Basketball playoffs

The Albany High School girls’ basketball team rallied in the fourth quarter Thursday night to beat Bethlehem 56-47 and advance to the Section 2 Class AA semifinals.

The second-seeded Lady Falcons (19-2) will play third-seeded Saratoga Springs (16-5) next Wednesday, Feb. 27 at Hudson Valley Community College. Game time is 8 p.m. following the first semifinal game between top-seeded Shenendehowa and No. 4 Colonie.

In Thursday’s quarterfinal matchup with Bethlehem, Albany High trailed by a point at halftime and by eight, 43-35, heading into the fourth quarter. The Lady Falcons turned up the defensive pressure and outscored the visitors 21-4 in the final period.

Hasijna Gaddy led Albany High with 16 points and Ahniysha Jackson added 12.  

The season ended for the Albany High boys’ team with a first-round playoff loss at Colonie on Feb. 20.

The mission of the City School District of Albanyis to work in partnership with our diverse community to engage every learner in a robust educational program designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for success. The district serves about 9,500 students in 18 elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to neighborhood schools, the district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students, including four themed academies at Albany High School.