Boys basketball: Giles, Kemnitzer lead Rhinebeck to first Section 9 title since 2001

ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON - Griffin Giles referred to them as "constant motivators," contributing factors that spurred the team to aspire for more and to pour every ounce of effort into this season.

There was the fact Rhinebeck was doubted after graduating stars last year and returning with a few unfamiliar names in significant roles. That, understandably, put chips on their shoulders. There also was an appreciation of what coach David Aierstok and his family have endured, and the challenge it has been to dedicate so much to the group as his wife battles cancer.

"We've worked to make this a possibility because we wanted to do this for them," Giles said Sunday. "Winning for Coach and his wife made this so much more special."

It was special, too, because he was among the unheralded players who've formed a new core and helped deliver a long-awaited championship.

Giles had 12 points, eight rebounds, two steals and a block, leading fourth-seeded Rhinebeck in a 47-32 win over No. 2 Pine Plains in the Section 9 Class C final at Bard College. It was the Hawks' first title since 2001.

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"It's been a long journey," said Aierstok, who is in his 18th season as coach. "This is the fourth sectional final we've been in, and we finally broke through. It's been a challenging year, in different ways, so this means so much to us."

Rhinebeck (12-6) next will face Haldane in a subregional Wednesday, 8 p.m. at James I. O'Neill High School.

"I don't have the words to describe this feeling," said senior Alex Kemnitzer, who also stars for the championship soccer team. "To end a 22-year drought is incredible. We've put so much into this season, hoping to get a 'chip.' It's nice to bring a basketball title back to this school."

The Hawks enjoyed a breakout season last winter and it seemed that squad might've been equipped for a championship run, but they were upended by Pine Plains in the sectional semifinals. Both teams entered this season as underdogs, presumed to be rebuilding, but the Dutchess County rivals surged down the stretch and made their way here.

"We had a lot of hype last year but ultimately fell short," said Kemnitzer, who had 11 points and five steals. "We did lose a lot of good players and we had some ups and downs. But what helped is that we know each other's strengths and have good chemistry, and our defensive planning and coaching are great."

It is the defense that has carried them thus far, holding opponents to 28.6 points in three playoff games. With excellent communication and help defense, Rhinebeck collapsed on offensive players in the paint, and its perimeter pressure forced several turnovers. That, Giles said, was a credit to their film study.

"When you've got a group of good athletes who love to compete and get after it in practice, they're usually gonna do well in games," said Aierstok, whose wife Jennifer has improved in recent months. "These guys don't stop working."

Aidan Prezzano added six points, Richie Dentico had five points and seven rebounds, and Rocco Romeo had five points and two steals.

Several of the Hawks' steals turned into transition opportunities. Kemnitzer converted one of his own with 3:46 left in the first quarter, going the length of the court for a floater that gave the Hawks an 11-9 lead that wasn't relinquished.

"Those guys are great competitors and we have a lot of respect for them," Kemnitzer said of Pine Plains, "but we've been clicking really well lately."

Brodie Rathjen and Kaleb Chapman each scored six points for the Bombers (8-9). Richard Starzyk, John Bopp and Sid Stracher each added five.

"We had a rough season with injuries, but we battled after a slow start," said Pine Plains coach Zach Lydon, whose team has reached the final two straight years. "It was a bumpy road, and a lot of people didn't think we could get here, so the guys should be proud of that."

Preparation for Haldane began before this section final, Aierstok said, as they'd been scouting the Section 1 playoffs in anticipation.

"We know they're a great team, but we'll approach it like we always do," Giles said. "We're gonna prepare as best we can and we're gonna fight."

Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4826, Twitter: @StephenHaynes4

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Boys basketball: Rhinebeck tops Pine Plains for first title since 2001