The season began anew for the Franklin D. Roosevelt High School boys basketball team on Thursday. And although it ended in a 73-51 loss to visiting Pine Bush, coach Kevin Hart expects his team to progress as the season goes on.

Basketball in Hoop

It will have a chance to make some progress on Saturday, when Hart’s Presidents face Newburgh Free Academy in the Pioneer Classic at Poughkeepsie High School.

“They’re going to be quick and athletic,” Hart said of Newburgh. “We need to limit their transition opportunities and we need to slow the tempo down and take care of the ball each possession.”

Against Pine Bush, Noah Rosado led Roosevelt with 17 points, including making two shots from beyond the 3-point arc. Fellow President Ethan Hart scored 13 points. Some work in practice, Hart said, is in order.

“We’ve got to do a much better job taking care of the basketball with each possession,” the coach said, noting that turnovers helped cost his team the game. “We have to do a better job of executing.”

Having graduated nine seniors, Hart understands his team is young. Still, the Presidents remain excited for the new year.

“We’re in a positive mindset,” Hart said. “The kids know we’re young and a little inexperienced. I think we’re going to grow and learn as the season goes on, and we’ll just have to continue to work hard in practice.”

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

The Millbrook High School volleyball team receives its medals after falling in the state Class C final to Eden Sunday.

GLENS FALLS — Shawn Stoliker stood in the tunnel underneath the stands at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday.

His Millbrook High School volleyball team had just lost the Class C state championship match to Eden, 25-19, 24-26, 25-11, 25-13. Still, he called this year’s group of Blazers the best he’s ever coached.

“I told them I’m very proud of them. It was an incredible season, they grew a lot as a volleyball team. We came a long way since the beginning of the season,” Stoliker said.

Moments after his own team captured its fifth consecutive Class C title, Stephen Pierce agreed, calling the Blazers the toughest team his Eden squad has faced in recent years. Millbrook was swept by Eden the last time it reached the state final in 2013.

“We used to play in (Class B) a lot,” said Pierce, whose Section 6 team has won nine state titles in the last 10 years, between Class B and C competition. “Since we moved to ‘C,’ that was the best team we faced in the finals. He (Stoliker) always has well-coached teams. His kids play with fire.”

That fire ignited in the second set.

The Blazers trailed 16-10 in the set, but staged a comeback to win it. Marist College-bound senior hitter Megan Fergus led the way, making blocks on consecutive points to secure the 26-24 win. Fergus, who was named to the all-tournament team, finished with 17 kills, two aces, eight digs and four blocks.

“We definitely played great, we did everything we should’ve done in the second set. Sadly, we didn’t do all that in the first, third and fourth sets,” Fergus said. “We did everything we should have done. We played Millbrook volleyball like ‘Stolly’ tells us to do every single day.”

Kayla Gusikoff, Millbrook’s other all-tournament player, had 27 assists and 15 digs. Lauren Raylor finished with four kills, two aces and seven digs. Brianna Wrightsman added 22 digs and one ace.

Although it’s the end for seniors Fergus, Raylor, Liz Halpin, Emily Kelly, Allison Junke and Marisa Horton, Millbrook’s future looks bright. The Blazers will return a great deal of young players next year, including eighth graders Cecelia Dignan and Erin Fox, and freshmen Cat Halpin and Sam McKenna.

“I’m so proud of my teammates,” Dignan said. “To make it this far, it’s really incredible and it really pushes me to get this far in years to come. I think because our entire team is so young, we have a lot to learn. I think the future definitely holds a lot for us.”

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

The Roy C. Ketcham High School boys basketball team was dedicated to defense on Friday.

Basketball in Hoop

With that defense came an outpouring of offense, the likes of which carried the Indians to a 54-37 win over host Port Chester.

“Our goal was to hold them under 40 (points),” said Ketcham coach Mike Paino, whose Indians met their goal, improved to 2-0 and will host Horace Greeley at 6 p.m. Tuesday. “It started on the defensive end, getting defensive stops and controlling the boards. The kids did a very good job with that.

“A lot of the offense came from the defense.”

That may be an understatement. The good defense led to a number of players performing well on the other end of the floor.

Matt Seidner helped lead the Indians with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Teammate Zahir Woody scored 13 points and added 10 rebounds. John Stumberger contributed with 11 points, while Tim Reilly scored four points and dished out 10 rebounds.

Paino was pleased with the all-around effort, and liked that he had three players in double figures in both points scored and rebounds grabbed.

“Balanced scoring is huge,” the coach said. “People can’t concentrate on one person. We had a lot of people getting each other involved and looking for the open man.”

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

Marlboro basketball head coach, Mike Koehler gives his team instructions during the Pioneer Classic held at Poughkeepsie High School on Friday.

Marlboro’s Jaiden Allen tries to shake off Briarcliff’s Matthew Perlmotter during the Pioneer Classic held at Poughkeepsie High School on Friday.

Briarcliff’s Matthe Perlmotter covers Marlboro’s Nick Mongelli during the Pioneer Classic held at Poughkeepsie High School on Friday.

Marlboro’s Tyler Jollie shoots over Briarcliff’s, from left, Sean Crowley and Matthew Perlmotter during the Pioneer Classic held at Poughkeepsie High School on Friday.

It rained 3-point field goals at Poughkeepsie High School Friday.

And the Marlboro High School boys basketball players supplied the precipitation.

Draining nine 3-point field goals as a team, the Iron Dukes started their season with a 56-52 win over Briarcliff in the Pioneer Classic Basketball Shootout.

“We shot the ball great from three,” said Marlboro coach Mike Koehler, whose Iron Dukes will visit Wallkill at 5:45 p.m. Monday. “We started off really strong in the first, shot the ball really well. When it got close, we made shots.”

One of those shots from beyond the arc came at a key moment, when Xavier Oliver buried a 3-pointer with 20 seconds left. The Bears had gone on a 14-point run to cut Marlboro’s lead to three points with 45 seconds left before Oliver’s 3-pointer, which gave the Iron Dukes enough of a cushion to hang on for the win.

Marlboro’s Joe Nugent breaks away from Briarcliff’s Jack Reish during the Pioneer Classic held at Poughkeepsie High School on Friday.

“That was huge,” Koehler said. “That was a big shot that sealed it.”

Oliver finished with 14 points and five rebounds behind leader Tyler Jollie, who scored 20 points and added 11 rebounds. Joe Nugent contributed 13 points and made three 3-pointers in the first half.

Against Wallkill, Koehler is expecting his team to continue its top-notch play.

“Hopefully we’ll see more of the same (against Wallkill),” Koehler said. “We have to rebound the ball and play solid defense. If we move the ball, we’ll be pretty good.”

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

Wrestling webkey

The Arlington High School wrestling team now knows what to expect its next time out.

After a 39-36 loss to host John Jay-Cross River in the finals of a Section 1 dual meet on Tuesday, the Admirals will face the Indians from Katonah again, on Thursday at home.

“It’s going to be interesting,” said Arlington coach Fred Perry, whose Admirals are 4-1 and picked up a 52-24 win over East Ramapo in the semifinals before losing to Cross River. “Our lineup will be a little different. We’ll have some wrestlers (who were) not in the lineup tonight (Tuesday), and that helps us quite a bit.”

Perry said it was difficult to pinpoint a wrestler who stood out against John Jay-Cross River, though there were plenty of successful Arlington grapplers against East Ramapo.

Mike Stanek (160 pounds) won his semifinal match by pinfall at 3:12. Brady Robin (145) won a 4-0 decision while Gavin Pasqualini (120) won by a 10-0 major decision in what Fred Perry termed “an interesting match.”

“It was a good team effort,” Perry said. “We went in confident and the kids did a real nice job, wrestled real aggressively. It was a great match from a coach’s perspective and from a spectator’s perspective.”

Perry added he is satisfied with his team’s 4-1 start.

“I’m pleased with the way the young guys are wrestling,” Perry said, “and the seniors are stepping things up. I’m very happy.”

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

The Beacon High School girls basketball team found good balance on Wednesday, and came away with a 46-30 win over John Jay in Wiccopee.

Basketball in Hoop

The victory was a product of early rhythm, Bulldogs coach Christina Dahl said.

“We came out with some good intensity and we were able to score points early,” said Dahl, whose team improved to 2-2. “What helped us tonight was our defense. We played really well and offensively we had a good balance from our starters and bench players.”

Leandra Echi led the way for Beacon, scoring 17 points and adding 10 rebounds. Teammate Lauren Schetter added 13 points and 10 rebounds while Emma Jacketti poured in 11 points with 10 rebounds.

Echi battled foul trouble late in the game, allowing some of the younger Bulldogs to step in and contribute.

“It’s definitely good to get those minutes from those players,” Dahl added.

Marion Dietz led John Jay with 14 points and Sam Fitzgerald added nine.

“Beacon’s a great team. They did a lot of great things to take us out of our rhythm,” said Patriots coach Larry Brooks, whose team fell to 1-3 and will visit Roy C. Ketcham on Tuesday.

“Ketcham-Jay is always a huge rivalry,” Brooks added of his team’s next challenge. “We’re going to have our hands full.”

Beacon will visit Fox Lane on Friday at 4:30 p.m.

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

Basketball in Hoop

Jessica Wilkinson of the Red Hook High School girls basketball team went for an offensive rebound in the second quarter of the Raiders’ game against Franklin D. Roosevelt on Thursday in Hyde Park.

The point guard missed, but grabbed two more consecutive rebounds before she finally made the basket. That type of effort carried host Red Hook to a 54-40 win over the Presidents.

Wilkinson scored 30 points for the second time in as many games to lead all scorers.

“The thing about Jess is that she’s a tremendously hard worker and she will also pass the ball to teammates. She’s not one-dimensional,” said Red Hook coach Andrew Makebish, whose Raiders improved to 4-3. “It’s pretty impressive (to score 30 points) on consecutive nights, especially when teams are looking to defend her.”

Makebish said that Wilkinson also “played tough defense, getting steals and rebounds.” Kalie Harrison provided backup with 14 points.

Kelsea Demelis was Roosevelt’s leader with 11 points.

“Roosevelt is a good team,” Makebish added. “It was a game of runs. We were up by eight, got it up to 17, but they cut it to nine. We opened it up and got it back to 18, then they hit a couple baskets at the end.”

Red Hook (4-3) will play Newburgh Free Academy at 11 a.m. in the annual Jim Kyle Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament Saturday at Bard College in Annandale.

Roosevelt hosts Wallkill at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

Basketball in Hoop

Our Lady of Lourdes High School boys basketball coach Jim Santoro didn’t see his team’s game Friday as a shot at vengeance.

He was just glad to pick up a win.

Santoro’s Warriors beat the host Hendrick Hudson Sailors, 66-57. Hendrick Hudson eliminated the Warriors in the opening round of last year’s Section 1 Class A tournament.

“I never really look at it (as revenge),” said Santoro, whose team improved to 1-1 and will face North Rockland on Tuesday at home. “It’s a new team. We put a little bit more together and came out with a road victory over a very good Hendrick Hudson team.”

James Anozie, who sat out in last year’s season-ending loss to Hendrick Hudson, led the Warriors with a career-high 35 points. Luke Timm was right behind him with 16 while Chris Mulvey had seven. Dean Rotger added four, but “ran the offense,” Santoro said.

Santoro said he sat his regular starters out for the first four minutes of the game on account of what he termed “a minor infraction.” However, when he put the starters on the floor, the game was tied at three.

“Our second unit did a good job holding down the fort,” Santoro said. “Once we subbed them (the starters) in, it was a game of runs.”

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

John Jay’s Ryan Schumacher looks to pass the ball away from North Rockland’s Steve Vance during the Terrence Wright Varsity Basketball Tournament on Friday in Beacon.

John Jay’s Logan O’Donnell shoots as North Rockland’s Michael Arias tries to block him during the Terrence Wright Varsity Basketball Tournament on Friday in Beacon.

John Jay’s Matthew Golden drives through North Rockland’s Matt Viglotti during the Terrence Wright Varsity Basketball Tournament on Friday in Beacon.

John Jay’s Jeb Ramirez is covered by North Rockland’s Jesse Degraft during the Terrence Wright Varsity Basketball Tournament on Friday in Beacon.

John Jay High School boys basketball coach Terry Feeley is expecting his team to compete on Saturday, coming off a 68-35 loss to North Rockland in the opening round of the Terrence Wright Tournament at Beacon on Friday.

The Patriots will play Pearl River in a consolation match at 2 p.m. Beacon beat Pearl River, 63-56.

“I told the kids, you have to be willing to compete,” Feeley said. “If I see that out of them, I’ll be happy.”

North Rockland held the Patriots scoreless through the first quarter, and led 24-0 after the game’s first eight minutes. Feeley said John Jay did not score until halfway through the second quarter. Some trapping on North Rockland’s part and turnovers were what Feeley said made the difference in the first half.

John Jay’s Matthew Golden takes a layup as North Rockland’s Rahiem Moses blocks him during the Terrence Wright Varsity Basketball Tournament on Friday in Beacon.

“Offensively we weren’t strong with the ball and we were rushing things a bit,” the coach said. “They (North Rockland) were athletic and long. We got hit upside the head and didn’t react well to it.”

Logan O’Donnell led John Jay with 14 points while teammate Ray Kupetz added eight points. Despite the outcome, Feeley liked what he saw from his leading scorers.

“I was very pleased with the way those two competed,” Feeley added. “Both of them competed against a really athletic, strong ball club. Regardless of the situation, they played hard.”

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

Basketball in Hoop

It’s a long bus ride from Webutuck High School in Amenia to Chester Academy, the site of the Hambletonian Classic.

The ride felt a little shorter for the Webutuck boys basketball team, which beat Eldred 60-47 on Saturday in the tournament. The Warriors had beaten Millbrook less than 24 hours before to open the tourney.

“It makes a long bus ride better, coming back with a win,” said Webutuck coach Pete Iuele, whose Warriors improved to 4-3 and are above .500 for the first time since the start of last year. “We played very confidently and I’m hoping to go on a bit of a roll. Mentally we’re getting stronger, which is nice.”

Chris Reed, an all-tournament selection, led Webutuck with 16 points while Hunter Coulthard added 13. The Warriors led 13-7 after the first quarter, then outscored Eldred 45-15 over the second and third quarters.

Iuele was pleased with the effort of his leading scorers.

“They really stepped it up the last two games,” Iuele said of Reed and Coulthard. “Chris is all over the place defensively and now he’s making 3-pointers. Hunter is the same way. They’re both turning it up offensively.”

The Warriors visit Rhinebeck on Tuesday in a game Iuele expects to be tough.

“I watched them play against Pine Plains. They have everything,” Iuele said of the Hawks. “We’re looking to feed off this weekend and give them a game.”

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

Basketball in Hoop

Defense wins ballgames.

The Roy C. Ketcham High School boys basketball team can verify that.

On Tuesday, the Indians rolled their win streak to four in a row with a 39-22 victory over visiting Haldane.

“Defensively, we once again stuck to the game plan and executed it extremely well,” said Ketcham coach Mike Paino, whose team is unbeaten. “We played hard on the defensive end and did a good job on the defensive boards. Our defense was key to what we did.”

Tim Reilly was Ketcham’s leader on the offensive side of the court. Reilly scored 17 points and added 12 rebounds. Teammate Darryl Sullivan scored eight points and nabbed seven rebounds. John Stumberger also scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds.

Nick Chiera was Haldane’s leader with six points.

“Through the coaches I’ve studied under — they’ve been defensive-minded coaches,” Paino said. “The kids are doing what we ask them to do on the defensive end, and we stress that a lot.”

The coach added that he’s happy about the team’s hot start.

“It means a lot (to be 4-0),” Paino said. “As a new coach, it gives them confidence in me.”

Ketcham will visit Brewster at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Haldane visits Clark Academy at 6 p.m. Friday.

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

New Paltz’s Grant Harlow attempts to get through Poughkeepsie’s Troy Schoomacher during Tuesday’s game at Poughkeepsie High School.

Poughkeepsie’s Shaquez Nezbit takes a shot past New Paltz’s, from left, Axel Rodriguez and Josh Berry during Tuesday’s game at Poughkeepsie High School.

Poughkeepsie’s Liam Perryman shoots over New Paltz’s Grant Harlow during Tuesday’s game at Poughkeepsie High School.

Poughkeepsie’s Akili Hill attempts a layup while New Paltz’s Matt Kanan attempts to block him during Tuesday’s game at Poughkeepsie High School.

Poughkeepsie High School basketball coach Brian Laffin couldn’t say what he told his team at halftime on Tuesday.

But whatever he said certainly worked.

The host Pioneers beat New Paltz, 56-40, allowing three Huguenot points in the third quarter and 12 for the entire second half.

“We came out with some good energy and gave it right back to them,” Laffin said. Poughkeepsie trailed 27-26 at halftime. “It was a tale of two halves. We jumped out to a little lead in the first quarter, but we were down by one at halftime.

“We didn’t have great energy in the second (quarter), but came out in the third and made some adjustments. We were more aggressive in the perimeter and very active on the defensive end.”

Liam Perryman scored 13 points and added 14 rebounds and four blocks. Fellow Pioneer Shaquez Nesbitt added 12 points, five assists and three steals, while Caval Haylett led all scorers with 16.

“It seems like we have a balanced group,” Laffin said.

Axel Rodriguez scored 13 points to lead the Huguenots.

Poughkeepsie (2-1) will visit Marlboro at 5:45 p.m. Monday.

“They’re an excellent team,” Laffin said of the Iron Dukes. “They shoot well, they execute well. We have our work cut out for us.”

New Paltz will visit Highland at 5:45 p.m. Friday.

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

Basketball in Hoop

Akili Hill missed a shot from outside the 3-point arc as time expired in regulation. The shot would have won the game for the visiting Poughkeepsie High School boys basketball team Monday.

But with another chance against Marlboro in overtime, he didn’t miss.

Hill drained the winning 3-pointer to lift the Pioneers, 67-64.

“He had ice in his veins,” said Poughkeepsie coach Brian Laffin of Hill, who was one of Poughkeepsie’s leaders with 15 points. “He had an open look and stepped into a nice shot.”

Teammate Caval Haylett scored 16 points for the Pioneers while Shaquez Nesbitt scored 14. Liam Perryman contributed with 13.

Tyler Jollie led the Iron Dukes, who came into the game undefeated, with 19 points. Teammate Xavier Oliver chipped in with 18.

“We knew it was going to be a very tough game,” Laffin added. “We came back and made shots at the end. We started to wear them down and when we extended the floor, we got better looks.”

Poughkeepsie (3-1) plays Samuel Gompers on Dec. 27 in a challenge game of the Duane Davis Memorial Holiday Tournament at Our Lady of Lourdes. Marlboro plays Beacon next on Dec. 28, in the same tournament at Roy C. Ketcham.

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

The Franklin D. Roosevelt High School gymnastics team recently remembered a life taken too soon, with an event the team hopes will become an annual fundraiser.

Nikki Filiberti, the sister of Katie Filiberti, competes on floor exercise during the Dec. 12 Katie Filiberti Memorial Invitational at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School.

On Dec. 12, the Presidents hosted the inaugural Katie Filiberti Memorial Invitational, with all proceeds going towards the Katie Filiberti Scholarship Fund. The team raised a little over $1,900, according to Roosevelt gymnastics coach Yonnie Coughlin.

Coughlin fondly remembered Filiberti, who was a 2010 Roosevelt graduate, a six-year member of the school’s gymnastics team and a New York state meet qualifier in the vault in 2009. She also participated on Roosevelt’s cross country team for two years.

“She was a bundle of energy,” said Coughlin, who served as Filiberti’s assistant coach and now coaches Filiberti’s sister, Nikki. “A fun person to be around. She was vibrant and vivacious; dedicated to gymnastics. She was our sister — someone you loved spending time with. I miss her greatly.”

Filiberti was killed at the age of 18 in March 2011, by Stephen Shand, a 23 year old whom she encountered while walking home from a party. Filiberti’s death ignited a five-month investigation that ended with Shand’s arrest and ultimately a guilty plea to first-degree murder and predatory sexual assault. He was given a sentence of 40 years to life in prison.

The gymnastics meet took place 11 days after Filiberti’s birthday, by coincidence. She would have been 23 on Dec. 1.

“To have an event around her birthday makes for something nice during a tough time of the year,” Coughlin said.

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Ali Bertolozzi competes on floor exercise on Dec. 12.

Including the Presidents, four teams competed in the invitational, which was an exhibition. Mahopac, Kingston/New Paltz and Carmel joined Roosevelt for the showcase. Roosevelt and Mahopac divided up their athletes into groups — the “gold” team and the “blue” team. Each team designated one all-around athlete and one specialist for each event. Trophies were awarded to the first, second and third place teams.

“It was a friendship meet,” Coughlin said. “You run it differently than a normal meet.”

The Mahopac “blue” team finished first with 64.75 overall points. The Kingston/New Paltz squad placed second with 61.1 points, while Carmel finished third with 60.4 points. Roosevelt’s “green” team was fourth with 58.3 points, its “gold” team was fifth (56.15) and Mahopac’s “gold” team was sixth (29.75).

Coughlin lauded the support from the community and vendors, making the event possible. Moreover, she hopes this event will continue on annually to keep Filiberti’s memory and funds for the scholarship in her name fresh.

“We had a tremendous amount of support from Hyde Park businesses and a really wonderful outpouring of support from the vendors,” Coughlin added. “We’re also grateful for the teams to support us and come to the invitational.

“The purpose (of the event) was to keep Katie’s memory at the forefront, to honor her and keep the scholarship fund replenished.”

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

After the presents have been unwrapped in the mid-Hudson Valley and the holiday meals have been consumed, local high school sports fans will be treated to a smorgasbord of tournaments.

In particular, basketball and wrestling will take the spotlight. A collection of tournaments will provide fans, family and friends with a chance to witness some top-notch competition — as well as giving area athletes a platform to put their skills on display.

Poughkeepsie High School’s Troy Schoonmaker looks for a teammate to pass the ball to as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s James McKenna covers him during a Dec. 11 game at Poughkeepsie High School.

Duane Davis Memorial Holiday Tournament

The boys basketball tournament, formerly known as the Dutchess County Basketball Coaches Association Holiday Tournament, is entering its 27th year. Last year it was renamed in honor of Duane Davis, the longtime Franklin D. Roosevelt High School basketball and baseball coach.

There are six teams in the championship field in this year’s installment, coupled with two challenge games. The tournament tips off at Our Lady of Lourdes at 4:15 p.m. on Sunday. Poughkeepsie will take on Samuel Gompers High School from the Bronx in a challenge game.

“Over the holidays, I like to look at it as a chance to play teams we normally wouldn’t play,” Poughkeepsie coach Brian Laffin said.

Franklin D. Roosevelt High School’s Mike Lehan dribbles to the hoop against Poughkeepsie on Dec. 11.

The Duane Davis tournament isn’t the only chance the Poughkeepsie boys basketball team will exhibit itself after the holiday. Two days later, the Pioneers will travel to the Westchester County Center in White Plains to play another challenge game in the annual Slam Dunk Tournament, against Saunders.

“We’re really excited about playing tough teams,” Laffin added. “It’s a good measuring stick. Win or lose, you’re going to get better.”

Poughkeepsie’s game in the Duane Davis tournament will be followed by Beacon vs. the defending champion, Arlington, at 6 p.m. Roosevelt vs. Lourdes will wrap up the first day at 7:45 p.m.

“It’s awesome. I’ve been a part of it all 13 years I’ve been coaching,” said Matt Hoyt, Arlington’s coach. “I think all the teams this year are really good. We’re definitely looking forward to it.”

The tournament continues Monday and Tuesday, before concluding with fifth-place, consolation and championship matches all day Wednesday at Lourdes.

Holiday Classic

While the boys basketball teams will be keeping plenty busy, a slew of local girls basketball teams will be participating in the annual Holiday Classic.

On Monday, the tournament commences at Stissing Mountain High School in Pine Plains. Spackenkill will oppose Roosevelt first at 3:30 p.m., followed by a game at 5:15 p.m. between Saugerties and Millbrook. Pine Plains will play Highland at 7 p.m. to wrap up the first day.

Two days later at Spackenkill, Pine Plains will face Saugerties at 3:30 p.m., Roosevelt will square off with Millbrook at 5:15 p.m. and Highland will duel with Spackenkill at 7 p.m.

Mid-Hudson Wrestling Tournament

In what has become a perennial highlight of the local wrestling schedule, the annual Mid-Hudson Tournament will be held at Arlington on Sunday with 20 teams competing.

John Jay High School’s Eric Wakefield puts Middletown’s Adonis Moreno into a hold in a semifinal match during Saturday’s Patriot Invitational held at John Jay High School.

Along with the hosts, Beacon, Highland, John Jay, Roy C. Ketcham and Red Hook are among the teams from the area in the tournament. Brewster, Cornwall, Hewlett, Kingston, Longwood, Mattituck, Newburgh, Onteora, Ossining, Pine Bush, Rondout Valley, Saugerties, Valley Central and Wallkill are also participating.

“I think it’s one of the toughest tournaments in the state,” Arlington coach Fred Perry said. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Other tournaments

The Marlboro girls basketball team will participate in the James I. O’Neill Tournament, with the first round scheduled for Monday, as will John Jay’s boys basketball team.

John Jay’s Marion Dietz dribbles away from Ketcham’s Dana Dockery during Tuesday’s game in Wappingers Falls.

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The John Jay girls will also be plenty busy on Monday, as it is competing in the KSA Holiday Tournament at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, Florida. The Patriots take on Walker High School of Jasper, Alabama at 10:45 a.m. The tournament runs through New Year’s Eve.

“I think it’s a huge honor and we really have to thank the parents for the support and fundraising,” said Patriots coach Larry Brooks, who added that different fundraisers were held throughout the year to pay for the trip. “I think it’s a great bonding experience for us. It should be a great time.”

Beacon and New Paltz’s girls basketball teams will participate in the Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament at Wallkill, which runs Tuesday and Wednesday.

The boys basketball teams from Webutuck, Pawling, and Haldane will join North Salem for the Putnam Challenge at Carmel on Jan. 2.

Holiday tournament schedule

Boys basketball

Duane Davis Memorial Holiday Tournament

Dec. 27 (at Lourdes)

Poughkeepsie vs. Samuel Gompers, 4:15 p.m.

Arlington vs. Beacon, 6 p.m.

Lourdes vs. Roosevelt, 7:45 p.m.

Dec. 28 (at Ketcham)

Dover vs. Highland, 4:15 p.m.

Beacon vs. Marlboro, 6 p.m.

Roosevelt vs. Ketcham, 7:45 p.m.

Dec. 29 (at Lourdes)

Arlington vs. Marlboro, 6 p.m.

Lourdes vs. Ketcham, 7:45 p.m.

Dec. 30 (at Lourdes)

Fifth-place game, 4:15 p.m.

Third-place game, 6 p.m.

Championship game, 7:45 p.m.

Holiday Tournament at James I. O’Neill High School

Dec. 28

John Jay vs. Pine Bush, 1 p.m.

Dec. 29

Consolation game, 3 p.m.

Championship game, 6:30 p.m.

Slam Dunk Tournament at the Westchester County Center

Dec. 29

Poughkeepsie vs. Saunders, noon

Putnam Challenge at Carmel

Jan. 2

Webutuck vs. Pawling, 10 a.m.

Haldane vs. North Salem, 4 p.m.

Girls basketball

Holiday Classic

Dec. 28 (at Pine Plains)

Roosevelt vs. Spackenkill, 3:30 p.m.

Millbrook vs. Saugerties, 5:15 p.m.

Highland vs. Pine Plains, 7 p.m.

Dec. 30 (at Spackenkill)

Pine Plains vs. Saugerties, 3:30 p.m.

Millbrook vs. Roosevelt, 5:15 p.m.

Highland vs. Spackenkill, 7 p.m.

Holiday Tournament at James I. O’Neill High School

Dec. 28

Marlboro vs. O’Neill, 5 p.m.

Dec. 29

Consolation game, 1 p.m.

Championship game, 5 p.m.

Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament at Wallkill

Dec. 29

Beacon vs. Valley Central, 3:30 p.m.

New Paltz vs. Wallkill, 7 p.m.

Dec. 30

Consolation game, 5:30 p.m.;

Championship game, 7 p.m.

KSA Holiday Tournament at Orlando, Florida

Dec. 28

John Jay vs. Walker (Alabama), 10:45 a.m.

(tournament continues Dec. 30-31)

Wrestling

Dec. 27-28

Mid-Hudson Tournament at Arlington, 8 a.m. (Dec. 27), 10 a.m. (Dec. 28)

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

Basketball in Hoop

Andy Cameron called it the biggest win he’s been a part of as Roy C. Ketcham High School’s girls basketball coach.

On Monday, his Indians beat visiting Brewster 74-71 in double overtime, giving Ketcham a win before it enters a break. The Indians don’t play again until Jan. 9, when they visit Putnam Valley.

“We ended up wearing them down in double overtime,” said Cameron, whose Indians improved to 6-3. “It shows us what we can do when we put our minds together and play as a team.”

Ketcham trailed 63-60 with two seconds left in the first overtime frame, but Meg Nardelli came off the bench and buried a 3-pointer to send it into double overtime.

Dana Dockery led the Indians with 19 points, while Jakayla Elting added 17. Jada Rencher poured in 14 and Jordan Kastanis contributed with 10. Katie Wall added eight and performed well in the first half, Cameron said.

“Katie did a great job orchestrating the offense as a point guard in the first half,” Cameron said.

Cameron said his team trailed at halftime, but got stops when it needed to. Brewster entered the game with a 7-1 record.

“It was a big win,” Cameron added.

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

Basketball in Hoop

The Beacon High School boys basketball team staged a fourth quarter comeback against Marlboro on Monday in the Duane Davis Memorial Holiday Tournament.

But it was the Iron Dukes who prevailed.

Marlboro was able to hold on and beat Beacon, 68-67, at Roy C. Ketcham High School.

“Towards the end of the third they (the Bulldogs) made a pretty good run where (we led by) nine going into the fourth,” Marlboro coach Mike Koehler said. “Every time they came back, we answered. The fourth quarter was phenomenal, going back and forth.”

Beacon rallied back from a 15-point deficit and took a 62-61 lead with a minute left, but Nick Mongelli made a jump shot and drew a foul. He made the free-throw and Marlboro “closed it out with free-throws,” Koehler said.

Mongelli scored all 13 of his points in the second half. Xavier Oliver led the Iron Dukes with 21 points, and John Perugino added 13. Tyler Jollie scored 12.

Alfredo Robles scored 21 points for Beacon. Malik Vaval-Paris added 17 while Xavier Mayo contributed with 11.

“Robles and Malik kind of led the charge in the fourth quarter,” Koehler said.

The Duane Davis tournament continues at 6 p.m. Tuesday when Marlboro (5-1) faces Arlington.

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

Basketball in Hoop

Jon Stumberger had been coming to practices early and staying late, working on his shot. And on Monday, the Roy C. Ketcham High School boys basketball player’s diligent work paid off.

Stumberger scored 20 points to lead the host Indians to a 68-44 win over Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Duane Davis Memorial Holiday Tournament. The victory stopped Ketcham’s three-game losing streak.

“Jon gave us a spark off the bench,” said Indians coach Mike Paino, whose Indians improved to 5-3. “He’s been working hard and he’s one of those kids that, when he’s on, he can do what he did tonight (Monday).”

Zaair Woody provided backup for Stumberger, scoring 17 points.

“It was my first game coaching in this tournament and it was a great atmosphere,” Paino added. “We’ve been on a slide and to see a win gives us confidence. Every win feels good, but especially good in a tournament.”

Brendan Bixby scored 10 points to lead the Presidents. Teammate Aubrey Albertson added eight.

Ketcham will play Our Lady of Lourdes on the Warriors’ home court at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, as the Duane Davis Tournament rolls on. Paino is expecting a challenging game.

“It’s going to be a battle,” Paino said. “They (the Warriors) got some big boys that work hard inside and make it difficult. They run their offense really well and they defend, so we have to come ready to play, ready to rebound, ready to defend and ready to bang with the big boys.”

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

Battling foul trouble and Valley Central High School, the Beacon High School girls basketball team came away with a 43-34 first round semifinal win on Tuesday in the Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament at Wallkill High School.

Basketball in Hoop

The Bulldogs will face Wallkill, at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Wallkill defeated New Paltz 45-39 in Tuesday’s other semifinal.

“It would be a great win for us,” said Bulldogs coach Christina Dahl, whose team improved to 5-3. “We’re going to focus on defense and let that create offensive opportunities for us.”

Although Dahl said Lauren Schetter spent “a good portion of the game” on the bench in foul trouble, she led Beacon with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

“Sometimes she seems to be unstoppable,” Dahl said of Schetter. “She’s a tremendous player, a tremendous athlete.”

Teammate Leandra Echi finished with 14 points and seven rebounds.

Beacon led 12-8 after the first quarter and was able to manage the game from there, despite the foul trouble. Dahl praised the play of her reserves, as well as her team’s defense.

“We got some good minutes from our substitutes,” Dahl said. “Defensively we played well and we had great minutes from our bench players that helped us sustain the lead throughout the game. It was a good win for us, coming off the loss to Somers (on Dec. 22).”

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports

Spackenkill’s Katherine Lillis, right, tries to pass to a teammate while FDR’s Talyce Lipinski, left, defends during a Holiday Classic game held in Pine Plains.

FDR’s Kelsey Demelis, right, looks for an open shot while Spackenkill’s Christina Hartenfels, left, defends during a Holiday Classic game held in Pine Plains.

Eliminating turnovers always helps. The Spackenkill High School girls basketball team can confirm.

The Spartans, playing in the Holiday Classic at Stissing Mountain High School in Pine Plains on Monday, beat Franklin D. Roosevelt, 41-26.

Spackenkill’s Olivia Zykoff throws the ball up to the net during a Holiday Classic game against FDR held in Pine Plains.

In the second quarter, Spackenkill outscored the Presidents 20-5 — which made the difference, Spartans coach Don Neise said.

“Just by taking care of the basketball and good outside shooting we were able to mount a lead and stay with it in the second half,” Neise said. “I think we were trying to force things. We cut down the turnovers and that led us to a lead at halftime.”

The Spartans led 24-14 after the first 16 minutes. Nina Hartenfels paced Spackenkill with 17 points, and was able to overcome Roosevelt’s defense.

“Roosevelt did a really nice job trying to chase her around,” Neise said of Hartenfels. “We did a nice job freeing her up a couple times and she made them pay. Her shot was on.”

Issy Herrera added nine points for Spackenkill while Katie Lillis contributed five assists, eight rebounds and two points.

Spackenkill’s Bailey Riley, center, goes for a layup while FDR’s Kamryn Hammond, left, and Sara Miller, right, defend during a Holiday Classic game held in Pine Plains.

Kelsea Demelis led Roosevelt with 10 points. Teammate Katey DeWitt added six.

Roosevelt will play on in the tournament and face Millbrook at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday at Spackenkill. Spackenkill (4-2) will host Highland in its next tournament game at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

“Highland is a quality team,” Neise added. “We’re looking forward to the challenge and excited about the holiday tournament being at our place.”

A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports