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Dragons claim Far West Regional, head to state final four in eight-man football

By Staff Writer
pembroke dragos far west

Last year's state champions in eight-man football, the Pembroke Dragons, took another step toward repeating the feat on Friday by beating Frewsburg in the Far West Regional, 49-20.

The Dragons are now 11-0 on the season and next play the Section 3 champion this coming Saturday.

Pembroke jumped to a 35-0 in the first quarter and didn't give up a score until the third quarter.

Tyson Totten contributed to the Dragons' 450 yards of total offense by rushing for 340 yards. He scored five touchdowns and during the first half, went over 3,000 yards rushing on the season.

Fullback Caleb Felski had 99 yards rushing and a touchdown. He also had an 80-yard kick return for a touchdown.

Defensively the Dragons were led by end Jayden Bridge with 12 tackles and a sack. Octavius Martin had 11 tackles, while Tyson Totten added eight. 

Submitted info and photos.

pembroke dragos far west
pembroke dragos far west
pembroke dragos far west

BREAKING: Byron-Bergen wins state semifinal in Boys Soccer

By Howard B. Owens
carter prinzi byron bergen soccer
The Bees Carter Prinzi with the winning save in a penalty box shootout following a double overtime match between Byron-Bergen/Elba vs. Seton Catholic at Goshen High School in Goshen.
Photo by Howard Owens

The Byron-Bergen/Elba Bees will play for a state championship in Boys Soccer on Sunday in Middletown after winning a double overtime match that was decided by a shootout against Seton Catholic.

Jack Farner, with an assist from Colin Martin, scored the only goal for the Bees in the first half and the Bees held Seton scoreless until just 11 minutes left in the match.

Regular time was followed by two 15-minute overtime periods that could have been decided by a "golden goal" (the first team to score wins).

The OT periods were followed by a five-shot shootout with Carter Prinzi stepping into the goal. Each of the first two shots by both teams was blocked by each goalie, then each team made their next two goals. Jesus Aragon made the fifth attempt for the Bees, giving Prinzi the opportunity to make the game-winning save.

Sunday's game begins at 11:30 a.m. at Middletown High School against Mount Academy from Section IX.

More photos and coverage coming this evening.

The Batavian is providing exclusive coverage of the Class C Boys Soccer State Championship matches. You can help support our coverage by joining Early Access Pass.

Alexander beats Elba in volleyball crossover game

By Howard B. Owens
alexander elba girls volleyball crossover 2023

The two Section V Class D champions in Girls Volleyball met on Tuesday in a crossover game to determine who advances in the postseason, and Alexander beat Elba three matches to zero.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

alexander elba girls volleyball crossover 2023
alexander elba girls volleyball crossover 2023
alexander elba girls volleyball crossover 2023

Rightfully Mine storms home to win Batavia feature

By Tim Bojarski
rightfully-mine.jpg
Photo of Rightfully Mine courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Cold, wind and rain set the stage for a sloppy night of racing at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 8) but there was nothing messy about the performance put in by Rightfully Mine, who splashed her way to victory in the $15,000 Open I Distaff Handicap feature.

Rightfully Mine (Jim Morrill Jr.) took the lead from So Amazing (John Cummings Jr.) heading to the quarter, but soon found herself second as So Amazing retook the front past that station. As the race moved to the half, Compassrose De Vie (Todd Ratchford) motored up the outside and joined the fray for the second circuit. Compassrose De Vie and So Amazing raced alongside each other to three-quarters while Rightfully Mine sat the pocket. These three then broke away from the field in the last turn and set the stage for the final eighth. Compassrose De Vie slightly faded at the head of the stretch whilet Rightfully Mine slipped into the passing lane and caught the game So amazing just before the wire to win by a length in 1:57.

It was the third straight win for Rightfully Mine ($3.00) who is owned by Monique Cohen and Anthony Scussel and trained by Shawn McDonough.

Morrill won a total of four races during the card while McDonough had four training wins, two of which he drove, giving him a total of six winners across two categories.

Later in the $11,500 upper-level condition pace for mares, A Black Diamond (Dave McNeight III) got away third in chase of Louie The Lilac (Kevin Cummings) who found favor on the front. McNeight pulled A Black Diamond first-over at the five-eighths, drew even with Louie The Lilac in the last turn, and then bolted home to a 1-¾ length victory in 1:57.3.

It was the fourth straight win for A Black Diamond ($3.90) and owner Lav Racing. Russell Bratt trains the winner.

Driver Kyle Cummings also had a grand slam Wednesday that included a lead-off natural hat trick in races one, two, and three.  

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 11) at 6 p.m. and there will be a $861 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

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.

Morrill wins five including both Batavia features

By Tim Bojarski
e-street-1.jpg
Photo of E Street courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Jim Morrill Jr. had a huge night in the bike at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Nov. 4) as he won five races that included both features and a natural hat trick in races nine, 10, and 11. 

First in the $15,000 Open I Handicap trot, Morrill sat the pocket with E Street following Ricky B Sharp (Mike Baumeister) who was being hounded by a parked Makadushin N Cheez (Kevin Cummings) for three-quarters of the mile. That bid by Makadushin N Cheez fell by the wayside before the last turn leaving Ricky B Sharp and E Street to battle it out. When the race entered the homestretch, Morrill tipped E Street into the passing lane and trotted right on by the leader to win by a length in 1:56.4.

It was the third straight win for E Street ($13.80) who is owned and trained by Rachelle Mungillo. 

Then in the $15,000 Open I Handicap pace, Morrill put Pocono Downs invader Venier Hanover on the point off the gate and never looked back. After setting fractions of :28, :57 and 1:25.1, Venier Hanover took a two-length lead into the lane and never allowed El Jacko (Kyle Swift), who followed him the entire mile, to catch him en route to a 1-¾ length 1:53.2 win.  

It was the 51st lifetime win for Venier Hanover ($2.20) who is owned by owner Monique Cohen. Shawn McDonough was the winning trainer. 

Morrill also won with V J Ranger (1:57.3, $5.30), Vulcan Star N (1;53.3, $4.40), and Just A Wrangler (1:53.1, $2.70) to complete his quintuplet. Morrill also had two seconds and two-thirds from his 10 starts giving him a lofty UDR of .678 for the night. Those wins also increased Morrill's win total for the meet to 138 and catapulted him into a first-place tie for dash driving honors with Kevin Cummings. 

Morrill also sits second for UDR among all drivers in North America with 500 or more starting with a .427 overall for the year. 

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 8) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $432 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

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.

vernier-hanover-1.jpg
Photo of Venier Hanover courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Gray Sr., Jr. set pace at Rose Garden Bowl; several bowlers hit 700 mark

By Mike Pettinella

The father-son duo of Kevin Gray Sr. and Kevin Gray Jr. led the way this week in Genesee Region USBC league bowling action.

Gray Sr. spun a 290 middle game en route to a 715 series while teammate Gray Jr. finished with 268 and 263 for a 745 series on lanes 3-4 in the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

The 290 is second high in the league this year (behind Gray Jr.'s 297) and the 745 also is number two on the leaderboard (behind Harris Busmire's 752).

In the Every Other Saturday League at Rose Garden, Colleen Pimm recorded a 227 game and 650 series to lead all bowlers.

In other action:

-- Curtis Foss of Medina posted 268--748 to top the list in the Sneezy's Monday Night League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

-- Three bowlers topped the 700 mark in the Mancuso Real Estate Doubles League at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia -- Brian Green 749, Scott Culp 719 and Brian Cline 714.

-- James Townsend took top honors in the Brighton Securities Tuesday Triples League at Mancuso's with a 259 game and 735 series, while Haley Luce posted a 254 game and 619 series in the Wednesday Nite Ladies League at Mancuso's.

-- Hayden Allis stayed hot in the Sunday Rolloffs League at Medina Lanes with a 279 game and 763 series. Scott Gibson and Jason Mahnke rolled 727 and 725, respectively.

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

Photos: Young players learning the game of basketball in John Kennedy gym

By Howard B. Owens
Dave Pero Youth Basketball Camp Batavia 2023

Batavia's youth basketball camp, this year run by JV Coach Dave Pero, opened on Saturday.

Pero said 20 kids signed up for the camp, and 20 more showed up on the first morning, for a total of 40 boys and girls participating.

The camp is free and lasts six weeks, with a week off for Thanksgiving.

There are three sessions at John Kennedy Primary School each Saturday:

  • Grades 1-2, 9 to 10 a.m.
  • Grades 3-4, 10 to 11:15 a.m.
  • Grades 5-6, 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

The players work on the fundamentals of the game -- dribbling, passing, shooting.

"The emphasis is on the kids having fun," Pero said. "The goal is to introduce the game of basketball to young kids and help the older kids get prepared for their travel seasons."

Photos by Howard Owens

Dave Pero Youth Basketball Camp Batavia 2023
Dave Pero Youth Basketball Camp Batavia 2023
Dave Pero Youth Basketball Camp Batavia 2023
Dave Pero Youth Basketball Camp Batavia 2023
Dave Pero Youth Basketball Camp Batavia 2023

Pembroke's 70-30 win gives team another Section V title

By Howard B. Owens
pembroke section v champs

For the second season in a row, the Pembroke Dragons are the Section 8-Man Football champions.

On Friday, the Dragons beat Bolivar-Richburg 70-30.

Pembroke topped 500 yards in total offense, with the line of Ben Steinberg, Jayden Mast, Jayden Bridge, Madden Perry, JJ Gabbey, Octavius Martin and Hayden Williams giving running room to Tyson Totten, who gained 394 yards and scored eight touchdowns. 

Fullback Caleb Felski had 97 yards rushing and a touchdown to go over 1000 yards rushing on the season. Felski also had an 80-yard kick return for a touchdown

Defensively the Dragons were led by Nose Tackle Jayden Mast with 16 tackles. Tyson Totten had 14 tackles, while Caleb Felski chipped in 10 tackles. Octavius Martin, Hayden Williams, Sean Pustulka, Madden Perry, Jeremy Gabbey and Jayden Bridge each added five or more tackles. Pustulka had two interceptions and was 6 for 6 on extra points.

In the Far West Regional on Friday, Pembroke will face Section VI champs, Frewsburg Bears.

Submitted photos and info.

pembroke dragons football
pembroke dragons football
pembroke dragons football
pembroke dragons football
Pembroke's seniors.

Le Roy and Attica/Alexander advance to Class C championship game

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy beat East Rochester/Gananda 37-6 to win the Section V Class C semifinal at Hartwood Park on Friday.

With Attica/Alexander's win, 42-0, over Letchworth/Warsaw/Perry, it sets up a championship game between the #1 seed Le Roy against the #2 seed Attica/Alexander on Saturday at 5 p.m. and SUNY Brockport.

For Le Roy, Tony Piazza rushed for 122 yards and a TD on 23 carries, and Drew Strollo rushed for 112 yards and a TD on 22 carries.

On defense, Peter Clark had three tackles, a sack, and three pass breakups. Luke Lathan also had a sack, and Connor Hegeman had five tackles.

Attica/Alexander's lone loss on the season came against Le Roy on Sept. 29, 44-27.

Elba and Alexander to face each other in crossover game after winning Class D titles

By Howard B. Owens
elba volleyball section v champs

The Elba Lancers entered the Section V Class D2 volleyball tournament as the #3 seed and ends it as champions.

On Friday, the Lancers beat #1 seed Avoca-Prattsburgh 3-1 at Wayland-Cohocton.

The three set scores:

  • 25-21
  • 25-11
  • 25-23

This is Elba's first volleyball title since 1983.

Stats:

  • Halie Scouten 10 kills 3 blocks 7 digs
  • Alexa Ocampo 5 kills 6 digs 6 aces
  • Mariah Ognibene 4 kills 2 blocks 3 aces
  • Kennedy Augello 12 assists

All-Tournament Team:

  • Halie Scouten
  • Mariah Ognibene

Tournament MVP: Alexa Ocampo

Also, winning championships on Friday:

Alexander, #1 seed in Class D1, beating #6 seed York 3-0.  

Alexander and Elba will play the Class C crossover game on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Avon.

Le Roy lost its Class C1 championship game to Attica, 3-1.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

elba volleyball section v champs
elba volleyball section v champs
elba volleyball section v champs

Byron-Bergen heading to soccer Final Four with 2-1 over Wilson

By Howard B. Owens
byron bergen soccer
Jack Farner with the header to score Byron-Bergen's first goal.
Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro

The Byron-Bergen Bees are Far West Regional champions after beating Section VI's Wilson 2-1 in Boys Soccer on Friday in West Seneca.

The Bees advance to the Final Four of the state championship tournament in Class C. Their first game is at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Goshen High School (about 4 1/2 hours from Batavia). They will play either Fabius or Seton Catholic in the semifinal.  Seton Catholic is the #1 ranked Class C team in the state.

On Friday, Jack Farner scored the first goal with an assist from Colin Martin.

Colin Rea, who missed nearly all of the regular season with an injury, scored the second goal with 16 minutes left in the game.  It was his first goal of the season.

The Bees enter the state tournament with an 18-2-1 record.

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro

byron bergen soccer
byron bergen soccer
byron bergen soccer
byron bergen soccer

 

byron bergen soccer
byron bergen soccer
byron bergen soccer
byron bergen soccer

Blue Devils suffer heartbreaking loss in Class B semifinal

By Howard B. Owens
Batavia vs .HFL Section V Class B semifinal 2023
Zailen Griffen inched the ball over the goalline for one of his three touchdowns while senior lineman Alex Merica begins the celebration.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Heartbreaking is the best way to describe the Batavia Blue Devil's 26-20 loss to the Honeoye Falls/Lima Cougars in the Class B football semifinal on Friday night.

The boys' varsity squad was by no means guaranteed the win when the defense made a costly mistake late in the fourth quarter.

But the mistake gave the Cougars' offense new life after the defense had snuffed an apparent scoring drive in the red zone.

First-year head coach Alex Veltz took responsibility for the mental error, saying he hadn't properly prepared his team for a rare circumstance in a high school football game: a blocked field goal attempt.

The defense, apparently unaware that, unlike a point-after attempt, the ball is still live when the kick is blocked, didn't immediately scramble to obtain possession of the ball, and HFL lingered a couple of seconds, too.  When a Batavia player did pick up the ball, he tossed it away, making it a fumble, and at least one HFL player had the situational awareness to pounce on it, giving the Cougars a new set of downs and another chance to score. That TD became the difference in an otherwise evenly-matched game. 

The Blue Devils got the ball back with less than 1:30 left on the clock and couldn't mount a quick-strike drive.

"You don't see many high school field goals," Veltz said in an on-field interview with The Batavian after the game. "It's just not a situation you encounter very much. It was something we didn't prep for, so my message to the team was I took ownership of it because it was a situation we didn't prepare for, a blocked field goal, reacting to a live ball, knowing that is different and the guys weren't ready for it."

It was a big game for junior running back Zailen Griffen, who scored all three of Batavia's TDs on 20 carries for 160 yards.

Cole Grazioplene had three receptions for 25 yards, and one carry for 37 yards.

On defense, Maggio Buchholz had 13.5 tackles; Lakoda Mruczek, 8.5 tackles; and Carter Mullen, one interception.

Veltz took over a young team, and while he will lose three of his senior captains to graduation, he expects good things from the Blue Devils in 2024.

For more photos and to purchase prints, click here.

Batavia vs .HFL Section V Class B semifinal 2023
Bronx Bucholz with a pass attempt under pressure in the second half.
Photo by Howard Owens
Batavia vs .HFL Section V Class B semifinal 2023
HFL QB Matthew Meacham under pressure in the second half.
Photo by Howard Owens
Batavia vs .HFL Section V Class B semifinal 2023
Cole Grazioplene during the first half with one of his three receptions.
Photo by Howard Owens
Batavia vs .HFL Section V Class B semifinal 2023
Zailen Griffin eludes his final obstacle on his way to a more than 50-yard TD run. It was a clear and open field after he broke the tackle attempt.
Photo by Howard Owens
Batavia vs .HFL Section V Class B semifinal 2023
Photo by Howard Owens
Batavia vs .HFL Section V Class B semifinal 2023
Zailen Griffin
Photo by Howard Owens
Batavia vs .HFL Section V Class B semifinal 2023
Bronx Buchholz on a QB keeper behind lineman Karvel Martino, who as a sophomore is 6' 2", 350 pounds.
Photo by Howard Owens
Batavia vs .HFL Section V Class B semifinal 2023
The field goal attempt would be blocked and prove to be the decisive moment in the game.
Photo by Howard Owens

Mcnatural L, A Black Diamond take Batavia features

By Tim Bojarski
mcnatural-l-1.jpg
Photo of Mcnatural L courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

There was a pair of $11,500 upper-lever condition races for pacing fillies and mares carded on Wednesday night (Nov. 1) at Batavia Downs and one winner got her first victory at the Downs while the other continued her streak.

The first split went to Mcnatural L (John Cummings Jr.) who sat fifth while the leading Imprincessgemma (Brett Beckwith) was being run by Isla Seelster (Dave McNeight III) in :28.1 and 57 flat. As the duel proceeded up the backstretch Isla Seelster tired, forcing Bad Rossa (Jim Morrill Jr.) three-wide and Mcnatural L followed right behind her. By the top of the stretch, Mcnatural L had drawn even with Imprincessgemma A before bolting home to a 6-¼ length win in 1:55.4.

It was the first win at Batavia but seventh overall this year for Mcnatural L ($17.80) who is owned by El Dorado Stables and trained by Mandy Arrigenna.

In the next group, A Black Diamond (Dave McNeight III) got away third and followed the lead of Louie The Lilac (John Cummings Jr.) until the second circuit. McNeight made a first-over move approaching three-quarters with A Black Diamond and then matched strides with Louie The Lilac into the last turn. By the top of the stretch, A Black Diamond took the lead and scooted home to a 2-¾ length win in 1:55.1.

It was the third straight win and 11th of the year for A Black Diamond ($10.60) who is owned by Lav Racing Stable. Russell Bratt trains the winner.

Brett Beckwith led all drivers at Batavia on Wednesday after he scored a grand slam in the bike.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Nov. 3) at 6:00 p.m. and there will be a $234 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race 13.

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.

a-black-diamond-1.jpg
Photo of A Black Diamond courtesy of Wendy J. Lowery.

Byron-Bergen's Farner scores four goals as Bees blanks Cuba-Rushford in soccer crossover

By Howard B. Owens
byron bergen boys score Class C crossover

Byron-Bergen beat Cuba-Rushford/Hinsdale 4-0 on Wednesday night at Geneseo in the Class C crossover game.

The Bees now advance to the Far West Regional to take on Wilson, the Section VI Class C champ, in the Far West Championship at 5 p.m. on Friday at West Seneca Senior High School.

All four goals for the Bees were scored by Jack Farner (#8).  Assists went to Colin Martin, Noah Clare, Braedyn Chambry and Cody Carlson. 

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.

byron bergen boys score Class C crossover
byron bergen boys score Class C crossover
byron bergen boys score Class C crossover
byron bergen boys score Class C crossover
byron bergen boys score Class C crossover
byron bergen boys score Class C crossover
byron bergen boys score Class C crossover
byron bergen boys score Class C crossover
byron bergen boys score Class C crossover

Byron-Bergen loses Class C crossover to Holley

By Howard B. Owens
Byron Bergen v Holley Class C Crossover Socccer 2023
Byron-Bergen's Victoria Rogoyski fouled early in the first half.
Photo by Howard Owens

With each of the first two goals the Holley Hawks scored, the Byron-Bergen Bees had an answer to tie the game, but in overtime, the Hawk's third overtime goal ended the game and ended the Bees' hope of advancing further this postseason.

Byron-Byron Bergen lost the Class C crossover game at Geneseo High School and the right to play in the Western Regional Championship to Holly 3-2.

For more photos and to purchase prints, click here.

Byron Bergen v Holley Class C Crossover Socccer 2023
Keeper Novalee Pocock with a saver in the first half.
Photo by Howard Owens
Byron Bergen v Holley Class C Crossover Socccer 2023
MacKenzie Hagen
Photo by Howard Owens
Byron Bergen v Holley Class C Crossover Socccer 2023
The Holly Hawks score their first goal in the first half.
Photo by Howard Owens
Byron Bergen v Holley Class C Crossover Socccer 2023
Mia Gray after a successful steal in the first half.
Photo by Howard Owens
Byron Bergen v Holley Class C Crossover Socccer 2023
Ava Goff
Photo by Howard Owens
Byron Bergen v Holley Class C Crossover Socccer 2023
Megan Zwerka-Synder
Photo by Howard Owens
Byron Bergen v Holley Class C Crossover Socccer 2023
A Byron-Bergen scoring attempt blocked in the second half.
Photo by Howard Owens
Byron Bergen v Holley Class C Crossover Socccer 2023
Riley Shallenberger
Photo by Howard Owens

Buff Rice Basketball League results for Week #4

By Staff Writer
buff rice basketball league notre dame
Jason Rapone and Denny Crowley of the Tar Heels battling Jackson Therrien and Colden Stewart of the Orange for a rebound as shooter Charlie Rapone looks on.
Submitted Photo.

Submitted by Michael Rapone:

Buff Rice Week 4 Results:

5th & 6th Grade: Week number four saw the continued domination of the Warriors and the return of Jack Hilchey for the C’s.

Warriors 35 vs Lakers 20
The Lakers led 14-10 at the half of this one as they tried to play spoilers to the Warriors' unblemished record. Noah DeLong had 6 of his 8 points in the first half. Vin LaBarbara (5pts) and Liam McAlister (6pts) each had 4 in the first frame. But the second half was all about the Warriors and Drew Schultz, who pumped in a team-high 13 points, of which 9 came in the 2nd half. The Warriors ended with a 25-point 2nd half to close out the win. Sawyer George and Teigen Porter had 8 points and 6 points, respectively, while also dolling out 4 assists each. Vinny DiLaura put in two shots for 4 points.

Celtics 25 vs Heat 13
The Celtics welcomed back Jack Hilchey and stopped their two-game skid. Hilchey scored 15 in his first game back since breaking his hand. Noah Radam scored 8 points, and Jaxon Smith was the unsung hero with 11 rebounds. Patrick Casey put in 7 points for the Heat, and Levi Mayban competed hard under the glass with Smith, posting 7 rebounds to go with his 4 points.

3rd & 4th Grade:

Carolina 31 vs Syracuse 25
Carolina got solid efforts from Luke Hungerford (17pts), Amaeus Largeroy (8pts) and Denny Crowley (4pts). Crowley was dominant under the glass for the Tar Heels finishing with 7 boards, and Benny DiLaura played shutdown defense again for Carolina. Jackson Therrien tried his best to keep Syracuse in the game scoring a game-high 21 points. Charlie and Sammy Rapone each pitched in 2 points for the Orange.

Carolina 30 vs Duke 21
Carolina was able to continue the unbeaten streak for the season by getting pass the Blue Devils. Luke Hungerford led the Tar Heels once again with 18 points. The Tar Heels, though, finished with 5 players in the scoring column. Jason Rapone was the team's second-leading scorer with two buckets for 4 points, Amaeus Largeroy and Denny Crowley had 3 points each, and Benny DiLaura had 2. Jax Arroyo had 5 rebounds for the Heels. Duke's Barrett Jones had 10 points and 10 boards for a double-double. Alex Tomidy had 5 points, Mateo Spink and Gino Fava had 2 each.

buff rice basketball league notre dame
Jackson Therrien pouring in 1 of his 21 points.
Submited Photo.
buff rice basketball league notre dame
Jack Hilchey in his return to the court hitting a free throw for the C’s.
Submitted photo
buff rice basketball league notre dame
Sawyer George driving the bucket in the second half, helping keep the Warriors undefeated.
Submitted Photo.
buff rice basketball league notre dame
Leading scorer Luke Hungerford driving through the lane for the Tar Heels.
Submitted photo
buff rice basketball league notre dame
Patrick Casey converting a free throw to help the Heat keep pace with the Celtics.
Submitted Photo
buff rice basketball league notre dame
Barrett Jones with a putback, part of his 10/10 double-double.
Submitted Photo

Lancers to take shot at Class D2 title in volleyball

By Howard B. Owens
elba girls volleyball

Elba has a shot at a sectional title in volleyball after the Lancers beat Houghton Academy three sets to zero.

  • 1st game 25 to 18
  • 2nd game 25 to 23

Player stats:

  • Kennedy Augello 14 assists, 2 kills
  • Alexa Ocampo 7 kills, 5 digs
  • Halie Scouten 7 kills, 4 digs 

The Lancers will play for the Section V D2 crown at 5 p.m. on Friday at Wayland Cohocton. The match will pit the #6 Lancers against the #1 ranked Avoca-Prattsburgh.

At 7 p.m. on Friday at Wayland Cohocton, in Class D1, #1 seed Alexander players #6 York.  Alexander beat Bolivar-Richburg 3-1 on Tuesday.

In Class C1, #2 Le Roy plays #1 Attica at Avon on Friday at 7 p.m. for the title.

 Photos by Debra Reilly.
elba girls volleyball
elba girls volleyball

Batavia High's Walsh and Hume honored by Section V

By Howard B. Owens
isabella walsh batavia soccer
Isabella Walsh
Photo by Howard Owens

Isabella Walsh: Section V Class A Player of the Year
Isabella Walsh, #11 on the Batavia Blue Devils Girls Soccer team, loves playing defense. She always has.

"I've played defense since I was little," Walsh said. "I like the one-on-one battles and making big saves. I enjoy it."

She's also the team's primary direct-kick specialist (taking kicks following a penalty from outside the penalty box).

These two contributions to Batavia's 14-win season are a big part of why she was named Section V Class A Player of the Year for Girls Soccer.

"I'm really honored to be singled out for this award," Walsh said. "There are so many great players on my team and the teams we compete against. To be a defensive player and to win this type of award is really a great recognition, but this is truly a team award because it's my teammates around me every day in practice and games that make me better and make me want to play harder for them and our team's success."

Batavia's head coach, Roger Hume, said Walsh, now a senior, is a four-year starter at center back, and he doesn't believe she's missed a start in her career.

"She's like the center of our entire defense at this point," Hume said. "She is gonna be a big loss for us."

On the field, Walsh directs the defense when the opposing team has a direct kick or corner kick, and that had a lot to do with Batavia's success in 2023.

"We were at the lowest goal-against total we've had in the last 15 years that I've been here," Hume said. "We had 12 goals against."

roger hume batavia girls soccer
Roger Hume
Photo by Howard Owens

Roger Hume: Section V Class A Girls Soccer Coach of the Year
Fifteen years ago, Roger Hume took over a soccer team that needed new direction.  That first year as coach was rough -- no league wins and only a 4-12-1 record on the year.  The team scored only 12 goals and gave up 50.

In 2023, he coached the team to a 14-2-1 record, with a team that gave up only 12 goals and scored 73 (The team's previous record for fewest goals against was 17 in 2020 (when the team scored only 15 goals, and the highest goal total was 45 in 2022).

After such a successful season, Hume has been named the Section V Class A Girls Soccer Coach of the Year.

The award isn't just a credit to him, Hume said. It's the entire group of people involved in Batavia Girls Soccer.

"Well, for me, I think it's a combination of all the parents and players that have put the time in, and all of the volunteer coaches and assistant coaches I've had through the years," Hume said. "There's a multitude of parents that had their daughters come up through who helped me from modified all the way up to Varsity. It kind of justifies that we did all that hard work, you know, and it took a while. I mean, 15 years before we had the team -- this has been one of the best teams that we've had, you know, record-wise and group-wise and just the way they are a team together."

Hume now has 111 career wins as a varsity coach.

His soccer career started with his oldest daughter getting involved with soccer when she was four. She's now 32. He became a coach in Batavia Youth Soccer, became a board member, and after a few years, then Athletic Director Mike Bromley asked him if he would coach girls modified soccer for Batavia.  After a few years, he moved up to junior varsity and then, 15 years ago, varsity. 

The team's biggest improvements have come since the opening of the new Van Detta Stadium with the artificial turf on Woodward Field.

Playing on grass meant playing a slower game, but it also meant, despite all the hard work of the grounds crew, playing on a field that could be a bit uneven.

"When it gets into October, it's tough because it's raining out all the time or it's snowing out all the time," Hume said. "Being able to get on the turf as much as possible has helped to speed up our game a lot. We've really been able to ratchet up."

The proof is the past three years of play against a top Class A team, Pal-Mac.  Two years ago, Batavia lost 6-1.  Last year, 4-0.  This year, in the Class A semifinal, 2-0.  That's a measure of progress, even if the Blue Devils haven't yet cleared the hump of beating Pal-Mac.

And the progress doesn't seem to have peaked, Hume indicated.

"We have a great JV group that came up, and I had girls that were freshmen and sophomores that could have been on varsity and would have been on varsity previous years, like five, six years ago, but we didn't have the room for them," Hume said.  "They would be playing and I don't want them to sit on the bench if there's no value to it at that point."

Hume acknowledged that as much as it might recognize the success of the program in 2023, it also recognizes the progress of the program.

"I think it is a recognition of what we can do and that we are competitive," Hume said. "We can compete now several teams in our group. Aquinas is in our group, and Pal-Mac is our Class A. Like I said, we did Class A for nine years, and we won four games all the time, or five games all the time, so, you know, I think we're proving we can compete."

Program at YMCA helps Batavia soccer players hone their skills during the winter

By Howard B. Owens
batavia indoor soccer

The indoor winter soccer program started on Monday at the YMCA in Batavia, coached by Batavia girls Varsity coach Roger Hume.

He calls the program "club soccer."

It is open to soccer players from third grade through 12th, and it's never too late for a parent to get a child started in the program.  Hume said as long as a class has room, the class is open at any time of the winter, November through March, and there is an open registration time again in January.

JV and Varsity players practice and train on Mondays, junior high on Wednesdays, and elementary school kids on Thursdays.  On Saturdays, all grade levels participate at different times of the day.

Since many of the JV and Varsity players often play other winter sports, the Monday classes tend to thin out once those seasons start, Hume said.

The session starts with some warm-ups followed by skill work, ball handling.

"We want to do a lot of group stuff, too," Hume said. "Then they'll do some scrimmaging at the end. We try to work on teamwork, try to work on passing, receiving. Indoors is good for more skill work and then some passing, the physicality of the game. But you know, you can't mimic what you're doing outside. I mean, I wish we had turf. Yeah, I always say I wish we had turf, but we don't have turf. So we take advantage of what we have."

In February and March, club players typically participate in tournaments. Batavia, Attica, Keshequa, and Byron-Bergen are among the locations of indoor tournaments.

Photos by Howard Owens

batavia indoor soccer
batavia indoor soccer
batavia indoor soccer
batavia indoor soccer
batavia indoor soccer
batavia indoor soccer
batavia indoor soccer
batavia indoor soccer

Rochester Softball Association inducts veteran player-manager Sal Oddo into Hall of Fame

By Mike Pettinella
Sal Oddo
Sal Oddo displays the Rochester Softball Association Hall of Fame plaque as he wears the RSA HOF polo shirt and ring he received over the weekend. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

For Batavia native and longtime Elba resident Sal Oddo, his induction into the Rochester Softball Association Hall of Fame extends far beyond an individual award.

“First off, you don’t think you’re ever going to make it with so many good ballplayers out there. But now that I have been honored, if I could split my plaque a couple hundred different ways – with all the players I played with and those I played against – I would do it because they’re all hall of famers to me,” said Oddo, during an interview with The Batavian on Monday afternoon.

Oddo, in his 58th year of slow-pitch softball (he started as a teenager on Kibbe Park and Woodward Field diamonds in the city), was enshrined into the RSA Hall of Fame as a Senior Manager on Friday night at a ceremony at the Italian American Community Center in Rochester.

Thirteen of his family members and friends were on hand to witness the induction, including his wife, Debbie; children, Tara and Jonathan, and their spouses, Adam Higgins and Ivy Durr Oddo; parents, Joe and Fran; sister and brother-in-law, Marianne and Rich Anderson, and cousin, Dan DiMartino.

His other son, Jason, lives in Virginia Beach with his wife, Bobbi, and was unable to attend. Sal and Debbie have nine grandkids – three from each of their children.

Oddo made his mark as an elite pitcher while playing primarily in Batavia and Oakfield, leading teams to numerous league and tournament titles, while garnering most valuable player trophies along the way.

In 2003, he set his sights on the senior softball circuit in Rochester – looking to see how he stacked up against some of the elite players in the Lilac City area.

“I started with the John Warren Foundation team and really wanted to be on a travel team,” he said. “At the time, there was no room, so I was put on a B (level) team in the Rochester Senior Softball Traveling League. We went undefeated and I won the MVP of the league. That was a pretty big highlight for me. And after that, I started pitching a lot for the John Warren Foundation top team.”

Oddo, who said he has pitched several one-hitters (not an easy feat in slow-pitch softball), led his Warren Foundation squad to the International Senior Softball Association World Championship in 2005 in Manassas, Va., and three years later, went unbeaten as a pitcher as the team captured the World Championships in Las Vegas.

In 2015, Oddo was player-manager on the RocCity 55 team that won the Tournament of Champions in Winter Haven, Fla., and in 2017, he managed the Building Innovation Group club to national and TOC crowns.

All told, between 2014-2017, Oddo’s teams won six national titles along with the two Senior Softball USA Tournament of Champion national championships in Winter Haven.

He said he considers it a privilege to compete with the “younger seniors.”

“Even as I got older, I always played in the 50 or 55 age division leagues,” said Oddo, noting that Rochester is a hotbed of softball activity for players right into their 70’s and 80’s. “When I think of all the players I’ve seen across the nation, I consider Rochester softball by far the strongest group because we have so many outstanding players and teams.”

Oddo said he is “blessed” to have been able to play so long – overcoming serious illness in 2002 and a back injury in 2014 – and to be able to travel throughout the U.S. to compete in tournaments.

“When I was younger, I didn’t have a chance to travel because I was the main provider for the family,” he said, mentioning a 45-year career with the U.S. Postal Service (these days, you can find him at the Stafford Post Office) and 15 years as a paddock judge at Batavia Downs. “When I lost my racetrack job, I said I wanted to see if I could play with the big boys and, it has turned out very well.”

He said he gives thanks to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the support of his wife and family for all that he’s accomplished in softball.

“I’ve played in so many places and I’ve made so many friends, and they’re like family,” he said. “I’ve been blessed for some reason where my teams have won a lot. Even as a manager, it seemed that I had a knack to pick the right guys – not always the best players but the players who best fit the team and were nice people. Strong individuals that could play softball.”

Oddo continues to shine on the local scene, as well, pitching and coaching a new generation of softball players to titles this past season in the Batavia-Oakfield summer league and the Cobbs Hill (Rochester) A Division fall league.

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