Binghamton White looks sharp in scrimmage

Binghamton 5-6 White played a 1 p.m. scrimmage at Owego on Tuesday (December 29) and looked sharp. In an afternoon that saw the team play six 10-minute running-time periods, all of White's players saw substantial playing time, brushing off the "holiday" dust to outscore a team of Owego sixth-graders, 112-43.

Binghamton exploded to a 14-0 lead in the first period, then held a 40-12 advantage after two. With three periods in the books, Binghamton led 60-20, and after four "quarters" of play, White was up, 74-32. The Binghamton team finished as strong as it started, combining for an 18-4 run over the final two periods.

Binghamton White had five players in double-figures scoring, with two players logging double-doubles (Kyeem Holmes in points and rebounds, Roberto Jensen in points and assists) in this NBA-length-plus contest.

Fifth-grader Devin Young had a notably outstanding game on the glass, posting 18 rebounds.

Binghamton White 112, Owego 43

Statistics:
* Nate Gaster - 24 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, 1 block (2-for-2 on free throws)
* Latrel McFarlane - 22 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals
* Kyeem Holmes - 18 points, 21 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Milton Jimenez - 18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals
* Roberto Jensen - 10 points, 13 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal (2-for-2 on free throws)
* Devin Young - 6 points, 18 rebounds, 5 steals
* Yosef Baker - 4 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Jonah Chambers - 4 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals
* Matt Collins-Pringle - 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals
* Devin Weldon - 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals
* Jordan Bideaux - 1 rebound, 2 steals
* Team free throws - 4-for-8

Note: The Binghamton 5-6 White team welcomed aboard Ben Franklin fifth-grader Matt Collins-Pringle.

Girls win a tough game against SV

The girls played a game Saturday morning (December 26) against a team from Susquehanna Valley, coming away with a hard-fought 22-18 victory.

Binghamton's slow start saw them behind 6-0 midway through the first quarter before Suehaidee Masso scored on an inside basket. Masso hit a free throw toward the end of the quarter to get Binghamton within 6-3.

Gracie Jensen's inside basket just into the second quarter got Binghamton within 6-5 before SV scored again (8-5). Masso made another free throw, and Rory Pelella scored at the end of the half to tie the game at 8-each.

In the second half, it was Masso's muscle underneath that purt Binghamton over the top, as she scored 10 of her game-high 14 points after intermission.

Binghamton 22, SV 18

Statistics:
* Suehaidee Masso - 14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, 5 blocks (2-for-6 on free throws)
* Gracie Jensen - 2 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal
* Maggie Rose Pelella - 2 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 6 steals
* Rory Pelella - 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal
* Hanna Strawn - 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks
* Monica McManus - 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 8 steals, 1 block
* Emily Keenan - 2 rebounds, 2 steals
* Binghamton free throws - 2-for-6
* SV free throws - 0-for-6
*

Binghamton loses in tourney; Holmes honored

Some days you have it, some you don't.

Playing a Susquehanna Valley team it had beaten twice before by a combined 83-67 points, Binghamton never got its game jumpstarted Tuesday night in the semifinal round of the Johnson City Holiday Tournament, losing to SV, 54-28.

The game was littered with interesting officiating and a comparative number that was startling: SV shot 38 foul shots (making 20). Binghamton went to the line just seven times (and made two).

Binghamton committed numerous early turnovers as SV went ahead 5-2, but Binghamton hung around to tie the game at 8-all about midway through the first half. SV then went on a 16-8 run to lead at the half, 24-12.

In the second half, Binghamton couldn't put together a run of its own, as SV slowly built its lead.

After the game, Kyeem Holmes was called to center court and presented with a nice plaque, as he was named to the All-Tournament Team. Holmes averaged 13.2 points, 12.8 rebounds, 4.2 steals, 3 blocked shots and 1.8 assists in the five games.

Statistics:
* Kyeem Holmes - 14 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 steals, 2 blocks (2-for-3 on free throws)
* Latrel McFarlane - 4 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals
* Nate Gaster - 4 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks - fouled out (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Devin Young - 2 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block (o-for-1 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker - 2 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks
* Andy Garcia - 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist
* Milton Jimenez - 2 rebounds
* Roberto Jensen - 1 assist (0-for-1 on free throws)
* Jordan Bideaux - 1 steal
* Jonah Chambers - fouled out
* Team free throws - 2-for-7
* SV free throws - 20-for-38
*

White wins to advance to tourney playoff round

Binghamton 5-6 White advanced to tonight's playoff round of the Johnson City Holiday Tournament with a hard-fought 43-39 win over Whitney Point Monday night.

No. 4 seed Binghamton (2-2 in tourney play) plays No. 1 seed Susquehanna Valley (3-1) at 7:45 p.m. today (Tuesday) at the Johnson City Middle School. Binghamton handed SV its only tournament loss Saturday afternoon, 42-40.

Binghamton never trailed in this game, holding a 7-point lead in the first half, a 21-15 cushion at halftime, and a 12-point advantage (41-29) with about five minutes to play. But a pesky WP team, led by point guard Josh Dean, stayed within range, cutting the Binghgamton lead to 42-39 with 1:39 left.

Binghamton White 43, Whitney Point 39

Defensive Player of the Game:
Nate Gaster

Statistics:
* Nate Gaster - 17 points, 23 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks (7-for-18 on free throws)
* Latrel McFarlane - 14 points, 4 rebounds (0-for-1 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes - 10 points, 17 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Milton Jimenez - 2 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal
* Yosef Baker - 9 rebounds (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Devin Weldon - 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals (0-for-1 on free throws)
* Roberto Jensen - 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal
* Devin Young - 1 assist
* Team free throws - 7-for-24
* Whitney Point free throws - 8-for-9

Notes:
* If Binghamton wins tonight, they'll play for the tournament championship at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday (December 23). With a win over SV, Binghamton would face the winner of the other semi-final between Chenango Valley and Waverly.
* After missing four straight games, Latrel McFarlane returned to action Monday night, with a renewed focus on academics.
* On a "tournament high scorers" list posted in the lobby at the tournament, Nate Gaster's 26-point game against SV Saturday ranked No. 1, while Kyeem Holmes ranked 5th and 7th on the list with scoring games of 19 and 17 points.
* The loss eliminated Whitney Point from tournament play.

Girls to face SV Saturday

We'll get our girls together for a second game this Saturday morning (9 a.m. December 26) at the downtown YMCA for a game with Susquehanna Valley. Whitney Point may also join us for a round-robin scrimmage.

The girls have played one game, getting together without a single practice, and they won that contest 61-32.

The following players will play Saturday for Binghamton:
* Suehaidee Masso (6)
* Maggie Rose Pelella (6)
* Monica McManus (6)
* Aaliyah Forty (6)
* Emily Keenan (5)
* Gracie Jensen (4)
* Hailey Jensen (4)
* Rory Pelella (4)
* Hanna Strawn (4)
* (possible) Cailey Haynes (4)

The weekend's results

This weekend saw some very exciting ball games for the Binghamton Travel teams. The 5-6 Blue squad got a tightly contested win over Johnson City, while the 5-6 White team won one by 2, then lost a nailbiter in overtime in the Johnson City Holiday Tournament.

Binghamton White 42, SV 40
Binghamton White fell behind 8-2 early, but Nate Gaster strapped the team to its back and carried them down the stretch, where Roberto Jensen drained two critical free throws with less than a minute remaining as Binghamton topped SV, 42-40, Saturday in the Johnson City Holiday Tournament.

Milton Jimenez came off the bench in the first half to help ignite a furious comeback for Binghamton, scoring 8 of his 10 points before intermission. Binghamton went on a 19-6 run to finished the first half and take a 21-14 lead into the second.

Gaster scored 16 of his game-high 26 points in the second half, his last point on a free throw giving Binghamton a 40-36 lead. With about 50 seconds left to play, Jensen went to the foul line to shoot a 1-and-1 and hit nothing but net on his two free throws to give Binghamton a 42-38 lead. SV scored again, then held possession under the Binghamton basket with 5.9 second to play. SV inbounded the ball underneath, but the inside defense of Gaster and Yosef Baker prevented a score as time expired.

Defensive Player of the Game:
Devin Weldon

Statistics:
* Nate Gaster - 26 points, 20 rebounds, 1 steal, 4 blocks (4-for-11 on free throws)
* Milton Jimenez - 10 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes - 4 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 6 blocks (0-for-1 on free throws)
* Roberto Jensen - 2 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals (2-for-2 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker - 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block
* Devin Weldon - 2 rebounds, 6 steals, 1 block
* Devin Young - 1 rebound, 1 assist
* Jordan Bideaux - 1 steal
* Andy Garcia - 1 steal
* Team free throws - 6-for-16
* SV free throws - 8-for-22

Waverly48, Binghamton 45 (OT)
Binghamton dug another early hole in this game, falling behind 10-2 before staging a second comeback of the day, outscoring Waverly 27-9. Binghamton led at the half, 29-19.

Waverly slowly chipped away at that lead, eventually forging ahead 42-41 on a 3-point outside shot with about five minutes left in regulation. Waverly then built the lead to 44-41 until Nate Gaster scored inside with 3:22 left to cut it to a 2-point deficit. Milton Jimenez scored on a rebound/putback on the right side to tie it at 45-apiece with 35 seconds left in regulation, and Waverly couldn't convert on four free throws attempts down the stretch.

In the 2-minute overtime period, however, Waverly made three of its four free throws and held Binghamton scoreless to seal the win.

Statistics:
* Kyeem Holmes - 19 points, 19 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, 2 blocks (3-for-8 on free throws)
* Milton Jimenez - 12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block (2-for-2 on free throws)
* Nate Gaster - 9 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block (3-for-6 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker - 4 points, 20 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks - fouled out
* Andy Garcia - 1 point, 1 rebound, 2 steals (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Devin Weldon - 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block (0-for-1 on free throws)
* Devin Young - 2 rebounds
* Roberto Jensen - 1 rebound, 4 assists, 1 block (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Jordan Bideaux - 1 rebound
* Team free throws - 9-for-19
* Waverly free throws - 11-for-24

Binghamton Blue 50, Johnson City 47
Khalil Mathias continues to evolve on the basketball court as he dominated the inside game against Johnson City Saturday at the JC YMCA, leading Binghamton 5-6 Blue to a 50-47 victory. Khalil led all scorers with 25 points and he added 15 rebounds.

In a very exciting game, Binghamton slowly built a 13-8 first-quarter lead, but JC scored the first 4 points of the second quarter. Midway through the second, the game was tied at 18-apiece. Binghamton Blue then went on an 8-2 run to lead at the intermission, 26-20.

Binghamton opened an 8-point lead early in the third before another JC run cut the lead to 2 points midway through the quarter. Binghamton answered with a 10-4 stretch that gave them a 40-32 edge.

JC opened the fourth with a 9-2 spurt, cutting the lead to a point with five minutes to play, but Blue outscored JC 8-6 the rest of the way to secure the win.

Defensive Player of the Game:
Matt Whiteman

Statistics:
* Khalil Mathias - 25 points, 15 rebounds, 1 steal
* Suehaidee Masso - 11 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal
* Garrett Alapeck - 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 assists
* Isaiah Smith - 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 assists, 1 block
* Casey Walsh - 4 points, 1 steal, 2 assists
* Matt Whiteman - 4 rebounds, 3 steals
* Austin Becker-Harris - 2 rebounds, 1 steal
* Gabe Whiteman - 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Zion Burwell - 1 steal
* Kameron Crimmins - 1 steal
* Team free throws - 4-for-8

Binghamton Blue loses a close one

Binghamton 5-6 Blue held an 7-4 lead after the first quarter, but a solid Vestal team took a halftime lead and held it the rest of the way, as Blue lost a game played Friday night at the Endicott Boys & Girls Club, 39-33.

Vestal outscored Binghamton in the second quarter 14-8, in the third quarter 12-10, and in the fourth quarter 9-8 in the competitive contest.

Statistics:
* Khlalil Mathias - 9 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 assist, 2 blocks
* Suehaidee Masso - 7 points, 9 rebounds
* Garrett Alapeck - 7 points, 2 rebounds, 5 steals, 2 assists
* Isaiah Smith - 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
* Casey Walsh - 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
* Matt Whiteman - 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block
* Austin Becker-Harris - 2 points, 1 rebound, 4 steals
* Gabe Whiteman - 2 points, 3 steals
* Zion Burwell - 1 rebound, 2 steals

Saturday's schedule (December 19):
* 1:45 p.m. - Binghamton 3-4 Red at Endicott B&G Club
* 3:30 p.m. - Binghamton 5-6 Blue vs. JC at JC YMCA
* 4 p.m. - Binghamton 5-6 White vs. SV at JC Middle School
* 6:30 p.m. - Binghamton 5-6 White vs. Waverly at JC Middle School

Binghamton White: Deja vu

Binghamton 5-6 White played the Chenango Valley-6 team in the opener of the Johnson City Holiday Tournament in a game with a too-familiar feel. After losing by 1 Wednesday night, Binghamton lost to CV Thursday, 43-42. And like on the night before, Binghamton squandered a 9-point lead late in the game.

Binghamton's Nate Gaster fouled out with 2:59 left to go, but two Milton Jimenez free thows with about 2:30 left to play gave White a 40-31 lead. CV then employed a full-court press that gave Binghamton trouble. With 1:11 remaining, a Kyeem Holmes free throw still had Binghamton ahead 41-35 lead, but three straight CV baskets off the press tied the game. CV then hit two free throws going ahead 43-41.

With :02 remaining, Holmes was fouled driving to the basket. He nailed the first free throw, but couldn't convert the second.

Note: Binghamton White lost two players in the past week. Latrel McFarlane has been ruled academically ineligible (parents' decision). Elijah Simon was removed from the team (parents' decision).

Statistics:
* Kyeem Holmes - 17 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 6 steals, 3 blocks (3-for-6 on free throws)
* Milton Jimenez - 8 points, 4 rebounds (2-for-2 on free throws)
* Nate Gaster - 7 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks - fouled out (3-for-4 on free throws)
* Roberto Jensen - 6 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal (2-for-2 on free throws)
* Devin Weldon - 2 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals
* Andy Garcia - 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block
* Yosef Baker - 16 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block - fouled out
* Devin Young - 2 rebounds, 1 steal (o-for-1 on free throws)
* Jordan Bideaux - 1 rebound
* Team free throws - 10-for-15
* CV team free throws - 10-for-24

Binghamton White drops heartbreaker at home

A short-handed Binghamton 5-6 White team led by 6 at halftime and by 9 (37-28) with 7:30 left to play, then was outscored 12-2 by a scrappy Whitney Point-6 team, as Binghamton lost at Calvin Coolidge Wednesday night, 40-39.

In a very strange ballgame, Binghamton fell behind 6-2, then went on a 13-6 run to lead by 5 in the first half. Binghamton also built a 33-24 lead in the third quarter, but WP always answered, often with outside shooting.

Whitney Point 40, Binghamton White 39

Defensive Player of the Game:
None

Statistics:
* Nate Gaster - 23 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal (5-for-15 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes - 12 points, 22 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 steals, 4 blocks
* Roberto Jensen - 8 rebounds, 11 assists, 1 steal
* Milton Jimenez - 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
* Devin Young - 7 rebounds, 1 block (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Andy Garcia - 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals
* Yosef Baker - 6 rebounds
* Devin Weldon - 2 rebounds, 1 steal

Girls get a victory over Whitney Point Travel

While our program does not officially have a girls 5-6 travel team, on Tuesday evening we pulled together a handful of the girls who play in our midst. Without holding a practice, the Binghamton girls (in grades 4, 5 and 6) beat a team from Whitney Point at Calvin Coolidge Elementary, 61-32.

Point broke out to an early 8-4 lead, but it was all Binghamton from there, as the home team held a 20-10 lead after the first half, and a 34-16 advantage at intermission.

Binghamton outscored Whitney Point 16-12 in the third and 11-2 in the fourth to gain the win.

Binghamton 61, Whitney Point 32

Defensive Players of the Game:
Suehaidee Masso and Maggie Rose Pelella

Statistics:
* Monica McManus - 20 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals
* Suehaidee Masso - 18 points, 23 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 2 blocks (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Maggie Rose Pelella - 10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 9 steals, 2 blocks (0-for-1 on free throws)
* Rory Pelella - 8 points, 3 steals, 1 block
* Hanna Strawn - 3 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Emily Keenan - 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
* Gracie Jensen - 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks
* Team free throws - 1-for-5
* Whitney Point free throws - 0-for-3

Binghamton Travel: Teams go 3-1 over weekend

Binghamton 3-4 Red beat a very tall team from Chenango Forks Friday night, 37-32, at Calvin Coolidge. Binghamton Red built a 22-4 first-quarter lead, then cruised to the victory.

On Saturday morning, the Binghamton 5-6 White team got a win over Susquehanna Valley-6. Later in the day, Binghamton White lost to a very good Johnson City team, which is seeded in the league's highest bracket.

Also on Saturday, the Binghamton 5-6 Blue team went to the Norwich YMCA and beat Norwich, 34-15.

Binghamton Red 37, C. Forks 32

Defensive Player of the Game:
Jordan McGahee

Statistics:
* Tyshawn High - 11 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 6 steals
* Patrick Van Putte - 6 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals
* Brandon Sprouse - 6 points, 8 rebounds
* Jordan McGahee - 4 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals
* Lucas Davy - 4 points, 1 rebound
* Jullian Wanjama - 3 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
* Niko Murray - 3 points, 2 rebounds
* Emily Pogson - 2 steals
* Kaziah Ross - 1 rebound

Binghamton Blue 34, Norwich 15
Binghamton 5-6 Blue overcame a slow start to run away with a road victory Saturday, beating Norwich at the Norwich YMCA, 34-15. Coach Mike Robinson said his team faced a 6-0 deficit after less than two minutes of play, so he made wholesale lineup changes. "My starters got the message," Robinson said. Trailing 8-6 ater the first quarter, Binghamton outscored Norwich 26-7 the rest of the way.

Binghamton used the inside muscle of Suehaidee Masso and Khalil Mathias (who combined for 20 rebounds) to build a lead and extend it, but according to Coach Robinson, Casey Walsh was the game's MVP.

"He ran the show," Robinson said. "The defense was outstanding and he only picked up two fouls while playing about 75 percent of the game. He showed a lot of leadership for a 10-year-old boy."

Defensive Player of the Game:
Casey Walsh

Statistics:
* Suehaidee Masso - 10 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist, 2 blocks
* Khalil Mathias - 8 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals
* Garrett Alapeck - 6 points, 1 rebound, 2 steals, 1 assist, 1 block
* Kameron Crimmins - 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 block
* Casey Walsh - 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 assists
* Isaiah Smith - 4 rebounds, 1 steal
* Austin Becker-Harris - 2 rebounds, 4 steals
* Ismar Torkovic - 2 steals, 1 assist
* Emily Keenan - 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Zion Burwell - 1 steal

Binghamton White 41, Sus. Valley 27
The Binghamton 5-6 White team built a 12-0 lead, then extended it to 22-2, before cruising to a win over Susquehanna Valley-6 early Saturday morning.

Defensive Player of the Game:
Nate Gaster

Statistics:
* Latrel McFarlane - 12 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
* Nate Gaster - 11 points, 16 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 4 blocks (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes - 8 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks
* Milton Jimenez - 8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals
* Roberto Jensen - 2 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker - 19 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block
* Devin Young - 4 rebounds
* Andy Garcia - 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block
* Elijah Simon - 3 steals
* Jordan Bideaux - 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
* Devin Weldon - 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals
* Jonah Chambers - 1 steal
* Team free throws - 1-for-4

Johnson City 69, Binghamton White 42
Binghamton held an 8-5 first-quarter lead against a strong JC-6 squad, then trailed just 24-18 at the half. However, Binghamton's defense broke down in the second half as JC ran away with this one.

Defensive Player of the Game:
None

Statistics:
* Nate Gaster - 15 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 3 blocks (1-for-4 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes - 14 points, 19 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 8 blocks - fouled out
* Latrel McFarlane - 6 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 rebounds
* Roberto Jensen - 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals (2-for-2 on free throws)
* Devin Young - 1 point, 1 rebound, 1 steal (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker - 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks
* Jordan Bideaux - 3 rebounds
* Milton Jimenez - 2 rebounds, 1 assist (o-for-2 on free throws)
* Andy Garcia - 1 rebound, 1 assist (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Devin Weldon - 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Jonah Chambers - 1 rebound (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Elijah Simon - 1 rebound

Binghamton Blue loses close one with M-E

In the team's regular season opener, Binghamton 5-6 Blue lost a close game to Maine-Endwell Thursday evening at Calvin Coolidge Elementary, 39-34.

Binghamton built an early 10-4 lead, but saw pin-point M-E shooting put the Spartans up 12-10 after the first quarter. The Patriots outscored M-E 8-6 in the second quarter as the game was knotted, 18 apiece, at intermission.

Binghamton didn't score until nearly half of the third quarter had elapsed, though, as M-E grabbed a 27-23 lead after three quarters. Binghamton got to within 3 points with under two minutes left to play, but M-E was able to hold off the Patriots down the stretch.

Maine-Endwell 39, Binghamton Blue 34

Statistics:
* Suehaidee Masso - 10 points, 8 rebounds
* Matt Whiteman - 5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
* Garrett Alapeck - 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist, 1 block
* Khalil Mathias - 4 points, 14 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
* Isaiah Smith - 4 points, 8 rebounds
* Casey Walsh - 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
* Kameron Crimmins - 2 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists
* Gabriel Whiteman - 2 rebounds, 4 steals
* Austin Becker-Harris - 1 rebound, 4 steals
* Zion Burwell - 1 rebound, 1 assist
* Ismar Turkovic - 1 rebound

Binghamton White gets win at Chenango Valley

In a very physical contest, Binghamton 5-6 White came away with a 48-35 win against Chenango Valley-6 Monday evening at CV Middle School.

Binghamton started slowly for a second straight game, trailing 6-5 after the first quarter (all 5 points scored by Nate Gaster). But trailing 10-9 in the second quarter, Binghamton went on a 12-3 run to take a 22-12 lead (three baskets and a free throw by Kyeem Holmes, two by Latrel McFarlane, and a bucket by Milton Jimenez). Binghamton led 22-15 at halftime.

CV scored 5 straight points to open the third quarter to take a 22-20 lead, and CV led 25-24 a few minutes into that quarter. But another Binghamton run (this one 11-2) put the score at 35-27, with Holmes scoring four baskets during the streak. A Gaster free throw made it 36-27 to end the third quarter.

A McFarlane basket, followed by a nice Andy Garcia drive around the right side gave Binghamton a 40-31 lead into the fourth. Another Gaster free throw made it 41-31, and a McFarlane inside shot put the score at 43-31 with a few minutes left to play.

Binghamton White 48, CV 35

Defensive player of the game:
Kyeem Holmes

Statistics:
* Kyeem Holmes - 16 points, 16 rebounds, 6 steals, 2 blocks (2-for-8 on free throws)
* Nate Gaster - 11 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals, 2 assists - fouled out (5-for-10 on free throws)
* Latrel McFarlane - 10 points, 9 rebounds, 5 steals, 2 assists, 1 block (0-for-3 on free throws)
* Milton Jimenez - 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker - 2 points, 10 rebounds
* Andy Garcia - 2 points, 4 rebounds
* Elijah Simon - 1 point, 2 rebounds (1-for-3 on free throws)
* Devin Young - 5 rebounds, 2 steals
* Roberto Jensen - 3 assists
* Jordan Bideaux - 1 rebound, 1 steal (0-for-1 on free throws)
* Devin Weldon - 1 assist, 1 steal
* Jonah Chambers - 1 assist
* Team free throws - 8-for-27
* CV free throws - 5-for-17

Upcoming schedule

Binghamton Teams Get Wins on Saturday

The Binghamton 5-6 White and Binghamton 3-4 Red teams opened their regular season schedules with wins Saturday. Binghamton 5-6 White went on the road and beat a very good Norwich team in a nail-biter, 38-35. Binghamton 3-4 Red played against Chenango Valley Red at the Johnson City YMCA and came away with a 46-18 victory.

Binghamton Red 46, CV Red 18

Defensive player of the game:
Niko Murray

Statistics:
* Patrick Van Putte - 12 points
* Tyshawn High - 10 points
* Lucas Davy - 8 points
* Brandon Sprouse - 8 points
* Jordan McGahy - 4 points
* Emily Pogson - 2 points
* Jullian Wanjama - 2 points


Binghamton White 38, Norwich 35
Binghamton played a sloppy first 12 minutes of the contest, but thanks to Kyeem Holmes' three baskets in the first quarter, trailed just 7-6 after one period. Binghamton trailed 12-8, with Nate Gaster on the bench, having picked up his third foul just seconds into the second quarter.

But about midway through the second, Gaster returned and he and Latrell McFarlane combined to score all 11 of Binghamton's points in the period. Binghamton scored the last 7 points of the first half to lead 17-14 at intermission. Norwich went just 2-for-13 from the foul line in the first half (4-for-19 in the game).

Binghamton built a 27-22 lead toward the end of the third quarter on a Gaster inside field goal, followed by a Yosef Baker offensive rebound and put-back. But Norwich wasn't finished, as they got it back to 27-26 to end the third.

McFarlane opened the fourth-quarter scoring, Gaster made one of two free throws and Holmes made two straight inside shots (the second a 3-point conversion on a free throw) and Binghamton led 35-30 before another Gaster inside bucket put it at 37-30.

Defensive players of the game:
Devin Weldon and Kyeem Holmes

Statistics:
* Kyeem Holmes - 14 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks, 2 steals, 2 assists - fouled out (2-for-3 on free throws) * Nate Gaster - 11 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks (2-for-5 on free throws)
* Latrel McFarlane - 9 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 assist (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Yosef Baker - 2 points, 5 rebounds
* Milton Jimenez - 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
* Roberto Jensen - 5 assists, 2 rebounds
* Devin Weldon - 1 steal, 1 assist, 1 rebound
* Jonah Chambers - 1 rebound
* Devin Young - 1 rebound
* Elijah Simon - 1 rebound
* Team free throws - 5-for-10

Upcoming schedule

December Schedule

Binghamton 3-4 Red
* Thursday, December 17 (6 to 8 p.m.) - Practice at the Johnson City YMCA
* Saturday, December 19 (1:45 p.m.) - vs. Endicott-5 at Endicott Boys & Girls Club

Binghamton 5-6 Blue
* Thursday, December 17 (6:15 p.m.) - vs. Vestal at Calvin Coolidge (this game will need to be re-scheduled, as there is a holiday concert at Coolidge during this time slot - please keep an eye on this schedule, and await word from Coach Robinson)
* Saturday, December 19 (3:30 p.m.) - vs. JC at the Johnson City YMCA

Binghamton 5-6 White
* Wednesday, December 16 (6:15 p.m.) - vs. W. Point at Calvin Coolidge
*** Johnson City Holiday Tournament - schedule to be announced

Results From Saturday's Tip-Off Tourney

All three Binghamton Travel teams participated in Saturday's league Tip-Off Tournament, coming away with identical 2-1 records. Following are the results of the games, with the stats that were available.

Binghamton 3-4 Red
Game 1 - Lost to Endicott B&G Club 22-11
Leading scorer: Tyshawn High, 6 points

Game 2 - Beat Chenango Valley Grey, 34-8
* Patrick VanPutte - 12 points
* Tyshawn High - 10 points
* Jullian Wanjama - 4 points
* Jordan McGahy - 2 points
* Lucas Davy - 2 points
* Max Andersen - 2 points
* Jihad Hutchers - 2 points

Game 3 - Beat Johnson City, 24-9
* Tyshawn High - 10 points
* Patrick VanPutte - 8 points
* Niko Murray - 2 points
* Jordan McGahy - 2 points
* Jihad Hutchers - 2 points

Binghamton 5-6 Blue
Game 1 - Beat Norwich, 24-7
* Isaiah Smith - 4 points, 3 rebounds
* Garrett Alapeck - 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block
* Kameron Crimmins - 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 1 block
* Casey Walsh - 4 points, 1 assist, 1 steal
* Suehaidee Masso - 2 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal
* Matt Whiteman - 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
* Austin Becker-Harris - 2 points, 1 rebound, 2 blocks
* Zion Burwell - 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Emily Keenan - 1 rebound
* Ismar Turkovic - 1 rebound
* Gabe Whiteman - 1 steal

Game 2 - Lost to Vestal, 20-11
* Garrett Alapeck - 4 points, 2 rebounds
* Suehaidee Masso - 3 points, 6 rebounds, 1 block
* Ismar Turkovic - 2 points, 1 rebound
* Zion Burwell - 2 points
* Matt Whiteman - 3 rebounds, 1 block
* Casey Walsh - 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal
* Isaiah Smith - 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Gabe Whiteman - 1 rebound
* Kameron Crimmins - 1 assist

Game 3 - Beat Maine-Endwell, 19-16
* Garrett Alapeck - 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
* Suehaidee Masso - 4 points 4 rebounds, 1 steal
* Kameron Crimmins - 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist
* Austin Becker-Harris - 3 points, 2 rebounds
* Zion Burwell - 2 points, 1 rebound
* Isaiah Smith - 3 rebounds
* Casey Walsh - 2 rebounds, 1 steal
* Gabe Whiteman - 1 rebound, 1 steal, 1 block
* Matt Whiteman - 1 steal
* Ismar Turkovic - 1 steal

Binghamton 5-6 White
Game 1 - Beat Endicott B&G Club, 23-18
* Nate Gaster - 11 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals
* Latrel McFarlane - 4 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist
* Kyeem Holmes - 4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks
* Devin Young - 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
* Jonah Chambers - 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist
* Roberto Jensen - 5 assists, 2 steals
* Andy Garcia - 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 assists, 1 block
* Devin Weldon - 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
* Yosef Baker - 2 rebounds
* Jordan Bideaux - 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Elijah Simon - 1 rebound

Game 2 - Lost to Vestal, 29-21
* Nate Gaster - 11 points, 13 rebounds, 1 block
* Kyeem Holmes - 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks
* Roberto Jensen - 4 points, 4 assists
* Latrel McFarlane - 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
* Devin Weldon - 2 rebounds
* Devin Young - 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Jonah Chambers - 1 block

Game 3 - Beat Seton Catholic Central, 26-15
* Jordan Bideaux - 8 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Kyeem Holmes - 4 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 assist, 2 blocks
* Latrel McFarlane - 4 points, 3 rebounds
* Nate Gaster - 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist
* Andy Garcia - 2 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 assist
* Devin Young - 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 assist
* Elijah Simon - 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Yosef Baker - 5 rebounds, 1 steal
* Roberto Jensen - 3 assists, 2 steals
* Jonah Chambers - 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Devin Weldon - 1 steal

Tune-Up Tourney a success

Sunday’s “Tune-Up Tournament” at the YMCA was a success, as our teams got some valuable playing time against opposition from around the area. Both the Binghamton Blue and Binghamton White squads played well throughout, in their first real-game situations.

It was also a success in that all the 11 teams participating, as well as their families, donated a CHOW barrel, full to the brim, with food items. Thank you to all who chipped in.

Binghamton Blue went 1-3, but even in three losses, played very competitive basketball. Coach Mike Robinson said he was very encouraged by the improvements made in just the team's 4 games played Sunday.

Binghamton White went 4-0, capped by an exciting final game with the always-tough team from Athens, Pa. Binghamton trailed this contest 15-5, then staged a furious comeback to win by 2 (30-28).

Thank you to our core group of parents Sunday for their fantastic support in donating items for the concession table, then volunteering their time to help run things all day. Those who worked the concession table were: Erika Hinckley (Devin Weldon's mom), Jeff Bideaux (Jordan's dad), Sueann Alapeck (Garrett's mom), Deanna Walsh (Casey's mom), Maribel Acensio (Milton Jimenez's mom), Tim Whiteman (Matt and Gabe's dad), Mary Pat Keenan (Emily's mom), Chris McLain (Jonah Chambers' step-dad), and Helga Jensen (Roberto's mom).

Also, a special thank you to Erika Hinckley for acquiring the great tickets for the raffle (as well as putting together the entire basket). The winner of 4 tickets to Nemo on Ice, 4 movie tickets, 2 Syracuse basketball tickets, 4 Binghamton Senators tickets and 2 tickets to see a Cider Mill Playhouse show was Susquehanna Valley-6 head coach Brad Manchester.

Now, for some basketball.

Binghamton Blue

Game 1
Vestal (5) 25, Binghamton Blue 20
* Kameron Crimmins: 6 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal
* Casey Walsh: 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Matt Whiteman: 4 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal
* Zion Burwell: 3 points, 2 rebounds
* Austin Becker-Harris: 1 point, 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Khalil Mathias: 5 rebounds
* Suehaidee Masso: 4 rebounds, 1 steal
* Garrett Alapeck: 3 rebounds, 3 steals
* Isaiah Smith: 2 rebounds, 1 steal
* Emily Keenan: 1 rebound
* Ismar Turkovic: 1 rebound
* Team free throws: 0-for-2

Game 2
Binghamton Blue 34, Sus Valley (5) 12
* Garrett Alapeck: 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
* Kameron Crimmins: 8 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
* Casey Walsh: 5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block
* Austin Becker-Harris: 4 points, 4 rebounds
* Matt Whiteman: 4 points, 2 rebounds
* Suehaidee Masso: 2 points, 9 rebounds, 1 block
* Ismar Turkovic: 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
* Emily Keenan: 2 points, 1 rebound
* Khalil Mathias: 9 rebounds, 1 steal
* Isaiah Smith: 5 rebounds, 1 steal
* Zion Burwell: 2 rebounds
* Team free throws: 0-for-1

Game 3
Whitney Point (6) 21, Binghamton Blue 19
* Kameron Crimmins: 6 points, 1 rebound
* Khalil Mathias: 5 points, 10 rebounds
* Suehaidee Masso: 4 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block
* Casey Walsh: 3 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Austin Becker-Harris: 1 point, 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Isaiah Smith: 9 rebounds
* Matt Whiteman: 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Garrett Alapeck: 1 rebound, 1 block
* Ismar Turkovic: 1 steal, 1 assist
* Team free throws: 0-for-3

Game 4
Owego 27, Binghamton Blue 19
(no statistics available)

Binghamton White

Game 1
Binghamton White 38, Whitney Pt. (6) 22
* Milton Jimenez: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist
* Nate Gaster: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals
* Kyeem Holmes: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal
* Roberto Jensen: 2 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
* Latrel McFarlane: 2 points, 3 rebounds, 4 steals
* Andy Garcia: 2 rebounds, 1 assist
* Jonah Chambers: 1 assist, 1 steal
* Devin Weldon: 1 rebound
* Devin Young: 1 steal
* Team free throws: 1-for-3

Game 2
Binghamton White 30, Sus Valley (6) 25
* Nate Gaster: 14 points, 9 rebounds, 1 block
* Kyeem Holmes: 6 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks
* Milton Jimenez: 4 points, 3 steals
* Elijah Simon: 2 points, 2 rebounds
* Latrel McFarlane: 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist
* Devin Young: 2 points, 1 rebound
* Roberto Jensen: 2 assists
* Jonah Chambers: 2 assists
* Devin Weldon: 1 rebound
* Yosef Baker: 1 rebound
* Team free throws: 2-for-4

Game 3
Binghamton White 38, Owego 15
* Nate Gaster: 10 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal
* Kyeem Holmes: 8 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 assists
* Milton Jimenez: 8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
* Devin Young: 4 points, 8 rebounds, 1 block
* Latrel McFarlane: 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
* Andy Garcia: 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
* Elijah Simon: 2 points, 1 steal
* Yosef Baker: 10 rebounds, 1 steal
* Jordan Bideaux: 4 rebounds
* Roberto Jensen: 3 assists
* Devin Weldon: 1 assist, 1 steal
* Team free throws: 0-for-0

Game 4
Binghamton White 30, Athens 28
* Nate Gaster: 6 points, 9 rebounds
* Latrel McFarlane: 5 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
* Roberto Jensen: 4 points, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 rebound
* Elijah Simon: 4 points
* Jonah Chambers: 3 points, 2 rebounds
* Kyeem Holmes: 2 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block
* Yosef Baker: 2 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist, 1 block
* Milton Jimenez: 2 points, 3 rebounds
* Devin Young: 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 1 block
* Jordan Bideaux: 2 rebounds
* Andy Garcia: 2 rebounds
* Devin Weldon: 1 assist
* Team free throws: 3-for-7

"Hoop Fest" Saturday at Binghamton High

If you're looking for a great way for your child to work on basketball skills, the "Hoop Fest" at Binghamton High School's main gym will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, November 7, for players in grades 3 through 8.

The fee is $10. This includes two hours of details skills work in a program run by Dave Springer, Binghamton High School boys varsity head coach.

The $10 fee also includes pizza for the kids, as well as a t-shirt for all attendees.

Hoping you can all fit this session into your busy schedules.

For more information: Call Coach Springer at 762-8248

And thanks again to Coach Springer for taking the time this weekend to work with all three of our travel teams on the "read and react" offensive set-up. We had a very productive early-morning 90-minute practice.

Videos for the kids to check out:

"Pistol" Pete Maravich - Ball-handling drills

"Pistol" Pete Maravich - Dribbling drills

"Pistol" Pete Maravich - The mechanics of shooting

Michael Jordan - Triple threat: Driving off the fake

Michael Jordan - Triple threat: Using the jab step

Michael Jordan - Practicing free throws

Michael Jordan - Fundamentals of free throws

Michael Jordan - Using your body to protect the basketball

Michael Jordan - Playing good defense

Steve Nash - Slow and go (hesitation move)

Eddie Johnson - Getting open


More drills:

Catch and shoot off a screen

The 5 commandments of playing defense

Good dribbling (practicing, using tennis balls)

2009-2010 Binghamton Travel Rosters

Binghamton 3-4 Red
(Coach: Pat VanPutte - 725-6906 cell; 772-3374 home)

ANDERSEN, Max
DAVY, Lucas
HIGH, Tyshawn
McGAHY, Jordan
MURRAY, Niko
POGSON, Emily
ROSS, Kaziah
SPROUSE, Brandon
VanPUTTE, Patrick
WANJAMA, Jullian
　
　
Binghamton 5-6 Blue
(Coach: Michael Robinson - 240-9368 cell; 217-7724 home)

00 - ALAPECK, Garrett
9 - BECKER-HARRIS, Austin
2 - BURWELL, Zion
13 - CRIMMINS, Kameron
22 - KEENAN, Emily
12 - MASSO, Suehaidee
99 - MATHIAS, Khalil
34 - SMITH, Isaiah
1 - TURKOVIC, Ismar
3 - WALSH, Casey
15 - WHITEMAN, Gabriel
51 - WHITEMAN, Matthew


Binghamton 5-6 White
(Coach: Stephen Jensen - 743-0582 cell; 724-6466 home)

5 - BAKER, Yosef
33 - BIDEAUX, Jordan
25 - CHAMBERS, Jonah
11 - GARCIA, Andy
6 - GASTER, Nate
24 - HOLMES, Kyeem
44 - JENSEN, Roberto
8 - JIMENEZ, Milton
98 - McFARLANE, Latrell
16 - WELDON, Devin
23 - YOUNG, Devin

The following is the practice schedule for the following few weeks:

* Tuesday, October 27 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) - Binghamton 5-6 Blue, at Calvin Coolidge
* Wednesday, October 28 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) - Binghamton 5-6 White, at Calvin Coolidge
* Thursday, October 29 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) - Binghamton 3-4 Red, at Calvin Coolidge
* Saturday, October 31 (8 to 9:30 a.m.) - All three teams, at the Binghamton YMCA

* Tuesday, November 3 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) - Binghamton 5-6 Blue, at Calvin Coolidge
* Wednesday, November 4 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) - Binghamton 5-6 White, at Calvin Coolidge
* Thursday, November 5 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) - Binghamton 3-4 Red, at Calvin Coolidge
* Friday, November 6 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) - Binghamton 5-6 White, at Calvin Coolidge
* Saturday, November 7 (8 to 9:30 a.m.) - Binghamton 5-6 Blue, and Binghamton 3-4 Red, Binghamton YMCA

* Sunday, November 8 - Binghamton Tune-Up Tournament (both 5-6 teams participating), at Binghamton YMCA

* Tuesday, November 10 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) - Binghamton 5-6 Blue, at Calvin Coolidge
* Thursday, November 12 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) - Binghamton 3-4 Red, at Calvin Coolidge
* Friday, November 13 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) - (scrimmages) All three teams, at Calvin Coolidge

* Saturday, November 14 (8 to 9:30 a.m.) - Possible scrimmages (to be announced)

* Tuesday, November 17 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) - Binghamton 5-6 Blue, at Calvin Coolidge
* Wednesday, November 18 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) - Binghamton 5-6 White, at Calvin Coolidge
* Thursday, November 19 (6 to 7:30 p.m.) - Binghamton 3-4 Red, at Calvin Coolidge

* Friday, November 13 (6 to 7 p.m.) - All three teams, walk-through for league tournament

* Saturday, November 21 - League Pre-season Tournament, all three teams, at Johnson City K-8 school

Rosters to be posted by Monday

Most details have been worked out for the selection of three Binghamton basketball teams after our tryouts Saturday afternoon (October 24). However, there are a couple players for which information was incomplete, or not made clear, at the registration for the tryout, so those final details are being considered.

All three Binghamton Travel Team rosters will be posted here by Monday (October 26) afternoon, as well as being posted at the YMCA (Binghamton) gym by Monday evening.

Tryouts were very well attended, with nearly 60 student/athletes in the YMCA gym. Unfortunately, there was a need to trim that number to approximately 35 players, so in the event a player was not assigned to one of our rosters, make sure that if basketball is a passion, other avenues are pursued (such as CYO), and those students' basketball skills and conditioning continue to be a focus.

Thank you to everyone who attended.

Reminder: Tryouts are Saturday

Binghamton Travel Basketball will hold tryouts for its 2009-2010 season from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, October 24, at the downtown Binghamton YMCA.

Interested student/athletes in grades 3 through 6 are encouraged to attend.

This is the only opportunity to try out for these teams.

If you have any questions, please contact Stephen Jensen at 743-0582.

***

Additionally, our normal open-gym scrimmage/workout will be held Saturday morning, as well, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Student/athletes in the 2nd through 7th grades are invited to work on their game during this time.

Games are officiated with frequent substitutions, so all players attending receive plenty of playing time.

It's time!

Time to get back into basketball, so here's what's happening:

1. YMCA Rec Leagues: Remember, the YMCA Recreational Leagues are about to start again, and the deadline for those sign-ups is this Saturday - September 26. You can sign up for various age groups (7-8, 9-10 and 11-14) and the league fee is $36 for YMCA members, $72 for non-members. You can register at the downtown Binghamton Y, or at te West End Y in Johnson City.
.
2. Saturday Morning Scrimmages/Workouts: We have the OK to start using the downtown Binghamton YMCA gym on Saturday mornings for our officiated, loosely coached scrimmages/workouts. Our first session will be 8 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, October 3. These workouts are highly recommended for those student/athletes planning to try out for the Binghamton Travel Basketball teams (we expect to have two this season).

Student/athletes ranging from grades 4 through 7 are invited to attend.

3. About Binghamton Travel Basketball for 2009-2010: Again, we plan to have two teams this season, and early indications are that our teams will be largely comprised of 5th- and 6th-graders. Of course, there may be a roster slot available for a younger player who exhibits the ability to play at a higher level.

If there is any interest in having a third team comprised of younger players (perhaps a 3rd/4th squad) please get in touch with me as soon as possible.

There will be a tryout for all our travels teams. A tryout date has not yet been set.

4. Tune-up Tournament: The Binghamton YMCA and the Binghamton Travel Teams will host a tune-up tournament for teams playing in the Slim Sylvester League. The tournament is scheduled for Sunday, November 8 and all games will be played at the downtown Binghamton YMCA. Twelve teams participated in last year's tournament, and it looks like this year's tourney will have the same number of openings.

5. Slim Sylvester Kick-off Tournament: This is the season-opening tournament for league play. This year's tournament, to be held again at Johnson City's elementary/middle school complex, will be helf Saturday, November 21.

If you have any questions, give me a call at 743-0582, or send an e-mail to sjensen@stny.rr.com.

Final scrimmage was Saturday, June 20

We had a great final scrimmage/workout today at the downtown YMCA, with 15 players attending. We'll look to start working in scrimmage/workout sessions again in the fall.

For the summer, though, there are plenty of basketball opportunities. Here are just a few.

2009 Bearcats (BU) Summer Camps
http://www.bubearcats.com/camps/index.html

BX Player Development summer opportunities
http://www.bxplayer.com/

Gus Macker Tourney - Norwich, July 11-12
http://www.macker.com/

Southern Tier RAGE summer camps
Send me an e-mail if you're interested. I have info I can forward to you.

Binghamton Basketball Team Camp
* Boys entering 6th through 12th grades
* 9 to 11:30 a.m. July 6 through July 10 at Columbus Park courts
* Cost: $25 ($30 day of clinic)
* More information and to register: David Springer at 762-8248 or 772-7017.
* Financial help is available. Contact Coach Springer.

Junior Patriot Youth Basketball Clinic
* Boys and Girls entering 2nd through 5th grades
* 9 to 11:30 a.m. July 27 through July 31 at Columbus Park courts
* Cost: $10
* More information and to register: David Springer at 762-8248 or 772-7017.
* Financial help is available. Contact Coach Springer.

Basketball Skills Academy
* Boys and Girls entering 7th through 12th grades
* 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. August 3rd through August 7th at Davis College
* Cost: $25 ($30 day of clinic)
* More information and to register: David Springer at 762-8248 or 772-7017.
* Financial help is available. Contact Coach Springer.

Two More Saturdays of Scrimmages

Hi all ...

One small change. We'll be having two more open scrimmages from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the downtown YMCA before taking a break for the summer. Instead of finishing up on June 27, our final session will be June 20.

Our remaining workouts:
* 8:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, June 13
* 8:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, June 20

Summer hoops opportunities

Upcoming basketball (and other sports) opportunities:

2009 Bearcats (BU) Summer Camps:
http://www.bubearcats.com/camps/index.html

BX Player Development summer opportunities
http://www.bxplayer.com/

Gus Macker Tourney - Norwich, July 11-12
http://www.macker.com/

Southern Tier RAGE summer camps
Send me an e-mail if you're interested. I have info I can forward to you.

-SJ

Saturday scrimmages; Sunday workouts

Saturdays
Beginning Saturday, March 28, we'll have officiated scrimmages from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the downtown YMCA for players (boys and girls) currently in grades 3, 4, 5 and 6. We'll hold the scrimmages each Saturday morning, at least through the end of April, at which time we'll see if more gym time will be available.

Sundays
Ongoing - Sunday evenings, from 5 to approximately 6:30 (or 6:45) p.m. at the Binghamton High School main gym for players (this is boys only) currently in grades 3 through 12. This is a skills workout with Binghamton boys varsity coach Dave Springer.

There is no fee for either of these opportunities.

Binghamton pushes Athens in final

Team members are pictured here moments after the championship game. Front, left to right, are: Nick Corino, Luke Meier, Lucas Davy, Chloe Brauer and Gracie Jensen. Back, left to right, are: Brendan Burtis, Sawyer Farrell, Casey Walsh, Nick Levis, Austin Becker-Harris and Ava McCann.

Playing in their sixth game in three days, the 3rd- and 4th-graders representing Binghamton in the Tioga County Boys & Girls Club basketball tournament outplayed a tough Athens team in the tourney championship Sunday evening for two-and-a-half quarters before Athens took control and won it, 50-35.

After struggling through a Sunday afternoon 22-18 come-from-behind semi-final win over Newark Valley, Binghamton found itself in a quick 4-0 hole against the experienced Athens team. After a quick timeout, Binghamton reeled off 10 straight points, using a balanced attack, to lead 10-4 late in the first quarter.

Binghamton (the tournament's No. 2 seed) maintained its lead, even building it to 17-8 at one point in the second quarter. Binghamton led 23-18 at halftime.

In the second half, though, No. 1-seeded Athens' depth and experience showed, as they took the lead around the midway point of the third quarter. Athens led 35-29 after three quarters.

Binghamton ended the tournament with a 4-2 record. Athens went 6-0.

In the earlier Sunday game against Newark Valley, Binghamton was pushed to the limit in the 22-18 victory to reach the final. Binghamton trailed throughout the first half before tying it 11-11 at halftime, then faced deficits of 14-11, 16-13 and 18-15.

A Luke Meier 3-point field goal got it tied at 18 apiece, then Austin Becker-Harris took control of the scoreboard, making a field goal to put Binghamton ahead 20-18, followed by his two free throws at about the 2-minute mark for the final margin. Becker-Harris and Meier each had a team-high 8 points, while Becker-Harris had a team-high 13 rebounds. Casey Walsh added 11 boards for Binghamton, with Nick Corino scoring 6, getting 5 rebounds and 4 steals.

Also, between the third and fourth quarters, the Binghamton players were challenged to step up defensively, reminded that in the team's first meeting with Newark Valley (a 28-18 win), Binghamton put together a pivotal 12-4 second quarter. In Sunday's contest, Binghamton responded with the game on the line, outscoring Newark Valley in the fourth quarter 9-2.

Thanks to all the players and their families for a busy, fun weekend.
-SJ

Tournament Semifinal
Binghamton 22, Newark Valley 18
Binghamton.............4 - 7 - 2 - 9 -- 22
Newark Valley........4 - 7 - 5 - 2 -- 18

Stats:
* Austin Becker-Harris - 8 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals (2-for-4 on free throws)
* Luke Meier - 8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals (1-for-2 on free throws) (one 3-pointer)
* Nick Corino - 6 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals (0-for-1 on free throws)
* Casey Walsh - 11 rebounds (0-for-3 on free throws)
* Nick Levis - 7 rebounds, 2 steals
* Sawyer Farrell - 4 rebounds, 1 steal (0-for-1 on free throws)
* Brendan Burtis - 3 rebounds, 1 block
* Binghamton free throws - 3-for-11
* Newark Valley free throws - 2-for-11

Tournament Championship
Athens 50, Binghamton 35
Binghamton...........10 - 13 - 6 - 6 -- 35
Athens..................6 - 12 - 17 - 15 -- 50

Stats:
* Casey Walsh - 12 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block
* Luke Meier - 11 points, 1 steal (1-for-3 on free throws)
* Austin Becker-Harris - 6 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals
* Nick Corino - 4 points, 1 rebound, 2 steals
* Nick Levis - 2 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Sawyer Farrell - 4 rebounds
* Gracie Jensen - 1 rebound
* Ava McCann - 1 rebound
* Chloe Brauer - 1 rebound
* Brendan Burtis - 1 steal
* Binghamton free throws - 1-for-5
* Athens free throws - 8-for-16

Saturday at the tourney: Binghamton 2-1

The team from Binghamton went 2-and-1 on Saturday in the Tioga County 3rd- and 4th-grade basketball tournament, securing the No. 2 seed (of 6 teams) for Sunday's play. Binghamton plays at 3:45 p.m. today. A win there sends the team to the championship immediately after.

On Saturday, Binghamton started the day with a 28-18 win over Newark Valley. Guard Luke Meier then headed off to support his brother, senior guard Matt Meier, as Seton Catholic got a win in the state hoops tournament. Luke Meier missed Binghamton's second and third games on Saturday.

Binghamton faced today's No. 1 seed in its second game on Saturday, and lost to Athens, 42-14. Playing against Newfield at 7:15 p.m. Saturday, a win would secure the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye (and fewer trips to Owego for our parents). Binghamton got that victory, 28-21.

More details about Saturday's games:

Binghamton 28, Newark Valley 18
Newark Valley................2 - 4 - 8 - 4 -- 18
Binghamton....................4 - 12 - 6 - 6 --28

After the team started slowly, Luke Meier and Casey Walsh combined for all of Binghamton's first half points, giving the team a 16-6 halftime lead. Newark Valley twice got within 8 points in the second half, but a steady Binghamton rotation held them off.

Stats:
* Luke Meier - 18 points, 2 rebounds, 3 steals (2-for-2 on free throws)
* Casey Walsh - 6 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block (picked up a 4th foul with 1 minute left in the first half; fouled out)
* Nick Levis - 2 points, 12 rebounds, 1 steal
* Nick Corino - 2 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block
* Austin Becker-Harris - 7 rebounds, 3 steals (0-for-4 on free throws)
* Brendan Burtis - 6 rebounds
* Sawyer Farrell - 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
* Lucas Davy - 3 rebounds
* Gracie Jensen - 1 rebound
* Binghamton - 2-for-6 free throws
* Newark Valley - 4-for-14 free throws

Athens 42, Binghamton 14
Binghamton.............3 - 4 - 4 - 3 -- 14
Athens...............13 - 10 - 9 - 10 -- 42

Binghamton faced a very precise, very deep Athens team in its second game Saturday, falling 42-14. As was mentioned before, guard Luke Meier was absent for this game, so the focus quickly became getting all our 10 players plenty of playing time, with a steady rotation. Everyone played significant minutes in this contest.

Stats:
* Casey Walsh - 6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal (2-for-6 on free throws)
* Austin Beck-Harris - 4 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals
* Nick Corino - 2 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block
* Chloe Brauer - 2 points, 1 rebound, 2 steals
* Nick Levis - 7 rebounds, 3 steals
* Sawyer Farrell - 2 rebounds, 1 block (0-for-3 on free throws)
* Gracie Jensen - 2 rebounds
* Brendan Burtis - 2 rebounds

Binghamton 28, Newfield 21
Binghamton..............6 - 10 - 8 - 6 -- 28
Newfield...................10 - 4 - 2 - 5 -- 21

Binghamton started this contest with a 6-0 burst, then defensive lapses allowed Newfield to score the next 12 points, the last of which came just into the second quarter, before Binghamton's defense stepped up. For nearly all of the remaining three quarters, Binghamton outscored Newfield 22-9, as Casey Walsh and Austin Becker-Harris led the way with a combined 22 points and 21 rebounds.

In the second quarter of this exciting game, Becker-Harris scored twice in the second quarter to get Binghamton back to within 14-10. Nick Corino scored to make it 14-12, and a Walsh hoop knotted things at 14 by intermission.

Newfield scored first in the third quarter on a running, desperation shot from the far right-side baseline to take a 16-14 lead. From there, Binghamton clamped down.

Becker-Harris scored the next two Binghamton baskets to take the lead for good (18-16), Walsh scored again (20-16) and Becker-Harris then went to the line and sank two free throws (22-16). Walsh scored the next two Binghamton buckets, countered by a Newfield free throw, to put it at 26-17, and Brendan Burtis grabbed a rebound-putback to make it 28-17.

Leading a strong defensive surge in this game were Sawyer Farrell and Nick Levis, who combined for 20 rebounds. Corino also quietly shut down any attempted Newfield drives for most of the final three quarters.

Stats:
* Casey Walsh - 12 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals
* Austin Becker-Harris - 10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block (2-for-2 on free throws) (fouled out)
* Brendan Burtis - 4 points, 1 steal
* Nick Corino - 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Sawyer Farrell - 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal
* Nick Levis - 9 rebounds, 1 steal
* Lucas Davy - 1 rebound, 1 steal, 1 block
* Gracie Jensen - 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Chloe Brauer - 1 rebound

Binghamton 3/4 squad opens tourney with win

Binghamton has entered a team of 3rd- and 4th-graders in the annual Leprechaun Tournament this weekend (March 13-14-15) at the Tioga County Boys & Girls Club (Owego). The team is comprised of players from four different travel teams - the Binghamton 4/5 squad, the Seton Catholic 4/5 squad, the St. James 3rd-grade girls' team, and the JCC 3rd-grade travel team.

On Thursday night, this team held its one and only practice together. On Friday night (March 13), it won convincingly.

Binghamton broke out to a 19-0 lead against Waverly, and led at the half, 30-4, en route to a 46-20 victory.

Today (Saturday, March 14), Binghamton plays three games:
* 11:45 a.m. vs. Newark Valley
* 2:30 p.m. vs. Athens, Pa.
* 7:15 p.m. against Newfield
(All games are being played at the Tioga County B&G Club. Sunday's schedule is subject to seeding, after Saturday's games.)

Binghamton 46, Waverly 20
Binghamton 3/4............13 - 17 - 8 - 8 -- 46
Waverly 3/4....................0 - 4 - 6 - 10 -- 20

Stats from Friday night:
* Luke Meier - 14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
* Casey Walsh - 10 points, 12 rebounds, 6 steals
* Austin Becker-Harris - 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Nick Corino - 5 points, 4 steals (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Brendan Burtis - 4 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block
* Nick Levis - 2 points, 6 rebounds
* Ava McCann - 2 points, 2 rebounds
* Chloe Brauer - 2 points, 1 rebound
* Gracie Jensen - 2 rebounds, 2 steals
* Lucas Davy - 4 rebounds
* Sawyer Farrell - 2 rebounds, 1 block

Jensen wins tournament "skills challenge"

On Saturday evening (February 14), any 5th- or 6th-graders on the rosters of the 8 tournament teams were eligible to compete in the tourney’s “skills competition.” A total of 36 players took part.

Players took 3 shots from the left perimeter, 3 from the right perimeter, then they each had 5 foul shots. After all shooters had gone, Binghamton’s Roberto Jensen had posted the best score of the day, converting on 8-for-11.

The runner-up (Hawar Noori) made 7-for-11 and was from the Binghamton Boys & Girls Club, giving Binghamton the sweep. Both boys received nice trophies.

Binghamton Players Participate
in the BX Player Development Camp
During the Winter Break from school, several Binghamton Travel players took part in the week-long player development camp at Davis College. They included: Roberto Jensen, Isiah Turner, Andre Hawkins, Zion Burwell and Nate Gaster. BX is operated by Binghamton High graduate Rob Baxter.

To learn more about this excellent group, their training regimens and any future camps they'll offer in our area, check the BX Web site at: www.bxplayer.com

You can write to BX for additional information at: BXPDG@yahoo.com

5/6 Blue competes in Owego Tournament

On the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, February 14 and 15, the Binghamton 5/6 Blue team played in the 7th annual 2009 Al Reppert Dedication Tournament for 5th and 6th graders. The Binghamton 5/6 squad went 2-2, falling one game shy of the “A Bracket” championship. Binghamton lost both its games to eventual tournament champion Corning.

GAME 1 – Saturday (8 a.m.) In a contest that featured 56 free throws, Binghamton played in foul trouble throughout, eventually seeing Andre Hawkins foul out with 6 minutes left to play. Later, Nate Gaster fouled out, and Nick Snyder played most of the fourth quarter with 4 fouls.

Corning 50, Binghamton 44
Corning-6……….........12 – 11 – 13 – 14 – 50
Binghamton 5/6….....15 – 5 – 10 – 14 – 44

Stats:
* Sarbast Doski: 20 points, 14 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 blocks (4-for-15 on free throws)
* Nicky Snyder: 12 points, 6 rebounds (2-for-2 on free throws)
* Andre Hawkins: 7 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 1 block (1-for-5 on free throws)
* Nate Gaster: 3 points, 4 rebounds (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes: 2 points, 3 rebounds
* Nathan Oliva: 1 steal
* Binghamton team free throws: 8-for-24
* Corning team free throws: 16-for-32

GAME 2 – Saturday (10:30 a.m.) Binghamton rebounded well in its second tournament game, but just moments into the second half, lost Sarbast Doski to what appeared to be a severe ankle strain. Doski did not play in the rest of the tournament.

Binghamton 43, Candor 29
Candor 5/6…….......….4 – 8 – 4 – 13 – 29
Binghamton 5/6....…18 – 8 – 11 – 6 – 43

Stats:
* Andre Hawkins: 22 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals
* Sarbast Doski: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Nate Gaster: 5 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Nicky Snyder: 2 points, 15 rebounds, 2 blocks
* Roberto Jensen: 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Nathan Oliva: 1 point, 3 rebounds (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes: 3 rebounds
* Anthony Ferranti: 1 rebound
* Zion Burwell: 1 steal

GAME 3 – Saturday (3:30 p.m.) Binghamton 5/6 Blue finished its first day of tourney play with a 48-33 win as Nicky Snyder and Nate Gaster combined underneath for 31 points and 25 rebounds. Playing without Sarbast Doski, Andre Hawkins was asked to find Snyder and Gaster inside, and he did often, using Binghamton’s size advantage throughout.

Binghamton 48, Owego 31
Binghamton 5/6……….14 – 11 – 10 – 13 – 48
Owego 5/6……………..9 – 8 – 5 – 11 – 33

Stats:
* Nicky Snyder: 17 points, 15 rebounds (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Nate Gaster: 14 points, 10 rebounds
* Andre Hawkins: 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals (1-for-4 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes: 4 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
* Nathan Oliva: 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal
* Anthony Ferranti: 2 points
* Roberto Jensen: 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Zion Burwell: 1 steal

GAME 4 – Sunday (3:45 p.m.) Again playing without injured Sarbast Doski, Binghamton entered this game against an all 6th-grade Corning team, playing with 5 of its 7 available players as 5th-graders.

Binghamton trailed 22-12 at halftime and as the fourth quarter got under way, a Corning basket put the lead back at 10 (34-22) before a furious Binghamton comeback nearly stole this one.

A defensive adjustment midway through the third quarter helped. Roberto Jensen entered the game to cover Corning’s Sunday leading scorer, Foster Clark, who had 14 points to that point. With Jensen on Clark for the third and well into the fourth, then with Zion Burwell taking over on Clark, Corning struggled to score down the stretch. Meanwhile, Corning’s Chris Roe, who scored 22 points in the teams’ first meeting early Saturday, was held to 5 points by Nate Gaster.

In the fourth quarter, Andre Hawkins hit 3 of 4 free throws to cut into the Corning lead (34-27). Kyeem Holmes then scored inside (34-29) followed by a Nicky Snyder insider as well (34-31). With 35 seconds remaining, Binghamton, pressing, forced a Corning turnover and had a chance to tie the game with a 3-pointer, but couldn’t convert.

Corning 36, Binghamton 31
Corning-6…………9 – 13 – 8 – 6 – 36
Binghamton 5/6…..6 – 6 – 12 – 7 – 31

Stats:
* Andre Hawkins: 16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals (4-for-8 on free throws)
* Nicky Snyder: 8 points, 19 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block (1-for-4 on free throws)
* Nate Gaster: 3 points, 5 rebounds (1-for-3 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes: 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
* Nathan Oliva: 2 points, 2 rebounds
* Zion Burwell: 2 rebounds
* Roberto Jensen: 2 steals
* Binghamton team free throws: 6-for-15
* Corning team free throws: 3-for-21

4/5 squad wins in comeback at JC 5/6

The Binghamton 4/5 squad played at Johnson City against the JC 5/6 squad on Friday, February 13, and came away with an exciting comeback victory, 34-29.

Binghamton trailed 15-7 midway through the second quarter before 6-2 mini-run got the score to within 17-14 at halftime. Kyeem Holmes made the second of two free throws (15-8), Sarbast Doski scored inside (15-10), Roberto Jensen scored on a drive down the lane (17-12) and Jonah Chambers converted (17-14) just before intermission.

Coach Jensen was hit with his first-ever technical foul moments into the third quarter, and JC converted a free throw to lead it 20-16. From there, Binghamton outscored JC 18-9.

Trailing 29-26, Binghamton scored on a Nate Gaster hook shot in the lane (29-28). Doski then canned two free throws to give Binghamton its first lead since 7-6 in the first quarter (30-29). Johnson City then applied a full-court press, but Binghamton was able to break it. Doski’s outlet pass went to Holmes, who found Jensen at mid-court. Jensen then hit Gaster on the dead run for the lay-up and 32-29 lead with 26 seconds remaining.

JC missed its next shot and was forced to foul Doski with 8.6 seconds to go. Doski hit both his free throws for the final margin.

Binghamton 34, Johnson City 29
Binghamton 4/5………7 – 7 – 8 – 12 – 34
Johnson City 5/6……..13 – 4 – 5 – 7 – 29

Stats:
* Sarbast Doski: 11 points, 13 rebounds, 5 blocks, 3 steals (5-for-7 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes: 9 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Nate Gaster: 8 points, 2 rebounds (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Jonah Chambers: 4 points, 3 rebounds
* Roberto Jensen: 2 points, 1 rebound
* Alex Surowka: 3 rebounds, 2 steals
* Garrett Alapeck: 3 rebounds, 2 steals
* Suehaidee Masso: 1 steal

Earlier that same evening, Binghamton 5/6 Blue had an off night against Norwich-6, playing a contest at the Binghamton YMCA earlier in the evening, losing 48-19.

Stats:
* Nicky Snyder: 6 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block
* Andre Hawkins: 5 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
* Nate Gaster: 3 points, 5 rebounds (1-for-4 on free throws)
* Sarbast Doski: 2 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block (2-for-2 on free throws)
* Isiah Turner: 2 points, 6 rebounds (2-for-4 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes: 1 point, 4 rebounds (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Roberto Jensen: 1 rebound

4/5 squad dominates boards, tops W. Point

The Binghamton 4/5 team took on Whitney Point-5 Thursday night at Roosevelt Elementary, and by dominating the boards, Binghamton came away with a 43-32 win.

Binghamton collected a whopping 82 rebounds in the contest, led by Nate Gaster's 31 boards. Suehaidee Masso collected 11 rebounds, Anthony Ferranti had 10, Austin Becker-Harris had 8 and Casey Walsh had 7.

Binghamton built a 14-2 early lead and held a 16-6 edge after the first quarter. Whitney Point battled back to tie it midway through the second quarter (18-18), but from there, Binghamton pulled away, its lead hovering in the 8- to 10-point area most of the rest of the contest.

Binghamton 43, Whitney Point 32
Whitney Point-5...........6 - 13 - 8 - 5 -- 32
Binghamton 4/5...........16 - 8 - 13 - 6 - 43

Stats:
* Nate Gaster, 16 points, 31 rebounds, 9 blocked shots, 1 steal (2-for-6 on free throws)
* Roberto Jensen: 7 points, 4 rebounds (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Suehaidee Masso: 6 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Austin Becker-Harris: 6 points, 8 rebounds
* Anthony Ferranti: 4 points, 10 rebounds
* Jonah Chambers: 4 points, 6 rebounds
* Casey Walsh: 7 rebounds, 1 block
* Alex Surowka: 2 rebounds
* Lorenzo Kennedy: 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Ben Irwin: 1 rebound
* Jordan Haven: 1 rebound

Binghamton 4/5 comes back, beats SCC 5/6

The Binghamton 4/5 squad fell behind 11-1 in the first quarter to Seton Catholic Central 5/6, then chipped away for the rest of the game, coming away with a hard-fought 44-41 win Tuesday night at Roosevelt Elementary.

After trailing 17-8 after the first quarter, Binghamton's defensive effort was elevated, as they held SCC to 4 points in the second quarter and cut the deficit at the half to 21-16. In the third quarter, Nate Gaster's two free throws gave Binghamton its first lead of the contest, 25-24. SCC responded to lead 28-25.

In the fourth, Gaster scored 8 straight points for Binghamton to push them to a 33-29 lead, and later in the same quarter, Kyeem Holmes scored 6 straight to put Binghamton up 42-33. SCC made one last run before Binghamton was able to break the SCC press, as guards Roberto Jensen and Jonah Chambers ran out the clock for the win.

Binghamton 44, SCC 41
Seton Catholic 5/6...........17 - 4 - 7 - 13 -- 41
Binghamton 4/5................8 - 8 - 9 - 17 -- 44

Stats:
* Nate Gaster: 25 points, 15 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals (5-for-15 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes: 10 points, 13 rebounds, 7 steals, 2 blocks
* Suehaidee Masso: 4 points, 1 rebound
* Nathan Oliva: 3 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Anthony Ferranti: 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block
* Garrett Alapeck: 6 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal
* Roberto Jensen: 4 steals
* Casey Walsh: 2 rebounds, 1 steal
* Alex Surowka: 2 rebounds
* Jonah Chambers: 2 rebounds
* Austin Becker-Harris: 2 rebounds

Maine-Endwell-6 tops 5/6 Blue

Binghamton 5/6 Blue led after one quarter, but two scoring streaks by Maine-Endwell-6 were too much as Blue lost this one Monday night at Roosevelt Elementary, 46-30.

Binghamton held a 10-9 lead heading into the second quarter, also leading 13-11. But a 12-point run by M-E gave them a 23-13 halftime margin. Binghamton chipped away in the third quarter, getting back to within 26-24, but M-E put together another streak (10-0), mostly on fast breaks, en route to the win.

Maine-Endwell 46, Binghamton 30
Maine-Endwell-6.............9 - 14 - 7 - 16 -- 46
Binghamton 5/6..............10 - 3 - 11 - 6 -- 30

Stats:
* Sarbast Doski: 12 points, 18 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals
* Andre Hawkins: 8 points, 9 rebounds, 1 block
* Nicky Snyder: 6 points, 17 rebounds, 1 block
* Daenon Davy: 2 points, 2 rebounds
* Nate Gaster: 2 points, 2 rebounds
* Kyeem Holmes: 5 rebounds, 1 steal
* Isiah Turner: 5 rebounds
* Nathan Oliva: 3 rebounds
* Zion Burwell: 1 rebound

Updated schedule for the week

Here's the latest on what's happening with our two teams:

* TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 - 4/5 vs. SCC 5/6 at Roosevelt - makeup from last Saturday (6 p.m.)

* THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 - 4/5 vs. Whitney Point-5 at Roosevelt (6 p.m.)

* FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 - 5/6 Blue vs. Norwich-6 at the downtown YMCA (6 p.m.)

* FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 - 4/5 vs. Johnson City 5/6 at Johnson City (8 p.m.)

* SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 - 5/6 Blue at the Owego Tournament - games at 8 a.m. (vs. Corning); 10:30 a.m. (vs. Candor); and at 3:30 p.m. (vs. Owego). Skills Challenge Competition is scheduled for 4:45 p.m.

* SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 - 5/6 Blue at the Owego Tournament. Times to be determined by Saturday's game results.

Give me a call if you have any questions (743-0582).
-SJ

Binghamton 4/5 gets nice win over M-E Blue

The Binghamton 4/5 squad played Endicott 5/6 Blue Saturday at the Binghamton YMCA, coming away with a 41-24 victory. Binghamton broke out to a 16-2 first-quarter lead and held a 30-10 edge at intermission.

Binghamton 41, Maine-Endwell 24
Maine-Endwell 5/6 Blue.........2 - 8 - 8 - 6 -- 24
Binghamton 4/5....................16 - 14 - 4 - 7 -- 41

Stats:
* Nate Gaster: 14 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1 steal (2-for-6 on free throws)
* Austin Becker-Harris: 6 points, 5 rebounds
* Roberto Jensen: 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
* Sarbast Doski: 5 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal
* Jonah Chambers: 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Suehaidee Masso: 2 points, 5 rebounds
* Garrett Alapeck: 2 points, 2 rebounds
* Alex Surowka: 2 points, 1 steal
* Kyeem Holmes: 9 rebounds, 2 blocks
* Anthony Ferranti: 4 rebounds, 1 steal
* Jordan Haven: 4 rebounds, 1 steal
* Patrick Goodman: 2 rebounds
* Ben Irwin: 2 rebounds

Blue's offense sputters in loss to Oneonta

The Binghamton 5/6 Blue squad lost to Oneonta-6 Friday night at the Binghamton YMCA, 45-29. After running out to a 14-3 first-quarter lead, Binghamton's offense went away, as Blue scored just 15 points in the remaining three quarters, combined.

Binghamton, which led 22-18 at halftime, scored the first basket of the third quarter. From there, Oneonta went on a 15-0 run to end the period. Oneonta led 35-25 after three.

Blue got to within 6 points in the fourth quarter, but Oneonta staged another run (10-0) to end the contest.

Oneonta 45, Binghamton 29
Oneonta-6...........3 - 15 - 17 - 10 -- 45
Binghamton 5/6.......14 - 8 - 3 - 4 -- 29

Stats:
* Sarbast Doski: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 4 blocks, 1 steal
* Andre Hawkins: 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Nicky Snyder: 4 points, 7 rebounds
* Isiah Turner: 3 points, 4 rebounds
* Nate Gaster: 2 points, 3 rebounds
* Kyeem Holmes: 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 block
* Daenon Davy: 1 rebound, 1 steal

Blue stages furious comeback, falls just short

On Thursday night at Roosevelt Elementary, the Binghamton 5/6 Blue squad found itself 20 points in the hole during the second quarter to a well balanced Athens-6 team. But Binghamton came all the way back to grab a 1-point lead with under two minutes to play. However, Blue fell just short of pulling off the dramatic comeback win, falling to Athens 56-53 in a thriller.

Down 34-14 late in the second, Binghamton Blue scored the last two baskets of the first half and went into intermission facing a 34-18 deficit. The second half yielded a much different effort, however.

To end the third quarter, Blue outscored Athens 10-4 and trailed 42-30 entering the fourth. After trading baskets early in the final quarter, Binghamton trailed 49-34. Then Andre Hawkins caught fire, fueling Binghamton during a 16-0 run.

Hawkins hit one 3-pointer (49-37), followed by a Sarbast Doski inside field goal (49-39). Two more Hawkins treys got it to 49-45, and a Nate Oliva free throw put the deficit at just 3 points (49-46). Hawkins hit a field goal (49-48) then canned two free throws to give Binghamton its first lead (50-49) since midway through the first quarter.

Athens had an answer, though, coming down to convert on an inside feed, regaining the lead, then hitting a free throw to convert the traditional 3-point play (52-50, Athens). Binghamton couldn't score on its next possession, and Athens added to its lead (54-50).

But Binghamton wasn't finished. Hawkins hit his fifth 3-pointer of the night to draw within 54-53 with 8 seconds left in regulation. Blue was forced to foul and Athens hit both its free throws (56-53) with 5.9 seconds to go.

Blue inbounded and brought the ball to half court before calling a time out with a little more than 3 seconds remaining. Nick Snyder inbounded the ball at midcourt to Hawkins, near the top of the 3-point arc. Hawkins was able to get off a shot with about 1.5 seconds left, but an Athens defender got a hand on the ball to end the contest.

Athens 56, Binghamton 53
Athens-6...................16 - 18 - 8 - 14 -- 56
Binghamton 5/6.......10 - 8 - 12 - 20 -- 53

Stats:
* Andre Hawkins: 25 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block (five 3-pointers) (2-for-2 on free throws)
* Sarbast Doski: 18 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks, 4 steals (2-for-7 on free throws) (fouled out)
* Nicky Snyder: 4 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal
* Nate Gaster: 4 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks
* Isiah Turner: 1 point, 4 rebounds, 1 block (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Nate Oliva: 1 point, 2 blocks, 1 steal (1-for-2 on free throws)
* Zion Burwell: 3 steals, 1 rebound
* Roberto Jensen: 2 steals, 1 rebound
* Kyeem Holmes: 1 rebound

In a game earlier this week (Tuesday at Roosevelt), the Binghamton 4/5 team played a very competitive contest against Maine-Endwell 5/6 Gold, falling to the squad from M-E, 45-42.

Stats:
* Anthony Ferranti: 9 points
* Kyeem Holmes: 8 points
* Nate Gaster: 8 points
* Garrett Alapeck: 6 points
* Austin Becker-Harris: 4 points
* Casey Walsh: 4 points
* Jonah Chambers: 3 points

Different week, different result v. Endicott

One week ago, the Binghamton 4/5 team led Endicott-5 at halftime 14-11 before the Endicott team outscored the home squad in the second half, 34-11, to get a 45-25 win.

Monday night, though, Binghamton 4/5 built a 23-13 halftime lead and through the third quarter, stretched the margin to 38-21 before grabbing the victory, 48-40.

Binghamton took an early 8-0 lead on two field goals apiece from Kyeem Holmes and Anthony Ferranti. Austin Becker-Harris and Nate Gaster each scored two baskets, while Garrett Alapeck added one in the second quarter to give 4/5 its 10-point lead at intermission. In the third, Binghamton outscored Endicott 15-8 to lead heading into the fourth, 38-21, then fought off a pressing Endicott team down the stretch.

Monday, January 26:
Endicott 45, Binghamton 25
Endicott-5...................5 - 6 - 18 - 16 -- 45
Binghamton 4/5.........7 - 7 - 7 - 4 -- 25

Monday, February 2
Binghamton 48, Endicott 40
Endicott-5..................8 - 5 - 8 - 19 -- 40
Binghamton 4/5.....13 - 10 - 15 - 10 -- 48

Stats:
* Nate Gaster: 18 points, 22 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block (2-for-4 on free throws)
* Kyeem Holmes: 8 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocked shots
* Anthony Ferranti: 8 points, 6 rebounds (0-for-2 on free throws)
* Austin Becker-Harris: 6 points, 1 steal (0-for-1 on free throws)
* Garrett Alapeck: 4 points, 4 rebounds
* Jonah Chambers: 2 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal
* Suehaidee Masso: 2 rebounds, 1 steal

4/5 squad tops Whitney Point again

The Binghamton 4/5 squad traveled to Whitney Point on Saturday afternoon for a rematch of the game earlier in the week, which Binghamton won 44-29. This time, playing with just six players attending, Binghamton came away with a 47-34 victory.

Binghamton led by 9 points at halftime and extended that lead to 14 through the third quarter, even as three of the six players worked through substitutions with foul trouble. Still, Binghamton's lead stayed consistently in the 10- to 14-point range in the second half, with Whitney Point cutting it to 8 points just once midway through the third.

Guards Jonah Chambers, Casey Walsh, Garrett Alapeck and Roberto Jensen combined for 20 points and 10 steals, while forwards Kyeem Holmes and Nate Gaster owned the boards, collecting a combined 40 rebounds.

Binghamton 47, Whitney Point 34
Binghamton 4/5.........14 - 10 - 14 - 9 -- 47
Whitney Point-5...........7 - 8 - 9 - 10 -- 34

Stats:
* Nate Gaster: 21 points, 27 rebounds, 2 steals (3-for-7 on free throws)
* Garrett Alapeck: 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal
* Kyeem Holmes: 6 points, 13 rebounds, 6 steals, 2 blocks
* Jonah Chambers: 6 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block (2-for-7 on free throws)
* Casey Walsh: 4 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 blocks
* Roberto Jensen: 2 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals (2-for-4 on free throws)

The Binghamton 5/6 Blue squad had a less successful outing on Friday night at Roosevelt. Not much to report on that one, as Endicott-6 started fast and ended the same way, beating the 5/6 squad 75-32.

Stats:
* Sarbast Doski: 10 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 blocks (2 3-pointers)
* Andre Hawkins: 7 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals (2 3-pointers)
* Nicky Snyder: 5 points, 6 rebounds
* Roberto Jensen: 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal
* Nate Gaster: 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal
* Isiah Turner: 2 points, 1 rebound
* Nate Oliva: 2 points, 1 rebound
* Daenon Davy: 3 rebounds, 1 steal
* Zion Burwell: 2 rebounds