News & notes

 Grace Heeps' collegiate basketball career isn't over yet.

After UAlbany was eliminated from the NCAA women's tournament last month, Heeps (Columbia) announced earlier this week she is transferring to Canisius as a graduate transfer. During her time at UAlbany, Heeps averaged just shy of 5 points a game. Her departure opens the door for incoming transfer Meaghan Huerter (Shenendehowa) to vie for a starting job next season.

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 UAlbany needs to do a better job of promoting when they're playing baseball at Bruno Stadium.

Friday's doubleheader vs. Wagner suffered from that lack of promotion, as, again, there were more empty seats than fans, just like it was 2 weeks ago.

Worse, there was no audio feed on the America East Conference's website. Not cool.

As a result, Albany & Wagner split the doubleheader. Albany won the opener, 5-3, but Wagner came back in the nightcap, 12-1. 

The series concludes Sunday on the UAlbany campus. The Great Danes will return to the Joe on May 6 vs. Binghamton.

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Ahead of Sunday's road game at Carolina, Albany Empire majority owner Antonio Brown was making noises about returning to the NFL as a player, this time with the Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens, you might recall, drafted Brown's cousin, Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, a few years back, but he's now in Arizona with the Cardinals.

There are those, though, who are taking this with a can of salt, not just the proverbial grain. Brown is putting his name out there for attention's sake. Given the legal issues he's avoiding in Florida, however, I don't see where the Ravens or any other NFL team would take a chance on him, especially given the messy exit from Tampa Bay a couple of years ago. In this writer's opinion, there's a better chance of Brown swiping a roster spot on the Empire before the end of the season, just to prove he can still play.

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Troy High senior Olivia DeCitise was named the Female Athlete of The Week by the Albany Times-Union. Not a surprise, considering she'd tossed a 1-hitter and a 5-inning no-hitter before Thursday.

On Friday, DeCitise went the distance in a 9 inning game at Guilderland, and hit a game-winning 3 run homer in the top of the 9th to snap a 1-1 tie, as Troy beat the Lady Dutch, 4-2, to extend their winning streak to 5 in a row. DeCitise gave up 2 runs, 1 earned, and fanned 10.

Just another day at the office.

Meanwhile, Troy baseball had its modest 2 game winning streak snapped in a 7-2 loss to Guilderland. Chris Stack's club has just 5 games left. To wit:

Monday: @ Shen.

Wednesday: Columbia.

Friday: @ Niskayuna.

May 8: @ CBA.

May 10: Senior Day vs. Bethlehem.

In order to make the sectionals, Troy would need to win 3, maybe 4, of the final 5, but Shen & Nisky could be a problem.

The softball team, on the other hand, with 6 games left, is assured of a sectional berth. They have a rematch vs. Guilderland on May 12, but likely could have Senior Day right along with the boys on the 10th vs. Bethlehem. Sean Geisel's club will be at Schuylerville on the 8th. Otherwise, the schedule is the same as the boys.

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Business as usual for the Albany Patroons on Friday, as the Pats routed York, 120-97. Albany visits Tri-State on Sunday.

News & notes

 Thursday's opening round of the NFL draft, despite no local players getting drafted, did have a decided 518 flavor after all.

The Make-a-Wish Foundation of Northeastern NY arranged for Kyle Stickles, 13, of Ghent, to attend the 1st night of the draft with his family, and have him represent the Jets and announce their first round pick, taken with the 15th selection (part of the Aaron Rodgers trade earlier this week). Will McDonald IV, a linebacker from Iowa State was the pick, and Stickles, as they say, brought the energy.

Now, that's worth missing a day of school for. Stickles was diagnosed with bone cancer three years ago, and he made the most of his television appearance, airing locally on WTEN, along with ESPN (simulcast) and NFL Network.

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Meteorologist Chicken Little has done it again.

Due to a forecast of inclement weather, starting later tonight, UAlbany has moved Sunday's game vs. Wagner to Bruno Stadium, turning tonight's single game into a doubleheader, starting at 3:30 pm. You can say that Troy fans were owed a game after UAlbany moved a previously scheduled game at The Joe to their campus field last month for the same reason.

If you can't make it to Bruno Stadium, both games will be streamed live on America East's streaming service, which is free. However, the Great Danes could use a few extra fans in the bleachers after playing to crickets two weeks ago.

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It's safe to say a loss to Ballston Spa 9 days ago was Troy High softball's wake-up call.

After a 3-1 win over Cohoes last weekend, the Lady Horses have pounded their next three opponents into the ground. Glens Falls became the latest mercy rule victim on Thursday, as Troy extended its winning streak to four in a row in a 13-1 romp. Olivia DeCitise was back in the circle, and checked Glens Falls on 3 hits, while scoring 2 runs, and driving in 2 more herself. Katie Pryor locked the door with a grand slam as part of a 5 run 4th inning that put the game away. Troy (10-3 overall, 5-3 Suburban Council) visits Guilderland today, and then travels to Shenendehowa (weather permitting) on Monday. The Plainswomen will send their sophomore ace, Breanna Hayes, into the circle, likely vs. DeCitise. The remaining Troy schedule after that:

May 3: Columbia.

May 5: @ Niskayuna.

May 8: @ Schuylerville.

May 10: Bethlehem.

May 12: Senior Day vs. Guilderland.

Troy baseball, winners of 3 of their last 4, will play the 2nd half of a home & home vs. Guilderland today. They'll have their Senior Day May 10 vs. Bethlehem.

Football schedules for Troy & LaSalle for 2023

 Contrary to what had been reported previously, there is no Class AAA in football----yet----in Section II.

The 2023 football schedules are out, and we'll focus on Troy High & LaSalle, who will see each other at Picken Field this season as Troy tries to reclaim the Collar City Cup.

However, what hasn't been determined is if Classes A & C would have a 4-or-8-team playoff schedule for this year. That will be decided in June.

Here we go. Expect Week 1 to be September 8-9.

Week 1: Troy @ Queensbury (Saturday, Sept. 9). LaSalle home opener vs. CBA in the Battle For The Sabre.

Week 2: Troy home opener vs. South Glens Falls. Burnt Hills @ LaSalle.

Week 3: Troy @ Columbia. Amsterdam @ LaSalle.

Week 4: Collar City Cup. LaSalle @ Troy.

Week 5: LaSalle @ Columbia. Troy Homecoming vs. Bethlehem. The Eagles are swapping with Ballston Spa, as the Scotties move to Class AA.

Week 6: Troy @ Amsterdam. The Rams will be looking for revenge after losing on Homecoming last year at Picken Field. LaSalle @ Columbia.

Week 7: Troy @ Averill Park. LaSalle @ Bethlehem.

Week 8*: Troy Senior Night vs. Albany. LaSalle Senior Night vs. Queensbury.

*---If Section II goes to a 4-team playoff in Class A, crossover games will be substituted.

Dates & times will be finalized this summer.

News & notes

One week after leaving the Albany Empire, Jeff Levack is returning to radio.

Levack is reuniting with Empire color analyst Tom Gozlowski for a 2 hour daily talk show on WOFX (Fox Sports 980), starting May 1, from 3-5 pm. The two had been the afternoon drive team for WTMM until Levack left a couple of years ago, after which Gozlowski landed at WOFX as program director.

Given the sketchy nature of Levack's departure from the Empire, I doubt very seriously it'll be addressed on the air. Non disclosure agreements and all that.

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While covering Wednesday's Troy-Schenectady baseball game at Central Park, Daily Gazette reporter Kyle Adams reminded his Twitter followers that there is no mercy rule in baseball in the Suburban Council.

The Patriots are wishing there was.

Tyler Spenard checked the Patriots on 2 hits over 5 innings, and helped his own cause with a homer. Union-bound Michael DiNardo added a homer, and Troy blew away Schenectady, 25-0. Ouch!

Adams' stats confirm what Aktivate has been claiming, that Troy actually split a doubleheader with Guilderland back on April 8, amending the Flying Horses overall record to 4-6, as one game was non-league that day. They'll have a shot at the Dutchmen Friday, as that game was moved up a day due to an advance forecast of rain on Saturday.

Meanwhile, on the softball diamond, it was business as usual for Troy, as they notched their 4th mercy rule win of the year, 22-0, over Schenectady, in 5 innings. Ava Salvaggio & Kaylee Kussler combined to hold the Lady Patriots to 2 hits. Schenectady didn't help themselves by committing 7 errors in the field. Olivia DeCitise played in the field for a day, though she'll likely be back in the circle today vs. Glens Falls.

The Lady Horses will visit Guilderland tomorrow, and, weather permitting, Shenendehowa on Monday.

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Belated congratulations to Guilderland baseball coach Doug LaValley, who earned his 250th win earlier this week. The tally is up to 251 after the Dutchmen won yesterday.

Personal note: I can remember when Doug played in Little League back in the day, and played at Central Little League. What I can't recall, however, is if he was a local player, or on a traveling All-Star team during the District 14 tournament.

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Since beating Troy on Saturday, and Schalmont on Monday, LaSalle has dropped two straight, the latest an 8-4 setback to Cohoes on Wednesday. Jesse Braverman's club now sits at 7-5 overall (6-3 Colonial Council), and will host Lansingbirgh, weather permitting, on Friday.

News & notes

 When Kevin Smith (Columbia/Maryland) played against the Mets, he was kept in the ballpark. On Monday, he hit his first homer of the season, a 3 run blast, to help Oakland defeat the LA Angels, 11-10, in extra innings.

Last night, though, was a different story. Smith went 1-4, and the Angels evened the series.

Bank on this. He might have to have some complimentary tickets for friends & family when the A's come to the Bronx later this season.

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WROW's Ben Patten is reporting that the Adirondack Thunder have experienced some travel issues, forcing their playoff games vs. Newfoundland to be postponed. Game 4, with the Growlers leading the series, 2-1, is now set for tomorrow at 5:30. Patten didn't go into specifics, but one suspects visa and/or medical issues (read: COVID) might have something to do with the delay.

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Troy High has not won a track meet in years. However, the closest they've come since entering the Suburban Council in 2015-16 came yesterday when Burnt Hills outpointed Troy, 60-59 in men's action. The Spartans also won the women's meet in more dominating fashion, 120-41.

In other track action:

Men:

Patroon Conference:

Coxsackie-Athens defeated Chatham, Catskill, & Windham in a 4-team meet.

Suburban Council:

Columbia 110, Averill Park 68.

Western Athletic Conference:

Galway 88, Schoharie 28.

Women:

Patroon Conference:

Coxsackie-Athens won the 4-team meet over Chatham, Catskill, & Windham.

Suburban Council:

Columbia 93, Averill Park 88.

Western Athletic Conference:

Galway 67, Schoharie 54.

Baseball:

Colonial Council:

Albany Academy 7, Ichabod Crane 4.

Wasaren League:

Hoosick Falls 5, Greenwich 3.

Non-league:

Ballston Spa 9, LaSalle 8.

Waterford 8, Hoosic Valley 4.

Maple Hill 22, Berlin-New Lebanon 6 (6 innings).

Men's lacrosse:

Colonial Council:

Schenectady-Mohonasen 20, Lansingburgh 2.

Foothills Council:

Queensbury 21, Amsterdam-Broadalbin-Perth 0.

Suburban Council:

Burnt Hills 7, Bethlehem 4.

Albany 5, Troy 3. The Falcons avenged a loss earlier this month on their field. Troy has dropped 4 straight since beating Albany on the road.

Shenendehowa 8, Guilderland 2.

Women's lacrosse:

Suburban Council:

Shaker 15, Averill Park 4.

Non-league:

Emma Willard 7, Ichabod Crane 3.

Softball:

Colonial Council:

Cohoes 9, Cobleskill-Richmondville 7. The Tigers bounce back after losing to Troy on Saturday, and avenged an earlier loss to Cobleskill.

Holy Trinity 9, Mohonasen 0.

Suburban Council:

Troy 12, Albany 0 (5 innings). Olivia DeCitise spun her 2nd 5 inning no-hitter this season, fanning 12 to match her offense's output, helped along by 4 Falcon errors. DeCitise also went 3-3 at the plate with a homer and 5 RBI's.

Wasaren League:

Hoosick Falls 2, Greenwich 1.

News & notes

 Troy High may have found their next softball superstar.

Kaylee Kussler, like basketball phenom Stetson Merritt, is an 8th grader at Troy Middle School, and is following the career path of senior ace Olivia DeCitise, who also started on the varsity softball team as an 8th grader.

On Monday, Kussler was named WTEN's player of the week, selected ahead of her all-universe teammate, DeCitise. The news provided some solace after Monday's home game vs. Albany was postponed to today. We have to assume Sunday's rains made the softball field unplayable, postponing the inevitable.

Meanwhile, the baseball team blew out Albany, 10-1, rebounding after a blowout loss on Saturday. Chris Stack's club embarks on a road trip starting tomorrow in Schenectady.

With the softball game vs. Albany moved to today (weather permitting), the women now will play four games in as many days, as they will be in Schenectady tomorrow, back home to play Glens Falls on Thursday, and, finally, at Guilderland on Friday.

Update, 9:41 am: Troy's women's flag football team is now 2-0 with 2 shutouts after blanking Highland, 26-0, at Picken Field. The ladies are on the road tonight & tomorrow before returning home Saturday.

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When football season starts in the fall, Saratoga will have a new head coach.

Terry Jones has stepped down after 16 seasons as head coach, and while he'll still teach, and serve as an assistant coach for the bowling team, he's indicated he wants to spend more time with his family. The Blue Streaks finished 5-5 last season

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Union College could end up producing a batting champion in Division III softball.

Karson Saunders (Emma Willard), who leads the team and the Liberty League in batting, is tied for 3rd in the nation in D3 at .541, with 3 homers and 22 RBI. She's also leading the team in stolen bases with 18. Union's Lady Dutch currently are 3-5 in the Liberty League (10-14 overall) after splitting a doubleheader with Skidmore on Friday, and getting swept by RPI on Saturday.

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We don't usually discuss minor league hockey, but with the Adirondack Thunder in the East Coast Hockey League playoffs, it's time to address the league's quirky playoff format.

After playing the first three games of their series with Newfoundland at Cool Insuring Arena, the Thunder now are in Canada to play out the remainder of this series. This is being done for budgetary reasons, as, unlike the NHL, the ECHL doesn't have a major television or radio contract, and would rather save money by blocking out games this way instead of the teams going back and forth across the border into and out of Canada. Newfoundland leads the series, 2-1, heading into game 4 today.

Maybe they should rename it Heartbreak Hotel

 "It" being MVP Arena, that is.

Twice in less than 24 hours, fans at the downtown Albany arena experienced some serious heartbreak.

Earlier today, the Albany FireWolves, in last place in the National Lacrosse League, took the Philadelphia Wings, with ex-FireWolf Joe Resetaritis, to overtime before losing, 10-9. The 'Wolves, at 3-14, are assured of missing the post-season, and the departure of Resetaritis was the "first domino", as the Albany Times-Union put it, in the team's collapse this season.

On Saturday, the Albany Empire thought they had beaten the San Antonio Gunslingers. However, San Antonio QB Arvell Nelson threw a touchdown pass on the last play of the game, keeping the guests undefeated at 3-0, escaping with a 55-53 win. This was set up with a controversial penalty called via replay against Albany for what amounted to an illegal defensive formation, negating what would've been a game-saving interception by Trevon Shorts with 10 seconds left.

Check the video:

The Empire (1-1) are on the road next week, and return to MVP Arena May 6 vs. West Texas.

Meanwhile, up the hill at the Washington Avenue Armory, it was business as usual for the Patroons, as they downed Montreal, 113-103. Shadell Millinghaus (Schenectady/Troy High) had a triple double to lead the Pats, who move back into first place the TBL's Eastern division. The Patroons' homestand resumes next weekend.

Sometimes, you take the good with the bad

 Troy High offered up a 3 ring circus of sports action this afternoon. The results were what you'd expect.

Troy baseball, coming off their 1st win of the season on Wednesday in disposing of Ballston Spa, hosted city rival LaSalle. The game started as a back & forth affair, with LaSalle leading, 5-4, after 2 innings.

Then, the virtual roof caved in on Troy, as the Cadets plated 6 runs in the 3rd, and cruised to a 13-4 win. Troy drops to 1-7-1 overall.

An hour after the baseball game started, the lacrosse team, another 1 win team, played Glens Falls from the Foothills Council. Those that stayed to the end were probably reaching for the Maalox by the time this one was over, as the laxmen dropped their 4th in a row, 15-2.

Fittingly, then, the softball diamond served as center ring, as their non-league game vs. Cohoes, like LaSalle a Colonial Council school, was the headline attraction of the day. The Lady Horses spotted Cohoes a 1-0 lead in the visiting 1st inning, but came right back with 2 runs in the home half, as the Tigers' defense resembled a certain major league namesake of recent vintage. The fact that it was breezy, with dust kicking up out of the circle and the dirt between the bases every few minutes, did neither team any real favors.

Otherwise, it was business as usual for Troy lefty Olivia DeCitise. 7 innings. 1 earned run. 19 strikeouts, including 11 of the last 13 batters, and 17 of the last 19. The two K's in the 7th inning put her over 600 K's for her career (601 total). Troy's offense added an insurance run in the 5th to remain undefeated in non-league play, 3-1.

The Lady Horses have 10 games left, 8 against Suburban Council opponents. Dare we think Olivia DeCitise reaches 700 K by season's end? 750? 800?

Today's soundtrack:

"By The Time This Night is Over", Peabo Bryson.

"Sweetheart", Franke & The Knockouts (which is where we get the title of this post).

And this rock classic from Kansas, "Dust in The Wind":

Today's game starts a stretch of 5 games in 8 days for Troy softball. Now, the real work starts.

News & notes

 When the Albany Empire take the field tonight at MVP Arena, they will have a new placekicker on the roster.

Marc Orozco signed a deal with an unnamed team in the Canadian Football League during the week, and will be replaced by new arrival Michael Hall, a rookie out of Ottawa University.

Off the field, new majority owner Antonio Brown has got some legal issues waiting for him in Florida.

An arrest warrant was issued last week after Brown missed a child support payment to a former girlfriend, Wiltrice Jackson, with whom he has a daughter. However, the warrant is unenforceable in New York. WNYT reported last week that Brown is being sued by a jeweler who claims Brown stiffed him on a million dollars worth of jewelry. The story went national on TMZ Sports, which also reported the child support issue.

Hmmmmmmmmmm. I wonder if this is the real reason why the mercurial Brown decided to "come home" to the 518....! Stay tuned.

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Business as usual for the Albany Patroons as they crushed the Tri-State Admirals Friday at the Washington Avenue Armory. The Pats are right back at home tonight for another go with the Montreal Tundra. Some folks will flip a coin between the Empire and the Patroons.....!

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Congratulations to Chatham baseball coach Scott Steltz, who won his 350th career game Friday, as the Panthers shut out Germantown, 19-0.

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You know things have to be bad for the Albany FireWolves to be giving away tickets for Sunday's home game vs. Philadelphia on the radio. WROW AM/FM has been doing the promotion all week, ending yesterday as a prize for the "Almost Impossible Question" during Magic in The Morning.

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Yale has UAlbany's number when it comes to lacrosse.

The Bulldogs were in town Friday, and defeated the Great Danes, 14-6. Don't have any attendance figures, but I'd imagine most folks were at the Armory.......!

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Friday's high school scoreboard:

Baseball:

Colonial Council:

Albany Academy 10, Schalmont 0 (5 innings).

Ichabod Crane 11, Ravena 8.

Mohonasen 10, Voorheesville 0 (5 innings).

Patroon Conference:

Maple Hill 18, Watervliet 3 (5 innings).

Suburban Council:

Ballston Spa 5, Schenectady 3. 

Columbia 3, Shaker 1.

Guilderland 6, CBA 0.

Niskayuna 7, Saratoga 0.

Shenendehowa 13, Colonie 0.

Burnt Hills 13, Averill Park 4.

Bethlehem @ Albany was postponed for unknown reasons. No make-up date set.

Wasaren League:

Greenwich 14, Berlin-New Lebanon 0.

Stillwater & Saratoga Catholic split a doubleheader. Stillwater won the opener, 5-2. Saratoga Catholic rebounded to take the nightcap, 13-0.

Western Athletic Conference:

Duanesburg 11, Berne-Knox-Westerlo 5.

Fonda-Fultonville 17, Middleburgh 1 (5 innings).

Tennis:

Foothills Council:

Queensbury 7, South Glens Falls 0.

Suburban Council:

Guilderland 8, CBA 1.

Women's lacrosse:

Non-league:

Queensbury 15, Kingston 5.

Softball:

Colonial Council:

Mohonasen 3, Voorheesville 2.

Foothills Council:

Queensbury 18, Amsterdam 1.

Patroon Conference:

Maple Hill 16, Watervliet 0 (5 innings).

Suburban Council: 

Bethlehem 13, Albany 7.

Ballston Spa 24, Schenectady 0 (5 innings). The Lady Scotties used a pair of 9 run innings in the 1st & 4th innings to shut down the Patriots.

Averill Park 2, Burnt Hills 1.

Wasaren League:

Mechanicville 2, Hoosick Falls 0.

Saratoga Catholic 8, Cambridge 2.

Western Athletic Conference:

Berne-Knox-Westerlo 13, Duanesburg 0.

Non-league:

Tamarac 10, Holy Trinity 4.

News & notes

 A day after committing 7 errors in a win over Saratoga, Troy High's softball team played flawless defense, but went home with nothing to show for it.

Ballston Spa snapped the Lady Horses' winning streak at 5, defeating Troy in 11 innings, 4-2. Olivia DeCitise pitched yet another complete game, striking out 21 over the 11 innings, following up a 9 K effort vs. Saratoga., bringing her career total to 582 heading into a non-league game vs. Cohoes on Saturday afternoon. Troy (6-3 overall, 3-3 Suburban Council) should draw a good crowd on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the baseball team finally won its first game of the season, toppling Ballston Spa, 6-3, dropping Curtis Nobles' club to 3-3 in league play. The win snaps a 8 game winless string (0-7-1) dating back to last year's sectional semi-finals. Troy hosts LaSalle on Saturday morning.

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A day after Jared Billups left for George Mason, Siena saw the other shoe drop in the transfer portal after leading scorer Javian McCollum transferred to Oklahoma, currently in the Big 12. McCollum will still be on your TV screens from time to time, since many of the Sooners' games will air on either Fox or ESPN.

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Bethlehem men's tennis coach Steve Smith won his 300th match Wednesday, as the Eagles shut out CBA, 9-0. Smith is in his 23rd season at Bethlehem, during which time he's led his team to 16 sectional finals, winning 11 titles, including the last four.

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Schuylerville, and all of Washington County, is mourning the passing of 2021 Schuylerville grad Kaylin Gillis, 20, who was shot to death on April 15. She and her friends were looking for another friend's house in suburban Hebron when Kevin Monahan fired two rounds from his shotgun. Gillis was hit as her boyfriend's car turned around to leave.

It is said that Monahan didn't like trespassers, considered his property private. His lawyers argued unsuccessfully to have him released on bail as he had no prior criminal record. We've seen recluses like that in the movies. Gillis was a cheerleader for the Black Horses during football & basketball season.

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History tells us of the Trojan Horse, used by the Greeks to infiltrate the city of Troy in ancient times. Today, a Trojan Horse is better known as a form of malware that can infect computers.

The Albany Empire has a Trojan Horse of its own, and his name is Antonio Brown.

Two days after the Albany Times-Union published a report in which Brown claimed to be the sole owner of the Empire, it's now come out that Brown has bought out Mike Kwarta, who bought the team in 2021, leading to back-to-back National Arena League titles. The Times-Union's Abigail Rubel reports today that Brown purchased Kwarta's share for one dollar, leaving local co-owners Steve & Charlotte von Schiller (5%) as the only "local" owners left. In reality, Brown is an Albany area native who attended schools in the area while his father, "Touchdown" Eddie Brown, starred for the Firebirds in the 90's.

Brown attended practice on Wednesday, and even went out for a pass from QB Sam Castronova. In addition to Kwarta, team president Matt Woods, and media director Jeff Levack resigned, which leads me to believe that there have been some behind the scenes issues unspoken and unreported since the Browns returned to Albany last month.

This comes two weeks after coach Tom Menas was sacked under mysterious circumstances. Seems to me that what they're not telling us is that Eddie's having a hard time reining in Antonio, whose diva behavior, if left unchecked, could cause more problems, despite the Empire winning their opener, and getting ready to face San Antonio on Saturday night. You have to remember that Antonio, once a respected star receiver in Pittsburgh with the Steelers, earning 7 Pro Bowl nods, burned bridges in four NFL cities (Pittsburgh, Oakland, Foxborough, Tampa Bay) with his antics. I will not be surprised at all, then, if interim coach Damon Ware has his head on a swivel if the Empire stumbles at some point during the season.

Brown could pull a Mario Lemieux and suit up for the Empire, or take over as coach if he feels Ware is losing the locker room (in his mind). 

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Speaking of the Firebirds, the Empire have a 2nd generation receiver on their roster whose father played with Eddie Brown.

Daquan Patten is the son of the late Firebirds, Giants, and Patriots star David Patten, who passed away in 2021 in a motorcycle accident. Daquan has already won the respect of star receiver Darius Prince, so he's off to a good start.

News & notes

 For college coaches, the transfer portal can be a good thing if you're adding someone, but it's bad when a popular, respected player decides to take his talents elsewhere.

For example, Siena is saying goodbye to Jared Billups, who is heading to George Mason University. Likely replacing him on the Saints' roster is Giovanni Emejuru, from England, who is transferring from Sam Houston State.

In many cases, those transfers, especially to a bigger league, would enhance a player's profile when they enter the NBA draft.

As noted yesterday, Shenendehowa grad Meghan Huerter is coming home to play at UAlbany after transferring from Providence College. The issue in her case, it seems, might've been a lack of playing time at Providence. Huerter's brother, Tom, Jr., followed their father to Siena, while Kevin, now in the NBA with Sacramento, went to Maryland. With the Siena ties to the family, it's going to be interesting when UAlbany & Siena play next season.

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Nick Pastore was a multi-sport star at Troy High, and was part of their football championship teams in 2016-17. Today, he's a graduate student playing outfield for SUNY-Brockport, and, according to Bill Arsenault of the Albany Times-Union, doing quite well.

Pastore is batting .391 for Brockport, and belted two grand slams last week, as part of a 4-0 week for the Golden Eagles.

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UConn's Andre Jackson, Jr. (Albany Academy) is looking at a different transfer portal.

Jackson, per media reports, is looking at retaining college eligibility while considering the NBA draft in June. Kevin Huerter was the last player from the 518 taken in the draft, when Atlanta made him a first round pick a few years back. Jackson is projected as a 2nd round pick, but his play during the Huskies' run to the NCAA title could have him moving to the 1st round. We'll see.

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Tuesday's high school scoreboard:

Baseball:

Colonial Council:

Ravena 8, Cohoes 5.

Foothills Council:

Hudson Falls 10, Schuylerville 8.

Patroon Conference:

Taconic Hills 4, Maple Hill 1.

Suburban Council:

Shenendehowa 19, Schenectady 0.

Ballston Spa 6, Guilderland 0.

Saratoga 3, Troy 0. The Flying Horses (0-5 Suburban Council, 0-6-1 overall) play B-Spa today.

Niskayuna 5, Shaker 2.

CBA 9, Colonie 7.

Averill Park 7, Albany 0. The Warriors have won 2 in a row, leaving Troy, Schenectady, & Albany to share the Grey division basement.

Western Athletic Conference:

Mekeel Christian 7, Berne-Knox-Westerlo 2.

Wasaren League:

Mechanicville 7, Hoosick Falls 1.

Waterford 6, Stillwater 1.

Men's lacrosse:

Suburban Council:

CBA 20, Colonie 2.

Colonial Council:

Voorheesville 14, Ichabod Crane-Maple Hill 3.

Women's lacrosse:

Suburban Council:

Burnt Hills 11, Columbia 8.

Softball:

Patroon Conference:

Maple Hill 7, Taconic Hills 3.

Suburban Council:

Averill Park 6, Albany 0.

Troy 9, Saratoga 4. Troy has now won five in a row, and will go for six today vs. Ballston Spa. Olivia DeCitise & Olivia Ashline homered for Troy (6-2 overall, 3-2 league). DeCitise struck out 9, as Saratoga suffers its 1st loss.

Shaker 2, Niskayuna 0.

Wasaren League:

Mechanicville 7, Stillwater 1.

Saratoga Catholic 14, Berlin 0.

Non-league:

Schoharie 17, Gilboa 0.

Tennis:

Foothills Council:

Glens Falls 7, Schuylerville 0.

Queensbury 6, Scotia-Glenville 1.

Monday's high school scoreboard, 4/17

 Morning rains forced the Suburban Council to move Monday's baseball slate to today. It would appear that the same holds for softball, with one big exception.

Shenendehowa crushed Schenectady, 18-0, in five innings, keeping the Lady Patriots winless. Troy's baseball & softball teams will try again today vs. Saratoga, but the tennis meet between the two schools was postponed to May 2.

In other action:

Baseball:

Western Athletic Conference:

Duanesburg 1, Fort Plain 0.

Fonda-Fultonville 25, Mayfield 0 (5 innings). The Braves plated 11 runs in the 1st, and 10 more in the 2nd. 3 Fonda pitchers combined for a no-hitter.

Women's lacrosse:

Foothills Council:

Queensbury 23, Scotia-Glenville 5.

Softball:

Western Athletic Conference:

Duanesburg 13, Fort Plain 1 (6 innings).

Flag football:

Troy won their first ever flag football game, defeating Rhinebeck, 6-0, in overtime. Spectrum News 1's Jackson Wang was at the game, and tweeted the result, which Troy shared on its Twitter feed.

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In other news: Shenendehowa grad Meghan Huerter quietly entered the transfer portal, and is leaving Providence to come home and play for Colleen Mullen at UAlbany next season. Brother Kevin had 19 points to help Sacramento defeat Golden State in game 2 of their 1st round NBA playoff series.

News & notes

 Well., that didn't take long.

The Albany Times-Union is reporting that Albany Empire "minority owner" Antonio Brown is claiming full ownership of the team.

Just what the Empire didn't need or want. Brown's diva circus in town. 

WNYT's Rodger Wyland reported that there was talk that Brown had acquired an 80% stake in the team. Brown is claiming 100%.. In reality, according to the Times-Union's Abigail Rubel, Brown and Mike Kwarta each own 47 1/2 percent of the team, with Steve & Charlotte von Schiller holding the remaining 5%. Brown was in attendance for the home opener at MVP Arena on Sunday, but, going forward, he may need his father, Albany legend "Touchdown" Eddie Brown, and/or the other owners to filter his thoughts before going before the media.

Meanwhile, the Empire went about business as usual on the field, demolishing Orlando, 70-33.

The Empire will be back at MVP Arena on Saturday to face San Antonio.

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Albany Academy senior golfer Nicole Criscone has made a commitment to remain in the 518 for college. In September, she'll be teeing it up at UAlbany for coach Colleen Cashman. Criscone and the Bears have won 3 straight sectional titles, and have the talent to make up for her departure and make it four in a row this fall.

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The Albany Patroons avenged a season opening home loss to Syracuse by going on the road to beat the Stallions, 119-109, on Sunday. Unfortunately, despite an afternoon start, there is no box score in the paper today due to space considerations. The Pats have won 2 straight coming out of the All-Star break.

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Please check with your schools to see if today's games will be played in light of the rain already in the 518. Rain is in the forecast today, tomorrow, and possibly later in the week. 

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East Greenbush's Kevin Smith (Columbia/Maryland) started, and went 1-4 with a run scored and a stolen base before being lifted for a pinch-hitter on Sunday, but the Oakland A's were swept by the Mets, losing 4-3 in 10 innings. Oakland hosts the Chicago Cubs tonight, while the Mets travel to Los Angeles to play the Dodgers.

News & notes

 Another night, another loss for the Albany FireWolves.

After snapping a 10 game losing streak last week, the 'Wolves returned to MVP Arena last night, and fell to the Georgia Swarm, 15-6. Not a good way to start a season ending 3 game home stand.

Making matters worse, a former member of the 'Wolves had a big hand in the Swarm's victory. Andrew Kew, who played for Albany last year, had 4 goals and 5 assists. UAlbany product Lyle Thompson added a goal.

Albany returns to MVP Arena next Sunday at 3 vs. Philadelphia.

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After tearing up Triple A at the start of the season, Kevin Smith (Columbia/Maryland) was called up by Oakland. Unfortunately, the offensive malaise that has plagued the A's all season has affected Smith, too, as he has gone 2-19 after going 0-2 Saturday vs. the Mets. Smith entered the game as a pinch hitter in the 7th, and, after a pitch clock violation, struck out, but catcher Francisco Alvarez dropped the ball, and nearly committed an error with a wild toss to Pete Alonso, who tagged 1st base before Smith got there.

In the 9th, Smith struck out again, as Mets closer pro tempore David Robertson earned his 3rd save, despite a pitch clock violation of his own extending the at bat by 1 pitch.

The teams conclude the series this afternoon at 4 pm (WCWN).

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The Albany Patroons are considering joining the Basketball Super League next season, according to the Albany Times-Union. The BSL would enable the Pats to play a more traditional winter-spring schedule (December-May instead of March-May), with extra home dates as incentive. Ex-Patroon David Magley and his wife run the BSL, and have had interest in bringing in the Pats for some time.

Fellow blogger and local historian Chuck Miller should get a kick out of this. Chuck, oh, by the way, worked the PA at a recent home game as the regular announcer was in absentia for a night. I wouldn't mind him getting a TV gig to go with his weekly radio show on Hamilton College's station.

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As seen on MSG on Saturday, George Washington scored a rare win, beating Fordham, 9-4. Anthony Germinerio (Averill Park/UAlbany) entered the game in the 7th, and was lifted in the 8th. Credited with 1 inning pitched, Germinerio gave up just 1 hit, with 1 hit batsman and a strikeout in his first appearance in 2 weeks. Seems the coaches are still concerned about a shoulder injury that held him out at the start of the season. 

Today's game is streaming on ESPN+, starting at noon.

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Central Park in Schenectady was home to a 4 game Coaches Against Cancer program Saturday. Only two games were reported as of press time.

Bethlehem used a 9 run 5th inning to ice a 12-2 win over LaSalle. The Cadets trailed, 3-0, heading into the 5th, and scored their 2 runs, but the Eagles put up 9 in their half, and the game was called due to the mercy rule.

Two Wasaren League teams squared off, as Hoosick Falls defeated Mechanicville, 13-9, the first of two meetings between the two teams in a 3 day period, as they'll meet again on Monday.

In other action:

Ravena 7, Albany 4.
Taconic Hills 13, Greenwich 5.

Schuylerville 5, Plattsburgh 4.

Men's lacrosse:

Shenendehowa 11, Ballston Spa 8.

Columbia 9, Minisink Valley 5.

Softball:

Tamarac 3, Shaker 2 (10 innings).

Cohoes 7, Albany 3 (9). The Tigers plated 4 runs in the top of the 9th to beat the luckless Falcons.

Ichabod Crane 1, Burnt Hills 0.

News & notes

 Columbia alumnus Kevin Smith was not in the starting lineup for Oakland last night vs. the Mets, but did get into the game late, going 0-1, as the Mets crushed the luckless Athletics, 17-6, to keep pace with Atlanta, which similarly dominated Kansas City.

Smith is not in the lineup for today's game, either. As we're writing, today's game is less than an hour away (WCWN, 4 pm).

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Despite the news a few weeks back, and the fact that they moved their first game at Bruno Stadium to their campus field due to weather concerns three weeks ago, UAlbany played mostly in front of crickets in a 7-1 loss to UMass Lowell Friday at the Joe. The River Hawks spotted Albany, then scored 7 unanswered runs.

Back in Albany today, the Great Danes just walked off Lowell, 5-4, with the rubber game tomorrow.

The Great Danes will return to Bruno Stadium April 28. They really need to promote better.

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As we're writing, today's game between George Washington and Fordham is airing on MSG (Spectrum channel 318). Pitcher Anthony Germinerio (Averill Park/UAlbany) made his 1st appearance in 2 weeks, and was lifted for a reliever in the home 8th, with the Colonials leading the Rams, 8-4. We'll have the final numbers tomorrow.

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Troy High spring sports has been a mixed bag as we're now halfway through the season.

The Flying Horses have notched some wins at track meets, but have not outright won meets, a problem that has existed for years.

On Thursday, Troy's lacrosse team dropped to 1-4 after getting shellacked by Averill Park, 19-0. Ouch!

On Friday, Troy softball ran its winning streak to 4 games, taking the Warriors to 8 innings before prevailing, 4-2. Rubber-armed lefty ace Olivia DeCitise pitched all 8 innings, holding Averill Park to 2 hits and 2 runs while fanning 19.

Now, think about that for a second. 19 K's in 8 innings. You wouldn't see that in major league baseball anymore the way today's pitchers are overprotected. In 4 starts over the last week, DeCitise, heading for UMass Lowell next season, has K'd nearly 60 batters, and her career total is now up to 552 strikeouts. 600 K's is within reach, maybe 700 if Troy makes another deep run in the sectionals.

Lowell is getting a blue chipper, to be sure.

Troy baseball is still looking for its 1st win after Averill Park walked them off, 1-0, in a game that went a tidy 73 minutes. Troy (0-5) will play Saratoga on Monday.

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Siena won the 1st game of its series vs. Marist on Friday, 6-4, a rare win for the Saints in an otherwise miserable season. Today's game is ongoing as we write.

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Coming off a rare mid-week game at Washington Avenue Armory, in which they beat Montreal again, the Albany Patroons will travel to Syracuse tomorrow, seeking revenge on the Stallions after Syracuse won the 1st meeting last month. Tip time is 3 pm.

News & notes

 The Albany Empire open their season on Sunday at MVP Arena, returning most of their roster from last year, plus some new faces, including QB Vincent Testaverde, Jr., formerly of UAlbany, and the son of former NFL QB Vinny Testaverde, whose resume included stops with Cleveland, Tampa Bay, the Jets, and Dallas. Kickoff is set for 2:30 pm.

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Last year at this time, Troy High had started what would be an 18 game winning streak, leading to a Section II Class A softball title, and falling short of a state championship.

This year's team started 1-2, then reeled off non-league wins over Whitesboro and Chatham, leading to Wednesday's businessman's brunch special vs. Shaker.

Shaker's Grace Harris clouted a 3-run homer in the visiting 2nd inning off Olivia DeCitise, but it was DeCitise who had the last word with a walk-off double to give Troy a 4-3 win, their 1st league win of the season (1-2 Suburban Council, 4-2 overall), and some momentum heading into another mid-day special tomorrow at Averill Park.

DeCitise likely will again be in the circle for Troy. She reached 500 strikeouts for her career earlier this month, and after fanning 13 on Wednesday, she now has 533 for her career.

The engine is running again. Be afraid, Suburban Council. Be very afraid.

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The rest of Wednesday's scores:

Baseball:

Foothills Council:

Queensbury 5, Scotia-Glenville 1.

Suburban Council:

Colonie 7, Ballston Spa 3. Saratoga 5, Bethlehem 3. Niskayuna 1, Burnt Hills 0. Parker Aikens twirled a no-hitter for the Silver Warriors. Shenendehowa 5, CBA 1. Columbia 10, Albany 0. Shaker 15, Troy 7. Guilderland never bothered reporting Saturday's doubleheader, nor did Troy. Chris Stack's Flying Horses are now 0-4-1.

Guilderland 13, Schenectady 3.

Non-league:

Lansingburgh 15, Tamarac 5 (6 innings).

Voorheesville 6, Fonda-Fultonville 5.

Men's lacrosse:

Queensbury 17, LaSalle 14.

Softball:

Suburban Council:

Columbia 17, Albany 5 (6 innings).

Colonie 2, Ballston Spa 0.

Non-league:

Holy Trinity 9, Berne-Knox-Westerlo 5.

Schalmont 7, Emma Willard 1.

Taconic Hills 10, Lansingburgh 4.

Tuesday's high school & college scoreboard, 4/11

 High schools:

Baseball:

Patroon Conference:

Catskill 11, Maple Hill 1 (5 innings).

Wasaren League:

Hoosick Falls 18, Stillwater 5.

Suburban Council:

Shaker 4, Guilderland 0.

Non-league:

Mechanicville 32, Berlin-New Lebanon 9. Scotty Lynch hit two homers for Mechanicville, including a grand slam.

Colonial Council:

Albany Academy 13, Ichabod Crane 10.

Cohoes 10, Lansingburgh 9.

Men's lacrosse:

Colonial Council:

Mohonasen-Schenectady 14, "Holy Trinity" (Catholic Central-Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons) 0.

Suburban Council:

Niskayuna 17, Burnt Hills 6.

Ballston Spa 21, Colonie 1.

Shenendehowa 17, CBA 5.

Columbia 20, Albany 0.

Monday:

Non-league:

Hudson Falls 11, Troy 1. Troy drops to 1-3.

Women's lacrosse:

Suburban Council:

Bethlehem 15, Saratoga 9. Carly Wise, better known for basketball, had a double hat trick (6 goals) for Saratoga.

Columbia 14, Albany 4.

Non-league:

Shaker 16, Bullis 10.

Softball:

Foothills Council:

Amsterdam 14, Broadalbin-Perth 9.

Non-league:

Holy Trinity 14, Albany 1.

Ballston Spa 4, South Glens Falls 3.

Columbia 5, Guilderland 2.

Ichabod Crane 12, Shaker 2.

Colleges:

Baseball:

Cobleskill swept SUNY Poly, 16-1 and 11-10.

Southern New Hampshire 10, College of St. Rose 2.

RPI 7, Utica 1.

Softball:

LeMoyne swept a doubleheader from St. Rose, 6-3 & 6-5.

RPI swept Cortland, 8-1 & 3-2.

Union swept MCLA, 8-3 & 12-0.

Castleton swept Cobleskill, 10-2 & 5-1.

Utica 4, Skidmore 3.

Men's tennis:

RPI 9, Union 0.

News & notes

 The Atlanta Braves may have finally figured out what's wrong with Ian Anderson (Shenendehowa).

Per WNYT's Rodger Wyland, reporting in today's Albany Times-Union, Anderson was placed on the minor league injured list with an elbow injury.

Uh-oh. That gasp you hear is extending from Atlanta all the way back to the 518. The worst case scenario, of course, is Tommy John surgery, which would end Anderson's season before it gets off the ground.

Update, 1:41 pm: ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that, yes, Anderson will undergo Tommy John surgery, and miss the rest of the season.

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Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro (Bethlehem) was back in the dugout for the Royals' game Monday vs. Texas after undergoing COVID-19 protocols last week, which forced him to miss 5 games, during which the Royals went 2-3. Unfortunately, Kansas City, 4th in the AL Central, lost again, blown out by the Rangers, 11-2.

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Holy Trinity is back, only this time in softball.

Catholic Central, experiencing a steep decline in interest in one of their stronger women's sports, has united once more with Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons (Western Athletic Conference) to form Holy Trinity on the diamond. That's the good news. The bad? They're getting routinely blown out.

On Monday, they played a full 7 inning game, routed by Ichabod Crane, 14-1, committing as many errors as they had hits, four apiece.

Holy Trinity had discontinued as a football program in 2021. They are also using the Holy Trinity name, we think, in men's lacrosse.

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Despite the fact that games are being played in the early afternoon this week for Easter recess, schools are still not submitting game results in a timely manner.

We are waiting on Monday's lacrosse game between Hudson Falls and Troy High, for example. Weather is not an excuse this time, not when the temperatures are rising about 60 degrees as the games are being played.

Here's what we have for Monday's action:

Baseball:

Foothills Council:

Schuylerville 5, Gloversville 1.

Queensbury 5, Amsterdam 4.

Patroon Conference:

Maple Hill 6, Hudson 1.

Non-league:

Mohonasen 3, Niskayuna 0.

Middleburgh 10, Cherry Valley/Sharon Springs 0.

Softball:

Western Athletic Conference:

Broadalbin-Perth 33, Middleburgh 2 (5 innings). The Lady Patriots led, 27-0, after 2 innings. OUCH!

Patroon Conference:

Hudson 5, Maple Hill 4.

Non-league:

Troy 8, Chatham 2. Olivia DeCitise, who passed 500 career strikeouts earlier this season, fanned 10 in going the distance, and went 4-4 at the plate with 2 RBI's. Troy (3-2 overall) will seek its 1st Suburban Council win of the year tomorrow vs. Shaker.

News & notes

 Columbia High grad Kevin Smith was recalled by Oakland over the weekend, as he's been tearing it up in Triple A. The A's need help on offense, and they're hoping that Smith can bring his hot bat along. WNYT's Rodger Wyland, writing in today's Albany Times-Union, thinks Smith, who will be a shortstop, could stick with the A's if he continues to rake. Let's hope so.

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It may have been nearly a month after going 1 & done in the state tournament, but Troy High's men's basketball team were honored by Troy Mayor Patrick Madden last week at City Hall.

Photo courtesy Troy High School via Twitter.

The ceremony took place on April 5. We may see this again down the road.

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A quick reminder that since it's Spring/Easter vacation for Section II, games will start earlier this week. For example, Troy's lacrosse team, coming off a win over Albany last Thursday, will host Hudson Falls at Picken Field today at noon. The softball team will host Chatham (Patroon Conference), also at noon, and Wednesday's Suburban Council game vs. Shaker will start at 11 am.

Here's to hoping all the scores are submitted in a timely fashion for the next day's papers.

By the way, we're still waiting on Saturday's Troy-Guilderland baseball doubleheader.

Update, 4/11: Guilderland won the 1st game, 6-1, and the two schools played to a 4-4 tie in the nightcap. Troy, then, is now 0-3-1 heading into Wednesday's game vs. Shaker.

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Glens Falls product Joseph Girard III is looking for a new place to play next season.

Not long after Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim announced his retirement, Girard announced he was entering the transfer portal. Destination, as of press time, unknown. Apparently, he promised his folks four years of college before entering the NBA draft. Now, that's old school.

News & notes

 In a shocker, the Albany Empire dismissed head coach Tom Menas following a Wednesday practice. The official word is that the team wanted to go in a different direction. New co-owner Antonio Brown, an Albany area native, was among the members of the ownership team to make the decision, and he even admitted in an interview with WNYT that he had only met Menas a couple of days earlier. There's something that no one is telling, and while offensive coordinator Damon Ware will be head coach for now, don't be too surprised if the mercurial Brown, whose diva behavior cut short his NFL career, is angling for the coach's job himself. 

The team opens its 2023 season one week from today at MVP Arena, looking to 3-peat. Could the decision to dump Menas, who led the team to back-to-back titles, come back to haunt them? Stay tuned.

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Troy High's softball team snapped a 2 game losing streak in thrashing Whitesboro in a non-league tilt, 15-1, in 5 innings on Saturday. Senior ace Olivia DeCitise went the full five innings, striking out 11. The Lady Horses are right back at it Monday afternoon vs. Chatham before resuming league play on Wednesday vs. Shaker.

However, as of press time, a baseball doubleheader between Troy & Guilderland had not been reported by either school, and with schools closed this week for Easter/Spring recess, it'll be tougher than usual to get results on time for newspaper deadlines. Troy will host Shaker on Wednesday.

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The Albany Firewolves snapped a lengthy losing streak Saturday in clipping Rochester, 14-12. Connor Kelly led the way with 5 goals for Albany (3-12), while Doug Jamieson stopped 42 shots. The 'Wolves return home next Saturday night.