Monday April 29, 2024 
By Eric Schuman
Winter weather came into full effect this week, causing several AP sporting events to be postponed. Even so, both of the AP basketball teams came out with wins against Ballston Spa on 1/30.
Girls’ basketball won their game with ease, by a score of 70-31. Amelia Wood led AP with 18 points. Kelsey Wood added 10 more and EmmaLee Morgan, Anna Jankovic, and Julia Gelder all recorded 9 points.
The boys’ basketball team were the victors of a 58-41 contest. Zach Price led AP with 17 points and Matt Lettko scored 15. Both AP teams will next take on Saratoga on 2/8, with the boys playing at home and the girls away.
The Varsity wrestling team placed fourth at the Class B Championships on 2/2. Sean Malenfant and Nik Koch each took first place in their weight classes.
The Capital District Jets fell to Queensbury 5-1 on 1/30. On 2/1, the Jets fell to Saratoga 11-3. Tristan Shelhamer recorded two assists in the loss. The Jets will next take on CBA on 2/9.
On 1/26, multiple indoor track school records were broken at the Bullis Invitational. Kevin Bryant ran a 2:05.42 800m and Lydia Ware ran a 59.93 400m race, each capturing new school records. Lydia Ware, Caryn Zimmerman, Ava Faragon and Gabby Skiba ran a school record time of 4:33.94 for the SMR as well.
Make sure to support our AP athletes in their upcoming events! Go Warriors!
This week’s scholar athlete is Avery Pascucci. Avery is a captain on the Varsity Basketball team. Avery has played basketball since he was 5 years old, when he would shoot
hoops in his driveway. He began to play for a team in fourth grade and has continued the sport ever since. Avery’s favorite aspect of basketball is its competitive nature. In order to prepare himself for this challenging environment, Avery works hard to improve during the offseason. He says, “every day I find one thing to do that will make me better, either lifting, agility, or skill work.” Avery’s efforts helped his team to reach the sectional finals in his sophomore year. For his senior season, Avery hopes not only to reach the finals, but to win the sectional title.
Not only are Avery’s efforts seen on the court, but in the classroom as well. Avery has maintained a GPA of 90 throughout high school. Along with this achievement, Avery had the opportunity to attend American Legion New York Boys State last Summer, where he spent a week learning about citizenship and leadership training.
After high school, Avery hopes to attend college in order to earn a degree in business.
Avery does not attribute his successes to his own efforts. He says, “my dad has helped me tremendously in my game, all the extra hours that he is willing to give up helping me try and
perfect my game.” This year, Avery hopes his efforts lead to a sectional title for Averill Park.
Avery also wants to leave a piece of advice for younger athletes. “Win the day,” Avery recommends, saying “every day is a new day and a new opportunity; make the most out of it, and work hard at what you do.”
We wish Avery the best as he finishes his senior season at Averill Park and prepares to move on to college.
As the Averill Park Wrestling team works its way towards the post season, they took part in several tournaments to help chisel the wrestlers into form. A third-place team finish in the sixteen team Wasaren League Tournament was highlighted by team captain Andrew Lee earning his 100th career varsity win. Lee finished second in his weight class at the tourney, as he added another milestone to a four-year varsity career that will be remembered for several clutch Dual winning performances on behalf of the squad. Congratulations Andrew. Joining Lee on the podium at the Wasaren were Nik Koch with another impressive first place showing, as well as Sean Malenfant, Nathan Fischer, Mason Lumbra and Dominick Paradise.
Averill Park also participated in the Tamarac Duals, where Adam Borland and Edward Marcus were able to earn their first varsity wins, both by pin. The team’s juniors helped lead the way, as Nik Koch had five wins and Alex Cooper and Austin Millette had four wins apiece. Next up, the Section 2 Class B Tournament!
~Submitted by the AP Wrestling Coaching Staff
AP Grad (‘18) and Class of ’22 at St. John Fisher College, Mallory Wood #33 gets ready for the pass in the lane.
Mallory chipped in 3 points helping the Cardinals down the Sage Gators 63-56. SJFC travelled from Rochester to Albany 2/2/19 to play Sage College.