Section V Boys’ basketball opens its season on Monday, February. Here are previews for Brighton, Churchville-Chili, Irondequoit, Penfield, Spencerport and Webster Thomas:
BRIGHTON BARONS (Class A1)
Last season record and finish: 7-14, lost in first round of Class A1 sectionals to Churchville-Chili
Coach: David Tisa (Ninth season, fourth season at Brighton)
Top returners: Aidan Lazenby Sr. F/G (12 PPG, 8 RPG); Nathan Martin Sr. G (8 PPG, 4 APG); Tyler Ortiz Sr. C (12 PPG, 9 RPG, All-County Second Team)
Top newcomers: Andrew Falter Jr.G; Matt Howe Jr. F/G; Troy McPerson So. G
Outlook: “Looking to build on a terrific finish to last season with huge program wins over Sutherland and Athena, we return four starters as we prepare to move up to Division II. There are challenges of breaking in a lot of Junior Varsity players, who obviously didn’t have an offseason to get ready for the speed and physical nature of Varsity basketball. The group of eight seniors are true leaders on and off the court and will show the younger players how to compete and build on the success we had at the end of the year.”
First game: February 9th at Penfield at 7:45 p.m.
CHURCHVILLE-CHILI SAINTS (Class A1)
Last season record and finish: 8-14, lost in Class A1 sectional quarterfinals to Irondequoit
Coach: Timothy Miller (12th season)
Top returners: Jason Gibbs So. PG; Davian Pride Sr. G; Gideon Todd Sr. G
Top newcomers: McAndrew Bean Jr. G; Collin Curley Jr. F; Joaquon Thomas So. F
Outlook: “The Saints graduated eight seniors last year who all played a huge role. This is a rebuilding year. Jason Gibbs, Davian Pride, Gideon Todd and Patrick Mitchell will lead the Saints this season.”
First game: February 9th at Webster Thomas at 7:45 p.m.
IRONDEQUOIT EAGLES (Class A1)
Last season record and finish: 19-4, lost in Class A1 sectional final to Eastridge
Coach: Chris Cardon (34th season, 472-285 career record)
Top returners: Jaleel Davis Sr. G (3.5 PPG); Jason Jacobs Jr. G (1.7 PPG, 43 percent 3PT); Jake O’Sullivan Sr. F (1.5 PPG); Nick Mercurio Sr.; Rowan McGwin Sr. C (1.8 PPG, 2 RPG); Keenan Robertson Sr. F (18.9 PPG, 8 RPG, 2.4 BPG, All-County First Team)
Top newcomers: Damon Brumfield Jr. G (Second on Junior Varsity in scoring); Ryan Heath So. G (leading scorer and rebounder on JV), Evan Leonardo Jr.; Owen Salerno Jr.; Darius Turner Sr. (Wilson Magnet transfer)
Outlook: “Irondequoit lost four starters and two All-County players from last year’s Division II champ and Class A1 sectional finalist. This will be a very competitive team. The team is working hard and has developed some good chemistry. Good mix of returning and first-year players. The Eagles are all very excited and fortunate to be playing this year!”
First game: February 9th vs. Spencerport at 7:45 p.m.
VIEW MORE DENNIS JOYCE PHOTOS HERE.
PENFIELD PATRIOTS (Class AA)
Last season record and finish: 11-10, lost in first round of Class AA sectionals to Gates-Chili
Coach: Jason Ellis (Sixth season, 50-56 career record)
Top returners: Ty Salmon Sr. G; RJ Wilkins Sr. G (18 PPG)
Top newcomers: Aiden Cook So. G; Caden Harrington So. G; Brady Schroeder Jr. G; Derek Torres So. F
Outlook: “The Patriots lost nine seniors, including All-County First Team selectees RJ Green and Dyllon Scott (23 points and 12 boards per game). This year’s team will be led by RJ Wilkins and Ty Salmon. They are very young and hungry to learn. With one returning starter and a combined 21 points per game from last year’s group, it will take in-game learning experience to help mold the younger guys. The Patriots will be an exciting team to watch with the potential to beat anyone and also lose to anyone. This is a group of great kids who are looking to become part of that hard-nosed, gritty culture of Penfield Basketball.”
First game: February 9th vs. Brighton at 7:45 p.m.
SPENCERPORT RANGERS (Class A1)
Last season record and finish: 9-12, lost in Class A1 sectional quarterfinals to Leadership Academy
Coach: Richard Vleck (Third season, 14-28 career record)
Top returners: Andre Marianetti (4 PPG); Gianni Pellett (5.4 PPG); Vince Ranieri (2 PPG); Patrick Uebelacker (All-County First Team)
Top newcomers: Justin Bryant Jr. F; Bryon Streb So. F
Outlook: “Patrick Uebelacker will have a target on his back after averaging a double-double last season. The seniors will lead the way and all come in with strong preparation outside of the gym to take on the challenge of a tough division.”
First game: February 9th at Irondequoit at 7:45 p.m.
WEBSTER THOMAS TITANS (Class AA)
Last season record and finish: 13-8, lost in Class AA sectional quarterfinals to McQuaid
Coach: Griffin Coles (Eighth season, 66-76 career record)
Top returners: Jackson Kulik Jr. G/F (10 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.9 APG); Tyler Williams Sr. G (8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.2 SPG)
Top newcomers: Eli Adams Jr. G/F; Shawn Mason So. G; David Petz Jr. G; Andrew Quinn Jr. G/F
Outlook: “This is a young team with only two returners and nine newcomers. Tyler Williams will bring his experience to the team and will be a leader on both ends of the court. Jackson Kulik has improved immensely in the offseason, will be a heavy contributor at both ends of the floor and will need to step into a bigger role as a leader. The players from last season’s Junior Varsity team bring competitiveness and a drive to improve that should help each game.”
First game: February 9th vs. Churchville-Chili at 7:45 p.m.
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