Keith Harrington-Staff Writer
As I sit here watching the Knicks play Dallas, all the “Linsanity” hype has me pumped up for the Section II Class D girl’s basketball tournament. It has been a great winter for the Class D teams in the ADK. Fort Edward, the defending Class D champs won the league title, North Warren won the west, and Argyle, Fort Ann and Hartford all had nice seasons. The Adirondack Legaue has been dominant over the years in Class D, and I don’t expect 2011-2012 to be any different. I would be stunned if it was not another “All ADK” final. It is just a matter of what two teams it will be. Will it be Argyle vs. Fort Edward round four, or will Fort Ann, North Warren or Hartford crash the party?
Fort Edward-The Flying Forts are the #1 seed and are the defending champions of Class D. This year is a bit different however. Last year the Flying Forts surprised some people, rallying to win the crown after a slow start. This year as the Adirondack League champs, they will have a target on their backs. Fort Edward plays solid defense and has three excellent scorers in Sam Godfrey, Rae Heym and Taylor Boucher.
Prediction: The Forts should have no problem getting by the Germantown/Hawthorne Valley winner, but things will get more challenging in the semi-finals where they could face Fort Ann or Hartford. The Cards and the Tanagers have not been able to show that they can handle Fort Edward this season, but this is the playoffs where anything can happen. That being said, I expect the Flying Forts to make another trip to the Class D final.
Argyle-The Scots played in Class C last year, falling to Berne-Knox. They are an experienced team with five veteran starters, and are looking forward to being back in Class D. Argyle would love another shot at their rival, Fort Edward which they have lost to, two out of the last three. The Scots are led by point guard Jax Miller and forward Shelby Graham. Megan McWhorter, Ashley Ellis and Hannah Kennedy are all capable of providing points as well. This is a very balanced team.
Prediction: Argyle as the #2 seed may actually have an easier road to the final than Fort Edward. That is because should they reach the final four, they will most likely meet either North Warren who they handled easily during league play, or #3 Heatly. I personally give very little respect to te CHVL champions. I think the Scots cruise into the Class D finals. and will be motivated for another shot at Fort Edward.
Fort Ann-The Cardinals are the #4 seed and await the Hartford/New Lebanon winner. Even though they have had a very good season, the Cardinals probably started the year with much higher expectations. They were a Class D finalist a year ago before being upset by Fort Edward at HVCC, and had all five starters back. However, they have not been able to solve Argyle or Fort Edward this winter, and only managed a split with Hartford. This team has the talent to get back to the finals if they put it together at the right time. Jordan Aubin has had another solid year, but the question is can this veteran team step up in the playoffs?
Prediction: I think the Cards will meet Hartford in the quarterfinals, and if they play well should get by the Tanagers. I think from top to bottom they have more talent. That would set up another game with Fort Edward with a trip to the championship game at stake. Although Fort Edward will be the favorite, and I think the Forts will win, I want to go on the record as saying that I love this Fort Ann team, and would not be stunned if they pull off the upset. Remember, it is the playoffs.
Hartford-The Tanagers have been led all year by Brittany Brayman and Morgan Mercure, both seniors and two of the top players in the ADK. For the Tanagers to make a deep run, the supporting cast of Katie Frye, Morgan Wicks, and Molly Spear must contribute. When someone other than Brayman or Mercure scores, Hartford is a much more dangerous team. This may actually be coach Jason Harrington’s best coaching job as this team with only eight kids, but with two outstanding players has jelled into a double digit win team.
Prediction: Hartford will cruise past New Lebanon at home Tuesday night, and advance to play Fort Ann. Although the Tanagers split with Fort Ann, I think it will be difficult for them to beat the Cards in the playoffs. Fort Ann is just much deeper, and the Tanagers have not played as well down the stretch, and may be a little tired. That being said, Harrington will have his kids ready to play and I have learned never to count them out.
North Warren-I take my hat off to coach P.J. Hogan and the North Warren Cougars. They beat Lake George twice and claimed the ADK West title. They deserve all of the credit in the world for this. It was nice to see a new face in the league championship game. Kiera Warner and Cassie Maday lead the Cougars on offense. North Warren opens the playoffs at home against Sharon Springs.
Prediction: I think the Cougars will defeat Sharon Springs in their opener, and advance to play Heatly. The Hornets, 17-1 will be a big favorite in this game, which will be played at Argyle. However, I always like the ADK teams in games against teams from other Class D leagues. If the Cougars play well, and can shut down high scoring Melissa Heffern, they could pull off the win and advance to take on Argyle in the semi-finals. That is where the Cougar’s great season will most likely end, but what a memorable season for the Cougars. I congratulate them on their accomplishments.
Salem-The Generals have struggled this year in the ADK East. I look forward to the day when this once powerful program returns to contention. They open sectional play as the 10th seed at Northville. The Falcons are 8-10, but have struggled to score, putting up scores in the 20′s several times, and in the teens a couple. Their high scoring game of the season is just 46 points, so if Salem plays a big game, they may have a shot. Dana Kupiec and Katelyn McKeighan lead the Generals.
Prediction: This will be a low scoring game that could go either way. The tough Adirondack League schedule is what Salem has on their side. Even if Salem is able to beat the Falcons, they will face Argyle and their season will come to an end.
Final Prediction: I feel that it will be round four between Argyle and Fort Edward in the final. The only thing that could change that is if the Fort Ann/Hartford winner were to upset the Flying Forts. Argyle, as I have already stated has the easier path and will be there waiting for the Fort Edward vs. Fort Ann/Hartford winner. As far as who will win if indeed it does end up being Fort Edward vs. Agyle in the final, I couldn’t predict it. These teams are so evenly matched. Argyle won the first meeting by seven. Fort Edward has won the last two by 19 and four. The huge court at HVCC leads me to think that Fort Edward will have an edge because of their speed, but who can forget Argyle knocking off unbeaten Whitehall on that very court a couple of years ago. The Scots seem to rise up in these type of games. So I guess we will just have to wait until the first weekend in Match to find out.
