LaSalleFallsShortInThrillingFourthQuarterUpsetTroyTriumphsToReachClassAAFinal

The 2023 New York State Class AA basketball playoffs have been full of upsets and thrilling finishes, and the latest installment did not disappoint. La Salle, the top-seeded team in the Class AA region, fell in a heart-stopping fourth-quarter upset to Troy, sending the Titans to the Class AA final. The win marked the program's first trip to the state championship game in school history.

La Salle, led by coach Steve Donnelly, entered the postseason as one of the top teams in the state, boasting a 25-2 record and a string of dominating performances throughout the season. The team's high-powered offense, led by senior point guard Alex Rodriguez, had been almost unbeatable, with the team scoring at least 70 points in 18 of its last 20 games. However, Troy's defense proved to be a different story, holding La Salle to just 32 points in the second half.

The Titans' victory was a testament to the team's discipline and defensive prowess, which allowed them to contain La Salle's high-powered offense. Troy's defense was led by senior center Tyler Jenkins, who had a monster game, grabbing 12 rebounds and blocking three shots. "We knew La Salle was going to be tough, but we were confident in our ability to stop them," Jenkins said. "We just made it happen."

La Salle, on the other hand, was left to wonder what could have been. The team's loss marked the end of a remarkable season, one that had seen the team win 25 games in a row at one point. "We're disappointed, but we're proud of the way we played," Donnelly said. "We knew it was going to be a tough game, and Troy just made a few more plays than we did."

TheGameInAResumebecauseTroy's11-point win marked the largest margin of victory for Troy all season, with the team outscoring La Salle 56-36 in the second half.

TheTitan'sPathToTheStateChampionship

Troy's victory sent the team to the Class AA final, where they will face either McQuade or Rome Free Academy. The Titans, who had not reached the state final in school history, were overjoyed with their improbable run to the championship game. "We're so proud of our team and what we've accomplished," head coach Michael Kleven said. "We're going to enjoy this moment, but we're also going to stay focused and work hard to bring home a state championship."

LaSalle'sDoubtsAboutTheFuture

La Salle, on the other hand, is left to wonder what the future holds for the program. The team's loss marked the end of an era, as senior Alex Rodriguez is likely to leave the program without achieving the championship he had hoped for. "I'm going to miss this team, but I'm also excited to see what the future holds," Rodriguez said. "We may not have won the state championship, but we're still proud of what we accomplished this year."

LaSalle'sChampionshipBench

The loss for La Salle was a tough pill to swallow, but the team is still hopeful about its future. The program is in good hands with Donnelly at the helm, who has already begun to assemble a strong recruiting class for the 2024 season. "We're excited about the future, and we're confident that we can win a state championship in the years to come," Donnelly said.

LaSalle'sStatisticalAccomplishments

La Salle's statistical accomplishments are a testament to the team's dominance throughout the season. The team had the top-ranked offense in the state, averaging 78.5 points per game. The team's defense was also strong, ranking second in the state in scoring defense, allowing just 61.5 points per game.

Troy'sStatisticalAccomplishments

Troy's statistical accomplishments are equally impressive, with the team boasting a strong offense and defense. The team averaged 75.5 points per game, ranking fifth in the state, and allowed just 62.5 points per game, ranking fourth in the state in scoring defense.

KeyPlayers

The key players in both teams' success were evident in the final. La Salle's Alex Rodriguez was his usual dominant self, scoring 22 points and dishing out 5 assists. Troy's Tyler Jenkins was a force to be reckoned with, grabbing 12 rebounds and blocking three shots.

LaSalle'sStartingFive

La Salle's starting five were instrumental in the team's success throughout the season. The team's backcourt duo of Rodriguez and sophomore guard Justin McCourt was nearly unstoppable, with the two players combining for 32 points in the game.

Troy'sStartingFive

Troy's starting five were equally impressive, with Jenkins and senior forward Ryan Taylor leading the way. The two players combined for 25 points and 12 rebounds, respectively.

CoachsWisdom

Both coaches offered words of wisdom after the game. "I'm so proud of my team," Kleven said. "We knew it was going to be a tough game, and we just made a few more plays than they did." Donnelly, on the other hand, offered words of encouragement to his team. "We're disappointed, but we're proud of the way we played," he said. "We knew it was going to be a tough game, and Troy just made a few more plays than we did."

Troy'sMomentum

Troy's momentum is building, and the team is confident that it can bring home a state championship. "We're so proud of