After Giving Up Lead, Shaker Guts Out Road W Over Troy

December 18, 2018

Shaker 47, Troy 44 (OT)

The host Flying Horses of Troy played from behind for nearly the entirety of Tuesday's contest against visiting Shaker, but they continued to do enough to hang around. It paid off late, as they were able to claw all the way back and even take a late lead, eventually forcing an overtime session. However, it was Shaker's pressure that busted pipes in the waning moments, and they were able to turn defense into offense to escape with a league victory.

Solé Carrington finished with 14 points and was a major factor at both ends in Shaker's win.

A slow start - both in pace and on the scoreboard - went Shaker's way as they stifled their opponents for a long stretch of the first half. Troy opened up the scoring with a Jenalyse Alarcon (Troy 2021) layup a minute into the game, but would only be able to muster an Alarcon free throw in the quarter besides that. After a Julia DeBeatham (Shaker 2020) three gave Shaker an 8-2 lead, both teams went without a field goal for the last 3:39 of the 1st as Shaker ended it with a 9-3 edge. They quickly extended their lead to double digits in the 2nd quarter, as DeBeatham scored and Kaelah Carter (Shaker 2022) knocked down a three to provide a 14-3 edge. Troy was then able to claw back into it with the combination of a solid defensive effort - holding Shaker to 3 points in the last 6+ minutes of the half - and the production of Jakaiya Dewer (Troy 2021). She was able to get in the teeth of Shaker's zone and use her athleticism to attack the rim, scoring 6 in the quarter, and an Amaya George jumper cut Troy's deficit to 17-14 going into halftime.

An Alaina Holmes (Troy 2020) bucket to start the 3rd cut their deficit to 1, but Shaker took over from there as they threatened to put Troy into a deep hole. They quickly reeled off 7 straight points, 5 coming from Solé Carrington (Shaker 2021), and she continued to produce as her 8 points in the quarter helped Shaker extend their lead back to 10 late in the stanza. Holmes & Alarcon split free throws in the last minute of the quarter, cutting Troy's deficit to 7 entering the 4th. The run continued as Shaker was held scoreless for over 6 minutes to start the 4th. Holmes scored to start the quarter, Dewer added a three, and Alarcon scored back-to-back buckets, the second being a driving left-handed layup to put Troy up 36-34 with 2:43 left. The lead changed hands three more times in the waning moments - a DeBeatham three, another Alarcon basket, and a Maddy Malicki (Shaker 2019) layup off a baseline out of bounds play all were go-ahead points. A Carrington steal with under 30 seconds left but Shaker in good position to take it home, with Troy having to play the foul game. Eventually they sent DeBeatham to the line, who split a pair to give Shaker a 40-38 lead with :17.5 remaining. On the other end, Carrington was whistled for a hand check as Nadia Brown (Troy 2021) started to drive, sending Brown to the line. She calmly drained a pair with :11.5 left to tie it up, and Shaker's last second desperation attempt was off to send it to overtime.

Jenalyse Alarcon had 11 of her 14 after halftime and played a key role in Troy's comeback, scoring go-ahead baskets three separate times in the game's final minutes.

The lead went back & forth throughout overtime as well. Carrington split free throws, and Brown scored for Troy to give the Flying Horses the lead back. Malicki was then sent to the line on two separate occasions 10 seconds apart - both after Troy turnovers - and she split each time for Shaker, eventually giving them a 1 point lead with a minute remaining. Alarcon scored again after grabbing an offensive rebound - her 3rd go-ahead basket of the game during crunch time minutes - but Carrington got by her initial defender on the other end and drew contact, getting back to the line where she split a pair to tie it up. After a bit of controversy over a timeout call, Troy had to inbound on their own baseline. The errant pass was tipped by Carrington and bounced right to Malicki next to the basket, who finished to give Shaker a 46-44 lead with just over 15 seconds remaining. Harassment in the backcourt turned into another Troy turnover, and Carter split a pair of free throws - the 5th time in the OT period that Shaker split at the line - to give them a 3 point edge. Holmes took it the length of the court, but her contested last second three point attempt was off, giving Shaker a hard fought W.

Solé Carrington & Julia DeBeatham each scored 14 points to pace Shaker in the scorebook. Carrington had 8 of those come in a strong 3rd quarter, where DeBeatham had 5 herself. Carrington added 3 rebounds & 5 steals, and DeBeatham contributed 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Jenalyse Alarcon led the way for Troy with 14 points, 11 coming in the 2nd half & overtime, including three go-ahead baskets. Jakaiya Dewer added 9 points, and Alaina Holmes contributed 8 with 6 coming in a strong 3rd quarter.

Julia DeBeatham finished with 14 points and provided a steady presence for Shaker, proving to be especially important after Troy put pressure on them with their comeback bid.

#JeffsNotes

- The scoreboard generally had a direct relationship with the pace of play. Although cold shooting and some turnovers - forced & unforced - had a role in the slow start, I thought amount of possessions was the biggest reason. Most of the first half was played mainly in the half court, with each team going deep into the shot clock against their opponent's zone defense. Possessions were at a minimum compared to most games. The game opened up considerably more coming out of the locker room and was played a bit more uptempo, and the offensive production followed.

- Shaker's backcourt of Solé Carrington & Julia DeBeatham got it done for them, and they were a major reason they walked out of the gym with a win. They combined for over 60% of their team's points, which of course is important, but it was far beyond that. Carrington provided stingy, physical ball pressure that you could see bothered some of Troy's guards. She gets burnt with foul trouble sometimes because of it - had 4 fouls in this game, mainly when she got a little overzealous with the pressure and tossed a hand check or tried to go for a steal - but you'll put up with that to have her energy, toughness, ability to defend & frustrate ballhandlers, and the high number of steals and seemingly countless tips & deflections she's responsible for. Her pressure forced several turnovers against Troy's guards in the waning moments of the 4th quarter & overtime, and they're not at that point without her. DeBeatham has shown growth mentally, and it seems like the 3rd year varsity starter knows it's her time to lead. She knocked down big shots when Shaker needed them, and she calmed her young team down and controlled pace with the ball in her hands when needed. A solid performance with some big moments from these two were instrumental in Shaker's run.

4th year varsity starter Alaina Holmes will continue to be a cornerstone piece over the next couple years as Troy lays the groundwork with its young talent.

- Troy is coming along... turning a program around is far from an overnight thing. They'll graduate two guards in the rotation this winter, but besides that, it'll be the same team coming back for another year. It does help when you can build around players with talent like Jenalyse Alarcon & Alaina Holmes, but those other players - Jakaiya Dewer, Nadia Brown, Makya Chapman, etc. - are showing that they're coming along and all are playing pretty hard for their new coach. They almost nipped Shaker at home tonight... they could sneak up on a couple teams this winter and get wins you wouldn't expect. Regardless, looking forward to seeing their development as it looks like they could be a solid group in coming years.

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

December 17, 2018

Queensbury 61, Broadalbin-Perth 15

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

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

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

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

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

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

#JeffsNotes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Norwich Controls Pace After Halftime, Runs to Win Over SV

December 13, 2018

Norwich 57, Susquehanna Valley 33

Thursday night was as good a time as any to take another trip, this time going into the northern reaches of Section IV for a matchup between perennially competitive STAC Class B programs. A Susquehanna Valley squad that won the Class B Federation championship last year - but returning only UMass signee Maeve Donnelly from last year's starting lineup - hit the road to take on Norwich, a group with an upperclassman core that's been around for a while and feeling like they can play deep into March. In a game between two teams that clearly wanted to play at different paces, Norwich was able to win that battle in the 2nd half and run away in the 4th quarter to a victory.

Saige Benedict played a solid game in the blocks for a Norwich squad lacking in size compared to their SV opponents.

The 1st half could only be described as a war of attrition. It was a slow offensive start on both ends, full of turnovers and fouls, as both teams were jacked up for the moment. Norwich showed early that they would come at SV in waves and try to fluster their guards, and although the turnover count was high, the Sabers were able to use the 6'5" Donnelly as a security blanket breaking the press. Between being able to get the ball into the frontcourt and then getting back on defense to eliminate fast break opportunities for Norwich, Susquehanna Valley was able to succeed early in making it a half-court game. Donnelly scored SV's last 6 points of the 1st quarter, and although they shot just 2/8 from the line in the opening stanza, Norwich could do no better than match that exact effort. A free throw from Abby Flynn (Norwich 2020) gave the Purple Tornado a 9-8 lead at the end of a long 1st quarter. The 2nd quarter resembled the 1st most of the way. After Triniti Myers (Norwich 2019) scored to give Norwich a 12-8 lead, SV had its most potent offensive burst of the night, reeling off 7 unanswered points in just over a minute to take a 15-12 lead in the middle of the quarter. Norwich responded by scoring 8 straight themselves, with Myers and fellow 2019 Taylor Hansen trading threes over a 30 second span. Myers tacked on another three late in the half, but despite the brief onslaught and SV shooting just 8/21 from the line in the half, the Sabers found themselves down just 3.

Susquehanna Valley drew first blood in the 3rd quarter with another Maeve Donnelly basket, but they'd be held scoreless for nearly 5 minutes of action after that as Norwich went on a 10-0 run to take a double digit lead for the first time. The energy of Halea Eaton (Norwich 2020) was instrumental in that run, being responsible for 3 points, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a handful of hustle plays in that stretch. Donnelly was able to get it in the post & convert to stop the bleeding, and Susquehanna Valley kept their deficit at 10 entering the 4th after Mara Donnelly (Susquehanna Valley 2021) got loose for a layup against Norwich's press just before the buzzer. That's as close as the visitors would get though, as the run was on in the 4th. The constant pressure, physicality, and pushing of the pace seemed to pay off, as Norwich was able to continue turning SV over and produce at the offensive end. A pair of threes extended their lead to 17, and after Donnelly converted one more time, the hosts ran off 13 straight points - 7 coming from Eaton and capped by a Flynn three - to give them a 57-29 lead with just over two minutes remaining.

Halea Eaton led a balanced Norwich effort with 12 points and had a fantastic 2nd half. Triniti Myers added 10 in the victory, 8 coming in the 2nd quarter as Norwich was looking for offensive production, and Sydney Coggins also chipped in with 10. For Susquehanna Valley, Maeve Donnelly led the way with 13 points along with being a rim protector in the middle of their 2-3 and being an important piece of breaking the press early.

UMass signee Maeve Donnelly was able to convert when they were able to get it to her in the blocks - she finished with a game high 13.

#JeffsNotes

- Clearly a battle of contrasting styles, with both teams trying to win the battle of pace. Susquehanna Valley coach Chad Freije had a good game plan against Norwich's press, and I thought they executed it well in the 1st half. They actively used Maeve Donnelly as a bit of a 6'5" security blanket against the press, who slowed it down and dictated the speed of the defense rather than the other way around. They also looked to attack with the pass up the sideline instead of reversing to the inbounder, a pass that Norwich tends to eat up. Susquehanna Valley's turnover count was probably high in the 1st half, but they were dead ball turnovers - travel, double dribble, throw it out of bounds - not the live ball turnovers that usually turn into Norwich layups or free throws. With that and how often SV was able to get to the free throw line, I thought they won the battle of pace early. But you could hear Norwich coach Josh Bennett yelling it late in the 2nd quarter: 'They're more tired than we are'. That rang true coming out of the locker room, as the hosts were able to impose their will and slowly wear SV down into a team that just looked like they didn't have much left in the tank as the 4th quarter began. Each team had something that you just can't simulate in practice to prep for them. SV has its next-level size & length, with Maeve Donnelly controlling the middle of their zone and younger sister, 6'2" Mara, alongside her. Norwich has its frenetic pace, toughness, and physicality with its pressure. It took a while for NHS to get anything going offensively, but once their pace won out, the rest was history.

Halea Eaton played a major role in helping Norwich break through in the 2nd half.

- If you follow the Empire State Takeover Twitter (@NYSTakeover), you already saw this, but here it goes again. If you look in the scorebook, it'll say that Halea Eaton scored 3 points in the 3rd quarter. If you were at the game paying attention, you'd probably see that the difference the Norwich 2020 PG made was immense - far beyond what you see in the book. It was 25-22 with 4:07 left when she went to the free throw line. After splitting a pair, she ended up flying out of bounds to dive for a loose ball on the ensuing inbound pass. After that, she tied someone up in the backcourt. Then she tipped a pass out of bounds at the top of the zone. Then she caused another tie-up, this one against Donnelly under the basket. Then she got another tip. After that defensive sequence, they get the ball and she hits a short range floater. We're not done yet. Halea followed it up by stealing a pass in the backcourt, taking a couple dribbles and dumping one off to Nicole Jeffrey for a layup. Timeout, SV, now down 30-22... and this all happened in 55 seconds of play. Norwich's victory was a team effort for sure, but I personally thought Halea changed the game over those 55 seconds. This is all part of the Halea Eaton Experience. Capable scorer and will do so, although she doesn't blow up the box score. The impact she can make on a game beyond the point total, however, is monumental. There was a D2 school in the house for Halea Thursday, and I can only hope/imagine they saw what I saw in the 2nd half.

- Well, would you look at that... there was a good crowd! And a student section! What is this? What is life? Where am I?... ok, maybe I shouldn't be that dramatic. But it was certainly refreshing to see a good crowd out for a Thursday night game that didn't start until around 8:10. The community support was refreshing - and that level of support was possible because in the STAC, boys & girls play on different nights. No split crowds because some are at one site and some at the other. On Thursday night, the girls were the show, and hundreds were there for it. My annual beef with many of Section 2's leagues. The Foothills got it right when they moved girls to Mon/Thurs while keeping boys at Tues/Fri. Meanwhile, we have pretty much everyone else - on both sides - always playing Tues/Fri. I'm sure the two main arguments in response are 'it makes scheduling easier' and always my favorite, 'it's always been this way'. I'm just a lowly girls basketball guy and my rant doesn't matter, I know. What I do know is that I was happy to see last night's crowd at Norwich, and I wish I could see a crowd like that for a regular season game more often. With the scheduling system in place for many S2 leagues right now... I'm afraid that's impossible.

Early Run Sets the Tone, CVA Wins at Home

December 12, 2018

Central Valley Academy 54, Cazenovia 40

As usual, it was a light Wednesday night on the upstate NY girls' basketball schedule. This allowed the freedom to be able to make the trip to Ilion - a stone's throw from my hometown of Herkimer - to catch an interesting nonleague matchup between teams that rarely see each other in any sport, let alone just basketball. The host CVA squad took the dramatics out of it early, going on a big 1st quarter run to establish a double digit lead that their visitors would never cut into.

Reilly Rich finished with 14 points, a team high for CVA.

It was a painfully slow start offensively for both sides, as there were more fouls called than points scored for much of the 1st quarter. Cazenovia led 4-2 midway through the quarter before the Thunder started to make their push. Despite going the first 6:45 of the game without a field goal, CVA was able to take the lead exclusively at the free throw line after forcing Cazenovia to pick up their 5th team foul of the quarter at the 3:42 mark. Once Savannah Sommer (CVA 2020) finally produced their first field goal off a Savannah Moore (CVA 2022) feed at the 1:15 mark, it was off to the races. Moore then got a steal and converted 12 seconds later. She scored again less than 20 seconds later, and by the time Sommer converted again in the quarter's final seconds, CVA led 16-4. It was a 14-0 run in the final 3:42 of the 1st quarter, with 11 of those points coming in the last 75 seconds. The barrage slowed to start the 2nd quarter, with Lindsey Lawson (Cazenovia 2020) converting around the rim to briefly stop the bleeding, but her team's offensive woes continued. The deficit got no closer than 9 in the middle of the 2nd, but a pair of Abby Brown open jumpers turned into 5 CVA points, and another Moore basket extended their cushion to 15.

Lindsey Lawson came out of the locker room with a different fire for Cazenovia. With Towson in the CVA gym for the 6'3" standout 2020 forward, she showed many pieces of the arsenal that has made her a highly coveted Division I target. Three straight Lawson baskets cut their deficit to 30-19, but it was Savannah Moore again with the response, as her left wing three rang true. Reilly Rich (CVA 2020) followed with a basket, and Moore added another bucket to finish off a 7-0 run as they eventually ended the 3rd quarter up 16 despite Lawson's 10 point quarter. CVA led by as much as 20 in the 4th after scoring the first four of the quarter. Lawson continued to do major damage in the paint, adding 11 more points in the 4th, but a 13 point deficit was the closest they came.

Reilly Rich finished with 14 points to lead CVA, 8 coming in the 4th quarter. Savannah Moore added 13, and Savannah Sommer added to their balanced effort with 10 points. Lindsey Lawson had a monster 2nd half for Cazenovia, where she scored 21 of her team's 27 points. She led all scorers with 27 points herself.

Lindsey Lawson had a monster 2nd half and led all scorers with 27 points.

#JeffsNotes

- I like to think I have a pretty good grip on NY girls basketball, both from the individual player and from the high school team standpoints. However, there are those times where I either over- or underestimate a player or team. After watching yesterday, I think I may have underestimated CVA a little bit. I've been aware of their top players and what they bring, but their team athleticism was a little beyond what I expected, and they had others produce at both ends and show that they can knock down shots. With most of their rotation being juniors or younger - Savannah Moore being a freshman and Averi Dyn being a sophomore - there's some promise there.

- Speaking of Savannah Moore... the CVA 2022 guard is a player that I've been aware of and have watched for well over a year now. At these younger ages, development is the most important thing as no one is a finished product - and if you are, you're in trouble. Development & improvement are words I'll instantly bring up with Savannah, as I truly can't think of another player in upstate NY in her graduating class that has improved more than she has over the last year. The athletic guard made her presence felt nearly from the opening tip. She took defenders off the dribble, got into gaps, and got paint touches. She was willing & able to challenge the D at the rim, yet showed the IQ and skill to be able to pull up & connect on a short range floater over the arm of Lindsey Lawson. When given room, she showed she could hit the three. Several drives turned into good reads & better passes, dumping down to Savannah Sommer or kicking to a relocating shooter. Defensively, she was everywhere - harassing ballhandlers, tipping passes, on the floor, you name it. The youngster had a major impact on this game, and I'm looking forward to seeing her continued development.

Savannah Moore has made great strides over the last year to become an impact varsity player as a freshman.

- Lindsey Lawson isn't back at 100% yet. She was sick not that long ago and out for a few weeks, only recently getting cleared and is now working her way back into game shape. However, for the last 16 minutes of Wednesday's contest, she showed everyone in the Ilion, NY gym why she's become so coveted by a growing list of D1 programs & why Towson's recruiting coordinator was 6 hours away from home and on hand for her. The 6'3" forward put up 21 in the half and did so in a variety of ways 15' & in. Back to basket post moves finishing with the right hand, the left hand, face-up moves & finishes, attacking from the high post against the CVA zone, foul line jumpers, second chance points, even leading the break a couple times herself. Much of this wouldn't have been said about her offensive game a year ago, which goes to show her skill development as well. She started to show her athleticism around the rim defensively, ranging out of her area to block or alter shots. To those that were unaware, Lindsey is the real deal. That was readily apparent in this game.

Crusaders Run To Win Behind Mattfeld, Harris, Big 3rd Quarter

December 11, 2018

Catholic Central 54, Ichabod Crane 42

A new-look Catholic Central squad was looking to get on the right track after an up-and-down start, and Ichabod Crane came in having won both of their league games last week. After a back-and-forth start, the Crusaders' most notable returners stepped up and received contributions from others in a big 3rd quarter that provided the separation they needed to secure a home victory.

It looked like luck wouldn't be on the Crusaders' side in the opening seconds. Right after Ichabod Crane scored on its opening possession, CCHS starter Brooke Curtin went down with an ankle injury. She tried to give it a go later in the half - even hitting a three - but the return was short-lived, as they put her on the shelf for the game not long after. They fought it off in a back-and-forth opening stanza, as Sarah Mattfeld (CCHS 2021) got them going with a pair of free throws and a three in the game's first 90 seconds. Another Mattfeld basket late in the quarter followed by a Riqiya Harris (CCHS 2019; SUNY Brockport commit) bucket put the Crusaders up 13-10 after 1. Ichabod Crane responded in the 2nd quarter and briefly took the lead back when Kyla Elliot (ICC 2019) converted an old-fashioned 3 point play with 3:44 left in the half. The Crusaders were able to hold their visitors to two points for the remainder of the quarter - another Elliot basket in the final minute, giving her 8 points in the quarter - and a Harris drive forced Elliot to pick up her 3rd foul with :01.4 left in the half. Her free throw put the Crusaders up 23-22 at the break.

Sarah Mattfeld had a strong all-around game, finishing with a game high 21 points, 11 rebounds, and drawing the defensive assignment of Madison Graham.

Ichabod Crane briefly took the lead early in the 3rd quarter on a pair of Madison Graham (ICC 2020) free throws, but CCHS took over from there. They responded with another Mattfeld three, Cece Boisvert (CCHS 2022) started making her presence felt and added a pair of baskets, and her second of the quarter capped a quick 11-0 spurt, giving the hosts a 35-25 lead. A Boisvert free throw gave them a 12 point lead, their largest at the time, late in the quarter. Graham got loose right before the quarter ended and scored in transition, her first field goal since the middle of the 1st quarter, to cut their deficit to 10. Mattfeld scored the first three points of the 4th quarter, with a free throw putting CCHS up 43-30 with 5:49 left. Ichabod Crane made one more push, going on an 8-2 spurt capped by a contested Graham trey to cut the margin to 45-38. However, Riqiya Harris came back, got to the rim and converted - fouling Kyla Elliot out in the process - and made the free throw, extending CCHS' lead back to double digits with 3:40 left. The Riders were never able to challenge from there, as the margin remained double digits to the final buzzer.

Sarah Mattfeld had a strong game for the Crusaders, dropping a game high 21 points & adding 11 rebounds for the impressive 20/10 showing from the backcourt, all while drawing the assignment of dynamic scorer Madie Graham. Riqiya Harris added a double-double of her own, finishing with 10 points & 17 rebounds, along with handing out a handful of assists in a very solid well-rounded effort. For Ichabod Crane, Graham led the way with 16 points - 9 coming in the 4th quarter - and Kyla Elliot added 11.

Madison Graham got it going late and led Ichabod Crane with 16 points in defeat.

#JeffsNotes

- Sarah Mattfeld delivered the kind of overall performance that I think she had been waiting to deliver, and I can imagine that'll build confidence for her going forward. The sophomore has been on the radar of those heavily involved with girls' basketball for at least a couple years now, and she's entering a new role of having to be a go-to source of production while also often running the point - a position not necessarily familiar to the natural wing. The perimeter J was falling, and she was also getting into the lane off the dribble and converting. Most impressively, I thought she did a nice job defensively on Graham. Lateral quickness defensively has been a concern that people have brought up in the past, and not only do I think she's made improvements in that regard, she also has the basketball IQ & strength to bother scorers, particularly at the wing. It was certainly a team defensive effort, but it was Sarah at the head of that on Graham, working around screens on nearly every possession against a player that has the ability to get hot in a heartbeat. Solid effort.

Riqiya Harris' impact was felt far beyond her 10 points Tuesday night.

- When Riqiya Harris plays like she did Tuesday night, she doesn't have to score a point to make her team considerably better. She controlled the glass, especially at the defensive end where it seemed the visiting Riders were one-and-done most of the time. Offensively, she was huge with her court vision & passing ability. She found people from the high & low post against the zone, hit drift passes to the corner on baseline drives, and even played point forward some times & made the right play in transition. The Brockport commit's passing ability was on full display throughout Tuesday's game, and as someone that appreciates that piece of the game, I was all in for it.

Stanavich Makes Plays Late, Amsterdam Hits Free Throws to Hold Off South High

December 10, 2018

Amsterdam 47, South Glens Falls 40

A Foothills Monday in South Glens Falls turned into a war of attrition, as a 4th quarter that featured a combined 28 free throw attempts saw Amsterdam shake off two players fouling out to walk away with a league victory.

Jackie Stanavich put Amsterdam up 5 in the final minute with this putback. She led all scorers with 19, 11 coming in the 4th.

Amsterdam threatened to run away with it early. A back-and-forth early start gave way to an extended run from the visitors stretching into the 2nd quarter. It started with a three from Andi Gannon (Amsterdam 2021), who had a strong start to spring her squad early. They were able to bother SGF early with their press, forcing a pair of 10-second violations, a few other near misses, and several turnovers & rushed low percentage shots. They got a couple baskets from Jackie Stanavich (Amsterdam 2021) to end the quarter, and then she scored again to start the 2nd and Gannon canned another trey to extend their run to 12-0 and lead to 22-9. From there, the host Bulldogs started to settle down as some foul trouble forced Amsterdam to drop back from their press for stretches. They only mustered two more field goals in the 2nd - a tough Antonia May (Amsterdam 2021) transition finish and an Elena Fedullo (Amsterdam 2019) putback - and South High was able to cut their deficit to single digits off the right hand of Hannah Breen (SGF 2021). She got lost once in transition and knocked down a right wing three to initially stop their bleeding, and then she made the defense pay twice more in the quarter for losing her, as she produced all 9 of her team's points in the quarter. Her 4th three of the half cut their deficit to 7 in the final minute of the quarter.

South High came out of the locker room with a more inspired defensive effort, and although they were having their own troubles on the offensive end, they were able to claw back into it. Sydney Hart (SGF 2023) knocked down a three and then found Breen for her 5th trey of the night. A Bulldog three with 3:17 left in the 3rd cut their deficit to two, and it took 6 minutes & 33 seconds for Amsterdam to crack the scoring column in the 2nd half. The hosts gave Amsterdam a different look by successfully trapping out of odd-guard zones and were also able to control pace, not allowing them to get out in transition. Charli Beekman (Amsterdam 2021) split a pair at the line, and Fedullo grabbed the offensive rebound and finished, finally giving the Rams a bit of momentum as they ended the 3rd quarter up 30-26.

Hannah Breen led SGF with 17 points and made the D pay for giving her looks like this, as she hit 5 threes.

South High scored the first four of the 4th quarter, with Hart leaking out for a layup and Zoe Lanfear (SGF 2020) hit a pair of free throws to tie it up for the first time since the game's opening minutes. Those were the first of many free throws attempted in the final eight minutes, as SGF committed their 5th team foul with 5:23 left and Amsterdam followed suit at the 3:50 mark. Beekman triggered a 6-0 spurt for Amsterdam, stripping a ballhandler and converting at the other end & then following with a pair of free throws to give them a 36-30 edge. The free throw parade continued, as 12 were attempted between made field goals in the middle of the 4th. After Stanavich converted a pair, Hart broke the game's field goal drought for SGF, scoring while drawing Beekman's 5th foul & finishing off the 3 point play to cut their deficit to 41-40 with 2:04 left. From then, it was Stanavich's time as she made several plays at both ends to clinch it for Amsterdam. A pair of free throws made it 43-40 with 1:43 left, and after they got a stop, she grabbed an offensive rebound off a blocked shot & put it back to stretch their lead to 5 with :41.5 remaining. She then grabbed the rebound off a Breen missed three, and although she missed a pair of free throws after that, she made up for it by going back on the defensive end & getting a hand on another Breen three point attempt. Stanavich completed the scoring with a pair of free throws with :04.5 left.

Stanavich led all scorers with 19 points, including 11 in the 4th quarter - her team's last 9 and the game's last 6. Gannon added 10 points before fouling out with 6 minutes remaining. For South High, Hannah Breen led them in the scoring column with 17 points, including 14 of their 18 in the 1st half. Sydney Hart played a solid game at the PG spot and added 12 points in defeat.

Charli Beekman gave Amsterdam a big spark in the 2nd half, turning defense into offense on multiple occasions.

#JeffsNotes

- Jackie Stanavich made a ton of plays in the final few minutes to help Amsterdam come away with a win. She scored 19 points, was constantly on the glass, tipped numerous passes, and was the top athlete on the court. That's all great, but having watched her plenty of times over the last year, that wasn't what I was most impressed with. That answer is simple - the jumper is coming along... she knocked down a smooth looking midrange J when given room, and she rimmed out on another that looked good. The free throw stroke is looking noticeably better, which is big for someone like her that finds the free throw line to be a second home. The 5'9" guard who can comfortably be classified as a freak athlete is now turning into someone that you can't just play the drive against. If that continues to come along... oh boy.

- This was my first time watching South Glens Falls' Sydney Hart. The 2023 point guard has torn up defenses early the season, hitting up Foothills opponents Johnstown & Broadalbin-Perth for 25 & 26 points. Although her scoring output didn't reach that level against Amsterdam - she had 12, with 10 coming after halftime - I left the gym thinking 'yeah, this kid is good'. After SGF was flustered early by Amsterdam's pressure, she was able to settle in and the team followed. She has decent height for the position (5'8"), but better strength. She's able to be physical if needed and doesn't have to be a 'blow by' guard, as she gets defenders on her hip and lets them come along for the ride. She seems to have high basketball IQ and showed good court vision, making several very good passes that either were or should've been assists. She hit cutting forwards on a handful of occasions by starting to turn the corner from the wing, using a couple retreat dribbles to drag the defender out as the help showed, and then dropping it down to a cutter. Sydney also made a handful of plays in the 4th quarter when the Bulldogs needed it against a quality opponent, showing that she has moxie beyond her age. There's plenty left to see and I'll never make a judgment off viewing a player one time, but I like what I see so far and definitely will be checking out South High again. Between Sydney & 2021 teammate Hannah Breen - who's shown legitimate improvement over the last year and has become a potent scoring threat at the varsity level - there's a pretty bright future in place at SGF.

If ya don't know, now ya know: I'll be keeping a keen eye on SGF 2023 Sydney Hart's development going forward.

- I would be interested in seeing how many free throws are attempted in the Foothills Council compared to other Section 2 leagues. There are exceptions to the rule, but I feel like most of the time I'm at a Foothills game, the amount of free throws attempted are noticeably higher than other Section 2 games. For the game as a whole, this one was actually a little tame compared to normal - Amsterdam was 19/25, SGF 13/23 - but both teams lived at the line in the final 8 minutes. To anyone thinking I'm pointing fingers, far from - it's not something that can easily be explained by one factor. The Foothills is a massive league by area that stretches across two different referee boards that generally call games differently. These officials also do games in other leagues in which I don't feel the games are as free throw heavy when I'm there. The league tends to be a zone/zone press heavy league equipped with some teams that want to gamble, jump passing lanes, and bother ballhandlers. However, it's not like the brand of play is more physical than in other leagues. In reality, I think it's a combination of a few different factors. Hell, maybe it's just the games I go to. I'm not even complaining about it and I'm not going to take the time to look at it myself, but it's certainly something that interests me.

ESTers in Action; Week of 12/10-12/16

Section 2

- Jenalyse Alarcon (Troy 2021) paced them with 16 points Friday, but they fell to Guilderland 61-54.

- Cat Almeida (Shenendehowa 2019; Quinnipiac signee) dropped a game high 16 points Tuesday, as they defeated Bethlehem 59-43. She then finished with 11 points - 9 of them coming from behind the arc - along with 7 rebounds, and they beat Averill Park 54-37 Friday.

- Molly Brophy (Greenwich 2021) dropped a game high 28 points, but they fell to visiting Tamarac 57-51 on Friday.

- Haley Burchhardt (Schalmont 2022) had a solid week and was a big reason her team went 2-0 in league play. She finished with 13 points Tuesday, one of three in double digits, in a 49-31 W over Lansingburgh. She then had a strong game Friday, leading the Sabres with 19 points as they handled Ichabod Crane 56-41.

- Dolly Cairns (Saratoga Springs 2020) went off for a game high 26 points Tuesday, and they defeated visiting Guilderland 81-64.

- Rylee Carpenter (Shenendehowa 2021) had a solid showing Tuesday, contributing 10 points to the cause in their 59-43 W over Bethlehem.

- Solé Carrington (Shaker 2021) added 14 points to the Bison cause Friday, and they handled Schenectady 70-51.

- Julia DeBeatham (Shaker 2020) paced her squad on the scoreboard with 12 points Tuesday, but they fell to host Niskayuna 44-30.

- Sareena DiCerbo (Colonie 2020) contributed 16 points Friday, and they defeated Columbia at home 62-53.

- Graycen Dubin (Guilderland 2020) was one of three in double figures Tuesday, finishing with 10 points, but they fell to host Saratoga Springs 81-64.

- Kerry Flaherty (Saratoga Springs 2019; Holy Cross commit) continued the strong start to her final high school season, dropping 25 points in a 81-64 decision over Guilderland Tuesday.

- Payton Graber (Schalmont 2022) helped the Sabres go 2-0 in league play during the week. She chipped in with 10 points, one of three to hit double figures, in a 49-31 triumph over Lansingburgh Tuesday. Then she was one of four in double digits Friday, finishing with 15 points as they defeated Ichabod Crane 56-41.

- Madison Graham (Ichabod Crane 2020) pumped in a team high 16 points, 9 coming in the 4th quarter, in their 54-42 setback to Catholic Central Tuesday.

- Caroline Iannotti (Broadalbin-Perth 2021) went 8/8 from the line and contributed a game high 13 points in their 33-30 victory over visiting Hudson Falls Monday.

- Brinley Inglee (Hudson Falls 2020) chipped in with a team high of 12 points, but they fell to host Broadalbin-Perth 33-30 Monday.

- Ava LaClair (Bethlehem 2022) knocked down 3 threes and contributed 13 points, and they defeated Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake 49-31 Friday.

- Anna Lee (Johnstown 2021) finished with a team high 12 points, but they fell to host Glens Falls 43-37 Monday.

- Maddisyn Mahoney (Shaker 2021) led all scorers with 17 points Friday, and they defeated visiting Schenectady 70-51.

- Sarah Mattfeld (Catholic Central 2021) had a big game Tuesday, dropping a game high 21 points & adding 11 rebounds while drawing the defensive assignment of ICC standout Madie Graham in their 54-42 W over Ichabod Crane.

- Taylor Meacham (Berne-Knox-Westerlo 2020) continued her comeback charge directly after being cleared from a spring ACL tear. She dropped 16 points Friday in an easy one, as they got up by 27 at halftime en route to a 60-37 W over Galway.

- Anna Milham (Shenendehowa 2019) had a strong game Friday, knocking down 3 threes and leading all scorers with 16 points as they defeated Averill Park 54-37.

- EmmaLee Morgan (Averill Park 2019; NYIT commit) was one of three in double figures Tuesday, chipping in with 12 points as they defeated Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake 55-26.

- Ashlyn O'Neil (Scotia-Glenville 2019) hit 3 threes and contributed a game high 17 points Tuesday, as they blew out league opponent Schuylerville 59-20.

- Lauren Obermayer (Columbia 2019) dropped a team high 19 points Friday, knocking down 4 threes, in a 62-53 defeat to Colonie.

- Olivia Olsen (Niskayuna 2021) dropped a game high 17 points Tuesday, and they used a big 4th quarter to defeat Shaker 44-30. She followed it up by pumping in a game high 18 points, and her squad was able to handle Ballston Spa 60-36 Friday.

- Ahnalese Pearson (Colonie 2020) was one of three in double digits, hitting a pair of threes and finishing with 10 points in their 62-53 triumph over Columbia Friday.

- Harmony Philo (Gloversville 2019; Queens signee) dropped a team high 23 points, but they fell to visiting Queensbury 66-52 on Monday.

- Graci Serravillo (Guilderland 2019; SUNY New Paltz commit) was one of three in double figures Tuesday, finishing with 15 points in their 81-64 setback to Saratoga Springs. She then chipped in 11 points to the cause Friday, as they defeated Troy 61-54.

- Emma Shields (Emma Willard 2022) was one of three in double figures Monday, chipping in 10 points as they blew out Taconic Hills early and coasted to a 59-38 W. She continued her solid start to their season, posting 17 points on Tuesday in a 51-17 W over Hawthorne Valley.

- Logan Thayne (Hoosick Falls 2020) went for a game high 23 points Friday, as they continued their winning ways in a 54-37 triumph over Stillwater.

- Lexi Van Vorst (Columbia 2019; SUNY New Paltz commit) finished with 12 points Friday in a 62-53 loss to host Colonie.

- Amelia Wood (Averill Park 2022) was one of three in double digits Tuesday, finishing with 10 points in their 55-26 W over Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake. In their other Suburban Council game, she finished with a team high 15 points, but they fell to host Shenendehowa 54-37 on Friday.

- Kelsey Wood (Averill Park 2020) pumped in 20 points, a game high, in their 55-26 victory over Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Tuesday.

- Alexis Wright (Berne-Knox-Westerlo 2022) dropped a game high 17 points Friday as they got up big early and coasted to a 60-37 victory over Galway.

- Aliyah Wright (Colonie 2019; New Haven signee) went 12/12 from the line and led all scorers with 21 points Friday, as they defeated visiting Columbia 62-53.

- Carly Atty (Fonda-Fultonville 2022) canned 5 threes and led all scorers with 15 points, as Fonda rolled to another victory Friday with a 69-35 triumph over Canajoharie.

- Natasha Chudy (Saratoga Springs 2023) had the strongest game in her young varsity career Tuesday, going for 16 points in their 81-64 win over Guilderland.

- Emily Erickson (Tamarac 2019) paced the Bengals with 19 points Friday, and they defeated Greenwich 57-51.

- Charli Goverski (Mechanicville 2020) led all scorers with 18 points Friday, and they defeated Hoosic Valley 46-33.

- Julia Harvey (Bethlehem 2021) paced the Eagles with 11 points to start their Suburban schedule Tuesday, but they fell to Shenendehowa 59-43. She then led all scorers with 17 points Friday, and they defeated visiting Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake 49-31.

- Abby Lombardoni (Fonda-Fultonville 2020) was one of two in double figures, finishing with 13 points as they handled Canajoharie 69-35 Friday.

- Maddie Meyer (Duanesburg 2022) pumped in a game high 17 points Friday, and got up big early en route to a 55-25 W over Northville.

- Talia Washington (Schenectady 2022) dropped a game high 23 points to start the week in Tuesday's 66-52 setback to Ballston Spa. She chipped in with 13 points Friday, but they fell to host Shaker 70-51.


Section 3

- Kennady Amo (Thousand Islands 2021) finished with 14 points, 4 assists, and 7 steals, and they defeated Lyme 51-22 Monday. She followed it up with 9 points in a balanced Viking performance, as they got out to a 22-1 halftime lead en route to a 44-27 victory.

- Xy'el Bradford (Syracuse Academy of Science 2020) contributed 7 points, 5 rebounds, & 5 steals to the cause Tuesday in a 54-30 victory over Central Square. She then paced the Atoms with 11 points, 3 assists, & 4 steals as they got up big early and coasted to a 54-24 W over Solvay Thursday.

- Jess Cook (Cicero North Syracuse 2021) hung a team high 20 points on the board, but they fell in a nail biter to West Genesee on Tuesday, 55-52 in overtime.

- Catie Cunningham (West Genesee 2021) dropped a game high 22 points Tuesday, as they held off CNS with a 55-52 overtime triumph. She then followed it up by chipping in 10 points in a balanced effort Thursday, and they defeated Liverpool 55-34.

- Catherine Dadey (Westhill 2022) chipped in with 9 points in a balanced effort Monday, as they downed rival Bishop Ludden 59-41. She then dropped 17 on Wednesday, including 3 threes, in a 73-46 W over Marcellus.

- Aurora DeShaies (Bishop Ludden 2019; New Haven signee) finished with a team high 14 points, but they fell to host Westhill 59-41 on Monday. She then followed it up by posting a game high 18 points Thursday, and they hammered Jordan-Elbridge 82-27.

- Stef Gera (Auburn 2019; SUNY Cortland commit) led the Maroons with 10 points Tuesday, and they defeated host Fulton 48-31. She then chipped in with double digits again Thursday, hitting 3 threes and finishing with 11 points in a 56-37 W over Oswego.

- Kaia Henderson (New Hartford 2022) went for 25 points Tuesday, which tied for the game high, and they defeated Whitesboro on the road 57-52. She then dropped a game high 32 points with 15 coming in the 4th quarter - putting her at 999 for her high school career - in a 64-62 setback to Oneida Friday.

- Brooke Jarvis (CBA Syracuse 2020) pumped in a game high 23 points Friday, and they defeated visiting Marcellus 50-32.

- Belle Kranbuhl (Adirondack 2020) dropped a game high 27 points to start off the week Tuesday in their 69-36 W over Clinton. She then led all scorers with 17 points Friday, and they defeated Sherburne-Earlville on the road 45-36.

- Adrien LaMora (Indian River 2022) produced 17 points & 9 rebounds, and they broke it open in the 2nd half in a 60-37 W over General Brown Wednesday.

- Olivia Langdon (Little Falls 2019) contributed a team high 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks Tuesday in a 49-39 triumph over Herkimer. Then she had a solid game Friday, leading all scorers with 19 points as they jumped out with a hot start and beat West Canada Valley 52-34.

- Lindsey Lawson (Cazenovia 2020) led all scorers with 18 points, and they overcame a double digit halftime deficit to defeat Homer, 39-36. She then hung a game high 27 points - 21 in the 2nd half - along with 13 rebounds and 3 steals, but they fell at Central Valley Academy 54-40 on Wednesday.

- Sydney Lusher (Oneida 2021) had a big 2nd half and finished with a team high 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, & 3 blocks, and they defeated visiting New Hartford 64-62 in a game that went to the final seconds.

- Julia Mann (Central Square 2021) dropped a game high 18 points Monday, and they defeated Watertown 56-42. She followed it up the following day with a 16 point/10 rebound double-double, but they fell on the road to Syracuse Academy of Science 54-30.

- Savannah Moore (Central Valley Academy 2022) had a strong week as she's becoming a key piece in her 1st year at the varsity level. She finished with 13 points and was a sparkplug for her team in a 54-40 triumph over Cazenovia Wednesday. Then on Friday, she knocked down 3 threes and had a team high 17 points, and they picked up a nice TVL win over Utica Notre Dame, 47-46.

- Allison Moreau (Sauquoit Valley 2019; Le Moyne soccer signee) went for a game high 26 points along with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, & 2 blocks, but they lost a halftime lead and fell to Cooperstown 46-45 Wednesday. She then paced the Indians with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists, and they held off Mt. Markham for a 48-42 victory Friday.

- Jackie Piddock (South Jefferson 2022) continued her early season tear, dropping 23 points and adding 3 assists & 8 steals, as they defeated Carthage on the road, 57-44. She then added a 24 point performance, tying for the team high, in a 59-38 W over Watertown Wednesday.

- Freey Pleasants (Syracuse Academy of Science 2020) contributed 9 points, 3 assists, & 5 steals in a balanced effort as they handled Solvay 54-24 Thursday.

- Cam Roberts (Adirondack 2020) contributed 15 points Friday, including a pair of threes, as they defeated Sherburne-Earlville on the road 45-36.

- Haedyn Roberts (Holland Patent 2020) had a big week and was a major piece in getting her team on the winning track. She started off the week by dropping a game high 27 points, 9 rebounds, & 2 blocks in a 64-25 beatdown of host Canastota Tuesday. She then went off for a game high 19 points, 19 rebounds, 2 steals, & 2 blocks as they defeated Cooperstown 47-43 Friday.

- Lexie Roe (Fayetteville-Manlius 2021) was one of three in double digits Tuesday, finishing with 12 points & 4 rebounds, as they defeated Corcoran 48-40. She then paced the Hornets with 10 points, but they fell to Nottingham 41-37 Friday.

- Skye Ryan (CBA Syracuse 2021) contributed 18 points Friday, and they defeated Marcellus 50-32.

- Hannah Scott (Whitesboro 2019) went off in a marquee matchup Tuesday, flirting with a triple-double with a 25 point/9 rebound/8 assist/4 steal showing. However, they fell to New Hartford 57-52.

- Piper Seamon (Cooperstown 2020) contributed a double-double of 12 points & 10 rebounds along with 3 steals Wednesday, and they came back from a halftime deficit to beat Sauquoit Valley 46-45. She then chipped in with 11 points Friday, but they fell to visiting Holland Patent 47-43.

- Ally Shoemaker (Chittenango 2020) was one of three Bears in double figures, finishing with 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, & 6 steals Tuesday, and they defeated visiting Hannibal 49-45.

- Mackenzie Smith (West Genesee 2019; Old Dominion signee) dropped 20 points Tuesday and Madison Smith (West Genesee 2019; Vermont signee) added 11, and they picked up a 55-52 OT win over CNS in a Section 3 Class AA championship rematch. Kenzie then led all scorers with 13 points on Thursday and Madison added 9 in a balanced effort, and they put the clamps on Liverpool in a 55-34 road win.

- Kiley Snow (Whitesboro 2020) contributed double digits Tuesday, finishing with 10 points, 4 rebounds, & 3 steals, but they fell to New Hartford 57-52.

- Alyssa Stevenson (South Jefferson 2019), one of upstate NY's top uncommitted seniors, went off Monday for a game high 24 points along with 12 rebounds, 4 steals, and 5 blocks, and they defeated Carthage 57-44. She then followed it up with another big 24 point performance, tying for the team high, in a 59-38 triumph over Watertown Wednesday.

- Amarah Streiff (Bishop Ludden 2023) contributed 16 points, one of four Gaelic Knights in double figures, as they ran away to an 82-27 W over Jordan-Elbridge Thursday.

- Kayla Usborne (Madison 2019) contributed a game high 18 points, 6 assists, & 5 steals Wednesday as they defeated DeRuyter 50-28.

- Jaelyn Vleer-Elliott (Brookfield 2021) went off for a game high 29 points Thursday, and they defeated visiting McGraw 62-34.

- Abby Wilkinson (Bishop Grimes 2019; Salisbury commit) finished with a team high 17 points Tuesday in a 76-24 W over APW, and in doing so, she eclipsed the 1,000 point mark for her varsity career.

- Molly Williams (Waterville 2019) led all scorers to start off the week Tuesday, contributing 19 points in a 66-35 triumph over Oriskany. She then pumped in a game high 23 points Friday, and they hammered Westmoreland 85-18.


Section 4

- Jill Casey (Horseheads 2020) went off Monday night and dropped 38 points, canning 9 of her team's 16 threes, in their blowout W over Johnson City.

- Kaci Donovan (Owego 2020) hung a game high 34 points, and they were able to knock off host Elmira Monday, 69-67.

- Melanie Hoyt (Stamford 2021) pumped in a game high 29 points Friday and older sister Madison Hoyt (Stamford 2019) added 18, and they defeated league opponent Jefferson 76-28.

- Ashlynn McKnight (Maine-Endwell 2019) went for an uncommon 20/10 from the backcourt, finishing with a game high 20 points & adding 10 rebounds, and they defeated Binghamton 57-47 Monday.

- Sophia Wakin (Delaware Academy 2021) led the way with 15 points Friday, as they defeated Deposit/Hancock 61-35.


Section 6

- Madelynn Stearns (Clarence 2019) chipped in with 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, & 3 steals, and they defeated Lancaster 56-40 on Monday.


Section 7

- Maria Baker (Bolton 2021) dropped a game high 16 points, and they defeated visiting Schroon Lake 52-30 Monday.

- Khaleah Cleveland (Johnsburg 2019) dropped a game high 30 points along with 8 rebounds & 5 assists Monday, and they defeated Lake Placid 54-30.

- Katelyn VanAuken (Bolton 2021) chipped in with 12 points, and they defeated visiting Schroon Lake 52-30 Monday.


Section 9

- Maggie Malone (Cornwall 2019; SUNY Cortland commit) scored 14 of her game high 16 in the 1st half, and they blew out O'Neill Monday, 69-18.

- Erin Smith (Goshen 2020) dropped a game high 20 points Monday, and they defeated Burke Catholic 47-33.

- Grace VanRoy (Saugerties 2019) finished with 11 points and Anna VanRoy (Saugerties 2019) added 10 points, but they fell to Washingtonville 62-57 Monday.


Massachusetts

- Amanda Mieczkowski (Northampton 2020) finished with game highs of 15 points & 10 assists, and they handled Ludlow 51-18 on Monday.

- Gwendolyn Carpenter (Mount Everett 2019; Fitchburg St. commit) finished with a game high 16 points, but they fell to Pittsfield Monday, 57-34.

Philo & Lavery Run Amok, Gloversville Downs Cold Shooting Scotia

December 6, 2018

Gloversville 51, Scotia-Glenville 29

It was a Thursday in Section 2, which means the Foothills takes front & center. The matchup of choice was between Gloversville & Scotia-Glenville, two Class A schools that have been competitive in the league & section in recent years, and they've also recently had to go through each other in sectionals. The very familiar foes got reacquainted Thursday, but it turned into a nightmare for the host Tartans as ice-cold shooting and the potency of the Philo/Lavery duo proved to be too much for them to overcome.

Early in the game, it was as expected between two teams so familiar with each other. Scotia went man-to-man, with longtime Tartan stalwart Asia Winney (Scotia-Glenville 2019; Vassar commit) getting the assignment on Gloversville standout Harmony Philo (Gloversville 2019; Queens signee). Gloversville had trouble getting anything productive in the first few minutes, and Scotia had trouble navigating their opponents' 3-2 zone. They were able to hold a 6-1 lead late in the quarter off the strength of two Winney threes, but Gloversville was able to get out in transition late in the quarter and score the last six - four from Kendra Lavery (Gloversville 2019) - to take a 7-6 lead after eight minutes. Their run soared in the 2nd quarter as Scotia endured a painstakingly long scoreless stretch. Philo started the quarter with her first field goal, then Lavery scored and Philo got loose for a three. A few possessions later, she canned a contested triple to extend their run to 18-0 and lead to 19-6. A short Kaitlyn Wilson jumper stopped the bleeding for Scotia, ending a drought of nearly 9 minutes. They ended the half with some momentum - after Winney & Lavery traded baskets, Ashlyn O'Neil (Scotia-Glenville 2019) got her first points of the game to end the half, cutting their deficit to 23-15.

Queens signee Harmony Philo made her presence felt throughout and led all scorers with 23 points.

It was all Gloversville to start the 2nd half, and Scotia would get no closer than their halftime deficit. A Philo three-point play started it off, and by the time Lavery got an easy one, they had a quick 8-0 run and extended the lead to 16. Scotia responded out of a timeout with more inspired play in the back end of the quarter, cutting the deficit to 34-23 at the end of the 3rd, but the visitors were able to put them away in the 4th quarter. Another well-contested Philo triple started a 10-0 run that put Gloversville up 46-25, effectively putting the game away.

Harmony Philo led all scorers with 23 points and kept teammates involved, dishing out a handful of assists. Kendra Lavery had a strong game for Gloversville as well, adding 18 points. Asia Winney was a bright spot for Scotia throughout, and she finished with a team high 12 points in the process. Ashlyn O'Neil chipped in with 8.

Asia Winney was a consistent source of energy for Scotia, drawing the task of guarding Philo for nearly every second and pacing the Tartans with 12 points.

#JeffsNotes

- Harmony Philo was actively recruited at the Division 2 level and is receiving a scholarship because, above all else, she's an elite shooter. However, the improvements that she's made in every other aspect of the game over the years were what was on full display Thursday. She's primarily on the ball for Gloversville and has to be able to handle it for them. Harmony was willing to put it on the deck and try to get to the rim & absorb contact, something that wasn't part of her game in the earlier high school days. She's noticeably stronger than she was even just months ago on the circuit with I-90 Elite, which helped her power through when she got in the paint. Her passing ability may have been most striking, as she found Kendra Lavery several times - either pitching ahead in transition, once they had numbers in the frontcourt, or most often, in the pick & roll game. Scotia's help defense always seemed to be a step or two late, and Harmony would hit Kendra on the move - on time, on target, including a couple pocket passes with narrow windows to get it through - for easy ones. Those improvements, on top of the hairpin trigger with range to the local Stewart's, have made her one of Section 2's tougher players to defend.

- If you're Scotia, this might just be one of those games that you throw away. Inconsistent effort was a killer for them - they got burned time & time again on the Philo/Lavery side P&R because the back side help was a second late, which was more than enough time for Harmony to hit Kendra either for a layup or an eventual trip to the free throw lane. Some unfocused energy led to unforced turnovers in the half-court - dropped passes, balls thrown out of bounds, etc. But at the end of the day, I thought they really got quality shots that they'll take consistently. Just weren't falling. I wouldn't bank on giving someone like Ashlyn O'Neil good looks and getting away with it too often. As a team, if they hit a few of those missed jumpers that they normally make and make a few of those missed layups, we're talking about an entirely different game. At the high school level, you'll take giving up 51 points against a decent team. I thought there were some bright spots - in particular, Asia Winney brought it (as usual - focus and the intangibles are never an issue with her) and I thought Promise Mitchell gave them good energy and toughness in spurts off the bench. Scotia gets Mikyla Mitchell back for their next game (against Schuylerville) and Jazz Corker is also still out - 1-2 start with a not-so-easy stretch to start the season. Plenty of season left and Mitchell & Corker are major difference makers. Looking forward to getting another look at them in coming weeks.

Kendra Lavery has shown major improvements over the last couple years - she finished with 18 points for Gloversville.

- To double back on something I just said - I can't say a damn thing about unfocused energy because I was struggling to stay focused myself. Updates weren't timely, staring into space, paying too much attention to the pep band (in my defense, Scotia's is the real deal)… long week. Must be something in the water. Friday is a new day!

- The battle for best dressed coach in Section 2 was a back-and-forth battle last year between Cambridge coach Tony Bochette and Scotia coach Megan Bowman. Coach Bochette has retired and Coach Bowman is only stepping up her game... everyone else is fighting for 2nd place now!

Warriors Execute Late, Down Grimes Despite Wilkinson's 26

December 5, 2018

Westhill 48, Bishop Grimes 38

A light night on the schedule justified a trip to Syracuse, where perennially competitive programs Westhill and Bishop Grimes took the court in what was the game of the night in the area. A late run served as the knockout punch that visiting Westhill needed, as they were able to overcome a strong performance by a Grimes standout to break into the win column.

Sarah Snavlin knocks down a 2nd quarter three for Bishop Grimes.

The first half was a tale of two quarters, as Westhill was able to jump out to an early lead. Fluid half court offense, players moving without the ball and making the extra pass allowed them to get good looks. Mackenzie Martin (Westhill 2019; Fairfield signee) was a catalyst, getting others involved early by finding teammates out of the high post area, and then she started to score herself. She scored the last six points of the quarter, all around the rim, as Westhill went on an 8-0 run to take a 14-6 lead. The 2nd quarter was a role reversal, with the host Cobras coming out as the aggressor. They were able to put pressure on Westhill's defense, going downhill and forcing the Warriors to reach & foul. Grimes shot 6/8 from the line in the quarter, as Westhill committed their 5th team foul with over 4 minutes remaining. Abby Wilkinson (Bishop Grimes 2019; Salisbury commit) was the catalyst for the Cobras, scoring her team's last 9 in the quarter. The last two, a pair of free throws, gave Grimes a 20-19 lead at the break.

That halftime lead, Grimes' first since 2-0, was also short-lived. Jenna Larrabee (Westhill 2020) scored to give the Warriors a lead again and Martin tacked on a pair of free throws. After Wilkinson responded with a three, Larrabee scored again as Westhill was able to keep their bigs active coming out of the locker room. Another Martin basket off a Catherine Dadey (Westhill 2022) feed gave the Warriors a 6 point lead, which they took into the 4th quarter. A Dadey stepback three put more pressure on Grimes, as they fell behind 37-29 early in the 4th, but Wilkinson came back with a three of her own. Another one in the middle of the 4th cut the Cobras' deficit to 40-37, but it was all Westhill from there. They handled Grimes' full court pressure without turning it over and got good looks at the other end. Larrabee converted again, and then Martin added a layup after breaking the press. The next time down the court, Larrabee scored in the post early in the possession, and Erica Gangemi (Westhill 2020) iced it with a steal & layup to make the score 48-37 with 1:43 left. In all, the Warriors went on an 8-0 run - the last 6 coming in 37 seconds of play.

Jenna Larrabee was active around the rim and finished with 13 points for Westhill.

Mackenzie Martin finished with a team high 16 points in the win and filled the stat line. Jenna Larrabee added 13 despite dealing with foul trouble throughout - she picked up her 3rd with 6:30 left in the 2nd quarter and her 4th at the 3:25 mark in the 3rd - and Catherine Dadey chipped in with 10 while playing a solid floor general game. Abby Wilkinson was a constant source of production for Bishop Grimes, as she has been the last couple years. She finished with a game high 26 points, which puts her in position to reach the 1,000 point mark in their next game.

Mackenzie Martin made her presence felt throughout the game and finished with a team high 16 points.

#JeffsNotes

- This isn't news to anyone that has followed CNY girls' basketball over the last four years, but Mackenzie Martin can play, and she doesn't have to score to make an impact on the game. She did score in this game, finishing with a team high 16, and she did it in different ways - layups off cuts, second chance points, drives & finishes, jumpers - but everything else she does carries such an immense value. She was able to control the glass, especially on the defensive end where she grabbed boards both in & out of her area. Her court vision and passing ability might be the best part of her game, as her ability to hit cutters & open teammates with precision either facing up or off the dribble helps fuel Westhill as an unselfish team. As a longtime varsity standout and Division I commit (Fairfield), she seems to be taking the next step & becoming more vocal too. She won't be one of Section 3's leading scorers this year, but she is one of its best players & definitely will be one of its most valuable players to their team.

Catherine Dadey finished with 10 points for Westhill and contributed a solid, well-rounded game.

- I didn't mention her much in the recap, but I left impressed with what I saw from Catherine Dadey. The freshman is someone I've been watching intently for over a year now, between her high school, AAU, my events, fall leagues, and more. She has already earned a reputation as a knockdown shooter and Coach Ludwig certainly runs good action to get her quality looks off the ball, but she also was on the ball quite a bit as the PG. On a night where her perimeter J wasn't falling besides the big one early in the 4th, she was still able to put some points on the board either by creating for herself off the dribble or moving without the ball, making cuts to score & converting. More importantly, her court vision and composure with the ball in her hands were both on display. She received outlet passes and instantly looked up, hitting teammates on the money on long pitch ahead passes in transition. She hit Martin & Larrabee on post rim runs or dumpoffs on several occasions. She handled against Bishop Grimes' pressure without a problem, not turning it over and making good decisions while keeping the game at the pace Westhill wanted. It may not have been one of Catherine's best shooting games, but it was one of her better overall games that I've seen.

- Despite the loss, you have to love the energy & passion that Abby Wilkinson brings every time she's on the court. I'd much rather have to get someone to calm down than rev them up, and one thing you never have to worry about with Abby is waking her up. She has to shoulder a huge load offensively for this year's Grimes team, and she's doing that. Her 26 points Wednesday kept her right at her early season average. It's more than the scoring with Abby, though. Often when a player has to be such a key offensive component for a team, you'll see them relax on the defensive end - either to conserve energy, stay out of foul trouble, or both. You're getting none of that with Abby, who's no stranger to getting on the floor or diving out of bounds for a loose ball. She's a bit of a throwback with the blue collar edge she brings along with the ability to fill it up, and it's fun to watch.

Abby Wilkinson kept the Cobras in it until the end, dropping a game high 26 points.

- Last but not least - fun little chess match Wednesday. Bishop Grimes had an interesting defensive gameplan, throwing a guard like Jenna Sloan or Abby Wilkinson on Westhill forward Mackenzie Martin and showing deep help early clogging the lane. It paid major dividends in the 2nd quarter, as Westhill - who made a killing early off basket cuts and second chances - got stagnant offensively for the rest of the half. On the other end, Westhill ran great action to isolate matchups they wanted to exploit, either getting Martin in the high post, Larrabee in the low post, or Dadey coming off screens. When they executed in the half court, they were able to get quality shots. That made Wednesday's game a fun watch far beyond what was at the surface.