Two teams that entered sectional play not expected to reach the state Class A boys’ basketball playoffs faced off Wednesday night at Liverpool High School. New Hartford, a squad that entered its game against Troy with an 0-4 record vs. Section II squads this season, finally managed to prevail as it posted a 69-60 victory over the Flying Horses to advance to a state quarterfinal contest Saturday against Massena.
Troy (13-11), the No. 3 seed in the Class A sectionals, accomplished the same things the Spartans (15-10) did by knocking off the No. 1 and 2 seeds to win a championship. Wednesday, the Flying Horses spent the bulk of their evening playing from behind against a New Hartford program that reached the 2022 state final.
“We only scored 19 points in the first half. That is kind of against what we do,” Troy coach John Killian said. “In the second half, we kind of got into the game and went up 54-51 (on a three-point play and dunk by junior guard Terrance Clark). They hit a banked 3, which was big, and they made their foul shots. Credit to them.”
New Hartford opened its season with a 72-52 loss against Albany Academy. The Spartans also suffered losses against Amsterdam (85-72), Mekeel Christian Academy (71-66) and Saratoga Springs (57-52). Wednesday, senior star Zach Philipkoski and sophomore guard Jameson Stockwell made sure New Hartford finished 1-4 vs. Section II squads.
Stockwell hit a 3-pointer to put the Spartans ahead to stay at 56-54. New Hartford went on a 10-0 run to establish a 61-54 advantage as Philipkoski, who tallied 37 points in the sectional semifinals against top-seeded Bishop Grimes and 24 points and 15 rebounds in a 65-50 title triumph over Central Square, hit a trio of free throws to conclude the run.
“We had a great season,” Killian said. “I told the kids after the game that this one will hurt for a while. We won a sectional championship…
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