Park, Niagara Catholic win Manhattan Cup titles

Following a three-year reign as Manhattan Cup Class A champions, Canisius' reign has ended.

On Tuesday night, 2nd seed Park defeated top seed Canisius 62-54 in the Manhattan Cup Class A finals. The game was played at the Koessler Athletic Center, home of the Canisius College Golden Griffins.

Park trailed early but made it a 13-13 game after the first quarter. They took the lead for good in the 2nd quarter and never let Canisius take it away.

Brandon Smith was named the Most Valuable Player after scoring a game-high 22 points. Dan Scott added 14 in the win.

Park is now 21-5 on the season and is back in action on Saturday in the New York State Catholic High School Athletic Association semifinals in New York City.

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In the Manhattan Cup Class B finals, Niagara Catholic defeated top-seed Cardinal O'Hara 73-65 to win the title for the first time in more than 50 years.

The game was back and forth through the first three quarters, tied 13-13 after the first quarter of play. The Patriots outscored the Hawks in the 2nd quarter, taking a 33-29 halftime lead. It wasn't until the late 3rd quarter that the Patriots took the lead for good.

Jalen Bradberry led the Patriots with a game-high 27 points and 10 rebounds.

Niagara Catholic is now 17-8 on the season.

They're back in action on March 10th in the New York State Catholic High Schools Athletic Association championship game against an opponent to be determined.