Elmwood Franklin School wins third, fourth grade boys title

Elmwood Franklin School defeated second-seed Nativity of Clarence, 27-19, to win the Father Schaus third, fourth grade boys playoff championship.

Jaylen Prophet's ball handling eluded Nativity's triple team press in the final two minutes.

EFS sealed the victory with two free throws by Prophet and one by Kingman Bassett and key baskets by Prophet and Will Smith.

Scoring for EFS were Prophet (14 points), East Amherst's Blake Zachau (six), Smith (four), and Bassett (three).

Smith, Bassett, Joseph Frank, and Peter Najdzionek had big games on the boards. Xavier Kyle, Jack Borowiak, Jonathan Dref, Kerry Jones, Tyler Lucas, Bassett, Smith, Frank, Najdzionek, Prophet, and Zachau played well defensively.

Semifinals

EFS 25, St. John Vianney 22

St John Vianney controlled the first half with its dominating defense and strong rebounding.

EFS trailed, 9-6, at halftime. Zachau and Prophet triggered a second half offensive explosion with key assists and great shooting.

Four EFS players scored 19 second half points. Smith and Frank had huge second half rebounds to take charge of the boards for EFS.

EFS trailed by three with 1:42 remaining and scored two baskets off its zone press to earn the victory.

Scoring for EFS were Prophet (13), Smith (eight), andZachauand Najdzionek (two each).

EFS 19,

St. Mary's of Lancaster 'A' 11

Prophet (12), Zachau (four), Frank (two), and Smith (one) scored for EFS.

EFS 26,

Queen of Heaven 'B' 5

Prophet (12), Zachau (six), Smith (four), and East Amherst's Evan Shine (two) scored for EFS.

Elmwood Franklin School entered the playoffs with an 8-6 record.

Other members of the team are Kevin Frank (Getzville), Jordan Clement (East Amherst), Jason Shine (East Amherst), William Jermak, Justin Piazza, Jeremiah Bialkowski (Williamsville), and Evert Rogers. John Zachau is the head coach with assistants Jim Smith and Jim Dref.