The Canastota boys basketball team would play in a new format in last Monday’s game against Camden — and dominate the Blue Devils in a 65-36 romp.
Instead of four eight-minute quarters, the two sides played 16-minute halves. Liking the change, Canastota seized a 34-23 lead by halftime, then dominated the second half.
Billy Marsh put together his best effort of the season, earning 25 points, while Greg Zupan and Jeff Merrell each had 11 points. Keith Casolare contributed seven points.
Both of Morrisville-Eaton’s teams would also play early this week. The girls Warriors got off to a great start against Rome Catholic, but could not hold on to it in a 50-43 defeat to the Red Wings.
M-E led, 18-6, through one period. Rome Catholic began to eat away at that margin in the second period, then used a 17-8 spurt in the third quarter to pull ahead for good.
Try as it could, the Warriors could not reverse the momentum, despite Abby Clark getting 16 points. Leigha Morris and Jen Horton each had six points. Kim Quinn, with 18 points, led the Red Wings’ rally as Samantha Strzepek (11 points) and Mackenzie Spellicy (10 points) also hit double figures.
But the boys Warriors would turn it around Tuesday night, getting the points it needed at the end to beat Sauquoit Valley 68-63.
Trailing, 17-11, after one period, M-E found its offense in the second quarter, outscoring the Indians 23-15 to pull out in front.
From there, every time Sauquoit pushed, the Warriors pushed back, though the game wasn’t settled until Shane Carroll (who set a career mark with 11 points) hit a key 3-pointer down the stretch and Kameron Brown hit two clinching free throws with five seconds left.
Again, the Thomas brothers, Will and Ben, stood out, each of them getting 23 points as Will also earned nine rebounds and four steals. Jamie Maciag added nine points. Mason Olmstead had 17 points to lead Sauquoit’s effort.
Local teams participate in several holiday tournaments this week, as M-E goes to Madison, Hamilton goes to Morris and Canastota participates in Chittenango’s Coaches vs. Cancer event.