2024: A Recap of the Thrilling Sports Scene in Northern New York
As the sun set on 2024, Northern New York reflected on a year that witnessed an extraordinary array of athletic triumphs and unforgettable moments. From the hardwood battles on basketball courts to the electrifying clashes on hockey rinks, the region’s sports scene pulsated with excitement and passion.
Basketball: A Clash of Titans on the Hardwood
The year 2024 saw some of the most captivating basketball contests that Northern New York had witnessed in recent memory. Among the most memorable was the NAC Boys’ Basketball encounter between Edwards-Knox and St. Lawrence Central, a game that showcased the region’s love for the sport.
The atmosphere at St. Lawrence Central crackled with anticipation as the two teams took to the court. Edwards-Knox, renowned for their sharpshooting prowess, wasted no time in demonstrating their accuracy. Kyle Reif’s smooth 18-footer set the tone for the Larries, while Dawson Matthews capitalized on a tipped shot by Jacob Morrill, securing a rebound and extending their lead.
St. Lawrence Central, however, refused to be outdone. Ayden Beach displayed his dominance in the paint, effortlessly backing down defenders and floating a teardrop shot, widening the Larries’ advantage. Austin Mason’s tenacity on the boards resulted in a thunderous putback, further igniting the home crowd.
The Larries continued to assert their dominance, with Aiden Keddy showcasing his athleticism with a dazzling drive to the basket. Mason then mesmerized the spectators with a graceful spin move, banking the ball off the glass with precision. Joe Perry joined the scoring party, completing a fast break with a resounding dunk, leaving Edwards-Knox reeling.
As the game progressed, Damien Ashley drained a three-pointer, assisted by Mason’s unselfish play. Matthews added to the Larries’ tally with a stunning shot from beyond the arc, while Kale Geer displayed his resilience, crashing to the floor but still managing to score. Jacob Evans sealed the victory for St. Lawrence Central, securing a convincing 63-32 triumph over Edwards-Knox.
Girls’ Basketball: A Frontier League Showdown
On the girls’ side, IHC and General Brown locked horns in a highly anticipated Frontier League clash. Madelyn Ferris ignited the scoring for IHC, securing a loose ball and converting it into points, giving the Lions an early 4-point advantage.
General Brown responded swiftly, with Isabella Bombard connecting from long range, narrowing the deficit to a single point. Abigail Bombard followed suit, burying a three-pointer to bring the Cavaliers within striking distance. Kaelyn Tryon capped off a strong sequence for General Brown with a well-executed bucket, handing them a slender lead.
As the game unfolded, General Brown maintained their composure, dictating the tempo and executing their plays with precision. Their relentless defense stifled IHC’s offense, limiting their scoring opportunities. The final buzzer sounded, confirming General Brown’s decisive 54-25 victory over IHC.
College Basketball: Liberty League Rivalry Renewed
The rivalry between St. Lawrence University and Ithaca College took center stage in a Liberty League showdown on the men’s basketball court. Trey Syroka opened the scoring for the Saints with a reverse layup, keeping them within touching distance of Ithaca.
Lowville native Gavin Macaulay showcased his versatility, cutting backdoor for a basket, reducing the deficit to just two points. Syroka then drained a three-pointer from the corner, giving St. Lawrence a narrow one-point lead. Macaulay’s timely three-pointer further extended the Saints’ advantage, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
St. Lawrence continued to assert their authority, dismantling Ithaca with a commanding 72-47 victory. The Saints’ suffocating defense and efficient offense proved too much for Ithaca to handle, securing a resounding triumph.
Women’s College Basketball: A Tale of Two Teams
In the women’s college basketball realm, Clarkson University and Union College faced off in a Liberty League encounter in Potsdam. Bella Doyle sparked Clarkson’s offense, connecting from beyond the arc to give them an early 2-point lead.
Doyle’s rebound and putback in the second quarter kept Clarkson within striking distance of Union, despite trailing by five points. Elizabeth Aiossa’s layup in transition extended Union’s lead to 17 points, putting Clarkson in a precarious position.
Cassidy Dumont’s three-pointer provided a glimmer of hope for Clarkson, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Union’s dominance. The final score stood at 64-48, with Union emerging victorious.
Women’s College Hockey: A Thrilling Contest in Cheel Arena
The fourth-ranked Clarkson Golden Knights hosted Union College in a highly anticipated women’s college hockey matchup at Cheel Arena. The first period remained scoreless, building anticipation for the ensuing action.
In the second period, Jenna Goodwin broke the deadlock, firing a shot past Union’s goaltender and giving Clarkson a 1-0 lead. Darcie Lappan followed suit, splitting the defenders and scoring, extending Clarkson’s advantage to 2-0.
Clarkson’s relentless pressure and opportunistic scoring continued in the third period. They managed to hold off Union’s attempts to rally, securing a hard-fought 3-1 victory.
A Year of Sports Triumphs and Memorable Moments
The year 2024 proved to be a memorable one for sports enthusiasts in Northern New York. From the thrilling basketball contests to the intense hockey rivalry, the region witnessed a plethora of captivating sporting events. These moments of athleticism, teamwork, and determination left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans, creating cherished memories that would be recounted for years to come.
As the curtain fell on 2024, Northern New York eagerly awaited the next chapter in its rich sporting history, anticipating even more exhilarating moments and unforgettable triumphs in the years to come.