big time.  After scoring a season-low in that game, Tommy Campion came back in Saturday's win over Lancaster to score a career-high 40 points, which also matches the top effort by any player from WNY this season.

4. St. Joe's (MMA) – Started the week off with a win at Timon and will have to do the same thing to end this week if they remain in this spot when the next ballot gets cast. The Marauders host the rematch against with the Tigers on Friday, after visiting St. Francis tomorrow.

5. Williamsville North (AA) – Bounced back nicely from the Jamestown loss by pounding on Frontier.

6. McKinley (A1) – The Macks head into what is likely a Yale Cup-deciding game with East tomorrow, coming off a solid 13-point road win over Middle College.  Earlier in the week, McKinley logged the highest point total of the season, unloading 111 points on South Park in a 61-point win.

7. Clarence (AA) – In what looked like a potetntial trap game, Clarence goes into Frontier last week and wins by 17 points.  The Red Devils are eyeing a home game in the Class AA quarterfinals.

8. Amherst (A2) – Taking care of business against East Aurora was what I've been waiting for from the Tigers. If they hope to win an overall Class A title, the time is now for them to begin ascending to their highest level.  Hosting Cheektowaga tonight.

9. Timon/St. Jude (MMA) – A difficult schedule on paper turned into a difficult week for the Tigers, who have dropped three of their last four.  Making matters worse was not having the services of Dante Williams over the weekend.   Friday night at St. Joe's is an opportunity for Timon to reassure itself that the MMA still consists of a "Big 3".

10. Sweet Home (A1) – North Tonawanda's loss to Lockport made room for the Panthers, who have waited patiently all season for a debut on this ballot.  With a 12-2 record overall and an unblemished mark in ECIC II, I think they're more than deserving.

 

Small Schools

1. Olean (B1) – They got a little of everything they were looking for on Friday night at Rochester's Eats High: A quality opponent, a highly competitive game, and a come-from-behind victory after facing a little adversity.  The Huskies play with more team chemistry than any other unit from WNY.

2. Silver Creek (C2) – The only undefeated team remaining in WNY hosts Randolph this Friday, the team that got the closest to the Black Knights on the scoreboard this year.

3. Oracle Charter (C1) – The Phoenix finishes off their regular season this week, with trips to Olmsted tonight and Buffalo Science on Saturday.  Since winning at McKinley, Oracle Charter has gotten visits from the Buffalo News and YNN.  The Phoenix has definitely risen.

4. East (B2) – Facing McKinley in the game of the week tomorrow, with major Yale Cup implications hanging in the balance.  Winners of six straight since loss to the Macks on January 3rd.

5. Nichols (MMA) – Played well enough against St. Joe's to have a fourth quarter lead before falling off late.  The Vikings play four games this week, beginning with hosting Canisius tomorrow and ending with a trip to Aquinas on Saturday.

6. Cleveland Hill (B2) – The Eagles finished strong and won at Lackawanna on Thursday. They are co-defending league champs, along with Tonawanda, the team they visit tonight. The last time Cleveland Hill won the league in ECIC IV outright was in 1989. They can accomplish that with a win tonight and on Friday at Holland.

7. Middle College (C1) – The Kats have dropped three of their last four heading into games with Riverside and Bennett this week.  The win for Middle College was against Sweet Home, which was its best win of the season.  

8. Lackawanna (B1) – The Steelers got off to a great start against Cleveland Hill, but poor free throw shooting down the stretch kept them from a strong finish.

9. St. Mary's (MMA) – Three double-digit wins following a loss at Nichols, one of which came against Niagara Catholic, who they host again tomorrow.

10. Maple Grove (C2) – The Red Dragons visit Randolph in a makeup game on Saturday night.  The Cardinals will be coming off a game with Silver Creek from the night before, Maple Grove's stiffest competition in Class C2.  

 

-centercourt

@centercourt42

67 responses to “2013 Poll Ballots – Week 7”

  1. Yale Cup Avatar
    Yale Cup

    The Catholic schools often “recruit” our city kids that show potential. They go for a year or two, but can’t afford the tuition. The kid gets sent back to his home school. The problem is that they will not send report cards or transcripts until the tuition is paid. Tough on a talented player who is a junior. The NCAA Clearinghouse has rigid standards..he could get left out.

    Reply
  2. yale cup Avatar
    yale cup

    Hey Yale Cup, that is unfortunate and a common consequence, but find your own name. Don’t impersonate.

    Reply
  3. centercourt Avatar
    centercourt

    In fairness to the “new” Yale Cup, they may not have known they were impersonating anyone. The last time you graced us with a comment was January 6th, and before that, it was January 1st on a comment you ended with:
    “centercourt needs more content to keep this blog alive. SC just wont cut it alone on here.”
    Between the combination of lapse in time and such outlandish commentary, I’m guessing many forgot about “yale cup”. I can say with confidence that your recent comments are not what has kept this blog “alive”.

    Reply
  4. yale cup Avatar
    yale cup

    Centercourt,
    Fair enough and well said. I do have to say, your coverage has been great the last month,to the point it has been hard to keep up on the reading. I am also very glad your hiatus was short lived. I have been very busy myself and have been to only a couple games. i hope to get back in the grind soon.

    Reply
  5. centercourt Avatar
    centercourt

    That’s very nice of you to say. Hopefully with the you getting back to the grind soon, your comments will follow. The next month & a half is the greatest time of the year, and there are no exceptions.

    Reply
  6. BBBfan Avatar
    BBBfan

    If they couldn’t pay their tuition while they were there, I don’t think they’ll be able to pay it off now, especially with the bad economy. What happens to these kids? They must have had great potential, or they wouldn’t have landed at the Catholic schools.

    Reply
  7. Gus Buster Avatar
    Gus Buster

    Aren’t there more serious problems at city schools than this? How about the many players in the city schools that never go anywhere because they can’t be accepted to a college.

    Reply
  8. jj43 Avatar
    jj43

    it should be the same thing. if they dont have grades for college then the privates shouldnt take them either. it not all the private school ballers are all doing good at school. no way.

    Reply
  9. Gus Buster Avatar
    Gus Buster

    I don’t know about private schools but the statistics I see and read about city schools is like a team losing 65% of their games.

    Reply
  10. yale cup Avatar
    yale cup

    So who has Timon beat to continue to be ranked? St. MAry’s? Nichols? or is it beacause of the teams they played close? Jamestown? They are barely over .500 and don’t have any quality wins over large schools again. Hopefully thet prove themselves vs BK tonight. Not by staying close, but by WINNING. Wish the game was here so i could go.

    Reply
  11. WT716 Avatar
    WT716

    In terms of Catholic schools they do give financial assistance, and there is an entrance exams that needs to be passed. As a CHS graduate and seeing the “city school” kids leave after 1 or 2 years is not because of money but because of academics.

    Reply
  12. jj43 Avatar
    jj43

    thats my point. why even bother top recruit them if you know they grades stink. duck dont turn to a magic goose just cause you wear a school uniform

    Reply
  13. centercourt Avatar
    centercourt

    yale cup –
    This is nothing unusual for Timon and I’ve taken some heat in the two seasons prior for some who thought I had the Tigers ranked too low for the same reasons.
    I, and I’m assuming the rest of the pollsters, continue to rank Timon because I believe there are not 10 large schools in WNY better than them. Close loses to three of the top four (Canisius, at Jamestown, & St. Joe’s). They did beat Kenmore West, who was ranked at the time.
    Also took into account that Dante Williams was out for both the Canisius and Roch East losses this weekend. It’s possible things go differently if he had played – I remember you not wanting Olean’s loss to count against them because Eckstrom did not play.
    The only team I have behind them is Sweet Home, who lost to Ken West and does not have any wins over top 10 teams. The Panthers’ best win would either be Nichols or Will South.
    I’d be interested to hear any suggestions of teams who should be in the top 10 that are not. But I cannot think of any that have better wins than Timon or that I think would beat Timon.

    Reply
  14. TML1000 Avatar
    TML1000

    They still recruit kids they know have poor grades because there is the chance they will turn around a few for every so many that do not improve and return to public schools after a year or two.
    It is the risk reward, with little risk for the school and a decent to high reward.

    Reply
  15. BBBfan Avatar
    BBBfan

    It’s my understanding that if a kid leaves after two years because of money problems, and returns to his home district , he must re-take courses that he has already passed because there is no proof of his grades. Is this correct?

    Reply
  16. Bill Delles Avatar
    Bill Delles

    Recruiting has been going on in hs hoops for decades now. It’s only natural for any organization in a competitive environment to go after talent to get even better. Nichols pursuing a Stan Weir, is no different than CC trying to lure Roger W away from gr55. Let’s face it, talent attracts talent.

    Reply
  17. WT716 Avatar
    WT716

    Unaware of that one BBBfan, but I think there is a rule stating you cannot transfer from one catholic school to another just to play sports.
    Not basketball related, but take a look at Canisius HS running back Qadree Ollison. The junior from Niagara Falls went to Canisius because of the opportunities that Canisius offered. Not sure how he does academically, but because he chose Canisius, he has many more recourses than would he have stayed at NF. If he had stayed at NF, do you think he would have received a letter from Alabama? Probably not. And yes he did receive a letter of interest from the two time defending champs.

    Reply
  18. McShea is God Avatar
    McShea is God

    Who cares about how they r doing grade-wise. As long as they r helping the teams win games they r doing their job. Half these kids take off after the season ends. Who cares? Paul Harris never went 2 class but that was a fun team we all enjoyed watching in 2004 and 2005.
    Like the kid with the freckles said in Fast Times at Ridgemont High about the star football player – I think his name was ‘Jefferson’ – ‘Man I didn’t know he actually went 2 school here, I thought he just flew in 4 the games’
    THAT is how it should b! :):)

    Reply
  19. hoopster Avatar
    hoopster

    Bill, I’m not sure what you mean when you say “pursued” Stan Wier. Perhaps you can explain.
    I’ve written before what the back story on that was and I believe his family did as well. But for your sake here goes again.
    Stan played hoops and stayed at EA his freshman year to play ball with his older brother Thad who was a senior that year. They had a great year losing in the sectional finals as I recall.
    Stan and his dad approached coaches at Nichols, Canisius and Frannies in April or May of that year. They were looking to transfer and seeking a better basketball situation as it turns out. I don’t think any of the schools recruited or “pursued” him before that. Once the Wiers made their intentions known, I am quite sure the schools approached pointed out the benefits of their school as you would expect.
    I think everyone is familiar with the rest of the story.

    Reply
  20. CHS Avatar
    CHS

    Why should private schools release transcripts if the kids never paid all the tuition? No different than college. Should the kids be allowed to bounce around, w/out consequence? If they can’t keep good grades now, its not like college gets easier!!!

    Reply
  21. issue is admissions Avatar
    issue is admissions

    Perhaps schools like ‘CHS’ should be more selective when they admit students and not put them in a position where they cannot succeed…High School should be about learning, not sports.

    Reply
  22. hoopster Avatar
    hoopster

    High school is and should be about learning. Learning, however, comes in all shapes and sizes and forms. Sports plays a significant role in the learning process. It reinforces what it takes to be successful in academics and also shows the value of team work and functioning well within a group.

    Reply
  23. Southern Tier Rocks Avatar
    Southern Tier Rocks

    I agree with McShea is God. If Olean wins the State title this year I don’t care if any of the kids go to class, or get good grades, nor should I. Why do you guys think kids are living in coaches basements? Education is not that big of a deal just go to school to have fun, make friends, play sports.

    Reply
  24. issue is admissions Avatar
    issue is admissions

    Hoopster…I agree. My kids all played three sports while in high school, and it was vital to their development. The concern is when schools admit students who have no chance of succeeding in the classroom, simply because they are a great athlete. That’s why they have an entrance exam, to ensure the student will be able to handle the course load. Some schools in the area actually use the test for that reason, others disregard it which leads to kids failing. Unfortunately at some schools winning games is more important than teaching kids.

    Reply
  25. CHS Avatar
    CHS

    If we admit students with no chance to succeed and then they are forced to leave back to the city schools, how do they end up on the court there? Are there no eligibility standards for city teams? We aren’t the bad guys for holding them accountable. Obviously the city schools subscribe to MIG’s ridiculous theories!

    Reply
  26. hoopster Avatar
    hoopster

    We’re on the same page my friend. Of course there is another possibility too; that the kid passes the entrance exam and demonstrates the capacity to succeed, but just doesn’t do the school work, go to class, do homework, seek extra help, ask questions, study, etc. etc. etc.
    Therefore, I think it would be hard for any of us to say with any certainty what happens in any particular situation. What I do know though is that any kid regardless of his circumstances can achieve great things and be successful if they work hard, persevere, keep their nose clean, learn from their mistakes/failures and, of course, not give up.

    Reply
  27. hoopster Avatar
    hoopster

    Alright, time for this bear to go back into hibernation!!
    CC keep up the excellent writing and analysis. Well done!!

    Reply
  28. Use Ya Left Avatar
    Use Ya Left

    Seems like last year tentative brackets were up on the Section 6 website by now. Sure, they changed, but it was fun to watch the seedings take shape in the last weeks of the season.
    What gives this year?

    Reply
  29. Walter W Avatar
    Walter W

    “Alright, time for this bear to go back into hibernation!” After reading that line it hit me like a slap to the back of the head.
    Hoopster ,you resemble the bear from The Jungle Book. You’re about the same size, You walk with the same gait, and you offer knowledge to the young in a caring and effective tone. “look for the bear neccesities, the simple bear neccessities…”
    For those who like to bring up the tired old argument of the privates recruiting athletes, you need to get out front underneath that rock you live under and get some fresh air. Parent’s pursue the privates to improve the chances of their kid’s success in greater #’s than what you tirelessly imply. It is truly hypocritical when you refuse to acknowledge that many of the suburban public schools actively and succesfully bring kid’s into their schools to improve the likelihood of success on the gridiron and the hardwood. I live in such a district that borders the city of Buffalo and have scene kid’s droped off at the bus stop to be taken to their suburban school.
    These schools would not have experienced some of the championships they have won without pursuing outside talent. And yes they are also in a better learning enviroment by attending these schools.
    In both of the examples given above parents are sacrificing to improve the overall High School experience for the kid’s. If the kid’s choose to tank it in the classroom than the opportunity to compete should be taken away.
    From MIG
    “Who cares about how they r doing grade-wise. As long as they r helping the teams win games they r doing their job. Half these kids take off after the season ends. Who cares?”
    MIG this is not Rome and those are not gladiators you go out to watch. Other people’s kid’s are not here for your entertainment, and the schools have a obligation to provide guidance so they can hopefully live happy, successful and productive lives.

    Reply
  30. TML1000 Avatar
    TML1000

    What gives this year with the brackets is that the guys have adopted the format of the girls bball website but some coaches are lazy and fail to properly update game results. Thus, the standings are skewed.

    Reply
  31. Bill Delles Avatar
    Bill Delles

    Maybe I misspoke when I said Nichols pursued Stan Weir, so thanks for the history lesson chad. But as I recall, Stan played at EA, Nichols, some out of state school, and EA again. None of those schools turned him away, nor should they have. He is a phenomenal player and I’m sure will continue to be at UB. So in THAT case I suppose it was reverse recruiting, but recruiting of individuals by schools in section 6 (both private and public) has been going on for decades and will continue. As Michael Corleone said to Kay “Now who’s being naive?” Just remember Desales in Lockport in late ’80,s. And many of the great LaSalle players lived north of Hyde Park Blvd, if you know what I mean.

    Reply
  32. If only people knew the whole story Avatar
    If only people knew the whole story

    Clearly you cannot use stan wier as an example. the kid played at 4 highschools in 4 years. his dad is neurotic and clearly he must have had issues cause he couldnt stick at any of the schools.

    Reply
  33. Gus Buster Avatar
    Gus Buster

    Why don’t you tell us “the whole story!”

    Reply
  34. Bill Delles Avatar
    Bill Delles

    I think we can leave Stan’s dad out of this. So what he played at 3 schools in four hs years? Clearly he was a credit to all three schools both in the classroom and on the court. I would imagine the goal for any highly talented hs player is to achieve a full ride at a D1 school, and Stan was able to do just that. I am looking forward to watching him play the next four years, as I’m sure many Bulls fans are as well. Let’s have some perspective and stop looking for scandal in every thing out there. If you look hard enough there are some GOOD stories. This is definitely one of them. Congrats to Stan and his family.

    Reply
  35. McShea is God Avatar
    McShea is God

    Went 2 McKinley and Nichols and NEITHER school last night had Mountain Dew 4 sale. It shows the sad state of our society in 2013.
    I bet Stan Weir and his Dad like Mountain Dew.

    Reply
  36. Reggie W. Avatar
    Reggie W.

    Let me tell you something, MIG. I know Stan Weir and his father, and they most certainly do like Mountain Dew. On a more related note to this blog however, can anyone tell me why the candy the week of the sectionals is $2.09?? I mean, why not just $2.00. Or if they have to squeeze the profit, then go to $2.10. Much like our friends to the north, I don’t carry pennies around with me.

    Reply
  37. Walter W Avatar
    Walter W

    The path to the D1 scholarship for Stan was unconventional, but it worked, so hat’s off to the family for helping make Stan and his father’s dreams come true.
    Stan is by all accounts a great kid and all the movement wasn’t his choice alone, nor was the fact that he was older than most high school seniors last year. Don’t believe that to be true? Check out the Bulls roster and you will see he is only 7 months younger than junior Javon McCrea.
    Does that mean Mcrea is a young junior or Weir is an older freshman? That’s a judgement call. You will also see that their is one Bull with no DOB listed.
    Truth is, it doesn’t matter, he is a scholarship basketball player at Buffalo and only time will tell what type of player he will be. Either way, best of luck.

    Reply
  38. centercourt Avatar
    centercourt

    Walter touched on something important that everyone should bear in mind during these discussions:
    Stan is a great kid. He’s polite, respectful, and works his tail off to be a good student and basketball player. I think at the very least, that combination deserves the respect of everyone who comments here.

    Reply
  39. yale cup Avatar
    yale cup

    Stan is the one of the most polite kids i have met and always goes out of his way to say hello to people. I wish him luck @ UB. hopefully he can get through injuries and back on the court. Perhaps one of the top commenters can enlighten us on the missing DOB. it’s really not that important though. there are no age restrictions or requirements.
    After further review, maybe the top 10 should be reduced to a top 8. Both polls don’t seem very deep this year. hope to see some sleepers at buff st this year.
    Who are your top sleepers that will make an appearance at buff st. that are not currently ranked?

    Reply
  40. centercourt Avatar
    centercourt

    Williamsville South
    Hutch-Tech
    Iroquois
    South Park
    Lake Shore
    East Aurora
    CSAT
    Fredonia

    Reply
  41. yale cup Avatar
    yale cup

    I could see a Buffalo charter school other than Oracle making a splash, Olmstead? also all of ECIC 3 is always a sleeper. Tonawanda or Lackawanna come around and hit CleveHill. That 3rd win is always elusive.

    Reply
  42. Andy Walker Avatar
    Andy Walker

    When Karl Haire played at Niagara after serving in the Army I’m pretty sure he was 42. No age requirements, just 4 years of eligibility.
    $2.09 for a bag of skittles?? C’mon man.

    Reply
  43. Walter W Avatar
    Walter W

    I don’t think TSA is going to screen the guests at the sectionals, but you never know. So Andy, I suggest you bring your own damn skittles. 🙂 Seriously, $2.09?

    Reply
  44. centercourt Avatar
    centercourt

    I have to make two trips for all the stuff I bring with me, and I still order a pizza delivered to courtside.

    Reply
  45. cookie Avatar
    cookie

    I tell you one thing. I really hope you and Nate order that pizza with the bacon and all that other good stuff on it. Me and The Other Guy never ate so good.

    Reply
  46. Fan Avatar
    Fan

    A-1 is horrible

    Reply
  47. Truth Be Told Avatar
    Truth Be Told

    Niagara Frontier League this year is super weak. Like usual, Niagara Falls is the class. The rest of the teams look like middle schoolers compared to the Falls. It is amazing how some of the teams like Ken East, GI, Lew Port and Niagara Wheatfield got so bad. There has to be something done at those schools to peak the interest of athletes to play basketball at an early age as it doesn’t look good for the future of the NFL. Are other winter sports grabbing the good athletes? On another note, Q. Campbell is a big disappointment for Ken West this year. He had a great supporting cast last year that allowed him to lounge around the paint and get gimme points and bounds. Without them he appears to be suffering. He looked lost against Crumpton and the Falls.

    Reply
  48. Facts Avatar
    Facts

    A-1 is horrible? Take a look at A-2!! Hate to say it but there are going to be some bad teams in semi-final games at Buff St.

    Reply
  49. McShea is God Avatar
    McShea is God

    1 good thing about Buff State they DO have Mountain Dew! I hear they r making the pizza NOW so it is ready 4 Feb 25th.
    JCC will b real fun this year. D game is always good then Middle College-Oracle and Silver Creek-Maple Grove.
    I also think 2 live in this country u should have 2 learn how 2 speak English.

    Reply
  50. McShea is God Avatar
    McShea is God

    Kansas losing 2 TCU would b like Niagara Falls losing 2 Ripley. Biggest upset in College hoops in 20 years. TCU was 0-9 in Big 12 (Yes the Big 12 has TEN teams and the Big 10 has TWELEVE-love that) and had lost all 9 games by MORE than 10 points.
    Bill Self called it ‘the worst team Kansas has put on the floor since Dr. Naismith was there’
    Great article on the Reagan family in yesterday’s paper. Larry is a great guy who raised a great family. Must b nice 2 b able 2 talk 2 your son when u want 2 🙂

    Reply

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Centercourt

Devoted to boys varsity basketball, covering Section VI and the Monsignor Martin Association of WNY

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