Wayne edges out East High
ROCHESTER — Wayne expected to have a long day offensively in Saturday’s Section V Class A championship game.
No. 2 Wayne was well aware of the defensively sound roster top-seeded East High would bring to Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial. Coach Bill Thomson hoped his team’s size advantage, and a defensive showing of their own, could win Wayne another title.
Every possession was precious in this low scoring heavyweight bout that East High led 8-4 after one. But, in the end, Cam Blankenberg’s late game heroics helped Wayne win the Class A crown 48-42.
What it means for the Wayne Eagles
Wayne coach Bill Thomson’s Eagles (22-2) still have not lost to a Section V team. Wayne’s only setbacks came during an Orlando, Florida, trip against California’s Northview and Illinois’ Murphysboro the following day on Dec. 15.
Wayne has won 19 straight since, including playoff wins over Wilson, Geneva and Pittsford Sutherland before beating East High.
All four of Wayne’s Section V titles came since 2017. Thomson’s Eagles’ previous championship came in 2021.
“When we held Sutherland to 34, then I started thinking we had a shot. I didn’t know if we could beat East, but we had a chance,” Thomson said.
East High coach Darrell Barley’s Eagles ended the season 18-3. The most decorated Section V boys basketball program, East won its 27th and most recent title in 2022. East lost to Pittsford Sutherland in the 2023 A2 final. Barley’s Eagles beat Greece Olympia, Bishop Kearney and Monroe to return in the postseason. In 2022, East High’s defense led to run that help them beat Wayne in the semifinals, but Barley’s Eagles were unable to score consistently Saturday.
Players of the game:
Tournament MVP Cam Blankenberg of Wayne Eagles
Wayne’s sophomore point guard scored 20 points. Standing at 6-foot-5, Blankenberg towered over everyone on the floor. He didn’t score in the first quarter but dropped 12 in the fourth to keep East High away.
Blankenberg made 12 of 14 free throws attempts, and was 8-of-10 in the fourth quarter alone.
Blankenberg has been on varsity since eighth grade and averaged 23 points per game this winter.
“We show up to work every day. We’re like a brotherhood. We love each other. We’ll die for each other,” Blankenberg said.
Micah Johnson-Breedlove of East High
East High’s junior guard scored 10 points in the loss. One of the area’s best shooters, Johnson-Breedlove made just one 3-pointer Saturday, but it was a clutch basket that pulled East within Wayne 44-41 with 26.8 seconds left.
PJ Ostrowski of Wayne Eagles
Wayne’s senior forward scored 15 points in a rugged paint battle. Ostrowski was a junior varsity call up when Wayne won in 2021. He didn’t have a role on varsity then, but said Saturday that “it feels good to get one ourselves.”
“He’s just an all around great leader for this team,” Thomson said.
Zion Parson of Wayne Eagles
East High’s sophomore led the Eagles in scoring with 13 points. The lefty made a 3-pointer and all four free throw attempts.
Play of the game
Stephen Habecker’s buzzer beater gave Wayne a 19-14 halftime lead. Ostrowski missed a bunny at the rim, but Habecker was right there for the put back just before both the shot clock and game clock expired.
All-tournament teams
Class A: MVP Cam Blankenberg (Wayne), PJ Ostrowski (Wayne), Zion Parson (East High), Micah Johnson-Breedlove (East High), Max Michalski (Pittsford Sutherland).
Tom Downey Coach of the Year:
Wayne coach Bill Thomson.
What’s next for Wayne
Wayne will play Williamsville South or Olean of Section VI in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class A For West Regional on Saturday, March 9 in Buffalo.
— Marquel Slaughter is a journalist for the Democrat and Chronicle, specializing in high school sports. He has been reporter for 14 years. Follow him @MarquelSports on X or on Instagram. You can contact him at mslaughter1@gannett.com.