Thursday Roundup: B-R boys survive back-and-forth dogfight with North Collins to secure Portville Title game berth; Wellsville wrestling starts season on bright note with road win at A-A

PORTVILLE — It has already been a historic start for Bolivar-Richburg to begin their sports season, with the boys soccer program putting their most successful season together to date after an incredible run all the way to their first Finals appearance ever.

Now over a month removed since then, the majority of Wolverines that earned the opportunity to reap the glory on the pitch now hope the momentum they had built from start to finish will carry over for head coach Justin Thomas, as he now enters his first official season on the hardwood sidelines this winter.

The first stepping stone was presented on Thursday with their annual visit to Portville for tournament festivities. Their opponent was no slouch — North Collins, who gave the Wolverines a run for their money from beginning to end. With a deficit to overcome going into the second half, the pistons began to churn upon their return to the hardwood.

Although the outscorings were narrow, Bolivar-Richburg was able to find the consistent rhythm they aimed for to find their way ahead of North Collins in the second half, as they rallied behind a magnificent performance from Aydin Sisson from all angles on the attack, to secure a 51-46 victory to advance into this weekend’s Championship round.

“We played really great basketball,” said Thomas. “North Collins was scrappy, and we should have had more shots in the first half. We had a ton of looks, but we couldn’t knock it down early on. It was a great test off the bat, and it was kind of that prototypical first game. We had a lot of kids see their first piece of Varsity action. They played hard, and found themselves in that first game dogfight, but they overcame it in the second half. We clicked and they were right with us. It was competitive on both sides, and it was nice to get the blood pumping out of the gates.”

A close battle unfolded through the game’s first eight minutes, as North Collins and Bolivar-Richburg (1-0) fought tooth and nail to try and gain traction on the upper hand early on, but navigated their way towards a 10-10 tie to break the ice. The Wolverines would then find themselves going down by three going into the break, as North Collins was able to gain just enough of an edge in the second quarter to carry forward.

But a change of pace would then settle in time for the second half, when the Wolverines were able to narrowly outscore their opposition across the next 16 minutes, including a 16-point final eight minute frame that would become crucial down the stretch, helping secure the lead they would take away from North Collings for good to earn their first win of the season.

Sisson would lead all Wolverines scorers with a game-high 25 points to go with three assists. Following was Evan Pinney, who chipped in with 10 points along with eight boards and a pair of blocks, while Landon Barkley and James Margeson each had six points. David Baldwin contributed some more special teams assistance, garnering six rebounds and three assists.

Bolivar-Richburg will now await the winner of tonight’s battle between Archbishop Walsh and host Portville, Saturday evening right back in Portville for this year’s tournament crown. Tip-off for the title game is slated for a 4 p.m. start.

North Collins 10 14 10 12 – 46

Bolivar-Richburg 10 11 14 16 – 51

NORTH COLLINS: Derek Ebersole 10 2-4 25, Matt Sweet 7 0-0 18, Asher Parnitzke 0 1-2 1, Zach Quiter 1 0-0 2. Totals: 18 3-6 46.
BOLIVAR-RICHBURG: Aydin Sisson 11 0-0 25, Landon Barkley 3 0-1 6, Reiss Gaines 0 0-2 0, Waide Karnuth 0 0-2 0, David Baldwin 2 0-0 4, Evan Pinney 4 1-2 10, James Margeson 2 1-3 6. Totals: 22 2-10 51.
3-point goals: NC 7 (Sweet 4, Ebersole 3), B-R 5 (Sisson 3, Pinney, Margeson).
Total Fouls: NC 16, B-R 10. Fouled out: None.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Friendship/Scio 47, Bolivar-Richburg 39

BOLIVAR — In what was a back-and-forth spar across much of the first half of play, Friendship/Scio and Bolivar-Richburg ran alongside one another to try and create an opening to exploit. The Lady Wolverines would succeed with a run to jump out in front towards the late stages.

But then, the tables would turn. After ending the half with seven of the last 10 points, it would become just the right amount of electricity to jolt the Friendship/Scio offense to bigger things in the second half, as they held Bolivar-Richburg to just four points in what was a tide-turning third quarter jaunt to take the advantage away for good on their way towards a 47-39 road win on Thursday.

“It was a good win for us tonight, and a promising start to the season. I was really proud of the effort my girls put in,” said Friendship/Scio coach Ashleigh Lewis. “We have been battling sickness and injuries already this preseason, so to come in and work together as a team to pull off this win tonight was great.”

Friendship/Scio (1-0) saw their offense come to life in the back half of the battle with Bolivar-Richburg, after both teams provided some back and forth battling to start the night in the opening eight minutes. With a four-point lead in hand, the Lady Wolverines were able to force some dissipation of it by jumping out to a lead as big as six at one point.

But at the tail end of the half, the visitors in blue and gold were able to build momentum going into break, cutting their deficit down to a single possession before overcoming it completely upon their return to the court, as they scored a massive 14-4 run through the third quarter led by some balanced scoring fronted by Nevaeh Ross and her seven points in the frame.

“I told the girls at halftime that they needed to step up on the defensive end, and the offense would come after that,” said Lewis. “They needed to get on the floor and win every loose ball, which we didn’t do well in the first half. But they did. We still have some areas to work through as time goes on, but I am excited for what the girls will bring for this season.”

The run would give Friendship/Scio all the room they needed to preserve their lead all the way to the end, as they went on to secure the season-opening win.

Ross would lead Friendship/Scio on the scoresheet with a game-high 19 points to pair alongside six steals. Kadence Donohue was not far behind, as she contributed a solid presence from the outer perimeter, draining three of the team’s five three-pointers on her way towards an 18-point effort and five additional rebounds.

Leading the Lady Wolverines (0-1) was Malayna Ayers, as she recorded a team-high 15 points. Nadia Baldwin chipped in nine points of her own, while Emma Sisson had seven. Bolivar-Richburg will hop on the bus for their road opener Saturday afternoon, visiting C.G. Finney in a 2 p.m. tip-off.

Friendship/Scio will continue their road swing after the weekend on Tuesday, as they now prepare for a 7 p.m. visit to Mount Morris.

Friendship/Scio 12 9 14 12 – 47

Bolivar-Richburg 8 15 4 12 – 39

FRIENDSHIP/SCIO: Sophie Bolzan 0 0-2 0, Kadence Donohue 5 5-6 18, Morghyn Ross 3 1-2 8, Nevaeh Ross 8 2-4 19, Kiara Grover 1 0-2 2. Totals: 17 8-16 47.
BOLIVAR-RICHBURG: Nadia Baldwin 4 1-1 9, Emma Sisson 3 0-0 7, Raegan Giardini 1 1-2 3, Rylee Whiting 2 1-2 5, Malayna Ayers 7 0-2 15. Totals: 17 3-7 39.

3-point goals: F/S 5 (Donohue 3, M. Ross, N. Ross), B-R 2 (Sisson, Ayers).
Total Fouls: F/S 8, B-R 15. Fouled out: Giardini (B-R).

Canisteo-Greenwood 54, Arkport/Canaseraga 32

CANISTEO — The first eight minutes were used in brilliant fashion on both ends of the floor for the Lady Redskins of Canisteo-Greenwood, using their defense to keep visiting Arkport/Canaseraga at a standstill while the offense exploded in turn, pushing the gas pedal straight down to the floor for a lead they never looked back on in what was a 54-32 win on Thursday.

Canisteo-Greenwood (2-0) wasted no time making their presence known right away against the Lady Wolves, with Lillian Mullen getting her hot hand activated with 11 of the team’s 18 points in the frame, helping conduct a massive 18-2 run right from the hop to earn a lead that they would ultimately never lose going forward.

Mullen would maintain her electric presence on the hardwood by adding 18 more points across the next three quarters, totaling for a game-high 29 points to pair with her seven rebounds and five steals. Brooke Burd followed closely with a near double-double performance, scoring nine points and 12 boards. Bailey Mullen and Elaine Roach each had five points.

Arkport/Canaseraga was led by Payton O’Dell, who tallied a team-high 15 points.

The Lady Redskins are back on their home floor Saturday afternoon, as they prepare for a 3 p.m. visit from the Wellsville Lady Lions.

Arkport/Canaseraga 2 10 11 9 – 32

Canisteo-Greenwood 18 10 11 15 – 54

ARKPORT/CANASERAGA: Reese Payne 1 0-0 2, Maddie Kellogg 1 0-0 3, Grace Graves 1 0-0 2, Jacey Payne 2 0-4 6, Payton O'Dell 5 3-4 15, Morgan Gilbert 0 1-2 1, Chloe Herman 0 1-4 1, Caitlyn Gilman 1 0-2 2. Totals: 11 5-16 32.
CANISTEO-GREENWOOD: Bailey Mullen 2 1-2 5, Elaine Roach 2 1-4 5, Hailey Davis 1 0-0 2, Kennedy Richardson 1 0-0 2, Lillian Mullen 12 1-2 29, Brooke Burd 4 1-1 9, Riley Winans 1 0-0 2. Totals: 23 4-9 54.

3-point goals: A/C 5 (J. Payne 2, O'Dell 2, Kellogg), C-G 4 (L. Mullen).
Total Fouls: A/C 12, C-G 15. Fouled out: None.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Arkport/Canaseraga 3, Fillmore 2

FILLMORE — It was a wild back and forth affair that unfolded on the opening night of volleyball, Thursday in Fillmore. Between Arkport/Canaseraga and the host Eagles, four of the five total sets they would wage war through were decided by no more than three points.

The Eagles would show some resilience down the stretch by overcoming a distant third-set defeat to force a fifth and final round to close out the night.

Like the match’s opener, the last set was decided in extra serves. But in the end, it was the Wolves that managed to come out of it prevailing with their first victory in thrilling fashion, as they held off Fillmore until the end with a 29-27, 22-25, 15-25, 25-22, 16-14 triumph over the road in The Rock.

Leading the Eagles (0-1) was Aiden Wagner, who recorded 14 service points to pair with three kills, three aces and three blocks. Nathan Tanner followed with 12 service points of his own along with a kill. For Arkport/Canaseraga, Noah Drouin had 17 kills and three blocks.

Fillmore is back on the floor on Tuesday over the road, as they visit the defending Allegany County Champion Rebels of Cuba-Rushford for a 6 p.m. first serve.

WRESTLING

Wellsville 63, Alfred-Almond 6

ALMOND — There was no better way to start a brand new season on the mat, than assuming total control from start to finish, as the Lions of Wellsville garnered victories in almost every weight class, garnering 12 in all — among them, three pinfalls and three decisions to put towards a dominant 63-6 victory over host Alfred-Almond, Thursday night over the road.

“It was a great start to the season for our team. We have a young team with some outstanding senior leadership,” said Lions coach Tyler Carman. “We have a long way to go, but this group has really been working hard. Our entire staff has done a great job getting them ready to compete, and I’m looking forward to hosting our tournament on Saturday.”

The Lions (1-0) compiled a bundle of victories to pace their first evening on the mat, with six of the wins coming via forfeit from Blake Geffers (102 pounds), Jensen Spicer (110 pounds), David Clark (118 pounds), Landon Stratton (138 pounds), Gabe Black (215 pounds) and Grady Ball (285 pounds).

In action, Wellsville would garner three pinfall wins, two being recorded by Jack Cicirello (132 pounds) and Shane Davidson (189 pounds) in the opening minute on their respective matches, with Cicirello pinning his opponent, Alfred-Almond’s Cole Briggs, in 22 seconds — the quickest pin of the match. Davidson would follow with a 34-second pin of Garrett Freeland along the way.

Brayden Riley added the team’s final pinfall win at the 3:35 mark against Blake Ledbetter at 145 pounds.

Wellsville would tally three decision wins to round off a dominant season debut, with Matt Ritter outlasting Riley McMichael, 6-5 at 152 pounds. Xander Outman (160 pounds) and Noah Black (172 pounds) furthered the cause with 8-2, and 7-4 decisions, respectively.

The Lions will now host tournament action this weekend back home. They will resume regular season action with their home opener set for Tuesday night against Addison, starting at 6 p.m.

Results

102 – Blake Geffers (WLSV) by for.

110 – Jensen Spicer (WLSV) by for.

118 – David Clark (WLSV) by for.

126 – Barnes Peyton (A-A) def. Adam Iantorno (WLSV) by pin, 3:26.

132 – Jack Cicirello (WLSV) def. Cole Briggs (A-A) by pin, :22.

138 – Landon Stratton (WLSV) by for.

145 – Brayden Riley (WLSV) def. Blake Ledbetter (A-A) by pin, 3:35.

152 – Matt Ritter (WLSV) def. Riley McMichael (A-A) by dec, 6-5.

160 – Xander Outman (WLSV) def. Kanye Cumberbatch (A-A) by dec, 8-2.

172 – Noah Black (WLSV) def. Hunter Smith (A-A) by dec, 7-4.

189 – Shane Davidson (WLSV) def. Garrett Freeland (A-A) by pin, :34.

215 – Gabe Black (WLSV) by for.

285 – Grady Ball (WLSV) by for.