Gaines fills in with career-high, North boys beat East
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

With leading scorer Alex Barth out of the lineup, someone on the Williamsville North boys basketball had to step up against Williamsville East last Tuesday at East.

And James Gaines V answered the bell.

The sophomore scored a career high 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds to help the Spartans (17-3, 9-3) defeat East, 60-54.

"He did a great job," said North coach Chuck Swierski.

Alex Barth was out with a knee injury.

Seven of Gaines' 19 points came in the first quarter as North led 12-8. He scored seven more in the third quarter as the Spartans scored several transition baskets to extend its lead to 44-34. Steve Barth scored eight of his 11 points in the third quarter.

Steve Barth also grabbed a career high 14 points, made four steals and dished out three assists.

North led, 25-24, at halftime.

Swierski said Josh Barrett added 11 points and did a nice job containing East's Kevin Castine (nine points, four assists). Belote said Castine defended North's John Piaggione well when they went man-to-man.

Alex Ullrich only scored three points but grabbed 12 rebounds and made East's Brian Wallden work for his 17 points and 15 rebounds.

Belote said his team took a lead early in the fourth quarter but couldn't hold on. East outscored North, 20-16, in the fourth.

Peter Heim added 14 points for East.

North closed out last week with a 70-57 loss last Thursday at Jamestown. East rebounded with a 52-41 win last Thursday at Iroquois.

North's biggest problem against Jamestown, who they beat at North earlier in the season, was turnovers.

Swierski said his team committed 24 turnovers.

"We didn't take care of the ball," he said.

He also thought his team did not play good enough defense.

"It was the first time our defense totally broke down," said Swierski. "They were driving on us, especially in the first half."

Jamestown led, 26-17, after the first quarter, 45-28, at halftime and, 52-41, after the third quarter.

"We scored the first 11 points of the third quarter then Steve Barth missed a wide open three, doesn't get back on defense and his guy scored and got fouled," said Swierski. "After that, we weren't clicking. I don't know if it was because we were expending so much energy trying to come back."

Alex Barth returned to the lineup and scored 16 points. Steve Barth added a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Jamestown's Carlos Rivera, who was held to five points in the teams' first meeting, scored 20 this time.

Belote best described the Iroquois victory as a "team win."

"All 13 kids played that night and contributed," said Belote.

The Flames led after every quarter (14-10 first; 23-18 halftime; 39-30 third). Belote said his team was up by 16 at one point.

"We ran a lot of half court offense," said Belote. "That's why the score was so low."

Wallden scored 12 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked two shots.

"He stuck his nose inside and prevented Josh Walczyk (10 points) and Paul Evans (12 points) from doing much," said Belote.

Belote thought Castine played his best game of the year, scoring 12 points on 3 of 4 shooting from two-point range and 2 of 4 three-pointers, and dishing out six assists.

"Castine and Mike Silvestri each did a great job of pressuring the ball," said Belote. "Castine controlled the ball up front."

Silvestri finished with eight points.

Heim added nine points. Mark Rutecki scored six points, hauled in nine rebounds and blocked five shots.

East shot 44 percent from the field, hit 50 percent of its threes and 64 percent of its free throws. The Flames (11-9, 7-5) also limited its turnovers to 10.