With everything on the line, both teams came out with an emphasis on defense. The first point was scored 1:30 into the game with Matt Droney making a free throw for Olean. Once the scoring was opened, it was fast and frequent from both sides.

Olean was first to establish their presence bringing them an early 8-3 lead. Fredonia, energized by their electric student section started to find their scoring touch.

“The home crowd is huge,” said Fredonia head coach Nick Bertrando. “It’s one of those things that makes playing at Fredonia very special in a sense that our fans are second to none. They come out in full support. They do a very good job of giving us a distinct advantage. Playing at home that helps immensely, as far as energy and confidence.”

The Hillbillies received offense from five different players in the first quarter, including 3-pointers from Alec Schrader and Tyler Putney. After one quarter of the play it was all tied, 14-14.

OBSERVER Photos by Ron Szot Pictured left, Fredonia’s Alec Schrader (20) defends Olean’s Mike Schmidt during a basketball game at Fredonia High School on Thursday.

Frustrated by the relentless ‘Billies offense, Olean made some early mistakes including three offensive fouls. Fredonia capitalized on the turnovers by Olean, helping them jump to an early lead. Fredonia found success from long range as Putney stayed hot, hitting two 3-pointers in the second quarter.

The second quarter saw few second chance opportunities as both teams grabbed defensive rebounds. Fredonia’s Brayden Myers had eight defensive boards and nine in total, while Nick Whitfield and Nate Shuart chipped in seven and five defensive rebounds, respectively. Fredonia outplayed and outscored top ranked Olean in the second quarter, 11-8.

“I’m extremely proud of my guys,” said Coach Bertrando. “We gave them everything we got. Undefeated team, a team that’s already wrapped up the league title, a team that according to New York State Sports Writers is number one in the state.”

At half it was Fredonia leading, 25-22.

After getting outplayed in the first half, top-ranked Olean came out like a different team to start the third quarter. Olean captain Mike Schmidt hit 3-pointers on back to back possessions. Olean began heating up, powered by their two stars in Schmidt and Droney, the Huskies appeared to be in the drivers seat. The duo combined for all 17 of the Huskies points in the quarter.

Despite the awakening of the Huskies top players, Fredonia kept pace with them. The Hillbillies continued to get support from everyone as Myers and Ka’Rim Levens chipped in 3-pointers. Headed to the fourth quarter Fredonia trailed by just five, 39-35.

Mirroring their third quarter, Olean started the fourth by hitting a 3-pointer from Jack Dwaileebe. The rest of the starting crew from Olean began to find the basket as they soon established their first double-digit lead of the game. Finishing off a 10 point run from the end of the third, Olean had the ‘Billies on their heels forcing a timeout.

Fredonia’s Tyler Putney hit his fourth 3-pointer after the timeout, making Olean realize a win in Fredonia wasn’t going to be easy. Putney had a team high 13 points for Fredonia and Nate Shuart was second with nine.

Olean (20-0) was up to the challenge, finishing hot in the fourth quarter. The Huskies maintained the double-digit lead, ultimately winning 59-49, completing the perfect regular season. The Huskies were led by Matt Droney with 27 points and Mike Schmidt with 10.

“Obviously this is the last game of the regular season,” said Coach Bertrando. “We now need to continue to build on. We need to continue with this momentum and hopefully play with this type of energy, this type of precision. Moving forward we’re going to be a tough team, a tough out.”

Fredonia finished the regular season (12-8, 8-4) and will start their playoff run next wednesday when they travel up to Depew.