Niskayuna Basketball Prepares for Sectionals

Both the boys and girls basketball teams at Niskayuna are ready to finish off the rest of the regular season strong before heading into Sectionals, which will once again be as competitive as ever. Both teams have a lot to play for going into the final games of the regular season, and they are looking to peak at the right time before the playoffs begin.

The boys team had won eight straight games to begin the season before losing against number one-ranked Colonie in the first game of the new year. The Silver Warriors then won in dominating fashion over Middletown, 75-52, before winning by a single point against Shenendehowa. Daniel Smalls led the late game rally with 23 points, closing out the game by hitting two clutch free throws to give the Silver Warriors the 59-58 win over the Plainsmen. Unfortunately for the Silver Warriors, Colonie was able to put the Silver Warriors in the loss column for the first time all year. Also an unbeaten squad, the Raiders dominated the game from the opening tip, led by Julius Reed and Cameron Trimarchi. The 72-55 loss was a tough way to end Niskayuna’s winning streak, but they were able to bounce back with another victory over Shenendehowa. This time, the Silver Warriors made sure that the Plainsmen didn’t even come close, winning 51-36. Once again, Daniel Smalls led Niskayuna with 21 points. Next up for the Silver Warriors was Ballston Spa, who they were able to defeat 67-58 in a hard fought battle. Niskayuna’s Ethan Gilson tied a school record for most 3-pointers in a game, draining 9 of them and finishing off the game with an impressive 33 points. The Silver Warriors had to make a quick turnaround and get ready to face Kingston in a non-league matchup the next day, but unfortunately the Silver Warriors couldn’t hang on to their lead in the second half, losing 65-61. The Silver Warriors were able to grab a dominating win against a struggling Columbia Blue Devils team before heading to Bethlehem to face off against the Eagles. In a battle between two of the best teams in Section 2, the game came down to the wire and ended in a 59-54 loss for the Silver Warriors. The Silver Warriors followed that up with a win in a close contest against CBA, 68-58, and then traveled out to West Genesee and lost 72-62. Niskayuna recovered and were able to defeat Troy 72-56, and this set the stage for a key matchup on Senior Night against Shaker. This became a key game for Niskayuna to prove themselves before Sectionals, and the Silver Warriors handily defeated Shaker 63-41.

Meanwhile, the girls team continued their success into early January. A loss to Columbia by a score of 58-45 caused the Silver Warriors to bounce back and win three out of their next four games–their only loss being to Shenendehowa, one of the best teams in Section II. Of those three victories, two of them were blowouts against Schalmont, 40-24, and Ballston Spa, 59-41, while their win against Colonie was a battle until the final whistle. Tied at 31 heading into the fourth quarter, Olivia O’Meally and Natalie Birmingham led the team to a 45-43 victory with 14 points and 10 points, respectively. Unfortunately, the Silver Warriors couldn’t add any more victories in the latter half of January until a win against Troy in the final game of the month. A four game losing streak plagued the Silver Warriors, as they lost to Bethlehem by double digits, 47-32, then Duanesburg by a score of 50-43, Columbia by a wide margin, 61-39, and finally Schalmont, who they had beaten easily earlier in the season, 56-49. Luckily for Niskayuna, they were able to recover and beat Troy, who, similar to their boys team, has struggled this season. Olivia O’Meally scored 15 points in the 54-26 win. However, back to back wins could not be achieved, as the Silver Warriors lost in a tough battle against Shaker, 57-47. Shaker started racking up points in the fourth quarter, and the Silver Warriors couldn’t get back into the game.

Both the boys and girls teams have shined this season, but they have also faced adversity and challenges throughout the season. The whole team will have to be at the top of their game as Sectionals rapidly approach, as both teams look to peak at the right time.