Large Schools

1. Canisius (AA) –  After winning the opening game in the Jesuit Tournament the Crusaders traveled out of state for, Canisius went on to drop the last two games of the event, along with a loss in a turnaround trip to Cathedral Prep in Erie, upon returning home.  Now back in Buffalo where the team’s record is unblemished, they draw back-to-back road games against their top two competitors from the MMA, Nichols & rival St. Joe’s.
2. St. Joe’s (AA) –  Defeated McQuaid by 12 points & followed that up with a close victory over Park for a 5th straight victory, improving the team to 7-3.  The regular season is getting revved up now that the calendar has turned.  The Marauders travel to St. Francis on Tuesday and then it’s the Round 1 of the regular season rivalry series against Canisius, Friday night on Kenmore Avenue.
3. Nichols (AA) –  Blew out Aquinas behind a 30-point performance by Tre Paulfrey for a second straight victory over a Section V team.  Tuesday evening on Amherst Street is going to be fun when the Vikings host #1 ranked Canisius.
4. Niagara Falls (AAA) –  Ran smack dab into Syracuse state power Nottingham on Saturday afternoon and came home empty handed.  Only the Wolverines could lose 5 of their last 6 games and continue to be ranked as a Top 5 team in WNY.  Next up for Falls is the team I think wins a state championship in Class AA this season from Penfield.
5. Health Sciences (AAA) –  An emotionally charged team got behind their captain Amir Moye and won going away at St. Francis on Friday evening.  The Falcons host Burgard & Middle College in the week ahead.
6. Jamestown (AAA) –  A 12-point victory at St. Francis on Saturday was the 3rd straight for Jamestown.  Caoch Billy Miley knows how to time out a pizza order, as evidenced by the fresh slice Kam Milne was photographed chowing down in Blasdell postgame.  After a visit from Frontier on Monday, Jamestown will get another shot at some fresh victory pizza after a roadie to Williamsville North, which will be broadcast as the Centercourt ‘Game of the Week’.
7. Orchard Park (AA) –  The Quakers are rested up and ready to find out where the rubber meets the road this week when they get a stiff test in league play, courtesy of a visit from Williamsville North on Tuesday.  They finish off the week with a Saturday afternoon game at Maryvale that follows a home game versus Clarence on Thursday.
8. Grand Island (A1) –  No longer undefeated after scheduling a competitive opponent out of state .  The Vikings head to Niagara Wheatfield on Tuesday, then close out the week with home games against East & Ken East.
9. St. Francis (AA) –  Hung in against Jamestown before ultimately yielding way less than 24 hours after facing a Health Sciences squad that was not to be denied.  Another tough game is headed the way of the Red Raiders, with the #2 Marauders visiting on Tuesday, before closing the week out against O’Hara on Friday.
10. St. Mary’s (AA) –  After falling behind by double figures early on, the Lancers settled in and broke a 14-year drought, leaving Timon with a victory for the first time since 2012.  St. Mary’s is set to host Cardinal O’Hara & Park this week.

Small Schools

1. Akron (B2) –  Following a couple weeks off, the Tigers return to the hardwood this week on Tuesday evening at Newfane, then they host Barker on Friday.
2. Tapestry (B2) –  Three straight wins this week over Middle College, Newfane, & Riverside improved the Thunderhawks to 7-0 on the season.  Eden will make its way to Great Arrow Drive on Wednesday evening.
3. Wilson (C) –  The Lakemen head to The Barn to face Roy-Hart this Tuesday, ahead of a big battle of unbeatens when the Medina Mustangs arrive on Friday.
4. Global Concepts (C) –  After a 4-0 start to the season and some time off, the Gators will look to add a pair of wins to their resume, first hosting East on Monday and then with a trip to JFK Wednesday night.
5. Medina (B1) –  The Mustangs have a huge game on Friday night at Wilson, but first must face Eden in a rematch of a game Medina won before the holiday break, along with a Wednesday night run with Tonawanda.
6. Middle College (B1) –  After dropping one to Williamsville East, the Kats battled back from a game-long deficit against MST to claim victory in the opening round of the Jemes Dobbins Anti Violence Tournament, which raises money for a scholarship in Amir Jemes’ name.  Middle College lost s close game with Tapestry in the championship game of the tournament.  They host Maritime and then visit Health Sciences this week.
7. Olmsted (B1) –  Back in action this week, beginning with a home game against Buffalo Culinary.  The Owls close out the week with a tough game at South Park on Saturday.
8. MST (B2) –  The Wolves saw their three-game win streak snapped by Middle College on Friday in a game they led for three plus quarters.  After bouncing back with a victory over Riverside on Saturday, MST can create another three-game win streak if they take care of business on the road at IPrep & Bennett this week.
9. Salamanca (B1) –  Looking to get back into the win column following a pair of losses at the Joe DeCerbo Holiday Showcase that were about as much fun a being chased by a rabid muskrat.  They’ll start the week at Allegany-Limestone on Monday, then host Fredonia on Thurday night, before a Saturday game at the Reilly Center against Frewsburg.
10. Randolph (B2) –  The Cardinals have one loss on the season to the team ranked above them from Salamanca.  They host Gowanda and travel to Cassadaga Valley this week.

–🏀centercourt🏀