Honesdale Biddy Basketball Association closes out another successful season
HONESDALE — The 2022-23 Honesdale Biddy Basketball Association campaign came to an official close Tuesday evening with the annual awards banquet and pizza party.
This much-anticipated event was once again hosted by Lakeside Elementary School where all practices and games are traditionally held. It was a positive upbeat gathering, a fitting conclusion to a successful season.
“This past season has been very memorable,” said league spokesman AG Howell. “The support from parents and volunteers has been overwhelming.
“After one year off, and a modified season last year, it seems the fun, enthusiasm and excitement returned returned stronger than before.
“We have a great group of coaches who lead the way all season. Everyone involved with biddy basketball wants to thank our community for its support.”
Junior Division
The Cavaliers put the finishing touches on a sensational season by winning the Junior Division championship.
Under the direction of Head Coach Matt Smith, the Cavs went undefeated during the regular season. That sterling 7-0 mark earned them the top playoff seed and a semifinal match-up with the Rockets.
This contest was nip and tuck from start to finish. However, thanks in large part to a big game from Calvin Krupa, the Cavs held on for a razor-thin 13-11 victory.
Krupa rattled the rims for a game-high eight points. He was aided and abetted by teammates Weston Gillow (three pts) and Ben Masucci (two pts).
Mason Diehl and Cosmas Bateman paced a balanced Rockets attack with four points apiece. Garner Schweighofer and Nathan Mackle also found their way into the scorebook in a losing effort.
The Falcons punched their ticket for the Junior Division title tile via an impressive win in the other semifinal.
Using a lethal combination of timely scoring and relentless defense, the Falcons powered their way to a 17-4 decision over the Hornets.
JW Rickard and Andrew Jos led the way, each tickling the twine for six points. Ryan Curtis, Isaiah Vargas and Kyle Mander rounded out the Falcons scoring with a basket each.
Cagney Hamill (three pts) and Aven Hafler (one pt) rounded out the Hornets scoring.
This year’s Junior Division championship game took place Sunday afternoon before a big crowd at Lakeside.
Krupa once again proved to be the difference in the title tilt. The talented young cager erupted for a game-high eight points in leading his Cavs so a 16-9 triumph over the Falcons.
Weston Gillow and Joey Carlson each contributed three to the Cavalier cause, while Ben Masucci added two.
Vargas led the way for the Falcons with four points. Andrew Jos and Kyle Mander tallied a bucket apiece, while JW Rickard knocked down one free throw.
Senior Division
The 2022-23 Biddy hoops season closed out in the best way possible: With an epic championship game between the Senior Division’s top two teams.
With Jay Montgomery and Brian Tirney calling the shots, the Bulls outlasted the Cardinals to capture the crown. But, let’s set the stage first…
The Bulls suffered just one loss during the regular season and claimed the tourney’s top seed. They then qualified for the finals via a 24-16 win over the Blazers in the semis.
Willem McElroy was top gun for the victors with a game-high 10 points. Sam Tirney and Jack Montgomery each tallied six, while Kevin McElroy added two.
Mason Diehl, Dan Hiller and Jordan Verona paced the Blazers assault with four points each. Nathan Burke and Jake D’Albora chipped in with two apiece.
The Cardinals earned their place in this year’s Senior Division final by posting a hard-fought 26-23 win over the Frogs.
Levi Murray led his team to victory, slashing his way to a game-high 10 points. CJ Stinavage netted six key points, while Tyler Garing (four pts), Matt Schupper (four pts) and Caven Brady (two pts) also lit up the scoreboard.
Jesse Meagher and Ayden Gager provided a potent 1-2 punch for the Frogs with five points apiece. Keegan Pender and James Ramirez netted four each, while Blake Martin (three pts) and Alexander Mills (two pts) contributed as well.
This set up a Senior Division grand finale that local fans won’t soon forget.
The epic battle between the Bulls and Cardinals see-sawed back and forth from opening tip to final buzzer. Neither team led by more than four points throughout a contest that lasted nearly two hours and spanned four overtime periods.
In the end, the Bulls prevailed at last, posting an unforgettable 31-29 victory.
Sam Tirney rose to the occasion in this one, pouring in a game-high 14 points before finally fouling out. Nathan Aquino tallied seven, while Willem and Kevin McElroy each chipped in with four.
Levi Murray kept the Cards close with a team-best eight points. Caven Brady added seven, while CJ Stinavage netted six and Matt Schupper had four.
Awards and accolades
In addition to crowning division champions, Biddy Basketball officials also handed out a trio of individual awards.
Brody O’Neill of the Bullets took home this year’s trophy as winner of the Junior Division free throw shooting contest. Harvey Waugh Jr. of the Hawks copped the Senior Division crown.
These annual events are held in honor of the late Ed Martin Sr. who was one of Biddy Basketball’s founders in Honesdale.
This season’s final award was presented to Sam Tirney for his outstanding play and sportsmanship. It is handed out each year in memory of Kelley Lalley.
“Kelley is deeply missed by everyone,” Howell said. “His presence and mentorship still guides our league to be run the right way.”
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Honesdale Biddy Basketball Association closes out successful season
