End of the journey: New Hartford's season over after loss to Tappan Zee in state semifinal

GLENS FALLS – Coach John Randall soaked in the last few moments he had on the court with seniors Zach Philipkoski and Colton Suriano.

In the past two seasons, the two seniors orchestrated an adventure never before witnessed by the New Hartford basketball faithful.

Two Class A Section III titles, two regional crowns, two trips to Glens Falls for the NYSPHSAA State Championships.

But, on Friday night, the curtain closed on Philipkoski and Suriano’s Spartan journey.

New Hartford fell to Section I’s Tappan Zee 58-48 in the Class A state semifinals at Cool Insuring Arena.

This ends NH’s season at 16-11. Tappan Zee (25-2), meanwhile, advanced to the Class A final Saturday night at 8:45 p.m. against Section V's Irondequoit (22-4).

The Dutchmen’s ferocious defense devasted the Spartans for the final three quarters. NH scored 18 points in the first quarter, and 30 the final 24 minutes.

“They were a lot more impressive live than they were on film,” Randall said. “It was expected, but not for 32 minutes. They locked us up.”

Here are five takeaways:

1. Smoldering Spartan start

Experience often serves as the difference in high pressure environments like the one facing New Hartford and Tappan Zee Friday night.

In the first eight minutes, it appeared the Spartans calm and composure may prove the deciding factor.

On offense, they moved down the floor with ease, and on defense, their speed caused fits for the Dutchmen’s small lineup (TZ doesn’t have a player taller than six feet).

NH led 18-8 after one, with a balanced scoring effort – Philipkoski had five, Sam Beaton and Suriano scored four, Sam Weller tallied three and Jameson Stockwell two.

“We probably scored more in the first quarter than we should have,” Randall said. “I don’t think they’ve given up 18 too many times.”

2. ‘They stiffened a bit’

Following the first quarter, many Spartan fans inside Cool Insuring Arena were probably asking what all the hype was surrounding this Dutchman defense?

In the second quarter, Tappan Zee showed everyone how it only allowed 15 points in the Class A Section I Final.

New Hartford tallied just two points in the second, with the lone basket – a layup from Suriano – not occurring until about a minute left in the quarter. Tappan Zee took a 24-20 lead into the locker room.

Randall said the Spartans may have caught the Dutchmen off guard in the first before settling down in the second.

“They were better at what we do, going up-and-down, than we were,” Randall said. “It was really hard to get to the basket. They ride guys out of the post, they double and triple team you.”

Jameson Stockwell, who emerged as a massive X-factor for the Spartans over the last month, was virtually shut down. He shot a couple of times in the second but didn’t make another basket, finishing 1-3 with two points.

3. ‘I just wish the flow of the game was a little better’

Philipkoski and Suriano also got in foul trouble for the Spartans. This hurt NH significantly as it couldn’t counter the Dutchmen’s physical defense.

Randall said some of the foul calls didn’t change the game’s outcome, but he wished NH was allowed to play more physically.

“You just hope the better players are on the court for the majority of the game,” Randall said. “I thought the officiating throughout was consistent. I just wish the flow of the game was a little better.”

In the fourth quarter, Randall screamed at the referee after a charge was called on Philipkoski.

Both seniors finished with four fouls. Philipkoski still played a full 32, but Suriano was held to 23 minutes.

4. Tappan Zee’s scoring depth prevents comeback

New Hartford, especially Philipkoski, picked it up in the second half. The senior scored 24 of his 29 in the latter half – 11 in the third and 13 in the fourth.

But on offense, the Spartans labored through each possession. Given Philipkoski’s talent, he still doctored a good stat line, but the rest of the squad failed to get into a rhythm.

“They’re a solid defensive team, fundamentals are good, don’t turn the ball over, take good shots,” Philipkoski said.

On the other side, NH contended with the speedy guard trio of Sam Berrigan, Tommy Linehan and Jack Maloney.

The three each totaled at least 15 and combined for 51 of TZ’s 58.

“When you play them, you got to keep it in the 40s knowing that they’re not going to give up more than 50,” Randall said. “We started scrambling around, and they held onto the ball and waited for a good shot.”

5. ‘You start loving these kids’

For the seniors Philipkoski and Suriano, they departed Glens Falls for the second straight season with a loss.

Both appeared to be in tears after the loss, but Randall was adamant the two shouldn’t harp on how it ended.

“They’re going to appreciate everything they’ve done for a program,” Randall said. “It’s going to look a little different next season, but the bar is there now.”

He also said the two formed a friendship that will extend well beyond the court.

“The loss is the loss, but as long as you got each other 60 years from now, it’s going to be awesome,” Randall said as he fought back tears.

Philipkoski reflected post-game on what he accomplished.

“You should take advantage of what you are able to do,” he said. “Not a lot of people are able to do this, so I’m just taking it all in.

He continued, “a lot of people didn’t think we’d make it here. Our chemistry got better. It was a tough road, but we made it.”

Overall, Randall said he’ll spend the next few days also ruminating.

“It’s a special group,” Randall said. “You can be sad all you want, but if you’re thinking you didn’t do everything you could, that’s about as far from the truth. They did everything they could to get back here, and I am fortunate to be their coach.”

Noah Ram is the sports reporter for the Observer-Dispatch. Email Noah Ram at nram@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: New Hartford's season ends in NY state boys basketball semifinal