Though parked just outside the state Class B rankings with an 11-3 record, the Cazenovia boys basketball team is on the short list of title contenders.
With a big game looming next Wednesday against its namesakes from Skaneateles after a week’s rest, the Lakers hosted Phoenix last Tuesday at Buckley Gym and, helped by a big third quarter, beat the Firebirds 52-38.
Neither team had separated until Cazenovia, leading 26-25 at halftime, proceeded to bash Phoenix in an 18-4 run through that third period, never to get caught.
Alex Moesch and Ryan Romagnoli each hit on three 3-pointers as Moesch got 17 points and Romagnoli had 13 points. Keegan Bailey also finished with 13 points as Ty Freyer had six points.
Chittenango nearly got its best win of the season last Tuesday against Marcellus, leading for long stretches before the Mustangs rallied late to beat the Bears 62-53.
Ignoring its own 3-9 mark, Chittenango steadily built a 31-25 halftime advantage, and still led going into the fourth quarter before Marcellus finally went in front thanks to a well-balanced attack.
Bryce Bishop still led all scorers with 17 points, most of it from five 3-pointers. Alex Lum had 12 points, with Tyrus Kelly earning 12 points.
But the Mustangs had four players reach double figures as Matt Kershaw,with 16 points, set the pace, Luke Ingianni getting 12 points as Jared Sammon had 11 points and Cory Cangemi 10 points.
Those struggles continued on Thursday night as Chittenango fell to Westhill 66-30, never able to get to double-digit points in any single quarter against a much-improved Warriors defense.
Kyle Manwaring still earned 11 points overall, but no one else had more than Kelly’s total of five points. On Westhill’s side, Zach Brown had 15 points, with James Kelley getting 14 points and Elliott Rouse adding 10 points.
