Pistons capture eighth-grade boys crown

The Pistons defeated the Lakers, 50-38, to win the Amherst Youth Basketball eighth-grade championship. Members of the team, pictured from left, are: first row - Eddie Doherty, Brett Butler, Nick Sparcino; second row - Kevin Doherty, Mark Roustum, coach Kenny Cohen, Nick Konotopskyj, Dan Schlein and Mike Kyarunts.

The Pistons defeated the Lakers, 50-38, for the Amherst Youth Basketball eighth-grade boys title.

Brett Butler led the Pistons with 11 second-quarter points and finished with a game-high 26.

Justin Bangert scored seven in the quarter and led the Lakers with a team-high 20, including three three-pointers.

Also scoring for the Pistons were Nick Konotopskyj (10), Mike Kyrants and Eddie Doherty (five each), and Dan Schlein and Nick Sparcino (two each). Kevin Doherty and Mark Roustum led an aggressive team defense.

Jack Ranallo, Jeremy Recoon and Nick Jacobs each chipped in six for the Lakers. Kevin Askey, Ryan Schneggnerger and Joe Crawford played hard.