Monday marked the beginning of the 19th year the Section VI high school boys’ basketball sectionals
have been played at Buffalo State’s Sports Arena.
The tournament features not only the top teams in the section, but also the best high school basketball
players in western New York. Notables who have played in the tournament in recent years include Paul
Harris and Jonny Flynn from Niagara Falls High School, who went on to play at Syracuse University.
Beginning in 1994, the tradition has become a staple of winter events at Buffalo State.
John Roth, who has been the Section VI assistant chairman for approximately 15 years, attributes the
location, venue and cost to the success of the tradition.
Buffalo State is easily accessible from the highway systems and is only a short drive from most towns.
Roth described the location as “centrally-located for everyone.”
“It’s an ideal venue for high school basketball,” Roth said. “The seating capacity of 3,500 is perfect for an
event such as this.”
Roth also includes the positive relationship between Section VI and Buffalo State as a reason for the
tradition’s great success.
Roth spoke highly of the people at Buffalo State, noting excellent treatment of Section VI.
“The people we deal with at Buff State are very accommodating,” he said.
Brent Ford, the facilities and equipment manager at Buffalo State, also spoke of the genuine relationship
between Section VI and the university as a vital reason for the tournament’s success.
“I feel we’ve got a really good working relationship with Section VI,” Ford said.
Along with a great venue and location is a great price. The Sports Arena is a top-notch venue for the
value, and presents a great atmosphere for high school basketball.
The longevity of the success has been beneficial for Buffalo State and its image. The success has given it
plenty of exposure to potential students and athletes, as well as their parents.
The sectionals have been at Buffalo State so long that it has become second nature to think of the two
hand-in-hand.
“When you think of high school boys basketball sectionals, you think of Buff State,” said Roth, who also
compared the pair to that of high school football and Ralph Wilson Stadium.
The success has not only had a positive impact on Buffalo State, but on the high school players involved
as well. Just as the appeal for high school football players to play at “the Ralph,” playing at Buffalo State
is the goal for local high school hoopsters.
“That’s their main goal, to make it to Buff State,” said Larry Jones, Section VI Commissioner.
Jones also believes the atmosphere is great for the players and it’s a place for them to be seen.
Having the chance to play at a college arena is an excellent opportunity for high school players to be
seen by college coaches. Many Division III and even Division I coaches from the area come to watch.
It is a chance for the players to show their development and make an impact in the eyes of the college
coaches watching. And being accustomed to playing in front of a crowd in a smaller high school gym,
playing at the Sports Arena offers many players a new experience.
Buffalo State also plays host to the Section VI high school boys’ basketball regionals every two years.
They will also host the Section V and VI high school girls’ regionals this year for the first time ever,
according to Ford.
The tournament continues throughout the week, with the final games to be played on Saturday.
Jordan Smith can be reached by email at smith.record@live.com