Going to post some notes from games that I’ve covered using the site’s live scoring app. I’m finally getting comfortable with updating the site everyday so I’ll have a bit more time to share some thoughts on the games/teams/section I’ve been watching.
The game notes are a bit different than what you’d get in a traditional “game recap” from the local media. I’m not a newspaper guy so if you want that type of reading there are plenty of good Section 2 reporters out there. I’m watching the game “From The Stands” as a former player, assistant coach, and person who analyzes basketball from watching/film and a statistical standpoint. Just my personal notes I’ve taken during the games and a quick game recap.
(Note: I’ll add other notes from games I covered before 12/27/16 as well in the coming days. Just ran out of time today)
All player/team scoring results from the games I’ve watched are located on the slide show on the front page of the site or HERE:
1/3/17 Boys Varsity: Colonie 50 vs Green Tech 42
Notes:
- Colonie led the whole way. By 3 after 1, 9 at the half, 7 end of 3, final by 8.
- Isaiah Moll led all scorers with 19 including 7 of 9 from the line and a big slam with less than a minute left to seal the victory. Moll seems to relish the challenge of stopping the opponents run or getting a big bucket in a tight game.
- Brendan Mulson stepped up nicely on both ends of the floor.
- Green Tech led by Gerald Herbert and Tobias Holmes with 13 pts each.
- George Varmah did a nice job defending the interior for Tech. Also think Fuquan Ford is very athletic. Should help the Eagles the rest of the way.
- Still think Green Tech is trying figure out the right mix of players to put on the court. (starters/bench). I think if they can figure out a rotation and buy into what Coach Hood is trying to get them to do on the defensive end that they’ll be a final four team in the Class AA playoffs.
1/2/17 Boys Varsity: Ichabod Crane 67 vs Mayfield 45
Notes:
- Ichabod was led by Austin Valliere with 18 points and Joe Werner with 17 points.
- If you haven’t watched Joe Werner play this year, go see him. Tough, smart and very athletic.
- 4th time I’ve seen Ichabod Crane this year and I’m continued to be impressed by their team play. They are well coached and disciplined.
- Mayfield was led in scoring by Garrett Delaney 14 pts.
- I like this Mayfield team. I saw them earlier in the season vs Johnstown as well. They have some guys that can really shoot it and hustle all over the floor. They’ll need to defend a bit better but it wouldn’t surprise me at all if this team is still standing in the late rounds of this year’s playoffs.
1/2/17 Boys Varsity: Hoosic Valley 38 vs Maple Hill 36
Notes:
- Isaac Sanchez led Hoosic Valley with 16 points. Felt like he had an opportunity for a bigger output as he had some good looks that didn’t fall for him. Worked the baseline well.
- Jimmy Burnell finished with 9 pts. for HV and made a couple clutch free throws in the last minute. I like scrappy players and Burnell fits the role.
- Maple Hill was led by Austin Decker 16 pts. and Nate Mannion 9 pts.
- Garrett Axtmann played well for MH. He was named to the All-Tournament team.
1/2/17 Girls Varsity: Mekeel Christian 62 vs Maple Hill 48
Notes:
- Mekeel was led by Jessie Show with 25 pts, Bekkah Dean 17 pts, & Liz Singleton w/16 pts.
- Liz Singleton is the fast player with the ball I’ve watched all season. (boy or girl) Unbelievably quick.
- Mekeel is the favorite in Class C if they continue to play this well.
- Maple Hill was led by Taylor Gerrain with 15 points.
- I thought Maple Hill played much better than their previous game vs Hoosic Valley. They played with more energy and moved the ball better on offense.
12/31/16Â Boys Varsity: Albany Academy 57 vs Colonie 45
Notes:
- Albany Academy used a 7-0 run in the first 1:47 of the 4Q to break open a 2 point game through 3 quarters.
- AA was led by August Mahoney 18 pts, and Hameir Wright w/16 pts.
- I thought C.J. Mulvey played a good all-around game to help the Cadets.
- Colonie was led by Bryce Waterman with 18 points. He made 4 three pointers to shoot over-top of Academy’s size.
- Great atmosphere and full gym for a New Year’s Eve tip. Both teams played with great energy as well.
12/30/16Â Boys Varsity: Albany Academy 70 vs Guilderland 51
Notes:
- Academy was led by Will Bennett with 21 pts and Hameir Wright w/18 pts.
- Bennett not only did a great job controlling the game from the point guard but also made some tough shots as well.
- Hameir Wright is a special player. No doubt why he’s considered an elite player nationally.
- Guilderland was led by Michael Henderson with 22 points.
- I thought Albany Academy’s size really affected Guilderland. They had to settle for far too many perimeter shots.
- My 2nd time watching Guilderland and I continue to be impressed with their toughness. It isn’t always pretty basketball but they play as a team, hustle, and find the open man.
12/30/16 Girls Varsity: Hoosic Valley 33 vs Maple Hill 20
Notes:
- Cami Hren led Hoosic Valley with 16 points.
- Alysa Houghtaling led Maple Hill with 8 points.
- Wasn’t either team’s better shooting performances for sure.
- I thought both teams played hard and Hoosic Valley answered every attempt of a Maple Hill run.
- Wouldn’t at all be surprised to see this match-up again late in the Class C sectionals.
12/28/16 Girls Varsity: Catholic Central 41 vs Shaker 57
Notes:
- Shaker led the whole way and stretched out to a commanding 27 point lead, heading to the 4Q, with a 23-6 3Q advantage. Catholic Central made 5 three pointers in the 4th to stay competitive.
- Sierra CeCe Mayo scored 23 in the win.
- Catholic Central was led by Ahniysha Jackson with 17 points.
- A nice win by Shaker over a good CCHS team who beat Colonie the night before.
12/27/16 Boys Varsity: Schuylerville 46 vs Stillwater 58
Notes:
- Stillwater jumped out to a 12-0 lead and went on to win by 12. Schuylerville got as close as 1 point with 2:39 left in the 3Q but Stillwater went on a 10-0 run to take back control of the game.
- Jared D’Aloia led Stillwater with 28 points. He made a couple of three pointers but I thought when he attacked the basket he was unstoppable at times.
- Zack Travis scored 19 and played well on both ends of the floor.
- Justin Carte led Schuylerville with 19 points.
- The 2 teams have played twice this season each with a win.
12/27/16 Boys Varsity Fonda 44 vs Mechanicville 58
Notes:
- Mechanicville led wire to wire going on to win by 14.
- Reggie McCann led the Red Raiders 19 pts. Nick Billert had 10 pts. and had a good all-around game.
- Mechanicville’s defensive intensity in the 1st half was the key.
- Nikolas Couture led Fonda with 19 pts., Dan Parslow had 15
12/27/16 Boys Varstiy Green Tech 62 vs Averill Park 44
Notes:
- Green Tech broke open a 5 point game, at the half, winning by 18.
- Marcus Friend led the Eagles balanced attack with 14 pts.
- Anthony Germinerio and Ryan Long led Averill Park with 10 pts. each.
- Green Tech’s depth was a factor in extending the lead in the 2H.