SEASON IN REVIEW: ICHABOD CRANE BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Greg Dedrick
ccSCOOP Sports Editor

03-25-09

The Riders’ season did not start off quite the way they were hoping, playing short-handed against eventual Class A champion Scotia and falling by 9. After that opening loss, things got on the right track for ICC as they reeled off two early season league wins, including a home stand against rival Hudson. Ichabod then fell to Maple Hill before again getting hot, winning their next six league wins before falling to Maple Hill for the second time. Another seven more wins had the Riders flying high heading toward sectionals, but a late season make-up game against Cairo-Durham derailed that run. Once into sectionals, the Riders were given the eighth seed and a home game against Averill Park, but the battle-tested opponent knocked ICC off and ended their season.

Ichabod Crane finished the regular season going 15-3 in the Patroon Conference, which gave them second place in the league. In their two out-of-conference games the Riders fell to two eventual Section II champions, Class A Scotia and Class B Broadalbin-Perth, to make their overall record 15-5, not counting the playoff loss that ended their season.

Every year it seems as though the Riders lose a lot of senior talent and just reload the following year, and this season was no different. After being the fourth option as a junior, Sean Shattenkirk took over a leadership role as a senior. As the point guard, Shattenkirk created a lot of the Riders’ offense for both himself and his teammates, finishing third in field goals made, second in three’s made, tops in free-throw percentage—all while leading the team in scoring at just over 12 points a game. Shattenkirk started the season hot, hitting for double digits in eight of his first ten games, but he cooled off as the season went on, going for double digits just four times in his final eleven games. A trio of juniors also helped out, all averaging right around 10 points per game. Derick Horn got to the free-throw line twenty more times than the next closest player on the team. Horn provided a tough defensive effort, strong rebounding and the ability to score inside out and get to the free-throw line. Chris Larm was not the biggest player on the court, but he was one of the most physical, tough rebounders in the league this season. His ability to score down low and draw fouls was also big for ICC. Guard Josh Ingham led the team in three-pointers made and connected for at least one in every game but three this season. While playing part-time point guard, often guarding the other team’s best perimeter defender, Ingham also went through a stretch of eight double-figure scoring games in eleven chances in the middle of the season.

Ichabod featured a surprisingly deep and young roster this season, which included one freshman, three sophomores, and four juniors, but the loss of four seniors will be crucial. The loss of Shattenkirk on both ends of the floor and overall on the court is obvious, but the other three also provided some key minutes. Dan Earley was a tall, long-shot blocking threat, and his surprising ability to step away and knock down the long jumper made him dangerous on offense. Ben Gevlin really came on after limited playing time as a junior and proved to be a reliable threat from deep, while Cody Williams gave quality minutes as a guard sub.

Despite those four lost, ICC should be right back in contention for a Patroon Conference title next year. The return of Horn, Larm, and Ingham should provide ICC with plenty of scoring, tough rebounding and defense. Sophomore Mitchell Niemeyer gained more and more playing time down the stretch and looks to be the team’s future point guard, while junior Tanner Wolfe is a big body and valuable shot blocker.

Most Valuable Player: Sean Shattenkirk (Senior)
Led the team in scoring, created most of their offense whether in the half court or fast break, rebounded well for a guard, and made plays defensively. All around, he was one of the most versatile players in the Patroon.

Biggest Game: Wednesday, January 4, against Hudson
A number of games, including the first contest against Hudson or Cairo or either victory over Rensselaer, could have made sense, but the mid-season victory over Hudson makes the most sense. After jumping out to a big lead after one and extending that after two, the Riders saw Hudson come storming back, but the Riders were able to hold on for the win.

Most Improved: Josh Ingham (Junior)
Early on, he wasn’t playing his best ball, but as the season went on, he became more and more valuable. His three-point shooting and clutch play was huge. Mix in his defensive ability and hustle, along with being able to spell Shattenkirk from the point guard, and he’s a player who opposing teams had to account for more and more as the season went on.

Best Returning Player: :Derick Horn (Junior) and Chris Larm (Junior)
Ingham as the main returning guard could be the most important, but Horn and Larm established themselves as big-time players this year for ICC. Both have good size and toughness, and their styles work well together. Larm is at his best in the low post, while Horn attacks well from the high post. Both are good defenders, get to free-throw line, and are two of the best rebounders in the league.

Up and Comer: Mitchell Niemeyer (Sophomore)
I’ve thought Niemeyer was a future star since he was on junior varsity as an 8th grader. He plays a very smart, safe game and at 6' 1” already has great size for the point guard position. Right now he’s not looking to take over games, but he can pass, defend, shoot, and drive. Next year he could play a role very similar to what Kevin Knack did for ICC a few years ago when there was great senior leadership but they needed a point guard. For those who can remember, that role helped that Rider team make a pretty good run in sectional play.