Marquee Matchup
Tucked into the middle of Week 2 on the far court is a matchup of teams who, at full strength, probably pack the most individual talent in the league. They are the two teams named after business sponsors, Bellevue and Marcella Appliances. Both teams come in 1-1, having lost their first game and won their second. Each team features two people who have Division I offers on the table, and each team has a couple more that eventually will get offered. Each team has a 'supporting' cast along with the big names that can also take over. Mount Anthony Union's Tyler Champagne is actually Bellevue's leading scorer at this point in the season, and him along with Mitchel Wayand (Stillwater/Marcella Appliances) have been names that are popping up in conversations with coaches after opening night. Neither team has a weak link. Both have size, athleticism, strong play at all positions, shooters... let's see if playing against the best brings out the best!
Interesting Matchup
The nightcap features the two remaining undefeated teams at this juncture - Rising Stars & Team 518, both 2-0. Rising Stars beat Bellevue last week, despite perhaps being the 'underdog' as far as sheer names go, by doing what they do best - letting it fly. Between that game and a blowout W over Upstate Select, Rising Stars knocked down 22 threes. They are small - and even smaller this week without 6'5" wing Taylor Slattery - and use that lack of size to create serious mismatches. Where Rising Stars got it done outside the 3 point line, 518 took advantage of their size & skill in the post, using Andrew Sischo & Zac O'Dell to dominate the paint. The two combined for 42 points in a W over Marcella Appliances, a team they also may have been the 'underdog' against as far as names go. This will be a true battle of whose strength is stronger, or who can use their strength more effectively. All bets are off!
Burning Question
How will a totally redone Man Up squad look this week? Only 4 people were there for opening night, meaning they took 2 Ls via forfeit. They have stayed, but many of the no-shows have been removed for a new-look roster. Some of the incoming talent is coming from downstate - a pair of nearly 20 PPG scorers from Section IX Rhinebeck will be making the trip up. That being said, one move will be a huge factor in instantly making this team competitive: welcome, Zach Radz. He comes in this week and automatically is one of the purest scorers on any roster. Fresh off his graduation from Troy High School, he'll be headed to St. Thomas More in CT for a postgrad year. With this sound of a scorer on your team, you will always be competitive. Look for Man Up to turn it around tonight.
We're in the Field House at Union College this week & next week while the gym floor is being redone in the adjacent Viniar Athletic Center. At 6:00, the aforementioned 0-2 Man Up plays Upstate Select, also 0-2 but boasting the league's 3rd leading scorer in Gavin Giroux. The other 6:00 game is another good matchup, with Bellevue battling Team 518. Man Up gets a back-to-back, playing 2-0 Rising Stars in what could turn into a shootout. The marquee matchup, Bellevue/Marcella Appliances, is also at 7:00. Our 8:00 nightcaps are Rising Stars/Team 518 (Week 1 undefeateds) and Upstate Select vs. Marcella Appliances. Union College, $1 to get in for the best high school hoops you'll catch in the area... come out and support!
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