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Byron-Bergen tops of Class C2 at end of regular season

By Staff Writer
byron bergen basketball

Byron-Bergen will go into sectional play as the #1 seed in Class C2 with a 16-4 record after beating Kendall on Wednesday, 66-61.

Braedyn Chambry scored 35 points to lead the Bees. Colin Martin scored 15.

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.

byron bergen basketball
byron bergen basketball
byron bergen basketball
byron bergen basketball

Elba beats Lyndonville, 69-34

By Staff Writer
Elba basketball

Elba beat Lyndonville in Boys Basketball on Wednesday, 69-34.

Ashton Bezon scored 19 points for the Lancers. Bing Zuber and Angelo Penna scored 12 each. Nicklos Scott scored eight points.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

elba basketball
Elba basketball
Elba basketball

Batavia Girls dominate Geneva on Senior Night, even out win-loss record

By Howard B. Owens
Left to right in black t-shirts are Julia clark, Anna Varland, Isabella Walsh and Julia Preston were honored on senior night.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Left to right in black t-shirts are Julia Clark, Anna Varland, Isabella Walsh, and Julia Preston were honored on senior night.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

On Senior night, one win-shy of a .500 season, Batavia came out strong against Geneva and came away with a 59-19 win.

The game began with a 6-4 early in the first quarter lead for the Blue Devils but trailed at the end of the quarter 11-8.

With a strong second half, Batavia turned out the light on Geneva, going into the half with a 33-12 lead, and the game was never close again.

After a couple of consecutive seasons where wins were hard to come by, Coach John McCulley sees progress in a 10-10 season and a group of young players developing winning habits and gaining experience.

"The season started out pretty good," McCulley said. "We had a light schedule. We started out with a bunch of girls that hadn't played at the varsity level. The senior girls that I had, that's what made it so special throughout the season. The senior girls I had were a huge help for me, as far as the right attitude, and teaching the young girls the right way to handle things. And so the season went pretty well. We had our ups and downs but as far as I'm concerned, from last year to this year, leaps and bounds. We've learned a lot, everything, every game, we progressively got better."

There are nine freshmen in the program, between varsity and JV and McCulley believes they have high ceilings.

"The freshmen are going to be phenomenal for me," McCulley said. "And I got Jamie (Macdonald) coming back another year that she just took leaps and bounds towards the end of the year. I think she's going to accept this role as a leader and just be a powerhouse next year."

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Anna Varland shooting from the paint.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Anna Varland shooting from the paint.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Isabella Walsh getting through Geneva defenders.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Isabella Walsh getting through Geneva defenders.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Karizma Wescott going for three points.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Karizma Wescott going for three points.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jamin Macdonald going to the hoop on a fast break.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jamin Macdonald going to the hoop on a fast break.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Elba beats Lyndonville in Girls Basketball

By Staff Writer
elba basketball

Elba beat Lyndonville on Tuesday in Girls Basketball 67-44.

Sydney Reilly scored 35 points. Mariah Ognibene scored 12.

Also in Girls Basketball:

In Boys Basketball, Batavia beat Greece-Olympia 65-62. Estavan Lovette scored 16 points, Carter Mullen, 15, and Justin Smith, 12.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

elba basketball
elba basketball
elba basketball

Notre Dame doubles up on Wheatland in Senior Night win

By Staff Writer
notre dame basketball

Notre Dame beat Wheatland-Chili 48-17 in Girls Basketball on Tuesday. 

The Lady Irish had two players record double-doubles on Senior Night. 

Emma Sisson led in scoring with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Sofia Falleti followed her with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and four steals. Gianna Falleti also added eight points for the Irish.

“Tonight was a great way to close out our regular season with a home game and celebrate senior night," said Coach Vinny Falleti.

Photos by Pete Welker.

notre dame basketball
notre dame basketball
notre dame basketball

Elba tops Holley in Boys Basketball 53-47

By Staff Writer
Elba basketball

In Boys  Basketball on Monday, Elba beat Holley 53-47.

Mike Long scored 31 points and Angela Penna scored 14 for Elba.

Also in Boys Basketball on Monday, Le Roy beat Pavilion 66 - 27. The win ended a two-game losing streak for the Knights and dealt a blow to the Goper's three-game win streak. For Le Roy, Merritt Holly scored 32 points, had 14 rebounds and three blocks. Jean Agosto, nine points and 13 rebounds.

Pembroke beat Kendall 71-41. Tyson Totten scored 31 points, 10 rebounds, Avery Ferreira, 11 points, and Owen Hootman, 10 points and nine rebounds.

Photos by Debra Reilly

Elba basketball
Elba basketball
Elba basketball
Elba basketball

Long Train Runnin, Proven Desire win big at Batavia Downs

By Tim Bojarski
long-train-runnin-1.jpg
Photo of Long Train Runnin courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

The fourth and final leg of the Western New York Trasckmaster Series for pacers was held at Batavia Downs on Monday afternoon (Feb. 12) and after the dust had settled, both Long Train Runnin and Proven Desire will enter the Trackmaster 79 division finals unbeaten.  

In his $9,000 division, Long Train Runnin (Dave McNeight III) led the field off the gate but yielded the top to Dogfight (Kevin Cummings) at the 27.4 quarter. However that change was short-lived as McNeight sent the Train back down the tracks immediately to regain the lead. Now firmly back in control, Long Train Runnin backed off the half to 58 and met no opposition in doing so. With the group still in single file, the leader marched to three-quarters in 1:26.4 with only a mild bid from Huntsville Place (Kyle Swift) at that station. Long Train Runnin rounded the last bend and paced into the lane with a 1-½ length lead while the pocket-sitting Dogfight tried to make up ground. But Long Train Runnin made it to the station first and on time in 1:55.3.

It was the fourth straight win for Long Train Runnin ($3.40) who is owned by Paige Usiak and William Emmons. Jim Clouser Jr. trains the winner.

Clouser and Emmons are also the connections of Proven Desire, who won his $9,000 division and extended his winning streak to three.

John Cummings Jr. flew to the front with Proven Desire and opened up a two-length advantage in 28.2. While P L Notorious (Kevin Cummings) tracked from second, Proven Desire took his gapped advantage to the half in 58 and three-quarters in 1:27. As they entered the last turn, Cummings threw the lines at the leader and Proven Desire took off. He opened up 1-½ lengths at the top of the stretch and extended that lead to two as he cruised to the line in 1:55.4.

Proven Desire returned $3.20.

Clouser and Emmons also won with Lanas Desire (1:56.1, $2.50) in another $9,000 division giving that connection a hat trick for the second week in a row as they advanced all three of their horses to the final.

The 10-year-old pacer Sir Pugsley hit a career milestone in the 12th race after going gate to wire in 1:56.2. It was the 40th career win for the son of American Ideal and Q and A who has now bankrolled $453,798 as a result of his success. Taylor Fritz both owns and trains Sir Pugsley.

Driver Dave McNeight III scored a natural hat trick in races seven, eight and nine and his win total was matched by Kevin Cummings, who was also victorious in three races on Monday. Trainer Sam Smith matched Jim Clouser Jr.’s three win total as well, to finish as co-conditioning leader for the afternoon.

The WNY Trackmaster Series pacing finals will be held next Monday afternoon (Feb. 19) at 3 p.m. The TM79 division will have a $20,000 final and two consolations worth $10,500 and $9,000. The TM75 division will have a $17,000 final and two consolations worth $8,500 and $7,500. And the TM71 group features a $14,000 final and two consolations worth $7,500 and $6,500. The top eight money earners in each group make the final and the second consolation must realize seven entries to be a go.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Feb. 15) at 3 p.m. and that card will feature the fourth and final round of the Western New York Trackmaster Series for trotters. Also there will be a $2,273 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

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Photo of Proven Desire courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.


 

Howe registers 300 game at Le Roy Legion Lanes

By Mike Pettinella

Rick Howe of Le Roy recorded his second United States Bowling Congress-certified 300 game last week during league action at Le Roy Legion Lanes.

The 52-year-old right-hander rolled games of 227, 215 and 300 on lanes 5-6 in the American Legion Thursday Men's League. He entered the night with a 201 average.

Howe's other perfect game took place in March 2012, and he posted a 299 game in Sept. 200, both at the Le Roy hall.

In other league play around the Genesee Region USBC, Brandon Gurnsey rolled a 758 series in the Sneezy's Monday Night League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion and Tim Talbot fired a 754 series in the Sunday Rolloffs League at Medina Lanes.

For a list of high scores for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Byron-Bergen's Braedyn Chambry sets school scoring record in win over O-A

By Howard B. Owens
braedyn-chambry-foul-shot-to-break-school-record
Braedyn Chambry hit a free throw to set a new Byron-Bergen scoring record.
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro

Byron Bergen's Braedyn Chambry hit a free-throw on Thursday on his way to a 28-point game and 63 to 49 over Oakfield-Alabama to break his school's career scoring record.

Chambry surpassed the previous record of 1,063 points set by Brandon Burke in 2017. Chambry finished the game, with games left in the season to keep building his new record, with 1,078 points.

“Braedyn is old school,” said Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach Roxanne Noeth. “100% of his buckets come from inside the paint. Nothing flashy, just hard work and persistence around the rim.”

“If someone is going to break Brandon’s record, I’m glad it is Braedyn,” said Joann Burke, mother of Brandon Burke.

For the Bees, Colin Martin added 12 points, and Cody Carlson scored 10.

For O-A, Gavin Armbrewster scored 17, Aedyn Groth, 15, and Jack Cianfrinni, 10.

byron bergen basketball
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
byron bergen basketball
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
byron bergen basketball
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
byron bergen basketball
Senior cheerleader Hanna Loewke gave a solo performance at half-time.
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
byron bergen basketball
Byron-Bergen seniors Brendan Pimm, Brodie Baubie, Braedyn Chambry, Colin Martin and Carter Prinzi with coach Coach Roxanne Noeth.
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro

Alpine Ski team gets in last evening run before start of sectionals

By Staff Writer
n-radley-g-pietrzykowski-e-bradley
Nolan Radley, Gunner Pietrzykowski, and Ethan Bradley
Submitted photo

Batavia's Alpine Ski Team took to the slopes for its last evening race of the season this week at Swain Resort on Wheel's Run.

Batavia's top finisher in the slalom was Ben Stone in 11th place.

"Hard and slippery conditions tested the skier's fundamentals and how well their skis were sharpened," said Coach Matt Holman.

Sections begin in the coming week.

Lily Wagner
Lily Wagner
Submitted Photo.
ben stone
Ben Stone.
Submitted photo.
a-bestine-l-wagner
Abby Bestine and Lily Wagner
Submitted photo.

 

Boys Basketball: York bests Le Roy 67-53

By Staff Writer

York beat Le Roy on Friday 67-53.

Scoring: 

  • Merritt Holly, 15 points, 12 rebounds, four assists
  • Jean Agosto, 14 points, 13 rebounds
  • Adam Woodworth, 13 points.

Le Roy has dropped two in a row to fall to 13-5.

 

Girls Basketball: Notre Dame beats Lyndonville, 44-31

By Staff Writer

Notre Dame beat Lyndonville on Friday 44-31.

The Irish were led in scoring by freshman forward Sofia Falleti with 14 points. Emma Sisson contributed a double-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Gianna Falleti also added nine points for the Irish.

Girls basketball: Pembroke beats Holley, 45-30

By Staff Writer

Pembroke beat Holley on Friday, 45-30.

Scoring:

  • Elle Peterson, 7 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals
  • Peyton Liss, 8 points 10 rebounds
  • Seneca Calderon, 8 points, 6 rebounds

Convincing winners take co-features at Batavia Downs

By Tim Bojarski
city-of-hope-1.jpg
Photo of City Of Hope courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

The weekly $15,000 top-class events for both gaits were carded on Thursday afternoon (Feb. 8) at Batavia Downs and the winner of both races claimed their first victory of the year in impressive fashion.

The Open Handicap trot was won by City Of Hope (Kevin Cummngs) who turned a three-wide move into a 1-¼ length victory.

City Of Hope got away fifth as J-s Swanman (Dave McNeight III) took the lead and forced fellow leaver Big Box Hanover (Larry Stalbaum) into the two-hole on the strength of a 28.3 quarter. Positions remained unchanged to the half where Ricky B Sharp (Mike Baumeister) and City Of Hope initiated an outer flow that would eventually initiate two lead changes. First, Ricky B Sharp cleared J-s Swanman before three-quarters and crossed over as City Of Hope dropped into the pocket. These two stayed in line around the last turn and to the top of the stretch where Cummings tipped City Of Hope and trotted right by Ricky B Sharp under a line drive to win in 1:57.2.

A 14-time winner in 2023 who earned $149,382, City Of Hope ($8.10) got his first win of the new year for owners Philip Hale and David Dewhurst, who also trains the winner.

Then in the Open Handicap pace, Umberto (Dave McNeight III) capitalized from a perfect trip to win in a romp.

Umberto eased into the garden spot as Avion Seelster (John Cummings Jr.) flew to the front. After getting to the half in :57.1 with no challenges, Ideal Artillery (Drew Monti) and Alta Engen A (Kevin Cummings) tried to push the issue heading into the second circuit. However Cummings Jr. hit the gas with Avion Seelster and a :28 flat third quarter squelched those attempts from the rear, leaving only the pocket-sitting Umberto with a legitimate shot. McNeight pulled Umberto in the final turn and rocked him to the lead around the fading leader. Then Umberto opened up a three length margin in deep stretch and was a wrapped-up winner in 1:53.4.

It was the first win of the year for Umberto ($15.80), but also the first win for his new connections, El Dorado Stables, who claimed him two weeks ago for trainer Dave McNeight Jr.

Drivers Mike Baumeister, John Cummings Jr., Kevin Cummings, Dave McNeight III, Jim McNeight Jr. and Jim Morrill Jr. all had two wins apiece while 13 different trainers each won one race on Thursday.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday (Feb. 12) at 3 p.m. and the card will feature the fourth round of the Western New York Trackmaster Series for pacers. There will also be a $1,852 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

umberto-1.jpg
Photo of Umberto courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Notre Dame beats Elba 66-49 at home

By Howard B. Owens
elba notre dame basketball

Notre Dame beat Elba 66 to 49 in Boys Basketball at Notre Dame on Wednesday.

Jaden Sherwood scored 22 points for the Irish. Ryan Fitzpatrick scored 15 points and George Woodruff scored nine.

For the Lancers, Mike Long scored 12 points and Nicholas Scott scored 11.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

elba notre dame basketball
elba notre dame basketball
elba notre dame basketball
elba notre dame basketball

Former Elba player, coach honored during match between Elba and Notre Dame

By Howard B. Owens
elba notre dame girls

Notre Dame beat Elba 68-55 in Girls Basketball on Wednesday.

The game, played at Elba, also served as a fundraiser in memory of Jordyn Torrey Augello, with the memorial foundation named in her honor, co-hosting the game.  A raffle, braids and Tinsel by Jagged Edges, and gift certificates sold helped raise money for the University of Rochester Genetics, Epigenetics & Metabolism Research Program.

Augello was an Elba Lady Lancer who later returned to Elba to coach youth basketball.

A 2009 graduate of Cornell who became a partner in Torrey Farms, Augello died at age 30 in 2018.

In Wednesday's game, Sofia Falleti scored 22 points for the Irish. Emma Sisson scored 16 points, Nina Bartz scored 14, and Gianna Falleti scored 12.

For Elba, Sydney Reilly scored 19 points. Lydia Ross scored 12. Mariah Ognibene and Brea Smith each scored 11.

Photos by Kristin Smith.

elba notre dame girls
elba notre dame basketball
elba notre dame basketball
elba notre dame basketball

Long Train Runnin, Kevin Cummings shine at Batavia Downs

By Tim Bojarski
long-train-runnin-1.jpg
Photo of Long Train Runnin courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

The third leg of the Western New York Trackmaster series for pacers was featured at Batavia Downs on Monday afternoon (Feb. 5) and going in, there were three horses still undefeated in that competition. However by the end of the day, only one stayed perfect and that was Long Train Runnin, who won his third straight $9,000 Trackmaster 79 division.

Former Western New York regular and Batavia Downs 2019 driving leader, Billy Davis Jr., made a visit to his old haunts to drive Long Train Runnin and got away fourth as Oreo Dream Xtreme (Jim Morrill Jr.) led to the half in 1:00.1. As the group rolled past that station, Davis pulled Long Train Runnin first-up in the breeze and advanced to the lead at three-quarters in 1:28.3. From there, Long Train Runnin opened up a 2-¾ length lead in the turn before bolting home under Davis wraps in 1:57.3.

Long Train Runnin ($3.30) is owned by Paige Usiak and William Emmons and is trained by Jim Clouser Jr.

Clouser and Emmons also teamed up to win with Proven Desire (1:57.1, $7.80) and Lanas Desire (1:56, $5.50), giving that connection a hat trick on Monday.

There was a two-for-one special in the day’s fifth race when Weekend Atnannies and Dry Ridge Ace finished in a dead heat.

Weekend Atnannies (Billy Davis Jr.) got away second behind Dancethebigdance N (John Cummings Jr.) who set a hot pace of :57.4 to the half. Anurka (Kevin Cummings) moved first-over from fifth and was followed by Dry Ridge Ace (Kyle Cummings) as they moved up the backstretch. Anurka took the lead with Dry Ridge Ace pacing right with him, while Weekend Atnannies was getting the shuffle in the last turn. At the top of the stretch, Anurka and Dry Ridge Ace were joined by Weekend Atnannies, who finally found racing room and was full of pace. The three drew closer to each other as they approached the wire that they eventually hit simultaneously. When the photo came back, Dry Ridge Ace and Weekend Atnannies could not be separated and finished in a dead heat while Anurka was only a neck behind.

Weekend Atnannies ($3.20) is owned by Benjamin Ortiz and trained by Joe Skowyra while Dry Ridge Ace ($15.80) is owned by Rock 01 Stable and is trained by Jerry Nugent Jr.

Despite the dead heat, the pick five combination of 3/7/7/3/1,4 still returned a healthy $1,019 for a 50-cent wager.  

The other big winner on Monday was driver Kevin Cummings, who piloted five winners to lead all other reinsmen. Cummings scored with Treasurethosechips (1:58.3, $31.60), All About Lynx (1:57.4, $5.90), Gallery Opening (1:59.3, $9.30), Howmacs Hank (1:58, $4.50) and Dogfight (1:56.2, $5.80). With those victories, Cummings jumped into third place in the dash win competition for the meet with 16 wins and now sits behind Jim Morrill Jr. (22) and Brett Beckwith (17).

There was a plethora of plump payoffs during Monday’s card, led by Beddanburg (Drew Monti) who turned a three-wide move from seventh at three-quarters into a three-quarter length win in 1:58.2. Beddanburg was sent off at 43-1 and returned $89.50 for the win. Also producing large returns was Denmark Seelster (1:57.3, $55.50), the aforementioned Treasurethosechips (1:58.3, $31.60), Fade To Gold (1:59.2, $25.20) and A Game Changer (1:56.2, $16.80).

Trainer Sam Smith matched Clouser’s three training wins to finish the day as the conditioning co-leader.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday (Feb. 8) at 3 p.m. and the card will feature the third round of the Western New York Trackmaster series for trotters. Also, there will be a $949 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

Larson, Cline, Foss, Cassidy, Allis roll big scores

By Mike Pettinella

Monday and Tuesday leagues produced some big scores last week in the Genesee Region USBC.

At Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, Michele Larson of Batavia just missed a 700 series -- posting 201-256-236--693 in the Meyer's RV Monday Night NFL League and Brian Cline of Middleport continued his stellar bowling with 258-245-259--762 in the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League.

At Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Curtis Foss of Medina added another perfect game to his long list of honor scores with 300-204-257--761 in the Sneezy's Monday Night League and Sarah Cassidy of Albion rolled her first 700 series with 285-247-202--734 in the Tuesday Ladies Merchants League.

In the Sunday Rolloffs League at Medina Lanes, Hayden Allis led the way with 278--736, a week after recording a 300 game and 731 series in the Wednesday Community League. Previously in the Wednesday league, Alex Allis of Medina rolled a 298 game and 737 series.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Photos: Batavia High School hosts annual winterguard competition

By Howard B. Owens
batavia winterguard

Batavia High School hosted a winterguard competition, as it does annually, on Saturday.

Winterguard is the indoor version of color guard, and the teams are judged on the effectiveness of their program, including colors and props selected for the performance, on dance technique, equipment used, and the speed and efficiency of setting up for their performance and removing their set after the performance.

Photos are of Batavia's cadet team. The varsity squad performed later in the evening.

Photos by Howard Owens.

batavia winterguard
batavia winterguard
batavia winterguard
batavia winterguard

Pembroke beats Barker at GCC 67-43

By Staff Writer
pembroke basketball

Pembroke topped Barker on Saturday at Genesee Community College in the Genesee vs. Niagara Basketball Showcase by a score of 67-43.

For the Dragons, Tyson Totten scored 35 points. Avery Ferreira scored 12, and Sam Pfeiffer scored 10.

"I was very pleased with our defense in the second half, holding them to 17 total points," said Coach Matthew Shay.

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro

pembroke basketball
pembroke basketball
pembroke basketball

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