This has proven a heady time for fans of the Cazenovia and Chittenango boys basketball teams, each of whom were enjoying lots of prosperity heading into the latter stages of the regular season.
From the Lakers’ perspective, that good work would only lead to something if it could topple the big names in the OHSL Liberty division – and none is bigger than Westhill, who humbled Cazenovia 73-53 last Wednesday night.
Sitting at no. 3 in the state Class B rankings, the Warriors at first didn’t scare Cazenovia, who traded baskets with them throughout the first quarter. But Westhill’s bench, as it has done so many times this season, made an impact the rest of the half, putting the Lakers in a 33-24 deficit.
Gradually, that gap grew larger, despite Cazenovia’s best efforts. Thomas Bragg worked his way to 16 points, while Dan Kent hit a trio of 3-pointers on his way to 13 points. Hunter Kowaleski picked up eight points and Kevin Stalder gained five points.
On Westhill’s side, two reserves put up big numbers – John Geer, who had 14 points, and Owen Matukas, who got 13 points. Sean Dadey led the way, earning 17 points, seven assists, five steals and five rebounds as Kameren Jackson gained a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Chittenango, who began the week at 10-1 and no. 22 in the state Class B rankings, made a trip to Fulton last Tuesday night and faced a bit of a late scare, but held on to defeat the Red Raiders 61-55.
Through the game’s middle stages, the Bears’ defense took control, limiting Fulton to a handful of baskets as it built up a 41-30 advantage. With that cushion, Chittenango could afford a bit of late-game struggles as long as it made free throws.
Zach Falkenburg connected eight times at the foul line on his way to 21 points, six rebounds and four assists. Hunter Hendrix had 15 points and 14 rebounds, while Matt Lanphear had eight points, four of them free throws, plus seven rebounds and four assists.
Sam Hill contributed eight rebounds as he and Dylan Voutsinas both gained five points. On Fulton’s side, Jake Gugula had 19 points, with Kyle Perry (12 points) and Ryan Michaels (11 points) also hitting double figures.
Yet another road trip followed on Friday night, this time to Jordan-Elbridge, and the Bears, with one big and timely surge, pushed past the Eagles 66-53 to improve its mark to 12-1.
Trailing 16-14 after one period, Chittenango seized control for good by making nearly every shot it took in the second quarter and outscoring J-E 28-10, forcing the Eagles to chase the Bears the rest of the night.
Falkenburg again filled up the stat sheet with 26 points, nine assists, four rebounds and three steals, and Hendrix again notched a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds. Hill was strong, too, gaining 13 points and six rebounds as Voutsinas earned seven steals and six rebounds to go with nine points and four assists.
