High School Hoops Thoughts on This Wednesday…

I finally got the opportunity to go out and watch some high school hoops last night, and man, was I impressed.

I went to Troy High to watch Guilderland take on the flying horses. Guilderland won the game 58-46 against an undermatched Troy team missing its two best players, but that doesn't mean the Dutchmen didn't come away looking very impressive.

In fact, the Dutchmen may be a real force come sectional time. I got the opportunity to see junior star Andrew Platek (our Athlete of the Week a few weeks ago) for the first time this season, and he's really improved his game from last February, when I last saw him.

He's got a green light to shoot whenever he wants, and the confidence to back that green light up. He repeatedly fired up three-pointers from five or six feet behind the line. What may have looked like a questionable shot selection to some turned into Dutchmen buckets. He had five threes on the day and scored a game-high 23 points.

But you always need more than just one player if you're going to capture a Section II title. Andrew Sischo had 22 points and provides the Dutchmen a solid inside presence. Furthermore, Guilderland was scrappy. Ralph Simeone had nine points and was critical in rebounding and on the defensive end.

The only concern with Guilderland? They only had four scorers. They need to continue to find their depth.

As for Troy? Without big man Jack McLaren and star guard Dyaire Holt (who played just one rotation), it's too hard to judge them.

----Scotia topped Schenectady in the final of the Hilliard Tournament. Scotia has not lost in more than a calendar year and a half. They are the true essence of a team. Joe Cremo had 31 points in the win.

I've officially made my decision, the UAlbany-commit is officially the best player in the area. He can finish around the rim, he can shoot, he can run and jump. He's long and athletic. He can do it all.