News & notes

While the Suburban Council has a chance to claim another men's Class AA basketball championship, that's not the case in men's Class A.

That's because Averill Park, the last Suburban team standing in Class A, was bounced in the semi-finals by Lansingburgh, representing the Colonial Council, 55-48, Thursday at Cool Insuring Arena. Isiaiah Knight led Lansingburgh with 14 points. Vinny Tario added 13, and Quashawn McFarlane tallied 12. Jack Long led all scorers with 18 points in a losing effort for the Warriors.

When you look at Lansingburgh's record this season, they went 2-1 in the regular season against Suburban teams, splitting a home & home series with Schenectady while beating Troy to win the Uncle Sam Holiday Classic in December. Four years ago, they reached the finals, and lost to Troy, so they collected a receipt with the win on December 28.

Up next for the Knights will be Mekeel Christian Academy, which dispatched Gloversville, 79-53, in the nightcap on Thursday. Alex Barnhill led all scorers with 23 points, and the Lions placed four players in all in double figures. Dante Bouchard led the Dragons with 17 points.

Lansingburgh-Mekeel will tip at approximately 12:45 pm on Saturday.
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On the women's side, the Class AA finals are now set for Saturday at Hudson Valley Community College. Top seeded Saratoga put down Shaker, 66-48. Catherine "Dolly" Cairns led all scorers with 35 points, while Natasha Chudy, daughter of coach Robin Chudy, added 13. Jules DeBeatham led Shaker with 20 points.

As a result, the Lady Streaks will play Shenendehowa for the 3rd time this season. The Plainswomen routed Albany, 81-58. Meaghan Huerter led the way with 20 points, sister Jillian added 8, and Samantha Lee chipped in with 10. Ahniysha Jackson led the Lady Falcons with 13 points.

Shen-Saratoga III will headline the Saturday card at HVCC.
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After losing to Vermont on Wednesday night, UAlbany's men's basketball team will begin tournament play in the America East conference at another old nemesis, Stony Brook, on Saturday night. Meanwhile, as noted, Siena finishes its regular season on the road at Monmouth tonight. A win gives the Saints the MAAC title outright, and would assure Siena of a bid in the NIT if they fail to win the MAAC tournament, which starts next week in Atlantic City.