DELHI – FM traveled to the western Catskills to meet the SUNY Delhi Broncos on Saturday. The Raiders scored first, and enjoyed a brief 7-0 lead, but the deep and talented Delhi squad came back and earned the win.
Parity and balance describe Region 3 men's basketball this season. There are 17 teams in the region, and they all play good basketball. Any of these teams can play well with any other. There are no easy games.
Photo: Kadeem Stanislas puts up a jumper
Going into Saturday's action, Herkimer CCC was ranked #1 among the 17 in the weekly coaches' poll, and Delhi was close behind as the #2 team. But by the time the sun went down, Herkimer had been defeated and Delhi was the likely new #1. The team that defeated Herkimer was Broome CC. FM had beaten Broome at Broome earlier this year, but then on Saturday Broome downed Herkimer 79-72 at Herkimer. The region has a lot of balance this season, and fans should see many more close and exciting games.
Kadeem Stanislas scored FM's first points on Saturday by sinking a long field goal from the right side. He went on to lead the Raiders' scoring with 27 points.
Photo: Kenny Barr puts up an acrobatic shot
Darius Ward sank a free throw and a long two-pointer. Khaleeq Baum played a very strong game and hit for a two between Ward's tallies. FM led 7-0, but the Broncos would not be harnessed. The home team scored four points, then drained a three. Soon the score was 12-12, and FM's offense was in a cold spell.
Dondre Davis hit for two, and FM regained the lead at 17-15. Determined Delhi then started to show why they are ranked so high in the regional polls. The Broncos built a 10-point lead. FM's Stanislas sank a long shot, but the shot clock had buzzed just before his release. Soon Stanislas was fouled and sank both shots. He scored again from the floor, sank both attempts of a one-and-one, and drove the lane for two more. The half ended with Delhi leading 37-30.
The Raiders scored the first point of the second half, but the Broncos were showing a lot of focus and speed. They rebounded well and stole the ball often.
Photo, right: Khaleeq Baum powers up for two
Midway through the half, Stanislas hit a three from the left side, bringing FM within six points, at 49-43. But despite a lot of good FM effort, the Broncos picked up their pace and took over the game. Baum continued his strong play. He took a feed from Tyrone Davis and drove for two, but Delhi was still ahead by 18. The final score was 82-63.
FM will play one more game before the holiday break. The Raiders will meet Finger Lakes CC on their hardwood in Canandaigua on Saturday. Game time is 3:00 p.m.
C.J. Bonny, website writer
Scoring:
FM: Barr 4, Scott 1, Jack 2, Rivera 2, Ward 6, Stanislas 27, D. Davis 8, Baum 12, Giddings 1; Total 63
Delhi: Berroa 14, Infante 6, Nicholson 3, M. Banton 17, Mehmetaj 24, Zarba 7, Scott 9, Douglas 2; Total 82
