Section V Boys’ Basketball gets into full action with 32 games on Friday. Here are season previews for Fairport, Hilton, Penfield, Rush-Henrietta, Victor and Webster Thomas…..
FAIRPORT RED RAIDERS (Class AAA)
Last season record and finish: 14-10, lost in Class AA sectional final to Victor
Coach: Scott Fitch (23rd season, 343-130 career record)
Top returners: Landon Brunken Jr. G; LaShard Lowry Jr. G (10.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.0 APG last season); Nick Smith Sr. G; Will Stanek Sr. F (4.0 RPG last season); Aidan White Sr. F (11.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG last season)
Top newcomers: Marques Garrett Jr.; Alex Grejda So.; Jon Roessel So.; Sam Roselli So.; Drew Sisson Jr.
First game: December 1st at Rush-Henrietta at 7 p.m.
HILTON CADETS (Class AA)
Last season record and finish: 7-14, lost in first round of Class AA to McQuaid
Coach: Troy Prince (20th season, 195-187 career record)
Top returners: Johnny Bianchi Sr. G (7.2 PPG, 3.7 APG last season); Shawn Cavey Sr. G; Brady Gerig Sr. G (13.3 PPG, All-County First Team last season); Timmy Graziano Sr. G (8.9 PPG, 2.3 APG last season); Sam Hogan Sr. G; Andrew Lenhard Sr. F; Ben Sneddon Sr. F (9.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG last season)
Top newcomers: Matt Mandrycky Jr. G; Payden Prince Jr. F; Jack Smith Jr. G/F
Outlook: “Hilton returns some experience with four starters and are looking to be competitive in its division and a deeper run in the AA Sectional bracket. If the Cadets defend consistently and finish defensive possessions by rebounding as a team, they could surprise some teams. The team has great chemistry.”
First game: December 6th at Churchville-Chili at 7 p.m.
PENFIELD PATRIOTS (Class AA)
Last season record and finish: 11-9, lost in first round of Class AA to Edison Tech
Coach: Jason Ellis (11th season, 91-107 career record)
Top returners: Patrick Emling Jr. F; Trevor Hofer Sr. G (SUNY Geneseo commit)
Top newcomers: Jackson Green Fr. PF; Jake McCarthy Fr. C; Michael Moxley Jr. SF; Jake Natale Jr. G; Christian Zarzycki So. G
Outlook: “Penfield is a very hungry and ready to eat type group of guys. The Patriots will be an exciting team to watch with the potential to beat anyone. Last year, Penfield finished 11 – 9 and graduated seven seniors. Despite the youth, this is the group that is looking to bring back and reinstall the frameworks of that “hard-nosed, gritty” culture they call Penfield Basketball. This year’s mission – be the team the wins the effort grind night in and night out. This Penfield Basketball team wants to be the team that no one enjoys seeing on their schedule. Make it a grind, make it difficult, and muddy the waters.”
First game: November 29th vs. Northeast at Charlotte High School at 6:30 p.m.
RUSH-HENRIETTA ROYAL COMETS (Class AAA)
Last season record and finish: 3-18, lost in first round of Class AA to Aquinas
Coach: Calvin Betts (First season at Rush-Henrietta, compiled a 19-4 career record with Lyons GBBB last year)
Top returners: Myles Collins-Howard Sr. G; Jacob Luc Sr.; Graylin Strong Sr. F; Jalen Taggart So. F
Top newcomers: Amir Abdul-Haqq Jr. C; Jahquin Brown Jr. F
First game: December 1st vs. Fairport at 7 p.m.
VICTOR BLUE DEVILS (Class AA)
Last season record and finish: 24-3, won NYS Class AA final over North Rockland (I)
Coach: Tyler Roberts (11th season, 120 career victories)
Top returners: Garrett Clar Sr. G (17.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, 45 percent 3PT last season); Owen Dake Jr. F; Griffen Hopkins Jr. G (9.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.0 APG last season); Colin Kubrich Sr. F; Nick Leonard Sr. F (9.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.0 APG last season); Cam Ryan Sr. G (10.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.0 APG last season)
Top newcomers: RJ Johnson Fr. G; Brody Secker Jr. F
First game: December 1st at Niagara Falls (VI) at 6:30 p.m.
WEBSTER THOMAS (Class AA)
Last season finish: lost in Class A1 semifinals to Irondequoit
Coach: Christopher Barrett
First game: December 1st at Penfield at 7 p.m.
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