Friday, February 26, 2021

High School Fridays: Hoops 'n' hockey, 2/26/21

 If you thought that LaSalle would have it easy against the Capital District Jets, one of three winless teams in the CDHSHL, tonight provided a reality check.

The Cadets chased Jets starter Michael LaCouture in the 1st period after scoring 5 goals. They led, 6-1, after the period, but, inexplicably, let the Jets back into the game. The Jets crept closer, trailing 8-4 after two periods, and got within two goals at 8-6 before time expired.

As was the case in the Bethlehem series, the Cadets took too many penalties, which led to the Jets going 2-for-7 on the power play.

LaSalle (3-3) and the Jets (0-3) meet again tomorrow, with the Jets as the home team. Puck drop will be sometime after 8 pm. If you're coach Tim Flanigan, you have to hope the Cadets avoid the stigma of complacency.
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The Troy High women's basketball team has entered the murderer's row portion of their schedule, and if tonight was any indication, they may be in trouble in the season's final 2+ weeks.

With a 3 game winning streak on the line vs. an Averill Park team that has beaten them seven straight times dating back to when Troy entered the Suburban Council, and knowing that Saratoga awaits tomorrow, Ryan Meikle's team had to avoid another flatline performance like the one they had vs. Shenendehowa a week ago.

Unfortunately, the message didn't get through.

The Lady Warriors led all the way, and, in a very rare case, unless you're an AP fan, coach Sean Organ didn't need to burn any of his time outs. The 60-30 final was Troy's 2nd largest margin of defeat, after the 35 point beatdown Shen administered 8 days ago.

With Albany & Guilderland still to be scheduled, Troy's remaining women's schedule looks like this:

Saturday: Saratoga.
Wednesday: Ballston Spa.
Next Friday: @ Shaker.
March 6: Bethlehem.

For Troy (4-3), it'd be nice to go 2-2 in those next four games.
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Meanwhile, at Clem Zotto Memorial Gym, things were going the other way in the men's game.

After jumping out to a 22-5 lead after the 1st quarter, Troy went ice cold in the 2nd quarter, enabling Dave Pugilese's Warriors to get within 7 at the break at 28-21. However, Troy reasserted control in the 3rd quarter. Pugilese, frustrated, used 5 of his 6 time outs through three periods. We've seen this before from Pugilese. Troy avenges a loss to the Warriors with a 55-42 victory:


Rich Hurley's club has one extra game on the schedule, and that is a Monday home game vs. CBA. 
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Other news:

Siena returned to action this afternoon, and dispatched Manhattan, 74-69, in the first game of a 2 game set in Loudonville. The Saints go to 10-3, tied with Monmouth for first place in the MAAC.

After nearly a half century, Hi-Way Recreation owner Art Hoffman announced earlier this week that he was selling the Wynantskill bowling alley. This message, posted on the venue's web & social media pages, tells the whole story:

"After 48 years in my family owned establishment, I have made the difficult decision to retire and sell the business later this spring. This was a very difficult decision for me given the decades spent teaching, coaching and fostering friendships and relationships within the community.

 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the impact and timing of the current health and economic considerations that I am confronted with. Those of you who know me understand that bowling and this community have been my life. I am beyond grateful for all the wonderful employees and devoted customers that I have had the pleasure to know.

 

I treasure the friendships, every laugh we shared and very much look forward to a future in retirement that will allow us more time and joy together. My deepest thanks for your continued support and personal friendships over these many years. I will miss you all and wish everyone the very best."


Hi-Way has been the home venue for LaSalle's bowling team. While media reports originally suggested that Hi-Way would close, Hoffman's plan to sell it would enable the venue to remain open. If it closes, the Cadets would play their home matches at another site, such as Hilltop Bowl. Uncle Sam Lanes in downtown is already home to Troy High, and has also been a home site for Catholic Central & Lansingburgh the last couple of seasons after the burning of Alpha Lanes. We'll just have to stay tuned.

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