Class A/AA Recap and Reactions

Sunday, Class A

Amsterdam 64, Averill Park 61

Sunday's Class A action started off with a really entertaining game that had a little bit of everything. The game was incredibly physical as both teams used defensive tenacity and toughness to limit offensive opportunities. It was pretty much exactly what you'd expect from these two schools, as physicality is the calling card for both programs.

About a minute into the game, the lights went out in the gym at Hudson Valley Community College, bringing about a 10-minute delay.

Averill Park held a 10-point lead in the third quarter but missed free throws left the door open for the Rams in the late minutes of the game. AP went just 18-34 from the stripe, and Andrew Rouse tied the game with two seconds left with a three to send it overtime, where the Rams eventually won.

It was also my first time seeing Amsterdam sophomore guard Kory Bergh. The kid is a real player. He has quickness, and he’s aggressive on both ends of the floor. He wants the ball, and he has a pure jumper that he can hit from well beyond the arc. He had 18 points yesterday.

Gloversville 68, Queensbury 48

It was my first time seeing the Dragons play this season. My takeaway? I’m really, really impressed. Gloversville is tough, athletic and has a solid mix of interior and perimeter play. Asa Barnhill had 26 points last night while Keyshawn Arnold had 17.

It’s going to be a really interesting semifinal matchup with Troy because Gloversville has the athletes to match up with the Flying Horses. My only concern is that the Dragons had only five scorers on Sunday. They can ill afford foul trouble and need to get some added scoring depth to pull the upset.

I’m also giving some major credit here. Gloversville: Your student section was equally as impressive as your team. The Dragon faithful were chanting on almost every play, and that’s what makes sectional time so great. It felt like the NCAA tournament out there.

Troy 62, Mohonasen 48

A game that was closer than expected. Mohon brought some fight and showed the willingness to battle with Troy. Troy could have been a little rusty, having not played in 12 days. Troy’s great guard play showed again as Dyaire Holt had 21 and Zach Radz had 15. If the Flying Horses get a solid interior presence in the coming rounds, Troy could beat almost anyone.

Scotia 72, Lansingburgh 40

The top-seeded Tartans struggled briefly against the No. 8 seed, but it wasn’t for long. Dom Lamorta had 21 points and led four players in double figures. What’s scary for Scotia opponents? UAlbany-bound junior standout, Joe Cremo, had just 10 points. And they still put up over 70. Considering he averages more than 25 a game, that’s an accomplishment for ‘Burgh, but it shows just how good Scotia is for winning without his usual production. And it’s hard to think what they can do if he gets close to that number.

Saturday, Class AA

Green Tech 61, Shaker 58

A far cry from the 21-point win the Eagles had in December. Shaker played great. Malik Dare had 18 to lead the Bison, while Andrew Holmes had 13 and four players in all registered double figures.

Green Tech got 21 from Jamil Hood Jr. Hood was hitting from the outside as well as getting to the rim, and if he does that, Green Tech could take down any team remaining in the AA field.

The only concern is that no other Eagle reached the double-figure plateau, and GT is going to need more scoring depth if they are going to top Shen on Wednesday.

Shaker had chances late, but GT is mentally tough and is capable of going to another level when needed.

Shen 70, Saratoga 51

This game was closer than the final score indicates. Shen looked sloppy at times, but maybe that’s what happens when you play your rival for the third time in a season. The familiarity was apparent on both sides.

Shen had a game plan to stop Noah Arciero, holding him to eight. ‘Toga was able to really limit the offensive production of star guard Kevin Huerter, who had just two.

Luckily for the Plainsmen, the scoring load was shouldered by Jake Hicks. Hicks put in 28 points and was the only Shen player in double figures. It’s nice to see that Shen can win when some offensive pieces aren’t producing like normal, and it’s scary for opponents that they can put up 70 while only getting two from Kevin, nine from Thomas Huerter, and nine from Brandon Fischer.

But, what I said for Green Tech holds true here as well. Shen will need a more balanced attack and more overall scoring depth to win. Defensively, how do they stop Hood?

Guilderland 54, CBA 43

Guilderland takes on Columbia in the other semifinal in a fantastic matchup. Columbia has great athletes, but the Dutchmen have the intelligence and the patience to get a good shot almost every time down. Guard Andrew Platek impressed in this win.

Columbia 67, Niskayuna 56

The sectional darling Silver Warriors came to play, hitting several threes and making Columbia earn everything. In the end, the Blue Devils were too much athletically. It was my first time seeing Jahlil Nails and Elijah Lott, and both impressed. They are long and athletic and can wreak havoc on both sides of the floor. They’ll need to score to beat Guilderland.

**As a side note, there were two Class C games at HVCC on Saturday morning. Spa Catholic topped Rensselaer in the early game while Lake George dropped Maple Hill.

I finally got to see Lake George guard Joel Wincowski play. Wincowski leads the area in scoring this season at 29.2 ppg. He's a star.

He had 38 on Saturday, including six three-pointers. He's scored 30 or more on 11 occasions, and scored 47 against Bolton and 48 against Argyle.

He can get to the rim; he can handle the ball. And he can hit the three from five feet behind the line. He has the green light to shoot, and he puts up these numbers with the other team giving him all their attention every night.

See full brackets here, courtesy of the Troy Record