Colonie’s two public school boys basketball teams got a good look at Class AA newcomer Albany Academy at last weekend’s Pep Sand Classic at Colonie Central High School.
After dispatching Shaker 70-36 in last Friday’s opening round, the Cadets defeated Colonie 77-51 in Saturday’s championship game.
They easily have two (NCAA) Division I players who gave us trouble, said Colonie coach Doug Kilmer. `Those two studs (Chris Pelcher and Tyler Hart) played so well throughout the game.`
Colonie (2-1) did what it could to stay close to Albany Academy, but it couldn’t slow down the Cadets’ offense in the second and third quarters. Albany Academy scored 25 points in the second quarter to build a 37-23 halftime lead and increased it to 58-40 with a 21-point third quarter.
`We couldn’t get over that 12- or 13-point hump,` said Kilmer. `We’d get (the deficit) down to 13 points, and they’d hit a deep three-pointer and get it back up to 16, 18 points.`
Pelcher led the balanced Albany Academy attack with 22 points. Hart contributed 15 points, while Jamel Fields added 14 points.
Sean Peer and Kyle Mafrici each scored 14 points for Colonie.
The Garnet Raiders opened the tournament with a 62-40 victory over Troy last Friday. Colonie scored 12 of the first 16 points of the game, but didn’t break things open until the third quarter when it outscored Troy 19-6.
`The first night, we played very well,` said Kilmer. `We started a little slowly, but we played as a team and distributed the ball around well.`
Peer and Mike Branche each posted double-doubles to lead Colonie. Peer scored 13 points and pulled down 18 rebounds, while Branche chipped in 13 points and 12 boards.
`Sean Peer was an inspiration to watch,` said Kilmer. `He played well all over the court.`
Kraig Arnold added 10 points for Colonie, which played the tournament without starting forward Herb Tedford, who is nursing an injury.
`Overall, we’re playing pretty good,` said Kilmer. `We’re playing without one of our top players for the past three years, but he should be back soon. I think by Christmas, we should be a pretty good team.“