The Amsterdam Lady Rams varsity basketball team earned a spot in the top 25 with the release of Tuesday’s New York State Sports Writers Association (NYSSWA) rankings. Amsterdam was placed at number 16 in the Class A New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) poll. The Lady Rams were one of three Section 2 schools ranked in the top 25. Amsterdam finished behind the Lady Tartans of Scotia-Glenville (No.15). Glens Falls (No.23) was also ranked.
The Lady Rams (12-2) are currently on a 12 game win streak that began with a victory over Scotia-Glenville in December, the only loss for the Lady Tartans (12-1), and includes victories over Glens Falls, South Glens Falls, Gloversville and Queensbury, all Class A schools. The Lady Rams have averaged scoring better than 60 points per game this season, and have won the close contests with solid defensive play. Their most notable win to date came in the Amsterdam Holiday College Showcase coming back from 19 points down in the second half to defeat Colonial Council power Schalmont. The Lady Rams’ only losses have come outside the United States when the team opened the season playing a tournament in Canada. Amsterdam has defeated all its Section 2 opponents to date, and won against Syracuse Corcoran of Section 3 at AHS in late December.
The NYSSWA releases its rankings on Tuesday’s during the school year for many high school sports. Amsterdam had received an honorable mention listing for the past two weeks before earning the top 25 ranking. Averill Park (11-4), and Troy (11-5) both from Section 2, were listed as honorable mention teams in this weeks’ Girls Class A poll.
The latest rankings add emphasis to Friday’s game at AHS when the Lady Rams and Lady Tartans will now meet as two of the top Class A teams in the state. A victory for the Lady Rams will give them the South Division title in the Foothills Council and set up a game with the winner of the North Division when cross over pairings are announced after all scheduled games are completed. Amsterdam finishes its schedule with games at Schuylerville (Feb. 3), and at Hudson Falls (Feb. 10), and hosts Broadalbin-Perth for its senior night (Feb 6). This years’ honored seniors are Lequela Steen, and captains Tessa Filiberto, and Caitlin Gannon.
Tip time for the game against Scotia-Glenville is scheduled for 7pm.
