*An edited version of this story originally appeared in the USA Today Sports Weekly (February 5-11, 2020). By PAUL GOTHAM Kevan Sheppard won’t say ‘I told you so,’ but he could. Two years ago, when the Albany City Rocks 17U assistant coach and EYBL scout tried to encourage college programs to give Jalen Pickett a chance, he didn’t find many takers. Now, Sheppard has plenty … [Read more...] about Pickett leads top-seeded Siena into MAAC tournament
Pine Pieces
McCandless hat trick powers Victor to state hockey semifinals
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Moments after the Victor Blue Devils completed a 4-0 whitewash of Syracuse to earn a berth in the Division 1 hockey final four, Darius Rucker's country hit Wagon Wheel blared in the dressing room. Truth be told, Tim McGraw's Humble And Kind would have been more fitting, considering senior forward Jack McCandless was the hero for the Blue Devils. McCandless … [Read more...] about McCandless hat trick powers Victor to state hockey semifinals
UPrep Griffins soar to Class AA sectional title
By BILLY HEYEN ROCHESTER, N.Y. — UPrep’s Na’Zea Fowlks didn’t consider what he was going to do, the ferocity with which he was about to throw the ball through the rim with his left hand. He was just energized. He’d soaked up the Blue Cross Arena atmosphere throughout pregame warmups, dancing and smiling and clapping his hands. It built up inside of him. So midway through the … [Read more...] about UPrep Griffins soar to Class AA sectional title
Kings of the City: East defeats NE Douglass for 25th sectional title
By JOHN LIKANJE ROCHESTER, N.Y. - While the final buzzer sounded, East High's Zechariah Harris-Scott hugged NE Douglass' Adonis Flagler. A fitting embrace for a pair of seniors who are the captains of their respective teams. Harris-Scott knew exactly how Flagler was feeling because he had experienced the same emotions three straight years: making it all the way to the … [Read more...] about Kings of the City: East defeats NE Douglass for 25th sectional title
Takeaways: Bonnies overmatched in Saint Louis, will be fifth seed in Brooklyn
By CHUCKIE MAGGIO The Saint Louis Billikens put St. Bonaventure and most of the Atlantic 10 on notice in the regular season finale, before and after the game. First, the Billikens ran away from the Bonnies, holding them to 25 percent shooting (13-of-51) from the field in a 72-49 victory at Chaifetz Arena. Then SLU honored its seniors postgame and its best two players weren't … [Read more...] about Takeaways: Bonnies overmatched in Saint Louis, will be fifth seed in Brooklyn