Jadyn Trocki and the Frewsburg girls basketball team takes on Section V’s Keshequa in the Class C Far West Regionals today at Finger Lakes Community College. P-J file photo

The Frewsburg girls basketball team captured the Class C state title last year and the first stop on the road to glory was the Far West Regionals against Section V’s Keshequa. If the Bears would like to retain their state championship the road once again starts with Keshequa in tonight’s regional at Finger Lakes Community College at 7:45.

Since winning the state title, Frewsburg has been ranked No. 1 in Class C by the New York State Sportswriters Association and has dominated each opponent in its class. The only challenges have come when playing up and suffering losses to Class B’s Hornell 62-55, Cathedral Prep of Erie, Pa. 55-25 and then 54-53 in overtime, and one final loss to Class AA No. 1 North Tonawanda 68-61.

Other than those setback, the Bears have been nothing short of dominant, and it was on full display by cruising to the Section VI title for the third year in a row with a 64-38 win over Maple Grove, then a 61-38 victory against Randolph and 53-33 decision over Wilson for the championship.

Leading the way for the Bears is junior Jadyn Trocki who averages 20.5 points per game, 5.7 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 4.6 steals. Providing the one-two punch is senior Abery Harvey who factors in another 15.2 points per game and 5.7 rebounds.

However, as the year has gone, the Bears have added more depth which was a key factor to winning the state title a year ago. Sophomores Jaden Jimerson and Elysse Gruber have provided much-needed scoring depth for a deep playoff run and both play hard in all areas of the game.

While the Bears lost three starters from last year’s team, Keshequa brings back more of its team that played in the regional at Buffalo State Sports Arena in 2025.

No. 5 Keshequa knocked off Canisteo-Greenwood,the No. 2 team in the state, in the Section V Class C crossover earlier this week with an emphatic 57-38 victory. The Wildcats have only lost once this season, also falling to Hornell 76-65.

In Tuesday’s crossover matchup, Keshequa outpaced the Chargers 21-1 in the second quarter to run away with the contest.

Alicia Wood had 14 of her team-high 16 points in the first half, and also grabbed seven rebounds. Braelyn Isaman had 14 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and four steals; Ryley Benner had 10 points and eight assists; and Riley Nageldinge had 8 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, four blocked shots and two steals.

In last year’s regional, it was Frewsburg running away in the second quarter and taking a commanding 34-17 lead into halftime. Frewsburg hovered around a 15-20 point lead most of the game and closed things out 58-44 for its second straight trip to the state championships.

Frewsburg will look to make it three trips in a row tonight at 7:45 as Keshequa attempts to get over the hump.

CLASS D

SHERMAN VS. BATAVIA/NOTRE DAME

The Sherman girls basketball team lost in the Class D state final in 2022 and has been fighting to get back ever since.

Returning to the Far West Regionals last year, Sherman forced overtime on a Kelsey Wagner buzzer beater, but fell short of the ultimate goal.

Sherman has another opportunity to return to states tonight, playing right before the Frewsburg girls, taking on Section V champion Batavia/Notre Dame at 6.

While Frewsburg has been hot all season long, the Wildcats have caught fire heading into the playoffs and ride into tonight’s contest on a five-game winning streak. Since last losing to Frewsburg 57-45, Sherman defeated Southwestern 53-36, Clymer 70-28, Panama 46-37 and then Forestville for the sectional title 63-48.

The Wildcats (14-9) are led by a sophomores Baya Oehlbeck at 13.9 points per game and Emmersen Crawford with 12.5 points. The is a nice combination for the Sherman offense with Oehlbeck one of the area’s top 3-point shooters and Crawford one of the fine finishers at the rim.

Sherman usually relies on those girls for the big numbers, but everyone on the court is expected to make an impact defensively.

The defensive responsibility will be spread around as Batavia/Notre Dame relied on a trio of girls to get past Elba in the Section V championship last weekend 49-35.

Senior Gianna Falleti paced the Fighting Irish with 17 points, three rebounds and three steals; freshman Quinn Boardman added 10 points, 10 rebounds and three steals; and junior Sofia Falleti, the Genesee Region Player of the Year, had 12 points, eight rebounds and two blocked shots.

The Section V championship is the first in three seasons under head coach Vinny Falleti, but the program has had deep state runs before, last winning the Class D championship in 2013.

— — —

For live updates of each game follow along on x.com @mspielman3