With the start of Varsity Basketball, Albany High School can expect great things this year and hopefully another shot at a State title. Last year, Albany girls varsity basketball received the Section ll Champions plaque after their victory against Shenendehowa in the Class AA Championship at Hudson Community College in Troy, N.Y. on March 5th 2022. The final score was 58-52 and was the first sectional title Albany girls varsity basketball had won nine years. A particularly memorable moment took place after the buzzer went off and Albany was crowned the victor when point guard, Jordan Johnson, celebrated by doing flips down the court.

Last year’s leading players were Shonyae Edmonds and Me’challe Cancer. Shonyae scored the most points per game, grabbed the most rebounds, and had the highest field goal percentage of 59%. Me’challe had the most assists per game, the most steals per game and overall, the most free throws per game, and the second most points scored over the course of the season with an astounding 319 points, trailing Shonyae’s 333.

Mini Interview with former coach Mrs. Ashlyn Ledbetter

Would you say the school community and the support and turnouts for fans at games affects the overall play and success of our teams?

When there are fans at our games, you really feel an urge to play harder because you are not only wanting to win for yourself and your team, but for the fans who are there to support you all!

What’s your favorite thing about basketball and what does it mean to you?

One of our team’s favorite things about basketball is the competitive nature that everyone has. Being able to say that you’ve played the best or beat the best feels really good to an athlete. It’s our way of seeing the results of how much work we have put in. It’s an awesome feeling!

Basketball means the world to a lot of us because of the many close friends, mentors, and parents we’ve met through the sport. The game has connected us with people all over, locally and beyond! Basketball has helped change so many lives. It’s the best sport in the world in our eyes!

What do you think basketball means to the students of Albany High?

Basketball also provides a way to say thank you to the school and a way to represent school spirit outside of the classroom. It’s a big deal to the players putting on the blue! No better way to speak up for your school than on the court!

Season Update: So far, the Girls Varsity Basketball team has been dominating their competition with their 9-0 record. This year’s team also has the longest winning streak in the Section 2 Suburban Girls Basketball Standings. Their record, standings, player stats, and schedule can be found using the website, maxpreps.com. We are expecting a great season for this strong group of girls. Make sure to come to one of their next games and show your support and school pride. Go Falcons!