By David Yarger
Tribune Editor
On Saturday afternoon, local high school basketball talent stormed into Niagara Falls High School for the annual PAL/ACE all-star games. The day of basketball included a freshman/sophomore game, as well as a junior/senior game. Each team, for both games, included a mix of the classes. Attendees who showed paid $5 for a ticket and all proceeds earned were donated to the Niagara Police Athletic League.
In the freshman/sophomore game, the East squad coached by Niagara Falls JV coach Brent Gadacz defeated the West squad, 95-72. The East was led by player of the game Williamsville South's Mike DiGiulio with a game high 26 points, as well as Niagara Falls sophomore Taylor Sanders, who dropped 24 points, including five 3-pointers. Joey Palka of Niagara Falls and Torian Wallace also chipped in 11 points apiece.
For the West, player of the game and Niagara Catholic guard Avion Harris led the way with 23 points and North Tonawanda sophomore Dante Moultrie chipped in 13. Henry Smith of Cardinal O'Hara also dropped 11 points, including three 3-pointers.
In the junior/senior game, the North squad coached by Niagara-Wheatfield's Erik O'Bryan defeated the South squad, 90-83. The North was led by Buffalo East's Willard Anderson, who scored 16 points on his way to player of the game honors. As every player on the roster scored, the team was also led by Niagara Falls junior guard Josiah Harris who dropped 15 points, including three 3-pointers. Also, for the North, Torree Cheatham of Lockport added 11 points, and Gary Marshall of Oracle and Davon Ware of N-W added 10 apiece.
For the South squad, West Seneca East's Zamari Mitchell earned player of the game honors with a game high 24 points, including six 3-pointers. Also, for the South, Nichols' Chris Stineman added 12 points, and Jayden Gulledge of CSAT and Devon Darrell of Lockport chipped in 9 points apiece.
From left, Willard Anderson of Buffalo East and Zamari Mitchell of West Seneca East receive their player of the game honoree plaques.
Cam Sionko, left, and his brother, Logan, pose for a photo following the PAL/ACE all-star games. Cam represented Grand Island in the junior/senior game, while Logan represented the Vikings in the freshman/sophomore game.
Logan Sionko and Trevor Knight of Grand Island pose for a photo following the freshman/sophomore all-star game.
Trent Scott of Lewiston-Porter poses for a photo following the junior/senior all-star game. Scott chipped in 7 points in the North victory.
Niagara-Wheatfield's Davon Ware, left, and Falcons coach Erik O'Bryan pose for a photo following the junior/senior all-star game.
North Tonawanda was represented well in the freshman/sophomore game, as Noah Fox-Stoddard, left, and Dante Moultrie pose for a photo following the game.
