Winter weather struck on the first day of February, pushing back the boys basketball clash between Cazenovia and Skaneateles at Buckley Gym.
Instead, the two Laker sides will have to wait until Feb. 12 to make up that contest, which will take place just one day before the announcement of the Section III Class B playoff brackets – and could affect tournament seeding.
Just before what was supposed to be the showdown with Skaneateles, Cazenovia had to visit Hannibal last Tuesday night, and got a breakout performance from Kevin Hopsicker as it beat the Warriors 72-56.
Leading most of the way, the Lakers had a double-digit margin, 37-24, by halftime. Even when Hannibal tried to rally and got it back to single digits, Cazenovia stayed in control and hit its foul shots in the homestretch.
Hopsicker, in fact, converted nine free throws on his way to a career-best 33 points, which included four 3-pointers.
Andrew Vogl made sure that the Warriors’ defenders never ganged up on Hopsicker, notching 14 points as Ross Gerber added seven points. Jeff Dewan matched Ryman Seeley as each had six points. Hannibal’s Jake Shortslef led his side with 27 points.
Before it hosts Skaneateles, Cazenovia visits Institute of Technology Central and, on Friday, gets a visit from fast-improving Solvay.