Teams eager for big hoops showcase

22 squads to compete in 13-game event held in Albany and Glens Falls

Hunter Stratton loves basketball. During his senior season playing for Mount Anthony (Vt.), Stratton got the chance to play against Albany Academy at Times Union Center and the Patriots prevailed 69-60 on Feb. 3, 2011.

Stratton, now 26, works for Zero Gravity and is bringing a 13-game, two-venue showcase event to area high school fans called the Slam North South Classic. The first portion of the Classic takes place at Washington Avenue Armory Saturday featuring seven games.

On Jan. 27 at Cool Insuring Arena, six more games will take place. Sunday morning at Cool Insuring Arena, prominent coaches and players involved joined Stratton in meeting with the media.

“We specialize in grass roots basketball tournaments,” Stratton said. “We deal with a lot of the same people and coaches during the spring and summer months. A lot of the high school coaches help out with AAU programs. I played high school basketball and I know what high school basketball means, so this is an event where we want to give back to those coaches and the players that support us and really put on something special.”

Four teams — Albany Academy, Hoosick Falls, Glens Falls and Green Tech — are playing games at both venues, including Albany Academy vs. Green Tech at Washington Avenue Armory on Saturday night.

“We have been able to experience this type of event before, but this is one where grandma and grandpa and the uncles and aunts are there,” Albany Academy coach Brian Fruscio said. “A lot of times when we do these events, no one can travel with us. It is really nice to be able to have these events and have extended family be able to watch.”

“I am definitely looking forward to this,” Albany Academy junior standout Andre Jackson said.

“I have played showcases like this in Delaware, California and Las Vegas, but we’ve never done a showcase like this locally,” Albany Academy senior point guard August Mahoney said. “To play in an event like this where all of our family and friends can come is great. All of my friends are texting me telling me how much they are looking forward to this.”

Another marquee game on the South portion of the event schedule features a Foothills Council showdown between Glens Falls (10-1 overall, 9-0 league) and Gloversville (11-1, 9-1).

Glens Falls is ranked No. 5 in Class B and led by Syracuse-

bound senior guard Joseph Girard III, the state’s all-time leading scorer with 3,825 points. Girard pumped in 56 points Friday, 44 coming in the first half, in a 94-67 win against Broadalbin-perth.

The lone loss for Gloversville came Dec. 4 in an 89-78 setback at Glens Falls.

“This is definitely a little bit different with this one being at the Armory. It seems more important,” Gloversville junior guard Dante Bouchard said. “Gloversville-glens Falls is always a rivalry and we’re both competing for a Foothills championship, so this is more than a normal game.”

Among some of the other teams competing include Mekeel Christian Academy, the 2018 Class B state champions, Schalmont (ranked No. 2 in Class B) and Lake George (2018 Class C state champions, ranked No. 1).

“Being a small-school kid (who played at Watervliet), it is really exciting to see this happen,” Fruscio said. “As a basketball fan, I am excited because I haven’t seen some of the other players from the area play in their high school environment. It will be fun to show up a little early and watch some teams play before our game.”

Albany Academy (9-2) is ranked No. 4 in the Class A state poll. In addition to playing Green Tech, the Cadets also take on Park School Jan. 27 in a rematch of the 2018 Class A Federation final.

“Albany Academy, obviously, is one of the best teams in the Capital District area. Sometimes, they only have a couple of home games,” Stratton said. “For basketball fans, they are one of the most exciting teams to watch — especially this year with Andre Jackson and August Mahoney.”

“Ever since March, we have been looking to play them again,” Mahoney said of Park School. “Looking at the schedule, that game seemed so far away. It is now creeping closer. That is a game we are anxious and excited to play.”

Stratton hopes success this year leads to expansion of the Slam North South Classic.

“Eventually, we want to make it into a tournament,” Stratton said. “We want to give these teams something to play for. Everyone likes to play to

something. Adding a championship atmosphere I think would add more to it.”