HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS’ BASKETBALL RANKINGS

This is the latest edition of the girls’ basketball rankings. By the end of Saturday evening, barring any weather delays, each classification will be down to the semifinal round. There are 17 area teams named to this week’s state rankings, topped by a pair of No. 1 choices in Averill Park (Class AA) and Greenwich (Class C) and two squads ranked No. 2 in CCHS (Class A) and Albany Academy for Girls (Class B).

This is the first season using the six-classification system for basketball. We are only ranking three teams in Class AAA as there are only six schools in that classification.

Class AAA

1. Shenendehowa (17-3, Last week No. 1): The long wait to compete again ends for the state’s No. 13-ranked squad when it takes the court Thursday against No. 4 seed Colonie in the semifinals at Hudson Valley Community College.

2. Albany (14-5, LW No. 2): The Falcons, ranked No. 19 in the state, will meet third-seeded Shaker on Thursday in semifinal play.

3. Colonie (13-8, LW No. 3): Gabby Martin scored a season-high 16 points Tuesday in a 70-46 quarterfinal triumph over Saratoga Springs.

Team to watch: Shaker (14-7)

Class AA

1. Averill Park (20-0, LW No. 1): The state’s topranked squad, a program seeking a 10th straight sectional title, hosts No. 8 seed Mohonasen on Saturday night in quarterfinal action.

2. Bethlehem (13-7, LW No. 2): The Eagles are set to take on sixth-seeded Ballston Spa on Saturday at Columbia in the quarterfinals.

3. Columbia (14-6, LW No. 3): Up next for the Blue Devils is a quarterfinal clash Saturday vs. No. 7 seed Guilderland.

4. Queensbury (18-2, LW No. 4):

The Spartans seek a second straight win against a Suburban Council foe Saturday evening at Averill Park when they face

No. 4 seed Niskayuna in the quarterfinals.

5. Niskayuna (9-11, LW No. 5): Looks to add a second win this season against Queensbury (defeated the Spartans 41-34 on Dec. 2) on Saturday in quarterfinal play at Averill Park.

Team to watch: Ballston Spa (12-9)

Class A

1. CCHS (17-1, LW No. 1): The Crusaders’ pursuit of a sectional title begins Friday at home vs. No. 9 seed Hudson Falls.

2. Holy Names (13-7, LW No. 2): The Panthers, winners of eight of their past 10 games, embark on their playoff journey Friday against No. 7 seed Emma Willard.

3. Schalmont (12-8, LW No. 3): The Sabres are set to face No. 5 seed Scotiaglenville on Friday in the quarterfinals.

4. Broadalbin-perth (14-5, LW No. 4):

After closing the regular season with a pair of losses, the Patriots look for their first win since Jan. 29 on Friday in quarterfinal action vs. Glens Falls.

5. Glens Falls (14-6, LW No. 5):

A 25-day gap since completing their regular season schedule ends Friday for the Black Bears when they meet third-seeded Broadalbin-perth in the quarterfinals.

Class B

1. Albany Academy for Girls (17-3, LW No. 1):

The Bears raced out to a 31-7 advantage after one quarter Wednesday and cruised to a 76-28 quarterfinal verdict over Watervliet/heatly.

2. Stillwater (18-4, LW No. 3): Miranda Price pumped in 25 points in a 60-50 win against Coxsackie-athens in the quarterfinals.

3. Mechanicville (17-4, LW No. 4): Lila Christensen scored 19 points to lead the No. 3 seed to a 59-46 quarterfinal victory over Corinth.

4. Fonda-fultonville (9-13, LW Not rated): Fought its way into the semifinals Wednesday with a 30-29 upset win against Greenville, the state’s sixth-ranked squad.

5. Greenville (19-2, LW

No. 2): The season for the Spartans came to a painful conclusion Wednesday with a 30-29 quarterfinal setback at home against No. 10 seed Fonda-fultonville.

Class C

(20-0,

1. Greenwich

LW No. 1): The top-seeded Witches entered play Thursday allowing opponents to score an average of 32.9 points per game.

2. Duanesburg (15-5, LW No. 2): Senior guard Allison O’hanlon entered sectional play having drained 70 3-pointers.

3. Berne-knox-westerlo (18-3, LW No. 3): The Bulldogs led 16-0 after one quarter and went on to defeat Mekeel Christian Academy 57-19.

4. Warrensburg (18-3, LW No. 5): The Burghers advanced to the quarterfinals with a 51-41 decision over Waterford-halfmoon.

5. Maple Hill (13-7, LW NR): The Wildcats earned a quarterfinal date against Warrensburg by posting a 53-45 win against Whitehall.

Class D

1. Northville (17-3, LW No. 1):

The Falcons dropped five slots in the state rankings after falling against Duanesburg in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament title game.

2. Hartford (14-6, LW No. 2):

The Tanagers split two games during the season against Bishop Gibbons and are set to meet the Golden Knights again Tuesday in the semifinals.

3. Bishop Gibbons (13-7, LW No. 3):

Angelina Deitz and Mia’rose Wylie each scored 19 points as the third-seeded Golden Knights defeated sixthseeded Argyle 68-45.

4. Saratoga Central Catholic (8-13, LW No. 4): The Saints secured a semifinal game against topseeded Northville with a 6240 win against Salem.

5. Salem (8-12, LW No. 5):

The Generals, despite receiving 20 points from Hannah Gongola, were outscored 36-20 in the second half in dropping a 6240 quarterfinal decision against Saratoga Central Catholic.