basketball

Lauren Kingsley came up big against Bolivar-Richburg to lead Pavilion to a 53-28 Class C2 semifinal at home on Wednesday night.

Kingsley scored 19 points.  

Karlee Zinkievich scored 13, Emily Kingsley, 11, and Shea Amberger, 8.

The Lady Gophers (12-0, #1 seed) will now face York, who started the tournament as the #7 seed at 7-3 and beat the #2 seed (Oakfield-Alabama) and the #3 seed (Dundee/Bradford) to advance to the championship game.

Game time tomorrow is 7 p.m. and the game will be played at Pavilion.

Also in girls basketball last night, Alexander lost to East Rochester, 63-34.

Tonight's games in girls basketball:

• Elba hosts Northstar at 6:30 p.m., Class D2.
• Notre Dame hosts Finney at 7 p.m., Class D1.
• Batavia is at Midlakes at 6 p.m., Class B1.

In boys basketball tonight, Oakfield-Alabama plays Harley Allendale Columbia at HAC at 6 p.m., Class C2.

On Friday night, Notre Dame travels to Avoca/Prattsburgh to play for the Class D2 title and on Saturday, Batavia hosts Wayne at 6 p.m. in Class B1 for the championship.

Senior guard Zach Gilebarto drilled his first 10 shots from the field – including six three-pointers – on his way to 38 points to power the host Batavia Blue Devils to a 70-58 victory over Palmyra-Macedon in a Section V Class B1 boys’ basketball tournament semifinal game that was closer than the final score indicates.

Batavia’s win sets up a matchup of 14-0 teams at 6 p.m. Friday, with the top-seeded Blue Devils hosting second-seeded Wayne for the title. Wayne defeated No. 3 Livonia, 59-50, in the other semifinal contest tonight.

Blue Devils Head Coach Buddy Brasky had high praise for Gilebarto's accomplishment.

"I’ve been varsity coach here for 32 years and that goes up there as one of the best shooting performances that I’ve ever witnessed," he said. "I can think of Jeff Redband when he scored 52 against Irondequoit and Jalen Smith had one of those at Pittsford Mendon where he scored 35. But I haven’t witnessed a shooting performance like that in a long, long time."

Brasky said Gilebarto, who made 14 of his 20 shots in the game, is the team's leader on and off the court.

"He's been our ‘go to’ guy all year. He’s a hard worker -- a gym rat -- and he deserves everything that he gets," he said.

With Gilebarto on target from the outside and senior forward/center Stone Siverling finding success near the basket, Batavia took a 16-11 lead after the first quarter. Gilebarto was 3-for-3 from deep while Siverling hit a pair of buckets inside in the period.

Gilebarto was a one-man show in the second quarter, connecting on three more three-pointers and three other shots for 15 of the Blue Devils’ 17 points. He scored 26 points in the half on 9-for-9 shooting.

Despite Gilebarto’s heroics, the Red Raiders hung in there and trailed by only four at 33-29 at halftime behind junior guard Paul Goodness’ 11 points, including three three-point shots, and sophomore forward Sage Hunter’s 10 points.

The third quarter proved to be an exciting back-and-forth affair with Siverling, Gilebarto and senior guard Faraz Idrees leading the way for Batavia while sophomore guard/forward Ian Goodness kept Pal-Mac in the game with four three-point shots.

Two of those long distance baskets by Goodness offset another three-pointer by Gilebarto to knot the score at 37-37. Siverling then took over, hitting a three-pointer, grabbing an offensive rebound and passing to Alex Hale for a layup, swishing a left-handed hook shot and scoring on a drive to the hoop to put Batavia up 46-40.

Ian Goodness connected again from deep, pulling the Red Raiders within 46-45 with 55 seconds left in the quarter before Idrees drained a corner “3” to make it 49-45. After Paul Goodness scored inside, Gilebarto beat the buzzer with his eighth three-point shot of the game to make it 52-47 entering the final period.

Batavia’s defense was the story in the fourth quarter as it held Pal-Mac to 11 points – only three in the final five minutes.

Another three-pointer from the right corner by Idrees gave the Blue Devils their biggest lead at 55-47, but a couple more three-point shots by Paul Goodness narrowed the gap to 59-55.

From there, Batavia forced a couple turnovers and rebounded three straight missed shots before Gilebarto hit a two-pointer from the side to make it 63-55 with 2:30 to play. Idrees then took a charge on the defensive end – the fourth time he got in position for an offensive foul – before Gilebarto hit a running shot in the lane at the 1:00 mark to secure the victory.

"They did a good job breaking down our defense, getting a lot of ball reversals and handoffs and screens, and then number zero (Ian Goodness) caught fire in the third quarter to keep them in the game," Brasky said.

"We went zone for three to four minutes to try to change it up on them and I thought that stymied them for a little bit. Then we switched back to our man-to-man early in the fourth and our defense really shut them down the rest of the way."

When it was mentioned that Idrees was the "unsung hero," Brasky wholeheartedly agreed.

"For sure, he drew four charges and he hit two big threes in the second half while they were making runs at us. He was the unsung hero of the game – he took four charges and that was a key," he said.

Brasky also credited Siverling for his play when Pal-Mac stepped up its defense on Gilebarto.

"We knew they were going to start to try and take Gilebarto away so we went inside with some of our sets to get Stone going and he produced, for sure," he said.

Siverling finished with 20 points.

For Pal-Mac, 9-5, Paul Goodness tallied 24, Ian Goodness 14 and Hunter 10.

Next up for the Blue Devils are the Wayne Eagles, described by Brasky as a "solid all-around team" that plays the Syracuse 2-3 zone.

"They’ve got length on their back line so it makes it very hard to find openings in their zone; they play it very well," he said. "And they’ve got two dynamic guards who both average 20-plus per game – (junior Mason) Blankenberg, number 25, and (senior Tyler) Reynolds, number 15. They’re just a solid all-around team so it should be a good one."

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

Photo at top: Zach Gilebarto launches one of his eight successful three-point attempts.

Stone Siverling soars high to grab a rebound as Gilebarto and Pal-Mac's Robert Kinslow battle on the boards.

Alex Hale drives to the hoop.

The winning Blue Devils celebrate, knowing they're one win away from a sectional crown.

Zach Gilebarto's father, Phil, capturing some digital memories of his son's terrific night.

Notre Dame handily beat Alfred on Tuesday, 52-24, to advance to the semifinals of the Class D1 Section V tournament.

McCulley scored 22 points, hitting two three-point shots, and McGinnis scored 18, hitting a trio of three-pointers. She also had seven rebounds.

The Fighting Irish (10-2) will play C.G. Finney (11-2) at home, 7 p.m., tomorrow.

Tonight's schedule:

Girls: 

• Bolivar at Pavilion, 7 p.m.
• Alexander at East Rochester, 6 p.m.

Boys: 

• Pal-Mac at Batavia, 6 p.m.
• Notre Dame at Belfast, 7 p.m.

Oakfield-Alabama zoomed past Dundee on Tuesday night to win the Section V Class C2 quarterfinal by a score of 72-40.

Travis Wiedrich and Kaden Cusmano each scored 11 points. Ty Mott scored eight.

The Hornets (9-2, #3) will face Harley-Allendale-Columbia (10-1, #2) in a semifinal game at HAC at 6 p.m., Thursday.

Also on Tuesday, Pembroke lost to Avon, 58-53.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

Elba had no trouble with Romulus in the Lady Lancers' first-round Class D2 sectional game at home on Tuesday night, winning 70-15.

Brynn Walczak scored 19 points, hitting two of three three-point attempts. Leah Bezon just missed a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Taylor Augello scored 10 points. She also had seven assists.

The Lancers, at 12-0, face Northern Christian, the #4 seed at 7-2, at 7 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at home.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

The Batavia Lady Blue Devils advanced to the semifinals of the Section V Class B1 girls’ basketball tournament tonight with a 55-36 victory over visiting Greece Olympia.

It was the fourth time the two teams have met this season with Batavia, 9-4, winning the previous three by 20 points each time.

Senior guards Mackenzie Reigle and Bryn Wormley, who both have reached the 1,000-point plateau for their varsity careers, led the way with 26 and 17 points, respectively.

As has been the norm, Reigle filled up the stat sheet with six assists, seven rebounds and 14 steals, while Wormley added seven steals as Batavia pulled away after a bit of a slow start.

Reigle scored 14 of her points in the second quarter, hitting a pair of three-point attempts, as the Lady Devils went on a 15-4 run to take a 31-19 lead at intermission.

In the third quarter, Wormley led the way with 11 points, including two three-pointers as Batavia stretched its lead to 45-28.

Taylor Jung paced Olympia, 3-8, with 18 points.

The third-seeded Lady Devils advance to take on No. 2 Midlakes on Thursday at 7 p.m. at a site to be determined. Midlakes rolled past Wayne, 64-40.

In the other semifinal bracket on Thursday, it will be No. 1 Pal-Mac against No. 5 Livonia.

Pal-Mac crushed Newark, 56-24, while Livonia upset No. 4 Hornell, 60-39.

The championship game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday.  

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

Mackenzie Reigle begins a drive to the hoop.

Tess Barone shoots over Greece Olympia's Tenilya Murray.

Haylee Thornley moves past an Olympia defender.

Mack Harmon battles for a loose ball.

Kennedy Kolb makes a move as Olympia's Elaja Miller defends.

The entire Batavia team gathers for the home fans in celebration of Bryn Wormley reaching 1,000 points in its previous game at Greece Odyssey.

Pavilion advanced in the Class C2 Section V tournament Monday with a convincing win over Red Creek, 68-44.

Lauren Kingsley scored 16 points, Karlee Zinkievich, 14, Shea Amberger, 13, Emily Kingsley, 12, Paige Landers, 8, and Kodi Beehler, five. Lauren Kingsley completed a double-double with 10 rebounds and Zinkievich notched one with 13 assists. Kingsley also had five blocks. Zinkievich had four steals.

Or Red Creek, Isabella Wilbur scored 14 points and Mady Sanzotta scored 12.

Tomorrow at 7 p.m., Pavilion plays Bolivar-Richburg in the semifinal game at home. Pavilion is the #1 seed in the bracket at 11-0 and Boliver is the #4 seed at 8-2.

In other girls games:

• Alexander beat Marcus Whitman 40-35 (coverage)
• Oakfield-Alabama lost to York 52-47 (coverage)

Tonight's games:

• Romulus at Elba, 5:30 p.m.
• Alfred at Notre Dame, 7 p.m.
• Olympia at Batavia, 6 p.m.

In boys basketball:

Notre Dame beat Jasper 43-39

• Batavia beat NE Douglas 56-38 (coverage)
• WOIS beat Le Roy 60-56

Tonight's games:

• Pembroke is at HAC, 6 p.m.
• Dundee is at Oakfield-Alabama, 6 p.m.

Submitted photo and press release:

It was a record-setting night at Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School as the community came out to support the Pembroke Girls Basketball Team’s 10th annual "Shooting For A Cure!" game.

On Friday night, by game’s end, "Shooting For A Cure!" had raised more than $38,000. From open donations and apparel sales, to the Food Truck Rally and raffle tickets, the Pembroke community shattered the previous record of $33,050.20.

Throughout the evening and over the weekend, more donations continued to come in bringing this year’s total to $41,105.21, leaving them shy of their $48,000 event and $200,000 overall contributions goal.

The team remains focused on eclipsing the $200,000 mark by April 1^st and is accepting online donations in support of "Shooting For A Cure!" at.

Since 2011, when the team decided to use their passion for playing basketball as a platform from which to host a fundraiser for breast cancer research at Roswell Park in support of community member, Toni Funke, the team has raised more than $192,500 in contributions for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center through "Shooting For A Cure!"

In addition to raising funds, the team wanted to show their support for Mrs. Funke as she battled cancer. The tradition of supporting, honoring, and remembering those impacted by cancer also continues.

Between the JV and Varsity games, the team held a ceremony to memorialize eight community members who have lost their battles with cancer as well as to honor 28 cancer survivors. Each varsity player lined up at center court and took turns sharing the names of a loved one, teacher, friend, or community member whose life has been touched by cancer. After each person was recognized by name, a rose was added to a vase at center court in his or her honor.  

“The halftime ceremony was emotional for me this year for many reasons,” said Ron Funke, Pembroke Girls Basketball coach. “It was so well done; it was simple, yet elegant and very moving. It also marked a decade since Toni’s initial diagnosis.

"As I continue to reflect on this game and its growth, I am overwhelmed by the love and support this community shows these players every season. The players and the event organizers have so much passion for this cause and Pembroke continues to rally around it more and more each year.

"It’s unbelievable to think what our small town is able to do. I mean, think about it, we’re closing in on $200,000 raised for cancer research in 10 years. That figure is just astounding to me.”

Senior Serene Calderón said "I can’t even explain in words all of the emotions that I felt on Friday. I am so grateful to have had a chance to be a part of something so amazing. This year was chaotic and challenging for me and my teammates, but what our community was able to accomplish made it all worth it.

"I was able to spend my last night as a player in that gym, playing for something so much bigger than just me. To think that Pembroke came together to raise over $40,000 is just incredible. I had set a goal early in this season to try to become the leading scorer in Pembroke history. To accomplish that during the Pink Game, with Breanna Johnson there, who held the scoring record and started 'Shooting For A Cure!,' was so overwhelming for me; it all just came full circle for me in that moment.

"I cried all weekend. Accomplishing that personal goal was a great feeling, but it’s an even better feeling when I reflect on what we’ve been able to raise for cancer research this season. I still can’t believe that we’ve raised over $40,000, it’s just amazing.” 

According to Allie Schwerthoffer, “ 'Shooting For A Cure!' gives you a sense of purpose.”

She added that there are so many ways to get involved and that any contribution, no matter how big or small, means the world to the team and to those at Roswell.

“Throughout my years of being involved in this game," Allie said. "I have been able to take a step back and recognize what is really important in life. Showing support for others in a time of need gives me a sense of gratitude that cannot be replicated. I have been blessed to be a part of such an incredible community that has each other’s backs no matter what.

"This game is an opportunity that I don’t take for granted. I have the power to make a change. This year we raised over $40,000 and it’s amazing what such a small family-like community can accomplish when we come together to help one another.”

Arron K. Brown, sixth-grade teacher, worked tirelessly all evening running around the parking lot, braving the freezing cold temperatures. Because of pandemic restrictions and protocols, he reimagined his "Snack Shack" as a food truck rally. Five trucks showed up for the event.

“The Pembroke community always comes out in support of this event every year. It was important to me to uphold this proud tradition we share. I’m extremely thankful that Macarollin’, Center Street, Pub Hub, Cheesy Chick, and Lloyd’s came out in support of our inaugural Food Truck Rally,” Brown said. “There was a steady stream of people from 4 to 8 p.m., waiting in the freezing cold, for dinner, all in support of this cause.

"The wind was whipping through the parking lot, the temps were definitely below freezing, yet the Pembroke faithful all came out to grab dinner and show their support for 'Shooting For A Cure!,'. Mr. Bailey and Miss Komosinski had the drumline going early on which added to the atmosphere! I’d also like to thank Mrs. Fenik, Mr. Kinal, Mr. Strzelec, and Mrs. Wilson for all of their help outside with directing traffic, parking cars, selling raffle tickets, and keeping the evening safe for all of our supporters. It was a complete team effort all around.” 

There are still opportunities to help. In addition to a direct donation through our donation page, local State Farm Insurance agent Mark Lewis has pledged $10 per insurance quote to "Shooting For A Cure!" for every new customer auto quote completed from March 1 through March 31. Please call (585) 343-4959 to request your “Quotes for Good” auto quote today (limit one per household). Please be sure to say you're calling on behalf of "Shooting For A Cure!"

One of Oakfield-Alabama's most consistent scorers, Danica Porter, suffered an injury in the first half of Monday's Class C2 sectional quarterfinal against York, and while it's hard to say Porter's injury changed the outcome of the game, the shootout did go down to the final seconds. 

MaKena Reding scored 14 points, Brooke Reding 11, and Kelsey Schlagenhauf had eight points and 11 rebounds. Emma Wray scored eight and had nine rebounds. Porter had three points and three assists.

Sydnee Emerson scored 20 for York. Adison Plank scored eight.

The Hornets entered the tournament as the #2 seed at 8-3 and York was the #7 seed at 7-3.  

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos, click here.

Alexander advanced to the second round of the Class C1 Section V championship tournament on Monday with a 40-35 victory over Marcus Whitman.

Ally Mileham scored 12 points, Natalie Whitmore, 10, Alyssa Kramer, six, and Melanie Pohl and Hallie Kramer each scored five.  

The Trojans (9-2) play East Rochester (the #1 seed at 11-1) at 7 p.m. tomorrow at a location to be determined.

Photos by Debra Reilly. 

Senior guard Zach Gilebarto and senior forward/center Stone Siverling combined for 41 points tonight to lead Batavia High to a 56-38 victory over visiting NE Douglas in the opening round of the Section V Class B1 boys’ basketball tournament.

The victory moves the top-seeded Blue Devils, now 13-0, into the semifinals against No. 4 Palmyra-Macedon, a 53-44 winner over No. 5 Hornell. That game will be played at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Batavia.

Both teams struggled to find the range in the opening half as Batavia led 10-6 after the first quarter and 22-12 at intermission – the Blue Devils’ last three points coming on a long three-point shot by Gilebarto with 6/10ths of a second on the clock.

Batavia outscored NE Douglas 15-11 in the third quarter as Gilebarto hit two more three-pointers to go up 37-23. The Blue Devils stretched their lead in the final stanza as Gilebarto scored nine of his 21 points, including his fifth three-pointer.

Siverling was a factor in each quarter, scoring six, four, four and six en route to his 20 points.

Trynzeir Parker led NE Douglas, 4-7, with 14 points.

The other Class B1 semifinal on Wednesday will pit No. 2 Wayne, also 13-0, against No. 3 Livonia at Wayne Central.

Interview with Buddy Brasky, Batavia Blue Devils Basketball head coach. We're going to talk about the boys' basketball team as the Blue Devils head into the postseason with an untarnished record of 12-0.

Here is the schedule for Genesee County teams participating in Section V basketball playoffs.

For the boys:

• Batavia (12-0) vs. NE Doublas (4-6), 6 p.m., Monday, at Batavia HS, Class B1
• Le Roy (6-4) vs. World of Inquiry (7-3), 6 p.m., Monday, at World Of Inquiry, Class B2
• Pembroke (7-5) vs. Avon (9-1) at 7 p.m., Tuesday, at Avon, Class C1
• Oakfield-Alabama (8-2) vs. Dundee (8-4), at 6 p.m., Tuesday, at O-A, Class C2
• Notre Dame (5-6) vs. Jasper-Troupsburg, 7 p.m., Monday at Jasper-Troupsburg, CLass D2

For the girls:

• Batavia (8-4) vs. Greece Olympia (3-7), 6 p.m., Tuesday, at Batavia, Class B1
• Alexander (8-2) vs. Marcus Whitman (7-3), at 7 p.m., Monday, at Alexander, Class C1
• Pavilion (10-0) vs. Red Creek (5-5), 7 p.m., Monday at Pavilion, Class C2
• Oakfield-Alabama (8-3) vs. York (7-3) at 7 p.m. Monday at O-A, Class C2
• Notre Dame (9-2) vs. Alfred Almond (3-5), 7 p.m., Tuesday at Notre Dame, Class D1
• Elba (11-0) vs. Romulus (3-7) at 7 p.m., Tuesday, at Elba, Class D2

Ice hockey:

• Notre Dame (7-3-1) vs. Pittsford (4-7-1) at 6 p.m., Tuesday at Batavia Ice Rink, Class A

The Batavia Blue Devils boys squad finished their season in Greece Odyssey yesterday with a 77-36 win to finish undefeated in Class B1 of Monroe County division boys basketball. Batavia led the first quarter 19-10 led by Stone Silverling.  

In a strong second quarter, the Blue Devils poured in 25 points to lead at halftime 44-16 and never looked back. 

Stone Siverling scored 16 points, Zach Gilebarto, 14, Carter McFollins and Brandon Bartz, nine.

To view or purchase, photos click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Bryn Wormley and Mackenzie Reigle are attached at the hip when it comes to the game of basketball.

And it’s only fitting that Wormley on Saturday afternoon joined her “senior sister” as members of the Batavia High varsity girls’ basketball team’s 1,000-point club in a 62-41 victory over host Greece Odyssey.

Entering the Monroe County League Division IV regular season finale, Wormley needed 31 points to hit the milestone.

Her teammates, all in on Coach Marty Hein’s game plan against the winless Lady Leopards, continually fed her the ball in an effort to make it happen before next Tuesday’s Section V Class B1 Tournament opener.

Wormley, launching three-point shots and knifing and twisting her way for driving layups, scored 28 of the Lady Devils’ 47 points after three quarters.

A driving layup at the 5:50 mark of the fourth period put her at 30 and less than a minute later, she calmly swished a foul shot for point number 31 this season and 1,000 for her career.

Both Wormley and Reigle, who scored her 1,000^th point on Tuesday of this week, came up to the varsity late in the season as seventh-graders.

“This means a lot to me and it does to Kenzie, too. I think we’re just blessed to be able to play this year, especially with COVID and everything we have missed over the last several months,” Wormley said. “It’s just really nice that we got to do this together because we have been playing together since we picked up a basketball. First time was Buff Rice Camp in third grade.”

Wormley said she was “definitely nervous” but it didn’t look that way as she hit her first two three-pointers to open the scoring. Her outside shooting touch escaped her for a while after that, so she changed her strategy.

“I hit the first two ‘threes’ but the shot wasn’t falling after that so I tried something else – I starting driving to the basket,” she said.

It paid off as she scored 16 points on layups and sank four free throws in the final three quarters. When she and Reigle came out of the game together with 3:30 to play, she had 32 points – twice her season’s average.

Hein, as he did a few nights ago with Reigle, talked about Wormley’s work ethic as a key to her success.

“Bryn works so hard at her shooting, and she’s been such an unselfish player for probably two years previous to last year,” Hein said. "When we had Ryann Stefaniak, Bryn kind of took a back seat instead of pushing her own self. Last year was her breakout year (15.6 points per game average) because it was her time to start doing it.”

Hein also mentioned the manner in which Wormley and Reigle feed off each other on the court.

“You have two girls that have been gym rats ever since they were third-graders and they work well together. There are times when I have to watch film (to see who scored) because Assistant Coach Frank (Gioia) and our scorekeeper can’t tell if it was Kenzie or if it was Bryn because they look so much alike.”

As far as letting Bryn take the majority of shots, Hein said he was worried that there wouldn’t be another game because of COVID-19.

“The Elba boys are done with basketball right now because of COVID. Holley boys are done with basketball because of COVID. I would have just hated for her to get to 996 and, God forbid something happens, and that’s our last game,” he said. “Plus, today is a better situation (instead of it happening in a sectional tournament game). It’s done. She’s got it and nobody can ever take it away.”

With Reigle and now Wormley scoring 1,000 points, there are five Batavia girls' basketball players who have achieved that mark, with Tiara Filbert, Madison McCulley and Stefaniak being the others.

Wormley, who plans to play basketball at St. John Fisher College, said she’s relieved that the quest for 1,000 points is over.

“Now, we can just focus on getting the block (Section V championship trophy),” she said.

Reigle had 12 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and five steals, and Tess Barone chipped in with eight points for Batavia, 8-4. Asia Philip led Odyssey with 15 points.

The Lady Devils will face Greece Olympia at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Batavia High School. This will be their fourth meeting of the season. Batavia has won the previous three, all by 20 points.

Photos: From top, Bryn Wormley shoots the free throw that gave her 1,000 points for her varsity career (submitted photo); Wormley accepts a plaque from Coach Marty Hein; Wormley's mother, Chris, gives the thumbs up as she and Gail Francis celebrate the achievement (photos by Mike Pettinella).

In the midst of a pandemic, when attendance was limited, Pembroke's annual "Shooting For A Cure!" fundraiser has raised at least $39,200, said organizer Mike Wilson.

That amount breaks last year's record-breaking total of $33,000.

Donations are still trickling in and Wilson is hoping the event goes over $40,000 by Monday morning when he'll announce the final results.

The funds benefit cancer research at Roswell Cancer Institute.

The basketball game itself saw another record fall. Serene Calderón scored 16 points, giving her a career total of 822, a new school record.

For the Lady Hornets, Makena Reding scored 16 points and Josie Reding scored 10 points.

The final score was 49-43, Hornets.

To get an idea of how many people turn out for the event when there are no coronavirus pandemic restrictions, watch our video from a year ago.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos click here.

Dakota Brinkman and Byrnn Walczak both scored 13 points Friday night in Alexander to help Elba to a 53-44 victory over the Trojans.

Laci Sewer, nine points, and Brinkman both hit a pair of three-point shots.

Maddie Muehlig scored seven points and Taylor Augello, six.

Walczak made it a double-double with 10 rebounds. Augello also had 10 rebounds.

For Alexander, Hallie Kramer scored 12 points and Natalie Whitmore scored 11. Ally Mileham scored 10. Whitmore had 10 rebounds and Melanie Pohl, who scored five points, had 11 rebounds.

The Lady Lancers finish the regular season at 11-0. Friday's win was the first time this year that their margin of victory was less than 10 points.

In other girls games: 

• Pavilion beat Cal-Mum 43-23 (Pavilion also finishes the regular season undefeated at 10-0)
• Le Roy beat Letchworth 53-33
• Oakfield-Alabama beat Pembroke 49-43

In boys basketball:

• Notre Dame beat Alexander 63-52
• Oakfield-Alabama beat Pembroke, 68-51
• Wheatland-Chili beat Byron-Bergen 68-57

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Batavia Coach Marty Hein knew that it would be a “tall order” for his Lady Blue Devils girls’ basketball team to defeat Our Lady of Mercy on Thursday night, considering that the visitors’ frontline featured 6-foot-5 senior center Katie Whitaker and 6-foot sophomore Audrey Hintz.

While the height disadvantage inside was too much for Batavia to overcome, the home team battled the Class AA Lady Monarchs the entire way in a 62-42 loss.

The Lady Devils, 7-4, close out their regular season Saturday afternoon before preparing to host a Section V Class B1 Tournament game on Tuesday night against an opponent to be determined.

Hein said he scheduled the nonleague game against Mercy, now 8-3, in anticipation of possibly facing Dansville, which is led by 6-foot-2 Arayana Young (16 points per game), in the sectionals.

“When we found out on January 19^th that the season would be happening and that our first practice would be February 1^st, it didn’t give us much time to schedule games,” Hein said. “That’s when we set up the game with Mercy with the idea we may face Dansville, who also has a ‘big.’ ”

As it turned out, Batavia will not face Dansville this season as the Lady Mustangs are in Class B2.

In last night’s game, Whitaker scored 20 points – all of them on layups after taking high-arcing passes from her teammates or from put backs after she grabbed an offensive rebound.

The Lady Devils, with no player over 5-10, made it tough on her, however, with double- and triple-teaming, and drew a couple offensive fouls in the process. They also employed a full court press most of the game in an attempt to slow down the Lady Monarchs.

Mercy led 14-8 after the first quarter before expanding its lead by outscoring Batavia 22-10 in the second quarter. Whitaker scored six points in the period, but junior guard Libby McDonough really hurt the Lady Devils by scoring 11 of her 19 points in the quarter, including two three-point shots.

Mackenzie Reigle scored nine of her 19 points for Batavia in the second quarter.

A pair of three-point shots by Bryn Wormley and a free throw by Reigle pulled Batavia within 36-25 early in the third quarter. Mercy stretched the lead to 16 when McDonough sank another three-pointer – and was fouled on the shot -- and Whitaker rebounded McDonough’s missed free throw for a layup. Whitaker finished with 15 rebounds.

Reigle and Wormley provided all of Batavia’s 18 points in the quarter – scoring nine each – as the Lady Devils cut the deficit to 50-36.

Reigle’s steal and layup to start the fourth quarter pulled Batavia within 12 before Whitaker sank three shots from close range around a pair of free throws by Hintz to seal the outcome.

For the game, Batavia made just 14 of 48 shots from the field.

Wormley finished with 15 points and now needs 31 more to join Reigle as a 1,000-point scorer for her varsity career. She’ll have a chance to add to her total when the Lady Devils visit Greece Odyssey for a 2:15 p.m. game Saturday.

A well-balanced offensive game propelled Oakfield-Alabama to a 70-63 victory over Lyndonville on Wednesday.

Gaige Armbrewster scored 14 points, Ty Mott 13, Kyle Porter 12, Payton Yasses 11, Travis Wiedrich 10, and Kaden Cusmano 8.

Nathan Dillenbeck scored 21 points for Lyndonville.

The Hornets are now 7-2 on the season. 

In other boys basketball:

• Alexander beat Kendall 71-45. 
• Notre Dame beat Byron-Bergen 79-57
• Holley beat Elba 74-68

In girls basketball:

• Dansville beat Le Roy 76-20
• Pembroke beat Akron 57-40
• Alexander beat Kendall 60-34
• Notre Dame beat Byron-Bergen 55-24
• Pavilion (now 9-0) 47-29

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School Girls’ Basketball Team will host its 10th annual Shooting For A Cure! event versus Oakfield-Alabama this Friday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the high school gym, located at the corner of routes 5 and 77 (8750 Alleghany Road) in Pembroke.

Because of the current statewide COVID-19 restrictions, admission to the game is by school-issued passes only, with two immediate family members per player in attendance.

To date, Shooting For A Cure! has raised more than $152,000 and has become one of Roswell Park’s largest community-based fundraising events.

This year, the team hopes to break the $200,000 mark in total funds raised since the event’s inception, setting their most ambitious goal to date.

Donate / Support / Bid 

There are several ways to support this year’s mission.

The team is currently accepting online donations in support of Shooting For A Cure! To make a donation, please click here.

Currently Bontrager Real Estate & Auction Service has listed 20 Park Hopper passes to Walt Disney World that are up for bid. This auction closes on Friday, March 5th at 9:30 p.m., with 100 percent of the proceeds raised to benefit cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Insty-Prints of Buffalo generously printed raffle tickets in support of this year’s event. Countless donors have provided jewelry, newly released Apple products, Amazon gift cards, autographed sports memorabilia, gift certificates to local restaurants, themed-baskets, family photo sessions, and various hand-crafted items as raffle prizes. The YMCA of Batavia donated multiple memberships and Pesci’s Pizza & Wings donated an "Office Pizza Party for 12."

A limited number of raffle tickets remain.

To bid, click here.

Mark Lewis, local State Farm Insurance agent, has pledged $10 per insurance quote to Shooting For A Cure! for every auto quote completed now through March 31. This offer is for new customers only, so if you are not already a State Farm customer, please call (585) 343-4959 to request your “Quotes for Good” auto quote today (limit one per household). Please be sure to say you're calling on behalf of Shooting For A Cure!

In addition to details about purchasing tickets, event-related information is available here.

If you’d like to donate to this year’s event please contact Mike Wilson by calling (716) 949-0523 or click here.

WBTA to Broadcast Live and Food Trucks Will Rally

WBTA has offered an AM/FM broadcast of the game. Pembroke will be setting up a live video feed of the game.

Snack Shack Coordinator and Pembroke teacher Arron Brown has coordinated with local food trucks to set up a "Food Truck Rally" in support of the event from 4 to 8 p.m. The food vendors will donate a percentage of proceeds to cancer research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Reflections on the Pink Game

Senior Serene Calderón will be playing in her fourth and final Shooting For A Cure! game this year.

“When I reflect on the Pink Game, what comes to mind is community, love, and team work," Serene said. "This game brings our community together every season, and we grow closer and more supportive of each other. The night of the game, our school is surrounded by love.

"You can just feel it, especially during the halftime ceremony. Shooting For A Cure! brings our team together; it gives us a higher purpose as we try to help those in need. It’s not about basketball that night; it’s about showing love to those in our community and supporting a cause much bigger than ourselves.”

Senior Emily Peters said “The most important part, to me, about participating in this event the fact that our small community makes a big impact. Since the inaugural game, each team—including all of the new members— looks for ways to widen the impact of the game. It’s been challenging for us this year to try and reinvent the way we host this event.

"It being our 10th annual, we wanted to go big and get creative, but with all of the current COVID restrictions, we won’t be able to have a packed gym or crowded hallways full of prizes; however that won’t take away from what’s most important. It’s about supporting our community, and we’re finding new ways to do that.”

Although this year’s event won’t have the characteristic congested hallways, capacity crowd in the gymnasium, jam-packed cafeteria, or halftime ceremony we’ve all become accustomed to, the team continues to pursue creative alternatives to bring the game to the community.

“The first word that comes to mind when I think about Shooting For A Cure! is the simple, powerful, and profound word, love.” said Matthew Calderón, Pembroke superintendent. “There isn’t a better word that describes what’s going on here at Pembroke in the days, weeks, and months leading up to this event.

"You can feel it in the building, especially on the night of the game. This entire event is fueled by love. It’s about selflessly serving others and showing everyone in our community that we’ve got their back when adversity strikes. The most important aspect of this game has only been further strengthened and enhanced by the current restrictions we’re facing.

"These new challenges will not stop Pembroke from trying to make a difference. It provides us with the opportunity to do something we never would have had the chance to do. Our mission remains the same, we’re just finding new ways to go about it. We remain hopeful that taking a more virtual approach will allow us to engage more people in a broader way, reaching those we wouldn’t normally reach."

Cancer Survivor: 'Entire Community Was There For Me'

Proud cancer survivor Diane Phelps said "We are truly a unified community that has been proudly working towards a common goal for a decade now. The most important aspect of this event isn’t about the dollar amount raised, it’s about the genuine love shown to cancer patients and their families. It’s an incredible feeling to know that no one is going through this alone.

"Standing on the baseline during the halftime ceremony for the first time as someone battling this disease was overwhelming. I couldn’t believe that I was living in that moment, knowing that my entire community was there for me. It was a wonderful feeling. When you know that your community has your back at times like that, it’s emotional and hard to put into words what that feels like.

"Pembroke is special and this game helps to model for all of the students, young and old, what’s most important in life. It’s a great way for young people to get involved and give back. The way that this team, the Pembroke teachers, students, alumni, and basketball families rally around this cause every year is inspirational to me. I’m so blessed to be a part of such an incredible community."

Photo: Front -- Karli Houseknecht (25), Serene Calderón (10), Sydney Johnson (11), Allyson DuBois-Rider (30). Back -- Isabel Breeden (2), Emily Peters (32), Nicole Von Kramer (23), Allie Schwerthoffer (14), Ariel Moss (50).