Section 2 Class A Final Four Standouts

The Section 2 Class A semifinals featured four programs that have long been perennial contenders in the division. Albany Academy, Holy Names, Averill Park, and Glens Falls have all had their share of success over the years. All four powerhouse programs had their star players on display at the McDonough Center in Troy, NY, last week, and they did not disappoint. Here is a look back at the Class A Final Four standouts.    Alex Leonard led Albany Academy to its fourth consecutive Section 2 Class A title with a 58-45 win over Holy Names. Leonard scored 11 points in the low-scoring championship game and 19 points in a semifinal win over Averill Park and was named the Class A MVP. Leonard is a natural scorer who can put the rock in the basket from all levels. She is a lethal shooter from beyond the 3-point arc and has a silky smooth touch in the midrange. Leonard has the size and strength to score in the post and off of rebounds. Leonard can drive to the basket and finish strongly. Leonard eclipsed the 1,000-point mark earlier this season.     As is the case whenever she is on the floor, [player_tooltip player_id='868365' first='Maggie' last='Volmer'] had a major impact on the Class A semifinals and finals. The six-footer is one of the top post players in the Capital Region, and her entire arsenal was on display in being named to the all-tournament team. Despite a loss in the championship game, Volmer registered a double-double of 16 points and 13 boards. In the semifinals against Glens Falls, Volmer scored 17 points. Volmer was a disruptive force in the paint in both games. Volmer is a skilled shot blocker, and opponents are forced to alter their shots just by her presence. Volmer scores on multiple putbacks off offensive rebounds and is virtually unstoppable when she is allowed to catch the ball on the block. Volmer surpassed the 1,000-point plateau this season.     Julia Viglucci is one of the most dangerous 3-point shooters in Section 2. Viglucci scored 17 points on five 3-pointers in her Class A semifinal matchup against Glens Falls. Viglucci is a solid ballhandler who often runs the point and facilitates the offense for Holy Names. However, it is after she gives up the ball that she is the biggest threat. The Holy Names coaching staff loves to run Viglucci of screens to create open looks for her from beyond the arc. If defenders switch or fight through screens, Viglucci possesses the capability to put the ball on the floor and beat them off the dribble, but outside shooting is clearly her forte.     Allie Dickinson is the leading scorer for a Glens Falls team that features a balanced attack. Dickinson led the Black Bears in scoring at around 14.2 points per game, but her production rose as the season went on. She is becoming one of the elite players in Class A and all of Section 2. Dickinson is 5'10" and can certainly be effective in the paint, beating defenders off the dribble, but shooting from deep is where she really shines. Dickinson scored 16 points in a semifinal loss to Holy Names, connecting on a trio of 3-pointers. She finished the season with 44 treys.     Jeniyah Wood may only be a sophomore at Holy Names, but she plays like a veteran. Wood is a capable scorer, but does not need to put the ball in the hoop to be productive. She impacts winning in several ways. Wood scored 15 points in the semifinal win over Glens Falls. Wood averages 15 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4.5 steals a game. Wood is a fierce defender, both on and off the ball. Besides her defense, Wood's strength is getting to the basket off the dribble. She is a powerful player and an outstanding finisher at the rim. In two years, she should be one of the strongest players in the Capital Region.     Nayla Macon burst onto the scene this year for the Bears of Albany Academy. Just a sophomore, the upside is tremendous for Macon. Her tall, lanky frame and superb athleticism make her dangerous on both ends of the floor. Macon scored eight points and hauled down 10 boards in the Class A championship game. She scored 14 points in the semifinals. Macon is a productive scorer in the paint. Macon's length allows her to grab offensive rebounds for putbacks. She runs the score well and is an outstanding finisher on the break.

The Section 2 Class A semifinals featured four programs that have long been perennial contenders in the division. Albany Academy, Holy Names, Averill Park, and Glens Falls have all had their share of success over the years. All four powerhouse programs had their star players on display at the McDonough Center in Troy, NY, last week, and they did not disappoint. Here is a look back at the Class A Final Four standouts.