|
PAGES
BSD FAVS
|
HEADLINES
Posted on January 27, 2012 by Centercourt
 Something that’s been suggested to me many times is a post on the college careers of WNY’s former high school players. So I decided to provide a list of any former player currently on a college roster. Those who wish to, can now use the comments section to provide updates on the players and discuss their progress at the next level.
If you know of someone who played high school basketball in WNY and is now currently on a college roster, but isn’t listed below, send me an email at: centercourt42@gmail.com Please include the high school attended the player attended and the year he graduated.
Continue reading ‘Former H.S. Hoops Stars: Where Are They Now?’
Posted on January 27, 2012 by Patrick Moran
 I like Chad Kelly. Overall he’s a quality kid and quite obviously a ridiculously talented football player. He’s taking his extraordinary talents to Clemson next year and genuinely I wish him nothing but the best. But this youngster needs to gain some maturity in a big way as he evolves and if I could offer him advice, I’d pungently suggest him discarding Twitter.
Maybe it’s the hype of carrying a famous last name or perhaps he’s just not aged enough to handle the intense scrutiny of the media spotlight, but if you follow Kelly on Twitter surely you see what I’ve been seeing—the kid has been acting the fool lately. Kelly may not be the next rocket scientist when he’s a grown adult but he’s certainly no dummy either. Unfortunately, his spelling of words, grammar and context on Twitter are making him an easy target to critics (and haters.)
Until now I’ve enjoyed hearing what he has to say and I’ll always root for him, but for the time being I think it’s time for him to ditch Twitter—and songs rapping about him.
Continue reading ‘Moran’s Musings: Kelly, Bowe & Flynn’
Posted on January 27, 2012 by BSD Staff Reports
 Buffalo Sabres forward Jason Pominville was not the last player drafted in the NHL fantasy All-Star draft Thursday evening like many expected. Instead he went in round 18; the second-round to team Alfredsson.
The Olean Times Herald reports that the head injury Jochen Hecht is trying to deal with has the Sabres extremely worried.
The fans’ fury deserves an answer from the Sabres organization, Buffalo News columnist Bucky Gleason recently wrote.
Ryan Fitzpatrick admitted that the Buffalo Bills were not ready to be successful this past season in this NFL.com article.
Continue reading ‘The Daily Links- January 27, 2012′
Posted on January 26, 2012 by Patrick Moran
 We’ve started a series at Buffalo Sports Daily, highlighting the five biggest bright spots… and dark clouds on the 2011 Buffalo Bills season. Our biggest bright spots section has already featured the emergence of Scott Chandler at tight end and the surprisingly strong play of the offensive line. Today we move on to our third-biggest bright spot of 2011– the revelation that running back C.J. Spiller is not bust.
In what nearly became the defining play of his two-year Buffalo Bills career, C.J. Spiller lined up split out wide right on the first play of the third quarter in a game at Dallas November 13. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick took an Eric Wood snap and dropped back to pass. As he was doing so, Spiller blew past the linebacker assigned to him in coverage.
Heaving arguably his best long ball of the season, Fitzpatrick launched a flawless spiral in the direction of Spiller for what looked to be a highlight reel 83-yard pass and catch for a touchdown; a much needed one considering the Bills were already down 28-7.
Continue reading ‘Bills Biggest Bright Spots- No. 3: Spiller’s Not A Bust’
 The University at Buffalo women’s basketball team will be taking part in its annual breast cancer awareness event on Saturday afternoon during its game against Toledo. This year, the event has been named “Play 4 Kay” in memory of former NC State head coach Kay Yow, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2009. All proceeds from the event will benefit the WBCA/Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
The first 200 people to attend the event will be given pink UB Bulls water bottles and the first 50 people will also get free cotton candy. While at the game, fans will have an opportunity to buy a pink t-shirt for a $5 donation that they can then design on their own at an assigned station. D’art Moda will also be in the house, putting some pink flair into fans’ hair.
Continue reading ‘Women Bulls To Play 4 Kay Saturday’
Posted on January 25, 2012 by Buffalo Sabres Press Release
 The Buffalo Sabres today announced that the next installment of the 2011-12 Power Play Luncheon series will take place on Friday, Feb. 10 in the 100 level Harbour Club at First Niagara Center. Sabres Hall of Famer Dave Andreychuk will serve as the event’s guest speaker.
The Power Play Luncheon series offers corporations and individuals an exclusive first-hand look at the Sabres’ organization and the NHL, with a portion of the proceeds from the event benefiting the Buffalo Sabres Foundation.
The luncheon begins at 12 p.m. and attendees will be asked to adhere to a business casual dress code. Free parking will be available in the ramp adjacent to the arena.
Continue reading ‘Dave Andreychuck To Speak At Power Play Luncheon’
 For the first time this season and the fourth time for his career, senior Kevin Smith was named the Mid-American Conference’s Wrestler of the Week. The Mexico, NY native earned the honor thanks to a dominating 4-0 weekend at the New York State Collegiate Tournament. This marks the second straight week that a UB wrestler was honored. Smith was also named the MAC Scholar Athlete of the Week, his second time this season.
Buffalo senior Kevin Smith was named the New York State Collegiate Tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler on Sunday after winning all four of his matches en route to the 141-pound title. Wrestling as the top seed in his bracket, Smith got a pin in his opening round and then followed with a 7-4 win over eighth seed Ryan Guynup of Jamestown CC to end the first day of wrestling.
Continue reading ‘Kevin Smith Named MAC Wrestler and Scholar Athlete of the Week’
 The University at Buffalo men’s basketball team won its third straight game by defeating Eastern Michigan, 65-47, at Alumni Arena on Tuesday night. The 47 points scored by the Eagles were a season low by a UB opponent.
Buffalo (11-6, 4-2 MAC) had three players score in double-figures led by Javon McCrea’s game-high 17 points. Zach Filzen added 16 points, including five three-pointers. Mitchell Watt had 14 points and a game-high nine rebounds.
Eastern Michigan (9-11, 4-2 MAC), one of the Mid-American Conference’s best defensive teams, played a tough zone defense the entire game. The Bulls countered with making nine three-pointers. Along with Filzen’s five, Auraum Nuiriankh and Tony Watson each added a pair of triples.
Continue reading ‘UB Gets Defensive in Win Over Eastern Michigan’
Posted on January 24, 2012 by Patrick Moran
 The sense all season long in boy’s high school basketball was it being merely a matter of time before St. Mary’s broke through with a influential, signature victory. The second-ranked small school in Western New York certainly has come close; taking powerhouse programs like Canisius, St. Joe’s and Olean to their limits before falling just short.
Tuesday evening, St. Mary’s finally broke down the underdog door. The Lancers initially were nearly run out of the gym in the first quarter, falling behind 11-2 to Bishop-Timon St. Jude less than three minutes in before regrouping, eventually seizing control and frantically holding on to upset the fourth-ranked large school Tigers, 73-71 in front of a stunned South Buffalo home crowd.
For St. Mary’s, it was all resiliency early that enabled them to withstand an opening Timon onslaught.
Continue reading ‘St. Mary’s Stuns Timon, 73-71′
Posted on January 24, 2012 by BSD Staff Reports
 Don’t worry Buffalo Sabres fans– it only seems like the first victory this year.
The final games before the NHL All-Star break took place Tuesday evening and the Sabres can finally feel good about themselves for a few days after defeating the New Jersey Devils in a shootout, 2-1 to snap a 12-game road losing streak as defensemen Robyn Regehr and Christian Ehrhoff returned to the lineup.
Jordan Leopold scored Buffalo’s lone regulation goal in the first period, which stood up in large part because Ryan Miller was excellent in net with 27 saves. Jason Pominville and Nathan Gerbe went on to score in the shootout as the Sabres got two points on the road for the first time since defeating the Nashville Predators, 3-2 on December 3.
Continue reading ‘Sabres Finally End Road Losing Skid In New Jersey’
 Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and Niagara legend Calvin Murphy will be in town to watch the Purple Eagles host Loyola and Manhattan this weekend.
Murphy will be in attendance to watch the men’s basketball team host Loyola on Friday at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Murphy will have his No. 23 banner retired during Niagara’s ESPN3 matchup against Manhattan starting at 4 p.m.
The first 300 fans in attendance for Sunday’s game will receive a commemorative item and there will be an autograph session with Murphy postgame.
Continue reading ‘Calvin Murphy Returns To Town This Weekend’
Posted on January 24, 2012 by BSD Staff Reports
 The Buffalo Sabres are dead last in the entire Eastern Conference this morning after waking up to a Carolina victory over Winnipeg Monday evening, leaving the Sabres with a conference low 43 points. Buffalo will try to add a point or two to their unimpressive total tonight when they face off with the Devils in New Jersey.
Of course, a single point would be better than anything they’ve gotten over their last 12 road contests. The team has also lost their last five overall and is just 2-7-1 in their last 10 as a once promising season has almost completely went down the tubes. As of this morning the Sabres were a full 10 points behind Washington for the final playoff spot in the East.
Perhaps more disturbing than the losing is the consistent lackluster manner in which it’s happening. The Sabres offense has been abysmal, scoring just seven times over their last five games.
Continue reading ‘Ehrhoff, Regehr Could Return For Sabres Tonight’
Posted on January 24, 2012 by Patrick Moran
 We’ve started a series at Buffalo Sports Daily, highlighting the five biggest bright spots… and dark clouds on the 2011 Buffalo Bills season. We kicked off the dark cloud portions recently with number five on our countdown— the Bills reality check in the Whiteout game. Today we trudge on by profiling the fourth-darkest cloud on the season; Buddy Nix banking too heavily on Shawne Merriman.
There’s always something admirable about taking a chance, particularly in the ultra conservative world of Buffalo Bills football. Whether Shawne Merriman ever becomes the feared Pro Bowl linebacker he used to be or never plays another down for the franchise again, I’ll never condemn general manager Buddy Nix for rolling the dice and calling his shot.
Regrettably when it comes to Merriman’s prospects, it far looks like the latter will be the scenario played out.
Continue reading ‘2011 Bills Darkest Clouds- No. 4: Too Much On Merriman’
Posted on January 24, 2012 by St. Bonaventure Press Release
 Following a week in which she broke the Atlantic 10 Conference record for career 3-pointers made, St. Bonaventure senior Jessica Jenkins has been named the A-10 Player of the Week for Monday, Jan. 23.
Jenkins knocked down six 3-pointers in a winning effort at Charlotte Saturday night, the fifth one surpassing the record mark of 291. The Ohio native now has 293 career 3’s, besting previous record holders Suzie Dailer (St. Bona ‘95) and George Washington’s Cathy Jones. Among active players, she owns the second-most 3-pointers in the entire nation.
The guard averaged 20.5 points, including 10 3-pointers, over SBU’s two games last week. She finished with a game-high 23 points against the 49ers, helping the Bonnies erase a 13-point second-half deficit to move into sole possession of first place in the league. She started the week with a team-best 18 points, including four 3’s, in Bonaventure’s 75-59 win against Richmond. Also against the Spiders, she pulled down four rebounds – one shy of tying her career high in that category.
Continue reading ‘Jenkins Honored Following Record Breaking Performance’
Posted on January 23, 2012 by Patrick Moran
 Even when it’s designed to be a good thing, anything related to the Buffalo Sabres seems to have lost its appeal around the league. The NHL will hold its official Player Fantasy Draft to select its two All-Star teams Thursday evening in Ottawa. Those squads will be selected alternately and are captained by Ottawa center Daniel Alfredsson with the other by Boston defensemen Zdeno Chara.
In the meantime, the league’s official website ran a “mock draft” on Monday with NHL.com columnist Dan Rosen representing Alfredsson’s squad and writer Dave Lozo selecting on behalf of Chara.
The Sabres have just one All-Star on the roster in forward Jason Pominville. Predictably, Buffalo’s leading scorer was the very last pick of the mock draft, selected by Lozo in the 19th round— dead last out of 38 eligible participants.
It is worth noting that the very last pick of the actual draft on Thursday receives a car for his public degradation.
Cue the Rodney Dangerfield impressions.
Posted on January 23, 2012 by Patrick Moran
 Peter King published his regular Monday Morning Quarterback column on Sports Illustrated (.com) and as you’d suspect, the meat and potatoes dealt with the respective AFC and NFC championship games on Sunday. However, always hungry for a tidbit of information that could affect the Buffalo Bills, I came across something of note while examining King’s “Fine Fifteen” rankings.
In it King makes a pretty compelling case that pending Houston Texans free agent Mario Williams may actually indeed, become a true free agent.
“Now the question for this franchise is whether they fight to keep free agent outside linebacker/defensive end Mario Williams away from the market. The way this team played defensively at Baltimore, and as many talented young defensive players as the Texans have, and as many guys as they have to think about paying with a flat cap in the next two offseason, I bet they’re seriously considering letting Williams walk.” King penned.
Continue reading ‘Could Mario Willams Actually Hit The Open Market?’
Posted on January 23, 2012 by Patrick Moran
 St. Francis high school stud running back Akeel Lynch has been verbally committed to attending Boston College since the mid July of last year. However, verbal commitments mean nothing until the player signs his National Letter of Intent. It appears as of Sunday night Lynch has changed his mind and in a shocker, is deciding to take his considerable football talents to Penn State University.
Lynch made the announcement late Sunday via his Twitter page and Keith McShea of the Buffalo News was the first to report on Monday.
A dominating force on the football field this season, Lynch led the Red Raiders over St. Joe’s to capture the Monsignor Martin Association championship at Ralph Wilson Stadium this past November. Lynch finished the season with a league-record 2,131 yards and for his efforts earned First-Team All-WNY honors as well as First-Team All-State and the Gatorade New York State Player of the Year.
While the verbal to Boston College was always in place, the 6-foot, 205-pound Lynch continued to carefully to weigh his options. Iowa and Oklahoma had spent time with Lynch recently and Penn State, despite the horrible allegations of late have always remained in the picture.
Lynch can officially with Penn state on February 1.
(Photo Credit: Ron Larsen/Metro)
 Niagara men’s basketball guard Antoine Mason was named Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Rookie of the Week for the second consecutive week.
Mason averaged 20.5 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, 2.5 assists per game and 2.5 steals per game as Niagara went 1-1 in MAAC action last weekend. Mason has led the Purple Eagles in scoring in the last three games which includes scoring a game-high 22 points in Thursday’s win over archrival Canisius. Mason went 7-for-16 from the field, made a game-high seven free throws (7-for-8), and had six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Mason had a 19-point effort on Sunday at Manhattan where he added four rebounds and tied a game-high three steals.
Niagara (9-12, 4-5 MAAC) returns to the Gallagher Center for two games this weekend. The Purple Eagles will host Loyola (14-5, 7-2 MAAC) on Friday at 7 p.m. and welcome Manhattan (14-7, 7-2 MAAC) on Sunday for the National MAAC Game of the Week airing on ESPN3 at 4 p.m
 Sophomore forward Javon McCrea was named the Mid-American Conference East Division Player of the Week on Monday for the second time this season after leading the University at Buffalo men’s basketball team to two crucial conference wins last week. The Newark, NY native averaged 15.5 points and 10 rebounds in the two games.
McCrea scored 15 points and added seven rebounds in Buffalo’s 82-70 win over the previously unbeaten Akron Zips. He also had two assists, two steals and a block. He followed it up with his fourth double double of the season after pulling down a career-high 13 rebounds to go along with 16 points, three steals and three blocks.
For the season, McCrea is averaging 16.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He is second in the MAC in points per game, fourth in rebounds and second in field-goal percentage (.577) and ranks third in scoring and fifth in rebounding.
McCrea also won the award on January 9.
The Bulls (10-6, 3-2 MAC) will open play against the MAC West on Tuesday with a home game against West Division co-leader Eastern Michigan (9-10, 4-1 MAC) before heading out west to face Northern Illinois on Saturday. Tipoff at Alumni Arena Tuesday will be 7 pm.
Posted on January 22, 2012 by Patrick Moran
 If you haven’t noticed lately and certainly I hope you have, there hasn’t been any new content all week long at Buffalo Sports Daily. The reason is simple and yet at least for me, highly unfortunate. I’ve spent the better part of the past week hospitalized and overall physically derailed after being diagnosed with a lung/breathing condition called “C.O.P.D.”
As a middle-aged adult, the news came as a shock, though in retrospect I should’ve known someone along these lines was coming. I woke up early one morning not long ago nearly unable to take a deep breath. Sensibility finally won out over stubbornness thanks largely to my wife and I went to the doctor, expecting to be told I had the cold or flu, perhaps bronchitis worst-case and be sent on my way home armed with antibiotics.
Around 72 hours later, I remained in a hospital bed armed with IVs in the arm, oxygen monitors on my fingers, constant breathing treatments, an unsatisfied appetite and a bedside television system lacking ESPN.
Continue reading ‘BSD Illness Hiatus OVER’
Posted on January 22, 2012 by Patrick Moran
 If you read my illness post, you know I’ve been gone and out of sight in regards to Buffalo sports for the past week. When it comes to the Buffalo Sabres, I actually feel blessed about that.
At a loss of words on what to think of this organization right now, I came across a tweet from Jeremy White of WGR 550 he posted earlier this week; an incredibly accurate statement that in my opinion captures the general sentiment of fans everywhere.
“The Sabres have gone from being injured underachievers to lifeless unengaged deadbeats in the eyes of the league. Truth hurts.” White wrote.
I can’t really insert a lot of opinion right now. As stated, I’ve been out ill and haven’t watched much, if any of the team lately. From everything I’m hearing… that’s a good thing.
I’ll be back on the Sabres beat Monday. I’m sure it won’t be pretty. In the meantime, solid tweet, Jeremy.
Posted on January 22, 2012 by BSD Staff Reports
 Saturday was unquestionably statement day for two of the top teams in the Monsignor Martin Association in high school hoops. Canisius and St. Joe’s let Bishop Timon, St. Mary’s and the rest of the league know they’re ready for the meat and potatoes of the season to commence after both posted ultra-impressive victories on their respective home floors Saturday afternoon.
St. Joe’s (13-2) stunned Rochester powerhouse Aquinas in Kenmore, 67-58 behind 16 points each from senior center Reggie Agbeko and guard Kyle Briggs. Aquinas (9-2) entered the game ranked ninth among Class-AA schools in the entire state. After a heavy loss to graduation following last year’s Manhattan Cup final team, many wrote the Marauders off for 2011-12. The win over Aquinas served strong notice that doing so was entirely premature.
Meanwhile, WNY top-ranked Canisius used a strong fourth quarter to beat Cathederal Prep (PA) on Delaware Avenue, 72-59. Matt MacDonald scored a career-high 23 points while Matt Hart added the same. Adam Weir scored 20 points and Aaron White chipped in with 16.
 The University at Buffalo men’s basketball team earned a hard-fought road win at Bowling Green, 68-66, at the Stroh Center on Saturday afternoon. The Bulls were a sizzling 8-of-10 from beyond the arc in the second half to earn their first Mid-American Conference road victory of the year. With their second straight win, the Bulls improved to 10-6 overall and 3-2 in MAC play.
Bowling Green (8-10, 2-3 MAC) built its one-point halftime lead to its largest of the game, seven, with 14:54 left. But the Bulls battled back and Dave Barnett drained a three-pointer to tie the game at 46 with 9:31 remaining. It started a parade of threes for the Bulls. Five of UB’s final six field goals of the game were of the three-point variety.
Jarod Oldham connected on a three-pointer for the third straight game and Tony Watson followed with a trey of his own to put the Bulls ahead, 54-51. Barnett followed with another three-pointer to put the Bulls ahead, 58-51. Mitchell Watt got into the act on the Bulls’ next possession as he nailed a three-pointer from the top of the key to give UB its largest lead of the game, 61-53, with 5:29 left.
Continue reading ‘Big Shots Help UB Clip Falcons, 68-66′
Posted on January 22, 2012 by Buffalo Bandits Press Release
 Before the start of the season, John Tavares said that he’ll keep playing professional lacrosse as long as he doesn’t start embarrassing himself. He may have been half-joking at the time, but if the NLL’s all-time leading scorer — in his 21st season — keeps having games like the one he had against Rochester, he might be playing for a long time to come.
Tavares led the way for Buffalo with four goals and four assists in the Bandits’ 12-9 victory over the Knighthawks on Satuday at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester. Buffalo (2-0) scored four consecutive fourth-quarter goals in a span of 3:14 to pull away from Rochester (1-1). Tavares tied the game at six at the 10:18 mark of the third quarter and went on to add two goals and two assists on four of the Bandits’ five goals in the final frame.
The Bandits entered the fourth quarter with a 7-6 lead following forward Chad Culp’s go-ahead goal at the end of the third quarter. Tavares earned his hat trick as he opened the scoring 44 seconds into the fourth on the power play to extend the lead. But Rochester’s Stephen Keogh scored his second goal of the night on the next possession to put the Knighthawks within one. It’s as close as Rochester would get for the rest of the game.
Continue reading ‘Strong Fourth Lifts Bandits To 2-0 Start’
|
|
