Albany Capitals Host the Albany Capitals Classic

Last weekend, the Albany Capitals hosted the Albany Capitals Classic at various local sites, with the College Exposure Showcase portion taking place at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Teams from throughout the Northeast attended, highlighted by a good number from the upstate area, showcasing the best of the best from the class of 2015 who hope to make big impacts at the next level.

The Albany Capitals 16 Elite sport an impressive roster, headlined by Section II MVP Carly Boland out of Shenendehowa High School. Boland finished in the top 5 in the section in total points with 403, good enough for 19.3 per game. She scored double figures in every high school game this past season, and scored 20 or more on nine occasions. Rounding out their list of premiere upstate talent are 3-point shooters Madison Purcell (Averill Park) and Zibby Eckhardt (Guilderland). Gabby and Jenna Giacone of Bethlehem are also on the squad. As a sophomore, Jenna led the team in scoring with 270 points, while canning 23, 3-pointers and shooting an impressive 74% from the charity stripe. Older sister Gabby contributed 208 points on the year. Both Jenna and Gabby bring nice size to whatever program gets tem, as Jeanna stands 5’11” and Gabby at an even 6-feet.

Another team that boasts some prime talent from the 518 is the Albany Lady Stars.  Haiglee Metzhold, who led the 14-7 Schalmont Sabres this season with 299 total points, has all the tools to contribute at the next level. If size and athleticism is what you’re looking for, there’s Mylah Chandler of Albany High School. Mylah is a 5’11 swingman-type player who is adept at putting the ball in the hole. As evidenced by her 207 points scored during her junior season. DeJenaire Deas of Holy Names is another out of section 2 who will be in high demand to play at the next level. She will only be a junior next season, but is already 6’0” and knows how to play the game. She scored 298 points this past season and comes from a basketball pedigree, as the daughter of Albany basketball legend Devonaire Deas, who played professionally for the Albany Patroons.

The Hudson Valley Elite may have been one of the more impressive teams seen by USS. Filled with players who hustle, give it their all, and play the game the right way, they present a number of interesting prospects to watch. Erin Ryder (Clarkstown North) is a 6’1” post who knows how to finish around the rim. Casey Foley (Ardsley) and Meg Weidenheimer (John F. Kennedy) stand at 5’9” and 5’11” respectively and are two players who get on the glass, hustle, get to the hoop, and know how to score. 5’8” Haley Connors (Northwest Catholic) is an excellent ballhandler with good court vision, distributes the ball well, hustles, and has a good jump shot. Madison McGrath (Albertus Magnus) is also a very good shooter.

Other talent was supplied by the Hudson Valley Knights. Julia Roellke (Poughkeepsie Day School) is a 6’0” post who plays solid defense. Chelsea Murphy (Wallkill) is a 5’6” combo guard with a good handle who hustles and finishes. Murphy plays much better on the ball than off. Jazmin Diggs (Poughkeepsie) is a 5’9” quick slasher who is very quick. She doesn’t possess a great shooting touch, but makes up for tit with athleticism, hustle, and defense.

In terms of post players, the most impressive was Karissa Birthwright (Crystal City Stars/Greece-Odyssey). She is 6’1” and has great skills around the rim. She finishes shots with great precision and is polished well beyond her years.

The tournament last weekend was very well-run and gave college coaches ample samplings of some great talent. The girls written about in this article will definitely be contributors on the college level.

Mike Long, Jr. – Staff Writer