Pitarresi: Mills tradition continues

Another championship for New York Mills.

 

There might be more on the way.

 

The Marauders won their ninth Section III championship since 1972 with a 70-62 victory over Otselic Valley at Manley Field House Saturday, getting a big effort and some key baskets from rugged sophomore Fred Russ.

 

New York Mills has a great basketball tradition, and it’s likely going to continue.  All of coach Mike Adey’s key players are freshmen, sophomores and juniors, and they’re pretty good, and they tend to be bigger and stronger than other Class D squads. The future - which could include another run to the state tournament if the Marauders can beat Sackets Harbor Tuesday - looks very bright.

 

As a postscript, it’s too bad this was the last year for sectional championships at Manley. The 48-year-old building is an excellent venue, bright and spacey with great sight lines, and it provides a big-time atmosphere the players seem to love.