New state rankings, March 7

By Kevin Witt | Published: March 11, 2010 | 0 Comments
Rank Class AA
===== ====================
1 Half Hollow Hills West-11
2 Albany CBA-2
3 Newburgh Free Academy-9
4 Boys & Girls-PSAL
5 Christ The King-CHSAA
6 Rice-CHSAA
7 Shenendehowa-2
8 Mount Vernon-1
9 New Rochelle-1
10 Bishop Loughlin-CHSAA
11 Poughkeepsie-1
12 Rochester East-5
13 Longwood-11
14 Cicero-North Syracuse-3
15 Jamestown-6
16 Uniondale-8
17 Rush-Henrietta-5
18 Cardozo-PSAL
19 Wings Academy-PSAL
20 Middletown-9
21 North Rockland-1
22 Baldwin-8
23 North Tonawanda-6
24 Bishop Maginn-2
25 Utica Proctor-3
   
   
  Class A
===== ====================
1 Jamesville-DeWitt-3
2 Red Hook-9
3 Newark-5
4 Buffalo Nichols-AIS
5 South Bronx-PSAL
6 Williamsville South-6
7 Long Island Lutheran-AIS
8 Cornwall-9
9 Westbury-8
10 Harborfields-11
11 Buffalo Canisius-CHSAA
12 Bedford Academy-PSAL
13 Buffalo East-6
14 Tappen Zee-1
15 Archbishop Stepinac-CHSAA
16 Elmont-8
17 St, John Baptist-CHSAA
18 Iona Prep-CHSAA
19 Rockville Centre South Side-8
20 Spring Valley-1
21 Lansingburgh-2
22 Pelham-1
23 Mount St. Michael-CHSAA
24 Bayport-11
25 Greece Arcadia-5
   
   
  Class B
===== ====================
1 Olean-6
2 Burke Catholic-9
3 Fonda-Fultonville-2
4 Woodlands-1
5 Collegiate-AIS
6 Pleasantville-1
7 Potsdam-10
8 Westhill-3
9 Batavia-5
10 Lawrence-Woodmere-AIS
11 Lackawanna-6
12 Salesian-CHSAA
13 Malverne-8
14 Binghamton Seton Catholic-4
15 Watervliet-2
16 Bishop Grimes-3
17 Briarcliff-1
18 Depew-6
19 Wellsville-5
20 Plattsburgh-7
   
   
  Class C
===== ====================
1 West Canada-3
2 Mynderse-5
3 Buffalo Middle College-6
4 Maple Hill-2
5 Tully-3
6 Stony Brook-11
7 Blind Brook-1
8 Seward-9
9 Hoosick Falls-2
10 Watertown Immaculate Heart-3
11 Southold-11
12 Friends School-8
13 East Rockaway-8
14 Cassadaga Valley-6
15 Valhalla-1
16 Moravia-4
17 Onondaga-3
18 Perry-2
19 Voorheesville-2
20 Westmoreland-3
   
   
   
  Class D
===== ====================
1 New York Mills-3
2 South Kortright-4
3 Coleman Catholic-9
4 Maple Grove-6
5 Fillmore-5
6 Chateaugay-10
7 Davenport-4
8 Houghton-5
9 Batavia Notre Dame-5
10 Prattsburgh-5
11 Sackets Harbor-3
12 Syracuse Academy-3
13 Germantown-2
14 DeRuyter-3
15 Belleville-Henderson-3
16 Argyle-2
17 Crown Point-7
18 Sherman-6
19 Greenport-11
20 Northstar Christian-5

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Newburgh-Mount Vernon at West Point

By Kevin Witt | Published: March 10, 2010 | 0 Comments

Saturday, 3 p.m. at Christl Arena…..This is a tremendous decision to move this game here. If you attend, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get through the West Point checkpoint at the gates.

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More on Newburgh-Middletown

By Kevin Witt | Published: March 9, 2010 | 0 Comments

Just wanted to throw out a few more thoughts on Monday’s Class AA final. My objective is to try and capture the story of the game, but there were some elements I would like to mention that didn’t make it.

Newburgh senior guard Damon Cousar, a 2009 Varsity 845 first-team all-star, has been nursing a sore ankle for the last three weeks. He didn’t start Monday because of it, and coach Frank Dinnocenzio hoped Cousar could play about 10 minutes. But when Patrick Johnson got into foul trouble, and Middletown stayed close, Cousar ended up playing 20 hard minutes.

Middletown did a great job limiting Newburgh’s baskets in transition. In fact, the first Newburgh basket of that type was Cousar’s layup off a fast break with 6:13 left in the first half.

Middletown led 23-20 with about four minutes left in the first half. Newburgh then went on a 13-0 run in about 80 seconds. Now in the first two games, Middletown never recovered from the Newburgh run. On Monday, it chipped away and pulled to within 36-32 by halftime – and that was huge.

Newburgh wasn’t scoring in transition, and struggled with Middletown’s zone. But Newburgh’s hands never slump, and they were everywhere, making life difficult for the Middletown ballhandlers – especially the Middletown kids coming off the bench.

I spoke with Newburgh’s Mike McLeod after the game. He told me Newburgh “slept” on Middletown, because they had beaten Middletown twice so handily. Newburgh coach Frank Dinnocenzio wasn’t buying that, saying he reminded his kids that Middletown was tough. Still, if that’s what the players think….. Put in this way, they better not “sleep” on Mount Vernon. McLeod also said he and his teammates never believed they were going to lose, and their body language indicated that was the case. Say what you want about how Newburgh played, you could see they didn’t get caught up in the excitement of the night.

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Saturday pre-game Section 9 tournament thoughts

By Kevin Witt | Published: March 6, 2010 | 0 Comments

(7 seed) Rhinebeck vs. (1) S.S. Seward, 2:45 p.m., Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh

There is a preview of this game on this Web site, as well as in the newspaper. Both schools are looking for their first Section 9 Class C title. Seward won the D title in 2005, its fifth in a six-year span.

Rhinebeck already beat the second and third seeds to get here, so it has to be the story of the boys’ tournaments. But if Seward jumps out to a quick lead, it is going to be tough to beat. If it struggles like it has the last two years early, then we’ll have a ball game. Having said that, I expect a big showing out of Seward.

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Friday pre-game Section 9 tournament thoughts

By Kevin Witt | Published: March 5, 2010 | 0 Comments

(2 seed) Chapel Field vs. (1) John A. Coleman Catholic, Class D final, 6:45 p.m., Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh

I did a detailed preview that can be found on the site and in the newspaper, so my thoughts here will be brief:

It is extremely important that Chapel Field stay close in this game early, because Coleman traditionally runs away and hides. Two years ago, Chapel Field had a high-scoring kid named Matt Pooley. Coleman put a kid on his the whole game, with no other responsibilities. Pooley finished with 30-something, but was limited during a crucial part of this game and Coleman won. I can see Coleman trying the same thing tonight on Danny Menendez.

I’m not sure Chapel Field has anybody who can stop Jake Palmer, but I can see them trying to make sure everybody else really works to get theirs. My pre-tournament prediction was Coleman 58, Chapel Field 51. So that’s what I’m sticking with here. Hopefully, this will be a good game.

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Thursday pre-game Section 9 tournament thoughts

By Kevin Witt | Published: March 4, 2010 | 0 Comments

The Section 9 Class AA and Class A semifinals are Thursday night, so there will be a lot of people watching basketball.

(3 seed) Minisink Valley at (2) Middletown, 6 p.m., Class AA semifinals

 This should be the best game of the night. It has been three months since these teams played each other. On Dec. 4, Middletown beat Minisink Valley 73-65. Both went on to have nice seasons. Minisink Valley won the OCIAA Division II title, then beat Monroe-Woodbury 55-30 in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. Middletown has just two losses – both to Newburgh (who I see the winner playing in the final).

 I think a lot of people think Middletown is going to blow Minisink Valley off the court, but I don’t see it that way. I’ve had Minisink Valley no worse than No. 7 in my sectional rankings for most of the year, and I think these guys are underrated. I also think – but do not know for sure – that Minisink Valley will be looking at this game as its “game of the year,” and will come out very strong. Middletown will be looking to get another crack at Newburgh, which would be Middletown’s “game of the year.” Middletown is ranked 25th in the state.

 I expect a big crowd at Middletown, which received a quarterfinal bye – so this is the city’s first taste of playoff basketball this year. I do think Minisink Valley, which is just seven miles away, will be well represented. I wrote and said on video that I expect Middletown to win this game, but I can see meaningful basketball still being played with three minutes left.

(4) Kingston at (1) Newburgh Free Academy, 6 p.m., Class AA semifinals

 Defending state champion Newburgh, now ranked third in the state, already has beaten Kingston twice this season. On Feb. 5, Newburgh beat Kingston 91-52 at Newburgh.

(4) Rondout Valley at (1) Cornwall, 6:45 p.m., Class A semifinals

 These teams have not played this season. Cornwall, ranked fifth in the state, beat Port Jervis 55-33 Monday in the quarterfinals. Rondout Valley beat Wallkill 53-41 Monday in the quarterfinals. Rondout Valley had a nice late-season run to make the tournament, but I think it ends tonight. Cornwall is a little deeper, and will have the best player on the floor in Kyle Bradley

(3) Saugerties at (2) Red Hook, 6 p.m, Class A semifinals

 These teams met Feb. 17 in the MHAL semifinals and Red Hook won 93-47. Red Hook is ranked second in the state. Each team won quarterfinal matchups on Monday. Saugerties beat Monticello 80-74. Red Hook beat New Paltz 74-47.

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New state rankings, Feb. 28

By Kevin Witt | Published: March 3, 2010 | 0 Comments
Rank Class AA
===== ====================
1 Half Hollow Hills West-11
2 Albany CBA-2
3 Newburgh Free Academy-9
4 Boys & Girls-PSAL
5 Christ The King-CHSAA
6 Rice-CHSAA
7 Shenendehowa-2
8 Longwood-11
9 Mount Vernon-1
10 Poughkeepsie-1
11 New Rochelle-1
12 Cardozo-PSAL
13 Bishop Loughlin-CHSAA
14 Bishop Maginn-2
15 Rochester East-5
16 Baldwin-8
17 Rochester Wilson-5
18 Cicero-North Syracuse-3
19 Wings Academy-PSAL
20 Uniondale-8
21 North Tonawanda-6
22 North Rockland-1
23 Jamestown-6
24 Orchard Park-6
25 Middletown-9
   
   
  Class A
===== ====================
1 Jamesville-DeWitt-3
2 Red Hook-9
3 Newark-5
4 Buffalo Nichols-AIS
5 Cornwall-9
6 South Bronx-PSAL
7 Williamsville South-6
8 Long Island Lutheran-AIS
9 Harborfields-11
10 Westbury-8
11 Rockville Centre South Side-8
12 Buffalo Canisius-CHSAA
13 Pittsford Mendon-5
14 Bedford Academy-PSAL
15 Cardinal Hayes-CHSAA
16 Elmont-8
17 St, John Baptist-CHSAA
18 Iona Prep-CHSAA
19 Spring Valley-1
20 Buffalo East-6
21 St. Joe-by-the-Sea-CHSAA
22 Tappen Zee-1
23 Pelham-1
24 Mount St. Michael-CHSAA
25 Bayport-11
   
   
   
  Class B
===== ====================
1 Olean-6
2 Lawrence-Woodmere-AIS
3 Pleasantville-1
4 Burke Catholic-9
5 Fonda-Fultonville-2
6 Woodlands-1
7 Collegiate-AIS
8 Potsdam-10
9 Westhill-3
10 Batavia-5
11 Lackawanna-6
12 Salesian-CHSAA
13 Malverne-8
14 Watervliet-2
15 Bishop Grimes-3
16 Briarcliff-1
17 Depew-6
18 C.G. Finney-5
19 Livonia-5
20-T Wilson-6
20-T Norwich-4
   
   
  Class C
===== ====================
1 West Canada-3
2 Mynderse-5
3 Buffalo Middle College-6
4 Valhalla-1
5 Maple Hill-2
6 Cassadaga Valley-6
7 Stony Brook-11
8 Tully-3
9 Hoosick Falls-2
10 Watertown Immaculate Heart-3
11 Southold-11
12 Friends School-8
13 East Rockaway-8
14 Seward-9
15 Voorheesville-2
16 Dundee-5
17 Moravia-4
18 Westmoreland-3
19 Onondaga-3
20 Schoharie-2
   
   
   
  Class D
===== ====================
1 New York Mills-3
2 South Kortright-4
3 Davenport-4
4 Batavia Notre Dame-5
5 Chateaugay-10
6 Coleman Catholic-9
7 Maple Grove-6
8 Prattsburgh-5
9 Westport-7
10 Argyle-2
11 Sackets Harbor-3
12 Syracuse Academy-3
13 Arkport-5
14 Fillmore-5
15 DeRuyter-3
16 Belleville-Henderson-3
17 Sherman-6
18 Northstar Christian-5
19 Germantown-2
20 Greenport-11

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Wednesday pre-game Section 9 tournament thoughts

By Kevin Witt | Published: March 3, 2010 | 0 Comments

(5 seed) Spackenkill at (1) Burke Catholic, 6:45 p.m., Class B semifinals

 This is more of a dangerous spot for the home team than it appears.

 Spackenkill is coming off a dominating 67-42 quarterfinal victory Monday at fourth-seed Onteora. Stephen Gugumuck scored 20 points for Spackenkill. Andrew Michos added 13 points and Jimmy Kruk also scored 11.

 Last year, Spackenkill lost in overtime to Burke Catholic for the title. So as good as Burke is – ranked fourth in the state as of Wednesday morning – I can see that not meaning a whole heck of a lot to Spackenkill. The teams have not met this year.

 Burke Catholic received an opening-round bye, but can’t afford to come out rusty. I’ve loved Burke Catholic’s depth all year, and believe it remains the favorite to win the section.

 

(3) James I. O’Neill at (2) Marlboro, 6 p.m., Class B semifinals

 One of the most highly anticipated early-round games of the tournament. Both received an opening-round bye and finished second on its division. They haven’t played each other this year, which adds to the intrigue.

 Marlboro’s Maxx Faircloth (21.5 ppg) will be the best player on the floor, but O’Neill has five players averaging between 8.6-11.9 ppg (Chris Outing, Tre Bolden, Derek Dalition, Jordan Lusco and Mitch McKearn).

 I can see the home crowd being a big help here, as Marlboro usually gets behind its teams in this spot. It would help if a couple of other kids score in double-digits, to support Faircloth.

 I won’t be surprised either way in this one, but I’ve already said on video and written that I think Marlboro reaches the final.

 

(4) Chester at (1) S.S. Seward, 6 p.m., Class C semifinals

 Seward received an opening-round bye, and as of Wednesday morning, is ranked 14th in the state. Seward beat Chester twice in OCIAA Division V play, winning 77-45 on Jan. 11 and 70-43 on Feb. 5.

 Chester is playing its best ball of the season, and beat Fallsburg 56-42 in the quarterfinals on Monday. Four players scored in double figures for Chester (Matt Balzano, James Ognibene, Shawn Thomas and Josh Feldman).

 Look for a good crowd here, as the districts are neighboring and this can be a pretty good rivalry. I don’t Seward winning by the same margin as the first two games, but I do see the Spartans in the final.

 

(7) Rhinebeck at (3) Millbrook, 6 p.m., Class C semifinals

 Both won quarterfinal games. Millbrook is the two-time defending champion and winner of five of the last six titles. I had Millbrook in the final before the tournament started and I’m sticking with that.

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Tuesday pre-game tournament thoughts

By Kevin Witt | Published: March 2, 2010 | 0 Comments

First off, our apologies for the scoreboard/stats portion of the program not working on Monday. I’ve been told it is being addressed. Good first night of the tournament. Sorry to see Ron Semerano’s coaching career end. He’s one of the good guys.  Wasn’t shocked to see Spackenkill beat Onteora, as I wrote on Monday.

Let’s move to Tuesday…..

(5 seed)Warwick at (4)Kingston, Class AA quarterfinals – Kingston beat Warwick 66-44 Jan. 21 at Kingston. I’m not saying Kingston is 22 points better Tuesday night, but I would be stunned if Kingston loses here. Keep in mind, though, Warwick is 4-1 over the last month. Winner plays at Newburgh in the semifinals on Thursday.

 

(6)Monroe-Woodbury at (3)Minisink Valley, Class AA quarterfinals – Minisink Valley beat Monroe-Woodbury 51-43 on Dec. 18. I wouldn’t be surprised what happens here, either way. Winner plays at Middletown in the semifinals on Thursday.

 

(4)Livingston Manor at (1)John A. Coleman Catholic, Class D semifinals – The first meeting of the year for these teams. Coleman Catholic is the three-time defending champs and should be considered a strong favorite to reach the title game on Friday.

 

(2)Chapel Field at (3) Eldred, Class D semifinals – This was scheduled to be a home game for Chapel Field as the higher seed, but since it doesn’t have a gym – and couldn’t make an alternate arrangement – the game is moved to Eldred. These teams split their two games this year. Both were played in Eldred. Eldred won 53-48 on Dec. 16. Chapel Field won 45-26 on Feb. 5. Chapel Field is 6-1 over the last month. Eldred is 3-4. Still, probably a toss-up because of the gym.

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Monday pre-game Section 9 tournament thoughts

By Kevin Witt | Published: March 1, 2010 | 0 Comments

Finally, this thing kicks off. I’m going to check in with each day’s matchups

(8 seed) Port Jervis at (1) Cornwall, Class A quarterfinals – Cornwall coach Tom Howe goes for his 300th victory. This will be the third time the teams have played this season.  Cornwall won the first two – 63-41 and 79-47 – and should be considered a heavy favorite to win here.

(5) Wallkill at (4) Rondout Valley, Class A quarterfinals – Third meeting between these MHAL Division I teams. Rondout Valley won the first two, including a 56-36 victory on Feb. 5.  Wallkill is just 1-5 over the last month, the worst of the 30 Section 9 tournament teams. Rondout Valley has to be considered the favorite.

(7)New Paltz at (2) Red Hook, Class A quarterfinals - This will be the third meeting between these MHAL Division II teams. Red Hook won the first two – 68-39 and 84-37.  New Paltz hasn’t played since February 9, which can’t help. Red Hook is a big favorite here.

(6)Monticello at (3)Saugerties, Class A quarterfinals – These teams have not played each other this year. Saugerties is 3-2 over the last month, Monticello is 2-3. I wouldn’t be surprised however this one goes.

(5)Spackenkill at (4)Onteora, Class B quarterfinals - This will be the third game between the MHAL Division III teams. Onteora won two close ones – 64-62 and 61-59.  Both teams are 4-2 over the last month. Spackenkill seems a little more well-rounded on offense, and gets its third crack at stopping Max Taylor.

(7)Rhinebeck at (2)Pine Plains, Class C quarterfinals - Rhinebeck beat Pine Plains 56-53 on Dec. 18.

(6)Tuxedo at (3)Millbrook, Class C quarterfinals – This will be the first teams these teams have played each other. Millbrook has won five of the last six titles, and is the two-time defending champion.

(5)Fallsburg at (4)Chester, Class C quarterfinals – Chester won the first two meetings between these teams – 42-34 and 57-54 and has a 5-1 record over the last month. Fallsburg is 1-4 over that same stretch.

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