Sweet Home enters tough week
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

This will be a defining week for Sweet Home boys basketball.

The Panthers (3-1, 2-0) faced undefeated Jamestown Tuesday but results were unavailable before The Bee went to press. The Panthers play Catholic State champion St. Joe’s at 9 p.m. Friday in the ECIC-MMA Challenge.

“It will be a real good challenge,” said Sweet Home coach Paul Schintzius. “I hope we answer the bell.”

Sweet Home opened league play last week with two convincing home wins, 76-34 over West Seneca West on Dec. 5 and 66-50 versus Clarence last Thursday.

Sweet Home jumped on West Seneca West early, taking a 25-10 first quarter lead, 20 points coming from Ali Ramadan (12) and Terrell Rankin (eight). Ramadan led Sweet Home in the game with 14 points and eight rebounds. Rankin had 12.

The Panthers outscored West 25-10 in the second quarter.

“The nice thing about this game is that we got everyone significant playing time and 12 of 14 scored,” said Schintzius.

Eric Schnirel added 11 points.

Sweet Home worked through Clarence’s 2-2-1 press back to a 2-3 zone to lead 28-17 at halftime. They were ahead 43-32 after the third.

“I don’t know if we necessary played well but I credit Clarence for that,” said Schintzius. “Their defense was effective at times.”

Rankin led with 25 points. Glenroy Carr ended a two-game offensive funk with 15 points and nine rebounds. Schnirel added 11, including eight fourth quarter free throws.

“We’re still trying to evolve and replace Quentin Hudson’s scoring and athleticism and Daniel Joseph’s leadership,” said Schintzius. “Terrell has taken strides to assume the leadership role and Carr and Ramadan are trying to fill the leadership role.”

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com