Newark boys take Class A title
By Jim Miranda
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After splitting twice during the regular season, the Newark Reds Varsity boys basketball team and the Geneva Panthers knew it would be a war on the court as they battled for the Class A sectional Final at the Blue Cross Arena last night. The Reds squeaked out a 49 - 46 win before four thousand fans.

Newark, coached by Ron Ceravolo, got off to a great first period lead 12-4 early on, and held a 17-8 lead at the end of the first period. But the Panthers came right back, turning the tables and cutting the lead at the half to 25-20. In the third period, the Panthers, coached by Newark resident and former Junior Varsity coach Jay Lauer, came roaring back to take a 31-29 lead at the five minute mark. The Panthers led 37-36 after three periods of play.

In the fourth period, the Reds came back and regained the lead on a three-pointer by Scott Smith. Andre Sanon added another basket and the Reds led 41-37. The Panthers came right back, taking a 44-43 lead with just 3:37 remaining in the game. Dwayne Woolfolk tied the game at 44 with a foul shot. The Reds final points of the night came with just 10.2 seconds remaining as Mychal Wilkes hit two key free throws giving the Reds a 49-46 lead. J.P. Begley's final desperation shot fell short and the Reds recovered the rebound.

Newark was led by Most Valuable Player of the tourney Mychal Wilkes. Making the All Tournament team for the Reds were Andre Sanon and Scott Smith. Wilkes had 13 points for Newark, with Andre Sanon adding 12. Scott Smith added seven. Newark shot 11 of 17 from the foul line with both ballclubs even at the rebounding department with 37 apiece.

Newark improved to 17-5 on the year. The sectional title is the first since 1991 for Newark and the fourth for Coach Ron Ceravolo. Newark will now play this Friday at Buffalo State for the right to play in the final four at Glenns Falls.

(Pick up Friday's print issue of the Courier-Gazette for more coverage.)

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