It's playoff time! The brightest stars tend to shine when it's win or go home, and I already see plenty of that happening in the earlier stages of sectional play. Take a look at how some ESTers have done over the last few days in games below!
(As usual, names in bold are players that participated in the summer league; names that are italicized are those that just participated in one-day events - either the Summer Kickoff or the Upstate Elite Showcase. If you're wondering why I'm not highlighting your daughter's performances in these rundowns and you've never done an EST event - well, there's your answer! The level of talent below speaks for itself; the EST summer league and showcases are becoming can't miss events!)
Section II, Class AA Quarterfinals
8 seed Columbia gave Shen a good battle, but the top-seeded Plainsmen controlled the middle quarters and took home a 56-41 to advance to the semis. Cameron Tooley (Shenendehowa 2018; Le Moyne signee) had herself a night, as she dropped a game & new career high 31 points in the victory. In the process, she became the newest member of the 1,000 point club. She knocked down 4 threes, which bumps her season total to 75 - she's hit 4 or more from downtown in 8 of her last 10 games. Alexandra Tudor (Shenendehowa 2018; St. Francis BK signee) added 15 points in the win. In defeat, Lexi Van Vorst (Columbia 2019) hit 4 threes and pumped in a team high 18 points. Shen advances to take on Bethlehem, winners of 14 straight games, in Monday night's semifinals at Guilderland.
Not many teams in upstate New York are as hot as the Bethlehem Eagles. This continued Wednesday, as they reeled off their 14th straight win after starting the season 2-5 with a 54-52 neutral site W over 5th seeded Saratoga Springs. Molly Kirby (Bethlehem 2018) went off for a team high 19 points in the win, and Julianna Okoniewski (Bethlehem 2018; U of Rochester commit) added 17. In defeat, Dolly Cairns (Saratoga Springs 2020) put a cap on her superlative sophomore season with a game high 21 points, and Kerry Flaherty (Saratoga Springs 2019; Holy Cross commit) joined her in double digits with 12. The two combined to hit 7 threes. Bethlehem advances to take on top-seeded Shen on Monday night at Guilderland.
The last time Colonie and Albany played, Colonie squeaked by with a 1 point win at home, so you knew it wasn't going to be a typical 2/7 game. An experienced Raiders squad broke open a game that was tied at half and after 3 quarters, winning the final 8 minutes 21-9 en route to a 64-52 triumph to advance. Aliyah Wright (Colonie 2019) had a huge 4th quarter and led all scorers with 23 points & 7 assists. Colonie 2019 Alivia Paeglow finished with 8 points, and fellow 2019 Kyara Triblet chipped in 7 and was a major key to the game on the defensive end. Colonie advances to take on their rivals to the north, Shaker, in Monday night's semis at Guilderland.
Shaker, the 3 seed, overcame a halftime deficit and some early 2nd half adversity to knock off a tough Catholic Central squad that beat them in the same gym two months prior. A 22 point 3rd quarter turned the tide, as they advanced with a 51-43 triumph in the Colonie gym. Shyla Sanford (Shaker 2018; LIU Brooklyn signee) had 13 of her game high 19 points in the 2nd half, and with a 3rd quarter layup, she reached the 1,000 point milestone. Julia DeBeatham (Shaker 2020), playing through illness, contributed 11 points before spraining her ankle on a shot attempt in the middle of the 3rd quarter. In defeat, Ahniysha Jackson (Catholic Central 2020) led the way for the Crusaders in the scoring column with 14 points. The battle of Colonie runs the bottom half of the bracket, as Shaker takes on Colonie in AA semifinals on Monday night in Guilderland.
Section II, Class A Quarterfinals
Balance. Top-seeded Averill Park is even more dangerous than usual when they're getting production across the board, and that's exactly what Hudson Falls ran into on Thursday. 5 Warriors reached double figures, and AP jumped to a 20 point lead in the 2nd quarter and coasted to a 68-31 victory to advance to the semis. EmmaLee Morgan (Averill Park 2019) paced the victors with 14 points. Mallory Wood (Averill Park 2018; St. John Fisher commit) added 13, and Amelia Wood (Averill Park 2022) - the youngest of the 4 Wood sisters and the 3 on this year's varsity team - finished with 12. Stephanie Jankovic (Averill Park 2018; Saint Anselm signee) and Kelsey Wood (Averill Park 2020) - AP's two leading scorers this winter - had 10 apiece. In defeat, Naesha Kelley (Hudson Falls 2018) led the way with 10 points. AP advances to the semifinals, where they'll take on a red-hot Gloversville squad that hasn't lost since December 28. The semis will be Tuesday night at Colonie.
4th seeded Scotia-Glenville held the lead midway through the 3rd quarter. Then, it was Harmony Philo's time to take over. The Gloversville 2019 standout scored 24 of her game high 33 points in the 2nd half and added 6 assists, as her squad outscored Scotia 35-14 in the final 1.5 quarters in a 62-47 triumph. Philo, one of Section II's leading scorers, eclipsed the 30 point mark for the 3rd time this winter, and her 5 treys made it the 5th time she's hit 5 or more from behind the arc this season. In defeat, Mary Kate Palleschi (Scotia-Glenville 2018) - a longtime steady presence for the Tartans - finished with 12 points. Gloversville advances to take on top-seeded Averill Park, which will be on Tuesday at Colonie.
Amsterdam had to withstand a strong effort by a scrappy league opponent in South Glens Falls, but the 2nd seeded Rams scored 22 points in the 4th quarter and rolled forward with a 66-50 triumph. Giuliana Pritchard (Amsterdam 2018) faced a box & 1 for much of the game, but still finished with a team high 22 points in the victory. She's now scored 500+ points on the season, which makes her the first ever in the Amsterdam girls' program to do so. Amsterdam once again advances to the Class A semifinals Tuesday at Colonie, where they'll take on Holy Names.
Section II, Class B Opening Round
Top-seeded Tamarac rolled through to the quarterfinals, jumping to a 20 point halftime lead en route to a 65-40 W over visiting Emma Willard. In a balanced effort that saw ten Bengals hit the scorebook, Kayla Doody (Tamarac 2018; SUNY Plattsburgh commit) finished with 9 points & Renna Poulin (Tamarac 2019) added 8. They host Glens Falls in the quarterfinals Saturday night.
Schalmont jumped out to a sizable early lead, absorbed the blow after giving up nearly all of the lead, and moved on with a 44-35 victory over Catskill. Payton Graber (Schalmont 2022) led all scorers with 16 points, and big sis Madison Graber (Schalmont 2018; SUNY Cortland commit) added 11. Paige Brinkman (Schalmont 2018; Western New England commit) contributed 8 in the win. They advance to take on Watervliet, which will played Saturday evening at Tamarac.
Mechanicville, the #2 seed, used a strong 2nd quarter to create separation against a young Fonda-Fultonville squad & advanced with a 63-39 victory. Sam Pasinella (Mechanicville 2018; Sage commit) pumped in a game high 20 points in the win. Mechanicville hosts quarterfinal action Saturday night, where they'll take on Hudson.
Cohoes nearly pulled off a minor seeding upset, as they overcame a double digit 2nd half deficit to hold a late lead, but they eventually fell in double overtime to 7th seeded Hudson, 58-57. Sam Dayter (Cohoes 2018; SUNY Poly commit) contributed 13 points in defeat.
#3 seed Cobleskill-Richmondville found themselves down at the break to #14 seed Schuylerville, but a 34 point 2nd half was enough to keep the Black Horses' upset bid from coming to fruition, and they advanced with a 56-48 triumph. Allie Pacatte (Cobleskill 2018) knocked down 3 threes and led all scorers with 24 points, a season high for the steady PG who has scored in double digits in nearly all of their games. Emily Vallee (Schuylerville 2018), a longtime standout for her school that recently scored her 1,000th point, had a team high 21 points in defeat - her 7th 20+ point outing of the season. Cobleskill takes on league opponent Voorheesville in the quarterfinals on Saturday evening at Mechanicville.
Section II, Class C Opening Round & Quarterfinals
The top-seeded Cambridge Indians flexed early and never let visiting Cairo-Durham have a chance, as they advanced with a 56-23 triumph. In a storyline similar to many Cambridge games this season, their defense made a difference and they received a potent scoring punch from the Phillips twins. Sophie Phillips (Cambridge 2021) finished with a game high 16 points, 12 of them coming before halftime. Lilly Phillips (Cambridge 2021) added 15, with 11 coming in the 3rd quarter. They followed it up by dominating visiting Maple Hill in Friday night's quarterfinals, jumping to a 20 point lead in the 2nd quarter and expanding it to 32 by the end of the 3rd en route to a 58-37 victory. Sophie had a particularly strong 1st half and led 3 in double figures with a game high 21 points. Lilly added 11 in a game that they got plenty of rest after intermission. Next up for Cambridge is league opponent and neighbors to the south, Hoosick Falls. That game will be Tuesday night, 7:30, at Cohoes.
Despite a game high 15 points from Molly Brophy (Greenwich 2021), the 8th seeded Witches fell at home to visiting Maple Hill, 49-42.
The seeding upset of the tournament happened in Berne, as 4th seeded Berne-Knox-Westerlo was held to just 6 points after halftime in a 48-30 loss to 13 seed Stillwater. Taylor Meacham (BKW 2020) provided just about half of the Bulldogs' scoring offense, contributing a team high 14 points.
5th seeded Hoosick Falls continued their recent strong play with a pair of wins. They jumped out to an early lead on visiting Duanesburg and never looked back en route to a 66-41 opening round victory. Logan Thayne (Hoosick Falls 2020) continued her superlative play, finishing with a game high 22 points & 12 rebounds - one of several 20/10 games this season. She had 16 of her 22 in the 2nd half. They followed it up by disposing of #13 Stillwater, who had previously pulled a major seeding upset, 50-29. The Panthers' lead was 16 at halftime and ballooned to 25 after 3 quarters. Thayne had another big performance, dropping a game high 21 points and adding 18 rebounds & 5 blocks. Hoosick Falls now takes on familiar opponent Cambridge in the Class C semifinals, 7:30 Tuesday at Cohoes.
Greenville, the 6 seed, has used the strength of a pair of big 4th quarters to earn a spot in the Class C semifinals. They got a game high 33 points from Section II leading scorer Ava Fitzmaurice (2015-2016 ESTer; Greenville 2018, New Haven softball commit) as they exploded from a 3rd quarter deficit to beat visiting Warrensburg 59-46 in their opening round game. They trailed by 2 heading into the 4th. They were in a familiar spot in Friday's quarterfinals, and they outscored #3 Lake George 21-9 in the final 8 minutes to advance with a 49-41 W. Fitzmaurice pumped in a team high 21 points in the victory. They've earned a date with Mekeel Christian Academy in the Class C semifinals, which will be at 6:00 Tuesday at Cohoes.
Section II, Class D Quarterfinals
Kyra Oeffler (Heatly 2018; Sage commit) pumped in a game high 21 points, but it proved to be in defeat as the 2nd seeded Hornets fell to Fort Edward on Thursday, 53-47. The longtime small school standout finished her high school career with over 1,500 points and has been a multi-year all-star in the CHVL. She'll continue her basketball career at the collegiate level, staying close to home at Division III Sage.
Section I, Class A Quarterfinals
3rd seeded Rye marched on to the semis with a 47-29 triumph over Hendrick Hudson. Teaghan Flaherty (Rye 2020), who's had a stellar sophomore campaign to date, had a team high 14 points in the victory. Next up for them is a date with #2 Somers, who made the state semifinals last year, on Tuesday.
Section I, Class B Quarterfinals
Putnam Valley keeps on winning, and in convincing fashion nonetheless. Kelli Venezia (Putnam Valley 2020) is a major piece of their success, and she showed her capability again on Wednesday, as she went off for a game high 27 points - including 8 threes - in their blowout quarterfinal W. Next up for Coach Dini and the crew is a date at the County Center for Class B semis.
Section III, Class AA Quarterfinals
Top-seeded Cicero-North Syracuse jumped out to a big halftime lead and rolled to a 62-34 victory over visiting Fayetteville-Manlius. Jess Cook (CNS 2021) was one of four in double figures for the Northstars, finishing with 11 points. In defeat, Lexie Roe (F-M 2021) pumped in a team high 17 points, hitting 5 threes in the process. CNS advances to take on rival Liverpool at OCC Sunday evening.
In the other game on the top half of the bracket, 5th seeded Liverpool rolled on the road at #4 Auburn, 79-50. Lexi Emmi (Liverpool 2019) was one of four in double figures for the winners, dropping 16 points. Stef Gera (Auburn 2019), her AAU teammate, knocked down 4 threes and finished with a team high 14 in defeat. Liverpool/CNS is one of the big games of the weekend, Sunday evening at OCC.
#2 seed West Genesee flexed early in their quarterfinal game, jumping to a 32 point halftime lead and cruising home to a 75-34 triumph over visiting Rome Free Academy. Mackenzie Smith (West Genesee 2019) dropped 18 points, which tied for the game high. Madison Smith (West Genesee 2019) knocked down 3 threes and added 15 points in the victory. They advance to take on Baldwinsville in the AA semis at OCC on Sunday evening.
Section III, Class A Quarterfinals
CBA, the 5 seed, exploded after a slow 1st quarter and soundly beat 4th seeded Oswego - at their place - 65-42. Brooke Jarvis (CBA 2020) went off for a game high 27 points in the victory. They have a tall task next, as they take on back-to-back Class A state champion Jamesville-DeWitt in the semifinals. The game will be at 5:15 Saturday in Onondaga CC's Allyn Hall.
In a league matchup and one of the Utica area's fiercest rivalries, 6th seeded Whitesboro was able to overcome a 15 point 1st half deficit to take down the 3rd seeded New Hartford Spartans, 68-60. Beana DeMarco (2016 ESTer; Whitesboro 2018) knocked down 4 threes and was one of three in double figures for the Warriors, finishing with 16. In defeat, Kaia Henderson (New Hartford 2022) pumped in a game high 24 points. Whitesboro advances to the semifinals at OCC's Allyn Hall, where they play Indian River at 7:00 Saturday.
Section III, Class B Quarterfinals
The top-seeded Bishop Ludden Gaelic Knights jumped to a sizable lead over a General Brown squad that's better than their 8 seed indicated, and they rode on to a 64-43 W. Aurora DeShaies (Bishop Ludden 2019) finished with 18 points, which was a team high. In defeat, Kylee Rosbrook (General Brown 2018) had a game high 19 points & added 6 rebounds. Ludden rolls onto the semifinals, where they take on familiar foe Westhill at OCC's Allyn Hall. The game will be at 1:30 on Saturday.
One of Oneida's most successful seasons in recent memory came to a close on Tuesday night, as they dug themselves a hole in the 1st half and fell to 5th seeded Westhill, 64-54. Sydney Lusher (Oneida 2021) had a strong game for the Indians, finishing with 15 points & 4 assists. The team's resident facilitator finished the season averaging 8.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 5.4 APG, and 1.3 SPG.
A big 1st quarter gave a strong South Jefferson squad all the cushion they needed, as they scored 20 in the first 8 minutes and advanced with a 51-38 W over Utica Notre Dame. Jenna Zimmerman (South Jefferson 2018; Le Moyne signee) knocked down 4 threes and went for a Jenna-esque stat line, finishing with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 blocks. Jackie Piddock (South Jefferson 2022) also contributed 16 points and added 3 rebounds & 5 assists. Alyssa Stevenson (South Jefferson 2019) finished with 7 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks in the W. South Jeff advances to the Class B semifinals, where they'll take on Bishop Grimes at 3:00 Saturday at OCC.
It's not often that a 7 seed has a home game in the quarterfinals, but with 15 seed VVS pulling off a major seeding upset last weekend, the Cobra Pit was in use Wednesday evening. Grimes slowly gained separation and was able to advance with a 48-39 triumph over the Red Devils. Abby Wilkinson (Bishop Grimes 2019) finished with 14 points, 5 assists, and 2 blocks in the victory. Next up for the Cobras is a date with South Jefferson, which will take place at 3:15 on Saturday in OCC's Allyn Hall.
Section III, Class C Quarterfinals
A 28 point 3rd quarter outburst from Weedsport proved to be too much for 6th seeded Cooperstown to overcome, as their season ended in the quarterfinals with a 77-68 setback. Julie Ford (Cooperstown 2018; UAlbany signee) saved arguably her best performance for last, as she went off for a game high 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 blocks for the Hawkeyes. Meaghan Perrino (Cooperstown 2018) added 8 points and 7 rebounds, and Maggie Schuermann (Cooperstown 2018) finished with 7 points & 2 steals.
A game effort from an inspired #10 seed in Sauquoit Valley almost was enough to make a major stir in the Class C sectional field, but the 2nd seeded Little Falls Mounties were able to advance with a 60-53 triumph. Olivia Langdon (Little Falls 2019) finished with 9 points, 13 rebounds, and a pair of assists in the win. In defeat, Allison Moreau (Sauquoit Valley 2019) finished a stellar junior campaign with a game high 32 points (5 threes). She put up some of the most prolific scoring numbers in upstate NY this season, only building upon what's already been a record-breaking career at Sauquoit. She averaged 28.3 PPG this season, and her 594 total points push her career mark to 1,742 with a season remaining. With Emily Durr & Breanna Stewart's marks of 2,400+ points being the tops in Section III history, she has a shot to be one of CNY's all-time leading scorers at this point next year. Little Falls advances to the Class C semifinals, where they'll take on Weedsport in OCC's Allyn Hall Gymnasium, Sunday at 6:30.
Section III, Class D Quarterfinals
Top-seeded Brookfield, a school that's only had a girls' basketball program for 3 years, roared to a 49-12 halftime lead and rolled onto the semis with an 82-34 victory over Poland. Jaelyn Vleer-Elliott (Brookfield 2021), one of CNY's most prolific stat stuffers this winter, had an Ice Cube approved day. She messed around & had a triple-double - and she flirted with a quadruple-double. The 5'11" forward finished with 15 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists, 8 steals, and 3 blocks. This was her 4th triple-double of the season and 2nd in a row. They open up the semifinal action on Sunday, entertaining Oriskany at 1:00 in OCC's Allyn Hall.
3rd seeded Waterville created separation with a big 2nd quarter and disposed of a historically strong Copenhagen squad, 64-37, to advance to the semifinals. Sophie Wittenbeck (Waterville 2018), who recently scored her 1,000th point, tied for the game high with 17 points. They'll take on Sackets Harbor at OCC's Allyn Hall, which is slated for a 2:45 tip on Sunday.
Section IV, Class AA Semifinal
Straight to semifinal action in the Southern Tier, a section that is small-school dominated. 2nd seeded Horseheads took control early and never let #3 Binghamton get too close, taking a double-digit lead into the locker room and coming out with a 58-49 victory. Jill Casey (Horseheads 2020) went 8/10 from the line and finished with a team high 18 points in the W. Next up, a week-long wait before the Class AA final - presumably against top-seeded Elmira. The game will be held at Corning-Painted Post HS, 6:00 next Friday.
Section IV, Class D Opening Round
The 4th seeded Stamford Indians controlled action from the tip against visiting Richfield Springs and rolled to a 70-33 victory Wednesday. The usual suspects combined for 55 of their points in the victory. Melanie Hoyt (Stamford 2021) pumped in a game high 23 points and added 3 assists & 4 steals. Haley Steenland (Stamford 2018) and Madison Hoyt (Stamford 2019) added 16 points apiece, and Steenland also had 5 assists & 4 steals. They advance to the quarterfinals, where they'll take on 5th seeded Franklin. That'll be Saturday at Stamford, slated for a 2:00 tip.
Deposit/Hancock rolled at home in Wednesday's 6/11 opening round game, jumping to a 17 point 1st quarter edge en route to a 60-29 W over Davenport. Laycee Drake (Hancock 2021) dropped a game high 20 points, continuing her strong freshman campaign. Next up is a date with #3 South Kortright - a team they beat earlier in the season at a neutral site - Saturday at 3:45. The game will be held at Stamford following the Franklin/Stamford quarterfinal, as South Kortright continues to go without a home court this season.
Section V, Class A Opening Round
A team high 16 points & 5 rebounds from Alana Kornaker (Wayne 2018; Middlebury commit) wasn't enough to bring home an opening round win, as they fell on the road to East High 71-56 in Class A2 playoffs.
Section VI, Class D Quarterfinals
Franklinville made quick work of visiting Clymer on Thursday night, and much of that had to do with a huge showing from standout 2020 Dani Haskell. She hung a game high 35 points - with an incredible 30 coming in the 1st half - in their 82-39 W.
Section VII, Class D Quarterfinals
3rd seeded Bolton had a strong regular season in the MVAC South, and a quarterfinal blowout win sets them on a crash course with their main nemesis so far this winter. Kate Van Auken (Bolton 2021) continued her recent tear by dropping a game high 25 points in their 55-34 victory over Keene on Friday night. Next up for them is Westport, the only team Bolton's bumped into this year that has had their way with them. That game will be on Tuesday night at AuSable Valley.
Section IX
For the first time in a decade, the Highland girls basketball program gets to call themselves MHAL champions. This is the latest accomplishment in a very successful regular season that they're hoping to add 'back-to-back sectional champs' to. It started with a tough 40-28 W over Class AA FDR on Tuesday night. Brianna Rozzi (Highland 2019) received the bulk of defensive attention and was held well below her scoring average, but she put her stamp on the game in many different ways, finishing with 9 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. She did so with coaches from Colgate & NJIT in attendance for her. The Huskies secured the championship with a 51-37 victory over Millbrook Friday night - a game that was pushed back a day due to inclement weather Thursday. Rozzi fought foul trouble in the 1st half, but still finished with a game high 20 points in the W. Next up for Highland is sectionals, where they've secured the top seed in Class B. They'll entertain the winner of Rhinebeck/O'Neill in Tuesday's quarterfinal matchup.
Millbrook split a pair in the MHAL playoffs this week, getting two more tough tests heading into Class C sectionals. They started off with a 59-39 triumph over Spackenkill on Tuesday. Erin Fox (Millbrook 2020) led the way for the victors - the standout forward, recently offered by Marist, had Manhattan in the gym watching intently. They fell in the league championship Friday night to state-ranked Class B Highland, 51-37. Sam McKenna (Millbrook 2019) paced the Blazers with 14 points, and Fox added 9 in the setback. Next up for them is sectionals, where they've earned the top seed in Class C. They get a bye into Tuesday's semifinals, where they'll take on the winner of Sullivan West & Tri-Valley.
Kingston finished off their regular season schedule with a couple wins to gear up for Class AA sectionals. They started off with Tuesday's 63-35 blowout over Minisink Valley. Chloe Chaffin (Kingston 2018; Fordham signee) pumped in 17 points to lead all scorers. She added 10 more, one of three in double figures, as they blew out Newburgh 65-41 on Wednesday. They go into sectionals as the 4 seed, which gets them a home game against #5 Valley Central. That'll be on Monday at 5:30.
Cornwall ended their regular season on a high note with a pair of victories. First, it was a 46-40 victory over Burke Catholic. Maggie Malone (Cornwall 2019), one of the section's standout players, finished with a team high 17 points in the win. On Wednesday, they beat Fallsburg by nearly the same score - this one was 48-40. Malone pumped in a game high 21 points to propel them to the winner's circle. Next up for the Dragons is Class A sectionals, where they've earned the 1 seed. They'll entertain the winner of Red Hook/New Paltz next Friday.
Saugerties, who has challenged themselves whenever possible in their non-league schedule, ended the regular season with a more relaxing 61-23 W over Pine Plains. Grace VanRoy (Saugerties 2019) led all scorers with 19 points in the Sawyers' blowout victory. Next up for them is Class A sectionals; they come in as the 2 seed, but calling them an underdog in any S9 game would be foolish. They host #3 Goshen next Friday at 5:30.
Another big scoring game from Middletown 2020 Kiki Kennedy fueled her squad to a blowout victory on Monday. Her game high 33 points was enough to outscore their opponent by itself, as they beat Monticello 56-25. They were given the 7 seed in the recently released Class AA sectional brackets, and they head to Warwick for a Monday quarterfinal matchup next.
Section X, Class D Semifinals
Hammond earned another berth into the sectional finals after handling 3rd seeded Colton-Pierrepont this week, 56-41. Ally Crosby (2016 ESTer: Hammond 2018, Jefferson CC commit) dropped a game high 19 points in the victory. In a break from the norm, it won't be Heuvelton that they face in the finals, as they were knocked off by Edwards-Knox. The Hammond/E-K final will be held at SUNY Potsdam, Saturday at 1:00.
A Look At The Weekend
With Section II semifinals set in 4 out of 5 classes, it's Class B that wraps up the quarterfinal quintet on Saturday evening. The top half of the bracket plays at Tamarac, and the top-seeded Bengals (Kayla Doody, Renna Poulin) entertain #8 Glens Falls in the 7:30 nightcap. Before that is the 4/5 matchup, where #4 Schalmont (Paige Brinkman, Madison Graber, Payton Graber) takes on Watervliet. At the same time, the bottom half of the bracket will go to battle in Mechanicville. The 2nd seeded Red Raiders (Sam Pasinella) host #7 Hudson at 7:30, with #3 Cobleskill (Allie Pacatte, Lauren Hill) and #6 Voorheesville (Victoria Konicki) squaring off for the 3rd time this season to start the night off at 6:00.
By the end of the weekend, all Section III finals will be set. All ten semifinal games will take place this weekend on the Onondaga Community College campus. Classes A & B take the court Saturday, with AA, C, and D finishing off the action on Sunday. The fun tips off at 1:30 on Saturday with Class B action, where top-seeded Bishop Ludden (Aurora DeShaies) takes on rival Westhill. Following that is the other Class B semifinal, where #3 South Jefferson (Jenna Zimmerman, Abby Piddock, Jackie Piddock, Alyssa Stevenson) will entertain the Cobras of Bishop Grimes (Abby Wilkinson) at 3:15. Jamesville-DeWitt - who has no 'ESTers', but features fall league champions & Mase Madness participants like Meg Hair, Kasey Vaughan, Momo LaClair, Paige Keeler, and Andrea Sumida - takes on CBA (Brooke Jarvis) at 5:15 in the first Class A semifinal, and capping off Saturday night is #6 Whitesboro (Beana DeMarco) battling #2 Indian River at 7:00.
Six more games take place on Sunday, with Class D semifinals starting it off. Top-seeded Brookfield (Jaelyn Vleer-Elliott) plays #5 Oriskany at 1:00, and #3 Waterville (Sophie Wittenbeck, Molly Williams) plays #2 Sackets Harbor directly after. The Class AA & Class C semifinals overlap in the evening, with the Cs taking place at Allyn Hall (where all the previously mentioned games are) & the AAs playing downstairs in the SRC Arena. In the AA semifinals, top-seeded Cicero-North Syracuse (Jess Cook, Aniah Ingram) take on rival Liverpool (Lexi Emmi) at 5:00, and #2 West Genesee (Mackenzie Smith, Madison Smith, Catie Cunningham) entertain Baldwinsville in the 6:45 nightcap. Upstairs, Class C #2 Little Falls (Olivia Langdon) takes on #3 Weedsport in the latter of two C semis at 6:30.
The Section IV Class B tournament begins Saturday night with quarterfinal games. 4th seeded Norwich (Taylor Hansen, Halea Eaton, Saige Benedict, Abby Flynn) hosts 5th seeded Oneonta at 6:00. Undefeated and top-seeded Susquehanna Valley (Holly Manchester) is the lone team with a bye; they await the winner of that game for a game early next week.
Section IV's loaded Class D tournament continues on Saturday, and it includes a trio of games featuring ESTers that could be a treat for Oneonta-area basketball enthusiasts. The day tips with 5th seeded Franklin playing at #4 Stamford (Madison Hoyt, Melanie Hoyt, Haley Steenland) at 2:00. Directly following that game, also in the Stamford gym, #6 Deposit/Hancock (Laycee Drake) takes on #3 South Kortright at 3:45. Not long after that, a short drive down Route 10 takes you to top-seeded Delaware Academy (Logan Bruce, Kaitlynn Finch, Sophia Wakin), where they host #8 Newfield at 6:00.
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