After years of divisional separation, Class B reunites and two annual powerhouses are forced to collide for the sectional title. Last season’s B1 finalists, Hornell, and B2 champions, Bishop Kearney/Chesterton Academy will face off for the 2023 Class B crown. Here’s what you need to know:
No. 3 seed HORNELL RED RAIDERS (13-3-1/Livingston County Division I)
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No. 4 seed BISHOP KEARNEY/CHESTERTON ACADEMY (14-4-1/Private Parochial Division)
How they arrived here: Hornell opened its sectional run with a win over No. 14 Waterloo, 5-0. The Red Raiders downed No. 6 Haverling, 4-1, in the quarterfinals and shocked No. 2 Livonia in overtime, 3-2, to advance to the finals. Bishop Kearney/Chesterton Academy cruised to the semifinals with wins over No. 13 Wellsville, 6-0, and No. 5 Wayland-Cohocton, 3-1. BK/CA upset No. 1 Mynderse, 2-1, to advance to the finals.
Total goals scored: Hornell (62), Bishop Kearney/Chesterton Academy (63)
Total goals allowed: Hornell (22), Bishop Kearney/Chesterton Academy (36)
Trends: Hornell has not suffered a loss in eight games, going 7-0-1 over the stretch. Bishop Kearney/Chesterton Academy enters the championship match on a five-game win streak.
Players to watch for Hornell: Jack Emo Sr. F 37 goals, 10 assists; Wyatt Evingham So. M 11 goals, 20 assists; Davin Oyer Sr. GK 775 minutes played, 46+ saves; Eric Ross Sr. F six goals, three assists; Pasquale Picco Jr. M 13 assists, Gennaro Picco Sr. D four goals, two assists; Alfie Whiteley So. F two goals, four assists; Demayne Dixon So. D three assists; Marco Picco So. M two goals.
Players to watch for Bishop Kearney/ Chesterton Academy: Josh Baraka Sr. M 24 goals, 14 assists; Tommy Triassi Jr. M 11 goals, six assists; Oscar Sims Sr. F nine goals, four assists; Packy Triassi So. M five goals, seven assists; Payton Ostrowski Jr. GK 820 minutes played, Aidan Kharroubi Sr. F four goals, three assists; Joseph Shanks So. M two goals, six assists; Raymond Shanks So. M two goals, three assists; Jack Bartoszewicki Jr. F two goals, two assists.
Coaches: Jim Tobin (Hornell) , Stephen Strauss (Bishop Kearney/Chesterton Academy)
History 101: Hornell is looking for its sixth title in program history and its first since 2021. This will be the Red Raiders’ third time in as many years at having a shot at the crown. Bishop Kearney/Chesterton Academy picked up its fifth sectional championship in 2022. Aside from 2021, BK/CA has reached the finals every year since 2019.
What’s next: The winner will advance to the NYS Class B Far West Regional to take on the Section VI champion.
Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, 1 p.m. at Geneseo High School.
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