Paul DeLuca earned Class A Coach of the Year honors from the New York State Sportswriters Association after guiding the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake baseball team to the state title.
DeLuca’s Spartans finished the regular season with a 12-10 record before going on a postseason run to the state championship that culminated with an 8-2 victory over defending Class A champ Pittsford Sutherland in the final.
BH-BL’s Bret Dennis (shortstop) and Keaton Flint (outfielder) received first team all-state honors.
Several Suburban Council players received all-state honors in Class AA led by Shenendehowa’s Branden Cogswell (shortstop) and Shaker’s Jeff Hoffman (pitcher/outfielder), both of whom made the first team.
Colonie’s Brian O’Keefe (catcher) was named to the second team, while teammate Chris Kalica (pitcher/shortstop) was a third team selection. Shaker’s Derek Gardella (third baseman/pitcher) earned fourth team honors.
Christian Brothers Academy had a pair of fifth team selections in Matt Sand (outfielder) and Steve Basile (pitcher), while Kyle Willmott (outfielder) represents Saratoga Springs on the seventh team.
Shaker finished second in the Class AA team poll after losing to Victor in the state final. Colonie was ranked eighth, and Shenendehowa was ranked 13th.
Elsewhere, Loudonville Christian School’s baseball team received several honors after finishing second to Livingston Manor in the Class D playoffs.
Shortstop/pitcher Alex MaLossi earned Player of the Year honors and a spot on the first team all-state list after guiding the Eagles to their first-ever Section II title and berth in the state finals. Catcher Luke Barton was named to the third team all-state list.
Loudonville Christian was ranked No. 2 in the final Class D poll.
In Class B, Saratoga Central Catholic’s Jack Keller (catcher) earned first team all-state honors, while teammate Billy McDonough (shortstop/pitcher) was named to the second team. The Saints finished third in the state poll after winning the Section II title.
Voorheesville’s Mike Chiseri (catcher) was named a fourth team all-state player in Class C.`
