I stand corrected from earlier posts after assuming Bishop Maginn was hosting the two-day basketball event at the Washington Avenue Armory. They're not.
The hosts in this case are Mekeel Christian Academy out of Schenectady. Due to the fact that everything was coming together at the 11th hour, if you will, this explains why none of today's games were listed in the local papers, except maybe for the Daily Gazette.
As such, the Lions Classic drew a sparse crowd to the ancient Armory at the start of the JV double-header at 1:30. There were no programs to be had, and they're hoping to have them available for tomorrow. As a result, I can't really offer game stats for today's contests. Trying to decipher all the names through the Armory sound system, as I've discovered over the last few years, is just next to impossible.
JV scores:
Albany 50, Mekeel 49.
Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons 83, Bishop Maginn 21.
Notes: Maginn dressed just six players for the JV game. A recipe for disaster if there ever was one. Along the same line, Mekeel dressed 10, and Albany 7. Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons had a full complement of 13 players.
Varsity scores:
Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons 70, Bishop Maginn 58.
Abraham Lincoln (Brooklyn) 55, Shenendehowa 53.
8 games are reportedly scheduled for tomorrow, headlined by Lincoln vs. Mekeel. Admission is $5 for students, $8 for adults for all-day passes. However, courtside seats are $10. That says fund-raising to me.
====================================
They'll be hard-pressed for attendance again tomorrow, due this time to UAlbany's mens' basketball team playing a midday matinee vs. American at SEFCU Arena. Due to the Great Danes' football team in the playoffs, the hoops were moved from 1 pm to 10 am.
===================================
Next week, we'll see Shen at Troy. We'll see Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons in the Troy Holiday Classic in 4 weeks.
Friday, November 29, 2019
News & notes
The other shoe dropped for the Albany Empire, and the rest of the Arena Football League, for that matter, on Wednesday when it was announced that the league had filed for bankruptcy under chapter 7, keeping the league shuttered permanently.
The league had to deal with a multi-million dollar lawsuit that predated the introduction of the Empire prior to the 2018 season, but could not raise enough capital to overcome and cancel the debt.
This makes Empire star Malachi Jones perhaps the smartest player in the league, having signed with an XFL franchise last month, ensuring he will see action at least in the first half of 2020. For everyone else, there'll be free agent tryout camps in the US & overseas, and maybe, just maybe, the XFL, overseen by WWE CEO/Chairman Vince McMahon, might open its doors to more AFL players. Stay tuned.
=======================================
There are a fair number of basketball tournaments opening up tonight throughout Section II. Unfortunately, pre-game details are sketchy at the moment, including a tournament at the Washington Avenue Armory, which will feature, among others, Watervliet, Shaker, Catholic Central, Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons, and host Bishop Maginn. A phone call to the Armory on Wednesday netted nothing, only because event organizers hadn't been in contact with the venue in advance. That usually spells trouble.
=======================================
Former Shenendehowa star Kevin Huerter, in his 2nd season with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, has been sidelined of late with a shoulder injury, and, at last check, was held out of the team's current road trip. We'll keep you updated.
======================================
Just as he's basking in the glow of national television exposure for the first time in his career, NXT star and Albany native Bobby Fish was pulled from the Undisputed Era's tag title defense vs. Keith Lee & Dominic Dijakovic (whom local wrestling fans will remember as Donovan Dijak) on Wednesday when he suffered a knee injury after Lee dropped Fish over the top rope and onto Kyle O'Reilly. NXT North American champion Roderick Strong replaced Fish and finished the match. As of press time, there's no word on how long Fish will be out of the ring. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to one of the 518's very own.
The league had to deal with a multi-million dollar lawsuit that predated the introduction of the Empire prior to the 2018 season, but could not raise enough capital to overcome and cancel the debt.
This makes Empire star Malachi Jones perhaps the smartest player in the league, having signed with an XFL franchise last month, ensuring he will see action at least in the first half of 2020. For everyone else, there'll be free agent tryout camps in the US & overseas, and maybe, just maybe, the XFL, overseen by WWE CEO/Chairman Vince McMahon, might open its doors to more AFL players. Stay tuned.
=======================================
There are a fair number of basketball tournaments opening up tonight throughout Section II. Unfortunately, pre-game details are sketchy at the moment, including a tournament at the Washington Avenue Armory, which will feature, among others, Watervliet, Shaker, Catholic Central, Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons, and host Bishop Maginn. A phone call to the Armory on Wednesday netted nothing, only because event organizers hadn't been in contact with the venue in advance. That usually spells trouble.
=======================================
Former Shenendehowa star Kevin Huerter, in his 2nd season with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, has been sidelined of late with a shoulder injury, and, at last check, was held out of the team's current road trip. We'll keep you updated.
======================================
Just as he's basking in the glow of national television exposure for the first time in his career, NXT star and Albany native Bobby Fish was pulled from the Undisputed Era's tag title defense vs. Keith Lee & Dominic Dijakovic (whom local wrestling fans will remember as Donovan Dijak) on Wednesday when he suffered a knee injury after Lee dropped Fish over the top rope and onto Kyle O'Reilly. NXT North American champion Roderick Strong replaced Fish and finished the match. As of press time, there's no word on how long Fish will be out of the ring. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to one of the 518's very own.
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
News & notes
Winter sports season has begun in Section II, even though football doesn't wrap up until Sunday.
The Great Danes will play Central Connecticut State, coached by former UAlbany assistant Ryan McCarthy, on Saturday.
Troy High opened the bowling season Tuesday with the first of a three match homestand at Uncle Sam Lanes, and, for the second straight season, Troy opens with a win, putting down Bethlehem, 21 1/2-10 1/2. The Flying Horses are idle until December 3.
=============================
Turning to basketball, LaSalle & Saratoga renewed acquaintances on Tuesday to open the season for both clubs. Aiden Holmes led the Blue Streaks with 24 points. LaSalle's Bo Catherwood matched Holmes with 24 of his own, but it wasn't enough, as Saratoga came away with a 63-55 victory. LaSalle is also idle until next week.
===============================
Congratulations to UAlbany football coach Greg Gattuso, named Coach of The Year by the Colonial Athletic Alliance on Tuesday. QB Jeff Undercuffler was named CAA Offensive Rookie of The Year, also on Tuesday.
The Great Danes will play Central Connecticut State, coached by former UAlbany assistant Ryan McCarthy, on Saturday.
================================
The Foothills Council will have one fewer team in women's varsity basketball this season.
Gloversville announced on Tuesday that they simply don't have enough varsity-ready players for the women's team, but will still field a junior varsity team, along with 2 modified squads (Grades 7-9). The Lady Dragons also had similar issues from 2012-14 before returning to league play in 2014.
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Football news & notes
Section II is down to one team vying for a state championship.
Class B titlist Schuylerville punched its ticket to Syracuse with an 8-7 win over Port Jervis Saturday afternoon at Middletown. This was all about defense, but the Raiders had a chance to win it late in the 4th quarter, but Liam Tomasi's field goal try was blocked, and Schuylerville ran out the clock.
The Black Horses will play Chenango Forks, from Section IV, for the title, next weekend at the Carrier Dome.
Unfortunately, Class AA champion Shenendehowa saw its 9 game winning streak end in a 24-17 loss to New Rochelle. Star running back Billy Beach was limited to just 45 yards on 13 carries, but the Plainsmen overcame a 10 point deficit to take a 17-10 lead into the final frame, only to fall short. Congratulations to coach Brian Clawson on a sensational 2019 campaign, as the Plainsmen finish 10-2.
=======================================
Union College took the first step toward a possible NCAA Division III title with a win over Case Western, 24-21, at Frank Bailey Field on Saturday. The Dutchmen hit the road to play Salisbury College in Maryland next week.
UAlbany secured a spot in their playoffs by beating Stony Brook, 31-26, on the road. The game aired live on SNY, which might air an encore during the week.
However, RPI's football season is over, as the Engineers dropped a 41-38 decision to Grove City in Pennsylvania. The Engineers finish 6-5, having dropped their last two.
Class B titlist Schuylerville punched its ticket to Syracuse with an 8-7 win over Port Jervis Saturday afternoon at Middletown. This was all about defense, but the Raiders had a chance to win it late in the 4th quarter, but Liam Tomasi's field goal try was blocked, and Schuylerville ran out the clock.
The Black Horses will play Chenango Forks, from Section IV, for the title, next weekend at the Carrier Dome.
Unfortunately, Class AA champion Shenendehowa saw its 9 game winning streak end in a 24-17 loss to New Rochelle. Star running back Billy Beach was limited to just 45 yards on 13 carries, but the Plainsmen overcame a 10 point deficit to take a 17-10 lead into the final frame, only to fall short. Congratulations to coach Brian Clawson on a sensational 2019 campaign, as the Plainsmen finish 10-2.
=======================================
Union College took the first step toward a possible NCAA Division III title with a win over Case Western, 24-21, at Frank Bailey Field on Saturday. The Dutchmen hit the road to play Salisbury College in Maryland next week.
UAlbany secured a spot in their playoffs by beating Stony Brook, 31-26, on the road. The game aired live on SNY, which might air an encore during the week.
However, RPI's football season is over, as the Engineers dropped a 41-38 decision to Grove City in Pennsylvania. The Engineers finish 6-5, having dropped their last two.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Section II Class A announces its All-League team
While the Exceptional Seniors game took place last night at LaSalle, Section II announced the top players of the year in Class A, and the loop's all-league team. Bear in mind the all-stars are for the Capital Division only, thanks to El Cheapo Media.
Player of the Year: Xavier Leigh, Troy. El Cheapo Media screwed up, claiming Leigh is a senior. He's actually a junior.
Offensive Player of the Year: Jason Rodriguez, Queensbury.
Defensive Player of the Year: Aiden Thomas, Ballston Spa.
All-Purpose Player of the Year: Peyton Ausfeld, Amsterdam.
Class A 1st team:
Offensive linemen:
Alex Simon, Amsterdam.
Robert Gapp & Deondre Butler, Troy.
Nick Marchese, Averill Park.
Timmy Sciacca & Scott Blais, Columbia.
Tight End: Angelo Cioffi, Columbia.
Wide Recivers:
David Romer, Columbia.
Brady Fenton, LaSalle.
Xavier Ward & Makai Cruel, Troy.
Running backs:
Cameron Chrzanowski, Amsterdam.
Dan McShane & Joe Milanese, Averill Park.
Traydon Lawrence, LaSalle.
Quarterback: Alex Wolfe, Troy.
Punter: Jonah Griswold, Troy.
Placekicker: Andrew Welch, Amsterdam.
Defensive linemen:
Prince Wadjas, Troy.
Christian Robinson, Amsterdam.
Defensive End:
Jaeshawn Brown, Troy.
Austin Fahrenkopf, Columbia.
James Shatas, Amsterdam.
Linebackers:
Inside:
Tyrell Penalba, Troy.
Ed McDonough, LaSalle.
Outside:
Connor Dwyer, Troy.
Ryan Kelson, Columbia.
Nick Pino, LaSalle.
Jack Long, Averill Park.
Defensive backs:
Nasir Dawud-Soto, Troy.
Rein Desbiens, Amsterdam,
Nassiz Young, LaSalle.
Matt Morin, Averill Park.
All-purpose: Bo Catherwood, LaSalle.
=============================
Class A 2nd team:
Offensive linemen:
Detreck Rivenburg, Troy.
Daimon Aviles, Amsterdam.
Blessing Jackson, LaSalle.
Mike Minehan & Dominick Paradise, Averill Park.
Tight End: Clifton Manns, Green Tech.
Wide Receivers:
Josiah Newborn, Amsterdam.
Ben McHugh, Columbia.
Kwali Poole, Albany.
Running backs:
Mike Altomer & Jacob Slovak, Columbia.
Nazir Sheldon, Green Tech.
Kquazay Dickens, Albany.
Quarterbacks:
Anthony Childrose, Averill Park.
Branden Biggane, Columbia.
Punter: Eli Blaauboer, Columbia.
Placekicker: Luke Hempel, Averill Park.
Defensive Linemen:
Anthony Modonia, LaSalle.
Jordy Nelson (no relation to the former NFL star), Columbia.
Defensive ends:
Nick Clemenzi, Averill Park.
Anthony Ruddock, Green Tech.
Dan Amasha, LaSalle.
Linebackers:
Inside:
Jaylen Riggins, Troy.
Alejandro Christopher, Amsterdam.
Matt Shoemaker, Averill Park.
Michael Altomer, Columbia.
Outside: Nazierre Holder, Green Tech.
Defensive backs:
Darius Holmes, Troy.
James Mooney, Averill Park.
Derek Ouimette, Columbia.
Prince Rukundo, Albany.
Congratulations to one and all.
Player of the Year: Xavier Leigh, Troy. El Cheapo Media screwed up, claiming Leigh is a senior. He's actually a junior.
Offensive Player of the Year: Jason Rodriguez, Queensbury.
Defensive Player of the Year: Aiden Thomas, Ballston Spa.
All-Purpose Player of the Year: Peyton Ausfeld, Amsterdam.
Class A 1st team:
Offensive linemen:
Alex Simon, Amsterdam.
Robert Gapp & Deondre Butler, Troy.
Nick Marchese, Averill Park.
Timmy Sciacca & Scott Blais, Columbia.
Tight End: Angelo Cioffi, Columbia.
Wide Recivers:
David Romer, Columbia.
Brady Fenton, LaSalle.
Xavier Ward & Makai Cruel, Troy.
Running backs:
Cameron Chrzanowski, Amsterdam.
Dan McShane & Joe Milanese, Averill Park.
Traydon Lawrence, LaSalle.
Quarterback: Alex Wolfe, Troy.
Punter: Jonah Griswold, Troy.
Placekicker: Andrew Welch, Amsterdam.
Defensive linemen:
Prince Wadjas, Troy.
Christian Robinson, Amsterdam.
Defensive End:
Jaeshawn Brown, Troy.
Austin Fahrenkopf, Columbia.
James Shatas, Amsterdam.
Linebackers:
Inside:
Tyrell Penalba, Troy.
Ed McDonough, LaSalle.
Outside:
Connor Dwyer, Troy.
Ryan Kelson, Columbia.
Nick Pino, LaSalle.
Jack Long, Averill Park.
Defensive backs:
Nasir Dawud-Soto, Troy.
Rein Desbiens, Amsterdam,
Nassiz Young, LaSalle.
Matt Morin, Averill Park.
All-purpose: Bo Catherwood, LaSalle.
=============================
Class A 2nd team:
Offensive linemen:
Detreck Rivenburg, Troy.
Daimon Aviles, Amsterdam.
Blessing Jackson, LaSalle.
Mike Minehan & Dominick Paradise, Averill Park.
Tight End: Clifton Manns, Green Tech.
Wide Receivers:
Josiah Newborn, Amsterdam.
Ben McHugh, Columbia.
Kwali Poole, Albany.
Running backs:
Mike Altomer & Jacob Slovak, Columbia.
Nazir Sheldon, Green Tech.
Kquazay Dickens, Albany.
Quarterbacks:
Anthony Childrose, Averill Park.
Branden Biggane, Columbia.
Punter: Eli Blaauboer, Columbia.
Placekicker: Luke Hempel, Averill Park.
Defensive Linemen:
Anthony Modonia, LaSalle.
Jordy Nelson (no relation to the former NFL star), Columbia.
Defensive ends:
Nick Clemenzi, Averill Park.
Anthony Ruddock, Green Tech.
Dan Amasha, LaSalle.
Linebackers:
Inside:
Jaylen Riggins, Troy.
Alejandro Christopher, Amsterdam.
Matt Shoemaker, Averill Park.
Michael Altomer, Columbia.
Outside: Nazierre Holder, Green Tech.
Defensive backs:
Darius Holmes, Troy.
James Mooney, Averill Park.
Derek Ouimette, Columbia.
Prince Rukundo, Albany.
Congratulations to one and all.
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Minor league baseball contraction? Say What???
Tri-City Valleycats can breathe a little easier this evening.
According to the Albany Times-Union, the 'Cats are not on a list of NY-Penn League teams that would be contracted or eliminated after the 2020 season.
A plan proposed, ironically enough, by Houston GM Jeff Luhnow, would have 42 minor league teams, including more than half of the NY-P League, contracted at the end of next year because some minor league ballparks aren't meeting the higher-than-they-should standards of the so-called Lords of Baseball.
Bruno Stadium, on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College, holds 4,500, but has had more than 6,000 fans for some games over the course of 18 seasons. Even if the 'Cats were forced to leave town, HVCC would still have the stadium for their varsity baseball & softball teams, and would host Section II high school games.
What apparently is in the cards for the 'Cats is moving to a full season schedule, starting in April 2021, which would mean sharing The Joe with HVCC. The Friday Night Lights high school miniseries, which has been plagued by weather issues, would likely be squeezed out, depending on the 2021 schedule.
What it all comes down to, of course, is money, and saving as much of it as humanly possible. There are already threats of lawsuits, and complaints from politicos representing some NY-P League teams, such as Lowell, have made their voices heard.
The Valleycats are one of five NY-P teams that would be saved, along with Brooklyn (which would replace Binghamton in the Eastern League), Hudson Valley, West Virginia, and Aberdeen. There hasn't been a full season pro baseball team since the independent Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs left town, and not one affiliated with a major league club since the A-C Yankees relocated to Trenton nearly 20 years ago. Tri-City is one of the bigger draws in the NY-P League, but there are no guarantees that they would still be a Houston affiliate after 2020, even though, if memory serves, the team did extend their agreement with the Astros earlier this year.
Here's a thought. The Yankees, under the current plan, would lose their Staten Island team, which would raise a ruckus in the Bronx, especially considering the Mets would keep Brooklyn. The thought I have is that the Yankees, if they have to give up Staten Island, and if the Astros buy out the 'Cats, Yankee minor league baseball could conceivably return to the 518. Some of the bigger draws at the Joe, especially on weekends, have been when Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Lowell have come to town, due to their parent clubs having strong fan bases here.
I'm a firm believer in that if it isn't broken, you don't fix it, but the 30 MLB owners are, as usual, thinking with their wallets first. And they wonder why television ratings for the World Series weren't so great........
According to the Albany Times-Union, the 'Cats are not on a list of NY-Penn League teams that would be contracted or eliminated after the 2020 season.
A plan proposed, ironically enough, by Houston GM Jeff Luhnow, would have 42 minor league teams, including more than half of the NY-P League, contracted at the end of next year because some minor league ballparks aren't meeting the higher-than-they-should standards of the so-called Lords of Baseball.
Bruno Stadium, on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College, holds 4,500, but has had more than 6,000 fans for some games over the course of 18 seasons. Even if the 'Cats were forced to leave town, HVCC would still have the stadium for their varsity baseball & softball teams, and would host Section II high school games.
What apparently is in the cards for the 'Cats is moving to a full season schedule, starting in April 2021, which would mean sharing The Joe with HVCC. The Friday Night Lights high school miniseries, which has been plagued by weather issues, would likely be squeezed out, depending on the 2021 schedule.
What it all comes down to, of course, is money, and saving as much of it as humanly possible. There are already threats of lawsuits, and complaints from politicos representing some NY-P League teams, such as Lowell, have made their voices heard.
The Valleycats are one of five NY-P teams that would be saved, along with Brooklyn (which would replace Binghamton in the Eastern League), Hudson Valley, West Virginia, and Aberdeen. There hasn't been a full season pro baseball team since the independent Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs left town, and not one affiliated with a major league club since the A-C Yankees relocated to Trenton nearly 20 years ago. Tri-City is one of the bigger draws in the NY-P League, but there are no guarantees that they would still be a Houston affiliate after 2020, even though, if memory serves, the team did extend their agreement with the Astros earlier this year.
Here's a thought. The Yankees, under the current plan, would lose their Staten Island team, which would raise a ruckus in the Bronx, especially considering the Mets would keep Brooklyn. The thought I have is that the Yankees, if they have to give up Staten Island, and if the Astros buy out the 'Cats, Yankee minor league baseball could conceivably return to the 518. Some of the bigger draws at the Joe, especially on weekends, have been when Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Lowell have come to town, due to their parent clubs having strong fan bases here.
I'm a firm believer in that if it isn't broken, you don't fix it, but the 30 MLB owners are, as usual, thinking with their wallets first. And they wonder why television ratings for the World Series weren't so great........
And then, there were two
Queensbury had waited five years to get back into the state football tournament. Apparently, no one told them how much things had changed.
Having dethroned Section II's other Spartans, from Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, before beating Troy last week, Queensbury returned to Shenendehowa on Saturday afternoon for a twilight game vs. defending state champion Cornwall. For the second straight week, Queensbury fell behind early, but this time, despite a furious second half rally, Matt Crossman's Spartans were eliminated, 28-27.
The loss wrapped up a disappointing day for the teams from the North Country, as Class D titlist Warrensburg also goes one-& done in state play, falling to Moriah.
That leaves Shen (AA) & Schuylerville (B) as the only Section II teams left heading into regional finals next weekend, and there's also no more home cooking, as the Black Horses & Plainsmen will be outside Section II going forward. That Section II got to host four of the five games the last two days is an achievement unto itself.
Having dethroned Section II's other Spartans, from Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, before beating Troy last week, Queensbury returned to Shenendehowa on Saturday afternoon for a twilight game vs. defending state champion Cornwall. For the second straight week, Queensbury fell behind early, but this time, despite a furious second half rally, Matt Crossman's Spartans were eliminated, 28-27.
The loss wrapped up a disappointing day for the teams from the North Country, as Class D titlist Warrensburg also goes one-& done in state play, falling to Moriah.
That leaves Shen (AA) & Schuylerville (B) as the only Section II teams left heading into regional finals next weekend, and there's also no more home cooking, as the Black Horses & Plainsmen will be outside Section II going forward. That Section II got to host four of the five games the last two days is an achievement unto itself.
Saturday, November 16, 2019
News & notes
Stillwater's dream season came to a crashing end Friday night at Mohonasen, as the Warriors fell, 10-2, to Governeur. Only a fourth quarter safety prevented Stillwater from being shut out. A disappointing finish for seniors Mason Seymour and James Galarneau, to be sure, but for the juniors who will be seniors next year, there is a building block to repeat as Section II Class C champions.
===============================================
At Shaker High in Latham, Shenendehowa used a steady diet of running back Billy Beach (5 touchdowns in the first half) against an overmatched Pine Bush defense, and advanced to the Class AA semifinals in convincing fashion, 41-7.
Shen will await the winner of today's game between New Rochelle and Proctor, and will play next Saturday at Middletown.
===============================================
Class B champion Schuylerville put down Potsdam, 28-8, at Ogdensburg, to advance to the semi-finals. If there is an x factor in the Black Horses' favor, it'd be former Troy coach Jack Burger, who won two state titles with the Flying Horses in 1996 & 1998, and took Troy to the Carrier Dome on multiple occasions otherwise before stepping down after the 2013 season.
================================================
WWE Executive VP Paul "Triple H" LeVesque appeared on WNYT 10 days ago to talk up NXT and it's connections to the 518. Yes, I said connections. Turns out Albany native Bobby Fish isn't the only one with ties to the home district:
Matt Riddle, originally from Allentown, Pa., relocated to Saratoga as a youth, and, as noted in the video, graduated from Saratoga in 2004. You better believe he's making the Blue Streaks' wrestling team very proud on Wednesday nights.
===============================================
At Shaker High in Latham, Shenendehowa used a steady diet of running back Billy Beach (5 touchdowns in the first half) against an overmatched Pine Bush defense, and advanced to the Class AA semifinals in convincing fashion, 41-7.
Shen will await the winner of today's game between New Rochelle and Proctor, and will play next Saturday at Middletown.
===============================================
Class B champion Schuylerville put down Potsdam, 28-8, at Ogdensburg, to advance to the semi-finals. If there is an x factor in the Black Horses' favor, it'd be former Troy coach Jack Burger, who won two state titles with the Flying Horses in 1996 & 1998, and took Troy to the Carrier Dome on multiple occasions otherwise before stepping down after the 2013 season.
================================================
WWE Executive VP Paul "Triple H" LeVesque appeared on WNYT 10 days ago to talk up NXT and it's connections to the 518. Yes, I said connections. Turns out Albany native Bobby Fish isn't the only one with ties to the home district:
Matt Riddle, originally from Allentown, Pa., relocated to Saratoga as a youth, and, as noted in the video, graduated from Saratoga in 2004. You better believe he's making the Blue Streaks' wrestling team very proud on Wednesday nights.
Edit, 7/18/23: The video was deleted by WNYT. In its place above is the NXT logo.
====================================
I've only got one word to describe the crowd size at Houston Field House Friday night for RPI's women's hockey game vs. Quinnipiac.
Depressing.
The men's ECAC team isn't exactly selling out the Field House, either, but they're a big draw, depending on the opponent. The ACHA men's team and the women's team don't get the press they deserve, as we've noted, and that's just wrong.
Speaking of the men's ECAC team, they played to a 2-2 tie at Princeton, and will play Quinnipiac tonight.
====================================
I've only got one word to describe the crowd size at Houston Field House Friday night for RPI's women's hockey game vs. Quinnipiac.
Depressing.
The men's ECAC team isn't exactly selling out the Field House, either, but they're a big draw, depending on the opponent. The ACHA men's team and the women's team don't get the press they deserve, as we've noted, and that's just wrong.
Speaking of the men's ECAC team, they played to a 2-2 tie at Princeton, and will play Quinnipiac tonight.
Friday, November 15, 2019
Five for the states
Section II is down to 5 teams for state football supremacy, and the road to the Syracuse Carrier Dome begins tonight for three of those teams. Unfortunately, none of the games will be televised as of press time, as Spectrum's Friday Night Matchup ended its season slate last week. State finals will be broadcast on Spectrum in two weeks on Thanksgiving weekend.
The lineup:
Tonight:
Class AA: Shenendehowa vs. Pine Bush @ Shaker High, 7 pm.
Class B: Schuylerville vs. Potsdam @ Ogdensburg Free Academy, 7 pm.
Class C: Stillwater vs. Governeur @ Mohonasen, 7 pm.
Saturday:
Class A: Queensbury vs. Cornwall @ Shen, 3 pm.
Class D: Warrensburg vs. Moriah @ Glens Falls, 1 pm.
Per the Daily Gazette, the Class D game was moved from Beekmantown to Glens Falls. No reason given, other than the possibility that weather issues earlier this week made the Beekmantown field unplayable. As a result, Section II hosts four of the five regional games, instead of three as originally planned.
"High School Fridays" returns in 2 weeks.
The lineup:
Tonight:
Class AA: Shenendehowa vs. Pine Bush @ Shaker High, 7 pm.
Class B: Schuylerville vs. Potsdam @ Ogdensburg Free Academy, 7 pm.
Class C: Stillwater vs. Governeur @ Mohonasen, 7 pm.
Saturday:
Class A: Queensbury vs. Cornwall @ Shen, 3 pm.
Class D: Warrensburg vs. Moriah @ Glens Falls, 1 pm.
Per the Daily Gazette, the Class D game was moved from Beekmantown to Glens Falls. No reason given, other than the possibility that weather issues earlier this week made the Beekmantown field unplayable. As a result, Section II hosts four of the five regional games, instead of three as originally planned.
"High School Fridays" returns in 2 weeks.
Monday, November 11, 2019
Troy High sports, then & now, part 2
With football season having ended on Saturday, I felt it was time to get to the second part of our Troy High then & now series. The conclusion will be up in March.
=====================================
Troy's basketball teams have always been a study of contrasts.
While the women's 1980-1 record wasn't made clear in the 1981 yearbook, one gets the feeling they had a sub-.500 season, which is what today's Lady Horses have experienced in recent years since entering the Suburban Council in 2015. Last year's club, under first year coach Ryan Meikle, showed a great deal of fire and enthusiasm, but a key injury to Jenalyse Alarcon, who missed five games at the end of the season, proved costly, as Troy got to the 2nd round of the sectionals and no further.
The men's team was a middle of the road team in the Big 10 back in the day, as in stuck in the middle of the league standings. Physical education teacher Jack Moser was given his first coaching job at Troy, succeeding the legendary Joe Geiger, and directed Troy to a 9-9 overall record in 1980-1. The season, sadly, ended with a sectional loss to Shaker for the second straight season. The Blue Bison, under another coaching legend in Julius Grimindl, featured future North Carolina and NBA star Sam Perkins. At last check, Moser is no longer coaching, but rather is working as an athletic trainer, with a resume that includes stints with the Albany Patroons, Firebirds, & Conquest, and, as of last season, was working at Lansingburgh.
Interestingly, Francisco Rivera's son, also named Francisco, opted to play football at Troy, and won a state title a couple of years ago.
Last year's club, with coach Greg Davis in his 2nd season at the helm, won their 2nd Suburban Council Gray division title in 4 years, and figure to be players again this year.
A highlight of basketball season back then was the Uncle Sam tournament, played during Thanksgiving weekend. In those days, Homecoming was the centerpiece of the pre-season tournament weekend. As previously documented, Homecoming now takes place during football season, and has since 1982.
In recent years, Troy has had the Holiday Classic, played during Christmas break. It's not an annual event, the last having taken place in 2016, with the Troy men not faring so well. Neither did the women when they hosted the tournament during the winter of 2015-16. The Classic returns this year, and save for Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons, which, like Troy, took part in last year's inaugural Rich Gilooly Memorial at Catholic Central, the field resembles the old Uncle Sam tournaments, as LaSalle & Lansingburgh round out the field. For LaSalle, it'll be their first appearance at Zotto Gym since 2014. Way longer than that for Lansingburgh. The Classic takes place on December 27-28. By then, we'll know how good the Troy boys will be.
The Troy women will be out of town at a tournament in Amsterdam that same weekend, while the junior varsity women will be in Ballston Spa.
Troy's indoor track teams, just like their outdoor squads, cross country included, haven't had much success in recent times, but in 1980-1, the women's indoor team won their 3rd straight Big 10 title, while the men finished in 4th.
Troy no longer has a hockey program, as it was dissolved after a short-lived merger with Columbia circa 1982. The 1980-1 team finished 9-7, but, as we documented in part 1, it wasn't enough to save coach Steve Forman's job, although Forman was let go more because of the football team's struggles, as documented in part 1.
Today, Tim Flanigan is the head coach at LaSalle, and twin brother Todd joined him in 2017, after the Cadets won the 2016-7 Section II title.
As we also documented, the swimming & diving team has been split into two units, just like the tennis team. This year's women's team failed to win a meet, finishing 0-9. In 1980-1, the men's team fared well, but the exact record is not known. As previously documented, the men's team merged with CBA due to declining interest at one of the schools, but did not fare very well last season.
The bowling team had one of its best seasons since entering the Suburban Council last season, and adding a female player might've had something to do with it. The keglers begin their season right before Thanksgiving, opening a three match homestand at what will be a very crowded Uncle Sam Lanes this season. Olivia DeCitise may be the next bowling star at Troy, the first since the days of Steve Horton & Jeremy Yando in the 90's. The 1980-1 team didn't merit a mention in the yearbook, which suggests after-school intramurals rather than league play.
We'll keep our eyes on the winter teams as best as able. Stay tuned.
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Troy's basketball teams have always been a study of contrasts.
While the women's 1980-1 record wasn't made clear in the 1981 yearbook, one gets the feeling they had a sub-.500 season, which is what today's Lady Horses have experienced in recent years since entering the Suburban Council in 2015. Last year's club, under first year coach Ryan Meikle, showed a great deal of fire and enthusiasm, but a key injury to Jenalyse Alarcon, who missed five games at the end of the season, proved costly, as Troy got to the 2nd round of the sectionals and no further.
The men's team was a middle of the road team in the Big 10 back in the day, as in stuck in the middle of the league standings. Physical education teacher Jack Moser was given his first coaching job at Troy, succeeding the legendary Joe Geiger, and directed Troy to a 9-9 overall record in 1980-1. The season, sadly, ended with a sectional loss to Shaker for the second straight season. The Blue Bison, under another coaching legend in Julius Grimindl, featured future North Carolina and NBA star Sam Perkins. At last check, Moser is no longer coaching, but rather is working as an athletic trainer, with a resume that includes stints with the Albany Patroons, Firebirds, & Conquest, and, as of last season, was working at Lansingburgh.
Interestingly, Francisco Rivera's son, also named Francisco, opted to play football at Troy, and won a state title a couple of years ago.
Last year's club, with coach Greg Davis in his 2nd season at the helm, won their 2nd Suburban Council Gray division title in 4 years, and figure to be players again this year.
A highlight of basketball season back then was the Uncle Sam tournament, played during Thanksgiving weekend. In those days, Homecoming was the centerpiece of the pre-season tournament weekend. As previously documented, Homecoming now takes place during football season, and has since 1982.
In recent years, Troy has had the Holiday Classic, played during Christmas break. It's not an annual event, the last having taken place in 2016, with the Troy men not faring so well. Neither did the women when they hosted the tournament during the winter of 2015-16. The Classic returns this year, and save for Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons, which, like Troy, took part in last year's inaugural Rich Gilooly Memorial at Catholic Central, the field resembles the old Uncle Sam tournaments, as LaSalle & Lansingburgh round out the field. For LaSalle, it'll be their first appearance at Zotto Gym since 2014. Way longer than that for Lansingburgh. The Classic takes place on December 27-28. By then, we'll know how good the Troy boys will be.
The Troy women will be out of town at a tournament in Amsterdam that same weekend, while the junior varsity women will be in Ballston Spa.
Troy's indoor track teams, just like their outdoor squads, cross country included, haven't had much success in recent times, but in 1980-1, the women's indoor team won their 3rd straight Big 10 title, while the men finished in 4th.
Troy no longer has a hockey program, as it was dissolved after a short-lived merger with Columbia circa 1982. The 1980-1 team finished 9-7, but, as we documented in part 1, it wasn't enough to save coach Steve Forman's job, although Forman was let go more because of the football team's struggles, as documented in part 1.
Today, Tim Flanigan is the head coach at LaSalle, and twin brother Todd joined him in 2017, after the Cadets won the 2016-7 Section II title.
As we also documented, the swimming & diving team has been split into two units, just like the tennis team. This year's women's team failed to win a meet, finishing 0-9. In 1980-1, the men's team fared well, but the exact record is not known. As previously documented, the men's team merged with CBA due to declining interest at one of the schools, but did not fare very well last season.
The bowling team had one of its best seasons since entering the Suburban Council last season, and adding a female player might've had something to do with it. The keglers begin their season right before Thanksgiving, opening a three match homestand at what will be a very crowded Uncle Sam Lanes this season. Olivia DeCitise may be the next bowling star at Troy, the first since the days of Steve Horton & Jeremy Yando in the 90's. The 1980-1 team didn't merit a mention in the yearbook, which suggests after-school intramurals rather than league play.
We'll keep our eyes on the winter teams as best as able. Stay tuned.
Sunday, November 10, 2019
News & notes
UAlbany began its men's basketball season Saturday night at SEFCU Arena, but Lehigh were very rude guests, beating the Great Danes, 74-70. It's only the first game, I know, but there is cause for concern on campus.
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If the hockey fortunes of RPI & Union are a barometer, next week's Battle For The Dutchmen's Shoes at Union should be a spirited affair, as the Dutchmen will look to not only retain the Shoes, but also avenge their hockey brethren's two losses to RPI recently.
Unfortunately, Rick Bennett's skating Dutchmen haven't been able to win at home so far this season, losing to Clarkson & St. Lawrence the last two nights. Clarkson completed a weekend sweep of the 518 by beating RPI, 2-1, last night, after the Engineers downed St. Lawrence, 6-2, on Friday. RPI attracted less than 4,000 fans to Houston Field House for the Clarkson game, which was still more than could be counted by hand for the football game earlier in the day at East Campus Village Stadium, situated behind the Field House, against Ithaca.
You could chalk it up to the cold weather, but you'd think RPI would draw more fans per game for both football & hockey than they have this season. Maybe it's the economics of fan budgets........
==============================================
2019 marks the 40th anniversary of Redemption Christian Academy, which is still based in Troy, although Redemption Christian Church relocated to Watervliet some years back.
It was Redemption that put future NBA and reality TV star Lamar Odom on the map, even though Odom, for whatever reason, played just one season in town.
On Saturday, Redemption's boys prep basketball team opened its season at Russell Sage College in front of a small, enthusiastic crowd for a game against Notre Dame Prep from West Haven, Connecticut. Unlike Section II basketball, it seems Redemption and like schools favor the college format of 20 minute halves, which women's hoops has abandoned. Russell Sage has new bleachers, but only one bank was visible Saturday, and RCA was not allowed to use them, forcing them to place chairs along the sideline in front of the exit.
Players on both teams had issues with the slippery floor throughout the game, resulting in a few extra turnovers for each club. There was no one there to put a broom to the floor at halftime (hey, it's the first game). In the end, Notre Dame defeated RCA, 79-73.
For what it's worth, this Notre Dame doesn't use the Fighting Irish handle commonly associated with the namesake university. These kids are the Green Knights. There were no programs, and RCA's volunteer PA announcer couldn't pronounce some players' names, particularly international players from Serbia, for example.
RCA's roster and schedules are not yet available online, but the prep team will be right back at Sage on Monday for a 4 pm twilight game.
============================================
If the hockey fortunes of RPI & Union are a barometer, next week's Battle For The Dutchmen's Shoes at Union should be a spirited affair, as the Dutchmen will look to not only retain the Shoes, but also avenge their hockey brethren's two losses to RPI recently.
Unfortunately, Rick Bennett's skating Dutchmen haven't been able to win at home so far this season, losing to Clarkson & St. Lawrence the last two nights. Clarkson completed a weekend sweep of the 518 by beating RPI, 2-1, last night, after the Engineers downed St. Lawrence, 6-2, on Friday. RPI attracted less than 4,000 fans to Houston Field House for the Clarkson game, which was still more than could be counted by hand for the football game earlier in the day at East Campus Village Stadium, situated behind the Field House, against Ithaca.
You could chalk it up to the cold weather, but you'd think RPI would draw more fans per game for both football & hockey than they have this season. Maybe it's the economics of fan budgets........
==============================================
2019 marks the 40th anniversary of Redemption Christian Academy, which is still based in Troy, although Redemption Christian Church relocated to Watervliet some years back.
It was Redemption that put future NBA and reality TV star Lamar Odom on the map, even though Odom, for whatever reason, played just one season in town.
On Saturday, Redemption's boys prep basketball team opened its season at Russell Sage College in front of a small, enthusiastic crowd for a game against Notre Dame Prep from West Haven, Connecticut. Unlike Section II basketball, it seems Redemption and like schools favor the college format of 20 minute halves, which women's hoops has abandoned. Russell Sage has new bleachers, but only one bank was visible Saturday, and RCA was not allowed to use them, forcing them to place chairs along the sideline in front of the exit.
Players on both teams had issues with the slippery floor throughout the game, resulting in a few extra turnovers for each club. There was no one there to put a broom to the floor at halftime (hey, it's the first game). In the end, Notre Dame defeated RCA, 79-73.
For what it's worth, this Notre Dame doesn't use the Fighting Irish handle commonly associated with the namesake university. These kids are the Green Knights. There were no programs, and RCA's volunteer PA announcer couldn't pronounce some players' names, particularly international players from Serbia, for example.
RCA's roster and schedules are not yet available online, but the prep team will be right back at Sage on Monday for a 4 pm twilight game.
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Too cold to fly (Troy vs. Queensbury @ Shenendehowa, 11/9/19)
Four years.
It's been that long since Queensbury and Troy last met in a Class A football playoff. Back then, it was the semi-finals at Picken Field. Spartans star Brett Rodriguez was knocked from the game in the second quarter with an injury, and Queensbury never recovered, as Troy overcame an early deficit and some questionable late game officiating to advance to the Super Bowl, where Troy would lose to Amsterdam.
Like Shenendehowa, which won the Class AA title last night, it'd been five years since Queensbury's last sectional title, and Matt Crossman's club had been stymied by Burnt Hills the last couple of years before eliminating the "other" Spartans last week. Brett Rodriguez's younger brother, Jason, is now the featured back for Queensbury's ball control offense, predicated on the run, with very few passes.
And so it was that Troy & Queensbury met at Steuerwald Stadium at Shen for the A title on a blustery night, not quite as frigid as it was in Troy last night, but again, scoring would be at a premium.
Troy won the toss, and elected to receive, a strategy that coach Bob Burns has used regularly this season. However, on the first play from scrimmage, QB Alex Wolfe was intercepted by Brian Ward, which set up something Troy doesn't try, nor has to defend often, a field goal by Alex Roca from 25 yards, to give Queensbury an early 3-0 lead. Roca also plays soccer for the Spartans, which allows Crossman to have confidence in having that option available to him. Something that Burns needs to consider going forward.
In the second quarter, a halfback option pass by Jason Rodriguez was intercepted by Nasir Dawud-Soto. Wolfe tried to cash it in himself, and ran 85 yards to paydirt, but a block in the back nullified the bulk of the run. Three plays later, Xavier Leigh ran it in from 20 yards out, and Troy took a 7-3 lead into halftime.
However, Queensbury found a weakness in Troy's run defense, and exploited it late in the second quarter. The only reason Troy had the halftime lead was poor clock management by Spartans QB Nate Angell, who lost track of the downs, and clocked the ball on 4th down, resulting in a turnover on downs with 2 seconds left.
Still, to borrow from CW McCall's 1974 one-hit wonder, Queensbury had a convoy to lead Rodriguez, Chris Slattery, Angell, and Colby Anderson. They couldn't get anything going between the tackles, but on the edge, that was a different story. Less than four minutes into the third quarter, Rodriguez scored his only touchdown of the night, a 3 yard run to put Queensbury back in front.
However, that lead didn't last. In the fourth quarter, Leigh answered with his second score, this one from 4 yards. However, Jonah Griswold's PAT went wide left, and Troy had just a 3 point lead, which evaporated quickly, as on the ensuing possession, Anderson rode the convoy for a 27 yard scamper that put the Spartans up for good. A late Troy rally ended with a turnover on downs, and Queensbury advances to the state tournament with a hard fought 17-13 victory.
Troy finishes 8-2. Queensbury, now 10-0, will return to Shen next week for a state regional game vs. Cornwall.
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Earlier today, Warrensburg retained the Class D title, beating Chatham, 28-12. Schuylerville won the Class B crown, beating Holy Trinity, 28-22. The Black Horses will travel to Beekmantown to play Moriah on Friday.
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Other stuff: It has been an unhappy homecoming for LaSalle grad Joe Germinerio, Jr.. The Ithaca QB's two week road trip to the 518 with the Bombers ended in disaster, as RPI blew out Ithaca, 38-12, eliminating Ithaca from the NCAA Division III playoff picture. Germinerio threw for 258 yards with 2 TD's and 2 interceptions. Union clinched the Liberty League title last week with a win over Ithaca.
It's been that long since Queensbury and Troy last met in a Class A football playoff. Back then, it was the semi-finals at Picken Field. Spartans star Brett Rodriguez was knocked from the game in the second quarter with an injury, and Queensbury never recovered, as Troy overcame an early deficit and some questionable late game officiating to advance to the Super Bowl, where Troy would lose to Amsterdam.
Like Shenendehowa, which won the Class AA title last night, it'd been five years since Queensbury's last sectional title, and Matt Crossman's club had been stymied by Burnt Hills the last couple of years before eliminating the "other" Spartans last week. Brett Rodriguez's younger brother, Jason, is now the featured back for Queensbury's ball control offense, predicated on the run, with very few passes.
And so it was that Troy & Queensbury met at Steuerwald Stadium at Shen for the A title on a blustery night, not quite as frigid as it was in Troy last night, but again, scoring would be at a premium.
Troy won the toss, and elected to receive, a strategy that coach Bob Burns has used regularly this season. However, on the first play from scrimmage, QB Alex Wolfe was intercepted by Brian Ward, which set up something Troy doesn't try, nor has to defend often, a field goal by Alex Roca from 25 yards, to give Queensbury an early 3-0 lead. Roca also plays soccer for the Spartans, which allows Crossman to have confidence in having that option available to him. Something that Burns needs to consider going forward.
In the second quarter, a halfback option pass by Jason Rodriguez was intercepted by Nasir Dawud-Soto. Wolfe tried to cash it in himself, and ran 85 yards to paydirt, but a block in the back nullified the bulk of the run. Three plays later, Xavier Leigh ran it in from 20 yards out, and Troy took a 7-3 lead into halftime.
However, Queensbury found a weakness in Troy's run defense, and exploited it late in the second quarter. The only reason Troy had the halftime lead was poor clock management by Spartans QB Nate Angell, who lost track of the downs, and clocked the ball on 4th down, resulting in a turnover on downs with 2 seconds left.
Still, to borrow from CW McCall's 1974 one-hit wonder, Queensbury had a convoy to lead Rodriguez, Chris Slattery, Angell, and Colby Anderson. They couldn't get anything going between the tackles, but on the edge, that was a different story. Less than four minutes into the third quarter, Rodriguez scored his only touchdown of the night, a 3 yard run to put Queensbury back in front.
However, that lead didn't last. In the fourth quarter, Leigh answered with his second score, this one from 4 yards. However, Jonah Griswold's PAT went wide left, and Troy had just a 3 point lead, which evaporated quickly, as on the ensuing possession, Anderson rode the convoy for a 27 yard scamper that put the Spartans up for good. A late Troy rally ended with a turnover on downs, and Queensbury advances to the state tournament with a hard fought 17-13 victory.
Troy finishes 8-2. Queensbury, now 10-0, will return to Shen next week for a state regional game vs. Cornwall.
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Earlier today, Warrensburg retained the Class D title, beating Chatham, 28-12. Schuylerville won the Class B crown, beating Holy Trinity, 28-22. The Black Horses will travel to Beekmantown to play Moriah on Friday.
=========================================
Other stuff: It has been an unhappy homecoming for LaSalle grad Joe Germinerio, Jr.. The Ithaca QB's two week road trip to the 518 with the Bombers ended in disaster, as RPI blew out Ithaca, 38-12, eliminating Ithaca from the NCAA Division III playoff picture. Germinerio threw for 258 yards with 2 TD's and 2 interceptions. Union clinched the Liberty League title last week with a win over Ithaca.
Friday, November 8, 2019
High School Fridays: Class AA football championship (Guilderland vs. Shenendehowa), 11/8/19
The calendar says it's the second weekend in November. For the players, coaches, officials, & fans at Picken Memorial Field at Troy High, it felt like the second weekend in January.
Troy High hosted the Section II Class AA football championship game tonight, with a game time temperature of 28 degrees. Across town at Lansingburgh, Stillwater and Cambridge-Salem were playing under the same exact conditions. Scoring was going to be at such a premium, you couldn't blame Section II if they were giving away discount coupons at the gate after the game.
The weather overshadowed the fact that Section II's pretzel logic allowed Guilderland, the #4 seed, to be designated as the home team over second seeded Shenendehowa, which had won seven straight going in.
Shen won the coin toss, and opted to defer to the second half. The strategy worked, as Guilderland was forced to punt on their first two possessions. However, the Dutchmen's defense kept the Plainsmen off the board until the final 70 seconds of the first quarter, when Brodie Vincenzi hit Josh Szwarzberg with a 25 yard touchdown toss. Szwarzberg made a highlight reel sliding catch to beat the defense.
In the second quarter, Shen turned their ground game loose, particular senior tailback Billy Beach. The Binghamton-bound running back punched it in from 3 yards away, giving the Plainsmen a 14-0 advantage headed into halftime.
The second half was all about milking the clock. Neither team found the end zone in the third quarter, but then, the teams combined for 28 points in the space of six and a half minutes in the fourth quarter.
It started with Vincenzi's second touchdown pass of the night, this one to Dustin Lewis for 29 yards. Less than two minutes later, Josiah Woodrow put the game on lockdown as he carried Guilderland defenders into the end zone from 27 yards out.
Roughly 30 seconds later, Guilderland finally got on the board to avoid a shutout. Michael Gitto (pronounced Gee-toe) found Brad Igweike for a 72 yard bomb to trim the lead to 28-7. Shen's defense hassled Gitto the entire night, including three pass deflections and two sacks. The Plainsmen had the last score, as Beach iced it with his 2nd TD of the night, this one from 24 yards, to make the final score 35-7, as Shen won their first AA title since 2014.
Up next for the Plainsmen will be a regional game vs. a team from Section IX next Friday at Shaker. Back in Lansingburgh, Stillwater won their first sectional title, claiming the Class C crown with a 21-0 win over Cambridge-Salem.
Tomorrow night, Troy and Queensbury will play for the A title at Shen. They've got a tough act to follow.
Troy High hosted the Section II Class AA football championship game tonight, with a game time temperature of 28 degrees. Across town at Lansingburgh, Stillwater and Cambridge-Salem were playing under the same exact conditions. Scoring was going to be at such a premium, you couldn't blame Section II if they were giving away discount coupons at the gate after the game.
The weather overshadowed the fact that Section II's pretzel logic allowed Guilderland, the #4 seed, to be designated as the home team over second seeded Shenendehowa, which had won seven straight going in.
Shen won the coin toss, and opted to defer to the second half. The strategy worked, as Guilderland was forced to punt on their first two possessions. However, the Dutchmen's defense kept the Plainsmen off the board until the final 70 seconds of the first quarter, when Brodie Vincenzi hit Josh Szwarzberg with a 25 yard touchdown toss. Szwarzberg made a highlight reel sliding catch to beat the defense.
In the second quarter, Shen turned their ground game loose, particular senior tailback Billy Beach. The Binghamton-bound running back punched it in from 3 yards away, giving the Plainsmen a 14-0 advantage headed into halftime.
The second half was all about milking the clock. Neither team found the end zone in the third quarter, but then, the teams combined for 28 points in the space of six and a half minutes in the fourth quarter.
It started with Vincenzi's second touchdown pass of the night, this one to Dustin Lewis for 29 yards. Less than two minutes later, Josiah Woodrow put the game on lockdown as he carried Guilderland defenders into the end zone from 27 yards out.
Roughly 30 seconds later, Guilderland finally got on the board to avoid a shutout. Michael Gitto (pronounced Gee-toe) found Brad Igweike for a 72 yard bomb to trim the lead to 28-7. Shen's defense hassled Gitto the entire night, including three pass deflections and two sacks. The Plainsmen had the last score, as Beach iced it with his 2nd TD of the night, this one from 24 yards, to make the final score 35-7, as Shen won their first AA title since 2014.
Up next for the Plainsmen will be a regional game vs. a team from Section IX next Friday at Shaker. Back in Lansingburgh, Stillwater won their first sectional title, claiming the Class C crown with a 21-0 win over Cambridge-Salem.
Tomorrow night, Troy and Queensbury will play for the A title at Shen. They've got a tough act to follow.
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
News & notes
Siena College opened its basketball season Tuesday with a men's & women's double-header at Times Union Center.
In the opener, Shenendehowa alumnus Carly Boland, whose mother is in Siena's Hall of Fame, scored 16 points to help Binghamton beat the Lady Saints, 89-62.
Then, in the men's game, star sophomore Jalen Pickett didn't start due to tardiness, but scored 22 points to lead Siena past American, 96-80. CBA grad Jordan King started in Pickett's place, and finished with 8 points in his collegiate debut. Siena travels to play Xavier on Friday.
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Congratulations to former Watervliet hoops standout Peter Torncello, who ran unopposed for Watervliet City Council on Tuesday. Torncello, a lawyer by trade, and incoming Mayor Charles Patricelli, will hopefully improve city government's presence in town, as former Mayor Michael Manning was, according to people I've talked to, a no-show administrator in recent times.
Torncello played at 'Vliet in the late 70's and early 80's.
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After Alpha Lanes was destroyed by fire back in the spring, we wondered where Lansingburgh High would play their home bowling matches this season.
Turns out they'll join Catholic Central & Troy High in playing at Uncle Sam Lanes in downtown, starting next month. Fittingly, the two north end schools will play each other in the season opener. Uncle Sam owner Tom Walsh, Jr. also owns Green Island Lanes & Cohoes Arena, the latter being closer to 'Burgh & CCHS in terms of geography, but I think Cohoes, a rival of theirs in the Colonial Council, might've objected.
In case you wonder, LaSalle plays their home matches at Hi-Way Recreation in Wynantskill, which makes sense from a geographical standpoint as well.
In the opener, Shenendehowa alumnus Carly Boland, whose mother is in Siena's Hall of Fame, scored 16 points to help Binghamton beat the Lady Saints, 89-62.
Then, in the men's game, star sophomore Jalen Pickett didn't start due to tardiness, but scored 22 points to lead Siena past American, 96-80. CBA grad Jordan King started in Pickett's place, and finished with 8 points in his collegiate debut. Siena travels to play Xavier on Friday.
==========================================
Congratulations to former Watervliet hoops standout Peter Torncello, who ran unopposed for Watervliet City Council on Tuesday. Torncello, a lawyer by trade, and incoming Mayor Charles Patricelli, will hopefully improve city government's presence in town, as former Mayor Michael Manning was, according to people I've talked to, a no-show administrator in recent times.
Torncello played at 'Vliet in the late 70's and early 80's.
==========================================
After Alpha Lanes was destroyed by fire back in the spring, we wondered where Lansingburgh High would play their home bowling matches this season.
Turns out they'll join Catholic Central & Troy High in playing at Uncle Sam Lanes in downtown, starting next month. Fittingly, the two north end schools will play each other in the season opener. Uncle Sam owner Tom Walsh, Jr. also owns Green Island Lanes & Cohoes Arena, the latter being closer to 'Burgh & CCHS in terms of geography, but I think Cohoes, a rival of theirs in the Colonial Council, might've objected.
In case you wonder, LaSalle plays their home matches at Hi-Way Recreation in Wynantskill, which makes sense from a geographical standpoint as well.
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Troy High basketball schedule update
Per Schedule Galaxy, we now have the complete (we think) Troy High basketball schedule for 2019-20.
Troy's women, under 2nd year coach Ryan Meikle, will have an unusual scheduling quirk this season. The Lady Horses open with a three game road trip on December 3 at Bethlehem, part of a boys-girls double-header that night. The girls then return to Bethlehem on February 4, while the boys will be at home against the Eagles.
The Lady Horses won't be traveling to Schenectady, either, if the schedule information is correct. The Lady Patriots, per Schedule Galaxy, would make two trips to Troy, the first for the Lady Horses' home opener on December 13, and then three weeks later for a matinee game at 1 pm on January 3.
SAY WHAT?
Troy will have home & home series with Bethlehem (boys only) and Guilderland, and they'll also have a boys-girls double-header vs. Kingston on January 20. The Troy boys are 0-3 vs. Kingston the last two years, while the women swept the Lady Tigers last season.
Also, the Troy Holiday Classic returns after a three year absence December 27-28 at Zotto Gym. Greg Davis' Flying Horses welcome Lansingburgh, LaSalle, & Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons. Troy will rekindle a dormant rivalry with LaSalle on the 27th, as the two teams haven't met on the hardwood since January 2015. Lansingburgh and ND-BG will play the opener, and 'Burgh is tentatively set to play Troy on the 28th.
The girls, though, will be in Amsterdam for a holiday tournament those same two nights, and will travel to Whitesboro on February 8. If the February 4 game vs. Bethlehem is on the road, that means the Lady Horses will finish the season with a 4 game road trip. As previously reported, Troy is hoping to move a boys home game vs. Albany out of its scheduled date of January 10 due to rising tensions between youths in the two cities that flared up last month.
If there's any further changes, we will let you know.
Troy's women, under 2nd year coach Ryan Meikle, will have an unusual scheduling quirk this season. The Lady Horses open with a three game road trip on December 3 at Bethlehem, part of a boys-girls double-header that night. The girls then return to Bethlehem on February 4, while the boys will be at home against the Eagles.
The Lady Horses won't be traveling to Schenectady, either, if the schedule information is correct. The Lady Patriots, per Schedule Galaxy, would make two trips to Troy, the first for the Lady Horses' home opener on December 13, and then three weeks later for a matinee game at 1 pm on January 3.
SAY WHAT?
Troy will have home & home series with Bethlehem (boys only) and Guilderland, and they'll also have a boys-girls double-header vs. Kingston on January 20. The Troy boys are 0-3 vs. Kingston the last two years, while the women swept the Lady Tigers last season.
Also, the Troy Holiday Classic returns after a three year absence December 27-28 at Zotto Gym. Greg Davis' Flying Horses welcome Lansingburgh, LaSalle, & Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons. Troy will rekindle a dormant rivalry with LaSalle on the 27th, as the two teams haven't met on the hardwood since January 2015. Lansingburgh and ND-BG will play the opener, and 'Burgh is tentatively set to play Troy on the 28th.
The girls, though, will be in Amsterdam for a holiday tournament those same two nights, and will travel to Whitesboro on February 8. If the February 4 game vs. Bethlehem is on the road, that means the Lady Horses will finish the season with a 4 game road trip. As previously reported, Troy is hoping to move a boys home game vs. Albany out of its scheduled date of January 10 due to rising tensions between youths in the two cities that flared up last month.
If there's any further changes, we will let you know.
Monday, November 4, 2019
Section 2 alumni hoops tracker
Courtesy of the Albany Times-Union, here's a look at where some former Section II basketball stars are playing their college ball.
You know that LaSalle alumnus Elijah Burns has returned home, and will play at Siena this season. He'll be joined by former CBA standout, Jordan King. Sloan Seymour transferred from Siena after one season, and will play at George Washington this year. Joseph Girard III, of course, is at Syracuse.
As for others of note:
Hameir Wright (Albany Academy): Washington.
Daniel Buie (transferred from Troy to Gould Academy in Maine): Northwestern. You'll see plenty of him on cable.
Ryan Carmello (Troy): Marist. He'll be at Times-Union Center to play against Siena.
Zach Radz (Troy) Sacred Heart.
Derrick Rowland (Green Tech): New Haven.
Andrew Sischo (Guilderland): Damien College.
Michael Ortale (Bethlehem): Iona. Eagles fans will flock to the TUC when the Gaels play Siena.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
You know that LaSalle alumnus Elijah Burns has returned home, and will play at Siena this season. He'll be joined by former CBA standout, Jordan King. Sloan Seymour transferred from Siena after one season, and will play at George Washington this year. Joseph Girard III, of course, is at Syracuse.
As for others of note:
Hameir Wright (Albany Academy): Washington.
Daniel Buie (transferred from Troy to Gould Academy in Maine): Northwestern. You'll see plenty of him on cable.
Ryan Carmello (Troy): Marist. He'll be at Times-Union Center to play against Siena.
Zach Radz (Troy) Sacred Heart.
Derrick Rowland (Green Tech): New Haven.
Andrew Sischo (Guilderland): Damien College.
Michael Ortale (Bethlehem): Iona. Eagles fans will flock to the TUC when the Gaels play Siena.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Sunday, November 3, 2019
News & notes
We are now down to 10 teams in Section II football, as championship weekend approaches on November 8-9.
The biggest surprise of the day Saturday was Holy Trinity ending Glens Falls' run as Class B champions by upsetting the Indians, 37-35, and earning a title match vs. Schuylerville on November 9 at Shenendehowa. Glens Falls had won 15 in a row, dating back to last season's title run, before the loss on Saturday.
The lineup:
Friday:
Class AA (@ Troy High): Guilderland vs. Shenendehowa.
Class C (@ Lansingburgh): Cambridge-Salem vs. Stillwater
Saturday:
A: Troy vs. Queensbury at Shen, 7 pm.
B: Holy Trinity vs. Schuylerville at Shen, 3 pm.
D: Chatham vs. Warrensburg at Schuylerville, 1 pm.
Best wishes to all 10 teams.
========================================
It was a busy day for RPI TV on Saturday, with a football game and two hockey games on the bill.
Football: The Engineers escaped with a 28-26 verdict over Buffalo State.
Women's hockey: The Lady Engineers played the first half of a doubleheader at Houston Field House, but lost, 2-1, to St. Lawrence.
Men's hockey: The ACHA Engineers blew away Delaware, 8-0. Chase Woods led the way with a hat trick.
RPI TV is in its 2nd season, and still has some bugs to work out. The audio is provided by WRPI-FM, and synced to the video. What this does, however, is expose how sparsely attended the ACHA hockey games have been, largely because, as we have previously noted, few outside the campus know about this secondary men's hockey team. Their ECAC squad gets all the attention, as the ACHA has been ignored by the local press, and that shouldn't be happening.
The biggest surprise of the day Saturday was Holy Trinity ending Glens Falls' run as Class B champions by upsetting the Indians, 37-35, and earning a title match vs. Schuylerville on November 9 at Shenendehowa. Glens Falls had won 15 in a row, dating back to last season's title run, before the loss on Saturday.
The lineup:
Friday:
Class AA (@ Troy High): Guilderland vs. Shenendehowa.
Class C (@ Lansingburgh): Cambridge-Salem vs. Stillwater
Saturday:
A: Troy vs. Queensbury at Shen, 7 pm.
B: Holy Trinity vs. Schuylerville at Shen, 3 pm.
D: Chatham vs. Warrensburg at Schuylerville, 1 pm.
Best wishes to all 10 teams.
========================================
It was a busy day for RPI TV on Saturday, with a football game and two hockey games on the bill.
Football: The Engineers escaped with a 28-26 verdict over Buffalo State.
Women's hockey: The Lady Engineers played the first half of a doubleheader at Houston Field House, but lost, 2-1, to St. Lawrence.
Men's hockey: The ACHA Engineers blew away Delaware, 8-0. Chase Woods led the way with a hat trick.
RPI TV is in its 2nd season, and still has some bugs to work out. The audio is provided by WRPI-FM, and synced to the video. What this does, however, is expose how sparsely attended the ACHA hockey games have been, largely because, as we have previously noted, few outside the campus know about this secondary men's hockey team. Their ECAC squad gets all the attention, as the ACHA has been ignored by the local press, and that shouldn't be happening.
Saturday, November 2, 2019
News & notes
While sectional action dominated the Friday schedule, there were still some crossover or non-playoff league football games as teams wrapped their seasons.
LaSalle closes 2019 on a three game losing streak after getting blown out by Bethlehem, 34-6. The Eagles (6-3) took out some frustration over being snubbed from the Class AA playoffs on the Cadets (4-5) in a one sided affair that continued the narrative of Class AA beating Class A clubs this season.
Lansingburgh finishes 1-8 after losing to Ravena. Jeff Pasinella's group still has some work to do. For seniors like Vinny Tario, the focus shifts to basketball, as regular season play begins next month.
==================================
As noted last night, the Class AA Super Bowl is now set for Troy High's Ed Picken Memorial Field on November 8, as Guilderland will play Shenendehowa. The Plainsmen, the #2 seed in Class AA, will be the home team after beating CBA for the 2nd time in three weeks, 41-0. Shen (8-1) and Guilderland (6-3), which upset Shaker, met earlier this season.
Tickets remain $6 at the gate. You might want to get there early, as this will be that rarest of nights where the bleachers on both sides of the field will be filled. And the game will be broadcast on Spectrum News.
===================================
Union College's men's hockey team defeated Canisius in the first half of a home & home series on Friday, 3-0, the 2nd straight win for the Dutchmen. The two teams will meet in Buffalo this afternoon in what appears to be the first half of a pro-college hockey doubleheader at KeyBank Center. Suffice it to say, the Golden Griffins, the Dutchmen, and the NHL's Sabres & Islanders have a tough act to follow after WWE's Friday Night Smackdown occupied the arena last night.
LaSalle closes 2019 on a three game losing streak after getting blown out by Bethlehem, 34-6. The Eagles (6-3) took out some frustration over being snubbed from the Class AA playoffs on the Cadets (4-5) in a one sided affair that continued the narrative of Class AA beating Class A clubs this season.
Lansingburgh finishes 1-8 after losing to Ravena. Jeff Pasinella's group still has some work to do. For seniors like Vinny Tario, the focus shifts to basketball, as regular season play begins next month.
==================================
As noted last night, the Class AA Super Bowl is now set for Troy High's Ed Picken Memorial Field on November 8, as Guilderland will play Shenendehowa. The Plainsmen, the #2 seed in Class AA, will be the home team after beating CBA for the 2nd time in three weeks, 41-0. Shen (8-1) and Guilderland (6-3), which upset Shaker, met earlier this season.
Tickets remain $6 at the gate. You might want to get there early, as this will be that rarest of nights where the bleachers on both sides of the field will be filled. And the game will be broadcast on Spectrum News.
===================================
Union College's men's hockey team defeated Canisius in the first half of a home & home series on Friday, 3-0, the 2nd straight win for the Dutchmen. The two teams will meet in Buffalo this afternoon in what appears to be the first half of a pro-college hockey doubleheader at KeyBank Center. Suffice it to say, the Golden Griffins, the Dutchmen, and the NHL's Sabres & Islanders have a tough act to follow after WWE's Friday Night Smackdown occupied the arena last night.
Friday, November 1, 2019
High School Fridays: Feeling Super again (Ballston Spa @ Troy, 11/1/19)
There might not be much in the way of mountains in the vicinity of Troy High, but, to borrow the lyrics from an old Mr. Mister record from the mid-80's. the winds were blowing hard within the confines of Picken Memorial Field on a blustery, chilly Friday night.
With a spot in the Class A Super Bowl on the line, Troy hosted Ballston Spa. The Scotties had eliminated Amsterdam last week, while Troy routed Scotia. The wind certainly was going to be a major factor.
Troy won the coin toss, and took the opening kickoff, but turned the ball over on downs, as the Ballston Spa defense stiffened deep in their own end. However, the only score of the first half came on a botched Ballston Spa punt. A high snap led to a partial block by Troy's Tyrell Penalba. The ball was knocked out of the end zone for a safety, giving Troy a 2-0 lead. It would stay that way all the way to halftime, as the game became a war of attrition. Troy mounted two more drives of 10 plays or more, but were unable to score. It was the defense that helped make the special teams score stand up heading into the break.
The winds began to die down in the third quarter, but you couldn't tell if you were watching at home, as Spectrum Cable was having some transmission issues due to the winds adversely affecting their satellites all throughout the game.
After a Ballston Spa punt in the third quarter, Troy's offense finally got on the board, as Alex Wolfe found Makai Cruel in the end zone for a 22 yard catch. Cruel also converted the 2 point conversion, and Troy led, 10-0, entering the final quarter.
Troy had possession to start the fourth quarter, finishing a drive with Xavier Leigh scoring his only touchdown of the night from a yard in. This time, the 2 point conversion failed, and Troy led, 16-0, less than a minute into the quarter.
Ballston Spa, aided by a questionable 4th down penalty against Troy, which should've been offsetting fouls, finally got on the scoreboard, as Keegan Zoller hit Aiden Thomas from 8 yards out. The 2 point conversion failed, and now the Scotties were down by 10 at 16-6, but time was not on their side.
Or, as a world famous Great Dane might put it, ruh-roh.
Less than 2 minutes later, after Ballston Spa botched an onside kick, catching it shy of 10 yards from the point of the kick, Troy cashed in again, as Wolfe hooked up with Cruel a second time, again from 22 yards. Jonah Griswold kicked the extra point, and it was 23-6, with under three minutes to go.
Ballston Spa fumbled the ensuing kickoff, their third turnover of the night, as Bryan Francis & Nasir Dawud-Soto forced the fumble. Griswold fell on it. Ballgame. Troy punted after Wolfe fell on a low snap on third down, giving the Scotties one last chance. On the last offensive play of the game, Zoller ran it in from 3 yards out. An extra point made the final score 23-13, and Troy advances to the Class A Super Bowl, their 4th Super Bowl appearance, between Classes A & AA, in Burns' 5 years at the helm.
Troy now awaits the winner of tomorrow's Burnt Hills-Queensbury game, with the Super Bowl set for November 9 at Shenendehowa. Meanwhile, the rumors are true, as Picken Field will host the AA Super Bowl next Friday, as Shen will face Guilderland, which upset defending champion Shaker earlier tonight.
==========================================
Other news: Troy's volleyball team saw their season end in a straight set loss in the first round of the sectionals to South Glens Falls.
In other sectional action, Stillwater advanced to the Class C Super Bowl with a 35-21 win over Greenwich. Schuylerville defeated Schalmont in Class B, and will await the Glens Falls-Holy Trinity winner.
With a spot in the Class A Super Bowl on the line, Troy hosted Ballston Spa. The Scotties had eliminated Amsterdam last week, while Troy routed Scotia. The wind certainly was going to be a major factor.
Troy won the coin toss, and took the opening kickoff, but turned the ball over on downs, as the Ballston Spa defense stiffened deep in their own end. However, the only score of the first half came on a botched Ballston Spa punt. A high snap led to a partial block by Troy's Tyrell Penalba. The ball was knocked out of the end zone for a safety, giving Troy a 2-0 lead. It would stay that way all the way to halftime, as the game became a war of attrition. Troy mounted two more drives of 10 plays or more, but were unable to score. It was the defense that helped make the special teams score stand up heading into the break.
The winds began to die down in the third quarter, but you couldn't tell if you were watching at home, as Spectrum Cable was having some transmission issues due to the winds adversely affecting their satellites all throughout the game.
After a Ballston Spa punt in the third quarter, Troy's offense finally got on the board, as Alex Wolfe found Makai Cruel in the end zone for a 22 yard catch. Cruel also converted the 2 point conversion, and Troy led, 10-0, entering the final quarter.
Troy had possession to start the fourth quarter, finishing a drive with Xavier Leigh scoring his only touchdown of the night from a yard in. This time, the 2 point conversion failed, and Troy led, 16-0, less than a minute into the quarter.
Ballston Spa, aided by a questionable 4th down penalty against Troy, which should've been offsetting fouls, finally got on the scoreboard, as Keegan Zoller hit Aiden Thomas from 8 yards out. The 2 point conversion failed, and now the Scotties were down by 10 at 16-6, but time was not on their side.
Or, as a world famous Great Dane might put it, ruh-roh.
Less than 2 minutes later, after Ballston Spa botched an onside kick, catching it shy of 10 yards from the point of the kick, Troy cashed in again, as Wolfe hooked up with Cruel a second time, again from 22 yards. Jonah Griswold kicked the extra point, and it was 23-6, with under three minutes to go.
Ballston Spa fumbled the ensuing kickoff, their third turnover of the night, as Bryan Francis & Nasir Dawud-Soto forced the fumble. Griswold fell on it. Ballgame. Troy punted after Wolfe fell on a low snap on third down, giving the Scotties one last chance. On the last offensive play of the game, Zoller ran it in from 3 yards out. An extra point made the final score 23-13, and Troy advances to the Class A Super Bowl, their 4th Super Bowl appearance, between Classes A & AA, in Burns' 5 years at the helm.
Troy now awaits the winner of tomorrow's Burnt Hills-Queensbury game, with the Super Bowl set for November 9 at Shenendehowa. Meanwhile, the rumors are true, as Picken Field will host the AA Super Bowl next Friday, as Shen will face Guilderland, which upset defending champion Shaker earlier tonight.
==========================================
Other news: Troy's volleyball team saw their season end in a straight set loss in the first round of the sectionals to South Glens Falls.
In other sectional action, Stillwater advanced to the Class C Super Bowl with a 35-21 win over Greenwich. Schuylerville defeated Schalmont in Class B, and will await the Glens Falls-Holy Trinity winner.
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