Local sports Plummer stars in a supporting role for Warriors
By Mike Pidanick
SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
For the last three years, Patrick Plummer has played alongside two of the most accomplished players in Cheektowaga Central High
School boys basketball history, so the senior knows the ball might not come his way as often as it would if he went to a different school. And that’s perfectly fine with Plummer, who has excelled in a supporting role for the Warriors, because he’s a big reason why Cheektowaga has remained one of the top programs around. “I’m looking to play my role, just like everybody else,” Plummer said. “Whatever I have to do. “Honestly, for myself,” he
added, “it doesn’t matter to me if I score two points or zero points. I just want to win, that’s it.” He’s done plenty of that in his three-year varsity career. The Warriors have emerged as one of the big dogs in ECIC III and made history in 2014 with the program’s first Section VI championship. Plummer averaged 8.1 points per game during the regular season, ranking third on the team behind 1,000-point scorers Zak Ciezki and Dominick Welch. He’s
also added 60 rebounds, 28 assists and 11 steals. While Welch and Ciezki are the go-to guys, Plummer has shown all season long that it’s not wise to leave him open. “He’s making some big shots for us,” Cheektowaga coach Patrick Cullinan said. “Those are things we need; we’re not just a two-man show. We need 10 guys if we want to win. On any given night, you never know who’s number is going to be called.” Welch leads Cheektowaga with 21.4 points per game
Winfield takes turn atop the chart “Girls” from page 10
field led the team with 11.7 points per game, sophomoreAviance Clark scored 11.2 points a night, senior Shadymone Newsome added 10.5 points a game and Sydney Turley scored 10 points per contest. And as impressive as that balanced offense has been, it’s actually the defense that’s made things happen for the 17-2 Lady Eagles. Nine time in 19 games, Cleveland Hill held its foe to 30 points or less. Just once did an opponent top 50, and that
was the season-finale against Holland, but the Eagles were in control from the second quarter on in that one, and rolled to a 79-57 victory. “Our press is phenomenal,” Owens said. “It’s a huge part of our game, the girls really work at it. They play defense sideline to sideline, baseline to baseline. They don’t give up.” Winfield led the balanced attack in that win over Holland with 20 points. She was one of four Eagles
in double figures and 11 that played and contributed significantly. The division title was a very nice accomplishment for Cleveland Hill, but not the only one the Eagles had in mind. The squad is one of the teams to watch as the second seed in the Section VI Class B2 playoffs, and the goal is to take that crown back home. “If we work hard, we can go far,” Winfield said. “And I know we’re going to keep working hard.”
Champs come at you from all over “Boys” from page 10
48-45 verdict in Holland on Jan. 9, 2014. Since then, Cleveland Hill has won 25 consecutive That success led to a top seed in the Class B2 braket for the Eagles, who are looking to make another trip to Buffalo State College in search of that elusive sectional championship. But the competition is as stiff in B2 as
it is in any of the Section VI tournaments, with Cleveland Hill up against the likes of Buffalo East, Fredonia, Wilson and Health Sciences. “When you look the B2 braket, there is no weak team when you look at that top 10,” Przybysz said. “And the playoffs is a different league; you’re one and done if you don’t come out
and before.” While the Eagles know it’s going to be a challenge, they also expect to be a challenge for the field. “We’re just thinking about going through everybody,” White said. “That’s what we want to do.”
and Ciezki is second with 15.9 points a night. Those guys have been 1-2 for the last three years, but Plummer has happily buried his shots when needed. “He’s a real good kid,” Cullinan said in a preseason interview. “He’s a guy that can carry us for a while if we need it.” Cheektowaga finished the year at 15-4 overall and 10-2 in ECIC III. The Warriors won 12 of the 13 regular season games they played after New Year’s Day, which included
some impressive wins over city powers Buffalo East and International Preparatory School. The Warriors hope to make another strong postseason run as the No. 4 seed in the tight Class A1 race. And they expect that the best is yet to come. “I think we can play a lot better as a team and as a unit,” Plummer said. “Every day, we’re going to get better. That’s what we try to do.”
Cheektowaga/OP unift to claim title
By Aaron Garland SPORTS REPORTER
Steve Ferrentino holds this one in special regard. That’s because both schools he’s associated with merged to become a champion. He built a club hockey empire as Cheektowaga’s coach over his first 21 years there, but before his 22nd season began he was battling a numbers issue. The Warriors were coming off back-to-back Western New York High School Club Hockey small school titles, but seniors heavily dressed the team that claimed the second one. With only six players set to return from that 2013-14 veteran group, Ferrentino merged Cheektowaga with Orchard Park, where he works and has coached
both the JV and varsity Federation squads. And the results have been the same. It was a seamless union, evidenced by Cheektowaga/ Orchard Park playing in a mixed school division final on Monday (Feb. 23) at First Niagara Center that was devoid of suspense. Cheektowaga senior captain Anthony Cybulski registered two goals and three assists to help Cheektowaga/OP to an 8-2 win over Jamestown/Southwestern/ Maple Grove for Ferrentino’s third consecutive and 10th overall “Super Sunday” crown. But having 15 players represent Orchard Park in a club final for the first time since 2006 while bolstering Cheektowaga’s reputation as a premier program fuses to make this title a little more meaningful for the coach. “This one was unique,” Ferrentino said. “If you look at the late ‘90s to early 2000s, Orchard Park won ‘Super Sunday’ every year. And then Cheektowaga started doing the same and we continued.”
Community Events W W W. C P O W N Y. C O M
at the Hamburg Fairgrounds Event Center and Expo Hall, 5600 McKinley Pkwy, Friday through Sunday, Feb. 27 to Mar. 1. Show hours are: Fri. 5 to 10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults are $12, children 6 to 12 are $3, and children under 6 are free. Parking is free, contact Andy 656-9734 for more info or visit showandcruisers.com. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 33 presents its first safe boating class for this year from 8 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sat., Feb. 28, at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church Hall, 1395 George Urban Blvd. in Cheektowaga. Course fee is $40 per person including book or $20 per person to share a book. For more information or to register, call Jon Lines at 465-1327 or email safeboatingwny@ gmail.com. The 4th annual benefit event will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sat., Feb. 28, from at Sportsmen’s Tavern in Buffalo. Live music, and art for sale, all crafted by attorneys. Single tickets are $20, $10 for law students. Presale tickets available Feb. 6 by visiting giveforgreatness. org. For more information call Lauren Rojek at 3628389 x512 or asiwnydevelopment@gmail.com. All proceeds benefit Give for Greatness, a program of Arts Services Initiative of WNY. are coming to the Hamburg Fairgrounds Event Center, Expo, Grange and Marketplace Buildings, 5600 McKinley Pkwy., Sat., Feb. 28 and Sun., March 1. Hours are Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Adults are $9, and children under 10 are free. Parking is free, visit nfg-
shows.com or call Bruce at 542-9929 for more info. at the Hamburg Fairgrounds Event Center, Expo, Grange and Marketplace Buildings, 5600 McKinley Pkwy. Thurs., March 5 to Sun., March 8. Event hours are Thurs. through Fri. noon to 9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults are $10 and children under 10 get in for free. Contact sportandtravelexpo. com or call 814-725-3856 for more info. held every Thursday starting March 5 at 4:30 p.m., hosted by Reinstein Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Dr. in Depew. Parents and kids K through 5th grade enjoy a fun outdoor activity each week. 7 to 9 p.m. Fri., March 6 at the Museum of disABILITY, 3826 Main St. in Buffalo. Writers with disabilities and those who cover disability in their work to speak. $6 admission, $3.50 for students, seniors and Human Service Employees, free for People Inc. employees and Museum of disABILITY members. 1 to 3 p.m. Sat., March 7 at the Museum of disABILITY, 3826 Main St. in Buffalo. Free admission, registration encouraged. Call 629-3626 for more info. 5 to 9 p.m., Sat., March 7 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 5337 Genesee St. in Bowmansville. $5 for advance tickets, $6 at the door. Admission includes mini sub and beverage. Reserved tables offered with advance ticket purchases of 8 or more. Call 683-2375 for more info. 10:30 a.m. Sat. March 7, hosted
by Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Dr. in Depew. Snowshoe rentals: $5, $2 for Reinstein members. Registration required, call 683-5959.
Grange and Marketplace Buildings, 5600 McKinley Pkwy., Fri. March 13 to Sun. March 15. Hours and prices are Fri. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for $3, Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $2, and Sun. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for free. Children always free noon, March 11 at Bravo for this event. Visit mothRestaurant in the Walden ertimemarketplace.com for Galleria Mall, Cheektowaga. more info. Thurs. March 12 at 10:30 a.m., and Sat. March 21 at 10 a.m., hosted by Reinstein Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Dr. in Depew. For kids ages 3 to 5, listen to a fun story, plant a flower seed and have a snack. $4 per child, $2 for Reinstein members. Call 683-5959 to register. $4 per child, $2 for Reinstein members. at Hamburg Fairgrounds Event Center, 5600 McKinley Pkwy. March 12 to 15. Event hours are Thurs. 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., Fri. 10:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7 :30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m., 2:30, and 7:30 p.m. and Sun. 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Adults are $13, seniors 61 and older are $10 and children under 10 are $8. Call 674-8666 or go to tickets. com to secure seats. 10:30 a.m., Sat. March 14, hosted by Reinstein Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Dr. in Depew. For kids ages 6 to 12, call 683-5959 to register. $4 per child, $2 for Reinstein members.
at Hamburg Fairgrounds Event Center and Expo Hall, 5600 McKinley Pkwy., Thurs. March 19 to Sunday March 22. Event hours are Thurs., Fri., and Sat. from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults are $9, seniors 60 and over are $7, and children 12 and under are free. Visit plantasiany.com or call 741-8047 for more info and group rates. starting at 5:30 p.m. Fri., March 20, St. Andrew Parish, 100 Crocker St. in Sloan. Tickets are $5, no one under 21 allowed. Proceeds to benefit Mary Queen of Angels eighth grade class trip, call 8956280 to purchase tickets.
at Julia B. Reinstein Library, 1030 Losson Rd. in Cheektowaga, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fri. March 20. Explore your family roots with Ancestry Library Edition, ALE, registration required starting Fri. Feb. 27. Call 668-4991 or stop by the library to sign up. at 2:30 p.m., Sat. March 21, at hosted by Reinstein Nature Fairgrounds Preserve, 93 Honorine Dr.
storytime at Julia Boyer Reinstein Library, 1030 Losson Rd. in Cheektowaga, Sat. March 14 at 1 p.m. for children ages 3 to 8. Features Mo Willems’ storytelling talents, register by calling 668-4991 or stop by the library.
Hamburg
hosted by Julia Boyer Reinstein Library, 1030 Losson Rd. in Cheektowaga, Wed. March 18 and Wed. March 25 at 6:30 p.m. for children ages 3 to 5. Space is limited, register starting Feb. 25 and March 4 for each session by calling 668-4991 or come by the library.
in Depew. For adults and 892-8089. kids 8 and older, registration required. Call 683-5959. 10:30 a.m. Sat., March 28, hosted by at Hamburg Reinstein Nature Preserve, Fairgrounds Marketplace 93 Honorine Dr. in Depew. and Grange Buildings, 5600 Explore spring pools and McKinley Pkwy., Sat. March search under logs for spotted 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and salamanders. Registration Sun. March 22 from 10 a.m. required, call 683-5959. to 5 p.m. Adults are $5, 2 day passes are $7, and scouts at Hamburg in uniform, including lead- Fairgrounds Event Center, ers, are free, as are children 5600 McKinley Pkwy., Fri. under 12. Visit bgsny.org for March 27 to Sun. March 29. more info. Show hours are Fri. 4 to 9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1 to 5 and Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. p.m. Sun., March 22 at The Admission is $7, $5 presale Polish Falcons of America, with a 50 cent fee starting Nest 6, 3171 Broadway in March 11, and kids 12 and Cheektowaga. $6 for seniors, under free. Visit wnypre$7 for adults and $3 for mierpromotions.com or call children under 12. Take out 910-799-9424 for more info. available, call 895-2807 or 685-0250 for more info. at 6:30 6:30 p.m. Tues. March 31, hosted p.m. Wed., March 25 at by Reinstein Nature Preserve, Anna Reinstein Memorial 93 Honorine Dr. in Depew. Library, 2580 Harlem Rd. in You, citizen scientist, can Cheektowaga. Registration help monitor frogs and required, call 892-8089. For toads at Reinstein Woods. children and adults 12 and Registration required, call older. 683-5959. at Hamburg Fairgrounds Grange Building, 5600 McKinley Pkwy., Fri. March 27 from 1 to 8 p.m. 40 businesses from caterers to tax preofessionals will be there, come out for this great networking opportunity. Event is free and open to the public, call 649-7917 for more info. 11 a.m. Sat., March 28 at Anna Reinstein Memorial Library, 2580 Harlem Rd. in Cheektowaga. For kids ages 6 to 12, registration required: call 8928089. 2 p.m. March 28 at Anna Reinstein Memorial Library, 2580 Harlem Rd. in Cheektowaga. Join Mr. J on an Easter egg hunt, and get your picture taken in your Sunday best. Registration required, call
10 a.m. Thurs., April 4 at Reinstein Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Dr. in Depew. Learn how to use a GPS unit to find hidden eggs in Reinstein woods the ultimate Easter egg hunt! $2 fee, and free for Reinstein members. Registration required, call 683-5959. 10:30 a.m. Tues., April 7 at Reinstein Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Dr., in Depew. Enjoy an early spring hike and learn how forest animals keep house. Registration required, call 683-5959. 10:30 a.m. Wed., April 8 at Reinstein Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Dr. in Depew. Kids ages 6 to 10 look for clues left by wildlife along trails. Registration required, call 683-5959.