Through my coverage for the NFHS Network, I got to see the three games play out over at Shenendehowa High School on Friday and at Lansingburgh High School on Saturday.  Here are my thoughts from the press box on the teams that played.

1. Schuylerville is gelling.

Schuylerville Head Coach John Bowen mentioned that the game against Lake George-Warrensburg was a wake up call for the Black Horses.  The lessons they learned in that 30-28 loss have helped lead Schuylerville into their fourth trip to Middletown in 9 seasons, not counting the 2021 abbreviated spring season.  The Black Horses dominated on offense and defense and held Gouverneur to under 100 yards, excluding the final drive from the Wildcats that was against the Schuylerville backups.   

2. Landen Cumm is as advertised.

Landen Cumm ran for over a hundred yards, marking the 8th game out of 11 which the senior captain reached the century mark.  Entering Friday's game, Cumm had over 1400 yards and 27 touchdowns and found the end zone three times to put him at 30 for the season.   Whether it's short yardage down the middle or trying to find the outside edge, Cumm has the agility to hurt defenders with his cuts.  And this isn't the only sport he excels at -- Landen Cumm has been a three sport athlete for Schuylerville for several seasons with their basketball and lacrosse programs.  

3. Better showing for Averill Park vs. defending State Champs

Last year Averill Park was put to a stop immediately by Somers.  That squad would go on to win their second straight state title, and Averill Park would go back to the practice field and weight room to prepare to try again.  This year, Averill Park claimed their first Sectional Championship in program history (last year's trip to States was compliments of an at large bid that was given to Section 2 in the state's rotation), and used that momentum to gain an early lead against Somers.  Averill Park even led at the half, 8-7...

4. Whatever was said by Coach Dematteo at the half worked

... But then coming out of the half, Somers took control away from Averill Park, scoring on a Miguel Iglesias 16 yard run to take the lead, and then padded it with 2 more scores to come away 29-8.   Credit Averill Park for fighting hard, but Somers looked every bit the two time State Champions in that second half.  And congratulations to the Warriors on winning their first, that there is an amazing accomplishment that Zach Gobel and company have pulled off at Averill Park.

5. Somers has a massive roster...

In New York State, you must have 16 players at any given time to field a 11 man football team.  Somers has over 50 players on their roster, some sharing the same number as JV players get the call up now that their season is done.  That means three football teams could be fielded on the numbers that Somers has.  It showed in warm ups just the overwhelming number of players who want to play football over at Somers.  

6. Thomas Toher is a beast

Thomas Toher was the back of choice for Coach Bobby Burns on Saturday for Christian Brothers Academy.  Two runs from the Sophomore running back helped set the tone for CBA as they took advantage of North Rockland turnovers and 4th Down gambles to gain a 14-0 lead.  Then he picked up a passing touchdown when he made the best of a broken play, lobbing to Aiden Good for a third quarter touchdown that created some separation from North Rockland.

7. We finally got a taste of Archie Jones in the 4th Quarter

For much of the game, Archie Jones was quiet.  He finally gained his first reception on a 17 yard pass completion to Aiden Good, then earned himself on the touchdown ledger after connecting with Anthony Coluccio for the 13 yard score that finished the game for the Brothers.  A bit outside of the norm for a team that heading into the week had averaged nearly 15 pass attempts a game.  But Jones didn't need to when Thomas Toher was accelerating the offense the way he was.

8. Pass Defense

North Rockland's lone score came when Chase Perini found a wide open Tyler Prisco for the 42 yard score.  It was a defensive breakdown as Prisco already had all Brothers defenders beat by the time he got the feed from Perini for the score.  At that point, it was 14-0 late in the second quarter and the Raiders would get the ball to start the third, giving the Raiders the chance to flip the game. 

In the end, North Rockland didn't flip the script, but CBA will need to watch their secondary defense if they hope to get past Corning-Painted Post next week with a berth to the State Championships on the line.

Combined with Glens Falls and Greenwich winning, Section 2 has the possibility of sending multiple teams to the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse.  Never before has Section 2 sent four in a single school year, and this year they have a legitimate shot of accomplishing this feat.  But they need to make it through their next opponents first, which will be no small order.

CLASS AAA: 

The Shaker Blue Bison repeat as Class AAA champions thanks to not letting the pressure get to them.   The equalizing goal by Guilderland in the second half wasn't a problem for the Blue Bison, as they took the Dutchmen's moment and squished it with two quick goals that became the decider in this high energy match. Kofi Safrow and Owen Brant are solid both sides players who create opportunities on both sides of the field and now are faced with the task of doing what they couldn't do last year -- defeat Baldwinsville.   They came close last year, losing in overtime.

CLASS AA:

Columbia looked unstoppable.  Until they got to the Sectional Championship.   Credit the Bethlehem Eagles, who stayed one step ahead of the Blue Devils and flipped the script on what happened in the regular season when they were on the path towards the perfect season for Columbia.  Nothing the Blue Devils tried worked against the Eagles, and it's no share of the title this time around for the Eagles, it's onto states.

CLASS A:

This game provided a lot of drama, and an unfortunate ending to a great game.  First, Schamont was nearly dead until they seized advantage through a free kick that found its eventual path into the net for the equalizer with just minutes remaining in regulation.  Until then, Ichabod Crane was doing everything they needed to secure a consecutive championship.  Overtime brought chances, but nothing would go in... until the second overtime. 

From my angle and with the naked eye without knowledge what was seen on the side, it looked like a clean save by the Ichabod Crane keeper Joe Payone.  But it apparently wasn't.   The explanation from the Section 2 Soccer Coordinator was that Payone's roll and grab of the ball wasn't clean, and while it was skirting the line the bobbled pickup from Payone caused the ball to clear the line and be just enough in for the score.  

Rewatching the moment and focusing on the ball, I can see how that conclusion happened.  That ball when Payone rolled to pick it up was already partly across the line.   

What really was unfortunate was not getting the immediate reaction to the goal score, with it coming about 5 seconds later when the Schalmont team came out onto the field in celebration.  With the confusion, it resulted in a rather awkward call on the air as we were just searching for answers and explanations up in the press box.

Credit the Sabres for never quitting, because that's what earned them the Class A Championship.   

CLASS B:

Greenville brought the physicality, but the Mechanicville defense did all it needed to do to prevent the score.  The last game of the day wasn't exciting for the goals scored, but for how one moment could change the game.   

And that play came in the first half after great ball movement by Mechanicville to get it deeper in, and then a misplay by the keeper left enough room for Cruz Goverski to bury the score.  Then it was all on the defense to keep Greenville from flipping the script on last year's sectional championship.

CLASS C:

Waterford is a solid team, even if they were missing the high scoring that Josh Catanzarita brought their team last season.  But Loudonville Christian is a fast, athletic squad that used both to power past the Fordians on Tuesday night in Bethlehem.

And it wasn't even close.  The Eagles speed created opportunities, including on the first tallies of the game where that speed gave separation for the goal chances, and then in the second half presented a solid showcase of teamwork as they netted a pair of goals that were tic tac toe passing and shooting to beat the Waterford keeper. 

And we already knew the Eagles would be a force, based on how they started the season with three straight 10+ goal games, and ended the season by dismantling the Fordians 9-0.   

CLASS D:

210 minutes.

That's how long the Fort Ann Cardinals and the Northville Falcons played scoreless soccer this season.  100 minutes in the first meeting back on September 30th between the 80 minute regulation and the two 10 minute overtimes painted the picture for this renewal of this rivalry between schools.

It was going to be tough to beat the keeper in an 11 vs. 11 game.

Very tough.

Give a lot of credit to both keepers, but a big props to Hunter Wade for Fort Ann.  He stood on his head, deflected shots, did everything he could to prevent Northville from winning this game outright in regulation.  He was peppered with quality shots on goal by the Falcons -- they outshot Fort Ann by a massive margin and overwhelmingly had the corner kick advantage -- but Wade stood his ground and survived near misses, until penalty kicks. 

And the only kick that mattered in the penalty kicks was the first.  When Fort Ann's first attempt sailed high and over the cage, Northville had the upper hand and when they made all 5 of their kicks, it earned the Falcons the ticket into states.

Fort Ann gets to share the Section 2 Class D Championship, but the better team on the field is still alive for the state championship attempt.  

GIRLS LACROSSE
All four games played at Queensbury High School

CLASS C: Queensbury vs. Rye - 11AM
CLASS D: Voorheesville vs. Bronxville - 1PM
CLASS A: Saratoga vs. Suffern - 3PM
CLASS B: Bethlehem vs. Horace Greenley - 5PM

BOYS LACROSSE
All four games played at Amsterdam Middle School

CLASS D: Schuylerville vs. Pleasantville - 10AM
CLASS A: Shenendehowa vs. Mamoroneck - 12:30PM
CLASS B: Niskayuna vs. Yorktown - 3:00PM
CLASS C: Queensbury vs. Rye - 5:30PM

BOYS BASEBALL

CLASS B: Taconic Hills vs. Canton (10) - 11AM at Guilderland High School
CLASS A:  Albany Academy vs. Jamesville-DeWitt (3) - 12PM at Auburn
CLASS C: Chatham vs. Ticonderoga (7) - 12PM at Shuttleworth Park, Amsterdam
CLASS D: Hadley-Luzerne vs. Parishville-Hopkinton (10) - Noon at St. Lawrence University, Canton
CLASS AA:  Bethlehem vs. West Genesee (3) - 2PM at Guilderland High School
CLASS AAA: Shenendehowa vs. CBA Syracuse (3) - 6PM at Onondonga Community College, Syracuse 

SOFTBALL

CLASS C: Berne-Knox-Westerlo vs. St. Lawrence Central (10) - 12PM at St. Lawrence University, Canton
CLASS AAA: Saratoga Springs vs. Liverpool (3) - 1PM at Luther Forest, Malta
CLASS B: Schuylerville vs. Saranac (7) - 3PM at SUNY Plattsburgh
CLASS AA: Burnt Hills vs. Whitesboro (3) - 5PM at Luther Forest, Malta
CLASS A: Ichabod Crane vs. Camden (3) - 5PM at Luther Forest, Malta
CLASS D: Salem vs. Crown Point (7) - FRI 4:30PM at SUNY Plattsburgh

Then Shen's bats woke up.  Cooper Reinisch came off the bench as a pinch hitter and hit a grand slam as the Plainsmen reversed a 3-0 deficit and would go on to win Game 2, 10-3.

The win created a Winner Takes All Game 3 on Sunday at Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy.

And early on, you could tell who had the momentum.

Shenendehowa took advantage of some early singles and took a 4-0 lead in the 1st inning, and tacked on two more runs in the second inning.  Then every time Saratoga tried to claw back, Shenendehowa would halt the threat and add to their lead, as the Plainsmen completed the reverse sweep and claimed the Class AAA Baseball title over Saratoga by winning 9-4.

And it all started at the top of the Shen lineup, Evan Kochanskyj.  The Center Fielder was on base all four times, hitting singles and driving in runs.  He began rallies and capitalized on opportunities, as Shen built their leads.  But it wasn't just him.  Ian Oehschlaeger contributed as the #3 hitter, and Brad Curtis did what he could on both sides of the field - as batter and as pitcher. 

On the mound, Curtis had faced the minimum of batters going into the third inning, with the lone walk he gave up in the 1st inning wiped out as the following hitter grounded one to the shortstop who turned the 6-4-3 double play to retire the side. 

He would go 5 innings, only really getting into trouble in the 3rd inning when Saratoga would half the deficit from 6 to 3.

But the Shenendehowa lead was too much for Saratoga to overcome, as late game heroics would be squished by a fast delivering Collin Barry, who kept the Blue Streaks off the board in the 6th and 7th innings.

The win marks title #10 for the Plainsmen, the first in the newly created Class AAA.   Shenendehowa next goes on to the State Regionals, where they will travel to Onondaga Community College to face CBA Syracuse on Saturday, June 1st.   A trip to the state semifinals in Binghamton the following weekend will be on the line there. 

He had taken over as pitcher after Matt Case had gone 5 innings and was two balls into his battle with Jadin Zoeller in the top 6th.  He would not get out of the inning without allowing the tying run, but was able to prevent any further damage to take place.  

Springer got the count full, with pinch runner Mason Dunn on 3rd, and the other two bags full.   Nobody was out.

The payoff pitch was outside, for ball four.   With the bases loaded, Dunn was allowed to come home, clinching the walk-off victory for Hadley-Luzerne as they beat Mekeel Christian Academy in the Section 2 Class D Championship game, winning 5-4.

For Hadley-Luzerne, the title is their first since 1968.   According to The Post-Star's Pete Tobey, the 1968 championship for Hadley-Luzerne was against Windham, as they won the Class E Championship 10-3.   

The Eagles will next play either the Section 7 champions in Bolton or the Section 10 champions Parishville-Hopkinton.  That game will be played at Chip Cummings Field at SUNY Plattsburgh on Thursday.   If Bolton wins, the game will be played at Plattsburgh High School on Saturday, June 1st at 4pm.  If Parishville-Hopkinton wins, the game will take place at St. Lawrence University that same day, but at Noon.

A win in that game will mean a trip to Binghamton for the Eagles.

For Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Baseball, Softball & Flag Football, the championships will take place later this week into next week.  Here's who's still playing and when the Sectional Championships will take place.  This page will be updated as more teams clinch their berths into the championship finals.

BASEBALL -- all championships are played at Joe Bruno Stadium, Troy.  Classes A-D are single matches, AAA and AA are Best of 3.

CLASS AAA: Shenendehowa vs. Saratoga

Game 1 - Thursday, 7pm
Game 2 - Friday, 7pm
Game 3 - Sunday, 7pm

CLASS AA: Bethlehem vs. Averill Park

Game 1 - Thursday, 4pm
Game 2 - Friday, 4pm
Game 3 - Sunday, 4pm

CLASS A: LaSalle Institute vs. Albany Academy - Wednesday, 7PM
CLASS B: Schuylerville vs. Taconic Hills - Wednesday, 4PM
CLASS C: Chatham vs. Hoosick Falls - Saturday, 7PM
CLASS D: Hadley-Luzerne vs. Mekeel Christian Academy - Saturday, 4PM

SOFTBALL -- AAA-A are played at Luther Forest, Malta.  B-D are played at Moreau Rec. Park.  

CLASS AAA: Saratoga vs. Guilderland - Thursday, 5PM
CLASS AA: Burnt Hills vs. Troy - Thursday, 7:30PM
CLASS A: Ichabod Crane vs. Glens Falls - Thursday, 5PM
CLASS B: Tamarac vs. Schuylerville - Thursday, 5PM
CLASS C: Hoosick Falls vs. Berne-Knox-Westerlo - Thursday, 5PM
CLASS D: Salem vs. Argyle - Thursday, 5PM

GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL -- Both Divisions played at Troy High School, Troy.

DIVISION I:  Albany/Shenendehowa vs. Shaker/Columbia - Wednesday, 7PM
Regional Finals - Saturday, 2PM at Shenendehowa High School, Clifton Park

DIVISION II: Burnt Hills 56, Albany Leadership 0 - FINAL
Sub-Regionals - Thursday, 7PM at AuSable Valley High School, Clintonville
Regional Final - Saturday, Noon at Shenendehowa High School, Clifton Park

GIRLS LACROSSE -- Games to be played at Schuylerville High School, Schuylerville

CLASS A: Saratoga vs. Colonie/Shaker - Tuesday 5/28, 7PM
CLASS B: Bethlehem vs. Niskayuna/Columbia - Wednesday 5/29, 7PM
CLASS C: Queensbury/Burnt Hills vs. Glens Falls/South Glens Falls - Wednesday 5/29, 4:30PM
CLASS D: Voorheesville/Greenwich vs. Schuylerville/Cohoes - Tuesday 5/28, 4:30PM

Regional Finals - Saturday 6/1 at Queensbury High School

BOYS LACROSSE -- Games to be played at Shaker High School, Latham

CLASS A: Shenendehowa/Saratoga or Guilderland vs. Shaker/Ballston Spa - Wednesday 5/29, 5PM
CLASS B: Niskayuna/CBA vs. Bethlehem/LaSalle - Tuesday 5/28, 5PM
CLASS C: Queensbury/Burnt Hills vs. South Glens Falls/Glens Falls - Tuesday 5/28, 7:30PM
CLASS D: Schuylerville/Johnstown vs. Hoosick Falls-Tamarac/Voorheesville or Greenwich - Wednesday 5/29, 7:30PM

Regional Finals - Saturday 6/1 at Amsterdam High School

BOYS TENNIS

CLASS AA: Bethlehem def. Shaker, 6-3
CLASS A: Burnt Hills def. Queensbury, 4-3
CLASS B: Glens Falls def. Schalmont, 6-1
CLASS C-D: Maple Hill def. Argyle, 4-3

NBC5, the Plattsburgh affiliate WPTZ-TV, notes that Amtrak plans on cutting off train service starting Monday, May 20th for the Adirondack Line, the train service that goes between New York City and Montreal, with local stops in Saratoga Springs, Fort Edward, Whitehall and Ticonderoga, will terminate and originate in Saratoga Springs, cutting off service to those stations to the north.

The termination is planned to last until June 30th, while crews work on the Canadian National rails north of the US/Canada border in Rouses Point.  These are the same rails that caused service disruptions last summer when CN imposed a 10 mile per hour speed limit on those rails due to deteriorating conditions.  As a result, Amtrak announced the halt of Adirondack service between Albany and Montreal during the summer, eventually extending the terminus to Saratoga Springs to allow those seeking train travel to the Spa City during the Race Course meet.

Like with last year, there will be no alternate service for those towns affected.  Fort Edward will be reduced to one northbound and southbound train daily via the Ethan Allen Express, which serves between New York City and Burlington, Vermont, and covers the same stations as the Adirondack line up to Fort Edward before the line departs towards the State of Vermont south of Whitehall.  

Not one, not two, not three ... BUT FOUR State Championships in boys basketball!  And add Catholic Central's girls title, that makes five.

On Friday, Stillwater won their second state title in school history, knocking off Section 3's Marcellus 59-50 in a come from behind effort.   Just like their State Semifinals against Woodlands where they looked done in the fourth quarter, they come back with life for the victory. 

Lucas Lilac scored 21 points, going 8 for 13 from the field.  Kaelan Leak added 12 points for the Warriors.

Stillwater is NYSPHSAA Class B State Champions! pic.twitter.com/H9E6vfiX9F

— Section 2 Athletics (@Sect2athletics) March 16, 2024

The state title is the first since legendary hall of famer coach Mike Lilac won the title back in 1988.

Wow! Incredible crowd for the @NYSPHSAA Boys Class A State Championship; Glens Falls vs. Wayne. 🏀 @Sect2athletics @SecVAthletics pic.twitter.com/0Spr1HHIjn

— Dr. Robert Zayas (@RobertZayasNY) March 16, 2024

Then on Saturday, the hometown crowd showed up in full force as Glens Falls would play Section 5's Wayne.  The game, which was delayed by 10 minutes to allow the nearly 4,000 patrons in the arena to catch the Black Bears play for their first state championship in front of the home crowd, saw Glens Falls pull away early and held off every challenge by Wayne as Glens Falls capped the perfect season.  

Glens Falls is NYSPHSAA Class A State Champions! pic.twitter.com/Fs5qRObH31

— Section 2 Athletics (@Sect2athletics) March 16, 2024

The Championship is Glens Falls's second, with the first coming in 2019 while the State Final Four and Championships were held in Binghamton.  That was the final season of Joe Girard III's historic run, which culminated with a Federation Title in Glens Falls.

Sunday saw two more titles for Section 2, with Green Tech knocking off previously unbeaten Bay Shore from Long Island for the Class AAA title.  The charter school out of Albany had beat Colonie in the Sectional Championships who was unbeaten going in, making Bay Shore the second undefeated team they took down during their postseason run.

The Soaring Eagles survived two technicals and two starters in foul trouble, with Haisi Mayben scored 23, Ramere Brown scoring 21 and Indavier Barnes dropping 12.  

Green Tech is NYSPHSAA Class AAA State Champions! pic.twitter.com/7WwHQiKwdj

— Section 2 Athletics (@Sect2athletics) March 17, 2024

The Championship is Green Tech's 2nd, with the first coming in 2014 when Green Tech knocked off Jamestown for the title.  

Finally, North Warren claimed their first state championship in program history as they survived a late charge by Sackett Harbor to win 68-66.  The Cougars from Chestertown had a double digit lead, but saw Sackett Harbor claw back to within 2 with seconds left before North Warren was able to seal the victory.  Wyatt Jennings set a State Tournament record with his 9 threes, scoring 29 for the Cougars.  Eighth Grader Semaj Cuyler scored 17 and Derrick Tyrell adds 12.  

State Champion 💛💚🏀 pic.twitter.com/2yEy6C2VSM

— Semaj Cuyler (@maj_buckets1) March 18, 2024

The four state championships for Section 2 surpasses the 2013, 2014 and 2015 seasons, when Section 2 grabbed three titles each year.  The four also ties the mark that downstate's Section 1 gathered back in 2004, the first year that NYS went to 5 classifications (this year's the first of 6 classifications).  

CLASS D: North Warren beats Schroon Lake

Eighth-grader Semaj Cuyler hit the go-ahead basket with about 13 seconds left, and Austin Hartwell’s chance at the buzzer bounced out. North Warren 57, Schroon Lake/Newcomb 56, final. What a game. pic.twitter.com/TCX705dksC

— Ricky St. Clair (@Ricky_StClair) March 10, 2024

An amazing game by Ricky St. Clair's account over in Clinton Community College in Plattsburgh as Semaj Cuyler hits the bucket with seconds left to propel the Cougars from North Warren to the State Semifinal game, beating neighbors Schroon Lake/Newcomb 57-56.  They now advance to play Smithtown Christian of Section 11 on Saturday Morning, 9AM at the COOL Insuring Arena.

CLASS C: Maple Hill comes up short as Brian Cross's retirement season continues

Down by three, Maple Hill had the chance to force overtime up in Plattsburgh, but they were unable to find the right shot, as Moriah beats the Wildcats.  This game featured only 23 points scored in the first half, and Maple Hill yanking the lead from Moriah at times in the third quarter.  With the win, Brian Cross continues his final season at the coaching helm for the Moriah Vikings.  The Vikings are the only team from Section 7 to have ever won the state title, doing so in 2017.

CLASS B: Stillwater pulls away from Canton in the second half

BBB: Your Class B Regional Champions, the Stillwater Warriors

FINAL:
Stillwater 64
Canton 44 pic.twitter.com/MJDjppKbyq

— StillH2O Sports (@stillh2o_sports) March 9, 2024

Stillwater's amazing ride continues as the Warriors pull away from Canton in the second half to win by 20 points.  Stillwater has looked solid in the past several games, including wins over Northeastern Clinton in the Regional Semifinals, and Wasaren League rivals Mechanicville in the Section 2 Championship.  Stillwater will get Section 1's Woodlands to kick off the State Semifinals at the COOL Insuring Arena, on Thursday at 6PM.

CLASS A: Glens Falls withstands Westhill's full court pressure to preserve lead

GLENS FALLS IS HEADING TO GLENS FALLS!! Play Maine-Endwell or Saugerties Friday 9am #518hoops pic.twitter.com/sUX2bi7yop

— Adirondack Sports (@SportsAdk) March 10, 2024

It wasn't easy as Rob Girard watched the Glens Falls Black Bears 15 point lead nearly dissolve thanks to a 4th quarter full court pressure being put on by Westhill coach Jon Connelly.  But whatever he said to the team after calling timeout following the 4th turnover caused by the pressure, worked as the Black Bears were able to put away the Westhill Warriors. 

Kellen Driscoll led Glens Falls with 38 points, Brody Holcomb added 14 and Aiden Prunty scored 12 to punch Glens Falls's ticket to the State Semifinals.  The last time Glens Falls played in the state tournament in Glens Falls, Jimmer Fredette was a Senior for them back in 2007 (the Joe Girard III championship run in 2019 was when Binghamton held the State Championships).  Section 4's Maine-Endwell will be the Black Bears next opponent Friday Morning, and will need to come ready for a loud crowd cheering against them.

If Maine-Endwell sounds familiar, they are best known for their football team winning several titles in the early 2010's, including the 2012 title against Glens Falls.

CLASS AA: Free Throws helps lift West Genesee past Niskayuna

The Niskayuna Silver Warriors had a 9 point lead on Section 3's West Genesee in the third quarter, but Jordan Cain started catching fire and used it to eliminate the Wildcats deficit.  West Genesee would finish the game with several tries at the free throw line, and those points would help put Niskayuna away as the Wildcats win 61-55.  

CLASS AAA: Foul Trouble doesn't stop Green Tech

Despite having four players with three fouls a piece midway through the second quarter, Green Tech was able to stay focused in their 55-49 win over Liverpool.

Haisi Mayben led Green Tech with 12 points, but was one of the four whose time on the court was limited after sustaining three early fouls.  He would pick up his fourth, but continued to orchestrate, feeding Indavier Barnes for a huge three that helped set up Green Tech with the lead to close out the game.

U'Mier Graham was another player whose time was limited on the court after sustaining three early fouls, capping his production at 8 points.  

Green Tech plays Section 9's Kingston at the COOL Insuring Arena Saturday afternoon at 12:30pm.

That means all six teams coming out of the Capital District and North Country are still alive, hoping to make it back to the COOL Insuring Arena for the NYSPHSAA Boys Basketball Championships next week.

Here's a look at the six and when they're playing.

CLASS AAA - GREEN TECH SOARING EAGLES

Green Tech will be back in play this Saturday at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, as they face Section 3's Liverpool.   Liverpool carries in a 21-2 record, but Green Tech showed last week that opposing team's records does not faze the Soaring Eagles.   In the Sectional Championship, Green Tech came out of the gate fast and furious as they won convincingly over previously unbeaten Colonie. 

Indavier Barnes is a major three point threat, often taking dishes from Haisi Mayben to bury teams for keeping him unwatched.   Mayben is the court orchestrator, using his speed and agility to create offensive opportunities.   O'Mier Graham will also create opportunities inside.

But they now face the team that halted their postseason run last year in Liverpool.   In the 2023 Class AA Regional Final, Liverpool's defense became too tough for Green Tech, leading throughout in the 65-49 win.  Green Tech had won the 2022 meeting, a back and forth game that went down to overtime overtime at the Hudson Valley Community College, 71-67.  

CLASS AAA REGIONAL FINALS
Liverpool (Sect. 3) vs. Green Tech - Sat 3:30pm at Hudson Valley Community College 
Other Regional Finals:
Mount Vernon (Sect. 1) vs. Kingston (Sect. 9) - Sat 4:30pm at Kingston High
University Prep (Sect. 5) vs. Niagara Falls (Sect. 6) - Fri 8:15pm at Buffalo State
Baldwin (Sect. 8) vs. Bay Shore (Sect. 11) - Sat 5:00pm at SUNY Farmingdale

STATE SEMIFINALS
Saturday, March 16th, 12:30pm and 2:15pm at COOL Insuring Arena

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Sunday, March 17th, 1:00pm at COOL Insuring Arena

CLASS AA - NISKAYUNA SILVER WARRIORS

Niskayuna won their first sectional crown since 1978, the first year of the State Tournament where Niskayuna won it all.  In the Sectional Championship, Niskayuna stayed even with LaSalle Institute until the third quarter, where a 16-0 run blew the game open for Niskayuna.  

The Olsens, Brady and Gavin, are significant threats on the court, whether it be offense or defense.   The two combined for 28 points, aided by Daniel Smalls's team high 22.  Ethan Gilson is the three point bomb threat, launching 5 in the title game.   

On Saturday, Niskayuna faces Section 3's West Genesee.  They come in with a 21-2 record.

CLASS AA REGIONAL FINALS
West Genesee (Sect. 3) vs. Niskayuna - Sat 1:45pm at Hudson Valley Community College
Other Regional Finals:
Peekskill (Sect. 1) vs. Lourdes (Sect. 9) - Fri 7:00pm at Mount St. Mary's
Victor (Sect. 5) vs. Jamestown (Sect. 6) - Sat 7:45pm at Buffalo State
Elmont (Sect. 8) vs. Half Hollows East (Sect. 11) - Sat 3:00pm at SUNY Farmingdale

STATE SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 15th, 12:30pm and 2:15pm at COOL Insuring Arena

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 16th, 7:00pm at COOL Insuring Arena

CLASS A - GLENS FALLS BLACK BEARS

On Tuesday Glens Falls jumped out to a 34-4 lead on Section 7's Beekmantown early in the second quarter and powered past the Eagles by 50.  Playing in the state tournament for the first time in 5 years, when Joe Girard III and company helped catapulted the school to their first State and Federation title.  The Black Bears were quiet in the Sectional Semifinal against Lansingburgh until Cooper Nadler's inside presence starting coming through to help put 21 on the board for Glens Falls.   It was more of a spread out effort for Glens Falls against Catholic Central in the Sectional Championship, which helped propel the school to the top spot in Class A as ranked by the NYSSWA. 

In addition to Cooper Nadler's inside play, Oscar Lilac helps orchestrate the offense.   But keep him unguarded, he'll throw up for a deep three.  Kellen Driscoll is the team's leading scorer, but Brody Holcomb and Aiden Prunty also can score.  Ralphael Maldonaldo and Bryce McClenning also have been known to appear during the game in reserve for Rob Girard's squad.

But the team on the other side is going to be difficult.  Westhill comes in also with experience in the State Tournament, and despite a slow start against Massena, they're going to give Glens Falls all they can handle. 

CLASS A REGIONAL FINALS
Westhill (Sect. 3) vs. Glens Falls - Sat 5:15pm at Hudson Valley Community College
Other Regional Finals:
Saugerties (Sect. 9) vs. Maine-Endwell (Sect. 4) - Sun 5:15pm at Visions Memorial Arena
Wayne (Sect. 5) vs. Williamsville South (Sect. 6) - Sat 2:45pm at Buffalo State
Friends Academy (Sect. 5) vs. Southampton (Sect. 11) - Sat 1:00pm at SUNY Farmingdale

STATE SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 15th, 9:00am and 10:45am at COOL Insuring Arena

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 16th, 5:15pm at COOL Insuring Arena

CLASS B - STILLWATER WARRIORS

Stillwater leaped out of the gate in Tuesday's Regional Semifinal against Northeastern Clinton, scoring 34 points as they made quick work of the Cougars.  Stillwater pulled away from Mechanicville thanks to a 11-0 run in the third quarter in the Sectional Championship, winning the crown that they couldn't get in 2023 after losing in heartbreak at the COOL Insuring Arena due to a Chatham buzzer-beating three.   The Warriors have lost only once, to Lansingburgh.

The Class B MVP during the Section 2 Tournament was Jaxon Mueller, and for good reason.   He can score, and he is the big presence inside the arch for Stillwater on both sides of the court.   He scored 17 against Northeastern Clinton on Tuesday, and 16 in the Championship against Mechanicville.   But he's also joined by Carter Wichelns, who drops 15 points as another main inside the arch player for the Warriors.   But a core part of the offense behind the arch belongs to Kaelan Leak and Oscar Lilac.   Off the bench, James Cocozzo is worth watching.

Standing in Stillwater's way of a return to Glens Falls is a long trip up north, where Canton awaits.  Canton comes in having lost three games all season, two against teams that will be playing on Saturday.  One being Westhill, who won 58-49.  The other... the team they're facing, as this is a rematch of a game played December 22nd, where Stillwater won 83-60.

CLASS B REGIONAL FINALS
Stillwater vs. Canton (Sect. 10) - Sat 2:45pm at SUNY Potsdam
Other Regional Finals:
West Hempstead (Sect. 8) vs. Woodlands (Sect. 1) - Sat 3:00pm at Yorktown High School
Avon (Sect. 5) vs. Salamanca (Sect. 6) - Sat 1:00pm at Buffalo State
Marcellus (Sect. 3) vs. Waverly (Sect. 4) - Sun 1:45pm at Visions Memorial Arena

STATE SEMIFINALS
Thursday, March 14th, 6:00pm and 7:45pm at COOL Insuring Arena

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Friday, March 15th, 5:15pm at COOL Insuring Arena

CLASS C - MAPLE HILL PANTHERS

Maple Hill clawed their way back in the Sectional Championship against Duanesburg, coming back from a 33-21 deficit thanks to a 14-1 run to yield a lead that stood until the final buzzer, despite Duanesburg's best efforts at the final seconds to win.   Then up north pulled away from a strong Tupper Lake squad to make it into Saturday's Regional finals.

Brady Cole is the workhorse of the Panthers defense.  He scored 16 against Hoosic Valley in the semifinals, then 14 against Duanesburg.  Jake Fish has proven he can effectively shoot the three when he needs to, with two coming in that game against the Eagles.  Nick Novak has the ability to score, and is consistent at the free throw line.   Even though Maple Hill doesn't have the most explosive offense, their defense wins them games.

But they have a really strong threat up north in the Moriah Vikings.  The crew from Port Henry has proven time and time again that they are a powerful team up in Section 7, owning the section's only State Title.  Maple Hill's faithful is going to need to come ready to be loud to counteract the Vikings fans.

CLASS C REGIONAL FINALS
Maple Hill vs. Moriah (Sect. 7) - Sat 2:00pm at Clinton Community College
Other Regional Finals:
Southold (Sect. 11) vs. Haldane (Sect. 1) - Sat 11:00am at Yorktown High School
Lyons (Sect. 5) vs. Randolph (Sect. 6) - Fri 6:30pm at Buffalo State
Moravia (Sect. 4) vs. Waterville (Sect. 3) - Sat 4:00pm at SRC Arena

STATE SEMIFINALS
Friday, March 15th, 6:00pm and 7:45pm at COOL Insuring Arena

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, March 16th, 8:45pm at COOL Insuring Arena

CLASS D - NORTH WARREN COUGARS

North Warren set a Section 2 record when they made 10 threes during the first quarter against Loudonville Christian, the most threes made by a team in a single quarter.  They shot 10/13 from downtown in that quarter, and helped the Cougars pull away to a 34-18 lead in the early second quarter.  By the time Loudonville Christian got going, the game was already beyond reach.

Eight grader Semaj Cuyler and Elijah Horge help make up the backcourt attack for the Cougars.  Derrick Tyrell and Wyatt Jennings are typically the big bodies in the paint, but both can score too.  Jennings had 20 points against Loudonville Christian and Derrick Tyrell added 14.  Giovanni Marron was big off the bench against Fort Edward, and Coleman Swartz was a big part of the three point deluge that came in the Sectional Championship.  

The team they face in the Regional Final is one they're very familiar with.  Schroon Lake and North Warren locked horns last year in the Regional Finals, with North Warren coming away victors 64-59.   But the two teams also squared off last month before Sectionals, with Schroon Lake winning that battle 55-53 up in Schroon Lake.  The two schools 15 minutes apart will travel an hour up to Plattsburgh to play at Clinton Community College.  

CLASS D REGIONAL FINALS
North Warren vs. Schroon Lake-Newcomb (Sect. 7) - Sat 6:30pm at Clinton Community College
Other Regional Finals:
South Kortright (Sect. 4) vs. Smithtown Christian (Sect. 11) - Sat 10:00am at SUNY Farmingdale
Avoca/Prattsburgh (Sect. 5) vs. Pine Valley (Sect. 6) - Sat 6:00pm at Buffalo State
Harrisville (Sect. 10) vs. Sackets Harbor (Sect. 3) - Sun 4:00pm at Jefferson Community College

STATE SEMIFINALS
Saturday, March 16th, 9:00am and 10:45am at COOL Insuring Arena

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Sunday, March 17th, 3:00pm at COOL Insuring Arena

Glens Falls took command early, with a 27-4 first quarter lead resulting in a 92-42 victory over Section 7's Beekmantown at Shenendehowa High School.  The Black Bears never looked back in a game where Brody Holcomb scores 23 points and Oscar Lilac adds 17.  Aiden Prunty contributed 15 points.

The win keeps Glens Falls perfect on the season, improving their record to 24-0.  The now marked #1 team in Class A by the New York State Sportswriters Association is one of two remaining undefeated teams in New York State after Cardozo and School of Inquiry, two NYC teams, were beat on Tuesday night.

The Black Bears advance to Saturday's Regional Finals, where they'll face either Section 10's Massena or Section 3 perennial powerhouse Westhill on Saturday at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.   Tip is at 5:15pm, the third of the Boys Regional Finals to be played at HVCC on Saturday.

In Class B, Jaxon Mueller scores 17 and Carter Wichelns and Kaelan Leak add 15 a piece as Stillwater advances to the NYSPHSAA Regional Finals on Saturday after beating Northeastern Clinton 71-34.

Stillwater started off hot, converting turnovers by Northeastern Clinton into points as the Warriors would take a 34-3 lead after the first quarter, and never looked back.  The Cougars shot 3 for 30 in the first half, as the heavy pressure of Jaxon Mueller and Carter Wichelns inside the paint made things difficult.

Stillwater next travels up to SUNY Potsdam where they'll face Section 10's Canton on Saturday.  Game tip is slated for 2:30pm.

We'll keep up with our local teams this weekend as they try to make their way back to Glens Falls for next week's Championships. 

The Crusaders took control early and ran away to beat Schalmont 72-36.  Darian Moore drops 26 for Catholic Central to set up a rematch of last year's Sectional Championship.  Catholic Central won that game.

The title game is Saturday at 12:45pm at the COOL Insuring Arena. 

Colonie, Niskayuna, Catholic Central, Stillwater, Maple Hill and North Warren are your top teams for the boys.  Shenendehowa, Averill Park, Catholic Central, Albany Academy, Greenwich and Northville are the tops in girls. The single elimination brackets begin this Friday for the outbracket matches, with first round and quarterfinals taking place next week.

The semifinals and finals, which will be at Hudson Valley Community College for the girls, and COOL Insuring Arena for the boys, will take place the week of February 25th.

BOYS:

Class AAA

Colonie is your top team in Class AAA.   One of two teams to run the table and go undefeated in the regular season, The top scoring team in the Suburban Council at 67.7 points per game, Colonie has wins over other higher ranked teams including Catholic Central and Section 9's Middletown.  Shaker is the second seed, and the team who claimed the Class AA title the last two seasons, Green Tech is your #3 seed.   Shenenedehowa takes the #4 seed, CBA is the #5 seed, and last year's semifinalist Saratoga Springs is the #6 seed.  Schenectady and Albany round up the field of eight.

Quarterfinals at Hudson Valley Community College, Sunday 2/25:
5-CBA 52, 4-Shenendehowa 50
6-Saratoga Springs 52, 3-Green Tech 84
7-Schenectady 70, 2-Shaker 79
8-Albany 54, 1-Colonie 71

Semifinals at COOL Insuring Arena, Thursday 2/29:
3-Green Tech vs. 2-Shaker - 6:30pm
5-CBA vs. 1-Colonie - 8:00pm

SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP at COOL Insuring Arena
Saturday, March 2nd - 4:15pm

Class AA

Niskayuna is the top team in Class AA.  Another Suburban Council team, the Silver Warriors have tallied only four losses this season, to Colonie, Bethlehem, Kingston and West Genesee.  Mekeel Christian Academy is back as a top contender, with losses only to Green Tech and Albany Academy this season.  They are the #2 seed, and will be the only other team to receive a bye into the quarterfinals.  Lasalle Institute is the #3 seed, and Bethlehem receiving the #4 seed.  Burnt Hills, South Glens Falls, Amsterdam and Columbia are the next four, followed by last year's top seed Ballston Spa, Mohonasen, Averill Park and Queensbury as seeds 9-12.  Last year's A Champion, Troy, is seeded #13, and Guilderland completes the field. 

1st Round at host school, Wednesday 2/21
9-Ballston Spa 69, 8-Columbia 76
13-Troy 59, 4-Bethlehem 81
12-Queensbury 50, 5-Burnt Hills 35
10-Mohonasen 43, 7-Amsterdam 33
14-Guilderland 51, 3-Lasalle 74
11-Averill Park 70, 6-South Glens Falls 71 (2OT)

Quarterfinals at Siena College, Sunday 2/25
12-Queensbury 39, 4-Bethlehem 49
6-South Glens Falls 49, 3-Lasalle 75
10-Mohonasen 41, 2-Mekeel Christian Academy 53
8-Columbia 59, 1-Niskayuna 63

Semifinals at COOL Insuring Arena
4-Bethlehem 48, 1-Niskayuna 56
3-Lasalle vs. 2-Mekeel Christian Academy - Thursday 2/29, 5:00pm

SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP at COOL Insuring Arena
3-Lasalle/2-Mekeel Christian Academy vs. 1-Niskayuna - Saturday, March 2nd - 2:30pm

Class A

Catholic Central takes the top spot in Class A over undefeated Glens Falls.  Catholic Central enters the postseason with a 19-1 record, with their lone loss being to Colonie.  Their resume includes wins over NYC schools Abraham Lincoln and Brooklyn Community Arts & Media, and other non-conference wins over teams like Elmira and Bishop Ludden.  Catholic Central is the defending sectional champion, having beat Glens Falls last March for the B title.   Glens Falls has the best offense in Section 2, at 82.9 points per game.  Lansingburgh is the #3 seed, with Schalmont and Gloversville taking the #4 and #5 spots.  Hudson Falls is sitting #6 after an 11-9 season, Ichabod Crane sits at #7 and Ravena is the #8 seed.   Cohoes, Scotia and Broadalbin-Perth completes the bracket.

1st Round at host school, Tuesday 2/20
9-Cohoes 29, 8-Ravena 54
10-Scotia 46, 7-Ichabod Crane 47
11-Broadalbin-Perth 42, 6-Hudson Falls 76

Quarterfinals at Siena College, Saturday 2/24
5-Gloversville 41,  4-Schalmont 48
6-Hudson Falls 49, 3-Lansingburgh 66
7-Ichabod Crane 46, 2-Glens Falls 80
8-Ravena 26, 1-Catholic Central 67

Semifinals at COOL Insuring Arena, Wednesday 2/28
3-Lansingburgh 54, 2-Glens Falls 60
4-Schalmont 36, 1-Catholic Central 72

SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP at COOL Insuring Arena
2-Glens Falls vs. 1-Catholic Central - Saturday, March 2nd - 12:45pm

Class B

A year after losing the Sectional Championship on a buzzer beating three, Stillwater is back as the top seed.  They won't have to face the team that beat them for the championship in B, but get a new cast of threats after a regular season where the Warriors went 19-1, only losing to Lansingburgh.  Hudson improves from last season, but couldn't claim the Patroon Conference title after dropping the finals to Maple Hill last time out.  Their other loss was to Mechanicville back in December.  Schuylerville comes in with talent as the #3 seed, and Watervliet also is a team to watch out for at #4.  Fonda-Fultonville, Hoosick Falls, Mechanicville and Greenville round up the first 8.  

The remainder of the field includes last year's sleeper team Voorheesville as the #9 seed, Johnstown sitting at 10 and Adirondack League teams Granville and Corinth as the 11th and 12th seeds. Bishop Gibbons is seeded #13, last year's top seed Tamarac is down to #14, and Rensselaer and Taconic Hills wraps up the field of 16.

1st Round at host school, Tuesday 2/20
16-Taconic Hills 47, 1-Stillwater 93
15-Rensselaer 46, 2-Hudson 92
14-Tamarac 43, 3-Schuylerville 58 
13-Bishop Gibbons 53, 4-Watervliet 48
12-Corinth 33, 5-Fonda-Fultonville 51
11-Granville 36, 6-Hoosick Falls 74
10-Johnstown 48, 7-Mechanicville 92
9-Voorheesville 73, 8-Greenville 55

Quarterfinals at Hudson Valley Community College, Saturday 2/24
13-Bishop Gibbons 34, 5-Fonda-Fultonville 58
6-Hoosick Falls 51, 3-Schuylerville 58 
7-Mechanicville 55,  2-Hudson 54
- Colin Richardson's full court drive ends in a buzzer-beating layup for Mechanicville
9-Voorheesville 48, 1-Stillwater 82

Semifinals at COOL Insuring Arena
5-Fonda-Fultonville 33, 1-Stillwater 57
7-Mechanicville 64, 3-Schuylerville 52

SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP at COOL Insuring Arena
7-Mechanicville vs. 1-Stillwater - Friday, March 1st - 6:45pm

Class C
A win in the Patroon Conference Championships helps propel Maple Hill to the top seed in Class C.  A Coaches vs. Cancer Bracket Buster win over Duanesburg back in December helped decide who would be #1.  Last year's undefeated C champion would love another trip to states after losing last year's C vs. CC playoff.  Berne-Knox-Westerlo is the #3 seed, and Hoosic Valley takes the #4 seed.  Warrensburg comes in as the #5 seed after making the Adirondack League championship, falling to North Warren in the title game.  Former sectional champions in the 2010's Spa Catholic and Lake George are #6 and #7 seeds, with Whitehall wrapping up the first eight.  

Last year's state qualifier Chatham sits as the #9 seed, with Schoharie, Middleburgh, Mayfield, Fort Plain, Greenwich, Germantown, Canajoharie, Cambridge, Hadley-Luzerne, Waterford, St. Johnsville and Salem completing the 21 team bracket.

Outbracket at host school, Friday 2/16
17-Cambridge 52, 16-Canajoharie 49
20-St. Johnsville 46, 13-Fort Plain 59
21-Salem 34, 12-Mayfield 61
18-Hadley-Luzerne 52, 15-Germantown 46
19-Waterford 59, 14-Greenwich 68

1st Round at host school, Tuesday 2/20
17-Cambridge 49, 1-Maple Hills 60
9-Chatham 56, 8-Whitehall 61
13-Fort Plain 48, 4-Hoosic Valley 69
12-Mayfield 22, 5-Warrensburg 54
18-Hadley-Luzerne 43, 2-Duanesburg 90 
10-Schoharie 57, 7-Lake George 42
14-Greenwich 47, 3-Berne-Knox-Westerlo 72
11-Middleburgh 50, 6-Spa Catholic 78

Quarterfinals at Hudson Valley Community College, Friday 2/23
5-Warrensburg 32, 4-Hoosic Valley 69
8-Whitehall 52, 1-Maple Hill 70
at Siena College, Friday 2/23
6-Spa Catholic 53, 3-Berne-Knox-Westerlo 67
10-Schoharie 43, 2-Duanesburg 82

Semifinals at COOL Insuring Arena, Monday 2/26
3-Berne-Knox-Westerlo 43, 2-Duanesburg 50
4-Hoosic Valley 47, 1-Maple Hill 54

SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP at COOL Insuring Arena
2-Duanesburg vs. 1-Maple Hill - Friday, March 1st - 5:00pm

Class D

A season after winning the Sectional Championship, North Warren is the top seed and looking strong after going undefeated in the Adirondack League.  The team they beat in the Semifinals last year, Argyle, is the #2 seed.  Another perennial threat, Loudonville-Christian, sits as the #3 seed.  Fort Edward sits as the #4 seed just ahead of last year's top seed and finalist Northville.  Hartford is #6 and Hawthorne Valley and Fort Ann complete the eight.

Quarterfinals at Stillwater High School, Saturday 2/24
5-Northville 39, 4-Fort Edward 63
6-Hartford 49, 3-Loudonville-Christian 62 
7-Hawthorne Valley 56, 2-Argyle 76
8-Fort Ann 36, 1-North Warren 71

Semifinals at COOL Insuring Arena, Tuesday 2/27
3-Loudonville Christian 64, 2-Argyle 45
4-Fort Edward 41, 1-North Warren 55

SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP at COOL Insuring Arena
3-Loudonville Christian vs. 1-North Warren - Saturday, March 2nd - 11:00am

For the full brackets, click here for boys, and here for girls.

(Courtesy: NYSPHSAA)

Kenmore/Grand Island jumped out to a 2-0 early lead 90 seconds in, but Adirondack United storms back to claim the NYSPHSAA State "Regional" championship, 7-3, at the Nexus Center in Utica on Saturday.

Queensbury's Bayley Duffy scored a pair of goals in the come back effort.

Adirondack United, the lone Section 2 Girls Hockey team, consists of players from area high schools, like Glens Falls, Queensbury, South Glens Falls, Hudson Falls, Saratoga Springs and Corinth.  Formed last year, the girls came out and took on established girls programs in Section 7 before making it into the state tournament, but fell short in Utica.  This pushed head coach Jeff Willis to pursue a higher goal -- the state title.

This year, the girls advanced to Utica thanks to a strong effort over Section 1's North Avalanche at the COOL Insuring Arena on Wednesday, then won 6-1 Friday over 2022's champions Skaneateles of Section 3.  While the start was slow for Adirondack United, according to Pete Tobey of The Post-Star, the girls took advantage of a 11-1 second period shot advantage to even the game up.

The title is Section 2's first hockey title for the girls, with only Albany Academy previously having a girls hockey team within the boundaries of Section 2.  The last overall hockey title for Section 2 was Queensbury's, back in 2019.  Before then, Saratoga won the Division 1 title back in 2013. 

A press conference on Wednesday announced the berth of a 12 team league in Section 2, aided by a $30,000 grant by the New York Giants football team on a day that celebrated Women in Sports.

Those 12 teams are among current Suburban Council teams, which includes Saratoga Springs, Shenendehowa, Burnt Hills, and Albany.  They join Troy, whose Flying Horses program began play last Spring and competed against teams across New York State since league play in Section 2 wasn't established yet.  This league will result in less travel costs for Troy, who had to travel to face teams in Rhinebeck and Plattsburgh among others last Spring during the regular season.

The season begins April 9th, and will culminate with the first NYSPHSAA State Championships in Cortland this June.

The win claims Queensbury the "Stick", the trophy that is awarded to the winner of the annual rivalry between local squads.

Meanwhile down in Saratoga Springs, Jack Murphy scores with 2:04 left as the Saratoga Blue Streaks defeat the Shenendehowa Plainsmen 3-2.  

Entering the day, Shenendehowa led the Capital District High School Hockey League by a half point over Queensbury, but with the combined results, Queensbury leaps Shen in the standings to lead by that same half point.

The two teams meet Wednesday at the Fire Road Rink for the second time this season.  Shenendehowa beat Queensbury down at the Clifton Park Arena back in December.  In that game, Shen scored the first two goals, then Queensbury tied things up before the first intermission.  It was all Shenendehowa afterwards, getting two goals from John Westrick on way to the 7-2 win.  

Before those two teams meet, they will face the other local rivals, with Shenendehowa playing Adirondack on Friday down at the Clifton Park Arena, and Queensbury heading down to Weibel Ave Rink to face Saratoga on Saturday.  Unless Shenendehowa loses and Queensbury wins this weekend, next Wednesdays game will be for the cup.

Queensbury enters the weekend riding a 9 game winning streak, with their last loss coming by Section 5's Notre Dame Batavia, on January 5th.  The last time Queensbury finished the season as the top team in Section 2 to claim the Delvecchio Cup, was 15 years ago in 2009.  Shenendehowa's last cup win was 2022.

Puck drop Wednesday is approximately 7:40pm.

The Black Bears are a multi-threat team, with Kellen Driscoll averaging about 22.5 points per game, and gets solid help from Brody Holcomb's 18 points per game.

Glens Falls has defeated their opponents by an average of double digits all season, with their closest game all season being their January 30th game at Hudson Falls, where they beat the Tigers 68-55.   On January 5th, Glens Falls nearly beat Broadalbin-Perth by 60, winning 82-24.  

Next up for Glens Falls will be the Class A Sectional Bracket, which will be announced when Section 2's Basketball Committee meets to draw up the brackets in mid-February.   And maybe, Glens Falls can close the door on a magical season at the COOL Insuring Arena in mid-March at the New York State Public High School Boys Basketball championships. 

The New York High School Public Athletic Association voted 12 to 10 on Wednesday to move the state championships from Glens Falls to Binghamton, to the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena, effective 2025 through 2027.

Voting for Glens Falls to maintain the basketball championships was Sections 1, 2, 7, 8 and 10.  However, the westernmost sections of 3, 4, 5, 6 along with the Catskills Section 9 and Suffolk County's Section 11 voted for Binghamton.

The vote comes as Section 4's bid for the championships was read to be lower than Glens Falls's, and included use of the NYSPHSAA's gofan.co ticketing platform.   The COOL Insuring Arena is contracted with Seat Geek for ticket sales, therefore ticket sales would have to go through that rather than NYSPHSAA's gofan.co platform, incurring an extra cost.  Section 4's bid also included a $20,000 grant to the NYSPHSAA, allowing the agency to start in the black from the start, which won the approval of NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas.  However, part of Glens Falls's bid was not understood properly, according to reports via The Post-Star. The State Basketball Committee, a separate group, recommended to the state that the tournament stay in Glens Falls by an 8-2 margin.

Glens Falls has been host to the NYSPHSAA Boys Basketball Championships since 1981, but lost the championships in 2016 to Binghamton.   The city regained the rights to host in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic deferred the first year of the agreement to 2022, with this year being the last of the three year process.  

The 2024 Championships at the COOL Insuring Arena will be Thursday, March 14th through Sunday, March 17th, with an extra day of the championships to accommodate New York being broken down to 6 classifications, rather than the 5 last year that creates two additional semifinals and championships to be played in Glens Falls. 

But that was not the big story, as Lukas Sherman scored 22 points, setting him as the all-time scorer in Schuylerville Black Horses history.   He accomplished this feat midway through the game Tuesday, as shown below...

With this shot, Senior Lukas Sherman becomes the All-Time Leading Scorer in Schuylerville Basketball history. #518hoops pic.twitter.com/yyXOqDH2TD

— Black Horses Baseball (@BaseballHorses) January 24, 2024

His 1,327 points surpasses Eric Stover's 1,317, who set the previous mark for Schuylerville back in 1978.

ICYMI: Senior Lukas Sherman surpassed Eric Stover (1978) to set the school’s all-time scoring record last night with 22 points in a victory over Hudson Falls. Luke is also a decorated football and baseball player for the Black Horses. #518hoops pic.twitter.com/IhJr0ylJrP

— Black Horses Baseball (@BaseballHorses) January 24, 2024

Sherman has 5 more regular season games plus the Section 2 Sectional Tournament to add to his tally. His final game at Schuylerville High will be February 7th when the Black Horses host cross-river former league rivals Greenwich at 7pm.

So it's absolutely crazy to see a local guide sign is directing drivers to... "Glen Falls".

Among the items done in Warren County's renovations of the 4 mile long stretch of Quaker Road was installations of fresh road signs to replace older signs.  The majority of signs are correct, however, the turn off to Highland Avenue (State Route 32) just past Dix Avenue has this erroneous installation, directing drivers onto Route 32 south to "Glen Falls".

Whoops.

ALBANY, NY (October 27, 2023) The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) has begun installing CDTA bus stop signs along Greater Glens Falls Transit routes. This is the first step in a phased approach to integrate and introduce CDTA to the Warren County community.

“We are excited to be taking this first visible step in bringing CDTA to Warren County,” said CDTA CEO Carm Basile. “Over the next several weeks, the community will start to see more of CDTA as we transition the service network. I want to thank the Warren County Board of Supervisors and the Mayor of Glens Falls for helping to make our service a reality for the North County. We look forward to getting to know our customers and the community as we roll out the CDTA welcome.”

The Warren County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in May to join the Capital District Transportation Authority. In September, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation into law that allows Warren County to enter CDTA’s transportation network. Warren County is the sixth county to join the Authority. The merger into CDTA will give customers in Warren County increased accessibility to transportation throughout the Capital Region.

CDTA is working with the City of Glens Falls to transition employees at GGFT. As bus stop signs are being installed, GGFT buses will be painted and branded with the recognizable CDTA blue and gold. Marketing and promotional materials will be developed, and appropriate social media will be introduced so that GGFT customers can transition to the CDTA information platform. CDTA is working to assume and transfer GGFT assets, including equipment, property, and other administrative items.

This plan is intended to introduce CDTA to the community and allow CDTA the time to develop new mobility solutions for North County residents, employers, and partners.