Remember this name!

[UNCTarheels]

Nicole Bini-this 8th grader was named Class AA Tournament M.V.P after scoring 19 points to help Greece Athena defeat previously unbeaten Canandaigua in last nights championship game. The 5'6" Guard has been a spark plug all season for a very young Team who just won their 4th straight sectional title. Bini has averaged around 17 ppg all season and Is probably the "Next Big Star" in Section V girls Basketball.

[OldSchool78]

However, there is a girl that hasn't even played a varsity game yet that is better than alot of kids that are playing. She is in 6th grade, currently at Gates-Chili. Her name is Cierra Dillard. Watch out for this kid.....she can play!!!!




Nicole Bini-this 8th grader was named Class AA Tournament M.V.P after scoring 19 points to help Greece Athena defeat previously unbeaten Canandaigua in last nights championship game. The 5'6" Guard has been a spark plug all season for a very young Team who just won their 4th straight sectional title. Bini has averaged around 17 ppg all season and Is probably the "Next Big Star" in Section V girls Basketball.

[UNCTarheels]

However, there is a girl that hasn't even played a varsity game yet that is better than alot of kids that are playing. She is in 6th grade, currently at Gates-Chili. Her name is Cierra Dillard. Watch out for this kid.....she can play!!!!

Is she Chad Dillard's Sister?

[OldSchool78]

She reminds me of Megan Shoniker the way she plays right now. She is an athlete.

Is she Chad Dillard's Sister?

[aalwardt]

I believe Nicole is very advanced and may end up being a 4 time agr 1st team.
I am biased though I have seen her play a bunch. I bet no one could guess who led that Athena team in rebounds by 50, assists by over 50 , 2nd in scoring,blocks and steals and had a 3:1 assist to turnover ratio while shooting over 50%. Makes you wonder what highschool coaches are looking at when voting.

[sectionvguy1]

Was it your daughter? I have seen her play a number of times and she is ok. No where near her sister and no where near an AGR player.

If you are askig why she was not AGR? Then you are just another dad with his head in the clouds. Athena had a great play-off run, but lets not give our own children "props" or the "nay-sayers" will get you. She is a nice player for her team and I think the coaches and fans can see that she is not an all-star

[mrmiamih]

is Nicole better than Kayli O'Keefe

[Manu15red devils]

is Nicole better than Kayli O'Keefe
yes sir

[sectionvguy1]

Depends on what you want? A shooter then go Bini. A point guard then go O'Keef. Overall players is a tough call, O'Keef plays defense but can't score at the same pace as Bini.

[UNCTarheels]

The rumor is that Nicole Bini is leaving Greece-Athena and Transferring to Aquinas for her Sophomore, Junior & Senior years. I haven't been able to confirm this yet, has anybody out there heard this? can anyone confirm it? Or is this just a bogus rumor somebody started?

[mrmiamih]

It is true she is going to AQ

[Eye4Talent]

I have traveled around and have seen many young athletes play but this 8th grader at gates chili can play some ball and her talent and skill level for her age is remarkable. Im not sure if this is true but i heard Syracuse has been looking at her since 6th grade and also North Carolina A&T, and recently University of Florida just said they r very interested as well.. In my opinion she will def. Make AGR This Year.:)

[mrmiamih]

Miami already has her on their Radar as of last week

[RochesterCCPhotography]

It's crazy to watch the Gates girls team with an 8th grader and freshman starting at the guard spots.

[sectionvguy1]

Word is she will not be at Gates for long. I heard a group of officials on Tuesday night after her game talk about her going to another school. Word is she is not happy with the new coach and that some of her friends want her to get out now! Obviously would be a good move, I don't see Gates being the right fit for her to get better under that coach.

[mrmiamih]

and AQ will be I guess

[sectionvguy1]

It would be a big mistake to stay at Gates. She needs good coaching (not sure she'll get that at AQ either), but she needs to be around some talent (they have zero talent at the JV or younger levels), and needs to be in a better school enviroment. Now don't get me wrong AQ is not gods gift to great schools, bu ANYTHING is better then Gates. I think if she was smart they would move to a suburban school that fits all thier needs.

[RochesterCCPhotography]

It would be a big mistake to stay at Gates. She needs good coaching (not sure she'll get that at AQ either), but she needs to be around some talent (they have zero talent at the JV or younger levels), and needs to be in a better school enviroment. Now don't get me wrong AQ is not gods gift to great schools, bu ANYTHING is better then Gates. I think if she was smart they would move to a suburban school that fits all thier needs.

Talent? Maybe you missed that the starting point guard is only a ninth grader that is very good too. Their backcourt would be solid for 4 years. I would love to know the group of officials that you heard talking and friends that think she should get out. Come on...what suburb would fit all her needs?

[mrmiamih]

Cierra isn't going anywhere, talked to Tara today

Love these rumors started by people with agenda's

[exlaxer78]

Cierra isn't going anywhere, talked to Tara today

Love these rumors started by people with agenda's

If I was to move my 8th grader, it would have to be private. I'm not leaving my community just for a basketball or sports related opportunity. It has to be academics and the learning environment first, then athletics.

[mrmiamih]

Cierra is a 90 + student already
playing for a public didn't hurt Shensie at all

[sectionvguy1]

The coach told you she is going no where? What a shock! The coach would do anything in her power to keep that kid there. I think she makes the coach look better then she is. I'm not to sure the coach knows as much as she wants to know but thats obvious isn't it?

There are people pulling at her, she should really leave Gates. I don't want to use names, but I'm sure you can figure it out this summer! Other then a nice looking gym there is ZERO upside to that school or program. Yes the other guard has scored, but she is not the answer.

Best choice is outof Gates, find a program that can teach her or at least get her talent around her down the road.

[RochesterCCPhotography]

Best choice is outof Gates, find a program that can teach her or at least get her talent around her down the road.

Which program would this be? She is playing against the top competition in section V, in the best facility, and with girls she has been playing for years. You say the coach isn't the best for her, so who is? It sounds like you have a problem with the school or coach, back up your comments....

[OldSchool78]

I told you about this kid. She can flat out play. I hope she stays at Gates. Look what staying at Arcadia did for Shoniker, this is the same type of scenario.

[sectionvguy1]

I'm glad my kids didn't go there!

All depends on who you think can help her grow as a player. All depends on who develops talent with players.

I'm not going to list out places, but I bet its real easy to list out places not go.

[gcspartans]

I'm glad my kids didn't go there!

All depends on who you think can help her grow as a player. All depends on who develops talent with players.

I'm not going to list out places, but I bet its real easy to list out place not go.

There is nothing wrong with Gates Chili as a whole just like any other school. Certain groups and certain kids give it a bad name, just like any other school with bad apples. Chris is right, please have the details to back it up because if you don't go to the school then don't disrespect the kids, athletes, and coaches who work very hard to eliminate the ignorant image we are given.

[gcspartans]

It would be a big mistake to stay at Gates. She needs good coaching (not sure she'll get that at AQ either), but she needs to be around some talent (they have zero talent at the JV or younger levels), and needs to be in a better school enviroment. Now don't get me wrong AQ is not gods gift to great schools, bu ANYTHING is better then Gates. I think if she was smart they would move to a suburban school that fits all thier needs.

and I'm sorry but can you please explain to me why you have this personal hatred for Gates?

[hoopersectionV]

Here is my opinion...first of all, if a kid hears over and over how good she is from parents, people who write on this site, her friends, the newspaper, other coaches, especially as an 8th grader, then this kid will be in serious trouble down the line. Public, private...it doesn't matter. At a private school there will be much more unnecessary input into her life. And who said private school coaches are better? Is there a "perfect coach"? I have not seen one. We all must remember that this kid is in 8th grade...she is very young...let's lay off her a little bit. Has anyone asked her what she wants? Probably not....we are all too busy sitting on our high horses judging her and her coach and her parents' decision to keep her in Gates...maybe we are not the ones, as onlookers who do not really know her, to decide what is best for her...has anyone ever thought of that? There are more kids to go D1 from public schools in this area than private. I sit back and read stupid blogs from people who think they know a lot about a lot...the truth is none of us do. We have our opinions, and we have a right to....but remember, this kid, KID, is in 8th grade...give her time to grow up and enjoy being a kid.

[sectionvguy1]

There are no perfect situations, but there bad ones! To bew honest I have a very close connections to the situation and I am aware of her intentions. If you would like to check, feel free to see if she looked into the enterance exam at AQ & Mercy last year. Again I don't think private is better, I just think there are bad situations and no matter how good people think Gates is it is a bad fit school & coach.! Yeah I know they just beat Athena like 30 minutes ago, I was there... but one game does not change anyth.ing

[hoopersectionV]

I don't have a connection to this child...never met her, talked to anyone about her status, and have only seen her play once. My question is, do you think that she looked into the entrance exams without outside pressures from her parents or any other source? Do you think that she walked up to her parents one day, as an 8th grade child, and said, "you know what mom and dad, I'd like to take the entrance exam at a private school". Highly doubtful. What is a good situation for this kid, in your opinion? What would Mercy's program/coach or Aquinas' program/coach provide her that this does not? Are there any PUBLIC programs that you think would 'fit' her? Her parents could just as easily move...others have done it...

[rje5270]

much better academic and social setting than the one she is presently in.

[hoopersectionV]

I don't disagree with you academically...not in the least...but nobody on this thread is talking academics...they are talking player development, recruiting, and basketball only...if people were to say she should transfer solely for academics, then I agree....but nobody is saying that...we all know that

[sectionvguy1]

Check the family history. May find a connection to previous family choices?

I'll say it again, I am not saying that private schools are the answer, I'm just saying it's much easier to know when to get out of a current situation and move on to a batter one. I think there are a handfull of public or private schools in the area that would help her development, academics, and social setting. I could list them, but for the most part the people know the "good" schools and they know who the better coaches are that really do develop players.

[hoopersectionV]

Well, whatever Cierra chooses, I hope it's the best choice for HER...oh wait...she probably isn't the one choosing...well then whatever the people around Cierra choose for her, I hope it is the best choice for HER! And in my opinion...a coach has a job of developing the team first, and individuals next...Gates has a better record this year than ever before...you can say it's Dillard, but they had Kendall, who had good numbers, and the same point guard last year...

[RochesterCCPhotography]

Check the family history. May find a connection to previous family choices?

I checked, The last Dillard graduated from Gates.

[RochesterCCPhotography]

Yes the other guard has scored, but she is not the answer.

Here's the other guard that has scored, that is not the answer....D&C article (http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20100206/SPORTS08/2060346/1026/Kori-Bayne-Walker-helps-Gates-Chili-upset-Greece-Athena)

Did you mean she wasn't Iverson?

[mrmiamih]

She is a 90+ student so academic setting at a private doesn't matter at all

if that was the case , move to Pittsford as they are better than any private except HAC

[OldSchool78]

Well, whatever Cierra chooses, I hope it's the best choice for HER...oh wait...she probably isn't the one choosing...well then whatever the people around Cierra choose for her, I hope it is the best choice for HER! And in my opinion...a coach has a job of developing the team first, and individuals next...Gates has a better record this year than ever before...you can say it's Dillard, but they had Kendall, who had good numbers, and the same point guard last year...

I personally do not think that a 13 or 14 year old is capable of making the right decision for herself by herself. She will need adult guidance in making that decision. I hope that her parents do the right thing for her.

Personally, and this is my opinion only, I think she should stay at Gates. They have a very young and promising team, one that can grow together. They will probably be a force in the next couple of seasons if they all saty in tact. Look at what Arcadia did with Anderson and Shoniker and a bunch of hard nosed role players. The same thing can be dona at Gates.

[sectionvguy1]

First you need to check deeper into the family baackground, we all know the brother stayed, there is some history the that is atatched to leaving Gates.

I agree NO kids at any age is ready to make thier own choices. The put parents should make the move based on the info they have. I would say that will become a little more clear in the next few weeks especially with the shake up at AQ and the rumors about the next AQ basketball coach.

Academics is very important, to be honest I do not know what her grades are like. I do know she is in 8th grade and those grades don't count, its Junior High. As with all kids its you need to wait till they get to the regents level to see what happens.

Horrible example with Arcadia. That was a one time fluke, obviously because Arcadia has been a early exit opening round team around 8 of the past 12 years. Has only made it past the semi-finals one time and they did win it all but it was a fluke year. When they won it was the year of adding the 5th classification in NYS Class AA. Had that not occured the story would not have been the same.

BTW.. I am surprised that the "other guard" Walker is scoring as she is. We all agree that Dillard has talent, I'm not so she with this kid. She is having a good run, but I'll wait another year or two to see what really happens.

[hoopersectionV]

Generally consistent scoring is NOT (sorry) a fluke (I know that she has not scored in double digits every game but neither has Dillard) ....maybe she is better than people think...or maybe the coach is developing her to be better than people think...if Dillard stays it looks like Gates will have a tough backcourt for the next 3 years. And I never was saying that Dillard should be making her own choices as an 8th grader...but hopefully she has input and is making the best decision for her and what she wants. Too many times adults make the best decisions for kids based on what the adults want, not what the kids need.

[gcspartans]

I understand academics are very important but to be honest a 90+ average at just about any school looks good. If you can maintain that average at a public school, you will still have a good chance of getting into as many schools as private without the heavy pricetag. Elijah Thomas graduates from Gates Chili, yes thats right Gates Chili, with over a 100 average and will be attending Yale next year on an academic scholarship. Just think how many other student athletes around here earn prestigious scholarships to Ivy League schools like that let alone from private schools or any other public school for that matter. Yes i understand we have a bad reputation and yes I understand that our schooling is not as good as an East side school but for all its worth, there are many at Gates Chili with a good head on their shoulders.

[IBM]

C
sf
pf
pg
sg??

[sectionvguy1]

Are you asking for the best 50 players? I'm not sure naming the best 10 would be that easy this year?

As far as a center goes in Section V, is there a kid in Section V who is a true center today? That position is almost a lost art? The last two true Centers I can recall are Erika Williams @ HFL and Eva Riddick @ Rush

[OldSchool78]

Are you asking for the best 50 players? I'm not sure naming the best 10 would be that easy this year?

As far as a center goes in Section V, is there a kid in Section V who is a true center today? That position is almost a lost art? The last two true Centers I can recall are Erika Williams @ HFL and Eva Riddick @ Rush

Dahlman was a center, although she did alot of other things as well. Nikki was a center too. Don't forget Cherry.

[IBM]

What I'm asking is...who are the most unsung kids in the section....

[hoops]

the Hetze girl from Penfield, 8th grader and has had alot of double doubles this year.

[sectionvguy1]

I don't think so did she played a center in High School, more like a 3 who knew how to mis-match people

Dalman was a 4 in college, but not a 100% center in High School

[OldSchool78]

I don't think so did she played a center in High School, more like a 3 who knew how to mis-match people

Dalman was a 4 in college, but not a 100% center in High School

She was a 5 in college as well as HS. Nikki played the 5 at Naz and college.

She was outnatched every game in college. She was undersized.

[RochesterCCPhotography]

Back on topic, did anyone see what the Gates girls backcourt did against Sutherland?

[mrmiamih]

GC shut Kayli down big time

[sectionvguy1]

is the best 50 players I believe?

[RochesterCCPhotography]

Thats a thread Hijack, read the thread name...Remember this name!

[IBM]

Not a thread hijack.
Name the invaluable players that no-one else is talking about.
Those are the names I want to remember.
The other's are plastered all over the news already.

[UNCTarheels]

Not a thread hijack.
Name the invaluable players that no-one else is talking about.
Those are the names I want to remember.
The other's are plastered all over the news already.

If you would like to, go ahead and start a new thead with that title

"Who are the most underated players in Section V?" or something similiar to that

[Gary]

Kori and Cierra together are the heart and soul of the Gates Chili Team's success. They make each other better and they will continue to do this over the coming years. Their coach, Tara, is doing an amazing job. The girls love playing for her and they are loyal to her.

Cierra and Kori aren't going to leave Gates. They are going to bring the school great success and multiple banners.

This year's team is just a hint of whats to come!

Go Gates!

[sectionvguy1]

First no one was talking about the Walker kid, they are talking about the Dillard kid. Walker kid is on the back burner, this team is all about Duillard. Try not to get the cart before the wagon! I think Dillard has talent and should really look to move on to a better situation then Gates. Other then a nice gym and even that is a disaster after school for practice they really have nothing that would be an attraction. I have thoughts on what school and or what coaches could turn this player into a complete player but I'm sure its not Gates. I see her going to AQ with the changes that will occur there next year, if not she'll still have success where ever she is. My understanding not everyone is so thrilled with the new coach, sometimes coaches get put into a good situation and Gates finally has talent. I see talkent but I don't see the coach making the talent better. They are in a good position this year in a very weak class. Wins over Athena and Sutherland were good, but not as impressive after watching Athena lose by 30 to Arcadia and being down 15+ to Olympia, and watch Sutherland fall off the wagon with three straight losses.

[Gary]

Majorlty of team and teams parents are very happy with coach Tara. I hear that she works them hard in practice, teaches loyalty and team basketball and also knows how to have fun. I don't know where you are getting your info from, but mine is direct. Have you watched Kori play? Obviously not. She and Cierra together are amazing. They do everything - score, make steals, block shots and when they fast break or press, no pair is better. Kori may be somewhat limited by her size in the long run but is at least a top, top Division 2 College Player. But with her heart and baskeball smarts, she may be a Division 1 player in the end. Sure Cierra is the big time prospect, but it is the two together that makes Gates-Chili the one to watch. And Coach Tara is perfect for Cierra. She will teach her how to bring her game to the next level with hard work - while showing her how to have fun doing it. Gates-Chili's one point loss to Arcadia was as big as their victories over Pittsfor Sutherland and Athena.

Cierra is better off playing at Gates with current coach and with Kori. She has lots of support from family and the winning attitude is showing more and more each day!

[mrmiamih]

All your so called inside info is total BS, thank god you weren't around when Shenise was at RH, you would have had her transfering to AQ too

We all know you have a agenda for AQ

[sectionvguy1]

Actually I have been around for 30+ years in this game, so I recall a few players back when most of you were a figment of your mom's imagination. Believe me I have no AQ agenda, if anything feel free to read my past post. I feel the private schools should be removed from the public school tournament. I also think the current situation at AQ basketball is not that great, but with the changes coming all the public school should be worried about AQ actually being a player in girl's basketball since the 1991 Amy Reynders team (yeah I was at the War Memorial that night to watch the first ever girls tournament when most of you were?) Dillard is going to get her exposure from her AAU team, not from Gates. You don’t think Shenise became the player she is today because of playing at RH? It was all based out of her AAU team, and the fact she had more talent then any player ever in Section V. If you watched her play today then you would see the difference in her game at the next level, I think if she had played with some different high school team (it wasn’t AQ) or coach she would have been a different player. Again no slap at her she was the best despite any of that, hard to believe she could have been better but I have seen her play a few times this year and you can see difference. As for Dillard she is going to be successful no matter where she goes, the current situation is not the best. Actually think the old coach did a good job, she also know what it took to play at the D1 level. And to Gary I think you may have stepped a little too far in claiming “no pair is better” I assume you are new to the game. They are having a good year, and with the drop in talent this year it really helps. I’m not sure I would be posting t-shirts with “we only lost to Arcadia by 1” all over the place. Gates should just be happy to have a winning record and see what happens.

[Gary]

So, tell me: what pair of guards has more potential than C and K right now? Have you seen them play over the last 2 years and noticed their improvement? It happened during the season not during AAU!

I got an up close and personal view last year and this year and I promise you Tara is a major upgrade. No slam on the previous coach it is just that Tara will out work almost anyone and she is developing very quickly.

Watch what happens to the program at Gates during the coming years - yes - even after C and K graduate.

I mentioned the one point loss to Arcadia to make a point - not brag about a loss. I wish the two teams could face off one more time!

So tell me: What pair of guards has more potential than C and K right now?

[hoopersectionV]

I do not follow Gates or any team specifically, but I do follow basketball in Section V, and I know that the Gates teams in the past few years has had talent...the Kendall kid, and the other good guard from a couple of years ago (can't remember her name), plus they have the same point guard (which by the way...don't you think it's time we give her the credit she deserves...she is putting up some pretty impressive numbers this year, especially for a freshman...I think we should officially refrain from calling her "the other guard"...I think she deserves at least that!!) and the same post players as they did last year. However, in the past, they have had losing records, while this year they have a winning record. Is it just Dillard? I doubt it. Although I am sure she is very good (and again let me say I've only seen her play once, so I can't comment on her as a player), it's not as if the talent level of this team is far superior to that of teams of the past. So, there has to be some other reason...hmm...
Also, the comment about the last coach's ability to develop D1 players leads me to believe that she played D1...good for her, that's a great accomplishment!! However, just because a player played D1 basketball does not by any means mean that he/she is a good coach. There have been a ton of examples of great college and NBA players that have made terrible coaches. We could probably start a whole separate thread about that!!
Gates has certainly made an impressive turnaround...it's nice to see a team that has not had a lot of success experience it. After reading the last post about how the last Gates coach was good despite a losing record makes me wonder if that blogger has a connection to her as opposed to AQ

[sectionfive1]

What are you saying. You make no sense at all. AQ is better then most publics in terms of academics and alot of those "city" kids get alot better learning environment some go on to mcc and some go to 4 year schools but alot of them would never had made it there if it wasnt for aq.

[sectionfive1]

the gates kid want's to go to AQ who should stop her and if she want's to stick it out and gates that good also but it should be her choice.

[MrRochester]

the gates kid want's to go to AQ who should stop her and if she want's to stick it out and gates that good also but it should be her choice.

I agree with you as far as it is her choice. However, lets not just assume AQ has better academics than Gates-Chili. I'm not sure that is the case.