GIRLS SECTION 2 CLASS AA

Projected Team Finish Based on Returning Runners

TEAM SCORE LY

1. Saratoga 62 1

2. Shenendehowa 128 2

3. Bethlehem 135 6

4. Shaker 140 3

5. Colonie 146 5

6. Columbia 155 4

7. Niskayuna 190 7

8. Guilderland 199 8

9. Ballston Spa 279 9

10. Schenectady 369 12

11. Albany NA 10

12. Troy NA 11

General Outlook: There is little doubt that the Blue Streaks will continue their dominance of Section II as long as the Kranicks are in charge. This is particularly remarkable after you consider that Saratoga will have graduated four of their top seven runners. The battle for a sectional team badge will be hotly contested between the next four schools. The Lady Plainsmen will have to hold off a young Bethlehem squad. The BC girl’s team only lost one of their top runners to graduation and one of their top runners is a McCartan! Shaker, Colonie and Columbia could also vie for a top three spot. Columbia will have the hardest time staying in the top five due to the graduation of key seniors. The Guilderland girl’s could be a dark horse if they run to their potential. The lady Dutch gave Colonie and Columbia a scare during a dual meet at home last season.

BOYS SECTION 2 CLASS AA

Projected Team Finish Based on Returning Runners

TEAM SCORE LY

1. Shenedehowa 106 2

2. Shaker 128 3

3. Saratoga 193 1

4. Niskayuna 211 6

5. Guilderland 235 4

6. Ballston Spa 274 8

7. Bethlehem 288 7

8. Colonie 300 5

9. Albany NA 9

10. Columbia NA 10

11. Schenectady NA 12

12. LaSalle NA 11

General Outlook: The reigning NTN champion, Saratoga, will be a shell of its former self this fall. Only two of their top runners will return from their top seven. Four to graduation and one notable runner, Steve Murdock, recently transferred to the Shen school district. This gives the Plainsmen the early advantage in Class AA. The Blue Streaks will rebuild and remain a threat for a sectional badge, but they will have to deal with the Shaker boys. Shaker has perhaps the most buzz of any pre-season team, losing only one of their top seven to graduation. If the Bison live up to their hype they might even challenge for a sectional crown! The Niskayuna boys have steadily risen through the ranks thanks to Coach Jason DeRocco. This year they will attempt to upset Saratoga for a sectional badge. Guilderland and Ballston Spa will contend for a top five spot. Guilderland will have to rebuild after losing five of their top seven. Coach Oates will surely find talent waiting in the ranks to make a run for a sectional badge. The team taking the biggest hit is perhaps Colonie, whose top four runners have all graduated.