Balanced scoring attack lifts Fredonia to Class A2 title over Olean

After moving up to Class A for this season, the Fredonia Hillbillies knew they’d have their doubters as one of the smaller schools in the classification.

“We came out here to prove them wrong,” said senior RJ Koopman.

The No. 4 Hillbillies did just that, using a balanced scoring attack to defeat No. 7 Olean 76-66 to win the Section VI Class A2 title Thursday at Buffalo State University.

It’s Fredonia’s first sectional title since their Class B2 title in 2023 when multiple members of this year’s team were freshmen.

“(Our seniors) basically said, ‘Hey, let’s go get one of our own,’” said Fredonia coach Nick Bertrando. “It’s a testament to these kids, it’s a testament to the program, the tradition that we have. … Anytime you come home with a blue patch in any sport, it’s special.”

The Hillbillies (21-2) looked to be in cruise control in the fourth quarter, leading by 19 with just over five minutes to play and already in the bonus after five early Olean fouls.

Then the Huskies, who came in seeking their 15^th sectional crown in 20 years, made things interesting.

Olean (17-7) forced a handful of turnovers off inbounds plays and couldn’t seem to miss from the field, using a 19-8 run to cut its deficit down to just eight, 69-61, with a minute and a half to play.

Fortunately, some clutch free throw shooting helped kill any hopes of a miracle comeback, as Fredonia went 18-for-22 from the foul line in the fourth.

“Olean has been, and they still are, one of the best programs in Western New York,” Bertrando said. “All those free throws throughout the year definitely paid off tonight.”

After a low-scoring first quarter that ended 8-4 in Fredonia’s favor, it would’ve been impossible to predict such a frantic finish, but both teams found their offensive rhythms later in the game.

In all, the two teams combined for 96 points in an explosive second half.

“Coach kept telling us, ‘Just get one stop,’ and then they’d bang another three,” Koopman said. “That’s just part of the game, you got to live with it and master adversity.”

While Koopman led the way with 22 points, every one of the Hillbillies’ starting five had at least eight points and made important shots when they were needed. That included a barrage of 3-pointers to end the second quarter, giving Fredonia a 28-18 halftime advantage.

Donovan Dowdy finished with 19 points, Graham Putney tallied 14 while Ryan Kelly and Collin Luce combined for 18. In all, Fredonia’s starters scored 74 of their 76 points.

“It’s a full team effort,” Koopman said. “We knew all season we had five guys who could get out there and put up numbers on the scoreboard. That was a huge part of our team, and what got us to this game.”

Mykel Rivera (19 points) and Connor Hogle (15) were the driving force behind Olean’s comeback attempt that came up short.

The Hillbillies will take on Class A1 champion Grand Island (21-2) in the Class A crossover game. Both teams are tied with Tapestry for the best overall record in Section VI.

The Class A crossover game is set for 4 p.m. Sunday at Buffalo State.

Feature Image Courtesy of @centercourt42