1. Six area teams remain alive for a shot at capturing a state basketball championship this weekend. Only one of those programs has a chance at a second straight state championship as Averill Park (22-2), the 2022 Class A girls’ basketball title winner, seeks a berth in the final when it faces Section I champion Walter Panas (21-5) Friday afternoon at Hudson Valley Community College. Last year, the Warriors beat Section I champion Tappan Zee 54-48 to claim the program’s second state championship. On Jan. 21, Averill Park defeated Tappan Zee 58-38. Walter Panas dropped a 46-41 decision againt Tappan Zee Jan. 10 and also fell 66-47 to Section I Class B state semifinalist Putnam Valley.
2. Albany Academy for Girls (24-1) is ranked No. 2 in the Class B girls’ basketball, one slot below semifinal opponent Putnam Valley (25-1). Each squad moved up one slot this week following Newark Valley’s 46-41 state quarterfinal loss to Cortland. Putnam Valley is led by senior star Eva DeChent, a Rhode Island commit who earned 2022 Class B state Player of the Year honors. AAG is a first-time sectional and regional champion looking to earn the program’s biggest victory.Â
3. Catholic Central, winner of its first sectional boys’ basketball title since the Crusaders claimed the Class A crown in 1981, compete in the state semifinals Saturday morning at Cool Insuring Arena against Section XI champion Southampton (20-5). CCHS is ranked No. 2 and the Mariners are rated No. 3. In the past three state tournaments held, Section II has produced the Class B champion in all three tournaments: Ichabod Crane (2022), Glens Falls (2019) and Mekeel Christian Academy (2018).
4. HVCC landed the girls’ basketball state tournament in 1997 when Albany, led by future Boston College star Becky Gottstein, captured the Class A championship that year. Overall, Section II girls’ teams have won 24 state titles –12 before playing at HVCC…
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