Two rising powers in Class B1 meet to see who claims this year’s crown. As reigning champion the Greece Odyssey Leopards take on the returning Newark Reds. The question is: will Odyssey strengthen its claim as the premier program, or will Newark rise from the ashes to claim the throne?
What: No. 1 GREECE ODYSSEY (19-3/Monroe County Division IV) vs. No. 2 NEWARK (18-3/Finger Lakes East)
When: Saturday March 2nd, 9 AM
Where: Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester Community War Memorial
How they got here: Odyssey beat Livonia 54-53 in the quarterfinals and then Geneva 67-48 in the semifinals. Newark defeated Batavia 55-49 in the quarterfinals, followed by Hornell 59-48 in the semifinals.
Last time they met: This will be the first matchup this year between the two teams.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM DON SCANZAROLI HERE.
History 101: Odyssey captured the 2018 Class B title, shocking Hornell, Mynderse and finally Livonia, all higher seeds to win the program’s first section title. Odyssey now seeks to repeat, this time as the top seed. After capturing the 2016 B1 title and falling in the 2017 Class B final to Mynderse, Newark took a step back with a first round loss to Wellsville in 2018. Rebounding from a nine-seed in 2018 to a two-seed in 2019, Newark looks to win a second title in four years.
How they match up: Odyssey enters having won seven consecutive games, while Newark has won its last nine games. Odyssey scored 71.20 points per game, having not lost a single game when scoring 60 points or more. Odyssey allowed 56.45 points per game during the regular season and 70 points just once, a 72-54 loss to undefeated Pittsford Mendon (No. 3 NYSSWA Class A) on January 16. Newark netted 56.35 points per game, never registering a point total lower than 43. Newark also gave up 45.20 points per game, with only one loss coming when giving up less than 60 points (a 50-43 loss to Mynderse).
Players to Watch for Odyssey: Jaden Hartsfield Jr. 15.8 PPG, Travon Harper Sr. 11.65 PPG, Aric Williams Sr. 9.35 PPG.
For Newark: Devin Agosto Jr. G/F 6.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG; Kyle Martinez Sr. G; Jayden Peters Sr. G/F 18.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG; Mason VanDeMortel Sr. G/F 15.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.5 APG.
Coaches: Jim Guzielek (Odyssey), Henry Kuperus (Newark)
What’s at Stake: The winner will face the Wellsville vs. Wayland-Cohocton winner in the Class B regional qualifier.
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