N.Y. Regional: O.F.A., M-W Fall in Semis; Raiders, Larries in Openers

Watervliet's 3rd Quarter Rise Sinks OGDENSBURG 73-58

Ogdensburg’s Pat Cosmo (25) springs up past Watervliet’s Ty’Jon Gilmore (3) to get a shot off in the first half of the semifinal.  (Eric Foote photo)  Game Gallery
  

By Bob LaRue, North Country SportsNet
Ogdensburg broke out of halftime with a 16-point run in just over four minutes to take a 48-40 win over Section II Champion and defending state finalist Watervliet, but the Cannoneers answered with strong 33-10 finish to knock off #4-ranked Ogdensburg 73-58 in the New York State Class B quarterfinal at SUNY Potsdam. Tyler McLeod’s breakaway layup thrust Vliet back into the lead 50-49 as the Cannoneers grabbed firm control of the remainder of the game. McLeod racked up 30 points that anchored a 24-8 closing period to snap O.F.A.’s 18-game, end-of-season streak. The Blue Devils’ lone loss of the 21-2 season came in the season opener at Malone. Ogdensburg’s Kinnon LaRose splashed 34 points, including a stunning 8-for-10 beyond the arc, to lead all scorers. Pat Cosmo scored 13 points.

ST. LAWRENCE LARRIES FALL IN N.Y.S. REGION SEMIFINAL 71-51

St. Lawrence Central's Zane Ramsdell scoots inside a Lake George defender for a basket in the first half of Wednesday's New York State Class C regional semifinal. After trailing a 32-31 lead at halftime, Lake George took over the game in the second half, ending the Larries' season with a 71-51 victory.  (Photo Courtesy Todd Smith)  Gallery posted shortly

St. Lawrence Central's Shane Fuentes (10) loos to penetrate in the New York State Region II Class C semifinal.  Lake George turned around a 32-31 halftime lead to beat the Larries 71-51.

By Bob LaRue, North Country SportsNet
After one-point game at the half, Lake George took the lead with an eight-point run to open the third quarter and went on to beat the Section X Champion St. Lawrence Central Larries 71-51 in the New York State Class C Regions II semifinals at Saratoga High School. In the first half, St. Lawrence exploited the cracks in the Warriors defense. Zane Ramsdell dropped in 15 points and the Larries presented a balanced attack with four 3-pointers in battling to a 32-31 lead at the break. However, the first three minutes of the second half set the tone and changed the fate of the game. Lake George’s Connor McCoy helped lead a quick separation of scores in a matter of seconds after the intermission. The Warriors dominated the boards and ran off eight quick points within 1:37. The streak ran to 12-0 in just over three minutes. McCoy pumped in 10 points in the quarter to lead Lake George to a 51-40 lead through three periods. Joel Winkowski, who netted 21 points in the first half, totaled 32 points to lead the Warriors to a 71-51 victory and a date with Section VII Champion AuSable Valley in the New York State quarterfinal on Saturday at 1:45 at SUNY Potsdam. For St. Lawrence Central, the season closed at 10-12 overall. Josh Shite also contributed 10 points.

Massena Beaten By Scotia in State Regional Semifinal

Massena's Zach Rusaw (33) wins the opening tip of Wednesday's New York State Class A Region II semifinal against Scotia. The Tartans dominated the Red Raiders from the start, opening a 23-12 lead from the first quarter and pouring it on till the end. Massena fell to Scotia 89-46 to end their season.  (Photo Courtesy Todd Smith)  Gallery posted shortly

Massena's Xavier Viskovich (50) seeks to go up-and-under against a Scotia defender in the New York State Region II Class A semifinals at Saratoga High School.  The Raiders fell 89-46 to close their season with a 12-10 overall record.
 

By Bob LaRue, North Country SportsNet
The Section II Champion Scotia Tartans took command from the start and overpowered the Section X Champion Massena Red Raiders 89-46 in the New York State Region II Class A semifinal game at Saratoga High School. Scotia’s Dom LaMorta threw down three 3-pointers in the first quarter, setting the stage for a 23-11 first quarter run. LaMorta continued his scoring rush in the second quarter, while Tartans contained the Raiders to just eight points for a 46-19 bulge at the half. Scotia went on to knock out the Red Raiders 89-46 to advance to the State Class A quarterfinal. Joe Cremo led the Tartans with 28 points. LaMorta finished with 14 points. Massena was led Zach Rusaw with 12 points and Xavier Viskovich with 10 points. Massena closed its season at 12-10 overall.

OGDENSBURG BACK ON TOP
AS BOYS SECTION X CHAMPS

Ogdensburg’s Pat Cosmo (25) breaks around three Massena defenders for a direct shot on the basket in the Section X Championship.  (Jenne photo)  Game Gallery  NCSN Broadcast

The Ogdensburg Blue Devils opened on a 9-0 run and led from start to finish, holding off Massena's mini-runs down to two points, in winning the Section X boys basketball title 62-54.
    

By Bob LaRue, North Country SportsNet
The Ogdensburg Blue Devils regained championship status with a 62-54 victory over the Massena Red Raiders in the Section X boys overall basketball championship. Ogdensburg senior guard Pat Cosmo slashed his way inside, then drained three-pointers from the outside, knocking down 12 points in the first quarter to help establish a 20-12 Blue Devil lead at the first break. O.F.A. established control with a 9-0 run to open the contest. Massena trimmed the gap on two Zack Rusaw buckets and a Rhodes Tarbell 12-footer to cut the deficit to 9-6. In the second quarter, after O.F.A. mounted a 27-18 lead, Rusaw capped another mini-run for Massena with a low-post spin move to pull the Raiders within two points, 27-25. Matt Piercey drained a three-pointer and Cosmo connected for two more points to restore Ogdensburg’s advantage, 32-25, to close the half. Ogdensburg seized control of the game to start the second half, immediately opening a 41-29 advantage with a strong 9-4 start. Massena went on a pair of mini-spurts when Rusaw skied a one-handed finger roll and Joey LaBelle added a bucket with 1:20 remaining to shave the margin to 53-48. Tarbell’s three-pointer 20 seconds later inched the Raiders closer at 55-51. However with time fleeting, Massena was forced to give fouls to prevent Ogdensburg’s stall from killing the clock. Piercey hit four straight free throws. Tarbell answered with a three-pointer to move Massena within four points again with 22 seconds remaining. The Blue Devils notched the final two buckets for the win. For Ogdensburg, Cosmo finished the game with 21 points, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Breton LaRose chimed in with 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Matt Piercey scored 11 points and Colin Ross chipped in seven points. Rusaw led Massena with 22 points and 16 rebounds. Xavier Viskovich added 18 points, while Tarbell closed out with eight points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. Both teams continue into New York State regional playoffs. Ogdensburg draws a first-round bye and will host the Section II vs. Section VII champion on Saturday, March 9 at 3:30 PM at SUNY Potsdam. Massena will travel to Saratoga High School on Wednesday, March 6th for 7:30 PM game against the Section II champion.

Massena Strings Mini-Runs To Beat Jackets in SemiFINAL

Massena’s Zack Rusaw (33) goes up for two points inside Madrid-Waddington’s Colin O'Bryan (30) and Richard Wright (1).  After a tie game through the first 12 minutes, the Red Raiders used min-runs to pull away from Madrid-Waddington 64-50.  (Jenne photo) Game Gallery  Award Gallery  NCSN Broadcast

Massena’s Rhoades Tarbell (55) tangles for a loose ball on the floor with Madrid-Waddington’s Greg Thompson (3).
(Game details in left column)

M-W Jackets Repeat CLASS D Beating St. Regis FALLS 57-41

The Madrid-Waddington Yellow Jackets defeated top-seeded St. Regis Falls 57-41 to repeat as Section X Class D Champions. After edging out to a 19-17 lead at the half, the Jackets took charge with the first seven points of the second half, opened a 34-21 lead through the third quarter, en route to the win.
(Cody Jenne photo)  Game Gallery   NCSN Broadcast

St. Regis Falls Brandon Volta (23) scoots inside Madrid-Waddington defender Greg Thompson (3) for a three-foot hoop.
 

 By Bob LaRue, North Country SportsNet
Madrid-Waddington switched up defenses to start the second half, then went back to man coverage in stifling the top-seeded St. Regis Falls Saints in a 52-41 victory and a repeat of the Section X Class D Championship. The Jackets, who got a slow start to lead 18-16 at the half, needed a catalyst to break free of the Saints. Yellow Jackets Coach Aaron Jones told North Country SportsNet (interview at the start of the Class B game) that the defensive changes were intended to keep the Saints off-stride. For the Jackets, the win was the third in a row over a regular-season division champion to get to the title. They beat Chateaugay who shared the East title with St. Regis, and edged Edwards-Knox that won the West. Greg Thompson led the Jackets with 17 points and five rebounds, while Richard Wright stepped up with 13 points and four assists. Colin O’Bryan chipped in 11 points and added four assists, as well as a pickpocket defense that dominated the second half. The Jackets started the second half with seven quick points, including buckets off a steal and turnover, which seemed to set the tone for the rest of the game. By the end of the third frame, Madrid-Waddington had worked to a 34-21 advantage, holding St. Regis to just four points. Caleb Green led a 20-point Saints’ attack in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 of his game-best 26 points, but margin proved insurmountable. Brandon Votra chipped in seven points and seven rebounds. The resurgent Saints finished their best season in three decades with a 19-2 overall record.

Thompson Bucket Lifts M-W Jackets Past E-K Cougars

Edwards-Knox point guard Tyler Tressider (10) beats Madrid-Waddington’s Richard Wright (1) and Terry Crump (10) all the way to the rim to lay in two points. The #6-seeded Yellow Jackets will have the chance to defend last year’s title after defeating the #2-seeded Edwards-Knox Cougars 51-49 in the Class D semifinals.  (Camron Waters photo)  Game Gallery

Madrid-Waddington’s Terry Crump (10) blocks the shot attempt by Edwards-Knox forward Kaden Dandrow (32).  Madrid-Waddington defeated the Cougars 51-49 win.
 

By Bob LaRue, North Country SportsNet
Colin O’Bryan slashed through the defense and threaded a pass through a slim opening to Greg Thompson who connected on a layup with 2.8 seconds remaining to break a 49-49 tie and propel Madrid-Waddington to a 51-49 victory over the second-seeded Edwards-Knox Cougars in the Section X Class D semifinals. The Jackets who drew a surprisingly-low sixth seed for the past season have knocked off upper seeds in back-to-back games. O’Bryan led the Jackets with 14 points, while Maurice Reese, returning after injury, connected for 12 points. Richard Wright added 10 more for the Jackets. The victory gave the Madrid-Waddington a chance to defend last year’s title and another shot at the state tournament, but they will face top-seeded St. Regis Falls in the championship contest on Saturday afternoon at SUNY Potsdam. E-K’s Tyler Tresidder led all scorers with 21 points, while Chris Davison connected for 10 more. Edwards-Knox wrapped up its stellar season with a 17-3 overall record. O’Bryan led Madrid-Waddington with 14 points. Maurice Rease scored 13 points and Richard Wright added 10.

TOP SEED St. Regis Falls Survives Rocket Attack

St. Regis Falls’ Louis Goodrow faces heavy inside pressure from Morristown’s Jacob Fox (21) and Bobby Simmons (4), but hits his shot. After gaining an 18-4 advantage to start the 2nd quarter, the top-seeded Saints managed just nine points over the next two periods, but surged in the final period for a 46-28 win.  (Cody Jenne photo)  Game Gallery  NCSN Broadcast

Morristown’s Devin Dulmage (24) gets a shot off while facing a block attempt from St. Regis Falls’ Louis Goodrow.
 

By Bob LaRue, North Country SportsNet
St. Regis Falls opened their Section X Class D quarterfinal by jumping to an 18-4 lead on a young Morristown team. But just when it looked like they might coast to the win, the Saints’ scoring machine broke down – almost to a halt. The Saints’ offense slowed to just seven points in the second period, then barely had a pulse in the third quarter when they managed just two points. Sensing a chance to pull off an upset, the Rockets surged back and outplayed Section X’s top Class D seed on both ends of the floor, chipping away with a 16-7 comeback that closed the margin to 25-20 going into the fourth quarter. But the Saints finally regained their shooting form scoring 21 points in the final quarter to lock up a 46-28 win. St. Regis Falls was led by Tyler Daggett and Brandon Votra with 10 points each, Corey LaBounty with nine points, all from three-point range, and Caleb Green with eight points. The Saints will move forward to play Harrisville in the Class C semifinals. The Rockets were led by Zach Kanaly with six points and Devin Dulmage with five. The Rockets wrapped up their season at 7-12 overall.

JACKETS TOP CHATEAUGAY
68-52 IN QUARTERFINAL BATTLE

Madrid-Waddington’s Jacob Barney (0) drives baseline to the rim while defended by Chateaugay’s Matt Swanston (11). The #6-seeded Yellow Jackets’ Colin O’Bryan delivered a dominating 25-point performance in helping to orchestrate a 68-52 win over third-seeded Chateaugay in the Class D quarterfinals.
(Camron Waters photo)  Game Gallery

Madrid-Waddington’s Colin O’Bryan (30) maneuvers up the court while being defended by Chateaugay’s Jake English (10).
 

By Bob LaRue, North Country SportsNet
Colin O’Brien’s hot hand and senior experience helped guide the #6-seeded Madrid-Waddington Yellow Jackets to a 68-52 win over the third-seeded Chateaugay Bulldogs in the Section X Class D quarterfinals at Potsdam Central. The Jackets got the first-half jump on the Bulldogs, opening a 33-20 lead at the break. O’Brien threw down 15 of his game-best 25 points in the first half. Richard Wright and Greg Thompson added 10 points each for the Jackets, who advance to play Edwards-Knox in the Class D semifinals. For Chateaugay, Devin Barnes led the way with 13 points, while Noah Barnes chipped in 10 points. The Bulldogs closed up their season with a 14-4 overall record.

HEUVELTON SURVIVES SCARE FROM HAMMOND 46-43 IN O.T.

Hammond Brock Tully (3) drives baseline in an attempt to score, while defended by Heuvelton’s Aaron Cobb (25). The Red Devils’ Nolan Martin fired off a desperation three-pointer with 3.5 seconds left to force overtime. However, #7-seeded Heuvelton survived the late scare with a 7-4 overtime stint, en route to a 46-43 win.  (Camron Waters photo)  Game Gallery

Hammond’s Peyton Frisina (5) goes up for two points and is fouled by Heuvelton’s Aaron Cobb (25).

By Bob LaRue, North Country SportsNet
The Heuvelton Bulldogs overcame a fourth-quarter scare, but needed overtime to beat the #10-seeded Hammond Red Devils 46-43. After jumping to an 11-0 lead in the first quarter, Heuvelton only managed four points in the second frame to take a 21-14 lead to intermission. The Red Devils made a solid run in the fourth quarter. Nolan Martin tied the game on a step-back three-pointer with 3.5 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the contest 39-39. Heuvelton outscored Hammond 7-4 in the extra period. The #7-seeded Bulldogs were led by Mike Guardino with 12 points, while Cody Holland added 11 and Aaron Cobb pitched in nine points. Heuvelton advances to play second-seeded Edwards-Knox in the quarterfinal round. Martin led Hammond with 13 points. Darin Bresett added 12. The Devils finished the 2012-13 campaign with a 6-13 record.

#5 lisbon eliminates clifton fine in playoff opener 56-27

Lisbon’s David Turri (32) gets a shot inside the paint while going up against hard pressure from Clifton-Fine’s Logan Hayes (21). The Golden Knights got an opening round win over the Eagles 56-27 and advanced to the D-Arama quarterfinals Saturday to take on #4 Harrisville.  (Cody Jenne photo)  Game Gallery

Clifton-Fine’s Matt Russell (5) skips into the air to get a clear shot on the net through the Lisbon defense for two points.  However, the Eagles could not stop the Golden Knights' strong first-half surge and go down 56-27 in the Section X Class D playoffs at Lisbon on Wednesday.

By Bob LaRue, North Country SportsNet
The #5-seeded Lisbon Golden Knights knocked out the 12th-rated Clifton-Fine Eagles 56-27 in the Section X Class D opening round. Lisbon pulled out to a 30-11 halftime lead. Jimmy Robinson splashed a game-best 20 points, while Jake Putney chipped in 15 points as the Knights advanced to face Harrisville in the quarterfinal. Matt Russell scored 10 points to lead the Eagles who closed out the season with a 1-18 record.

Larries Pull Away From Canton For CLASS C Repeat

St. Lawrence Central Larries rush the floor to celebrate after defeating the Canton Golden Bears 48-37 to win the Section X Class C boys basketball championship. The Larries pulled away from an 18-16 halftime lead to gain a 10-point lead in the third quarter. Canton came back within five points before falling.  (Cody Jenne photo)  Game Gallery   NCSN Broadcast

Canton’s Bryant Wentworth (23) powers up for a close-range shot past St. Lawrence defender Cody Meacham (5).
 

By Bob LaRue, North Country SportsNet
The St. Lawrence Central Larries broke away from a first-half, seesaw battle with the Canton Golden Bears to gain a 10-point, third-quarter lead, en route to a 48-37 win in the Section X Class C Championship. And it was the adjustments at intermission that were the difference. Larries’ Coach Joe Reome told North Country SportsNet (interview during Class D broadcast) that the major emphasis of the half was more touches for All-Northern players Zane Ramsdell and Josh White. Both players opened the second half with scoring slashes through the slot, and when the defense adjusted they found open perimeter opportunities. Ramsdell tossed in nine points of his game-best 14 points in the third frame when the Larries outscored Canton 16-10 to open a 34-27 lead. And in a move that almost goes unnoticed, Reome’s starting selection of Jessi Greer also paid off. Greer’s persistent in-your-face defense kept guard Bryant Wentworth scoreless for the contest, while contriving 11 points. Josh White and Bradley Francis added eight points each. Shane Fuentes also recorded six consecutive free throws in the final two minutes to help seal the win. St. Lawrence Central advances to the Section X overall semifinals against Class B Champion Ogdensburg and makes a return trip to the New York State Class C regional playoffs. The Bears were led by Evan LaPoint with 13 points, while Scott Wight and Eddie Bortnick chipped in eight points apiece. Canton ends its season at 7-13 .

CANTON BEATS N-N FLYERS IN PLAY-IN GAME IN 79-44 VICTORY

Canton’s Bryant Wentworth (23) drives hard toward the hoop on a breakaway while chased by Norwood-Norfolk’s Brandan Sawyer (5). Wentworth ponied up 24 points and dished out 10 assists for the Bears.  (Camron Waters photo)  Game Gallery

Norwood-Norfolk’s Garrett Waite (20) looks for an open teammate while being defended at arm’s length by Canton’s Ryan Caldwell (4). The Golden Bears peeled off a 79-44 victory over the Flyers in the Section X Class C play-in game and advance to the C semifinal against top-seeded Tupper Lake.

By Bob LaRue, North Country SportsNet
The Canton Golden Bears pulled away from a 43-26 lead at the half, bound for a 79-44 victory over the Norwood-Norfolk Flyers in the 4 vs. 5 play-in game in the Section X Class C playoffs. The Bears advance to play the top-seeded Lumberjacks in Tupper Lake on Friday. Bryant Wentworth paced Canton with 24 points and 10 assists, while Nick Archibald and Evan LaPoint tossed in 15 points each. LaPoint also contributed 10 rebounds. Norwood-Norfolk was led by Cody Rust’s15 points, with nine points from Dan Devine. The Flyers ended their 2012-13 campaign with a 2-18 record.

O.F.A. Ends Potsdam's Reign As Class B ChampIONS 46-36

Ogdensburg’s Breton LaRose (15) takes it to the hoop in the first half of Saturday night’s game at SUNY Potsdam. LaRose scored eight points. The Blue Devils jumped to an early 7-0 lead and extended its lead to as much as 15 points, before going on to win the Class B Championship, 46-36 over the Sandstoners.  (John LaRue photo)  Game Gallery  NCSN Broadcast

Ogdensburg’s Jack Manke (34) looks for an opening in the defense over Potsdam’s Shawn Clark (30) during the first quarter of the Section X Class B Championship.
 

By Bob LaRue, North Country SportsNet
Ogdensburg’s ability to light up the scoreboard has been its trademark all season, but to face the Potsdam Sandstoners whose hallmark has been defense would be a test of wills in the first half of Saturday’s Section X Class B championship. When the Blue Devils ratcheted up their defense to virtually match in the second half, Potsdam’s offense did not keep up. The Blue Devils defeated Potsdam 46-36 to end the Sandstoners three-year reign and give Coach Mark Henry his first title as the Blue Devils’ boys coach. In the 11th consecutive Class B championship meeting of the two illustrious programs, Ogdensburg quickly got the upper hand by scoring the first six points. After closing the quarter 15-7, Potsdam fired back quickly with the first five points of the second quarter and closed the gap to 15-12. For another whole quarter, the Blue Devils were unable to break free as Potsdam again closed to within three points, 25-22, with a bucket to start the third. Then Colin Ross gave the Blue Devils just the spark they needed to reign in the defending champs. In a wild third quarter, Ross snatched a steal for a layup, converted a fast-break turnover for two more points, then sailed over Potsdam’s 6-foot-7 forward Shawn Clark for an impressive layup block, in a sequence that had the Sandstoners reeling. O.F.A. scored 10 straight points in a 13-1 run that set the tone for the rest of the game and put the Blue Devils on the path to victory and the Class B title. Kinnon LaRose scored led all scorers with12 points, while dishing out three assists and contributing three steals. Breton LaRose added eight points and six rebounds, with Piercey chipping in seven points. Ogdensburg will face St. Lawrence Central in the Section X overall semifinals and will return to state play for the first time since 2009, then the Blue Devils fell in the state championship under former coach Bill Merna. Konnor Bigwarfe led Potsdam with nine points, while Will Coleman added eight. Potsdam wrapped up the season at 13-6.

Massena Nips Malone 48-47 in Class A final Thriller

 Massena’s Zack Rusaw (33) goes up with 1.7 seconds left in the game to score the game-winning shot against Malone defenders Mitch Gallagher and John Dunlavey (42) for the Class A title.  (Cody Jenne photo)  Game Gallery  NCSN Broadcast

The Massena Red Raiders celebrate after upsetting the Malone Huskies in a cardiac finish to the Section X Class A Championship. After Mitch Gallagher put the Huskies ahead with 10.7 remaining, Massena's Zach Rusaw took a long pass down low, spun inside and sunk a two-footer with 1.7 left to win.