News & notes

 The UAlbany women's basketball team has their home opener tonight vs. Rhode Island, and it doubles as a bit of a family reunion.

Sophie Phillips (Cambridge), the twin sister of UAlbany senior Lily Phillips, is in town with the Lady Rams, and will play against her sister for the first time. Also, it marks the return of former Siena women's coach Ali Jacques to the 518, this time as an assistant coach on the Lady Rams' staff. Tip time is 7 pm, and will stream on ESPN+.

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Playoffs aside, football season ended for several Section II teams on Thursday......

Guilderland 36, Troy 20. The Dutchmen spotted Troy (5-5) an early lead, then scored 36 unanswered points before Troy got back in the end zone with under 2 minutes left in the game.

Gloversville 42, South Glens Falls 20.

Wednesday:

Hudson 18, Ichabod Crane 12.

Niskayuna 40, Columbia 0. The Blue Devils close with another 2 game losing streak.

Colonie 33, Bethlehem 29.

The rest of the scores have not been reported as of press time.

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Time to take a look at this weekend's playoff matchups:

Class AA:

Saratoga @ CBA: The Blue Streaks' offense was all but shut down last week vs. Shenendehowa. CBA should have no trouble getting back to the Super Bowl.

Pick-CBA.

Shenendehowa @ Shaker: Does Section II want another Super Bowl between CBA & Shen? Or does Shaker spoil the party? Either way, barring an upset, Bob Burns will be heading back to Troy High next week.

Pick: Shaker, to break the monotony.

Class A:

Queensbury @ Burnt Hills (Spectrum News 1, 7 pm.): I think we know how this will play out.

Pick: Burnt Hills.

Ballston Spa @ Averill Park: The Scotties have gotten hot at the right time, and that's bad news for Zach Gobel and AP.

Pick: Ballston Spa.

Class B:

Hoosick Falls-Tamarac @ Glens Falls: Nothing's stopping the Black Bears.

Pick: Glens Falls.

Mechanicville-Hoosic Valley @ Ravena: Winner gets the honor of getting mauled next week.

Pick: Ravena.

Class C:

Granville-Whitehall @ Cobleskill-Richmondville: This year's surprise team gets its 1st Super Bowl berth.

Pick: Cobleskill-Richmondville.

Fonda-Fultonville @ Schuylerville: 

Gotta go with horse sense here.

Pick: Schuylerville.

Class D:

Saturday: 

Stillwater @ Cambridge-Salem: After all the drama, Stillwater should make it back to the Super Bowl.

Pick: Stillwater.

Of course, I could be wrong.