Battle at the Border' comes to Niagara Falls

4 American and 4 Canadian high school basketball teams coming to showcase talent

By David Yarger

On Saturday, Feb. 4, Niagara Falls High School will host the "Battle at the Border," consisting of four American high school basketball teams facing four Canadian high school teams.

The action at the "Wolvearena" begins at 1 p.m. with St. Joseph Collegiate Institute facing off against Notre Dame Welland from Canada. Notre Dame is led by Kyle Cooper, who leads the team in scoring and rebounding.

The second game will feature the Niagara-Wheatfield Falcons facing St. Francis High School at 2:30 p.m. The youth of the Falcons will be tested versus St. Francis' Jack Riddell and Sam Brathwaite, who stand at 6'0 and 6'3, respectively.

The third game, at 4 p.m., will showcase the defending New York state champions, Aquinas High School, going against St. Paul's High School. Due to transfers, Paul's lost two of its best players and could have a tough time with 6'2 guard Jalen Pickett, who leads Aquinas with 19 points per game.

The final game of the battle will see the hometown Niagara Falls Wolverines facing Sir Allan MacNab. The two teams met nearly three years ago at the "Wolvearena." MacNab is coming in with a young roster, consisting of seven sophomores and three freshmen.

The games will give each team a chance to get exposure playing squads from a different country and also facing highly talented players.

Concessions will be available. The cost of admission for the games is $5.