Monday Musings: Sectionals Recap

Class AA:

Shen 79, Schenectady 42 - Schenectady came out spirited. They out-rebounded the Plainsmen early and out-hustled Shen in the first quarter. The Plainsmen only held a 15-14 advantage at one point, but it was all Green and White for the final three quarters. The top-seeded Plainsmen are deep. Division I prospect Kevin Huerter shot the ball well from the outside and the Plainsmen will need their depth to get past CCHS in the next round. They need to get off to a better start and not let inferior teams hang around.

Green Tech 59, La Salle 43 - The Cadets actually beat the Eagles for the final three quarters. The only problem? Green Tech opened up a 22-3 lead after the first quarter. Green Tech's length and athleticism overwhelmed La Salle early and they coasted from there. This Eagles' team shoots well from the outside -- better than last year's state championship team. They'll take on Guilderland in the AA semis on Tuesday night. They'll need to stay engaged for the full 32 minutes if they want to send Andrew Platek and Co. packing.

Guilderland 65, CBA 57 - The Dutchmen are very good. They can be a scary matchup for Green Tech in a rematch of last year's AA final. Andrew Platek is a pure scorer and he can shoot it from anywhere. If he commits to going to the basket and can get to the charity stripe, he will light up the statsheet and free up his outside game. They also need to establish the interior game with Andrew Sischo to give them a 1-2 punch. Guilderland is athletic and they'll need to get off to a good start to keep Green Tech at bay early.

CCHS 52, Bethlehem 50 - Anthony Mack had 27 points in the win. He's one of the best players in the area, but he'll need help if the Crusaders want to knock off Shen. CCHS only had four scorers in Saturday's game and that will have to change.

Class A:

Scotia 88, Glens Falls 35 - Another day at the office for a Tartan team that hasn't lost in almost two years. Scotia led 69-12 at one point. Joe Cremo is the area's best overall best player and he showed it with a 30-point effort. He hit five threes in the win as well, and if he can do that throughout the tournament, this team is in excellent position to capture the Class A title - and beyond. Cremo doesn't do it alone though as Diamond Corker had 16 and Scott Stopera had 12.

Troy 74, Mohonasen 35 - If you were impressed by Scotia, then you need to be impressed by the Flying Horses as well. The only Class A team that can really give Scotia a true test, Troy got good performances from its big three. Dyaire Holt had 22 while Zach Radz and Maurice Watson had 11 each. They'll need those three to be big throughout the tournament.

Averill Park 80, Gloversville 74 (OT) - The Warriors got double-figure scoring from four players in the win. They'll take on Troy.

Amsterdam 77, Queensbury 74 (2 OT) - The Rams were certainly tested in this one, and they'll need to rebound quickly if they want to hang with Scotia.

Other Thoughts:

Joel Wincowski had 37 points for Lake George in their win on Friday. John Rooney had 21 for Hoosic Valley. That semifinal matchup in Class C will be special - as it's a meeting of the last two state champs.