1971 Colonie Boys Basketball TeamIn 1971, the Colonie Garnet Raiders, led by HOF Coach Harold “Pep” Sand, future Hall of Famer Paul Mason, Mark MacDonald, Ken Strube, Mark Shea, and Jim Wirasnik, fought their way through a tough Suburban Council schedule to become only the second team in league history to finish undefeated and the first since the league schedule expanded from 14 to 18 games.  The Garnet Raiders also captured the Section 2 Class AA Basketball Championship.  This was the 1st Sectional Basketball Championship for the Colonie Boys Basketball program, and also marked the first time ever that a Suburban Council basketball team won a Section 2 Class AA Basketball Championship.  They completed the season 21-1 overall and ranked #7 in the state by the New York State Sports Writers Association.The 1970-71 team had been projected to be a strong team.  Colonie had either won or shared the Suburban Council title each of the previous 3 years, but were returning only 2 starters (MVP Paul Mason and Mark MacDonald).  This was a talented, balanced, and tenacious collection of athletes.  They were a high scoring, up-tempo team with many of their scoring opportunities coming from a suffocating full-court defense.  The ‘70-‘71 team was an extremely exciting team to watch.  They overcame some tough injuries, with key contributions from all members of the team.  This team, due to their grittiness, teamwork, and conditioning, vowed never to be beaten because an opponent was better conditioned!  They wore their opponents down with relentless defense, hustle, and poise.  They were methodical in their approach to the game.  The team’s unofficial “6th man”  was it’s home court…“The PIT”!  The PIT was the perfect fit for the tenacious full-court defense this team played.  Opponents were overwhelmed and intimidated, and the half-moon backboards added to their distress. The coaching staff of this team was exceptional.  HOF Coach “Pep” Sand had put together an awesome staff.  Bill Austin, JV Coach/Varsity Assistant, was a defensive and conditioning specialist, responsible for the development of players who were moving up to the varsity level.  Larry Marcus, Assistant Varsity Coach, worked on players’ individual improvements, both offensively and defensively.  Bill Warner, Assistant Varsity Scout, was essential in tabulating scouting reports on the team’s opponents.  Together, they were the foundation that this team’s success was built upon.

1971 Team Members

Head Coach Harold “Pep” Sand, 2021 HOF Inductee

JV Head Coach/Varsity Assistant Coach

Bill Austin Assistant Varsity Coach

Larry Marcus Assistant Varsity Scout

Bill Warner

Mark MacDonald (Captain Senior)

Ken Strube (Captain Senior)

Paul Mason (Captain Junior) 2023 HOF Inductee

Eric Teras (Senior)

George Anson (Senior)

Mark Shea (Junior)

Jim Wirasnik (Junior)

Tim Cunningham (Junior)

Gary Hearst (Junior)

John Robilotti (Junior)

Don Williams (Junior)

Bob Audi (Sophomore)