Published: July 19, 2008 10:50 pm            

HS BASKETBALL: Bradshaw back in the saddle at Lew-Port

NIAGARA FALLS — Two years away from the game was two too many for Matt Bradshaw.

The former Lewiston-Porter boys basketball coach has returned to the sidelines to take over the Lancers girls basketball program. He was officially appointed to the post at Tuesday’s board of education meeting.

Former coach Tina Williams decided to not apply for the job after delivering her first child this past spring.

“I was encouraged by some of the girls and their parents to apply for the position,” Bradshaw said this past week. “I knew I wanted to coach again, but I didn’t know it would be the girls. I’m excited about the opportunity to coach the girls and the challenges that lie ahead.”

Since winning the Class A-2 title in 2005, Lew-Port has posted the worst record in the Niagara Frontier League. That said, Bradshaw believes there’s reason for optimism in the program as most of his best players are still underclassmen.

“We have a long way to go to be on the same level as a Grand Island or Lockport, but you have to start somewhere,” he said. “I’m very encouraged by the early participation this summer from the girls.”

Bradshaw is an assistant track and field coach and previously was the golf coach.

Baker promoted at Wilson

Neighboring Wilson High School will also have a new girls basketball coach this winter. Brian Baker will take over for long-time coach Larry Lash after spending the past three seasons running the junior varsity program.

Baker will inherit a team that is coming off a Niagara-Orleans League championship and returns several key players, including second-team all-area forward Jessica Curry. Also, Baker’s JV team was 19-1 a year ago.

“We have a lot of talent in this program, so I’m looking forward to more success in the future,” Baker said.

Baker is an assistant football coach, as well.

Vandegriff off to Nichols

Two-time all-Niagara-Orleans League forward Connor Vandegriff is headed to Nichols for his final two years of high school. The transfer from Royalton-Hartland to the Buffalo Catholic school was confirmed by his family Saturday at the Niagara Falls High School Team Camp.

Vandegriff suited up for the Vikings during their games against NFHS and Aquinas. He will join an already stellar junior class at Nichols that includes Will Regan, Ron Canestro and Andrew MacKinnon.

Results from NFHS team camp

The host Wolverines performed up to their billing Saturday at the annual Niagara Falls High School Team Camp at the Wolvearena. In game one, NFHS beat Nichols 78-54 behind 29 points and six assists from Kelvin Agee. Kenny Stokes added 19 and Davon Marshall had 15. In their second game, the Wolverines toppled Canisius 79-51 as Marshall had 21 points, Agee added 18, Wayne Ollison chipped in with 12 points and seven assists and Stokes scored 14. The Falls finished its day with a 91-28 win over Holland as Agee had 24, Marshall scored 20, Tai Newsome netted 18, C.J. Cox had 14 and Stokes chipped in with 14 more.

North Tonawanda went 2-0 at the event as well. The Lumberjacks downed Wilson 55-47 in their opener as Aaron Davis scored 21 points. Odane Todd led Wilson with 12. In game two, NT nipped Cardinal O’Hara 47-46 behind 11 points from Vinny Libroia. Andy Tate had 21 for the Hawks.

Harbor Hoopsters, which includes players from throughout Niagara and Erie counties and is coached by Bill Beilein, scored a pair of wins as well. The Hoopsters beat Wilson 81-67 as Robby Seyler scored 23 points. Ethan Baker led the Lakemen with 17. They also downed O’Hara 80-35 as Jonas Stalyga led the way with 23 points. Dan Jackson had 15 for the Hawks.

In other action: St. Joe’s beat Depew 85-59 as Tim Dyrek had 24 points for the Marauders. … Williamsville North clipped St. Joe’s 59-48 despite 17 points from Sean Mulhern. … Alex Baron had 16 as Aquinas beat Canisius 58-49. … Regan scored 19 in a 66-44 Nichols win over Aquinas.

Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.

        

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