Carson Swanson drives to the basket
Westfield’s Carson Swanson drives to the basket during last Friday’s Section VI Class C final against Holland at Jamestown Community College’s Physical Education Complex.

The Westfield Wolverines (21-2) are preparing for a pivotal game against the Honeoye Bulldogs in the NYSPHSAA Class C Far West Regional. The contest is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. today at Rush-Henrietta High School. This high-stakes game features Section VI champion Westfield against Section V champion Honeoye, with the victor moving closer to a state title.

Westfield’s path to this point has been highlighted by outstanding performances, notably from senior Carson Swanson. It might very well be argued that Swanson has been the most dominant player on the court in every game this season. The Wolverines began the season with a loss to Erie First Christian Academy but quickly recovered, putting together 13 consecutive wins before falling to Panama on Jan. 30. Panama will also represent Section VI in the Class D state quarterfinal, which begins four hours before the Class C game, also at rush-Henrietta.

Head coach Nolan Swanson expressed his pride in the team’s leadership.

It’s a really good group of leaders for our team.They’ve been giving me all of their efforts for the last two-plus years.
nolan Swanson, Westfield head Coach

Westfield, currently ranked No. 3 in the New York State sportswriters Association poll, is on an eight-game winning streak, including three sectional playoff victories.

Carson Swanson’s recent performances have been remarkable. In the quarterfinals, he achieved a career-high and program-record with 47 points, adding 11 rebounds, nine assists, and eight steals in an 89-51 victory over Brocton. The game marked the seniors’ final appearance on their home court at Westfield Academy & Central School.

The semifinal matchup against Randolph at Jamestown Community College was another showcase of Swanson’s talent. He scored 30 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out seven assists, made four steals, and blocked three shots in a thrilling 64-58 double-overtime win.

In the sectional title game, Swanson continued his dominant play, scoring 38 points, providing 11 assists, securing seven rebounds, and making six steals as westfield clinched its eighth sectional crown in program history with a 72-57 victory over Holland.

Throughout the season, Swanson has averaged 31.9 points, 8.1 assists, 6.6 rebounds, and 6.2 steals per game. However, he has received valuable support from his teammates. Senior Zach Maguire is averaging 15.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.7 blocked shots per game. Junior Grant Beadle contributes 6.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, while junior lincoln Thomas adds 8.0 points per game, knocking down an average of 2.6 3-pointers per game.

Honeoye (ranked no. 5 in the state) also boasts an impressive record and enters today’s game with momentum. All four of the Bulldogs’ postseason victories have been by double digits, including a 67-48 win over Mount Morris in the Class C3 quarterfinals, a 60-50 victory over C.G. Finney in the semifinals, and a 54-27 blowout of South Seneca in the final. In the Section V class C crossover final, Honeoye defeated York 52-42.

Sophomore Landon Washburn leads the Bulldogs, averaging 27.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. senior Owen Cuba averages 14.0 points and 12.0 rebounds per game; sophomore Dylan Washburn averages 13.0 points per game; senior Owen Reynolds averages 12.0 points and 4.0 assists per game; and sophomore Braiden Schneider averages 9.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.

Coach Swanson acknowledged Washburn’s aggressive playing style.

Their leading scorer is very aggressive and has good handles for a bigger kid. He goes left and right, and goes to the hoop hard consistently. He has a good motor. We need to find a way to slow that down.
Nolan Swanson, Westfield Head Coach

Honeoye is making its first regional appearance since 1985, when it beat Forestville 63-42. Westfield lost to eventual state-champion Avoca-Prattsburgh in the 2022 regional.

Coach Swanson hopes to lead his team further than before.

Maybe we can right a wrong from that year and the fact that Westfield has never had a final four team.We’re just motivated to try and get one step further.
Nolan Swanson, Westfield Head Coach