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2 | December 12, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Sports Special Edition

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Nordic skiing

Boys basketball NORTH CREEK — The Johnsburg varsity boys basketball team will prepare for the new year seeking for younger players to step up for the Jaguars in 2015-16. “After losing a couple key players to graduations, we have some big shoes to fill,” head coach Andrew Snide said. “The return of Ty Berg and Mark Cleveland (both seniors) will help tremendously and their leadership of the team will be key.” Last season, the Jaguars finished with a 5-7 record in the Northern Basketball League’s Division III. Now, back into Division II of the Mountain and Valley Athletic Conference, the team will look to be competitive in a division which includes Keene, Schroon Lake, Minerva/Newcomb and Indian Lake/Long Lake. “We are looking to improve on last year’s league record,” Snide said. “We will be adding six sophomores to the team that have been adjusting well to the level of varsity play. Brandon Johnson and Jimmy Morris are also two returners from last year that are looking to play a big role in our rebounding. I have been very impressed with the way our team has been picking up a new style of play with a new coach.” Snide will be assisted by coaches Geno Maiorana, Dave Cavanagh and Rich Schloss.

Jaguars roster Mark Cleveland

Senior

Ty Berg

Senior

Tyler Glover

Senior

Brandon Johnson

Junior

Jimmy Morris

Junior

George Burkhardt

Junior

Sebastian Wood

Junior

Logan McKinney

Sophmore

Caleb Buck

Sophmore

Tyler Green

Sophmore

Michael Wilson

Sophmore

Dawson West

Sophmore

Nate Kinblom

Sophmore

NORTH CREEK — The Jaguar varsity nordic ski team is looking to move their way up the Section II standings in hopes of making the state meet. “The Johnsburg Nordic Team has strong team and hopes to improve on last year’s results,” coach Stephen Tomb said. “The boys’ varsity finished in third place in Section II behind Shenendehowa and Queensbury. Tomb said the team has been preparing throughout the summer months for the season. “Generally, it is a young team with only one senior, Gillian Hayden,” Tomb said. “Many athletes have trained hard in the offseason and hope to make a run at competing on

Jaguars nordic roster Gillian Hayden

Yana Kinblom

Sasha Kinblom

William Davis

Matt Brown

Harry Helinski

Todd Millington

Seamus Tomb

Brendan Tomb

Casey Tomb

Patrick Riedinger

Liam Connelly

Mayakayla DeFranco

Ava Anderson

>> Story Continued | pg. 14

Girls basketball Lady Jaguars roster

Mark Cleveland

Makayla Denno

Emily Persons

Sara Pierson

Amara Mitchell

Savanna Berg

Kersten Mason

Taylor Dwyer

Megan Bacon

Khaleah Cleveland

NORTH CREEK — The Johnsburg varsity girls basketball team will take to the court led by first year coach Allison Gonyo. “I’m very excited to be coaching for the first time at Johnsburg Central School,” Gonyo said. “They are a great group of girls and I am so glad that I have the opportunity to work with them. Each day they show up ready to make themselves better and their teammates stronger. Our goal is to build off the season that they had last year and use our speed to our advantage.” Much like the Lady Jaguar soccer tram, Johnsburg returns a solid core of players who will look to make an impact in the Mountain and Valley Athletic Conference’s Division II. >> Story Continued | pg. 14

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Jordan Bush

Girls basketball MINERVA/NEWCOMB — The Lady Moutaineers girls varsity basketball team will return several players from the squad which made it to the semifinal round of the Section VII/Class D playoffs last season, and will look to again be near the top of the Division II standings in the Mountain and Valley Athletic Conference. “We have three returning players with a lot of game experience in Daniell McNally, Isabelle Bureau and Jordan Bush,” head coach Bruce McGinn said. Taylor Feiden and Meghan O’Donnell will round out McGinn’s projected starting lineup. “Rebecca Draper should see a lot of playing time and if Erica can come back from a concussion during soccer season, we should be very competitive.”

Danielle McNally

Lady Mountaineers roster Greg’s

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Taylor Feiden

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Boys basketball

Zach Hoag (right, guarding Westport’s Anderson Gay)

Girls basketball Lady Orange roster Rebecca King

Taylor Carroll

Lillian Dechene

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Bryce Mitchell

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INDIAN LAKE — The Lady Orange varsity basketball team will seek to be competitive as they progress through Division II of the Mountain and Valley Athletic Conference in 2015-16. “We want to be competitive and play solid defense,” head coach Robert Linhart said. “This is a very smart team that picks up things quickly and we are an overall large team and very good collectively.” The Lady Orange will be led by juniors Rebecca King and Taylor Carroll along with sophomore Lillian Dechene.

Orange roster

LONG LAKE — The Orange varsity boys Zach Hoag basketball team will seek to replace a lot of Noah Pine scoring from the team which went to the SecAustin Pierce tion VII/Class D semifinals last season. Calvin Seaman The Orange return to the Mountain and ValChase Hutchins ley Athletic Conference’s Division II having graduated not just one, but a pair of 1,000-point Jon Christopherson scorers, leading head coach Craig Seaman to Santiago Larrabure call the 2015-16 season, “a transitional year.” Nawoo Jeong “In all, we lost four starters from last seaRyusei Goda son, two of those were 1,000-point scorers for Yotaro Maruta their careers, Henry Sandiford and Curtis SeaYunan Liu man, plus two big men in Rudy Geisson and Casey Wells exchange student Mathis Volmelker,” Seaman Chandler Brown said. “With that said, we are very optimistic Leif Roalsvig looking forward with the young team we have now.” Danny King Seaman will turn to returning starter Zach Andrew Brown Hoag to help lead the team, which he calls one Stephen Laprarie of the most athletic young men he has coached. “He is fast, he can jump, rebound and has a nice jump shot, a very good rebounder for his size,” Seaman said. Seaman will also look for leadership from Noah Pine, who was the sixth man on the 2014-15 squad and who the coach calls the complete package. “He is a very good defender, controls the ball well and has a nice jump shot,” Seaman said. “I am looking to these two as the team leaders.” Other returning players are Austin Pierce, with lots of rebounding and scoring potential, according to Seaman. As for Calvin Seaman, coach-father said he has great ball handling skills, a nice jump shot, and can drive the ball to the basket. Chase Hutchins also returns from last years team and has improved his shooting and defensive skills. New players include six exchange students in Jon Christopherson, Santiago Larrabure, Nawoo Jeong, Ryusei Goda, Yotaro Maruta, and Yunan Liu. Others newcomers include Casey Wells, Chandler Brown, Leif Roalsvig, Danny King, Andrew Brown and Stephen Laprarie. “I am thankful we have lots of kids who want to play this year and is optimistic for the season,” Seaman said.

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Wrestling team includes Lake George wrestlers (front, left to right): Kuen McLaughlin, Dominic Crescrente, Ashton Osborn, Max Jenne, (row 2): Garrett Swift, Kameron Collins, Colby Hoolihan, Isaiah Barnet, Gideon Jardine, (rear): Connor Spellburg, Dylan Bachem, Richie Conte, Richard Tasker and Nick Taylor. (Not pictured): Robert Tasker and Tyrone Allen. Photo by Thom Randall

Wrestling

LAKE GEORGE — Eight years ago, a group of football players at Lake George seeking to keep in shape during the off-season teamed up with Hadley-Luzerne to form a wrestling team. In only three years, although they were competing against well-established wrestling programs, the WarEagles team ranked among the top in the area — in 2010, seven of their athletes qualified for the Section II finals, four of them earning berths in the state tournament. The wrestling program kept up its stellar reputation since, winning plenty of similar individual and team honors along the way. This year follows in that prestigious tradition. In 2014-15, the WarEagles won the Section II Class C Championship, won the Wasaren League Tournament, earned top honors in the Section II State Qualifiers, and placed eighth in the

state championship tournament. Their season record as a team was 12-5, and they were honored as the top small-school wrestling team regionally. Since their debut year, the team has been mentored by legendary 48-year coach Jack LaBombard on behalf of Lake George High, and the talented Larry Rounds for Hadley-Luzerne. The team members leaving due to graduation in June include Patrick Barber and Forrest Kuricky — both state tournament qualifiers; Tyler VandenBogaard — who placed 3rd in the state Championship tournament; Shane McCabe, a Section II Class C Runner-up; plus Orlin Tremaine, Todd Woodcock and Mike Sutliff, each a league All-Star. Top returners for 2015-16 are Jason Hoffman, Section II Champion, state Championship Runner-Up and league All-Star; Mike Sutliff, Class C champion; Gideon Jardine, a 2012 Section II champion and 2015 Adirondack League

All-Star; Connor Spellburg, Section II place winner and two-time league All-Star; Richie Conte, Class C place winner and league All-Star; as well as Garrett Swift, Cody York and Dyllan Bachem, all talented athletes. Coach LaBombard noted that this year, the team has depth in certain weight classes, but is lacking personnel in others. And, there are only two seniors on the entire team. On a positive note, there’s a big turnout of 7th and 8th graders. “Our future is bright,” LaBombard said. “However this year we will be thin in the lower and upper weights, but extremely strong from 120 to 182. We will struggle in dual meets, but will be strong in tournaments.” LaBombard said the wrestlers are working hard in their conditioning, learning the moves, developing their skills and acquiring technique. “Wrestling is a very hard sport, but it provides some of the most rewarding accomplishments,” he said. “As a coach, I may sometimes be too demanding for today’s youth, but our wrestlers respect the WarEagles’ tradition of achievement.”

The Lake George boys varsity basketball team includes (front, left to right): Kalab Helms, Nick Ure, Alex Jones, Dylan Hubbard, Greg Johnson, Scott McLaughlin, (row 2): Caleb Scrime, Zack Layton, Nick Hoffis, Steven Colletti, Clark Mularz, Mason Flatley, and Zeke Reynolds. Photo by Thom Randall

Boys basketball

LAKE GEORGE — The Lake George Boys Basketball team which has won the New York State Class C Championship two of the last three years, is now facing a new horizon. It will be a new game this year, having lost to graduation Joel Wincowski, Section II’s all-time scoring champion with 2,617 points — and the star player in both state championship campaigns for the Warriors. Wincowski, known for his stellar outside shooting, ball handling and ability to make difficult shots in clutch situations — is now playing Division I Basketball at University of Maryland/ Baltimore County. All-State Honoree and twice named Section II MVP, Wincowski was profiled in Sports Illustrated eight months ago after hitting the shot that won the 2015 state Class C championship — from way beyond the arc with 1.6 seconds on the clock. The athletes that Wincowski played alongside at

Lake George on the 2014-15 team were skilled, savvy and disciplined — and seven of them graduated — including four starters: Kyle Jones, Craig Keenan, Andrew McGowan and Duncan Mularz. Jones was the team’s second leading scorer, hitting 53 three-pointers along the way. Despite graduating this treasure-trove of talent in June, Lake George has a very promising season this year — and it’s due to a historically strong basketball program. Among those veterans from the history-making state championship Warrior team returning to play this season are Dylan Hubbard, Zeke Reynolds, Greg Johnson and Steven Colletti — all accomplished athletes. Hubbard is an excellent shooter who sank 34 threepointers last year; Reynolds is considered an excellent defender and rebounder who plays with a lot of energy; and Johnson is a strong, extremely quick player who is regarded as a tremendous asset on both offense and defense. Last year, Johnson was assigned the near-impossible task of playing man-to-man defense in practice against Wincowski — and through that ordeal, he’s acquired considerable skills. Despite its veteran talent, however, the 2015-16 team

is young, having only two seniors, Hubbard and Johnson. The remainder includes no less than four sophomores and a freshman, coach Dave Jones said. “With so many new faces we are not quite sure what to expect,” he said. “Our initial goal is simple — We want to improve every day in practice.” Sports observers in the region, however, know that Jones and his assistant coaches in the stellar basketball program — Tim Kissane, Blake White and Greg Luckenbaugh — will mold a very competitive team this year. Courtside at practice last week, Johnson said that the Warriors’ style of play has changed — it now depends on a lot of passing to players with open shots, and it requires a lot of hustle on the floor. “A lot of our young players are now trying to prove themselves,” he said, noting the team’s core was like a family in the aftermath of winning the state championship. Hubbard said that the route to the state championship taught the veteran players a valuable lesson that will be put to good use this year. >> Story Continued | pg. 14

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The 2015-16 North Warren High School Varsity Girls Basketball team includes (front, left to right): Hannah Kenney, Sarah Stewart, Sydney Cooper, Alyssa Dewar, (rear): Coach P. J. Hogan, Cate Hill, Madasyn Bush, Morgan Yarosh, Brooke French, and Marta Moral. The 2015-16 North Warren High School Varsity Boys Basketball team includes (front, left to right): Jack Williamson, Pat Terry, Joey Sapienza, James Hayes, Dan Caunter, (rear): coach Jeremy Whipple, Mike Williamson, Orry Bruce, Hayden Smith, Tyler Peet, Chris DeFranco and Craig Daniels. (Not pictured): Ryan Fish, William Bruce and Dylan Nicholson. Photo by Thom Randall

Boys basketball

CHESTERTOWN — In recent years, the North Warren Varsity Boys Basketball team has racked up remarkable achievements despite the school’s small enrollment. The Cougars and their coaches have been familiar faces at the Glens Falls Civic Center in Sectional play in the past half-dozen seasons. Last year, after amassing a 10-3 league record and 16-5 overall, they fought their way into the Class D Section II semifinals, losing to Fort Ann in a close contest. Weeks earlier, they had earned a Number 2 spot in the Adirondack League West Division. Lost to graduation in June was All-Star Nick Sapienza, the team’s leading firepower who had scored 1,000 points by the time he was only a junior — as well as veteran athletes Jacob Dunkley, Colby May, Daren Granger and Phil Cooper. One of the reasons for the annual success of Cougars’ basketball team has been the experience and depth of the coaching staff. Head coach Jeremy Whipple, the North Warren’s Athletic Director, is backed up in mentoring the players by assistants Josh Gifford, Al Matrose and John Remington. The team roster shows considerable promise this year. Coach Whipple notes that junior Hayden Smith is good all around player, senior Mike Williamson is a tough rebounder, and junior Joe Sapienza, Nick’s younger brother, is a good shooter. In addition junior Tyler Peet, who stands 6 feet 4 inches, contributes vital height. With the core of the team playing in AAU spring tournaments and in summer leagues, the North Warren players are progressing, developing teamwork and that “sixth sense” of anticipating each other’s moves, according to Whipple. “Although we’re still finding out what our individual roles are, the team’s chemistry seems really good,” he said, adding that he expects the players to improve every day in practice and compete hard every game. “This team is going to have to continue to work hard and improve each day,” Whipple said. “Teamwork and hustle are going to be points of emphasis this year.”

CHESTERTOWN — North Warren Varsity Girls Basketball Coach P.J. Hogan watched his players take some practice shots prior to a recent scrimmage, and talked of how the squad is rebuilding after losing talented players to graduation. “I don’t know what to expect from my team this season,” said Hogan, who is renowned for his annual conservative assessments of his squads’ prospects. “We’re still finding out what we are good at — but the girls play hard every day and improve every game.” Yes, the Cougars lost five talented athletes: Kerrianne Belline, who was a first team Adirondack League All-Star, plus Ellie Underwood, Taylor Feldeisen, Taryn Williamson, and Julia Dewar. But the team has three veterans from the 2014-15 team that battled into the Class D Semifinals and compiled a 13-9 record overall — a considerable feat for a school with a very small enrollment. These talented returners,

Girls basketball

predicted to be a solid core for the 2015-16 squad, are Morgan Yarosh, Madasyn Bush, and Cate Hill. Yarosh is a savvy rebounder, Madasyn Bush is tough inside, and Cate Hill is a good shooter and playmaker.Either Hill or Hannah Kenney, a JV draftee, will be calling the shots on the floor. Although the veterans will provide the leadership, the wild card in this year’s prospects is the six or so new players being drafted out of the Junior Varsity squad. But this isn’t just any JV team — the Junior Cougars were undefeated last year through 18 games — setting a school record, as well as following a 2013-14 team that was also unbeaten, but in 17 games. At a lull in the practice last week, Bush, Yarosh and Hill talked about the season

ahead. “After losing five seniors, it will be interesting to see how the players adapt to their new roles, and see how the team changes,” Yarosh said. “After we get through some scrimmages and games, hopefully we’ll have some chemistry,” Bush added. “We all work well together,” Hill remarked. “I know we’ll have fun.” Hogan watched the players take to the floor to start the scrimmage. “We’ll be jumping into the fire when the season starts — then I’ll know where we stand,” he said, noting the intense competition prevailing in the Adirondack League.” The coach smiled and offered a concluding quip. “What I do know is they are very good singers on the bus!”

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The 2015-16 Warrensburg High School Varsity Wrestling team includes (front, left to right): Mackenzie Blydenburgh, Dan Monthony, Greg Shambo, Nolan McNeill, (row 2): Chris Wilson, Cody Ewald, Ryan McNeill, Donald Carpenter, Benjamin Ewald, (row 3): Hunter McKenna, Chris Simpson,James Cunniffe, Zack Davis, Jacob Johnson, and Trevor Winchell. (Not pictured): Aidan LaPoint, Yasir Farooq, Jack Binder, Ryan Honey and Gary Hill. Photo by Thom Randall

The 2015-16 Warrensburg High School Varsity Girls Basketball team includes (front, left to right): Jessica Benoit, Kerri Fino, Ryley Scott, Zoe Morgan, Starr Hughes, (rear): Riley Fisk, Britanny Frasier, Madison Sheridan, Megan Hughes, Erin Langworthy and Coach Scott Smith.

WARRENSBURG — Two years ago, the Warrensburg Varsity Wrestling team was the runner-up in the Section II tournament for their classification. Then last year, the team lost five leading athletes who had racked up more than 30 wins, and a large number of younger players stepped up into Varsity roles. Despite the 2014-15 team’s youth, they tallied a credible 8-8 team record. Lane Oehler, who graduated in June, won a Section II championship.

WARRENSBURG — A basketball player that’s received statewide attention for her abilities is returning to the Burgher team for a final season, and a good number of determined, skilled players with experience will be joining her in a quest for a team championship. The Burghers return seven players from last year’s squad that advanced to the Section II semifinals. Erin Langworthy — voted Adirondack League MVP for the last two years and hon-

Wrestling

For the 2015-16 season, the work in athletic development will be continuing, as 14 of the wrestlers are sophomores or younger. Warrensburg’s deep coaching staff, however, has for many years molded young talent with limited experience into accomplished athletes. A key element of their success has been maintaining a strong youth wrestling program. Regardless of the team’s youth, head coach Mark Trapasso expressed enthusiasm this week about the prospects for the year, particularly concerning potential achievements of individual athletes. >> Story Continued | pg. 14

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Girls basketball

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ored twice as an All-State First team member by sportswriters statewide — will be anchoring a Burgher squad that’s expected to play an inspiring brand of basketball in 2015-16. Whether she’s charging to the basket eluding defenders and tossing an underhanded layup into the basket, sinking a fadeaway jumpshot beyond the arc, confidently stripping the net with consecutive foul shots, or executing a crisp pass when she’s doubleteamed, Langworthy has provided fan-pleasing action for more than three years while setting new school records. Averaging 26+ points per game and sink>> Story Continued | pg. 14

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The 2015-16 Warrensburg-Bolton Varsity Boys Basketball team includes (front, left to right): Austin McGarr, Michael Smith, Josh Curri-Brimhall, Corey VanAuken, Daniel Malone, Kyle Boland, (rear): Coach Mike Perrone, Garry Ross, Mark Monthony, R.J. DeMeo, Cole Lanfear, Tyler Dawson, and Coach Ryan Volkmann. (Not pictured): Joe Turner, Jake Nemec. Photo by Thom Randall

Warrensburg/Bolton Boys basketball

WARRENSBURG — Faced with three fundamental changes, it’s a whole new universe for the male basketball players of both Warrensburg and Bolton high schools. First of all, the teams have merged — and the athletes of the schools are now getting acquainted with each others’ abilities and playing style. Then there’s the fact they are being instructed by new, young coaches sharing the mentoring duties — Ryan Volkmann and Mike Perrone — both with an approach to basketball that’s different than what they’ve been used to. Thirdly, with some key players from last season having graduated, both teams are adjusting to shifted duties and a new mode of play alongside the new younger athletes that have been drafted from the reserves or Junior Varsity. Warrensburg’s 2014-15 team was powered by the hot-shooting Shea Irish, now graduated, who shattered all-time school records and was named a New York State Second Team All-Star. Irish broke the Warrensburg Central single-game scoring record Feb. 10 when he scored 53 points against Bolton, followed by a game two days later in a game against Hartford when he scored 60 points and surpassed his own record. He also set a new single-season school scoring record of 585 points, surpassing the prior record by 40 points. Shea averaged 29 points per game, and was named an Adirondack League All-Star. He was known for his unsurpassed dedication to the sport, his tireless work ethic, and his quick movements on the floor, outfoxing opponents. Irish, Alek Olden and Jake Nemec were tri-captains of the 2014-15 team. Olden and Mike Kareglis graduated in June with Irish, but teammates Garry Ross and Joe Turner — both solid athletes who were key players, are returning for 2015 — along with Nemec, who was the second-highest scoring Burgher. Bolton had a tough year in 2014-15 slogging through a 4-14 season, but they made great strides in advancing from a winless 2013-14 year. With a thin roster in 2014, Bolton’s coaches decided to play an independent schedule and not participate in Section II tournament. Enduring tough opposition, Bolton’s two top players, Josh Curri-Brimhall and Corey VanAuken, gained not only considerable experience, but height over the 2014-15 season, and they are likely to provide key leadership and hot shooting on the newly merged team. These two seniors, now 6’4” and 6’6” respectively — will be providing outstanding height, which has for many years been lacking on Burgher squads. Leadership is also expected on the Bolton roster from their classmates Michael Smith and Dan Malone. Perrone said the team has good balance between post players and guards. >> Story Continued | pg. 14

The 2015-16 Bolton Central School Varsity Girls Basketball team includes (front, left to right): Brittany Carroll, Abbie Seamans, Caitlin Johnson, (Row 2): Asst. Coach Steve Showers, Ashley Connery, Marissa Hall, Maddy Pratt, Erin Courchaine, Coach Luke Schweickert. (Not pictured): Caitlyn Speranza.

Girls basketball BOLTON LANDING — Although the Bolton Varsity Girls Basketball team lost four of its eight players to graduation in June, the 2015-16 squad has a talented roster. Those returning include veteran athletes who were not only key players on last year’s basketball team, but on the Bolton-Warrensburg 2014 soccer team that contended in the state semifinals and broke many school records along the way. Last year’s girls basketball team was 11-9 overall after achieving a 5-0 undefeated start to the season — a school record. That team advanced to Section II quarterfinals, beating higher-seeded Germantown along the way. Standouts lost to graduation include AllStar guard Sarah Calzada as well as Olivia Seamans and Kaitlin Urtz who were team leaders. The top returning players include Senior forward Erin Courchaine, a four-year starter, along with Sophomore Forward Madelyn Pratt who was first in rebounds and third in scoring last season. Junior Guard Abby Seamans will be setting the defensive tone with her tough, physical

Photo provided

play, coach Luke Schweickert said. Seamans, Courchaine, Pratt and Caitlyn Speranza — all outstanding athletes — were members of that elite 2014 soccer team and its 2015 successor that won the Adirondack League title. Schweickert said the success of the team depends on preparing younger players, primarily sophomores, to compete at the Varsity level. “Any time you lose half of your team to graduation, and enter the season needing to acclimate new players you must have a dedicated young group who is willing to put the time and effort in —And this group is ready to put in the work.,” Schweickert said. “If we are able to transition some of our younger players into successful starting roles, we could surprise some teams this year.” Conditioning, skill development and nurturing a steely mental attitude are all part of the work plan for the team, he added. “We are trying to build a tougher, more physical team this year that can stand up to the rigors of the Adirondack League,” he said.

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Boys basketball TICONDEROGA — Entering their first weekend of the 2015-16 basketball season, the Sentinel varsity boys basketball team had barely touched the hardwood. That’s because, out of the nine man roster for coach Joe Defayette’s team, eight were members of the Class D runner-up Sentinel football team. Meanwhile, Colvin Chapman, the lone member not to play football, was a state finalist in cross country. With a core of strong athletes, Defayette believes the team will come together throughout the Champlain Valley Athletic Conference season. “We have a well rounded team,” Defayette said. “Our success will be determined by how well we gel on the court.” The coach feels his team has the potential to reach the top of the Class C mountain. “Our goal this year is to win the Class C sectional championship.” he said. “This won’t be easy as AuSable Valley and NAC will be formidable this year. Seton lost some key players last year, but I know they will be in the mix as well.”

Emily Hood and Emily Pike

Girls basketball

Sentinels roster Brody Rocque

Colvin Chapman

Ryan Trudeau

Brett Mosier

Griffin Hughes

Collin Bresett

Sam DuShane

Chandler Whitford

Evan Graney

Griffin Hughes

More Sentinels, page 15

TICONDEROGA — The Ticonderoga girls varsity basketball team started the 2015-16 regular season with a pair of wins at the Alzheimer’s Awareness Tournament and look to progress as the 2015-16 season continues. “We are a young team,” head coach Rick Smith said. “Our goal is to continue to improve throughout the year. The team has shown great effort in practice, scrimmages and in the tournament.” Delaney Hughes paced the Lady Sentinels, averaging 23 points over the first two games. Every member of the eight-player team con-

tributed through the two games. “Depth will be the issue, as we have only eight players on the roster,” Smith said.

Lady Sentinels roster Rachel White

Emily Hood

Delaney Hughes

Kristen Palandrani

Paige Bailey

Sarah Bresett

Emily Pike

Alyssa Tucker

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Savannah Crammond

Girls basketball

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Lady Panthers roster

CROWN POINT — The Lady Panthers Brittany Foote 12 varsity girls basketball team is seeking to Amber DuShane 11 be near the top of the Mountain and Valley Savannah Crammond 11 Athletic Conference Division II standings at Shayla Trepanier 10 the end of the season. Bailey Noel 10 “Our team is looking to be contenders in Heather Foote 10 our league,” head coach Chris Gibson said. “Our team goal is to win the division.” Torrie Vradenburg 10 Mickaela Gunnison 10 Gibson said the team will be led by Brittany Foote, who returns after an injury forced Christina Simpson 10 her to the sideline for the 2014-15 season. Bridget Crowningshield 10 “She is a very motivated individual that Hannah Palmer 9 demonstrates leadership skills that will help Shawna McIntosh 9 push our team in the right direction,” Gibson said. However, while the Panthers return Foote, they will play the 2015-16 season without guard Logan Harrington, who is out due to injury. Gibson said the team will have to adjust to having a lack of height in the post. The team returns six other players besides Foote, including Shawna McIntosh, Bridget Crowningshield, Bailey Noel, Christina Simpson, Amber DuShane and Savannah Crammond. The returning players will be joined by newcomers Hannah Palmer, Shayla Trepanier, Heather Foote, Torrie Vradenburg and Mickaela Gunnison. “The team is very young and inexperienced, but this group coming up will make a tremendous impact,” Gibson said. “I’m impressed of how hard these girls are working each and every single day.” Gibson said he is impress with the team’s desire to work and improve. “The teams strength is the motivation to be successful,” he said.

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Boys basketball

Panthers roster

CROWN POINT — The Panther varsity Adrian Fernandez 12 basketball team will boast a strong core of Jesse Burroughs 12 underclassmen heading into the 2015-16 Chance Potter 11 season. Jamie LaDeau 11 “ This year’s team will be young, with 13 underclassmen,” said head coach John SwinChad Stephens 11 ton. “We will need to capitalize on opportuHunter Pertak 10 nities to compete. Everyone will have a job Cade DeBrobander 10 to do and it is imperative that we do them Riley Thomas 10 well in order to be successful.” Matt Munson 10 Swinton said the team will focus on the Jacob Norton 10 basics as they prepare for the Mountain and Ethan Java 10 Valley Athletic Conference Division II seaJadan Spaulding 10 son. Reese Celotti 9 “We’re working on playing a very basic Jacob LaDeau 9 brand of basketball, to take care of the basketball, play good defense and to rebound Zach Spaulding 9 the ball efficiently,” he said. “If we can do those things well and learn from our mistakes along the way, we’ll be okay. “ The key for the Panthers will be how the younger players grow into their roles on the team and how the unit comes together. “I’m looking forward to watching the team grow throughout the season,” Swinton said. “A lot of the kids are committed to improving, whether it is playing in the off-season, putting in extra time in the weight room, or learning about the game through film. They want to succeed, so come tip off time, it is up to them to put their best effort in day in, day out. “

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Girls basketball

Jordan Speshock

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PORT HENRY — The defending Section VII/Class D champion will look to the future as they prepare for the 2015-16 season. While the 2014-15 roster was loaded with seniors, this season’s roster has only on in Jordan Speshock, with 11 underclassmen. However, while the team may be young, head coach Stephen Pelkey said it does not lack experience. “We have six players returning from last year’s club who saw significant playing time,” Pelkey said. “I have been impressed with this teams work ethic, teamwork and ability to persevere.” Pelkey said the goal for the team will be to learn how to work together as they enter into the Champlain Valley Athletic Conference Division II schedule. “The team is learning how to play together Lady Vikings roster and making Jordan Speshock 12 progress each Halee Calabrese 11 day,” Pelkey said. “We have McKenna Harris 11 worked hard Amanda Regan 11 both offensively Hailey Crossman 10 and defensively Kaycee Orr 10 as we prepare Lillian Perry 10 to re-enter the Sarah Snyder 10 CVAC in a diMakayla Stockwell 10 vision with AuSable Valley, Stephania Zelinski 10 Ticonderoga Madison Olcott 9 and Northern McKenzie Sprague 9 Adirondack).

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Jordan DeZalia

Boys basketball Girls basketball

Lady Wildcats roster

SCHROON — The Schroon Lake varsity Angie Stellabotte 12 girls basketball team returns a solid core of Katie Botterbusch 12 players for the 2015-16 season, along with Ruth Jabaut 12 the addition of two new players. Tiffany Nolan 11 “All the players are returning this year Corrine Pelkey 11 along with the addition of Sam Grey and McKayla Vanderwalker 11 Corrine Pelkey, and the team is looking to improve on last year’s record,” said head Alora Bearor 10 coach Dave Williams. Samantha Grey 10 The team will look to focus on improvEmily Maisonville 10 ing their basic skills and progressing in the game as they play against competition in Division II of the Mountain and Valley Athletic Conference. “Our goal is to increase overall team play by developing skills and encouraging team effort,” Williams said. “All of the Lady Wildcats are working hard early in the season and we look forward to the competition in the Mountain Valley.”

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Wildcats roster

SCHROON — The Wildcat varsity boys Derek DeZalia 12 basketball team will enter play in Division Joe Foote 12 II of the Mountain and Valley Athletic ConUriah Fogle 12 ference looking to replace a trio of all stars from the Section VII/Class D semifinalists Branden Hall 11 of one year ago. Levi Williams 11 “This will be a reloading year for us,” head Ben Wisser 10 coach Lee Silvernail said. “We lost three Jordan DeZalia 10 talented players (Tanner Stone, Joe MaisonOliver Verba 10 ville, Alex Shaughnessy) and we have some William Schwartz 10 shoes to fill.” Micha Stout 10 Silvernail said the starting lineup will feature three returning players plus two newcomers. “We will look different, but the expectations will not change,” he said. “I have been impressed with the contributions by the newcomers.” The team will look to junior Branden Hall for leadership from the point guard position. “Branden has taken a great leadership role early on and has set the tone during practices,” Silvernail said.

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JCS Nordic << Continued from | p. 3

the Section II State Team as well as securing a spot on the New York State Eastern High School Team and possibly the Mid-Atlantic Junior National Team.” Tomb said the girls roster also returns a strong core of athletes ready to take to the

JCS girls hoops << Continued from | p. 3

“Senior Makayla Denno is a real threat in the post and can also shoot the ball well from the outside. Junior Savannah Berg and sophmores Megan Bacon and Taylor The 2015-16 Lake George High School Varsity Girls Basketball team includes (front, left to right): Cailin Gordon, Lacey Cormie, Logan Clark, Paige Farrington, Morgan Zilm, (rear): Alauna Wright, Rachel Shambo, Mackenzie Bennett, Graceann Bennett, Maddi Mann, Nicole Nolin and Rachel Layton.

Lake George Girls basketball

Photo by Thom Randall

LAKE GEORGE — The girls basketball program at Lake George High has a remarkable legacy, including its varsity team winning a half-dozen consecutive league championships in the mid-2000s. Regardless of a team’s prior accomplishments, veteran head coach Robb Tefft is annually focused on his players’ continual improvement, whether it’s skill development, conditioning, play knowledge or teamwork. Last year, his team put all these attributes to work. In an aggressive effort by all the athletes, the Warriors upset Fort Edward, ranked No. 2 in Class D for all of New York State, to capture the Adirondack League Championship — a title the Forts had held for three years. In that coveted victory, the Warriors executed relentless defense, forced 20 turnovers, distributed the ball well and had seven players sharing the major scoring duties — and their rebounding was similarly shared. The season ended with an admirable 19-4 record. Although senior athletes Cora Connolly, Kayla Prosser, Vivian Jaworsky and Cara Mastropietro graduated from that squad, a half-dozen skilled and experienced younger players are returning for the 2015-16 campaign. Standouts on this year’s team include senior team co-captain Mackenzie Bennett, a fouryear starter who’s very athletic, versatile plus a good rebounder and scorer; Graceann Bennett, an exceptionally athletic freshman who is a good rebounder and is effective at the post — she scored the most points for her team in that victory over Fort Edward; Lacey Cormie, a junior guard who’s a good outside shooter and defender; Nicole Nolin a junior guard-forward who’s a solid defender and rebounder; and team captain Paige Farrington, a senior co-captain who’s a tough defender. These team leaders are backed up by juniors and sophomores who are working hard and are bound to contribute to the team’s success. As always, Tefft was conservative this year in assessing the prospects for his team, which has experience, height, muscle, exceptional skills and chemistry. “We look to get better every day,” he said, noting he’s emphasizing tough defensive play, aggressive rebounding and efficiency on offense in the girls’ effort to repeat taking the league title. “We’re taking a businesslike approach to practice, working hard on the fundamentals.”

Dwyer are aggressive on the offensive and defensive end. Berg and Dwyer will be doing majority of our ball handling. Freshmen Khaleah Cleveland will be exciting to watch with her speed, agility and shooting ability. Senior Sara Pierson and Emily Per-

LG boys hoops << Continued from | p. 6

“We learned we had to put everything we had into each game, day after day,” he said. Coach Jones and his staff, without a doubt, instilled that approach in their players.

“We are an extremely young team, and our goal is to get in excellent shape and try to improve on a weekly basis,” Trapasso said. “We are definitely a work in progress, but hope to turn heads at the Class D tournament.” Top returning wrestlers are Trevor Winchell, Greg Shambo, Dan Monthony, Zach Davis,Ryan McNeill and Jack Binder. Davis, Shambo and Winchell were named Adirondack League All-Stars last year. Here’s the initial lineup by weight class: Hunter McKenna, 99 pounds; Trevor Winchell, 106; Ryan Honey, 113; Aidan LaPoint, 120; Zach Davis, 120; Nolan McNeill, 126; Greg Shambo, 132; Chris Simpson, 132; Dan Monthony, 138; Mackenzie Blydenburgh, 145; Jacob Johnson, 145; Ryan McNeill, 152; Yasir Farooq, 160; Chris Wilson, 170; Cody Ewald, 182; Jack Binder, 195; Don Carpenter, 195; Ben Ewald, 220; and Gary Hill, Heavyweight. One of the highlights of the season will be a meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday Dec. 23 versus Burr & Burton Academy of Vermont, coached by Warrensburg Alumni Zach Monforte — with the Warrensburg student body assembling to watch.

WCS/BCS boys hoops << Continued from | p. 9

“We expect solid defense to anchor us through the season as well as unselfish basketball and balanced scoring,” he said. Perrone noted that seniors Josh Nemec, and Michael Smith, along with sophomores Cole Lanfear, Garry Ross and Kyle Boland, have all shown the ability to handle the ball and share offensive duties. “We will also expect senior Daniel Malone, juniors Mark Monthony, Austin McGarr, Joe

ing 56 three-pointer, Erin led the Adirondack League in 2014-15. Also, her achievement of hitting 146 free throws led Section II last season. Alongside Langworthy, who reached her 1,000-point mark last January, are six seasoned athletes who propelled the Burgers’ 2014-15 campaign into the Sectional semis. Coach Scott Smith said he was hopeful for the season’s prospects, but each team member must give their all, game after game, to meet the squad’s goals. “We will need to push the tempo on offense and be relentless on defense to have another successful season,” he said. Senior Ryley Scott, Smith said, will be a key player in the 2015-16 campaign. “Ryley is tenacious on defense and uses her speed as her best attribute,” saying he expects her to be a team “vocal leader.” An accomplished athlete, Scott served a key role on the 2014-15 Bolton-Warrensburg soccer team that went all the way to the state Final Four. Britanny Frasier, a junior, returns for her third year on Varsity. For years, she’s played a vital role on both defense and offense, Coach Smith said. “Britanny is a terrific rebounder and has worked hard on finishing around the basket — She’ll need to provide tough post defense for us this year as well,” he said. Juniors Starr Hughes and Madison Sheri-

Photo by Jill Lobdell

While Jones has been conservative in his past prognostications, he exhibited solid enthusiasm for the 2015-16 season. “As a whole, the team is working very hard in practice and is doing a great job of playing a fast, up-tempo style,” he said.

<< Continued from | p. 8

The Lake George varsity boys basketball team won the NYSPHSAA Class C state championship when Player og the Year Joel Wincowski hit this shot from 30-feet out.

sons are great support players who I will be counting on to take a leadership role on the court this year. Juniors Amara Mitchell and Kersten Mason both see the floor very well and add enthusiasm to the team.”

WCS wrestling

WCS girls hoops

Flashback: the shot

course. “Gillian Hayden, Yana Kinblom, Sasha Kinblom, and freshman Ava Anderson are possible to havestrong results on the girls’ team,” Tomb said. “On the boys’ team, we have Matt Brown, William Davis, Patrick Riedinger, Seamus Tomb, Casey Tomb and Brendan Tomb.” Tomb is joined by Julie West as coach.

Turner and sophomore Richard Demeo to provide depth, defense and scoring,” he added. “We will look for hard work, defense and contributions from every player throughout the season — we aim to be competitive in every game.” Volkmann also expressed enthusiasm. “Our team is already building solid chemistry. Many of the athletes have already played together in soccer, and they’re getting along well,” he said. “There’s a good mix of older and younger players, and Mike and I are looking for them all to contribute this year.” dan, will also be called upon to score more this year and grab their share of rebounds, Smith said, noting their recent improvements. Zoe Morgan, also a junior, has been particularly impressive so far this season, Scott continued, noting that she is expected to be a key component of the Burger squad this year. He also said that Kerri Fino will need to provide key minutes for the Burghers this year as a guard and forward, and newcomers Jessica Benoit and Riley Fisk will provide important minutes as forwards. “These players have shown great promise so far early this season,” Smith said. Considering that lack of height has been an issue on the team for years, Coach Smith said 56’8” Megan Hughes, a freshman, will play a key role with the Burghers this year. “Megan will need to be a strong interior presence, but she also has the ability to hit the outside shot and handle the ball as well,” he said. Smith observed that since the school’s basketball programs both move up to Class C this year, they will likely face stiffer competition in the post-season, and the players need to focus on improving all year long.. The teams remain in the Adirondack League, however, which incorporates both C and D schools. “This is an extremely hard working and dedicated group and we all look forward to the season,” he said.

Good luck to all winter sports athletes!

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Ticonderoga boys indoor track TICONDEROGA — The Sentinel varsity indoor track and field team will look to improve throughout the 2015-16 season. “Our strength is our determination to get better,” head coach Walter Thorne said. “Justyn Granger, Cody Huestis, Adam Zhang, will lead our sprinters, while Brandon Romana will lead our distance team and Ezra Long will lead the throwers.” Thorne said the key will be how newcomers to the program progress. “Our weakness is our lack of depth, having only 19 athletes on the team 10 who are new to the sport,” he said. “Our team will play the role of spoiler this season, every team is the team to beat. How soon our new athletes progress will determine our fate.”

Sentinels roster Justyn Granger

Michael Fitzgerald

Cody Huestis

Dillon Crowe

Adam Zhang

Caleb Pike

Brandon Romana

Carson Reeves

Joel Cook

Nicholas Fitzgerald

Ezra Long

Riley Quigley

Douglas Baker

Chandler Barnes

Brandon Sawyer

Lance Shaner

Kohl Ticker

John Wright Randy West

Meg McDonald

Ticonderoga girls indoor track TICONDEROGA — The Lady Sentinel indoor track and filed team returns a host of Lady Sentinels roster solid athletes with NYSPHSAA state qualifiMeg McDonald Grace Montville ers dotting the roster. Kaley Coon Megan Shaw “Our strength is the eight seasoned athMcKenzie Price Casey Hargett letes who should have a great impact on the new athletes,” head coach Walter Thorne Sierra Stacey Mya Delong said. “Kaley Coon and McKenzie Price along Alexis Sanders Malala Holt with new comer Haleigh Wright will lead the Rachel Barnes Tierra Bush sprinters. Meg McDonald and Grace MontLauren Dixon Eryn Kidder ville will lead our hurdlers. Sierra Stacey will Anna Hayes Haleigh Wright lead the distance with newcomer Eryn KidKatie Shelmidine der, while Alexis Sanders and Makala Holt will lead our throwers.” Thorne said he felt it was tough to predict where the team would finish with such a difference in experience throughout the roster as well as having only 17 members of the team.

Sentinels roster Ticonderoga bowling TICONDEROGA — The Ticonderoga Sentinel varsity bowling teams hope to have success this season in the Champlain Valley Athletic Conference. The Lady Sentinel roster will return three key members of its roster, including seniors Cassidy McKee and Cheyanne Tuthill, along with junior Cerise Bush. “We hope they will see continued success this season,” said head coach Donna Fleury. On the boys team, several key bowlers also return to the roster, many being underclassmen led by ninth grader Gavin Fleury along with juniors Anthony Paige and Duncan Bain. Senior Connor Lauzon also help provide depth to the roster. “We have a good core bunch that came back this year plus the return of Bryce Gautreau that should help us win some games. Our freshman will have to step up this year and show their skills,” Fleury said.

Boys Connor Lauzon

Sam Shelmidine

Mike Fitzgerald

Darby Guay

Duncan Bain

Anthony Paige

Jonathan West

Zach Bush

Bryce Gautreau

Garrett Ross

Gavin Fleury

Steven Barnaby

Axel Dedrick

7 Girls

Noah Gilbo

Moriah Boys basketball PORT HENRY — This is the year. Vikings roster After two seasons of coming up short in the NYSPHSAA Class D Final Four, the Moriah Taylor Slattery 12 varsity boys basketball team is seeking a third Jarrod MacDougal 12 straight trip to the Glens Falls Civic Center Todd Clarke 12 with the goal of coming away with two victoNoah Gilbo 12 ries and the large, state-shaped trophy. Cody Stockwell 12 Head coach Brian Cross has 10 of his 12 players returning from the 2014-15 team Adam Jaquish 12 which played Bridgehampton in the 2014-15 Billy Larrow 12 Final Four, with the core of eight seniors also Chuckie Bryant 12 having been a part of the 2013-14 Final Four Kyle Wilson 11 game against New York Mills. In both cases, Todd Gregory 11 the team which beat the Vikings ended up as Joe Stahl 10 state champions. Dylan Trombley 10 “Our goals are to play together, stay healthy and take this one game at a time,” Cross said. “We have good size and team speed with great leadership from our seniors and younger players who will play a huge role for us.” Cross said, while not as deep as last season, he will still be able to go deep into his bench to keep players rested through the long season, made longer by returning to the traditional Champlain Valley Athletic Conference schedule. “We have a very tough schedule this season,” Cross said.

Moriah bowling Vikings bowling roster Boys Team Toot Whalen

Girls Team Hailey Morgan

Cassidy McKee

Tanner Conley

Cheyanne Tuthill

Jacob Gibeau

Cerise Bush

Joe Tursky

Taylor Brassard

Samantha Gonyo

Zack Harter

Kenzee Cutting

Jordyn Borho

Trevor MacDougal

Saydee Goodness

Luki Freeman

Kiersten Alkinburgh

Myles Madill

Avery Alkinburgh

Sebastian Sprouse

Kassie Gijanto

Abigail Melvin

Brittany Yelle Savannah McCray

Kaila Milgram Shyann Hargett

PORT HENRY — For the Vikings varsity bowling squad, it is all about getting onto the lanes at the Mineville VFW and getting as many frames in as possible. “Our goal is practice, practice, practice,” said coach Stacey Anderson. “We have a fairly new (younger) team, both boys and girls this year, with only 10 returning players. We’re hoping to come out on top with some wins and show improvement.” Anderson said there will be a good mix of talent. “With our returning players I’m happy to have them back and look forward to a fun and exciting season.”

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