Breaking Down the Federation: Green Tech (Audio)

This is the last weekend of the high school basketball season. And for Section II, it’s been an awesome run – three state championships for the boys representing the Capital Region.

But now it’s Federation time as we welcome in the teams from New York City – and the independents -- to see who the true best team in the state is.

Three local teams are participating in the Federations with Green Tech representing Class AA and Scotia/Albany Academy representing Class A.

I had the opportunity to talk with the coaches of all three teams, and we’re going to profile one team at a time for the next three days. Today: Green Tech Thursday: Scotia Friday: Albany Academy.

There are audio clips from the coaches in multiple segments, with the whole interview appearing at the bottom.

Team: Green Tech Eagles

Class: AA

Record: 18-5

Head Coach: Jamil Hood Sr.

Opponent: Long Island Lutheran, Friday 6:45 p.m. at the Times Union Center

Road to Federation: Beat Bethlehem, Shaker, Shen, Guilderland in Class AA Sectionals, Defeated Utica-Proctor in Regionals, Defeated Brentwood and Jamestown in state tournament.

The Basics: Green Tech is very athletic. They can get to the rim on offense and they can suffocate you on defense. They held Proctor to just 13 first-half points in the regional final. Offensively, they are led by Jamil Hood Jr., who averages 16.7 a game. He can shoot it from the outside, from the set or off the dribble. And he can create off the bounce. Ramion Burt has really stepped up his game on the interior.

Interesting Info: Green Tech won the state championship in only its fourth year as a program. They played their first year in Class B before two years in Class A and this season in AA.

Listen to Hood talk about the history of Green Tech's program.

Green Tech competes in the Class AA portion of sectionals, but is not affiliated with a league. Therefore, they are able to load their schedule. They’ve taken on the best from the Capital Region, and they’ve played outside the area, including a loss to Long Island Lutheran earlier in the year.

Listen to Jamil Hood Sr. talk about the strength of Section II.

Unsung Hero: Najee Ward. I’ve written about him for the last two weeks. The kid is relentless on defense, he’s tough, and he’s a leader. Offensively, he hit a big shot to help seal the win against Shaker in the sectional quarterfinals, and he came out hot against Shen also. Without him, they aren't here.

Listen as Hood talks about Ward.

Best Moment: The embrace that Jamil Hood Sr. and Jamil Hood Jr. had on the floor at the Times Union Center after the sectional title win over Guilderland.

It can’t always be easy to coach your son and play for your father, but the two have done it incredibly well and they’ve shared this ride together.

Listen as Hood talks about coaching his son.