Cobleskill Looks at New Truck

By Joshua Walther

COBLESKILL - On Monday night, the Cobleskill Town Board convened to discuss switching to a new truck manufacturer, as well as offering praise for Supervisor Don Airey of Blenheim.

During the highway report, the Board asked Highway Superintendent Timothy Gallagher for an update on their snow plow order.

Mr. Gallagher said that while they still have the money for the big truck, their previous manufacturer that serves Schoharie County, Western Star, no longer makes an all-wheel drive because they can’t get the front-ends.

To remedy this, the Town will need a Freightliner truck instead, which is around the same price due to having the vast majority of parts stay the same except for the cab. 

Mr. Gallagher also noted that the truck will likely come in in late 2026 when it was ordered in 2021, meaning that the Town is looking at a five year wait between orders.

He recommended that since Cobleskill almost has enough saved up for the next truck, they should place their order as soon as this one is delivered to cut down on wait times as much as they can.

Once the truck was explained, Mr. Gallagher also noted how severe the constant snowfall this winter season has been and thanked the Village’s joint aid, saying “I really appreciate the Village guys stepping up and helping out, they’ve done a lot with us.”

Before the meeting concluded, Supervisor Werner Hampel quickly enlightened the rest of the Board on the status of the county’s constitutional challenge, noting that they won but the state would likely appeal the decision.

He also gave special thanks to Supervisor Airey, who had championed the push. “Had it not been for him and his attention to detail, we would not be where we are now. He’s a special individual and he did a heck of a job.”

 

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Cobleskill Softball Splits Day Three at Gene Cusic Classic, Tops Saint Joseph

FORT MEYERS, FLORIDA — The SUNY Cobleskill softball team wrapped up the third day of their Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic spring break trip with a split, falling to Geneva College in the morning before bouncing back with a convincing win over the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.).

Game One: Geneva 9, Cobleskill 1

The Fighting Tigers opened the day with a 9-1 loss to Geneva College in on Tuesday morning. 

Mackenzie Wendelken (Stuyvesant, NY/Ichabod Crane), Avery Prievo (Camden, NY), and Madelynn Orosz (Seymour, CT/Nonnewaug) each recorded a hit for Cobleskill. Jaydaci Chamberlain (Northborough, MA/Norfolk County Ag) went the distance in the circle, tossing six innings while allowing nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits, striking out three.

Geneva struck early, plating two runs in the opening frame on a two-run triple. Cobleskill’s defense held firm, highlighted by a diving catch from Prievo in the second inning and a three-up, three-down effort from Chamberlain to keep the game within reach.

The Fighting Tigers threatened in the third when Jenna Smyczynski (East Aurora, NY) reached on a walk, then stole second and third on a pair of wild pitches, but Cobleskill was unable to bring her home. Geneva added another run in the fourth before breaking the game open with a four-run fifth inning, including a two-run triple and an RBI double to make it 7-0.

Trailing 9-0 in the sixth, Cobleskill finally got on the board. Prievo led off with a double to center, and Wendelken followed with an RBI single to left. The Fighting Tigers loaded the bases later in the inning, but Geneva escaped the jam to seal the win.

Game Two: Cobleskill 9, Saint Joseph (Conn.) 1

The Fighting Tigers rebounded in their second game, taking advantage of eight Saint Joseph errors to roll to a 9-1 victory.

Kailee DiGiacco (Spencerport, NY) led the charge, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBIs, a double, and two runs scored. Wendelken continued her strong day, finishing 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Smyczynski added a 2-for-5 performance. Orosz also chipped in, scoring twice and driving in a run while going 1-for-3.

First-year pitcher Gabriella Wendelken (Stuyvesant, NY/Ichabod Crane) delivered her first collegiate win with a dominant complete-game performance. She scattered nine hits over seven innings, allowing just one run while striking out seven.

Both teams finished with nine hits, but Cobleskill’s ability to capitalize on Saint Joseph’s eight errors proved to be the difference.

Cobleskill struck first in the second inning, capitalizing on Saint Joseph’s defensive struggles. Orosz laid down a well-placed bunt to bring home Prievo for a 1-0 lead. Moments later, DiGiacco legged out an infield single, and Smyczynski followed with an RBI base hit to plate Samantha Bargren (Wilmington, DE/Brandywine), making it 2-0.

The Fighting Tigers extended their lead in the fourth when DiGiacco ripped a double to left center, scoring Bargren. With the bases loaded, Wendelken lined a two-run single up the middle to push the advantage to 5-0.

Saint Joseph got on the board in the bottom of the fourth, but Cobleskill quickly responded in the fifth when Orosz crossed home on a wild pitch.

The Tigers put the game out of reach in the seventh, as DiGiacco drove in Brooke Irizarry (Florida, NY/S.S. Seward) with an RBI single to left before two more runs scored on defensive miscues by the Blue Jays, sealing a dominant victory.

Up Next

The Fighting Tigers conclude their Florida trip on Wednesday, March 12, with a doubleheader against Bethany College and RIT in Naples, Florida.

 

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CRCS Starts Closing Budget Gap

By Joshua Walther

COBLESKILL - On Monday evening, the CRCS Board of Education held their second draft budget presentation, focusing on the dwindling yet still sizable budget gap.

Last month, on January 27th, the first draft of the upcoming budget held a negative gap of $1,858,641, which factored in the estimated salaries and benefits, as well as estimated increases from BOCES and the purchase of four new buses.

The district had also planned to lower their fund balance allocation by $250,000, as the creeping reliance on their fund balance is becoming an annual issue that may lead to larger problems in the future.

However, after just a couple weeks of readjusting revenues and expenditures and calculating the tax levy limit, the gap has nearly been cut in half.

For comparison, the expenditure summary from last year’s adopted budget to this second draft stands at an increase of $2.1 million, or a 4.6% increase.

This larger number is made up from a 4% increase in administration, a 4% increase in instruction, a 3.1% decrease in transportation, and a 7% increase in benefits and debt service transfers.

On the other side of the coin, the revenue summary has seen a total increase of approximately $1 million for a 2.2% increase, made up of a 2.1% increase from local sources, a 2.6% increase in state and federal sources, and an allowable increase of the tax levy by 2.55%.

With these new figures, the total budget gap for the second draft stands at $1,099,434, but it stands to be lowered further depending on action from the Board, as Superintendent Matthew Sickles identified and proposed several additions and reductions for the district.

Although the budget gap is not closed, Superintendent Sickles has vouched that the additions, namely a new registered nurse, school psychologist, and a school resource officer, are valuable and almost non-negotiable for the health of the student body, with their total cost standing at $291,100.

To balance this, he has suggested reducing an extra Ryder class section, a vacant speech language pathologist position, a retired special education teacher, a least senior librarian, a least senior art teacher, and three retired teaching assistant positions, for a total of $522,500.

“None of this has anything to do with the job anyone is doing,” said Superintendent Sickles on the two staffing cuts. “Everyone is doing a great job.”

If the Board approves these proposals, the district would be looking at extra savings of $231,400, which would cut down the gap to $868,034.

When the presentation concluded, the Board felt the tension of the budget gap as much as anyone else. “I have a huge pit in my gut right now,” said President Bruce Tryon, who stated his fears on finding the remaining money in less than a month.

Superintendent Sickles stated that he would begin looking at additional areas for reductions, such as materials and supplies, district communications, and student activities with the lowest participation, and present another budget report next month.

 

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Esperance Board Addresses Bird Flu, RV Regulations, Roadwork

STAFF REPORT

ESPERANCE — The Esperance Town Board tackled a range of issues at its regular Feb. 20 meeting, from a potential bird flu outbreak to ongoing concerns about RV regulations and upcoming roadwork.

The meeting, held at the town hall, began with a report from Planning Board member Mark Fitzgerald, who detailed the discovery of a deceased Canadian goose on Junction Road, suspected to have died from avian influenza. Fitzgerald said the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was notified and is investigating the situation, with the carcass taken to Five Rivers Environmental Education Center and Cornell University for further analysis. He also noted a bald eagle was observed feeding on the goose.

Roadwork dominated much of the discussion. Highway Superintendent Michelle Brust presented her report, outlining planned projects and addressing concerns from board members. Councilman Harold Conklin inquired about a steep grade sign on Conover Road, while Councilman Ben Gigandet emphasized the need to prioritize summer roadwork, similar to last year’s efforts. Brust highlighted that Lape Road is slated for cold mix paving and chip sealing in the spring, funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The board also discussed the need for a bidding process and deadlines for roadwork contracts.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on RV and camping regulations, specifically concerning a situation on Burtonsville Road. Councilman Conklin expressed frustration with the lack of enforcement regarding residents living in a camper without proper permits. He questioned the town’s process and requested Supervisor Earl VanWormer follow up with the town attorney to determine why the issue was not being pursued. VanWormer clarified that the town is working to create an enforceable regulation independent of the Burtonsville Road case. Conklin said that he was done with the "charade."

"We need an enforceable regulation," VanWormer said in response to Conklin's concerns.

The board also addressed several administrative matters, including approving the supervisor’s report, town clerk and tax collection reports, and minutes from the previous meeting. They reapproved a standard workday and reporting resolution due to a clerical error and approved the appointment of a second deputy clerk/tax collector.

The board approved a motion to increase the income limit for senior citizen tax exemptions to $26,500 and scheduled a public hearing on the matter.

Financial matters were also addressed as the board approved voucher payments totaling $29,764.81 across various town funds.

Conklin also requested the supervisor invite the Health Department, town judge, attorney, and code enforcement officer to a future Planning Board meeting.

The board conducted its annual court audit checklist and examination of the Town Justice Court records.

Concerns were raised by resident Al Zwick regarding residents living “off the grid” and the potential impact on health and sanitary codes. The supervisor reiterated that campers are not intended for year-round living and that the town has a responsibility to enforce building and sanitary codes.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Special thanks to Town Clerk Jessica Castle for the meeting minutes.

 

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Lunar Eclipse of the Full Worm Moon

By Alexis Pencar

Residents of Upstate New York are in for a celestial treat this week as the Full Worm Moon coincides with a total lunar eclipse! This rare event will provide a stunning display in the night sky, and here's everything you might need to know to catch the best views!

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon's surface. During a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon falls within the darkest part of Earth's shadow, known as the umbra. This causes the moon to appear red-orange, a phenomenon often referred to as a "Blood Moon." The red hue is due to sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere, scattering shorter wavelengths and allowing longer, red wavelengths to reach the moon.

March's full moon is traditionally known as the Worm Moon. This name likely originates from the earthworms that emerge as the ground thaws in early spring. Other names for this moon include the Eagle Moon, Goose Moon, Crow Comes Back Moon, Sugar Moon, Wind Strong Moon, and Sore Eyes Moon.

The total lunar eclipse will unfold over several hours, offering a changing view as the moon moves through Earth's shadow. Here are the key times to watch:

• Penumbral Eclipse Begins: Thursday, March 13, at 11:57 p.m. EDT

• Partial Eclipse Begins: Friday, March 14, at 1:09 a.m. EDT

• Total Eclipse Begins: Friday, March 14, at 2:26 a.m. EDT

• Greatest Eclipse: Friday, March 14, at 2:59 a.m. EDT

• Total Eclipse Ends: Friday, March 14, at 3:31 a.m. EDT

• Partial Eclipse Ends: Friday, March 14, at 4:47 a.m. EDT

• Penumbral Eclipse Ends: Friday, March 14, at 6:00 a.m. EDT5.

There is no special equipment needed to observe a lunar eclipse, although binoculars or a telescope can enhance the view. For the best experience, find a dark environment away from bright lights. The moon will still be visible during the eclipse, even though it will be in the full shadow of the Earth.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness the Full Worm Moon and the total lunar eclipse. It's a special and beautiful event that promises to be a highlight of the year for skywatchers in our area. For more information, keep an eye on local weather forecasts and even astronomy websites. Happy stargazing! 

 

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Sharon Springs SD Voters To Decide On Projects, Contract

By Chris English

SHARON SPRINGS _ Voters in the Sharon Springs School District will give a thumbs up or down to a capital project and related energy performance contract after the school board at its Monday, March 10 meeting unanimously approved resolutions placing them on the May 20 ballot.

The questions would be answered that day along with the usual vote on the annual budget and electing school board members. The board Monday night approved State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) resolutions for both the project and the contract, and also a resolution placing them on the May 20 ballot.

Also approved at the March 10 meeting was a SEQRA resolution for a smaller capital project designed to take care of needed maintenance and fixes for the 2025-26 school year at an estimated $100,000, according to Superintendent Thomas Yorke. Money for that smaller project will be included in the 2025-26 budget voters will decide on May 20, he added.

Yorke added that the larger capital project is estimated to require an inital outlay from the district of about $2.73 million and the energy performance contract an initial outlay of about $1 million. However, he explained that the two are interrelated in that the general aim of the project will be to achieve greater efficiencies and savings in lighting, heating and other areas. The hope of district officials is to recoup the cost of the energy performance contract through efficiencies over an 18-year period, Yorke said.

The energy performance contract would be put out to bid and the project/contract might take two or three years to get rolling, he continued.

One of the goals of the larger capital project and energy performance contract is to "create stability within the tax cap," Yorke said. "As we take on debt we want to also pay off other debt to stabilize taxes."

School facilities need periodic work to keep operating safely and efficiently and Yorke added that work needs to be done on a fairly steady basis so that taxpayers are not hit with too much at once.

"We've had the lowest property tax levy in the region for a long time," he said. "We want to keep that tradition while also maintaining the building."

 "The capital maintenance project (the larger project) will help stabilize debt services and keep the tax impact very minimal," Yorke continued in an email to this newspaper. "The source of funding (for both projects) is a function of the district's debt structuring. It is my understanding that there is a scheduled falloff coming up, and the proposed projects would level out the debt service."

In a brief budget discussion at the meeting, the superintendent said the projected deficit for the 2025-26 budget still stands at about $500,000 and that he, Business Manager Anthony DiPace, the school board and others will work hard over the next few weeks on ways to close the gap.

"We haven't gotten final numbers from the state yet (on state aid) but we're not optimistic it will increase much for next year," Yorke noted.

In other actions from the meeting, he added he had a recent conversation with Superintendent TheriJo Snyder of the neighboring Cherry Valley-Springfield School District. Yorke said Snyder told him it was the feeling of the CVS school board and community that they wanted to field their own teams for the upcoming fall sports season and not combined teams with Sharon Springs.

However, Yorke said CVS remains open to the idea of combined teams beyond the fall of 2025 if Sharon Springs needs that accommodation. The two districts have been fielding some combined athletic teams in various sports and at various levels since 2020, Yorke said. He added that Sharon Springs will be able to field its own teams for this coming fall.

Sharon Springs sophomore Kaylee Crewell, the student representative to the school board, reported that Spirit Week will be held March 24-28 and the theme this year is making a difference in the community. Activities that week will include food donations to various charities and other community-oriented initiatives, she said. Crewell added that students are organizing an April 23 blood drive to be held in the school auditorium.

In a personnel action at the end of the meeting, the board approved a leave of absence from March 1 through Sept. 1 for substitute cleaner Charles Parks.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for March 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the usual location, the school library. Yorke said it's fairly common to start holding two meetings a month as the school year nears its end in order to fulfill contractual obligations and take care of other business.

 

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“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

I thought it was a warm up last week but this past week was the real thing! It was the first melt off for months and some would say the whole season! There was a bit of flooding around town with the creeks high as big ice chunks, with some as big as king size mattresses or bigger, all getting jammed up around corners.

True spring is just around the corner with the Spring Equinox coming up on March 20th! It's sure nice to see the ground again! I've even seen a few first plants popping up.

The Farmers Almanac doesn't have any more snow predicted but you never know for our area and we could even get snow into April! The average temperature is predicted at 36 degrees, which is 2 degrees above average, with 4” of precipitation possible, 1 inch higher than the average. 

There is lots of fun this weekend for St. Patrick’s Day (3/15), with special St. Patrick’s Day meals available at Bob’s Country Store in Roseboom and Red Shed Ale House in Cherry Valley is celebrating with two new beer releases and live music from Drifting From Shore all the way from Binghamton! 

Sunnycrest Markets is open with more vendors! Visit to see what all the excitement is about! They have groceries, produce, bulk items, ready-made food, furniture, and much more! The nursery will be opening soon for the Spring too! They are located at 7869 NY-10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459, just outside of the Village. Follow @SunnycrestMarkets on social media for updates, sales, and more!

The Sap House at Stone House Farm in Sharon Springs is BACK now through April 19th for their 25th Season of these beloved weekend Pancake breakfasts! For more information on Sap House, please contact (518) 284-2476. They are located at 305 Lynk Road, Sharon Springs, NY 13459. 

Blue Star Farm & Cidery is open on the weekends at their new location on Route 20 near Log House. They are now making and serving their own sweet cider and have cider donuts and more for purchase too! The hours are Saturday, 10-5 PM and Sunday, 10-4 PM. Visit them on Facebook for updates and specials!

Wren’s Earth Refillery is now open for business by appointment only through the winter. The shop is located at 277 Stage Coach Road, Sharon Springs, NY. You can shop anytime at WrensEarth.com or call (518) 925-4860 for more information.

Parsons Vegetable Farm has limited seasonal items available like cabbage!! Check out their social media for more info! The Outrageous Snack Snack is closed for the season but we’re already looking forward to fresh donuts in the Spring! 

Sharon Springs Free Library News: Story Time is at 10:00 AM on Thursday mornings and includes a story, craft, and snack. Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 1:00 - 6:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed. The new Spring/Summer hours will be coming soon! For more Library information please contact (518) 284-3126.

Sharon Springs Food Pantry

Your local Sharon Springs Food Pantry is an excellent local resource for all! They are located in the United Methodist Church on Route 20, across from the school (511 US Route 20, Sharon’s Springs, NY 13459). They are always accepting donations! If you or someone you know is in need of the Pantry, the hours are Thursday 9:00 -10:30 AM and 5:00 - 6:30 PM. For more information please contact (518) 284-2687 or follow them on Facebook.

Worship Services

The Sharon Reformed Church (6858 State Route 10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 234-2387 for more details.

The Sharon Springs United Methodist Church (511 State Route 20, Sharon Springs, NY, 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 284-2200 for more details.

The St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church (24 Maple Avenue, Cherry Valley, NY 13320) offers weekly mass at 10:00 am. Reminder: confession is available 30 minutes before every mass. Contact at (607) 264-3779 for more details.

The Zion St. John’s Lutheran Church Seward (114 Mesick Ave, Cobleskill, NY 12043) offers weekly service on Sundays at 9:00 am. Contact at (518) 234-3222 for more details.

Cornerstone Baptist Church (7274 Route 10, Ames, NY 13317). Sunday Service is at 10:00 am. All are welcome. Contact (518) 673 3405 for more details.

Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site

Local residents are invited to enjoy good company and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Rd. M-W-F. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2 p.m. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal.

To share community news, upcoming events, business specials, adjusted hours, birthdays, anniversaries, or even an outstanding resident, please contact me directly at (772) 971-1410 or alexis.pencar@gmail.com. Have a great week! Thanks!

 

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SSCS Update

By Tori Edwards 

SHARON SPRINGS — Kindergarten through second grade students participated in Read Across America Event March 3rd to March 7th  highlighting Dr. Seuss. 

The faculty and staff basketball game in support of Mrs. Handy and Mrs. Law will take place on Friday, March 21st at 2 pm.

On Saturday, March 22nd and 23rd SSCS will be hosting the Futsal Tournament. On Monday, March 24th at 7:30 pm, the Board of Education will be meeting. 

Friday, March 28th the elementary students will be attending their monthly morning program at 8:20 am.. Wednesday, April 10th at 8:20 am the elementary students will be hosting their Annual Talent Show. 

The Sharon Springs library will be returning to regular hours as of March 1st. 

Keep up the great work, students! Let’s Go Spartans!

 

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Students Excited for End of Year Trips

By Joshua Walther

COBLESKILL - During their regular meeting on Monday, the CRCS Board of Education listened to presentations from the seventh and eighth grades on their upcoming field trips.

The seventh graders opened first, and they stated that they’re planning on seeing the city of Boston, Massachusetts on June 20th, 2025.

The class decided to attend because of Boston’s large cultural seat in America’s history, as well as the other attractions like the famous Museum of Science.

On the day of the trip, buses will leave Golding at 6:00 AM to make it to the Museum of Science in just a couple hours. Once there, the students will get to see exhibits on electricity, music, dinosaurs, engineering, AI, as well as a planetarium and a prototype of the first computer.

After their visit, the students will experience Quincy Marketplace, a bazaar of over one hundred shops before venturing out on the Freedom Trail, which will take them to historic sites like the Old Granary Burying Ground, the Old State House, and where the Boston Massacre took place.

After the Freedom Trail tour concludes at 3:45 PM, students will board the buses once more and return to Golding on the same day at around 8:30 PM.

In order to cover the costs of the trip, the students have been trying their hands at a number of fundraisers with goods from Krispy Kreme, Thompson Sugar Shack, Get Air, and a portion of the middle school dances.

Once the presentation was over, President Bruce Tryon was happy to move for approval, saying “Boston is a great city. I’ve been there many times myself, and I’m sure you’re going to love it.”

Member Susan Strasser echoed his sentiment with her second, saying “The Boston Museum of Science is my favorite museum I’ve ever been to.”

With the Board’s approval, the seventh graders yielded their presentation to the eighth graders, who said that they wanted to visit the Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, New York.

The students broke down their finances, explaining that the total cost of admission, parking and lunch was $6,372, and transportation for three buses was $2,670, working out to be about $85 per person.

However, just like the other grade, the eighth graders have done numerous fundraisers involving Krispy Kreme, Mineral Springs Soap, and Cargies BBQ, allowing for everyone in the class to attend.

The presenters were excited by the prospect of riding the famous wooden roller coaster The Comet, as well as exploring the rest of the park’s rides and visiting souvenir shops.

The Board, while they didn’t need to approve an in-state field trip, still supported them and wished them well, with Mr. Tryon saying “The Great Escape is a great place to visit.”

 

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Fighting Tigers Battle, But Fall to No. 8 Smith in NCAA First Round

                                                            Antonia May against Smith

 

                                                    Cara Walker going to the hoop vs. Smith

NORTHAMPTON, MA – The Cobleskill women’s basketball team saw its historic season come to an end in a hard-fought battle, as the Fighting Tigers fell to nationally eighth-ranked Smith College, 69-59, in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. The game, hosted by Smith, marked Cobleskill’s first-ever appearance in the Big Dance. The Tigers conclude their remarkable campaign with a 24-5 record.

The Fighting Tigers were powered by their veteran core, which accounted for 53 of the team’s 59 points. Cara Walker (Phelps, NY/Midlakes) led the charge with 16 points, shooting 5-of-12 from the floor and knocking down 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. Taylor Meacham (Berne, NY/Berne-Knox-Westerlo) capped off her outstanding career for Cobleskill with 15 points, two rebounds, and an assist while connecting on 6-of-16 from the field. Antonia May (Amsterdam, NY) flirted with a double-double, contributing 10 points, nine boards, and two assists, while Logan Thayne dominated the paint with nine points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.

The Pioneers’ efficient shooting was a difference-maker, as they connected on 47.5 percent of their shots compared to Cobleskill’s 38.9 percent. Though the Tigers had the upper hand at the free-throw line (75.0% to Smith’s 36.4%), Smith controlled the glass with a 33-27 rebounding advantage and spread the ball effectively with 14 assists to Cobleskill’s nine. The Tigers forced 12 turnovers while committing just nine, but Smith capitalized by converting those extra possessions into 17 points, compared to Cobleskill’s eight. In the paint, Smith edged out the Tigers 34-30, but Cobleskill battled back with 12 second-chance points to Smith’s four. The game featured six ties and ten lead changes, highlighting the intensity of the contest.

Smith got on the board first, but Cobleskill quickly responded with a 4-2 lead. A Meacham floater tied the game at 7-7 midway through the first quarter, and senior Annie Canales (North Adams, MA/Hoosac Valley) buried a three-pointer to knot the score at 11-11 with three minutes to go. The Tigers refused to back down, ending the quarter on a 4-0 run to take a 14-13 advantage into the second frame.

The Pioneers opened the second quarter with a 6-3 spurt, but May answered with a deep triple to put Cobleskill back on top, 20-19, with 7:35 on the clock. The teams traded blows in a back-and-forth battle, but Smith found its rhythm late in the half, rattling off a 9-0 run to build a 30-22 lead. The Fighting Tigers clawed back behind Walker and Meacham, cutting the deficit to 32-26 at the break.

Thayne got the second half rolling with a putback bucket to bring the Tigers within four, but Smith responded with a 9-2 run to stretch their lead to 39-30. The Pioneers extended their cushion to double digits at 44-32 before Thayne halted the run with an and-one finish. May added a layup to fuel a Tigers’ surge, trimming the deficit to 49-42 with just over a minute left in the third, but Smith leaned on their home-court advantage to close the quarter with a 55-44 lead.

Cobleskill found itself trailing 60-48 early in the fourth before a nearly four-minute scoring drought set in for both squads. Meacham drilled a three-pointer with four minutes remaining to keep the Tigers’ hopes alive, but Smith had the answer, knocking down a dagger triple to push the lead to 67-55 with two minutes left. Despite the Fighting Tigers’ resilience, Smith held firm to secure the 69-59 victory.

Though the season comes to a close, Cobleskill’s historic run to the NCAA Tournament will be remembered as a defining moment for the program.

 

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