Riding the Blue Wave
b’ville’s Greg spencer
By Russ taRBy Contributing Writer
Ever since he took The Kingsnakes into the studio in 1985, Baldwinsville resident Greg Spencer has operated Blue Wave Records, Central New York’s most accomplished independent label.
Now 67, Spencer still runs Blue Wave out of the home he shares with his wife, Sue, on Perryville Road.
Releasing an average of one album for each year it existed, Blue Wave’s catalog runs the gamut from legendary rockers such as Eric Burdon, Kim Simmonds, Cub Koda and Syracuse’s own Jimmy Cavallo to the cream of our region’s blues crop, bands like Built for Comfort, Backbone Slip, Kim Lembo & Blue Heat, and, of course, The Kingsnakes.
Along the way, Spencer won a 1994 Syracuse Area Music Award for Best Producer and in 2005, he was inducted into the Sammys Hall of Fame; bluewaverecords.com
On the day after Christmas, Spencer will present the Great Salt City Blues Concert 8, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, at St. George Church Hall, 5083 Onondaga Road, in Syracuse.
This will be the first time the event has been staged at St. George.
The first six concerts took place at the Palace Theater in Eastwood, and last year’s Boxing Day blues bash was staged at Middle Ages Brewery.
This year’s concert will be limited to 400 seated patrons, and there is plenty of free parking at the Macedonian Orthodox Church.
Food and beverages will be available, served by the church staff.
Many of our area’s best musicians will pay tribute to the music of four Blues Hall of Famers: Michael Bloomfield, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, Ruth Brown and Big Bill Broonzy.
Submitted photo
Baldwinsville resident greg spencer, founder of Blue Wave Records, presents the great salt City Blues Concert 8, at 7:30 p.m. thursday, dec. 26, at st. george Church hall, on Route 173 in syracuse.
By Russ taRBy Contributing Writer
At its monthly meeting on Dec. 9, the village planning board continued a public hearing about a developer’s proposal to build two four-unit “townhomes” at the corner of Brow and Vine streets.
Owner-developer Michael Dougherty and his daughter, Lily Dougherty, of Park & Vine Holdings and Taber Rowlee of the Rowlee Construction Company reappeared, as they did in July and September, to provide details about their plan for eight upscale apartments inside row housestyle townhomes at 103 Vine St. Their Manlius-based engineer, Neal Zinsmeyer of Napierala Consulting, also attended.
Zinsmeter submitted a letter to the board from Gordon Stansbury, a Chittenango-based traffic operations engineer who runs a business called GTS Consulting.
Brow Street residents have repeatedly voiced concerns about anticipated traffic congestion and parking problems.
But after conducting a trip-generation review, the developer’s traffic engineer thinks the townhomes will cause a barely noticeable increase in traffic.
“Overall, the proposed development will be a negligible traffic generator with less than five vehicles expected to be entering or exiting during the typical morning and evening weekday peak hours,” Stansbury wrote. “This level of traffic generation does not meet industry standards for warranting a detailed traffic study.”
Planning Board Chairman Bob Bradt reported that he has met with both Mayor Stacy Finney and Police Chief Jerry Unger to discuss the traffic issues involved with the townhomes.
Six village residents spoke at the meeting citing concerns about density and traffic, especially on Brow Street, one of the narrowest roadways in the village.
Brow Street resident Joni Romano pointed out that a major renovation of the Onondaga Lake Park Marina will soon be underway.
“The impact of the marina needs to be studied,” Romano said. “We need a comprehensive traffic study done.”
“And for the first time ever, we’re pumping up the sound with a four-piece horn section featuring Joe Colombo on trombone,” Spencer said. “We’re excited.”
Tickets cost $30 in advance. If tickets remain available at the door, they will cost $40. Advance-sale tickets can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com, and in person at Sound Garden in Ar-
Vocalist Dianna Jacobs will recall Ruth Brown’s career while The Shylocks duo will appear on the acoustic stage to remember Arkansas guitarist Big Bill Broonzy, Steve Grills and Ronnie Leigh will be doing Texas bluesman Johnny “Guitar” Watson, while singer Joanna Nix Jewett and guitarist Mark Doyle will pay homage to Chicago sixstringer Michael Bloomfied.
On Dec. 10 Micron finalized an agreement with that will allow the company to access $6.1 billion in grants for its plans to build plants in Clay and Idaho via the CHIPS & Science Law.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Micron and the Department of Commerce have finalized its CHIPS agreement for up to $6.1 billion in direct funding through the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law.
Schumer said this funding will support Micron’s planned landmark $100+ billion publicprivate investment over the next two decades – the largest private investment in New York’s history – as well as Micron’s expansion in Idaho – creating thousands of new good paying jobs.
“Micron’s CHIPS funding is locked for Upstate NY. $6.1 billion from my bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law is now secured for Micron to build its new, state-of-the-art complex of memory chip fabs in Central NY and Idaho,” Schumer said in a press release. “A historic day and historic agreement for Upstate New York and America. This final award locks in the federal investment Micron needs for shovels to be able to hit the ground and create thousands of good-paying jobs here in Upstate New York. Without my bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law none of this would be happening and America would be over reliant on semiconductors from overseas. The memory chips Micron makes are the bedrock of America’s future, from AI to EVs to smartphones, as well as our most sensitive defense technology. The signed CHIPS award is the start of a new chapter for Central
mory Square; 315-638-4286.
The musicians making the Great Salt City Blues scene on Dec. 26 are Bill Barry, Mike Burns, Rock Carbone, Joe Colombo, Mark Doyle, Dave Frateschi, Steve Grills, Dave Hanlon, Dianna Jacobs and Joanna Nix Jewett, along with Ronnie Leigh, Dave Liddy, Bob Purdy, Bob Sherwood, Ron Spencer, Jeff Stockham, Morris Tarbell, Mark Westers, Mark Yonnick and Rodney Zajak all joining the bill.
NY and America. Today the feds make the bold investment needed to bring manufacturing back, to strengthen our national security, and to make sure America stays #1, with Micron and Central New York leading the way.”
According to Micron.com, in 2022, Micron announced its investment plans to bring leading-edge memory manufacturing to Central New York.
The Department of Commerce awarded Micron up to $6.165B in direct funding under the CHIPS Act to support planned leadingedge memory manufacturing in Idaho and New York.
The grants will support Micron’s plans to invest approximately $50 billion in gross capex for U.S. domestic leading-edge memory manufacturing through 2030.
The CHIPS grants and additional state and local incentives will support the construction of one leading-edge memory manufacturing fab to be co-located with Micron’s existing research and development facility in Boise, Idaho, and the construction of two memory fabs in Clay.
These planned investments represent the first step toward Micron’s vision of both a leading-edge research and development and manufacturing center in Boise and a four-fab manufacturing complex in Clay to be built over the next 20-plus years with potential investment totaling up to $125 billion, according to the website.
“Micron’s planned state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing facilities are expected to
CNYspCe pet of the week: Meet Spanky, the curious couch potato. Page 11
But Stansbury insists “This level of traffic will have no notable impact on traffic operations in the area and will generally be unnoticeable to existing motorists in the village,” he wrote. “Any additional traffic review for this project is not necessary or warranted.”
Each rental unit at 103 Vine St. would include two or three bedrooms. A basement garage for a single vehicle would be located beneath each unit and each tenant would have access to two additional parking spaces.
Dougherty estimated that the monthly rental fee for each townhome would be between $3,500 and $4,000.
The planning board – Chairman Bob Bradt and Nathan Holliday, Heidi McElwee, Sam Reppi and Jim Rosier – will continue the public hearing at its Jan. 27 meeting.
create approximately 75,000 domestic jobs over the next 20-plus years and strengthen U.S. economic and national security, furthering American innovation and competition for years to come,” the website says. “In New York, this includes 9,000 Micron jobs, 4,500 construction jobs and 40,000 indirect jobs.”
According to Micron, it plans to Micron says it plans to break ground in fall 2025 at the 1,400-acre site off Route 31 in Clay.
Before receiving these grants, Micron and the Commerce Department will have to meet a set of milestones in Clay and Boise before funds are disbursed, which could be paid out in increments as these milestones are met.
Per the agreement, Micron is eligible for up to $4.6 billion in grants for Clay and $1.5 billion in grants for Boise.
As of press time what these milestones will be have not been made public.
According to Schumer’s press release over the next 20 plus years, more than $100 billion will be invested in New York creating up to 50,000 “good paying jobs.”
Schumer and state and local leaders worked for years advocating for Upstate New York and promoting the benefits of the area including ,”…reliable and cheap water and power, a highly skilled workforce, top-notch educational and research institutions, and other capabilities to lead in semiconductor manufacturing and innovation.”
After years of advocacy and the passage of the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law which created the federal programs needed to spur
holidaYs: ‘Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.’ Page 12
semiconductor industry investment, Micron selected Central New York for its new advanced memory chip fab complex.
“This is one of the largest single direct federal investments in Central NY’s history,” Schumer said in his press release. “I wrote the CHIPS & Science Law with Upstate New York as my north star, promising that it would deliver big. Today a promise made is a promise kept.”
Over the next 20+ years, Micron plans to build a colossal complex of memory chip plants in Central New York, constructing up to four manufacturing plants at White Pine Commerce Park in Clay.
According to Schumer’s office, the company’s plans call for building a clean-room space that will cover about 2.4 million square feet, the size of almost 40 football fields.
Micron is the fourth largest producer of semiconductors in the world and makes memory chips that are essential to technology people use every day, from cellphones to cars, and to critical technologies like AI as well as technologies that are used by our military.
According to Schumer, thanks to this CHIPS funding Micron plan’s will help the U.S. grow its share of advanced memory manufacturing from less than 2% today to approximately 10% by 2035.
The Commerce Department also announced a new preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) with Micron for up to $275 million in CHIPS incentives to support a planned
Micron l Page 2
C-NS girls hoops opens with OT win at B’ville
By Phil BlaCkWell
The Cicero-North Syracuse girls basketball team opened its 2024-25 season at Baldwinsville last Tuesday night and took control in overtime, prevailing 59-50. Other than leading scorer Kat McRobbie-Taru, most of the lineup returned for C-NS from the side that again reached the sectional final in 2024 and again lost to Liverpool, just as it had in 2023. Against B’ville, regulation ended 47-47. The Northstars held B’ville without a point for more than seven minutes, including much of the fourth quarter, yet still couldn’t get away, only building a 42-39 advantage before an Olivia Davis 3-pointer ended the drought with 1:40 left and tied the game. This led to a tense exchange down the stretch, a three-point play by the Northstars’ Leah Benedict answered by a 3-pointer from Maddy Polky. With 30 sec-
onds to play Meadow Werts converted to put C-NS back up 47-45. Working down the clock, the Bees passed it around until Davis drove and hit a lay-up with five seconds left. When Werts could not hit a close-in shot as time ran out, it went to overtime 47-47, but the fourminute extra period belonged to C-NS as a goahead Werts 3-pointer was followed by baskets from each of the Northstars’ other four starters. Benedict and Olivia Cook hit on layups. After a 3-pointer from Polky, it was Jilly Howell and Grace Villnave hitting on back-to-baskets to all but put the game away. The great defense showed by C-NS in the second half mirrored an 11-0 run it made early in the game, which B’ville countered with a 14-0 spurt of its own as it led by as much as 12 in the first half before taking a 28-20 lead to the break. Benedict, who had a game-high 19 points, led C-NS back,
Hoops l Page 13
C-NS boys bowlers have 2-1 week, fall to Auburn
By Phil BlaCkWell
A full week of good weather also meant
a full week of bowling matches for CiceroNorth Syracuse and Liverpool against Salt City Athletic Conference competition.
C-NS began its week earning a pair of 7-0 victories over Central Square last Monday afternoon at Strike-N-Spare Lanes.
Nehemiah Bachmann continued to pile up strikes for the C-NS boys, his games of 248, 233 and 257 producing a 738 series, one of the best so far in Section III this winter. Garrett Arnold and Cameron Miller both had 640 series, with Arnold shooting 209, 228 and 203 and Miller posting a high game of 228.
Terry Miller got a 259 game in his 618 series,
with Ryan Daggett posting a 575 series and Hunter Baciuska a 548 set. Central Square’s Collin Edwards shot three straight 223s for his 669 series equaled by Owen Schuleter thanks to a third-game 268.
In the girls Northstars’ match against the Redhawks Trinity Short shot a 215 game in between games of 186 and 170 for a 571 series. She was helped by a 461 series from Jennifer Draper and 447 series from Melody Schwartz.
As a follow-up on Wednesday afternoon C-NS swept Oswego at Lighthouse Lanes. The 7-0 boys win over the Buccaneers was led by Terry Miller shooting 248 in between 219 and 209 games in his 676 series.
Arnold had the best game, though, landing 10 strikes in a second-game 279 during his 650
series. Daggett put up a 586 series with a 202 hgh game as Bachmann had 201 and 203 during his 564 series.
Short closed in a big way for the C-NS girls, making up for earlier struggles with a 243 third game to finish with a 540 series. Draper had a three-game total of 487 and Schwartz contributed a 419 series.
The C-NS boys were finally slowed down a bit in Friday’s 7-0 loss to Auburn at StrikeN-Spare, but this had more to do with the Maroons’ excellence on the lanes.
Auburn got a 771 series from Aiden Starratt with games of 258, 257 and 256, with Jack
$2 billion expansion project at its Manassas facility in Virginia, increasing wafer production and creating thousands of new jobs.
“We used to lead the world in making microchips, and thanks to the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Law we are seeing new investments every day to make America a major hub for chip manufacturing once again,” Schumer said. “The benefits extend across America to every corner of the country, in communities of all shapes and sizes, and I applaud Micron for continuing to lay the foundation for America’s technological future.”
Sliwka starting with a 279 during his 720 series and Eric Barski getting 243 and 247 in his 703 set ahead of a 679 series from Caleb Pidlypchak (high game 256) and a 659 series from Lucas McConnell. Even the Northstars couldn’t keep up with those numbers, though Arnold shot a 706 series with games of 223, 236 and 247. Bachmann got off to a slow start but still managed a 622 series with a 235 high game.
And the C-NS girls won 5-2 over Auburn, its pinfall 2,483 to the Maroons’ 2,332 led by Short and Draper each posting 503 series, Short starting with a 203 game. Schwartz addBowlers l Page 13
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon praised this announcements as an important step forward.
“Today’s announcement is further proof of the undeniable momentum and progress taking place in our community and across Central New York,” McMahon said in a press release. “With this agreement, the Micron project has taken a huge and significant step forward while also solidifying Onondaga County as the hub for memory technology semiconductor manufacturing in the world. Thank you to all our partners who made today a reality, and I look forward to many more exciting announcements and progress in the future.”
daniel J. Brown, 97
Co-founded accounting firm
Daniel Joseph Brown went to his heavenly home with the Lord on Dec. 11, 2024, shortly after his 97th birthday, surrounded by his loving family.
In his senior year of high school at CBA Dan contracted polio. Although he could not join his contemporaries in service of his country, he has served his country and community in many ways. He graduated in the first graduating class of LeMoyne College.
Jacquelyn Bay, 72
loving wife and friend
Our sweet, quirky, loving wife and friend, Jacquelyn Stephenson Bay died on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024.
She was born on Jan. 11, 1951, to her parents Alice Toni and John R Stephenson in Buffalo and moved to Skaneateles when she was six years old.
Jackie was in the class of 1969 at Skaneateles Central High School. She was a cheerleader
Dan is one of the founders of Dermody, Burke and Brown CPAs, a Syracuse area accounting firm with satellite offices in several Central New York regions. He conceived and assisted in endowing the Dermody, Burke and Brown scholarship at LeMoyne and has been active at LeMoyne serving on the board of regents and the board of trustees. He has
and enjoyed partying with her friends on the lake.
After high school, Jackie became a legal professional assistant working for several lawyers and Mutual of New York in Syracuse.
Jackie had an immense love for horses, particularly her beauties Wing and her second horse Cody. This love began in her early years when she would ride for hours at The Winkleman’s stables.
In 1995, Jackie eloped with her love, John Bay. Jackie and
also been active with CBA and Diocese of Syracuse and many other organizations in the Syracuse Community.
He was an instrumental part in the creation of St. Camillus Health and Rehabilitation Center. The KCB wing is named after her. Dan and his partners also were owners and teachers of Powelson Business Institute. He and a partner also became developers of the Whitegate Community in Skaneateles.
He loved music, played many instruments and sang in church choirs as well as barber shop quartets. He also enjoyed out-
John have been married for 30 years. They purchased a beautiful home on Cherry Street Road in Auburn, where they have a horse barn and several acres for the horses. Jackie was pre-deceased by her parents, JR and Toni, as well as her brothers, Ken in 2001 and John R. Jr. in 2009. She is survived by her loving, strong and patient husband, John. In addition, she is survived by her brother-in-law, Ted Bay, her sister-in-law, Jennifer Hutchin-
door activities, sports and nature. His kindness, charisma and sense of humor were legendary.
He inspired many people to fulfil their dreams of small family businesses. The center of Dan’s life was his family, his faith and his loyalty to his church community.
Dan is predeceased by his first wife, Kate Clancy Brown, with whom he shared and is survived by three children: Chris (Tom) Stevens, Dennis (Linda) Brown and Therese (Mike) Brown-Mahoney. He is also predeceased by his second wife, Theresa H. Coleton Brown, who gave him 26 years of love and laughter filled marriage. Dan has 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. It takes a village to raise a child, and it
son Plummer, and her nephew, Harley Stephenson. Jackie also leaves several very good friends. This world will not be the same without her. She will be held dearly in our hearts forever. True to Jackie’s style, she did not want any services. Just think of her and smile — with Jackie Bay and Betsy Brice-Cotter. A celebration of life at a later date. Donations can be made the Matthew House in her memory. To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
takes a village of loving neighbors, friends and caregivers to let a person stay at home. We are grateful for all of you. The family gives special thanks to Rick and to the caregivers Colleen, Danielle, Julie, Michelle and grandson, A.J.
A memorial service was held Monday, Dec. 16, at St. Mary’s of the Lake in Skaneateles at 10 a.m. with a reception following in the Parish Center.
In lieu of flowers, please make donation to Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program at Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, 1654 W. Onondaga St., Syracuse, N.Y. 13204. To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
ZACHARY FLEITZ
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
celebrations, including birth announcements, engagements, weddings, anniversaries and milestone birthdays. The deadline
submit an announcement is 10 a.m. the Friday before publication. Announcements of up to 250 words with a photo cost just $50, with an additional 15 cents per word over 250 words. Announcements will be posted to eaglenewsonline.com within 24 hours of receipt of payment. To submit a milestone announcement, email Alyssa Dearborn at adearborn@eaglenewsonline.com, or call 315.434.8889 ext. 305.
Jacquelyn Bay
daniel J. Brown
OuR vOicE
With Christmas fast approaching, for those who celebrate, we hope you have found the perfect Christmas tree and it is in the stand, which can be an aggravating challenge in and of itself, and the tree is now decorated and trimmed, and you can take your time to sit back and enjoy that tree in the days leading up to and following Christmas.
As you and your family are enjoying that tree, and all the lights and ornaments and holiday memories, there are still some safety measures you should keep in mind.
According to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Christmas tree fires may not be common, but when they do occur, they are more likely to be extremely serious and cause a lot of damage.
Fires involving fresh Christmas trees tend to be more common than artificial tree fires.
That’s in part because fresh Christmas trees dry out over time, making them more flammable the longer they’re in the home; a dried-out Christmas tree will burn much more quickly than a well-watered one.
gather round the Christmas tree
How often do we wander through busy lives, trying to do the best and leaving those we love somewhere behind?
If there were a magical Christmas during which we could bring people back for one day, whom would we ask, what gifts would we give?
If I could call forth someone for one more Christmas, to share a few more moments with me, who would it be? Would it be my mother, my selfless, giving and unappreciated Mom? Would I have some of her favorite candies under the tree, a few romance novels wrapped up in my love?
Or would it be my Dad, the man that my siblings and I still refer to as Daddy, who will always be my Daddy? Would I find some tool that would delight him, a sweater, a tie? Or would I be content to show him the grandchildren he never met?
Or would it be my sister Kathleen, the loving, generous, courageous sister that died on Christmas day. What could you give to someone who demonstrated courage beyond anything I have ever known?
Would it be Richie, my once annoying younger brother whose musical talent was only outshone by his fantastic ability to build or repair anything.
My grandmother would be on the top of the list; the woman who taught me to be present to life. A kinder more lov-
ing woman never existed, save perhaps her daughter. What could I possibly put under the tree but, as for my father, an introduction to her great grandchildren? What wonderful gifts these introductions would be for my children.
But there are others, still inhabiting this earth that I would love to have there too. Old friends with whom I spent much time carving out both a present and a future, friends who have been lost in the calamity and business of our lives. People who were friends, but for many reasons have drifted away, some because of attrition, some because of the peccadilloes of life that separate us from one another. I would reach across whatever has separated us to touch their hands and tell them how much I care for them, how, despite the breach of time and whatever pulled us apart, I keep them in my heart.
How often in our lives do disputes occur between folks that are equally absurd. We dispute ideas; we dispute concepts, not relationships, but unfortunately the personal always enters, the ego is bruised and the fences go up, on each side a combination of resentment and sadness.
So I would add those that stand on the other side of the fences that have been built in my life and hope that Christmas would be a way through.
In truth there are no gifts that I could give those who have passed. I would trust that the life I have lived, the one I am
Syracuse Mets have a new owner Tree troubles
living with all of its mistakes, faults and so forth would make them proud on some level at least the one that has something to do with trying.
I would hope that they would feel the love that I have for them, how I hold them in the highest esteem; that I hope to be only fractionally as good as they were.
I would offer the idea of Christmas, the joy of my childhood and that of my children and grandchildren, of the work that I have done and am doing. I would point out all of the wonderfully generous, kind and talented people who populate our world and my life and remind them, if that is needed, that they are the models against which I appraise all others.
And for my friends, those who still are and those who were, I have only myself, flawed and decrepit, but still able to enjoy a funny story or tell one, still able to see the glass (with the help of spectacles) as half way full and aching to reconnect and live a life as God has ordained, fully human … the melding of the strengths that we have and those we don’t … an understanding that we must both give and receive.
I wish them all, with all I have, the love that is the absolute measure of Christmas.
Ann Ferro is a mother, a grandmother and a retired social studies teacher. While still figuring out what she wants to be when she grows up, she lives in Marcellus with lots of books, a spouse and a large orange cat.
Fire departments responded to an annual average of 160 home structure fires caused by Christmas trees between 2016 and 2020, resulting in two civilian deaths, 11 civilian injuries, and $12 million in direct property damage.
With New York State leading the nation in home fire deaths according to the U.S. Fire Administration, FASNY urges residents to stay vigilant and hydrate all natural Christmas trees.
Also to take the extra steps needed when decorating and properly using seasonal and holiday candles, menorah candles, decorative lighting and electric cords to ensure your ‘winter wonderland’ doesn’t turn into a devastating house fire.
“As we enjoy the holiday season, FASNY urges all New Yorkers to take the extra steps when decorating to ensure their homes, offices, schools, and other gathering spaces are safe and free of preventable fire hazards,” said Edward Tase Jr., president of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York. “Carefully decorating your home can help make your holidays safer and merrier.”
FASNY recommends the following tips: For a fresh tree, cut 2 inches (5cm) from the base of the trunk before placing it in the stand. Add water daily to keep the tree well hydrated.
Trees should be placed at least 3 feet (1m) away from any heat source, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lights.
Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, such as a door or window.
Ensure that decorative lights are in good working order and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Also, the latest statistics from NFPA on Christmas tree fires in US homes include these key findings, reflecting annual averages between 2016 and 2020:
Christmas tree fires are more common between 3 p.m. and midnight, accounting for one-half of associated fires. Another 26 percent of fires occurred between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Approximately two of every five home Christmas tree fires started in the living room, family room, or den. Electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in more than one-third (34 percent) of Christmas tree fires. In one-fifth (20 percent) of Christmas tree fires, some type of heat source was placed too close to the tree. For more information, visit fasny. com.
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Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), a New York City-based organization that owns and operates 38 minor-league baseball clubs, announced last week that it has entered into an agreement with affiliates of Cohen Private Ventures to purchase the Syracuse Mets, which will remain the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets.
The club will retain its front office staff and continue to be led by General Manager Jason Smorol, who lives in Liverpool.
As part of the transaction, DBH has also purchased the New York Mets’ High-A affiliate, the Brooklyn Cyclones. The Syracuse Mets and Cyclones join the franchise’s Double-A affiliate, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, which was purchased by DBH last April.
“We are excited about this new ownership,” Smorol said.
‘Bittersweet’
The change is somewhat “bittersweet,” he added because the Syracuse franchise surged during its five years owned by the NY Mets. “The Mets were really great to us and this community,” Smorol said.
Apparently the feeling is mutual because NY Mets president of baseball operations M. Scott Havens stated, “The New York Mets are deeply grateful to the staff and players of the Syracuse Mets and
Brooklyn Cyclones. “These franchises have created two of the best fan-bases in Minor League Baseball and we are excited to continue our affiliation with these cities,” Havens continued. “With their acquisition by DBH, both clubs will have greater dedicated resources and player development tools to set them up for successful seasons for years to come.”
The parent NY Mets oversees its player development efforts, Smorol pointed out. “Our portion of development is mostly on the amenities and nuts and bolts of baseball,” he said. “We make sure of the travel and the field and uniforms, while the Mets take care of the development.”
‘new opportunities’
Smorol welcomes the team’s new owner, “as an ideal partner to carry on what the NY Mets started here. DBH seems committed to us and have encouraged us to keep on doing what we do and DBH will continue to be locally focused. That said, we are now part of a bigger group that may present new opportunities and benefits.”
DBH was impressed by the Syracuse staff and stadium, Smorol added.
The Syracuse Mets have one of the most storied histories in all of Minor League Baseball. The franchise has played
The play of a lifetime
They might gather once more in 2074, old men with a lifetime of adventures and accomplishments, careers they have built, families which have grown and moved away.
And even 50 years down the road, what transpired just past 10 p.m. on the first Saturday night of December 2024 inside the JMA Dome will remain fresh, vibrant and right at the front of their collective minds.
Everyone knew it right away, from one group of players celebrating on the field while their fans jumped up and down in the stands to the other contingent of players and fans who were frozen in
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shock or forced into instant mourning.
Sure, other football games at other levels, including some pretty famous ones, got decided on long, desperate passes that were caught in the final seconds or after time ran out.
But having a state championship game get decided this way? Safe to say, it may have been the single most dramatic moment I have ever witnessed in 26 years doing this job.
The impact of Brayden Smith’s pass to Darien Williams went way beyond the two Christian Brothers Academy branches who battled it out for the state Class AA title. It even landed as no. 1 on the
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in the International League in all but five years since its inaugural season in 1934 and became an affiliate of the big-league Mets in 2019.
After the DBH acquisition closes, fans in Syracuse will continue cheering for their team at NBT Bank Stadium, which has served as the team’s home since it first opened in 1997.
DBH Executive Chairman Pat Battle predicts good things for the future of the Syracuse Mets.
“We look forward to enhancing the distinct fan experience at NBT Bank Stadium while ensuring the ballpark remains a year-round destination for affordable, family-friendly entertainment for years to come,” Battle said in a press release.
Diamond Baseball Holdings was formed in 2021 by media conglomerate Endeavor and is a subsidiary of the investment firm Silver Lake. Its goal is to support, promote and enhance Minor League Baseball Clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball through professional management, innovation and investment. last word
“DBH will continue to be locally focused. That said, we are now part of a bigger group that may present new opportunities and benefits.”
–Syracuse Mets General Manager Jason Smorol.
ESPN Sportscenter Top 10 plays – and this on full night of college football, college hoops, NBA, NHL, soccer, etc.
So many things factor into whether a football game is won or lost and isolating any single play can be problematic. But so much went into this play that it begs a further examination.
First, this game was a stone-cold classic. So many big plays, momentum shifts, penalty flags which hurt both sides, and a CBA Albany side that, led by the exceptional Archie Jones (358 yards, five TD passes, monumental scrambles), played well enough to beat anyone else.
Every single bit of the excellence CBA Syracuse displayed overwhelming most foes in its 28-game win streak was needed. So were the exact right circumstances.
Down 40-35, the Brothers had to stop a fourth down at its own 22 with 42 seconds left, had to get two clutch catches from Daunte Bacheyie and had to get help from a fiveyard CBA Albany penalty just to get to the 35-yard line.
Also needed was CBA Albany’s slight errors, from a missed extra point after a
Play l Page 12
Livin’ in Liverpool
russ tarby
Ramblings from the empty nest
ann Ferro
Random Thoughts
Phil blackwell
military lots given to the Revolutionary War soldiers for payment after the war. Jackson Road is located on the east by lot #15 and the west with lot #13 and 14. In upcoming articles we’ll visit military track numbers and what they mean.
The map in the picture shows the military lots close to Jackson Road. I put an arrow at the house at 8970 Jackson Road, which is currently owned by Robert Rousseau. He has mentioned the repairs needed to take care of an historical home in the town of Clay.
The earliest information I’ve found out who the first owner of the house was John and Eliza Chamberlain. Their picture is in the upper right hand corner of the photo attached. John and Eliza have an unusual headstone at the Pine Plains cemetery. Their last name has an “A” instead of an “E.” This made looking for information on them a little more difficult. If anyone has a reason of why this was done, let me know.
The picture of Chamberlains mentioned that they were married at the Taunton school house that was at the corner of Horseshoe Island and Bonstead Road on March 23, 1862. Over a hundred years ago the school was called Taunton school house from the name of the road. The road was called Taunton Road, Oneida River Road and Oak Orchard Road for numerous years. Then roads got official names, and it is called Bonstead Road today. Just like Jackson Road, it got its name from the Jacksons living on the road as other roads got their names from families living on their roads.
The Jacksons lived in the house from the mid 1910s to the early 1960s. In the picture shows George and Ida Jackson next to their car in the driveway. In the last article I wrote in the Eagle News was on the Smiths, which is Ida’s family and maiden name. She only moved 1/2 mile down from where she grew up. The bottom left picture shows Bill and June Slate. They were the owners from the early 1960s to 2020 for over 60 years. The Jacksons’ house, from the information obtained, basically had only four owners over the last 160 years. Hopefully, the current Rousseau family enjoys the history that came with the home.
Please visit our Google page at “Clay Historical Association.” Email me at historian@ townofclay.org if you have any questions. The Clay Historical Association meets on the second Wednesday of the month at the Clay Historical Park at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend and/or to join the Clay Historical Association.
PENNY SAVER
SUNDAYS
enjoy worship and fellowship. The church is fully accessible. For more information, visit ciceroumchurch.org.
MONDAYS
Drop-In Tech Help
10 a.m. to noon. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee St. Let us help with your tech questions: computers and mobile devices, downloading e-content from the library’s catalog, using Google Drive and social media platforms. Bring your device and drop in during a Tech Help session to get started. Appointments are also available; please give us a call at 315-685-5135 or email andrea@skanlibrary. org to schedule.
Game Day
1 p.m. Salina Free Library. Bring your own game or play one of the library’s. 18+. Cruisin’ with Vets
4-7 p.m. VFW Post 3146, 2000 Lemoyne Ave., Mattydale. Check out classic cars and bikes while enjoying food, 50-50 raffles and live music from Roadhouse Prophets. Sponsored by Hungers for Hope, InFocus Insurance, Microbore and Dynamax Digital Printing.
MONDAYS, TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS
Thrift Shop
9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Elbridge Community Church, 109 E. Main St. No consignments, but donations accepted. For more information, call 315-6893797.
MONDAY & FRIDAYS Senior Exercise Class
9 a.m.-10 a.m. Marcellus Free Library. Taught by dance instructor Mary Jo Pelc. 315-673-3269.
MONDAYS, THURSDAYS & FRIDAYS
OCRRA’s Household Toxics Drop-Off
Appointment required. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Miller Environmental, 532 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse (off Hiawatha Boulevard). Business materials are not accepted. Residents of the town and village of Skaneateles are not eligible for this program as these municipalities are not part of the OCRRA service area. Visit OCRRA.org to make an appointment and see the full list of what is and is not accepted.
TUESDAYS
Coffee with the Liverpool Chamber
8 a.m. Zoom. Network with fellow entrepreneurs virtually. Visit liverpoolchamber.com/events-calendar/ to register.
Story Time for Bookworms
10:30 a.m. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee St. For children who enjoy longer books, this story time includes multiple stories, songs, and ends with hands-on play. For ages 2-5.
Preschool Story Time
10:30 a.m. Skaneateles Library, 49 E. Genesee St. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and join us as we read, sing, and play together on the Library Lawn. For ages 3 to 5 years. Registration required; visit skanlibrary.org or call
315-685-5135.
Fun for all Story Time
11 a.m. Salina Free Library. Weekly story time for ages 3-6. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for sunny days.
JE Seniors Lunch
Noon. JE Community Center, 1 Route 31, Jordan. The town of Elbridge hosts PEACE, Inc., Senior Nutrition lunches every Tuesday and Friday. Reservations required; $3.75 suggested donation. Lunch is followed by a guest speaker or
cNySPcA PET OF ThE WEEK
Meet spanky, the curious couch potato
By elena selthun
photo by SCott engel
spanky is a spunky, curious cat who has (somehow) been at the shelter since June, which is way too long! he is 1.5 years old, so he’s in his rambunctious teenage phase, and it is so fun to watch him chase laser pointers and bat at toys with his big, soft paws. He’s a playful guy, but he can also be totally laid-back. he loves to lounge and enjoys head scratches and treats. he can almost always be found chilling on top of the cat tree or another high point in Mitzi’s Room, our community cat room. spanky loves to look through the windows and watch people and animals go by, and we suspect he would love a birdwatching perch too. he just wants to be part of the action! spanky can have a bit of an attitude with other cats, so he should be the only cat in the household. We are not sure what experience he has with dogs, so he would have to meet any potential dog siblings first. In order to adopt, you must fill out an application, pay an adoption fee, and have your pets up to date on their rabies vaccines. all adopted cats and dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on their vaccinations before they go home. the Cny sPCa is located at 5878 east Molloy Road, syracuse. for more information about adoption, call 315-454-4479, email frontoffice2@ cnyspca.org, or visit cnyspca.org
yes, viRginia, theRe is a santa Claus
Eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York’s Sun newspaper, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history’s most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials and on posters and stamps. The text below is taken from Newseum.org.
“Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, ‘If you see it in The Sun it’s so.’ Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?”
Virginia O’Hanlon 115 West Ninety-Fifth Street
VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe
in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the
According to historians, Clement Clarke Moore wrote his immortal poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” also known as “The Night Before Christmas,” for his family on Christmas Eve 1822. He never intended that it be published, but a family friend copied it and submitted it to the editor of the Troy (New York) Sentinel, where it made its first appearance in print on Dec. 23, 1823. The poem then began to be reprinted in publications across the country, with the first appearance in a book in The New York Book of Poetry in 1837. Moore did not acknowledge his authorship of the poem until 1844, however, when he included it in a book of his verses. Today, “The Night Before Christmas” remains the most-published, most-read, most-memorized and most-collected book in all of Christmas literature. The poem below was reprinted from poetryfoundation.org.
The Night Before Christmas a visit from st. nicholas
By CleMent ClaRke MooRe
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads; And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to
see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of midday to objects below, When what to my wondering eyes did appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer, With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name: “Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!
In his book, “Understanding Golf Dynamics”, Ralph Maltby states, “ e lo of a 5 iron was 36 degrees from the 1920’s through the mid 1930’s and inched their way to 30 or 31 degrees by the 1970’s. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, the lo s decreased by another couple of degrees”. In a 2024 issue of Golf Digest, the average lo of a 7 iron in the Game-Improvment category is 28 degrees. ink about it this way CNY golfers, today’s 7 irons are 8 degrees stronger than a 5 iron of 90 years ago. at makes it about a fourclub di erence. When you add the distance gained by the advances in golf club design and technology, there is an even greater gain.
What does this all mean to the average golfer who plays golf for simply the recreational value it provides? Probably not much. However, for amateur golfers who belong to a golf club, play in leagues, compete in more than just 1 or 2 tournaments a year, and who play competitively with friends on a regular basis, it is critical that you understand the dynamics of how todays irons are built and why you need to play with clubs that can potentially bene t your golf game signi cantly. Rather than attempt to make an example of golfers I know who have refused to even consider changing the type of irons they use because of their “egos”, I will use my own journey through the years to explain how the physical limitations my body experienced as I aged “forced” me to adjust my expectations and decisions about the clubs I need to use just to remain as competitive as possible.
Because I was an average, infrequent amateur player in my 20’s and 30’s, who didn’t start playing “competitive” golf at medal play (using no handicap) until I was 42 years old, it is not fair for me to comment on how other 20 or 30 year old “competitive” golfers might think. However, it is relevant that I relate to my 40’s and 50’s because I realized that although my club head speed was slower than it was in my 20’s and 30’s, my ball striking was improving dramatically and my con dence was on “high C”. at was when I started studying the game of golf and making the decision to become the best player I was capable of achieving. I started to read as many books as I could. at was about the time a gentleman by the name of Karsten Solheim decided to quit his job at General Electric to become founder of a new golf company he called “Ping Golf”. e more I studied, the more I realized that the game of golf was going to change forever because of Mr. Solheim’s new process of manufacturing golf clubs he referred to as “investment casting”
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”
As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the housetop the coursers they flew With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too—
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were
that put perimeter weighting around the entire club head that made them signi cantly more forgiving. Other manufacturers followed his lead and now literally every club manufacturer in the world has perimeter weighted clubs in their product line. I made the decision then to start playing the most forgiving golf clubs I could nd, because I discovered I could hit my approach shots much closer to the ag on the greens than I could with forged irons.
So what’s the point of this gibberish… e Common Denominator Catagories… ere are “5” types of irons that you can play today; Blades (Tour Players & elite amateurs), Players Irons (Tour Players & elite amateurs), Players Distance Irons (for single digit amateurs), Game Improvement Irons (for average golfers) and Super Game Improvement Irons (for beginners and high handicap players).
QUESTIONS:
1. Do you know what category your irons are in?
2. Do you know the lo s of your irons ?
3. Do you know how far you hit every iron in your bag?
4. Have you ever tried hitting an iron in each of the categories? If you don’t know, nd out!
CONCLUSIONS FOR AMATEURS:
1. If your average golf score is 95 or above, you should play a Super Game Improvement iron… PERIOD!
2. If your average golf score is 87 or above, you should play a Game Improvement iron… PERIOD!
3. If your average golf score is mid to high 70’s, you can play either Game Improvement or Players Distance irons…EXPERIMENT!
4. If your average golf score is low to mid 70’s, you can play either Players Distance or Players Irons…EXPERIMENT!
5. If your average golf score is under 70, you are the “Best of the Best”…Top Gun! You play Blades or Players irons.
all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack. His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a
little round belly
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight— “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
l From page 4 Play
third-quarter TD to burning all of its timeouts, so it couldn’t use a time-out to think about the fourth-down decision or set up the defense for the fateful final play, as so many tend to do.
Yet it’s hard to fault the defense, for there were five defensive backs stationed in the right place, ready to intercept the pass or just knock it to the turf, as Smith scrambled to his left and then flung the ball toward them.
It was the offensive formation which proved decisive. CBA Syracuse lined up four receivers to the right, and all of them , including Bacheyie, were covered from the moment the ball was snapped until the moment it reached the end zone.
Except that Williams, author of so many great moments in both state title runs (especially the 2023 final at the Dome where he had 236 receiving yards and three touchdowns), was lined up on the left, ran by himself and was waving to Smith before he planted himself beyond the wall of de -
fenders.
And the ball got to Williams on the fly, without any deflection. Bedlam everywhere.
As always in things like this, you look at both sides. CBA Albany has never won a state title in football and was awful not so long ago. To get this far, to do close to everything right and then, in an instant….. you cannot possibly imagine their heartache.
Meanwhile, the still-reigning champions from CBA Syracuse have probably watched thousands of replays of that ending by now and will watch them every chance they get in the years and decades while the number of witnesses to it will predictably grow outside of its original band.
As teenagers now, and as adults for the rest of their lives, this pass, this catch, this accomplishment will always stay with them, a constant reminder to keep going, both in games and in life, until the last play.
Phil Blackwell is sports editor at Eagle News. He can be reached at pblackwell@ eaglenewsonline.com.
C-NS ice hockey takes losses to IHC, RFA
By Phil BlaCkWell
It wouldn’t take too long for the CiceroNorth Syracuse ice hockey team to figure out just what kind of work it would have to do to join the short list of Division I contenders.
Right after a sesason-opening win at Clinton Dec. 6 the Northstars returned home to the Twin Rinks and were humbled 4-1 by Watertown IHC a night later, shut out until Cam Walker’s third-period goal assisted by David Cooley.
C-NS took 34 shots, but 32 of them were turned away by IHC goalie Brodie MacGregor as Mavryck Lloyd, Jaired Bach, Nate Taylor and Aidan Trimper got the Cavaliers’ goals. Even more ominous was the visit last Tuesday from Rome Free Academy, who had
started 2-0 and was quite motivated this winter after a narrow and controversial defeat to West Genesee in last winter’s sectional final.
To its credit, the Northstars would play the Black Knights tough, getting goals from Nate Bustin and David Ling along with assists from Alex Kirkby and Andrew Gabor to lead 2-1 through two periods.
Despite this, and despite 28 saves from Trevor Smith, RFA rallied to tie it and then went ahead in the third period, the Black Knights ultimately prevailing 3-2 as Jacob Bruno scored twice and Landon Sulley had the other goal.
Heavy snow kept C-NS from traveling north for a rematch with IHC on Thursday, meaning it would have a week before it played again Tuesday agaisnt Cazenovia ahead of a Thursday showdown with West Genesee at
Shove Park.
CNY Fusion had opened its season Dec. 7 against another combined team, the Capital District Jets, and played it to a 2-2 tie, scoring in the second period to overcome an early 1-0 deficit and then trading third-period goals.
Keegan Bertrand was superb in goal, turning back 34 of the Jets’ 36 shots, while in front of him Blake Swick and Casimir Smolnik scored and Blake Bednarz earned an assist.
Two more home games at Fulton Ice Arena followed, Fusion meeting Mohawk Valley last Tuesday and reaching the win column for the first time this winter defeating the Raiders 4-3.
Each side scored a goal in each period, with the difference coming when Fusion converted twice in the second and then held on despite a decided Mohawk Valley shot advantage.
Connor Bertrand’s 33 saves were nearly double that of Raiders goalies Evan Buckingham and Ayden Masters, while four different players – Swick, Tyler Bertrand, Jack Hayes and Kaden McQuagge – got the four goals, assists credited to Hayes, Dan Devendorf, John Eichenhofer and John Casey. Then, against Syracuse two nights later, Fusion was overpowered by the Cougars in a 9-1 defeat, the only goal coming from Devendorf in the third period assisted by Casey and Tyler Bertrand. Syracuse took 59 shots as Liam Callahan and Connor Bertrand combined for 50 saves. Fusion has games scheduled for this week against Baldwinsville, Fayetteville-Manlius and Geneseo.
C-NS boys rout CBA; Liverpool falls to Westhill
By Phil BlaCkWell
For a full week, the Liverpool boys basketball team worked on its game and went over what went wrong late in a Dec. 6 defeat to Rome Free Academy in the Peppino’s Invitational. When it returned to action last Friday night, Liverpool would do so tested again, only at reigning sectional Class A champion Westhill. This clash of two defending sectional champions would end up going 50-46 in Westhill’s favor.
That it did so had to be a bit disappointing for Liverpool given the way the game started. With steady production and strong defense the visitors built a 22-11 advantage early in the second quarter.
But despite getting little from star junior Eli Prince the rest of the half Westhill moved within range and then tied it 28-28 just after
intermission.
Prince saved his big work for the third quarter, netting 10 points to get his team out in front. Liverpool countered, and the two sides traded baskets deep into the final period.
Ultimately Westhill’s defense would hold Liverpool without a field goal in the game’s final five minutes. Prince’s fadeaway jumper with 2:15 left and two key throws with 21 seconds to play made it 49-46, and he hit a clinching free throw after Sean Frawley’s tying 3-pointer in the waning seconds fell short.
Though Alex Trombley got 15 points, Freddie Fowler 14 points and Giancarlo Galimi 11 points, they all trailed Prince, who with 26 points had more than half of Westhill’s output.
This was the same Westhill side CiceroNorth Syracuse worked hard to beat in its Dec. 7 opener. Far easier for the Northstars was last Wednesday’s 62-36 victory over Christian Brothers Academy at North Syracuse Junior
High School.
The Brothers had already played three games this season (including a loss to Liverpool in the Zebra Classic Nov. 29), but this was the first time CBA had something close to a full roster on hand with players who were part of a second straight state Class AA championship.
Not caring about any of this, C-NS jumped out 20-10 in the first quarter and then really made it defense count, limiting the Brothers to five points in the second period and leading 30-15 at the break.
Continuing to add to the margin, the Northstars saw Andrew Benedict get a doubledouble of 24 points and 12 rebounds, adding three blocks. By themselves, Benedict and Nate Francis, who had 18 points, outscored the entire CBA roster, with Sam Werts contributing nine points.
On Saturday, C-NS traveled west to face Niagara Falls, who still remembered how C-NS
beat them 60-57 last January even though the Wolverines eventually reached the state final four.
Here, as it did then, the Northstars prevailed, a 55-45 victory again predicated on its defense which did its best work in the opening minutes even as the offense took a while to get going.
Holding Niagara Falls to six points in the first quarter, C-NS then warmed up in the second, answering every Wolverines charge and stretching the margin to 32-22 while maintaining it the rest of the way.
The key here was the emergence of Miy’Jon McDowell as a scoring threat, his 10 points matching Francis and only trailing the 15 from Benedict as Larry Nesci added six points.
Having moved to 3-0, C-NS would go to West Genesee on Tuesday before the Wildcats met Liverpool later in the week just as the Northstars went to Auburn.
C-NS wrestling takes second at Andersen Tournament
By Phil BlaCkWell
It was exactly the kind of response the Cicero-North Syracuse boys wrestling team needed.
Beaten by Baldwinsville in its Dec. 4 season opener, the Northstars would rebound to earn a second-place finish at its own Bill Andersen Memorial Tournament three days later at North Syracuse Junior High School.
With 12 teams in the field, C-NS picked up 167 points, topping everyone except Section V’s Fairport, who won with 198.5 points. Little Falls (141.5) finished third.
At 215 pounds Kaydin Welch prevailed with a 67-second semifinal pin over Caleb Haase (Fayetteville-Manlius) and, in the title bout, a pin of his own C-NS teammate, Michael Pease, who rolled past West Genesee’s Santino Sanford in the semifinals.
Kennedy Thomas won at 152 pounds, earn-
Bowlers
l From page 2
ed a three-game total of 437. Liverpool found itself swept 7-0 in both sides of last Tuesday’s match against Auburn at Rainbow Lanes in Weedsport, with Sara Conover’s 489 series the best individual performance by either girls side. Mykey Hatherill led the Liverpool boys team shooting 220 and 227 during his 600 series. Tanner Gist finished with a 214 in his 559 series, while Jahkir Jackson earned a 545 series (high game 185) and Kyle Lake’s 510 series beat out a 505 set from Kaden Lake and 503 series from Gianni Queior. They all trailed three Maroons bowlers, including Eric Barski, who nabbed a 268 in his 691 series as Aiden Starratt had a steady 647 series and Lucas McConnell’s 211 and 227 were
ing a second-period pin over Watertown’s Paul Ortega in the finals after a semifinal medical forfeit by Little Falls’ Colton Wheet.
Sean Aldrich got to the 145-pound final before a defeat to Fairport’s Philly Provenzano, while James Conklin secured third place at 101 pounds beating Fairport’s Jackson Zeller 7-2 in the consolation bracket final. Grady Ellsworth grabbed fourth place at 108 pounds, with Kasey Kalfass sixth at 124 pounds.
That same day, Liverpool wrestled at Central Square’s Brett Dixon Memorial Duals, where the Legends went 2-3, beating South Lewis 39-30 and Whitney Point 42-27 but taking defeats to the host Redhawks 54-12 along with Fulton and Jordan-Elbridge.
Against South Lewis it took David Blue Moore’s pin of Nick Marks at 285 pounds to clinch team honors, while Landon Bunyea (108 pounds), Andrew Lodge (138 pounds) and Samir Amiri (152 pounds) earned pins
part of a 615 series. Turning this around on Thursday at Flamingo Bowl, Liverpool’s boys topped Oswego 7-0 with Kyle Lake shooting 212, 201 and 217 for a 630 series as Queior opened with 222 and closed with 221 in his 623 series. Kaden Lake’s 205 and 210 led to a 586 series as Gist opened with 221 in a 583 series. Hatherill’s 554 series included games of 197 and 193. However, the Liverpool girls lost 5-2, Sara Conover shooting a 480 series and Alainna Deyneka a 193 game in her 461 set as Malia Upcraft paced the Buccaneers, opening with a 219 during a 481 series.
And in Friday’s match with East Syracuse Minoa at Strike-N-Spare it was the Spartans prevailing 7-0 led by a 555 series from Alana Tuberville which beat the 529 set from Conover that included a 194 game.
against Whitney Point. Of the three defeats, only the J-E match was close, a 37-30 battle where the Eagles won four straight bouts from 116 to 138, getting 21 straight points, to move in front for good, overcoming pins by Moore, Amiri, Bunyea, Lantz Herrera (145 pounds) and Jon Underwood at 170 pounds.
And now Liverpool had to deal with a trip Wednesday night to B’ville, where it could not keep up with Bees and took a 56-17 defeat.
They started at 160 pounds and B’ville won the first four bouts, capped by Lucas Vance (215) beating Mateo Gonzales 8-3, before David Blue Moore got Liverpool on the board at 285 pounds pinning Corbin Williamson.
Two other times Liverpool would pick up wins and both were pins, too, whether it was Amiri getting a fall over Jacob Bennett or Sajad Amirzada earning a pin over 131-pound opponent Jack Webb.
The C-NS girls wrestling team prevailed
Hoops
l From page 2
while Werts, Howell and Cook all finished with10 points. Natalie Hollingshead led B’ville with17 points, but was shut out in the fourth quarter and OT as Polky added 16 points.
As a follow-up on Saturday C-NS knocked off Section II power Averill Park 50-46, a major victory given that it took place on the same Hudson Valley Community College court in Troy where the state final four is held each year.
Liverpool returned from a split of two weekend games in Western New York, starting Dec. 7 with a wild 74-70 defeat to Rochester’s Bishop Kearney. Down 55-40 after three periods, Liverpool made a stirring fourth-quarter comeback, outscoring Kearney 21-6 the rest of regulation, but could not carry it over into OT despite 28 points from A’briyah Cunningham as Gianna Washington earned 12 points, Gia Kinsey 10 points and Lyric Noel nine points.
last Wednesday against West Genesee by a score of 40-18, sparked by a bout at 185 pounds where Ki’Yasia Barner pinned Ayana Dishaw in 37 seconds. Shea Ellsworth’s pin of 107pound opponent Darysya Hevko took just 55 seconds as Liliana Chiarizia, at 126 pounds, pinned Marlee Sherman in 85 seconds. Two more pins closed out the match as Elise English (145) did so against Lila Severson and Bela Maris Price (152 pounds) did the same against Annalise Johnson.
C-NS also wrestled Homer and lost, 34-20, to the Trojans, who claimed six of the seven contested bouts and benefited from a trio of forfeits. Only Ellsworth won on the mat for the Northstars pinning Brookelyn Henry late in the first period.
At the Phoenix Girls Scramble on Friday night C-NS had 53.5 points for 12th place. English took third at 145 pinning Waverly’s Abi Reedy, with Aniyah Burton fourth at 165.
A day later, Liverpool beat Lancaster St. Mary’s 82-73, jumping out 22-9 in the first quarter. Liverpool was able to get clear in the fourth quarter with a 2517 push. Cunningham had one of her finest showings yet, her 35 points mostly from 15 successful field goals. Kinsey was joined by Gracie Sleeth as they both earned 12 points, with Angie Kohler adding 10 points. Noel gained eight points. Far easier was Thursday night’s 72-27 win over Fayetteville-Manlius where Liverpool cranked it up, ultimately outscoring F-M 37-6 over the course of the last two quarters. Cunningham’s 19 points, 11 rebounds and seven steals led the way, while Angie Kohler put up 13 points and nine rebounds. Kinsey had a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds and Washington gained eight points.
Liverpool would take a 5-1 record into SCAC Liberty division games this week against West Genesee and Henninger before a Saturday showdown with Class B contender Marcellus.
