North's depth on display in road league victories
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Heading into the season, Williamsville North boys basketball coach Chuck Swierski wasn't sure how his bench players would match up with other teams. So far, they've passed with flying colors.

Ten of the 13 Spartans who dressed last Tuesday at West Seneca West and last Thursday at Lancaster scored, as North beat West Seneca West, 75-51, and Lancaster, 67-38.

"No matter who I put in, they played well," said Swierski.

"Our bench is deeper than other teams," he continued. "We might lose a little bit, but it's not a significant drop than some other teams. It's one of our strengths. A lot of unproven kids have stepped up."

Some of those unproven players are guard Mark Balsom and center Mike Herberger, who each made significant contributions against West Seneca West. Balsom, a guard, came off the bench and scored 11 points. Herberger, a backup center, recorded six points and six rebounds in limited time. Both played JV last year.

North had five players in double figures against West Seneca West. In addition to Balsom, senior forward Josh Barrett and junior forward Alex Barth each scored 11. Senior center Alex Ullrich led all scorers with 13 points and hauled in 12 rebounds. Senior point guard John Piaggione had 10 points and with Barrett, put a ton of pressure on West Seneca West guards, Swierski said.

Six of Barrett's 11 points came in the first quarter, as North built a 20-10 lead on West Seneca West. They led, 35-26, at halftime and outscored the Indians, 40-25, in the second half. The Spartans forced 19 turnovers, including 10 steals.

"We play an up-tempo pace that as the game goes on, teams eventually wear down and we don't seem to tire," said Swierski.

North also seemed to wear down Lancaster. The first quarter was tight (North 18-15), but the Spartans outscored the Redskins, 33-13, in the second and third quarters, to take a 51-28 advantage.

Alex and Steve Barth tied for game-high with 14 points each. Piaggione chipped in nine points. Ullrich tossed in eight points but was the leading rebounder with 11 and blocked five shots.

North forced Lancaster into 22 turnovers, including 11 steals.

The Spartans (7-1, 3-1) face Newfane at 6 p.m. on Thursday at Williamsville South in the opening round of the Williamsville Rotary Tournament. The winner plays Williamsville South or Fredonia at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The consolation game is at 6 p.m. North has beaten South for the tournament crown since it started three years ago.