The 2023 Preview contains:

– Commentary

– What's New

– Player Movement

– Returning 2022 All-Centercourt Players

– 20 Players to watch in 2023

– A League-by-League look at returning All-League selections

(MMA, Yale Cup, ECIC,  NFL, N-O, CCAA, & Charters)

– Coaching Changes

– Classification Changes

– Preseason Top 10 Large & Small Schools

– Predictions

 

Commentary

– The old adage has existed as long as I’ve watched sports – ‘Defense Wins Championships’.  In an era where 3-point shooting has changed the game like never before and players work tirelessly on improving their shot and range, defense remains a controllable constant.  The very first high school game I watched last season had St. Mary’s playing in it and the first words I spoke out loud, assessing anything I had seen was a remark about how active the Lancers looked defensively.  They would end up being state champions.  The stretch run that included a Manhattan Cup and state championship for Canisius was a masters class in execution and defending for 32 minutes.  As I drove to Glens Falls to see the four Section VI teams that all advanced to the state final four, I thought about the common theme to all four of those regional champions (Jamestown, Amherst, Allegany-Limestone, & Salamanca) – all were exceptional defensive programs.  Crowds get bigger and louder in the postseason.  The biggest games are on the college courts with no wall behind the basket and multiple 3-point lines that result in players taking deeper shots.  Intensity ramps up and things can get tense.  Teams that relied on outscoring you suddenly have an off night and just like that, the magical postseason ride is over.  I love a good high-scoring affair as much as anyone, but nothing earns respect like championships.  Defense is where they are won.  'D' Up!

 

– In wrapping my head around the upcoming season, the thing I kept circling back to, and was most excited about, is how absolutely loaded Class B is this year.  You’ll find predictions at the bottom of this preview, but when it comes to that classification, there are so many teams that could win it, it's like throwing darts at a revolving board.  The leading scorer in the MMA from last season, Jalen Duff, is back at Lew-Port.  Cheektowaga, Pioneer, & Iroquois all move down from Class A2.  Salamanca, who made it to Glens Falls in Class C last season, moves up to Class B.  Bennett, who won Class B1 hoops in 2021, has a starting five that just brought a Class AA football title back to Buffalo – they're winners.  Lackawanna started running opponents out of the building last season and won 16 straight on its way to Buff State.  Newfane returns a strong squad after reaching the Class B2 Final Four.  Defending Yale Cup II champion City Honors is in Class B, along with defending N-O champion Roy-Hart, and the team that beat them in last year's postseason – Southwestern.  Tapestry's winning ways in Class C earned them a new home in Class B.  Middle College has played in four Class C state championship games since 2010 – they've now settled into Class B.  Let's see…am I forgetting anyone?  Oh yes, there's that team from Olean that has won 13 Section VI titles in the past 14 seasons they've been classified as a B school.  That should do it.  Haha, just kidding – I saved the overall defending Class B champions for last.  Allegany-Limestone reached Glens Falls in 2022 and will be a force once again in 2023.  There, I think I've made a pretty strong case for Class B being LOADED!  The two schools raising Section VI plaques in the first two games of Championship Saturday from Classes B2 and B1 will have truly earned the title.

 

– Sadly, after this season we will have reached the end of an era.  The NYSPHAA is adding a sixth classification beginning next season, Class AAA.  While this change will come with some impact to all of the classifications as they are currently comprised, the biggest impact will be felt in the new Class AAA.  Based on the BEDS numbers the state will use for the new Class AAA, there will be only two teams from Section VI with BEDS numbers placing them in Class AAA -  Niagara Falls & Lancaster.  Section VI may also classify Health sciences as an AAA, and technically, could move all WNY charter schools to the highest classification if it wanted to, just to create a credible number of teams for a postseason sectional tournament.  While I’m struggling to find anything I like about this coming change for next season, the aspect of it that hits home hardest for a traditionalist like myself is separating Niagara Falls and Jamestown.  Since 2004, those two teams have combined to win 17 Class AA titles, with Niagara Falls winning 11 of them.  Something I’ve almost come to expect and look forward to is the annual Falls vs. Jamestown game at Buff State.  The two teams have played each other 11 times under the bright lights since 2006, and eight of those games have been Class AA Finals on Championship Saturday.  At the very least, I'm hoping the two teams begin scheduling each other annually in a nonleague tilt starting in 2023, because Falls/Jamestown is tradition.  So when the NFHS Pep Band is playing at 3:15 pm on Championship Saturday, March 4th at Buff State, and Falls & Jamestown are warming up for a 12th Buff State battle since 2006, take it all in and thanks for all the memories!

 

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What's New ??

 

– The Centercourt Classic is back at Hamburg High School on February 3rd & 4th.  However, this season, the annual event will feature boys/girls double-header between the host Bulldogs & Frontier on night one.  The Saturday lineup is loaded with five great matchups.

– Regionals are hosted by Section V this season on Saturday, March 11th.  The venue has not yet been announced.

– The Manhattan Cup is staying with its single tournament format with one champion.  The winner represents our area in the CHSAA Class A state playoffs.  However, this season, any team that finishes the MMA regular season in the top four with 8 or more league wins is only eligible for the Class A state playoffs.  Any team eliminated in the first round of the Manhattan Cup Tournament will see its season end there.  A  Class B representative for the CHSAA state playoffs will also be determined via a Relegation Tournament.  Teams that are designated as a Class B school at the start of the Manhattan Cup Tournament, who finished with 7 or less league wins, and are eliminated beginning in the second round are eligible for that tournament.  

– Hamburg returns ECIC II this season, after a season of competition up in ECIC I.

– Lackawanna & Springville will flip divisions, with the Steelers moving up to play in ECIC III, while the Griffins will slide down to play in ECIC IV.

– Maple Grove & Falconer will also flip divisions in the CCAA, as the Red Dragons head to CCAA II West and Falconer moves into CCAA I East.

– Speaking of the CCAA leagues – they've gone back to calling them CCAA I East and a CCAA II East after changing the names to CCAA Central & CCAA East respectively for one season last year.  

– The NFL is returning to its split division format.  The nine-team league will once again have a Niagara Division (Falls, Lockport, NW, NT, & Ken West) and a Frontier Division (Lew-Port, CSAT, Ken East, & Grand Island).  Teams within a sub-division will play a traditional home & home against each other and then one game against each team from the other sub-division.

– It turns out the IAC was not the place to be.  After three seasons away, The Park School is back in the Monsignor Martin Association, where they will be classified in Class B.  The Pioneers won consecutive CHSAA Class A State Championships in 2018 & 2019 before exiting to become an independent in Class A for two seasons.  Last year, they returned to the IAC, their former home for several years prior to originally joining the MMA in 2013.  

– New events debut this season.  Fredonia College hosted a small school challenge on Saturday, December 3rd, pitting four teams from CCAA against opponents from ECIC.  On MLK weekend there is a second event at SUNY Fredonia with a full slate of games that includes some elite competition from PA with several future Division I players.  There is also a day of games on MLK Day at Hilbert College, a Coaches vs. Cancer event with some marquee matchups.

 

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Player Movement

Key Transfers

Jalen Duff:  Nichols —-> Lew-Port

Jordan Alexander:  Maryvale —> Amherst

Nakhyi Harris:  Sweet Home —-> Timon

Channing Francis:  Lancaster —> Nichols

Tre Paulfrey:  Olmsted —> Nichols

Gionni Zelasko:  Williamsville North —> St. Joe's

Antwan Threeths:  Global Concepts —> Lackawanna 

Ka'johni Dickerson:  Global Concepts —> Lackawanna

 

Early Prep School Departures

Adam Chiacchia – Hamburg

Ahmir Dunn – Amherst

 

Returning Studs

– James Robinson is back at Niagara Falls for his senior season after leaving the area as a freshman prior to the start of that season.  He's a 6-5 difference maker that will quickly become a known commodity on the local hoops scene.  I've seen some preseason highlights…he's gonna be a problem for teams!

– Patrick McNeill is ready for his senior year at North Tonawanda after missing the majority of last season with an injury.  He had four double figure performances, including a 31-point career-high early in his junior season prior to the injury.

 

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Returning All-Centercourt Talent

***  8 of the top 25 players from the 2022 All-Centercourt Team return to the WNY high school hoops scene, along with 10 players that received Honorable Mentions following last season.  

 

Returning First Teamer

Shane Cercone – Canisius, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

19.9 PPG

8.9 RPG

2.3 APG

0.8 SPG

A five-year varsity starter and WNY's most impactful player at both ends, 'Batman' will look to add a third Manhattan Cup championship to his Delaware Avenue resume.

 

 

 

 

 

Returning Second Teamers

Jalen Duff – Lew-Port, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

24.3 PPG

7.5 RPG

6.0 APG

1.7 SPG

Already a four-time All-Centercourt selection, Duff returns home after leading the MMA in scoring & assists, looking to earn the Lancers another Section VI championship like he did as a starter with Lew-Port as an eighth-grader. 

 

 

 

 

Nick Moore – Amherst, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

16.6 PPG

5.7 RPG

5.2 APG

2.9 SPG

After leading Amherst to its greatest season in program history as a junior, Moore and the Tigers are determined to repeat as Section VI champs for just the second time ever and make another run at the state level.

 

 

 

 

 

Returning Third Teamers

Lucus Brown – Salamanca, Junior

Sophomore Season Stats:

21.2 PPG

5.5 RPG

3.9 SPG

2.8 APG

His riveting performances wowed the areas at Buff Sate & Glens Falls as he led Salamanca to its first state final four while earning First Team All-State honors. He's a fierce competitor with a rare skill set, making him the ultimate Warrior.

 

 

 

 

Xander Fletcher – Niagara Wheatfield, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

16.7 PPG

5.1 APG

4.1 RPG

2.0 SPG

 Controlled the offense and his opponent for the Falcons, as this selfless floor general led Niagara Wheatfield to its best season ever with 21 wins, an undefeated NFL title, and a Section VI championship. 

 

 

 

 

 

Jaiden Harrison – Timon, Junior

Sophomore Season Stats

20.8 PPG

4.9 RPG

2.1 APG

1.8 SPG

His first varsity season in the MMA yielded 500 points, giving him over 1,300 in his career entering his junior campaign.  After reaching a Manhattan Cup Final, Harrison is ready to lead the Tigers and add a championship to his resume.

 

 

 

 

Jakye Rainey – Nichols, Junior

Sophomore Season Stats

24.1 PPG

4.6 RPG

2.3 SPG

1.9 APG

After leading WNY in 3-pointers and erupting for a career-high 44 points in a game during his breakout sophomore season, Rainey Buckets is ready to grab the reins at Nichols as the team leader entering his third varsity season.

 

 

 

 

Returning Fifth Teamer

Trey Drake – Jamestown, Senior

Junior Season Stats:

13.8 PPG

5.5 RPG

2.8 APG

2.0 SPG

A proven two-sport champion that picked up a Daemen hoops offer before committing to the gridiron, Drake led the Red Raiders to Glens Falls in Class AA with his combination of leadership, toughness, & intelligence while delivering for them in the clutch.

 

 

 

 

Returning 2022 Honorable Mentions

Bobby Beilein – Lew-Port, Senior

19.2 PPG / 4.5 RPG / 2.8 APG / 1.6 SPG  / 1.0 BPG – as a junior

 

Juilenn Celments – Lackawanna, Senior

17.9 PPG – as a junior

 

Dorian Facen – Williamsville East, Senior

15.1 PPG / 6.0 RPG / 3.7 SPG / 2.3 APG – as a junior

 

Andy Herrick – Salamanca, Senior

12.9 PPG / 3.2 RPG / 2.2 APG / 1.4 SPG – as a junior

 

Xavier Benton – Health Sciences, Senior

12.1 PPG / 6.0 APG / 2.6 SPG / 1.9 RPG – as a junior

 

Luke Granto – Canisius, Senior

6.6 PPG / 4.1 RPG / 3.4 APG / 1.2 SPG – as a junior

 

Ray Cortes – Silver Creek, Junior

25.1 PPG / 12.1 RPG / 3.4 SPG / 2.2 APG / 1.3 BPG – as a sophomore

 

Jordan Alexander – Amherst, Junior

21.8 PPG / 7.8 RPG / 2.8 SPG / 2.5 APG – as a sophomore

 

Drew Hind – Randolph, Freshman

16.4 PPG / 4.4 RPG / 4.3 APG / 2.6 SPG – as a freshman

 

Nakhyi Harris – Timon, Sophomore

13.2 PPG / 5.6 RPG / 2.6 APG / 1.9 SPG / 1.1 BPG – as a freshman

 

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20 Players to Watch

More impact players for 2023 not mentioned above

Chase Welch – Park, Senior

Grayson White – Clarence, Senior

Jack DeRose – Olean, Senior

Nation Howard – Orchard Park, Senior

Omarion Ralands – Niagara Falls, Senior

Javani Rivera – South Park, Senior

Ethan Fry – Fredonia, Senior

Logan Reaska – St. Francis, Senior

Nate Errington – Frontier, Senior

Nasir Starks – St. Mary's, Senior

Anthony DeCapua – Allegany-Limestone, Senior

Evan Myers – Newfane, Senior

Matthew Pannes – Southwestern, Senior

Jaiden Huntington – Randolph, Senior

Sajun Beasley – McKinley, Junior

Parker Rey – Nichols, Junior

Jaymier Goosby – St. Joe's, Sophomore

Carson Swanson – Westfield, Sophomore

Amir Moye – Health Sciences, Freshman

Charlie Croff – Lockport, Freshman

 

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League-By-League:  Returning All-League Talent 

Monsignor Martin Association

Large Schools – CLASS A

Canisius - Shane Cercone – 12, Luke Granto – 12

St. Joe's - Sam Greco – 12

St. Francis - Logan Reaska – 12

 

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Small Schools – CLASS B

Timon - Jaiden Harrison – 11, Jacob Humphrey – 11

Nichols - Jakye Rainey – 11

 St. Mary's - Nasier Starks – 12

The Park School

Cardinal O'Hara 

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Section VI

 

YALE CUP I

McKinley – Sajon Beasley – 11, Kevin Borden – 12, Jordan David-Lewis – 12

East – Mohamed Awali – 12, Michael Jackson – 12, Cedric Weatherspoon – 12

Bennett – Rashard Perry – 12, Jayden Lewis – 12, Jahlil Alston – 12

South Park –  Javani Rivera – 12, Antonio Watts – 12, Keyon Dred – 12

I-Prep – Angel Serrano – 12, Versi Hawkins – 12, Omarion Arroyo – 12

Hutch-Tech – Jahleeio Dowell – 12, David Washington – 11

Middle College – Jaykwon Kyle – 10, Adrian Anderson – 12

 

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YALE CUP II

MST Seneca –  Tyeon Sanford – 12, Marcelino Long – 11

Olmsted - Ezekiel Alexander – 11

City Honors – Bith Deng – 12, Charlie Hilway – 12

Emerson – Emanuel Thomas – 12

Riverside – Landon Jaeckle – 11

Buffalo Arts - Jordan Rodgers – 12

Burgard 

 

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ECIC I

Jamestown -  Trey Drake -12

Frontier - Nate Errington – 11

Clarence - Grayson White – 12

Orchard Park 

Lancaster 

Williamsville North 

West Seneca West 

 

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ECIC II

Amherst -  Nick Moore – 12, Josh Bugiera – 12, Jordan Alexander – 11

Williamsville East - Dorian Facen – 12, Mason Evans – 11

Iroquois - Justus Kleitz – 9

Sweet Home – Jordan Theodore – 12

Williamsville South - Nicco DiGiulio

Starpoint - Cohen Vogel – 10, Jackson Griesmer – 10

West Seneca East 

Hamburg

 

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ECIC III

Lackawanna -  Julienn Clements – 12

Pioneer - Walker Bekiel – 12, Sam Platt – 10

Depew - Jemery Clarke – 12, Jaden Torres – 11

Cheektowaga - Romel Speaks – 11

East Aurora - Matt Horning – 12

Maryvale - Malachi Ladson – 12

Lake Shore - Max Zelonka – 12

 

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ECIC IV

Cleveland Hill – Zack Phillips – 12, Cameron D'Hilly – 11

Holland - Henry Anderson – 12

Springville - Maximus Perry – 11

Alden

Eden

JFK 

Tonawanda 

 

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Niagara Frontier League

Niagara Division

Niagara Falls 

Niagara Wheatfield – Xander Fletcher – 12

Lockport - Jason Green – 12

North Tonawanda  

Kenmore West 

 

Frontier Division

Lew-Port - Bobby Beilein – 12, Jalen Duff – 12

CSAT 

Kenmore East  

Grand Island 

 

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Niagara-Orleans

Newfane - Evan Myers – 12, Landon Braman – 11, Ben Dickinson -11

Roy-Hart 

Barker 

Wilson 

Akron  

Medina 

Albion 

 

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CCAA I West 

Salamanca - Andy Herrick – 12

Olean – Jack DeRose – 12

Fredonia –  Ethan Fry – 12, Davion White – 11

Allegany-Limestone - Andrew Giardini – 12

Southwestern –  Matt Panes – 12

Dunkirk

 

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CCAA I East

Randolph - Jaiden Huntington – 12, Drew Hind – 10, Carson Conley – 12

Silver Creek - Ray Cortes – 11, Matt Woleben 12

Frewsburg – Connor Murray – 12, Gavin Smith – 11

Falconer - Jase Smith – 12

Portville 

Cassadaga Valley

Gowanda 

 

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CCAA II West 

Panama -  Bryce Hinsdale – 10, Carter Brink – 10, Alex Barmore – 10, Gabe Roth – 12

Clymer - Blake Kopta – 12, Austin White – 12

Westfield – Carson Swanson – 10

Chautauqua Lake - Lawson Ormsby – 12

Sherman 

Maple Grove

Brocton  

 

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CCAA II East 

Ellicottville - Owen Chudy – 11, Caedon Wyatt – 12

North Collins - Matt Sweet – 12, Derek Ebersole – 11

Franklinville – Noah Shenk – 11, Beau Bielecki – 11

Forestville - Brayden Smith – 12

Cattaraugus-Little Valley

Pine Valley

 

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Charter Schools

Health Sciences - Xavier Benton – 12

Global Concepts - Kobe Torres – 11, Antwan Threeths – 12

Tapestry   

Maritime

BASCS

 

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Teams with New Coaches (17)

Medina - Justin Morgan 

Cardinal O'Hara – Bryan Legge

The Park School – Rod Middleton

Lancaster – Tony Watson

Hamburg – Dave Benningfield

Starpoint – Luke Vogel

CSAT – Marques Johnson

Dunkirk – Sixto Rosario

Alden – Mike Borton

Tonawanda – Scott Ackerman

JFK – Lindsey Taylor

Springville – Al Monaco

Portville – Nathan Kloc

Maple Grove – Bill Price

Burgard – Jarryd Austin

BASCS – Paul Kowalski

Maritime – Rinaldo Foye

 

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Classification Changes (16)

Lockport moves up from Class A1 to Class AA

Health Sciences moves up from Class A2 to Class AA

South Park moves down from Class A1 to Class A2

Pioneer moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

Cheektowaga moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

Iroquois moves down from Class A2 to Class B1

Alden moves up from Class B2 to Class B1

Burgard moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Springville moves down from Class B1 to Class B2

Salamanca moves up from Class C to Class B2

Springville moves up from Class C1 to Class B2

East moves down from Class B1 to Class C

Maritime moves down from Class B2 to Class C

JFK moves down from Class B2 to Class C

Maple Grove moves down from Class C to Class D

Barker moves down from Class C to Class D

 

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Preseason Rankings

**  Eight of the 10 teams that appeared in the 2022 Preseason Large School Rankings were Top 10 teams when the season ended, and I was 7 of 10 predicting Top 10 small schools in 2021

 

Large Schools

1. Canisius

2. Niagara Falls

3. Jamestown

4. Amherst

5. St. Joe's

6. Health Sciences

7. McKinley

8. Niagara Wheatfield

9. Lockport

10. St. Francis

 

Small Schools

1. Timon

2. Nichols

3. Lew-Port

4. Allegany-Limestone 

5. Salamanca

6. Randolph

7. Lackawanna

8. Park

9. St. Mary's

10. East

 

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Predictions

 

* The 2022 Preview correctly predicted 10 of 13 league champions

 

MMA - Timon

Yale Cup I - McKinley

Yale Cup II - MST Seneca

ECIC I - Jamestown

ECIC II - Amherst

ECIC III – Lackawanna

ECIC IV - Holland

NFL - Niagara Falls

N-O - Newfane

CCAA I West – Allegany-Limestone

CCAA II West - Panama

CCAA I East - Randolph 

CCAA II East - Ellicottville

 

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I went just 2 of 8 predicting these end-of-year champions in the 2022 Preview

 

Manhattan Cup

So…I have now correctly predicted the Manhattan Cup winner just two times in the last 10 years!  That includes years when there were only three teams competing for it.  Pretty pathetic.  Seeing your school below has become the Centercourt curse!  If I just picked Canisius every season, I'd be right more times than not.  But I wouldn't be this season, because the team from South Buffalo is ready to put it all together and win the Manahattan Cup for the first time since 2001.

** Timon **

 

Class AA 

Final Four:  

Health Sciences, Niagara Falls, Jamestown, & Lockport

** Niagara Falls **

 

Class A1 

Final Four:

McKinley, Niagara Wheatfield, Williamsville East, & North Tonawanda

** McKinley **

 

Class A2  

Final Four:  

South Park, Amherst, Williamsville South, & CSAT

** Amherst **

 

Class B1 

Final Four:  

Olean, Lackawanna, Lew-Port, & Pioneer

** Lew-Port **

 

Class B2 

Final Four:

Bennett, Allegany-Limestone, Newfane, & Salamanca

** Salamanca **

 

Class C

Final Four:

Randolph, Silver Creek, East, & Holland

** Randolph **

 

Class D

Final Four:  

Panama, Ellicottville, Westfield, & Barker

** Barker **

 

-centercourt