Great job to the Afton Crimson Knights girls’ basketball team on taking home second place at the Schoharie tournament to start the 2025-26 season. (Submitted Photo)

SCHOHARIE— Over the holiday weekend, the Afton Crimson Knights girls’ basketball team traveled to Schoharie to compete in a tournament. The Crimson Knights defeated the host school in game one on Friday afternoon, which was the team’s first win since 2022, and fell to Cherry Valley-Springfield in Saturday’s tournament championship game to bring home second place.

Game one:

Afton 44-Schoharie 33

After being tied 6-6 after the first quarter, Afton outscored their opponent 17-4 in the second quarter to take a 23-10 lead at halftime in due part of good playing by Rylee Rupakus and McKenna Ross’ good day at the free-throw line. Steady play continued in the second half, where the Crimson Knights were able to hold the lead to secure the victory.

Ross led the team with 15 points, where she went five-for-nine at the free-throw line. Rupakus had 13 points. Appalonia Bushaw finished with 11 points as Megan Racine finished with a team-high 10 rebounds and had four points.

Saturday’s tournament championship:

Cherry Valley-Springfield 43-Afton 32

The Crimson Knights had a slow start and fell behind quickly. Afton tried to make a final comeback in the fourth quarter, keeping close with CVS, but no such luck to take control.

Rupakus led the team with 12 points as Appalonia Bushaw had 10 points. Ariana Florance and Megan Racine both picked up four points as McKenna Ross had a bucket in the second quarter. Racine also had 13 rebounds in the loss.

Afton (1-1) will host their own tournament, starting on December 4 against Worcester at 7 p.m.