The Mid-Season Check: Lockdown

The EST midseason report continues with perhaps the oldest team in the league last year, Lockdown.

If opening night was any indication, the ladies in Lockdown blue looked like they would be a team to beat, as they were in midseason form with a pair of solid victories. They hit a down stretch though, going on a slump while missing some players (both injury and just lack of attendance) that was enough to push them out of a top-four seed. They certainly still had their moments during the summer, however, and many of them are off to a great start with their high school teams. Check it out:

Sareena DiCerbo has helped Colonie get off to a strong start this winter.

This was one of the three EST teams that had a heavy Suburban Council feel to it, with six of the ten on the roster representing Suburban schools. Three of them came from Colonie, who's off to a great start this winter. Sareena DiCerbo (Colonie 2020), who was out for one of their losses, is leading a balanced scoring effort for the Raiders. She's averaging 12.8 PPG with a season high of 22, and she's finished in double digits in five of her nine games. She was also an all-tournament team selection in their holiday tournament, which they won in a thriller over Averill Park, the state's top-ranked Class A team. Macie Trimarchi (Colonie 2022) is also in double figures, averaging 11.3 PPG with a season high of 28 in their opener, a triple-overtime victory over Horseheads in a tournament at Oneonta. She's scored 10+ in six games, and the 5'10" wing has hit 8 threes and is shooting over 77% (24/31) from the free throw line. Ahnalese Pearson (Colonie 2020; RPI commit) has been the straw that stirs the drink for Colonie, running the show at the PG spot while also establishing herself as a legitimate scoring option. She's averaging 9.2 PPG including a season high of 18 in a dramatic comeback W over Liverpool in the opener of their holiday tournament. She's hit 13 threes and is shooting just under 76% (28/37) from the line, all while filling up the assist column on a nightly basis. She earned MVP honors at the Colonie holiday tournament for her performance in their wins. Their only losses have come to Oneonta - without DiCerbo - and NYSSWA #3 ranked AA Shenendehowa.

Two others were able to wear their high school colors when lined up with Lockdown, and they've been important pieces to their Shaker team this winter. Solé Carrington (Shaker 2021) and Kaelah Carter (Shaker 2022) are not only key members individually, but add to their serious depth in the backcourt. Kaelah's averaging 6.9 PPG (season high 12) in a very balanced Blue Bison attack, and Carrington is right behind her at 6.5 PPG. Shaker's had a brutal schedule to this point, with four games against teams state-ranked in Class AA and two more road games against Class A state-ranked foes, and they went a stretch of over a month without a home game. They're currently sitting at 6-6.

Kaelah Carter (Shaker 2022) has emerged as one of the area's stronger young talents.

The final Suburban Council representative, like the aforementioned Pearson, recently made her commitment to a New York Division III power. Guilderland 2020 Graycen Dubin, who committed to Ithaca College over the last few weeks, is averaging 7.5 PPG with a season high of 17. Guilderland, who has once again beefed up their non-league schedule with a pair of trips to NYC, is sitting at 4-8.

Although in another league, Sarah Mattfeld (Catholic Central 2021) adds to the list of Section II Class AA notables on the Lockdown team. She seems to be the lone familiar face of years past on a generally new-look Crusaders squad, and how their season has went seems to reflect that. After a slow start where they stumbled to a 2-5 record, they've been on a tear of late, winning all of their 2020 games so far to run their record to 6-5. Sarah's leading the charge, averaging 12.4 PPG (season high 19) with 5 straight double digit outings. She's hit 10 threes while taking some of the ballhandling duties, and she's shooting over 76% (32/42) from the line.

Belle Kranbuhl, a Monmouth signee, is continuing to make things happen in her 5th year at the varsity level for Adirondack.

As far as individual success goes, it likely starts with the team's two Section III representatives, who both have signed letters of intent to continue playing on scholarship. We'll start off with Belle Kranbuhl (Adirondack 2020), who committed to Division I Monmouth University in the spring & signed in the fall. Belle's averaging 16.3 PPG (season high 23 twice), 12.3 RPG, 2.9 SPG, & 4.5 BPG for the 8-3 Wildcats. That includes at least eight double-doubles - full stats haven't been reported for a couple of their games - along with three 20/10s. The longtime standout also joined the 1,000 point club in a recent victory over Sherburne-Earlville.

Right alongside Belle - and in the same league, which makes for some great battles in the blocks - is Haedyn Roberts (Holland Patent 2020). Haedyn committed to Division II power Le Moyne in the summer and signed in the fall, and she's had a great senior campaign so far. She's averaging 17.1 PPG, including four 20+ point games and a season high of 27. She's also averaging 13.9 RPG, 1.9 SPG, and 2.7 BPG. She's recorded a double-double in all 10 games that she's played in and has four 20/10s. Like Belle, she recently scored her 1,000th point - in the same week - and also in a win over Sherburne-Earlville. Holland Patent is 6-5 so far, with a recent loss coming with Haedyn out of the lineup due to illness.

The continued development of Le Moyne signee Haedyn Roberts has made her one of Section III's most productive forwards.

Caroline Iannotti (Broadalbin-Perth 2021), a 3rd year varsity starter for the Patriots, is helping them start to turn it around. Her scoring numbers aren't gaudy, as she's averaging around 5 PPG while handling PG duties, but they're picking it up after a rough start, with two straight victories pushing their record to 3-5.

LOCKDOWN Summer League State (Notable)

Team Record: 4-8

Solé Carrington (Shaker 2021): 6.8 PPG (high 13), 3.5 RPG, 7 threes, 6 games played

Kaelah Carter (Shaker 2022): 4.9 PPG (high 13), 4.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 22/43 FG (51.2% - 2nd in EST), 5/12 3P (41.7% - 3rd in EST), 11 games played

Sareena DiCerbo (Colonie 2020): 8.8 PPG (high 18), 4.7 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 44/110 FG (40%), 10/29 3P (34.5%), 12 games played

Graycen Dubin (Guilderland 2020; Ithaca commit): 9.6 PPG (high 17), 4.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 10 threes, 7 games played

Caroline Iannotti (Broadalbin-Perth 2021): 2.4 PPG, 1.4 APG, 5 games played

Belle Kranbuhl (Adirondack 2020; Monmouth signee): 10.8 PPG (4th in EST - high 16), 7.5 RPG (T-7th in EST), 1 SPG, 2 BPG (4th in EST), 6 games played

Sarah Mattfeld (Catholic Central 2021): 7.8 PPG (high 19), 3 RPG, 13 threes, 24/30 FT (80% - T-2nd in EST), 12 games played

Ahnalese Pearson (Colonie 2020; RPI commit): 3.3 PPG (high 11), 2.7 RPG, 4.5 APG (1st in EST), 1.7 SPG, 8 threes, 12 games played

Haedyn Roberts (Holland Patent 2020; Le Moyne signee): 6.1 PPG (high 15), 8.8 RPG (2nd in EST), 1 BPG, 10 games played

Macie Trimarchi (Colonie 2022): 3.4 PPG (high 13), 2.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 11 games played

Ahnalese Pearson, who will continue her education & playing days at RPI in the fall, has been a catalyst for Colonie's continued success.

Wednesday Recap: Schalmont Run Turns The Tide in W Over Mekeel, ESTers in Action

*** GAME RECAP FIRST; ESTers IN ACTION BELOW ***


January 15, 2020

Game of Choice (Primary): Schalmont @ Mekeel
Game of Choice (Secondary): Mechanicville @ Hoosic Valley (Mechanicville 42-39)


Schalmont 53, Mekeel Christian Academy 48

Wednesday is usually a sleepy night for girls' basketball in Section II, and although it was another light evening as far as quantity, this particular Hump Day didn't lack for interesting matchups. Perhaps the most interesting took place at Mekeel Christian Academy, as they hosted Schalmont in an entertaining non-league matchup between programs looking to make noise as contenders in a crowded Section II Class B pack. It was close from start to finish, with the margin never reaching double digits, but a long 2nd half run gave Schalmont an edge that they never relinquished as they picked up a quality victory.

Overall, it was the hosts that looked better in the early going. With a Schalmont defensive gameplan geared toward Mekeel's standout backcourt of Avery Mills (Mekeel 2024) and Mikyla Mitchell (Mekeel 2020), the supporting cast stepped up early. The Lions' first 12 points came from others besides Mills & Mitchell, with 7 coming from Maraya Davis (Mekeel 2021). On the other end, outside of a quick 7-0 spurt that included a couple threes, Schalmont came out stagnant on the offensive end and struggled to get good shots early. Payton Graber (Schalmont 2022), 24 hours removed from scoring her 1,000th point, had the answer on a few occasions in the 2nd quarter. Following a Schalmont timeout after Jill Ballard (Mekeel 2020) scored to put MCA up 20-14, Graber canned a corner three and followed it with a drive & bucket. After Mekeel extended the edge back to 5, a pair of Karissa Antoine (Schalmont 2024) free throws cut the Sabres' deficit to 26-23 at half.

Payton Graber led Schalmont with 17 points in Wednesday's win over Mekeel.

Mekeel started the 2nd half with a Mitchell finish at the rim, but Schalmont used another 7-0 surge capped by a Siena Hallberg (Schalmont 2022) jumper to briefly take the lead. Mekeel had the answer with a 7-0 run of their own including a Davis trey, two Mills free throws, and a Promise Mitchell (Mekeel 2022) bucket off a beautiful Mills feed to put the Lions up 35-30. The Sabres took it from there though, as a pair of Emily Lenehan (Schalmont 2020) free throws with 1:56 left in the 3rd started a run that would give the visitors control for good. She hit a three after that to tie it, and Graber added a free throw just before the quarter's end to put Schalmont up 36-35. They continued their charge into the 4th quarter, with Antoine putting in a pair of free throws & a jump hook on a post iso, then Graber knocked down a three to extend the run to 13-0 and lead to 43-35. By the time Mills finally stopped the bleeding with a bucket at the 4:11 mark, Mekeel had went scoreless for over 6 minutes. The youngster breathed some life into them though, scoring again on the ensuing possession to cut it to 43-39. Graber answered with another trey, her 3rd of the night, and Davis knocked down a three of her own to cap a quick scoring flurry and make it 46-42 Schalmont. After the teams traded stops and turnovers, Haley Burchhardt (Schalmont 2022) got free and knocked down a huge three, also her 3rd of the night, to extend their lead to 7 again with just over a minute left. Mitchell would answer with a three-point play and Mills got a great look at a left wing trey that would've cut Mekeel's deficit to 1, but it came up just short & Schalmont secured the rebound. On the ensuing SLOB, after fouling once, Antoine got free on a slip & her layup with 20 seconds left put it away. Burchhardt added a pair of free throws after that to ice the Sabres' win.

Four players finished in double digits for Schalmont, led by Payton Graber's 17 points. Haley Burchhardt added 13 in the win, and each of them hit 3 threes. Karissa Antoine was a consistent force on the boards and added 11 points, and Emily Lenehan chipped in with 10. For Mekeel, Maraya Davis had a solid game and led them in the books with 15 points, and Avery Mills contributed 14 points with 7 coming in the 4th quarter.

Avery Mills scored 7 of her 14 in the 4th quarter for Mekeel on Wednesday.

#ThoughtsFromTheBaseline

- This game felt... odd. Lot of ebbs & flows. Not sure if it was both teams on their 2nd half of a back-to-back after easy wins the night before or what, but it definitely had stretches of life & stretches of lull. Both offenses were a bit stagnant for much of the night and they were often bailed out by players making plays. That'll happen from time to time. I don't think either team will look back at this game and say it was a work of art on their part, but they fought through & battled. Schalmont made plays offensively in the 4th & buckled down defensively to pick up a W that I imagine boosts their confidence a little more, and it could be a learning experience for a Mekeel team that doesn't get pushed into the 4th quarter too often.

- I probably don't have to say this to anyone that knows how the Section II playoff seeding system works, but look for that result - a Schalmont (Colonial Council) road victory over Mekeel (WAC) - to potentially be a little bit of a factor when it comes time to seed Class B in a month.

- Interesting tidbit: out of 101 points scored in this game, only 4 of them came from the bench. All 53 of Schalmont's points were from their starters, and Promise Mitchell had 4 off the Mekeel bench. Two teams that typically don't go deep into their benches so the number itself isn't a surprise, but interesting to look at nonetheless.

Karissa Antoine is already an impact player for a strong Schalmont team & is one of the region's top up-and-comers

- Whenever there's a chance to watch two of any region's finest young talents in the same game, count me in. That's exactly what there was in this one, with Avery Mills & Karissa Antoine both on the court and making major impact for their teams. They both contributed double digits in the books with 13 combined points in the 4th quarter, Avery with the ball in her hands at the PG & Karissa primarily in the blocks. On top of the scoring, they each showed additional aspects of what make them special at this age. Avery's ability to handle the ball, court vision & passing prowess with a few beautiful post dumps off of drives, and activity defensively at the top of their zone was all next level. Karissa was dominant on the glass - once she got off the ground to get a rebound, everyone else might as well start to make their next move because they had no chance of getting the board - and protected the rim, including a great, emphatic weak-side block on a Mitchell drive in a big 4th quarter moment. Avery was doing this at the varsity level last year and although Karissa was on JV, she probably could've too, and if you saw them at EST events in 2019 - including the summer league, where they were two of a very select few at that age - their impact now is no surprise. Looking forward to seeing their growth & development over the next few years, helping carry the torch forward for 518 girls' hoops.

ESTers IN ACTION (Including Sections 2, 3, 4, 9, and NEPSAC)

- Start off with this game. Payton Graber (Schalmont 2022; Young Guns), who scored her 1,000th point the night before, contributed a game high 17 points to lead four in double digits for Schalmont in a 53-48 victory. Haley Burchhardt (Schalmont 2022; Young Guns) added 13 in the W, and Karissa Antoine (Schalmont 2024; Rising Stars) chipped in with 11. In defeat, Avery Mills (Mekeel 2024; Outwork) finished with 14 points.

- Emma Shields (Emma Willard 2022; Rising Stars) pumped in 33 points, a career high, and matched her opponent's total output in a 58-33 W over Taconic Hills.

Emma Shields dropped 33, a new career high, in Emma Willard's 58-33 W over Taconic Hills.

- Molly Brophy (Greenwich 2021; Next Big Thing) dropped a game high 19 points and Adrianna Rojas (Greenwich 2024; Fall Futures Combine participant) added 17, as Greenwich blew past Saratoga Catholic 70-22.

- The three Cambridge EST summer leaguers contributed double digits in another blowout W. Lilly Phillips (Cambridge 2021; Next Big Thing) led the way with 15, Stasia Epler (Cambridge 2022; Next Big Thing) added 12, and Sophie Phillips (Cambridge 2021; Next Big Thing) contributed 10, and they jumped to a 27-5 1st quarter lead en route to a 52-27 W over Stillwater.

- Mechanicville went into the locker room down a bucket, but came out strong in the 2nd half & held off a late Hoosic Valley push to earn a 42-39 victory on the road. Charli Goverski (Mechanicville 2020; 2018 event participant) led all scorers with 18 points in the win.

- Morgan Tompkins (Red Hook 2022; Next Big Thing) dropped 21 points, continuing a strong sophomore campaign in a 78-55 triumph over Highland.

Morgan Tompkins has been on a tear in her sophomore year, and she dropped 21 in another Red Hook victory.

- Amarah Streiff (Bishop Ludden 2023; Multiple One-Day Event Participant) and Lauren Petrie (Bishop Ludden 2021; Upstate Fall Showcase participant) contributed double digits in a quality win over Syracuse Academy of Science, with Amarah punching in a game high 17 & Lauren adding 12. For SAS, Alexius Pierce (SAS 2022; 2018 event participant) had a team high 16 points and Freey Pleasants (SAS 2020, Queens signee; Upstate Fall Showcase participant) added 14 points, 7 rebounds, & 4 assists.

- Jaelyn Vleer-Elliott (Brookfield 2021; 2018 event participant) filled the stat line in an easy victory over Cincinnatus. She finished with 7 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 8 steals, & 6 blocks, and they led 32-3 at halftime en route to a 58-13 W.

Kaci Donovan (pictured at the 2018 Upstate Fall Showcase), dropped 26 in an Owego victory.

- Kaci Donovan (Owego Free Academy 2020, Penn State signee; 2018 event participant), not long after being announced as a McDonald's All-American Game candidate, pumped in 26 points in a 65-44 victory over Union Springs.

- Margaret Dougher (Norwich 2022; Upstate Fall Showcase participant) finished with a team high 19 points, but they fell to Oneonta 67-45.

- Jordyn Meunier (Williston Northampton (MA) 2021; Next Level) finished with 19 points (3 threes) and Cristina Negron (Williston Northampton (MA) 2022; Upstate Fall Showcase participant) added 13, and they picked up another victory with a 49-45 OT triumph over Suffield.

The Mid-Season Check: Next Level

Phase #2 of playing catch-up. If you didn't see the first part - the previous post on this blog - it explains this project further. Since I haven't been keeping up with nightly recaps of ESTers with their high school teams, I decided to add a 'midseason check' to highlight how EST summer leaguers are doing at this point. Next stop, Next Level.

Next Level started off the summer slowly, with a pair of July 1 losses dropping their record to 1-3. However, they turned it around in a major way from there, reeling off six straight wins to end the regular season to earn a top-four seed. Even undermanned on playoff night, they nearly battled their way into the championship game, and they ran away with the 3rd place consolation nightcap. This team was truly a mixed bag, with standouts from not just the Suburban & Foothills in Section 2, but also Section 3, Section 4, and both public & prep schools in WMass represented on the roster. Many of them are turning it up this winter as well. Check the rundown:

Bella Stuart, a New Hampshire signee, has helped Shenendehowa run to a great start this winter.

As far as team success, no one can match the early season stretch of Bella Stuart's Shenendehowa team. This deep Plainsmen squad has been nothing short of a machine, going 9-0 in the early going with all of their margins of victory being at least 15 points against quality competition. They've been putting up points in bunches, scoring 70 or more in all but one game - a 68-53 win over Shaker. Bella, who committed to Division I New Hampshire in the summer & signed in the fall, has been a major piece in their success. Bella, a wing by natural skill set, has slid to more of a pseudo-5 role to best suit team needs. She's averaging 8 PPG in a very balanced Shen attack with a season high of 16, and they're sitting at #3 in the most recent NYSSWA Class AA state rankings, the most highly ranked NYSPHSAA school at this point of the season.

A short drive away, Maddisyn Mahoney has been putting together a strong junior campaign at Shaker. The 6'2" 2021 has developed into one of the region's premier post players, and she's been a driving force for the Blue Bison. She's averaging 9.8 PPG with a recent season high of 18, leading the way for her team in a balanced scoring effort, all while consistently controlling the paint & the glass. Shaker's sitting at 6-5, finding themselves above .500 after a brutal stretch that included over a month stretch without a home game and four games against teams state-ranked in Class AA. Maddi's worked her way onto the radar of a growing amount of Division I programs, and she received her first offer from Fairleigh Dickinson in the fall.

Lauren Filien (Columbia 2021) has been picking it up of late while assuming a new role as an elder statesman on what is seemingly a new-look Columbia team filled with youth & limited in varsity experience. After a slower start in the scorebook, the versatile 6 footer has contributed double digits in their last four games - including 16 points in three straight outings - and is averaging 10.1 PPG to pace Columbia. She's shown the range in the process, stepping out and hitting 13 threes through 8 games, and she's consistently been a formidable shotblocking presence. Columbia's sitting at 2-6 so far.

Lauren Filien has turned it up as of late and is averaging double digits at Columbia.

Up in the old Foothills North land, Brinley Inglee has been putting together another strong season in her final winter wearing Hudson Falls green. The standout 2020 is averaging 17.7 PPG with a season high of 22, and she reeled off double digit nights in each of the Tigers' first eight games with three 20+ point outings. She's knocked down 21 threes and is shooting a touch over 79% from the line. They're 4-5 as they approach the midway point of their season, but they've been on an uptick of late with three wins in their last four games.

As far as individual numbers go, not too many in the entire league are matching what Tessa Cole has been doing. The standout Sherburne-Earlville 2021, who attracts the majority of defensive attention from their CSC opponents including seeing more than her share of junk defenses, is averaging 24.1 PPG (season high 35), which is good for 6th in Section 3. She's dropped 20 or more points in all but two of their games. In the process, she's averaging 5.3 RPG, 3.8 APG, & 5.6 SPG for the Marauders and has knocked down 29 threes. Unfortunately for her, it hasn't always translated to wins, as they're sitting at 3-7 at the midway point. However, they've been in nearly every game, with 5 of the 7 losses being by single digits & a 6th by 11. Tessa's coming up on an individual milestone as well - going into Sherburne's next game against Clinton, she's sitting at 991 career points.

Sylvia Liddle is developing into one of the top players in her area, and the versatile 5'10" 2022 is averaging over 10 PPG while filling the stat sheet for Delhi.

In MAC country in Section 4, the Bulldogs of Delaware Academy have quietly been off to a strong start, and Sylvia Liddle (Delhi 2022) and Sophia Wakin (Delhi 2021) have a lot to do with that. Liddle, a 5'10" guard, and Wakin, a 5'10" forward, have paced a balanced DA effort en route to a 7-2 start. Liddle's averaging 10.2 PPG to lead the way including a recent season high of 17, and Wakin is averaging 9 PPG with a season high of 16. They both consistently fill the stat sheet in other ways as well, case in point being a recent neutral-site win over STAC opponent Chenango Forks. In that win, Wakin added 11 rebounds & 5 steals to her 13 point night, and Liddle chipped in with 10 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, & 8 blocks. They recently broke into the state rankings and sit at #25 in the most recent NYSSWA Class C polls.

Now over to the 413. Across state lines in Massachusetts, Amanda Mieczkowski has handled business early in her 4th year starting in the backcourt for her Northampton squad, who made the Division II state finals last year. The standout 2020, who continues to establish herself as one of WMass' finest talents, has been a driving force behind their 5-1 start. While handling point guard duties, she's leading the way in the books at 16.8 PPG, including a pair of 20+ point outings. She committed to Division II Assumption in the summer & signed in the fall.

Just a few miles away, Jordyn Meunier (Williston Northampton 2021) is in the process of a breakout junior year in the NEPSAC. The 5'10" sharpshooter is averaging 20.6 PPG through their first eight games and has been a model of consistency, scoring 15-25 points in all of their games with 20+ in five of their outings. She's knocked down nearly 30 threes on the young season and also takes care of some ballhandling duties for them, and they're off to a 5-3 start.

Jordyn Meunier is in the midst of a big junior year, averaging over 20 PPG for a 5-3 Williston Northampton squad.

NEXT LEVEL Summer League Stats (notable)

Team Record: 8-4 (3rd)

Tessa Cole (Sherburne-Earlville 2021): 3.6 PPG (high 9), 3 RPG, 7 threes, 10 games played

Lauren Filien (Columbia 2021): 4.7 PPG (high 7 three times), 4.4 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 10 games played

Brinley Inglee (Hudson Falls 2020): 3.1 PPG (high 10 twice), 1.8 RPG, 8 threes, 11 games played

Sylvia Liddle (Delaware Academy 2022): 3.1 PPG (high 9), 3.5 RPG, 10 games played

Maddisyn Mahoney (Shaker 2021): 5.3 PPG (high 12), 5.4 RPG, 10 games played

Jordyn Meunier (Williston Northampton (MA) 2021): 4 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 80% FTs, 6 games played

Amanda Mieczkowski (Northampton (MA) 2020; Assumption signee): 2.9 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 2 APG, 1.5 SPG, 8 games played

Aysia Pink: 11.2 PPG (1st in EST - high 18 twice), 3.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 46/110 FG (41.8%), 23/60 3P (38.3% - 1st in 3PM, 5th in 3P%), 12 games played

Bella Stuart (Shenendehowa 2020; New Hampshire signee): 9.6 PPG (high 19), 6.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 33/74 FG (44.6%), 11/30 3P (36.7%), 10 games played

Sophia Wakin (Delaware Academy 2021): 3.6 PPG (high 10), 5.2 RPG, 10 games played

The Mid-Season Check: No Mercy

It feels like yesterday, I was excited about walking into the Valley Central gym for my first actual games of the winter. Well, as it goes in a Steve Miller Band song, time keeps on slippin'... and we're basically at the midway point of the regular season. One thing I've been struggling to keep up with this year is nightly recaps of EST summer leaguers and how they do in their high school games, so enjoy this project instead!

No Mercy had a boatload of talent on their team in the 5th annual EST Summer League. They ended up earning a top 4 seed, finishing the season 7-5 after losing both games in the final night, but they found themselves undermanned in 3 of the 5 losses. At full strength, they took the league by storm. They're all putting in work with their high school teams and many are having team success. Check it out:

Meg Huerter was one of EST's best & most efficient scorers, and she's continuing to show it in the winter with Shen.

No Mercy had a very Shen tint to it, down to the jersey colors. 5 of their regular players don the Plainsmen green in the winter - Meghan Huerter (Shenendehowa 2021), Jillian Huerter (Shenendehowa 2022), Rylee Carpenter (Shenendehowa 2021), Kaitlyn Watrobski (Shenendehowa 2020, St. Thomas Aquinas signee), and Sam Lee (Shenendehowa 2021). If you've been paying attention, you already know that Shen's been running through their opponents so far. They're 8-0 with the closest margin of victory being 15. The rest of their wins have been by 23 or more, with 4 of them being 40+ point victories, and they're currently ranked #3 in the latest NYSSWA Class AA state poll.

Meg's been lighting it up & leading the way in the scoring column. She's averaging 19.3 PPG (tied for 11th in Section II) with a season high of 28. Her three games scoring 20+ points were arguably against their toughest opponents. She's hit 23 threes on the young season and is shooting an eye-opening 90.2% from the line (37/41). There's been plenty of balance behind her as Shen is wildly deep and a team-oriented group. Jill has been coming off the bench, but sees plenty of run and is next in line in the scoring column at 9.3 PPG (season high 14). She's also been nearly automatic at the line, shooting 21/24 (87.5%). Kaitlyn, who committed and signed to Division II power St. Thomas Aquinas in the fall, is averaging 8.5 PPG with a season high of 16 at the Amsterdam Holiday Showcase. She's hit 14 threes on the season, and we're still waiting for her to miss a free throw - she's hit all 10 of her attempts. Rylee is right behind her, averaging 8.3 PPG with a season high of 13 and a handful of double digit scoring nights. She's also shooting well from the line - 75% (18/24) to this point - might not be a good idea to put this crew on the line. Sam has been seeing increased run off the bench and is averaging 4 PPG, but her value has been felt on the boards, defensively, and with her all-around energy.

Kaitlyn Watrobski is an important part of a deep, balanced Shen attack. The St. Thomas Aquinas signee is averaging 8.5 PPG.

No Mercy certainly had more than Shen though, as players from four other Suburban Council schools and a Colonial Council standout made their mark.

Olivia Olsen (Niskayuna 2021) has been on a tear this winter. Her production at the high school level has catapulted almost like her Division I recruitment has in recent months - similar to a couple listed above. Liv's pumping in 24.1 PPG with a season high of 41 points against Guilderland, and she recently put up 30+ again in a win. Her scoring average is good for 2nd in Section II at this point. Her presence is also felt beyond the scoreboard, as the ultra-athletic 6'2" forward is a menace defensively and on the boards. She's led Nisky to a fast start, as they've gone 8-1 with their lone loss being to undefeated Saratoga.

Speaking of Saratoga... can't forget about Abby Ray (Saratoga Springs 2021). There are glue kids, and then there's Abby, who calling 'super glue' might not even do her justice. She's averaging 6.8 PPG with a season high of 14 for the 8-0 Blue Streaks, ranked #7 in the latest NYSSWA Class AA polls, and she's knocked down 26 of her 27 free throw attempts. She has a major impact outside of anything in the box score, though. Abby's generally tasked with defending the opposition's best player, helps with ballhandling duties, and is a good distributor & playmaker for a team who's scored at least 64 points in every game.

Abby Ray is an extremely valuable part of her Saratoga squad and has been integral to their early success.

Makayla Blake has picked it up more in her senior season as her Colonie team looks to use their forwards as a strength over much of their Class AA competition. After committing to Division II St. Michael's in the summer & signing in the fall, she's averaging 10.4 PPG for a balanced Raider squad with a season high of 18. She's picked it up recently, averaging 14 PPG over her last three games, and Colonie has been on a tear. They've won 8 straight with a couple quality wins under their belt, and they find themselves at #17 in the latest NYSSWA Class AA polls.

Julia DeBeatham has been consistent while stepping into more of a leadership role as the elder statesman for a wild-card Shaker squad. She committed and signed to Division II Queens in the fall, and Jules is now averaging 10 PPG to lead a very balanced Blue Bison team. She's hit 11 threes and is shooting 79.6% (35/44) from the free throw line while handling point guard duties. Shaker finds themselves at 5-5 after a brutal early season schedule, which included 4 games against state-ranked Class AA opponents and over a month in between home games.

Julia DeBeatham has been pacing the Shaker attack - the Queens signee is averaging 10 PPG while running the point.

Madison Graham was the only one on the No Mercy roster not from a Suburban Council. The Ichabod Crane standout 2020 committed & signed to Division II Adelphi in the fall. Her Riders squad has struggled out of the gate, but they look to be getting on the right track after finally breaking into the win column earlier this week. Graham, as has been the case over the previous couple years, is attracting the lion's share of defensive attention from opponents. She's averaging 12.3 PPG to this point with a season high of 19.

NO MERCY Summer League Stats (notable)

Team Record: 7-5 (4th)

Makayla Blake (Colonie 2020, St. Michael's signee) - 7.2 PPG (high 17), 2.7 RPG, 16/38 FG (42.1%), 6 games played

Rylee Carpenter (Shenendehowa 2021) - 9 PPG (high 17 twice), 3 RPG, 2 APG, 1.2 BPG, 33/81 FG (40.7%), 8 threes, 10 games played

Julia DeBeatham (Shaker 2020, Queens signee) - 5 PPG (high 10), 2.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1 SPG, 7 games played

Madison Graham (Ichabod Crane 2020, Adelphi signee) - 5.4 PPG (high 8 twice), 2 RPG, 9 threes, 8 games played

Jillian Huerter (Shenendehowa 2022) - 6 PPG (high 12), 3.1 RPG, 2.4 APG (9th in EST), 1.1 SPG, 8 games played

Meghan Huerter (Shenendehowa 2021) - 11.1 PPG (2nd in EST - high 20), 4.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 33/79 FG (41.8%), 17/42 3P (40.5%) - 2nd threes made, 4th 3P%, 8 games played

Sam Lee (Shenendehowa 2021) - 1.1 PPG, 5 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 10 games played

Olivia Olsen (Niskayuna 2021) - 11 PPG (3rd in EST - high 21), 8.1 RPG (5th in EST), 1.1 SPG, 2.9 BPG (1st in EST), 55/87 FG (63.2% - 1st in EST), 11 games played

Abby Ray (Saratoga Springs 2021) - 2 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.7 APG (6th in EST), 11 games played

Kaitlyn Watrobski (Shenendehowa 2020; St. Thomas Aquinas signee) - 7 PPG (high 10 twice), 4 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.4 SPG, 9 threes, 7 games played

Rylee Carpenter made things happen in the EST summer league for No Mercy, and she continues to with her Shen squad.

Fonda Rallies To Stay Unbeaten With Win Over Duanesburg

January 7, 2020


Fonda-Fultonville 61, Duanesburg 50

Tuesday nights are usually reserved for Suburban Council hoops, but with two of the WAC's strongest teams taking the court, it caused for a break from the norm. They certainly made it worth the trip. A big Fonda run gave the Braves an early lead of as much as 17, and a big 3rd quarter in response by Duanesburg gave the hosts the lead briefly. At the end of the day, Fonda made plays to regain the lead and hold off their opponents, walking away from Duanesburg with a hard-fought victory against another state-ranked opponent.

Duanesburg jumped to a quick 8-4 lead early thanks to a three & three-point play from Taylor Meyer (Duanesburg 2021), but that was short-lived, as Fonda reeled off a big run from there. It started with a bucket from Abby Lombardoni (Fonda-Fultonville 2020), then a three & layup from Kyla Smith (Fonda-Fultonville 2022) sprang it forward. By the time Lyndsay Lombardoni (Fonda-Fultonville 2022) scored on a short runner to end the quarter, the run was 15-0 and their lead 19-8. A Duanesburg field goal to start the 2nd only briefly stopped the bleeding, as the Braves continued to push forward. A Carly Atty (Fonda-Fultonville 2022) trey pushed the lead to 16, and then another Abby Lombardoni bucket gave the Braves their largest lead at 31-14 late in the 1st half. Duanesburg ended the half on a positive note as Allison O'Hanlon (Duanesburg 2024) hit a pair of threes to get herself going, but the margin was still double digits as they went into the locker room down 33-20.

Abby Lombardoni led the way for Fonda, finishing with 18 points while shooting 11/12 from the line.

A Taylor Meyer bucket was quickly answered with an Atty trey to give Fonda a 36-22 lead, but Duanesburg clawed from there. Maddie Meyer (Duanesburg 2022), who was held to 3 in the 1st half, got going with a bucket, then O'Hanlon hit a three & Meyer added a pair of free throws. She got to the line again and hit two, cutting Duanesburg's deficit to 38-31 with 3:15 left in the 3rd, and then it was O'Hanlon's turn. The 8th grader canned her 4th three, then finished with a reverse in transition. She capped the 3rd quarter with 3 free throws after getting fouled at the buzzer on a half-court attempt, which extended Duanesburg's spurt to 10-0 and gave them their first lead since the 1st quarter at 39-38.

It was O'Hanlon again to start the 4th, showing the midrange game to go up 3, but Atty answered with her 4th three. After getting a stop, Abby Lombardoni found Marilyn Whitcavitch (Fonda-Fultonville 2022) in transition for a layup, which gave Fonda the lead for good. After pushing the lead to 6, Duanesburg & Fonda traded buckets for a time. Hannah Mulhern (Duanesburg 2024) canned a corner three, her second straight jumper from close to the same spot, to make it 53-50 with just over two minutes to play, but the Braves would hold down the fort from there. They continued to get stops and got to the line as Duanesburg fouled to extend the game. Fonda would shoot 14 free throws over the last 1:09, hitting 8 of them - with Abby Lombardoni going 5/6 - to put the game away.

Abby Lombardoni led the way with 18 points for Fonda, shooting 11/12 from the line. Carly Atty hit 4 threes - one in each quarter - and added 12 points in the win, and Lyndsay Lombardoni chipped in with 10. For Duanesburg, Allison O'Hanlon led all scorers with 19 points. The Meyers added 24 between them, with Maddie contributing 13 & Taylor 11.

Allison O'Hanlon, a 2024, hit 4 threes and hung a game high 19 points for Duanesburg.

#ThoughtsFromTheBaseline

This game was pretty cut & dry. Once Fonda settled in a few minutes into the game, they imposed their will and a young Duanesburg team looked a bit shook for a while. Fonda took advantage and took off. Duanesburg went into the locker room at halftime on a slightly positive note after getting a couple shots to fall and stringing together a few good defensive possessions, and they became the aggressors on their home court in the 3rd quarter, making the road team look like a road team in a hostile environment. At the end of the day, Fonda made enough shots - and enough free throws - and got enough stops to pull it out.

Carly Atty knocked down 4 threes, including a big one in the 4th quarter, and chipped in with 12 points for Fonda.

To those unfamiliar with the Lady Braves that maybe only read press clippings, a note that although there's not a question that Abby Lombardoni is their go-to player, they're far from the Abby show. It's a sophomore-heavy team, but some have been up since 8th grade, the rest were up last year, and these are kids that play year-round... it shows in their development. Although it's nice when she does, Fonda doesn't need Abby to go off for 30+ to get a tough road win against a good team. Her 18 points (on only 3 made field goals with 11 free throws) was just fine when Carly Atty hits a three every quarter, 6'1" Marilyn Whitcavitch finishes around the rim & gets out in transition for more, Kyla Smith & Lyndsay Lombardoni get loose and find ways to score -- all sophomores, by the way - and in this one, they added some gravy in points off the bench from Krystal McSpirit, another 6 footer. Along with this, credit Abby and her court vision & playmaking ability. Many scorers don't have that skill or mindset - she set teammates up well on several occasions when eyes turned to her with the ball in her hands.

If you think Fonda's '4 sophomores & a senior' starting lineup is young - which it is - meet Duanesburg. Let's call it 'the Meyers & the babies'. Taylor Meyer, the elder statesman, is a junior. It feels like Maddie Meyer has been around forever by now, but she's just a sophomore. Then there's Allison O'Hanlon, Alex Moses, and Hannah Mulhern... 8th graders. It's O'Hanlon's 2nd year starting and her & Alex have experience at higher levels on the AAU circuit within their age group, but still. Youth showed in this one. It looked like nerves took hold early - good team, game circled on the calendars, it seemed like every local publication was in the Eagles' nest to cover it, boys' team wasn't playing so the crowd was bigger - it happens, especially for a team in the process of becoming good & learning how to deal with expectations. But youth also showed in a good way - too young to know anything but to keep playing, and momentum is an interesting thing. They feed off things such as Maddie Meyer's leadership & toughness and Allison's exuberant confidence when she gets going. Allison started hitting shots and the basket got big enough for her that it could barely fit in that box of a gym, Maddie started to break through, get downhill, put pressure on Fonda, and get to the line.

Maddie Meyer was able to break free a bit in the 2nd half, where she had 10 of her 13 points for Duanesburg.

At the end of the day, both teams probably get something from this game. Fonda deals with adversity on the road again, not the first time that's happened this season. After getting smacked in the 3rd quarter, they had to dig in & respond. They did. Worthwhile for them going forward. If there was any lack of confidence on Duanesburg's end about running with some of the big dogs in the small school ranks - which I don't think there was any to begin with - wipe it away. They wiped away a large deficit against a good team, something they couldn't do when getting down big against another good team a couple weeks ago, and it's added experience with close late-game situations in a good HS basketball environment. The game didn't end how they would've hoped, but it's an experience in closing out games that's important for a young team with hopes of making a deeper playoff run.

Queensbury Holds Off Amsterdam Push

January 6, 2020


Queensbury 54, Amsterdam 48

I've seen this somewhere before.

New year, same story as the last one. Queensbury & Amsterdam are the top two teams in the Foothills Council and two of the top teams in Section 2 Class A basketball. Like last year, they went through most of their league schedule before bumping into each other. Like their last matchup in the sectional semifinals at HVCC, Queensbury jumped out to a big lead before holding off an Amsterdam furious rally to secure a win.

Early on, it looked like there wouldn't be any 2nd half drama to speak of. Amsterdam held a lead once - for 20 seconds after a Jackie Stanavich (Amsterdam 2021) bucket to put them up 6-5 - but after Meghan O'Connor (Queensbury 2020; Vermont lacrosse signee) hit a pair of free throws at the 4:51 mark, it was off to the races for the hosts. O'Connor then canned two consecutive threes, Abby Doin (Queensbury 2020) added a three-point play, and another O'Connor bucket capped a 10 point quarter for her and put the Spartans up 18-6 after one. Their run extended into the 2nd, and a Cassidy Ray (Queensbury 2022) bucket pushed the run to 17-0 with a 22-6 lead before Amsterdam finally stopped the bleeding with a Sydney Hoefs (Amsterdam 2022) drive & bucket. The Rams went scoreless for just under 8 minutes of game time. Queensbury didn't stop though, continuing to push forward. Six straight Hailey Ballard (Queensbury 2020) points ran their lead to 20, which was the margin before Andie Gannon (Amsterdam 2021) scored & added a free throw late in the half to make the score 30-13 in favor of Queensbury at intermission.

Hope Sullivan turned it up in the 2nd half, where she scored 15 of her game high 20 points for Queensbury.

Amsterdam came out better to start the 2nd half, but they were unable to cut into the deficit for a while. An Antonia May (Amsterdam 2021) three - seconds after Ballard picked up her 4th foul for Queensbury - cut the deficit to 34-21 early in the 3rd, but Queensbury had the answer in Hope Sullivan (Queensbury 2020; SUNY Plattsburgh commit). After sitting much of the 1st half with two fouls, she contributed 10 points in the 3rd, and a three late in the 3rd pushed their cushion to 20 again at 46-26. The Rams wouldn't go away though, and their last push was more than enough to make Queensbury sweat. Stanavich, who scored 6 points in the first 3 quarters, pumped in 8 over the first 3+ minutes of the 4th, and a Hoefs bucket in transition forced a Queensbury timeout as their lead shrank to 49-39. However, the timeout didn't shake the trend. Amsterdam's frantic pressure that Queensbury burnt early took effect during this stretch, and turnovers turned into transition opportunities for Amsterdam. A pair of May buckets brought Amsterdam within 5 at 50-45 with 2:01 left and after trading stops a couple times, Ballard was whistled for her 5th foul defending a Stanavich drive. However, Amsterdam couldn't take advantage and got no closer than 5. A couple more Queensbury stops turned into free throws at the other end, and Sullivan & Doin each hit a pair at the line to ice a win that many had probably thought they had in the bag a bit earlier.

Hope Sullivan finished with a game high 20 points, 15 coming in the 2nd half & 10 coming in a 3rd quarter that saw her score twice late in the shot clock to deflate Amsterdam momentum. Abby Doin added 12, Meghan O'Connor scored all 10 of her points in the 1st quarter, and Hailey Ballard chipped in with 9. For Amsterdam, Jackie Stanavich scored 8 of her team high 14 points in a quick blast in the 4th quarter. Antonia May added 11, all of them coming in the 2nd half, and Sydney Hoefs & Andie Gannon chipped in with 10 points apiece.

Antonia May was one of four in double digits for Amsterdam, and she scored all 11 of her points in the 2nd half.

#ThoughtsFromTheBaseline

Queensbury is balanced and they have a team-first approach, which has helped them run to many wins and a lot of success over the last couple years with this crew. However, they also have something else that is often missed on balanced teams - someone in particular that can go get a bucket when they're in need. Enter Hope Sullivan. She's been at it for a while - her & Hailey Ballard are four-year starters, and I still remember watching them at Holy Names early in their freshman seasons & realizing Queensbury had something on their hands going forward. Hope scored 10 in the 3rd, and Amsterdam looked a lot better coming out of the locker room as a group. There's a top of the key trey off an iso that comes to mind, but a couple buckets came late in the shot clock after Amsterdam played good half-court defense for a possession - right when it felt like Amsterdam had something going, Hope was able to momentarily take the wind out of their sails. Might not seem like much to many that were watching, but at least in my eyes, that Amsterdam run probably happens a lot sooner if Hope doesn't hit big shots. If that run happens sooner, who knows how the game ends up. Credit to the standout senior, who has the potential to be a star in the SUNYAC in years to come, for stepping up in those moments.

Someone asked me what my thoughts were about Amsterdam's performance while I was there. I guess I'll put my answer on here too. Two distinct thoughts:

- First, a lot of credit goes to them for the feverish comeback. They were down 20, and that 20 could've easily turned to 35 if they laid down & gave up like so many teams do when they're in that kind of a hole. They didn't. They tried to battle back in the 3rd quarter, and Queensbury countered each blow. They still battled, and they finally broke through in the 4th. They always try to create chaos with how they play defensively, and Queensbury either got too chaotic or perhaps too controlled, looking more concerned with winding the clock down than looking to create scoring opportunities, depending on the possession. At the end of the day, the run came too late, but it came - more than what most teams would be able to say in that situation.

- Amsterdam's biggest strength can occasionally be their biggest weakness, and I thought that came through in the 1st half. Yes, they're long, athletic, relentless, but I think their biggest team strength is energy. Always amped, always energetic, always swarming. Generally speaking, the kids on the court for them are kids whose motors don't turn off. I thought they were in trouble watching the two teams warm up Monday. Why?.. Too amped. They looked like they were ready to run through a brick wall. Queensbury was going hard in warmups, but looked calm. Any experience I have with this game tends to lean toward that being a bad sign for the more visibly pumped up team. Of course, this is a game that both teams circle on the calendar - throw that 'just another game' stuff in the trash - but in the 1st half, 'we need to win this game' looked more like 'I need to win this game' for Amsterdam. Lot of forced drives & shots, rushed decisions, downhill penetration early in a possession with help already in position. Amsterdam looked chaotic early; Queensbury's chaos was controlled. Wild energy can sometimes manifest itself in that way, and the length of time that it did in this game was more than enough for Queensbury to seize control.

Cassidy Ray (2022) played a lot of minutes off Queensbury's bench and gave them positive contributions.

It wasn't necessarily in the scorebook, but Queensbury's general depth was on display Monday. 51 of their 54 points came from usual suspects - Sullivan, Ballard, O'Connor, Doin - but other kids had to log some serious minutes as well. Ballard & Brigid Duffy, who also starts in the backcourt, both had 4 fouls by the 5:30 mark in the 3rd quarter. Kids like Cassidy Ray (a 2022 that I like) and Ali Wallace logged minutes & made positive contributions. Plus, they're still not at full strength - haven't been all year. The fact that they can go to their bench a bit without any liabilities is something that a lot of high school teams can't say they can do, and it certainly helps Queensbury's cause as they battle through the regular season & go for the elusive Class A championship.


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