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OA Girls late fourth quarter surge secures semifinal win

By Howard B. Owens

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Oakfield-Alabama came from behind on Tuesday to win their Section V Class C1 semifinal matchup against Bloomfield, 59-56.

Alea Groff scored 18 points. Caitlin Ryan scored 13. Piper Hyde scored nine. Emma Wray scored eight.  Brooke Reding scored seven.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

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Oakfield-Alabama falls in double OT against York in sectional semifinal game

By Howard B. Owens

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Oakfield-Alabama fell just short in a double OT game of a chance to face rival Pembroke for the Class C2 sectional title with a 64-59 loss to York on Monday.

York came into the semifinal game with a 19-2 record compared to O-A's 18-3.

After falling beyond by double digits, the Hornets fought back and force the game into overtime and make York work hard to pull ahead in the second OT period.

Scoring for the Hornets:

  • Kyle Porter, 21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals
  • Noah Currier, 16 points, 4 rebounds
  • Brayden Smith, 8 points, 8 rebounds
  • Colton Yasses, 7 points, 7 rebounds
  • Aiden Warner, 6 points, 6 rebounds

"I was proud of the overall effort from this group tonight in a tough semifinal game," said Coach Ryan Stehlar. "Being down by double digits with a few minutes to go, I know many people thought we were out of it.  The boys, as they have done all year long, made a push to give themselves a chance.  When a game goes into overtime, you are hoping the ball bounces your way a few times.  Unfortunately, that didn't happen for us.  Much like most of the year, I know this team was counted out.  I'm proud of the season they had.  They made our program, school, community, and myself extremely proud.  That is all I can ask for."

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Pembroke boys win spot in sectional finals

By Howard B. Owens

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The Pembroke Dragons will play for a Class C2 Section V title at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester on Friday after beating Bolivar-Richburg on Monday, 61-39.

Scoring:

  • Cayden Pfalzer, 21 points
  • Tyson Totten, 14 points
  • Chase Guzdek, 9 points 11 rebounds
  • Avery Ferreira, 8 points
  • Jon Suro, 5 assists

"Bolivar-Richburg went into half up by one, then we used a great defensive second half holding them to just nine points to pull ahead," said Coach Matthew Shay. "I was really pleased with how we responded to adversity and stepped it up defensively in the second half."

Photos by Kristin Smith.

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Law and Order: Duo from Rochester accused of fleeing police in stolen Cherokee

By Howard B. Owens

Ronnel Simien Agee, Jr., 20, of Depew Street, Rochester, and  Jaquel Rashod Gibson, 21, of Rochester, are charged with criminal possession of stolen property, reckless endangerment 1st, unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, 3rd, and obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Agee and Gibson are accused of fleeing from Deputy Kevin Quackenbush in a stolen 2022 Jeep Cherokee after Quackenbush attempted a traffic stop on Route 33 in Stafford at 8:16 p.m. on Feb. 16. The pursuit continued through Bergen, RIga, Chili, and into the Town of Le Roy, where Le Roy PD deployed spike strips. The vehicle stopped on Randal Road and Agee is accused of running from the vehicle on foot. He was taken into custody a short time later. Both men were held pending arraignment.

Brian Tyler Stachewicz, 27, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing 1st. Stachewicz is accused of providing false information on a pistol permit application filed on Aug. 22. He was arrested on Feb. 21 and released on an appearance ticket.

Michael John Vanbuskirk, 49, of Union Street, Le Roy, is charged with bail jumping 3rd. Vanbuskirk is accused of failure to appear in court as ordered on a felony charge and then not turning himself in within 30 days. Vanbuskirk was released on an appearance ticket. 

Kevin Michael Monell, 31, of Horan Road, Medina, is charged with petit larceny.  Monell is accused of stealing a carton of cigarettes from a smoke shop on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation on Feb. 23. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Andrea Michelle Kreutter, 33, of East Bethany Le Roy Road, Bethany, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and driver's view obstructed. Kreutter was arrested on Feb. 22 and accused of possessing illegal narcotics during a traffic stop by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun at 11:50 p.m. on May 13 on East Main Street Road, Batavia. She was ordered to appear in Town of Batavia Court on March 14.

Justine Denae Wood, 36, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with bail jumping 3rd. Wood is accused of failing to appear in Town of Stafford Court on a criminal matter on Jan. 23.  She was arraigned and ordered held on $2,000 bail.

Jayne B. Liotto, 63, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to keep right. Liotto was reportedly involved in a single-vehicle accident at 1:01 a.m. on Feb. 24 on Drake Street Road, Elba. The accident was investigated by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell. Liotto was released on an appearance ticket.

Hector Yaidal Hernandez, 22, of Ridgeway Avenue, Rochester, is charged with DWI and speeding. Hernandez was stopped 3:34 a.m. on Feb. 25 on Apple Tree Avenue in Bergen by Sgt. Mathew Clor. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Oakfield-Alabama beats Addison 44-37

By Howard B. Owens

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The Hornets are moving forward in the Section V Class C1 tournament after a quarterfinal win over Addison on Saturday, 44-37.

Scoring for Oakfield-Alabama:

  • Alea Groff, 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three steals
  • Caitlin Ryan, 12 points, eight rebounds, three steals
  • Emma Wray, seven points, six rebounds, two assists
  • Brooke Reding, four points, three assists
  • Piper Hyde, four points, five rebounds

"It was an incredibly hard-fought game and gutsy performance by our kids to defeat a very good Addison team," said Coach Jeff Schlagenhauf. "Defensively, I thought we were outstanding from start to finish on Addison's two leading scorers, Chiara Lai and Anna Carlieno. Piper Hyde and Caitlin Ryan led the defense and we did a tremendous job with our help all day. Brooke Reding and Emma Wray provided great leadership and Alea Groff stepped up huge for us."

Oakfield plays in the semifinal on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Honeoye Falls/Lima.

Also in Girls Basketball on Saturday:

Photos by Karly Smith.

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Elba beats Finney 47-31 in Class D2 playoff

By Howard B. Owens

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Elba beat Finney on Saturday 47-31 to advance to the semifinals of the Section V Class D2 tournament.

Sydney Reilly scored 13 points, Lydia Ross 11, Mariah Ognibene, eight, and Kennedy Augello, seven.

"The team is playing well and defense is starting to look better," said Head Coach Charlie Pangrazio. "We're looking forward to the next challenge on Tuesday night."

The Lancers play Scio/Friendship at Mount Morris on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Photos by Kristin Smith.

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Notre Dame Boys first half dominates Honeoye 78-45 to advance to semifinals

By Howard B. Owens

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Ryan Fitzpatrick scored 20 points to help Notre Dame cruise past Honeoye Falls-Lima for a 78-45 win in the Section V Class D1 quarterfinal.

Jordon Welker scored 12 points, Jaden Sherwood and Hayden Groff scored 11 each and Jimmy Fanara scored 10.

Notre Dame plays Filmore on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Warsaw.

Also in Boys Basketball on Saturday:

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

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Batavia wins quarterfinal 79-42

By Howard B. Owens

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No. 1 seed Batavia advanced to the quarterfinal of the Section V Class B1 tournament on Saturday with a dominating win over Livonia, 79-42

Ja'vin McFollins hit five three-pointers en route to a 26-point game. Sawyer Siverling scored 15 points and Carter McFollins scored 12 points.

Photos by Kristin Smith.

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Livonia ends Batavia Girls sectional run 66-28

By Howard B. Owens

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Batavia's short playoff run in Girls Basketball came to an end Friday night with a loss to Livonia, 66-28.

Anna Varland scored nine points and Adyson O'Donnell scored eight points.

Also in Girls Basketball:

  • Notre Dame beat York, 69-46. Amelia McCulley scored 36 points. Emma Sisson scored 14 points.
  • Hornell beat Le Roy, 70-40. Lindsey Steffenilla scored 14 points and had 10 rebounds. Kenna MacKenzie scored 12 points.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

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OA picks up easy sectional win

By Howard B. Owens

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Oakfield-Alabama easily dispatched of Clyde-Savannah in their Class C2 sectional playoff game on Friday, 84-28.

Scoring for the Hornets:

  • Kyle Porter, 17 points, 5 assists, 3 steals
  • Colton Yasses, 15 points
  • Brayden Smith, 9 points, 3 steals
  • Noah Currier, 9 points, 4 assists, 4 steals
  • Aiden Warner, 6 rebounds

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

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Milestones hit, win accomplished as Pembroke advances in sectionals

By Howard B. Owens

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Cayden Pfalzer became Pembroke’s all-time leading scorer in Boys Basketball and Tyson Totten scored his 1,000th point on Friday as the Dragons went on to beat Alexander 81-55 in their sectional playoff game.

Pfalzer needed 24 points to reach 1,128 and pass J.P. Coles and Pfalzer finished with exactly 24 points on the night.

Totten entered the game with 999 career points so hit the milestone with his first bucket of the night. 

Pfalzer, who has played varsity since his freshman year, has averaged 21.6 points per game this season.

Totten averaged 10.8 points per game his freshman season and was the leading scorer in the league his sophomore year, averaging 20.8 points, and came back his junior year to again lead the league in scoring with 20.3 points per game.

“We knew from a young age that Tyson had a chance to be a great player,” coach Matt Shay said. “He and Cayden are some of the hardest workers I have ever been around. He has committed to time in the gym, time in the weight room, and camps in the summer and it is paying off. I'm also really proud of him because he has improved his all-around game. I've challenged him to be a better passer and defender, and he's made considerable strides in both areas."

On Friday, Avery Ferreira scored 12 points for Pembroke. Chase Guzdek scored 10 and had 10 rebounds and Jon Sure had five assists.

Alexander’s Dylan Pohl scored 22 points and Kingston Woods scored nine.

“I wasn't really pleased with how we played defensively, giving up 31 in the first half,” Shay said. “Credit to coach Hanley and his squad on how they executed their game plan, we're really having a tough time with it. We played much better in the second half.”

Photos by Alison Lang.

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Tyson Totten with his parents, Jamie Totten and Jamie Totten.

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Cayden Pfalzer (Submitted photo).

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Batavia Indoor Track qualifies several to participate in State meet

By Howard B. Owens

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Members of Batavia's Indoor Track and Field teams were able to advance on Thursday in the State Qualifier Meet at Nazareth College.

Cole Grazioplene won the 600m with a time of 1:23.96.  This time broke his own school record and was in one of the best races of the day. 

Nate Canale qualified for the State Championship meet in the 1000m by finishing 3rd in 2:38.78. 

Sheldon Siverling and Parker Kleinbach are going to represent Bataivia in the Shot Put and the Weight Throw respectively. Sheldon threw 50'-3" in the Shot Put for his first career throw over 50' and Parker threw 58'-9.75 to finish 2nd in the Weight Throw.  Batavia has had an athlete qualify for States in the Throws in every season since 2008, a 15-plus year run of success. 

The boys 4x400 Relay qualified for States by winning in a blistering fast time of 3:30.23.  The team members who ran the relay are Fabian Vazquez, Parris Price, Ryan Dillon, and Cole Grazioplene.  

The boys 4x800 relay finished 3rd with a time of 8:20.63, which is the second fastest time in team history. Relay members included Cody Harloff, Donavin Solis, Noah Pickard, and Nate Canale.

For the girls the 4x400 Relay team finished in 2nd place with a time of 4:15.03.  Relay members included Jadyn Boyce, Abby Moore, Nicole Doeringer, and Campbell Riley. 

Ava Wierda finished 5th in the Weight Throw with a distance of 39'-10.25". 

Mallory Boyce earned a 7th-place finish in the 1500m with a time of 5:18.34.

"Batavia has had an athlete compete at the New York State Indoor Track Championships every year for over 30 years," Coach Nicholas Burk said. "This is an incredible streak of success and a testament to the quality of athletes we've been blessed to coach as part of our program during that span.  We will have nine boys attending the state meet next week and look to have multiple athletes return with state medals."

Top photo: 4x4 team anchor Cole Grazioplene crossing the line for the boys race setting a new school record of 3:30:23

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

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Parker Kleinbach taking 2nd place in weight throw

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Cole Grazioplene winning the boys 600m

Elba slides past Hinsdale 79-24 in playoff game

By Howard B. Owens

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In their opening round Section V playoff game, Elba had no trouble with Hinsdale on Thursday, winning 79-24.

Sydney Reilly scored 24 points, along with seven rebounds and seven steals. Lydia Ross scored 13 and had six steals. Halie Scouten scored eight points.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here

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Three Ramparts teams take home hardware at The Gateway to the Adirondacks Tournament in Utica

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

The Batavia Ramparts played a strong weekend of hockey earning two championships and a 2nd place finish in the Gateway to the Adirondacks Tournament. Mite Team Sprague was the first team to get in on the winning, taking 2nd place to a strong West Hartford Wolves team in what was many players’ first-ever hockey tournament. Carley Grice picked up a shutout award and Duke Defreeze added a Hat Trick award puck on their way to the 2nd finish.

Pee Wee III earned their way into the championship game with a tough come-from-behind win against league foe, West Seneca, in an early Sunday morning matchup. Later that afternoon, with all of their Ramparts family cheering them on, they faced off against Lysander who beat them 7-1 earlier in the tournament. Lysander got out to a quick lead but the Ramparts never gave up and battled back to a 6-4 victory and a tournament championship. This was a total team effort led by Aaron Kujawski in goal, with big games coming from Joey Pellegrino, Gunner Hale, and Arlo Hoisington.

Up next was the Squirt III team with their chance to add another championship. They played to a tie in an early morning game to secure a spot in the finals against Navy Elite, who they also lost to early in the tournament 3-1. In this revenge match-up, Batavia started out with a quick 2-0 lead in the first period with goals from Dylan Reidmiller and Cole Woodward and never looked back. They took that lead into the third period until Hunter Sprague added a third goal.  Jack McCarthy put it away with an empty netter making it a 4-0 final score. Sammy Calletto was awarded two shutout pucks for the tournament and Hunter Sprague picked up a playmaker puck with three assists in the championship game.

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Notre Dame Girls defeat Warsaw 59-16 in first round of sectionals

By Howard B. Owens

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Amelia McCulley scored 22 points as Notre Dame won its opening-round sectional playoff game in Class C2, 59-16.

Avelin Tomidy scored 16 points and Sofia Falleti scored 10.

Also, on Wednesday:

  • After 20 straight losses, Batavia picked up its first win of the season in its opening-round sectional playoff game, beating Young Woman's Prep, 49-39. Anna Varland scored 15 points. Isabella Walsh scored 13 and had 14 rebounds. She also had seven steals. Ady Odonell scored 10 points. Jaimin Macdonald had 11 rebounds.
  • Byron-Bergen beat Bolivar-Richburg, 64-36
  • Pavilion beat Red Jacket, 69-37. Karlee Zinkievich scored 29 points and Lauren Kingsley scored 21.
  • Alexander beat Pembroke, 51-34. Madison Boyce scored 15 points for the Trojans. Melanie Pohl, 12. For Pembroke, Karli Houseknecht scored 11 points and had eight rebounds. Regan Schneider scored seven points and had 11 rebounds.
  • Oakfield-Alabama beat Red Creek, 54-26.  Alea Groff, 14 points, six rebounds, four steals, Emma Wray, 13 points, Brooke Reding, 12 points, six rebounds, five steals.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

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Law and Order: Batavia woman with multiple arrests accused of skipping court, resisting arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Latoya D. Jackson, 37, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest while being arrested on four bench warrants. Officer John Gombos arrested Jackson on four warrants issued by City Court.  Jackson was a passenger in a traffic stop.  While officers were attempting to arrest Jackson, she allegedly refused to comply with verbal commands and resisted being handcuffed.  The first warrant stemmed from an incident on June 20, on State Street, where Jackson was charged with harassment 2nd and released on an appearance ticket, after which she allegedly failed to appear.  The second warrant was issued after Jackson was arrested on a charge of criminal contempt 2nd on June 28 for an incident on East Main Street for which she reportedly failed to appear.  The third warrant was issued for a trespass arrest on July 8 at an apartment complex on East Main Street, resulting in another appearance ticket.  The fourth warrant was issued after Jackson was arrested on Aug. 28 on a charge of criminal contempt 1st, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment 2nd during an incident on State Street.  Jackson was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Part Court on Feb 11 and released on her own recognizance. 

Joseph C. Jeffords, 31, of Chestnut Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Jeffords was arrested on a warrant out of City Court on Feb. 6 and released on his own recognizance.

Raymond J. Vickers, 55, of Dellinger Avenue,  Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and harassment 2nd. Vickers was arrested on Feb. 2, unspecified time, following an incident at a local business. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jason S. Neth, 28, of Alleghany Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, suspended registration and speeding. Neth was stopped on Feb. 5 at an unspecified time at an unspecified location in the City of Batavia by Joseph Weglarski. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Amber L. Turner, 29, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and unlicensed operator. Batavia PD K-9 Batu was reportedly alerted on Turner's car during a traffic stop on Feb. 10 at an undisclosed location in the City of Batavia, and she is accused of possession of crack cocaine.  She was issued an appearance ticket.

James N. Difalco, 26, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Batavia PD K-9 Batu was reportedly alerted on a vehicle Difalco was riding in during a traffic stop on Feb. 10 at an undisclosed location in the City of Batavia, and Difalco is accused of possession of crack cocaine.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Alexander starts post-season with a victory

By Howard B. Owens

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The Alexander Trojans won a first-round Class C2 playoff in Boys Basketball over Kendall at home on Tuesday, 68-55.

Dylan Pohl scored 25 points for Alexander, and Trent Woods scored 17. 

The Trojans seeded #8 at 7-14, face #1 seed Pembroke (19-1) in Pembroke on Thursday. Game time is 7 p.m.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

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Speed blamed in manure truck accident on Tuesday in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

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Driving too fast through a curve is the likely cause of a traffic accident on Simonds Road in Darien at 1:43 p.m. on Tuesday, according to a Sheriff's Office accident report.

Charles Chesley, 52, of Varysburg, the sole occupant and driver of a 2016 Western truck, reportedly hauling manure, was entrapped in the cab of the vehicle and needed to be extricated by crews from Darien, Corfu and East Pembroke.

He was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight Central.  He is listed in "guarded" condition. At Strong, patients in the Intensive Care Unit are listed as "guarded."

No citations are listed on the accident report, which Deputy Kevin McCarthy prepared.

Previous report: Manure truck rollover reported on Simonds Road, Darien

Photo by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service

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