OBSERVER Staff Reports

BROCTON — The Brocton Bulldogs fell in a close matchup with Cassadaga Valley in CCAA Division 2 West boys basketball, 46-43, on Friday night.

On Brocton’s Senior Night, the Bulldogs played one of the most exciting games under first year coach Aaron Riforgiato. Despite trailing by double digits, Brocton (1-17, 0-11) battled back and had a chance to tie the game with a three on the final possession. However, Brocton was unable to get a shot off and fell to the Cougars in the final home game of the year for the Bulldogs.

“Our guys played their hearts out battling back,” said Riforgiato.

Hunter Rizzo scored six of his 12 points in the third quarter to start the comeback attempt, while Ronald “Bubba” Brown scored eight of his team-high 16 points in the fourth quarter. Brown added a team-high 13 rebounds and five steals.

Brocton fell behind early, highlighted by foul trouble and poor shooting. The Bulldogs had nine fouls in the first half and struggled to score at the beginning of the game.

“With it being Senior Night, we came out with a lot of energy … we were using our energy, just not on scoring” said Riforgiato.

Cassadaga Valley (7-11, 3-8) was led by David Peterson with 17 points, while Connor Crabtree had 14 points of his own.

Brocton looks to end the season on a high note, as the Bulldogs travel to Sherman on Tuesday and finish at Cattaraugus/Little Valley on Thursday, the final day of the regular season. Brocton’s lone win on the season came against Cattaraugus/Little Valley, 58-38, on Dec. 21.

“Our record won’t show it, but we’ve come a long way,” said Riforgiato.

Schmidt, Huskies have a day against Chautauqua Lake

MAYVILLE — Mike Schmidt scored 16 points in the second quarter as Olean (10-0, 17-1) opened up a 34-25 halftime lead en route to a 70-46 win over Chautauqua Lake (5-5, 12-7) in CCAA Division 1 West action, Friday.

Alex Weakfall and Jake Dwaileebe each added 12 points for the Huskies (17-1, 10-0), in a result overshadowed by the Thunderbirds’ Trey Sauerland suffering a serious leg injury with 3:37 left in the second quarter.

Schmidt made three 3-pointers on his way to a game-high of 25 points.

Devin Pope had 16 points for Chautauqua Lake (12-7, 5-5) to bring his five-year varsity total to 1,950. The Thunderbirds next travel to Southwestern on Tuesday night.

Nate Adams grabbed 10 rebounds in the loss.