Lawson passes century mark

Decky Lawson got a special shout-out Tuesday for hitting a 100-win milestone in his six-year career coaching Albany High School girls’ varsity basketball.

He was presented with a commemorative ball before Tuesday’s scrimmage against a team from Marks High School in Skene, Sweden.

Lawson achieved the breakthrough when the Lady Falcons won the final game of their Suburban Conference season at Schenectady on Feb. 9. He’s the second coach in school history to reach that plateau.

Lawson, who won a sectional championship as a member of the Albany High boys’ basketball team in 1993, entered this year’s Section II Class AA playoffs with a 102-25 coaching record over six seasons, including the 2013 Class AA championship.

Albany High’s career leader in coaching wins in girls’ basketball is Albany School of Humanities (ASH) physical education teacher Leslie Bogucki. She compiled a 214-181 record in 26 seasons before retiring from coaching in 2009. That included back-to-back sectional titles in 1997-98 and the 1997 state large-school title.

Congratulations, Coach Lawson!

The mission of the City School District of Albany is 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 9,600 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.