News & notes

 Queensbury has taken its first step toward a state title in hockey after shutting out Saranac, 7-0, on Friday. The Spartans now await the winner of today's game between Rye & Ogdensburg Free Academy, with Queensbury returning to action next Saturday.

Shenendehowa will play Canton later this afternoon.

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RPI's hockey season is over, as the Engineers were eliminated by Harvard in the 1st round of the ECAC playoffs, 5-2. RPI's women were dismissed two weeks ago in similar fashion.

There's always next year, of course.

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The last of the Section II basketball finals are now set after Friday's women's semi-finals in Class AAA.

Colonie defeated Albany 56-41, and will play Shaker, which needed overtime to dismiss Shenendehowa, 59-56.

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Now, on to the finals. 12 games over 3 days. Hudson Valley Community College will be rocking. Ladies first, then the men.

Women's Class D: Northville vs. Saratoga Catholic, 11 am.

Jim Zullo may be building another dynasty, after he'd developed one at Shen for so many years. Saratoga Catholic was one of the top teams in the Wasaren League this year, but Northville, at 19-2, may be too much to overcome.

Pick: Northville.

Women's Class A: Albany Academy vs. Broadalbin-Perth, 12:45 pm (approximate).

Broadalbin-Perth emerged as a surprise contender in the Foothills Council this season, but that 20-1 record is nothing to sneeze at. Academy (18-4) plays in the Colonial Council, and was jockeying for position with Holy Names & Catholic Central all season. That could help or hinder the Bears, depending on how the game starts.

Pick: Albany Academy.

Women's Class C: Stillwater vs. Greenwich, 2:30 pm (approximate).

Two Wasaren League rivals collide, as the Witches look to complete an undefeated season. Greenwich swept the season series between these two teams, who last met on January 23. The outcome will be the same today.

Pick: Greenwich.

Women's Class B: Voorheesville vs. Mechanicville, 4:15 pm (approximate).

Colonial Council vs. Wasaren League. 

The Blackbirds landed the #1 seed in this bracket, despite the fact that they had lost to a couple of AA teams in Catholic Central and Troy, for starters. If there was ever a need for an upset today, this is it.

Pick: Mechanicville.

Women's Class AA: Columbia vs. Catholic Central, Monday at 6 pm.

The Lady Devils did everyone a favor and ended the Organ Dynasty at Averill Park on Thursday night. Catholic Central, which won the A title last year, looks to follow AP's lead, and win the AA title. This could go down to the wire, unless the Crusaders race out to a big lead early, forcing Columbia to change strategy. CCHS not only has to keep an eye on Alivia Landy, but Sarah Rainville as well. Shut them both down, and their goal is accomplished.

Pick: Catholic Central.

Women's Class AAA: Shaker vs. Colonie, Monday at 7:45 pm (approximate).

Rematch of last year's final. Section II really needs to bolster Class AAA, which has just 7 teams, all in the Suburban Council (Schenectady declined to participate), otherwise this will get boring in a hurry.

Pick: Colonie.

Men's Class B: Greenville vs. Mechanicville, 6:30 pm (approximate).

Wasaren League vs. Patroon Conference. They would be dancing all night in Greene County if Greeenville pulls it off, and upsets second seeded Mechanicville. It ain't happening.

Pick: Mechanicville.

Men's Class A: Glens Falls vs. Catholic Central, 8:15 pm (approximate).

After dropping 100+ on Hudson earlier this week, the Black Bears are looking hungry to dethrone the Crusaders. Kellen Driscoll could be the next Joe Girard III in the eyes of North Country fans, but he could also end up another Jimmer Fredette. The Roberson brothers power the offense for Guy DiBacco and the Crusaders, but it won't be enough this time.

Pick: Glens Falls.

Men's Class D: Germantown vs. Loudonville Christian, Sunday at 11 am.

The Eagles are the defending Class D champions, and an independent, not tied to any league, which works for them immensely. Until this season, Germantown had largely been a doormat in the Patroon Conference. The difference is clear.

Pick: Loudonville Christian.

Men's Class C: Duanesburg vs. Berne-Knox-Westerlo, Sunday at 12:45 pm (approximate).

Jeff Mulhern is the only superstar player left at Duanesburg, and he'll need to have his supporting cast ready to fend off an upset bid from BKW. 

Pick: Duanesburg.

Men's Class AA: Troy vs. Niskayuna, Sunday at 2:30 pm (approximate).

Consider this. Over the last 13 years, Troy has won 4 sectional titles. Class AA in 2013 and 2016 under Rich Hurley, Class A in 2019 (Greg Davis) and 2023 (John Killian). To give Jamil Hood the title, Troy has to neutralize Nisky's Daniel Smalls. Easier said than done, but, then again, consider, too, Troy's record vs. the Suburban Council this year. Troy swept Columbia & Schenectady while losing in turn to Bethlehem & Shen, the latter twice. If Nisky can't contain Stetson Merritt, they're in trouble, and this being a de facto home game for Troy, with the Purple Army in the house, loud & boisterous, it's going to be a long day for Nisky.

Pick: Troy.

Men's Class AAA: Green Tech vs. Shaker, Sunday at 4:15 (approximate).

The Soaring Eagles are the defending champions, looking for their 4th straight title, 2nd in AAA. With their original mentor, Hood, in atttendance, that may be extra motivation. Like Loudonville Christian, Green Tech is an independent. We won't be surprised if at least a couple of their alumni, particularly Jamil Hood, Jr. and Derrick Rowland, Jr., may be on hand, too. GT in AAA keeps this from being the Suburban Invitational, like it is on the women's side, and we need more teams in the division here, too.

Pick: Green Tech.

Of course, I could be wrong.