All Leader Spring 2011 by The Leader

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION | ERIC WENSEL

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All-Leader Spring Sports | Saturday, June 25, 2011

Great White Goalie leads seven Hawks on first team BY BOB BENZ

rbenz@the-leader.com

In their inaugural season as a merged program, the Corning Hawks were unable to bring home the sectional hardware in Class A. But for what it’s worth, the Hawks lost a close championship game to an Ithaca team that ended up falling in overtime with the state title at stake. So it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that seven Corning Hawks earned All-Leader firstteam honors in 2011. Bath Haverling – which advanced to its first sectional final in the program’s history – boasted a pair All-Leader firstteam selections. Leading the way individually was Corning goalie Tyler White, who was named The Leader’s Player of the Year in boys lacrosse. The following is the 2011 All-Leader boys

lacrosse team as assembled by The Leader staff in conjunction with area coaches.

TYLER WHITE Sr., goalie, Corning

When White was on – so too were the Corning Hawks. Fortunately for Corning, White was often at the top of his game, helping the Hawks to a 143 season. The only team that beat Corning in 2011 was Ithaca, which fell in overtime in the Class A state championship game. A four-year starter in goal, White made 142 saves as a senior and boasted an impressive 66 percent save percentage. He also scooped up 19 groundballs. “For large periods of time during the season, he was just a wall for us,” Corning head coach Bob Streeten said. “When he was on, it really

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Ben Dunlavey scored 49 goals for Corning this season. changed our entire team. I don’t know if we ever had a bad game when Tyler had a good game. And I think he was certainly a pivotal guy for us in all four years.” A high school All-American and all-league selection in Section IV, White – Corning’s defensive field general – got the nod as The Leader’s Player of the Year in boys lacrosse. Scoring proved most difficult against White and he made major strides when it came to clearing the ball. “ Ty l e r ’s ball-stopping ability was probably his strength over his four-year career,” Streeten said. “That was probably his biggest asset. His clearing improved and I thought the way he cleared the ball in the third Ithaca game was outstanding and was a huge reason why we had a one-goal lead going into the fourth quarter.”

NOLAN DIIORIO Jr., defense, Corning

It didn’t take Streeten long to realize he had a special talent on his hands in DiIorio, who played against Streeten prior to the sports merger.

Streeten soon learned first hand that DiIorio was his team’s top one-on-one defender, who regularly drew the opposition’s top offensive player. “I wish we could clone this young man,” Streeten said. “I think he really studies the player he plays against and he is almost always better against the guy in the fourth quarter than he was in the first quarter. ” And the scary part about that is the fact DiIorio usually shut down the player he was defending in the first quarter. DiIorio picked up 22 groundballs on the season and was a Section IV, Division I first-team selection on defense. “I think as he continues to develop, he’s going to be one of the better defensemen we’ve had – at least that I’ve coached,” Streeten said.

B EN DUNLAVEY Sr., attack, Corning

You’ve probably heard the cliche about a player who doubles as a coach on the field. And while Dunlavey most certainly exhibited those important leadership qualities, he did so much more for the Hawks in

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2011. Dunlavey led Corning’s potent offense with 49 goals and his 17 assists helped him top all teammates with 63 points. He also led the team with 41 groundballs, serving as testimony to his willingness to do the dirty work for the betterment of the team. As far as keeping his teammates in check on the field, Dunlavey called Corning’s offensive sets and helped direct traffic. Some of Dunlavey’s biggest games came against Corning’s best competition. He played a huge role In Corning’s seasonopening victory against Long Island-power Northport. In addition, he scored five goals in an early-season loss to eventual Class A state runner-up Ithaca. “I think the one thing you could always count on with Ben is he always played hard and he always played in a way that you knew he really cared about what was going on with the team and what happens,” Streeten said. A Section IV, Division I first-

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team selection, Dunlavey was chosen to play in the NorthSouth All-American game.

dous determination throughout the season and was a huge factor in our defense,” Streeten said.

M IKE MARTUSCELLO Sr., defensive midfield, Corning

BRADEN MCDONALD Sr., midfield, Corning

There aren’t many players who show the sort of resiliency that Martuscello exhibits on the lacrosse field. “Michael was one of the few defensemen that I’ve had over the years, who no matter what happened – if he fell down, if he got knocked down, if he got beat – he would chase the guy,” Streeten said. “As long as the guy had the ball and hadn’t scored a goal, he was on that guy’s tail.” Named to the Section IV, Division I first team as a defensive midfielder in 2011, Martuscello showed off a knack for picking up groundballs. He finished the season with 32 groundballs. As the season wore on, Martuscello was often assigned to the opposition’s top midfielder. “Michael just showed tremen-

Although McDonald’s season stats don’t exactly jump out at you, he provided numerous intangibles that played a key role in Corning’s 14-3 season. Despite being hampered by a leg injury early in the season, McDonald was a groundball magnet, picking up 31. McDonald also finished with 10 goals and three assists on the season. Two of his goals came in Corning’s sectional championship game loss to Ithaca, which advanced to the Class A state title game, before losing in overtime. “He finished his last high school lacrosse game with an outstanding game offensively against Ithaca,” Streeten said. “He was a huge factor in us being able to hold the lead for three quarters against Ithaca.”

Page 4 | McDonald was a Section IV, Division I first-team selection at midfield. “He really developed offensively as the season went along,” Streeten said. “I think he’s going to be a really solid college lacrosse player, too.”

ALEX PERRY Sr., defense, Corning

Perry – a Corning West guy – made quite a first impression on former Corning East coach Bob Streeten when the freshlymerged Hawks got together at summer team camp. “I distinctly remember hearing two voices calling out the defense and who was supposed to go where,” Streeten recalled. “One was Tyler White and the other one was Alex Perry. That was without a doubt a huge factor and as time went on, we saw his ability to focus on where people were supposed to go.” Perry helped direct traffic on defense and took care of a lot of the little things that helped Corning post a 14-3 record in 2011. Perry finished the season with 39 groundballs, which ranked second on the team. Known for his intelligence both on and off the field, Perry was named an Academic AllAmerican and was also a Section IV, Division I first-team selection. “He was definitely someone who I thought really helped our defense under Chris Hogue to really jell and play together,” Streeten said.

All-Leader Spring Sports | Saturday, June 25, 2011

RYAN RATHBUN

teammates on offense or where to position himself to best create havoc at the defensive end. “He has unbelievable field vision, which transfers over from the basketball court,” DiDomineck said. “Nick did it in soccer, basketball and lacrosse. The field vision that Nick has is awesome. Not only as an offensive player, but also as a defensive player. He had a lot of pickoffs throughout the years. Picking off that pass at point-blank range.” Rossi also possesses a blazing outside shot that kept defenders on their toes. “His shots from the outside are what doomed Aquinas in our second game, which led to us to get a better seed (in sectionals) and an easier route to the finals,” DiDomineck said.

Sr., midfield, Horseheads

A Section IV, Division I firstteam selection at midfield, Rathbun possessed the attributes that every coach longs for – blazing speed and tremendous strength. “He’s just a pure physical dominant player,” Horseheads head coach Pete Cook said. “He played at both ends of the field offense and defense and on faceoffs. He’s big and strong. Most teams would try to gear their defense around stopping him.” Still, most teams couldn’t stop Rathbun, who proved to be one of the Blue Raiders’ most lethal scorers.

ZACH REED Sr., attack, Bath Haverling

In the two seasons prior to beginning his varsity career at Bath Haverling, the Rams had a combined record of 0-40. When Reed joined the varsity squad as a freshman, he was named a league all-star, helping the Rams to a 10-9 record. He was all-league again as a sophomore and the team boasted an identical 10-9 mark. Reed received his third all-league honor during Bath’s 9-9 season in 2010. In 2011, Reed earned AllAmerican status and was named Section V Lacrosse Sportsman of the Year, among a laundry list of honors. As for the Reed-led Rams?

RYAN SCHWARTZ Sr., attack, Corning

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Bath Haverling’s Zach Reed scored 48 goals and 60 assists. Bath captured its first GRALL title and advanced to the sectional finals for the first time in the program’s history and finished the season with a record of 14-3. “He’s the catalyst that changed this program around,” Bath head coach Ken DiDomineck said. “You could say he’s the key cornerstone.”

Reed showed off pinpoint accuracy in passing and led Section V in assists in each of the past two seasons. R e e d ’s eye-popping scoring totals included 48 goals and 60 assists for 108 points. In one season. He finished his four-year career at Bath with 168 goals and 212 assists for 380 points. “When he makes a pass, he’ll hit that guy right in the stick,” DiDomineck said. “That pass is going to be there. That guy who’s getting ready to shoot, he doesn’t have to move his stick very much.”

NICK ROSSI Sr., midfield, Bath Haverling

Few players in the area saw the field as vividly as Rossi. An All-GRALL first-team selection and member of the Section V, Class C all-tournament team, Rossi finished a brilliant career at Bath with 46 goals and 29 assists. Whether on offense or defense, Rossi always had a keen understanding of just where to find his

One of the top pure scorers in Section IV, Schwartz was a key cog in Corning’s 14-3 season in 2011. A Section IV, Division I firstteam selection, Schwartz netted 37 goals and dished out 21 assists as a senior. A very good all-around athlete and solid rider for the Hawks, Schwartz showed off capable offensive dodging ability from the left wing. “Ryan had a very good season for us as an attackman,” Streeten said. “We knew we were in for a good game when Ryan was hitting his shots. That was usually an indication of a game where we were going to be successful.”

Honorable mention Mike Arnold, Horseheads, Jr. defensive midfield Kyle Clarkson, Corning, Jr. attack Jordan Frysinger, Corning, Sr. midfield Brian Gable, Bath Haverling, Sr. midfield Tyler Hutcheson, Bath Haverling, Sr. defense Trevor Lang, Bath Haverling, Jr. defense Zach Moore, Corning, Jr. defense

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Frysinger leads field loaded with champions BY BOB BENZ rbenz@the-leader.com

While the 2011 All-Leader girls lacrosse team drew from just two programs, there certainly was no shortage of topnotch talent to choose from. Consider it a Section IV champion all-star team of sorts, featuring players from Class A champ Corning and the section’s best Class B team in Horseheads. Corning – which swept both regular-season encounters with Horseheads – boasted seven first-team selections, while the Blue Raiders put three on the first team. Leading the way for Corning was junior midfielder M a l l o ry Fry s i n g e r, who tallied a team-high 65 points and earned All-Leader Player of the Year honors. The following is the 2011 AllLeader girls lacrosse team as assembled by The Leader staff in conjunction with area coaches.

MALLORY FRYSINGER Jr., midfield, Corning

No player in Section IV possessed the combination of exceptional skills and versatility that made Frysinger one of the most dynamic players in the area. A U.S. lacrosse All-American and Section IV all-league selection in Class A, Frysinger led the Hawks in scoring and total points as a junior. Frysinger netted a team-best 43 goals

and dished out 22 assists for a team-high 65 points to lead Corning’s high-octane offense. Frysinger’s offensive prowess, draw-control dominance and strong defensive play helped the Corning midfielder earn All-Leader Player of the Year honors. With Frysinger leading the way, Corning breezed through Section IV and captured the Class A title. “She’s a solid all-around player,” Corning coach Kim McNaney said. “On defense, she’s a solid defender. She could play any position, really. She’s really strong on the draw control and won a lot of those for us. Offensively, she understands how to read the other team’s defense and play smart offense.”

M EGHAN ALLEN Sr., defense, Corning

Those who tried to slow down Allen – particularly on the clear – were almost always unsuccessful in doing so. Even Class A perennial state power West Genesee had no luck in doing so. Allen was a major force defensively for Corning and helped the Hawks breeze to a Section IV, Class A title. A Section IV all-league selection in Class A, Allen shut down just about anyone she guarded and even scored from time to time, finishing the season with three goals and two assists. “This year especially, she took charge of our defense,” McNaney

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All-Leader Spring Sports | Saturday, June 25, 2011 tion in Class B and a four-year starter at midfield, Ciccotti finished her senior season with 36 goals and 13 assists. Her and teammate Jess Kallenborn’s ability to be creative on offense was the genesis of many Horseheads goals. “I think her best asset was getting the loose balls in 50-50 situations,” Horseheads coach John Thomas said. “She would come up with things when there were three or four girls from the other team. She would get in there and somehow come up with it and start cradling like a mad-woman.”

WHITNEY CORBY Jr., attack, Corning

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Laura Ciccotti scored 13 goals and assisted on 13 others for Horseheads this season. said. “She’s fast and she could clear the ball up the field. There wasn’t anybody in our league – and even West Genny – that could stop her because she’s just that fast. So on the clear, she really helped us out.”

LAURA CICCOTTI Sr., midfield, Horseheads

When Ciccotti went after a

groundball – even if she was far outnumbered in her pursuit by the opposition – she often found a way to get it and give the Blue Raiders possession. Showing gritty determination, Ciccotti created numerous extra offensive chances for Horseheads as a result of her willingness to battle for groundballs. A first-team all-league selec-

Corby’s play-making abilities helped set her apart as one of the top offensive players in Section IV. Corby finished 2011 with 18 goals and a team-best 31 assists. She was a Section IV all-league selection in Class A for her significant contributions to Corning’s Class A sectional championship season. “She led our offense,” McNaney said. “She was a feeder most of the time. She would get behind the goal and set up our plays and she would kind of control the whole offense. She was smart about when to drive and when to pass.”

MARLEIGH DAVIS Sr., attack, Horseheads

Davis gave the Blue Raiders a luxury not always known in

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Jessica Kallenborn scored 48 goals and assists on 18 others for Horseheads this season. girls lacrosse – a left-handed play-maker. An all-league first-team selection in Class B, Davis finished 2011 with 30 goals and 19 assists and helped diversify Horseheads’ offensive look. Davis helped set the table for the Blue Raiders’ right-handed shooters and played with a relentless style that was rarely matched. “She’s maybe 5-(foot)-1 and her ability to get the ball to people in a crowd or with someone draped all over her was something special,” Thomas said. “She had to move all over the place just to shake herself free and get the ball where it needed to be.”

West merged to form a unified district team in 2011, coaches were faced with the challenge of getting players they once coached against on the same page with new teammates. Gronski played a pivotal role in smoothing the transition for head coach Kim McNaney’s girls lacrosse program. A four-year starter – three of which were at East with McNaney, Gronski helped new teammates from West with new defensive schemes. “ S h e ’s a very, very smart d e f e n d e r,” McNaney said. “And she helped with the transition with the (West) kids to the program.”

KIMMY GRONSKI

Sr., midfield, Horseheads

JESS KALLENBORN Sr., defense, Corning

When once separate programs at Corning East and Corning

Nicknamed Megatron, Kallenborn transformed herself from a three-time all-league

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Honorable mention Caitlin Cavallaro, Corning, Jr. goalie Abbie Clark, Horseheads, So. defense Ashley Huten, Horseheads, Sr. attack Whitney McKay, Corning, Sr. attack Michelle Schwartz, Corning, So. attack

opposing players’ miserable. “She’s just a beast out there,” Thomas said. “It’s not always her skill set that makes her do so well, it’s just her desire and she just kind of out-wills the people she goes against.”

HALEY LUKEFAHR So., midfield, Corning

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Corning’s Haley Lukefahr recorded 54 points this season. defender to one of the most lethal scorers in all of Section IV. In her first season as a midfielder, Kallenborn made quite an impact, netting a team-best 44 goals, while also distributing 18 assists. Kallenborn earned first-team all-league honors in Class B and was named Horseheads’ most outstanding senior female athlete for the entire school year. Kallenborn showed off an ability to make passes in tight spaces and proved herself as a strong finisher. She picked up 25 groundballs and won the draw control 27 times. While she showed some scoring punch, Kallenborn remained a relentless defender, who regularly made the life of

One of head coach Kim McNaney’s most improved players, Lukefahr emerged into an offensive force for the Hawks. Lukefahr was second on the team with 54 points. She notched 33 goals and passed out 21 assists, while earning Section IV all-league honors in Class A. Lukefahr flourished in all aspects of the game with her aggressive play and helped Corning earn a sectional title. “She’s still young, but she’s come a long way from last year to this year,” McNaney said. “Her all-around play – on defense, midfield, offense – sets her apart and she has a really good sense of the game.”

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CORRINA MANDELL

AMELIA MCCAIG

Jr., midfield, Corning

Sr., defense, Corning

A lot of Corning’s success on draw control had to with the presence of Mandell. A Section IV all-league selection in Class A, Mandell tallied 23 goals and four assists, while playing a significant role in adding possessions for the Hawks. “She was good at the circle on draw control,” McNaney said. “She would get in there on defense and try to win the draw control.”

McCaig brought a bevy of knowledge to the Hawks and also helped in getting former West players on the same page with McNaney’s concepts. A four-year starter, McCaig played a big role in bottling up opposing offenses. “Her knowledge of defense and what we expect – it made the transition for the new kids to our philosophy easier,” McNaney said. “She’s quite a bit more aggressive than she was last year.”

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All-Leader Spring Sports | Saturday, June 25, 2011

Lewis’ credentials were impeccable in 2011 BY SHAWN VARGO svargo@the-leader.com

While some softball teams in the area were in rebuilding mode in 2011, Corning and Horseheads made their marks in the STAC West. The Blue Raiders had 10 players earn STAC postseason honors, while Corning had six, including a trio that made the All-Conference team. It’s no surprise then, that the Hawks and Blue Raiders also dominated this season’s AllLeader softball team. And leading the way was Corning’s junior pitcher Quincy Lewis, who not only got the job done on the mound – 155 strikeouts – she also did damage with her bat – three home runs to name just one stat. With that kind of season, Lewis jumped to the top of the list to earn All-Leader Player of the Year honors. The All-Leader team, as chosen by The Leader sports depart-

ment and area coaches, is presented in alphabetical order:

ALEXA ARCHAMBEAULT Jr., Horseheads

A rchambeault was one of Horseheads’ most dangerous hitters in 2011. She batted .455 with 30 hits and 13 RBI. She had four triples and four doubles and scored 14 runs. “Her hitting stands out,” Horseheads head coach Audrey Rijo said. “She’s a good contact hitter and would put the ball in play consistently. “Her speed in the outfield was also a plus.” A rchambeault earned STAC All-Conference honors in the outfield this season.

HAILEY B LENCOWE Fr., Corning

As a freshman, the Hawks’ Hailey Blencowe was an impact

player at bat and in the field. With a bat, Blencowe was second on the team with a .357 batting average. Of Blecowe’s 25 hits, 11 were doubles, which was a team high. She also had a home run and 17 RBI. “She was really solid in her second year at varsity,” Corning head coach Mike Johnston said. “At one stretch at the end of the season, she had a three or four game stretch where she was hitting .717.” With a glove, Blencowe only had three errors while tallying 70 assists. “She got a majority of plays at second base with Quincy being a lefty,” Johnston said.

BRI CHEVALIER Sr., Horseheads

Chevalier was the only senior on the Blue Raiders’ squad and stepped up as a team captain and the team’s cleanup hitter. “She did a nice job at cleanup,” Rijo said. “She made the move after batting sixth or seventh in the order last year.” Chevalier batted .313, with 21 hits and 19 RBI. She had one home run, five doubles and scored 16 runs. Chevalier was named to the All-STAC West team in 2011.

SHANNON GOOD Jr., Horseheads

As a junior, Good was a co-

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Saturday, June 25, 2011 | captain for the Blue Raiders in 2011. She batted .384 with 28 hits, 22 runs and a whopping 29 RBI. Good had three home runs, one triple and six doubles and nine stolen bases. “That’s another one of her assets – her speed,” Rijo said. “She’s the kind of girl that when you need someone to produce, she was right for the situation. She has a great work ethic and the right mindset to produce.” Good had 14 hits and scored 12 runs in STAC play and earned STAC All-Conference honors in the outfield. “Offensively, Good was one of toughest outs in the section,” Johnston said.

B ROOKE HOCKEBORN So., Horseheads

Hockeborn’s numbers in 2011 speak for themselves. She batted .411 with 23 hits, including five doubles and one triple. She drove in 12 runs and scored 16 on her own. But her biggest asset to the team may have been her speed. “She stole seven bases. She’s speedy – fastest on the team,” Rijo said. “Because of that, she’s also quick to the ball in the outfield.” Hockeborn earned All-STAC

West honors as a sophomore.

ELYSSA LEBARON Jr., Corning

Many baseball fans think that Ricky Henderson was the quintisensial leadoff batter. Speedy yes, but with the power to open a game with a home run, too. That’s exactly what Corning shortstop Elyssa LeBaron brings to the table as the Hawks’ leadoff batter. LeBaron led the Hawks with team highs in batting average (.371) and on-base percentage (.470). Add to the mix team highs in hits (26), runs scored (31), triples (3), home runs (5), RBIs (18) and stolen bases (35). To put her stolen bases in perspective, LeBaron stole more bases than Corning’s next four base-stealers – combined. “Her speed is incredible. I’ve never had someone this fast that had her understanding of the game,” Johnston said. “It’s almost automatic when she got on base, that she’d steal. “But she’s also somebody that gets on base and can hit for power. Two of her five home runs were first-pitch home runs.” For her effort, LeBaron earned STAC All-Conference All-Star status at shortstop.

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Bri Chevalier stepped up for Horseheads this season.

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Spring Sports | Saturday, June 25, 2011 QUINCY LEWIS Jr., Corning

After battling injuries in previous seasons, pitcher Quincy Lewis stayed strong and pitched every inning for the Hawks in 2011. The junior hurler posted a 175 record as a junior. She struck out 155, while walking only 20 and tossed a trio of shutouts – including a perfect game against Ithaca – and maintained an ERA of 1.80. “It’s her work ethic. She battled back from injuries to make herself healthy this year,” Johnston said. Lewis proved to be a threat with a bat, as well. She batted .318 with three home runs and 12 RBI. On the base paths, Lewis stole 11 bases. “It’s nice when you have a pitcher who is a leader on the mound, then hits .318 and three home runs,” Johnston said. “She just exudes confidence.”

B ROOKE OWEN Jr., Horseheads

As Horseheads’ leadoff hitter, Brooke Owen played her role well. She batted .347 with 25 hits, including four doubles. “She did a great job batting leadoff, especially getting on base leading off a game,” Rijo said. Over the season, Owen also scored 20 runs and drove in eight runs. Owen also contributed to the team with her play at shortstop, follwing a move from third base. “She’s a great team player and she plays where we needed her,” Rijo said. “She did a very nice job there this year.” Owen was named to the AllSTAC West team.

CASSIE PALUMBO Sr., Corning

Palumbo was pressed into duty as Corning’s third baseman after one game when Donna McCain was injured. She stepped up so brilliantly, she was named to the STAC AllConference team at third base. “She did a heckuva job there,” Johnston said.

With a bat in her hand, Palumbo batted .324 with 23 hits, one double and two triples. With her speed, she stole nine bases.” “She’s a slapper. She puts great pressure on defense,” Johnston said. “She can hit away and she can lay the ball down.”

N ICOLE SUTRYK Sr., Addison

If the Addison Knights had a barometer in 2011, her name was Nicole Sutryk. The senior captain and pitcher set the bar from the mound, according to Addison head coach Kim Driskell. “If she was on – we were on,” Driskell said. Sutryk often was on, allowing just 67 hits while facing 459 batters. She struck out 167 and only allowed 12 earned runs. She flirted with a pair of nohitters. She took no-nos into the seventh inning in two outings, only to leave the games with one-hitters. Offensivley, she had an on-base percentage of .452. She stole 16 bases, scored 13 runs and drove in 11 for the Knights. “She’s been on varsity since the eighth grade. I think that gave her the experience to settle in,” Driskell said.

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H’heads’ Woolhiser voted the Player of the Year BY CHRIS GILL cmgill@the-leader.com

Weather really screwed things up for high school baseball this season. Diamonds were transformed into something only habitable for the Swamp Thing, scheduling became a game of Jenga and the simple chore of mowing the grass became a laborious task. This, in turn, skewed the numbers across the board. Batting averages were up, runs were down and pitchers could ill afford even one bad outing for fear of a blimp-sized ERA. Despite it all, the boys managed to perform at high levels. Horseheads’ Calvin Woolhiser emerged as the best of the bunch this season. Five seniors depart the AllLeader team this season with one junior and three sophomores who figure to be around a while. The following is the 2011 All-Leader baseball team, assembled by polling coaches:

JEREMY BRENNING Sr., P, Corning

As a result of the combined Corning team, Brenning was asked to take a pitching-only role this season. The results were a stunning upset in sectionals and his first All-Leader berth. One half of Corning’s formidable 1-2 punch on the mound, Brenning posted a 2.91 ERA with 39 strikeouts to 12 walks in 48 innings pitched. With a long windup and explosive release, Brenning baffled hitters all season. “He got better as the game went on, he burned all his energy where it needed to be,” Corning coach John Knapp said. “He’s got a tall leg-lift. He

just went after you – he didn’t care who you were or where you were in the lineup. He worked ahead and had some dominating innings for us.” Most notably a six-hit shutout against top-seeded Ithaca in the sectional semifinals. But clutch performances aren’t luck, they’re earned. “He was a hard worker – we never needed to tell him anything, he was out there working,” Knapp said.

JOSH GRANT Sr., P/OF, Corning

His numbers last year were good enough to make the AllLeader team, and this year on a combined Corning team he improved across the board – by quite a bit. The other half of the Hawks’ 1-2 pitching punch, Grant lowered his ERA to a 2.61 while striking out 32 to nine walks in 34 innings pitched. His assertive throwing on the mound allowed him to become one of the area’s top hurlers. “I saw Josh want to elevate his game. He’s really performed well on the field and in the dugout – he was real leader for the team. He had a great year, he really did,” Knapp said. “He had good

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velocity and a good breaking pitch. His locations were good and he threw strikes. He came right out and tried to get ahead of every batter, and he was successful at it.” He was no slouch at the plate, either, raising his average to .410 with 14 RBI in the No. 3 spot in the lineup. “Clutch hitter. He hit gaps, he hit doubles – he sprayed it all over the field. He adjusted to where he was pitched,” Knapp said.

M IKE JANKOWSKI Sr., SS/3B, Horseheads

How did Jankowski make his

first All-Leader appearance? He hit .420 with 16 RBI, six doubles and a triple from the No. 2 spot, which makes him one of the best hitters in the area. He was also quick on the

basepaths with 12 steals and a senior leader for the Section IV, Class AA champs. Believe it or not, those credentials aren’t the most impressive.

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Corning’s Josh Grant got it done at the plate and on the mound this season. “What’s amazing is, he made one error all year at shortstop,” Horseheads coach Jeff Limoncelli said. “We had the luxury of having an outstanding shortstop, and when Dylan (Manwaring) pitched we didn’t miss a beat. Obviously, your team has a great chance at being successful when that happens.” He also had the luxury of hitting behind the All-Leader Player of the Year, Calvin Woolhiser. “He got see a lot of fastballs, because Woolhiser was a threat to steal,” Limoncelli said. “He’s a great contact hitter.”

ZACH LEBARRON Sr., 1B, Corning

Infielders, watch yourselves. One of the hardest hitters on this year’s team, LeBarron belted three home runs with 15 RBI, but wasn’t a one-dimensional first baseman – he averaged .429 to make the All-Leader first team for the first time. “When Zach put the bat on the ball, you better be ready because it’s coming at you hard,” Knapp said. A big guy, LeBarron was solid

at first – able to dig out or reach for poor throws – and was deadly as the team’s No. 4 hitter. He doesn’t just rely on natural power, he’s honed a swing that takes advantage of his strength. “He just has quick hands and he gets through the zone with power. His mechanics are almost flawless. It makes him a good power hitter,” Knapp said.

DALTON LEWIS So., 2B/SS/P, Addison

Get used to seeing Lewis’ name on the All-Leader team. Making his second appearance as a sophomore, the Knights’ do-it-all guy hit an AllLeader-high .545 with 21 runs, a .493 on-base percentage, 16 walks and four RBI. Once on base, he drove pitchers crazy with 14 steals. “He can hit to all fields and he can hit with power – he can turn on a ball and take it out,” said Addison coach Jahn Greenfield. Oh yeah, he can pitch, too. Lewis had a 3.36 ERA with 40 strikeouts and only 13 hits allowed in seven games this sea-

Saturday, June 25, 2011 |

THE LEADER FILES

Dylan Manwaring was dominant on the mound for Horseheads this season. son. The lefty caught the attention of the opposition, who were in for some bad news. “All the coaches around the league see him play and say, ‘Wow, he’s good. What year is he?’ I tell them he’s a sophomore and they’re like, ‘Oooh,’” Greenfield said.

DYLAN MANWARING So., P, Horseheads

Genetics will get you only so far, the rest is up to the individual. The son of retired Major Leaguer Kirt Manwaring, Dylan was the Blue Raiders’ ace this season and a big reason why the team reached the state quarterfinals. And he never got rattled. “He’s a good talent with a

great arm. He’s so composed, you can’t tell how young he is. He’s pitched a lot of big games,” said Horseheads coach Jeff Limoncelli. “It’s certainly a joy to watch him. You don’t have to worry about him in a big game.” Not when his ERA is 1.93 with 61 strikeouts to just seven walks. Manwaring went 7-0 this season with three shutouts, the most notable of which was in the state regional qualifier where he only pitched to 24 batters. He was valuable at the plate, too, hitting .340 with 12 RBI, seven doubles and a triple to make his first All-Leader appearance.

PETE MCDONNELL Jr., C, Bath Haverling

strong-armed

backstop

All-Leader Spring Sports |

who’s quick to block bad pitches is one way to make the AllLeader team, but it also helps to get some hits, too. McDonnell mastered both sides of the plate in 2011. The Rams’ junior leader bumped his batting average up – way up – from one season ago, hitting at a .435 clip with two homers, 17 RBI, four doubles and a triple. “His biggest improvement was his hitting and he knew how to situation hit. He’s bigger and stronger, throwing the ball better,” said Bath Haverling coach Bob Buckley. A catcher dedicated to his craft, McDonnell was voted as the team MVP, and voted onto his first All-Leader team by being perhaps the most improved player on this year’s squad. “When it was the pitchers count, he could pull the ball or drive the ball. That’s what really impressed me about Peter, he got back to the basics,” Buckley said. “He implemented count hitting very well. He had trouble with up and in and he worked on that. The kid is a workaholic loves baseball, works on it year-round.”

J ESSE SWAN So., C, Campbell-Savona

Nothing got past Swan, literally. It didn’t matter how wild the pitch, Swan was able to snatch it and lead a young group of Panthers in a makeover of Campbell-Savona’s roster. In a rare errorless season,

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Swan never took a day off and proved a building block for seasons to come. “He’s got good coordination, very quick,” said CampbellSavona coach Kurt York. “He can throw down to second in less than two seconds, he has good technique and blocks the plate really well. He’s got a strong arm with a nice smooth release.” Standing at the plate, Swan boasted a .379 average with 20 RBI, seven doubles and 17 runs scored as the Panthers’ No. 3 hitter. In the fall and winter, Swan runs cross country and swims just to stay in form for the spring, which went a long way toward landing on the AllLeader team for the first time. “He’s a smart hitter who can hit and run well and finds the holes really well,” York said. “He’s developing into a great player. He’s very much a linedrive hitter, but shows some pop with his seven doubles.”

CALVIN WOOLHISER Sr., OF, Horseheads

Pitchers, abandon all hope when Woolhiser steps to the plate – the Horseheads’ senior outfielder hit .480 on the season, with one strikeout. He also belted three home runs, seven doubles, scored 22 runs and drove in 15 more. Oh yeah, he did all that from the leadoff spot. “He’s been our catalyst all year, he got so many big hits for us,” Limoncelli said.

Honorable mention Mitchell Allen, So., SS, Campbell-Savona Mitchell Buckley, So., 2B, Bath Haverling Branden Cornish, Sr., P, JasperTroupsburg Brett Dilly, So., P/Util, CampbellSavona Ryan Eckel, So., P/SS, Hammondsport Jacob Meehan, Sr., C, Horseheads B ryce Patterson, Jr., C, Corning Rick Rosekrans, Sr., 3B, Hammondsport Jimmy Tunison, Jr., P, Bath Haverling

Woolhiser was able to get Horseheads’ offense going, and finish it off with the bottom of the lineup setting the table. Situations didn’t matter, he just always came through for the Blue Raiders, who were three wins away from a state title. “ H e ’s a good athlete, he’s able to make adjustments and plays baseball almost yearround,” Limoncelli said. “He’s really honed his skills to where he’s a terrific hitter. He has a knack of finding ways to get a big hit, but hit the two strikes as well.” In the field, he was equally, if not more, effective, making all the catches throws with zero errors to earn Player of the Year honors.

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Spring Sports | Saturday, June 25, 2011

Khrapko tops senior-heavy All-Leader team BY CHRIS GILL

cmgill@the-leader.com

It’s crowded at the top this year. The best teams in 2011 didn ’t just have a couple AllLeader worthy players, they were loaded. Corning, Hammondsport and Horseheads featured the best groups of talent in the area and produced two league and two sectional titles among them. That didn’t leave a lot of room for a variety of school colors. Many of the names are familiar, and making one last hurrah on the team, but the All-Leader Player of the Year came from out of nowhere. Corning’s Artem Khrapko garnered the honor in his first season of varsity tennis.

So, while we bid adieu to some All-Leader stalwarts over the last two or three years, this year’s team also welcomes a new addition.

JAKE FREDERICK Sr., Horseheads

How does the defending Player of the Year get better? He gets smarter. Horseheads’ technician at first singles picked his opponents apart and with some added strength, found a new weapon in his arsenal. “He’s played a lot of kids so he has a great ability to figure out other players’ weaknesses. He can target those weaknesses,” said Horseheads coach Dan Palmer. “He’s gotten THE LEADER FILES

Corning’s Artem Khrapko arrived on the tennis scene and went 9-1 this season. stronger throughout the years, his groundstrokes were stronger.” Frederick went 9-3 in league play this season and reached states for a third straight year. In his varsity career, Frederick has been a rock for the most successful program in the area. Alas, his third straight All-Leader appearance will be his last. “I’ve had a lot of good players, but Jake played singles for three years and went to states all three times. It’s quite a loss,” Palmer said.

CHRIS HALUSZCZAK Sr., Hammondsport

Quick like a cat and clever like a fox, Haluszczak was the top player for a Hammondsport core that won back-to-back sectional crowns and only suffered one loss in 15 outings this season. The Lakers’ senior No. 1 singles player went 14-1 in 2011 with only five set losses. His only loss was to a player two New York State classes higher than his, and as for a legacy, he leaves a big one with 101 wins.

Saturday, June 25, 2011 |

All-Leader Spring Sports |

appearance.

PHIL PATTERSON Sr., Horseheads

The drive to hone one’s craft is one thing, but when you put a pure student in that position, the results can be downright impressive. Patterson went 9-3 at second singles for Horseheads this season, won the Class AA doubles crown with Frederick and reached the state tournament. Had the player with a monster serve not been studying the game, he probably wouldn’t have fared nearly as well. “Phil was just one of the most well-rounded students I’ve ever encountered – he spends a lot of time in the classroom,” Palmer said. “Those skills to bring the all-around knowledge and com-

THE LEADER FILES

Hammondsport’s Chris Haluszczak has been an All-Leader mainstay. “I think he was just very determined this year,” said Hammondsport coach Ami Corell. “He just plays technical tennis, he knows he needs to be tough mentally and his form is just impeccable. And he’s quick, which really helps him.” Boasting an even stronger serve this season, Haluszczak makes his third and final AllLeader appearance.

ARTEM KHRAPKO Fr., Corning

In the first season of a combined team, Corning had a revelation on the court in a freshman who didn’t play varsity tennis one year ago. In his first match for the Hawks, Khrapko defeated the 2010 All-Leader Player of the Year, Jake Frederick, in straight

sets and went on to compile a 91 record and reached the state tournament. Khrapko wasn’t just a breath of fresh air for the program, he was a revelation. “It was huge. He’s a tournament-ranked player and helped out the other kids, no matter what. He had a lot to offer,” said Corning coach Tim Ball. “He’s been playing tennis for a long time. It was just a matter of putting him out there.” A perfectionist on the court, his only defeat was to the defending Section IV, Class AA champ from Vestal and in his nine victories, he only dropped one set all season. As a bonus, Khrapko’s knowledge of the game helped out the newlyformed Hawks. “It made our team that much better,” Ball said. Khrapko was voted the Player of the Year in his first All-Leader

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munication skills are why he’s been a captain for two years.” Patterson makes his third and final All-Leader appearance.

PETER WOODS Sr., Hammondsport

What’s an All-Leader tennis team without a power player? Well, Woods fills that role after going 15-0 with one set loss at third singles for the Lakers this season. He may have had to spend a little more money on strings than his contemporaries, but you can’t argue with results. “Peter is a power player – he hits with so much top spin and force, most of the time his opponents didn’t even return it,” Corell said. “There’s no controlling that when you’re on the receiving end of it. He broke a

Honorable Mention Tyler Condame (So.) and Zach Morley (Sr.), Horseheads Josh Malone, Sr., Hammondsport Ben Massey, Jr., Horseheads Sam Schirmer, Sr., Corning Bob Peers, Sr., Addison

string at least once a week – he wears them right down.” After nursing an injured shoulder last season, Woods came out with vengeance in 2011 – able to use his physical tools to their utmost for a second straight AllLeader appearance. “Part of his advantage is he’s so tall – he’s got such a wingspan on him he can cover the court,” Corell said.

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Spring Sports | Saturday, June 25, 2011

Crimmins goes the distance for Horseheads BY SHAWN VARGO svargo@the-leader.com

The future of area track and field seems to be sitting on a rock-solid foundation by the looks of the 2011 All-Leader track and field team. With only a handful of seniors leaving, many area teams will have two, three or even more years remaining with members of the first team and honorable mention. One of the returners to keep an eye on is Horseheads distance specialist Brian Crimmins. As a junior, Crimmins medaled in the mile at states, improving his time and position from 2010. Crimmins narrowly outfinished one of the seniors – Hammondsport’s Brooke Gordon – for the title of Athlete of the Year for the All-Leader team. Crimmins, and the rest of the All-Leader team, are presented in alphabetical order.

IRELAND ARMSTRONG Fr., Bath Haverling

Just a freshman, but Armstrong holds the Bath school record in the pole vault at 9 feet, 9 inches. Armstrong isn’t just a onetrick pony, as she also did the triple jump and was a part of the 1,600 relay team that placed second at the state qualifying meet.

BRANDON BEDIENT Sr., Cambell-Savona

In his senior season, Bedient was considered the mostimproved athlete on the Campbell-Savona squad. He improved his time in the 110 hurdles by more than three seconds from last season and closed the year by winning the event at the county championships. He also improved his high jump by eight inches and his

pentathlon score by more than 600 points. He finished third at the county meet in the high jump and third at sectionals in the pentathlon.

MEGAN BOUTON So., Campbell-Savona

Megan Bouton was a consistent force for Campbell-Savona this season. She won the high jump at the Wellsville Spring Day Invitational. She also repeated as champion at the Steuben County Meet. She closed the season with a second place finish at Class CC sectionals.

B RIAN CRIMMINS Jr., Horseheads

Over a distance, Horseheads’ Brian Crimmins was hard to beat. Among his top finishes, Crimmins picked up double wins

THE LEADER FILES

Brian Crimmins paced the field in the longdistance events for Horseheads. at the STAC Championships in the 800 meters (1:55.42) and the 1,600 (4:16.74). At sectionals, he added a win in the 1,600 (4:22.85) and a second place in the 800. He followed that up with a first place in the 1,600 at the state qualifier for Div. I (4:19.34) – setting up his trip to CaledoniaMumford for the state meet. There, Crimmins earned a medal when he placed third overall in Div. I as he covered the mile in 4:12.87 – which bettered his eighth place finish of a year ago when he clocked in at 4:14.97. It was a blanket finish at states as he was among a pack of three runners whose times were separated by a mere 0.04 seconds.

LIZA GERWIG Jr., Corning

Gerwig was Corning’s hurdles

Saturday, June 25, 2011 | specialist. She reached the state qualifier in both events and ran second in the 400 hurdles (1:07.76). She also made it to the state qualifier in the 400 relay and 1,600 relay. “Liza is very talented. We could put her in any event on the track and she would probably score for us,” Corning head coach Joe Melanson said.

McCarty’s throw was 48 feet, 4 inches.

C HARMINE PARKS Jr., Bath Haverling

MEGAN GLEASON Sr., Campbell-Savona

In the sport of track and field, school records can topple fairly regularly. But what Megan Gleason did this year does not fall into that category. Gleason not only went out and broke the Panthers’ 11-yearold record in the 3,000 meters – she obliterated it by 25 seconds. She also picked up The Leader’s Athlete of the Week award for her effort.

BROOKE GORDON Sr., Hammondsport

Gordon closed out her senior season in style. Gordon not only became the first Hammondsport track athlete to reach the state meet, she finished with a medal-winning performance. She placed fifth in the Div. II pentathlon – an event she is a four-time sectional champion in. During the regular season, Gordon earned a pentathlon win at the Wellsville Spring Day Invitational. She won the 100 and 400 hurdles at the John Reed Memorial Invite and added a 100 meter win at the Steuben County meet. Gordon ends her career with four school records for the Lakers – pentathlon (2,634), 400 hurdles (1:09.6), 800 (2:30.8), 400 relay (51.8).

M ICHAEL JACKSON Jr., Bath Haverling

As a junior, Bath Haverling’s Michael Jackson proved himself to be the Rams’ go-to guy. Jackson qualified for states in the 800 meters with a schoolrecord time of 1:56.92. He also was the sectional champion in the triple jump (42-11) and added third places in the long

All-Leader Spring Sports |

THE LEADER FILES

Liza Gerwig could compete in just about any event. jump and 400 meters. He was also known to compete in the 100 meters and 200 meters. “He’s the consumate team player,” Bath head coach Brad Ordway said. “He’s always running or jumping in any event the coaching staff has asked of him. Another highlight for Jackson was winning the 400 and 800 meters, as well as the long and triple jumps at the Wellsville Spring Invitational – where he was named the Most Valuable Player.

PETER MCCARTY Sr., Corning

In his final season, McCarty fell just short of going to the state meet when he placed second in the shot put at the Section IV, Div. 1 state qualifier.

A consistent performer in the throwing events, Parks rarely let the Rams down. She currently holds school records in both the shot put (349) and the discus (108-5). “In my opinion, she’s one of the best overall throwers in the LCAA and our area,” Bath head coach Mike Clancy said. Parks closed her season with a fourth place finish in the shot put at the Section V, Div. II state qualifier and an eighth in the discus.

JON PEARL So., Campbell-Savona

Pearl was a Jack of all trades for the Panthers this season, but most of his success came in the steeplechase. Pearl won the county title, as well as the Wellsville Spring Invitational in the steeplechase – setting meet records both times. His sophomore campaign also included a county meet win in the 400 hurdles. His third school record in the 400 hurdles came at the state qualifier when he clocked in at 1:00.49.

HAILEY SMITH Jr., Corning

According to Corning head coach Joe Melanson, junior

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Hailey Smith was one of his goto athletes this spring. Smith was the Section IV, Class A champion in the triple jump this year, and also went to the state qualifying meet in the long jump and as a part of the 400 relay team. “Hailey was relentless this year,” Melanson said. “Each meet, she made it a goal to get better and that’s exactly what she did.”

CARSON TYLER Sr., Campbell-Savona

In his senior season, Tyler was unbeaten in league distance races. His highlights include winning the SCAA championship in the 1,600 and 3,200 meter events. Tyler also set a new school record in the 1,600 with a time of 4:35.58 while winning the Wellsville Spring Invitational. Unfortunately, an injury suffered during the county meet kept him from a run at states.

CULLEN VAUGHN So., Corning

Just a was the Corning the 2011

sophomore, Vaughn only member of the Hawks to advance to state meet.

Vaughn earned the trip by being the top Div. I finisher in the state qualifier with a time of 52.22. “Cullen Vaughn was a pleasant surprise this year,” Corning head coach Joe Melanson said. “During indoor he started to shine and just hasn’t stopped moving forward. “Cullen will be the backbone of what might be a fantastic sprinting group moving forward.”

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Spring Sports | Saturday, June 25, 2011