In a remarkable display of talent, two standout players from the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association have been recognized with prestigious Player-of-the-Year honors by the New York State Sportswriters Association (NYSSWA). Carter Brink of Panama and Carson Swanson of Westfield have made history as they both earned top accolades within their respective classifications. This achievement highlights not only their individual skills but also the depth of basketball talent emerging from this region. Brink was named Class D Player of the Year after an impressive season averaging 25.4 points per game, while Swanson shared the Class C co-Player of the Year title with Duanesburg's Jeffrey Mulhern.
The journey to recognition began early for these athletes, who consistently demonstrated excellence on the court throughout their high school careers. Carter Brink, a senior state champion, displayed versatility by contributing significantly in scoring, assists, rebounds, and steals. His performance this year solidified his reputation as one of the best players in his classification. Meanwhile, Carson Swanson set records as Chautauqua County’s all-time leading scorer with 2,448 career points. In addition to his scoring prowess, he excelled in assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks, making him an invaluable asset to his team.
This achievement extends beyond just Brink and Swanson; it represents a broader acknowledgment of the exceptional talent pool within the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association. A total of 23 players from this league received statewide recognition across various classifications. Among them are notable mentions such as Drew Hind from Randolph, selected for the Class C first team for the third consecutive year, and Zach Maguire from Westfield, honored for his defensive contributions. Other honorees include Trelin Warrior from Gowanda, Nick Jacobson from Chautauqua Lake, and several others receiving honorable mentions or placement on lower-tier teams.
Moreover, the recognition spans multiple classifications, showcasing diverse talents across different levels of competition. Allegany-Limestone's Carson Kwiatkowski earned fifth-team honors in Class B, while Falconer's Roger Markham secured eighth-team recognition. Salamanca's Maddox Isaac joined the ranks of those acknowledged in Class B, further emphasizing the widespread impact of Section VI players. These achievements underscore the dedication and hard work put forth by each athlete, reflecting positively on their schools and communities.
Beyond personal accolades, this acknowledgment serves as a testament to the strength of basketball programs within the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association. The collective success of these athletes highlights the importance of nurturing local talent and providing opportunities for growth at every level. As all-state teams in higher classifications are announced in the coming weeks, anticipation builds for more revelations about the future stars of New York basketball.