Academy’s Tillery fast learner
Offseason diligence from sophomore leads to Athlete of the Year honors for guard Athlete of the Year: Keyshuan Tillery, Albany Academy
The 2020-2021 season was condensed because of the coronavirus pandemic, so opportunities were limited for Tillery as a reserve guard with the Cadets playing behind senior standouts Marcus Jackson and Preston Graber. When the season ended, Tillery found himself seeking guidance and training chances to stick with his departing teammates.
“They got me into the gym more,” Tillery said. “They helped me (develop) my role as a scorer going into my sophomore year.”
Diligence during the offseason paid tremendous dividends for Tillery as he turned his first season as a full-time starter into one of the most meteoric single-season rises in recent Section II history. He capped his campaign with a 30-point performance in a 79-74 victory over Class A Public School Athletic League champion Murry Bergtraum.
“I really haven’t seen that kind of jump,” Albany Academy veteran coach Brian Fruscio said. “I think the great part of that is he spent all summer with Marcus. They had a really big bond and spent a lot of time together. Marcus was able to share his work ethic, which is everything.”
Tillery produced averages of 22.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.4 steals per
game. What really stood out about the sophomore guard’s exploits was when the opponents were better and critical plays were required, Tillery was there to respond with spectacular drives to the basket, perimeter shots, defensive gems and excellent passes.
“My teammates get me involved a lot. They see me and trust me. That is the best part, having their trust to go get a bucket or make a play,” Tillery said. “When the defense focuses on me, I can get them the ball. Honestly, that is one of the best things there is.”
“He made plays for us and we trust him,” Fruscio said. “He understands that it doesn’t have to be scoring. It can be making a great pass.”
Jackson, who played this season at Cushing Academy and recently committed to play Division I basketball at the University at Albany, laid the groundwork for Tillery to enjoy success. Still, the sophomore had to produce consistently for an Albany Academy squad that entered the season with limited varsity experience.
The win against Murry Bergtraum (28-4) vaulted Albany Academy to No. 5 in the final
Class A state rankings. This was the third straight winter the Federation Tournament of Champions was not held, so getting the chance to play the PSAL champions was a great alternative to conclude the season.
“I like playing better teams. It is the best way to get better,” Tillery said.
Tillery joins Marcus Jackson (2021), Andre Jackson (2020), August Mahoney (2019) and Hameir Wright (2017) as Albany Academy members of the Times Union Athlete of the Year fraternity for basketball.
First team
■ Isaiah Austin, Sr., G, Albany:
The leader of a squad that reached the Section II Class AA semifinals, Austin topped the team in scoring at 22.8 points per game. The senior did so despite playing several games battling through a leg injury that clearly hindered his play. The Suburban Council coaches voted Austin as the league’s Co-Player of the Year along with Shenendehowa’s Mason Courtney. He generated four 30-point-plus games paced by 39 points against Newburgh Free Academy.
■ Mason Courtney, Sr., G/F, Shenendehowa: The 6-foot-4 standout shared Suburban Council Player of the Year honors with Albany guard Isaiah Austin after pacing the Plainsmen with averages of 21.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. Set to continue his playing career at Siena College, Courtney ranked sixth in Section II scoring with a season-best 32 points in a 54-38 victory over Newburgh Free Academy.
Zaveon Little, Sr., F, Green
Tech: Named to the Times Union’s Small-School first team as a sophomore and junior at Voorheesville, Little delivered in a multitude of ways on offense, defense and as a leader for a squad that reached the Class AA state final. The slender wing player averaged 19.7 points and 13.5 rebounds in helping Green Tech capture its first Section II championship since 2014.
■ Keyshuan Tillery, So., G, Albany Academy: A lethal finisher around the rim utilizing a variety of different moves and the strength to finish through contact, Tillery plays with a level of poise belying the fact he was playing as a full-time starter for the first time. He opened his season with 34 points in a 70-66 setback against Portledge and ended it with 30 points as the Cadets edged Murry Bergtraum 79-74.
■ Dayshaun Walton, Sr., G, Green Tech: Named a Times Union second-team selection as a junior, Walton tallied a gamehigh 23 points to earn Section II Class AA Tournament Most Valuable Player honors. He also earned Class AA all-tournament state honors after scoring 20 points in a 55-45 title setback against Mount Vernon. The slick 6-6 guard averaged 21.3 points, 9.2 rebounds and 7.0 assists for the Eagles.
Coach of the Year
■ DJ Jones, Green Tech: The Eagles played a diverse and challenging schedule and managed to produce a 21-3 overall record with two of the losses coming against eventual Class AA state champion Mount Vernon — the second defeat coming in the state championship game. Jones fostered a squad that played with tremendous cohesion at both ends of the floor as Green Tech secured the program’s first sectional title since 2014.
Second team
■ Owen Evans, Sr., G, Niskayuna
■ Zahki Fallen, Sr., G, Mekeel Christian Academy
■ Shamiere Green, Jr., G, Albany Academy
■ Ayden Harrison, Sr., F, CBA
■ Peyton Smith, Jr., F, Hudson Falls
Third team
■ Jarin Beauford, Jr., G, Albany Academy
■ Daniel Covington, So., G, Troy
■ Adam Myers, Jr., G, La Salle
■ Victor Pharr, Sr., G, Green Tech
■ Nick Verdile, Jr., G, Ballston Spa