South, North head into tournament on winning notes
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

If Williamsville South and Williamsville North are to meet for the third time in the finals of the Rotary Club of Williamsville Holiday Basketball Tournament, they will have to continue each’s winning ways.

South (3-1, 3-4) won its third game in a row last Tuesday after blowing out West Seneca East, 88-58, at home. North (1-3, 3-5) snapped a three-game losing streak with their own 30-point home win, 71-41, last Tuesday over West Seneca West.

North opens the tournament at 6 p.m. Thursday against Fredonia, followed at 7:30 p.m. by South against Starpoint. The consolation and finals are at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday.

South increased a 28-12 first-quarter lead over West Seneca East to 57-36 at halftime. All 11 Billies players who dressed scored, a first this season.

“We had very steady play from everybody because we maintained the lead in the second half,” said JV coach John Gartelman. “It was a real good overall team effort.”

The Trojans had no answer for South center Frank Pieri, who led with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

Spencer McIntyre (12 points) and Adrian Wood (10 points) also scored in double figures for the Billies.

After blowing halftime leads in its last three games, which resulted in all losses, everything came together in North’s home win over West Seneca West.

Up 28-20 at halftime, the Spartans outscored West 27-4 in the third quarter for the win.

“It seemed like everything we were trying to accomplish in game situations finally clicked,” said North coach Chuck Swierski. “The forwards and center were rebounding,

and our guards were ball-handling. Everybody was running, passing and making quick decisions and finishing layups. We had some early success in the quarter and instead of letting up, they went for the kill, which is something we haven’t done before.”

North spread the third quarter scoring around. Ryan Young and Steve Barth scored six each, and Alex Calderon, John Piaggione and Alex Barth had four each.

Young finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and five steals. Zach Boron added 13 points, Steve Barth chipped in 10 and Calderon had nine.

North has beaten South in the finals the past two years. A reception for all former South players will be held at Sorrentino’s following the South-Starpoint game.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com