Queensbury Runs Away Early, Flexes in W over Broadalbin-Perth

December 17, 2018

Queensbury 61, Broadalbin-Perth 15

Another Foothills Monday brought me to Queensbury for the first of likely a few times this winter, where they hosted Broadalbin-Perth. The hosts left no dramatics in this contest, making quick work of the Patriots to keep their record spotless to start the winter.

Hope Sullivan was dominant and led all scorers with 22 points in a lighter night of work.

Queensbury jumped on their visitors from the start. A Meghan O'Connor (Queensbury 2020) basket started it up, and it quickly extended from there. Whether it was executing in the half-court, getting out in transition, or turning defense into offense with their press, they were firing on all cylinders early. They reeled off 18 unanswered points - 10 from Hailey Ballard (Queensbury 2020) and 6 from Hope Sullivan (Queensbury 2020) to gain a 20 point edge late in the 1st quarter. Broadalbin, who was dealt a blow as starting PG Caroline Iannotti was unable to go after the first 3 minutes, was able to settle in during the 2nd quarter as Queensbury mixed lineups and dropped back from their press. Makenzie Smith (Broadalbin-Perth 2022) squared up and hit midrange jumpers on back-to-back possessions, getting them on the right track and helping them stay even in the quarter as Queensbury led 31-11 going into the locker room.

Queensbury blew it open even more to start the 2nd half. Sullivan scored 7 in a 14-0 run in the middle of the quarter, and after Smith briefly stopped the bleeding with a bucket, Sullivan reeled off 5 more points and Abby Doin (Queensbury 2020) added a three, giving the hosts a 24-4 edge in the quarter and a 55-15 edge on the scoreboard. They coasted to the finish line, all while holding Broadalbin scoreless for the last 10+ minutes of the game.

Hope Sullivan led all scorers with 22 points and 6 assists, and Hailey Ballard added 16 points & 4 assists in Queensbury's win. Makenzie Smith contributed 9 points for Broadalbin.

Makenzie Smith accounted for 60% of Broadalbin's scoring output Monday.

#JeffsNotes

- Queensbury has quietly been going about its business and coming along for the last couple years. Two years ago, it was a young core with a bright future. Last year, they did damage in the Foothills and made it to a neutral site game for them (S2 Class A quarters at Amsterdam), but got stifled by a slightly older, more experienced Holy Names group. This year, they have all the makings of a true contender. They have a true point guard in Hope Sullivan that I think could be discussed among the top handful of point guards in Section 2 at the moment. They have other guards around her that produce and give different looks - Meghan O'Connor is more of a dribble drive guard that can shoot it, and Abby Doin is more of a shooter that can also put it on the deck. Altogether, they have a handful of kids that are capable shooters and the skill & IQ with the ball to keep turnovers down. Hailey Ballard has really come along as a force 15' and in for Queensbury, and she can produce against anyone they'll play. They have a couple other forwards that give them production. Not to mention that everyone on the roster is fast, athletic, and gets after it on the defensive end. The ball never stops moving - everyone touches it, everyone's involved, everyone stays happy. They're truly a fun team to watch at this stage, and they could do serious damage. If they get at least one game in March this year, I wouldn't be surprised.

Meghan O'Connor is one of several solid players in a Queensbury uniform and an important piece to their success.

- Speaking of Hope Sullivan & Hailey Ballard... the Queensbury 2020 duo could be classified as two of the 'best that most college coaches don't know about' in my coverage region. Neither plays on the bigger stage in the AAU circuit (you can find them with their school team as the Queensbury Triple Threat), unfortunately I've never had either at an EST event, and outside of Shenendehowa's Battle of NY team camp in August, I don't believe that either of them have been seen by a collection of college coaches in one sitting. However, just because they don't play AAU ball at the national level doesn't mean they're not better than some of the kids that do.

Sullivan, a 5'8" PG in her 3rd year starting at the varsity level, has diversified her game to the point that she can do some of everything. She's quick off the bounce with a good hesitation move to freeze the D, and she can finish in a variety of ways with either hand at the rim after she knifes into the lane. She has a solid in-between game, and she's a capable shooter with range a couple feet outside the 3 point line. Her passing ability when she gets into the lane is strong too, which she showed on a few occasions Monday. Hope knows how to run an offense and keeps production high while keeping mistakes at a minimum. Her length & quickness make her strong defensively whether they're playing man or zone, and she's a good rebounder for a guard that can track the ball & go get it.

Hailey Ballard has developed into a formidable post presence with development over the last couple years.

Ballard, a 6'0" F also in her 3rd year starting on varsity, has really made strides over time. Always bouncy & athletic, she's made it so she doesn't have to rely on her athleticism to produce. She let the offense come to her Thursday and showed good touch on the jumper. She gets off the floor quickly and has a high release, which allows for an effective turnaround J in the midpost that you don't see nearly as often in the girls game. She'll shoot that at a high percentage turning over her left shoulder because unless you're 6'4", you're not impacting it. She's active around the rim and a good offensive rebounder, and she's gotten stronger & finishes through contact. Her athleticism is still a calling card though, as she showed it in impressive spurts, covering major ground to jump passing lanes & get steals on a couple occasions, turning those into layups at the other end.

Take it from me, someone that's been watching them intently for two years now. Hope & Hailey are two of potentially a handful of 2020s at Queensbury that could play basketball at the collegiate level. The vast majority of D3 programs would be thrilled to have the services of either, and if I was a D2 coach in the northeast maybe looking to get a jump on someone flying under the radar, I'd start paying real attention.

-