ONONDAGA COUNTY – Most seasons, the boys basketball teams from Cicero-North Syracuse and Liverpool get together twice, at least, but this winter they’re only guaranteed one encounter, and it comes early in an unfamiliar location.
The Northstars will host the Warriors at North Syracuse Junior High School, attempting to not just gain the upper hand in the rivalry, but further establish itself as the Class AAA team to beat in the local ranks.
Liverpool had held that large-school title the last two years and beat West Genesee in its Dec. 1 opener at the Peppino’s Invitational, but found a much different result in its first home game of the season.
Nottingham arrived at LHS Gymnasium and, led by Steyvon Jones, made a stunning late comeback to beat the Warriors 58-55.
The two sides went back and forth the entire first half, but just like it did against West Genesee, Liverpool appeared to get control with a strong third quarter that produced a 50-43 advantage.
Then Nottingham’s defense clamped down, forcing the Warriors into bad shots throughout the final period as it caught up and then passed Liverpool.
All the while, Jones carried the Bulldogs’ attack, hitting on all kinds of shots and finishing with 31 points, more than half his team’s output. He outscored Kaelem Haskins, whose 23 points for Liverpool included five 3-pointers as teammate Alex Trombley added 10 points.
That same night, C-NS had its home and Salt City Athletic Conference opener against East Syracuse Minoa, pushed a bit but still defeating the Spartans 68-61 to move to 3–0 overall.
Having already routed Ithaca and CBA, the Northstars jumped out 24-8 on ESM in the first quarter, only to have the Spartans chip away at that margin through the game’s middle stages.
C-NS was able to close out the game, though, and Nate Francis had a lot to do with it, hitting five 3-pointers and six free throws on his way to a career-best 28 points. Andrew Benedict and Michael Pfautz each finished with 11 points, Rosco Polos adding eight points and Terrance Coppock adding seven points.
When Liverpool hosted Christian Brothers Academy last Friday night, baskets proved precious against the Brothers, but the Warriors pulled it out 44-39, jumping out to a 16-5 lead by the end of the first quarter, the only sustained run Liverpool had all night.
CBA made it scary by pulling within one, 33-32, by the end of the third quarter, but was unable to complete the comeback as Freddie Fowler’s 15 points led all individuals.
Fowler added five rebounds, four assists and two steals as Haskins got seven points and five rebounds, with Daniel Dunn adding six points and five rebounds. Jeff Manuel got six points and six rebounds.
Then, in Saturday’s Zebra Classic, Liverpool prevailed 62-50 over Section V’s Hilton, jumping to a 38-22 halftime lead and cruising from there. Sean Frawley’s 15 points (including three 3-pointers) led the way, Dunn adding 11 points as Haskins and Manuel earned nine points apiece.
