Seeds for the Section II Class AA baseball tournament were released Tuesday. Let’s break down the field.
View from the top
CBA took the No. 1 spot in this year’s tournament. The Brothers are coming off a 16-2 regular season after finishing as the Section II Class AA runner-up last season.
Best of the rest
The Nos. 2 through 4 seeds — Niskayuna, Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs — are all strong contenders in this field. In particular, Niskayuna’s combination of solid pitching with a pop-filled lineup makes the Silver Warriors a co-favorite in this field with CBA.
A year ago
Ian Anderson dominated, as Shenendehowa started its postseason journey toward a state championship. Anderson pitched two shutouts for the Plainsmen during the Section II playoffs, including in Shenendehowa’s 3-0 championship win against CBA. Shenendehowa defeated Guilderland in the semifinals, while CBA had topped Saratoga Springs to get to the final.
Don’t be surprised if . . .
A team on the road for the quarterfinal round finds a path to the championship game. While top teams CBA and Niskayuna are strong, this classification is deep with quality teams. Someone like a No. 5 Bethlehem or No. 6 La Salle Institute could easily crash the party.
Keep your eyes on . . .
Shenendehowa at No. 8. If the Plainsmen top Troy in the first round, they travel Thursday to play top-seeded CBA in a quarterfinal matchup. Shenendehowa beat CBA 7-4 during the regular season.
The schedule
Tuesday, May 16
First round
At higher seed, 4 p.m.
12-Guilderland vs. 5-Bethlehem, 11-Columbia vs. 6-La Salle, 10-Shaker vs. 7-Colonie, 9-Troy vs. 8-Shenendehowa.
Thursday, May 18
Quarterfinals
At higher seed, 4 p.m.
Troy/Shenendehowa vs. 1-CBA, Shaker/Colonie vs. 2-Niskayuna, Columbia/La Salle vs. 3-Ballston Spa, Guilderland/Bethlehem vs. 4-Saratoga Springs.
Saturday, May 20
Semifinals
At Bruno Stadium, 4 and 7 p.m.
Thursday, May 25
Championship
At Bruno Stadium, 7 p.m.
Other brackets
Categories: -Sports-, High School Sports
