Update, 7:00 p.m.: They’re about to introduce the starting lineups. Averill Park has thousands of people here. Fans cover one half of the court and more than three other sections. It’s the biggest crowd I’ve seen from one school in seven years of coming to Troy. Anyway, hang tight as Lakeland tries to bring Section [...]

Update, 12:24 p.m.: Stunningly, we appear to be right on time for the 12:30 tip. I am back in the fold today after the Blind Brook boys fell in yesterday’s Class C semis at Glens Falls. I’ll have updates for you on the games, as well as postgame stats and what-not. Sit tight.

Update, 12:35 p.m.: [...]

With four teams in Troy over the weekend, Section 1 has an opportunity to top its previous high of three state champions in one season. That leads to today’s poll question:

How many Section 1 teams will win state championships?

One, two, three, or all four? Post your answer on the poll in the right-hand column.

Here are the scouting reports from today’s paper, with a couple extra tidbits I added this morning:

CLASS AA —
Mount Vernon (21-3) vs. Section 11’s Sachem East (20-3)
When: Friday, 6:15 p.m.
Where: Hudson Valley Community College, Troy
State rankings: Mount Vernon ‹ 3. Sachem East ‹ 6.
Key players: Mount Vernon ‹ Taylor Palmer (5-8), Sr., G; Shanyce Stewart [...]

Thanks to Section 1’s perfect swing through regionals, that is one long subject line. (Much longer than the boys’.)

Here’s a few links for you to check out about the four opponents in this week’s state semifinals:

SACHEM EAST
— It’s a little tougher to link to stories on Long Island teams, so you’ll have to bear with [...]

Outside of the Big East and unique views from the end of the Ohio State bench, I know precious little about college basketball this year. But that won’t stop me from filling out a bracket and publishing it.

I have set myself up for certain glory (or ridicule), so how ‘bout you? If you, like me, [...]

We will have another show tomorrow beginning at 7 to discuss Section 1’s 4 for 4. Joining me for this edition of VC Chat will be Lakeland seniors Vicki Kowalski and Kristin Pappalardo (right).

Vicki and Kristin will join me for 20 minutes or so to discuss Lakeland’s trip to the Class A state final four. [...]

As a couple people have noted, Section 1 last sent four teams to the final four in 2004. Of course, I am a dope because I was there and forgot about Lourdes, which joined Ossining, Rye and Haldane.

That year was an interesting one because Section 1 boys and girls went 9 for 10. All five [...]

So someone asked if Section 1 has ever sent four teams to the state final four? As far as I can remember or anyone can tell, the answer is no. But the data before 2000 is sketchy on final four participants. So if anyone can help shed some light, I read emails for many hours [...]

Update, 3:38 p.m.: Lakeland trails 24-20 midway through the third quarter. The Hornets were down 23-16 at halftime after falling behind 12-0 in the first quarter. We’re having internet problems up at Cortland.

Update, 3:41 p.m.: Lakeland is down 32-22 with 4:20 left in the third. Maine-Endwell just hit back-to-back 3-pointers sandwiched around a Jarosz follow [...]