Tigers hold on for home win
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

The Amherst Central boys basketball team learned a valuable lesson last week - how to hold on to a lead.

The Tigers led Maryvale, 41-31, after three quarters but was outscored 25-9 in the fourth and lost 56-50. On Thursday, Amherst trailed Starpoint, 22-18, at halftime, but went ahead 37-31 after three quarters and won 47-44.

"After losing the lead and struggling in the first half (against Starpoint), it was nice to be able to come back," said Amherst coach Mike Chatelle. "We could have had some carry over from the Maryvale game but that didn't happen."

The Tigers overcame a 6 for 23

21 percent) shooting performance against Starpoint in the first half to shoot 11 for 25 (44 percent) in the second half.

Senior Kurt Ebsary and sophomore Nico McLean led the Tigers' second half charge. Ebsary scored nine of his 17 in the third quarter while McLean had eight of his 11 in the third.

Ebsary and McLean were keys for the Tigers' offense at the end of the game. Ebsary hit a three-pointer with 1:45 remaining in the game to extend Amherst's lead to 46-41. After Starpoint answered with a three, McLean made the front end of a one-and-one with 1.9 seconds to play. He missed the back end of the one-and-one and Starpoint threw up a three-quarter of the court shot that fell short as the regulation buzzer sounded.

While the offense played well in the second half, Chatelle also thought his team's second half half court man-to-man defense was good.

Against Maryvale, Chatelle said his team did not bring the same energy as it did in the first half and was one of the big reasons why the Flyers dominated them in the fourth. Maryvale point guard Brooks Estarfaa and his brother, Blair, each hit a three and scored eight points. Brooks Estarfaa finished with 14. Blair Estarfaa had nine.

"It would have been a quality win but we couldn't seal the deal," said Chatelle.

Maryvale also was more aggressive to the hoop, making 15 of 26 attempts in the game to Amherst's 7 of 12.

Ebsary led Amherst with 12 points. Viron Hale added a double double, 10 points and 12 rebounds. Geoff Gallson added eight points.

Amherst (4-6, 3-4) hosted Kenmore West but the result was unavailable before The Bee went to press. They play Tonawanda at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.