News & notes

 They finished championship month in Saratoga in style Wednesday, as both Saratoga Catholic and Saratoga Springs High were honored by the city's mayor, John Stafford, and given a parade. Stafford also did a coin toss with coaches Alphonse "Phonsey" Lambert & Andy Cuthbertson to see who'd get their mayoral proclamation first. Coupled with the Belmont Stakes Festival at the track, you can understand why it was "championship month" in Spa City.

======================================================

For some reason, NYRA is promoting next week's live racing separately from the rest of the summer meet, pushing a 4 day July 4 Racing Festival (July 3-6) as a much more special event.

Here's a thought. Next year, just start with the Belmont Festival in June, and go from there with the longest meet in Spa history. Shoot, I'm old enough to remember when it was just a 24 day meet back in the day.

========================================================

For the 2nd time in less than a week, the Tri-City Valleycats got a complete game pitching performance.

Easton Klein checked Ottawa on 4 hits, walked 1, and struck out 5 as Tri-City evened the series with a 7-0 win. Jake Reinisch, for the 2nd straight game, went 1-2 with 2 walks, this time adding 2 RBI with his 6th homer of the season.

The series concludes tonight before the 'Cats travel to Sussex County tomorrow.

=========================================================

Bernie Williams left baseball behind after retiring after the 2007 season, but the former Yankee outfielder, who started his career with the Class AA Albany-Colonie Yankees in 1989, is returning to New York this weekend.

Williams and his jazz band will play at a festival in Millbrook, Dutchess County, where Williams will unveil his brand of wines, his latest hobby. The closest he's come playing in the 518 proper was at the Pruyn House in Latham in 2017 at a benefit for the Center For Disability Services.

Can we get him to play the Troy Music Hall? Just asking for a friend.

===========================================================

DJ Jones had a tough act to follow when he succeeded Jamil Hood at Green Tech, but three sectional titles and a Class AAA state title later, Jones is moving on.

After 7 seasons as the head man at Green Tech, Jones will take on the dual roles of athletic director and men's varsity basketball coach at KIPP Capital Region, located on Northern Boulevard in Albany. Point guard Indavier Barnes is transferring to KIPP-CR to join Jones. KIPP-CR will be a Class C school as it is getting its feet wet in Section II.

Stay tuned.

News & notes

 Former RPI hockey coach Dave Smith has found a new job, and it may just bring him back to the 518 next season.

Smith was named coach & general manager of the Rapid City Rush, the ECHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames. Not sure if the Rush will see the Adirondack Thunder next season, but a visit to Glens Falls would give the Thunder something to promote.

Smith was dismissed by RPI in March after 7 seasons over an 8 year period (the 2020-1 season was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic).

=============================================

The Tri-City Valleycats are in a bit a rut.

The 'Cats have now lost four of their last five after dropping a 3-2 decision to Ottawa last night at Bruno Stadium. The last place Titans just happened to catch the 'Cats at just the wrong time for Tri-City, which is chasing Quebec for the North Division lead in the Atlantic Conference.

The series resumes tonight at 6:30 pm.

==================================================

Troy High men's basketball coach Jamil Hood is looking for a new star attraction.

That's because Stetson Merritt, after 3 varsity seasons, is leaving Troy and will transfer to the New Hampton School in New Hampshire. Merritt was the Flying Horses' leading scorer the last couple of seasons.

It's not the first time Troy has lost a star player to a prep school. Zach Radz transferred to one 10 years ago, and fell off the radar. Daniel Buie left for Gould Academy in Maine a couple of years later, and recently finished his college career.

Merritt, like ex-LaSalle player Davon Maloney, plays for the Albany City Rocks travel team, and those teams attract not only college scouts, but prep school scouts for underclassmen. As of now, Merritt is still on course to graduate in 2027.

Hearing rumors that Maloney's former running partner, Tre'Dell Faison, may be leaving LaSalle, too.. Stay tuned.

News & notes

 When racing resumes at Saratoga in 10 days, on July 3, one Hall of Fame trainer won't be working.

D. Wayne Lukas, 82, has passed his stable to one of his assistants after some recent health problems, per an article published in today's papers. Lukas was the leading trainer six times over a seven year period at the Old Spa, and won 15 Triple Crown races.

=============================================

The Tri-City Valleycats may need to hand out towels, water, & sunscreen for the first two games of their series with Ottawa, starting tomorrow night, with temperatures still in the 90's by game time both nights.

The 'Cats, however, dropped a 4-3 decision to Down East on Sunday, ending a 3-3 road trip.

News & notes

 After splitting the first four games of their series with the Down East Bird Dawgs, the Tri-City Valleycats got back down to business Saturday night.

Arlo Marynczak (Bethlehem/Siena) pitched a complete game with 12 strikeouts, as Tri-City's offense matched his K total in a 12-0 blowout.

Note that in the 3 wins in this series, Tri-City has piled up 44 runs against Down East's 3. The Bird Dawgs' 2 wins were closer games, including a walk-off on Friday. In all, the 'Cats have scored 58 runs in the 5 games to Down East's 19.

The series concludes today at 1:30 pm.

=================================================

Next victim?

The Albany Firebirds left no doubt who was the better team Saturday in their AF1 semi-final vs. Salina, blowing out the Liberty, 75-44.

Albany will find out who will challenge them for the Arena Crown next Saturday afternoon when Southwest Kansas & Nashville meet later today.

=================================================

Ana Gold & the Blaze are having a rough time in the AUSL.

The Blaze were blown out, 11-3, Saturday, by the Bandits in a game broadcast on MLB Network. Gold went 1-3 in the game. 

Just as unfortunate is the fact that the AUSL's itinerary doesn't include the northeast, and especially the 518, denying Gold (Ballston Spa/Duke) the opportunity to play in front of family & friends.

And we're hearing they'll settle on host cities for the teams next season, perhaps with hope of expansion. 

Give New York an AUSL franchise!

===================================================

If you're wondering why the Albany Times-Union hasn't been keeping track of 518 alums in the pros during baseball season, as they'd been doing in recent years, it's due to a lack of available space. Plus, flag football beat reporter Kyra Santicola was promoted to sports editor earlier this year, succeeding Bill Douglas, and probably hasn't gotten a chance to compile stats. If the charts don't start appearing soon, then we have to think it's now a lower priority. Stay tuned.

News & notes

 We reported earlier this week that LaSalle's Davon Maloney was transferring to the Newman School in Boston for next season.

While Maloney is playing for the Albany City Rocks this summer, he's getting more offers from Division 1 colleges. He'd already gotten feelers closer to home from Siena & UAlbany during high school season, but now we're hearing he's gotten offers from Drexel, Penn State, Monmouth, & Yale, which just got a commitment from Albany Academy's Jack Louridas last week. Maloney is in St. Louis this week for the Nike Elite 100 camp.

=================================================

The Tri-City Valleycats have gone on a scoring spree while playing the Down East Bird Dawgs.

The 'Cats have won the first two games of a 6 game series in dominating fashion, outscoring the Bird Dawgs, 30-5. OUCH!!!!! After a 10-3 win on Tuesday, Tri-City used a 9 run 7th inning to lock down Wednesday's game to the tune of 20-2.

The series continues tonight at 7.

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While we were concerned with Section II teams in state competition the last two weeks, individual efforts in track & field have netted some attention as well.

Columbia junior Ava Weiss won her 2nd straight state title in the 400 meter hurdles. Senior Jabari Holder swept the Class A & Federation titles in the triple jump with a career best 47 feet, 10 1/4 inches leap.

Weiss & Holder are in Philadelphia for the New Balance Nationals at Franklin Field, starting today.

=====================================================

When the Albany Firebirds take the field vs. Salina on Saturday, they will be without lineman Harold Love, who was suspended for "unacceptable" penalties in the season finale vs. Washington last Saturday. Love racked up 3 personal fouls in the game, including 2 roughing the passer calls.

Again, if Albany wins, they'll host the Arena Crown on July 5.

=========================================================

Bethlehem graduate Claire Hutton, currently with the Kansas City Current, has been called up to play some "friendlies" for the US National Women's soccer team. It is her fourth call-up this season, the last coming earlier this month. She'll be with KC teammates Michelle Cooper & Izzy Rodriguez for games vs. Ireland next Thursday, and June 29. Next Thursday's game is in Commerce City, Colorado, and the June 29 game is in Cincinnati. Both games are scheduled to air on Tru TV and Universo. TBS will carry the game in Colorado, while the game in Cincinnati will be on TNT. HBO Max & Peacock will stream both games. After that, the USWNT will play Canada in Washington at the Allstate Continental Clasico on July 2 (TNT/Tru TV/Universo/HBO Max/Peacock).

======================================================

Time now to complete our preview of LaSalle's fall 2025 sports calendar. The Cadets don't have tennis scheduled as of now for the women, and we'll skip cross country. That leaves soccer. 

August:

28: Women's home opener vs. Ravena. Men at Ravena.

30: Men's home opener vs. St. Joe's.

31: Men vs. CBA-Syracuse.

September:

2: Women @ Lansingburgh. Men vs. 'Burgh.

4: Women @ Mohonasen. Men vs. Mohon.

9: Women vs. Voorheesville. Men at Voorheesville.

11: Women @ Holy Trinity.

13: Women vs. Waterford.

15: Women vs. Berne-Knox-Westerlo.

16: Women vs. Academy of Holy Names.

18: Men @ Albany Academy. Women vs. Albany Academy.

23: Women vs. Schalmont. Men @ Schalmont.

25: Women @ Troy. Men vs. Troy.

30: Women @ Cohoes. Men vs. Cohoes.

October:

6: Women vs. Ichabod Crane. Men @ Ichabod Crane.

9: Women vs. Holy Trinity. (Senior Night)

14: Women @ Academy of Holy Names.

16: Men vs. Albany Academy. (Senior night).

Home games are played at Sutton Field.

News & notes

 The Albany Firebirds will host Salina on Saturday night in the AF1 semi-finals. Game time is 7 pm at MVP Arena.

The Liberty took Albany to overtime before losing last month. A win here, and the 'Birds will host the title game.

===============================================

CBA announced Monday that varsity men's lacrosse coach Richard Scully is stepping down after 23 seasons at the helm. Scully, per the Albany Times-Union, likely will continue as the freshman basketball coach.

================================================

The dominoes are starting to fall at LaSalle, and we're not talking about coaches, either.

We're learning that standout sophomore Davon Maloney is transferring to the Newman School in Boston, in the hopes of enhancing his chances of earning a Division 1 scholarship. Word I'm hearing is that there may be more players in other Section II schools who will follow the same path.

=================================================

Speaking of LaSalle, as promised, here's their volleyball & women's swimming schedules for 2025.

Volleyball:

September:

4: Home opener vs. Ravena. Matches are played at McCormick Hall.

9: @ Lansingburgh.

11: @ Mohonasen.

16: Voorheesville.

18: @ Troy.

25: Academy of Holy Names.

29: Albany Academy.

October:

1: Duanesburg.

7: Schalmont.

9: @ Cohoes.

14: Ichabod Crane.

17: Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons. (Senior Night)

21: @ Academy of Holy Names.

23: @ Albany Academy.

28: Sectional seedings are announced.

Swimming:

September:

12: Home opener vs. Emma Willard at Troy Boys & Girls Club.

26: Mohonasen.

October :

3: Academy of Holy Names.

10: Ravena/Greenville.

18: Colonial Council championships. Site TBA.

More dates for swimming figure to be announced later this summer.

Thursday: Soccer.

News & notes

 Niskayuna's loss is Albany Academy's gain.

It was reported over the weekend that Daniel Smalls is transferring to Albany Academy, a move meant to enhance his chances of gaining a Division 1 college scholarship.

In other Albany Academy news, sources are saying that Academy, which is already fielding football & hockey teams in the New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) may be doing the same in basketball. The Cadets already have a hybrid schedule that enables them to play a larger number of non-league games aside from their commitments to the Colonial Council. We're waiting on confirmation.

==================================================

The Brockton Rox left town with a split of their four game series with the Tri-City Valleycats, rallying twice in the late innings to beat the 'Cats, 12-8, Sunday at Bruno Stadium in front of nearly 5000 fans.

Arlo Marynczak (Bethlehem/Siena), on 3 days rest, pitched six innings, and got a no-decision. Marynczak gave up four runs on four hits, walked four, and struck out two.

Jake Reinisch (Shenendehowa/Wake Forest) was 0-4 with a walk.

Derek Bender (Albany Academy/Coastal Carolina) was 1-3 with a walk, a home run, his 2nd in as many days, an RBI, and 3 runs scored. His collegiate alma mater advanced in the College World Series later in the night.

Ben Seiler (Albany Academy/Siena) made his return from the injured list, and pitched an inning in relief, allowing only a walk while striking out two.

Brett Young (Albany Academy/George Washington/Siena/VCU) did not play after starting the last three games.

The teams will play one more series in Brockton in August.

====================================================

All this week, we'll be posting fall sports schedules for LaSalle. Today, we start with golf. The men get a head start in August, while the women begin play in September.

Men:

August:

21: Home opener vs. Ravena @ Frear Park.

22: @ Schalmont.

26: Voorheesville.

28: Albany Academy.

29: "@" Catholic Central. As we noted when posting Troy's schedule, CCHS didn't field a men's golf team last season, so we'll see about this.

September:

2: Women's home opener vs. Academy of Holy Names, men vs. Troy.

4: Women vs. Albany Academy, men @ Mohonasen.

9: Men vs. Lansingburgh, women @ Catholic Central (@ Mill Road Acres).

11: Men @ Ichabod Crane, women @ Voorheesville.

16: Men @ Ravena, women vs. Mohonasen.

18: Men @ Schalmont, women @ Academy of Holy Names.

19: Men @ Albany Academy (Normanside Country Club).

22: Women @ Albany Academy.

24: Men vs. Catholic Central. (Senior Day)

25: Women vs. Catholic Central, men "@" Troy.

30: Men @ Voorheesville, women host Voorheesville  for Senior Day.

October:

3: Men's Colonial Council championships, site TBA.

7: Men's sectionals @ Halfmoon, women @ Mohonasen.

8: Women's Colonial Council championships, site TBA.

We will cover women's swimming & volleyball tomorrow.

News & notes

The Albany Firebirds just missed their 2nd 100 point game of the season, as they closed the regular season with a dominating 98-12 demolition of the Washington Wolfpack at MVP Arena.

Now, it's just a matter of when their first playoff game will be, and who the likely next victim is......

================================================

High school season is over. Job 1 going into next season isn't trying to separate private and public schools, as certain political dimbulbs are suggesting, but, rather, trimming the talent disparity between Section II and sections in the Western & Southern sections of the state (i.e. Long Island).

Check Saturday's scores, and you'll see what I mean.

Women's lacrosse:

Bayport-Blue Point 17, Queensbury 7 for the Class C title.

Softball:

Chatham won its 1st state title, claiming the Class B crown over Haverling, 4-0. Skylar Groom pitched a 2 hit shutout to lead the Panthers.

Hamilton overcame Argyle, 11-10, to win the Class D title.

Baseball:

Saratoga defeated Ketcham, 8-5, to win the Class AAA title.

Saratoga Catholic won the C title, beating Deposit-Hancock, 4-0. The Saints will carry a 15 game winning streak into 2026.

Oriskany defated North Warren, 9-2, for the D title.

Still, 3 state champions is a good finish.

====================================================

For the 2nd time this week, the Tri-City Valleycats called Broom Service to take a doubleheader.

On Saturday, the 'Cats swept Brockton by identical 5-1 scores.

As for Section II alumni in this series?

Jake Reinisch (Tri-City) went 3-4 with 2 walks in the doubleheader, plus a run scored. Heading into today's series finale, Reinisch is currently batting .306.

Derek Bender (Brockton) went 1-6 in the doubleheader, scoring the lone Rox run in game 2 with his 3rd homer of the season. He's currently batting .304.

Brett Young (Brockton) went 1-5 with a run scored in the doubleheader. He was moved to cleanup in game 2, but went 0-2.

Per Albany Times-Union editor Casey Seiler, his son, Ben (Albany Academy/Siena) could be activated from the injured list for today's game. After today, Tri-City will play a 6 game series vs. the Down East Bird Dawgs, starting on Tuesday. After going 5 innings on Wednesday, Arlo Marynczak (Bethlehem/Siena) is penciled in to start today's game, while Brockton hasn't named a starter. If they do activate Seiler, he could get the start against his former college teammate.

Friday's regional scoreboard, 6/13

 Barring any more rain, today is meant to be the final day of high school sports for the season as the state tournaments wind down.

Women's lacrosse:

Class B:

Victor 17, Columbia 3.

Class C:

Queensbury 21, Oswego Free Academy 11. The Lady Spartans will play at 4:30 today vs. Bayport-Blue Point at SUNY-Cortland.

Men's tennis:

Division 1:

Semi-finals: Bethlehem def. Pittsford-Mendon.

Finals: Syosset def. Bethlehem.

Softball:

Class AAA: 

Massapequa 5, Shenendehowa 3.

Class AA:

Orchard Park 2, Burnt Hills 0. Orchard Park's winning pitcher is the daughter of Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott.

Class A:

Williamsville South 2, Ichabod Crane 1.

Class B:

Chatham 6, Carle Place 3. The Panthers will face Haverling today at 1:30 pm.

Class D:

Argyle 3, Crown Point 2. The Lady Scots are on the field as we write, facing Hamilton.

Baseball:

Class AAA:

Saratoga 2, Niagara Falls 1. The Blue Streaks play Ketchum today at 1 pm.

Class B:

Babylon 5, Mechanicville 4.

Class C: 

Saratoga Catholic 5, Burke Catholic 2. The Saints will play Deposit-Hancock today at 4 pm.

Class D:

North Warren 5, Smithtown Christian 2. North Warren faces Oriskany today at 4 pm.

Cadet Rox (Brockton @ Tri-City, 6/13/25)

 The Brockton Rox are making their final trip into Troy this season, barring playoffs, and it seemed fitting that the series started on Friday the 13th, though there really weren't any supernatural shenanigans in this game.

Albany Academy graduate Brett Young (VMI/Siena/George Washington) got the start at 3rd base for the Rox, playing in his backyard, if you will, for the first time since his senior year at Academy, and being back at home certainly lifted his spirits.

Early on, however, it didn't seem that way.

With one out in the home 2nd inning, Young misplayed a bad hop, allowing David Glancy to reach. Tri-City's Jeff Leslie had done the same thing in the Brockton 1st, but the Rox couldn't capitalize. However, the 'Cats did cash in on the error. After a walk to Josue Urdaneta, Leslie hit a ground ball, which Glancy hurdled in order to avoid being hit by the ball, and Young's throw to 2nd was a shade late, leaving the bases loaded. With two out, Javeyan Williams singled, bringing Glancy & Urdaneta home, giving the hosts an early 2-0 lead.

In the visiting 3rd, Keagan Calero doubled, and scored on a groundout by Evan Giordano to trim the lead to 2-1.

We move now to the top of the 4th. Hemmanuel Rosario led off with a double. Derek Bender (Albany Academy/Coastal Carolina) brought him home with a single, but got careless, and was cut down trying to stretch it into a double. Still, that tied the game at 2.. JR DiSarcina then put Brockton in front with a solo homer to make it 3-2.

In the home 4th, Glancy walked to lead off, but Bender cut him down trying to steal. Urdaneta doubled, and scored on a single by Leslie. Dylan Broderick then doubled to bring home Leslie. Williams then reached on an error by DiSarcina, plating Broderick. Unfortunately for the home fans, the inning ended with Jake Reinisch (Shenendehowa/Wake Forest) hitting into a double play to end the frame with Tri-City now up, 5-3.

It stayed that way until the 7th inning. Tri-City starter Connor Wilford was tiring, and the Rox capitalized. With two out and two on, Jack-Thomas Wold crushed a 3 run homer to give Brockton a 6-5 lead. A Rosario double finished Wilford's night, and it would soon become a battle of the bullpens. However, in the home 7th, Brockton reliever Thomas Nelson walked the bases loaded. Brendan Bell relieved Nelson, and promptly walked Broderick, forcing in Ian Walters to tie the game at 6-6.

And so, we went to extra innings. With Rosario the free runner at 2nd, Bender singled, but Rosario could only go as far as 3rd. After a walk to Tommy Kretzler, DiSarcina brought Rosario home with the game winner on a sacrifice fly. Young added an insurance run, atoning for his miscues earlier, doubling home Bender. In the home 10th, with Broderick as the free runner, Oscar Campos singled with one out, getting Tri-City within one, but that was as close as they'd get, as Walters lined out to DiSarcina to end it, with Brockton picking up a hard-fought 8-7 win.

Nearly 4700 fans took in the thriller on Youth Softball & Wizards Night, and were treated to a post-game fireworks show. Today, the teams will play a doubleheader starting at 5 pm, making up a rainout from last month.

News & notes

 The Gateway Grizzlies salvaged the final game of their series with the Tri-City Valleycats, taking Thursday's game, 10-5, getting 6 runs in the 8th inning against the Tri-City bullpen to secure the win.

Call it karma, since, as previously reported, a local charity's radio ads misidentified the team as the "Getaway" Grizzlies.

Tri-City welcomes back the Brockton Rox tonight at 6:30.

=================================================

We've just received word that the Belmont Stakes will indeed return to Saratoga next year, as renovations on Belmont won't make the track 100% ready until after the 2026 Triple Crown.

Considering that the 5 day Belmont Racing Festival has brought in major bucks for both NYRA & the city of Saratoga Springs, this was an easy call.

To refresh, let's take you back to last Saturday at Saratoga, and Frank Miramante's call of the race, plus commentary from Fox's Curt Menefee and friends.

Now, that's a tough act to follow.

======================================================

In addition to the baseball, softball, & lacrosse state semi-finals, most of them in Binghamton today & tomorrow, Bethlehem is representing Section II in men's tennis, and, as of now, are playing Pittsford-Mendon at the USTA Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, a short distance from Citi Field.

The rest of today's lineup:

Baseball:

Class AAA: Saratoga vs. Niagara Falls, 1 pm, SUNY-Binghamton.

Class B: Mechanicville vs. Babylon, 4 pm, Mirabito Stadium.

Class C: Saratoga Catholic vs. Burke Catholic at Union-Endicott High, 4 pm.

Class D: North Warren vs. Smithtown Christian, 4 pm, SUNY-Binghamton.

Softball:

Class AAA: Shenendehowa vs. Massapequa, 2:30 pm, Grand Slam Park, Binghamton.

Class AA: Burnt Hills vs. Orchard Park, 4 pm, Grand Slam Park.

Class A: Ichabod Crane vs. Williamsville South, 11:30 am, Grand Slam Park.

Class B: Chatham vs. Carle Place, 5:30 pm, Grand Slam Park.

Class D: Argyle vs. Crown Point, 1 pm, Grand Slam Park.

Women's lacrosse:

Class B: Columbia vs. Victor, 2 pm, SUNY-Cortland.

Class C: Queensbury vs. Oswego Free Academy, 4:30 pm, SUNY-Cortland.

News & notes

 Hello? Broom service?

The Tri-City Valleycats swept Wednesday's Education Day doubleheader from the Gateway Grizzlies. Arlo Marynczak came off the IL, and, while originally scheduled to start, actually pitched in relief as Austin Dill was tapped as an opener. Marynczak (Bethlhem/Siena) pitched 5 hitless innings, as the 'Cats took game 1, 6-1. Marynczak is now 2-0 on the season. Tri-City walked off the Grizzlies, 4-3, in 8 innings (minor league doubleheaders are 7 innings each) to complete the sweep.

Tri-City will look to sweep the series tonight at 6:30 pm.

With the Brockton Rox coming in tomorrow, we're hearing that Brett Young (Albany Academy/Siena/etc.) is getting frustrated over a lack of playing time. Even though he's been reunited with high school teammates Ben Seiler & Derek Bender, Young, who was a starting infielder at Academy, and was shifted around in college, just wants to play.

Keep in mind that he could've played for the 'Cats, were it not for them deciding that they didn't need him after a tryout about a year or so ago. Revenge is a good motivator, after all.

=================================================

UAlbany freshman Beatriz Mora Herencia is representing not only the Great Danes, but her native Spain and the 518 in competing in the NCAA outdoor track & field championships this weekend in Oregon. We wish her all the best.

=================================================

Saratoga's Cam Toomey may be a freshman, but he's already attracting attention from Penn State, his favorite college team. Toomey received a scholarship offer from Nittany Lions coach James Franklin after attending a showcase camp at State College earlier this month. His role models include Dallas Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons and newly drafted Abdul Carter of the Giants.

More than likely, Toomey and the Blue Streaks will be featured heavily on Spectrum's Friday Night Matchup this fall.

=====================================================

Burnt Hills was the last Section II men's lacrosse team in state play, and the Spartans fell to Jamesville-DeWitt, 23-4, on Wednesday. There are still 2 women's lacrosse teams, plus 5 softball & 4 baseball teams left to bring gold home to the 518.

News & notes

 The Tri-City Valleycats fell victim to Tuesday's late afternoon deluge of rain, and their game vs. the Gateway Grizzlies was postponed, to be made up today as part of a single admission Education Day doubleheader, starting at 10 am.

In other 'Cats news, it looks like pitcher Nick DeCarlo could be heading to the majors.

DeCarlo, per the Albany Times-Union, could sign with the Milwaukee Brewers as early as today, pending a physical.

===================================================

Troy's Drew Ryan was named to the Colonial Council lacrosse all-star team, as a 1st team midfielder. Pretty good, considering Troy won just 2 games the entire season, both against Lansingburgh.

===================================================

It's only mid-June, but LaSalle's hockey schedule is out. As previously noted, there is some question as to where they'll play most of their home games, as only their Senior Night game in February and 2 late January games will be at Knickerbacker Arena as of now. Frear Park's bar is undergoing renovations, but that might not prohibit the Cadets from returning to Frear. I've a feeling they will play all their home games at the Knick after all.

Here we go:

December:

5: @ Plattsburgh.

6: vs. Beekmantown @ Plattsburgh State.

12: @ Albany Academy.

13: Home opener vs. Bethlehem.

16: @ Saratoga.

19: Hawks tournament vs. Mohawk Valley. The schedule lists the tournament as still being played at Union College's Messa Rink, though that could change.

20: Hawks tournament vs. Ontario Bay.

26: @ CBA.

27: Hawks.

January:

3: vs. Queensbury @ Glens Falls Recreational Center.

9: @ Shanendehowa.

16: @ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake.

17: Cadets For Vets vs. CD Jets.

23: CBA.

24: Guilderville.

30: Penfield (Knick Arena).

31: Gates-Chili (Knick Arena).

February:

6: Albany Academy.

7: @ Bethlehem.

13: Senior Night vs. Adirondack (Knick Arena).

Playoffs begin February 17. As of now, it doesn't appear as though they will be at Union, but that could change. Schedule subject to change due to weather.

News & notes

 As Albany Academy's Jack Louridas enters his senior season this fall, he's already decided where he'll play his college ball.

Louridas has committed to Yale, more than a year after another Albany Academy star, August Mahoney, graduated. Mahoney, and Louridas' sister, Maren (Bethlehem/Navy), had a hand in the decision.

At Yale, Louridas, as Mahoney did before him, will play for former UAlbany player, and later coach, James Jones.

===================================================

The last state regional final in softball was contested on Monday in Class D, and Argyle defeated Eldred, 6-3, to advance to the semi-finals, where they'll play Crown Point, Friday at 1 pm. Greenlight Networks' Grand Slam Park is in Binghamton, in case anyone wonders.

If you thought golf season for high school ended last fall, think again. They wait until this time of year for state competition. Here's a quick thumbnail of how Section II duffers fared.

Women:

Hayden Knapp (South Glens Falls) finished 2nd in the state tournament, finishing at +1. Marie Glavin (LaSalle) finished 5th, 5 strokes behind Knapp.

Maddie Oliver (Glens Falls) finished in a tie for 6th at +7.

Men:

Tanner LaTorre (Ichabod Crane) finished 5th in the state tournament at Mill Creek, finishing at +1.

CJ Strong (CBA) finished 2nd, and carded a -4 over the two days.

=============================================================

When Siena's sports teams take the field in the fall, the school won't be Siena College anymore, but, rather, Siena University, per the Albany Times-Union, in an attempt to more accurately reflect Siena's current academic offerings. Siena is following the lead of Marist in Poughkeepsie, which also upgraded to university at the start of 2025. The change still has to be approved by the state education department.

News & notes

 The Albany Patroons' season is over.

The Pats were eliminated by the Capital Seahawks, 103-89, on Sunday at the Washington Avenue Armory. Phil Flory led Albany with 25 points. Derrick Rowland, Jr. (Green Tech), the coach's son, added 19, despite reinjuring a previously broken hand in game 1 on Thursday.

The Seahawks, oh, by the way, don't play in Washington. Their home games are at Bowie State in Maryland.

There's always next year, but will the elder Rowland return? Stay tuned.

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The Lake Erie Crushers salvaged the final game of their series with the Tri-City Valleycats, shutting out the 'Cats, 9-0. Jake Reinisch (Shenendehowa/Wake Forest) went 0-2 with a walk to drop back to .300 on the season.

The 'Cats return home Tuesday.

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The Belmont Racing Festival wrapped up on Sunday. Dylan Davis, the hometown hero, had two winners and two 2nd place finishes, while sister Katherine had a 3rd place finish. Dylan finished with 10 wiunners over the 5 days. Too bad it won't count toward the main summer meet, which gets underway July 3.

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The 518 showed up & showed out in Boston on Saturday. The event was the first boxing card at hallowed Fenway Park in nearly 70 years.

Abraham Nova defeated Ivan Meraz via 3rd round TKO, ending a 3 bout losing streak. Jahaye Brown of Schenectady won his 4th straight bout, a unanimous decision over local favorite Khiary Gray of Worcester.

I wonder if the Valleycats would be interested in hosting a boxing card at The Joe............

In unrelated news, due to the tripleheader being moved to Sunday, the 518 Futures Classic was postponed, and rescheduled for next Monday, June 16.

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Sunday's regional scores:

Softball:

Class AAA: 

Shenendehowa 2, White Plains 1. Up next for Shen is Massapequa Friday at 2:30 at Greenlight Networks' Grand Slam Park.

Class AA:

Burnt Hills 10, Whitesboro 0 (5 innings). The Lady Spartans will face Orchard Park on Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 4 pm.

Class A:

Ichabod Crane 7, Albertus Magnus 6. The Lady Riders will play Williamsville South Friday at 11:30 am.

Class C:

Ticonderoga 4, Stillwater 3.

Baseball:

Class AAA: 

Saratoga will next play Niagara Falls, Saturday at SUNY-Binghamton at 1 pm.

Class AA:

West Genesee 5, Ballston Spa 4.

Class A:

Rye 6, LaSalle 4. The Cadets, as of now, are ineligible for sectionals next season, pending legal issues.

Class B:

Mechanicville 7, Canton 0. Next up is Babylon, Friday at 4 at Mirabito Stadium.

Class C:

Saratoga Catholic 11, Ticonderoga 1 (5 innings). Next for the Saints will be Burke Catholic, Friday at 4 at Union Endicott High.

Class D:

North Warren 11, Parishville-Hopkinton 1 (5 innings). North Warren will next play Smithtown Christian, out of Long Island, Friday at 4 at SUNY-Binghamton.

News & notes

 For whatever reason, game 2 of the TBL playoff between the Capital Seahawks & Albany Patroons was moved to today at 3 pm, with game 3, if needed, tomorrow at 7 pm, both at the Washington Avenue Armory. Apparently, there were some issues preventing the Seahawks from arriving in Albany on Saturday.

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The Tri-City Valleycats defeated Lake Erie, 9-2, on Saturday, and will go for the sweep today at 2 pm. Jake Reinisch saw his average rise to .313 with his effort in the game.

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Athletes Unlimited launched its pro softball league Saturday night, but it was not a good night for Ana Gold (Ballston Spa/Duke) and the Blaze, who fell to the Volts, 5-1, in 8 innings. Gold was solid on defense, but was 0-2 at the plate before being pinch hit for in the 7th inning. The Volts plated 4 runs in the 8th, capped with a 3 run homer by McKenzie Clark.

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Sovereignty won the Belmont Stakes Saturday night at Saratoga, joining the Triple Crown 2/3 club. Sovereignty will likely return to Saratoga for another big race, and a 3rd meeting with Preakness winner Journalism.

Trainer Bill Mott and Sovereignty's owners valued long term physical health over financial gains in the Triple Crown, and the strategy paid off here.

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Saturday's state regional scoreboard:

Flag Football:

Tappan Zee 26, Columbia 19. The Blue Devils are eliminated.

Women's lacrosse:

Class A:

Cicero-North Syracuse 22, Niskayuna 9.

Class B:

Columbia 16, Watertown 13.

Class C:

Queensbury 23, Massena 2.

Class D:

Canton 18, Albany Academy 3.

Men's lacrosse:

Class A:

West Genesee 16, Niskayuna 7.

Class B:

CBA-Syracuse 14, Ballston Spa 6.

Class C:

Burnt Hills 17, Massena 11.

Class D:

Ogdensburg Free Academy 14, Schuylerville 13.

Baseball:

Class AAA:

Saratoga 14, Cicero-North Syracuse 0.

Class AA:

West Genesee vs. Ballston Spa was postponed (rain), rescheduled for tonight at 6 at Bruno Stadium.

Class A:

Rye vs. LaSalle was postponed (rain), rescheduled for today at 3 at Bruno Stadium.

Class B:

Canton vs. Mechanicville was postponed (rain), rescheduled for today at 1 at Bruno Stadium.

Class C:

Ticonderoga vs. Saratoga Catholic was postponed (rain, wet grounds), rescheduled for today at 11 am at Dutchmen Field.

Softball:

Class AA:

Whitesboro vs. Burnt Hills was postponed (rain, wet grounds), rescheduled for today at 5 at Luther Forest.

Class A:

Albertus Magnus vs. Ichabod Crane was postponed (rain, wet grounds), rescheduled for today at Luther Forest.

Class B:

Chatham 14, Canton 2 (5 innings). Chatham moves on to play Carle Place on Friday.

Class C:

Ticonderoga vs. Stillwater was postponed (rain, wet grounds), rescheduled for today at Luther Forest.

News & notes

 Well, today is the big one.

The Belmont Stakes will go to post just after 7 pm (Fox23, OTB TV), part of a Saratoga record 15 race card that begins at 10:45 am as we write.

Mechanicville native Chad Brown saddled four winners on Friday's card. Dylan Davis (Saratoga) had a pair of longshot winners late in the card, giving Davis 5 in three days. 

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The Tri-City Valleycats defeated Lake Erie, 7-2, on Friday. Dylan Broderick homered in support of starter Easton Klein, who went 7 innings for the win. Jake Reinisch went 1-3 to get his average to .308.

Game 2 is tonight at 7:05.

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As we write, it is raining here in town, and that puts today's state regional tripleheader at Bruno Stadium in jeopardy.

To refresh, the baseball lineup for Section II:

Class AAA:

Saratoga vs. Cicero-North Syracuse at SUNY-OCC, 6 pm.

Class AA:

Ballston Spa vs. West Genesee at Bruno Stadium, 6 pm (time approximate).

Class A:

LaSalle vs. Rye, 3 pm (time approximate) at Bruno Stadium.

Class B:

Mechanicville vs. Canton, 1 pm at Bruno Stadium.

Class C:

Saratoga Catholic vs. Ticonderoga is scheduled to begin at 11 am at Dutchmen Field at Keenholts Park in Guilderland. Don't count on it.

Class D:

North Warren vs. Parishville-Hopkinton, Sunday at 2 at East Side Recreational Park, Saratoga.

I shan't be surprised if more games are moved to Sunday from today's lineup.

Flag Football:

Columbia vs. Tappan Zee, 1:30 at Cortland High.

Softball:

Class AAA:

Shenendehowa vs. White Plains has been rescheduled for Sunday at 11 am at North Rockland High.

Class AA:

Burnt Hills vs. Whitesboro, today at 5 at Luther Forest (weather permitting).

Class A:

Ichabod Crane vs. Albertus Magnus, today at 5 at Luther Forest (weather permitting).

Class B:

Chatham vs. Canton, today at 12:30 at St. Lawrence University.

Class C:

Stillwater vs. Ticonderoga, today at 5 at Luther Forest (weather permitting).

Class D:

Argyle vs. Eldred has been moved to Monday at 4:30 at Monroe-Woodbury High.

Women's lacrosse:

Class A:

Niskayuna vs. Cicero-North Syracuse, today at 11:30.

Class B:

Columbia vs. Watertown, today at 2.

Class C:

Queensbury vs. Massena, today at 4:30.

Class D:

We're waiting on the result of the Canton-Albany Academy game, which kicked off the schedule today. All 4 games are at Queensbury.

Men's lacrosse:

Class A:

Niskayuna vs. West Genesee, today at 3.

Class B:

Ballston Spa vs. CBA-Syracuse, today at 5:30.

Class C:

We're waiting on the result of Burnt Hills vs. Massena, currently underway.

Class D:

Schylerville vs. Ogdensburg Free Academy, today at 12:30.

All four games are at Lynch Middle School in Amsterdam.

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Columbia flag football coach Craig Cavotta was named Coach of The Week by the NY Giants on Friday, ahead of today's game. Congratulations to coach Cavotta.

News & notes

 When the Albany Patroons come home for game 2 of the TBL Eastern Conference finals Saturday, they'll be down 1-0 in games after losing to the Capital Seahawks, 95-93, on Thursday. Denzel Banks, who played for former Siena star Marc "Showbiz" Brown in college, led the Pats with 26 points in a losing effort. Game time is 7 pm tomorrow at the Armory.

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It wasn't the rain that slowed the action at Saratoga during day 2 of the Belmont Racing Festival.

A power outage after the 3rd race due to the excessively hot weather delayed the 4th race by 31 minutes. Rain is in the forecast for the rest of the festival this weekend, so bring your umbrellas along with your sunglasses and sunscreen.

Saratoga native Dylan Davis scored his 2nd win of the festival aboard Curlin's Angel, a longshot, in the 2nd race. Davis led Limes Don't Lie to a 3rd place finish in the 6th. Davis is lined up for 10 mounts on today's 14 race card, which gets underway at 11:40 am.

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The Tri-City Valleycats defeated the Florence Y'alls, 8-3, Thursday night. Jake Reinisch was given the night off after getting his average back over .300 on Wednesday. The 'Cats open at Lake Erie tonight.

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Thursday's regional scoreboard:

Baseball:

Class A:

LaSalle 6, Jamesville-DeWitt 5. The Cadets return home to play top seeded Rye tomorrow at Bruno Stadium (weather permitting) at 3 pm.

Class B:

Mechanicville 11, Saranac 2. Mechanicville will play Canton Saturday at 1 (weather permitting) at The Joe.

Class C:

Saratoga Catholic 9, Tupper Lake 0. The Saints will play Ticonderoga at Dutchmen Park Saturday at noon (weather permitting).

Class D:

North Warren 15, Lake Placid 8. Up next for North Warren is Parishville-Hopkinton Saturday. Site & time unknown.

News & notes

 Former UAlbany & St. Rose basketball coach Will Brown has found a new home.

The Albany Times-Union is reporting that Brown will coach the women's basketball team at Queens College next season. We wish him all the best.

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Saratoga native Dylan Davis returned home for the Belmont Racing Festival, which opened Wednesday. Davis finished the day with a winner in the 10th race, after a 2nd & a 3rd place finish earlier on the card. Davis is listed for mounts on six of today's ten races. 

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The NYSPHSAA has moved Saturday's Class AAA softball game between White Plains & Shenendehowa to Friday at 12:30 pm in anticipation of heavy rain on Saturday. I don't think that's the end of the late changes........

Taking a peek at Wednesday's state regional scoreboard:

Softball:

Class A:

Ichabod Crane 20, Camden 12. The Lady Riders will face Albertus Magnus at Luther Forest. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 5, but could get moved.

Class B:

Chatham will travel to St. Lawrence University to play Canton on Saturday. Game time still to be determined.

Class C:

Stillwater 11, Lisbon 2. Stillwater will play Ticonderoga at Luther Forest, also scheduled for Saturday at 5.

Women's lacrosse:

Class A: 

Niskayuna will play Cicero-North Syracuse Saturday at Queensbury.

Men's lacrosse sectional finals:

Class B:

Ballston Spa 17, South Glens Falls 6.

Class C:

Burnt Hills 12, Averill Park 11.

Statte regional schedule:

Class A:

Niskayuna vs. West Genesee, Saturday at Lynch Middle School, 3 pm.

Class B:

Ballston Spa vs. CBA-Syracuse, Saturday at 5:30 at Lynch Middle School.

Class C:

Burnt Hills vs. Massena, Saturday at 10 am at Lynch Middle School.

Class D:

Schuylerville vs. Ogdensburg Free Academy, Saturday at 12:30 at Lynch Middle School.

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The Tri-City Valleycats saw their 6 game winning streak end on Wednesday, as they dropped a 15-7 decision to the Florence Y'alls. Jake Reinisch (Shen/Wake Forest) went 2-3 with a homer, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored.

The series concludes tonight at 6:40 pm.

News & notes

 More than a year after Dr. Roger Ramsammy was sacked, Hudson Valley Community College finally has a new president.

College of St. Rose grad Michael Brophy comes over from Hillbert College in Buffalo to take the HVCC job, which goes into effect August 1. Brophy spent seven seasons at Hillbert, and helped increase the school's enrollment by 30%, per the Albany Times-Union.

For sports fans, Brophy will need to win them over by doing just one thing. Reopening Robert Conway Arena. Ramsammy took some bad advice, and closed the rink stripping away revenues to the school from public skating and renting the rink to neighboring LaSalle Institute.

Stay tuned.

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Speaking of LaSalle, this might explain why as of now, the skating Cadets only have one home game scheduled for Knickerbacker Arena in Lansingburgh next season, with that game being senior night in February. If coach Tim Flanigan & his staff were aware of Brophy or anyone else coming in, this might've put off a full commitment to the Knick.

We'll have LaSalle's 2025-6 hockey schedule up at a later date.

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The Tri-City Valleycats have won 6 in a row, and took down the Florence Y'alls, 6-2, on Tuesday night. The series continues later today.

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Section II has crowned the last of its baseball champions for 2025, as Ballston Spa defeated top seeded Niskayuna to win the Class AA title, 4-3, Tuesday at Bruno Stadium.

The night wasn't a total loss for Nisky, however, as they claimed the Class A men's lacrosse title with a 14-3 win over Shaker. Also, Schuylerville claimed its 4th straight Class D title, beating Stillwater-Mechanicville, 14-5. The B & C titles will be decided today at Shaker.

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As the Belmont Racing Festival gets underway today at Saratoga, former baseball player-turned-horseman Jayson Werth is back in town.

Werth owns 2024 Belmont winner Dornoch, and is part of a racing syndicate, Icon Racing. His stable, Two Eight Racing, references his uniform number, 28, which he wore with Philadelphia & Washington during his career. Will he have another horse in this year's Belmont? Will Dornoch run at Saratoga this year? Stay tuned.

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State regional pairings up to the moment:

Women's lacrosse:

Class A: 

Niskayuna awaits the winner of today's game between Plattsburgh & Cicero-North Syracuse. Nisky will play at Queensbury on Saturday at 11:30 am.

Class B:

Columbia will play Watertown at Queensbury Saturday night at 7 pm.

Class C:

Queensbury is also idle until Saturday, but their potential opponents have not been revealed yet. The Lady Spartans will play at 4:30 pm.

Class D:

Albany Academy is also awaiting an unnamed opponent for a 9 am game at Queensbury on Saturday.

Softball:

Class AAA:

Shenendehowa vs. White Plains, Saturday at 11 am at North Rockland High.

Class AA:

Burnt Hills vs. Whitesboro, Saturday at 5 pm at Luther Forest.

Class A:

Ichabod Crane vs. Camden, today at 5 at SUNY Onondage Community College.

Class B:

Chatham awaits the winner of today's game between Canton & Saranac. The game will be at either St. Lawrence University or SUNY-Plattsburgh on Saturday, time to be determined.

Class C:

Stillwater vs. Lisbon Central, today at 5 at Luther Forest.

Class D:

Argyle vs. Eldred, Saturday at noon at Monroe-Woodbury High.

Baseball:

Class AAA:

Saratoga vs. Cicero-North Syracuse, Saturday at 6 pm at SUNY-OCC.

Class AA:

Ballston Spa vs. West Genesee, Saturday at 7 pm at Bruno Stadium.

Class A:

LaSalle vs. Jamesville-DeWitt, Thursday at SUNY-OCC at 6 pm. A LaSalle win sends them back to The Joe to play Rye Saturday.

Class B:

Mechanicville vs Saranac, Thursday at 4 at Plattsburgh High.

Class C:

Saratoga Catholic vs. Tupper Lake, Thursday  at 4 at The Joe.

Class D:

North Warren vs. Lake Placid, today at 4 at Plattsburgh High.

Men's lacrosse:

Class A:

Niskayuna awaits the winner of today's game between Plattsburgh and West Genesee. The game will be played Saturday at Lynch Middle School in Amsterdam at 3 pm.

Class D:

Schuylerville will await an opponent to be named.