Silver Creek’s Darren Jimenez (5) drives past Gowanda’s Mason Ruff (25) in Silver Creek’s 101-50 victory at Silver Creek High School on Friday night. OBSERVER Photo by Justin Goetz.

OBSERVER Staff Reports

SILVER CREEK — The Silver Creek Black Knights started the postseason off on the right foot, beating the Gowanda Panthers 101-50 at Silver Creek High School on Friday night in the first round of the Section VI Class C-1 Sectional Playoffs.

While the Panthers kept it tight through the first quarter, trailing just 21-16 after the first frame, the Black Knights pulled away in the second quarter. Silver Creek outscored Gowanda 27-13 in that second frame to enter half time with a 48-29 lead, to which they never looked back.

“They missed a couple free throws to close out the half, and we hit a buzzer beater going into half time to give us that cushion,” said Silver Creek coach Ralph Jackson. “Gowanda played hard and came to play.”

Silver Creek was led by Nate Parker, who scored 24 points with 12 rebounds, while Dominic Jamison scored 21 points with four asssists and four steals. Xyon Wolverton added 13 points, and Spencer Harford had 10 points, 16 rebounds, six assists and six steals.

Silver Creek advances to the next part of the Class C-1 bracket, where they will take on the Tapestry Thunderwolves on Monday, March 2 at Jamestown Community College, slated to start at 6:15 p.m.

North Collins 58, Riverside 50

NORTH COLLINS — The North Collins Eagles broke an extended playoff drought, winning in the first round of the Section VI Class D Sectional Playoffs 58-50 over Riverside. The Eagles hadn’t won a playoff game since 2004, a year in which a handful of the players on their roster wouldn’t have yet been born.

“We earned the right to be here, and we earned the right to play at home,” said North Collins coach Jan Warren. “I’m so happy for Tyler (Robinson) and Christian (Loretto), our seniors.”

While North Collins trailed 9-5 at the end of the first quarter, the Eagles rallied in a huge way in the second, outscoring Riverside 30-14 in the second frame to walk into halftime with a 35-23 lead, from which they never looked back.

“We were all over the ball,” Warren said. “Our press was working, we were getting steals and playing great defense.”

North Collins was led by their usual suspect Tyler Robinson, who scored 18 points, with 14 rebounds, and five blocks, while Christian Loretto had “his best game of the season,” according to Warren, scoring 18 points as well. Bryant Rosa led Riverside with 23 points.

“They played hard and did what was asked,” Warren said. “We prepared hard for them and came out on the right end.”

North Collins will advance to the next round to take on the Panama Panthers at Jamestown Community College at 8:15 p.m. on Monday, March 2.

Forestville 62, Pine Valley 44

FORESTVILLE — The Forestville Hornets make it back to Jamestown Community College for the second year in a row after beating the Pine Valley Panthers 62-44 at Forestvile High School on Friday night in round one of the Class D Sectional Playoffs.

Forestville smothered Pine Valley in the first quarter, leading after one by a score of 13-2. Pine Valley was able to pick up the pace in the second quarter, trailing just 22-17 at half time, but Forestville exploded in the second half, outscoring the Panthers 40-27 over the final two frames.

“Pine Valley has improved a lot through the year,” said Forestville coach Jon Feniello. “That really showed today, it was a really good battle. It’s a great way to make it back to Jamestown a couple years in ago.”

Forestville was led by Gavin Christian, who had 24 points, while Javier West had 13 points, 10 rebounds, five steals, and five assists. Jake Smith had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Dalton Hastings had nine rebounds, five steals, and four blocks.

Pine Valley was led by Wayne Libby, who scored 19 points, while Dawson Harrington had 10 points, and Bryce Sercu had eight points and 11 rebounds.

Forestville is next in action Tuesday, March 3 at JCC at 8:15 p.m. to take on the Sherman Wildcats.

Other scores from Friday’s postseason boys basketball games include: (5) Chautauqua Lake 71, (4) Portville 56 and (2) Tapestry 101, (7) Cassadaga Valley 40.