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

The 2014 All-Centercourt Team: The Best in WNY

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FIRST TEAM ALL-CENTERCOURT

Zack Panebianco – Jamestown, Junior  *2014 Centercourt Player of the Year*

19.1 PPG  /  4.1 APG  /  3.5 RPG  /  2.2 SPG

 Simply stated, he's a gamer.  Seems to understand exactly what his team needs and then delivers it at the right moment.  As humble and level-headed a player as you will find.  Led Jamestown to the Class AA state championship game.  Voted 1st Team All-ECIC & 1st Team ECIC I.  Selected to the Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team.  Earned a spot on the NYSPHAA Class AA Tournament Team.  Shot 49% from the field & 41% from beyond the arc.  Averaged 24.3 points per game in six playoff outings.  Scored 30+ points in five games.  Scored a career-high 37 points in three quarters against Lancaster.  Scored 34 points in a regional win over Greece Athena and followed it up with a 31-point performance in the Class AA state semifinal win over Union-Endicott.  Broke the record for most 3-pointers in two games at the NYSPHAA Class AA Tournament.  Click here to read more on Zack's Player of the Year season.

 

Sterling Taplin – Williamsville North, Senior

22.6 PPG  /  4.9 APG  /  4.3 RPG  /  3.1 SPG

A 1st Team All-Centercourt selection for a record third-straight season.  A highly skilled player with the best court vision and passing of any player in the area.  Faced a defensive game plan designed to limit him everytime he took the court.  Chosen to play in the Jordan Classic Regional game.  Named All-ECIC Player of the Year.  Named to the Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team.  Selected as MVP of the Five Guys Holiday Tournament.  Scored a season-high 45 points against Frontier in 27 minutes of gameplay.  Shot 57% from the field on the season.  Led the Spartans to a share of the ECIC I league title.  Finishes his career 23rd on WNY's all-time scoring list and #1 in school history with 1,877 points.  Also the all-time leader at Williamsville North in assists (371) and steals (245).  A five-year starter who never missed a game during his 99-game varsity career and averaged 19 ppg, 3.7 apg, & 2.5 spg over that span.

 

Wil Bathurst – Olean, Senior

19.8 PPG  /  7.0 RPG  /  4.0 APG  /  1.7 SPG  /  1.0 BPG

One of the very best all-around players in WNY this season.  A fan favorite and high-riser who can do everything on the court.  Helped the Huskies capture a third straight Section VI Class B title and a 20-win season against a grueling independent schedule.  Scored over 30 points in a game three times this season, including a 36 point & 12 rebound effort against Greece Athena.  Selected to the NYSPHAA Class B All-Tournament Team.  Named MVP of the Section VI Class B1 Tournament.  Was MVP of the Olean Tip-Off Tournament.  Will play Division I basketball at Cornell next season.

 

 Johnathon Lewis – East, Senior

17.6  PPG  /  5.0 RPG  /  3.2 SPG  /  2.7 APG

Brings relentless energy on both ends of the floor all game.  Whether taking a big shot or driving to the basket, was absolutely fearless.  One of the top defenders in WNY.  Led East to the Section VI Class B2 championship.  Scored 11 points in the fourth quarter of a furious comeback attempt in the Game of the Year against Olean .  Named MVP of the Aquinas Tournament.  MVP of the Section VI Class B2 Tournament. Chosen as MVP of Championship Week at Buff State by Keith McShea of the Buffalo News.  Game MVP in win over Timon at the Pastor Cooper.  Voted 1st Team Yale Cup I.  Season-highs of 33 & 32 points in wins over Middle College & Aquinas.  Considering an offer from Daemen, going to Prep School, Juco, & Buffalo State College.

 

Donte Williams – Timon, Senior

 24 PPG  /  6.8 RPG  /  3 APG

One of the area's most talented players who is built to play at the next level.  Capable of taking a game over when he was dialed in.  A high-riser who threw down some spectacular dunks in traffic.  Finished the season with 652 points, the most in WNY by any player this season, and totaled 1,133 for his three-year varsity career.  Led Timon to the second seed in the Manhattan Cup playoffs, where the Tigers reached the final.  Voted All-Catholic Co-Player of the Year.  Named Player of the Game after leading Timon to an overtime victory over Williamsville North at the Cataract Classic, following his game-winning 3-pointer.  Eclipsed the 30-point mark four times this season, twice going over 40 points, with a season-high of 43 points against UPrep of Rochester.  Undecided regarding future plans.

 

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SECOND TEAM ALL-CENTERCOURT

Bri'an Brown – Middle College, Senior

18 PPG  /  11 RPG  /  6 APG

Athletically gifted player with exceptional body control and the ability to knife through a defense to get to the basket.  Showed great timing when blocking shots.  Led the Kats to the NYSPHAA Class C state championship game after they captured their second Yale Cup in program history.   Named Yale Cup I Player of the Year.  MVP of the Section VI Class C1Tournament Team.  Selected to the NYSPHAA All-Tournament Team in Class C.  Scored 30 & 40 points in a pair of meetings with Bennett.  Considering Canisius College, Hartford University, and Prep School.

 

Howard Washington – Canisius, Sophomore

15.0 PPG  /  5.5 APG  /  4.0 RPG

The floor general of WNY's most dominant team this season.  Smooth shooter from the perimeter.  A pure point guard with a team-first style.  Tremendous court vision and passing.  Already the recipient of multiple major Division I offers.  Voted All-Catholic Co-Player of the Year.  MVP of the Crudaders' win in the RAP Classic over Webster Schroeder after a 24-point performance and his first ever high school dunk.  Controlled the tempo in an 18-point win over Olean with 13 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.  Scored over 20 points in six games and seven or more assists in 10 games.

 

Quinn Lee Yaw – Jamestown, Senior

16.1 PPG  /  10.1 RPG  /  2.2 APG  /  1.4 BPG

A high-intensity player who was the team's emotional leader.  Improved significantly in each of three varsity seasons at Jamestown.  Was instrumantal in leading the Red Raiders to the NYSPHAA Class AA state championship game by being the teams major presence in the post.  Was dominant in the Section VI final against Clarence, posting 26 points and 15 rebounds and earned MVP honors of the Section VI Class AA Tournament.  Was one rebound against Greece Athena shy of having a double-double in all six of the Red Raiders' playoff games.  Named Co-Player of the Year in ECIC I, 1st Team All-ECIC, and was named to the NYSPHAA All-Tournament team in Class AA in Glens Falls.  Considering Edinboro, Hobart, & Exeter Prep after graduation.

 

Sam Eckstrom – Olean, Senior 

20.3 PPG  /  9.6 RPG  /  1.3 BPG

Smooth finisher around the basket with solid footwork.  Excellent at using pivot and going right or left.  Finishes career at Olean with 1,536 points, good for third on the school's all-time list.  His 790 career rebounds are a school record.  Shot 64% from the field on the season.  Scored over 30 points on five occasions this year, including a 38 point & 12 rebound effort in a win over Bishop Kearney and 34 points & 14 boards in a victory vs. Greece Athena.  He also netted 30 & 10 in the Class B state semifinal.  Selected to the NYSPHAA Class B and Section VI Class B1 All-Tournament Teams.  Will attend the College of St. Rose next year.

 

Stafford Trueheart – Canisius, Sophomore

13.0 PPG  /  10.0 RPG  /  4.5 BPG

Provided the Crusaders with the best post presence I've ever seen at Canisius in just his sophomore season.  Exceptional timing as a shot blocker.  Plays above the rim.  Runs the floor better than any big man in WNY.  Voted 1st Team All-Catholic.  Named MVP of the Tom Keenan Memorial Tournament after Canisius upset defending CHSAA state champion Nazereth.  Selected to the Georgetown Prep All-Tournament Team.  Had a game-high 16 rebounds in the Crusaders' win over Olean.  Eclipsed the 20-point mark in four games and collected at least 15 rebounds on five separate occasions.

 

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 THIRD TEAM ALL-CENTERCOURT

Billy Brooks – Silver Creek, Junior

19.1 PPG  /  14.4 RPG  /  6.7 BPG  /  4.2 APG

A highly coordinated 6-8 big man that completely dominated in the post.  Has the ability to get the fast break started with outlet passing after rebounds.  Superior ball movement skills – the best passing big man in WNY.  Aggressive shot blocker with more rejections than any other player in WNY.  Voted 1st Team CCAA West  I.  Selected to Section VI Class C1 All-Tournament Team.  Registered 18 double-doubles in 21 games.  Had a stretch of four straight triple-double games.  Scored all 16 of his team's fourth quarter points in a 31-point outing at Park.  Had 21 points, 24 boards, & nine blocks in a 14-point win against an unbeaten Barker team in the Class C1 semifinals.

 

Cam Lewis – Nichols, Junior

16.1 PPG  /  7.7 RPG  /  2.0 APG  /  1.4 SPG

A do-it-all big man who is comfortable in the paint, but routinely handles the ball.  Can serve as a press-breaker and will knock down shots from the perimeter.  Led the Vikings to a Manhattan Cup championship, where he was named MVP.  A career 1,000 point scorer heading into his senior season.  Scored a career-high 28 points in a win over Park.  Voted 1st Team All-Catholic.  Posted nine double-doubles.

 

Chris Miner – Nichols, Junior

16.4 PPG  /  12.9 RPG  /  2.1 BPG  /  1.8 SPG

A force inside for the Vikings who owns the glass and finishes with ease around the basket.  Led Nichols to the CHSAA Class A semifinal, after being the team-high scorer in the Manhattan Cup championship win.  A double-double machine, registering 20 this season after starting all 28 games.  Scored his 1,000th career point as a junior in the Manhattan Cup quarterfinals.  Voted 2nd Team All-Catholic.  Scored a career-high 27 points twice this season in wins over St. Francis & Park.

 

Colin Dougherty – Lockport, Senior

16.4 PPG  /  2.6 RPG  /  2.5 APG  /  1.6 SPG

A shifty player with an excellent handle and a high basketball IQ.  Has great shooting range and knows when to assert himself in a game.  Was a crowd favorite at Buff State after leading his team to the Class AA semifinals.  Helped Lockport earn a share of the NFL title.  Voted to 1st-Team in the NFL.  Selected to the Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team.  Had 28 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in the quarterfinals at Kenmore West to advance his team.  Scored a game-high 26 points in the semifinals against eventual state finalist Jamestown.  Considering an offer from Daemen, along with the possibility of Nazereth, Allegany, and Prep School.

 

Ryan Funk – Clarence, Senior

18.0 PPG  /  7.0 RPG  /  1.2 APG

Moves up from Fifth Team All-Centercourt last season.  Named 1st Team All-ECIC and ECIC I.  Led the Red Devils to the Section VI Class AA championship game.  Helped his team earn a share of the league title in ECIC I and capture the Clarence Holiday Tournament championship.  Named to the Section VI Class AA All-Tournament Team.  One of WNY's deadliest shooters, made 43 three-pointers and shot 82% from the charity stripe.  Posted five double-doubles and scored 30 points twice in wins against Williamsville North and North Tonawanda.  Considering Daemen, Medaille, St. Thomas More Prep, & Lynchburg for next year.

 

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FOURTH TEAM ALL-CENTERCOURT

Phil Bowen – Iroquois, Senior

 24.2 PPG  /  3.9 RPG  /  3.8 APG  /  2.1 SPG

Strong with the ball and able to penetrate.  Relied upon to both handle the ball and score for the Chiefs.  Put Iroquois on his back and carried them to the league title in ECIC II.  Voted ECIC II Player of the Year.  Had second highest scoring average in all of WNY this season.  Eclipsed the 30 point mark in a game three times.  Considering either Medaille or Hilbert for basketball next year.

 

Lester Diaz – Lafayette, Senior

31.4 PPG  /  7.0 APG  /  3.4 RPG  /  3.2 SPG

Outstanding court vision and basketball IQ.  Plays the game at full speed for 32 minutes.  In range the moment he steps over half court.  Voted Player of the Year in Yale Cup II.  Had highest scoring average in WNY while always finding an open teammate with a pass.  Had a season-high 43 points against Buffalo Arts.  Scored 41 points in a win over MST Seneca.  Finished with 39 points against top ten small school Park.  Scored 35 points against Yale Cup II champion, I-Prep.  Had 25 points at Class A2 semifinalist Lew-Port.

 

Percy Bryant – East, Junior

17.4 PPG  /  6.2 APG  /  4.7 SPG  /  3.5 RPG

Combines blistering quickness with excellent dribbling skills.  Slashes through defenses at will.  An unrelenting defender who consistently creates turnovers.  Part of the backcourt duo that led East to a second straight Class B2 championship.  Led his team in both assists and steals.  Had at least five steals in 13 games.  Voted 1st Team Yale Cup I.  Selected to the Section VI Class B2 All-Tournament Team.  Recorded a season-high 33 points, along with 10 steals, in a win at McKinley.  Scored 23 points and dished 10 assists in a sectional overtime win vs. Health Sciences.  

 

Kevin Briggs – Middle College, Senior 

17 PPG  /  6 APG  /  4 RPG  /  3 SPG 

A classic scorer who can hurt you from the perimeter or by slashing to the basket.  A high-motor player who thrived in transition.  Helped the Kats advance all the way to the NYSPHAA Class C state championship game where he was named to the state's All-Tournament Team.  Scored a game-high 31 points in a state semifinal win over Friends Academy.  Voted to 1st-Team Yale Cup I after helping Middle College capture the city's championship trophy.  Also selected to the Section VI All-Tournament Team for Class C1.  Had a pair of triple-doubles on the season, including 35 points, 11 assists, & 10 rebounds in a win over Hutch-Tech.  Will look to play JUCO following high school.

 

Nick Schmidt – Olean, Senior

17.0 PPG  /  3.1 APG

The best perimeter shooter in all of WNY.  A tough and underrated defender.  Takes care of the basketball and makes great decisions in helping to facilitate Olean's offense.  A luxury as a third option for the Huskies.  Finishes his career with 1,135 points. Ended up third all-time in steals at Olean with 198.  Shot a whopping 52% from 3-point land.  Connected on a WNY-leading and school record 97 3-pointers this season, the 4th most in a season all-time in WNY.  Named MVP of the IAABO Tournament after connecting on eight treys, including the game-winner, against Nichols.  Made seven of nine attempts from downtown in the Class B state semifinal win over Woodlands.

 

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FIFTH TEAM ALL-CENTERCOURT

Jake Haight – Barker, Senior

18.1 PPG  /  10.0 RPG  /  4.3 SPG  /  4.2 APG

Combines size & athleticism with natural game instincts.  Well-rounded skill set allows him to play anywhere on the court.  Selected to the Section VI Class C1 All-Tournament Team.  Voted 1st Team N-O for a third consecutive season.  Led Barker to its first league championship since 1978, before they even played in the N-O.  Guided the Raiders to a 19-0 start and the last unbeaten team in WNY.  Broke the all-time scoring mark at Barker this season and finished with 1,338 for his career.

 

Dylan Meyer – Fredonia, Senior

21.7 PPG  /  4.2 RPG

Strong player inside with great instincts.  Can step out and shoot from the perimeter, or put the ball on the floor to get past you.  Voted Player of the Year in CCAA West I.  Selected to the Section VI Class B1 All-Tournament Team.  Scored a season-high 36 points against Greece Athena at the Jamestown Tournament.  Finished with 32 points in a win at Lackawanna.  Finished his career with 1,410 points and 438 rebounds for the Hillbillies.  His career point total is second only to Michael Heary in Fredonia history.  Will play D3 at Milwaukee School of Engineering.

 

Dominick Welch – Cheektowaga, Freshman

19.5 PPG  /  13.3 RPG  /  3.6 BPG  /  1.4 APG  /  1.2 SPG

The future of WNY basketball is in great hands with this young star.  Can play every position on the court.  Poised beyond his years.  Threw down the highlight dunk of postseason at Buff State.  Led the Warriors to their first ever sectional title as a freshman.  Voted 1st Team ECIC III.   Named to the Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team.  Set the single-season school record for blocks with 80.  Registered 19 double-doubles and one triple-double.

 

TC Brown – Amherst, Sophomore

18.2 PPG  /  6.0 RPG  /  5.6 APG  /  3.9 SPG

Confident team leader and fierce competitor who still has two varsity seasons remaining.  Led Amherst to a second straight ECIC III title and a return trip to the Section VI Class A2 final.  Voted 1st Team All-ECIC and POY in ECIC III.  Selected to the Section VI Class A2 All-Tournament Team.  MVP of the Jolly Boys Tournament.

 

Devin Morris – McKinley, Junior

15 PPG  /  11 RPG  /  2 BPG  /  2 SPG  

Excellent outside shooter with a knack for penetrating and finishing.  Led the Macks to a 3rd straight sectional title in Class A1 and back to the regionals for a second-straight year.  Voted 1st Team Yale Cup I.  Selected MVP of the Section VI Class A1 Tournament.  Logged 15 double-doubles and three triple-doubles on the season.  Connected on 36 3-pointers.  Scored a career-high 27 points against St. Joe's.

 

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HONORABLE MENTION

Justin Hollins – St. Joe's, Senior

 18.8 PPG  /  7.9 RPG  /    2.2 APG  /  1.3 SPG  -  1st Team All-Catholic – Eclipsed 30 pts three times

 

Tyler English – St. Mary's, Senior

15.3 PPG  /  6.0 RPG  /  2.6 APG  /  1.6 SPG  /  1.0 BPG –  1st Team All-Catholic

 

Matt Wrobel – St. Mary's, Senior

12.8 PPG  /  5.6 RPG  /  1.5 APG  –  25 pts, 14 rebs in win vs. Clarence – Led team in offensive reb.

 

D'Andre Steward – McKinley, Senior

14 PPG  /  8 RPG  /  3 SPG  - 1st Team Yale Cup I  -  4 triple-doubles – career-high 32 pts vs. Bennett

 

Varin Lenard – McKinley, Senior

13 PPG  /  8 RPG  /  2 SPG  - 2nd Team Yale Cup I  - Class A1 All-Tournament Team

 

Bryan Jost – Clarence, Senior

10 PPG  /  5 APG  /  3 SPG  /  3 RPG  -  1st Team ECIC I – Class AA All-Tournament Team

 

Willie Smith – Riverside, Senior

19.0 PPG  /  8.6 RPG  /  5.8 APG  /  3.3 SPG  - Career-high 38 pts, 15 rebs, 5 assists vs. East

 

Ryan Richards – Canisius, Senior

 10.0 PPG  /  7.0 RPG  /  2.0 SPG  /  1.5 BPG  -  Athletic, aggressive in post  & lockdown defender.

 

Luke Hennessy – Olean, Senior

5.7 PPG  /  6.5 APG  /  1.6 SPG –  Finished career with 421 assists & 194 steals

 

Noah Whalen – Kenmore West, Senior

17.3 PPG  /  3.8 RPG  /  2.1 SPG  - 1st Team NFL  -  Games highs 32 & 31 pts  - 64% 2 pt FGS

 

Brendan Cox – East Aurora, Senior

15.1 PPg  / 5.1 RPG  /  1.7 APG  /  1.3 SPG  –  1st Team ECIC III

 

Dylan Dussault – Alden, Senior

16.6 PPG  /  10.8 RPG  /  2.0 APG  /  2.0 SPG  /  1.5 BPG  -  1st Team ECIC IV

 

Ryan Lawrence – Lockport, Senior

13.6 PPG  /  6 RPG  -  1st Team NFL

 

Allen Wright Jr. – Health Sciences, Senior

 15.8 PPG  /  8.1 APG  /  5.2 RPG  -  Charter School Player of the Year

 

Derrick Sekuterski – Depew, Senior

11.8 PPG  /  8.9 RPG  /  4.3 APG  /  2.4 SPG  /  1.6 BPG  -  1st Team ECIC III

 

Aaron Phillips – Cleveland Hill, Senior

16.3 PPG  /  11.6 RPG  /  2.6 BPG  /  2.2 APG  /  1.4 SPG  -  ECIC IV Player of the Year

 

Dom Saglimben – Allegany-Limestone, Senior

20.9 PPG  /  3.8 RPG  /  3.6 SPG  /  3.2 APG  -  1st Team  CCAA I East 

 

Andrew Graham – Sherman, Senior

14.4 PPG  /  3.2 RPG  /  3.2 APG  /  2.0 SPG  –  1st Team CCAA II West

 

Joe Piotroski – North Tonawanda, Senior

13.0 PPG  /  2.6 APG  /  2.5 RPG  /  2.2 SPG  -  1st Team NFL

 

Ed Smith – Maryvale, Senior

17.1 PPG  /  6.6 RPG  /  4.5 APG  /  2.1 SPG  -  1st Team ECIC III

 

TJ Scott – Middle College, Senior

16 PPG  /  10 RPG  /  4 SPG  - 2nd Team Yale Cup I.  Scored 23 pts & 14 rebs in regional win.

 

LaTerrance Reed – Canisius, Junior

14.0 PPG  /  4.0 RPG  /  2.5 APG  /  2.5 SPG  -  2nd Team All-Catholic

 

Zak Ciezki – Cheektowaga, Junior

15.4 PPG  /  8.9 RPG  /  3.7 APG  /  1.8 SPG  -  1st Team ECIC III, MVP of Sec VI Class A2 Tourney

 

Nicholas Clough – Williamsville East, Junior

20.3 PPG  /  4.2 RPG  /  1.7 APG  /  1.7 SPG  -  1st Team ECIC II

 

Cort Williams – Williamsville East, Junior

18.3 PPG  /  9.2 APG  /  4.0 APG  /  2.8 SPG  –  1st Team ECIC II

 

Clay Lewis – Holland, Junior

23.2 PPG  /  6.9 RPG  /  3.6 SPG  /  2.6 APG  -  1st Team ECIC IV  - 2nd Team All-ECIC

 

Tanner Schmit – Nichols, Junior

14.0 PPG  /  7.6 RPG  /  1.3 BPG  /  1.2 SPG  /  1.0 APG  –  2nd Team All-Catholic

 

Bryce Morrison – Randolph, Junior

 18.2 PPG  /  6.5 RPG  /  6.2 APG  /  3.0 SPG  -  1st Team CCAA I East

 

Kordell Holness-Lightbody – St. Francis, Junior

17.8 PPG  /  3.7 APG  /  2.5 RPG  /  2.4 SPG  –  2nd Team All-Catholic

 

Derick Simpson – Timon, Junior

13 PPG  /  12 RPG  - 2nd Team All-Catholic

 

Derek Cheatom – Park, Junior

 16.8 PPG  / 7.5  RPG  /  2.2 APG  /  2.2 SPG  /  2.0 BPG  -  2nd Team All-Catholic

 

Sam Castronova – Williamsville South, Junior

 17.6 PPG  /  5.7 RPG  /  3.7 APG  /  1.6 SPG  -  1st Team ECIC II

 

Jared Fish – Salamanca, Junior

19.3 PPG  /  13.2 RPG  /  2.7 APG  /  1.7 SPG  - CCAA East I Player of the Year

 

Cody Johnson – Cassadaga Valley, Junior

20.7 PPG  /  9.1 RPG  /  2.1 BPG  -  CCAA West II Player of the Year

 

Brandon Roach – Olmsted, Sophomore

16.9 PPG  /  6.5 RPG  /  4.0 APG  /  3.1 SPG  – 1st Team Yale Cup II – WNY Season-high 50 pt game 

 

-centercourt

37 responses to “The 2014 All-Centercourt Team: The Best in WNY”

  1. TML1000 Avatar
    TML1000

    CC…very strong selections. I completely agree with the 1st team. My only disagreement would be to select two of Hollins, Whalen or English to replace Brown and Welch on fifth team. I feel those three were the their team’s best player…three teams that were superior to Amherst and Cheektowaga, who benefitted from weaker divisions and playoff brackets.

    Reply
  2. centercourt Avatar
    centercourt

    Thank you. I hear you on all three of the guys you mentioned for fifth team. I struggled with leaving each of them off and if there was a 6th team, there’s three of the five.

    Reply
  3. TML1000 Avatar
    TML1000

    Let’s see…2 other guys for 6th team…I’d say Cheathom and Scott…maybe Phillips, Steward or Cox…tough call.

    Reply
  4. CM Avatar
    CM

    Excellent job CC. You pretty much nailed it. The only thing I would change is Lee Yaw for Williams on 1st only because of how far Jamestown got and I never thought we saw the best Williams had to offer. Also, Dougherty is a 2nd team talent but would have been too high after Lockport went out in the semis, even if it was to jamestown. Nice touch with stats for all the honorable mentions.

    Reply
  5. hoopster Avatar
    hoopster

    CC, where are the comments. An All CC or All WNY always brings out the chattering class with claims of politics bias stupidity etc. That always bothered me. Since there are only 3 comments it can mean only one thing! You did an outstanding job. I wholeheartedly agree! Great job and thx for a great year of covering hs hoops for WNY hoop fans.

    Reply
  6. Hollywood Avatar
    Hollywood

    Just came home from the Jamestown basketball banquet where I found out about Zack Panebianco status on your team I was elated as you know how I feel about the Red Raiders Kinda figuring that it was neck and neck between Zack and Wil and an agonizing job in the final decision.Fully agree with your first team and nearly every othet choice So glad to see Jonathan Lewis gettinga well.deserved fitst team Huge.TC Brown fan who has capability of future first team Wish more people could’ve seen Riversides Willie.Smith.on a down RHS.season I felt he was fourth team at least But overall. CC anothrr outstanding job ThankYou

    Reply
  7. wnyhoopfan Avatar
    wnyhoopfan

    i’m sure it is very difficult to see all of the fine WNY players during the course of the season, but Maple Grove has 2 players that earned at least an honorable mention. Corey Wefing and Graham Soffel turned in outstanding seasons, lifting MG from a very poor season start to a birth in the Sectional final vs. Randolph. Soffel in particular stands out with his inside-outside game, and scored 30 (including 17-20 from the foul line) in an upset over Buffalo East in the Sectional semi-final.

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  8. wnyhoopfan Avatar
    wnyhoopfan

    correction, Maple Grove defeated I-Prep (#1 seed), not Buffalo East in the Sectional semi.

    Reply
  9. buffs best Avatar
    buffs best

    Great job

    Reply
  10. ecichoops Avatar
    ecichoops

    CC,nice work and good to see you had the smarts to give Panebianco poy which is well deserved. Safe bet that the news will give it to someone from w north for some reason they think they have to. Always so much talk about giving awards to guys whose teams have nice years and advance in playoffs, so why give it to someone who never won the section? Good player, just not poy material regardless of numbers. About numbers, do the math whomever comes up with some of them needs a lesson on how to do stats.

    Reply
  11. PJB Avatar
    PJB

    Great job!!! Always enjoyable to see your insight because I know its well informed and thought out.
    I might have switched up Funk and Washington, but that just splitting hairs.
    Already looking forward to next year.

    Reply
  12. centercourt Avatar
    centercourt

    Thank you, that means a lot coming from you – someone who sees plenty of basketball and offers me great perspective every time we talk.

    Reply
  13. bullsfan Avatar
    bullsfan

    I think that this list is very well thought out and is as accurate as one can be. There will always be some players who could be listed higher or lower based on your personal perspective. There should be no question regarding CC’s honest views towards WNY basketball. As you can see from the extensive write-ups, a lot of thought was put into this and we as a WNY basketball community should thank him for his hard work and promotion of our sport. Thanks CC!

    Reply
  14. WNYhoops Avatar
    WNYhoops

    Player of year – or a players great career ? – if its a yearly thing then the players team should have been successful in sectionals. North never made it to sectional finals in the five years. Never won game at BUff State. Once again the news goes on past successes and not what is presently going on in high school basketball or any sport they write about. That is because the coverage is poor and after the fact. CC – excellent choice on your player of year – the news got it wrong again – although their choice is an excellent player. Just not THIS years poy.

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  15. Rusty Avatar
    Rusty

    I can see it going both ways. If you look the way the awards are handed out at the college and professional ranks, for instance, the playoffs aren’t even given full weight. The Heisman is given out in December before the bowl games. The NFL MVP is given out before the Super Bowl. The NBA gives out its MVP award at the beginning of May, well before the playoffs are over. Weighing the playoffs could actually be considered unfair. An MVP/Player of the Year award is supposed to reflect a player’s performance throughout the season, from beginning to end. That’s why most leagues have separate awards for the playoffs. It’s a completely different season. The stakes are different. The game planning is different. The health of teams are different. The coaching is different. While I don’t think a player’s playoff performance can or should be ignored completely, to dismiss a player’s performance in the beginning and middle stages of a season is unfair, and probably intellectually dishonest. Both Panebianco and Taplin were worthy candidates for Player of the Year, and you could make a very good argument for either.

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  16. Rusty Avatar
    Rusty

    Also, the Buffalo News selections aren’t just media ballots. If you read the PrepTalk Blog, they sent out ballots to all coaches. I have no idea how much or how little those ballots are weighed in the decision making, but it’s not just Keith McShea, or other Buffalo News folks making these picks. It’s a comprehensive process.
    That’s not to say that Centercourt doesn’t get input from coaches either (I’m sure he does), but just like any other outlet that gives out any sort of awards, the criteria are usually different from outlet to outlet, and that’s perfectly fine.

    Reply
  17. StateChamps2003 Avatar
    StateChamps2003

    Centercourt POY > Buffalo News POY.
    I can’t say I’m surprised by the News’ decision to go with Taplin as their POY. It’s the safe, let’s not hurt this kids feelings because we already made him a three time first team selection POY pick. Taplin very well might be the first News POY to never play in a sectional or MMA championship game. That’s unreal. The fact that he’s included in the same sentence with Tony Kelly, Jason Rowe, Tim Winn and Will Regan is just crazy to me. 3 of those 4 guys are in the upper echelon of greatest high school basketball players to come out of WNY. Taplin couldn’t hold their jock strap.
    The News kept going on and on about how he is the career leader in points, assists, steals and who knows what else. He played 99 varsity games for a program that isn’t rich with basketball talent. Playing 99 varsity should result in being the schools career leader in multiple stats. I thought this was a player of the year award not a career achievement award.
    Don’t get me wrong, Taplin is a very good player but not Player of the YEAR. Bathurst and Panebianco both had way more impressive seasons than Taplin.
    I commend Centercourt for giving his POY to Panebianco and overall I think you did a great job with the teams.

    Reply
  18. WNYhoops Avatar
    WNYhoops

    Winning sectional games and getting to Buff State has a lot to do with the coach developing players around the superstars. Taplin needed help.

    Reply
  19. fullcourt1 Avatar
    fullcourt1

    I think it should have been Co-Players of the year but having said that; fans should stop putting TAPLIN down; he is the smoothest most talented player in WNY and deserves the recognition and praise he gets. And now to be politically incorrect: I don’t get all of the OLEAN HYPE; yes they are a very good program with very good hard working players but as a NON WNYER ; I only see them at States and other than 2008 they have not impressed after the WNY Media and Fans build them up like the 96 BULLS; instead I see the likes of OGDENSBURG; GLENS FALLS; LUDDEN; and WESTHILL putting on the show and leaving everyone impressed.

    Reply
  20. fan Avatar
    fan

    Just spoke with Keith McShea. He said Howard Washington is getting his P.O.Y. next year and the one after. I had no idea these things were determined before the season starts. All makes sense now.

    Reply
  21. BBallfan Avatar
    BBallfan

    fan,
    Would not doubt it, it does not have to do with the current season, it has to do with your career stats. Not getting poy doesnt mean you are not an excellent player. Would doubt the coaches voted that way even though ther ballots were submitted.

    Reply
  22. Tmont Avatar
    Tmont

    Fan-
    You are right on with that.
    Taplin was anointed POY long before this past season even started.
    Right on about Howard Washington being anointed for the next few years.
    But let me state, that Taplin was an elite player in WNY during his career. Cannot deny that, but in my opinion not POY this year.
    And Howard Washington may EARN POY of the year next year, but it seems that Keith sees a potential talent and hangs his POY very early in their career.
    Keith McShea does a good job for the News reporting High School Basketball. But he needs to look beyond the “anointed” ones.
    Centercourt, words cannot describe what you have done for those of us that follow High School Basketball, and the kids that play.
    Thank you for all the time and effort you put in.

    Reply
  23. Hoop guy Avatar
    Hoop guy

    Its crazy how he saying Howard will win it next year like Zach not playing next year

    Reply
  24. Keeth McShay Avatar
    Keeth McShay

    you have GOT to be kidding with the last four posts (and a few others). live chat tomorrow night. I’ll be swatting nonsense (like some of the stuff I just read) and wagging my finger all night. #stoptheflop

    Reply
  25. Coach Avatar
    Coach

    Typical arrogance, very typical! You disregarded the input you asked for from the coaches because you think you know more than all of us. Apparently you know more than trained officials too. What you think are swats are called fouls because you are a hack!

    Reply
  26. Artemus Gordon Avatar
    Artemus Gordon

    What were the results of the allstar games at Grabiarz a few weeks back. Who won and who did the scoring? Curious.

    Reply
  27. Keith McShea Avatar
    Keith McShea

    Hey, Mr. Anonymous coach (or person posing as one). This is really me. My email is kmcshea@buffnews.com. The previous post may or may not have been me, but I don’t disagree with it — it seems pretty obvious whoever posted it was trying to have some fun.

    Reply
  28. Keith McShea Avatar
    Keith McShea

    And of course #preptalkshamelessplug to watch PrepTalkTV videos tonight (starring the guy who runs this blog!) & visit the live chat for an actual discussion about the actual process.

    Reply
  29. TAP Avatar
    TAP

    @statechamp203 I rarely chime in these conversations but I see that you have some really ridiculous comments. He can’t hold ther jock straps, wow I am appalled by that you clearly do not understand basketball. Charles Barkley has never won a championship in the NBA so that I guess diminishes all of his accomplishments and he had a great deal of help. My next point, you stated he should have broken all those records. Well let’s view that Einstein, obviously you have never been to a game they devise defeneces to stop him box, triangle and other gimics and McKinley style just put two guys on him that did not work either. So what I think is you in some fashion is jealous that MY kid can play and I am more disappointed in me for giving you my time. By the way he just picked up 4 more offers……

    Reply
  30. TAP Avatar
    TAP

    @Keith Mcshea seems like your all western NY team was il line with the all state team not bad!!! Still not a fan but good job!!

    Reply
  31. centercourt Avatar
    centercourt

    Former Canisius & current Hamilton standout, Matt Hart, has told me he will make the move to D1 next season. He is currently considering multiple offers and will do so over the next few weeks as they continue to roll in.

    Reply
  32. Rusty Schackelford Avatar
    Rusty Schackelford

    @keithmcsheabn reports that Stan Wier took a medical redshirt and will play next season at Midland Community College(Tex) as a freshman, quite possibly making him the worlds oldest freshman basketball player at 21. Looks like 21 is the new 18 for freshman baskelball players in college.
    Congratulations to all of this years wny hs basketball alum class of 2010 who continued to play in college and are now graduating on time at 21 or 22 years old and good luck in your future endeavors.

    Reply
  33. Rusty Schackelford Avatar
    Rusty Schackelford

    Matt Hart has received a scholarship offer from Hartford College and there is SOME interest from Niagara and St. Bonaventure. Chasing the D1 dream is fine but when you’re tracking towards being a schools all-time leading scorer and possible HOF at your current school it may not be the best decision. I hope it all works out for Matt.

    Reply
  34. Artemus Gordon Avatar
    Artemus Gordon

    Best of luck to Matt Hart. Hope he does well wherever he goes or stays. I also see a dig at Stan Wier. If the guy was hurt and couldn’t play and he still wants to compete in college basketball along with getting his degree, no matter how old he may be, God Bless him.

    Reply
  35. fullcourt1 Avatar
    fullcourt1

    It would be really Cool to see a WESTHILL VS CANISIUS or WESTHILL VS NFHS match up next season. It would be good for all the teams and the Fans!!

    Reply
  36. Guest Avatar
    Guest

    Heard Herlan is out at SJCI for basketball any truth?

    Reply
  37. Source Avatar
    Source

    Jaysean Paige of Moberly CC signs with West Virginia according to @jucorecruiting

    Reply

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All Over WNY

Centercourt

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

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