Albany Academy girls' basketball advances to NYSPHSAA Class A semifinals

Albany Academy defeats Peru 60-32 to reach the state semifinals for the fourth straight year.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:07am

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The Albany Academy girls' basketball team defeated Peru 60-32 in the NYSPHSAA Class A quarterfinals on Friday, March 13, 2026. Albany Academy, which has reached the state semifinals for the fourth consecutive year, led from start to finish and pulled away in the second quarter. Senior Alex Leonard scored a game-high 25 points for the Bears.

Why it matters

Albany Academy's girls' basketball program has emerged as one of the top teams in New York state, reaching the semifinals for the fourth straight year. The Bears' continued success highlights the strength of the program and the development of standout players like senior captains Alex Leonard and Morgan Vien.

The details

Albany Academy jumped out to a 10-2 lead and never trailed, opening up a 34-16 halftime advantage. The Bears' defense limited Peru's offensive opportunities, holding the Section 7 champions to just one shot per possession in the first quarter. Leonard scored 16 of her 25 points in the first half, while Vien played strong defense on Peru's leading scorer Reese Duprey, holding her to just 4 points.

  • Albany Academy defeated Peru 60-32 in the NYSPHSAA Class A quarterfinals on Friday, March 13, 2026.
  • Albany Academy will return to Hudson Valley Community College on March 21 to face the winner of Sunday's quarterfinal between Tappan Zee and Plainedge.

The players

Alex Leonard

A senior captain for Albany Academy who led all scorers with 25 points, including 16 in the first half.

Morgan Vien

A senior captain for Albany Academy who played strong defense, guarding Peru's leading scorer Reese Duprey and holding her to just 4 points.

Jerry Vien

The head coach of the Albany Academy girls' basketball team, which has reached the state semifinals for the fourth consecutive year.

Reese Duprey

The leading scorer for Peru, who was held to just 4 points by Albany Academy's defense.

Nayla Macon

A sophomore for Albany Academy who scored in the post to help the Bears' offense.

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What they’re saying

“Honestly, I love playing here. I love the bigger court. I have played here for a while now. It is second nature to me.”

— Alex Leonard, Albany Academy senior captain

“Defense wins championships. We knew that (Duprey) was their top player and Morgan did a great job guarding. Mostly, we just wanted to disrupt their offense.”

— Alex Leonard, Albany Academy senior captain

“They are not ready to pass the torch yet. They really aren't. I am super proud of them and what they have been able to accomplish during their careers. They have really put Albany Academy on the map.”

— Jerry Vien, Albany Academy head coach

What’s next

Albany Academy will face the winner of Sunday's quarterfinal between Tappan Zee and Plainedge in the NYSPHSAA Class A semifinals on March 21 at Hudson Valley Community College.

The takeaway

Albany Academy's girls' basketball team has established itself as one of the top programs in New York state, reaching the semifinals for the fourth consecutive year. The Bears' continued success is a testament to their strong defense, balanced scoring, and the leadership of veteran players like Alex Leonard and Morgan Vien.