Anthony and Filomena Fiacco never dreamed when they planted a blue spruce in their front yard nearly 30 years ago that the tree would someday be on display in Albany as an official state holiday tree.
Albany Academy basketball coach Brian Fruscio should be ecstatic, considering he returns the nucleus from a powerhouse team that swept through the Colonial Council undefeated and finished 19-4 overall. But Fruscio’s Cadets won’t be playing any league games this year and instead will play an independent schedule.
After three straight second-place finishes in the Foothills Council, Scotia-Glenville coach Jim Giammattei figures it’s time for the Tartans to grab the brass ring.
Bunduka Kargbo. James Torres. Taran Buie. You know their names and what they’ve done for Bishop Maginn basketball over the last few years. Now, name three other players who will suit up a week from tonight when the defending Big 10, Section II and state Class AA champions make their season debut at Catholic Central.
Winter’s arrival didn’t mean an end to the excitment in Lake George last season. The Warriors won the East Division and beat West champ Whitehall for the overall Adirondack League championship in 2007-08.
Tamarac has been pointing to this season for five years. For Hoosick Falls, the wait hasn’t been as long, but the desired result is the same. The Bengals and Panthers are expected to battle for the Wasaren League title this season.
Last season, Northville was the feel-good team in the Western Athletic Conference. The Falcons will take their lumps again in the league — that’s what happens when Class D teams play in a league that includes teams from Class B — so second-year coach Ryan Gander, himself a Northville graduate, always looks ahead to the postseason.
Lake George and Argyle came up with the two big Adirondack League girls’ basketball prizes last winter. Both will be fighting off challengers this season.
With an all-senior starting five, Shenendehowa turned in a banner 2007-08 season, winning Suburban Council division and tournament titles, and the Section II Class AA championship. Along the way, the Lady Plainsmen presented coach Ken Strube with his 500th victory.
Hoosic Valley had a perfect Wasaren League girls’ basketball season, and the Indians almost had a perfect overall season, but a loss in the Class B state title game to Briarcliff ruined that.
