Congratulations to @MariahMatias24 & @SmithMeya2028 on being named All-STAC Conference and All STAC West Division. This is Mariah’s 3rd All-Conference Selection and Meya’s First All-Division Selection.
A great high school basketball team doesn’t need fancy offensive schemes or highlight plays.
It needs kids who:
- Box out, every time.
- Communicate on every possession.
- Dive on the floor like the ball is worth a million bucks.
The most undervalued skill in high school basketball? Being coachable.
Be the kid who makes eye contact, listens without interrupting, and says “yes, coach.”
Talent fades without the willingness to learn and improve.
26 & 26.
@MariahMatias24 goes for 26 points, 26 rebounds vs Rochester Aquinas — her 5th career 20-20 game, an Elmira Express program record.
Different. Built different. 💪🔥
Elmira 59
Aquinas 56
Final (OT)
Late night thriller in the @JPalmerFund opening day nightcap!
Close the whole way & AQ was 6 with just over 2 minutes left in regulation, but Elmira scored 6 straight to force OT, then the bigs closed the deal to win a marathon Large division first rounder.
@MariahMatias24 went for 26, @SmithMeya2028 added 17 in the win. @LorenMissyGreen, who missed the last 9:37 of play with an ankle injury (🙏🏼), led 3 in double digits with 22 for AQ.
Game 6 ✔️
SATURDAY ✔️✔️
Elmira 59
Aquinas 56
Final (OT)
Late night thriller in the @JPalmerFund opening day nightcap!
Close the whole way & AQ was 6 with just over 2 minutes left in regulation, but Elmira scored 6 straight to force OT, then the bigs closed the deal to win a marathon Large division first rounder.
@MariahMatias24 went for 26, @SmithMeya2028 added 17 in the win. @LorenMissyGreen, who missed the last 9:37 of play with an ankle injury (🙏🏼), led 3 in double digits with 22 for AQ.
Game 6 ✔️
SATURDAY ✔️✔️
Elmira 59
Johnson City 42
Final
The air feels a little different in Elmira this year…
@WBballExpress came with power at the outset, maintained the energy, and left no doubt as tonight’s finale wore on. Impressive all-around showing for a team with some high hopes.
@MariahMatias24 went for 21, @SmithMeya2028 12, and all got in on the action in a game they led by as much as 28. Antonia Monico led JC in the books with 12.
Game 6 (for them), Game 5 (for me) ✔️
SATURDAY ✔️✔️
In the Dome this weekend, we should be watching the following state championships:
Non-Public: Iona Prep vs. CBA-Syracuse
AA: Saratoga Springs vs. Massapequa
A: Rye vs. Garden City
One weekend. All under one organization.
How do we make this happen, @NYSPHSAA ?
@nysswa
Shall we continue?
S2 & S3 in the books; let’s move up the line. All sorts of change - some of it very recent - in the Southern Tier. That said, it’s a gang of longtime standouts still leading the charge. The land of the size! Section 4… charged up 🔋
Individual links for each class coming in this thread 🧵, but want them in one place? All S4 previews HERE (subscriber stuff) ⬇️
empirestatetakeover.com/wint…
🇺🇸 Honoring All Who Served 🇺🇸
Today we pause to honor the brave men & women who’ve served our country with courage & sacrifice.
Your strength inspires us every day — on & off the field.
Thank you, Veterans. ❤️🖤
#VeteransDay#ElmiraExpress#ExpressPride#OneTeamOneTown