Undefeated State Champion Olean Huskies Honored By Senator Young

OLEAN – The undefeated 2016 New York State Class B Champion Olean Huskies Boys Basketball Team was honored today during a rally at Olean High School.

The team, which captured the state title by defeating Marlboro Central School at the Glens Falls Civic Center in March, was presented with New York State Resolutions by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District). During the ceremony, Senator Young applauded the team’s determination and commitment to excellence.

“Your season was truly one for the record books and I know the Olean community was proud of everything you accomplished. The Huskies have a legacy of success, and this team is a proud representation of that winning tradition and spirit,” said Senator Young.

The 2015-16 basketball season was the winningest campaign in school history. Among team members’ many awards, Derek Schmidt was named state tournament MVP, after scoring a season-high 20 points in the championship game. Senior Elijah Ramadhan and Junior Ben Eckstrom, were named to the all-tournament team alongside Derek. Elijah also was named the CCAA West Division 1 Boys Basketball Player of the Year, averaging 15 points and eight rebounds per game in league play. Ben and senior Jake Cavana also made the CCAA first team.

The Huskies’ coach Jeff Anastasia, who earned his 500th career win during the season and was named the 2016 Centercourt Coach of the Year. In nine of the last 10 seasons, the Huskies have won a Section VI crown. This season’s 28 win-undefeated team was the first for the Huskies. Because of his overall body of work, which includes 528 wins, 11 sectional crowns, five trips to the state final four, and now two state championships, Coach Anastasia was enshrined in the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame.

 “Coach Anastasia has an impressive record of success on the court, but what you hear most from his current and former players is his passion for molding them into men of upstanding character. Players often note that Coach A, as they call him, always is willing to talk to them at any hour, on any topic, and give them advice. The Olean community is blessed to have someone like Jeff Anastasia, who gives so generously of his time and energy,” Senator Young said.

Along with the team’s success on the court, the Olean Huskies were named the CCAA Division 1 Sportsmanship Team. Zach Ryan was named CCAA Division 1 Sportsman of the Year.