With the 2nd annual Empire State Takeover summer showcase leagues tipping off in just under 3 months - and the deadline of the 'early registration' fee approaching at the end of April - many kids & families are starting to put serious thought into whether or not they want to participate this summer. I've already received payment from some, coaches' packet info from some more, and questions from many. So, time to use a blog post to go by the numbers with what EST has already seen in 2015.
190 - In miles, the farthest one-way trip consistently made to attend EST by a regular participant in the summer leagues (Canton, NY).
138 - The amount of players that, at one point or another, suited up in either the boys or girls EST summer leagues in 2015.
85 - The sum of different collegiate programs that attended EST in its first year.
77 - The amount of different high schools represented between the two leagues. Altogether, players came from 55 different schools in the boys league and 43 different schools in the girls league.
52 - The number of different AAU programs represented at Union College between the boys & girls leagues. The programs ranged from being sponsored by Nike & Adidas, with participants on its top teams playing in prestigious Nike EYBL & Adidas Gauntlet leagues, through to programs carrying largely local schedules. Translation: I don't care what AAU program you're with, and preferential treatment toward specific programs doesn't happen. If I want you in EST, it doesn't matter what your team name is on the grassroots circuit!
41 - The amount of girls that participated in EST last year that are still currently juniors or younger and eligible to participate in this summer's league, including 8 out of the 11 that received MVP, All-EST 1st Team, or All-EST 2nd Team honors.
18 - The amount of players that participated in EST summer leagues in 2015 that either reside/attend high school or attend prep school utside of New York.
12 - The number of current high school juniors (or younger) who participated in EST last year that currently hold a Division I scholarship offer. Of those 12, 7 of them hold multiple scholarship offers.
8 - The number of current seniors who participated in EST last year that will be attending a Division I or II school next year & playing basketball on scholarship, including both MVPs (Andrew Sischo, Daemen; Danielle Migliore, St. Bonaventure).
7 - The amount of sections in the NYSPHSAA that were represented in Empire State Takeover summer leagues last year. They were Sections I, II, III, IV, VII, IX, and X; Sections V & VIII were also represented in the fall events.
6 - The number of regular participants in EST last year that made a one-way commute of over 150 miles to Union College for the league.
1 - The amount of certified events located in the region that offered such a combination of playing with & against strong talent on the court mixed with college exposure opportunities.
This post will be updated as all-league, all-state, and other postseason award lists come in, but you get the gist. In year 1, it was a true barometer of talent throughout the region and beyond, and it's trending upward for year 2. This is question-answering season for me, especially to those families who I have already contacted/approached, so if there are any questions about EST, now is as good a time as any to ask away. Well on the way to an even stronger summer!
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
All-EST Selection Keenan Loder D2 Bound, Commits to Molloy
On the court, Cobleskill-Richmondville senior Keenan Loder is a wealth of potential. His 6'6" frame as a natural wing, along with supreme athleticism, has made many spectators - along with college coaches - wonder what he could turn into and how much of an impact player he could be down the road. Off the court, he's been an academic standout - 4.0 GPA with precise future plans. Being the literal definition of a student-athlete had helped him garner attention from numerous high academic programs. Loder, an All-EST Honorable Mention selection in 2015, recently ended his recruitment by committing to Molloy, a Division II program on Long Island representing the East Coast Conference.
In last year's inaugural Empire State Takeover summer showcase league, Loder showed why plenty of programs were interested in him on numerous occasions. In 10 games, he averaged 11.2 PPG, which was just outside of the top 10 in the league. His 112 total points was also just outside of the league's top 10, and his season featured a game where he scored 26 points - a total that only 5 players surpassed in an individual game. His game picked up when his Bellevue squad was able to get up & down the court, where he was able to play to his strengths. When he got to the rim, very few players in the league could rise with him. In fact, the 26 point game featured 7 dunks - both in the open court & in the half-court. That strength of finishing at & around the rim showed in the stats; his 45 baskets from inside the arc was 3rd in EST.
He spent another season at Cobleskill-Richmondville being their main offensive option, often relying on him to make things happen. He pumped in 19.7 PPG, topping off with a 28 point game against Cooperstown - who won the Class C championship in Section III. He scored in a variety of ways, finishing with 10+ 2s on three separate occasions, attempting 10+ free throws in six games, and hitting 22 threes on the season.
Keenan will be joining a Molloy College squad that is graduating 4 players from its group this spring. They finished 9-19 on the season and 7-13 in ECC play, and they'll be looking to take advantage of the size & length he brings for the positions he plays - Molloy only had 1 player listed at 6'6" or above. He's going to have local company in the conference as well. The ECC is also home to Daemen College, where AAU teammate and 2015 EST MVP Andrew Sischo will be playing in the fall.
Congrats to Keenan on the commitment!
In last year's inaugural Empire State Takeover summer showcase league, Loder showed why plenty of programs were interested in him on numerous occasions. In 10 games, he averaged 11.2 PPG, which was just outside of the top 10 in the league. His 112 total points was also just outside of the league's top 10, and his season featured a game where he scored 26 points - a total that only 5 players surpassed in an individual game. His game picked up when his Bellevue squad was able to get up & down the court, where he was able to play to his strengths. When he got to the rim, very few players in the league could rise with him. In fact, the 26 point game featured 7 dunks - both in the open court & in the half-court. That strength of finishing at & around the rim showed in the stats; his 45 baskets from inside the arc was 3rd in EST.
He spent another season at Cobleskill-Richmondville being their main offensive option, often relying on him to make things happen. He pumped in 19.7 PPG, topping off with a 28 point game against Cooperstown - who won the Class C championship in Section III. He scored in a variety of ways, finishing with 10+ 2s on three separate occasions, attempting 10+ free throws in six games, and hitting 22 threes on the season.
Keenan will be joining a Molloy College squad that is graduating 4 players from its group this spring. They finished 9-19 on the season and 7-13 in ECC play, and they'll be looking to take advantage of the size & length he brings for the positions he plays - Molloy only had 1 player listed at 6'6" or above. He's going to have local company in the conference as well. The ECC is also home to Daemen College, where AAU teammate and 2015 EST MVP Andrew Sischo will be playing in the fall.
Congrats to Keenan on the commitment!
EST Teammates McCoy & Dean Get WAC MVP & 1st Team Picks
Last year's 1st annual EST girls' summer showcase league featured 2 regular participants from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Both of them earned all-league honors in the '15-'16 season. Congrats to both standouts, listed below.
Lyndsey McCoy (Middleburgh 2017) - WAC South MVP
Rebekkah Dean (Mekeel Christian Academy 2018) - All-WAC South 1st Team
McCoy and Dean - who despite being league rivals, are actually close friends - both played for Outwork last summer.
In EST, Lyndsey McCoy was part of an Outwork squad that often essentially sacrificed the 'me' for 'we' en route to having the league's best record. Many of the girls could've scored more, but spread the wealth and kept the ball moving to find great shots, and she was certainly no exception to this rule. She scored just under 3.5 PPG, but was often looking to set up teammates more often than score herself, along with focusing energy on the defensive end. When she did look for her offense, it was predominantly by getting to the rim - she actually led her team and was 6th in the league in free throws made (19), and her 73.1% mark from the line was good for 4th in EST out of qualifying participants. She took much more of a scoring role this winter for Middleburgh. Along with consistently leading them in assists and often in rebounds as well, she averaged a team high 15.9 PPG (21st in Section II; season high 25) while playing through injury in the back half of the season. Sticking to her mantra of getting to the line, she hit 10 or more free throws in 5 different games, and her 108 FTM was good for 5th in Section II. She also knocked down 22 threes on the season. The hard-nosed lefty guard has been attracting more attention from Division III programs in recent months, and will be looking to build on that in the summer.
In EST, I could repeat the same two sentences that started McCoy's paragraph to characterize Rebekkah Dean. The 5'9" sophomore - who can play a bit of every position - was part of a balanced offense, averaging 4.6 PPG (season high 10). She often made her presence felt most in other ways, namely hustle plays and rebounding well at whatever position, both in and out of her area. She often posed a bit of a matchup problem - physically strong and willing to use it in comparison to many wings, and too fast for many 4s to keep up with. That ability to be a utility player came in particularly handy for a Mekeel squad that had an insanely short bench this year; being a plug & play kid was a major key to their success. She led the team with an average of 14.7 PPG (season high 25), and along with her known ability to finish at the rim and get to the line, she showed an improved perimeter J by knocking down 20 threes on the season. Rebekkah is 'next up', someone that many programs will have an eye on in the near future - and she'll be looking to jump on the scene over the next few months.
Congrats to both on well-deserved accolades!
Lyndsey McCoy (Middleburgh 2017) - WAC South MVP
Rebekkah Dean (Mekeel Christian Academy 2018) - All-WAC South 1st Team
McCoy and Dean - who despite being league rivals, are actually close friends - both played for Outwork last summer.
 |
| Didn't lie about the friendship - Rebekkah Dean (left) and Lyndsey McCoy pose on opening night (provided photo) |
In EST, I could repeat the same two sentences that started McCoy's paragraph to characterize Rebekkah Dean. The 5'9" sophomore - who can play a bit of every position - was part of a balanced offense, averaging 4.6 PPG (season high 10). She often made her presence felt most in other ways, namely hustle plays and rebounding well at whatever position, both in and out of her area. She often posed a bit of a matchup problem - physically strong and willing to use it in comparison to many wings, and too fast for many 4s to keep up with. That ability to be a utility player came in particularly handy for a Mekeel squad that had an insanely short bench this year; being a plug & play kid was a major key to their success. She led the team with an average of 14.7 PPG (season high 25), and along with her known ability to finish at the rim and get to the line, she showed an improved perimeter J by knocking down 20 threes on the season. Rebekkah is 'next up', someone that many programs will have an eye on in the near future - and she'll be looking to jump on the scene over the next few months.
Congrats to both on well-deserved accolades!
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Time For Some WACtion: All 5 in Boys EST Earn All-League Honors
Last year's 1st annual EST boys summer showcase league featured 5 participants from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). All 5
of those that attended at some point received all-league honors this
year - 1 received a division MVP, and all were 1st team selections. Congrats to all of them, listed below.
Zach Hilton (Berne-Knox-Westerlo 2017) - WAC South MVP
Justin Houck (Berne-Knox-Westerlo 2016) - All-WAC South 1st Team
Scott Voelker (Mekeel Christian Academy 2016, Combine Basketball Academy 2017) - All-WAC South 1st Team
Evan Pescetti (Saratoga Catholic 2016) - All-WAC North 1st Team
Danny Reidell (Northville 2017) - All-WAC North 1st Team
The 5 players represented 3 different teams in the summer of 2015. BKW teammates Hilton & Houck were both members of Man Up. Reidell & Voelker donned the orange jerseys for Bellevue, and Pescetti took the court as a member of Marcella Appliances.
In EST, Hilton added another guard that was a solid scoring threat to a team that was full of them at full strength. He appeared in 2 weeks in July, averaging 4.7 points per game. His full scoring prowess showed over this winter for a Berne-Knox-Westerlo team that held the top seed in Section II Class C playoffs. The dynamic guard pumped in 23.4 PPG, good for 6th in the section. He dropped a season high of 41 and reached the 30 point mark on 4 separate occasions. Zach also reached the 1,000 point plateau in mid-January - with another year remaining, he's sitting at 1,214 for his career.
Houck played the true point guard role for Man Up in EST. With many scorers on the team, he wore the hat of distributor and made a living setting others up. Although he's also a dynamic scorer and made it happen when they needed him to, he averaged 4.4 PPG on the season. His assist numbers, however, often surpassed his scoring total. He took advantage of his all-around game in the winter, often wearing all hats for his BKW squad. He averaged 17.6 PPG, topping off with a 30 point performance in the same game teammate Hilton dropped his 1,000th point. Justin joined Zach in the 1,000 point club less than 3 weeks later, reaching the milestone in an early February win. He also led them in assists and, as a 5'10" point guard, was arguably their best rebounder along with being their best perimeter defender. An academically-driven person who ranks highly in the classroom, he's narrowed his college decision for next year to Clarkson or The University at Buffalo.
Voelker, a wiry 6'2" guard, provided an athletic presence for a Bellevue team that loved to get up & down the court in his early season appearances. He averaged 4 PPG and proved in those weeks to be one of their better defenders. This winter, he did it all for Mekeel, a team that held the top seed in Section II Class B playoffs. He was 1 of 3 300 point scorers on a very balanced squad offensively and averaged just over 13 PPG, including 38 threes and a season high scoring total of 22. Voelker was also their on-court leader: as a senior on a young team, they often looked to him for leadership, and he relished in that role as someone who took the success of his high school team seriously. He'll be attending Combine Basketball Academy in North Carolina for a postgrad year.
Pescetti, in any season, is the definition of a junkyard dog on the court. He will often outplay higher level prospects because no one on the court outworks him at either end. He showed that in EST over the summer, where as essentially a 6'4" tweener that played largely below the rim, he often outrebounded opposing teams' big guys. Pescetti averaged 6.1 PPG (season high 13) and along with the rebounding, often filled up the steals column as well. This winter, he averaged 13.3 PPG (season high 27) and was the heart and soul of a Saratoga Catholic team that came from the #10 seed in Section II Class C playoffs to win the section and come inches short of making the regional final. A health issue forced him out of some mid-season action, but he was the driving force behind a 6 game win streak late in the regular season and through sectionals. At last update, Evan was narrowing down from a handful of Division III options for the fall.
Last but not least, Danny Reidell was a legitimate scoring threat for Bellevue throughout the season that was valuable whether they were at full strength or not. Despite going through a little late summer scoring lull, he still finished EST averaging 7.3 PPG with a season high of 14. One of the section's elite scorers, he did so in bunches for a Northville squad that needed it - even when the lion's share of defensive attention was focused on him. He averaged 21.8 PPG, often going against a box & 1 defense and even the occasional triangle & 2 with both defenders guarding him. Reidell surpassed the 1,000 point mark in the middle of the season, and entering his senior year, he has 1,162 career points. Along with the scoring, he also was a primary rebounder and distributor for Northville, getting the assist on many made baskets from teammates. He'll be looking for a big spring & summer to improve the level of interest being received from colleges heading into his senior year.
Congrats to all 5!
Zach Hilton (Berne-Knox-Westerlo 2017) - WAC South MVP
Justin Houck (Berne-Knox-Westerlo 2016) - All-WAC South 1st Team
Scott Voelker (Mekeel Christian Academy 2016, Combine Basketball Academy 2017) - All-WAC South 1st Team
Evan Pescetti (Saratoga Catholic 2016) - All-WAC North 1st Team
Danny Reidell (Northville 2017) - All-WAC North 1st Team
The 5 players represented 3 different teams in the summer of 2015. BKW teammates Hilton & Houck were both members of Man Up. Reidell & Voelker donned the orange jerseys for Bellevue, and Pescetti took the court as a member of Marcella Appliances.
In EST, Hilton added another guard that was a solid scoring threat to a team that was full of them at full strength. He appeared in 2 weeks in July, averaging 4.7 points per game. His full scoring prowess showed over this winter for a Berne-Knox-Westerlo team that held the top seed in Section II Class C playoffs. The dynamic guard pumped in 23.4 PPG, good for 6th in the section. He dropped a season high of 41 and reached the 30 point mark on 4 separate occasions. Zach also reached the 1,000 point plateau in mid-January - with another year remaining, he's sitting at 1,214 for his career.
Houck played the true point guard role for Man Up in EST. With many scorers on the team, he wore the hat of distributor and made a living setting others up. Although he's also a dynamic scorer and made it happen when they needed him to, he averaged 4.4 PPG on the season. His assist numbers, however, often surpassed his scoring total. He took advantage of his all-around game in the winter, often wearing all hats for his BKW squad. He averaged 17.6 PPG, topping off with a 30 point performance in the same game teammate Hilton dropped his 1,000th point. Justin joined Zach in the 1,000 point club less than 3 weeks later, reaching the milestone in an early February win. He also led them in assists and, as a 5'10" point guard, was arguably their best rebounder along with being their best perimeter defender. An academically-driven person who ranks highly in the classroom, he's narrowed his college decision for next year to Clarkson or The University at Buffalo.
Voelker, a wiry 6'2" guard, provided an athletic presence for a Bellevue team that loved to get up & down the court in his early season appearances. He averaged 4 PPG and proved in those weeks to be one of their better defenders. This winter, he did it all for Mekeel, a team that held the top seed in Section II Class B playoffs. He was 1 of 3 300 point scorers on a very balanced squad offensively and averaged just over 13 PPG, including 38 threes and a season high scoring total of 22. Voelker was also their on-court leader: as a senior on a young team, they often looked to him for leadership, and he relished in that role as someone who took the success of his high school team seriously. He'll be attending Combine Basketball Academy in North Carolina for a postgrad year.
Pescetti, in any season, is the definition of a junkyard dog on the court. He will often outplay higher level prospects because no one on the court outworks him at either end. He showed that in EST over the summer, where as essentially a 6'4" tweener that played largely below the rim, he often outrebounded opposing teams' big guys. Pescetti averaged 6.1 PPG (season high 13) and along with the rebounding, often filled up the steals column as well. This winter, he averaged 13.3 PPG (season high 27) and was the heart and soul of a Saratoga Catholic team that came from the #10 seed in Section II Class C playoffs to win the section and come inches short of making the regional final. A health issue forced him out of some mid-season action, but he was the driving force behind a 6 game win streak late in the regular season and through sectionals. At last update, Evan was narrowing down from a handful of Division III options for the fall.
Last but not least, Danny Reidell was a legitimate scoring threat for Bellevue throughout the season that was valuable whether they were at full strength or not. Despite going through a little late summer scoring lull, he still finished EST averaging 7.3 PPG with a season high of 14. One of the section's elite scorers, he did so in bunches for a Northville squad that needed it - even when the lion's share of defensive attention was focused on him. He averaged 21.8 PPG, often going against a box & 1 defense and even the occasional triangle & 2 with both defenders guarding him. Reidell surpassed the 1,000 point mark in the middle of the season, and entering his senior year, he has 1,162 career points. Along with the scoring, he also was a primary rebounder and distributor for Northville, getting the assist on many made baskets from teammates. He'll be looking for a big spring & summer to improve the level of interest being received from colleges heading into his senior year.
Congrats to all 5!
Friday, March 18, 2016
5 Underclass(wo)men in EST Earn All-Suburban Honors
Last year's 1st annual EST girls summer showcase league featured 19
participants from the Suburban Council - 11 regular participants, along
with 8 alternates. 5 of these 19 - 4 of them regular participants - received postseason all-league honors
in the conference that offers the highest level of competition in
Section II. Of the 5, none are current seniors; along with 3 juniors, a freshman & 8th grader made this list. Congrats to these 5, listed below.
All-EST 1st Team Saeeda Abdul-Aziz (Mohonasen 2017) - All-Suburban 1st Team
Kerry Flaherty (Saratoga Springs 2019) - All-Suburban 2nd Team
Emily Wander (Bethlehem 2017) - All-Suburban 2nd Team
All-EST Honorable Mention Jordan Hipwell (Ballston Spa 2017) - All-Suburban 3rd Team
Dolly Cairns (Saratoga Springs 2020) - All-Suburban 3rd Team
Abdul-Aziz donned the green jersey for Show Stoppers. Saratoga teammates Flaherty & Cairns both played for All Day; Hipwell & Wander were ESTeammates for Havoc.
Just like everywhere else she goes, Saeeda Abdul-Aziz was one of the most potent offensive threats in EST. The 5'11" guard, who currently holds offers from 10 Division I programs, was arguably the toughest cover in the league due to a rare combination of shooting ability, quickness, size, and strength. She averaged 14.2 PPG, 2nd in EST behind St. Bonaventure bound MVP Danielle Migliore; her 7 FTA per game was also behind only Migliore. She was also 1 of only 5 in the girls' league to score 20+ points in a game - her season high was 21. She hit 9 threes on the season as well (T-6 in EST), and was 4th in threes made per game. The well-rounded scoring ability showed again for Mohonasen this winter. Abdul-Aziz averaged 21.4 PPG, 4th in Section II and 1 of just 5 girls in the section to average 20 PPG or more. She was remarkably consistent, never scoring fewer than 15 points & topping off with a season high of 35 in a win over Troy. She also stuffed the stat sheet in other ways, often collecting 10 or more rebounds along with numerous steals & blocks. Her assist numbers also trended upward as the season went on, showcasing an improved ability to create. She saved her best for late in the season, collecting Mohonasen girls' first-ever triple-double (with a game high 28 points) in a sectional W over Gloversville. She'll look to continue this forward progress while on the EYBL circuit with highly regarded Exodus.
Kerry Flaherty jumped in feet-first on an All Day squad last year that featured high level talent such as Danielle Migliore (St. Bonaventure), Samira Sangare (Dominican), Liz Millea (Adelphi), Natalie DiSalvo (Geneseo), Liv Allrich, Lucy Tougas, and her own AAU teammate Sophie Tougas. Her box score numbers didn't jump off the screen - averaging a touch over 3 PPG with plenty of potent offense at every turn - but her confidence, feel for the game, and ability to impact the game with & without the ball grew into late summer. She took a massive step forward this winter in her freshman campaign, where she averaged 13.6 PPG (season high 26) and hit 39 threes for a Blue Streak team that enjoyed more success than at any other point in recent memory. Her 20 points led the way in their 1st home sectional victory since - well, no one was able to tell me that answer - over Niskayuna. Still just a neophyte in the grand scheme of things, look for her game to continue to expand from now to this point next year.
Emily Wander is one of the more electrifying guards this region has to offer. Usually smaller than her matchup, her game is centered around her shiftiness, change of speed, and crafty handle. She was constantly getting into the teeth of the defense in EST, creating havoc for Havoc. She averaged 7 PPG on a very balanced team that didn't have anyone averaging double digits, and was consistent with her box score contributions with a season high of 9. She certainly showcased more of her scoring ability this winter as the most potent option behind Dayton-bound Jenna Giacone for Bethlehem. She averaged 14.6 PPG, offering a season high of 25 in an early season W over Kingston. Wander hit 22 threes on the season and led Bethlehem in FTM (53) and FTA (79). She was also able to make teammates around her better, hitting them with passes at the right time after getting into the defense.
Jordan Hipwell showed a slithery scoring ability in EST last summer. Although she never was the fastest, quickest, or the highest jumper on the court, she was able to work her way toward the rim to get buckets time and time again. Her 8.82 PPG was 11th in EST & 2nd on Havoc by .01 PPG, and her 97 total points were good for 6th in the league. She was the only member of her team to have a 20 point game, and was 1 of 5 in the league to do so (the others being the aforementioned Abdul-Aziz, Chloe Chaffin, Madison Little, and Danielle Migliore). Hipwell's 27 FTM was 3rd in EST, and her 71.1% mark was 5th among qualifying EST participants. The 5'10" junior averaged 16.6 PPG for Ballston Spa this year, which included a 75.2% mark from the free throw line and a pair of 36 point performances 2 weeks apart. Bigtime scoring performances from Jordan, who will be looking to build off that on the AAU circuit this year & going forward.
Last but not least, the youngest - Dolly Cairns had as much of a breakout season as you could ask for out of a junior high kid. She came through and ran the show for All Day in a mid-July week. Only had 2 points to show for it in the box score, but she played with confidence & an all-around game that no one else her age could possess at that level. 2 points is often what she had in the 1st minute of the game this winter. Dolly welcomed herself to Suburban Council hoops with a 30 point season opening performance against Mohonasen, which proved to be her season high. She topped 20 four more times, including an impressive 24 point performance in their sectional quarterfinal loss to Albany. She averaged 15.1 PPG in all, featuring 36 threes and a 79.6% mark from the free throw line - 6th in Section II. She also showed the ability to break defenders down off the dribble, get into the lane, and create opportunities for others. Extremely bright future ahead for the youngest person to throw on an EST jersey last year.
Congrats to all 5, all with time left to go, and hopefully we get to see them all back at Union College this summer!
All-EST 1st Team Saeeda Abdul-Aziz (Mohonasen 2017) - All-Suburban 1st Team
Kerry Flaherty (Saratoga Springs 2019) - All-Suburban 2nd Team
Emily Wander (Bethlehem 2017) - All-Suburban 2nd Team
All-EST Honorable Mention Jordan Hipwell (Ballston Spa 2017) - All-Suburban 3rd Team
Dolly Cairns (Saratoga Springs 2020) - All-Suburban 3rd Team
Abdul-Aziz donned the green jersey for Show Stoppers. Saratoga teammates Flaherty & Cairns both played for All Day; Hipwell & Wander were ESTeammates for Havoc.
Just like everywhere else she goes, Saeeda Abdul-Aziz was one of the most potent offensive threats in EST. The 5'11" guard, who currently holds offers from 10 Division I programs, was arguably the toughest cover in the league due to a rare combination of shooting ability, quickness, size, and strength. She averaged 14.2 PPG, 2nd in EST behind St. Bonaventure bound MVP Danielle Migliore; her 7 FTA per game was also behind only Migliore. She was also 1 of only 5 in the girls' league to score 20+ points in a game - her season high was 21. She hit 9 threes on the season as well (T-6 in EST), and was 4th in threes made per game. The well-rounded scoring ability showed again for Mohonasen this winter. Abdul-Aziz averaged 21.4 PPG, 4th in Section II and 1 of just 5 girls in the section to average 20 PPG or more. She was remarkably consistent, never scoring fewer than 15 points & topping off with a season high of 35 in a win over Troy. She also stuffed the stat sheet in other ways, often collecting 10 or more rebounds along with numerous steals & blocks. Her assist numbers also trended upward as the season went on, showcasing an improved ability to create. She saved her best for late in the season, collecting Mohonasen girls' first-ever triple-double (with a game high 28 points) in a sectional W over Gloversville. She'll look to continue this forward progress while on the EYBL circuit with highly regarded Exodus.
Kerry Flaherty jumped in feet-first on an All Day squad last year that featured high level talent such as Danielle Migliore (St. Bonaventure), Samira Sangare (Dominican), Liz Millea (Adelphi), Natalie DiSalvo (Geneseo), Liv Allrich, Lucy Tougas, and her own AAU teammate Sophie Tougas. Her box score numbers didn't jump off the screen - averaging a touch over 3 PPG with plenty of potent offense at every turn - but her confidence, feel for the game, and ability to impact the game with & without the ball grew into late summer. She took a massive step forward this winter in her freshman campaign, where she averaged 13.6 PPG (season high 26) and hit 39 threes for a Blue Streak team that enjoyed more success than at any other point in recent memory. Her 20 points led the way in their 1st home sectional victory since - well, no one was able to tell me that answer - over Niskayuna. Still just a neophyte in the grand scheme of things, look for her game to continue to expand from now to this point next year.
Emily Wander is one of the more electrifying guards this region has to offer. Usually smaller than her matchup, her game is centered around her shiftiness, change of speed, and crafty handle. She was constantly getting into the teeth of the defense in EST, creating havoc for Havoc. She averaged 7 PPG on a very balanced team that didn't have anyone averaging double digits, and was consistent with her box score contributions with a season high of 9. She certainly showcased more of her scoring ability this winter as the most potent option behind Dayton-bound Jenna Giacone for Bethlehem. She averaged 14.6 PPG, offering a season high of 25 in an early season W over Kingston. Wander hit 22 threes on the season and led Bethlehem in FTM (53) and FTA (79). She was also able to make teammates around her better, hitting them with passes at the right time after getting into the defense.
Jordan Hipwell showed a slithery scoring ability in EST last summer. Although she never was the fastest, quickest, or the highest jumper on the court, she was able to work her way toward the rim to get buckets time and time again. Her 8.82 PPG was 11th in EST & 2nd on Havoc by .01 PPG, and her 97 total points were good for 6th in the league. She was the only member of her team to have a 20 point game, and was 1 of 5 in the league to do so (the others being the aforementioned Abdul-Aziz, Chloe Chaffin, Madison Little, and Danielle Migliore). Hipwell's 27 FTM was 3rd in EST, and her 71.1% mark was 5th among qualifying EST participants. The 5'10" junior averaged 16.6 PPG for Ballston Spa this year, which included a 75.2% mark from the free throw line and a pair of 36 point performances 2 weeks apart. Bigtime scoring performances from Jordan, who will be looking to build off that on the AAU circuit this year & going forward.
Last but not least, the youngest - Dolly Cairns had as much of a breakout season as you could ask for out of a junior high kid. She came through and ran the show for All Day in a mid-July week. Only had 2 points to show for it in the box score, but she played with confidence & an all-around game that no one else her age could possess at that level. 2 points is often what she had in the 1st minute of the game this winter. Dolly welcomed herself to Suburban Council hoops with a 30 point season opening performance against Mohonasen, which proved to be her season high. She topped 20 four more times, including an impressive 24 point performance in their sectional quarterfinal loss to Albany. She averaged 15.1 PPG in all, featuring 36 threes and a 79.6% mark from the free throw line - 6th in Section II. She also showed the ability to break defenders down off the dribble, get into the lane, and create opportunities for others. Extremely bright future ahead for the youngest person to throw on an EST jersey last year.
Congrats to all 5, all with time left to go, and hopefully we get to see them all back at Union College this summer!
5 That Played in EST, Including Trio of All-Stars, Make All-Suburban Boys List
Last year's 1st annual EST boys summer showcase league featured 12 participants from the Suburban Council - 10 regular participants, along with 2 alternates. 5 of these 12 received postseason all-league honors in the conference that offers the highest level of competition in Section II. Congrats to these 5, listed below.
2015 EST MVP Andrew Sischo (Guilderland 2016, Daemen 2020) - All-Suburban 1st Team
Mike Wynn (Albany CBA 2017) - All-Suburban 1st Team
All-EST 2nd Team Alex Skaine (Saratoga Springs 2016) - All-Suburban 3rd Team
All-EST Honorable Mention Adam Anderson (Saratoga Springs 2017) - All-Suburban 3rd Team
Luke Hicks (Shenendehowa 2017) - All-Suburban 3rd Team
Sischo, Skaine, and Anderson were all EST teammates for undefeated champion Team 518. Wynn donned the green jersey for Marcella Appliances; Hicks was a member of Man Up.
6'9" Andrew Sischo, headed to Division II Daemen College in the fall, was a physically dominant force in Empire State Takeover last summer. He started off his season with 28 points against a star-studded Marcella Appliances that featured Ray Jerome (Penn commit), Hameir Wright (#59 in Class of 2017 ESPN 60), Mike Wynn (has an offer from Siena), among many other quality players. That was an indication of how the summer would go. He averaged 17.6 PPG (3rd in EST), and his 194 total points led all scorers. His presence in the paint was undeniably a huge reason for Team 518's success, and he dominated the boards, often picking up double-digit rebounding totals. Along with strong post play, he showed some range as well, knocking down a handful of threes. He did much more of the same in the winter, averaging 21 PPG (season high 36) & consistently getting double-doubles. His scoring total was 16th in Section II & 3rd in the Suburban - only behind Andrew Evans (Niskayuna; participated in the EST fall event) & Maryland-bound Kevin Huerter.
Mike Wynn showed why he's a Division I level prospect in EST's opening night last summer. The athletic 6'6" guard showed versatility on a talent-stacked Marcella Appliances team. He had 10 points in the aforementioned game against Team 518 to start the season, which led a balanced attack. Wynn took off as 'the guy' for CBA this season, contributing 19.6 PPG - which included performances of 35 & 34 points, both against Albany - and got it in a variety of ways. Whether it was getting to the rim, pulling up, getting to the line, or shooting from the perimeter, he proved to be a very tough cover for any matchup. This is why he currently holds a scholarship offer in the pocket from Siena, and has drawn plenty more Division I attention as a member of the City Rocks EYBL team.
Alex Skaine, a 6'4" tweener who has become more comfortable at the wing but was forced to play down low for his high school due to their lack of size, was a workhorse in EST. His numbers rarely jumped off the paper, but his toughness & ability to match up against anyone was well-noted. Skaine, while making every game throughout the summer, averaged 7 PPG (high 14) for a Team 518 squad that was very balanced behind MVP Sischo. He often stuffed the stat sheet in games while playing/defending multiple positions. The plug & play ability he showed was able to make him much more attractive to Division III suitors. He followed it up with a strong senior campaign, averaging 11 PPG & often grabbing 10 or more rebounds, despite battling against posts 3-4 inches taller than him on most nights. His season high of 22 came at the right time - a sectional W over Albany to send them to neutral site play. Skaine is currently mulling over a handful of Division III options.
Adam Anderson, Skaine's EST and high school teammate, jumped on the scene in a heartbeat last summer. A gifted 6'1" guard that had yet to even see the varsity floor before this year, he came into his own as the summer went on. His 10.5 PPG was good for 3rd on Team 518 and not far outside of the league top 10, and his season high of 20 came at the right time - the finals, many of them when his team's offense was in need of a push. He quickly went from JV player to one of the most regularly asked about EST players by college coaches, and he jumped on the scene for everyone who was under a rock last summer over the last few months. Anderson surpassed the 25 point mark on 3 occasions & scored double digits in nearly every game, and he finished the season averaging a team high 17.2 PPG. His stock continues to rise, and there's still another year for it to rise some more.
Luke Hicks came through on opening night and was the top player in attendance for Man Up. A combo guard that has sprouted to 6'4", he's able to put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways, set others up on offense, handle it against pressure, and guard multiple positions. He continues to become more confident & assertive offensively, which showed as the season progressed for Shenendehowa this winter, averaging 12.4 PPG. After scoring double digits in just 2 of the Plainsmen's first 6 games, he did so in 15 of their last 18 games, featuring a 22 point semifinal performance & a season high 25 in their sectional final victory over Green Tech. That budding confidence & strong performance has paid off, as Hicks has reportedly picked up offers from Hartford & Columbia - again, with another year on the circuit and in HS left to boot.
Congrats to all 5!
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Both Adirondack League EST Participants Earn 1st Team All-League Honors
Last year's 1st annual EST boys summer showcase league featured 2
regular participants from the Adirondack League. Both of them received
1st team all-league honors this year. Congrats to both standouts, listed
below.
All-EST Honorable Mention Kobe Lufkin (Argyle 2017) - All-Adirondack 1st Team
Chris Boucher (Fort Edward 2016) - All-Adirondack 1st Team
All-EST Honorable Mention Kobe Lufkin (Argyle 2017) - All-Adirondack 1st Team
Chris Boucher (Fort Edward 2016) - All-Adirondack 1st Team
Boucher & Lufkin, who are also related, both suited up last summer for Rising Stars.
In EST, Lufkin was one of the main offensive weapons for a Rising Stars team that led the league in 3s made (87 in 13 games) and averaged 65.9 PPG, 2nd by just .1 PPG to undefeated champion Team 518. Lufkin was 1 of 4 on the team that averaged double digits, pumping in 10.8 PPG, which was just outside of the Top 10. His summer high was 23, and his 130 total points was good for 7th in EST. He also hit 21 threes, 4th in EST. This winter, he was an absolute force for Section II Class D champion Argyle. His 32.3 PPG average was 3rd in Section II, and he was 1 of 2 players in the section to score over 800 points on the season - finishing 2nd with 808. Lufkin's 127 threes made not only led the section, but smashed a section record. He'll enter his senior year with 295 career treys made - only 44 behind the NYSPHSAA career record. He topped 40 points 5 times this season, including hitting a season high mark of 44 on three occasions. In one of those games, he set a Section II record with 12 made threes. Kobe has the potential of ending up very high in the section's record books for scoring, ending his junior campaign with 1,882 career points.
In EST, Boucher came through for the first 4 weeks of the season before a nagging ankle injury suffered during spring & aggravated in summer limited him for the remainder of the summer. He averaged 6.3 PPG over those 4 weeks, with a season high of 14. He followed up a prolific junior season with an even more prolific senior campaign this winter. His 35.6 PPG topped Section II. His season scoring total of 783 points was good for 3rd, as was his finishing total of 106 threes made. Boucher topped the 40 point mark on 6 different occasions, and he reached 50 twice - including a 55 point performance in their season opener that remained unmatched in Section II for the remainder of the season. Chris ended his high school career with 1,824 career points.
Congrats to both Kobe & Chris!
In EST, Lufkin was one of the main offensive weapons for a Rising Stars team that led the league in 3s made (87 in 13 games) and averaged 65.9 PPG, 2nd by just .1 PPG to undefeated champion Team 518. Lufkin was 1 of 4 on the team that averaged double digits, pumping in 10.8 PPG, which was just outside of the Top 10. His summer high was 23, and his 130 total points was good for 7th in EST. He also hit 21 threes, 4th in EST. This winter, he was an absolute force for Section II Class D champion Argyle. His 32.3 PPG average was 3rd in Section II, and he was 1 of 2 players in the section to score over 800 points on the season - finishing 2nd with 808. Lufkin's 127 threes made not only led the section, but smashed a section record. He'll enter his senior year with 295 career treys made - only 44 behind the NYSPHSAA career record. He topped 40 points 5 times this season, including hitting a season high mark of 44 on three occasions. In one of those games, he set a Section II record with 12 made threes. Kobe has the potential of ending up very high in the section's record books for scoring, ending his junior campaign with 1,882 career points.
In EST, Boucher came through for the first 4 weeks of the season before a nagging ankle injury suffered during spring & aggravated in summer limited him for the remainder of the summer. He averaged 6.3 PPG over those 4 weeks, with a season high of 14. He followed up a prolific junior season with an even more prolific senior campaign this winter. His 35.6 PPG topped Section II. His season scoring total of 783 points was good for 3rd, as was his finishing total of 106 threes made. Boucher topped the 40 point mark on 6 different occasions, and he reached 50 twice - including a 55 point performance in their season opener that remained unmatched in Section II for the remainder of the season. Chris ended his high school career with 1,824 career points.
Congrats to both Kobe & Chris!
EST 2nd Teamer Flynn Wins Wasaren MVP; Pine, Erickson Take 1st Team Honors
Last year's 1st annual EST girls summer showcase league featured 1
regular participant & 2 alternates from the Wasaren League. All 3 of
those that attended at some point received all-league honors this year.
Congrats to those 3, listed below.
All-EST 2nd Team Megan Flynn (Hoosick Falls 2016) - Wasaren League MVP
Kelly Pine (Hoosick Falls 2017) - All-Wasaren 1st Team
Emily Erickson (Tamarac 2019) - All-Wasaren 1st Team
All-EST 2nd Team Megan Flynn (Hoosick Falls 2016) - Wasaren League MVP
Kelly Pine (Hoosick Falls 2017) - All-Wasaren 1st Team
Emily Erickson (Tamarac 2019) - All-Wasaren 1st Team
All 3 suited up for different teams. Flynn donned the black jersey as a
member of Outwork, schoolmate Pine stepped in for Show Stoppers, and
Erickson came through with All Day.
In EST, Flynn was a valuable member of the team with the league's best overall record - including a league-high 6 game win streak, spanning from opening night through mid-July. Her game symbolized the team name of 'Outwork'; at 5'11", she was a little undersized in the post as she was consistently going against players 6' or taller, but she always was productive. One of the few that didn't miss a single game, she averaged 6.6 PPG on a very balanced team (most regular participants averaged between 5 & 10.6 PPG), with a season high of 11, which she hit twice. Rebounding was her calling card, as she was able to work her way to double-digit rebounding totals on many occasions. She did much more of the same this season, averaging a double-double - including a team high 14 PPG - for a Panther team that went 21-3 & made it to the Section 2 Class B finals. She surpassed the 20 point mark 4 teams, including a season high of 23 twice. She wanted to hold off on making a college choice until basketball season was out of the way, so it's selection time now for the standout who also ranks high academically. Numerous Division III programs have expressed interest in her continuing her academic & athletic days there.
Pine, a versatile 6 footer, came through in a late July week for Show Stoppers, and plans on participating through the full summer this year. She was right behind teammate Flynn, averaging 13.3 PPG, with a season high of 26 against Mt. Anthony Union of VT - one of the best teams they played this year. Showing exceptional range for her size, she hit a season high 4 threes in that game (she hit 25 on the season), and it was also 1 of 3 games that she made 10 free throws this season. Look for her game to expand even more over the next 8 months.
Erickson came through during a mid-July week for All Day, where she got to play with AAU teammates Sophie Tougas & Dolly Cairns as part of the youth movement. Her offensive production spiked for a Tamarac team that needed it this season. She averaged 13.5 PPG on the year, which featured a big mid-late season push of 18 PPG over her last 9 games. She reached a season high of 25 three times, all in that stretch. One of those was against defensive power Hoosic Valley, which the highest individual point total they allowed this year.
Big congrats to all 3 on successful seasons!
In EST, Flynn was a valuable member of the team with the league's best overall record - including a league-high 6 game win streak, spanning from opening night through mid-July. Her game symbolized the team name of 'Outwork'; at 5'11", she was a little undersized in the post as she was consistently going against players 6' or taller, but she always was productive. One of the few that didn't miss a single game, she averaged 6.6 PPG on a very balanced team (most regular participants averaged between 5 & 10.6 PPG), with a season high of 11, which she hit twice. Rebounding was her calling card, as she was able to work her way to double-digit rebounding totals on many occasions. She did much more of the same this season, averaging a double-double - including a team high 14 PPG - for a Panther team that went 21-3 & made it to the Section 2 Class B finals. She surpassed the 20 point mark 4 teams, including a season high of 23 twice. She wanted to hold off on making a college choice until basketball season was out of the way, so it's selection time now for the standout who also ranks high academically. Numerous Division III programs have expressed interest in her continuing her academic & athletic days there.
Pine, a versatile 6 footer, came through in a late July week for Show Stoppers, and plans on participating through the full summer this year. She was right behind teammate Flynn, averaging 13.3 PPG, with a season high of 26 against Mt. Anthony Union of VT - one of the best teams they played this year. Showing exceptional range for her size, she hit a season high 4 threes in that game (she hit 25 on the season), and it was also 1 of 3 games that she made 10 free throws this season. Look for her game to expand even more over the next 8 months.
Erickson came through during a mid-July week for All Day, where she got to play with AAU teammates Sophie Tougas & Dolly Cairns as part of the youth movement. Her offensive production spiked for a Tamarac team that needed it this season. She averaged 13.5 PPG on the year, which featured a big mid-late season push of 18 PPG over her last 9 games. She reached a season high of 25 three times, all in that stretch. One of those was against defensive power Hoosic Valley, which the highest individual point total they allowed this year.
Big congrats to all 3 on successful seasons!
Batting 1.000 - All 5 Wasaren EST Participants Earn All-League Accolades
Last year's 1st annual EST boys summer showcase league featured 3
regular participants & 2 alternates from the Wasaren League. All 5
of those that attended at some point received all-league honors this
year. Congrats to those 4, listed below - top 3 being the regular
participants.
All-EST Honorable Mention Mitchel Wayand (Stillwater 2016, RPI 2020) - Wasaren League MVP
All-EST Honorable Mention Connor McCart (Hoosick Falls 2016) - All-Wasaren 1st Team
Jared D'Aloia (Stillwater 2017) - All-Wasaren 1st Team
Zach Travis (Stillwater 2017) - All-Wasaren 2nd Team
Anthony Zotto (Tamarac 2016) - All-Wasaren Honorable Mention
The 5 players dotted 4 different teams, with the regular participants all wearing different colors over the summer. Wayand was a member of Marcella Appliances, along with Travis; schoolmate D'Aloia suited up for Rising Stars. McCart wore the black jersey last summer for Man Up, and Zotto participated as a member of Upstate Select.
Wayand's scoring prowess was a driving force behind him making the Honorable Mention list in EST, with an average of 11.1 PPG, which put him just outside the Top 10. He had a season high of 23, and scored in a variety of ways (18 2s, 11 3s, 9/13 FT). His production for Stillwater exploded this winter. Wayand pumped in 25.4 PPG, tied for 4th in Section 2, which featured a season/career high of 38 along with another game where he scored 28 in the 1st half. He scored 30+ on 7 different occasions this season, and again got his points in every way (110 2s, 78 3s, 104 FT). Mitchel's graduating at 3rd on Stillwater's all-time scoring list; he finished his career with 1,239 points, after scoring his 1,000th in an early January win over Tamarac. He also consistently had 5-10 rebounds, making him one of the better rebounding guards in the section. As mentioned above, the standout senior - tops in his class at Stillwater - will be continuing his education & hoop career at RPI.
McCart also showed his scoring ability in EST last year, along with a more well-rounded offensive game that continued to be put on display over the winter. He averaged 13.3 PPG (8th in EST) with a season high of 23. He also shot 15/19 from the line (78.9%, 5th in EST for those with a qualifying number of attempts) and hit 5 threes, which was an extension of his game that he didn't show or use his junior year. This winter, McCart averaged 18.1 PPG while also being a double-digit rebounder in most games. The statistical highlight of his year was a 46 point, 16 rebound outburst in a late December W over Granville. McCart, who played down low for Hoosick Falls, also hit 15 threes on the year. Already well-traveled - he missed 2 weeks last summer while interning at Nike headquarters in Oregon - McCart is mulling over a handful of Division III & junior college options.
D'Aloia's game blossomed this winter, which he showed signs of throughout last summer at Union. He averaged 7.5 PPG in EST, with the highlight being a 21 point opening night performance, powered by 7 threes. He finished the season with 18 threes, just outside of the league's top 5. He also proved to be a solid floor general & facilitator. That's the least that could be said about him this winter, as he filled the stat sheet enough to flirt with triple-doubles on a handful of occasions. He also hit 45 threes and got to the line often en route to averaging 14.5 PPG (season high 31).
Travis came through during a mid-July week in EST and was productive offensively, scoring 11 & 10 points in his 2 games. Much of that came off his work on the offensive boards. That hard hat mentality showed throughout the winter, as he also averaged double digits for a successful Stillwater team (11 PPG) while also being their leading rebounder.
Zotto suited up on two separate weeks for Upstate Select in July, averaging 3.5 PPG over 4 games. The athletic guard was effective when his team was able to pick up the pace and get in the open court. He fought through an ankle injury over part of the winter and averaged 11.7 PPG (season high 24) for Tamarac.
All-EST Honorable Mention Mitchel Wayand (Stillwater 2016, RPI 2020) - Wasaren League MVP
All-EST Honorable Mention Connor McCart (Hoosick Falls 2016) - All-Wasaren 1st Team
Jared D'Aloia (Stillwater 2017) - All-Wasaren 1st Team
Zach Travis (Stillwater 2017) - All-Wasaren 2nd Team
Anthony Zotto (Tamarac 2016) - All-Wasaren Honorable Mention
The 5 players dotted 4 different teams, with the regular participants all wearing different colors over the summer. Wayand was a member of Marcella Appliances, along with Travis; schoolmate D'Aloia suited up for Rising Stars. McCart wore the black jersey last summer for Man Up, and Zotto participated as a member of Upstate Select.
Wayand's scoring prowess was a driving force behind him making the Honorable Mention list in EST, with an average of 11.1 PPG, which put him just outside the Top 10. He had a season high of 23, and scored in a variety of ways (18 2s, 11 3s, 9/13 FT). His production for Stillwater exploded this winter. Wayand pumped in 25.4 PPG, tied for 4th in Section 2, which featured a season/career high of 38 along with another game where he scored 28 in the 1st half. He scored 30+ on 7 different occasions this season, and again got his points in every way (110 2s, 78 3s, 104 FT). Mitchel's graduating at 3rd on Stillwater's all-time scoring list; he finished his career with 1,239 points, after scoring his 1,000th in an early January win over Tamarac. He also consistently had 5-10 rebounds, making him one of the better rebounding guards in the section. As mentioned above, the standout senior - tops in his class at Stillwater - will be continuing his education & hoop career at RPI.
McCart also showed his scoring ability in EST last year, along with a more well-rounded offensive game that continued to be put on display over the winter. He averaged 13.3 PPG (8th in EST) with a season high of 23. He also shot 15/19 from the line (78.9%, 5th in EST for those with a qualifying number of attempts) and hit 5 threes, which was an extension of his game that he didn't show or use his junior year. This winter, McCart averaged 18.1 PPG while also being a double-digit rebounder in most games. The statistical highlight of his year was a 46 point, 16 rebound outburst in a late December W over Granville. McCart, who played down low for Hoosick Falls, also hit 15 threes on the year. Already well-traveled - he missed 2 weeks last summer while interning at Nike headquarters in Oregon - McCart is mulling over a handful of Division III & junior college options.
D'Aloia's game blossomed this winter, which he showed signs of throughout last summer at Union. He averaged 7.5 PPG in EST, with the highlight being a 21 point opening night performance, powered by 7 threes. He finished the season with 18 threes, just outside of the league's top 5. He also proved to be a solid floor general & facilitator. That's the least that could be said about him this winter, as he filled the stat sheet enough to flirt with triple-doubles on a handful of occasions. He also hit 45 threes and got to the line often en route to averaging 14.5 PPG (season high 31).
Travis came through during a mid-July week in EST and was productive offensively, scoring 11 & 10 points in his 2 games. Much of that came off his work on the offensive boards. That hard hat mentality showed throughout the winter, as he also averaged double digits for a successful Stillwater team (11 PPG) while also being their leading rebounder.
Zotto suited up on two separate weeks for Upstate Select in July, averaging 3.5 PPG over 4 games. The athletic guard was effective when his team was able to pick up the pace and get in the open court. He fought through an ankle injury over part of the winter and averaged 11.7 PPG (season high 24) for Tamarac.
Trio of Foothills EST All-Stars Take Home All-League Honors
Last year's 1st annual EST girls summer showcase league featured 3
regular participants & 1 alternate from the Foothills Council. All 3
of the regular participants received all-league honors this year.
Congrats to those 3, listed below!
All-EST 2nd Team Nina Fedullo (Amsterdam 2017) - Foothills MVP, Foothills South 1st Team
All-EST 1st Team Lucy Tougas (Glens Falls 2017) - All-Foothills 1st Team, Foothills North 1st Team
All-EST 2nd Team Sophie Tougas (Glens Falls 2019) - All-Foothills 1st Team, Foothills North 1st Team
All-EST 2nd Team Nina Fedullo (Amsterdam 2017) - Foothills MVP, Foothills South 1st Team
All-EST 1st Team Lucy Tougas (Glens Falls 2017) - All-Foothills 1st Team, Foothills North 1st Team
All-EST 2nd Team Sophie Tougas (Glens Falls 2019) - All-Foothills 1st Team, Foothills North 1st Team
Fedullo was a member of Havoc in EST; the Tougas sisters were teammates for All Day.
In EST, Fedullo averaged 8.83 PPG, which was a 3 way tie for 8th. That led a very balanced Havoc team in scoring average (by 1/100 of a point). Her season high was 13, and she was consistently their leading rebounder when in attendance. Her scoring totals exploded for Amsterdam this year, and she etched her name at the top of the record books multiple times. She averaged 19.5 PPG with a season high of 37, and her rebounding totals were consistently in double-digits - to the tune of 11 double-doubles this season. Her season total of 444 points set a single-season record for Amsterdam girls hoops, and not only did she set the career scoring mark at Amsterdam as well (with a year remaining to pad that number), Nina became Amsterdam girls' hoops 1st ever 1,000 point scorer. She's currently sitting at 1,059 points. In fact, the only scoring record at Amsterdam she doesn't hold is the single game mark - which she was 4 points shy of.
Lucy Tougas was instrumental to All Day's eventual championship success in EST last summer. Although she averaged just 6.6 PPG (season high 14), she consistently led All Day in rebounding from the PG spot and was a near 10 assist guarantee; the driving force behind a team that featured 3 of the league's top 4 scorers. She showed that this winter, along with further scoring ability for Section 2 Class B champion Glens Falls. Lucy averaged 14 PPG, 9.5 RPG, and just under 8 APG - including a huge January where she averaged just under an assist shy of a triple-double. Although she's known as more of a facilitator, her career scoring total is approaching 900 - and the Glens Falls girls' scoring record of just over 1,200 is within range.
'Little' sister Sophie Tougas turned into a big contributor as her confidence grew in EST last summer. She averaged 8.5 PPG (season high 17), culminating in a 13 point 1st half outburst in the championship game. Her 102 total points was good for 5th in EST. Her game went to the next level this winter, averaging 18.2 PPG (season high 30) and 10 RPG exactly, a number that spiked in playoffs with rebounding totals of 21, 15, and 14 in consecutive games. If big sister breaks scoring records, little sis will be hot on her heels almost immediately after.
Congrats to these 3 standout athletes - all with time left to go in high school!
In EST, Fedullo averaged 8.83 PPG, which was a 3 way tie for 8th. That led a very balanced Havoc team in scoring average (by 1/100 of a point). Her season high was 13, and she was consistently their leading rebounder when in attendance. Her scoring totals exploded for Amsterdam this year, and she etched her name at the top of the record books multiple times. She averaged 19.5 PPG with a season high of 37, and her rebounding totals were consistently in double-digits - to the tune of 11 double-doubles this season. Her season total of 444 points set a single-season record for Amsterdam girls hoops, and not only did she set the career scoring mark at Amsterdam as well (with a year remaining to pad that number), Nina became Amsterdam girls' hoops 1st ever 1,000 point scorer. She's currently sitting at 1,059 points. In fact, the only scoring record at Amsterdam she doesn't hold is the single game mark - which she was 4 points shy of.
Lucy Tougas was instrumental to All Day's eventual championship success in EST last summer. Although she averaged just 6.6 PPG (season high 14), she consistently led All Day in rebounding from the PG spot and was a near 10 assist guarantee; the driving force behind a team that featured 3 of the league's top 4 scorers. She showed that this winter, along with further scoring ability for Section 2 Class B champion Glens Falls. Lucy averaged 14 PPG, 9.5 RPG, and just under 8 APG - including a huge January where she averaged just under an assist shy of a triple-double. Although she's known as more of a facilitator, her career scoring total is approaching 900 - and the Glens Falls girls' scoring record of just over 1,200 is within range.
'Little' sister Sophie Tougas turned into a big contributor as her confidence grew in EST last summer. She averaged 8.5 PPG (season high 17), culminating in a 13 point 1st half outburst in the championship game. Her 102 total points was good for 5th in EST. Her game went to the next level this winter, averaging 18.2 PPG (season high 30) and 10 RPG exactly, a number that spiked in playoffs with rebounding totals of 21, 15, and 14 in consecutive games. If big sister breaks scoring records, little sis will be hot on her heels almost immediately after.
Congrats to these 3 standout athletes - all with time left to go in high school!
4 for 4 - All Foothills EST Boys League Participants Take Home All-League Honors
Last year's 1st annual EST boys summer showcase league featured 4
regular participants from the Foothills Council. All 4 of them received
all-league honors this year. Congrats to those 4, listed below!
All-EST 1st Team Joseph Girard III (Glens Falls 2019) - Foothills MVP
All-EST 2nd Team Matthew Higgins (South Glens Falls 2016) - All-Foothills 1st Team
Kory Bergh (Amsterdam 2016) - All-Foothills 1st Team
All-EST 2nd Team Devin Boyle (Johnstown 2016) - All-Foothills 2nd Team
JG3 & Higgins were EST teammates for Rising Stars; Bergh & Boyle were teammates for Marcella Appliances.
In EST, Girard III was 4th in the league in scoring per game among eligible participants (16.2), 3rd in total points (162), 2nd in 3 pointers made (28), tied for 1st in free throw percentage (88.9%), and his 39 point performance on July 22 was the 2nd highest scoring game of the season; only trailing Albert Odero, who had 48 on the same night. This winter, he pumped in 33.9 PPG (813 total points), 122 threes, and - you guessed it - 88.9% from the line. His season high was 52, which included a 22/22 performance from the line. Among his many accomplishments this season, a laundry list too long to type, he shattered the 1,000 point mark - now approaching 1,300 career points with 3 years of high school hoops remaining.
Higgins was Mr. Consistent in EST, averaging 10.5 PPG while not missing a game. He got it a variety of ways - getting to the rim, mid-range game, 12 threes, and he was 6th in EST at 76.5% from the line. His 137 total points tied him for 5th in total points, with a season high of 20 in playoff semifinals. He showed this consistency over the winter, leading SGF with 18.3 PPG (season high 32), while hitting 38 threes & shooting 111/123 - over 90% - from the free throw line. This included a phenomenal stretch of 43/44 in 2016. The senior's plans for next year have yet to be determined - one of the area's more heavily sought after Division III prospects, Hartwick and SUNY Potsdam have been among his most active suitors.
Bergh didn't light up the scoring column in EST, but his presence was felt more frequently in the role of true point guard. He averaged 8.7 PPG with a season high of 17, which included 8 treys and a 73.3% mark at the line. He assumed the role of do-it-all PG this winter, which included being their main scoring threat, and he did so by pumping in 21.6 PPG (season high 36) while knocking down 72 threes and shooting 77% from the line, along with rebounding well from the guard spot and racking up the assist totals as well. A number of programs have shown interest, especially over the last few months. Currently a solid Division III prospect, 2 years of junior college may also be an option.
Boyle came on very strong in the back half of EST, establishing himself as arguably the best pure shooter at Union each week. He averaged 14.3 PPG, good for 6th in EST, with a season high of 24. He also led EST with 29 treys; 87 of his 143 total points (4th in EST) came from behind the arc. He continued that prowess in the winter, leading Johnstown with 16.4 PPG & 67 threes, per Times Union stats - 2 games weren't reported, so that number was most likely in the 70s. His plans for next year have yet to be decided, but SUNY Cobleskill & SUNY Purchase are among the Division III programs that have shown him the most attention.
All-EST 1st Team Joseph Girard III (Glens Falls 2019) - Foothills MVP
All-EST 2nd Team Matthew Higgins (South Glens Falls 2016) - All-Foothills 1st Team
Kory Bergh (Amsterdam 2016) - All-Foothills 1st Team
All-EST 2nd Team Devin Boyle (Johnstown 2016) - All-Foothills 2nd Team
JG3 & Higgins were EST teammates for Rising Stars; Bergh & Boyle were teammates for Marcella Appliances.
In EST, Girard III was 4th in the league in scoring per game among eligible participants (16.2), 3rd in total points (162), 2nd in 3 pointers made (28), tied for 1st in free throw percentage (88.9%), and his 39 point performance on July 22 was the 2nd highest scoring game of the season; only trailing Albert Odero, who had 48 on the same night. This winter, he pumped in 33.9 PPG (813 total points), 122 threes, and - you guessed it - 88.9% from the line. His season high was 52, which included a 22/22 performance from the line. Among his many accomplishments this season, a laundry list too long to type, he shattered the 1,000 point mark - now approaching 1,300 career points with 3 years of high school hoops remaining.
Higgins was Mr. Consistent in EST, averaging 10.5 PPG while not missing a game. He got it a variety of ways - getting to the rim, mid-range game, 12 threes, and he was 6th in EST at 76.5% from the line. His 137 total points tied him for 5th in total points, with a season high of 20 in playoff semifinals. He showed this consistency over the winter, leading SGF with 18.3 PPG (season high 32), while hitting 38 threes & shooting 111/123 - over 90% - from the free throw line. This included a phenomenal stretch of 43/44 in 2016. The senior's plans for next year have yet to be determined - one of the area's more heavily sought after Division III prospects, Hartwick and SUNY Potsdam have been among his most active suitors.
Bergh didn't light up the scoring column in EST, but his presence was felt more frequently in the role of true point guard. He averaged 8.7 PPG with a season high of 17, which included 8 treys and a 73.3% mark at the line. He assumed the role of do-it-all PG this winter, which included being their main scoring threat, and he did so by pumping in 21.6 PPG (season high 36) while knocking down 72 threes and shooting 77% from the line, along with rebounding well from the guard spot and racking up the assist totals as well. A number of programs have shown interest, especially over the last few months. Currently a solid Division III prospect, 2 years of junior college may also be an option.
Boyle came on very strong in the back half of EST, establishing himself as arguably the best pure shooter at Union each week. He averaged 14.3 PPG, good for 6th in EST, with a season high of 24. He also led EST with 29 treys; 87 of his 143 total points (4th in EST) came from behind the arc. He continued that prowess in the winter, leading Johnstown with 16.4 PPG & 67 threes, per Times Union stats - 2 games weren't reported, so that number was most likely in the 70s. His plans for next year have yet to be decided, but SUNY Cobleskill & SUNY Purchase are among the Division III programs that have shown him the most attention.
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