News & notes

 The Albany Firebirds are still undefeated in AF1, but this was the closest call of the season. Albany escaped with a 60-57 win over Michigan on Saturday, surviving a last second replay challenge over what the hosts thought was an illegal defense, but wasn't. The 'Birds return home May 30 at MVP Arena, as they have this week off.

Troy High's unified basketball team has reached the semi-finals of a tournament, with the game to be played at MVP Arena on Wednesday. Start time not yet announced. As previously noted, the unified teams are working with Special Olympics. MVP Arena's website has no information at press time on teams, times, or dates.

Another night, another loss for the Tri-City ValleyCats as they were swept by Quebec, 4-1, on Sunday. The losing streak has reached 5 in a row, and with Three Rivers coming in on Tuesday, the 'Cats will need some help, fast.

A couple of quick notes. As we've seen, Arlo Marynczak (Bethlehem/Siena) is working out of the bullpen as a relief pitcher so far this season, as he recovers from a late season injury from last year. Jake Reinisch (Shenendehowa/Wake Forest) is on the IL, but could be back for either Three Rivers or Brockton this week. Despite a standout performance on Friday, Aaron Whitley (Niskayuna) sat out Saturday's game, when the 'Cats could have used him late, as they did with Amani Larry. Those type of in-game decisions have Carlos Mendoza on the hot seat with the Mets, and the same fate could await Tri-City manager Greg Tagert if things do not improve.

Weekend high school roundup:

Softball:

Coxsackie-Athens 11, Maple Hill 6.

Troy 13, Lansingburgh 0 (5 innings).

Cobleskill-Richmondville 8, Mayfield 2.

Taconic Hills 8, Red Hook 6.

Scotia 16, Gloversville 4 (5 innings).

Men's lacrosse:

Saturday:

Voorheesville 11, Schenectady-Mohonasen-Schalmont 7.

Sunday:

Shenendehowa 8, Liverpool 7.

Baseball:

Sunday:

LaSalle 9, Lansingburgh 6.

Contrary to what had been assumed, there was no consolation game in the Uncle Sam tournament reported. LaSalle wins the tournament, completing a season sweep of the Knights.

Flag football sectionals:

Class A:

Shaker def. Schenectady.

Albany def. Bethlehem.

Shenendehowa def. Guilderland.

Colonie def. Niskayuna.

Tuesday:

Albany @ Shaker.

Shen @ Colonie.

Class B:

Ballston Spa def. Burnt Hills. The Scotties travel to Troy tomorrow night, weather permitting.

Also Tuesday:

Mohonasen @ Columbia.

Class C:

Holy Trinity def. Albany Leadership.

Ravena def. Ichabod Crane.

Broadalbin-Perth 26, KIPP Capital 7.

Catskill 41, Lansingburgh 0.

Tuesday:

Broadalbin-Perth @ Catskill.

Ravena @ Holy Trinity.