For the first time since the state athletic association added Class AA to boys basketball, a Suburban Council team will win the largest school division title in Section 2.
Guilderland’s 68-62 overtime victory over Green Tech Tuesday, March 3, at Albany’s Times Union Center set up an all Suburban Council final between the Dutchmen and Shenendehowa. The Plainsmen defeated Catholic Central 68-48 in the other Class AA semifinal.
The Dutchmen (19-3) led 53-47 in the final minute of regulation when defending Sectional champion Green Tech (20-1) made a last-ditch run. The Eagles made one three-pointer and then got another following a Guilderland turnover to tie the score at 53-53.
Guilderland pulled away late in overtime, however. A three-pointer by Andrew Platek started a final run for the Dutchmen that created the final margin of victory.
Platek drained six three-pointers on his way to a 28-point night for Guilderland. Andrew Sischo contributed 16 points, and Ralph Simeone added 10 points.
Israel Griffin had 17 points, and Anquad McLean added 14 points for Green Tech, which defeated Guilderland in last year’s Sectional final.
Guilderland meets Shen (21-0) Tuesday, March 10, at the Times Union Center. The winner becomes the Suburban Council’s first Section 2 Class AA champion and the league’s first large school division champion since Colonie won the 2000 Class A title.
