If you’re a fan of the Colonie-Shaker boys basketball rivalry, and you’re bummed that the crosstown rivals are only scheduled to meet once during the Suburban Council regular season, take heart.
There is a chance you can see them play each other as many as three times.
For the first time in recent memory, Colonie and Shaker will play in each other’s non-league tournaments. First, the Blue Bison will head to Colonie for the annual Pep Sand Classic Dec. 5 and 6. Then, the Garnet Raiders return the favor by playing in Shaker’s annual Julius Girmindl Tournament, which has been moved from its traditional early-December time frame to the Christmas break (Dec. 29 and 30).
We agreed with each other to be in both tournaments, said Shaker coach Jeff Holmes. `We’re looking forward to seeing some good competition.`
Colonie and Shaker will be in opposite brackets in both tournaments, meaning that they will only face each other if they both win or both lose their opening-round games. Still, that leaves the potential for three regular-season meetings.
`I guess we could potentially play them three times, but that’s not likely to happen,` said Colonie coach Doug Kilmer. `Jeff and I probably wouldn’t mind playing twice, but I doubt we’ll play three times.`
That’s because the competition at both tournaments should be good. Colonie is bringing in Big 10 teams Albany and Troy to the Pep Sand Classic, while Shaker has invited LaSalle and Mount St. Michael’s to the Girmindl Tournament.
`We were originally going to have CBA in the tournament, but they backed out,` said Holmes.
Colonie and Shaker will have plenty of tough competition within the Suburban Council this season. Colonie will be in a loaded South Division with the likes of defending league champion Guilderland, Bethlehem and up-and-coming Mohonasen, while Shaker faces off with the likes of Shenendehowa, Saratoga Springs and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake in the North Division.
`I think Shen is going to be really good,` said Holmes. `Saratoga with (Jordan) Stevens back they’ll be tough. And Burnt Hills should be tough. We’ll be in the mix somewhere in the middle of the pack.`
Both teams have to fill holes in their starting lineups after graduating some key seniors last year. Colonie’s challenge will be replacing its entire starting backcourt following the departures of Brian Sleasman and Tashaun Newsome, along with starting forward Jim Bacher.
Fortunately for the Garnet Raiders, they have three guards with varsity experience to help fill the void ` Kyle Mafrici, Kraig Arnold and Collin Mooney.
`Those guys will help in the backcourt,` said Kilmer.
Colonie also returns a talented group of forwards led by Sean Peer, Herb Tedford, Mike Branche and Troy Turner.
`(Peer and Tedford) played really well all year ` very well toward the end of the year,` said Kilmer. `They’ve both played for three years, so they have experience.`
Shaker has its own group of talented veterans with Greg Bonomo, Gerrel McFadden, Chris Hooks, Janique Lanier and Robert Johnson.
`We’re just not real big (in size), but we’re pretty athletic, and we shoot (the ball) pretty well at times,` said Holmes.
Still, the Blue Bison will need help from a group of players up from last year’s junior varsity team to make a move in the Suburban Council standings.
`We’ve got a few younger players who are starting to work their way in,` said Holmes.
Both teams begin their Suburban Council seasons with home games Tuesday, Dec. 2. Colonie hosts Bethlehem, while Saratoga Springs visits Shaker.“