(Olean Huskies - 2016 NYSPHAA Class B State Champions)
When discussing the banner high school basketball programs in WNY, one of the first names that will come up is Olean. The Huskies, under head coach Jeff Anastasia, have become one of the most storied teams in WNY, with a record of success that is unparalleled. In the last ten seasons, Olean has won nine Section VI championships, advanced to the Far West Regionals eight times, and reached Glens Falls four times. In 2008, Olean won a state championship. Despite the long list of accomplishments, the 2016 Olean Huskies soared to heights that had never been reached before in school history and then attended a ceremony the following day to see its legendary coach take his rightful place among the very best in state history.
Olean arrived in Glens Falls on Friday, March 11th with a record of 25-0 and a coach who had 533 career wins. They left as undefeated State Champions of the NYSPHAA's Class B, 27-0, with a now Hall of Fame coach. The Huskies defeated Marlboro on Saturday night at the Glens Falls Civic Center, 56-45, to win the second state title in school history and cap the first ever undefeated season. The following morning, during a ceremony at Heritage Hall inside the Civic Center, Anastasia was inducted into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame in front of his family and his unbeaten state championship team.
"It means so much to be able to have my players there with me when I get inducted," said Anastasia. "I said to my my wife, it would be like a dream come true, it would be like a storybook ending, and obviously it's coming down to that storybook ending."
Elijah Ramadhan, who was selected to the All-Tournament team after 16 points and 23 rebounds over the weekend, talked about how much it meant to the team to be there for their coach and see him be honored.
"Coach A is big in all our lives," said Ramadhan. "He's like a second father to all of us - it's great for him to get recognition and be in the Hall of Fame."
"I just love these guys," Anastasia said. "It's so touching to me to have those guys there, I'll probably break down when I'm speaking because it just means so much."
Derek Schmidt earned Class B Tournament MVP for his 20 point & 10 rebound performance in the championship game. Along with the gaudy numbers he put up in a low scoring game, his defense and energy throughout were sensational and set the tone for his team on the big stage.
"It's incredible being out here knowing we just won a state championship," said Schmidt. "I think Walt Disney World wrote this story a couple years ago."
Schmidt, who has been a defensive stopper for the Huskies all season, was feeling it all game. He connected on all five of his free throw attempts and on 3 of 5 shots from beyond the arc, including a four-point play to start the second half.
"We went in at halftime and he was hot," said Anastasia. "I said let's run the first play for Derek in the second half and he hits a four-point play. When a guy is hitting like that, you just want to keep going to him."
"The rim got bigger and bigger with every shot that went in," said Schmidt.
Schmidt's brother Mike, a freshman, came off the bench as the team's sixth man and also gave strong minutes on the defensive end, including a clutch steal and score to finish the third quarter.
"Mike Schmidt came in and did just a phenomenal job," Anastasia said.
Ben Eckstrom finished with 13 points and eight rebounds for Olean and was also named to the All-Tournament Team, an honor he now shares with his older brother Sam, who earned the same honor in Glens Falls in 2014. However, bragging rights will go to the younger Eckstrom, who was able to hoist the championship plaque and then share in the moment with his brother on the court following the game.
"In the beginning of the season, coach described this as taking steps forward," said Eckstrom. "We got here and took care of business."
Jake Cavana, who is the straw that stirs the drink for Olean, came through with his usual clutch plays, in addition to being the one who facilitates the offense. Cavana broke a tie game with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to end the first quarter, beat the buzzer with another jumper to put his team up by 11 at halftime, and then finished a tough drive in the game's final minute to put his team up by eight points after taking 30 seconds off the shot clock.
"That's Jake," said Anastasia. "I wouldn't trade Jake for anything. He's a tough son of a gun who always gives you his best. They nicknamed him 'Bulldog' and he is a bulldog, he just digs in, he does all the little things well, he's hard-nosed, and he makes those big shots."
"It's a crazy feeling, words cannot describe it," said Cavana. "Something that really no one thought we were going to do after all those guys graduated in 2014. It's really great to bring that plaque back home to Olean."
From talking to various people at the Glens Falls Civic Center over the weekend, one theme that was repeated to me was how impressive Olean was. Those who were seeing the them for the first time, marveled at the team's chemistry and work ethic. It was the best I've seen Olean play all season, and I've regarded them quite highly for the last three months.
"I'm so proud of them and it's so well deserved," Anastasia said. "They're just a blue collar team, they work their tails off everyday."
They're the kind team that's easy to root for. Nice, hard-working kids, who achieved their success through a team-first approach and a belief in themselves.
"I told them, I don't want this to end, I don't want to say goodbye to these seniors," Anstasia said. "I want to have another practice on Monday."
Olean will play in the Federation tournament of champions in Albany this weekend, facing PSAL champion KIPP on Saturday. Work them hard coach, I heard centercourt predicted a 29-0 finish and the school's first Federation Championship.
Point Totals
Olean: Derek Schmidt 20, Ben Eckstrom 13, Jake Cavana 12, Elijah Ramadhan 6, Monty Shoemaker 3, Mike Schmidt 2
-centercourt
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