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KINGSTON — John A. Coleman Catholic High’s boys basketball coach Alex Albany carries a unique distinction into Friday’s Class D New York State semifinal game for the Statesmen.
Albany is now a member of an elite group as a former player and now, a coach, for the same high school team at the state final four.
The starting point guard on Coleman’s 1984 squad that played in the Class C championship has come full circle as he leads his 19-2 Statesmen to the Glens Falls Civic Center.
“I never really gave it any thought until the other day,” Albany said. “It’s a very different perspective from player to coach and it’s very special bond to be able to do this at the same school. I’m very thankful to be in this position.”
The Statesmen lost to Rochester Charlotte 74-60 in the 1984 final, then one year later, made it back to the semifinals in Class D, eventually falling to Bridgehampton 73-65.
“I graduated in 1984, so I didn’t play on the ’85 team,” Albany said. “I remember the ’84 game like it was yesterday. They (Rochester Charlotte) could have probably beaten a Class AA team. They had two smooth players and they took us out of our game.”
Three of Albany’s teammates, Steve Fischer, Robbie Harris and Sean Matthews, were not at all surprised about his success as a coach.
The trio saw first-hand that Albany had the skills to lead a team.
“Alex was a great floor general and saw the entire court,” Matthews said. “He’s a real student of the game and I knew he’d be the one of us that would become a great coach. We were lucky to have him on the court.”
Harris reminisced about his connection to Coleman and Albany joining the team. Continued...
“I moved here from North Carolina with my father in 1982 and we lived in Stony Run Apartments,” Harris said. “I was set to go to Kingston (High), but a friend of mine and I went to Coleman because we heard the gym was open to play basketball.
“Coach (Bill) DuBois wanted me to come here and later, Alex showed up as our point guard and made the team complete.”
Fischer, who was first off the bench that season, has watched his former teammate continue to lead.
“Alex is doing a great job,” Fischer said. “It’s been such a great experience for him and I’m proud of what he’s accomplished as a coach.”
Albany, meanwhile, heaped praise upon his assistants, Jeff Tomaseski and Corey Chambers, and his players.
“Coach Chambers has been a great addition for us and Jeff has been with me here from the start,” Albany said. “We have quality players that know how to handle themselves on and off the court. I’m expecting them to keep their composure in a big venue with a big crowd and a lot on the line.
“This is an enjoyable group to work with.”
While Albany didn’t want to jinx his players by talking about the 1984 game, his former teammates were willing to offer advice to the 2010 group.
“I was so nervous, but they can win if they concentrate on playing their game,” Fischer said.
“Alex has a passion and dedication for the game that will definitely spill over to the players,” Harris said. “As long as they are prepared, they just have to go out and win.” Continued...
“Do what you know and stick to the gameplan,” said Matthews. “It’s a moment that can last a lifetime and you might not realize it until later in life.”
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