Sometimes, it really is more than a game.
Hundreds of enthusiastic, appreciative fans gathered in the Blue Gym on Tuesday, May 7 for a Unified Basketball contest, the first-ever hosted by Queensbury High School during a school day.
After the QHS Madrigal Singers expertly performed the national anthem, the crowd erupted in anticipation of what was ultimately an electric event for all who attended and participated. Throughout the game, spirited sounds of the QHS Pep Band and the cheerleaders energized the spectators and the athletes. Coaches delivered timely instructions and inspiring messages.
The student-athletes shined the brightest.
Cole Zarczynski sank 12 of his career-high-tying 18 points in the first half, and the Queensbury Unified Basketball team improved to 2-0 on the season with a 47-30 victory over Lake George.
Andrew Palmer was a proverbial Spartan spark plug with eight points and some tenacious defense. Chloe Harris finished with a personal-best six points, Samuel Shettlewood and Ethan Winchell tallied four points apiece, and Oliver Burns nearly brought the house down with a feathery field goal. Declan Nason deposited his initial five career points, including a transition trifecta in the fourth quarter.
For the Lakers, Angie Vazquez netted a team-high 10 points, while both Quinn Campbell and Kayla Knuth added four.
Exceptional sportsmanship was ubiquitous and certainly highlighted at halftime. Jonathan Condon led the Queensbury Unified attack with four points, unselfish passing, and determined rebounding in an exhibition matchup with members of the QHS varsity boys ice hockey team.
Score by quarters: Lake George 10-6-8-6=30, Queensbury 14-8-14-11=47.
Lake George (Key: field goals made-free throws made-points): Angie Vazquez 5-0-10, Nevaeh Howe 3-0-6, Quinn Campbell 2-0-4, Kayla Knuth 2-0-4, Mazie Collins 1-0-2, Cody LeBarron 1-0-2, Cooper Smith 1-0-2, Marshall Freebern 0-0-0, Caitlyn Holmes 0-0-0. TOTALS: 15-0-30.
Queensbury: Cole Zarczynski 9-0-18, Andrew Palmer 4-0-8, Chloe Harris 3-0-6, Declan Nason 2-0-5, Samuel Shettlewood 2-0-4, Ethan Winchell 2-0-4, Oliver Burns 1-0-2, Olivia Affinito 0-0-0, Bruce Cook 0-0-0, Chris Giambrone 0-0-0, Drew Roberts 0-0-0, Alexandra Gates 0-0-0, Troy Jorgensen 0-0-0, Lillian Hess 0-0-0, Makayla Fanciullo 0-0-0, Addison Boecher 0-0-0, Colin Keller 0-0-0, Brodie LaNoir 0-0-0, Michael Music III 0-0-0, Reese LaNoir 0-0-0, Aidan Harris 0-0-0, Cameron Porter 0-0-0. TOTALS: 23-0-47.
Three-point field goals: Nason.
Click here to enjoy more photos of the game.