State Championship Baseball Roundup

It was a busy day in Varsity High School Baseball Saturday, as Section 2 had 5 local teams competing in the state tournament.  However before any team could get to the coveted championship game, they first had to grab a W in the semifinals. Unfortunately, only 2 of the 5 teams made it to their respective championship game. On a brighter note, each of those Section 2 teams took the W in those games.

CLASS AA

Some scenes from the end of today’s state championship win for @ShenAthletics #518baseball pic.twitter.com/GQJAsNR9AX

— Michael Kelly (@ByMichaelKelly) June 11, 2016

The Plainsmen coasted  into the final four off a 5 to 1 win over Cicero-North Syracuse last Saturday at “the Joe”. Adding to the excitement, Shen Pitcher Ian Anderson was just drafted 3rd overall in the MLB Draft on Thursday. Despite questions over his state of mind following the draft, this future MLB star proved the haters wrong, helping to push the Plainsmen past West Islip, 3 to 0. Given the pitch count and his obviously bright career ahead, this  would prove to be Anderson’s final start of his High School career.

Later in the state championship game, things didn’t go totally smoothly for the Plainsmen but thanks to a 7th inning miracle run they pulled off the win. With a final score of 7 to 6, the Plainsmen are bringing the AA championship to Clifton Park for the first time.

An incredible week for Shenendehowa got even better, as the Anderson household was given yet another reason to celebrate. Ian’s brother Ben also became a member of Major League Baseball today when the Blue Jay’s selected the Binghamton University bound Senior 792nd overall in the draft. If the Andersons were to start selling their tap water, I’d be willing to bet it would clear shelves faster than the latest pair of Jordan’s to hit stores.

CLASS A

The undefeated Queensbury Varsity baseball team entered the state championship without a loss since 2014, yet their luck would come to an end in the semifinals. Despite a strong showing, the Spartans just didn’t have the juice to finish, falling to Wantagh, 2-1.

CLASS B

The Schalmont Sabres weren’t supposed to make it out of sectionals, let alone regionals, but they did.  Still, every great Cinderella story must come to an end. For the Sabres, that came in the state semifinals, falling to Fredonia, 4 to 2.

CLASS C

In order to even get to the state tournament the Greenwich Witches had to break out  of a sectional class C bracket that was arguably wide open, then do the same in regionals. Sadly, similar to their varsity football team, the Witches didn’t have one more magical winning spell, falling to Avon 5 to 1 in the semifinals.

CLASS D

As the kids said, “Fort what? FORT PLAIN” pic.twitter.com/ODj56vvIDg

— Adam Shinder (@RecorderShinder) June 11, 2016

YES, believe it or not, Shen wasn’t the only local school to grab a state title Saturday.  The Hilltoppers of Fort Plain joined in on the fun too. Like the little engine that could, the Hilltoppers kept on pushing and didn’t stop. Reaching the top, they picked up the class D title off an 11 to 6 W over West Canada Valley in  the championship game.

With this being my last post of the High School Baseball season, I just wish to say thank you to the players, fans, parents, and coaches that have helped us this season. Without your efforts, this website simply wouldn’t be what it is today. THANK YOU ALL.

P.S- Have a great summer!

– Dylan Rossiter(@518SportsDROSS)