Bill Collmer with a New York State Class B Girls Final Four Preview; Hornell faces Chenango Forks’ star 6-2 Junior Forward Maggie Warpus
By Bill Collmer, Hornell Sun Senior Sportswriter
TROY — The New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class B Girls Final Four will take place at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, Friday March 21 and Saturday March 22.
The Final Four teams in all of New York will play for the State Championship. Three teams are making their first appearance in the State final four, while Voorheesville is making their first appearance since 2002.
Representing four regions of the state. Hornell from Section Five, Chenango Forks from Section Four, Voorheesville from Section two and Cold Spring Harbor from Section Eight.
Voorheesville has the home field advantage and has already played four times at Hudson Valley Community college this season. All four teams played tough schedules to get them here and all four rely on tough defenses to win games.
AT A GLANCE
What: Section V vs Section IV Girls’ Basketball State Semifinal
Who: Hornell to battle Chenango Forks
Where: Hudson Valley Community College
When: Friday, March 21st at 11:45 A.M
Records: Hornell (21-3) vs. Chenango Forks (20-5)
Hornell Red Raiders
Section Five Champions, 22-3
The Hornell girls’ basketball team just won their first Far Western Regional Championship and for the first time in School history have advanced to the New York State Final Four at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.
At the start of the season advancing to the state final four was on their list of goals.
“It’s an incredible feeling. After coming up just short last season, and even two years ago, after losing to Waterloo in a close game and seeing them eventually win the state title that year, we have felt like this was territory we belonged in. The girls have put in the work, sacrificed, and battled through so much. To see it pay off like this, it’s special. But we’re not satisfied yet. We didn’t set out just to get here – we want to win the whole thing,” Hornell Coach Jim Dagon said.
Junior Jordyn Dyring poured in 32 points, and Junior Selena Maldonado added 17 as the Red Raiders rolled past Section VI champion Salamanca, 68-32 in New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class B quarterfinal action at Buffalo State College last Saturday.
Dyring was named Second Team All-State Class B her sophomore year.
Maldonado was a two-time sectional winner this winter not only winning one on the basketball court she also helped capture the Class B2 indoor Track Sectional Championship as well, the first in history for Hornell.
Dyring was named Class B1 Tournament MVP, while Maldonado and Junior Payton Bentley were named to the All-Tournament team.
On the season, Dyring is averaging 18.8 points a game along with 4.8 rebounds and 2.3 steals. She has made 81 three-pointers, including six, 3-pointers in last Saturdays regional win over Salamanca. For her career, she has scored 1,285 points and hit 215 career three-pointers with one year left to play. With Dyring, Maldonado, Bentley and Sophomore Raegan Evingham Hornell has multiple weapons and State Championship is well within reach.
“It’s surreal. I grew up in this town, played here, and now, to be in this position as a coach means everything. But more than that, I’m just so proud of these girls. They’ve put themselves in this position, and they deserve this moment. If we can bring a state championship back to Hornell, it would be historic. That’s what we’re playing for. They girls are excited, but they’re locked in. This group has been on a mission all year, and that hasn’t changed just because we’ve reached this stage. They know the job isn’t done yet. They’re having fun, but they’re also hungry for more,” Dagon said.
Dagon who is also the varsity boys tennis coach, was supposed to start practice this week but he’s happy to still be coaching basketball in the middle of March.
“Yeah, I’d usually be on a tennis court right now, but I’ll take a week (or two) of extra basketball any day. This is where we want to be. At this point, every practice we get is a gift, so we’re just trying to make the most of it. I’ll worry about tennis when the season’s over – hopefully after a couple more wins,” Dagon said.
Dagon knows Chenango Forks will be a tough opponent and is familiar with their star player Maggie Warpus.
“We’ve watched some film on them. They’re a really solid team – well-coached, physical, and disciplined. They’ve got good size and play tough defense, so we know it’s going to be a battle. We’ll have to execute at a high level, which, fortunately, lately, we have been, so it should be a great game,” Dagon said.
“Maggie is a fantastic player, and it will take a team effort to slow her down. We will need to be solid in our help-side rotations and communication. Our defense has gotten us to this point, though, and I trust the girls will have a great understanding of the scouting report and their responsibilities on the defensive end,” Dagon added
Hornell will travel almost four hours to play at Hudson Valley Community College
“It’s always an adjustment playing in a new gym, but at this point in the season, that can’t be an excuse. We’ve played in big games in big environments before, so I trust our girls to handle it as they have been. I have checked it out online — it looks like a great venue. At the end of the day, it’s still basketball. The court’s the same size as the one we played on at Buffalo State, and we have a job to do,” Dagon said.
Just like when the football team went on their three-year run with NYS State Championships, the Hornell community is behind the girls’ basketball team in full force.
“It’s unbelievable. The support we’ve gotten all year, but especially these last few weeks, has been incredible. You can feel the energy in the community, and it means so much to the girls. They know they’re not just playing for themselves—they’re playing for the whole town, and they are proud to represent our community,” Dagon said.
Road to the Final Four: Hornell topped Livonia 58-38 to open their Class B1 tournament and followed that up with a 62-26 win over Penn Yan. The Red Raiders defeated Mynderse 36-27 to win the Class B1 tournament. In the regional qualifier, Hornell downed B2 Champion Lyons 76-44. Hornell defeated Section VI Class B Champion Salamanca 68-32 in the State Quarterfinal.
Players to watch for Hornell: Jordyn Dyring Jr. G (18.8 PPG 4.8 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2.3 SPG); Selena Maldonado Jr. G (11.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.5 APG, 4.0 SPG); Raegan Evingham So. F (10.3 PPG 8.3 RPG 4.1 SPG. 3.2 APG); Payton Bentley Jr F. (10.3 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 3.6 BPG, 1.2 SPG); Mia Nasca Jr. G (3.6 PPG 3.1 RPG 3.1 APG, 2 SPG);
SECTION IV: Hornell played three Section IV teams during the regular season, defeating Class B Watkins Glen 56-31, Class AAA Corning Painted Post 69-43 and 70-37. They also defeated Class AAA Sectional Champion Elmira 49-43. Chenango Forks didn’t play any of those schools during the season.
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE: Hornell’s losses were to Class AA Aquinas twice (22-1) and LCAA Rival Keshequa (23-2) they also defeated Keshequa. Aquinas is playing in the AA State Semifinals this weekend while Keshequa (23-2) fell in the State Quarterfinals to Section VI Champion Frewsburg. Defeated Section IV AAA Champion Elmira (14-6) 49-43. Defeated AA Victor (9-11) 57-41. Defeated Caledonia-Mumford (19-4) 53-44
Going the Distance: Hornell is 3 Hours and 54 minutes from Hudson Valley Community College.
STATE RANKING: No. 2
WINNING STREAK: Seven games
Hornell will have a team breakfast Thursday morning then leave on a bus at noon for Troy New York and Hudson Valley Community College. They will practice at Albany City high school at 6 p.m. Thursday night.
“I’m incredibly proud of this team and grateful for the opportunity to coach them. We’re going to give everything we have to finish the job and bring this thing home,” Dagon concluded.
Chenango Forks preview after the two team photos:
Chenango Forks Blue Devils
Section IV Champions, 20-5
When a high school sports fan in New York hears the name Chenango Forks the first thing they think of is football. Chenango Forks has won seven State Championships in Football. Finished as runner-up twice. They have won twenty-two Section IV Championships and are tied with Maine-Endwell for the most state championships in Section IV History.
However, we’re not here to talk about Football. The Blue Devils girls’ basketball is making a name for themselves in not only section IV but statewide. In 2023 they lost to in the Sectional Championship game 51-35. Last season they won their first ever Class B Sectional Championship 46-35 over Newark Valley. This season they not only won the Sectional championship defeating Susquehanna Valley 46-37 they advanced to the State Final Four for the first time in school history defeating Section 1 Champion Montessori Academy from Yonkers 56-51 in the state quarterfinal.
“The girls have set it as their goal since last year and winning the sectional title. The feeling is great around the school and community. We have wonderful support for our all-student athletes. The community is very supportive of its athletics,” 5th year Chenango Forks Coach Mike Curtis said.
A big reason for their success is 6’2” Junior Forward Maggie Warpus, she has a game similar to NBA Player Luka Doncic a point guard stuck inside the body of a center. Warpus was named to the New York State Sportswriters Class B All-State second team as a sophomore. She scored 19 points in last years state quarterfinal loss to Utica Notre Dame from Section III. Notre-Dame went on to win the Class B State Championship.
In the State Quarterfinal victory over Montessori Academy last Sunday morning Warpus scored the final four points for the Blue Devils. She gave them a 53-49 lead with 21 seconds remaining hitting two free throws. Then scored on a putback with 8 seconds remaining.
“She certainly is an asset, with skill, knowledge and leadership. Of course, she always feels that need to be better. That comes through in her work ethic in practice. She makes big time free throws for sure. She welcomes those moments we believe,” Curtis said.
Warpus went over 1,000 career points this season. She scored 28 points in the first round of sectionals in Forks 75-32 victory over Whitney point.
“She is versatile no doubt when you watch her. She has worked hard on her interior game the last couple months with our assistant Coach Tim Paske. She really puts in time outside of practice with her shot. Lots of time on the Dr Dish!!,” Curtis Said
Opposing coaches obviously focus on stopping Warpus, how do you counter that?
“Planning, we have great assistants. That have a lot of basketball knowledge. We see teams in our league 3-4 times in a year. There is always a new way to focus on her. It creates great challenges for our girls which we just try to learn from,” Curtis said
Senior Lauren Paske and Freshman Jordyn Erickson-Hrehor have both been key contributors for the Blue Devils this season and came up big in the regional victory last weekend.
“Lauren certainly has been huge on the defensive end for us. She has played better and better each game in the post. Jordyn is a frosh who has certainly improved throughout the year,” Curtis said
Road to the Final Four: Chenango Forks defeated Whitney Point 75-32 in the Sectional Quarterfinal, The Blue Devils defeated rival Waverly 57-41 in the Section IV Class B Sectional Semifinals. Forks defeated Susquehanna Valley 46-37 to win the Class B Sectional Championship. Forks defeated Section 1 champion Yonkers Montessori Academy 56-51 in the State Quarterfinal last Sunday morning.
Going the Distance: Chenango Forks is 2 hours and 8 minutes from Hudson Valley Community College.
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE: Chenango Forks defeated Susquehanna Valley (17-6), 46-37, defeated Section IV AA Champion Horseheads (16-6) 58-45, Class A Johnson City (19-4) 38-27 and Section IV Powerhouse Waverly three times, (17-4) while losing to North Pocono, PA, (12-9) 50-43, Lost to Waverly, (17-4) lost to Class A Utica Notre-Dame (19-4), 74-56, Susquehanna Valley (17-6) and Section II Double AA Champion Albany Academy (20-5) 55-51.
“We had a tough schedule early in the year. Took some losses to great programs. I think those games showed us more. They really are a motivated group of young ladies in all aspects of their life,” Curtis said.
Players to Watch for Chenango Forks: Maggie Warpus Jr. F (20.7 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 75.4 % FT, Lauren Paske Sr. F (7.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 53% FT), Jordyn Ericksen-Hrehor Fr G (5.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 63% FT). Grace Harkness So. G (7.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 50% FT), Mary Pourby Jr. G (6.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 86% FT (49-for-57)
WINNING STREAK: Twelve games
STATE RANKING: No.3
Team Stats
Hornell Chenango Forks
PPG: 61.7 PPG: 62.4
PPGA: 43.7 PPGA: 48.9
Reb: 40.7 Reb: 37.2
APG: 17.2 N/A
SPG: 14.8 N/A
Deflections: 15.4 N/A
Blocks: 6.3
AT A GLANCE
What: Section XIII vs Section II Girls’ Basketball State Semifinal
Who: Cold Spring Harbor to battle Voorheesville
Where: Hudson Valley Community College
When: Friday, March 21st at 10:00 A.M
Records: Cold Spring Harbor (21-2) vs. Voorheesville (18-7)
Cold Spring Harbor Seahawks
Section Eight Champion, 21-2
When talking about Cold Springs Harbor and girls sports, basketball is not the first thing that comes to mind. This is a Lacrosse school, The Seahawks have won three State Championships in Girls Lacrosse in the last seven years, winning the Class C State Championship in 2018 and 2019 and the Class D State Championship last season. They’ve won the overall Long Island class D Championship the last four seasons (21-24).
Coach Rory Malone has Coached Girls Varsity Basketball at Cold Spring Harbor the last fifteen seasons. He knows Lacrosse comes first for these girls.
“We have athletes. We are a lacrosse team who happens to play basketball. We play fast and loose. We like to press and get up and down the court quickly,” Malone said. “It feels amazing to be in the State Final Four, our girls have worked hard all year. They have earned this opportunity and looking forward to the challenge.”
Malone has had a chance to scout his semifinal opponent Voorheesville.
“We have watched film; they are an excellent team. Very well coached. They can really shoot the ball well. It’s going to be a difficult game,” he said.
The Seahawks last loss was January 16, to Wantagh, 61-55. They’ve rattled off 15 straight wins spanning two months. Wantagh is playing in the Class A State Semifinal Friday at 1:30 p.m.
They have 17 girls on their roster, five seniors, one junior, four sophomores, and seven freshmen.
Road to the Final Four: Cold Spring Harbor won by forfeit in the first round over East Rockaway, Cold Spring Harbor defeated Carle Place in the Championship game 63-28. They defeated Babylon 57-22 in the State Quarterfinal.
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE: Lost to Class A Champion Wantagh (22-2), (61-55) Defeated Section 11 Champion Babylon (19-3) 57-22, Lost to Timber Creek Fl, (25-5) 51-37, Defeated Milken CA, (20-4) 55-37, Defeated Preston, WV (21-4) 39-30.
Players to Watch for Cold Spring Harbor: Olivia Mulada So. G 13.6 PPG, 2.6 APG, 65.7 % FT Maggie Spehr Sr. G 10.7 PPG, 2.5 APG, 45.2% FT, Ainsley Dircks Fr. G. 8.8 PPG, 2.1 APG, 55% FT, Ryan Reynolds Sr. F 8.4 PPG, 3.5 APG 58% FT.
Going the Distance: Cold Spring Harbor is 3 hours and 11 minutes from Hudson Valley Community College.
STATE RANKING: No.1
WINNING STREAK: Fifteen games
Voorheesville Blackbirds
Section II Champion, 18-7
The Blackbird’s record is deceiving, their first two games of the year were losses to Albany Academy and Catholic Central. Albany Academy is the Section II Class A Champion and are playing in the State Semifinals this weekend. Catholic Central are the defending State Champions in Class A. They moved up to Class AA this season, won the Section II Class AA Championship and are playing in the State Semifinals Saturday morning. Voorheesville also lost to Class A Ichabod Crane, Class A Schalmont twice, Class A Holy Names Academy, and Class AA Troy. Voorheesville did not lose to a class B school all season.
“Playing the schedule, we have in our tough conference versus Class A, AA schools helped us become experienced fast against tougher and deeper opponents. It’s definitely been a huge part of our growth and changing the culture of our program,” first-year Voorheesville Coach Terrance Florence said.
The Blackbirds defeated Section III Champion Bishop Grimes in the state quarterfinal 53-45 in a game that saw eight lead changes in the fourth quarter. They made six straight free throws with under 40 seconds remaining.
Senior Point Guard Mia Carmody scored 24 points to Voorheesville to the win. With the scored tied at 45, Freshman Milana Orietas banked in a short jumper to give the Blackbirds the lead with 31.9 seconds remaining. On the other end of the floor Orietas rebounded a Bishop Grimes miss and hit two clinching free throws with 13.9 seconds remaining. Voorheesville would score the game’s final eight points to secure the win.
Voorheesville made its final eight free throw attempts all in the final 1:17 of the game.
Carmody leads the team with 18.0 PPG, she has upped that to 24.0 PPG in Sectionals.
Orietas averaged 15.0 PPG in regular season and 16.0 ppg in the post season.
Voorheesville has already played at Hudson Valley Community College four times this season.
“I think it does give us an advantage. This will be our fourth time playing at HVCC. Being a three-point shooting team, it does give us an advantage and our girls seem much more comfortable since our first time playing there,” Florence said.
Florence is very energetic and animated on the sidelines and feels his players feed off of that.
“You don’t need to understand my energy; anyone who plays for me understands it. They are transformed into versions of me, both on and most importantly off the court — confident, fierce as hell, and unshakable for life! That’s the power of the mindset I instill in them, and it’s not just about playing basketball, it’s about how they walk through life with that same fire,” Florence said.
“Players who play for me understand the vision I have for them. Communicated daily based on their goals for themselves. My passion helps them push them to another lesson. People who don’t know about my personal connection might view it as a negative. My players know I believe in them and use my intensity as a battery for themselves when they compete,” Florence added
Florence owns and operates New York HAVOC Player Development Program, it is an organization that is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of student athletes, ages 10 to 18. Utilizing the rigors of athletic competition, their aim is to improve athletic and academic skills.
“It’s all about development and maximizing each player’s talents. Havoc has helped me because I understand how to get players motivated. Help them create a blueprint on how to improve in every aspect of the game then stay on top of them to execute the plan. All returning players will be playing Havoc this spring. They will be coached by different coaches because I think this is important but be in the culture of Havoc,” Florence said.
Road to the Final Four: Voorheesville defeated Corinth in the first round of sectionals 56-41, The Blackbirds defeated Coxsackie-Athens 58-43 in the Semifinals. Voorheesville defeated Mechanicville 62-51 in the Section II Class B Championship game. The Blackbirds defeated Section 7 Champion Saranac in the State Qualifier. Voorheesville defeated Section III Champion Bishop Grimes 53-45 in the State Quarterfinal.
Going the Distance: Voorheesville is 30 minutes from Hudson Valley Community College.
STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE: Lost to Class A Albany Academy (20-5) 72-18, Lost to Class AA Catholic Central (19-4) 63-26, Lost to Class A Schalmont (14-7) 38-34, & 62-53 Lost to Class A Holy Names (15-7) 51-45. Lost to AA Troy (15-7) 47-41. Defeated Coxsackie-Athens (19-4) Defeated Mechanicville (17-6) Defeated Saranac (21-4)
STATE RANKING: No. 4
WINNING STREAK: Five games
“We are going to play our style. We have become very good at making in game adjustments to improve our chances of coming out with a victory. We are going to force them to execute an offense on Friday. I Give them the tools they need through the work we put in. Sometimes players, especially players that are new to playing at a high level sometimes struggle with their consistency of focus and intensity. My consistent intensity helps them stay locked in,” Florence concluded.
Sackets Harbor Voorheesville
PPG 64.8 PPG 49.7
PPGA: 32.5 PPGA: 39.6
