Tourney opener set for Tiger cagers

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Lyndonville Coach Lee Dillenbeck meets here with three of the Tigers veteran players including, from left, Brandon Schoolcraft, Nick Hinkson and AJ Buckland.

With a familiar face back at the helm, the Lyndonville boys varsity basketball squad is prepping for the November 28 season opener at the Warsaw Tournament.

Lee Dillenbeck, who previously coached the Lyndonville cagers for a decade from from the 1997-98 to the 2007-08 seasons, returns to guide a Tigers squad that is looking to snap a two season plus long losing streak.

“We’ve got to gain that confidence back,” said Dillenbeck. “We haven’t won over the last two years so we are looking to break out and we’re putting a lot of effort into it. We’re working to put the pieces together and come together as a unit. Our goal is to put forth a competitive team that can win some games.”

The Tigers return some experience in seniors Brandon Schoolcraft, AJ Buckland, Trevor Bentley, Chris Scroger and junior Nick Hinkson. Another returning senior, Ty Hrovat, is sidelined due to an injury.

The Lyndonville roster all includes juniors Paul Kurz and Hunter Octaviano along with sophomores Corey Hydock, Eddie Schildt and Eric Neace.

“Our returning players are a year older and stronger,” said Dillenbeck. “Our sophomores will have to step up for us . A big key will be we have to keep learning all the time.”

Lyndonville will face host Warsaw in the tournament opener.

The Tigers will open the Genesee Region League season at home on December 5 against Alexander.

Lyndonville’s Schedule

Nov. 28 – at Warsaw Tournament vs. Warsaw, 7 p.m.
Nov. 29 – at Warsaw Tournament, TBA
Dec. 5 – Alexander, 7 p.m.
Dec. 13 – at Kendall, 3 p.m.
Dec. 16 – Pembroke, 7 p.m.
Dec. 19 – at Byron-Bergen, 7 p.m.
Dec. 30 – Holley, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 7 – at Holley, 7 p.m.
Jan. 9 – at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m.
Jan. 13 – at Attica, 7 p.m.
Jan. 15 – Notre Dame, 7 p.m.
Jan. 21 – at Elba, 7 p.m.
Jan. 23 – Wheatland-Chili, 7 p.m.
Jan. 29 – CG Finney, 7 p.m.
Feb. 4 – at Alexander, 7 p.m.
Feb. 6 – Kendall, 7 p.m.
Feb. 10 – at Pembroke, 7 p.m.
Feb. 12 – Byron-Bergen, 7 p.m.
Feb. 18 – Holley, 5:30 p.m.