Scrappy Saratoga Racers Enter First Season
Players on the Saratoga Racers ABA team gather for a quick meeting during a practice session at the Saratoga Central Catholic gym on Monday night. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Drop by a Saratoga Racers game or practice and you’ll hear the same sentiment expressed again and again: this team will do whatever it takes to make their ambitious new venture a success.
“I’ll play whatever position they need me to play; point guard all the way down to a big,” said John Ryals, a two-time American Basketball Association (ABA) All-Star who joined the Racers after averaging more than 20 points per game for the Bennington Martens. “I’ll make sacrifices for our team.”
“My goal is to win the conference and then compete in the final four,” said Tobias Holmes, another ex-Bennington two-time ABA All-Star who joined Saratoga this year. “I don’t got no personal goal, I have a team goal.”
“My goal is just to help build the organization,” said Casey Hall, an ABA veteran who came out of retirement to play for the Racers. “To help the younger guys grow, look for better opportunities, and just put a good brand out here.”
The Racers are about to dive head-first into their inaugural ABA season. Launching a new team in a semi-professional league hasn’t been easy, but with proven talent on the floor, the Racers aim to be competitive and make a playoff run. Their first game, a home opener, is this Sunday.
“I went and watched the [ABA] playoffs last year, I went to the All-Star game, so I know what kind of players are in this league,” said Head Coach Bob Catherwood. “I’m looking forward to doing my homework and having these guys as best prepared as we can.”
The Racers will compete in the ABA’s East Region White Division, which also includes fellow Capital Region team the Albany 518 Ballers. The season will consist of around 20 games, starting this Sunday and finishing up at the end of February. Single elimination playoff games will follow in March.
“I’m excited for this opening weekend; I hope we can bring a great big crowd,” Catherwood said. “If you want to go see a professional team, you either have to go up to Glens Falls or you gotta go to Albany. Nothing against either one of those cities, but right here in town, we’re the place to be in the winter time.”
The Racers will face off against the Connecticut Flyeerz on Sunday, October 27 at 1 p.m. in the Saratoga Central Catholic High School gym at 247 Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs. Tickets will cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Team merchandise will also be available.